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ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

31[st] August 2024

A Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England

Company No. 04925029

Registered Charity No. 1100851

Artistic Advisor:

Martyn Brabbins

Choral Director:

Gregory Batsleer

Associate Choral Director:

Ellie Slorach

Music Director HCS Voices : Music Director HCS Youth Choirs: Deputy Chorus Master and Accompanist: Deputy Accompanist:

Laura Bailie

Alison North MBE

Daniel Gordon

Malcolm Hinchliffe

Honorary Patrons

Ed Anderson, Lord Lieutenant of West Yorkshire

Dame Felicity Lott

Joanne Harris MBE

Sir John Tomlinson

Alan Titchmarsh MBE

Roderick Williams OBE

Patrons

Elizabeth Crowther OBE

Adrian & Elaine Lee

Neil & Judith Charlesworth

Mr & Mrs J D Haywood Gwyneth Hughes & Chris Brown Ann Denham Mrs C Ellis

Mr & Mrs B Ainsworth Ramsdens/Baxter Caulfield LLP Jane & Alan Pridmore

Dr R K & Mrs Ashton

Wilkinson Building (Leeds) LTD Richard Adkinson

Helen Marshall

And those patrons and donors who wish to remain anonymous

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

31[st] August 2024

Auditors

Principal Bankers

Simpson Wood Limited

Bank Chambers

Virgin Money 28 St Andrew Square

Market Street Huddersfield HD1 2EW

Edinburgh EH2 1AF

Investment Managers

Honorary Solicitors

Rathbones Ltd

Ramsdens Solicitors LLP

3 Wellington Place

Leeds LS1 4AP

Oakley House 1 Hungerford Road

Edgerton

HD3 3AL

Registered Office

Revenue Chambers

St Peters Street

Huddersfield

HD1 1DL

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held at Moldgreen United Reformed Church

Old Wakefield Rd

Huddersfield HD5 8AA

at

6 p.m. Tuesday, February 11[th] 2025

Agenda

1 Apologies for absence
2 Minutes of the Annual General Meeting 19[th] September 2023
3 Minutes of the Special General Meeting 3[rd] December 2024
4 Chair’s remarks
5 Adoption of the Annual Report and Accounts
6 Members who have passed away during the year
Election of Officers and Committee
7
8 Agree that Craig Stratford be appointed Independent Examiner of the Society's accounts for the 2024–25 season
9 Any other business

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

Chair

General Secretary

Choir Secretary

Treasurer Subscriber Secretary Sponsorship Secretary

Chair of Planning

Publicity Officer Recruitment Officer Librarians

Programme Officer

Jane Sargent Sir John Harman Mark Taylor Richard Myhill (until June 2024) Laura Rawnsley Margaret Atkinson MBE Sarah Wickham Elizabeth Jenkins Helen Martin Sue Turnbull & Sue Hornby Angela Braviner

Members Representatives

Lucy Pople (soprano) Rowena Burton (alto) Hilary McLean (alto)

Ben Drury (tenor) Chris Kneale (bass) Angus Pogson (bass) Andrew Wright (bass)

Friends’ Secretary

Mary Cadwaladr and Jill Bamford

Non-Committee Positions

Welfare Secretary

Fiona Hoyle

Archivist

Malcolm Hinchliffe

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023

HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT

MOLDGREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

ON TUESDAY 19th SEPTEMBER 2023 AT 8.30 PM

PRESENT

The meeting was chaired by Jane Sargent and was attended by 93 singing Members of the Society and 5 others.

1) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Margaret Atkinson, Angela Braviner, Charmaine Beaumont, Gareth Beaumont, Christine Broadbent, David Lunn, Philip Ratcliffe, Debbie Stevens, Ruth Stones, Will Robertshaw.

2) MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 15 JULY 2022 AND OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 8 NOVEMBER 2022

The minutes were considered by the meeting. No amendments were required.

The adoption of the minutes was proposed by Geraint Johnes and seconded by Michelle Walker. All singing members present were in favour .

3) CHAIR’S REMARKS

a) The Chair reported that this was the second business-only AGM that the Society had held. Last year’s meeting was organised as part of a start-of-season launch but, though enjoyed by many, it proved to be expensive and ineffective at generating ticket sales.

b) The season had been challenging for the Senior Officers. Audience numbers were picking up again after the pandemic, but were yet to match the sell-out success of recent Prom concerts, for example. Our concert planning direction would not change, however, with the continuing aim to promote high quality concerts of classical and contemporary choral music.

c) The Chair thanked the growing number of Members who have volunteered to assist with smaller matters relating to the running of the Society – their help is invaluable. She also thanked members of the Committee who were stepping down (although in a number of cases members were choosing to exchange committee roles), commenting that they had given fantastic service and contributed many hours in fulfilling their duties. New post holders (both Committee and non-Committee) were welcomed and thanked for their assistance, but we were still short of volunteers to fill some key roles.

d) The role of Treasurer remains vacant. Sir John Harman has offered to become General Secretary, but in doing so is standing down as Sponsorship Secretary – another important position. There is also a vacancy for a Subscribers’ Representative on the main Committee (this is not the same as Laura Rawnsley’s existing role as Subscribers’ Secretary). If Members know of anyone who may be interested, they are asked to get in touch.

e) The role of President is also still vacant; however, an individual has been identified, who will be approached shortly.

f) The Chair took the opportunity to thank Charles Brook for the immense amount of work he has undertaken, serving as both Treasurer and General Secretary for the past two years, in spite of family commitments and huge pressure from his work. The Society is hugely grateful for his efforts.

4)ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

a) The Annual Report had been circulated in advance and was taken as read.

b) The Treasurer remarked that the change of format of the Report made it easier to prepare and more legible, and had also been cheaper to print. The change of pagination in the central section reflected the formatting required for the Charities Commission and Companies House.

c) The Statutory Accounts covered the 12-month period to 30 April 2023. Importantly, they differ from the Management Accounts, which cover the singing season. The Beethoven concert fell outside the 2022–23 year-end and would therefore be shown in the 2023–24 Statutory Accounts. No anomalies or queries had been raised by the auditors.

d) The singing season showed a loss of around £50,000, which was as expected, given the gradual recovery after the pandemic.

e) New accounting software – Xero – had been installed, which would allow better reporting and budgeting going forward, but the change from previous double-entry bookkeeping was substantial and the new system will take some time to be fully implemented.

f) Much work has been put in to secure the long-term future of the Society and, whilst it remains in good health, the overall picture has changed. Since 2020, despite successes, there are fewer subscribers, tickets are harder to sell and this is exacerbated by a shortage of parking spaces and difficulties accessing the Town Hall during refurbishment works.

g) The balance sheet of £326k is healthy, but will reduce once the full season expenses are included. 2023–24 is expected to be a good year, as we plan to live up to our reputation for excelling at what we do.

h) The meeting was opened to questions.

i) Angus Pogson reported that some HCS Voices members had queried where their subscriptions go, and requested that in next year’s Accounts there be an appendix that will give a more specific breakdown. The Treasurer replied that the Statutory Accounts will always appear in the same format, but that the introduction of the Xero software will allow for better interrogation and reporting of the data.

ii) Mark Taylor commented that only 22 of the Members had not yet paid or initiated payments of their subscriptions, which was pleasing at this early stage of the season.

The adoption of the Annual Accounts was proposed by Stuart Rudd and seconded by Colin Shires. All singing members present were in favour.

5) MEMBERS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY (SINCE LAST AGM)

The following Members had passed away during the last year:

Margaret Bywater (Associate)

Jean Pearson (Associate)

Margaret Fairless (Associate)

George Slater (Past President and Honorary Life Member).

Members stood in silence as a mark of respect and gratitude for their service.

6) CONFIRMATION OF ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

a) The Officers and Committee members are elected for a 2-year term. As the full Committee was elected last year, there is no need to elect continuing members of the Committee this year. Charles Brook retired as General Secretary.

b) Election of Officers of Committee:

i) General Secretary – Sir John Harman. Proposed by Sue Turnbull and seconded by Pete Carlile. All singing members present were in favour.

ii) Chair of Planning Subcommittee – Sarah Wickham. Proposed by Hilary McLean and seconded by Chris Kneale. All singing members present were in favour.

c) Vacancies on the Committee: Treasurer, Sponsorship Secretary, Subscribers’ Representative.

d) After his election, Sir John Harman addressed the meeting. He stressed that the finances were sound, but the Society was losing money. Robust financial management was therefore essential. Strenuous efforts have already been made to try to find a new Treasurer, but without success so far. The individual would not have to be a finance professional, but some experience of managing financial affairs – perhaps in a small business – would be necessary. Sir John had contacted 16 accountancy firms in the region and exhausted local networks; without a volunteer from within the membership or outside, it may be necessary to buy in the resource.

The Youth Choir Treasurer, Rebecca Mosley, was lending her help to Alison Shaw in the meantime, but was not in a position to take on the HCS Treasurer role herself.

Sir John concluded with a renewed appeal to the membership to consider stepping up for these roles themselves or to speak to friends, family, work colleagues – anyone they could think of who may be interested, even if it was just a possibility.

7) RE-ELECTION OF AUDITORS

A proposal to re-elect Simpson Wood as auditors of the Society was made by Andrea Hindson and seconded by Geoff Priestley. All singing members present were in favour.

8) ANY OTHER BUSINESS

a) The Chair warmly thanked past singing members for their attendance.

b) Long service certificates had been sent out already to Pat Berry (47 years) and Lettice Thomson (41 years).

c) Colleen Brown asked whether there were plans to reinstate Will Todd’s Mass in Blue to a future programme, as it had been cancelled due to the pandemic. Greg Batsleer replied that it would be performed at some point. Gaynor Haliday added that the Bradford Festival Chorus would be working on Mass in Blue at their Open Rehearsal on 28 October.

MEETING CLOSED AT 21:21

HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY

SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING 3 DECEMBER 2024

MOLDGREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

1. The meeting opened at 9.05 pm

In attendance 113 members

Apologies received from: Christine Durham, Philip Ratcliffe, David Lunn, Pete Carlile, Cathy Shaida, Elizabeth Jenkins, SueTurnbull, Michelle Walker, Clare Wright, William Robertshaw, Sophie Pauli, Ruth Bostock

2. Proposed amendment to Society Articles (‘Rules’)

The Chair (Jane Sargent) introduced the proposed amendment, which had been circulated with the notice of

meeting.

Proposed by John Harman, seconded Ben Drury

That article 5.2 of the Articles of Association be amended to read:

‘The Officers shall consist of a chairperson, treasurer, general secretary, choir secretary, subscribers’ secretary, and such other officers as may be deemed necessary by the committee. The full list of officer designations to be placed before the AGM for election shall be agreed by Committee and circulated at least 21 clear days before the date of the meeting’

Agreed unanimously (no votes against, no abstentions)

3. No further business having been notified, the meeting closed at 9.15pm

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

CHAIR’S REMARKS

The 2023–24 season started with a late invitation to the BBC Proms. Prom 57 was entitled Fantasy, Myths and Legends and it opened a season which has really showcased the versatility of Huddersfield Choral Society across 400 years of music. All the music performed at the Prom came from the contemporary worlds of gaming and film, a far cry from our usual opening concerts of any season. The capacity audience at the Royal Albert Hall spanned all age groups, creating a vibrant and thrilling atmosphere and a making a great start to our season of music making.

Like much of the Proms programme, the advertised opening concert of our season consisted of a work never before performed by the Society, although it could not have been more different; this programme being Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 . The performance involved all the choirs in the Choral family and some wonderful soloists, accompanied by His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts, who added the authentic sound of period instruments. Gregory Batsleer directed the musical forces with great skill. We were pleased that late ticket sales indicated some local excitement about the performance, which was extremely well received. Indeed, the Director of His Majestys Sagbutts and Cornetts described the concert as ‘one of the best performances he had heard’.

Whether our audience members are patrons, subscribers, those who like to select their concerts one by one, or people dipping their musical toes into choral music for the first time, everyone is welcome and important to us; we thank all our audiences for their support.

The ever-popular Christmas Concert had a selection of the usual well-loved musical Christmas fare and an HCS commission from Ben Rowarth, Seeing the Star . In keeping with the Christmas tradition of joining with family and friends, we sang with our family of choirs and were joined on the increasingly crowded platform by our friends from Black Dyke Band. The concert never fails to lift spirits and starts the Christmas season in style with some hearty congregational carol singing.

It was a pleasure to welcome Martyn Brabbins back to the Town Hall stage for our 2023 Messiah . Martyn is a longtime supporter and friend of the Choral. No two performances of this magnificent work are ever the same and each year our excellent soloists bring something fresh too. The Orchestra of Opera North added their carefully crafted playing to the evening, making this another memorable performance.

In March, the concert was entitled A Glimpse of the Light . The first half of the programme consisted of a number of works which had a musical connection and these were presented in an original and very different manner for the Society, with singers briefly moving onto the main floor of the Town Hall to perform. This ‘choreography’ gave some challenges for the singers but proved remarkably effective. The second half was a very intense and sensitive performance of Mozart’s Requiem . Ellie Slorach gave us clear leadership for the concert and directed all aspects of the programme.

Ellie also raised her baton for the Summer Concert in the Town Hall, which was an addition to our usual season. We were joined by Black Dyke Band once again, and the programme showcased the Society’s versatility and our

desire to attract new and different audiences. Pure Imagination was something of a new venture in its musical content. The Choral wanted to reach out to families and draw in some different audience members for a summer afternoon of popular classics, sea shanties, songs from musicals and more. We were delighted with the public response and the pleasure the music gave to our audience members.

The mismatch which has long existed between the end of the Huddersfield Choral Society season and the end of our financial year has caused many a headache for Officers and Committee members. Summer performances were neither one thing nor the other as they did not seem to belong to any season but fell into a new financial year. This was the case with our visit to the Proms last August, which is now almost a distant memory for singers! This year, we have moved the financial year end, and therefore the Annual General Meeting, to accommodate a change to the close of our financial year. This will allow us to start each season with a clean financial sheet every September and it will firmly place any summer events at the close of a season where they should be.

From start to finish, this season has been characterised by performing music which might appeal to the broadest of musical tastes. Many of my friends have remarked that they never appreciated all the effort and the myriad of constituent parts behind bringing a concert into being until I became involved in Choral committee work. Of course, it is a team effort, moving through programme planning, booking performers, organising weekly rehearsals, holding Committee and Officer meetings and financial discussions and marketing our tickets. Committee members, Officers and others have all worked extremely hard again this year to bring the season to fruition and I give them my grateful thanks. We have had the usual highs and lows and are slowly steering our way out of the post-pandemic challenges. We are very fortunate to have a highly capable, patient and personable administrator in Alison Shaw. She sifts through emails, directs them to the right people, books accommodation and has bravely taken on assisting with our new financial recording system. We are grateful too to non-committee members who are helping us with various tasks. For example, the ‘Friends of HCS’ have been reinvigorated with various events being organised for Friends; my thanks go to Jill Bamford and Mary Cadwaladr.

Our family of choirs have been prominent in the 2023–2024 season and they remain important parts of the Society. Thanks and congratulations go to Alison North and the Youth Choirs, who swept the board at the Mrs Sunderland Festival in 2024, winning a host of prizes and some notable adjudicators’ remarks. HCS Voices continues to attract new members, offering unauditioned singing opportunities to anyone interested in choral singing. Many thanks to Laura Bailie, their Choral Director, and the HCS Voices members for all that they do in promoting a different facet of the Society. Particular thanks go to retiring committee member Angus Pogson, who was an important figure in the establishment of HCS Voices around the time of the pandemic. Angus has been assisted throughout by HCS committee member Helen Martin, and through their efforts HCS Voices is thriving.

Finally, for the senior choir, no concerts would come into being without our members. Their commitment to regular attendance at rehearsals is a vital cog in the Society’s wheel. Joyce Tindsley has continued to offer her valuable advice as our Vocal Coach, and, together with our gifted rehearsal accompanist, Daniel Gordon, and the musical knowledge shared by Gregory Batsleer and Ellie Slorach, rehearsals prove to be educational, engaging and entertaining throughout the year.

Preparations for the new 2024–25 season are well underway. I know that the dedication of singing members, Officers and Committee members is without question, but sincere thanks also go to all of our sponsors, patrons, subscribers and to all our audience members for your continuing and vital support for HCS. We are looking forward to sharing our music making with our audiences in the new season and hope to see some new faces amongst our loyal friends. It is sharing our music making which is the great reward for our efforts. Please spread the word – Huddersfield Choral Society has a musical something for everyone!

Jane Sargent

Chair

Huddersfield Choral Society

August 2024

HCS TRUSTEES REPORT

For the year ending 31[st] August 2024

It is with pleasure that we present our report on the activities of the Society in the year ended 31 August 2024. Unusually, it has been a 16-month year, because the Society agreed to move its financial year end to bring financial reporting alongside the concert season. That makes comparisons with the last year of report harder, but will allow a clearer line of sight for the true outcomes of each season’s activities from here on. A consequence of this adjustment is that the Society’s AGM will now be in the winter. We say more about these changes below.

Musical activities

In her Chair’s commentary, Jane Sargent has well summarised the season’s musical highlights, starting with the televised Prom concert of Fantasy, Myths, and Legends and covering every era of choral composition, from Hildegard von Bingen through Monteverdi, Handel and Mozart, through to the present day, with the composer Rory Wainwright Johnston in the box to hear the choir perform his A Glimpse of the Light with the Manchester Camerata in our March subscriber concert.

This range of performance underlines the growing versatility of the choir. HCS has built its reputation over the decades on large-scale oratorio or concert works, and this remains a characteristic strength; but it is now able to present a stunning range of music, and do so with real artistic quality. The performance of the Monteverdi Vespers with virtuoso baroque instrumentalists who have played with every vocal ensemble of note drew praise from those seasoned professionals, and some of the audience reaction on social media is worth noting:

‘I know Monteverdi wrote his Vespers for much, much smaller forces, but I’m not sure I’ve heard anything as incredibly, beautifully immersive as the performance just given by The Huddersfield Choral and His Majestys Sagbutts & Cornetts. Absolutely stunning in every way.’

and

‘Fabulous music well worth travelling 200 miles.’

among many others.

This is all testament to the tremendous work of our professional team, led by Gregory Batsleer, over recent years. Their concentration on vocal quality and their guidance in adapting to different styles and challenges has meant that the concern over how well the Society could recover from the losses incurred over the Covid pandemic has been well and truly put to bed. Ellie Slorach’s inspired programming and sensitive conducting; Joyce Tindsley’s expert vocal coaching; and Daniel Gordon’s unsurpassed musicality, all contribute to a unique ‘dream team’ that brings the best out of the 130+ auditioned singers.

Coupled with a consistently successful recruitment effort, we can truly say that HCS is in good voice, good health and good standing as the North’s premier independent choir. Perhaps nothing could indicate this better than the fact 15

that the BBC Proms turned to us for their Fantasy concert with very little notice, indeed after the Prom season had started, confident that we could provide a choir for a concert which only a few years ago would have been seen as well outside our range.

One of the features of the last few seasons has been an ‘experimental’ additional public concert in the summer, presenting our Huddersfield audience with music they wouldn’t normally hear in the subscriber concerts. Having presented concerts in smaller venues in 2022 and 2023, for summer 2024 we took a calculated risk and moved this event to the Town Hall, with a concert that included show music as well as sea shanties, and were rewarded with a large and enthusiastic audience. This may well now become a staple of the season, allowing the choir – and maybe the audience – to let their hair down as the holidays approach.

Finance and Management

The Society’s financial model was severely tested by the pandemic of 2020 and the banning of all choral activity. It is tempting therefore to see the pandemic as a watershed moment, but in fact the challenges to the established model have been growing for some time and impact on all live performance organisations. The threats are many, from technology, cultural shifts, community flux and mobility and, not least, costs.

Against this background it would have been easy for the Committee to draw in its financial horns and to compromise on its artistic standards. But it took a different path, which was to use its reserves to maintain concert and performance quality while the audience built back. Trustees did this because they are stewards of something which is much more than local – HCS is an institution which is unique and important in the musical life of the nation.

What makes HCS different is that it has national and international name recognition and reputation. The leadership given by Sir Malcolm Sargent in the last century had much to do with this, in a period when public broadcasting, first by radio and later by television, began to carry performances to national audiences. That exposure reinforced the Society’s size and artistic standards, and HCS remains one of the few classical choirs able to present large-scale choral music at the highest level.

However glorious its past, it is important not to perceive HCS as some sort of musical antiquarian society. Classical choral music, in all its forms, continues to inspire and inform new generations; it is within the DNA of modern entertainment media, from cinema, to television, streaming and online gaming, yet only in live performance can it be fully appreciated.

The three seasons which have now passed since the pandemic show that audiences have indeed returned to the concert hall, although the way in which they access that experience has changed, with many more choosing their attendance in the few weeks ahead of the event rather than well in advance. This underlines the importance to HCS of the subscriber base, which still accounts for almost half of our audience. And while audience recovery may show that the decision to invest in artistic quality has been justified, the underlying financial challenge is reduced, not eliminated.

For that reason, in December 2023 the Committee adopted its first formal Business Plan, covering the three seasons 2023–26, and targeting a planned reduction in our use of reserves over that period. As you will see from these

accounts, the reserves today remain healthy but as they represent the Society’s capacity to either invest in new projects or ride economic shocks, we wish to keep them that way.

The Society’s capacity to maintain high musical standards and its independence in programming its own repertoire has always been built on a strong tradition of support from the Society’s subscribers and private funders. Unlike many other Choral Societies, HCS has not received any significant financial help from the public purse or the Arts Council, so maintaining that bedrock of support from individual and business donors remains fundamental to our finances. The take-home message from the Business Plan is that annual income from such donors needs to raise £30–40,000 per annum to support our activities, even after we have made a number of cost reductions and efficiencies. Sponsorship and fundraising are therefore the key management issues for the Society today.

Bearing that in mind, Committee wishes to acknowledge the successful fundraising which underpins our ability to carry the significant costs of a live recorded concert in spring 2025. The Dream of Gerontius is a work which is interwoven with the Choral’s own history; starting with the first-ever recording of the full work in 1945, HCS has made milestone recordings in every generation and will be joined by the Orchestra of Opera North and our good friend Martyn Brabbins as conductor for the April concert recording. It is donor confidence and generosity which allows us to invest like this to maintain the choir’s high standing.

The accounts now before you show a loss for the 16 months of just over £39,000, underlining the need for the Society to increase its fundraising. While concert income has recovered fairly well from the post-pandemic years, artistic costs have risen and will continue to present a significant challenge. The Committee’s approved Business Plan aims to close this gap by the 2025–26 season. Our reserves have allowed us to maintain our artistic goals and quality over a period which has been challenging for all leading ensembles, and they permit us to undertake the financial risk of major projects, but that risk has to be covered by fundraising. To take the coming performances and recordings of Dream of Gerontius as an example, the additional costs we are incurring have been supported by donations totalling nearly £25,000 against a target of £40,000.

At the last AGM, Charles Brook explained that changes in our accounting system were needed to give the Committee a clearer view of where costs and income are attributed and that for this reason the summary figures presented in the statutory accounts do not give a readily recognised picture of the detail of the Society’s finances, though the end result is accurate. Those changes have now been made for the 2024–25 season.

Committee

The current Committee has been in office for two and a half years, and all positions are now open for reappointment, with nominations due to be lodged with Alison Shaw by Friday, 17 January. Inevitably, some roles have seen change over that period, notably at the last AGM with new appointments to the General Secretary and Treasurer posts following Charles Brook’s retirement. Recent changes have included adding two members to the Senior Officer group in order to share the excessive load on existing officers, and the co-option of an observer representative of HCS Voices to the Committee. These arrangements will be formalised at the present AGM.

The Committee wishes in particular to thank Charles Brook for having carried the dual responsibilities of General Secretary and Treasurer up to early 2023. Charles saw the Society through a difficult transition at some personal 17

cost. Thanks also go to retiring members, and especially to Angus Pogson, bass vocal rep, who, with Helen Martin, worked to establish HCS Voices over the last five years with such success.

The change in the financial year end impacts on the Committee cycle. For most of its history, the Society’s practice has been to close the accounts on 30 April, prepare the Annual Report and accounts (usually in some haste) and hold its AGM at the end of the season, in July. In years when elections were due, the new Committee would then convene at the start of the new season in September. In more recent years, it has proved to be too tight a timescale to complete accounts which need to meet both Company and Charity regulations, and the AGM has been put back to autumn. With a financial year end now 31 August, the Committee needed to set a later date for the AGM; and while it would have been possible to have it in December, the prospect of trying to fit it into the Christmas season was unattractive. AGMs will therefore be in the New Year starting with this year’s meeting.

A family of choirs

Our award-winning Youth Choirs have now been in existence for over 40 years, led by a succession of inspirational and dedicated directors. Youth Choir accounts are integrated with the Society’s annual report, but the day-to-day running of the choirs rests with its own Committee which not only manages the musical programme but also the appropriate safeguarding and care arrangements.

Our Community choir, HCS Voices, on the other hand, is only 6 years old (and one of those years was lost to the pandemic). Today it is thriving, with over 60 members and growing, and thanks to the enthusiasm and commitment of its own volunteer team it is providing a joyous and rewarding experience for singers of all ages, led by Laura Bailie as Chorus Director. The link with the General Committee, which up to now has been via two HCS members, Angus Pogson and Helen Martin, is now to be a member of the HCS Voices team who will attend HCS Committee meetings.

The Society values each of its constituent choirs, and will be seeking opportunities for them to work together. While their skills and strengths are different, they can often be combined; in the current season we have HCS and the Youth Choirs performing together at Christmas, HCS Voices and HCS in the summer concert, and all three represented in the BBC Songs of Praise recordings which include their ‘Christmas special’ programme. Together we continue to develop the long tradition of choral music that we have inherited from our predecessors and fulfil the Society’s mission statement:

‘To uphold and continually renew a proud tradition of choral singing’

HCS VOICES REPORT 2023–2024

HCS Voices’ fifth season has been a real challenge; having successfully helped to round up all the sheep into St Georges Square for Kirklees Year of Music, the choir had very little time to prepare for its next challenge – that set by Monteverdi and Greg, to take part in the Huddersfield Choral Society’s autumn concert performance of Monteverdi Vespers . A challenge indeed but very rewarding.

The first of our own concerts was the Christmas Concert at Moldgreen URC on 2 December, a mixed programme of Christmas Carols, songs by choir and and soloists, conducted by HCS Voices music director, Laura Bailie, accompanied by Tim Wilkes and with guests Musica Youth Brass Ensemble led by Gavin Brown.

Just a few days later we joined HCS, Youth Choir and Black Dyke Band for the Christmas concert. It is a concert that never fails to give joy and put people in the Christmas spirit. Performing in a packed Town Hall is something very special and it was a fantastic evening.

HCS Voices Spring Concert on 9 March was a standout concert for various reasons, one of which was that the programme put together by Laura was all music from living composers, with the first half including the songs Africa, Adiemus, Dead Skunk, Anthem, Irish Blessing, From Now On, The Seal Lullaby, Saltwater and Hail Holy Queen . This was followed by John Rutter’s Feel the Spirit , a collection of seven well-loved American spirituals set around a mezzo soprano voice – and who better to perform this than HCS Vocal Coach, Joyce Tindsley, who was also classical soloist for Karl Jenkins in a UK tour. Samantha Green, who is a performance interpreter and sign language interpreter, signed this concert. Absolute magic.

During the season, HCS Voices held two workshop days, one at The Venue, Kirkburton and the other at Moldgreen URC. Led by Laura, with coaching with Joyce and accompanied by Tim, both were very well attended – there is so much to be gained from these events.

The last concert of the season on 22 June was a Summer Celebration Concert and a review of five years of HCS Voices. We sang songs from South Africa, America, Germany, Polynesian Folk, sea shanties, along with songs from Oliver .and Eric Whitacre’s Sing Gently . Added to this eclectic programme were works from Bruckner and Mozart.

HCS Voices are grateful to Hoyer for their continued support. During the season we have also been fortunate in securing grants from the Edith Murphy Foundation, Huddersfield Common Good Trust and Stada Thornton & Ross. Our thanks too to HCS Voices Sponsors.

So, we bring the curtain down on a very successful season and a successful first five years. Going forwards, membership continues to increase, now 78, and we have a new rehearsal home. We look forward to seeing you at New North Road Baptist Church on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Don’t be late!

The Youth Choirs have, once again, had a wonderful season in 2023–2024!

The season started with members of Vocalise performing as a chamber choir in the Choral Society’s acclaimed performance of the Monteverdi’s Vespers of 1610 in November. Following that we celebrated the festive season at Holy Trinity Church with our Countdown to Christmas concert, followed by Choral’s Christmas Concert at Huddersfield Town Hall.

The first part of the new year saw the choirs’ most successful Mrs Sunderland Festival yet, triumphing in the Young People’s Choir (Year 9 & under) for the first time, winning the Young People’s Choir (Year 11 & under) class for the third year running (retaining the Waverley School Trophy) while the joint choirs won the Young People’s Choir (21 years and under) with Vocalise in second place, for the second year in succession. The choirs also won the trophy for the most memorable performance of the day for their rendition of Bob Chilcott’s ‘ I Lift My Eyes’ – the first time the choirs have been awarded this. Comments from the adjudicator included: ‘Sung with meticulous attention to detail, total commitment of every singer and a wonderful tonal control throughout … Just such a beautiful sound. Choral artistry at its very best.’ High praise indeed!

Following this, our Festival Favourites concert at Lindley Methodist Church in March was a lovely way to celebrate our achievements, with soloists from the choir showing off their entries and successes from the festival also. The summer once again saw us join forces with our old friends, Hade Edge Band, at the Brass & HCS Voices concert in Holmfirth Civic Hall, guests once again of Thongsbridge Bowling Club, and a first for us – we were invited by Colne Valley Lions to perform at their charity concert at St James Church, Slaithwaite.

The last of our own concerts was Summer Songs in June at a new venue which saw us venture out of Kirklees, to St John the Divine Church in Rastrick. This lovely venue stepped in at the last minute to host our season finale when our original venue gave back word. This beautiful church turned out to be the perfect venue for a very entertaining afternoon.

Once again, we have relied financially for the most part on our ‘Friends’ donations, kind donations from friends and families, along with fundraising efforts throughout the year and concert income; however, it is still proving to be such a difficult effort to keep our heads above the water. Subscription fees have now increased for the second year running, yet so have the rental charges of our rehearsal venue, and that of our professional fees.

We are actively looking at grant applications to help increase revenue, as amongst other things, we would like to take the choirs (or one of the choirs) further afield to compete at music festivals elsewhere in the UK.

As always, we are hugely grateful to parents, grandparents etc. who ferry our youngsters to rehearsals, concerts, and events, and again, we would like to thank the group of parents who have volunteered as chaperones and to help at concerts. However, we are still in desperate need of more ‘full-time’ help. We are still looking for a librarian, wardrobe master/mistress, plus volunteers to help with recruitment, publicity, and marketing.

Our Musical Director, Alison North MBE, took a leave of absence in September and towards the end of the season and special thanks go to Thom Meredith and Sarah Ogden who took rehearsals during this time and to Colleen Brown who also took charge of our summer engagements.

Membership has decreased slightly from last year; Young Voices 28, Vocalise 32 were our end of season numbers and these have reduced again at the start of this new season. This is due to older members leaving for higher education plus the competition from other pastimes and clubs. Numbers so far are Young Voices 28, Vocalise 22. We have emailed primary and secondary schools in the Kirklees and surrounding area with recruitment information and we are also targeting local singing teachers and other musical societies for youngsters to come and join us.

Plans are underway to make sure we have another successful year and to create plenty of music-making opportunities for our young charges. We will present three of our ‘own’ concerts. Again, we shall join the Choral at Christmas and we look forward to competing again at the Mrs Sunderland Festival, with hopefully many more events to follow. Due to personal and personnel issues, we were unable to carry out our plans to form a ‘boys’ chorus, and whilst this may have to be put on ice for a while, we are still keen to try this in a bid to encourage the boys we already have to stay, and to hopefully attract new members.

Nicola Tanner

Choir Secretary

HCS Youth Choirs

HCS COMMITTEE

Positions for Election

President

(not a Committee position)

General Committee

Chair

General Secretary

Choir Secretary

Treasurer

Subscriber Secretary

Sponsorship Secretary

Recruitment Officer

Marketing Officer

Planning Chair

Librarians

Programme Officer

8 Vocal Representatives

(must be singing members)

2 Subscriber Representatives

The articles allow for 2 subscriber representatives who must not be singing members.

SPONSORS AND BUSINESS VOICE 2024

The University of Huddersfield

Syngenta

Hoyer UK

Kirklees Stadium Development LTD

Ramsdens LLP

Thornhill Estates

Chadwick Lawrence LLP

Walker Singleton / Hanson Chartered Surveyors

Investec/Rathbones

R Gledhill Limited

Charity registration number 1100851 (England and Wales)

Company registration number 04925029

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Jane Sargent Sir John Harman Mark Taylor Richard Myhill (until June 2024) Laura Rawnsley Margaret Atkinson MBE Elizabeth Jenkins Helen Martin Sue Turnbull Lucy Pople Rowena Burton Hilary McLean Ben Drury Chris Kneale Angus Pogson Andrew Wright Jill Bamford Mary Cadwaladr Sue Hornby (appointed 9 September 2024) Angela Braviner (appointed 8 January 2024) Sarah Wickham (appointed 8 January 2024) Gaynor Haliday (appointed 11 November 2024) Ian Ford (appointed 1 January 2025) Charity number 1100851 Company number 04925029 Registered office Revenue Chambers St Peter's Street Huddersfield HD1 1DL Auditor Simpson Wood Limited Bank Chambers Market Street Huddersfield HD1 2EW Bankers Virgin Money 28 St Andrew Square Edinburgh EH2 1AF Solicitors Ramsdens Solicitors LLP Oakley House 1 Hungerford Road, Edgerton Huddersfield HD3 3AL

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees' report	28–31
Statement of Trustees' responsibilities	32
Independent auditor's report	33–35
Statement of financial activities	36
Balance sheet	37
Notes to the financial statements	38–48

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the Period ended 31 August 2024.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the Charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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 and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS102.

Objectives and activities

The Memorandum of Association of the Society provides that the objects of the Society are to promote choral music and for the purpose of that objective to form and maintain a Choir, a Youth Choir and a Young Voices Choir and to promote the study, practice and performance of choral works and to give concerts in Huddersfield and at such other place or places in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and elsewhere as may be determined by the Committee of the Society from time to time.

The main aim of the Charity is to establish and manage a Choir, two Youth Choirs, a Community Choir, (HCS Voices) and to promote a subscription series of concerts comprising three concerts together with other non-subscription events and to facilitate participation by the three Choirs in appropriate musical events promoted by third parties.

The above objectives and activities enable the Society to offer the opportunity to the general public to benefit by taking part in or enjoying the work of the Choirs.

The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the charitable company should undertake.

Achievements and performance

The Society makes significant use of volunteers in the course of undertaking its charitable or income generating activities. Whilst measurement issues, including attributing an economic value to such unpaid voluntary contributions, prevent the inclusion of such contributions within the Statement of Financial Activities, it is nevertheless important to understand the role and contribution of such volunteers. Volunteers comprise Members of the Committee and all sub-committees together with non-committee volunteers undertaking specific tasks on behalf of the Society and its sub-committees.

The objects of the Society are met through the promotion of the subscription concerts referred to above and in the report of musical activities together with participation in the various additional concerts, either promoted by the Society or third parties. The Youth Choirs Committee ensured that the objectives of the Society were met with regard to the promotion of the two Youth Choirs to include concerts promoted by them, concerts promoted by third parties, and other activities.

Fundraising activities have been undertaken to meet the cost of the activities referred to above. Funds were generated through the following sources:-

a. Member subscriptions;
b. Sale of concert tickets;
c. Fees for participation in third party promoted events;
d. Advertising sales;
e. Sponsorship;
f. Merchandise sales, including sales of recordings;
g. Professional fundraising activities;
h. Recurring patronage.

The current period of fundraising as set out in the statement of accounts generated significant income to help meet the charitable objectives of the Society. The Directors are satisfied that the assets of the Society together with the proposed future fundraising activities are sufficient to meet anticipated expenditure in future periods.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Financial review

It is the policy of the Society to maintain unrestricted funds which are the free reserves of the Society, at a level which equates to no less than six months unrestricted expenditure. This provides sufficient funds to cover management and administration of the Society whilst seeking to maintain and build on its reserves through prudent financial management and whilst also committing itself fully to its objectives and activities. With regard to reserves in restricted funds, these continue to be held principally in the John Harrison Memorial Fund which will remain in perpetuity.

The principal funding sources are set out above which meet expenditure in the year under review thereby supporting the key objectives of the Charity.

There are no restrictions on the Society’s powers to invest. The Investment Policy set by the Society is of a low to medium risk nature and takes account of the cash flow requirements of the Society together with the desire to generate income from short term and longer term sources. The Society maintains accounts of monies on demand and on short term notice and holds a portfolio of investments managed by appointed investment managers. The investment managers are fully aware of the Society’s Investment Policy and have full discretion within such limits set by the Society in accordance with its Investment Policy. This policy is reviewed from time to time, in terms of risk, as well as social, environmental and ethical considerations.

The Trustees have assessed the major risks to which the Charitable company is exposed, and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.

The Charity’s plans for the future are to continuing pursuing the objectives as set out in the Memorandum of Association.

Structure, governance and management

The Charity is a Company Limited by Guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association which at paragraph 5.1 vests management of the Society in the Committee consisting of elected Officers (being pursuant to Article 5.2 as amended by way of Special Resolution dated 20 February 2018, a Chair (formerly a President, and Vice-President), Treasurer, General Secretary, Choir Secretary, Subscribers' Secretary, Publicity Officer, Sponsorship Officer, Programme Officer, Recruitment Officer and Librarian and such other Officers as may be deemed necessary by the Committee) who need not be Members of the Society, a total of eight Members of the Choir of whom at least one is to be chosen from each of the four principal vocal sections and two subscribers, who must not be Members of the Society. The Committee has control over all the affairs and property of the Society and may prescribe, alter or cancel rules for the regulation of the Society and shall exercise all such powers of the Society as it thinks fit, except as otherwise provided by the Articles.

The Trustees, who are also the directors for the purpose of company law, and who served during the Period and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:

J Sargent

C Brook (Resigned 13 November 2023) M Taylor J Harman S Turnbull H McLean A Pogson H Martin E Jenkins C Kneale L Pople R Burton A Wright R Myhill (Appointed 13 November 2023 and resigned 4 July 2024) A Braviner (Appointed 8 January 2024) W D B Drury (Appointed 8 January 2024) S Wickham (Appointed 8 January 2024)

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

S Hornby (Appointed 9 September 2024) G Haliday (Appointed 11 November 2024) I Ford (Appointed 1 January 2025)

I Ford

New Directors are recruited by nomination from the Members pursuant to the Articles and by vote in general meeting. Additionally, Directors may be appointed by the Committee either to fill a casual vacancy or as an addition to the existing number of Members. Committee Members serve for a period of two years resigning en bloc at the Annual General Meeting. Any Director appointed by Committee other than in general meeting serves until the date of the next Annual General Meeting.

The Society undertakes risk assessments covering all identifiable risks including financial management and control, insurable risks, all areas of discrimination and the major risks to which the Charity is exposed as identified by the Directors have been reviewed and systems or procedures where appropriate have been established to manage those risks.

The Committee meets monthly or as frequently as may be required to carry out the normal activities of the Society. Committee responsibilities are delegated to Sub-Committees, generally the Outlook Sub-Committee, the Vocal Sub-Committee, the Finance Sub-Committee, the Senior Officers Committee and the Youth Choirs' Committee. All decisions of Sub-Committees are reported by way of minutes to the Committee, such minutes are then adopted by the Committee or amended as appropriate. The day to day management of the Society is delegated to the Officers and Sub-Committees subject to oversight by the main committee.

The Charity is not part of a wider network.

The Charity has no related organisations or subsidiaries.

There are no formal policies for the induction of new Directors and training is by way of discussion with existing and outgoing Directors.

Auditor

A resolution proposing that Simpson Wood Limited be reappointed as Auditors of the Company will be put to the Members.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

It is with pleasure that we present our report on the activities of the Society for the sixteen month period 1 May 2023 to 31 August 2024.

Musical Activities

As ever, the start of the financial year saw the end of the previous season for the Society with the concluding events of the 187[th] Season, namely the 2023 Spring concert.

The 2023/2024 and 188[th] concert season followed, consisting of a programme of four subscription concerts, these being the Autumn concert, the Christmas concert, the Spring concert and a Summer concert, and the usual Christmas performance of Handel's Messiah.

As a result of the extension of the financial year to align with the concert season year end, all of these concerts have been fully accounted for within these financial statements.

The Future

The 189[th] Season for the Society consisting of a similar programme of events for the 2024/2025 season is now well in progress, maintaining and building on our heritage, yet looking also to continue growing both our membership and our audience with the intention of ensuring that the Society has a commercially sustainable model that is adaptable to change yet true to its traditions.

The programme for the 190[th,] 2025/2026 concert season is currently in the planning stage with the full concert season details to be announced in June 2025 the dates having been fixed as detailed below.

Autumn concert - Saturday 1 November 2025 Christmas concert - Saturday 6 December 2025 Messiah - Saturday 20 December 2025 Spring concert - Saturday 14 March 2026 Summer concert - Saturday 27 June 2026

The quality of our performances will remain paramount as we continue to promote and support the participation in performing and experiencing the pleasure of classical choral music at all levels through the wider family of HCS, including HCS Junior and Youth Choirs and HCS Voices.

Disclosure of information to auditor

Each of the Trustees has confirmed that there is no information of which they are aware which is relevant to the audit, but of which the auditor is unaware. They have further confirmed that they have taken appropriate steps to identify such relevant information and to establish that the auditor is aware of such information.

The Trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

J Harman

Trustee

Dated: 20 January 2025

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

The Trustees, who are also the directors of The Huddersfield Choral Society for the purpose of company law, are responsible for preparing the Trustees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

Company Law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that year.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charitable company will continue in operation.

The Trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the Charitable company and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the Charitable company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Company law requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial Period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Charitable company and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including the income and expenditure, of the charitable company for that Period.

In preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to:

select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Charitable company will continue in operation.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY

Opinion

We have audited the financial statements of The Huddersfield Choral Society (the ‘Charitable company’) for the Period ended 31 August 2024 which comprise the statement of financial activities, the balance sheet and the notes to the financial statements, including significant accounting policies. The financial reporting framework that has been applied in their preparation is applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including FRS 102 The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).

In our opinion, the financial statements:

give a true and fair view of the state of the charitable company's affairs as at 31 August 2024 and of its incoming resources and application of resources, for the Period then ended;
have been properly prepared in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice; and
have been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006.

Basis for opinion

We conducted our audit in accordance with International Standards on Auditing (UK) (ISAs (UK)) and applicable law. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements section of our report. We are independent of the Charitable company in accordance with the ethical requirements that are relevant to our audit of the financial statements in the UK, including the FRC’s Ethical Standard, and we have fulfilled our other ethical responsibilities in accordance with these requirements. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion.

Conclusions relating to going concern

In auditing the financial statements, we have concluded that the Trustees' use of the going concern basis of accounting in the preparation of the financial statements is appropriate.

Based on the work we have performed, we have not identified any material uncertainties relating to events or conditions that, individually or collectively, may cast significant doubt on the Charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern for a period of at least twelve months from when the financial statements are authorised for issue.

Our responsibilities and the responsibilities of the Trustees with respect to going concern are described in the relevant sections of this report.

Other information

The other information comprises the information included in the annual report other than the financial statements and our auditor's report thereon. The Trustees are responsible for the other information contained within the annual report. Our opinion on the financial statements does not cover the other information and we do not express any form of assurance conclusion thereon. Our responsibility is to read the other information and, in doing so, consider whether the other information is materially inconsistent with the financial statements or our knowledge obtained in the course of the audit, or otherwise appears to be materially misstated. If we identify such material inconsistencies or apparent material misstatements, we are required to determine whether this gives rise to a material misstatement in the financial statements themselves. If, based on the work we have performed, we conclude that there is a material misstatement of this other information, we are required to report that fact.

We have nothing to report in this regard.

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

We have nothing to report in respect of the following matters in relation to which the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 requires us to report to you if, in our opinion:

the information given in the financial statements is inconsistent in any material respect with the Trustees' report; or
sufficient accounting records have not been kept; or
the financial statements are not in agreement with the accounting records; or
we have not received all the information and explanations we require for our audit.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY

Responsibilities of Trustees

As explained more fully in the statement of Trustees' responsibilities, the Trustees, who are also the directors of the Charitable company for the purpose of company law, are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements and for being satisfied that they give a true and fair view, and for such internal control as the Trustees determine is necessary to enable the preparation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error. In preparing the financial statements, the Trustees are responsible for assessing the Charitable company’s ability to continue as a going concern, disclosing, as applicable, matters related to going concern and using the going concern basis of accounting unless the Trustees either intend to liquidate the charitable company or to cease operations, or have no realistic alternative but to do so.

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

We have been appointed as auditor under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 and report in accordance with the Act and relevant regulations made or having effect thereunder.

Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinion. Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with ISAs (UK) will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. Misstatements can arise from fraud or error and are considered material if, individually or in the aggregate, they could reasonably be expected to influence the economic decisions of users taken on the basis of these financial statements.

The extent to which our procedures are capable of detecting irregularities, including fraud, is detailed below.

the engagement partner ensured that the engagement team collectively had the appropriate competence, capabilities and skills to identify or recognise non-compliance with applicable laws and regulations.
we identified the laws and regulations applicable to the company through discussions with directors and other management and from our commercial knowledge.
we focused on specific laws and regulations which we considered may have a direct material effect on the financial statements or the operations of the company.
we assessed the extent of compliance with the laws and regulations identified above through making enquiries of management and inspecting legal correspondence. Identified laws and regulations were communicated within the audit team regularly and the team remained alert to instances of non-compliance throughout the audit.

We assessed the susceptibility of the charitable company's financial statements to material misstatement, including obtaining an understanding of how fraud might occur, by:

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY

making enquiries of management as to where they considered there was susceptibility to fraud, their knowledge of actual, suspected and alleged fraud.
considering the internal controls in place to mitigate risks of fraud and non-compliance with laws and regulations.
performed analytical procedures to identify any unusual or unexpected relationships.
tested journal entries to identify unusual transactions.
assessed whether judgements and assumptions made in determining the accounting estimates were indicative of potential bias.

In response to the risk of irregularities and non-compliance with laws and regulations, we designed procedures which included, but were not limited to:

agreeing financial statement disclosures to underlying supporting documentation.
reading the minutes of meetings of those charged with governance.
enquiring of management as to actual and potential litigation and claims..

There are inherent limitations in our audit procedures described above. The more removed that laws and regulations are from financial transactions, the less likely it is that we would become aware of non-compliance. Auditing standards also limit the audit procedures required to identify non-compliance with laws and regulations to enquiry of the directors and other management and the inspection of regulatory and legal correspondence, if any.

Material misstatements that arise due to fraud can be harder to detect than those that arise from error as they may involve deliberate concealment or collusion

A further description of our responsibilities is available on the Financial Reporting Council’s website at: https:// www.frc.org.uk/auditorsresponsibilities. This description forms part of our auditor's report.

Use of our report

This report is made solely to the charity’s trustees, as a body, in accordance with Part 4 of the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008. Our audit work has been undertaken so that we might state to the charity’s trustees those matters we are required to state to them in an auditor’s report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, we do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the charity and the charity’s trustees as a body, for our audit work, for this report, or for the opinions we have formed.

Craig Stratford FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

For and on behalf of Simpson Wood Limited, Statutory Auditor Chartered Accountants Bank Chambers Market Street Huddersfield HD1 2EW 20 January 2025

Simpson Wood Limited is eligible for appointment as auditor of the Charitable company by virtue of its eligibility for appointment as auditor of a company under section 1212 of the Companies Act 2006.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 Notes £ £ Income from: Income and endowments from generated funds 3 105,451 787 Charitable activities 4 138,465 10 Investments 5 8,319 964 Total income 252,235 1,761 Expenditure on: Raising funds 6 172 - Charitable activities 7 304,376 690 Other 12 - - Total resources expended 304,548 690 Net gains/(losses) on investments 13 12,097 - Net (outgoing)/incoming resources before transfers (40,216) 1,071 Gross transfers between funds 9,606 (9,606) Net movement in funds (30,610) (8,535) Fund balances at 1 May 2023 290,541 35,823 Fund balances at 31 August 2024 259,931 27,288	Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 106,238 75,834 8,909 138,475 107,495 - 9,283 4,106 337 253,996 187,435 9,246 172 1,709 - 305,066 216,239 30 - (1,200) - 305,238 216,748 30 12,097 (7,196) - (39,145) (36,509) 9,216 - 306 (306) (39,145) (36,203) 8,910 326,364 326,744 26,913 287,219 290,541 35,823	Total 2023 £ 84,743 107,495 4,443 196,681 1,709 216,269 (1,200) 216,778 (7,196) (27,293) - (27,293) 353,657 326,364

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the Period.

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the Period. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

The statement of financial activities also complies with the requirements for an income and expenditure account under the Companies Act 2006.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 31 AUGUST 2024

Notes Current assets Debtors 16 Investments 17 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 18 Net current assets Income funds Restricted funds 20 Unrestricted funds 22	2024 £ 20,666 142,274 166,247 329,187 (41,968)	£ 287,219 27,288 259,931 287,219	2023 £ 35,048 162,504 138,733 336,285 (9,921)	£ 326,364
				35,823 290,541
				326,364

The company is entitled to the exemption from the audit requirement contained in section 477 of the Companies Act 2006, for the Period ended 31 August 2024.

The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for complying with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 with respect to accounting records and the preparation of financial statements.

The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements under the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, for the Period in question in accordance with section 476.

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

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 20 January 2025

J Sargent	J Harman
Trustee	Trustee
Company registration number 04925029

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

The Huddersfield Choral Society is a private company limited by guarantee incorporated in England and Wales. The registered office is Revenue Chambers, St Peter's Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1DL.

1.1 Reporting period

The charitable company has extended its financial year to 31 August 2024 in order to align the financial reporting year end with its concert season year end.

These financial statements have been prepared for a 16 month period ending on 31 August 2024, whereas the comparative information presented covered the year to 30 April 2023. Therefore the figures for the current period are not entirely comparable with those of the previous year.

1.2 Accounting convention

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Charitable company's Memorandum and Articles of Association, the Companies Act 2006 and "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 and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)". The Charitable company is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The Charitable company has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities applying FRS 102 Update Bulletin 1 not to prepare a Statement of Cash Flows.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the Charitable company. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of investments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.3 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charitable company has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.4 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives unless the funds have been designated for other purposes.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

1.5 Income

Credit is taken for all income on a receivable basis, other than royalties and sale of dresses, where income is taken as received. Income includes the related income tax recoverable.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the Charitable company has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

1.6 Expenditure

Expenditure is shown gross of irrecoverable VAT and is accounted for on an accruals basis.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

The costs of activities in furtherance of the Charity's objects are those expenses directly attributable to concert expenditure. Costs for managing and administering the Society are not included above, including professional fees, but an allocation against the charitable activities is made as deemed appropriate. No provision has been made for the cost of printing and circulating the Annual Report and Financial Statements.

1.7 Current assets

Current asset investments are stated at market value at the year end. Gains or losses on investments are not realised until investments have been disposed of.

No value has been placed on the piano, music library, office equipment, dress material, shirts, recordings or other merchandise held for re-sale.

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts.

1.9 Financial instruments

The Charitable company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the Charitable company's balance sheet when the Charitable company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the Charitable company’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.10 Taxation

The Company, being a registered charity, is exempt from any liability to taxation on its income and capital gains. Income Tax recoverable on subscriptions and donations is treated as being receivable in the year in which the corresponding income is received.

1.11 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the Charitable company is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

1.12 Government grants

Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable where there is reasonable assurance that the grant conditions will be met and the grants will be received.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

In the application of the Charitable company’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income and endowments from generated funds

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ Donations, grants and gifts 10,168 787 Membership fees 47,677 - Members and supporters - - Patrons 23,448 - Corporate Patrons 500 - Tax recoverable on income received under Gift Aid 23,658 - 105,451 787	Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 10,955 12,276 8,909 47,677 45,988 - - 938 - 23,448 6,850 - 500 5,000 - 23,658 4,782 - 106,238 75,834 8,909	Total 2023 £ 21,185 45,988 938 6,850 5,000 4,782
		84,743

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

4 Charitable activities

Income within charitable activities Analysis by fund Unrestricted funds Restricted funds	Concert Account Other Income 2024 2024 £ £ 136,218 2,250 136,218 2,240 - 10 136,218 2,250	Banking Incentive Receipt 2024 £ 7 7 - 7	Total 2024 £ 138,475 138,465 10 138,475	Concert Account Other Income 2023 2023 £ £ 95,932 11,556 95,932 11,556 - - 95,932 11,556	Banking Incentive Receipt 2023 £ 7 7 - 7	Total 2023 £ 107,495
						107,495 -
						107,495

5 Investments

Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2024 £ £ Income from listed investments 4,153 - Interest receivable 4,166 964 8,319 964	Total Unrestricted Restricted funds funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 4,153 2,567 - 5,130 1,539 337 9,283 4,106 337	Total 2023 £ 2,567 1,876
		4,443

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

6 Expenditure on raising funds

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2024	2023
	£	£
Fundraising and publicity
Other fundraising costs	172	1,709

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

7 Charitable activities

Charitable activities
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2024 2024 £ £ Rehearsal costs 12,654 690 Conductor, soloists and guests 54,988 - Orchestra 58,738 - Hall and refreshments 16,790 - Music 1,615 - Programme printing 11,303 - Concert expenditure: HCSYCs 5,432 - Entertaining 4,622 - Flowers and gifts 277 - Commissions on ticket sales 3,545 - PRS 3,126 - Advertising 371 - Travel expenses 4,983 - Workshop expenses 100 - Consultancy fees 15,471 - Computer running costs 1,999 - Vocal coach fees 5,200 - Choral bursaries granted 3,200 - 204,414 690 Share of support costs (see note 8) 95,862 - Share of governance costs (see note 8) 4,100 - 304,376 690	Total 2024 Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2023 2023 £ £ £ 13,344 16,184 30 54,988 29,939 - 58,738 36,978 - 16,790 10,792 - 1,615 3,150 - 11,303 6,591 - 5,432 12,768 - 4,622 3,545 - 277 380 - 3,545 2,811 - 3,126 1,252 - 371 3,158 - 4,983 - - 100 - - 15,471 1,000 - 1,999 1,148 - 5,200 3,764 - 3,200 2,500 - 205,104 135,960 30 95,862 76,429 - 4,100 3,850 - 305,066 216,239 30	Total 2023 £ 16,214 29,939 36,978 10,792 3,150 6,591 12,768 3,545 380 2,811 1,252 3,158 - - 1,000 1,148 3,764 2,500
		135,990 76,429 3,850
		216,269

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

8 Support costs Support costs Governance costs £ £ Support granted - - Officers' and secretarial expenses 31 - Choral directors' fees and expenses 32,667 - Music director's fees and expenses 15,625 - Administrator salary and related costs 20,069 - Recruitment expenses 132 - Printing, postage and stationery 2,022 - Telephone 75 - Insurance and subscriptions 502 - Annual meeting expenses - - Other meeting expenses 1,038 - Gifts and donations 68 - Music purchase and library costs 6,129 - Replacement music 60 - Music folders - - Investment manager's charges 2,630 - Bank charges 62 - Media support and website costs 6,389 - Media development costs 210 - Advertising and promotional material 5,471 - Bookkeeping and payroll costs 907 - Purchase of garments for resale 875 - HCS social events costs (194) - Newsletter 197 - Sundry expenses 897 - Costs of the Youth Choirs - - Audit fees - 4,100 Choir management subscription - - Charitable activities 95,862 4,100	2024 Support costs Governance costs £ £ £ - 500 - 31 64 - 32,667 24,500 - 15,625 4,139 - 20,069 14,654 - 132 - - 2,022 2,240 - 75 25 - 502 846 - - 1,096 - 1,038 1,351 - 68 580 - 6,129 4,181 - 60 43 - - 120 - 2,630 2,591 - 62 19 - 6,389 2,418 - 210 12,260 - 5,471 1,773 - 907 574 - 875 354 - (194) - - 197 209 - 897 779 - - 785 - 4,100 - 3,850 - 328 - 99,962 76,429 3,850	2023 £ 500 64 24,500 4,139 14,654 - 2,240 25 846 1,096 1,351 580 4,181 43 120 2,591 19 2,418 12,260 1,773 574 354 - 209 779 785 3,850 328
		80,279

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Net movement in funds	2024	2023
	£	£
The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
Fees payable for the audit of the charity's financial statements	4,100	3,850

10 Trustees

None of the Trustees, or any such persons connected with them received any remuneration during the year (2023-None).

Expenses incurred by the Trustees in the furtherance of their duties are however reimbursed by the Society. The total amount reimbursed to trustees in the year appears in note 8 under the heading officers’ and secretarial expenses.

In the opinion of the Trustees, the charitable company is controlled by the Board of Trustees, and no one Trustee has ultimate control.

11 Employees

The average monthly number of employees (excluding trustees) during the Period was:

:
2024	2023
Number	Number
1	1

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

12 Other

		Unrestricted Unrestricted	Unrestricted Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		£	£
		2024	2023
	Provisions no longer required	-	(1,200)
13	Net gains/(losses) on investments
		Unrestricted Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2024	2023
		£	£
	Revaluation of investments	12,568	(6,908)
	Gain/(loss) on sale of investments	(471)	(288)
		12,097	(7,196)

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

13 Net gains/(losses) on investments

(Continued)

14 Taxation

	The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section	The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section	The charity is exempt from tax on income and gains falling within section 505 of the Taxes Act 1988 or section
	252 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992 to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects.
15	Financial instruments
		2024	2023
		£	£
	Carrying amount of financial assets
	Instruments measured at fair value through profit or loss	142,274	162,504
16	Debtors
		2024	2023
	Amounts falling due within one year:	£	£
	Trade debtors	4,160	-
	Other debtors	14,837	33,341
	Prepayments and accrued income	1,669	1,707
		20,666	35,048
17	Current asset investments
		2024	2023
		£	£
	Market value of listed investments	142,274	162,504
18	Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
		2024	2023
		£	£
	Other taxation and social security	122	120
	Other creditors and provisions	41,846	9,801
		41,968	9,921

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

19 Analysis of net assets between funds

Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2024 2024 £ £ Fund balances at 31 August 2024 are represented by: Current assets/(liabilities) 259,931 27,288 259,931 27,288	Total Unrestricted funds Restricted funds 2024 2023 2023 £ £ £ 287,219 290,541 35,823 287,219 290,541 35,823	Total 2023 £ 326,364
		326,364

20 Restricted funds

The Sir Henry Coward and Sir Malcolm Sargent Memorial Fund

The Sir Henry Coward and Sir Malcolm Sargent Memorial Fund was created with a deposit of £263 on 22 September 1932 in recognition of the outstanding services of the late Sir Henry Coward, for the purpose of assisting in the musical education of any person or persons, at the discretion of the Trustees of the Fund, or for helping suitable musicians in time of need.

The sub-committee responsible for the administration of the Fund will, at any time, be pleased to consider applications for assistance. These should be addressed to the Society's Honorary Treasurer. Grants made in recent years:

2019 - £750 2020 - Nil 2021 - Nil 2022 - Nil 2023 - Nil 2024 - Nil

Welfare Fund

The Welfare Fund was created many years ago as a means of providing floral gifts, greetings cards etc together with costs of occasional re-unions for Members and Associate Members. Revenue is generated from donations, various events and raffles etc with support from the Society from time to time.

The John Harrison Memorial Fund (an Endowment fund)

The John Harrison Memorial Fund was created with a donation of £25,000 on 3 April 2004 by Mrs Sally-Ann Brennan, daughter of the late Mr Harrison, in recognition of Mr Harrison's love of music and affection for The Huddersfield Choral Society. The capital sum will remain in the Fund in perpetuity, with income being used at the Society's discretion.

HCS Voices - National Lottery Community Grant Fund

The HCS Voices - National Lottery Community Grant Fund was created on 10 March 2023 with a National Lottery Community Fund grant received amounting to £8,745 specifically for the purpose of funding the activities of HCS Voices (the Society's community choir) in the forthcoming 2023/24 season. This grant was released in full against the expenditure of the HCS Voices academy fund of the society's 2023/ 2024 season.

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

21 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

	At 1 May 2023	Incoming	Resources	Transfers	Gains and	At 31 August
		resources	expended		losses	2024
	£	£	£	£	£	£
General funds	290,541	252,235	(304,548)	9,606	12,097	259,931
Previous year:	At 1 May 2022	Incoming	Resources	Transfers	Gains and	At 30 April
		resources	expended		losses	2023
	£	£	£	£	£	£
General funds	326,744	187,435	(216,748)	306	(7,196)	290,541

22 Unrestricted Funds

The HCS Friends’ Fund

The HCS Friends’ Fund represents the balance of funds of the Friends of The Huddersfield Choral Society. Income received by the fund is used in support of the Society.

Youth Choirs’ Fund

This fund is used to administer the finances of the Youth Choir and Young Voices.

General Fund

This fund represents the unrestricted funds of the Society which are available to be used for the general purposes of the society. This includes funds derived from the valued Business Voice members in the support of the Society and various joint activities aimed to promote the town of Huddersfield, and funds received from members of HCS Voices subsequent to the initial grants and donations received for the academy of £5,000 as outlined below.

Net income derived from Business Voice in the year and included within general fund amounted to £10,000 (2023 - £17,500) and from HCS Voices net expenditure amounting to £2,245 (2023 - Net expenditure amounting to £4,160).

HCS Voices Academy Fund (a Designated fund)

This fund was created in the year to 30 April 2020 in order to support the HCS Voices and academy launched in the year, the initial donations being designated for this purpose.

Development Fund (a Designated Fund)

The fund was established in 2008 to receive amounts raised to support the celebrations for the 175[th] Anniversary of the Society, any remaining balance to be used to develop and promote the Society. Accordingly the fund has been renamed to reflect this. In subsequent periods certain grants and other support have been added to the fund.

Tours and Recordings Fund (a Designated Fund)

This fund was established in 2010 to support touring or recordings made by the Society in the future.

23 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the Period (2023 - None).

CHOIR ANNUAL REPORT 2024

25 Year Award

Hilary McLean

Long Service Certificates

Michael Benn 47 years Jill Benn 34 years Megan Nelson 17 years Jovenia Beevers 10 years

New Members

Sopranos Altos Tenors Basses Gill Barham Jean Barnwell Reuben Apostol Mark Bamforth Hazel Cook Audrey Chow David Maycock Connor DeFusco Elise DeFusco Karen Davis Huw Mears Ian Ford Gabriella Holt Lana Ferarri David Simcock Mick Nagle Grace Middleton Sophie Hawley Chris O'Donnell Abbi Telford Tania Jacquier Peter Prasadam Debbie Trigg Vanessa MacLeod Mitchell Wright Catherine Shaw

Resignations and Withdrawals

Sopranos		Altos		Tenors	Tenors
Jill Benn	34 years	Megan Smith	5 years	Michael Benn	47 years
Megan Nelson	17 years	Rebecca Reeves	2 years	Trevor Robson	4 years
Jovenia Beevers	10 Years	Bonita Sykes	2 years	William Crowther	1 year
Lorna Aitken	8 years	Yinyong Zhang	1 year	Harrison Mouldycliff 2 years
Mary Moran	4 years	Hilda Haigh	1 year	David Maycock	1 year
Anna Thomas	1 year	Julia Goulbourne	2 years	Basses
Abbi Telford	1 year	Hannah Wong	6 months	Isaac Lyons	2 years
Grace Middleton	1 year			Max Matthew	6 months
Aimee-Rose Willett	6 months			Chris Ball	1 year
				Matthew Whelan	6 months

Choir Membership as at 31 August 2024

Sopranos	54
Altos	37
Tenors	21
Basses	29
Total	141

List of Members and their attendances 1 May 2023–31 August 2024

* denotes new member

Sopranos

Rehearsals (max. 63)	Concerts	(max. 9)	Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts	Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts	(max. 9)	Rehearsals (max. 63)	Concerts	(max. 9)
Colleen Brown	63	9	Mary Cadwaladr	47	7	Christine Broadbent	39	5
Kate Shepherd	61	9	Lucy Pople	46	7	Fiona Timms	38	3
Sally Robertshaw	59	9	Anne Lockwood	46	6	Elizabeth Jenkins	37	6
Jill Bamford	56	8	Caroline Jones	45	9	Frances Turner	37	4
Kate Hyland-Collier	56	8	Olivia Brock	45	8	Susan Baines	36	5
Helen Martin	55	7	Rebecca Wright	45	8	Sue Colven	35	6
Sarah Wickham	53	8	Fiona Hoyle	45	7	Lucy Bacon	33	6
Cathy Shaida	53	7	Lindsey Rosser	45	7	Michelle Barnes	31	5
Lydia Bayliss	52	8	Sue Wilde	45	7	Hazel Cook*	28	4
Gwyneth Cooper	51	9	Carol Randerson	45	5	Eleanor Davies	28	4
Joanna Williams	51	9	Ruth Stones	44	6	Debbie Trigg*	25	4
Louise Alp	51	7	Debbie Stephens	43	5	Gill Barham*	24	3
Margaret Atkinson	51	6	Marilyn Sutcliffe	43	5	Rosie Hoggart	19	4
Sue Ellis	49	7	Jane Sargent	43	4	Gabriella Holt*	17	1
Nan Steinitz	48	9	Catherine Litjens	42	6	Elise DeFusco*	16	2
Suzanne Longley	48	8	Sue Whiteley	42	6	Jennifer Jones	5	1
Elaine Lee	48	5	Laura Gaworska	41	6	Denise Wilkes	0	0

Altos

Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9)

Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9) Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9)

Richard Hallas	61	9	Ruth Cole	50	7	Jean Barnwell*	29	4
Hilary McLean	60	9	Audrey O'Hara	47	7	Ruth Bostock	29	4
Ruth Robertson	60	9	Rachael Brock	43	8	Catherine Stephenson	28	4
Andrea Hindson	59	9	Clare Wright	41	6	Doreen Smurthwaite	27	4
Gaynor Haliday	57	9	Alice Barford	41	5	Megan Barford	26	3
Susan Turnbull	57	9	Thelma Bateman	40	6	Vanessa MacLeod*	25	4
Cath Murgatroyd	56	8	Susan Sandford	40	3	Janet Gabanski	20	1
Sue Hornby	54	8	Mary Crothers	38	7	Catherine Wren	14	3
Rosemary Shackleton	54	7	Karen Davies*	38	5	Catherine Shaw*	11	1
				51

Rowena Burton 53 8 Michelle Walker 38 5 Lana Ferrari 5 1 Lyn Slater 52 8 Pavlina Švarcová-Jeffs 35 5 Audrey Chow 3 0 Christine Durham 52 7 Tania Jacquier 33 4 Angela Braviner 50 8 Sophie Hawley 30 4

Tenors

Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9)

Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9) Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9)

Timothy Lewis	54	8	Chris Fawcett	47	7	David Simcock*	35	5
Colin Shires	54	8	Philip Ratcliffe	47	6	Jeremy Garside	28	4
Jasper Brownrigg	52	7	David Lunn	46	6	Alan Stephens	22	2
Ben Drury	49	7	Gerald Savage	41	5	Huw Mears*	19	3
Malcolm Hinchliffe	49	7	Stuart Rudd	37	6	Reuben Apostol*	0	0
Frances Durning	48	7	Charles Brook	37	5

Basses

Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9)

Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9) Rehearsals (max. 63) Concerts (max. 9)

Tim Jones	61	8	John Harman	52	7	Martyn Crossley	37	5
Pete Carlile	57	9	Dale Johnson	51	7	Andrew Wright	35	7
Mark Taylor	57	9	Richard Thompson	50	6	Ian Ford*	28	4
Graham Smelt	56	7	Andrew Marsland	49	8	Terry Smurthwaite	28	4
Conrad Winterburn	56	7	William Robertshaw	44	7	Mick Nagle*	17	2
Jeff Trigg	55	9	Mark Bamforth*	43	4	Connor DeFusco*	15	1
Geraint Johnes	55	8	Howard Sandford	42	3	Christopher Arnold	13	1
Christopher Kneale	54	8	Geoffrey Priestley	40	4	Chris O'Donnell*	6	0
Tim Stephenson	54	8	Peter Prasadam*	39	5	Mitchell Wright*	0	0
Angus Pogson	52	8	Jim Stafford	38	5

Attendance at Concerts & Events 1 May 2023 to 31 August 2024

16 May 2023	Beethoven_Missa Solemnis_	Huddersfield Town Hall	94
8 July 2023	‘Round the Tree’ Summer Concert	Huddersfield Town Hall	78
16 July 2023	HERD – Kirklees Year of Music	St George’s Square	51
28 August 2023	Prom ‘Fantasy, Myths & Legends’	Royal Albert Hall	77
4 November 2023	Monteverdi_Vespers_	Huddersfield Town Hall	107
8 December 2023	Christmas Concert	Huddersfield Town Hall	105
20 December 2023	Messiah	Huddersfield Town Hall	108
16 March 2024	‘A Glimpse of the Light’Mozart Requiem	Huddersfield Town Hall	106
18 May 2024	Flash Mob	White Rose, Leeds	42
23 June 2024	’Pure Imagination’ Summer Concert	Huddersfield Town Hall	102

HCS Choral Scholars 2023–2024

Hazel Cook Second Soprano Abbi Telford Second Soprano Sophie Hawley First Alto Vanessa MacLeod Second Alto

HONORARY LIFE MEMBERS AND ASSOCIATES

Honorary Life Members

Miss M E Atkinson

Mr C S Arnold

Mrs C Beaumont

Mr G Beaumont

Mrs C M Daniel

Mrs C M Durham

Mr P Garvey

Mr D Hartley

Mr J D Haywood DL – Past President

Mr A J Lee

Mr J T Lewis

Mr A Pogson

Mrs J Preston

Mr J Stafford

Mrs R Stones

Mrs S Wilman

Mr C V Winterburn

Associate Members

Mrs P Allsopp Mrs B Brook Mrs M J Graham Mr J Newcombe Mr P Spencer Mr F Appleyard Ms L Brown Ms D F Grant Mrs D Newlove Mrs F Stafford Mrs D Armitage Mr J F W Brown Mrs M Halmshaw Miss J M Newman Mr A Stirk Mrs H Ashley-Taylor Mr D H Burgess Ms J.A. Harvey Mrs K Northern Mrs S Stocks Mr D L Atkinson Mrs J Burhouse Mrs M.R. Henry Miss J K Parker Mr F N Stones Mrs S Baker Mrs R Chambers Mrs H Hibbin Mrs S Pioli Mrs M Swift Mrs C M Bamforth Mrs S Christie Mrs P Hird Mrs J Quarmby Mr C R Sykes Mr L Bardon Mrs J Cole Mr D Hirst Mrs J Rankin Mrs P R Sykes Mrs S.P. Barraclough Mrs M M Collison Mrs J Hobson Mrs E M Riches Mr E Szydelko Mrs S Beatty Mrs J Collison Mr D.L. Hoddle Mrs S M Rider Mrs V Thompson Mrs M Beaumont Mr M Corney Mr K. Horner Mrs C Roberts Mrs L W Thomson Mrs J Beevers Mr A J J Cowell Mr M Kaye Mr D.J. Robinson Mrs J M Thorpe Mr M. Benn Mr P Crawshaw Mrs C Kelly Mr M J Robinson Mrs B Tippen Mrs J. Benn Mr & Mrs I & C Daniel Miss M Kendall Mrs M Rodwell Mrs A Walker Mrs P A Berry Mr P Dawson Mr M Kettlewell Mrs N Roebuck Mr H Walsh Ms L Bewernick Mr P J Dodd Mrs H L Kettlewell Miss J I Roebuck Mrs J Walters Mrs L Blades Mr G Dransfield Mrs J Kilburn Mrs J Sanderson Mr D H Ward Mr J Blagbrough Mrs S Drummond Mrs C Kilburn Mr J A Sandland Dr D Wetherill Mrs D Boardman Mr R B. Drummond Mrs D Lingard Mr J Sawyer Mr M Widdall Mrs J E Booth Mr & Mrs H & D Earnshaw Mrs D K H Littlewood Mrs M W E Schofield Mrs G M Wilkinson Mrs S Bostock Mr R Ellis Mr P Lockwood Ms V A Scurrah Mr B Williams Mrs A Boswell Ms J. Ellis Mrs A Martin Mrs V Sharpe Mrs R Withill Ms E Bosworth Mrs V Elsey Mrs P Masih Mrs E Sheller Mrs J Wohlman Mr G Boyle Mr M Fearnley Mrs P McNeil Mrs J T Simpson Mrs J Wootton Mrs E A Boyle Mr J G Fearnley Mrs E C Merlin Mr G Slater Mrs D Bradbury Mr & Mrs P & B Foster Mr & Mrs T & J Morgan Mrs S Smelt Mrs B G Brook Ms J Foster Mrs E.A. Mortimer Mrs W Smith Mrs J Brook Mrs S C Garside Mr B. Mortimer Drs I & S Smith

Members, Associate Members and Past Presidents who have passed away during the season:

March 2024	David Hartley	HLM
April 2024	David Armitage OBE	Past President
April 2024	Freda Hiley	Associate
June 2024	Joan Reeve	Associate
Sept 2024	David Lockwood	Programme Secretary
		Retired (after 18 years in post)

SUBSCRIBERS OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY 2023–24

Mr Richard Adkinson Mr Stephen Duckett Mrs Janet Oakley Mrs Mary Abel Ms Kate Dugdale Mrs Helen Ogden Mr Bernard Ainsworth Mrs Christine Durham Mrs Vida Ogden Mr Nicholas Ivan Andrews Mr David Evans Mrs Catherine Overend Mrs Carol Armitage Ms Frances Durning Ms Jean Parker Dorothy Armitage Ms Elizabeth Exley Mrs D A Petty Mrs Jane Armitage Mr Dennis Fisher Ronnie Phayer Mr Chris Arnold Ms Linda Fisk Cllr Andrew Pinnock Miss Margaret Atkinson MBE Ms Jackie Fletcher Miss M Plested Mr Julian Batsleer Mr & Mrs D M Foot Mrs Cynthia Pratt Ms S Backhouse Janice Foster Mrs Jayne Preston Mr Geoffrey Bamford Mr Robert Frazer Mr Alan Pridmore Dr Kiff Bamford Andrew Gledhill Mrs M Pullen Mr Howard Bamforth Mr & Mrs Gledhill Mrs Laura Rawnsley Mr Nigel Bates Daphne Green Stephen Rattigan Mr Michael Battye Martin Greenhalgh Mrs Gill Redgrove Mr Robert Baxter Mr Richard Guthrie Mr Trevor Robson Mrs Charmaine Beaumont Mrs Jennifer Haigh Michael Robinson Mr Geoffrey Bedford David Hall Ms Annie Roche Mr William Bell Mr Richard Hallas Martin Rodgers Mr Graham Bennett Mr M Hall Marilyn Roobottom Mrs Sonia Benster Sir John Harman Stephen Rowley Mrs Patricia Berry Mr Ian Hartley Miss J Sargent Dr David Biltcliffe Mr Harry Hayes Mrs Jane Schofield

Mr Andrew Bird	Mr Donald Haywood	Robert Schofield
Mr David Blakeborough	SS Haywood	A Scott
Dr Martyn Blissett OBE	Mrs Hilary Hibbin	Miss Janet Sheard
Mr Anthony Booth	Mr Geoffrey Higgs	Dr Mike Sills
Paul Booth	Michael Hill	David & Elizabeth Smith
Mrs Shirley Bostock	Dawn Hirst	Peter Smith
Mrs Wendy Bower	Rosie Hoggart	Mrs Sheila Smith
Mr Roger Bowers	Mr Peter Hole	Mr Anthony Spice
The Venerable Bill Braviner	Sarah Horne	Mrs Lynda Stansfield-Evans
Mrs P E Broadbent	Mr A G Howard	Mr Alan Stephens
Ms Olivia Brock	Mr Terry Howard Firth	Mr Michael Stevenson
Alasdair Brodie-Browne	Alistair Paul Howatson	Mr Daniel Stone
Mrs P M Brodrick	Ms Jane Hoyle	Pamela Strachan
Dr A C Brook	Gwyneth Hughes	Janet Straughan
Mrs C Brown	Mr Frank Jennings	Brenda Sumner
Ms Kate Buchanan	John Jessop	Bill Sykes
David Michael Burdsey	Jill Johnes	Martin Sykes
Mrs Jean Burhouse	Roger Kenworthy	Mr David Talboys
Mr Peter Byrne	Carole Kilburn	Dr Mark Taylor
Ms Sarah Carlile	Mrs Celia Kilner	Mrs Margaret Thompson
Mrs Jane Carter	Mr Chris Kneale	Pauline Thornburn
John Chapman	Ian Laider	Jane Thornton
Mrs Beryl Chappell	Mr Norman Law	Mr Jonathan Thornton
Mr Darran Chappell	Rachel Lawton	Susan Turnbull
Mrs Judith Charlesworth	Mr Adrian Lee	Mrs Jane Walker

Ms Denize Chessa	Frances Lewis	M Walker
Mr Ian Chilton-Merryweather	Timothy Lewis	David Walton
Mr Philip Clements-Jewery	Ms Barbara Lockwood	Mr Brian Ward
Ms Rachel Clifford	Mrs Jenny Lockwood	Dave Ward
Mrs Ann Collier	Brian Mallinson	Mr J A Ward
Ms Norma Collins	Charles Maltby	Mrs Monica J Wells
Mr D Connolly	Eileen Marchant	Dr Diana Wetherill
Mr Robert Craggs	Mrs Helen Marshall	William Whalley
Mr Tom Cran	Ms Helen Martin	S Wickham
E Crowther OBE	Miss Christine McDonald	Mrs Christine Wilkinson
Mr Andrew Dawson	Mary McEnhill	Marilyn Willwohl
Ann Denham	Jeanette McMurdo	Mrs S E Wilman
Mr Colin Dent	Bryn Moore	Mr C Winterburn
Mr John Dickinson	Mr Christopher Morley	Mrs A Wise
Mr Hugh Donaldson	Susan Mosley	Carole Wood
Mrs L Downey	Mrs Barbara Newman	Fiona Wood
Mr Peter Drake	Mr P Nicholson	Michael Woodhead

FRIENDS OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY 2023–24

Mrs J Allen

Ms R Allen

Mrs B M Anderson Ms D Armitage

Mr & Mrs G Bamford

Dr D Barnwell Mr M Battye

Mrs C C Beardsell

Mr A J Bird Ms W Boothroyd Mr & Mrs J E Bowman The Venerable B Braviner Ms C Briggs Mr S Brind Mr & Mrs R C Brooks Ms J Burhouse Dr & Mrs R Buxton Mr & Mrs S Crossland Mr & Mrs A Dawson Mr A Dearden Mr H Donaldson Mrs R W Driver Dr C Duff Miss P Edmondson Mr & Mrs R A Elliott Mr & Mrs M Ellis Mr & Mrs D I Firth

Mr & Mrs P Flesher Canon & Revd B Maguire Mr & Mrs K Gorman Ms E Marchant Ms A Graham Mrs H Marshall Mr & Mrs M Green Ms P Masheder Mr & Mrs R Green Mrs M E Mercer Ms J Hampson Mrs M E Mills Mr D Hebden Mr & Mrs P Peters Mrs C A Henderson Mr T Lycett-Smith & Ms M Prys-Jones Mr & Mrs A Hey Mrs L Rawling Mr & Mrs R G Hey Ms G Redgrove Mr G Hirst Mrs K Reynolds Mrs J M Hollingworth Ms L Roobottom Mr & Mrs J Holmes Ms J Scott Mr A P Howatson Mrs M J Sheehan Mr I Howatson Mr & Mrs G Shore Ms A Howlett Mrs R Souten Ms A Hughes Ms E Stead Mr & Mrs R S Jessop Ms S Styring Mr M Johnson Ms J Thornton Dr R H Kandler Ms K Trout Mr M J Keeton Mr S R Wadsworth Mr & Mrs C Lane Ms F Wemheuer Mr & Mrs A Lee Mr & Mrs E B Wilkins Ms S Lee Mr & Mrs R I Womersley Mr & Mrs D Lockwood Mrs A Wood Mr A Long Mr & Mrs J Wood Mrs J Lumb Mr R Wood Mr & Mrs R Young

Remaining Concerts 2024–2025

SATURDAY 5[TH] APRIL 2025 – SPRING CONCERT

The Dream of Gerontius

Conductor – Martyn Brabbins

Orchestra – Orchestra of Opera North

Soloists: Soprano – Karen Cargill

Tenor – David Butt-Philip

Bass – Roland Wood

SATURDAY 12TH JULY 2025 – SUMMER CONCERT

Wonderful Town: music from stage and screen

Conductor - Ellie Slorach

Slaithwaite Philharmonic Orchestra

PROGRAMME FOR 190[th ] SEASON

2025–2026

Full concert season will be announced in June 2025

The dates are as follows

Saturday 1[st] November 2025 AUTUMN CONCERT Saturday 6[th] December 2025 CHRISTMAS CONCERT Saturday 20[th] December 2025 MESSIAH Saturday 14[th] March 2026 SPRING CONCERT Saturday 27[th] June 2026 SUMMER CONCERT

2024-08-31-accounts

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

31[st] August 2024

Honorary Patrons

Patrons

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS

31[st] August 2024

Auditors

Principal Bankers

Investment Managers

Honorary Solicitors

Registered Office

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

To be held at Moldgreen United Reformed Church

Old Wakefield Rd

Huddersfield HD5 8AA

at

6 p.m. Tuesday, February 11[th] 2025

Agenda

OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

Chair

Non-Committee Positions

MINUTES OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2023

PRESENT

1) APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

2) MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 15 JULY 2022 AND OF THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING HELD ON 8 NOVEMBER 2022

3) CHAIR’S REMARKS

4)ADOPTION OF ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 APRIL 2023

5) MEMBERS WHO HAVE PASSED AWAY (SINCE LAST AGM)

6) CONFIRMATION OF ELECTION OF OFFICERS AND COMMITTEE

7) RE-ELECTION OF AUDITORS

8) ANY OTHER BUSINESS

MEETING CLOSED AT 21:21

MOLDGREEN UNITED REFORMED CHURCH

2. Proposed amendment to Society Articles (‘Rules’)

ANNUAL REPORT 2024

CHAIR’S REMARKS

HCS TRUSTEES REPORT

For the year ending 31[st] August 2024

Musical activities

‘Fabulous music well worth travelling 200 miles.’

Finance and Management

Committee

A family of choirs

HCS VOICES REPORT 2023–2024

HCS COMMITTEE

Positions for Election

President

General Committee

Chair

Subscriber Secretary

8 Vocal Representatives

2 Subscriber Representatives

Company registration number 04925029

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) CONTENTS

Objectives and activities

Achievements and performance

Financial review

Structure, governance and management

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Auditor

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) TRUSTEES' REPORT (INCLUDING DIRECTORS' REPORT) (CONTINUED) FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Musical Activities

The Future

Disclosure of information to auditor

J Harman

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024

Opinion

Basis for opinion

Conclusions relating to going concern

Other information

Matters on which we are required to report by exception

Responsibilities of Trustees

Auditor's responsibilities for the audit of the financial statements

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S REPORT (CONTINUED) TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY

Use of our report

Craig Stratford FCA (Senior Statutory Auditor)

THE HUDDERSFIELD CHORAL SOCIETY (A COMPANY LIMITED BY GUARANTEE) STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE PERIOD ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024