2024-03-31-accounts - Bradfordians Dramatic Society

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

BRADFORDIANS DRAMATICS SOCIETY Charity Number 1175732

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR

Financial Year Ending 31 MARCH 2024

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 2024

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 2024

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting this report and the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2024. 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.

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 were 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 £2k this year, with assets of around £35K. 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 23 (Amadeus): Set in the Tithe Barn, this engaging and well performed piece proved a huge success, with enthusiastic audiences and returning a profit of nearly £2,200.

Autumn 23 (The Importance of Being Earnest) : Set in St. Margarets Hall, this popular and well received production made a profit of around £4000.

Spring 24 (Babe the Sheep-Pig): Set in St. Margarets Hall, this popular family favourite achieved a profit of around £1,468.

(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	Frankenstein
Autumn 23	St. Margarets Hall, BoA	Play	The Cherry Orchard
Spring 24	St. Margarets Hall, BoA	Panto	Cinderella

In terms of governance the Trustees aim to:

Finalise the 2024 programme and look forwards to 2025;
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:

Annex A

Structure, Membership and Organisation of Committees

Officers

The officers of the Charity (at 31 March 24) are:

Chairman Gareth Lloyd Secretary Beryl Baggs Treasurer Martin Hudson

Charity Trustees

The Charity Trustees (at 31 March 24) are:

G Lloyd 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.

The Bradfordians Dramatic Society

Balance Sheet

1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024 £ (23/24) Reserve Assets: Savings Account 10083.05 10083.05 Current Assets: Bank Account 25955.21 Cash In Hand 10.16 Debtors 0 Prepayments 0 25965.37 Current Liabilities: Trade Creditors 0 Accrued Costs 0 0 Net Current Assets 36048.42 Funds Employed: Accumulated Funds at 1 Apr 33444.04 Profit/Deficit for the year 2604.38 Accrued Costs 0 Accumulated Funds at 31 Mar 36048.42 Funds Employed 36048.42		(22/23) 10005.64
		10005.64 23416.69 21.71 0 0
		23438.40 0 0
		0
		33444.04
		22446.61 10997.43 0
		33444.04
		33444.04

Notes:

1 We had an operating surplus of £2 604.38 2 These accounts include costs from the last show of FY 22-23, and income and costs for the first show of FY 24-25

3 These accounts are draft and yet to be independently checked in accordance with Charity Commission rules

Accounts prepared by treasurer:

The Bradfordians Dramatic Society

Operating Cost Statement

1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

Income

----- Start of picture text -----
Fantas�c Mr Fox Amadeus The Importance Babe the Sheep- Frankenstein General Total Total
(incomplete) Jul 23 of being Earnest pig (incomplete) Account 23 - 24 22 - 23
Feb 23 Nov 23 Feb 24 Jul 24
Membership 275.00 275.00 505.00
Ticket Sales 9 118.04 5 666.48 4 231.20 19 015.72 27 653.48
Programmes 234.80 201.00 182.00 617.80 597.03
Refreshments 1 601.85 926.97 717.45 3246.27 3584.00
Wine 617.10 378.50 995.60 555.80
Script Sales 15.00 133.00 126.98 70.00 344.98 260.00
Rehearsal Fees 20.00 100.00 101.00 70.00 291.00 585.95
Interest 77.41 77.41 9.30
Other 200.00 200.00 141.96
Total 11 606.79 7 405.95 5 358.63 140.00 552.41 25 063.78 33 892.52
----- End of picture text -----

Expenditure

----- Start of picture text -----
Fantas�c Mr Fox Amadeus The Babe the Sheep- Frankenstein General Total Total
(incomplete) Jul 23 Importance of pig (incomplete) Account 23 - 24 22 - 23
Feb 23 being Earnest Feb 24 Jul 24
Nov 23
Misc 73.75 73.90 73.90 525.00 746.55 610.90
Tech-Ligh�ng 171.45 4 196.37 114.96 573.52 5056.30 4 453.23
Administra�on 2376.28 2376.28 1 590.26
Licence 234.00 648.00 876.00 1 758.00 1 000.50
Scripts 137.89 225.79 182.17 545.85 441.50
Stage 536.79 536.79 322.79
Costumes and Fabric 236.45 223.14 72.81 532.40 548.50
Props & Furniture 30.10 42.92 16.00 89.02 256.84
Venue Hire 3 032.84 1 622.50 1 661.00 210.00 25.00 6 551.34 7 709.54
Barn Rent 1 200.00 1 200.00 2 400.00
Bank Charges 72.00 72.00 88.90
Publicity 380.65 319.86 311.82 150.00 1162.33 1 560.28
Refreshments 170.78 407.27 264.39 842.44 753.60
Programmes 109.45 196.97 43.36 349.78 142.84
Wine 444.15 444.15 853.32
Makeup 196.17 196.17 119.65
Food (Prod) 42.44
Total 171.45 9 407.50 3 373.41 3 890.59 1 268.17 4 348.28 22 459.40 22 895.09
----- End of picture text -----

Surplus

Surplus	Surplus
Fantas�c Mr Fox (incomplete) Feb 23 Amadeus Jul 23 The Importance of being Earnest Nov 23 Babe the Sheep- pig Feb 24 Frankenstein (incomplete) Jul 24 General Account Total 23 - 24		Total 22 - 23
Surplus/(Loss) (171.45) 2 199.29 4 032.54 1 468.04 (1 128.17) (3 795.87)	2 604.38	10 997.43

Operating Surplus (Inc. Interest) for FY 23 -24 £2 604.38

The Bradfordians Dramatic Society

Cash Flow Statement

1 April 2023 – 31 March 2024

Bank Account 23 416.69	Cash 21.71	Total
		33 444.04
2 538.52 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00	-11.55 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00	2 526.97 0.00 0.00 0.00 77.41
25 955.21	10.16
		36 048.42

Su5ie Roberts 29 Julius Road Bishopston Brisiol B57 8EU 07747 685895 Bradfordian5 Dramatic Society Independent E¥•mlners Report for the year ending 31 Mar¢h 2024 Inde endeni Examiners Re rt to the Trustees I report on the unalted accounrs of the charity for the yeai endin8 311t March 2024. onsibllities of the Trustees and Examiner A8 the char1ty Trustees you are responsible for the weparètym ol thÈ accounts and (s1der the audit requirement of Section 43121 of the Charities Aci 1993 does not ap¥. It is mv re5kK)f5ibility to stare, on basis crf pr¢xethres specified in the general directions given by the Charities Commission der Section 4317llbl d the whether particular matters have come to my attention. Ba$ of Inde endent Examtners R ort My examination was carried out in accordartt with gereral direciions Biven by the c111•eS Cemmission. ATh Independent examination Includes a reviewof the accounting recuds kept by the charity and a tompariw of the attounts yesented th these records. It also includes torwderation of ary unusual items for dtscloswes in the acctyjnts and seeking exF4anations from y1 Coe11g any such matters. The prc(edufes undertaken do t provide all thÈ evidence thai would be required in an audit. and consequently I do not express an audit opinirn on the eW 8iven by the accothtt Inde endent ExamFners In connection with my examination. Tr) matter has erme to my attentyon: l. WhichEnie5 me reas¢nable causeto beIVeth* requirements io keep accounting records, prepare accounts and tompty wrfth Seak)n41ofthe Act have not been met. 2. Nortowhtch, in rny opinv)n. attentA)n shoukl be d[v to enab a prDperunderstèndingof the accounts. Susie Roberts 13th May 2024