OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator. This document is also available as Markdown.

← Thornbury Musical Theatre Group Limited

2024-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01/04/2023 Period start date To 31/03/2024 Period end date

Charity name: Thornbury Musical Theatre Group Limited

Charity registration number: 1124233

Objectives and Activities

SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of
the charity as set out in its
governing document		 Para 1.17 The objects of the company are to advance
general education in the arts of musical
theatre and drama, to develop public
appreciation of such arts by the
performance of a variety of musical or
dramatic works, and to support the
development of venues for the
performance of such works.
Summary of the main
activities in relation to those
purposes for the public
benefit, in particular, the
activities, projects or
services identified in the
accounts.		 Para 1.17 and
1.19		 TMTG is an adult musical theatre group
which performs three productions a year to
audiences in Thornbury area: a concert, a
pantomime and a main musical production.
In addition, TMTG promotes the Arts
through engagement with community
events including the carnival, the dementia
memory café and local residential homes
through its ‘TMTG Presents’ concert party.
The group also had a Junior Section.
However following concerns by the
Trustees in respect of financial
management and accountability the
leaders of the Junior Section resigned in
December 2023. An EGM was held on 9th
January 2024 where it was decided to put
the junior section on hold until further
notice.
Statement confirming
whether the trustees have
had regard to the guidance
issued by the Charity
Commission on public
benefit		 Para 1.18 The Trustees confirm that they have
heeded the guidance issued by the Charity
Commission on public benefit.In addition,
Charity Commission and legal advice has
been sought during the reporting period to
ensure compliance.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference
Para 1.38
Policy on grant making
Policy on social investment
including program related
investment		 Para 1.38
Contribution made by
volunteers		 Para 1.38 The group relies heavily on the assistance
of volunteers, most of whom are members.
In addition to on-stage performers
volunteers assist in a number of support
roles, including set-construction, technical
management, costumes, makeup
stewarding and front of house. Without
these contributions the work of the group
would not be possible
Other

Achievements and Performance

SORP reference
Summary of the main
achievements of the charity,
identifying the difference the
charity’s work has made to
the circumstances of its
beneficiaries and any wider
benefits to society as a
whole.		 Para 1.20 Concert 2023 - ‘Musical Misfits’
This was challenging for a number of
reasons, a new venue as a result of the
Armstrong Hall remaining closed following
lockdown and the continuing negotiations
between Thornbury Town Council and
community groups. Building on the
audience figures in respect of Shrek at the
Olympus Theatre in Filton the group
decided to explore options to engage with
the new audience at utilise St Peters Hall.
Again, this was a smaller venue, however
allowing both performers and audience
members to enjoy musical theatre. The
show was well received by the community,
promoting community confidence and
cohesion. However, whilst the group would
use the venue again the audience in this
venue was slow to build and there is/was a
general concern that this was removed
from TMTG’s Thornbury roots.
MAIN SHOW 2023 ‘Sister Act’
TMTG's main musical this year was
Sister Act. Once again, the production was
supported by our incredible production
team who worked tirelessly to provide a
quality production. All members pulled
together as the group returned to the
Olympus Theatre for a second time due to
the Armstrong Hall closure. This still

required a concerted effort to promote the show and build an audience in a different location, although still within South Gloucestershire. The positive outcome was that the group again was able to spread and promote the arts to a wider geographic and demographic area. This also included an increase in our membership we believe for several reasons: a return to normality following COVID with a desire for people to engage; the choice of show; and the opportunity to perform in the venue. It is pleasing to see that our new members have remained with the group. TMTG again received much praise from the official reviewers, NODA and Rose Bowl. PANTOMIME 2023 ‘Dick Whitington’ Again, due to the continued closure of the Armstrong Hall the group were unable to perform within Thornbury. However. the group secured a venue at the Winterbourne Community Centre WADCA. Due to the smaller size of the venue the show was a ‘Pop up Panto’ written by group members and was well received within our increasing catchment area enabling the members to experience and develop in the medium of pantomime, whilst also trying out new ideas and performance times. TMTG PRESENTS In addition, TMTG promotes the Arts through engagement with community events including the carnival, Christmas carols, the dementia memory café and local residential homes through its ‘TMTG Presents’ concert party. This was and is considered particularly important to ensure that the group maintains a high profile within the Thornbury area. This activity is undertaken voluntarily by the group for the benefit of many residents who are unable to access or otherwise attend our usual venues. JUNIOR SECTION

TMTG Juniors produced a well-received production of The Wizard of Oz. Once again the Juniors and their production team worked hard producing good performances and receiving a NODA award in respect of

the programme design.

The final TMTG juniors’ production ‘When I grow up’ was a review format showcasing musical numbers from a variety of shows providing an effective platform for all members to demonstrate their abilities within the acts.

Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:		 Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:		 Additional information (optional)
You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against
objectives set		 Para 1.41 The Prime objective was to further build
confidence within both the membership and
audience members to return to the theatre
following ‘lock-down’. All shows achieved
this to a high standard and were well
received.
The second objective was to secure new
venues due to the continued closure of the
Armstrong Hall, whilst consolidating the
groups position in respect of the Olympus
Theatre, Filton.
The third objective was to return to three
productions a year including the production
of a pantomime, The trustees recognise
that this was important both for community
engagement, financial growth and stability.
These objectives were met with the use of
new venues at St Peters Hall and the
WADCA community centre. In addition the
concert and pantomime made a profit of£
2800with the main production Sister Act
making a small loss of£ 55
Performance of fundraising
activities against objectives
set		 Para 1.41 During this financial year concerns
emerged to the Trustees in respect of the
accountability and financial management of
the TMTG Juniors (The junior section). As
a consequence, the Chair and Trustees
considered it inappropriate to consider
additional fundraising until all irregularities
had been resolved.
TMTG Presents made a small income from
donations to support its governance
amounting to£ 742
Investment performance
against objectives		 Para 1.41 N/A
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s
financial position at the end
of the period		 Para 1.21 The charity sustained financial impact
during COVID as a consequence of 2 years
without productions whilst still incurring
operating costs in respect of insurance and
storage. This had a significant impact on
finances. Although we are pleased to
report that our first pantomime production in
recent years produced a profit of £2,800
During the period the Trustees also had
major concerns regarding the governance
of ‘TMTG juniors’as detailed below
.As a
consequence following legal advice and a
membership vote £ 1,947 financial assets
and £4,500 material assets, which were not
formally recorded by previous trustees were
transferred to Pheonix Youth Theatre, a
new theatre group independent of TMTG
set up to support youth theatre in the
Thornbury up by the former TMTG Junior
Leaders on their departure.
The charity's operations were divided into
an adult section and a junior under 18
section
~~.~~Given the circumstances outlined
above the Junior section made a loss of
£3,363 and the Adult section a loss of
£2,577 totalling £5,940
TMTG has also made losses due to
continuing venue issues and the need to
build newer audiences in a wider
geographical area. There are also rising
costs of putting on a show, in particular
venue hire. The Charity's public benefit is to
serve both its members and the local
community, so careful consideration is
given to which shows would be more
popular with audiences (and therefore more
profitable) but also which shows the
members would like to perform. Careful
consideration is also being given to
increasing ticket prices and membership to
ensure an inclusive approach.
Statement explaining the
policy for holding reserves
stating why they are held		 Para 1.22 It is the group's policy is to hold reserves
equivalent to the approximate cost of one to
two shows. This would equate to between,
£20-30,000 the group is aware of these
challenges in the current climate and
returned to 3 adult shows one being a
Pantomime to achieve improved reserves.
Once the issue with TMTG juniors is
resolved the trustees will also,
1.
Implement a financial strategy
2.
Explore options in respect of grants
and sponsorship
Amount of reserves held Para 1.22 £10,000
Reasons for holding zero
reserves		 Para 1.22
Details of fund materially in
deficit		 Para 1.24 Nil
Explanation of any
uncertainties about the
charity continuing as a going
concern		 Para 1.23 The trustees do not have any concerns
about the charity's ability to continue as a
going concern given the financial
performance of recent shows and the
emerging financial strategy.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


The charity’s principal
sources of funds (including
any fundraising)
Para 1.47
Ticket sales and membership fees and
revenue from programme adverts and
sales.
Investment policy and
objectives including any
social investment policy
adopted		 Para 1.46
A description of the principal
risks facing the charity		 Para 1.46 Another epidemic and resulting lock-down
Increasing venue costs
Cost pressures on members leading to
reduced membership income
Cost pressures on audiences leading to
reduced income from productions
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s
trusts:
Type of governing document
(trust deed, royal charter)		 Para 1.25 Memorandum and Articles of Association
dated 6 April 2008 and amended 29 March
2011
How is the charity
constituted?
(e.g unincorporated
association, CIO)		 Para 1.25 Company limited by guarantee.
Trustee selection methods
including details of any
constitutional provisions e.g.
election to post or name of
any person or body entitled
to appoint one or more
trustees		 Para 1.25 Elected by members at general meeting on
an annual basis

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:


Policies and procedures
adopted for the induction
and training of trustees
Para 1.51
The charity’s organisational
structure and any wider
network with which the
charity works		 Para 1.51
Relationship with any related
parties		 Para 1.51
Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name Thornbury Musical Theatre Group Limited
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number 1124233
Charity’s principal address
(for the period covered
within this report)		 Thornbury Musical Theatre Group
18 Hillcrest
Thornbury
BS35 2JA

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1
2
3
4		 Trustee name Office (if any) Dates acted if not for whole
year		 Name of person (or body) entitled
to appoint trustee (ifany)
Andrew Hunt Chair TMTG Membership and
Executive Committee
David Wrench Treasurer
GeoffreyKitchen Secretary June 2022 May24
Heather Collins Junior
Representative		 Resigned January 2024

TMTG Committee Members who were Committee Members but not Trustees during the period.

Jamie Wright Vice Chair
Tirion Cowell
Matthew Spencer
Debz Spiney
Kirsty Fraser
Emily Costa

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name
Andrew Hunt Chair
Jamie Wright Vice Chair
David Wrench Treasurer
Tirion Cowell
Kirsty Fraser
Alice Holmes
Paul Milton
Richards Edwards

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects

Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information) addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of
adviser		 Name
Address
Solicitor Keith Arrowsmith
Counterculture
Partnership LLP		 https://www.counterculturellp.com.

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

For Clarity it should be noted that the Charity Commission report covers 01/04/2023 31/03/2024, whereas the TMTG year runs from May to June with some actions requiring ratification at the groups’ June AGM.

There has been a significant delay in the submission of this report due to concerns by the incoming trustees in June 2023. As a result, a serious Incident Report was raised (666509).

Full details of which will now be detailed. The trustees were aware of the need to enhance and improve financial governance across TMTG, i.e. Adults and Juniors. This would involve better and longer-term financial planning and budgetary control and an improvement in accountability, including the way accounts were presented to members at AGMs.

It was apparent to the trustees that,

  1. Whilst changing bank accounts from HSBC to NatWest the Leaders opened an unauthorised Lloyds bank account. This was done without the consent of the Trustees and contrary to Charities Act legislation and Charities Commission guidance. The reason given was the difficulty in operating the Juniors NatWest account. Temporary permission was granted by the trustees; however, this was exceeded. Juniors Leaders failed to provide the required access to the accounts by trustees and the Lloyds account was only closed after the Leaders’ resignations.

  2. Juniors’ subs /fees had been set by the junior leaders without any agreement with the committee/trustees. Although charged on a termly basis the fee equated to £270 per Anum. The TMTG constitution requires that all increases in subscriptions be agreed at the AGM, this had not been done. At the time the annual adult membership was £25.00.

  3. Purchasing and registration of assets caused concerns as the leaders claimed to have purchased equipment with ‘their money’: that is to say money from the junior’s account. These assets were not formally recorded and were purchased without the knowledge and consent of the trustees or knowledge of most of the membership.

  4. Attendance at award functions where the current treasurer was approached to pay for tickets totaling in excess of £700. The trustees did not agree to this as they did not consider it an appropriate use of charity funds.

  5. Safeguarding: to make it clear there were no specific issues of concern during the reporting period. However, the trustees were concerned regarding the transparency for reporting potential issues given the fact that the parents of some junior members appeared unaware of TMTG as a whole or the route for reporting concerns.

During early discussions around improved financial governance Juniors Leaders came to the Committee with proposals to change Juniors’ relationship with the Group particularly around finance. The Leaders and the Committee held discussions, but it became clear that the proposals from juniors’ leaders would not meet the requirements of the Charity Commission.

The Charity Commission has been consulted on numerous occasions and Trustees also engaged with the NODA Solicitor Counter Culture to establish the exact legal position. This was not to bring about sanctions or control but to ensure legal compliance thus protecting all members.

During this process it was also established that

An EGM was held on 9[th] January 2024 when the membership voted to suspend Junior section for the foreseeable future. Former junior leaders therefore decided to set up a separate charity Phoenix Youth Theatre 1207542 in their own right. Having done so they approached TMTG membership for a transfer of assets to the new group.

The Trustees had to consider the detrimental and destabilizing effect on TMTG and therefore held a membership vote. The outcome was the transfer of the following assets,

a) The equipment related assets valued by the subcommittee at £4,500, given depreciation
and condition the trustees had these items values independently at under £2000. In
addition, they had not been accessed or by TMTG as a whole and would therefore not be
missed.
b) Financial assets to the value of £1947.44 derived from the average of the vote
c) £550 received in memory of Gary Kennedy was returned to his widow Kara, one of the

former leaders moving to Phoenix Youth Theatre.

The trustees deliberated at length the overall impact of the membership vote and the short- and long-term effects on TMTG: in conclusion they considered this an acceptable solution to produce an expedient solution and bring stability.

Since this course of action early indications are increased financial stability and greater cohesion within the group which will be reported on within the 24-25 period.

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s)

Full name(s) Andrew Hunt

Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc)

Date

Company Registration No. 06556554 (England and Wales)

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED ACCOUNTS CONTENTS

Page
Company information 3
Directors' report 4
Income statement 6
Statement of financial position 7
Notes to the accounts 8

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED COMPANY INFORMATION FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Directors

Company Number

Registered Office

Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen Andrew Stephen Hunt David Malcolm Wrench 06556554 (England and Wales)

18 Hillcrest Thornbury Bristol Avon BS35 2JA England

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED (COMPANY NO: 06556554 ENGLAND AND WALES) DIRECTORS' REPORT

The directors present their report and accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024.

Principal activity

The objects of the company are to advance general education in the arts of musical theatre and drama, to develop public appreciation of such arts by the performance of a variety of musical or dramatic works, and to support the development of venues for the performance of such works. The group performs three productions a year to audiences in Thornbury area: a concert, a pantomime and a musical production. �

The Directors and Trustees confirm that they have heeded the guidance issued by Companies House and the Charity Commission.�

The group relies heavily on the assistance of volunteers, most of whom are members. In addition to on-stage performers volunteers assist in a number of support roles, including set-construction, technical management, costumes, makeup stewarding and front of house. Without these contributions the work of the group would not be possible.�

The charity was still suffering from the financial challenges during the period due to impact of Covid, during which our performance venue was closed indefinitely. This impacted on the groups ability to put on shows, particularly Pantomimes which are a considerable income stream. There were also some emerging issues with the junior section which will be covered in the 24-25 reporting period.�

As a consequence the financial position, was with a closing cash balance of £18,446 2023 (PY £23,757).�

The charity's operations made a loss of totalling £5,695. TMTG has made losses also due to the rising costs of putting on a show, in particular venue hire. The Charity's public benefit is to serve both its members and the local community, so careful consideration is given to which shows would be more popular with audiences (and therefore more profitable) but also which shows the members would like to perform. Careful consideration is also being given to increasing ticket prices and membership fees to ensure an inclusive approach.

Directors

Geoffrey Ralph Kitchen held office during the whole of the period.

The following directors were appointed during the period:

Andrew Stephen Hunt was appointed on 27 June 2023. David Malcolm Wrench was appointed on 27 June 2023.

The following directors resigned during the period:

David Charles Walker-Cornes resigned on 27 June 2023. Alice Mary Walton resigned on 27 June 2023.

Statement of directors' responsibilities

The directors are responsible for preparing the report and accounts in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Company law requires the directors to prepare accounts for each financial year. Under that law, the directors have elected to prepare the accounts in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under company law the directors must not approve the accounts unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company and of the profit or loss of the company for that period. In preparing these accounts, the directors are required to:

The directors are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the company's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the company and enable them to ensure that the accounts comply with the Companies Act 2006. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the company and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.

Small company provisions

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions relating to small companies within Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006.

Signed on behalf of the board of directors

............................................................................

Andrew Stephen Hunt Director

Approved by the board on: 25 February 2025

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED INCOME STATEMENT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

Turnover
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Administrative expenses
Operating loss
Interest receivable and similar income
Loss on ordinary activities before taxation
Tax on loss on ordinary activities
Loss for the financial year		 2024
£
47,053
(36,236)
10,817
(16,512)
(5,695)
-
(5,695)
-
(5,695)		 2023
£
49,260
(13,130)
36,130
(39,909)
(3,779)
8
(3,771)
-
(3,771)

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION AS AT 31 MARCH 2024

Notes
Current assets
Debtors
4
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
5
Net current assets
Net assets
Capital and reserves
Profit and loss account
Shareholders' funds		 2024
£
50
18,446
18,496
(819)
17,677
17,677
17,677
17,677		 2023
£
-
23,757
23,757
(385)
23,372
23,372
23,372
23,372

For the year ending 31 March 2024 the company was entitled to exemption from audit under section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit in accordance with section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

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

These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies' regime and in accordance with the provisions of FRS 102 Section 1A - Small Entities.

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Directors and authorised for issue on 25 February 2025 and were signed on its behalf by

Andrew Stephen Hunt Director

Company Registration No. 06556554

THORNBURY MUSICAL THEATRE GROUP LIMITED NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2024

1 Statutory information

Thornbury Musical Theatre Group Limited is a private company, limited by shares, registered in England and Wales, registration number 06556554. The registered office is 18 Hillcrest, Thornbury, Bristol, Avon, BS35 2JA, England.

2 Compliance with accounting standards

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions of FRS 102 Section 1A Small Entities. There were no material departures from the standard.

3 Accounting policies

The principal accounting policies adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below and have remained unchanged from the previous year, and also have been consistently applied within the same accounts.

Basis of preparation

The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention as modified by the revaluation of certain fixed assets.

Presentation currency

The accounts are presented in £ sterling.

4
Debtors
Amounts falling due within one year
Trade debtors
5
Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
Trade creditors
Other creditors
Accruals		 2024
£
50
2024
£
65
25
729
819		 2023
£
-
2023
£
-
-
385
385

6 Average number of employees

During the year the average number of employees was 0 (2023: 0).

Thornbury Musical Theatre Group Ltd

Charity Number 1124233

FY23 -24

Independent Examiners Report

Due to a hold up in the preparation of the FY23 – 24 Accounts due to a serious incident reported to the Charity Commission, this has meant a signifcant delay in preparation of these accounts and subsequently the independent Examiners Report.

The independent examiners report is now due to be completed in May 2025. As soon as the report is available, it will be uploaded as an amendment to these submissions. Treasurer@tmtg.org.uk

Secretary@tmtg.org.uk