2025-03-31-accounts - Bradfordians Dramatic Society

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BRADFORDIANS DRAMATICS SOCIETY Charity Number 1175732

ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

FOR

Financial Year Ending 31 MARCH 2025

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 2025

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 2025

The Trustees have pleasure in presenting this report and the unaudited financial statements of the Charity for the year ended 31 March 2025. 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 just over £1k 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 24 (Frankenstein): Set in the Tithe Barn, this engaging and sensitively performed piece proved to be a huge success, with enthusiastic audiences and a profit of nearly £3,000.

Autumn 24 (The Cherry Orchard) : Planned to be staged in St. Margarets Hall, this production had to be cancelled a few weeks prior due to unforeseen circumstances.

Spring 25 (Cinderella): We had planned this for St. Margarets Hall, but due to flooding had to move it to St. Laurence School. This popular family favourite proved to be a welcome return to traditional pantomime and achieved a profit of over £4,000.

(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 24 until 31 March 25, 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 25	Tithe Barn, BoA	Play	Shakespeare in Love
Autumn 25	TBA	TBA	TBA
Spring 26	St. Margarets Hall, BoA	Panto	The Secret Garden
Summer 26	Tithe Barn, BoA	Play	Twelfth Night

In terms of governance the Trustees aim to:

Finalise the 2024 programme and look forwards to 2026;
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 25) are:

Chairman Robert Hearn Secretary Beryl Baggs Treasurer Martin Hudson

Charity Trustees

The Charity Trustees (at 31 March 25) are:

R Hearn B Baggs M Hudson K Lawrence Jem Andrews

Note: Steve Riley was co-opted to the board of trustees following the 2004 AGM and has provided support to the secretary during this period.

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.

Susie Roberts 29 Julius Road Blshopston Bristol BS7 8EU 07747 685895 Bradfordians Dramatic Society st Independent Examiners Report for the year ending 31 March 2025 Inde endent Examiners Re ort to the Trustees I report on the unaudited accounts of the charity for the year endlng 31 March 2025. st Res onsibllltles of the Trustees and Examlner As the charity Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts and consider the audit requirement of Section 43(2) of the Charlties Act 1993 does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the general directions given by the Charities Commission under Section 43(7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attentlon. Basis of Inde endent Examiners Re ort My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charities Commission. An independent examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charlty and a comparlson of the accounts presented wlth these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items for disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Inde endent Examlners In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention: l. Which gives me reasonable cause to believe that requirements to keep accounting records, prepare accounts and comply with Section 41 of the Act have not been met. 2. Nor to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn to enable a proper understanding of the accounts. Susie Roberts th 9 July 2025

The Bradfordians Dramatic Society

Balance Sheet

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025 £ (24/25) Reserve Assets: Savings Account 10184.16 10184.16 Current Assets: Bank Account 27105.66 Cash In Hand 134.16 Debtors 0 Prepayments 0 27239.82 Current Liabilities: Trade Creditors 0 Accrued Costs 0 0 Net Current Assets 37423.98 Funds Employed: Accumulated Funds at 1 Apr 36048.42 Profit/Deficit for the year 1375.56 Accrued Costs 0 Accumulated Funds at 31 Mar 37423.98 Funds Employed 37423.98		(23/24) 10083.05
		10083.05 25955.21 10.16 0 0
		25965.37 0 0
		0
		36048.42
		33444.04 2604.38 0
		36048.42
		36048.42

Notes:

1 This year I have kept an amount for a float for the next show, this will reduce bank costs, therefore an increase in cash in hand. 2 These accounts include income and costs for shows of FY 25-26

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 2024 – 31 March 2025

Income

----- Start of picture text -----
Frankenstein Cinderella Shakespeare in General Total Total
Jul 24 Nov 24 Feb 25 Love Nov 25 23 - 24 22 - 23
Jul 25
Membership 380.00 380.00 275.00
Ticket Sales 9 898.87 6 483.37 16 382.24 19 015.72
Programmes 199.95 242.00 441.95 617.80
Refreshments 1 220.71 977.38 2 198.09 3246.27
Wine 1 086.34 1 086.34 995.60
Script Sales 50.00 103.93 153.93 344.98
Rehearsal Fees 70.00 105.00 95.00 270.00 291.00
Other 0.98 440.27 441.25 200.00
Total 12 525.87 - 7 808.73 198.93 - 820.27 21 353.80 25 063.78
----- End of picture text -----

Expenditure

----- Start of picture text -----
Frankenstein Cinderella Shakespeare in General Total Total
Jul 24 Nov 24 Feb 25 Love Nov 25 24 - 25 23 - 24
Jul 25
Misc 73.80 70.00 2.50 840.00 986.30 746.55
Tech-Ligh�ng 4 752.36 4 752.36 5 056.30
Administra�on 342.56 342.56 2 376.28
Licence 21.00 1 125.00 1 146.00 1 758.00
Scripts 433.64 306.00 739.64 545.85
Stage 22.50 109.24 255.83 387.57 536.79
Costumes and Fabric 35.00 76.74 218.56 330.30 532.40
Props & Furniture 116.76 116.76 89.02
Venue Hire 3 854.64 60.00 2 285.00 615.00 6 814.64 6 551.34
Barn Rent 1 200.00 1 200.00 1 200.00
Bank Charges 74.22 74.22 72.00
Publicity 254.75 287.62 542.37 1162.33
Refreshments 122.90 358.42 481.32 842.44
Programmes 95.00 95.00 349.78
Wine 430.65 430.65 444.15
Makeup 196.17
Food (Prod) 100.00 100.00
Insurance 1 438.55 1 438.55
Total 9 567.60 136.74 3 640.60 2 431.97 306.00 3 895.33 19 978.24 22 459.40
----- End of picture text -----

Surplus

Surplus	Surplus
Frankenstein Jul 24 Nov 24 Cinderella Feb 25 Shakespeare in Love Jul 25 Nov 25 General Total 24 - 25		Total 23 - 24
Surplus/(Loss) 2 958.27 (136.74) 4 168.13 (2 233.04) (306.00) (3 075.06)	1 375.56	2 604.38

£1 375.56

Operating Surplus (Inc. Interest) for FY 24 -25

The Bradfordians Dramatic Society

Cash Flow Statement

1 April 2024 – 31 March 2025

Bank Account 25 955.21	Secretary’s Cash 10.16	Total
		36 048.42
1 150.45 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00	-9.65 0.00 0.00 0.00 0.00	1 274.45 0.00 0.00 0.00 101.11
27 105.66	0.51
		37 423.98