THE ENGLISH ARTS CHORALE ASSOCIATION
Registered Charity No. 1153599
ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
CONTENTS
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 2025
CHARITY TRUSTEES
Trustee name
Hannah McNaught Vacancy Kate Cheema Leslie Olive Hazel Schagen Rosemary Scott Emily Clarke Nyren Scott-Malden Geoff Whiffin
Role
Chair & Trustee Hon. Secretary & Trustee Hon. Treasurer & Trustee Artistic Director & Trustee Trustee Trustee Membership Secretary & Trustee Projects Manager & Trustee Events treasurer & Trustee
Retirees Kate Cheema Hannah McNaught Emma Ward Dianne Mitchell Alison Martin
(re-elected as Hon. Treasurer) (re-elected as Chair & Trustee)
PRINCIPAL BANKERS
Charities Aid Foundation 25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4JQ
PRINCIPAL ADDRESS
60 Tanyard Way Langshott Horley Surrey RH6 9PG
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2025
The Trustees present their annual report and financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 August 2025. 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 2025 was therefore the eleventh 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.
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
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The EACA was delighted to hold a full season of events during 2024/2025, the Chorale’s 45th season. Throughout the 2024–25 season, EAC’s activities spanned workshops, providing community singing opportunities, and major choral performances, reinforcing EACA’a dual commitment to musical excellence and accessibility.
Workshops and Community Engagement
A key feature of the season was a series of open workshops designed to develop singers’ skills and prepare for forthcoming performances.
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On 28 September 2024 at St Mary’s Church, Reigate, EAC hosted a full-day vocal workshop led by professional singer and choir trainer Jeff Stewart, focusing on confident singing, ensemble, tuning and intonation with special attention to Bach’s St Matthew Passion.
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On 11 January 2025, members and visiting singers explored Verdi’s Requiem in an intensive workshop under the direction of Leslie Olive, the Chorale’s founder and Artistic Director. This workshop served as the starting point for preparations towards a performance of Verdi’s monumental score in the 2025–26 season and featured refreshments and an informal sing-through.
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On 7 June 2025, EAC returned to St Mary’s for a workshop centred on The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins, offering participants a practical and collaborative exploration of this powerful contemporary work.
These singing days, open to members and visiting singers, reflect EAC’s emphasis on community participation and vocal development.
Concert Performances
EAC’s performance programme for the year presented a compelling range of choral literature:
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On 19 October 2024, the Chorale performed Haydn’s Harmoniemesse and Mozart’s Vesperae Solennes de Confessore at St Mary’s Church, showcasing command of classical sacred traditions.
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The seasonal highlight on 7 December 2024 was Christmas Through the Ages, a richly varied programme from Plainchant to contemporary settings, including works by Britten, Rutter, Tavener and more, bringing festive repertoire to life in the acoustic of St Mary’s.
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The revered Bach St Matthew Passion was presented on 29 March 2025 at Chichester Cathedral. This large-scale performance engaged professional soloists, orchestral musicians and a youth ripieno choir, underlining EAC’s capability to present major choral works in significant venues with full forces.
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The season concluded with Rossini’s Petite Messe Solennelle on 28 June 2025 at St Mary’s Church, offering audiences a masterful and intimate witness to Rossini’s vibrant choral writing.
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PLANS FOR FUTURE YEARS
The English Arts Chorale’s forthcoming season continues its tradition of ambitious programming, large-scale choral masterworks and inclusive participatory events. The season opens in September 2025 with a landmark performance of Verdi’s Requiem, sung from memory, at the Congress Theatre, Eastbourne, paired with Beethoven’s Triple Concerto featuring the internationally acclaimed Kanneh-Mason Trio. This will be followed by a series of concerts and themed programmes exploring music shaped by conflict and remembrance, including War & Peace at Dorking Halls in November, juxtaposing The Armed Man by Karl Jenkins with Fauré’s Requiem, and the seasonal concert Once As I Remember, performed in both Reigate and Worth, presenting a reflective Christmas programme ranging from Renaissance polyphony to contemporary carols.
Alongside performances, the Chorale will continue its strong programme of open workshops and singing days, reinforcing its commitment to learning, access and musical development. Highlights include a Female Composers Singing Day in October 2025 focusing on Cecilia McDowall’s Da Vinci Requiem among other works, a Brahms Requiem workshop led by renowned conductor Gavin Carr, and preparatory events leading to a full performance of Brahms’s German Requiem in March 2026. The season concludes with a celebratory focus on American music, including a workshop on US composers and an Independence Day concert in July 2026, reflecting the Chorale’s international outlook and continued exploration of diverse choral traditions.
TREASURER’S REPORT
At the start of the year, the total net asset position (after allowing for creditors, debtors and net current assets) was £27,392. At the end of the year, this figure had increased slightly to £28,492. This small increase of £1,100 was made up of a £7,676 deficit from the concert programme, offset by a surplus of £8,776 raised by donation, sponsorship, subscriptions and other fund-raising efforts, less administration and rehearsal costs.
No increase in subscriptions has been proposed for the 2024/25 season but subscription rates have remained under review and will rise in the forthcoming 2025/26 season.
The 25/26 season, which includes some larger projects, is forecast to make a small loss of £984.
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STATEMENT OF THE TRUSTEES
Legislation applicable to charities requires trustees to prepare accounts 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. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to
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Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue to operate.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with The Charities Act 2011. We are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The accounts have been verified by an independent examiner.
Signed on behalf of the Trustees:
Katherine Cheema, Hon. Treasurer
Date: 11/01/2026
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT
TO THE TRUSTEES OF ENGLISH ARTS CHORALE ASSOCIATION, A CHARITABLE INCORPORATED ORGANISATION
I report on the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 August 2025, which are set out on pages 9 to 13.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed. The charity’s gross income did not exceed £250,000. It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act
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to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act
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to state whether particular matters have come to my attention
Basis of 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 which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act and
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to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met.
Charles Last
Date: 11/01/2026
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STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS For the Year Ended 31 August 2025
| STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL AFFAIRS For the Year Ended 31 August 2025 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| Unrestricted Funds | Unrestricted Funds | |
| £ | £ | |
| Income | ||
| Donations, legacies, grants & Gift Aid | 7,587 | 4,176 |
| Member subscriptions | 18,892 | 15,500 |
| Other membership income | 1,586 | 2,095 |
| Tour income | 17,890 | 27,364 |
| Charitable Activities | 16,992 | 13,019 |
| Fund-raising Activities | 292 | 253 |
| Sundry income | 12 | 1,084 |
| Bank interest | 507 | 565 |
| Total income | 63,758 | 64,056 |
| Expenditure | ||
| Donations to charity | - | - |
| Rehearsal costs | 16,765 | 17,117 |
| Other membership costs | 1,020 | 11 |
| Tour costs | 17,890 | 27,364 |
| Concerts | 24,668 | 17,749 |
| Insurance & professional subscriptions | 638 | 543 |
| Sundry expenses | 1,676 | 2,568 |
| Total expenditure | 62,657 | 65,352 |
| Net income/(expenditure) and net movement in funds for the year | 1,101 | - 1,295 |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||
| Total funds brought forward | 27,392 | 28,687 |
| Total funds carried forward | 28,493 | 27,392 |
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 2025
| 2025 | 2025 | 2024 | 2024 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current Assets: | |||||
| Stock | 3 | 183 | 184 | ||
| Debtors | 4 | - | 3,255 | ||
| Cash at bank and in hand | 28,909 | 25,587 | |||
| Total Current Assets | 29,092 | 29,025 | |||
| Current Liabilities: | |||||
| Creditors – amounts falling due within one year |
5 | 599 | 1,633 | ||
| Total Liabilities | 599 | 1,633 | |||
| Total Assets Less Current Liabilities | 28,492 | 27,392 | |||
| Funds: | |||||
| Unrestricted Funds | 6 | 28,492 | 27,392 | ||
| Unrestricted Funds | 28,493 | 27,392 |
These financial statements were approved by the Trustees and were signed on their behalf by
Geoff Whiffin Trustee
Date: 23/02/2026
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NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023
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.
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
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
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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 £11,009.73 (2023/24: £10,879.76) 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 |
2025 (£) 109 73 183 2025 (£) 4,479 0 4,479 |
2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 128 56 |
||
| 184 | ||
| 2024 (£) | ||
| 3,255 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 3,255 |
Financial assets carrying amounts included in the above are £4,479 (2024: £3,438). There were no impairment provisions at the year end (2024: £nil).
5. CREDITORS AND CURRENT LIABILITIES
| 2025 (£) | 2024 (£) | |
|---|---|---|
| Deferred income | 0 | 543 |
| Other accrued expenses | 599 | 1,090 |
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599 1,633
Financial liabilities carrying amounts included in the above are £599 (2024: £1,633).
6. UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
The Special Projects reserve shown below represents funds that the Trustees, at their discretion, have allocated for a specific purpose.
| Special projects reserve Other unrestricted funds Total unrestricted funds |
2025 (£) 0 28,493 28,493 |
2024 (£) |
|---|---|---|
| 0 | ||
| 27,392 | ||
| 27,392 |
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