2023-03-31-accounts

BRADFORDIANS DRAMATICS SOCIETY Charity Number 1175732

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR

Financial Year Ending 31 MARCH 2023

2A Springfield Bradford-on-Avon Wiltshire BA15 1BB www.thebradfordians.com

Bradfordians Dramatic Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO)

BRADFORDIANS DRAMATIC SOCIETY

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2023

CONTENT	Page
Trustees Annual Report	1-4
Auditors Report	5
Balance Sheet (BS)	6
Operating Cost statement	7-8
Cash Flow Statement	9

BRADFORDIANS DRAMATIC SOCIETY

TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT

YEAR ENDING 31 MARCH 2023

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting this report and the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2023. As described the Charity's Constitution, the Trustees are responsible for the preparation of financial statements.

1. Responsibilities of the Trustees

The Charities Act 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 at the end of the year and of the surplus or deficiency for the year then ended.

In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to select suitable accounting policies, as described on page 9 and then apply them on a consistent basis, making judgements and estimates that are prudent and reasonable. They must also 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 which disclose, with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 1993. The Trustees 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.

2. Background & Governing Document

This Bradfordians was established in 1931 under an unincorporated Constitution. Following the success and growth of the group over many years the management committee felt there were considerable benefits to both the group and the community in establishing BDS as a formal charity. The committee registered Bradfordians as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) with effect from 14th November 2017. The group undertakes three productions per year, using a variety of venues on the local area of Bradford-onAvon (Wiltshire). The charity currently operates under the original CIO Governing Document dated 14 Nov 17.

3. Professional Advisors

Bankers Investments HSBC NS&I 1 The Road Glasgow Trowbridge G58 1SB SW1 1SW

4. Objectives

The objectives of the Charity, as stated in the CIO governing document are:

The objects of the CIO are:

• to advance public education and appreciation of musical and dramatic art in particular by performing or assisting in the performance of musical productions and plays and by any other means as the trustees in their discretion shall determine;

• to further such exclusively charitable purposes for the public benefit according to the laws of England and Wales as the charity trustees shall in their absolute discretions determine.

The following sub-paras do not form part of the charitable objects but are exclusively in support of their furtherance:

• the CIO shall be non-party in politics and non-sectarian in religion. The primary area of benefit (“area-of-benefit”) shall be Bradford-on-Avon and surrounding district;

• the CIO shall delivery its charitable objectives without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, age, disability, nationality, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the statutory authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort.

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5. The Charities Vision, Values & Mission

Our Vision Statement is:

“to engage, inspire, entertain and challenge audiences with theatrical productions that range from the classics to new works; we encourage and support the next generation of theatre artists; and we engage and include the community through the power of the theatre”.

Our Values are:

• To engender a company that is welcoming, inclusive and open to all sections of the community;

• To enhance the group's reputation, maintain a high profile, and become a notable component of the public and cultural life of Bradford-on-Avon;

• To produce work that both satisfies and challenges the company's audiences and members;

• To offer opportunities to develop theatre and performance skills, to both young people and adults and develop talent through new work and new ways of working;

• To unite and work with other partners, as sponsors, co-producers or funders to enhance and extend the quality and scope of our productions and other activities;

• To maintain and enhance the group through the efficient running and financial viability of the charity.

Our Mission Statement is:

“to foster an environment for members to imagine and grow freely, to create quality intimate theatre, and inspire our community”.

6. The Board of Trustees

Details of the current membership of the Board of Trustees, the officers and the extant sub-committees are listed at Annex A. The method of appointment of Trustees is detailed in the current governing document.

The charity remains financially stable. Despite the difficulties of the last few years when many activities have been suspended due to the impact of Covid-19 restrictions, our recent productions have been well attended, suggesting that there has been no long-term impact on audience numbers. However, the Trustees remain aware of the growing cost of living squeeze and will continue to take account of this in setting the budget for future productions and in the overall running of the organisation. Overall, the charity had a surplus of around £11k this year, with assets of around £33K. We generally have a membership of up to 70 although this varies considerably during the year. We aim to support many activities for members and non-members.

Membership is currently £10 pa. The charity relies on the Charity Trustees, members and volunteers for all of its activities. The charity does not employ any staff, nor own any property (land). The majority of our income is through ticket sales from productions, with some minor income from associated ancillary activities.

7. Policies

(a) Reserves Policy

The Trustees have not set a formal Reserves Policy. However, the current level of free General Reserve of £10K, is considered an acceptable level to cover a production’s expenses in the event of unforeseen loss of income (due to cancelation or other losses). The organisation has insurance against other risks (public liability, loss or damage).

(b) Public Benefit Statement

In terms of PB1, public benefit requirement, the Trustees have outlined the mission, objectives (purpose) and achievements of the charity and believe they have clearly defined what the public benefits delivered are, predominantly in terms of the charitable purpose described as “the advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science”.

In terms of public benefit relating to running (PB2) and reporting (PB3) the Trustees can confirm they have complied with their duty to have due regard to the commission's public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant and reported herein.

8. Activities and Achievements

(a) Productions : During of the reporting year the group has produced the following productions:

Summer 22 (Macbeth): Set in the Tithe Barn, this ever-popular Shakespeare proved a huge success, with enthusiastic audiences and returning a profit of around £5,900.

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Autumn 22 (Blithe Spirit) : Set in St. Margarets Hall, this popular and well received production made a profit of around £1,500.

Spring 23 (Fantastic Mr Fox): Set in St. Margarets Hall, this hugely popular family favourite ran for 5 sell-out performances making a profit of around £5,900.

• (b) Other Activities: There were no other major activities during the reporting year.

9. Management and Governance

The main achievements and activities over this year are as follows:

• The Charity is a member of NODA;

• The group has increased its use of social media although the website needs more regular updates;

• The Trustees have revised the group’s safeguarding policy;

• The Trustees met ten times in this reporting period, returning to the of physical meeting, rather than using Zoom as during the pandemic.

• There was no major capital expenditure.

10. Issues & Risks

• Audience numbers have recovered well following the lifting of Covid-19 restrictions.

• Hire costs (venues, lighting, costume) have risen considerably over the past year, and is not always viable to pass these costs on in ticket prices, as we wish to be (a) cost comparable and (b) as affordable as possible to the public;

• Increasing legislation on various aspects of the group’s activities is putting additional work on those few that help to manage and govern the group.

11. Future Activities

Whilst this report is strictly for the period 1 Apr 22 until 31 March 23, this section looks forward to the Society’s plan for the forthcoming year. In terms of productions, the group had the following outline programme agreed:

mme agreed:
Production	Venue	Type	Title
Summer 23	Tithe Barn, BoA	Play	Amadeus
Autumn 23	St. Margarets Hall, BoA	Play	The Importance of Being Ernest
Spring 24	St. Margarets Hall, BoA	TBA	Various options under consideration.

In terms of governance the Trustees aim to:

• finalise the 2023 programme and look forwards to 2023/24;

• Continue to work with St. Margarets Hall to further develop and improve the facilities.

12. Declaration

We declare, in our capacity as Charity Trustees, that:

• the Trustees have approved the report above; and

• have authorised us to sign it on their behalf.

Signature: Signature: Full Name: Full Name: Position: Position: Date: Date:

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Annex A

Structure, Membership and Organisation of Committees

Officers

The officers of the Charity (at 31 March 23) are:

Chairman Rob Hearn Secretary Beryl Baggs Treasurer Martin Hudson (assumed responsibility mid-way through the reporting year)

Charity Trustees

The Charity Trustees (at 31 March 22) are:

R Hearn B Baggs M Hudson P Courage K Courage K Lawrence G Snelling

Committees and Sub-Committees

The Board of Trustees (executive committee) is composed of all Charity Trustees. The Board meets on a monthly basis. Additional meetings and sub-committees are held as needed to support particular activities – such as the Budget and Production specific meetings.

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The Bradfordians Dramatic Socie IAGM20231 Balance Sheet l April 2022- 31 March 2023 22 23 21 22 Reserve Assets: Savings Account 10005.64 9996.34 10005.64 9996.34 Current Assets: Bank Account Cash In Hand Debtors Prepayments 23416.69 21.71 12409.89 40.38 23438.40 12450.27 Current Liabilities: Trade Creditors Accrued Costs Net Current Assets 33444.04 22446.61 Funds Em Accumulated Funds at IApr ProfitlDeficit for the year Accrued Costs 22446.61 26271.19 13,824.581 10997.43 Accumulated Funds at 31 Mar 33444.04 22446.61 Funds Employed 33444.04 22446.61 Note5'. Wc had an opcraiing sutplus o(£10 997.4.3 Thcs¢ gc¢ounts in¢luJ¢ itt¢om¢ anJ Costs frorn lh¢ last shvw vf FY 21-29 in¢om¢ and Vosis for lh¢ firsi show ofFY 23-24 The* a¢Lvunl ai¢ yet tv be incl¢p¢ndently clicckcd in accordancc willi C'liarity Cotnniission tules Accounts prepared by treasurer.. M A Hudson 31" March 23

The Bradfordians Dramatic Socie (AGM 2023) eratin Cost Statement l Apnl 2022- 31 March 2023 Income East of the Sun West of the Moon (incomplete) Feb 22 Ma¢beth Jul 22 Blithe Sprit Nov 22 Fantastic Mr Fox Feb 23 Amadeus lincomplete) Jul 23 6entral Accourn Total Membership rKket Sales Programmes Refreshments Wine Script Sales Rehea￿al Fees Interesf 505.(M) 4 209.92 12 117.88 325.El) 1619.95 555. 3 199.68 8 126.lJ) 271.43 839.43 27 653.48 597.03 3584.Th) 555.80 260. 585.95 1124.62 112.50 120.rij 67.50 180.95 195. 141.96 65&26 141.96 33 892.52 Total 4 209.92 14814.23 4 49430 9 46936 24&45

nditure Eartofthesun West ofthe Moon I￿Orn[letel Feb 22 Macbeth Jul 22 Blitt* Swrir Nov 22 FantaMi¢ Mr F Feb 23 Amadeus riDeomplete 123 General Acrount Total 22-23 Mi5 TedpiJghn"r Administrntion 27L85 395L71 78.15 85. 610.￿) 4 453.23 Is￿.26 l (W.50 441.so 322.79 415.92 1590.26 412.50 157.07 Scripts 104.41 130.19 28.50 58.98 1694.40 180.02 47.08 485. 17050 2 534.28 74.98 CoAume5 aThJ Fabr Props & Furnrrure Venue Hilt Bam Rent Bank Charyes PublK Retreshments Progrnmmes Wine Makeup Fcod (Prod) 35. 27.36 1359.C•) 256.84 7 709.54 2 41KI. 1875.86 216.1)] 2 4CKI.CI) 643.43 196.75 292.52 73.20 65.44 311.44 119.65 379.33 483.65 245.C 1560.28 753.rJJ 142.84 853.32 119.65 42.44 22 895.(P3 54L88 42.44 3 463.71 Total 1875.86 8 919.88 3 042.48 9B4.02 4 609.14 Eartofthesun West ofthe Moon (W￿mE4ete) Feb 22 2 334.06 Macbeth Jul 22 Fonramic Mr Fa¢ Feb 23 Amadeus rineomplete 123 General Ac£ourrt Toral 22_23 lknv 22 Surplu51{L05sI 5 894.35 1451A2 6 005.65 (755.571 13 952￿8) 10 997.43 Opei'ating Surplus for FY 22 -23 £10 997.43

The Bradfordians Dramatic Socie (AGM 2023) Casb Flow Statement l Apnl 2022 - 31 March 2023 Bank Account 12 409.89 Savings A¢￿Unt 9996.34 Cash 40.38 Total 22 446.61 Opening B•l•n¢es Operating Surplus Tran5fer5 tofftom Sawng5 Account Transfers tofftom Cash Pre-Sales/Accrued Costs Interest 11 (XJ6.80 118.671 o_oo 10 988.13 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00 9.30 9.30 Closing Balances 23 416.69 21.71 10 005.64 33 444.04