Charity Registration No. 1171950
PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MAY 2023
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PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
| Trustees | J Hanby |
|---|---|
| A Welsford | |
| S Morris | |
| M Currier | |
| B Pengelly | |
| L Hatfield | |
| A Viale | |
| J Macaulay | |
| Charity number 1171950 | |
| Principal address John Mansfield Campus | |
| Western Avenue | |
| Peterborough | |
| PE1 4HX | |
| Independent | examinerTom Wiltshire |
| Flat 4 The Granary | |
| 10 Broad Street | |
| Whittlesey | |
| PE7 1HD | |
| Bankers | Barclays Bank plc |
| 1 Church Street | |
| Peterborough | |
| PE1 1XE3 |
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PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 4 - 7 |
| Independent examiner's report | 8 |
| Payments and receipts account | 9 - 10 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 11 - 12 |
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PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[st] MAY 2023
The trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 May 2023.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements; they comply with the charity's constitution, and the Charities Act 2011.
The Charity is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with turnover not exceeding £250,000; as such it has chosen to produce these statements using the Receipts and Payments Method as detailed in the document “Charity Reporting and Accounting” CC15c.
Objectives and activities
The charity’s objects are: to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects but in particular choral music, through such means as the trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals; musical projects that encourage public participation and education programmes; recruiting from the public at large; through performance, rehearsals, and communication to maintain cohesive choirs; and to further such charitable purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit, including through the making of grants and donations.
The trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in setting these objectives and deciding what activities the charity should undertake.
Achievements and performance
Throughout 2022-23 the charity continued to pursue events and initiatives that support its aims and objectives as summarised below.
1. Competitions and Festivals
During 2022-23 Peterborough Voices (PV) and Peterborough Male Voice Choir (PMVC) competed in several national and international competitions with great success.
On the international stage both PV and PMVC have competed in the prestigious Interkultur International choir competitions. PV competed in Riga Sings and were awarded a gold diploma, winning the Vocal Ensembles of Equal Voices class. PMVC competed in the Hull International Choir Competition and were awarded a high silver diploma. These results are a significant improvement on the previous Interkultur competitions that the choirs attended.
PV also competed in the Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod and placed second in the Female Choirs class.
Both PV and PMVC competed at the Mrs Sunderland Festival in Huddersfield, and the Oundle Festival of Music & Drama, where they were successful across many classes.
The success of the choirs across such a broad and high-profile spectrum of national and international competitions demonstrates one of the organisation's fundamental values, focus on quality. All members of the choir and the management should be duly proud of these results.
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2. Singing projects
These projects aim to develop, educate, and bring appreciation and experience of choral singing to a wide spread of participants, the overwhelming majority of whom are either first time choristers or singers returning to the activity after a long time. Project members enjoy singing a repertoire that is accessible to those with a wide variety of previous experience, while at the same time being coached to become much better singers than they were at the start of the programme.
During 2022-23 PS! ran both an upper voices project choir and lower voices project choir. These choirs were successful in introducing singing to many local people, the majority of whom have continued their singing journey in one of the three PS! adult choirs. Collectively, the projects raised in excess of £20,000 (comprising donations from PS! accounts plus on-line sponsorship, which went directly to the charities without passing through our account) for our charity partners Sue Ryder Thorpe Hall hospice and Prostate Cancer UK.
3. Engaging young singers
PS! ran several “school singing day” events during 2022-23 supporting the Peterborough Music Hub Singing Strategy for which PS! is the delivery partner. We thank Peterborough City Council for continuing to support this programme which is vital to keep singing in schools alive, and for continuing to place its confidence in PS! as its delivery partner on these projects.
4. Concerts and Recordings
The three PS! choirs have showcased their repertoire in a wide range of concerts over the past year, including intimate concerts at venues such as St Nicholas Chapel, Kings Lynn, as well as larger-scale events at Peterborough Cathedral and The Cresset in Peterborough.
The most high profile of these was the “Classics at the Cathedral” concert in September 2022 which saw Peterborough Male Voice Choir and Peterborough Voices perform alongside the world renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra to a sell-out audience.
PS!’ popular ‘Christmas Magic’ concerts were attended by well over 1,000 people. These showcased all three PS! choirs and were a thrilling festive end to the calendar year.
In November 2022 PMVC recorded an album of newly imagined folksong arrangements by Matthew Jones accompanied by Grimethorpe Colliery Band. The audio recordings of these sessions are of a very high quality, and all involved should be very proud of the effort that went into making these a success.
As well as the audio recordings, we also made available the vocal scores for male voice choirs who wish to explore this repertoire, as well as the scores and parts for performance with brass bands and piano which will enrich the male voice choir landscape with much needed repertoire.
5. Grants
During the 2022/23 financial year, our charity successfully delivered the following projects funded by grants.
We hosted the highly successful Male Voice Choir Conference, which saw male choral groups from across the country come together to exchange artistic ideas and build stronger communities. The conference aimed to promote male choral traditions and encourage new generations of male singers to get involved in the art form. We received positive feedback from participants and believe that the
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conference was an important step towards advancing the promotion and appreciation of male choral music nationwide.
We also commissioned a survey of lower and upper-voice choirs in the United Kingdom with Sheffield University. This was an incredibly successful and in-depth research project, providing our charity with valuable insights into the current state of choral music in the country. The data and analysis garnered from this study have proven instrumental in our planning and future directions, allowing us to tailor our programming to the needs and desires of the wider choral community. Moving forward, we believe that such research will be crucial in driving innovation and progress within the field, and we remain committed to continuing to invest in such initiatives.
Moving forward, our charity will continue to apply for grants and other funding opportunities to fulfil our aims and objectives as reflected in our strategic plan. We have developed our plan using the research data and the Arts Council's tools for working with the investment principles and planning cycle. We are excited to pursue new opportunities for growth and development in the coming year and beyond.
6. Governance, structure and management
During 2022-23 Gill Hall resigned and John Macaulay was appointed to the trustee body. Mark Currier resigned as Finance trustee and Sarah Morris was appointed in his place.
7. Financial review
2022-2023 saw an increase in income from Subscriptions by approximately 40% which is indicative of the continuing growth in membership of the choirs. Similarly, income from concerts, education and outreach grew from the previous financial year, while income from projects and grants was reduced. No further funding from the Government under Covid-19 grants was received, which had formed a significant proportion of the income in the previous financial year. As can be expected in the current economic climate, expenditure increased significantly to cover the costs associated with achieving the charity’s objectives and day-to-day running expenses.
The trustees agreed to an increase in subscriptions of £24 per annum, or £2 per month. From October 2023 fees will be £336 per annum, £28 per month.
The trustees continue to review the reserves policy for the Charity and, as with the previous financial year, a reserve of £60,000 has been set and is shown in this year’s accounts. This is the equivalent of circa 6 months of basic costs plus £25,000 to cover any major contractual commitments.
Overall, the accounts show a satisfactory financial position with available operating funds, referred to as Unrestricted Funds (those not restricted for the Women’s Choral Festival and Reserve) of £25,969 which is broadly similar to the previous financial year. The charity intends to continue its approach to seek funding through grants from the Arts Council for England and similar organisations to support the delivery of the charity’s objectives.
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The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of signature of the financial statements were:
M Currier
J Hanby
L Hatfield
A Viale
S Morris
B Pengelly
A Welsford
J Macaulay
The trustees are appointed by a vote of the subscription paying members of the charity at the Annual General Meeting. The posts on the trustee body are decided by the trustees themselves. If necessary a vote among the trustees is taken. None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the company.
All of the trustees are members of the company and guarantee to contribute £1 in the event of a winding up.
The trustees' report was approved by the Board of Trustees.
J Hanby
Trustee
Dated: 17[th] July 2022
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PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Peterborough Sings! (The Charity) for the year ended 31 May 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the trustees of The Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act).
Independent examiner's statement
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. In carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
- Accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the 2011 Act;
or
- The financial statements do not accord with those records;
or
- The financial statements do 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 financial statements to be reached.
Tom Wiltshire
Dated: 17[th] July 2023.
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PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31[ST] MAY 2023
| Total 2023 | Total 2022 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Income from: | ||
| Concerts | 50,562 | 34,150 |
| Donations | 1,520 | 6,561 |
| Education and Outreach | 57,448 | 45,270 |
| Gift Aid | 6,881 | 5,825 |
| Projects | 19,018 | 28,943 |
| Sundries | 711 | - |
| Subscriptions | 32,898 | 23,100 |
| Tours and Competitions | 8,628 | 9,394 |
| Uniforms | 979 | 585 |
| Interest | 0 | 0 |
| Covid19 Grants | - | 18,612 |
| Riga Tour Member Payments | 1, 813 | 13,948 |
| Grants | 21,063 | 27,000 |
| Business Rates Refund | - | 1,286 |
| Total Income | 201,521 | 214,674 |
| Expenditure on: | ||
| Accommodation | 6,011 | 5,383 |
| Administration | 12,798 | 11,936 |
| Concerts | 29,997 | 14,854 |
| Education and Outreach | 24,412 | 7,529 |
| Governance | - | - |
| Projects | 23,774 | 13,198 |
| Staffing | 102,427 | 92,130 |
| Tours and Competitions | 13,956 | 9,375 |
| Uniforms | 2,258 | 1,340 |
| Business Rates | - | 1,269 |
| Riga Tour Expenditure | 11,099 | 3,089 |
| Total Expenditure | 226,732 | 160,102 |
Net income for the year |
(25,211) | 54,572 |
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| Restricted Funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Riga Tour | - | 10,859 |
| Women's Festival ACE Grant | 12,500 | 27,000 |
| Reserve | 60,000 | 60,000 |
Total Unrestricted funds |
25,969 | 25,820 |
End of year total funds |
98,469 | 123,680 |
The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 17[th] July 2023.
J Hanby
Trustee Dated: 17[th] July 2023
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PETERBOROUGH SINGS!
NOTES TO THE PAYMENTS AND RECEIPTS ACCOUNTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST MAY 2023
1 Accounting policies
Charity information
Peterborough Sings! is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales.
1.1 Accounting convention
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011 and “Reporting and Accounting” (CC15c), section 1.3 “Types of Account.”
The charity has not prepared a Statement of Cash Flows for this report.
The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.
The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
1.2 Going concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
1.3 Incoming resources
Income is recognised on receipt, when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably.
Cash donations and other donations are recognised on receipt.
Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised on receipt.
Turnover is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for goods and services provided in the normal course of business, net of discounts, VAT and other sales related taxes.
1.4 Resources expended
Policy for recognition of liabilities is as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to expenditure. Recognition of the costs of generating funds is on a payments and receipts basis.
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries.
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Governance costs include those costs associated with meeting the constitutional and statutory requirements of the charity and included audit fees and costs linked to the strategic management of the charity.
Costs are allocated, where possible, directly to the activity. Where the cost is not directly attributable it is allocated by informed management's best estimate of the activities undertaken.
There were no additional governance costs for 2022-23
2. Trustees
None of the trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.
3. Employees
The Average number of employees during the year was 3.
4. Related party transactions
The trustees participate in the choir and therefore subscriptions and tour payments are made by the trustees to the charity. These transactions are on the same basis as other members of the choir.
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