Saddleworth Male Voice Choir
Trustees’ Annual Report
for the financial year ended 31 March 2025
Reference and administrative details
Charity name: Saddleworth Male Voice Choir
Charity number: 1175650
Trustees during the year:
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Paul McCann (Chair)
-
Ceri Howard Davies
-
John Andrew Watts
-
Geoffrey Cummings
This report is submitted by:
- Peter Richards – Appointed 21 May 2025 – Treasurer and Trustee replacing Geoffrey Cummings
Principal address:
32 KIRKSIDE VIEW HAPTON BURNLEY BB11 5RJ
Structure, governance and management
Saddleworth Male Voice Choir is a registered charity governed by its constitution and managed by a committee of trustees. The trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategy and financial management of the charity. The trustees meet regularly to oversee the activities of the choir, review financial performance, and ensure compliance with the Charity Commission’s requirements. All trustees give their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration. The charity has no employees.
Objectives and activities
The charity’s objectives are to promote and advance choral music for the benefit of the public, and to use performances and events to support charitable causes and community engagement.
The charity achieves its objectives through:
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regular rehearsals and public performances
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concerts and commemorative events
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fundraising activities in support of other charitable organisations
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community engagement through accessible and inclusive musical events
Public benefit
The trustees have had due regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The choir provides public benefit by performing choral music at concerts and community events that are open and accessible to the public. These performances enrich the cultural life of the local community and help raise funds for charitable causes, with £2,800 donated to other charities during the period covered by these accounts.
Through its activities, the choir also helps preserve local musical traditions and choral practices that have been part of the area’s cultural heritage for many years, enabling new audiences and future generations to continue to enjoy and engage with this form of music.
In addition, the choir delivers significant social and wellbeing benefits to its members, many of whom are over the age of 60. Regular rehearsals and performances provide opportunities for social connection, mutual support and mental wellbeing through singing and group participation. For many members, the choir offers a strong support network and a sense of belonging that extends beyond music-making alone.
The trustees believe that the charity’s activities continue to provide clear and demonstrable public benefit.
Review of the year
During the financial year ended 31 March 2025, the choir delivered a programme of concerts and events, including seasonal, commemorative and themed performances. These included events such as a Spring Concert, Remembrance performances and a performance of Handles Messiah .
The choir also raised funds in support of other charitable organisations, including charities supporting people affected by Stroke and Parkinson’s diseases. A total of £2,800 was donated to other charities during the year.
The trustees are pleased with the level of community support and attendance at events and would like to thank choir members, supporters and volunteers for their continued commitment.
Financial review
Total income for the year was £25,196 . Income was derived from a combination of:
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donations and subscriptions
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concert and event income
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fundraising and trading activities
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bank interest
Total grants of £2,800 were made to other charitable organisations during the year.
The charity continues to manage its finances prudently, ensuring that funds are applied in furtherance of its charitable objectives.
Reserves policy
The trustees aim to maintain a modest level of reserves sufficient to meet ongoing running costs and to support the planning and delivery of future concerts and events. Reserves are reviewed regularly to ensure they remain appropriate to the charity’s activities and level of income.
Risk management
The trustees regularly consider the major risks facing the charity, including financial sustainability and operational risks associated with events and performances. Appropriate controls and procedures are in place to manage these risks.
Safeguarding
The charity has safeguarding policies and procedures in place appropriate to its activities. The trustees keep safeguarding arrangements under review to ensure they remain proportionate and effective.
Trustee declaration
The trustees confirm that this report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011 and Charity Commission guidance.
Approved by the trustees and provided on their behalf by.
Peter Richards
Trustee 15 January 2026
2
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