Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 2022-09-01 Period start date To 2023-08-31 Period end date
Charity name: Opera Viva Merseyside
Charity registration number: 1177385
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance education in the operatic and dramatic arts for the benefit of the public, in particular …, by developing skills in musicianship and performance, and by developing appreciation of music and drama through the presentation of public performances.. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
During this period, we were able to put on the following events: Opera Supper:Gala Opera Supper • 2022-11-05, St Mary’s College, Crosby • 2022-11-26, Hale Village Hall Opera:The Merry Widow • 2023-04-28, The Mossley Hill Club • 2023-04-29, St Mary’s College • 2023-04-30, Heswall Hall Concert:Summer Sparkle • 2023-07-08, Hale Village Hall • 2023-07-14, St Mary’s College |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | All trustees have received and read the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit and have regard to it when taking decisions. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference The charity does not make grants. Para 1.38 Policy on grant making The charity has no social investment
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | program |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | The charity’s activities are almost entirely carried out by volunteers, who (a) improve their own knowledge and skills in music and drama, and in stage production skills under the guidance of, and through the example of, professional conductors, pianists and singers, while (b) providing accessible public performances in community venues. |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | The charity brought high-standard classical opera and operetta, and other art music, in low-cost and fully accessible informal performances to several local venues in Merseyside. The amateur performers ranged in age from under 20 to over 70. The important and unusual opportunity we provide is demonstrated by the journeys made to take part: from as far as Bolton, North Wales, and Preston. Our amateur performers were accompanied by a professional pianist and string orchestra and directed and trained by professional conductors of a very high standard. Additionally, we provided opportunities for a number of young, student conductors from the RNCM to practise their craft in a non- university setting |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The charity made a deficit of £289.70 over the period, and remains solvent. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | Reserves policy agreed by Opera Viva Committee on 24/4/19: Opera Viva aims to have a reserve of £2,000, available to spend at short notice to cushion us against any financial problems. This represents the approximate cost of having to cancel a major production for uninsurable reasons. Each year our annual budget will allocate up to £250 to go into the reserve fund until the £2,000 target is reached. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | £1250 is allocated to reserves as at 31/8/23. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements |
where relevant about: |
|---|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | • Earned income: 62% • Corp & Personal donations: 21% • Subscriptions: 13% • Gift Aid: 4% |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | Sudden unavailability of key volunteer performers, requiring professional replacement (extra expenditure) or abandoning a planned performance (reduced income). |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
||
|---|---|---|
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO Association |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed by the existing Trustees or members. Trustees are subject to re-election by members in rotation every three years (after the CIO’s first year) |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Opera Viva Merseyside |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | Opera Viva |
| Registered charity number | 1177385 |
| Charity’s principal address | Sefton CVS, Burlington House, Crosby Rd North, Liverpool L22 0LG |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Doreen Whitlow | ||||
| Peter McColgan | Chair | |||
| Douglas Ligertwood |
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) Full name(s) Peter McColgan Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Chair Date 15 January 2025
OPERA VIVA INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2023 INCOME Ticket sales Raffles Programmes Bar profits Subscriptions Donations Amazon Bonus ball Gift Aid 6437.81 322.00 71.50 513.61 7344.92 1512.80 2464.50 18.41 156.00 523.90 £12020.53 EXPKNDITURE Orchestra Singers Pianists Singing master/mistress Costumes, props etc Hall rent Caretaker St m(s Subscriptions Insurance Sundries Storage Licences Printing Cateriiig Web hosting 2702.67 440.00 2825.00 2760.00 531.80 304.00 300.00 84.00 417.42 85.00 480.00 84.00 124.00 412.94 180.00 £11730.83 XCESS OF INCOME OVER EXPENDITURE £289.70
OPERA VIVA BANK RECONCILIATION ASAT 31 AUGUST 2023 Opening Balance at I September 2022 2240.14 Banked 12494.92 14735.06 Payments 12205.22 Closing Balance per Bank and Accounts £2529.84