www.sherbornechamberchoir.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1113380
Agenda for the 30[th] Annual General Meeting of Sherborne Chamber Choir to be held on Thursday 23[rd] May 2024 in Sherborne Primary School during the rehearsal
-
Apologies for Absence
-
Minutes of the 29[th] AGM held on 25[th] May 2023
-
Trustees’ report and accounts for the year 1[st] August 2022 to 31[st] July 2023
-
Subscription rates
-
Nominations and election of members of the committee
-
Any other appropriate AGM business
Followed by Open Forum
www.sherbornechamberchoir.org.uk Registered Charity No. 1113380
Minutes of the 29[th] Annual General Meeting of Sherborne Chamber Choir, held on Thursday 25[th] May 2023 at 9.00 pm in Sherborne Primary School after Choir Rehearsal
Present: Jenny Adam, Mark Allan (MA), David Arkell, Liz Ashmead, Julie Bartlett, Toffer Beattie, Jill Caudle, Louise Crocker, Mandy Drake, Paul Ellis (PE), Celia Frear, Dodie Garnier, Steve Goodden (SG), Rachel Greaves (RG), Lynne Harding (LH), Kirk Hutton, Heidi Jarrett, Martin Jenkinson (MJ), Martin King, Oonagh Langrishe, Liz Liddle (LL), Rosie Monaghan, Judy Mooney, Maggie Nightingale (MN), Gill Oliver, Beverley Phillips, Emma Reynolds, Marion Robinson (MR), Janet Schofield, Susan Wales, Andrew White, Amy Whittlesea, Gotthelf Wiedermann, John Willetts.
Apologies for Absence: Lys Atkinson, Nick Bathurst, Gillie Bray, Stephen Bell, Pam Coward, Chris Elsworth, Karen Foster, Catherine Fraser, Michael Goodden, Nick Jackman, Kate Jungius, Daniel Mitchell, Gareth Price, Elizabeth Robshaw, Julian Shortman, Eleanor Shortman, Helen Walter.
Minutes of the 28[th] AGM held on 19[th] May 2022. These had been circulated prior to the meeting by email to all members and were approved as a correct record with no amendments. Proposed by Martin Jenkinson, seconded by Oonagh Langrishe. All in favour.
Trustees’ report and accounts for the year 1[st] August 2021 to 31[st] July 2022. The report and accounts had been circulated to choir members via email prior to the meeting. The accounts, as prepared by Lynne Harding, had been independently examined by Liz Ashmead in accordance with Charity Commission regulations. RG reiterated as stated in the Trustees’ Annual Report that it had indeed been good to be able to report a full season of singing, following the disruption caused by the COVID-19 restrictions. SCC is fortunate in that there remain many choirs nationwide that are still struggling to find enough singers, generate funds and attract audiences. In hindsight, the Platinum Jubilee Concert held in July 2022 was a most poignant moment, and it was good to be able to celebrate this occasion in such musical style. RG welcomed all the new members, and hoped that they would stay with the choir. For clarification purposes regarding the annual accounts, LH advised that the choir did not receive an invoice from SPS for the hire of the school hall for weekly rehearsals, and that the choir will be invoiced twice this financial year. The donation to the Ukraine appeal from the March 2022 concert depleted takings. Gift Aid donations were affected due to the changing of bank accounts in the accounting period. Both the Advent and spring concerts 2023 generated good profits, although there were some unexpected expenses incurred: hire of the Church Hall and accommodation outlay for musicians due to a train strike. This will all be reflected in this current year’s annual accounts. LH then thanked LA for acting as independent examiner. There were no questions from the floor of the Chair and Treasurer. It was proposed by Janet Schofield and seconded by Kirk Hutton that these accounts should be accepted. All were in favour.
Subscription rates. Although the choir’s funds are presently in a healthy state, there is the need to be mindful that costs all round have, and still are, increasing. Lucrative revenue from wedding and funeral services has all but dried up. RG emphasised that, if this financial position is to be maintained, then it is proposed that annual subscriptions should increase by £10 from £125 to £135. This still represents good value for choir members, and is competitive when compared with other amateur choirs. A discussion followed amongst the members, focusing on the potential inability by members to be able to pay the
increase. RG emphasised that, if any choir member was experiencing any financial difficulty whatsoever in being able to either pay the increase or even pay at all, then they should approach her in confidence to discuss. he ability to pay the subscription in two tranches would remain. It was finally agreed, with all in favour, that the subscription rate should be increased b £10 p.a.
Nominations and election of members of the committee. Members of the current committee are Rachel Greaves (Chair), Lynne Harding (Treasurer), Paul Ellis (Ex-officio), Martin Jenkinson, Oonagh Langrishe, Susan Wales (Secretary) and Helen Walter. MJ is stepping down from the committee, and the remainder of the committee are happy to continue. However, this means that there is now a vacancy, and RG asked that members think about volunteering. It was proposed by Heidi Jarrett and seconded by Rosie Monaghan that these choir members stand again as committee members. All were in favour. RG thanked the committee, and all the other choir members who help in whatever way to ensure everything runs smoothly and efficiently.
Any other appropriate business. None forthcoming, and the formal meeting closed at 21:17.
General forum. PE spoke briefly about the repertoire for the 2[nd] December 2023 concert and that it would follow the pattern as in recent years and comprise of a range of Advent music that, whilst presenting the usual challenge to sing such a range of different music, it would nonetheless be enjoyable for both singers and audience alike. He suggested the possibility of performing the Christmas Oratorio in the future, and is hopeful that a sponsor would be forthcoming. The 2024 spring concert will be on 16[th] March and PE suggested that the Duruflé Requiem and James MacMillan Miserere could comprise the programme. He suggested that choir members listen to a recording of the MacMillan and feedback their opinions to PE, especially if it is considered to challenging a piece to perform. It is likely that the summer 2024 concert will be held on 6[th] July, although this has yet to be confirmed with/by Sherborne Abbey. LL asked if PE had considered if any of the pieces commissioned for the King’s Coronation appealed. MN asked if it would be possible to perform a single work at a future Advent concert, for example Britten St Nicholas/Ceremony of Carols or Schutz Christmas Story. On behalf of the choir, thank you gifts were then presented to RG by SG and MR, and PE was presented with a token of appreciation for all his work in leading the choir in its musical endeavours.
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1113380
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
for the year to 31 July 2023
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1113380
| Index | ||
|---|---|---|
| Page | ||
| Trust Information | 3 | |
| Trustees Report | 4 | |
| Report of the Independent Examiner | 6 | |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 | |
| Balance sheet | 8 | |
| Notes to the accounts | 9 |
Page 2
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1113380
Legal and Administrative Information ` Trustees: Rachel Greaves, Chair Lynne Harding, Treasurer Martin Jenkinson (resigned 25 May 2023) Oonagh Langrishe Susan Wales, Secretary Helen Walter Musical Director Paul Ellis Bankers: CAF Bank Ltd 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill West Malling ME19 4JQ Independent Examiner Liz Ashmead, The Old Forge Frome St Quintin Dorset DT2 OHG
Page 3
Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 July 2023
Structure and Governance
The charity is an unincorporated society registered with the Charities Commission on 21 March 2006 and governed by a constitution, last amended in May 2008.
The Trustees are elected by choir members and form the Committee, along with the Musical Director, who is exofficio.
Objects of the Choir
The choir is established to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of choral music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts; and for the general purposes of such charitable bodies or for such other purposes as shall be exclusively charitable as the committee may from time to time decide.
Activity
The choir holds regular practices and training sessions and gives concerts and other informal performances in Sherborne and the surrounding area.
After the hugely disruptive COVID-19 restrictions of 2020 and 2021, it is hard to believe that this season has been our first completely free of restrictions. The choir is full to capacity and we have been delighted to maintain the large audience numbers that welcomed us back after lockdown. Many choirs are still struggling to return to normal and the Arts generally continue to be affected by the damage caused by the Pandemic, funding cuts and the cost of living, so we are very fortunate. We have continued with our online ticket system (with phone provision) and this has been very successful.
We gave four performances in Sherborne Abbey during the season:
26[th] November 2022 Ave Maria . Our Advent concert of carols old and new has become a very popular concert and this was no exception, attracting an audience of nearly 300. We were finally able to give the complete premiere of our fortieth anniversary commission project of the Advent ‘O’ Antiphons , beautifully set by David Bednall. The remainder of the programme was an eclectic mix of old and new, ranging from Tallis, Guerrero and Howells to contemporary composers including Francis Pott, Kerensa Briggs and Alexander Campkin.
18[th] March 2023 Bach Mass in B minor . Another long-postponed performance was our fortieth anniversary concert of one of the most celebrated works in the choral repertoire, Bach’s Mass in B minor . We were joined by a period orchestra of some of the finest players in the country, led by Alison Bury, and four top soloists, who included countertenor Robin Blaze and baritone Morgan Pearse. It was a challenging and exhilarating sing for the choir, with an audience of around 500, a number of whom joined us after the concert for drinks and an amazing cake made by an SCC member, which rounded off a perfect evening.
27[th] April 2023 Between Heaven and Earth . For the first time, our annual performance in the Sherborne Abbey Festival as part of the Sherborne Festival Chorus was the opening concert of the festival, with a performance of Haydn’s Harmoniemesse and Brahms’ Song of Destiny . We were joined by a fine quartet of soloists and Chameleon Arts Orchestra.
8[th] July 2023 A Grand Tour . To finish the season, we took a mini-musical tour across Europe, from France to Lithuania, Germany to Norway, with music by composers from the fifteenth century to the present day. The main work was Brahms’ setting of the Requiem, in the setting with piano duet accompaniment made by Brahms himself, and played wonderfully by Simon Clarkson and David Bednall on the Abbey’s new grand piano.
We also sang an enjoyable Christmas evensong at St Cuthbert’s Church, Wells in January 2023, carols for the switching on of the Christmas lights in Sherborne and for the Weldmar Hospice Light up a Life service. We returned to Wells, this time to the cathedral, to sing evensong in summer 2023.
Many thanks to all the members of the choir for their continuing dedication and hard work and in particular to all those who help in so many ways behind the scenes to ensure the success of the choir and its concerts. Above all, thanks are due to our Musical Director, who continues to inspire us and raise us to new musical heights.
Page 4
Public Benefit
In planning the choir’s activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging. The choir relies on income from ticket sales and membership subscriptions to cover its operating costs. Careful consideration is given to ensuring that ticket prices and subscriptions are set at levels which make the choir’s activities as accessible to as wide a range of the public as possible, including free tickets for under 18s at all our own-promoted concerts and keeping a proportion of our tickets priced at £5.
Finance
Principal sources of funds and COVID-19
Our normal principal sources of funds are box office income, members’ subscriptions, income from fee-paying engagements and from our Friends scheme. These sources of income stopped entirely during the pandemic, however, thanks to being in good financial shape at the start of restrictions, minimum expenditure and good reserves, and the return of large audiences since, the choir continues to be in a financially secure position. We were fortunate to receive donations from choir members and from audience members who donated their ticket money from our cancelled concerts; we are most grateful to all of them, and delighted to see such consistently large and enthusiastic audiences since our return. We are also fortunate that a benefactor who had given a major donation before the pandemic towards a performance of Bach’s B minor Mass agreed to carry that forward into 2023, enabling our anniversary performance to take place.
The accounts for the year show revenue of £31,683 and expenditure of £28,903, resulting in a surplus of £2,780.
Reserves policy
The trustees usually aim to keep enough reserves to cover concert costs for the season, excluding any box office income which may be received. Our reserves at the end of the financial year were £27,614.
We gratefully acknowledge all our supporters, both in kind and through donations, including our loyal band of Friends of the choir, and our audiences.
The trustees declare that they have approved the report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees.
Rachel Greaves, Chair Date 14 May 2024
Page 5
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1113380
Independent Examiner’s Report
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The Sherborne Chamber Choir (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2023, which comprise the Statement of Financial Activities (including Income and Expenditure Account), the Balance Sheet and the related Notes.
Responsibilities and basis of report
The charity's Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.
Having satisfied myself that the financial statements of the charity are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the Companies Act 2006 and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.
Independent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination and I can confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act; or
-
the accounts do not accord with those records; or
-
the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements of section 130 of the 2011 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
-
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 and in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Liz Ashmead
The Old Forge Frome St Quintin Dorset DT2 0HG
Signed Elizabeth Ashmead
Date: 20[th] May 2024
Page 6
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
Registered Charity number: 1113380 Profit and Loss account for the year ended 31 July 2023
| Revenue Box office income Friends Subscriptions Music Hire Weddings Other services Programme sales Sponsorship Donations Interest Bach Concert Refunds Gift Aid Expenditure Musical Director and miscellaneous Musical Director fees Musical Director concert and wedding fees Promotion and Printing Advertising Postage Printing Music purchase and hire Music hire Music purchase Commissioned music Concert expenses Commission on box office Additional singers for concerts Float Refunded Organist Orchestra Soloists Refreshments for orchestra Festival chorus fee Meals and welfare for orchestra/soloists Abbey fees Bach concert ticket refunds Administration Rehearsal venue hire Auditor fees Making Music Membership and insurance Miscellaneous Equipment Donations out Social events Bank charges Online hosting charges Profit (Loss) for the year Bank Accounts at at 31-07-23 New CAF Bank Account Balance CAF 60-day interest Account balance Total cash |
£ £ £ £ 11,815 9,589 740 445 5,780 4,919 33 38 400 200 350 300 892 194 10,000 - 330 1,072 99 36 200 - 1,044 987 31,683 17,780 4,740 4,740 420 420 630 372 33 56 1,108 618 542 589 470 715 1,160 1,170 369 643 1,560 1,560 - 300 1,095 740 5,750 2,380 3,890 - 200 112 400 - 280 - 3,005 1,242 - 20 2,290 299 130 155 390 295 111 311 - 862 270 - 60 96 - 124 28,903 17,818 2,780 (38) £ Movement in year 7,597 2,897 Cash movement 12,278 (117) Movement in Gift Aid debtor 19,874 2,780 31/07/2023 31/07/2022 Year to Year to |
|---|---|
| 19,874 |
Page 7
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
Registered Charity number: 1113380
Balance sheet : 31/07/2023
| 31/07/2023 | 31/07/2022 | 31/07/2022 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Current Assets | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Cash at bank | 19,874 | 16,977 | |||
| Stock in hand (library music) | 7,000 | 7,000 | |||
| Gift aid | 870 | 987 | |||
| Total current assets | 27,744 | 24,964 | |||
| Current liabilities | |||||
| Accruals - Independent Examiner Fee | 130 | 130 | |||
| Total current liabilities | 130 | 130 | |||
| Excess of assets over liabilities | 27,614 | 24,834 | |||
| Reserves | |||||
| Reserves b/fwd | 24,834 | 24,872 | |||
| Surplus for the year | 2,780 | (38) | |||
| Reserves c/fwd | 27,614 | 24,834 |
Page 8
SHERBORNE CHAMBER CHOIR
REGISTERED CHARITY NO 1113380
Notes to the accounts
Accounting Polices
Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and the revised Statement of Recommended Practice- Accounting and Reporting by Charities (Sorp 2005) and the Financial Reporting Standard for smaller entities effective April 2008. The accounts have been prepared using the accruals basis.
Incoming Resources
Income is recognised as soon as there is certainty of receipt and amount.
Expenditure
All expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis.
Funds
There are no restricted funds.
Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value. A review of the library will be undertaken in the financial year ended 31 July 2024.
Page 9