Charity 1158652
THE STRINGCREDIBLES
Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 31 March 2021
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Charity information
Trustees
Sarah Gee, Chair (from 9 November 2020) Calum Nisbet, Chair (resigned 9 November 2020) Mark Devin (appointed 25 January 2021) Eluned Mansell Philip Mills Sally-Ann Sinclair
Charity Name
The Stringcredibles
Charity Number
1158652
Bankers
Co-operative Bank plc, Delf Way, Skelmersdale. WN8 6GH
Independent Examiner
Robert Page, CPFA, MSc. 187 Franchise Street, Wednesbury, WS10 9RH
Charity Principal Address
131 Sellywood Road, Birmingham, B30 1XA
- 1 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021
The Trustees of the Charity present their Annual Report and Accounts for the 12-month period ended 31 March 2021.
Objectives and Activities
The objects of the Charity are to advance the education of the public in the art of music, in particular but not exclusively, by facilitating creative learning experiences which allow participants to discuss and develop their individual capabilities, skills and potential.
The Trustees have complied with their duty in Section 17(5) of the 2011 Charities Act to have due regard to guidance published by the Charity Commission on public benefit.
The objects of the charity have been achieved by:
-
! Enabling children to be active participants in classical music.
-
! Encouraging young performers to communicate better through their music.
-
! Sharing and developing dynamic performance practice among professionals.
Achievements and Performance
The Stringcredibles, an independent string quartet of CBSO musicians, is dedicated to supporting the connection between audiences and musicians. The Stringcredibles continue to perform in schools and community settings, work creatively with young children, support communication skills in instrumental learners and lead professional development for music professionals.
2020 – 21 was the year of Covid and for the Stringcredibles this meant two things, disruption to our core activities in schools and increased focus on delivering digital content.
Pitch Pace Perform, Stringcredibles Apprentices and Power Up
In the year April 2020 - March 2021 we had two major strands of work that are connected:
-
! Pitch Pace Perform (PPP) - the methodology and training content focused on supporting musicians to connect powerfully with audiences
-
! Stringcredibles Apprentices - the application of Pitch Pace Perform with young musicians
These programmes, alongside our own performances in schools and community settings, have been funded by Arts Council England and many other trusts, foundations and individuals since 2015.
At the time of the first lockdown in March 2020, we had shaped the next iteration of PPP into the new programme – Power Up . Our aim was to increase exponentially the reach and impact of our methodology and we therefore developed a model that supported music teachers across four music hubs in the West Midlands, to deliver the Stringcredibles Apprentices programme themselves with guidance and support from the Stringcredibles in person and also digitally.
We were successful in achieving funding from the first round of Arts Council England’s Covid19 Emergency Response Fund, receiving £8,100. This funding allowed us to continue momentum in our work, enabling us to:
- 2 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)
-
! Research and create a new digital learning platform for Power Up
-
! Commission new arrangements from composers, for the ongoing delivery of Pitch Pace Perform and Apprentices
-
! Cement our partnerships with the four local music hubs - Birmingham, Coventry, Sandwell and Wolverhampton
-
! Film multiple videos to digitise the Pitch Pace Perform methodology (autumn 2020)
-
! Cover freelance project management costs
-
! Cover overheads such as IT and insurance
-
! Continue fundraising for future project work
Whilst live activity on the Power Up project was still impossible, we spent the spring of 2021 editing and uploading content to the new learning platform alongside creating worksheets and resources to accompany the videos.
Other Online Activity in 2020 – 21
In the first lockdown, we created a series of tutorial videos called Stringcredibles Connect , which aimed to keep young musicians practising and feeling connected during a time of social isolation. These videos were made available for free on our website, on YouTube and on Vimeo. The videos also provided a starting point template for our further digital work and funding application to Arts Council England.
Further lockdown challenges meant we had to move in-person delivery planned for the summer term of 2021 to the autumn, and we also worked in other ways digitally.
In June 2020 we delivered Presentation Skills workshops on Teams for children at Chetham’s School of Music. And through the spring of 2021 Catherine Arlidge delivered Presentation Skills for Musicians workshops, based on PPP, on Zoom for professional orchestras and music colleges including:
-
! BBC Symphony Orchestra
-
! BBC Concert Orchestra
-
! BBC National Orchestra of Wales
-
! BBC Philharmonic
-
! Hallé
-
! City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra
-
! Scottish Chamber Orchestra
-
! Royal Northern Sinfonia
-
! Ulster Orchestra
-
! Sinfonia Cymru
-
! Musical Orbit
-
! Musicians’ Union
-
3 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)
-
! Leeds College of Music
-
! Royal Northern College of Music
-
! Trinity Laban.
Performances
In November - December 2020 school visits once again became possible, and we had considerable interest from schools for live performances.
We created a new Christmas themed show - Stringlebell Rock - and delivered multiple performances in December to “bubbles” of children in Pinfold Street Primary School, Greenholm Primary School and St. Matthew's C.E. Primary Teaching and Research School.
In March 2021 we launched another new show - Feeling Good - based on the Five Ways of Wellbeing. This show had its first outing once again at St. Matthew's C.E. Primary Teaching and Research School.
Feedback
“This remains one of the best projects I’ve been involved with. So incredibly moving to see children and young people experience classical music for the first time and loving it.” – Senior Manager at Arts Council England & Primary School Governor “It’s fabulous work that you do with these musicians, and they are so inspiring to their primary school audience. Thank you” – Parent of Stringcredible Apprentice “Thank you Stringcredibles! You always bring the musical joy!” – St Matthew’s Research School
Future Plans
From 2021 onwards, The Stringcredibles will continue to develop a strong digital offering alongside their live performances, training opportunities and project work. This blended approach has already attracted continued support from Arts Council England as well as a range of other grants, trusts and individual donors.
By working in partnership with multiple Music Education Hubs across the West Midlands, The Stringcredibles will be extending their reach and impact in a strategic way. The introduction of new shows to support wellness and to share the joy of music during the festive season will offer additional modes of income.
Plans for further routes to sustainable income, such as the Patreon individual giving platform and pay-to-access online courses, are also in development.
- 4 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)
Financial Review
In the face of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on schools, performing arts and everyday life, The Stringcredibles adapted and finished the year in a financially stable position. By focussing on what could be achieved digitally, the charity attracted higher grant and donation income than the prior year.
Income for the year was £33,910 (2020: £12,699), and expenditure was £18,813 (2020: £29,366). The resulting surplus of £15,097 (2020: £16,667 deficit), left the charity with closing funds of £25,418 (2020: £10,321).
Reserves Policy
The Trustees have set a policy that committed expenditure does not exceed the value of unrestricted funds, and that the unrestricted funds do not exceed 12 months of planned expenditure. The total unrestricted funds at 31 March 2021 amounted to £24,418 (2020: £12,771) the Trustees consider that, in the light of continuing uncertainty during the COVID19 pandemic, the reserves do not exceed what is necessary for the Charity to continue as a going concern and plans are in place to apply the unrestricted funds to the charitable purposes within a reasonable timescale. Restricted funds at 31 March 2021 were £1,000 (2020: £2,450 deficit).
Going Concern
The Charity’s work is delivered in programmes of work based on funding achieved. It does not, therefore, commit expenditure that is not funded, and at the end of the year had reserves to cover committed expenditure. The Trustees believe that the Charity will be able to meet its ongoing commitments for more than 12 months from the signing of the Balance Sheet, and that it is therefore appropriate to continue accounting on a going concern basis.
Structure, Governance and Management
The Charity is constituted as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which was registered with the Charity Commission on 24 September 2014. It is governed by a constitution using the foundation model dated 24 September 2014. The Trustees make strategic decisions and ensure overall control; they delegate day to day management and delivery of this objective to the Stringcredibles' musicians, who are:
-
! Catherine Arlidge
-
! Helen Edgar
-
! Bryony Morrison
-
! Amy Thomas
The Trustees during the year under review and up to the date the accounts were approved are listed on page 1.
The Board recruits new trustees by assessing the skills required and skills of existing trustees, determining a skills gap and advertising for suitable applicants. New trustees are appointed at
- 5 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Trustees’ Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2021 (continued)
duly convened meetings of the board of trustees.
During the year, Calum Nesbit resigned as Trustee and Chair, having completed the maximum term allowed under the constitution. Sarah Gee replaced Calum as Chair. In January 2021, the Board appointed Mark Devin as a Trustee in January 2021.
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities
The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees’ Report and Financial Statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The law applicable to charities in England and Wales requires the Trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the affairs of the charity and of incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
-
! Select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
-
! Observe the methods and principles of the Charities SORP;
-
! Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
-
! State whether applicable standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;
-
! Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations and the provisions of the charity’s governing document. They 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.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the Charity’s trustees:
Sarah Gee 17 January 2022 Chair of Trustees
- 6 -
��������������������
����������������
������������������������������
��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������
����������������������������
-
��������������������������������������������������������
-
������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������
-
������������������������������������������������������������
���������������������������������������
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� �������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ����������������������������������������������
���������������������������������
�����������������������������������������������������������������������
-
������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ������������
-
�������������������������������������������������������������������������������
-
������������������������������������������������������������������������������������ ��������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������
-
������������������������������������������������������������������������������� ���������������������������������������������
����������������������� ��������������������
������� �����������������
������
The Stringcredibles
Charity Number 1158652
Statement of Financial Activities for the year ended 31 March 2021
| Note INCOME Donations & legacies 2 Charitable activities 3 TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE Charitable activities 4 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME Transfers NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FUNDS BROUGHT FORWARD FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 Funds Funds Total £ £ £ 18,371 12,324 30,695 3,215 - 3,215 21,586 12,324 33,910 7,489 11,324 18,813 7,489 11,324 18,813 14,097 1,000 15,097 (2,450) 2,450 - 11,647 3,450 15,097 12,771 (2,450) 10,321 24,418 1,000 25,418 |
2020 Total £ 11,734 965 |
|---|---|---|
| 12,699 | ||
| 29,366 | ||
| 29,366 | ||
| (16,667) - (16,667) 26,988 |
||
| 10,321 | ||
The notes on pages 10 to 14 form part of these accounts.
- 8 -
Charity Number 1158652
The Stringcredibles
Balance Sheet at 31 March 2021
| Balance Sheet at 31 March 2021 |
Balance Sheet at 31 March 2021 |
Balance Sheet at 31 March 2021 |
|---|---|---|
| Note CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 7 Cash at Bank CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within 1 year 8 NET CURRENT ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) NET ASSETS/(LIABILITIES) FUNDS Unrestricted Restricted TOTAL FUNDS 9 |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 Funds Funds Total |
2020 Total |
| £ £ £ |
£ | |
| 4,120 - 4,120 20,948 1,000 21,948 25,068 1,000 26,068 650 - 650 24,418 1,000 25,418 24,418 1,000 25,418 24,418 - 24,418 - 1,000 1,000 24,418 1,000 25,418 |
1,960 8,361 |
|
| 10,321 | ||
| - | ||
| 10,321 | ||
| 10,321 | ||
| 12,771 (2,450) |
||
| 10,321 | ||
The notes on pages 10 to 14 form part of these accounts.
These accounts were approved by the Board of Trustees on 17 January 2022 and authorised to be signed by:
Sarah Gee Chair of Trustees
- 9 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity Number 1158652
Accounting Policies
Note 1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
- 1.1 Basis of preparation of accounts
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost.
The accounts (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 in October 2019 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 2019.
The accounts (financial statements) 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: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice effective from 1 April 2005 which has since been withdrawn. The Charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
1.2 Going concern
The financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis as the Trustees believe that no material uncertainties exist. The Trustees have considered the level of funds and expected income and expenditure for the following 12-month period.
- 1.3 Incoming Resources
Recognition of incoming resources
These are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when:
-
the Charity becomes entitled to the resources,
-
it is more likely than not that the Charity will receive the resources, and
-
the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Incoming resources with related expenditure
Where incoming resources have related expenditure (as with fundraising or contractual income) the incoming resources and related expenditure are reported gross in the SOFA.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts
Incoming resources from tax reclaims are included in the SOFA at the same time as the gift to which they relate.
- 10 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Accounting Policies (continued)
Contractual income and performance related grants
This is only included in the SOFA once the related goods or services have been delivered.
Volunteer help
The value of any voluntary help received is not included in the accounts but is described in the Trustees’ annual report.
Investment income
This is included in the accounts when receivable.
- 1.4 Expenditure and liabilities
Liability recognition
Liabilities are recognised as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out funds.
Charitable activities
These costs relate to the musicians’ fees for the provision of concerts, etc..
Governance costs
These include the costs of the preparation and examination of statutory accounts, the cost of trustee meetings and cost of any legal advice to trustees on governance or constitutional matters.
Grants with performance conditions
Where the charity gives a grant with conditions for its payment being a specific level of service or output to be provided, such grants are only recognised in the SOFA once the recipient has provided the specified service or output.
Grants payable without performance conditions
There are only recognised in the accounts when a commitment has been made and there are no conditions to be met relating to the grant which remain in the control of the charity.
Support costs
Support costs include central functions and have been allocated to the activity cost categories on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
- 11 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity Number 1158652
Notes to the Accounts
Note 2 DONATIONS & LEGACIES
| Grants Donations Gift Aid |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 funds funds Total £ £ £ 1,000 12,324 13,324 13,891 - 13,891 3,480 - 3,480 18,371 12,324 30,695 |
2020 Total £ |
|---|---|---|
| 3,709 7,115 910 |
||
| 11,734 | ||
Grants includes £8,100 from Arts Council England.
Note 3 INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Fees from musical education performances | Unrestricted Restricted 2021 funds funds Total £ £ £ 3,215 - 3,215 |
2020 Total £ |
|---|---|---|
| 965 | ||
Note 4 EXPENDITURE ON CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Musician fees & expenses Programme materials Project management Marketing Admin & sundry expenses |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 funds funds Total |
2020 Total |
|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ |
£ | |
| 4,051 2,500 6,551 - 2,500 2,500 2,118 6,010 8,128 28 314 342 1,292 - 1,292 7,489 11,324 18,813 |
13,983 2,340 10,329 1,534 1,180 |
|
| 29,366 |
No fees were paid to the Independent Examiner (2020: £nil).
Note 5 STAFF COSTS
There were no employees during the year.
- 12 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
Note 6 GOVERNANCE COSTS
There have been no governance costs during the year.
Note 7 DEBTORS – amounts falling due within one year
| Trade debtors Gift Aid |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 funds funds Total |
2020 Total |
|---|---|---|
| £ £ £ |
£ | |
| 650 - 650 3,470 - 3,470 4,120 - 4,120 |
1,035 925 |
|
| 1,960 |
Note 8 CREDITORS – amounts falling due within one year
| Musicians' fees & travelling expenses |
Unrestricted Restricted 2021 funds funds Total £ £ £ 650 - 650 |
2020 Total £ |
|---|---|---|
| - | ||
- 13 -
The Stringcredibles
Charity 1158652
Notes to the Accounts (continued)
Note 9 FUNDS
| FUNDS | |
|---|---|
| Unrestricted Restricted Power Up Roadshow |
2020 2021 brought forward Income Expenditure Transfers carried forward £ £ £ £ £ 12,771 21,586 (7,489) (2,450) 24,418 - 12,324 (11,324) - 1,000 (2,450) - - 2,450 - |
| (2,450) 12,324 (11,324) 2,450 1,000 |
|
| 10,321 33,910 (18,813) - 25,418 |
|
Power Up includes a grant from Arts Council England of £8,100. This programme builds on the Pitch, Pace, Perform programme by training teachers in four music hubs.
Note 10 RELATED PARTIES
No Trustee received any remuneration in the year (2020: £nil). No Trustee was paid any expenses in the year (2020: nil).
There were no other related party transactions (2020: £nil).
- 14 -