THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
Charity Registration No. 1177315
THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON
‘STRADFAS’
TRUSTEES’ REPORT AND ACCOUNTS FOR THE PERIOD 1[st] APRIL 2021 to 31[st] MARCH 2022
A member of The Arts Society
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION
Charity number 1177315
Members who served as Trustees at any time between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 were:
Trustees Mr Nick Lister Chairman Mrs Lynne Reekes Secretary to Trustees Mr David Triggs Trustee Mr Brian Douglas Trustee Mrs Sue Cragoe-Jones Trustee Mr Christopher Purser Trustee
Members who served on the Committee at any time between 1 April 2021 and 31 March 2022 were:
Committee Mr David Triggs Chairman Mrs Caroline Johnson Society Secretary Mr Brian Douglas Treasurer Mrs Jan Dawson Membership Secretary Mrs Sue Horne Membership Secretary Mrs Lynne Hurst Programme Secretary Mrs Janet Smith Day Visits Secretary Mrs Sue Skidmore Day Visits Secretary Mrs Caroline Newey Days of Special Interest Secretary Mrs Diana Hill Extended Tours Secretary Mrs Stevie Shakesheff Extended Tours Secretary Ms Anne Maguire Community Arts Secretary Mrs Kay Anderson Heritage Volunteers secretary Mrs Ann Langton Publicity Secretary Mr Tony Hughes Website manager Mrs Jean Vaudeau Church Recorders (co-opted)
CONTENTS
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Trustees’ Reports | 3-5 |
| Independent Examiner’s report | 6 |
| Statement of financial activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the accounts | 8 |
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
TRUSTEES’ REPORT
The Trustees present their Report and Accounts for the period ended 31st March 2022.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the accounts and comply with the Charity's Constitution, the Charities Act 2011 and the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005.
Structure, governance, and management
The Charity is registered under reference 1177315.
The Charity was established, and the Constitution was adopted, by an Extraordinary Meeting of its Members on 16 November 2017. The Constitution was revised in April 2018 and adopted by a second Extraordinary General Meeting of Members on 15 November 2018.
The Trustees who served during the period April 2021-March 2022 were:
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N P Lister
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D J Triggs
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B Douglas
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L F Reekes
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S M Cragoe-Jones
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C R Purser
Appointments to the Committee are made by proposals from members, followed by formal voting at the AGM. Prior to the AGM the Committee recommends the Officers (Chairman, Vice Chairman, Treasurer, Secretary) and the Trustees for approval by members at the AGM.
There are six Trustees with overall responsibility for the Society. The Trustees consist of the Officers (unless an Officer declines to become a Trustee), a Chairman (elected by Trustees) and one other Society member recommended by the Trustees. The Trustees delegate management of the Society and its funds to the Committee members, each of whom has specific areas of responsibility.
A “fit and proper persons test” is applied to all Trustees and persons deemed to exercise general control and management of the Charity’s assets. All Trustees are required to read HM Revenue and Customs basic guides for charity managers and sign the declaration for fit and proper persons.
The Trustees and Committee have examined the major risks to which the charity may be exposed, and are satisfied that there are resources and systems in place to mitigate these major risks.
Objective and Activities
‘The promotion and advancement of the aesthetic education of the general public, the cultivation, appreciation and study of the decorative and fine arts, and the giving of aid to the preservation of the United Kingdom’s national artistic heritage.’ (Constitution Item 3)
The Society actively encourages disadvantaged people to take part in Arts Projects for both therapy and education, by means of grant-aid.
The main activities carried out during the year in furtherance of these objectives are described in the Chairman’s Report which follows.
The Trustees have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission and its parent body, The Arts Society, in deciding which activities the charity should undertake.
Further details of the Society’s work can be found at www.stradfas.org.uk
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
TRUSTEES’ REPORTS (continued)
STRADFAS: The Arts Society Stratford upon Avon AGM 2021-22 Chairman’s Report
Looking back not just over the past year but over all three of my extremely eventful years as Chairman the first six months were, in retrospect, the most relaxed, following a pattern which probably hadn’t changed for decades. After March 2020 Zoom and ‘Chairing From Home’ became the new normal with excellent support from The Arts Society. The second full year continued the routine of Zoom lectures and the simplest of AGMs with very brief reports and the speed of on-line voting.
Our first live lecture in September 2021 was a wonderful and actually very emotional experience, as we met in person after a break of 18 months. Peter Medhurst didn’t fail to wow us with his piano playing and the novelty of the live lecture was reflected in the astonishing attendance, 86% of our membership which must surely be a record! Lynne Hurst, our Programme Secretary, had booked an excellent selection of speakers, all highly experienced and capable of delivering both live and on Zoom.
This last year of hybrid lectures has been another voyage of discovery, I felt it important to include all of our membership while there was still so much uncertainty about Covid and its health implications. Despite a few technical hitches, the hybrids have been ‘good enough’ for between 30 and 60 members who have joined us each month on Zoom during the last year.
The efforts of the committee in general and the hybrid lecture schedule in particular, were recognised by a Marsh Award Commendation from the Arts Society.
While many of our normal activities have been reduced in scope the Church recorders have been working when they were able in St Lawrence’s Church, Mickleton under the leadership of Jean Vaudeau. Community Arts support was again rather limited by the inevitably narrow focus of schools during the Covid crisis. However we did join several West Midlands Arts Societies in supporting a pilot project managed through the Koestler Foundation which provides rehabilitation for prisoners with practical art training opportunities.
The Extended Visit to Northumberland, arranged by Stevie and Di finally took place in August 2021. This was followed by another UK visit to Kent and Sussex in May, and both events were universally praised.
Caroline Newey put on an excellent Special Interest Day. Howard Smith talked on subjects ranging from Eagle comics to the film maker Leni Riefenstahl and 1950s Britain as seen through the Picture Post.
Sue Skidmore and Jan Smith ran the, previously postponed, Day Visit to Selsley Church and Rodmarton Manor to enjoy the fine Pre-Raphaelite stained glass and Arts and Crafts collection. The recent trip to Bath unfortunately had to be cancelled due to poor ticket sales.
I would also like to mention Caroline Johnson, our Secretary, Brian Douglas and Kay Sillitoe our Treasury team and our Membership Secretaries, Sue Horne and Jan Dawson. Kay Anderson for managing the raffles and Ursula and her team on the refreshments. Their hard work, although largely unseen by the membership, keeps the ‘ show on the road’. Thanks also to Tony for the Bulletins, work on the newsletter this year and support with the hybrid lectures. Sue Cragoe-Jones and Ann Langton had rejoined the committee but are stepping down this year. Much thanks is due for their work on newsletters and publicity over several years. And finally the guidance and advice from our Trustees Lynne Reekes and Christopher Purser has been really appreciated. Christopher is stepping down after many years of support, thank you. Finally we continue to thank Nick profusely for both chairing the Trustees and for coming up with solutions to problems before we had even thought of them! He is finally stepping down too.
I want to put out an urgent Appeal for volunteers to help the technical team, headed by Gillian Nussey. Without the volunteers and indeed full complement of committee members we may be forced to restrict services or alternatively buy them in, but with the resulting increase in membership fees. For many this
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
would not present a problem but with ever-tightened budgets I would feel sad if members felt they were unable to afford to rejoin.
On a positive note we will be starting in September with leadership from a new team with greater energy and fresh ideas. However I shall not be disappearing completely but will have a more hands-off role chairing the Trustees of the Charity.
The Trustees will be joined by the new officers, Caroline Johnson & Tony Hughes and by a new independent trustee member Paul Milliken. So, looking forward we have a new Chairman and Vice Chair to be voted in at the AGM. They will need your continued support just as I was fortunate to have yours at a very challenging time.
So to those leavers, Christopher Purser, Sue Cragoe-Jones, Ann Langton and Nick Lister, thank you all for your hard work and support over the years.
David Triggs May 2022
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
STRADFAS: TREASURER’S REPORT 1st April 2021-31st March 2022
Note: These accounts include 3 months during which STRADFAS was unable to hold its normal public lectures due to the Covid pandemic, and instead put these on-line to its members.
The independently examined accounts for the year ended March 31[st] 2022 show that STRADFAS again made a gain in reserves for the year , and thus retains the financial reserves from previous years. This is a very satisfactory outcome, especially as 12 months ago we were predicting a significant loss for the year.
Income, expenditure and reserves
2021-22 saw a recovery in membership from the previous ‘pandemic’ year, eventually totalling 437.
There were somewhat lower operating costs due to the 3 months we were ‘online’, with no auditorium payments and lower speaker costs, and a ‘refund’ of some of our advance auditorium payments previously made.
Lower governance costs than ‘standard’ years were also attributable to less travel being required.
We managed to distribute £1500 of donations to deserving charities in spite of some of our preferred organisations being closed temporarily.
We had a rise in our COIF investment accumulation fund which gave us a notional profit in spite of adverse market effects at the end of the financial year.
There was less income compared to a ‘standard’ year in respect of additional income sources (such as raffles and coffees).
Thus our reserves allow us to go forward to 2022-23 knowing that we can deliver our programme even with the reduced membership we currently have. However, our ‘break even’ membership is around 500-520 and thus we will need to put effort into regaining this number – word-of-mouth has been our best recruitment mechanism in the past.
Looking forward and Subscription
The financial outlook to March 2023 is more certain than it has been in the last 2 years, assuming a new Covid version does not result in changes to plans. As stated last year, we have reserves for at least a couple of years before we would need to take drastic actions.
Having held our subscription at £45 for the last three years, we feel justified in raising this to £48 for the forthcoming year 2022-23. This will result in a predicted loss of just under £5000 at our current membership level, and the hope is that this predicted loss will be reduced by an increased membership level next year.
Brian Douglas, Treasurer, Trustee
Nick Lister, Chair of Trustees
19[th] May 2022
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD UPON AVON
I report on the accounts of the charity for the Period ended 31[st] March 2022, which are set out on pages 6 to 8.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this Period under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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i) examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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ii) to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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iii) to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view’ and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention.
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(a) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
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i) to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
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ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act;
have not been met, or
- (b) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Matrix
17 Holbrook Road, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 9DZ
25 April 2022
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
STRADFAS STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES for the period ended 31 March 2022
| Unrestricted | Designated | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | funds | funds | Total 2022 | 2021 | |
| Incoming resources from generated funds | |||||
| Subscriptions | 2 | £19,615.00 | £19,615.00 | £17,460.00 | |
| Investment on bank funds (Lloyds, COIF) | 3 | £1,755.34 | £1,755.34 | £2,776.22 | |
| Total | £23,665.34 | £23,665.34 | £20,236.22 | ||
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 4 | £2925.44 | £2925.44 | £2,650.00 | |
| Other incoming resources (Gift aid) | 5 | £3,775.49 | £3,775.49 | £2,898.00 | |
| Total incoming resources | £28,071.27 | £28,071.27 | £25,784.22 | ||
| Resources expended | 6 | ||||
| Cost of generating funds | |||||
| Website and online publicity costs | £998.35 | £998.35 | £965.00 | ||
| Net incoming resources available | £27,072.92 | £27,072.92 | £24,819.22 | ||
| Charitable activities | |||||
| Speakers expenses & fees | £8,225.85 | £8,225.85 | £7,275.00 | ||
| Hire of halls & equipment | £4,028.68 | £4,028.68 | £973.32 | ||
| Affiliation fees - Arts Society | £7,104.17 | £7,104.17 | £7,715.94 | ||
| Donations | £1,500.00 | £1,500.00 | £500.00 | ||
| Total charitable expenditure | £20,858.70 | £20,858.70 | £16,464.26 | ||
| Governance Costs | £3,182.01 | £3,182.01 | £665.98 | ||
| Total resources expended | £25,039.06 | £0.00 | £25,039.06 | £18,095.24 | |
| Net incoming (expenditure) resources | £3,032.21 | £0.00 | £3,032.21 | £7,688.98 | |
| Other recognised gains/losses | |||||
| Unrealised gain on charity investments | £1,753.73 | £1,753.73 | £2,772.06 | ||
| Net movement in funds | £4,785.94 | £0.00 | £4,785.94 | £10,461.04 | |
| Introduced 1st April 2021 from STRADFAS | £46,728.33 | £396.00 | £47,124.33 | £39,435.35 | |
| Fund balances at 31 Mar 2022 | £49,760.54 | £396.00 | £50,156.54 | £47,124.33 | |
| BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31ST MARCH 2022 | |||||
| Current Assets | |||||
| Debtors | 10 | £5,292.32 | £6,908.80 | ||
| Investments and reserve account | £31,878.60 | £30,123.26 | |||
| Loan to Patricia Fay fund held by the Arts Society | £500.00 | £500.00 | |||
| Cash at Bank and in hand | £16,014.25 | £13,200.43 | |||
| £53,685.17 | £50,732.49 | ||||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | 11 | £3,528.63 | £3,608.16 | ||
| Total assets less current liabilities | £50,156.54 | £47,124.33 | |||
| Income funds | |||||
| Unrestricted funds | £49,760.54 | £46,728.33 | |||
| Designated funds | £396.00 | £396.00 | |||
| Other charitable funds | |||||
| Unrestricted income funds | £45,243.75 | £43,965.27 | |||
| Revaluation reserve | £4,912.79 | £3,159.06 | |||
| £50,156.54 | £47,124.33 | ||||
| The accounts were approved by the Trustees and signed on 16th | May 2022 | ||||
| Treasurer: Brian Douglas |
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THE ARTS SOCIETY STRATFORD-UPON-AVON - "STRADFAS": REPORT 2021-22
Notes to the accounts for the period ending 31st March 2022
Accounting policies: Basis of preparation
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with applicable accounting standards, the Statement of Recommended Practice, "Accounting and Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005 and the Charities Act 2011.
Investments: Current asset investments are stated at market value
| Subscriptions | 2022 | 2021 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Members subscriptions | £21,910.00 | £17,460.00 | ||
| Investment income | ||||
| Interest receivable | £1.61 | £416.00 | ||
| Unrealised gain on investments | £1,753.73 | £2,772.06 | ||
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | ||||
| Visitors and other Donations | £521.00 | £2,600.00 | ||
| Surplus, sundry events (Raffle, Coffee, lunch) | £611.19 | £0.00 | ||
| Surplus/(deficit) on Special Interest Days | -£501.75 | £0.00 | ||
| Surplus on Visits | £0.00 | £50.00 | ||
| Total | £630.44 | £2,650.00 | ||
| Other incoming resources | ||||
| Tax Refunds - Gift Aid Repayment | £3,775.49 | £2,898.00 | ||
| Total resources expended | Other costs | Grant funds | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Costs of generating funds | ||||
| Sales: Website and online publicity costs | £998.35 | £998.35 | £965.00 | |
| Charitable activities | ||||
| Speakers expenses and fees | £8,225.85 | £8,225.85 | £7,275.00 | |
| Hire of halls and equipment | £4,028.68 | £4,028.68 | £973.32 | |
| Arts Society Affiliation fees | £7,104.17 | £7,104.17 | £7,715.94 | |
| Miscellaneous payments | £0.00 | £0.00 | £0.00 | |
| Donations | ||||
| Grant funding of activities | £1,500.00 | £1,500.00 | £500.00 | |
| Totals | £20,357.05 | £20,357.05 | £16,929.26 | |
| Governance costs | £3,182.01 | £3,182.01 | £665.98 | |
| Governance costs incl £256 relating to independent examination fees | for the period | |||
| £24,537.41 | £18,560.24 | |||
| Grants payable | ||||
| Donations | £1,500.00 | £500.00 | ||
| Trustees | ||||
| None of the trustees/Committee (or persons connected with them) received remuneration/reimbursement other than out-of-pocket | ||||
| Employees | ||||
| There were no employees during the Period | ||||
| Debtors | ||||
| Prepayments (Playhouse hire) | £5,292.32 | £6,908.80 | ||
| Other Debtors | £500.00 | £500.00 | ||
| Totals | £5,792.32 | £7,408.80 | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||||
| Trade Creditors incl Arts Society, Auditors, Cash received in advance | £3,528.63 | £3,608.16 | ||
| Analysis of net assets between funds | Unrestricted | Designated | Total | £50,732.49 |
| Fund balances at 31 March 2021 are represented by: | ||||
| Current assets | £53,289.17 | £396.00 | £53,685.17 | £50,732.49 |
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | -£3,528.63 | £0.00 | -£3,528.63 | -£3,608.16 |
| Totals | £49,760.54 | £396.00 | £50,156.54 | £47,124.33 |
| Unrealised gains included above on investments: | £4,525.79 | £4,525.79 | £2,772.06 | |
| Reconciliation of movements in unrealised gains | ||||
| Net gains on investment in Period | £1,753.73 | £1,753.73 | £2,772.06 | |
| Unrealised gains at 31 March 2022 | £4,525.79 | £4,525.79 | £2,772.06 |
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