THE ENGLISH ARTS CHORALE ASSOCIATION
Registered Charity No. 1153599
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
CONTENTS
THE ENGLISH ARTS CHORALE ASSOCIATION ............................................................. 3 TRUSTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS ............................................................... 3 CHARITY TRUSTEES .................................................................................................. 3 PRINCIPAL BANKERS ................................................................................................ 3 PRINCIPAL ADDRESS ................................................................................................ 3 REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES ....................................................................................... 4 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT ........................................................................ 8 STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS ........................................................................ 9 BALANCE SHEET ..................................................................................................... 10 NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS ................................................................ 11
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THE ENGLISH ARTS CHORALE ASSOCIATION
TRUSTEES AND PROFESSIONAL ADVISORS
for the year ended 31 August 2024
CHARITY TRUSTEES
Trustee name
Hannah McNaught Emma Ward Kate Cheema Leslie Olive Alison Martin Hazel Schagen Rosemary Scott Dianne Mitchell Emily Clarke
Nyren Scott-Malden Geoff Whiffin
Role
Chair & Trustee (appointed May 2024) Hon. Secretary & Trustee (appointed May 2024) Hon. Treasurer & Trustee Artistic Director & Trustee Trustee Trustee (appointed May 2024) Trustee Trustee Membership Secretary & Trustee (appointed May 2024) Projects Manager & Trustee Events treasurer & Trustee
Retirees
Christine Arnold Nigel Green Catherine Nasskau
Membership Secretary & Trustee Trustee Trustee
PRINCIPAL BANKERS
Charities Aid Foundation 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
107 Nobel House 4 Queensway Redhill Surrey RH1 1TY
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2024. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 of the accounts and comply with applicable accounting standards and the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) 'Accounting by Charities'.
STRUCTURE GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The English Arts Chorale Association (EACA) is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered on 30 August 2013. It was created as a result of a formal agreement between The Music Trust, a company registered by guarantee and a registered charity (No. 1071501) and The English Arts Chorale Members and Friends Association, a former registered charity, (No. 1076164) each of which dealt with different aspects of the operation of the English Arts Chorale.
The transfer of assets to the EACA from The Music Trust and The English Arts Chorale Members and Friends Association was effected on 31 August 2014. The year to 31 August 2024 was therefore the tenth year of operation for the EACA.
The EACA operates under a constitution dated 30 August 2013 which includes regulations for the appointment of trustees. This requires there to be at least 8 trustees and no more than 12 and that the trustees will include the Artistic Director. Two trustees are appointed each year by Leslie Olive, whilst he is the Artistic Director. One third of the trustees (excluding the Artistic Director and appointments made by him) will retire each year (and be eligible for re-election) and elections will be made by and out of the Association membership.
OBJECTS, PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES AND PUBLIC BENEFIT
The objects of the EACA are to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art of music in all its aspects by any means the Trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals. This is achieved through the activities of the English Arts Chorale, a voluntary choir. Great importance is placed on encouraging people of all ages and backgrounds to join, provided they are able to pass a simple audition. The activities of the EACA are structured to provide choral training to its members and for these members to demonstrate the skills learned through a series of public concerts and activities both for the community of Reigate and across the south-east of England. Membership subscriptions are reviewed annually and no-one is precluded from membership simply on the basis that they are unable to pay the annual subscription.
The aim and ethos of the English Arts Chorale is to share with everyone the profound human and spiritual experience of great choral music. In shaping the activities each year, the trustees have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission. In setting the level of ticket prices for concerts, the trustees give careful consideration to accessibility for those on low incomes. Prices are kept as low as possible to maximise the number of members of the public that can afford to attend.
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At certain events, non-members of the Chorale are invited to participate in both rehearsals and performances, so as to widen the experience, learning and enjoyment which come from understanding and singing great choral works.
SUMMARY OF ACTIVITIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS FOR THE YEAR
The EACA was delighted to hold a full season of events during 2023/2024, the Chorale’s 44th season. The season opened in October with a musical journey through day and night featuring Paul Carr’s work Into the Light , commissioned for the millennium of the founding of the Benedictine abbey at Bury St Edmunds; the concert was attended by the composer. The remainder of the programme incorporated a wide range of other pieces from traditional and modern composers on the theme of light and dark.
Continuing the Chorale’s long-standing practice of extending the opportunity to sing to other local singers we held a vocal workshop and two very successful open singing days, the first in the format of an open workshop for the upper voices with Suzzie Vango, a professional singer, voice coach and conductor. This vocal coaching session was well attended by members and the public . The first open singing day in February explored Haydn’s The Creation and the second, in May, Haydn’s Harmoniemesse . Both days were led by the Chorale’s musical director Leslie Olive and were a great success, further opening opportunities for the local community to join EAC activities. Our open rehearsals are also popular, and this year saw Brahms' Requiem (in German), Lauridsen's O Magnum Mysterium and Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle as the focus for rehearsal at our usual venue at Wray Common Primary School.
In December, St Mary’s rang to the seasonal gems in the Chorale’s Christmas Sparkler concert; celebratory music for brass, organ and choir including Rutter’s Gloria , our own Leslie Olive’s Magnificat and a scrumptious setting of In the Bleak Midwinter. The Chorale was joined by the EAC Brass and the Wandle Ringers Ensemble for a truly seasonal sparkle.
For the Chorale’s spring concert in March, on the eve of Palm Sunday, the Chorale performed two works with profound religious origins. Cecilia McDowall’s Stabat Mater has been described as 'an outstanding work of great solemnity and poignancy' (Tempo, 2013) and was brilliantly accompanied by Mark Saberton in the baritone solo part. Again, the Chorale was delighted to be joined by the work’s composer at the performance. The choral arrangement of Haydn’s Seven Last Words completed the programme with guests including soprano Jane Burnell, contralto Florence Pettet and Mark Hounsell as tenor soloist.
Members of the EAC and other singers took part in a tour to Umbria in April. The three concerts in local churches showcased the Chorale’s talent and ambition to an international audience, and a return visit has been planned for May 2025.
The English Arts Chorale’s Summer concert in July was a pot pourri of Nature's Melodies, with Elgar's Sea Pictures and other cameos of the natural world, by Lauridsen, Stanford, Britten and Finzi. Once again a celebratory supper was held to mark the end of another successful season.
The final rehearsal of the season saw the Chorale back at St Mary’s Church in Reigate to record the organ and choir arrangement of Elgar’s Sea Pictures , a new experience for many members but once again showcasing the versatility and quality of the EAC’s great choral sound.
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PLANS FOR FUTURE YEARS
The 2024/25 season, our 45[th] , is comprised of a programme of four events planned across the season, opening with Haydn’s Harmoniemesse and Mozart’s Solemn Vespers at St Mary’s Reigate in October. In December, also in Reigate, we present A Christmas Sparkler, a selection of seasonal gems.
In March 2025, the Chorale will be in Chichester Cathedral performing Bach’s masterful St Matthew Passion and our Summer concert in July features Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle .
For singers we will be holding three workshops, the first a vocal workshop with Jeff Stewart in September with a focus on St Matthew Passion . Two workshops, led by Leslie Olive, are planned for January 2025 on Verdi's Requiem , and in May with a programme to be agreed.
All singers will also be most welcome at our open rehearsals, one in September and one in January.
Throughout the 2024/25 season the English Arts Chorale will also be working towards an exciting Verdi Requiem project for performance early in the 2025/26 season.
TREASURER’S REPORT
At the start of the year, the total net asset position (after allowing for creditors, debtors and net current assets) was £28,687. At the end of the year, this figure had decreased slightly to £27,392. This small decrease of £1,295 was made up of a £4,340 deficit from the concert programme, offset by a surplus of £3,045 raised by donation, sponsorship, subscriptions and other fund-raising efforts, less administration and rehearsal costs.
The cost of subscriptions for members for the 2023/24 season had been subject to a modest increase of 9%. No increase has been proposed for the coming season (2024/25) but subscription rates will remain under review.
The 24/25 season, which includes some larger projects, is forecast to make a £7,000 deficit. This will be offset to a limited extent by the decision to charge members a nominal amount to attend workshops and singing days (which has previously been free to members) and the commensurate increase in Gift Aid that can be claimed in light of this change following updated guidance from Making Music.
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STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES Legislation applicable to charities requires trustees to prepare account5 for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the financial activity for that period. I n preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to Selert suitable accounting policles and then apply them consistently; Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent- Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate. The Trusteesare responslble forkeepingproperaccountingrecordswhich disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the f inancial position of the charity and to enable them to e nsure that the f inancial statements comply with The Charities Act 2011. We are also responslble forsafeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps f or the prevention and detection of f r3ud and other irre8ularities. The accounts have been verified by an independent examlner. Signed on behalf of the Trustees: K Cheema Hon. Treasurer Date: ?/?/zs
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF ENGLISH ARTS CHORALE ASSOCIATION, A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION I reporton the accounts of the company forthe year ended 31 August 2024, which are set out on pages 9t0 13. Re5pectlve responslbllltoes of trustees and examlner The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The twstees considerthat an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity's Eros5 income did not exceed £250,(MXJ. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commlssion under section 145(511 b) of the 2011 Act to state whether particular matters have come to my attention Bas15 of independent examiner'5 report My examinationwascarried outin accordance with the general Oirections given by the Charlty Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accou nts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation5 from you as trustees conceming any such matters. The procedure5 undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no oplnion 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 examlnerfs statement In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and to prepare accounts which accord with the accountlng records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met. Charles Last Oate: ,//,.
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS For the Year Ended 31 August 2024
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2024 2023
£ £
Income
Donations, legacies, grants & Gift Aid 4,176 12,550
Member subscriptions 15,500 15,018
Other membership income 2,095 972
Tour income 27,364 15,950
Charitable Activities 13,019 22,781
Fund-raising Activities 253 1,003
Sundry income 1,084 135
Bank interest 565 243
Total income 64,056 68,652
Expenditure
Donations to charity - -
Rehearsal costs 17,117 15,922
Other membership costs 11 3
Tour costs 27,364 15,950
Cost of Charitable Activities 17,749 33,964
Insurance & professional subscriptions 543 508
Sundry expenses 2,568 1,673
Total expenditure 65,352 68,020
Net surplus/(deficit) and net movement in funds for the year (1,295) 631
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward 28,687 28,056
Total funds carried forward 27,392 28,687
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There are no other recognised gains or losses. All income and expenditure derives from continuing activities.
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BALANCE SHEET As at 31 August 2024 2024 2023 Notes Current Assets: Stock 184 218 Debtors 3,255 25,587 3,456 28,078 Cash at bank and in hand Total Current Assets 29J)25 31.752 Currènt Liabillties: Creditors- amounts fallin8 due wlthln one ear 1,633 3,064 Total Llabllltles 1.633 3.064 Total A55ets Less Current Llabllltles 27,392 28,687 Funds: Unrestricted Funds 27,392 28,687 Total Funds as at 31 August 2024 27392 28,687 These financial statementswere approved by the Trustees and were signed on thelr behalf by Emma Ward. Emma Ward Secretary to the Trustees Date.. 01/0</25 10
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
General information
The EACA is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, incorporated in England and Wales. The address of its principal place of business is disclosed in the company information.
The principal activity of the charity is to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art of music in all its aspects.
The company meets the definition of a public benefit entity in accordance with FRS 102. The financial statements are presented in sterling and this is the functional currency of the Charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest pound.
Basis of preparing the financial statements
These accounts have been prepared under the Historic Cost convention and on the accruals basis in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued on 16 July 2014.
These accounts have been prepared on a going-concern basis. The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Association will continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future.
Turnover
Turnover comprises income from the following revenue streams: membership subscriptions, ticket sales and sponsorship of concerts, donations and legacies including gift aid and other income, all excluding value added tax.
HMRC’s rules on claiming Gift Aid on members’ subscriptions require us to estimate the value of any personal benefits that members receive in return for their subscription. We are not able to claim Gift Aid on this value. The trustees estimate the current value of tuition benefits received to be £24 per member per year.
Funds structure
Unrestricted income funds comprise those funds which the trustees are free to use for any purpose in the furtherance of the charitable objects. Unrestricted funds may include designated funds where the Trustees, at their discretion, have created a fund for a specific purpose. Restricted funds are funds which must be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by the donor or trust deed.
Stock
Stock consists of CDs, Christmas cards and refreshments which are held for resale. Items have been valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to sell.
Cash and cash equivalents
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Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term instruments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.
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 values and subsequently measured at their settlement value.
Foreign exchange
Transactions in currencies other than pounds sterling are recorded at the rates of exchange prevailing at the dates of the transactions. At each reporting end date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing on the reporting end date. Gains and losses arising on translation are included in the Income and Expenditure Account for the period.
2. TRANSACTIONS WITH MEMBERS AND CONNECTED PERSONS
The Trustees are required to confirm whether any member of the committee, or any person connected with them, received or is due to receive any remuneration for the year, directly or indirectly from the Charity's funds.
Leslie Olive received £11,721.58 (2022/23: £11,173) in professional fees and expenses during the year for rehearsals, concerts, singing days and other work for the choir throughout the year. This remuneration has been made in respect of his responsibilities as Artistic Director and as a professional musician serving the objects of the Association and not in view of his position as a trustee. This is in line with the requirements of the constitution. These payments are included in the financial statements.
3. STOCK
4.
| CDs Other stocks DEBTORS Gift aid receivable Other prepaid expenses, deposits, accrued revenue |
2024 (£) 128 56 184 2024 (£) 3,255 0 3,255 |
2023 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 146 72 |
||
| 218 | ||
| 2023 (£) | ||
| 3,276 | ||
| 180 | ||
| 3,456 |
Financial assets carrying amounts included in the above are £3,438 (2023: £3,674). There were no impairment provisions at the year end (2023: £nil).
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5. CREDITORS AND CURRENT LIABILITIES
| REDITORS AND CURRENT LIABILITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Deferred income Other accrued expenses |
2024 (£) 543 1,090 1,633 |
2023 (£) |
| 1,564 | ||
| 1,500 | ||
| 3,064 |
Financial liabilities carrying amounts included in the above are £1,633 (2023: £3,064).
6. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
All funds are unrestricted.
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