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2024-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

LANTERN ARTS CENTRE

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR THE YEAR ENDING 31 AUGUST 2024

A Company Limited by Guarantee

Company No. 04556232

Charity No. 1098680

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company LimitÈd by GuarantÈÈ Cornpany No. 04556232 Charity No. lQ38680 This page is intentionally blank

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

CONTENTS

Pages
1. Introduction 1
2. Chairman’s Statement 2
3. Operational & Artistic Report 3-4
4. Purposes & Activities 5-7
5. Structure, Governance & Management 8-10
6. Objectives 11
7. Financial Review 12
8. Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 13
9. Statement of Financial Activities 14-21
10. Independent Examiners Report 22

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

1. INTRODUCTION

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ending 31 August 2024

The Trustees of the Lantern Arts Centre (LAC) are pleased to present our annual report for the Year Ending 31 August 2024, including consolidated financial statements for the Charity. It meets the Companies Act requirements for a director’s report and financial accounts.

The financial statements comply with the Charity’s Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Charities Act 2011, the Companies Act 2006 and the Statement of Recommended Practice – Accounting and Reporting by Charities (SORP 2015).

About the Lantern Arts Centre

Founded around thirty years ago, the Lantern Arts Centre is an established and well-resourced community arts centre run year-round by permanent staff and volunteers.

As a faith-based charity the Lantern welcomes everyone in Raynes Park and beyond to its wide-ranging activities. These include affordably ticketed regular community productions, a thriving youth theatre and children's theatre club, dance, acting and singing classes, a community choir, film clubs, activities for toddlers and much more.

Our Supporters

We are very grateful to all those who support the Lantern Arts Centre.

Our financial supporters in this year were:

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

2. CHAIRMAN’S STATEMENT

Chairman’s Statement – Martin Welsh

The last year has continued to be a very busy and exciting time at the LAC. We have offered more activities and events than ever before, which has sometimes been challenging for our small but dedicated team, but also hugely rewarding for our whole community.

Heartfelt thanks go to our Artistic Director, Amy Phillips, and our Operations Manager, Steve Rees, who have led us so effectively over the year. Of course, we couldn’t have accomplished all this without our fantastic team of staff and volunteers, so a huge thank you goes to all who have been involved!

There have been some changes to our team this year. In October Andrew Mc Bride stood down as a trustee, after more than 5 years on the board (and many, many more at the LAC and the LMC in numerous different roles). Huge thanks go to him for all his hard work, and it’s wonderful to know that he will continue to be so involved at the Lantern in many other ways. In December Hannah Duncan stood down from her role as Hub Support Worker. She leaves us with our heartfelt thanks for everything she brought to this newly created role. In March, following a recruitment process, we were delighted to welcome Simona Masso as our new Hub Support Worker to continue this really important work. Finally, in July and August we interviewed a number of candidates to join the board for the coming year, and we look forward to welcoming some of them as new trustees in September.

Once again, I want to thank all those who support us financially. The loyal support of our regular givers, our Angels, continues to be a real blessing, especially with the cost of living so high at the moment. Thanks too for those organisations that have given us grant funding in the year, and to all involved in the application process. Everyone who has bought a ticket or subscribed to one of our activities, anyone who tapped the machine on the way home – your support is so important to us, and it is very gratefully received. By supporting us in this way you allow us to keep on offering what we do.

I also want to thank everybody who has given their time to the LAC this year, in whatever role. Our amazing volunteers are a huge part of what makes this place so special - thank you all so much for being part of our community.

Finally, I would like to thank all the Trustees once again for their help and support given so freely throughout the year. In March it was wonderful to finally be able to go back to having in-person trustee meetings after so long on Zoom!

We look forward to continuing our close collaboration with our friends at the LMC, not least with the exciting plans for the Lantern Centre Project as it continues to develop. And we want to carry on reaching an even wider group of our community, inviting them to share with us the joy of creative expression in the Arts, in a safe and caring environment where everyone is welcome.

Thank you everyone for helping us to keep the Lantern shining!

Martin Welsh – Chair of Trustees – Lantern Arts Centre

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

3. OPERATIONAL & ARTISTIC REPORTS

Operational Report – Stephen Rees

The Hub continues to go from strength to strength with opening hours extended to five hours a day for five days a week. Alongside serving as a local information centre, there are more low cost/free craft, games and exercise activities taking place on a regular basis. The Hub is also a place to visit for tea and a chat. This joint project between the Lantern Methodist Church (LMC) and LAC provides a safe space for local members of the community. It is hoped to extend the opening hours to Saturday morning with the use of volunteers in the next financial year.

This year one of the rehearsal spaces was upgraded. The room was re-decorated and a new floor installed, providing a space to hire, especially for dance and drama rehearsals. A new set of chairs was purchased for both the Rehearsal Studio and the Theatre Studio replacing the existing chairs which were over 25 years old. The main sanctuary stage lighting was upgraded with 4 new LED spotlights to enhance the main productions and improve energy efficiency.

Our annual average donation from regular givers has increased by over 5% in the 2023/24 period. Without the financial grants and generous support we receive, delivering our extensive programme of events and activities would be far more challenging. We remain extremely grateful to all those involved in supporting our work.

The Methodist Church's 'District Advance Fund' awarded a significant grant to the LMC to pursue the building project which is a joint venture with the LAC. A critical next step is to secure a long-term lease with the church, creating greater certainty for the LAC and allowing the LAC to invest further in the development of the building.

Artistic Report – Amy Phillips

The Autumn Term opened with a fantastic production of The Odyssey performed by the older members of the Children’s Theatre Club. This was the start of acknowledging 25 years of the Children’s Theatre Club run by Susie Pottinger. The celebratory year concluded with a performance event in July attended by over 100 children and a tea party in the main sanctuary.

December 2023’s production of Jack & the Beanstalk included a large cast and crew with performers of all ages and abilities. This demonstrated our commitment to inclusivity programme with special pastoral support for cast members with additional needs. It was a complete sell out. More than 1,000 tickets were sold over six performances and a further 60 tickets sold for the preview night.

The Spring Production of The Herd written by Rory Kinnear portrayed a humorous and emotional look at a family living with the impact of both severe mental and physical disability.

Our ever-popular Dessert Lounge fund-raiser took place in February and was another complete sell out. The event provided a wealth of fantastic musicians led by Johnny Keefe, whilst the audience enjoyed delicious patisserie from top chef Martin Powell. This raised over £2,000.

In the Summer Term, Tim Vine hosted a Cabaret fund-raising event over two performances. This showcased both acts from previous productions, performances by the Youth Choir, the Lantern Arts Choir and a number of new acts. Including ticket sales, this event raised over £7,000 to support the LAC.

First Act ran for a period of ten weeks during the Summer Term. This course offers a safe environment for the students with a wide range of experience to explore acting and develop their skills under expert tuition. It is

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

assisted by a number of volunteers. This course allows participants to perform to a smaller audience of family and friends and has proved a successful springboard to participating in Main House productions.

Other smaller productions included a return of Irene Serre with her gypsy jazz band, Paul Kerensa’s humorous and historical take on the first religious radio broadcast and the return of a one-man A Christmas Carol accompanied by the Lantern

Choir. The Lantern Choir’s Christmas Concert focussed on a Shepherd’s theme and was accompanied by a chamber orchestra. In Spring 2024, the choir had the opportunity to sing “Swing Time” at St Mark’s in Wimbledon accompanied by a ten piece band. Their final summer concert saw a return to Wimbledon with a flower theme showcasing songs from classical to modern pop.

All our wonderful creative groups, called ‘Lantern Lights’, continued to be well supported Overall, the Lantern Arts Centre continues to shine its light in our local community and beyond. Once again, I am delighted to report that we continue to welcome new performers of all ages to the Arts Centre and our ticket sales continue to grow with most of our events and shows full or sold out.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

4. PURPOSES & ACTIVITIES

As set out in the LAC Articles of Association updated in July 2013, the purposes of the Charity are to promote the advancement of the arts and culture for the benefit of the public, particularly but not exclusively within the Raynes Park community of Southwest London. Having a strong Christian ethos and working in a mutually beneficial partnership with the Lantern Methodist Church (formerly Raynes Park Methodist Church), the Charity seeks to include members of the local community of all ages and abilities. They participate as cast, crew and audience members in theatre, music, film, dance, exhibitions and other forms of artistic expression.

To achieve these objectives, the Charity’s activities include the following:

For Children & Young People

Children love stories and ‘Once Upon a Storytime’ has become a firm favourite for local children and their parents. Led by our Artistic Director Amy Phillips, up to twenty young children are welcomed each week in term time and participate in captivating stories, beautifully read.

The Lantern Children’s Theatre Club has six age-tiered groups of around 100 participants for ages three to nineteen years old. Usually meeting weekly during term time, classes are designed for all children to feel safe, get involved, have fun, grow in confidence, develop independence and life skills whilst tackling key topics. Each group works towards an end of term performance for friends and family, and school holiday projects are a regular activity.

The Lantern Youth Choir continues to increase in number. This choir runs every Saturday morning covering a range of genres from favourite musicals to pop, rock and classical. In September 2024 they performed at the Friends’ Breakfast.

The Lantern Arts Centre’s fully inclusive policy means children with SEND and physical needs, or who are learning English, can take part. Families can also take advantage of the offer of bursaries.

The outlook for the club in the year ahead is very promising with a diverse programme of activities planned. As always, new participants will be welcome to join by our enthusiastic and supportive team aided by community volunteers.

For Lovers of Drama

The Lantern Arts Centre’s main house productions and studio performances are keenly anticipated by the local community. Main House productions included Jack & The Beanstalk and the Herd. Smaller productions included Paul Kerensa, A Christmas Carol and an evening with Rory Kinnear.

The Free Film Club, Silver Screen , continues to run a regular programme of films with around 40 people per screening. This popular and much needed activity has grown in numbers through word of mouth and connectivity as our marketing has increased. Attendees continue to express their appreciation for the Club.

Our long-standing Costume Store is run by a dedicated team of volunteers for main house productions and external hire. Offering carefully curated items from a keenly priced collection of more than ten thousand pieces, the team offers expert advice and guidance. The store continues to open every Tuesday and now has a paid manager.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

For Lovers of Music

The Lantern Community Choir , our own in-house choir, rehearses on a weekly basis through-out term time and aims to give at least one performance each term. The concerts continue to attract audiences of 80 plus and the choir are now performing regularly with a band. They also sing at special events for the Lantern Methodist Church including the annual Christmas Carol Service.

The Lantern Handbell Group formed in 2017, is much loved by the players and audiences alike and continues to meet every Saturday morning.

The Lantern Youth Choir for children aged 13 to 16 continues to increase in numbers. The sessions are planned to be vibrant and fun Saturday morning sessions covering a range of genres from favourite musicals to pop, rock and classical. The Youth Choir provides opportunities to perform at Lantern events, develop vocal technique and make new friends.

Music continues to grow and flourish at the Arts Centre. For example, Dessert Lounge showcases diverse musical ability. Our regular house band accompanied Jack and the Beanstalk. Shows in our Studio Theatre included Irene Serre.

Use of A Capella singing in some of the CTC productions again showcases our younger members' musical talents, and we look forward to seeing them taking part in future productions at the Arts Centre.

For Lovers of Visual Art

Using the modest first floor foyer space, the LAC has an established programme of art work by local artists each lasting about two months. Exhibitions have included a range of artists using varying styles and media. Through this, the LAC provides an opportunity to exhibit work either as a solo or joint show. No upfront charge is made but the LAC takes a modest percentage of any sales. As well as providing artists with an affordable venue to exhibit, it also enriches the overall life of the LAC by celebrating the visual arts alongside performance arts with which the LAC is usually associated.

For Lovers of Dance

Swing Dance is a weekly dance class for adults hosted by two very experienced dancers teaching the fundamentals of the lively partnered dance which originated in 1920s in New York’s Harlem. Classes of up to 10 people learn authentic steps of Lindy Hop and Charleston.

For Visiting Groups using the Lantern Arts Centre

The Lantern Arts Centre has two studios normally in regular use by many groups. These include theatre companies, dance troupes, orchestras, rehearsing for shows based both in London and around the UK. In addition, regular classes are held including ballet, street dance, swing dance, flamenco, yoga, zumba and pilates. These bring a considerable number of people to the Lantern Arts Centre who then become involved in our other events and activities.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

Our Volunteers

The heart of the Lantern Arts Centre is the community it serves. It is from the community that so many people come to support what we do.

Today, more than fifty volunteers from across Southwest London are making an irreplaceable difference. They generously commit their time and skills to help run our busy community arts centre, and clearly relish the challenges. Many are involved in our theatre productions on stage, or by supporting the choreography and direction, or for musical production. Then there’s their contribution to technical delivery, including stage management, set construction, costuming, props, lighting, and sound. While behind the scenes our volunteers provide essential day in, day out support for building maintenance, marketing, fund raising and disability access.

The Trustees and staff are immensely grateful to everyone who is part of what we do and each year welcome new volunteers to join us as we grow. They are an essential part of making the Lantern Arts Centre what it is today and for its future development.

Feedback from our Community

“It makes a difference to every local resident. A place to be, ask and feel welcomed.”

“A warm and friendly hub as I struggle with my mental health having moved. It helps me to be motivated. A home from home place. I had a spring in my step.”

“Thank you for what you do for the community in Raynes Park. Please don’t stop what you are doing.”

“LOVED having a place and chance to make new friends. A local option that’s FREE, to meet new friends and build community.”

“This has really made such a big difference for me as I now feel more comfortable and confident with the help I now need to seek. Thank you for all your help…much appreciated.”

“Lovely to have a local community facility which welcomes all ages, cultures etc.”

“Makes me feel less isolated.”

“Fantastic space for community arts.”

“Ideal venue to host events with medium sized audience. Great acoustics and comfortable cushion chairs appropriate sized stage and good visibility from all angles!”

“Fantastic costume hire facility run by really helpful and friendly staff.”

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

5. STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The Trustees are responsible for governance, compliance, strategy, risk management and setting headline objectives. To this end, Trustees receive regular updates, including full reports on activities and financial information and monthly management accounts. Business planning and strategic plans are discussed and agreed by the Trustees at Board meetings. The Trustees convene at least 6 times per year.

The Management Reference Group is a supporting committee for the Board, consisting of four Trustees, that meets at least three times a year. The purpose of the Management Reference Group is to ensure the adequate management of staff on behalf of the Board, including monitoring performance, and to oversee Trustee recruitment. To this end the Management Reference Group acts as the line management function for employed staff.

All Trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no benefits from the Charity.

Trustees are appointed by members of the Charity on an annual basis. There is no maximum length of time that a Trustee can serve. On appointment Trustees sign a code of conduct and a register of interests, which is renewed annually.

When a Trustee retires from the Board a full recruitment process is overseen by the Management Reference Group, with appointments decided by the Board. Recruitment is undertaken on a skills basis, with skills gaps amongst existing Trustees identified and sought out within new Trustees. Trustees’ induction and ongoing involvement includes visits to the activities delivered by the Charity, engagement with company members, meetings with staff and volunteers and undertaking fundraising activities for the Charity.

To facilitate effective operations, the Trustees employ an Artistic Director and the services of an Operations Manager to whom they have delegated authority for the operational matters of the Charity. Working together, the Artistic Director and Operations Manager have responsibility for the management of all other employees, contractors and volunteers to ensure that the Charity’s activities are delivered and upheld against the plans and priorities of the Board. The charity continues to employ a Marketing & Arts Centre Assistant.

The Trustees retain and exercise their responsibility for setting pay for all employed posts and for the services of the Operations Manager. Pay is reviewed on an annual basis.

There are a number of risks and uncertainties that can impact on the performance of the Charity, some of which are beyond the control of Trustees.

The Trustees retain and exercise their responsibility to assess the major risks to which the Charity is exposed, in particular those related to its finances and operations and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to major risks.

Funds are raised principally through the Charity’s own classes, productions and lettings as well as individual donors, known as Friends, and local business support. The Charity is indebted to its supporters and in particular its Angels (regular givers) for the financial stability they offer. The Charity is committed to acting with honesty, integrity, respect and transparency with its donors. Its policy is not to use the services of professional fundraisers nor solicit funds directly from the public. No complaints were received in the year in relation to our fundraising activities.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

Trustees / Members

Changes to the Board of Trustees that took place within the reporting period are identified below.

Martin Welsh (Chair) appointed as Trustee 14/05/2014 - Chairman since 2019
Michael Fuller (Secretary) appointed as Trustee 24/06/2009 - Secretary since 2010
Alan Brown appointed as Trustee 09/01/2008
Patricia Rutter appointed as Trustee 18/02/2009
Kay Wingate appointed as Trustee 09/03/2013
Deacon Dawn Canham appointed as Trustee 01/03/2019
Gwen Elliot appointed as Trustee 11/09/2019
Nina Van Gessel appointed as Trustee 11/09/2019
James Hebbourn appointed as Trustee 11/09/2019
William Ostrom appointed as Trustee 29/03/2022
Stephen Humphrys appointed as Trustee 01/09/2022 – Treasurer
Andrew McBride appointed as Trustee 01/03/2018 – resigned 12/10/2023

Patrons of the Lantern Arts Centre during the period were:

Fiona Castle, Tim Vine, Steve Price, Stephen Hammond, Michael Arthur MBE, Tim Boniface (Pastoral Patron)

Company Registration Number 4556232
Registered Charity Number 1098680
Registered Office Tolverne Road, Raynes Park
London, SW20 8RA
Secretary Michael Fuller
Treasurer: Stephen Humphrys
Bankers Co-Operative Bank plc
PO Box 101
1 Balloon Street
Manchester
M60 4EP
Accountants since 01/09/2022 Matthew Hunt
Digivolve Accountants
Delta House
Bridge Road
Haywards Heath
RH16 1UA

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

Public Benefit

As a registered charity, the Lantern Arts Centre Trustees give close regard to their obligations to report the public benefit of its charitable purposes as defined by the Charities Act 2011. Our public benefit determines what it means for the LAC to be a charity, providing focus for the Charity’s objectives.

How the LAC serves the community is summarised throughout the report. Measuring the difference (impact) that the Charity makes is a focus for the future. In summary of the Charity’s purpose, the LAC:

Related Parties

Since its inception the LAC has had a close relationship with the Lantern Methodist Church (previously Raynes Park Methodist Church) from which it was founded. The church views the Arts Centre as an integral part of its outreach to the local community and at present three of the LAC Trustees are members of this church with two others in regular attendance.

The premises that the LAC occupies, form part of the Lantern Centre (owned by the Lantern Methodist Church). The parties occupying the Lantern Centre are the Lantern Methodist Church (LMC), Lantern Hub (HUB), Lantern Arts Centre (LAC) and Lantern Costume Store (LCS).

The LAC occupies its principal space under license to the church with the facility to use the main church area for large productions three times a year.

Internal Controls and Risk Management

The Trustees have responsibility for ensuring that the Charity has in place an appropriate system of controls, financial or otherwise, to provide reasonable assurance that the Charity is operating effectively and in line with Charity Commission guidelines.

The systems of financial control were continually reviewed and improved where necessary during the year to provide reasonable assurance against material misstatement or loss.

An annual planning and budgeting process is in place and the Charity is developing a risk management plan, which will be regularly reviewed throughout the year. This identifies the most significant risks to the Charity, orders them by likelihood of occurrence and their impact, and indicates what action is in hand or is necessary to manage the risk. These include key areas such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Fire Safety and Data Protection.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

6. OBJECTIVES

The Trustees have agreed the following objectives.

Objective 1:

Maintain a high-quality programme by providing a community performance venue for the purposes of local artistic expression and skill development. This objective will be met by:

Objective 2:

Deliver a programme of accessible events and activities which reduce isolation and improve wellbeing in young people and adults in Raynes Park and the surrounding community. This objective will be met by:

Objective 3:

Safeguard the Lantern Arts Centre so that the Charity can continue to serve the local community and meets its obligations of public benefit into the future. This objective will be met by:

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

7. FINANCIAL REVIEW

Overview

The Charity's income for the year was £174,955 (2023: £151,928) against expenditure of £162,278 (2023: £148,690) leading to a surplus of £12,677 (2022: £3,238).

In a typical year, the LAC generates the majority of its income through donations and charitable activities, such as its productions and classes.

Expenditure increased by £13,588 compared to the previous year in line with increased activity, as the centre was becoming increasingly busier.

The Trustees continue to closely monitor the performance of the Charity's activities, particularly in light of the historic COVID-19 situation and the continuously changing government restrictions that may impact performing arts and community groups in the future. The Trustees proactively seek to develop a programme of activities that ensures the LAC continues to be accessible to wide audiences on a range of mediums throughout these difficult times.

Reserves Policy

The Trustees are committed to further stabilise the financial future of the LAC, particularly since past uncertain times. The purpose of the reserves policy is to mitigate against any risk to ongoing activities, which may be caused by an unforeseen increase in expenditure, incoming funds falling short of expectations or a temporary cash shortage due to the periodical nature of the LAC's activities.

The Trustees undertake an annual risk assessment to determine the level of reserves that need to be maintained. Reserves include restricted and unrestricted funds. Only the unrestricted funds can be used at the discretion of the Trustees, i.e. to address the above risks. The restricted funds may only be used for their specific purpose. Total fund balances carried forward are £79,786, made up of £8,208 of restricted funds and £71,578 of unrestricted funds.

It is the policy of the Trustees to maintain at least 3 months operating costs as unrestricted reserves to meet immediate commitments and to enable a timely reaction to any downturn in activities. The Trustees consider the level of reserves held at Year End to be reasonable.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

8. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. The financial statements are required by law to give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charity at the end of the financial year and of its surplus or deficit for that period. In preparing the financial statements the trustees are required to:

The Trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with current statutory requirements and requirements of the Charities Commission Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP 2015).

Audit

As noted on the Trustees' statement on the Balance Sheet, the trustees have taken advantage of the exemption from audit applicable to the Charity and these accounts have not been audited.

The Trustees' Report has been prepared in accordance with the special provision of Part 1S of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small entities.

Approved by the Trustees following the meeting on 16.04.2024 and signed on their behalf by:

Martin Welsh Chair of Trustees Lantern Arts Centre

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

9. STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Unrestricted Restricted 2024 2023
Note funds Funds Total Total
£ £ £ £
Incoming Resources
Incoming Resources fromgenerated funds
Voluntaryincome:
Grants and donations 3 33,218 11,288 44,506 23,524
Other income 847 0 847 197
Services to Lantern Centre 0 0 0 0
Incoming
Resources
from
charitable
activities
Operation of theatre and arts centre 4 129,602 0 129,602 128,207
Investment income
Bank interest 0 0 0 0
Total Incoming Resources ______
163,667		 _____
11,288		 ______
174,955		 ______
151,928
Resources Expended
Costs ofgenerating funds:
Fundraisingcosts ofgrants and donations 5,7 7,351 0 7,351 558
Charitable activities
Operation of theatre and centres 6,7 145,744 9,183 154,927 148,132
Total Resources Expended _____
153,095		 _____
9,183		 ______
162,278		 ______
148,690
Transfer Between Funds
Net Movement In Funds
Net Incoming/(Outgoing)Resources 10,572 2,105 12,677 3,238
Total funds brought forward at 1 September
2023		 61,006 6,103 67,109 63,871
Restatement of reserves -- -- -- --
Total funds carried forward at 31 August
2024		 _____
71,578		 ____
8,208		 _____
79,786		 _____
67,109

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

BALANCE SHEET AT 31 AUGUST 2024

~~PC~~
~~PC~~ Note
 2024
 2023
~~PCi~~ ~~i~~ £
~~i~~		 £
~~i~~		 £
~~i~~		 £
~~i~~
Current Assets
~~i~~		 ~~i~~ ~~i~~ ~~i~~ ~~i~~ ~~i~~
Other debtors
~~QO~~		 ~~QO~~ 1,260
~~QO~~		 ~~QO~~ 647
~~QO~~		 ~~QO~~
Cash at bank and in hand
~~i~~		 ~~i~~ 91,087
~~i~~		 ~~i~~ 81,986
~~i~~		 ~~i~~
Pre-payment
~~i~~		 ~~i~~
~~OP~~		 500
~~i~~
~~OP~~		 ~~i~~
~~OP~~		 0
~~i~~		 ~~i~~
~~a~~ ~~a~~
~~OP~~		 _____
92,847
~~a~~
~~OP~~		 ~~a~~
~~OP~~		 _____
82,633
~~a~~		 ~~a~~
Liabilities
~~a~~		 ~~a~~
~~OP~~		 ~~a~~
~~OP~~		 ~~a~~
~~OP~~		 ~~a~~ ~~a~~
Creditors fallingdue within oneyear 8
~~OP~~		 13,061
~~OP~~		 ~~OP~~ 15,524
Net Current Assets 79,786 67,109
Total Assets Less Current Liabilities
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~ ~~ee~~ _____
79,786
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~ _____
67,109
~~ee~~
Accumulated Funds
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
Restricted funds
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 11
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 0
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 0
~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~
Unrestricted funds
~~ee~~		 11
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 79,786
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 67,109
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eG~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eG~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eG~~
~~ee~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee ~~
~~eG~~		 ~~ee~~
~~ee~~
~~eG~~		 ~~ee~~
~~eG~~
Total charityfunds
~~eG~~
~~ee~~		 ~~eG~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 ~~eG~~
~~ee~~
~~ee~~		 _____
79,786
~~eG~~
~~ee~~		 ~~eG~~
~~ee~~		 _____
67,109
~~eG~~
~~ee~~

Audit Exemption

For the financial year in question the company was entitled to exemption under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

No members have required the company to obtain an audit of its accounts for the year in question in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The directors acknowledge their responsibility for complying with the requirements of the Act with respect to accounting records and for the preparation of accounts.

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.

Approved by the Trustees following the meeting on 16.04.2025 and signed on their behalf by:

M Welsh Chairman of Trustees

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1. Accounting Policies

(a) Accounting basis and standards

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK (FRS102)-Charities (SORP 2015) and the Companies Act 2006. The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

(b) Going Concern

The Trustees consider that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. The level of reserves held at year end is sufficient to maintain basic office expenditures for a period of 6 —9 months. Ongoing and continuous contingency planning and risk management mean the LAC is well prepared to deal with adversities. The LAC receives a strong level of support from its "Angels" who donate on a regular basis as well as from its wider company who volunteer much of their time to support the activities. In addition, the Trustees have formed a new Fundraising subcommittee to work on further diversifying the LAC's income base. Accordingly, the financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis.

(c) Incoming Resources

Voluntary income including donations, gifts and legacies and grants that provide core funding are of a general nature and are recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Such income is only deferred when:

The donor specifies that the grant or donation must only be used in future accounting periods; or the donor has imposed conditions which must be met before the charity has unconditional entitlement.

Income from commercial trading activities is recognised as earned (as the related goods and services are provided). Income from charitable activities includes income received under contract or where entitlement to grant funding is subject to specific performance conditions is recognised as earned (as the related goods or services are provided).

Grant income included in this category provides funding to support performance activities and is recognised where there is entitlement, certainty of receipt and the amount can be measured with sufficient reliability. Income is deferred when; Admission fees or performance related grants are received in advance of the performances or events to which they relate.

(d) Resources expended

Expenditure is recognised when a liability is incurred. Contractual arrangements and performance related grants are recognised as goods or services are supplied. Other grant payments are recognised when a constructive obligation arises that result in the payment being unavoidable.

Costs of generating funds are those costs incurred in attracting voluntary income, and those incurred in trading activities that raise funds. Charitable activities include expenditure associated with the staging of

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

concerts, stage production, art exhibitions and educational programmes and include both the direct costs and support costs relating to these activities.

Governance costs include those incurred in the governance of the charity and its assets and are primarily associated with constitutional and statutory requirements. Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources, e.g. allocating property costs by floor areas, or per capita, staff costs by the time spent and other costs by their usage.

( e) Irrecoverable VAT

All resources expended are classified under activity headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. Irrecoverable VAT is charged against the category of resources expended for which it was incurred.

(f) Fund accounting

Funds held by the charity are either:-

Unrestricted General Funds - This can be used in accordance with the charitable objects at the discretion of the trustees.

Restricted Funds- which may only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity.

Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

(g) Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

(h) Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments.

( i) Creditors

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount can be measured or estimated reliably.

2. Constitution

The company is limited by guarantee and does not have a share capital. Every member of the company undertakes to contribute to the assets of the company in the event of it being wound up while he or she is a member, or within one year after he or she ceases to be a member, for the payment of the debts and liabilities contracted before he or she ceased to be a member, such amount as may be required, not exceeding £10.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

3. Voluntary Income

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Grants 0 9,183 9,183
Donations 22,609 2,105 24,714
Gift Aid 10,609 0 10,609
FundraisingActivities 0 0 0
____
33,218		 _____
11,288		 _____
44,506

Prior Year Comparative (2023)

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Grants 0 6,103 6,103
Donations 15,151 0 15,151
Gift Aid 2,270 0 2,270
FundraisingActivities 0 0 0
____
17,421		 _____
6,103		 _____
23,524

4. Incoming resources from charitable activities

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2024
£ £ £
Classes 53,176 0 53,176
Productions 45,724 0 45,724
Lettings 28,366 0 28,366
Other 2,336 0 2,336
_____
129,602		 _
0		 _____
129,602

Prior Year Comparative (2023)

Unrestricted Restricted Total
Funds Funds 2023
£ £ £
Classes 46,031 0 46,031
Productions 43,715 0 43,715
Lettings 29,603 0 29,603
Other 8,458 0 8,458
_____
128,207		 _
0		 _____
128,207

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

5. Analysis of expenditure on costs of generating funds

Activity or Programme Activities
Undertaken
Directly		 Support Costs Total
2024
£ £ £
Fundraising 0 7,351 7,351
Prior Year Comparative(2023) Prior Year Comparative(2023)
Activity or Programme Activities
Undertaken
Directly		 Support Costs Total
2023
£ £ £
Fundraising 0 558 558

6. Analysis of expenditure on charitable activities

The charity allocates its support costs between the three activities undertaken as shown in the table below. Support costs are allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

Activity or Programme Activities
Undertaken
Directly		 Support Costs Total
2024
£ £ £
Classes 25,925 37,642 63,567
Productions 22,292 32,367 54,659
Lettings 13,829 20,080 33,909
Other 1,139 1,653 2,792
Total 63,185 91,742 154,927

Prior Year Comparative (2023)

Activity or Programme Activities
Undertaken
Directly		 Support Costs Total
2023
£ £ £
Classes 17,107 19,414 36,521
Productions 26,027 36,487 62,514
Lettings 16,077 25,228 41,305
Other 6,676 1,116 7,792
Total 65,887 82,245 148,132

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

7. Analysis of Support Costs

Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Contractor Fees 19,895 19,414
Salaries 45,332 36,487
Advertising& Promotions 2,260 2,928
Office Costs 17,198 13,300
Printing,Postage & Stationery 2,553 2,307
Travel & Subsistence 1,624 1,633
AccountancyFees 1,080 1,440
Professional Fees
Bank Charges 1,800 2,160
Insurance 0 1,461
Centre Costs 7,351 558
SundayExpenses 0 0
99,093 81,688

During the year, no Trustee received remuneration for their services as Trustee (2023-£Nil) However, A. McBride was paid £87 for Tech Services provided to the Lantern Arts Centre to support its activities (2023- £Nil). During the year, no Trustees received any benefits in kind (2023-£Nil). During the year, no Trustees received any expenses. (2023-£Nil).

8. Creditors

Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Wages Payable 0 1,232
Taxes 901 395
Other Creditors 133 0
Trade Creditors 1,487 0
Deferred Income 10,540 13,897

9. Support Staff

Total Total
2024 2023
£ £
Wages and Salaries 44,415 35,946
Social Security 0 0
Pension Costs 917 541
The average monthly number of employees during theyear was:
2024
Number
administration
3		 The average monthly number of employees during theyear was:
2024
Number
administration
3
2024 2023
Number Number
3 2

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

During the year, no employee was paid a salary above £ 60,000 in 2024 (2023- £ Nil). Key management personnel comprise of the Trustees. No remuneration was paid to the Trustees.

10. Related Parties

No related party transactions have taken place during the year.

11. Analysis of Charitable Funds

Analysis of unrestricted fund movements

Balance
at
September
2023		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 (to)/from
Reserves
funds		 Fund at 31
August
2024
£ £ £ £ £
General Fund 61,006 163,667 153,095 0 71,578

Analysis of restricted fund movements

Balance
at
September
2023		 Incoming
resources		 Resources
expended		 (to)/from
Reserves
funds		 Fund at 31
August
2024
£ £ £ £ £
Performance
Grant		 6,103 9,183 9,183 0 6,103
Other 0 2,105 0 0 2,105
Total 6,103 11,288 9,183 0 8,208

Restricted funds represent grants or donations given to perform or support the expenditure in specific productions or work in the theatrical field.

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ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS YEAR ENDING 31 August 2024 Company Limited by Guarantee Company No. 04556232 Charity No. 1098680

10. INDEPENDENT EXAMINERS REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LANTERN ARTS CENTRE

I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 August 2024, which are set out on pages 15 to 22.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

The trustees (who are also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law) are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011Act) and that an independent examination is needed.

Having satisfied myself that the charity is not subject to audit under company law and is eligible for independent examination, it is my responsibility to:

examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act; to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of independent examiner's report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.

Independent examiner's statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:

  1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:

  2. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 386 of the Companies Act 2006, and

  3. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records, comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the Companies Act 2006 and with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities

have not been met; or

  1. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Matthew Hunt (FMAAT) Digivolve Accountants Delta House Haywards Heath West Sussex RH16 1UA

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