Company no. 05052052 Charity no. 1110790
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report and Independently Examined Financial Statements
31 July 2025
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Reference and administrative details
| For theyear ended | 31 July 2025 | |
|---|---|---|
| Company number | 05052052 | |
| Charity number | 1110790 | |
| Principal and | 1st Floor, Sackville House | |
| registered office | 143-149 Fenchurch Street | |
| London | ||
| EC3M 6BL | ||
| Chair | Felicity Ford | |
| Trustees | Trustees, who are also directors under company law, who served during the | |
| year and up to the date of this report were as follows: | ||
| Catherine Best | (Resigned 21 November 2024) | |
| Alison Brister | ||
| Felicity Ford | ||
| Robert Gorrie | ||
| Elizabeth Horn | (Appointed 2 December 2024) | |
| Emma Kingsley | (Appointed 2 December 2024) | |
| Duncan McAlpine | (Resigned 4 September 2025) | |
| Julia Taylor | (Resigned 28 February 2025) | |
| Secretary | Alison Brister | |
| Bankers | CAF Bank Ltd | |
| 25 Kings Hill Avenue | ||
| Kings Hill | ||
| West Malling | ||
| Kent | ||
| ME19 4JQ | ||
| Independent | Godfrey Wilson Limited | |
| examiners | Chartered accountants and statutory auditors | |
| 5th Floor Mariner House | ||
| 62 Prince Street | ||
| Bristol | ||
| BS1 4QD |
1
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 The trustees present their report and the independently examined financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2025. Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial ststements comply with current statutory requirements, the Memorandum and Articles of Association and the Statement of Recommended Practice- Accounting and Reporting by Charities leffeclive from January 2015, revised effective January 20191. Structuro. governance and management Structuro The organisation is a charitsble company limited by guarantee I'the charity'l, incorporated on 23 February 2004 and registered as a charity on 9 August 2005. The Company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charity and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up each of the members is required to contribute an amount not exedIng £10. Governance and management The rules of membership of the chorus underline the ethos that all choir members are expected to contribute lo its effective running. Most members take part in some way with the organisalion of our aclivilies, from trustee and management eommittee roles lo discrete tasks for our operational teams. The charity engages the professional services of the Music Director and an accompanist. The board of Iruslees is responsible for all aspects of governance and strategic management of the charity, selling the strategic direction of the charity, developing policies, overseeing business plans and financial oversight. The work of the choir is managed on a day-to-day basis by a management committee I'lhe committee'l, which delivers the annual business plan and reports on a regular basis to the trustees. As the chorus is run entirely by volunteers, the trustees continue lo assess how best to manage the considerable operational workload effectively. The Iruslees have progressed their work on setting the strategic direction for the next five lo ten years and are working with the committee lo develop a new business plan and three-year budget. Trustees are elected by members of the charity at ils Annual General Meeting IAGMI. Al each AGM, one-third of trustees (being those who have been longest in office since their last appoinlmentl are required to retire but can be re-elected. New Iruslees may be co-opted by the board beeen AGMS, and their appointment ratified at the following AGM. Trustee recruitment The Iruslees regularly review skills and diversity in considering succession and appointment needs. Potential new trustees are drawn from among choir members, with an external trustee occasionally sought. The role description and terms of reference are available on the singers, website and choir members are alerted lo board vacancies through notices, email and word of mouth. Interested eandidales are interviewed by a small group of trustees. The successful candidate is invited to attend a trustee meets'ng, before being co-opted to the trustee board with a formal appointment being made al the next AGM. Two of the trustees retired during the year and IMO new trustees were recruited following this process from amongst the membership.
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 Rlsk management Major risks facing the charity are identified and recorded on a register which is regularly reviewed and discussed by the trustees. Each major type of risk, and ils potential impact, is assessed and scored by the trustees in consullalion with the management committee, and the action taken lo miligale this risk is noted. No organisation can be risk-free, bul the trustees consider that the range of measures and controls put in place lo identify and miligale major risks has reduced the normal risks faced by Crouch End Festival Chorus I'CEFC'I lo an acceptable level. The Iruslees are grateful lo the Music Director and the commitment of the committee and members for continuing lo ensure that the chorus not only puts on an eclectic range of ils own promotions but is in demand from a wide range of promoters for paid engagements. The trustees, budget management and robust forward-planning process has kept the chorus on a sound financial footing. They are confident that the charity will continue as a going concern for al least 12 months from the dale on which these financial statements are approved. The trustees therefore consider il appropriate lo adopt the going concern basis for the preparation of the accounts. Public benefit The trustees consider that they have complied with Section 17151 of The Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. The trustees and committee continue to implement measures to reach people from different backgrounds and cultures, not only to sing with us but also to form our audiences, to broaden the appreciation and understanding of choral music and encouoge the singers and audiences of the future. Our scheme offering free tickets to local refugee and migrant charities has opened up our concerts and workshops to new audiences, as has working with local schools and holding community workshops. Objectlves and actlvltles Objects of the charity as stated in the constitution To promote, improve, develop and maintain appreciation and education of the public land in particular the community of Crouch Endl in the art and science of music, and in particular of choral music, by the presentation of GonrtS and recitals, the holding of workshops and by such other activity as the committee may from time lo time determine. Our mission To engage and inspire a growing audience through excellent singing, audacious programming, high- quality recordings and commissioning new works. Strategic aims.. The trLJStees, working with the management committee, have identified three strategic aims for the charity to ensure that we continue to be artistically ambitious and financially secure, with a vibrant and talented membership and engaged audiences. We regularly review and assess progress towards these aims. Aim 1- To be musically ambitious and excellent, enhancing our reputation as a leading symphonlc Chorus Produce the highest qualiTty of musiTcianshiTP in singers, perfomi8nees, workshops and conductor mentees
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 The choir continues to include a vibrant mixture of singers who have been with the choir for 30 10 40 years as well as many new, excellent singers. This enables the choir lo maintain a centre of excellence and expertise whilst ensuring il is constantly replenished and slrenglhened. Members are supported with a wide range of learning aids, including vocal technique workshops and language coaching. New members are supported during the first three months to ensure they sellle in and contribute effectively. Our commitment lo our Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme, which we sel up In 2019, proved its value. This year's young conductors were Florence Price and Katherine Stonham, who were mentored throughout the year by David Temple in one-to-one tutorials, regular sessions conducting choir rehearsals and taking part In some perfOrmanS. They both grew throughout the process and ably contributed to the choir. Auditions for next year look place earlier in the year and two new candidates were chosen for 2025-26. Alumni of the scheme continue to reach new heights, building on their experiences with us. Create adventurous seasons Our artistic planning continues lo seek out less-heard music from women and composers from different backgrounds and programme works alongside beller-known choral greats. In addition, this year we continued lo build partnerships with other musicians and promoters lo broaden our aUdIenS and opportunities for singers to grow. Our 2024-25 season As part of a partnership with the Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra. our first concert of the year was Mendelssohn's Elijah al Alexandra Palace Theatre, followed by a December concert in Oxford. The London concert welcomed back the London Orchestra da Camem to our local venue, whilst the Oxford concert welcomed top soloists, including Sir Bryn Terfel who sang with CEFC several times when he was a very young man. Our Sing Christmasl carol concerts continue to please audiences, and we again put on two concerts to accommodate everyone in St Michael's Highgate, with a programme of traditional and modern festive favourites. In February 2025 we promoted our concert at Holy Trinity Church, Sloane Square in central London. The Chamber Players accompanied a diverse range of works.. Victoria Poleva's Davids Psalm, Paul Patterson's Time Piece, Arvo Part's Fratr8s, Barber's Agnus Dgi, Grace-Evangeline Mason's A Memory of the Ocean and Jacob Collier's Wortd O World. In July we returned lo Holy Trinity with a programme featuring the harp.. Judith Weir's All the Ends of the Earth, Janaeek's Otttenaè, Bernslein's Chichester Psaln7s and Fauré's Requiem. Initiate, develop and maintain working relationships with exciting artistic partners and leading venues andpromoters A key aspect of our revenue generation which enables us lo promote our ambitious seasons is our ability to attract external engagements pul on by other promoters. Rehearsals run alongside those for our own promotions, meaning that members are often singing twice or three times a week.
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 In December 2024 we provided the choir for a weekend of screenings of the film Home Alone at the Royal Albert Hall with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. This was closely followed by Christmas with Kings, featuring the choir of King's College Cambridge and the Philharmonia Orchestra al the Barbican. As part of our partnership with the Oxtord Philharmonic we returned to the Sheldonian Theatre in Oxford to perform Verdi's Requiem. CEFC has been supporting Andrea Bocelli for many years as he delights audiences around the country. The choir provided singers for his I0 concerts al the 02 Arena in May with the Czech National Symphony Orchestra. In June the choir teamed up with the Royal Philharmonic again for an evening of video game musi at the Royal Albert Hall. Also, in June we celebrated with Sir Karl Jenkins for the 251h anniversary of The Arffted Man with 2 concert in the Royal Festival Hall, again with the Royal Philharmonic. Included were excerpts from Symphonic Adiemus and the world premiere of Palladio Reimagined {Allegretto). Make ambitious and eriTtIC8lly successful recordings Recording the choir's unique interpretations of key choral works has become an important part of CEFC'S mission lo reach a growing audience, and of our commitment lo musical education. In February 2024 we undertook an ambitious recording project of Elgarfs The Kingdom to provide a legacy of CEFC'S ability to communicate major works. The recording look place at Alexandra Palace Theatre over a weekend with Signum Records, the London Mozart Players and four leading Elgar soloists. The choir was immersed in learning and performing the work to the highest recording stsndards, as well as enjoying the camaraderie of an intense recording period. The recording was released in May 2025 to considerable critical acclaim. Commission new works from a wide range of compose Our latest commission is for the young British composer Robin Haigh lo compose a work for our next season called Tearfloods.. Homage to Miyazaki. Aim 2: To make the choir a more diverse and inclusive oryanisation. engaging with and reflecting our local community of HaringeylNorth London Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion IEDII strategy is embedded in everything we do following our commitment lo making the choir a more diverse and inclusive organisalion so that we better reflect our local community, developing new audiences and the performers of the future. We continue lo target activities which enable". recruiting a more diverse choir membership., developing partnerships with local schools and youth organisations for performance opportunities and outreach activities., engaging more soloists, artistic partners and composers from diverse backgrounds.,
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 developing relationships with artistic partner organisations which champion diversity and inclusion in music", and engaging with a more diverse audience, including offering free tickets to local charities working with refugees. Our workshops and social media recruitment campaign continue to bear fruit, attracting new singers from a range of ages and backgrounds who have gone on to join the choir in all sections. We continue lo monitor the health of the choir by carrying out a member survey every two years. This assesses how members feel about the choir and provides us with a view on what we do well and whatwe could do better. The trustees and committee take note of the feedback and adjustments are fed into the annual workplan. Aim 3: To increase the resilience of the choir and secure its long-temi future Good governance and managing our resources prudently are vital to the success of the chorus. We have a rolling Ihree-year planning cycle and detailed budget setting. Trustees scrutinise and sign off all contracts. The highly able members of the committee cary out the operational running of the choir on a voluntary basis, bringing a wealth of professional skills. Our strategy stales that we will.. maintain good governance with due regard for both opportunities and risks., increase the income available to the choir, and the security of that income., make the best use of resources., harness the energy, enthusiasm and varied skills of the members, encouraging everyone to contribute lo the organisalion of the choir., and have shared and transparent systems for the running of the choir. The trustees continued to review all commitments and contracts and sought to minimise CEFC'S exposure to financial risks whilst continuing to engage with members and promote CEFC externally. By developing musical partnerships we have been able to plan concert, engagement and recording activities when appropriate to reach new audiences, oplimise the use of lime in our preparation and increase the cosl-effecliveness and impact of such projects. Unusually for an organisalion of this size, the choir is run solely by the members. A large percentage of the 157 members are involved in a voluntary role for the choir. The Iruslees and committee devote significant lime and energy to driving the choir forward. This level of commitment from its members is one of CEFC'S greatest strengths bul is also recognised as a risk on the risk register. The trustees, working with the committee and Music Director, have developed the strategic direction of the next five lo ten years, which include the consideration of the structure and roles needed to keep the choir resilient and relevant for years to come. Trustees continue lo be mindful of managing succession in the leadership of the choir, ensuring continuity, organisational learning and a structure that can wilhsland future changes. Our ChiefAccompanist, Peter Jaekel, has supported the choir on a vast range of projects throughout the year and again we thank him for his dedication.
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 The chorus would not be able to achieve its organisalional or musical aims without the inspiration and commitment of its Music Director David Temple MBE. His role extends well beyond getting the choir ready for concerts, injecting resilience and flexibility, creativity and daring into our programming, together with detailed planning for our recordings, working with a wide variety of promoters for our other engagements and inspiring the volunteers who lead and run the choir. We are extremely grateful for his continued dedication and commitment to CEFC. Financial review We use a rolling Ihree-year approach lo financial planning. This enables us to plan sustainably for the future and lo judge the amount of risk that the Iruslees consider prudent for the charity to lake. The reserves policy Iset out below) provides a target reserves band for the end of each rolling Ihree-year plan. The trustees approved a detsiled deficit budget for the 2023-24 financial year, our 40th anniversary season, with the financial envelope for the later two years planned in outline, within our staled reserves policy. Our attention to budgeting and cost control is rigorous and Iruslees work closely with budget holders. Throughout the year the committee regularly reviewed the budget in detail against actuals, with an updated projection of the expected outcome for 2024-25 reviewed by the trustees. Any resulting actions were then agreed and put in place by the committee. The net effect of our activities over the financial year was a surplus of £10,634. This was just over £28,000 better than the deficit budget we had set for the season. Losses on the choirfs own promotions were half the amount budgeted as a result of both strong tickets sales and tight cost control. Lower than forecast engagement income was offset by continued strong PPL reipts. Deferral of a fundraising campaign, less expenditure than expected on the technology refresh project, and accruing the 2024-25 budgeted cost of the commission from Robin Haigh in our 2023-24 accounts, were the other principal variances on budget. The surplus for the year has resulted in cash balances increasing to almost £130,000. Trustees have agreed a budget for 2025-26 with the management team which forecasts a deficit of £21,203 for the year. Work continues with the management team and Music Director in shaping inspiring seasons for 2026-27 and Into 2027-28, which are forecast lo tske reserves down towards the target range over the three-year period, in line with policy. The trustees would like to thank all members of the choir for their SUPFX)rt of CEFC through a very successful year, and the committee and wider finance team for ongoing attention to financial matters. Purposes for which the charitable company's assets are held Our total restricted and unrestricted funds at 31 July 2025 were £133,9041£123,270 al 31 July 20241. A major asset of the charity is its cash al bank and in hand which accounted for £129,481 at 31 July 20251£137,390 at 31 July 20241.
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 Unrestricted funds al 31 July 2025 of £133,204 (£119,947 at 31 July 20241 are available to use in furthering the charity's aims, in accordance with the Iruslees, agreed reserves policy. In addition, restricted funds at 31 July 2025 of £700 (£3,323 at 31 July 20241 were held, lo ulilise for donors, specific purposes set out in the reserves note to the accounts. Reserves.. The trustee reserves policy is designed to meet the Charity Commission's guidance on reserves in ways that are.. applicable lo CEFC'S charitable objectives and aims,. and meaningful to CEFC'S members, funders and other stakeholders. Definition of res&eS Reserves comprise kinds of unreslricled funds.. 1. General unrestricted funds which can be applied lo any of CEFC'S aims and objectives. 2. Designated unreslricled funds any amounts that the trustees have committed for a particular use or specific project agreed as an addition to regular ongoing aclivilies. Reserves exclude restricted funds. These are funds that the donor or funder has explicitly given lo be applied for a particular purpose or aim and only for that purpose or aim lor until sufficient conditions are agreed to be mell, e.g. a specific grant, fundraising for a commission, recording or performance, outreach funding, New Music Patron monies. Reserves will exclude any endowment funds. Reserves policy The charity has a Clear reserves poliey which the trustees regard as essential for sound financial management and forward planning. Reserves are the charity's unrestricted funds, comprising both general and designated unrestricted funds. Our policy requires reserves lo cover designated unrestricted funds plus an agreed band of general unreslricled funds lo support the choir's ongoing regular activities, risk profile and rolling Ihree-year forward planning. The trustees review the reserves policy al least annually and regularly monitor its operation. The agreed reserves range or band for general unrestricted funds is £70,000 10 £90,000, with the aim of ending each three-year forward plan with reserves sitting at or above the lower band level of £70,000. Our three-year artistic planning and our annual budgeting reflects the reserves policy. The policy provides flexibility in planning fvjture activities as while we may allow reserves to fall below the target range for a lime within a plan period, this will be supported by plans that build reserves back to the policy band by the end of that Ihree-year plan. The policy aims lo maintain adequate working capital to operate securely, to support our plans for the future and to provide adequate funding if unexpected events occur. The policy supports the UnrtaInlieS in our funding model, assisting the management committee and Iruslees to make appropriate and prudent future plans while ensuring that we do not hold unrestricted funds unnecessarity.
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 The charity's reserves policy is designed lo assist the trustees and management committee in.. keeping sufficient resources and working capital to support the opefftting model, risk profile and forward programme, without retaining excess funds that should be applied to charitable purposes", maintaining a sufficient safety net for the eharily to remain solvent and re-plan as necessary, should significant negative events occur., bringing forward aspects of the artistic plan which require longer-lerm planning and investment beyond one season, such as new commissions, recordings or ambitious programmes", re-planning or postponing aspects of the artistic plan to later years if our planning estimates or Current events result in forecast reserves being below the agreed band," and prompting necessary actions to restore the reserves band position in an adequate timeseale, should a deterioration towards or below the lower band occur. Publication of the reserves policy The policy forms part of CEFC'S Trustee Report in the Annual Report and Aceounls. The current reserves policy, including any revisions approved by the trustees since the last Annual Report and Accounts, is also published on the singers, pages of the CEFC website. Policy review This policy is reviewed al least annually by the CEFC trustees, to inform three-year planning and budgeting work, and additionally if the trustees agree that circumstances require it. Dependence on key supporters The charity is not dependent on any one source of external funding. Statement of responsibilities of the trustees The trustees (who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of company lawl are responsible for preparing the Iruslees, report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards, including Financial Reporting Standard 102.. The Financial Reporting Standard applicable In the UK and Republic of Ireland (United Kingdom Generally A¢¢epled Awounling Practi1. Company law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the slate of affairs of the charity and of the income and expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the Iruslees are required lo. select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consislenlly", observe the methods and principles In the Charities SORP (Slalement of Recommended Practi)., make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent., slate whether applicable UK accounting standards and statements of recommended practice have been followed, subject lo any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements., prepare the financial statements on the going Gonrn basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
Crouch End Festival Chorus Report of the trustees For the year ended 31 July 2025 The Iruslees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any lime the financial position of the charity and which enable them lo ensure that the financial ststemenls comply with the Companies Act 2006. The Iruslees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hen for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irreguLgrilies. The Iruslees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charity's website. Legislation in the United Kingdom governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions. Members ofthe charity guarantee to contribute an amount not exceeding £10 to the assets of the charity in the event of winding up. The total number of such guarantees al 31 July 2025 was 15712024.. 1551. The trustees throughout the 2024-2025 accounting period were all members of the Charity but this entitled them to no greater rights than other members. The trustees have no beneficial interest in the charity. Independent examiners Godfrey Wlson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness lo continue in that capacity- Approved by the trustees on 110eMber 2025 and signed on their behalf by.. TeLicièy Tok Felicity Ford Chair of Trustees 10
Independent examiner's report
To the trustees of
Crouch End Festival Chorus
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Crouch End Festival Chorus (the charitable company) for the year ended 31 July 2025, which are set out on pages 12 to 22.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of the charitable company (and also its directors for the purposes of company law) you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 (‘the 2006 Act’).
Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the charitable company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charitable company's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the 2011 Act’). In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5) (b) of the 2011 Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
(1) accounting records were not kept in respect of the charitable company as required by section 386 of the 2006 Act; or
-
(2) the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
(3) the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination; or
-
(4) the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the methods and principles of the Statement of Recommended Practice for accounting and reporting by charities applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Date: 11 December 2025 William Guy Blake ACA Member of the ICAEW Godfrey Wilson Limited Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House 62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD
11
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Statement of financial activities (incorporating an income and expenditure account)
For the year ended 31 July 2025
| Note Income from: Donations and legacies 3 Charitable activities 4 Other trading activities 5 Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure 6 7 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds |
Restricted Unrestricted £ £ - 44,397 - 129,801 145 6,001 - 1,655 145 181,854 - 892 2,768 167,705 2,768 168,597 (2,623) 13,257 3,323 119,947 700 133,204 |
2025 Total £ 44,397 129,801 6,146 1,655 181,999 892 170,473 171,365 10,634 123,270 133,904 |
2024 Total £ 67,574 143,589 14,548 1,998 227,709 1,597 214,009 215,606 12,103 111,167 123,270 |
|---|---|---|---|
All of the above results are derived from continuing activities. There were no other recognised gains or losses other than those stated above. Movements in funds is shown in Note 16 of the accounts.
The prior year comparatives for items comprising the net movement of funds are shown more fully in Note 2.
12
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Balance sheet
As at 31 July 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible fixed assets 10 Current assets Stock 11 Debtors 12 Cash at bank and in hand Liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due within 1 year 13 Net current assets Net assets 15 Funds 16 Restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds General funds Total charity funds |
£ 505 12,080 129,481 142,066 (8,162) |
2025 £ - 133,904 133,904 700 8,000 125,204 133,904 |
2024 £ - 356 8,367 137,390 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 146,113 (22,843) |
|||
| 123,270 | |||
| 123,270 3,323 10,000 109,947 |
|||
| 123,270 |
The directors are satisfied that the company is entitled to exemption from the provisions of the Companies Act 2006 (the Act) relating to the audit of the financial statements for the year by virtue of section 477, and that no member or members have requested an audit pursuant to section 476 of the Act.
The directors acknowledge their responsibilities for:
-
(i) ensuring that the Company keeps proper accounting records which comply with section 386 of the Act; and
-
(ii) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Company as at the end of the financial year and of its profit or loss for the financial year in accordance with the requirements of section 393, and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Act relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.
These financial statements are prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies regime.
Approved by the trustees on 11 December 2025 and signed on their behalf by
Felicity Ford - Chair of Trustees
13
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
1. Accounting policies
a) General information and basis of preparation
Crouch End Festival Chorus is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales. The registered office address is 1st Floor, Sackville House, 143-149 Fenchurch Street, London, EC3M 6BL.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities in preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Companies Act 2006.
Crouch End Festival Chorus meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note.
b) Going concern basis of accounting
The accounts have been prepared on the assumption that the charity is able to continue as a going concern, which the trustees consider appropriate having regard to the current level of unrestricted reserves. There are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
c) Income
Income is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Income from grants, whether 'capital' grants or 'revenue' grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably and is not deferred.
d) Interest receivable
Interest on funds held on deposit is included when receivable and the amount can be measured reliably by the charity: this is normally upon notification of the interest paid or payable by the bank.
e) Funds accounting
Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the charity. Designated funds are unrestricted funds of the charity which the trustees have decided at their discretion to set aside to use for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are donations which the donor has specified are to be solely used for particular areas of the charity's work or for specific projects being undertaken by the charity.
f) Expenditure and irrecoverable VAT
Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to make a payment to a third party, it is probable that settlement will be required and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Irrecoverable VAT is charged as a cost against the activity for which the expenditure was incurred.
14
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
1. Accounting policies (continued)
g) Allocation of support and governance costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Governance costs comprise all costs involving the public accountability of the charity and its compliance with regulation and good practice. These costs are allocated in full to Charitable Activities in the Statement of Financial Activities, on the basis that the majority of resources are directed towards these activities.
h) Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write down the cost of each asset to its estimated residual value over its expected useful life. The depreciation rate is 5 years straight line.
i) Stock
Stocks consist of music library and merchandise for re-sale and are valued at the lower of cost or net realisable value.
j) Debtors
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.
k) Cash at bank and in hand
- Cash at bank and cash in hand comprises cash held to meet short-term cash commitments as they fall due.
l) Creditors
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.
m) Financial instruments
The charity only has financial assets and financial liabilities of a kind that qualify as basic financial instruments. Basic financial instruments are initially recognised at transaction value and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
n) Accounting estimates and key judgements
In the application of the charity's accounting policies, the trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying values of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying 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 if the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
There are no key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant effect on the amounts recognised in the financial statements.
15
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
2. Prior period comparatives: statement of financial activities
| Income from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Other trading activities Investments Total income Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities Total expenditure 3. Income from donations and legacies Donations Membership Gift aid Total income from donations and legacies Prior period comparative: Donations Membership Gift aid Total income from donations and legacies Net income / (expenditure) and net movement in funds |
Restricted £ £ 15,548 52,026 - 143,589 8,758 5,790 - 1,998 24,306 203,403 - 1,597 31,683 182,326 31,683 183,923 (7,377) 19,480 Restricted £ £ - 2,371 - 34,542 - 7,484 - 44,397 Restricted Unrestricted £ £ 15,548 647 - 32,250 - 19,129 15,548 52,026 Unrestricted Unrestricted |
2024 Total £ 67,574 143,589 14,548 1,998 |
|---|---|---|
| 227,709 | ||
| 1,597 214,009 |
||
| 215,606 | ||
| 12,103 2025 Total £ 2,371 34,542 7,484 |
||
| 44,397 2024 Total £ 16,195 32,250 19,129 |
||
| 67,574 |
16
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
4. Income from charitable activities
| Income from charitable activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Concert income Engagements PPL fees and other royalties Total income from charitable activities |
2025 Total £ 51,359 52,473 25,969 129,801 |
2024 Total £ 33,547 90,999 19,043 |
| 143,589 |
All charitable activities income in the current and prior year was unrestricted.
5. Income from other trading activities
| Income from other trading activities | ||
|---|---|---|
| Merchandising and sales Fundraising and events New music patrons scheme Total income from other trading activities |
Restricted £ £ - 4,558 - 1,443 145 - 145 6,001 Unrestricted |
2025 Total £ 4,558 1,443 145 |
| 6,146 |
Prior period comparative:
| Merchandising and sales Fundraising and events New music patrons scheme Total income from other trading activities |
Restricted £ £ - 1,679 8,638 4,111 120 - 8,758 5,790 Unrestricted |
2024 Total £ 1,679 12,749 120 |
|---|---|---|
| 14,548 |
17
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
6. Total expenditure
| Total expenditure | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Support and | ||||
| Raising | Charitable | governance | 2025 | |
| funds | activities | costs | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Concert costs | - | 75,737 | - | 75,737 |
| Recording costs | - | 547 | - | 547 |
| External engagements | - | 17,072 | - | 17,072 |
| Member costs | 205 | 3,607 | - | 3,812 |
| General and admin | 182 | 6,663 | 8,068 | 14,913 |
| Merchandising and sales | 505 | - | - | 505 |
| Artistic services | - | 50,833 | - | 50,833 |
| Professional services | - | - | 4,685 | 4,685 |
| Choir promotion | - | 2,678 | - | 2,678 |
| Subscriptions | - | 583 | - | 583 |
| Sub-total | 892 | 157,720 | 12,753 | 171,365 |
| Allocation of support and governance costs | - | 12,753 | (12,753) | - |
| Total expenditure | 892 | 170,473 | - | 171,365 |
| Total governance costs were £4,685 (2024: | £5,490). | |||
| Prior period comparative: |
| Prior period comparative: | |
|---|---|
| Concert costs Recording costs External engagements Commission fees Member costs General and admin Merchandising and sales Artistic services Professional services Choir promotion Subscriptions |
£ £ £ £ - 47,563 - 47,563 - 65,187 - 65,187 - 24,531 - 24,531 - 10,000 - 10,000 263 224 - 487 60 - 11,109 11,169 1,274 - - 1,274 - 45,140 - 45,140 - - 5,710 5,710 - 4,117 - 4,117 - 428 - 428 Raising funds Charitable activities Support and governance costs 2024 Total |
| Sub-total Allocation of support and governance costs |
1,597 197,190 16,819 215,606 - 16,819 (16,819) - |
| Total expenditure | 1,597 214,009 - 215,606 |
18
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
7. Net movement in funds
This is stated after charging:
| Trustees' remuneration Trustees' reimbursed expenses Accountants' remuneration: Independent examination (excluding VAT) |
2025 £ Nil Nil 1,750 |
2024 £ Nil Nil 1,750 |
|---|---|---|
In common with other charities of our size and nature we use our independent examiners to assist with the preparation of the financial statements.
8. Staff costs and numbers
The charitable company had no employees at any time during the current or prior year.
The key management personnel of the charitable company comprise the trustees and management committee. No remuneration was paid to key management personnel during the year (2024: £nil).
9. Taxation
The charitable company is exempt from corporation tax as all its income is charitable and is applied for charitable purposes.
10. Tangible fixed assets
----- Start of picture text -----
Equipment
£
Cost
At 1 August 2024 and at 31 July 2025 551
Depreciation
At 1 August 2024 and at 31 July 2025 551
Net book value
-
At 31 July 2025
-
At 31 July 2024
Stock
2025 2024
£ £
Goods for resale 505 356
----- End of picture text -----
11. Stock
19
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
12. Debtors
| Debtors | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade debtors Accrued income Prepayments |
2025 £ 5,500 200 6,380 12,080 |
2024 £ 720 7,542 105 |
| 8,367 |
13. Creditors : amounts falling due within 1 year
| Accruals Deferred income (note 14) Other creditors |
2025 £ 5,218 447 2,497 8,162 |
2024 £ 21,649 - 1,194 |
|---|---|---|
| 22,843 |
14. Deferred income
| At 1 August Deferred during the year Released during the year At 31 July Deferred income relates to ticket sales for future concerts. |
2025 £ - 447 - 447 |
2024 £ - - - |
|---|---|---|
| - |
15. Analysis of net assets between funds
| Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 31 July 2025 |
£ 700 - 700 Restricted funds |
£ 8,000 - 8,000 Designated funds |
£ 133,366 (8,162) 125,204 General funds |
Total funds £ 142,066 (8,162) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 133,904 |
20
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
15. Analysis of net assets between funds (continued) Prior year comparative
| Current assets Current liabilities Net assets at 31 July 2024 Movement in funds Restricted funds New Music Patrons Specific Recording Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds: Special Projects Total designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme |
£ 3,323 - 3,323 £ - 700 2,623 3,323 10,000 10,000 109,947 119,947 123,270 Restricted funds At 1 August 2024 |
£ 10,000 - 10,000 Income £ 145 - - 145 - - 181,854 181,854 181,999 Designated funds |
£ 132,790 (22,843) 109,947 Expenditure £ (145) - (2,623) (2,768) (2,000) (2,000) (166,597) (168,597) (171,365) General funds |
£ 146,113 (22,843) 123,270 At 31 July 2025 £ - 700 - 700 8,000 8,000 125,204 133,204 133,904 Total funds |
|---|---|---|---|---|
16. Movement in funds
Purposes of restricted funds
New Music Patrons
Money donated to help fund commissions of new music for the choir to perform.
Specific Recording
Money donated for specific future recording projects.
Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme
Money donated to contribute to the costs of setting up and operating the YCMS scheme for the 2024-25 season.
21
Crouch End Festival Chorus
Notes to the financial statements
For the year ended 31 July 2025
16. Movement in funds (continued) Purposes of designated funds
Special Projects
Money set aside from the general reserve to contribute to the costs of future artistic and operational projects.
| Prior year comparative Restricted funds Elgar Recording New Music Patrons Specific Recording Total restricted funds Unrestricted funds Designated funds: Special Projects Total designated funds General funds Total unrestricted funds Total funds Young Conductors Mentoring Scheme |
£ 10,000 - 700 - 10,700 10,000 10,000 90,467 100,467 111,167 At 1 August 2023 |
Income £ 21,086 120 - 3,100 24,306 - - 203,403 203,403 227,709 |
Expenditure £ (31,086) (120) - (477) (31,683) - - (183,923) (183,923) (215,606) |
At 31 July 2024 £ - - 700 2,623 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3,323 | ||||
| 10,000 | ||||
| 10,000 | ||||
| 109,947 | ||||
| 119,947 | ||||
| 123,270 |
17. Related party transactions
There were no related party transactions in the current or prior period.
22