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2023-05-31-accounts

Dewsbury Arts Group Charity registration number : 1161083 Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

Trustees' Annual Report &

Financial Statements

For the year

1 June 2022 – 31 May 2023

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT & FINANCIAL STATEMENTS For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

CONTENTS
Trustees' Annual Report 3
Independent Examiner's Report 10
Receipts & Payments Accounts 11
Notes to the Accounts 12

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

The Trustees present their report with the financial statements and independent examiner’s report for the year ended 31 May 2023.

Reference & administrative details

Charity name : Dewsbury Arts Group Charity registration number : 1161083 Principal office & address : Artspace, Lower Peel Street, Dewsbury West Yorkshire, WF13 2ED

Trustees : The trustees who have held office during the period from 20[th] July 2022 to 12[th] July 2023 the date of this report are as follows :

Mr C M Bailey Chairperson Ms S Saville Vice-Chair Mrs E Thompson Honorary Treasurer Mrs J M Fletcher Honorary Secretary Mr D Fletcher Publicity Officer Mr S Beaumont Premises Supervisor Mrs M Bailey Youth Theatre Administrator Mrs S Fleming Mr R Brook Mr I N Cunliffe Mr N Bailey Mr A Lindley Mr P Lightowler Mr Z Sakharkar Mr B Gibson Honorary President Independent Paxton Independent Examiners, 61a High Street South, Rushden Examiner : Northants, NN10 0RA Solicitor : Disken & Co 20 Bond Street, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire WF13 1AT Bankers : CAF Bank Limited 25 Kings Hill Avenue, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent ME19 4JQ Yorkshire Bank/Virgin Bank 46 Market Place, Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, WF13 1DN

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Objectives & activities

The charity’s objectives and activities are expressed in section 2 of the constitution, as follows:

The objects of the group shall be to foster and promote the maintenance, improvement and development of artistic taste and knowledge, understanding and the appreciation of the arts among the inhabitants of Dewsbury.

In furtherance of the above objects but not otherwise

Public benefit

The Trustees consider they have complied with the duty to provide a public benefit under Section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 as the charity provides an amenity for art activities for the community in general and young people in particular. The charity also provides a much needed venue for creative artists in all fields.

Chairman’s Comments

Our 60[th] Season saw us back in the swing after the pandemic and things returning to normal. We continue to maintain a healthy balance sheet even though we have had some significant costs in bringing the building up to modern standards and upgrading many of our lighting and electric systems. On stage it has been successful and our decision to introduce a matinee performance on a Sunday looks to have been one well made as sales for the Sunday afternoons have been very pleasing.

We aimed to have maintenance work done on the extension roof which would have been additional significant cost but the builder we selected had to give backword so we will need to review for 2023/24. The group have taken steps to increase income from members and our new ongoing social nights are expected to increase revenue on the bar helping to offset the rising costs of energy.

All in all it has been a very successful year financially and we expect to continue this next season.

Mark Bailey Chairman

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

- Achievement & performance : (2022 23) Drama , Membership and Art

Secretaries Report AGM Dewsbury Arts Group 2023

This is to be my last secretary’s report. I remember well how scared I was when I started reading my first one in 2015. Now, 8 years later not much has changed. I’ll start with the status of our members and season ticket holders:

Last year we had 219 season ticket holders; this year we have 214, a drop of 5. We never like to lose numbers of season ticket holders but a fall of 5 is very positive. Last year we lost 37, it was difficult to assess lapses during 2020 and 2021 but we had 30 fewer season ticket holders in 2019, 21 fewer in 2018, 23 in fewer 2017, 16 fewer in 2016 and 15 fewer in 2015. We had 363 Patrons (now season ticket holders) in 2015 and now have 210 which means that over these 8 years we have lost 153 patrons/season ticket holders. I’m hoping that we are now at a sustainable level. We have also introduced a single Season Ticket for this season which we’re hoping will encourage more people to get involved with the scheme.

We had 119 members last year; this year it’s 122. There have been some lapses but we’ve also had quite a lot of new members too. We had 172 members in 2015 so that number has also declined over the years that I’ve been secretary.

I feel that it is important to the continued success of the group that we try to increase the numbers of people involved with the group. Difficulties with getting members to help front of house and on the production support side of the activities puts a big responsibility on a very few people. The committee have tried various strategies to improve this but to little avail.

Unfortunately we do have some deaths to report from members and Season Ticket Holders. Margaret Goodall Christine Wade John Daniels

- Our 2021/22 season ended with Curtain Up

This was a play enjoyed by those involved and those watching making it a fitting end to our season. The take up of seats was 68% (would have been 86% if the number of seats hadn’t been increased). Helen Fox (director) said ‘This is going to be the last show I direct for a while now and I am pleased that it has been such a success and so much fun to direct.’ Thanks went out to those who had helped and special thanks to Zahoor Sakharkar who took over lighting when Covid felled our operator! We didn’t completely get away with it!

We started our 2022/2023 season with A Tribute to Sondheim as a response to his death in 2021 . The production was an artistic success prompting the director, David Fletcher to say that, ‘We are very lucky to have performers of this quality in our group.’ However, it was a shame that more people didn’t decide to come along and see it.

In September the group got involved with the Dewsbury Arcade Group who are working on renovating the Dewsbury Arcade. They hosted an evening on 15[th] September using our premises to publicise their project. This resulted in new members joining DAG and more people finding out that we exist.

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Social Events; On 23[rd] September Maria Bailey organised a social quiz night which was very much enjoyed. Since then a small but select group has been arranging a variety of social evenings for both members and season ticket holders and, occasionally, open to the public. These have included more quiz nights, a play reading session, An Open Mic afternoon, a book club and a Murder Mystery evening booked on for October.

Up N Under 2 was the first main production of our 60[th] Anniversary Year. This was a fun opening to our season. There had been some problems with illness and accidents amongst the cast but this didn’t impact on the quality of the production. Stuart Marshall, director, said, ‘I am very proud to say that I directed Up N Under 2 which combined my 2 major hobbies of Rugby League and Amateur Theatre.’ It was also good to have 2 new members performing in this production.

Returning to a pantomime was a very popular decision with both members and audience. Choosing the classic Cinderella for the return proved a good choice. The production sold out and we have decided to add performances for this coming season. Sarah Taylor was a welcome addition to the production team, choreographing our own Youth members which gave them another, different, experience. The cast thoroughly enjoyed themselves which came across to the audiences.

Kat Brook and Lucie Raine directed, devised and complied our pre-Christmas offering with Christmas at Crumbly Edge. I know they’ll want me to say that they were very much supported by the members of their cast helping in all areas of the production. Audiences enjoyed the evening and the seasonal snacks supplied at the interval. We have learned a few things from this production. One is that the auditorium can be uncomfortably cold if the heating isn’t on soon enough. Nick Cunliffe has worked out how to set it to come on and off on a timer which does help. We’re also considering having a different entrance when the weather is cold so that the double doors don’t need to be open.

While the food was exactly what was advertised, and well received by most, we did feel that returning to a one act production with time to serve a full supper would be a better format for this production. That’s what will be happening next season.

A Ghost Train kicked off 2023. This genre of production does tend to be enjoyed by our audiences. It’s a classic with a good story, mysterious happenings and some laughs. Susan Saville, director, said that they, ‘had a great and successful show week’ thanking all those who had supported with set, costumes, lights, sound, prompts, props and photographs; not forgetting the teams that were working front of house. It takes a lot of members to put on a production and we shouldn’t forget that it is these productions which provide the funding to run the building and our Dewsbury Arts Group.

If you are attending any activities put on by the group, they are subsidised by the theatrical productions without which we couldn’t sustain the building. Members are needed to ensure that these productions give good experiences to our audiences otherwise the group will gradually die. Please offer your help by letting someone on the committee know that you will be happy to do a job.

My Mother Said I Never Should our second production of 2023. I was delighted to be included in the cast along with Alison Hartley, reliving the 1994 production but just playing different roles. It was also lovely to welcome Judith Wood, Lynne Stainthorpe and Martin Clarke, from the first production, on the Sunday matinee.

A great play which didn’t disappoint, Mark Bailey, who directed said, ‘all four [cast] had real highlights throughout the play and brought a reality and tenderness to the performances that helped solidify the family relationships.’ He also thanked all those people that worked on the production. It was a shame that more people weren’t suitably interested in the play to book to see it; more of a shame that the snow kept a

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

large part of the audience away on the Thursday night (12 did come along and were given complimentary drinks and an ovation from the cast for their fortitude). Some of those who missed the Thursday did rebook for the Saturday night.

Two One Act Plays (Plus one)

When we reopened last season we took the decision not to include the evening of plays, we were very pleased to welcome it back. The production started with Mrs Neele Investigates by Steve Goddard who also directed and said, ‘ Rehearsals were fun and there was some really positive feedback from the audience.’ The mystery genre and the mystery of Agatha Christie’s disappearance are always sure to intrigue our audiences.

Chris Ward then presented On the Harmfulness of Tobacco by Chekov. This was a late addition as we realised that our two original plays didn’t run for as long as we thought they might. Chris said that he enjoyed himself for the short run and that a number of people had gone out of their way to say that they enjoyed it too. He also reported his thanks to

Stuart Marshall for giving up his time to tidy up the production as it was a one man show. The final piece was Ah! Ha! by David Foxton, the last play he wrote. Jacky Fletcher (director) said, ‘I genuinely can’t remember laughing so much at rehearsals’. This play in the style of French Farce went down very well with audiences but, most importantly, with Judith Wood and her family who attended on the Sunday Matinee. It was an emotional performance that afternoon but for all the right reasons. Jacky is now planning to take the play on the AETF circuit.

We first presented Neville’s Island in 2001, a very funny play and well worth repeating. Our director, Richard Brook said, ‘it struck me how hilarious it was. Every scene had at least one laugh out loud moment which you rarely get from just reading plays. The characters were so well formed and the staging was clearly going to be a huge challenge.’ Team work made the dream work and the play was very much enjoyed by our audiences.

Our Youth Theatre Productions this season started off with the first year group presenting Fellowship of the Sheep by Chris Fletcher, followed by the senior group and Oh No It Isn’t by Steve Goddard and culminating with our second year group and Sawney Bean by David Foxton.

A huge amount of work goes into these productions from our Youth Section leaders and supporters. The youth members also work very hard and the progress made through the years is very evident. Next season our youth team will be needing some new leaders and helpers so please see Maria Bailey if you think you’d like to join the team.

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Structure, governance & management

Dewsbury Arts Group is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, which was formed on 26[th] March 2015. The charity is governed by a constitution adopted in 2015.

Membership of the charity is open to persons with an interest in all aspects of dramatic arts and to practising artists, on payment of an annual subscription then in force.

The charity is governed by a committee consisting of 8 officers and 6 other members, known as trustees . New trustees are proposed by a current member in good standing and are voted in at the Annual General Meeting. New Trustees are coached in their duties and responsibilities by existing experienced Trustees.

The charity is administered on a day to day basis by the committee, which meets at least monthly. All trustees are actively involved in the management of the charity. All members continue to give their services freely and without payment of any kind, except for the reimbursement of direct expenses incurred on behalf of the Group. The Group uses volunteers for all of the many duties around the theatre. These volunteers are often trustees, but other members also provide their services without payment.

Financial review

The charity's financial year ends on 31 May. Responsibility for the organisation's finances rests ultimately and collectively with the Trustees. Day to day responsibility for managing the organisation's finances is delegated to the Treasurer, who reports to each meeting of the trustees.

At the end of each financial year, the charity's accounts are subject to external scrutiny in accordance with statutory requirements. Annual accounts are presented at the AGM for the examination and approval of members.

A very short report this year from me, this year see’s the group getting back to normal activities with less restricted budgets in place which I am sure you will note in the balance sheet.

Recipes for the Drama & Visual Arts have more that doubled, this is mainly due to reinstating the Pantomime, Christmas Special and evenings of 1 Act plays.

We have unfortunately had to spend quiet a chunk of money on building upgrades mainly on the electrics, this will be an ongoing for some time until we have everything up to date.

As we are all aware the cost of living has hit everyone hard and we as a group are no exception with the cost of electricity and other goods increasing significantly.

We now also have to pay small business rates which affects the bottom line. Unfortunately we only secured 1 grant this year for the youth section of £1000.00 thanks Maria for sorting that out.

If you have any questions regarding the accounts please do not hesitate to contact me via email – ejespana@gmail.com

Emma Thompson Honorary Treasurer

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

TRUSTEES’ ANNUAL REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Reserves policy

The group retains sufficient bank and deposit reserves to cover forthcoming activities which are largely self financing thanks to the successful Membership and Season Ticket schemes. There are no significant risks and funds are adequate to cover outgoings including the building improvement schemes currently under consideration.

Future plans

The charity intends to continue with its activities in support of its objectives for the foreseeable future.

Acknowledgements

The Group has mutually beneficial working arrangements with Dewsbury Collegians Amateur Operatic Society and Batley Gilbert and Sullivan Society. Some Group members also belong to either or both these groups. On occasion props and costumes are exchanged between the groups.

This report was approved by the Trustees on 9[th] June and signed on their behalf by:

Signed ~~…………………………………………~~ Mark Bailey (Jun 17, 2023 14:16 GMT+1) …….…… Mark Bailey

Signed ……………………………….……………………

Emma Thompson

Chairperson

Treasurer

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Dewsbury Arts Group.

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP Charity No. 1161083 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT For the Year From 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of Dewsbury Arts Group.

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Dewsbury Arts Group (the Group) for the year ended 31 May 2023.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Group you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’). I report in respect of my examination of the Group’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.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Group as required by section 130 of the Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with those records.

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.

Signed: Darren Warren Paxton Independent Examiners 61a High Street South Rushden Northants NN10 0RA

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

Assets & Liabilities Report As at 31 May 2023

CC Receipts & Payments Report

Charity name: Dewsbury Arts Group Charity number: 1161083 For the period from 01/06/2022 to 31/05/2023

Receipts andpayments Receipts andpayments
Receipts
Drama& Visual Activities
Trading
Patronage & Membership
Donations, Grants & Bequests
Interest Received
Assetand Investment sales etc
Totalreceipts
Payments
Drama& Visual Activities
Building & Support Costs
Trading Costs
Governance Costs
Assets and investments gains/losses
Totalpayments
Excessof receipts over payments
Transfersbetween Funds
Cash Funds Last Year End
Cashfunds this year end		 Unrestricted
funds
£
17,974
12,496
16,123
1,593
920
49,106
49,106
49,106
13,988
33,241
7,164
559
54,952
0
54,952
-5,846
0
41,953
36,107		 Restricted funds
£
Endowment
funds
£
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0		 Total funds
£
17,974
12,496
16,123
1,593
920
49,106
49,106
49,106
13,988
33,241
7,164
559
54,952
0
54,952
-5,846
0
41,953
36,107		 Last year
£
8,315
9,149
16,771
7,310
88
41,633
41,633
41,633
12,689
23,140
3,517
866
40,212
0
40,212
1,421
0
40,530
41,951

This report was approved by the Trustees on 11[th] June 2023 and signed on their behalf by:

Signed ~~……………………………~~ Mark Bailey (Jun 17, 2023 14:16 GMT+1) ………………….…… Mark Bailey Chairperson

Signed …………………………….……………………

Emma Thompson

Treasurer

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Charity number : 1161083

DEWSBURY ARTS GROUP

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

For the year from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2023

NOTES

1 Basis of Preparation

2 Taxation

3 Trustee and Related Party Transactions

12

Accounts and Examiners Report to 31 May

2023

Final Audit Report

2023-06-17

Created: 2023-06-13 By: Emma Thompson (ejespana@gmail.com) Status: Signed Transaction ID: CBJCHBCAABAA72IvbO7vsxX9q439-aSIYdQcRVkNn4EZ

"Accounts and Examiners Report to 31 May 2023" History

Document created by Emma Thompson (ejespana@gmail.com)

2023-06-13 - 10:54:30 AM GMT

Document emailed to bails1966@btinternet.com for signature

2023-06-13 - 10:56:07 AM GMT

Email viewed by bails1966@btinternet.com

2023-06-17 - 1:15:55 PM GMT

Signer bails1966@btinternet.com entered name at signing as Mark Bailey 2023-06-17 - 1:16:54 PM GMT

Document e-signed by Mark Bailey (bails1966@btinternet.com)

Signature Date: 2023-06-17 - 1:16:56 PM GMT - Time Source: server

Agreement completed.

2023-06-17 - 1:16:56 PM GMT