Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Charity Number 1167463
Trustee’s Annual Report and Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 December 2024
Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Trustees’ Annual Report: For the year ended 31 December 2024
Contents
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Page
Numbers
Trustees’ Annual Report 1 to 3
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities 4
Independent Examiner’s Report 5
Receipts and Payments Account 6
Statement of Assets and Liabilities 7
Notes
8-10
Appendix 1: ‘Wish List’ of Playhouse Projects 11
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Trustees’ Annual Report: For the year ended 31 December 2024
Structure, Governance & Management
Sleaford Little Theatre is a CIO, governed by a Constitution. The CIO was created on 6[th] June 2016 to replace the unincorporated Charity number 1051537. The day to day running of the charity is through the Management Committee incorporating the nominated officers and other trustees.
The Registered Charity Number is 1167463.
Reference & Administrative Details
The Management Committee/charity trustees voted in at the AGM on 18[th] April 2024
are:
Chairman Mr A Canadine Hon. Secretary Mr K Bailey Hon Treasurer Mrs L Davies Publicity Manager Mr R Dutton Playhouse Manager Mr T Hayes
Committee Members:
Mr R Norris Mr A Gordon Dr A Grant Mrs Caroline Johnson
At each AGM one third of the trustees will retire by rotation. All retiring trustees are eligible for reelection if they wish to continue as a trustee. Election is by ballot of all members attending the Annual General Meeting.
The Hon Secretary’s address is:
54 Westgate Sleaford NG34 7PP
The Society’s bankers are: HSBC Bank plc Market Place Newark Nottinghamshire NG24 1EQ
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Trustees’ Annual Report: For the year ended 31 December 2024
The Independent Examiner is: Mr Simon Moss Accountants F.C.C.A Prestige Accounting Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 34a Southgate Sleaford Lincs NG34 7RY Tel no.: 01529 302111
Objectives & Activities
The objects of the Charity are:
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to promote, maintain, improve and advance education by the encouragement of the Arts including the arts of drama, mime, dance, singing and music etc and
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to provide facilities for the practical participation in the production and performance of stage plays and other activities of a similar kind.
When setting the objectives for the year and determining the activities of the charity, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit, including the guidance on public benefit and fee charging. In order to offer the facilities of The Playhouse, Sleaford Little Theatre continues to rely on income from fees to cover the running costs of the building supplemented by donations from our Patrons, other individuals and companies. Grants are sought in relation to major refurbishments or developments. In setting the level of fees, ticket prices and concession rates, the trustees gave careful consideration to those on low incomes.
The charity aims to provide a varied programme of stage performances and concerts and offers members the opportunity to learn stage craft and a variety of technical skills.
Achievements and Performance
As at 31 December 2024 SLT consisted of 1 employee and 68 members. 2024 saw a wide ranging variety of performances both by our own society and external acts.
Sleaford Little Theatre Academy (SLTA) – In March the academy performed Kei Bailey’s ‘The Stoneheart Curse’ to excellent reviews. The Academy continues to grow in stature with the maximum number of young actors being reached. There are both junior (8-11 yrs) and senior (12 – 16 yrs) groups meeting on a Saturday at the Playhouse. This split into 2 groups happened in mid year due to the popularity of the Academy. Our young performers also represented us at the Belton Estate Community Festival on Sunday 15[th] September. Under the guidance of Maria Bates, Jo Moules and Trustee, Amanda Grant the Academy provides an active and strong base for future performers at SLT and beyond.
Sleaford Little Theatre (SLT) – 2024 saw the Theatre’s 3rd Shakespeare play in May. Macbeth, directed by Maria Bates, was well received and supported. This was followed by ‘Quartet’ (director – Kim Rayner) in the Autumn, another well attended and performed production. The Christmas production was ‘Alice in Wonderland’ (director – Oli Guilliatt) which involved a large cast and 10 performances. This concluded a successful year both in terms of level of performance and income for the charity.
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On an individual note – Both Garry Goodge and Kei Bailey were recognised for their contributions to theatre. Garry received Sleaford Town Council Long Service Award for his dedicated work with The Playhouse. Kei received the NKDC award for Contribution to Arts & Culture for his ‘passion for theatre craft’.
External acts were numerous and varied. 2024 saw our first foray into ‘Fringe Theatre’ hosting ‘Remember the Before’ a play which had been performed during the Camden Fringe. It is hoped we can build on this in future.
The Playhouse has had an internal makeover with interior decoration and fire regulation upgrades.
What the Future Holds
We are celebrating 75 years of Sleaford Little Theatre in 2025. Showcase events will be arranged.
The Trustees are committed to building on the success of last year.
We recognise that the Playhouse needs to play a role in the community of Sleaford and provide both a place of performance and a community venue which can be used for a variety of purposes.
The Calendar for this year is full and varied. SLTA are involved in the National Theatre Connections programme which will culminate in performances at The Nottingham Playhouse in April. If chosen, they will go on to perform at the National Theatre in London in the summer.
SLT will be performing ‘Sandcastles’ (Directed by Nigel Guilliatt) in May, ‘Pack of Lies’ (Directed by Alan Robey) in September and ‘Mother Goose’ – a pantomime (Directed by Laura Davies) in December. There are many external acts booked throughout the year. The theatre is being utilised by St George’s Academy for School Workshops and the University of the Third Age for regular meetings.
We are looking at a variety of ways forward in relation to cinema equipment with the eventual aim of providing Sleaford with an alternative and complimentary option to the proposed mainstream cinema in town.
The Playhouse will continue to be upgraded and refurbished with improvements to the performance area and backstage. Our valued support team are involved in the upgrade of the technical box with a proposed extension to the existing space.
One of the key objectives this year is to promote the Theatre ensuring we reach as wide an audience as possible. This involves participation in events such as Riverlight, The Belton Community Festival and theatre open days.
There will also be an upgrade to the Theatre frontage in terms of signage and advertising.
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Trustees’ Annual Report: For the year ended 31 December 2024
Financial Review
The charity made a surplus in the year of £10,487 (2023: £15,838).
Receipts in the year were £59,809 (2023: £56,229). The main changes/highlights were as follows:
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Fundraising £894 (2023: £972)
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SLT Productions £20452 (2023: £18,116)
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SLT Academy £22,733 (2023: £15,697)
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External Hirings £480 (2023: £2,600)
NOTE: The income and expenditure in respect of fees taken on behalf of other organisations is highlighted separately in the analysis below
Payments in the year amounted to £49,322 (2023: £40,391). The main changes/highlights were as follows:
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SLT Productions £6,266 (2023: £3,117)
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SLTA Academy £13,882 (2023: £6,272)
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Building Repairs & Maintenance £10,088 (2023: £2,248)
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Heating & Lighting £3,110 (2023: £1,824)
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Bar Purchases £1,907 (2023: £3,403)
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Final repayment of interest free loans of £- (2023: £5,250)
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Training £-7 (2023: £577)
Total reserves of the charity were £100,069 (2023 £89,582).
The Trustees have adopted the principle of the retention of 25% of annual expenditure as appropriate and prudent liquid reserves for the Charity.
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Statement of Trustees’ Responsibilities: For the year ended 31 December 2024
The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the 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, the Charities Act 2011, Charity (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the Constitution requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources, including income and expenditure, of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
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a. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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b. Observe the methods and principles of the Charity SORP;
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c. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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d. 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 accounting records that disclose in reasonable accuracy the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity (Accounts and Reporting) Regulations 2011 and the provisions of the Constitution. 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.
This report was approved by the Trustees on ………………… and is signed on their behalf by:
………………………….
Laura Davies Honorary Treasurer
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Independent Examiner’s Report: For the year ended 31 December 2024
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended 31/12/2024.
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”).
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 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 which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with the accounting records;
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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.
Signed……………………………………….
Date ……………………………….
Simon Moss F.C.C.A Prestige Accounting Limited Chartered Certified Accountants 34a Southgate Sleaford NG34 7RY
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Receipts & Payments Account: For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Notes (2) (3) (4) (5) |
RECEIPTS Voluntary Sources: Donations Transfer from Sleaford Little Theatre Income from Assets: Interest Charitable Activities: Member Subscriptions Productions - SLT Grants & Fundraising Income Productions - External Box Office Productions - Hirings SLT Academy Other Deposits for 2025 Hirings Total Receipts PAYMENTS Direct Charitable Expenditure: Sleaford Little Theatre Fundraising & Publicity Management & Administration Loan Repayments Finance Charges Total Payments NET RECEIPTS Balances Brought Forward Balances Carried Forward |
2024 Unrestricted £ 615 0 0 881 20,452 894 5,192 480 22,733 8,462 100 59,809 42,471 1,139 5,618 0 94 49,322 10,487 89,582 100,069 |
2023 Total Funds £ 825 0 0 956 18,116 972 7,019 2,600 15,697 9,844 200 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 56,229 | |||
| 28,319 364 6,361 5,250 97 |
|||
| 40,391 | |||
| 15,838 | |||
| 73,744 89,582 |
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Statement of Assets & Liabilities: As at 31 December 2024
| MONETARY ASSETS Bank Account Bank Deposit Account Cash in Hand NON-MONETARY ASSETS (at current value) Property Fixtures & Fittings Lighting & Stage Equipment TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Loans (interest free) TOTAL LIABILITIES |
2024 Unrestricted £ 99,869 0 200 100,069 169,000 2,649 2,103 173,752 273,821 0 0 |
2023 Total Funds £ 89,382 0 200 |
|---|---|---|
| 89,582 | ||
| 169,000 4,847 2,724 |
||
| 176,571 | ||
| 266,153 | ||
| 0 | ||
| 0 |
This report was approved by the Trustees on ………………….. and is signed on their behalf by:
………………………….
Andy Canadine Interim Chairman
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Notes to the Accounts: For the year ended 31 December 2024
(1) ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The receipts and payments accounts have been drawn up as a summary of the receipts and payments made during the year by the charity. Amounts are included as received by the charity or as cheques drawn or electronic transfers made.
The accounts and statement do not include accruals and prepayments in respect of income and expenses.
The receipts and payments account and statement of assets and liabilities have been prepared following the guidance for accounting for smaller charities issued by the Charities Commission.
(2) DONATIONS RECEIVED
| Patron Donations Corporate Donations Individual Donations Other donations Gift Aid Tax Rebate |
2024 2023 £ £ 580 665 0 0 6 100 29 60 0 0 615 825 |
|---|---|
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Notes to the Accounts: For the year ended 31 December 2024 (cont)
(3) SLEAFORD LITTLE THEATRE
| Production Expenses - SLT SLT Academy Production Expenses – External Box Office* External Hirer – Deposits Production Expenses – External Bar Stock Purchases Production Licence Repairs and Renewals Water & Rates Heating & Lighting General Expenses Playhouse Refurbishment – Fixtures & Fittings Playhouse Refurbishment – General Repairs Sleaford Cinema Expenses |
2024 2023 £ £ 6,266 3,117 13,882 6,272 3,227 7,085 500 100 70 348 1,907 3,403 1,080 1,212 4,335 1,648 598 614 3,110 1,824 271 411 1,472 1,029 5,753 600 0 656 42,471 28,319 |
|---|---|
*Box Office receipts paid over to others
(4) FUNDRAISING & PUBLICITY
| Playhouse Advertising Fundraising Expenses |
2024 2023 £ £ 1,139 364 0 0 1,139 364 |
|---|---|
(5) MANAGEMENT & ADMINISTRATION
| Postage & Stationery 0Box Office Consumables 90General Insurance Fees & Licences Telecommunications Card Payments General Expenses Wages & Salaries PAYE & NI Training Costs Professional Fees |
2024 2023 £ £ 0 0 0 90 2,431 2,379 2,007 1,402 335 247 7 60 12 13 706 1,076 120 53 0 577 0 464 5,618 6,361 |
|---|---|
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Notes to the Accounts: For the Year Ended 31 December 2024 (cont)
(6) NON-MONETARY ASSETS
These are shown at current valuation.
| Property Cost Increase in value Value |
2024 £ 115,567 53,433 169,000 |
|---|---|
The last valuation of the property was carried out in November 2016 by Escritt Barrell Golding.
| Fixtures & Fittings Cost Depreciation Disposal of Asset Value |
2024 £ 13,773 11,124 0 2,649 |
|---|---|
Depreciation has been based on a 5-year straight line basis.
| Lighting & Stage Equipment Cost Depreciation Disposal of Asset Value |
2024 £ 7,776 5,673 0 2,103 |
|---|---|
Depreciation has been based on a 5-year straight line basis.
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Sleaford Little Theatre CIO
Appendix 1: List of Playhouse Projects
| Project | Estimated Amount | Estimated Amount |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Stage Curtain | TBC | |
| Renew and refurbish stage lighting | 2,500 | |
| Extend technical box at rear of auditorium | 4,000 | |
| Renew and fit noticeboard possibly neon at front | TBC | |
| of theatre | ||
| Fit updated cinema equipment if sourced at reasonable | TBC | |
| cost |
Notes:
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a. This is a list of items which have been mentioned by members and users of the Playhouse. The Committee is currently reviewing these projects and they are listed here in no particular order.
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b. The estimates provided have not been formalised and, as the Committee reviews this over the next year, firmer estimates will be sought to determine the feasibility of each project.
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c. It is envisaged that fundraising will be required for some of these projects and that appropriate grants will be applied for if available.
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d. The list is not exhaustive, nor does it constitute any restrictions on reserves or how they might be utilised in the future.
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