AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA
REGISTERED CHARITY 1152868
ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30[TH] NOVEMBER 2025
AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
The Trustees present their report and accounts for the year ended 30[th] November 2025
Structure, Governance and Management
Amersham A Cappella (‘the Charity’) is a registered charity (no. 1152868) and is a member of the Ladies Association of British Barbershop Singers (registered charity no. 1151161)
Amersham A Cappella is governed by its Rules and Constitution adopted on 22[nd] January 2013, revised on 5[th] February 2019 (AGM) and 30[th] April 2024
Management of the charity is the responsibility of the Management Committee which comprises the Trustees and the Musical Director (Helen Lappert) who is an ex-officio member.
The Management Committee meets every 4-6 weeks to oversee the day-to-day management of the charity and review and implement the strategic and charitable objectives.
Trustees are elected or re-elected from the membership annually at the AGM.
Present Trustees are:
| Present Trustees are: | |
|---|---|
| Amanda Parker | Chair (appointed 16thJanuary 2024) |
| Lynne Blencowe | Vice Chair (appointed 18thFebruary 2025) |
| Liz Smith | Treasurer (appointed 18thFebruary 2025) |
| Jenny Kirk | Secretary (appointed 18thFebruary 2025) |
| Caroline Donvan | Bookings Secretary (appointed 18thFebruary 2025) |
| Claire Sweeney | Membership Secretary (appointed 16thJanuary 2024) |
| Public Relations Officer Role vacant from October 2024 - February 2025 | |
| Justine Nye | Public Relations Officer (appointed 18thFebruary 2025) |
Other Trustees serving during the year were:
| Donna Saunders | Vice Chair (resigned 18thFebruary 2025) |
|---|---|
| Anne Jones | Treasurer (resigned 18thFebruary 2025) |
| Amy O’Reilly | Membership Secretary (18thFebruary 2025) |
| Mary Hawkes | Bookings Secretary (resigned 18thFebruary 2025) |
| Soozi Hyde | Public Relations Officer (29thOctober 2024) |
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
Objectives and Activities
The Objects of the Charity are set out in its Constitution as follows:
‘To advance, improve, develop, and maintain public education in, and the appreciation of, the art and science of singing Barbershop Harmony in both chorus and quartet forms by any means the Trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals.
To further such charitable purpose or purposes as the Trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit but in particular through the making of grants and donations.’
The Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
Achievements and Performance
The primary focus of the year was our trip to Denver in July to represent LABBS at the BHS International convention, and much of the year continued as it had in 2024 with a massive fundraising effort. Events that we held to raise funds were a Fashion Show (In 2024), a Christmas concert in Amersham, a concert at Wingrave, a Snowdrop Day, a Barbie-themed ‘Sing with Amersham’ day, and a Sea Shanty event, which was held in conjunction with members of Stuns’ls sea shanty group from Cornwall. Funds were also raised from Singagrams and the sale of items such as cookbooks, badges and jam! It was a lot of hard work, but the experience of singing on the International stage in Denver was a memorable experience, and we are very proud of our achievement.
The chorus had coaching from David and Sandi Wright and Alexander Koller during the year. We also held a number of additional rehearsals focussing on performance, and preparing us for the Denver stage.
The Chorus travelled to Harrogate in October for the annual LABBS convention as LABBS’ outgoing champions. It was a demanding schedule performing first thing in the morning as mic warmers, and also a swansong performance at the end of the competition. Members also assisted with door stewarding duties.
We regard our chorus members as volunteers and at the end of the year we had 80 members. We thank everyone for their great contributions during the year.
Financial Review
Our principal source of income continues to come from membership subscriptions and reclaiming Gift Aid on members’ subscriptions – as this generates over £4000 worth of income per year, please make sure you are signed up if you are a UK taxpayer.
The major focus for this year was the chorus trip to Denver in July 2025. As well as raising funds from events and sales, we received donations of £61,632 from both external sources and chorus members, and received Gift Aid of £10,452 on donations received. Funds raised from specific events were:
| 2024 | 2025 | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fashion Show | £1,141 | £1,141 |
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
| Christmas Concert | 1,400 | 4,091 | £5,491 |
|---|---|---|---|
| SnowdropEvent | 1,763 | £1,763 | |
| Barbie Day | £1,705 | £3,312 | £5,018 |
| Wingrave concert | 1,311 | £1,311 | |
| Sea Shantyevening | 3,784 | £3,784 |
The success of the fund-raising efforts meant that we were able to cover the cost of registrations for chorus, £12,266 and provide assistance towards flights, hotels and subsistence costs for members totalling £69,203. After other costs relating to the Denver trip, including extra rehearsals, retreat, coaching, there remained £11,414 in the fund-raising pot. It has been agreed that this will be used to contribute to the cost of our retreat in 2026.
Other performance fees throughout the year generated £2,400 from regular events that weren’t specifically for Denver fund-raising.
Total receipts for the year were £149,525 and payments £131,828 showing a surplus for the year of £17,697. This includes all Income and Expenditure related to Denver, including the surplus accrued from 2024.
The committee agreed to pay for LABBS registration to Convention for all members at a total cost of £3,700. This was a reduced rate as we were attending as LABBS outgoing champions. As this covered only one day’s attendance, members attending other days over the week-end paid for themselves.
Expenditure on costume during the year was £8,234. This was primarily for new walkout varsity jackets and t-shirts, but included some enhancements to stage costume such as scarves. It also included £1,950 for purchase of new tops for Christmas events.
Several members of the chorus continue to pay in to the Support Fund each month. It currently has a balance of £4,153. This is to help members who are finding it difficult to pay monthly subs or convention costs. Please apply for help with costs if you need it. It is available to all who have been members of the chorus for 12 months.
Fund raising for our trip to Denver was a big part of 2025, raising over £89,000 (£8,000 of this was raised in 2024 and was carried forward to 2025).
Reserves Policy
Amersham A Cappella has a general reserves policy which ensures both the protection of its restricted funds and the provision of sufficient funding for its basic operating costs for a period of six months. The Trustees consider that such funds are available at 30[th] November 2025.
Funds are also retained in restricted reserves for the Support Fund. This fund is supported by the individual donations from members mentioned above, and from Chorus funds were deemed necessary by the Trustees and when funds allow. In addition, costume deposits are also included in restricted funds as costume remains the property of chorus and should be returned when a member leaves.
Support Fund
2025 2024
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
| £ | £ | |
|---|---|---|
| Balance as at 30thNovember 2024 | 3,749 | 3,266 |
| Donations from members & chorus | 1,264 | 559 |
| Grants made to members | (900) | (76) |
| Balance as at 30thNovember 2025 | 4,153 | 3,749 |
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf:
Amanda Parker (Chair)
10[th] February 2026
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
Income & Expenditure Report
| Income & Expenditure Report | Income & Expenditure Report | Income & Expenditure Report | Income & Expenditure Report | Income & Expenditure Report | Income & Expenditure Report |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amersham A Cappella | |||||
| 01-DEC-2024 - 30-NOV-2025 | |||||
| Current Yr |
Current Yr |
Prior Yr | Prior Yr | ||
| Fund(s): | |||||
| INCOME | |||||
| 4000 REVENUES | 38,214 | 43,467 | |||
| 4001 Subscriptions | 28,134 | 26,010 | |||
| 4002 Retreat Contributions | 0 | 0 | |||
| 4003 Performance Fees | 2,400 | 15,250 | |||
| 4004 Grants received | 0 | 100 | |||
| 4008 Convention receipts | 0 | 0 | |||
| 4009 Denver receipts | 3,165 | 0 | |||
| 4010 Misc. Receipts | 3,649 | 2,107 | |||
| 4011 Re-allocations | 0 | 0 | |||
| 4015 Costume Sale Income | 866 | 0 | |||
| 4100 VOLUNTARY INCOME | 20,852 | 5,263 | |||
| 4105 Support Fund donations | 1,304 | 559 | |||
| 4120 Tax Reclaimed on Gift Aid | 19,268 | 4,264 | |||
| 4135 Costume deposits | 280 | 440 | |||
| 4200 INVESTMENT INCOME | 531 | 647 | |||
| 4203 Bank account interest | 531 | 647 | |||
| 4300 FUNDRAISING INCOME | 89,929 | 276 | |||
| 4301 General Fundraising | 649 | 276 | |||
| 4305 Fundraising income for Denver | 89,280 | 0 | |||
| TOTAL INCOME | 149,525 | 49,653 | |||
| EXPENDITURE | |||||
| 7000 COST OF SALES | -4,990 | -4,580 | |||
| 7001 Event hire & Rental costs | -310 | -930 | |||
| 7003 Riser Transport | 0 | -760 | |||
| 7005 Entertainment Costs | 0 | -1,500 | |||
| 7011 Fundraising Costs | -4,501 | -52 | |||
| 7012 Advertising | 0 | -609 |
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
| 7013 Other Costs | 0 | -197 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7018 Donations to a charity | 0 | -400 | ||
| 7020 Purchase of stock for resale | 0 | -131 | ||
| 7024 Equipment new and replacement | -179 | 0 | ||
| 7200 OVERHEADS | -126,838 | -44,131 | ||
| 7201 Main Venue Hire | -4,012 | -3,797 | ||
| 7202 LABBS subs | -4,406 | -3,749 | ||
| 7203 Website & PR costs | -254 | -199 | ||
| 7204 Convention | -3,718 | -8,600 | ||
| 7205 Retreat | -796 | -3,562 | ||
| 7206 Coaching costs | -1,963 | -1,531 | ||
| 7207 Bank Charges & Expenses | -84 | -181 | ||
| 7208 Gifts | -247 | -331 | ||
| 7209 Accounting software subscription | -108 | -96 | ||
| 7210 MD Expenses | -8,363 | -7,411 | ||
| 7211 Music costs (purchase & arrangement) | -1,343 | -1,974 | ||
| 7212 Miscellaneous | -612 | -945 | ||
| 7213 Denver 2025 | -89,519 | 0 | ||
| 7214 Support Fund paid out | -900 | -76 | ||
| 7215 Costume purchase | -9,100 | -10,655 | ||
| 7216 Equipment purchase | -295 | 0 | ||
| 7217 Make-up purchase | 0 | -27 | ||
| 7218 Performance expenses | -98 | 0 | ||
| 7220 Riser costs (transport/assembly) | -1,020 | -1,074 | ||
| TOTAL EXPENDITURE | -131,828 | -48,786 | ||
| SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) FOR PERIOD | 17,697 | 867 |
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
| 01-DEC-2024 - 30-NOV-2025 | 01-DEC-2024 - 30-NOV-2025 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fund Balances | Bal B/fwd | Income | Expense | Transfers | Bal C/fwd | |
| RESTRICTED | Costume Deposits | 1,880 | 320 | 0 | -40 | 2,160 |
| RESTRICTED | Support Fund | 3,749 | 1,264 | -900 | 40 | 4,153 |
| RESTRICTED Sub-Total | 5,629 | 1,584 | -900 | 0 | 6,313 | |
| UNRESTRICTED | General Fund | 33,205 | 43,358 | -36,679 | 10,334 | 50,218 |
| UNRESTRICTED | Denver Fundraising | 0 | 106,327 | -95,993 | -10,334 | 0 |
| UNRESTRICTED Sub-Total | 33,205 | 149,685 | -132,672 | 0 | -50,218 | |
| REPORT TOTAL | 38,834 | 151,269 | -133,572 | 0 | 56,531 |
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
Assets (Equipment)
Location – St. Michael’s Church Hall, Amersham
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Wenger Tourmaster 1.2m folding risers
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Wenger Tourmaster 1.2m additional 4[th] step risers
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Wenger Tourmaster 1.2m back rails
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Wenger Tourmaster side rails
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Wenger Classic 50 Music Stand
– Stored by Musical Director Helen Lappert
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1 Olympus LS-11 Linear PCM Recorder + Digital Voice recorder
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- Remote Control
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1 Wenger Universal Tablet Stand
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1 SHIDU Wireless Portable Voice Amplifier with microphone
Stored by Presentation Team – Helen Watson
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Panasonic HC-V110 camcorder
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LED UC80 projector
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Projector screen
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mini HDMI extension cable
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Toshiba portable hard drive
Accounts prepared by:
Approved by the Management Committee on 10[th] February 2026 for adoption by members at the AGM on 10[th] February 2026
Elizabeth Smith (Treasurer)
Amanda Parker (Chair)
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AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA registered charity no.1152868 Annual Report and Accounts Year ended 30[th] November 2025
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF AMERSHAM A CAPPELLA
I report on the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 30 November 2025 as set out on pages 4 - 7
Respective responsibilities of Trustees and examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Charity’s Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011) (the Charities Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under Section 145 of the Charities Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charities Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act); and
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of the independent examiner’s report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the next statement.
Independent examiner’s statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
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1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements.
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i. to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and
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ii. to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act
have not been met; or
- 2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Ian Yeoman ACMA CGMA Briarfield, Harewood Road, Chalfont St. Giles HP8 4UB
22[nd] January 2026
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