ANNUAL REPORT putney arts theatre April 2023 - March 2024
Chair's INTRODUCTION
Carrie Cable
Welcome to our annual report for 2023 – 2024. My first thanks must go to all the Trustees whose hard work and commitment helps us to achieve our mission. Two trustees have stepped down during the year – Amanda Benzecry, our secretary, and Tony de Vizio, our Vice Chair. Amanda was instrumental in formulating our ‘Let There Be Light’ fundraising campaign and Tony in initiating the development of a future strategy for our theatre. Our thanks go to both of them. Elanne Brooks joins us as a new Trustee this year. This year we bid farewell to two very long serving Trustees. Perry Kitchen, our current Treasurer and long term Chair who has steered us through many challenging times, and Bryan Raven, a previous Chair and a trustee for many years. They have both given generously of their time and expertise and have made significant contributions in so many ways. We are pleased that Ajay Shah will take over as Treasurer and Jamie Hannon will take on the role of Vice Chair and are looking to recruit a new secretary. We are also looking to recruit other new trustees going forward to ensure we continue to have a range and breadth of expertise on the Board.
Our two amazing resident companies, Group 64 Theatre for Young People and Putney Theatre Company have had a very successful year. Our General Manager, Veronika Wilson, our G64 Company Director Nicola Sterry, Stacey Burt, our Creative Learning Director, Hattie Kemish, our Outreach Lead, and PTC Artistic Directors, Cait and Barney Hart Dyke and all our staff and volunteers have worked tirelessly to ensure our classes, education projects, shows and events are of the highest quality, as you will see later in this report.
The work of the Trustees is varied and ranges from guidance and advice to quite ‘hands on’ tasks. We have established six sub committees to take forward our work including ensuring we are meeting our obligations in terms of policy development and good practice in such areas as employment, safeguarding and health and safety. We have also been working hard to hone our strategy for the future and now have three overarching objectives: to grow our audiences and participation; maintain and diversify utilisation of our building; and advance a welcoming community venue with a shared sense of belonging.
This year we have seen a welcome rise in our audience numbers, a growing number of visiting artists performing in our theatre and we have provided space for refugee and asylum seeking women to attend English classes and social groups. We will need the continuing support of our dedicated staff and volunteers as we move forward with our new strategy
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
We are particularly pleased with the success of our fundraising campaign, ‘Let There Be Light’ which aimed to replace our tungsten stage lamps with LEDs. It is with huge thanks to The Gosling Foundation that we can announce that we have now achieved our target. Through their generosity and all the incredibly kind donations we received from our members, their families and our supporters, we are well on our way to completing our final order for new lights. Our new lighting stock will enhance all the work we deliver for young people, our productions overall and help us to reduce our energy use. In gratitude for and recognition of the substantial donation from the Foundation, we are going to call 12 of our Coloursource Profile Spots ‘Goslings’. Our next campaign, led by our fundraising committee, will be ‘Build Our Future’ which is closely aligned to our strategic objectives.
Another new initiative instigated by the Marketing sub committee is our ‘Friends of PAT’ scheme. For a range of regular monthly donations we will offer a range of benefits including discounted tickets to shows, free drinks and programmes, names in programmes etc.
Wandsworth becomes the London Borough of Culture next year and we are looking forward to participating in and organising some events at the theatre. Our staff have been closely involved in a number of local initiatives and groups and a range of meetings and events have been held at the theatre which helps to raise our profile in the Borough and the community.
This is our 60th Anniversary year and it has provided us with the opportunity for reflection as well as celebration. We are in a stronger position this year but we have much to do going forward to sustain and develop our role as a community theatre and to secure our financial viability.
Best wishes
Carrie Cable Chair of Trustees
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
Strangers Like Me - G64 - April 2023 Lo
WHO WE ARE
PUTNEY'S COMMUNITY HUB FOR THE ARTS
An inclusive performance space providing creative & supportive theatrical opportunities for young people and adults, an inspiring space for its resident companies, a welcoming atmosphere for guest performers, and high quality entertainment involving the local community.
We are driven by a community of active members that includes local Putney residents, people from the borough of Wandsworth and from further afield throughout London. Being the base of both Putney Theatre Company and Group 64 Theatre for Young People, We are driven by the hard work, passion and playfulness of all our members across both companies
OUR TWO RESIDENT THEATRE COMPANIES
a community led, quality amateur theatre company
a dynamic, inclusive young people's theatre group
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
Struwwelpeter - G64 - May 2023
OUR OBJECTIVES, Aims & Values
TO BE THE CENTRE OF HIGH QUALITY CREATIVE PERFORMANCE FOR PUTNEY THAT INVOLVES AND INSPIRES THE WHOLE COMMUNITY
The objects of the charity are to advance the arts, particularly the medium of drama, for the benefit of the public and to help and educate young people through their leisure time activities, especially in the medium of drama and the associated arts, so to develop their physical and mental capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society.
OUR AIMS
To continue to develop our reputation and role as a creative performance venue in south west London, building on 60 years of experience to create a firm foundation for the next 60 years. This will be achieved by:
Maintaining and developing the range of performance opportunities provided by the venue, while maintaining high quality standards
Providing a supportive, inclusive environment for young people of all abilities, to learn and develop theatre skills, and nurture creativity
Increasing the number of users of the theatre, including resident companies and external hires, and broadening the range and type of audiences served Developing the venue to maximise its potential to support its core activities and function more efficiently and effectively, while maintaining a reputation for friendliness and inclusivity
Increasing income generation, through commercial activities and fundraising, to drive improvements to services and facilities Reviewing our systems and processes, identifying opportunities for improvements in terms of sustainable finance, robust H&S and ever increasing audience engagement
OUR VALUES
In everything we do we seek to be:
High Quality Fun
Creative Community Centric
Friendly Open Inclusive Supportive
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
The Welkin - PTC - April 2023 \ Our History
The Putney Arts Theatre stands in the original building of the Old Union Church, built in 1860 by Sir Samuel Morton Peto, whose other building works included the Reform Club and Nelson's Column.
Over 160 years later, we continue to celebrate and thank the people who have helped us grow and build a strong community theatre that supports Putney and the wider Wandsworth community.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE
Putney Arts Theatre was formerly the Old Union Church, and the building dates from the mid-19th Century. Group 64 took over the disused and neglected church in 1968. Hard, voluntary work has transformed it into the theatre you see today, supported by kind donations and a lottery award via the Arts Council.
The main auditorium was reconstructed in 1994 and the studio and bar areas in 1998, when the exterior of the building was also stone cleaned.
In 2008 the studio space was upgraded and renamed the Antony Bridges Studio, with new roof and lighting rig. In 2016 the main stage space was upgraded with a new lighting rig.
THE MAIN STAGE The main auditorium seats 147, and the stage measures 41' by 30'. Although the auditorium is usually arranged in the traditional proscenium style, much of the seating is flexible and many shows have experimented successfully with performing in traverse and in the round.
THE ANTONY BRIDGES STUDIO THEATRE The studio theatre is a 'black box' measuring approximately 16' by 26'. It can seat up to 46 and is perfect for creating a smaller, intimate setting, where the audience can be seated almost within touching distance of the actors. The venue is also used as a rehearsal space.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
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Jekyll and Hyde - G64 - January 2024
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Group 64 Theatre for Young People
Group 64 has spent the year thriving, with exciting shows, holiday projects, education projects, our Kent residential and our first professional show for children! We have continued to promote joy, happiness and positive mental health throughout our theatre company. The G64 membership remains strong particularly in the teenage age group, and most classes are full or almost full. This year they have produced 13 shows both at Putney Arts Theatre and in local schools and the local community, we have reached 1,166 local Wandsworth children and have reached a record number of 1,730 audience members.
Group 64 continue to be young people centred as the members not only develop their performance skills but direct their own shows, run the lighting and sound for all shows, support other members with our buddying scheme, are paid one to one assistants supporting those with additional needs. G64's children’s show Spreading the Joy ran pre show workshops, so that the children could take the lead, influence the characters and the script. They have hired a young person as a Creative Learning Intern funded by Peter and Rosy Gent for 10 hours per week, a position that they hope will continue long into the future.
Group 64's education department continues to grow, particularly developing passion in theatre and drama reaching more young people by upskilling teachers and university students. They ran 2 CPD sessions with local schools plus 2 CPD sessions with all the Wandsworth English Leads and a session with the Social Pedagogy degree course at Kingston University. G64 have worked with 7 schools and over 850 school children in the borough of Wandsworth, 2 of these projects are funded and 6 projects were paid by the schools. They have received project funding from Wimbledon Community Fund, WAF Grant (Wandsworth Council), Coop Community Fund, the Boris Karloff Foundation and the Jack Petchey Foundation.
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G64 MISSIONS
Become a champion for young people's Mental Health within the arts.
Work with arts professionals to continue developing a varied performing arts programme and develop young people’s skills and confidence.
Reach more young people by engaging with more local schools in the Wandsworth Area.
Continue to provide varied opportunities for young people including shows, classes, holiday projects, and assisting in classes and with productions.
Expand our Pay What You Can Afford Scheme by applying for core-cost funding.
Develop and re-design G64 Committee to hear more of a youth voice within the company.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
PUTNEY THEATRE COMPANY
My Fair Lady - PTC - December 2023
Home to a hotbed of talent, Putney Theatre Company is the adult resident theatre company at Putney Arts Theatre. A premier amateur theatre company, it produces around 10 high quality productions a year, offers varied opportunities for amateur theatre practitioners; provides sustainable income, practical support and creative content for Putney Arts Theatre.
Scandaltown - April 2024 7!
Our Artistic Directors Barney and Cait Hart Dyke, select and schedule the plays for the Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter seasons - designed to universally appeal to our audiences across Wandsworth borough, South West London and further afield. We are delighted that our professional quality productions constantly receive critical acclaim from both external reviewers and audiences alike.
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Sense & Sensibility - June 2023 ‘a
2023-4 gave us a rich variety of main stage productions including Lucy Kirkwood’s courtroom drama, The Welkin , Jane Austen’s classic, Sense & Sensibility , the hilarious adaptation of T he Hound of the Baskervilles by Steven Canny and John Nicolson, Peter Shaffer’s darkly dramatic Amadeus, Lerner & Lowe’s toe-tapping, My Fair Lady and Mike Bartlett’s fizzing comedy Scandaltown. Our studio productions included the beautifully nuanced Mayfly by Joe White, Alexi Kaye Campbell’s sharply perceptive Apologia, ending the year with the gripping and intimate production of Lucy Kirkwood’s The Children . During August and September PTC went ‘on tour’ with their modern outdoor take on The Canterbury Tales during the Hurlingham Festival at the Hurlingham Club, Fulham and St Margaret’s Church, Putney.
“Acting and production values of the highest calibre. Who knew the West End had relocated to Putney!”
“...the type of theatre that blurs the line between amateur and professional…”
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Amadeus - November 2023
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“Wonderful play. Wonderful performances…richly deserving of the full standing ovation it received tonight.”
“A really gripping piece of drama, beautifully acted by a very talented cast.”
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
Group 64 PRODUCTIONS
Jekyll and Hyde - G64 - January 2024
Strangers Like Me
performed at Putney Arts Theatre and the Lyric Hammersmith as part of National Theatre Connections. In April, we took our show Strangers Like Me to the Lyric Hammersmith to perform as part of National Theatre Connections. The cast met with the writer of the play and the head of participation at the National was ‘very impressed with their commitment and imagination.’
JOY as part of Wandsworth Arts Fringe (WAF)
(funded by Wandsworth Council) JOY made a come-back in June, being performed to audiences of invited young people from local community groups and industry professionals. We paired this with a workshop to look at young people’s mental health and how this project could move forward.
Alton, A Place I Call Home as part of WAF
(funded by Wandsworth Council) Working with residents of the Alton Estate, Group 64 created and devised an intergenerational show that explored all things we call home. Performed both on the Alton Estate and here at Putney Arts Theatre, audiences were thrilled to see their homes and stories highlighted.
Struwwelpeter
Junior Young Company took to the stage for the first time for their performance of Struwwelpeter. They performed a series of cautionary tales for children on two nights to audiences at Putney Arts Theatre.
Fantastic Mr Fox
In July, 34 Group 64 members aged 8-18 years old presented Fantastic Mr Fox. We had fantastic audience numbers and audiences told us that it was ‘a great performance all round. Fantastic huge age range in the actors and all working so well together!’
Young Directors
In November three young directors showed their performances of Am I Just a C+ and Comment is Free to sold out audiences in our studio space. It is always fantastic to watch young people taking the leap to directing their peers.
Anne of Green Gables
In December, 30 young people aged 8 – 18 took part in our Christmas show of Anne of Green Gables. We loved seeing them take on this heart-warming tale and work together with people from a wide range of ages.
Young Company Double Bill – 1984/Jekyll and Hyde
This January our Young Companies worked in rep with each other to bring a double bill to the Putney Arts Theatre stage. 1984 and Jekyll & Hyde worked in tandem with each other to be performed over one week – a first for Group 64.
The Light Burns Blue
In March, our teenagers explored the story of the Cottingley fairies with the play The Light Burns Blue. They explored skills such as multi-roling, puppeteering and shadow work. Even with a shortened rehearsal time they still produced fantastic performances.
Spreading The Joy
(funded by Wimbledon Community Fund) This year we went into local schools and community venues with our performance of Spreading the Joy with 3 young (18-25) Actor/Facilitators. The show was developed from the ideas of children in the borough to look at how we spread joy to others and how we express our emotions.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
PTC PRODUCTIONS
Amadeus - November 2023
The Welkin: by Lucy Kirkwood
April 2023. Sally Poppy has committed the wickedest of crimes but her claims of pregnancy, perhaps, demand clemency. Will she escape a hanging, be transported, or will the mob outside tear her to pieces?
Mayfly: by Joe White
May 2023. The mayfly hatches in the morning, mates in the afternoon, dies at night: a lot can happen in a day. Ben thinks his family might be better off without him, but his wife Cat has read her stars: 'Today a very special person will appear from out the blue.'
Sense & Sensibility: by Jane Austen and adapted by Jessica Swale
June 2023. As part of WAF. When their wealthy half-brother cheats them of their fortune, the penniless Dashwood sisters are forced to leave the comforts of Norland Park and relocate to chilly Barton Cottage in Devonshire.
The Canterbury Tales: adapted by Lindsay Price
August & September 2023. Performed at Hurlingham Club and St Margaret’s Church. Brought together by the revel rousing Hostess, we have the saucy Wife of Bath on the lookout for husband number six. The sleazy Pardoner, trying to sell his ‘relics’ to gullible pilgrims. Our pious Prioress, keen to spread virtue and modesty. The boisterous Miller - more brawn than brain. His nemesis - the ageing, irritable Reeve Resident bon viveur - The Franklin, and the shy, nervous Cook.
The Hound of the Baskervilles: by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and adapted by Steven Canny & John Nicolson
September 2023. When Sir Charles Baskerville is found dead on his estate, with the paw prints of a gigantic hound beside his body, the great detective Sherlock Holmes is summoned from Baker Street, with Dr Watson in tow, to unravel the mysteries surrounding his death, and investigate the ancient curse of the Hound of the Baskervilles...
Apologia: by Alexi Kaye Campbell
October 2023. Kristin Miller is a firebrand liberal matriarch and eminent art historian. A birthday gathering should be a cause for celebration but the cracks in her family relationships are brought to the surface by the recent publication of her memoir. As the evening progresses questions are asked about the sacrifices she has made and about the price paid by those she loves…
Amadeus: by Peter Shaffer
November 2023. Music. Power. Jealousy. Genius. Vienna: the music capital of the world. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, a rowdy young prodigy, arrives to make a splash. Awestruck by his genius, court composer Antonio Salieri has the power to promote his talent or destroy it. Seized by obsessive jealousy he begins a war with Mozart, with music and, ultimately, with God.
My Fair Lady: by Alan Jay Lerner & Frederick Lowe
December 2023. A chance meeting between two noted British linguists, Professor Henry Higgins and Colonel Hugh Pickering, leads to a wager that will test Higgins' skills. After they hear a cockney flower girl in the street, Higgins makes a bet with Pickering that he can transform the girl, Eliza Doolittle into a refined lady that could convince anyone that she was a 'proper lady.
The Children: by Lucy Kirkwood
February 2024. Hazel and Robin are living out their retirement in a cottage on the east coast. They listen to Radio 4, speak regularly with their children and Hazel never misses a day of yoga. When old friend Rose visits out of the blue, they crack open the parsnip wine and reminisce. But uncomfortable memories resurface, and Rose’s shocking proposal threatens their entire future.
Scandaltown: by Mike Bartlett
March 2024. Moral and progressive young heroine Phoebe Virtue disguises herself as an IT consultant and journeys to London to rescue her brother Jack from the temptations of the depraved metropolis, where she suspects he is taking drugs and reading the Daily Telegraph. Meanwhile, vampy, scheming Lady Susan Climber attempts to ascend the ladder of influence and land a breakfast TV spot by getting cancelled for being outrageous on social media. Their fates collide in a night of mayhem, mistaken identities, and mind-blowing sex at the Netflix masked ball…
Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
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OUR IMPACT
The Light Burns Blue - G64 - March 2024
"Suddenly, I wasn’t a 17-year-old girl anymore. Suddenly I was this professional actor who wasn’t just rehearsing for youth theatre show, but a ‘proper’ production. It made me feel noticed and valued as a performer where I feel like before, I had been overlooked. G64 Member, 18 years old"
This year 20% of our Group64 families took advantage of our Pay What You Can Afford Scheme, allowing families to pay any amount that they can afford under our normal term fees. Over the past year we have worked with local schools to provide 14 scholarship places for young people aged 11+ who would not normally have access to our classes. We also gave 59 complimentary tickets to local schools so their young people could come and see shows at Putney Arts Theatre.
Over 5,000 people attended 20 different productions at Putney Arts Theatre last year. Putney Theatre Company had an average of nearly 300 members between the ages of 18 and 94, and Group 64 had an average of over 200 members attending classes as well as over 100 attending holiday projects throughout the year from April 2023 - March 2024
Group 64 engaged with seven local primary and secondary schools working with their creative staff to expand and develop skills and enrich curriculums. As part of the youth theatre G64 supported young people to produce, direct, assistant direct, facilitate and provide one to one support for younger members where needed. They trained 17 young people in sound and lighting skills and 10 young people to become G64 Buddies and G64 Assistants, they also introduced the Creative Intern this year funded by Peter and Rosemary Gent. G64 and also supported 2 work experience placements, 1 university placement and 10 Duke of Edinburgh skills and volunteering placements.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
ANNUAL Report
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. The financial statements have been prepared 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 (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011 and UK Generally Accepted Practice as it applies from 1 January 2015.
The accounts have been prepared to give a ‘true and fair’ view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a ‘true and fair view’. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered Charity number 1157481
Principal address Putney Arts Theatre Ravenna Road London, SW15 6AW Registered charity name Putney Arts Theatre Operating sections Group 64 Theatre for Young People (to age 21) Putney Theatre Company (age 18+) Putney Arts Theatre (external hires and administration) President Mrs Audrey Copus Trustees (appointed) Paul Benton (2018) Laura Jackson (2021) Amanda Benzecry (2020 to 9/4/24) Sarah Jillings (2015) Elanne Brooks (from 9/4/24) Perry Kitchen (2014 treasurer) Caroline Cable (2017, chair) Bryan Raven (2014) Zoe Copley (2019) Tom Sainsbury (2022) Tony de Vizio (2022, resigned 9/4/24) Ajay Shah (2023, deputy treasurer) Jamie Hannon (2023) Putney Arts Theatre Veronika Wilson General Manager Group 64 Theatre Nicola Sterry Company Director for Young People Stacey Burt Creative Learning Director Hattie Kemish Outreach Lead Phoebe Moore Assistant Youth Theatre Director (from 15/3/24) Enomfom Idiong Group 64 Creative Learning Intern (from 15/2/24) Hattie Putney Theatre Company Barney Hart Dyke (Artistic Director) Cait Hart Dyke (Artistic Director) Tom Sainsbury (Treasurer) Kim Dyas (Committee) Alexa Adam (Secretary) Simon Crump (Committee) Mike Cooke (Committee) Caroline D'Arcy (Committee) Independent examiner Elliot Fielding ACA Sampson Fielding Ltd - Chartered Accountants 34-35 Clarges Street London W1J 7EJ Solicitor Russell-Cooke LLP 2 Putney Hill, London SW15 6AB Bankers National Westminster Bank PLC 111-117 Putney High Street, London SW15 2LL
*Putney Arts Theatre was granted its official charitable status in June 2014, but it was a continuation of a previous charity, Group 64. Group 64 was founded and granted charitable status in 1964, as an unincorporated charity. On its 50th anniversary, the trustees agreed to change the charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) At the same time, the opportunity was taken to rebrand the charity, calling it the same name as its building, whilst retaining the name of Group 64 for its well-known operating division, providing theatre for young people. To effect the change, a new CIO had to be created into which the assets and obligations of the old charity were transferred. The old charity was then wound up. Two trustees from the old charity are still trustees of the new CIO. Perry Kitchen has been treasurer since 1984 and was a trustee from 1990. Bryan Raven was appointed a trustee in 2007.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
ANNUAL Report
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) and was entered on the Register of Charities on 16 June 2014. It assumed the assets, liabilities and obligations and continued the activities of Group 64, an unincorporated charity founded in 1964. The charity is governed by its constitution. This provides that trustees may be elected by the members of the Putney Arts Theatre, that one third of trustees by rotation should retire each year and may offer themselves for re-election, and that no trustee may serve more than four consecutive terms (i.e. twelve years).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The objects of the charity are: To advance the arts, particularly the medium of drama, for the benefit of the public; and To help and educate young people through their leisure time activities, especially in the medium of drama and the associated arts, so to develop their physical and mental capabilities that they may grow to full maturity as individuals and members of society.
Significant activities
The charity achieves its objectives through providing productions of plays for the benefit of the public and of participants (who are drawn from the community); through providing drama classes, productions, holiday projects and other activities for young people aged 4- 21; and through the provision of space and facilities for other community theatre groups, musical ensembles, local artists, a third age literary group and many others. A detailed report of activities undertaken during the year is contained in the Annual Report. This demonstrates that the objects of the charity have been advanced.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that the activities referred to above have been undertaken in order to further the charity’s purposes for the public benefit; and that they have had regard to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the charity's aims and objectives and in planning future activities.
Financial review
Total incoming resources were £299,358 (2023: £231,583). Total resources expended were £286,962 (2023: £235,867). The net overall surplus in 2023-24 was £12,396 (2023: deficit £4,284). In 2023-24, income from drama classes, productions and other activities was in line with historic norms: Total production surpluses were £59,943 and Group 64 drama class subscriptions were £74,670. In addition, there was useful income from social events, hires and other activities. The bar development appeal was closed, after raising almost £5,000, and a new appeal entitled “Let there be light” was launched, raising £21,338 by the end of the year, enabling expenditure of £21,519 on new LED stage lights.
In addition to the statutory information, notes 14 and 15, which follow the financial statements, contain analyses by activity and productions. These are for information and interest, but have not been independently examined.
Reserves policy
The charity’s reserves policy is to maintain a Building Capital Reserve which is sufficient to meet all anticipated and otherwise unfinanced costs of improvement and maintenance of the Putney Arts Theatre for at least the next 12 months; and a Revenue Reserve which aims to be equal to 3 months’ normal expenditure: this Revenue Reserve requirement would amount to £70,000, and is the amount which the trustees consider to be the minimum required to cushion the charity against unforeseen events. At 31/3/24 overall reserves, excluding the freehold building, were £61,600. After the volatility of recent years, the trustees consider this to be a creditable result and sufficiently close to the reserves policy, since no capital expenditure is planned for the foreseeable future that is not financed by the surplus on activities, or outside grants and donations. The equivalent figure at 31/3/23 was £49,204.
2024-25 financial outlook
At the time of writing we are pleased to report that numbers and activities appear to be back to historic norms, and in some cases exceeding them. Drama classes and holiday projects are once again proving popular, and audiences were at 63% of capacity, against 51% in 2022-23. In addition, the appeal for LED lights has recently achieved its target of £35,000, thanks to continued donations and a generous grant from a charitable trust. This has enabled the full complement of new LED stage lights to be purchased.
Nevertheless, the future can never be certain. The Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that outside events can have unforeseen and potentially serious effects on finances; and in a time that personal finances are stretched the trustees do not assume that drama class and audience numbers will be maintained as a matter of course. Accordingly the trustees continue to keep a close watch on costs.
Risk Management
The trustees have reviewed the major strategic, business and operational risks to which the charity is exposed. These include loss of or damage to the building, liability to users and visitors, and loss of income. The trustees confirm that systems have been established to mitigate any such risks, that insurance cover has been obtained to cover strategic risks, and that the assessment of risks is kept under review.
Data protection and information governance policies are in place and are reviewed to ensure that data is protected and that the internal processes are robust and comply with any new legislative or regulatory requirements.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 2 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
P D C N Kitchen MA FCA: Trustee and Treasurer
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER's REPORT
I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 16 to 20.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (“the Act”).
The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (under Section 475 of the Companies Act 2006 and that an independent examination is required.
As the charity’s gross income exceeds £250,000 it is required that the independent examination is carried out by a member of a listed body. I am qualified to undertake the examination by being a qualified member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (one of the listed bodies).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
I ndependent examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
• the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
• the accounts did not accord with the accounting records; or
• the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 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.
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 in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Elliot Fielding
2nd July 2024 Relevant professional qualification(s) or body: ICAEW
Sampson Fielding Ltd Chartered Accountants 34-35 Clarges Street London W1J 7EJ
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
BALANCE SHEET
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on 2nd July 2024 and were signed on its behalf by: Perry Kitchen MA FCA: Trustee and Treasurer Carrie Cable: Chair of Trustees
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparation and assessment of going concern
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at historical cost or transaction value. The financial statements have been prepared 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 (FRS 102) (the Charities SORP) effective 1 January 2019 and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.Putney Arts Theatre is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Trust’s ability to continue as a going concern.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included on the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets comprise a freehold property that is included at the cost of acquisition from the predecessor charity. No depreciation is provided as regular expenditure on maintaining the property means that the amount recoverable on any disposal is likely to be greater than the net book value in the accounts for the foreseeable future.
Stocks
Stocks are valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value, after making due allowance for obsolete and slow-moving items.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees. Part of the fund has been designated by the trustees for the maintenance of the freehold property and incoming resources are allocated to this fund on the basis of the donors' stated wishes. Expenditure on maintenance and enhancement of the property is allocated to this fund. Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes. Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
Pension costs and other post-retirement benefits
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme, which complies with current pension legislation. Contributions payable to the charity's pension scheme are charged to the Statement of Financial Activities in the period to which they relate.
Allocation of support costs
Support costs are those functions that assist the work of the charity but do not directly undertake charitable activities. Support costs include back office costs, finance, personnel, payroll and governance costs which support the charity's artistic programmes and activities. These costs have been allocated between cost of raising funds and expenditure on charitable activities on a functional basis as set out in note 7.
Statement of cash flows
In preparing these financial statements the trustees have taken advantage of the disclosure exemptions permitted by the Charities SORP to charities that are not large not to prepare a statement of cash flows.
2. DONATIONS, LEGACIES, SPONSORSHIP AND GRANTS
- INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
4. INCOME FROM TRADING ACTIVITIES
5. TRUSTEES’ REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees’ remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £Nil) There were no trustees’ expenses paid for the year ended 31 March 2024 (2023: £Nil)
6. STAFF COSTS
7. RESOURCES EXPENDED
The Independent Examiner provided his services for £3,600 (2023: £2,200) including VAT.
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
Tangible fixed assets comprise a freehold property that is included at the cost of acquisition from the predecessor charity. No depreciation is provided as regular expenditure on maintaining the property means that the amount recoverable on any disposal is likely to be greater than the net book value in the accounts for the foreseeable future.
9. STOCKS
10. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
11. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
12. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
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13. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
There were no related party transactions
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
The schedules which follow do not form part of the statutory financial statements
14. DETAILED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024
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|Brainstorm/A|sfd|Beautiful|History|
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
14. DETAILED ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR TO 31 MARCH 2024 (continued)
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENT
15. ACCOUNTS OF PLAYS
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
SUPPORTING CAST
We are forever grateful to the following for their support of the Putney Arts Theatre
Harry & Lesley Adam The ADAPT Trust Allan Fuller Estate Agents Vanessa Andrews Jane Anghelatos Robert Arguile The Ashley Foundation Jane Austin Ann Ball The Baring Foundation TC Bartsch Nathan Basu The Bay Tree Charitable Trust Maikel Bellanco Elizabeth Benn Tony Bennett Paul Benton Geoff Beresford Barbara Blanning The Big Give Frances Bodiam The estate of Antony Bridges Win and Fred Bridges Bill Boyd Chloe Burrows Fiona Buckner Carrie Cable Lisa Campbell Susan Chatelier Alison Chung Denis Clark Richard Clarke Michael Clarke Simon Clarke Matthew Cockshutt Zoe Copley Ben Copping The Arts Council (Cultural Recovery Fund) Harry Chambers Sarah Chambers Judith Chegwidden Chelsea Financial Services PLC The estate of Kathleen Clelland The Ernest Cook Trust The Co-op Community Fund The Maurice Copus Bursary Anna Corben Christobel de Cruz Sharon Czudak Kit Davey
Caroline D’Arcy Sarah and Perry Kitchen Loetitia Delais Nicole Lockhart Diana Denton-Baker The Lodge Hotel, Putney Emily Dixon Alex Lowe Sebastian Duc Lucy Mabbit Tim Duthie Daniela Mackay Kim Dyas Tania Macleod Jeff Eastlake MAJ Broadcast Ltd James Elliott Maple Dentist Emily Fellows Elly Meacham John Fellows Henry Mendoza Ian Finch Lynne Mendoza James Flitton Emma Miles Foundation for Sport & the Arts The Miles Trust for Putney & Roehampton Da Franco Restaurant Penny Mitchell Rosemary and Peter Gent Tony Morris Jeff Graves Frances Morrison Debonair Group Kimberley Muller The Sir Robert Gefferys Trust The National Lottery through Said Ghusayani The Arts Council of England Glug Timothy Naylor Ma Goa Restaurant Derek Nicholson Ravi Govindia The estate of Juanita Patrick The estate of Anna Greenburgh Matthew Parish Inge Gregorius Zoe Parish Group 64 Alumni Louisa Pead Martin Guntrip Beth Pedersen The estate of Paul Haken Sarah-Jane Peters David Hall The Jack Petchey Foundation Louise Hall Maggie Pittard Kirsty Harrison Proficiency Ltd Laura Harrison Putneyprinting.com Heather Haskins PAT “Shine On” appeal The estate of Nicholas Hawker PAT “Raising the Bar” appeal Michael Hempstead The Putney Society Alison Henry Robert Raffety Simon Herd Bryan Raven Ian Higham Heather Redding Rosemary Hollis The Reed Foundation Barry Hooper Jodi Rilot Carol Hudson Francis Ring-Davies Elizabeth & Tim Iredale Carla Ritchie Frank Iredale Roca Ltd Nick Hern Books Sarah Rolf-Hughes Martin Jessop Chris Routledge Sarah Jillings Mark Runacres Dee Kapoor Neil Rutherford Ravi Kapur Kelly Saber Boris Karloff Caroline Salter Graham Kellas
Clar Sainsbury’s Ltd Tom Sainsbury Santander Discovery Geoff Saunders Perry Savill Margaret Shaw Alexandra Simmonds Rick Simmonds Samantha Smith Ally Staddon Andrew Stanley Tatiana Stuckert Simon Taylor Marie Thackwell Emily Thomas Hugh Thompson The Truemark Trust Clare Tuckett Alex van der Velden Ian Wainwright Waitrose plc Patrisha Walker Sir Walter St John’s Educational Charity Wandsworth Borough Council Jim Warner
Tracy Lee Waters Stuart Watson Penny Weatherall Sarah West Veronica Whelan White Light Ltd Robin Wiener James Williams-Ellis Greg Willcox Piers Wilson Veronika Wilson Tony Wong Sacha Woodward Hill The Woolf Charitable Trust World First Foreign Exchange
and many other donors who have donated smaller amounts when purchasing tickets or at our events
Last but not least Members of PTC and PAT, Group 64 students & parents, and the Putney Community
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Putney Arts Theatre. Registered in England. Charity number: 1157481. Ravenna Road, London, SW15 6AW
THE PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE: INCOME & EXPENDITURE
| PTC PTC Subscriptions PTC Production surpluses PTC donations Readings/Social events Misc/prior year Total PTC Surplus/contribution to PAT co Group 64 G64 termly subscriptions G64 Production surpluses G64 holiday projects & workshops G64 education projects G64 fundraising G64 grants & donations G64 permanent staff G64 temps & other costs G64 Surplus/contribution to PAT costs PAT Costs Theatre Administration Fixtures, Fittings, Equipment, Repairs & Redecorations Health & Safety Water Council Tax Insurance Heating Lighting Housekeeping & Waste Disposal Theatre Licence, Inspections etc Postage, Stationery & Printing IT Telephone General Publicity Professional Fees Bank Charges Total PAT costs PAT income Theatre Lettings Art Exhibitions Car Parking & flower stall Community support (asylum seekers e WBC Grants Other grants (2024 BackstageTrust) Sale of donated goods PAT giving (incl Gift Aid) Bank interest Other income/expenditure PAT net costs Summary PTC Surplus/contribution to costs G64 Surplus/contribution to costs PAT income less fixed costs Surplus/(Shortfall) Cultural Recovery Fund Restructuring (redundancy costs) Surplus after CRF & restructuring Theatre Tax Relief net of fees THE PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE: BUILDI |
Year ended 31/03/23 6,280 38,031 1,000 977 46,288 68,318 7,482 15,737 12,337 553 20,246 (82,631) (11,733) 30,309 (106,458) 17,112 (89,346) 46,288 30,309 (89,346) (12,749) -12,749 5,318 (7,431) L FUND 2023 58 3,934 140 0 4,132 20 20 -984 3,148 -1,440 1,708 -7,431 3,148 -4,283 31/3/23 181,832 81,557 32,352 231,037 235,320 -4,283 231,037 |
2024 Budget 7,200 45,000 1,000 1,000 54,200 76,000 7,500 15,350 12,500 500 20,000 (87,589) (12,437) 31,824 (115,485) 24,500 (90,985) 54,200 31,824 (90,985) (4,961) -4,961 5,000 39 2024budget 50 600 5,000 5,650 14,534 -8,884 1,708 -7,176 39 -8,884 -8,845 31/3/24 budget 181,832 70,360 30,000 222,192 231,037 -8,845 222,192 |
Year ending 31/3/24 7,875 50,665 2,118 60,658 74,670 9,278 14,084 12,289 779 8,646 (75,858) (16,005) 27,883 (115,536) 23,134 (92,402) 60,658 27,883 (92,402) (3,861) -3,861 16,325 12,464 2024 855 164 21,338 22,357 22,425 -68 1,708 1,640 12,464 -68 12,396 31/3/24 181,832 88,786 27,185 243,433 231,037 12,396 243,433 |
2025 Budget |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| sts (42,490) (1,487) (3,669) (2,531) (856) (1,011) (8,198) (5,464) (13,393) (10,458) (1,019) (3,443) (3,026) (2,480) (1,077) (2,200) (3,656) |
(45,039) (1,576) (3,889) (2,683) (907) (1,072) (8,690) (6,557) (16,072) (11,085) (1,080) (3,650) (3,208) (2,629) (1,142) (2,332) (3,875) |
(46,503) (3,790) (3,704) (1,874) (789) (532) (8,538) (6,067) (9,295) (10,817) (985) (4,011) (3,975) (2,812) (3,442) (3,600) (4,802) |
(48,828) (3,980) (3,889) (1,968) (828) (559) (8,965) (6,370) (9,760) (11,358) (1,034) (4,212) (4,174) (2,953) (3,614) (2,625) (5,042) |
7,500 48,000 2,000 |
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| 57,500 | ||||||||
| 75,000 8,500 14,500 12,500 500 12,500 (79,651) (16,805) |
||||||||
| 27,044 | ||||||||
| (120,158) 25,750 |
||||||||
| 9,286 2,300 tc) - - 5,496 30 |
9,000 10,000 500 5,000 |
6,996 38 9,500 242 2,774 3,486 608 (510) |
7,000 9,500 5,000 4,000 750 (500) |
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| NG CAPITA | 2 10,000 2 4,534 0 |
582 21,843 |
1,000 13,000 15,000 |
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| (94,408) | ||||||||
| 57,500 27,044 (94,408) |
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| (9,864) | ||||||||
| -9,864 15,000 |
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| 5,136 | ||||||||
| 2025 budget | ||||||||
| INCOME Donations, Bar fundraising Other fundraising Let There Be Light (net of costs) EXPENDITURE Building improvements Bar Sound equipment LED lights Other capital expenditure SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) Building Capital Fund at 1 April Building Capital Fund at 31 March SUMMARY: Income & Expenditure (deficit)/surplus Building capital fund surplus/(deficit) Net incoming/(outgoing) resources THE PUTNEY ARTS THEATRE: BALAN |
-984 | |||||||
| 50 14,000 |
||||||||
| 14,050 29,000 |
||||||||
| CE SHEETS | 62,860 6,000 1,500 |
79,455 6,581 2,750 |
67,787 7,500 1,500 |
|||||
| -14,950 1,640 |
||||||||
| -13,310 | ||||||||
| 5,136 -14,950 |
||||||||
| -9,814 | ||||||||
| 31/3/25 budget |
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| FIXED ASSETS Putney Arts Theatre CURRENT ASSETS Cash at Bank and In Hand Debtors and Prepayments Bar & Tea/Coffee Stock CURRENT LIABILITIES Creditors NET ASSETS REPRESENTED BY Reserves b/f Income (deficit)/surplus Movement in Building Capital (excl bar) Increase in bar fund Reserves c/f TOTAL RESERVES |
68,594 11,263 1,700 |
|||||||
| 181,832 76,787 25,000 |
||||||||
| -7,431 -786 3,934 |
39 -8,884 |
12,464 -923 855 |
5,136 -14,950 |
|||||
| 233,619 | ||||||||
| 243,433 -9,814 |
||||||||
| 233,619 | ||||||||
| PDCNK |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I rert on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2024 set out on pages 16 to 20. Res ctive responsibilities of trustees and examiner e charity's trustees, you are responble for the preparation of the accounts in accordance the requirements of the Charities P 2011 ("the Act"). The charty's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year (urKler Sects'on 475 of the Companies Act 2{ and that an independent examinabon Is required. As the charity's ross income exceeds £250.CrtX) it is required that the indeperKlent examination is carried out by a member of a listed Ly. l am quali led to undertake the examination by being a qUlfied member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Waies (one ol the listed bodies). I rewrt In respect of m examinats'on of the Trust's accounts carried (xrt under sectson 145 of the 2011 Act and In carry7ng out my examinats'on. I have loird 1 the applicable Threcbons given by the Charty Comrnission under section 145(SMb) of the Act. Independent examinerfs statement I have completed my examinatson I confirm that no materiai matters have come to my attenb'on in connecb'on wth Ihe which gwes me se to believe that in, any material respect. • the accoun records wre not kept in accordance wrth seth'on 130 of the Chanties Act" or • the accounts id not accord the accounting records.. or the accounts did not comply wth the licable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charrties (Accounts and Reports) R ulations other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and far. view which is not a matter considered as part of an in ependent examirwtion. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection V47th the examination to vlhich attention should be dravm in this repcwt in order to enab a Pfopew understanding of the acccKJnts to be reached. co Elliot Fielding 2nd Juty 2024 Relevant professional qUrfICatIon(s) or boKty: ICAEW Sampson Fielding Ltd Chartered Accountants 34-35 Clarges Street London WIJ 7EJ