**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. 1 ## **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. 2 **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: 3 **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. 4 BLUE BIRD 8radfordians Dramalic Soc*ty lotheT l lep￿ on ih¢ un•udited Xcounrs ol the forthEyon* 31" M*cth 202 As ihe charlly Trustees you ale ftSWTr5￿e thè audlt requwemert 015e(t￿ 4y21 ol the Ch¥rt*s kt 1993dts¢s wty. 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