1883-2023 SAFFRON WALDEN CHORAL SOCIETY (swcs) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2023 A Charltable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity No. 1180134 www.swchoral.org.uk Saffron Walden Choral SocietyTrustees' Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 OBJEcfivES, AcfiviTIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS "A5 a Society we exist to promote this wonderful musicolform {chorol singing) and, through our youth work. to ensure thot the next generation has on opportunity to experience the energy ond fun of performing choral music. We G150 ensure that our oudiences con experience the power and musical beouty of the human voice, ond perhopsfind their own moment of inspiration within u live performance. Judith Hosler, Presldent SWCS 2022-2023 was our first full season with our new Musical Director, Quintin Beer. The autumn term started with rehearsals for the joyful Haydn: The Creation. The concert was performed at Saffron Hall in November 2022 with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra and three outstanding soloists. In December 2022 we returned to St Marfs Church for two performances of the "Splrlt of Christmas" We were joined as usual by children from a dozen local schools and performed to a packed church for both concerts. In 2023, Saffron Walden Choral Society is celebrating its 140th anniversary. The choirfs flrst concert was performed in Saffron Walden Town Hall on 8 May 1883: "The perfomiers numbered 55, consisting of15 instrumentalists. twelve bass. and ten tenor voices. the rest being treble and alto. On the whol¢, taking into considerdtion the short time the society has been fomled, the programme was very creditably carried out." Eriracifrom ihe review in ihe Essex Herald, J4 May 1883. The Soclety has continuously performed slnce 1883, includin8 throughout two world wars, and even singing online during the recent pandemic. It has also 8rown somewhat since then - during the 2022-2023 season we had 115 members 5in£in8 Wlth us. As part of its 140th anniversary celebrations. the choir purchased an artwork by a local artist to be used as the background for our publicity materials throughout 2023. We are 8rateful to Saffron Walden Arts Society for a grant to enable the purchase of "Fields" bv Connl Johnson. The cholr has donated the orl8inal artwork to Saffron Hall, where it Is now hung in the principal dressing room. Field5 by Conni John50n In March 2023 we performed Handel's extraordinary oratorio°Israel In E8yPt" with the wonderful Brook Street Band and professional soloists. The choir thoroughly enjoyed Handel's vivid word settings, particularly for the plagues of frogs and Iocusts.1 Annual Report forthe yearto 31 Juty 2023 Registered charity no. 1180134 Pa8e 1 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trusteeg Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 The choir wanted to look outward and forward, not backwards, so for our 140 Anniversary Celebration Concert in June 2023. we commissioned a new work-"SingJoyfully" by the renowned baritone and composer Roderick Williams. The work for choir, piano and audience, celebrates the joy of singing together and was a tremendous success at its first performance. The audience feedback was very positive. and they also enjoyed joining in with °Jerusalem" as part of "Blake Reimagined" by Liz Dilnott. Quintin Beer conducting the oudience at the 14IY Anniversary Celebration Concert at Saffron Hall ¥1 . We'd like to thank all those members and frlends who support our various fundraising actlvltles le.8. the 100 Clubl. We are very 8rateful to the Friends of Saffron Walden Choral Society and the local buslnesses and organisation5 who have continued to support U5 throu8hout the past year. We'd also like to thank Bentens for their pro bono independent examination of the cholr's annual report and accounts and HNE Media fortheir pro bono filming. The Committee would like to thank Quintin Beer for hls outstanding musiclanship, fast-paced rehearsa15 and attention to detail. Our regular accompanist, Richard Carr. also deserves speci31 thanks for his exception31 musicianship both in rehearsals and concerts. We're also indebted to all the staff at Saffron Hall for their help and support throu8hout the year. Finally, our thanks are also due to the many members who give so muth time voluntarily to the administrative work of the choir. FUTURE PLANS The Committee have set up a sub-committee to support Quintin Beer in future programme plannin8. The group will be looking at planning further ahead and is investigating future collaborations with other choirs and orchestras, Includlng the Britten Sinfonla and Norwich Philharmonic. th In November 2023, our 140 anniversary year continues With Elgar: The Dream of Gerontius at Saffron Hall, with the Chameleon Arts Orchestra, the choir of St Peterfs College, Oxford and Mark Wilde as Gerontius. December 2023 will be a very busy month forthe choir, starting with two "Spirit of Christmas" concerts with local schools at St Marvs Church; followed by a fundraising carol concert for the King Edward Vl Almshouses: and finally a Christmas Concert with the London Philharmonic Annual Report forthe yearto 31 Jufyf 2023 Registered charity no. 1180134 Page 2 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 Orchestra at Saffron Hall on 17 December, a fitting culmination to our 140th anniversary celebrations. In March 2024. we'll perform "Into The Stars" a beautiful programme of English contemporary works, Including Cecilia McDowell's Da Vinci Requiem and Will Todd's Songs of Peace. In June 2024 the choir is jointly presenting 3 prograrnme of English and French muslc in collaboration with Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra. The programme will include Poulenc: Stabat Mater. The Committee will also be exploring creatlve ways to attract younger members. improve the vocal quality of members. build our audience and increase our profile. STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Managlng Committee (Trustees) Management of the charity Is In the hand5 of a Committee comprising no fewer than seven, or more than twelve, members elected bythe CharIt￿S membership at the Annual General Meetlng. The Musical Director recommends a music policy to the Committee members for their approval. All elected members of the Committee are Trustees of the charity. The followin8 trustees held office throu8hout the year, unless otherwise indicated: Sara Varey IChalr} Chrlstine Hall ITreasurerl Lucy Thomson {Secretaryl Stephanie Emberson Robert Goldsmith (appointed 30 Jan 20231 Margaret Griffiths Alison Hall Paul Parker Mark Philllps Iretlred 30 Jan 20231 Andrew Noakes (appointed 30 Jan 20231 Jeffrey Thomson (retired 30 January 2023) The Committee meets 10-12 times per year. Minutes of the meetings are available to members of the charity. Governing Document Saffron Walden Choral Society operates as a Charitable Incorporated Organi53tion approved by the Charity Commission Ire8. charity no. 11801341. Charitable Objects The objects of the Society continue to be to promote. improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentatlon Annual Report forthe yeorto 31 JLty 2023 RegiSte￿d chanty no. 1180134 Page 3 Saffron Walden Chor31 Society Trustees, Annu31 Report & Financial Statements 2023 of public concerts and recitals and by such other ways as the Society through its charity trustees shall determine from time to time. Public Benefit The trustees have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefrt guidance published by the Charity Commission. Fundraising Saffron Walden Choral Societrfs fundraisin81s volunteer-led. We do not employ the services of external agencies. We are committed to building trust with our supporters. During the financial year 2022-2023 we received no complaints relatlng to our fundraising activities {2021-22 none). Safeguarding Saffron Walden Choral Soclety carrles out actlvities which oceaslonally brlng our volunteers and people worklng on behalf of our organisation into regular contact with children and young people. The Trustees recognlse their legal duty to art prudently and in the best interests of these children and young people, and have implemented policies, procedures, training and monitoring to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to protett them and keep them Safe. We belleve that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a child protection officer, who lialses with the accompanying school staff who remain responsible for their students, welfare. Prlncipal R15ks and Uncertaintles The trustees have examined the malor 8overnance, operatlonal and financlal risks to the Trust and confirm that 5YStems are in place to mltigate the impact of these risks. The potential risks and management of them are reviewed annually by the trustees. The Society malntalns publlc and employee liability insurance cover at levels consistent with other similar organisations. Cover for specific rlsks associated wlth particular activities may be taken out as appropriate. The Society has pollcies covering such things as chlld protection. privacy. data protection and health and safety, which are kept under re8ular review. The Society uses advice from Making Music to develop its pollcies, procedures and risk assessments and undertakes appropriate Covid-19 risk assessments for In-person rehearsals and public performances. Reserves Policy The Committee reviews the level of reserves held by the Soclety periodically. The Committee aims to maintain in reserve, in readily acce55ible form, sufficient funds to ensure that a significant fall in income can be absorbed during the year. In general temis this is measured as the amount needed to cover the expected net cost of a season's concerts without levying additional subscriptions during the year and without the levels of sponsorship or donations which the Society has normally been able to attract. The current estimate is that £16,000 should be maintained in general reserves. The Committee regularly considers potential uses for any surplus and has been discussing plans with our Musical Director for using some of the surplus reserves to fund future projects. Annual Report forthe yearto 31 Juty 1023 Aegistered ch3rity no. 1180134 Page 4 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 Registered Address 29 High Street, Hinxton. CBIO IQY Independent Examiner Bentens, Abbey House, 51 High Street, Saffton Walden, CBIO IAF Bankers CAF Bank Limited, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Mallin& Kent. ME19 4JQ Shawbrook Barbk Limited, Lutea House, Warley Hill Business Park, The Drive. Great Warley. Brentwood, Essex, CM13 3BE {until July 2023} FINANCIAL REVIEW - Treasurerfs Report for the year to 31 July 2023 In 2022-23 the Sotlety made a surplus of £35112021-22 deficit £1,335). This leaves us with total funds of £41,259, compared to £40,908 at July 2022. Funds at 31 July 2023 included restrlcted funds of £265 donated by Saffron Walden Arts Society, to be used for re-designing the choir's logo. Restricted funds relate to donatlons 8lven for a partlcular purpose and were nil at 31 July 2022. Charitable Activitles lincludlng concerts and rehearsals) Durln8 2022-23 there were three concerts at Saffron Hall and two Spirit of Christmas concerts at St Mary's Church las described in the Report above). Other Income Our thanks 80 to our members and supporters for thelr membership fees, donations. sponsorshlp and fundraising. Membership Income has increased due to hlgher numbers of members and the abillty to reclaim Gift Aid on the whole amount of thelr subscriptions. Other costs Fundraising costs are analysed in note 6 to the accounts. Support costs are analy5ed In note S. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustees. Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and United Kingdom Accountin8 Standards Iunlted Kin8dom Generally Accepted Accountin8 Practice). The law applicable to charities in England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financi31 year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparin8 these financial statements, the trustees are required to: selert suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently Annual Report forthe yearto 3) July 2023 Regste￿d charity no. 1180134 Page 5 Saffron Walden Choral society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice ISORPI make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent state whether applicable accounting standards, including FRS 102. have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements state whether a SORP applies and has been followed, subject to any material departure5 which are explained in the financial statements prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that dlsclose wlth reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charlty and enable them to ensure that the financlal statements comply with the Charlties Act 2011, the Charity IAccounts and Reports) Re8ulations 2008 and the provisions of its governing constitutlon. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charlty and hence for takln8 reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other Irregularltles. Independent Examiners Bentens have been appointed as the charitrfs independent examiners. Sl8ned on behalf of the Trustees Sara Varev Chalr of Trustees November 2023 Annual Report forthe yearto 31 Juty 2023 Retyste￿d charity no. 1180134 Pa8e 6 Saffron Walden Choral SocietyTrustees' Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORTTO THE TRUSTEES OF SAFFRON WALDEN CHORAL SOCIErY I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above chartty 1.the Trust") for the year ended 31st July 2023 Set out on pages 8 to 11. Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the account5 in accordance with the requirements of the Charitles Act 20111.the Act"}. I report in respect of my examination of the Trusvs accounts carried out under sectlon 145 of the 2011 Act and In carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Dlrections glven by the Charlty Commlsslon under sectlon 145{51{bl of the Art. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attentlon in connection wlth the examination which gives me cause to believe that In, any material respect.. the accountlng records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; or the accounts dld not accord wlth the accounting records; or the account5 dld not comply wlth the appllcable requlrements concernin8 the form and content of accounts set out in the Charltles (Accounts and Reports) Regulatlons 2008 other than any requirement that the actounts glve a 'true and falr, view whirh is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination. I have no concerns and have come acr055 no other matter5 in connection with the examination to whlch attention should be drawn in this report In order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date 16 November 2023 J&r Sarah Warner FCCA Benten5 Abbey House, 51 High Street Saffron Walden, Essex CBIO IAF llnnual Report forthe yearto 31 2023 Re81Ste￿d charity no. 1180134 Page 7 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statement5 2023 O ro tyj 4n LTh ￿ tyj &n o r4 rs tho ¢x) Annual Reportforthe yearto 31 Juty 2023 Registered charity no. 1180134 P3ge 8 Saffron Walden Choral SocietyTrustees' Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023 Saffron Walden Choral Soclety Accounts for the year endlng 31 July 2023 Balance Sheet as at 31 ju￿ 2023 Notes 2023 2022 Current Assets Debtor5 & prepayments Cash 4,448 3.255 CAF deposli accounts Other Cash at 8ank and In hand Total Assets Creditor5.' amounts falling due wthin one year Sundry uedltors 20,000 21,750 40.094 44,S42 45,OOS 3,283 4,097 3.283 4,097 Total Net Assets 41.259 40,908 Fund balance5 General Fund Restricted Fund 41.024 235 40,908 41.2S9 40,908 Approved by the Trustees and $18ned on their behalf.. Sara Varey Ichairmanl Chnstlne Hall ITreasurerl The notes attached form part of these accounts Annual Report for rhe yearto 31 Jdy 2015 Re8lStered charity no. 1180134 Page 9 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annu31 Report & Fin3nci31 Statements 2023 Ntyt•5tOth*kayJntslovth•Y•¥•￿0JlJ*ID?1 L B•slsOlPYepw4￿On TheJe4tcountshivÈ betn piEpwtd￿XedCffj ahiStorf¢*(0stWxinx¢£rdr*￿￿1ththt￿ctyjn￿￿tw￿￿e￿lft8tylhénileS- St*emeniof Reo)nYnended Pr￿1￿(FR5]nI) lswed bvihe￿ty(￿nrn[￿sIODefrethve IJanu￿]I)l9aTrd In ￿￿[da￿lL*With FPSIOZ The TruSteeShi¥etthenadv￿t•8e OfeXemptyL￿IntheS?RPvM1￿I￿Eo￿rnaltrthl￿0tS.TrÉ3ttMtsjreWe￿ediftXrnrd￿ ithth4rftyl•w4ppliubl*in &Wa Lei•ty 27.9 Con(ertlncomt .Ad¥ertlilnispKe 27.501 LSJS L515 4 InE•MtfromfiJr￿r•ts1v￿lthd1I L8J4 Oth•ifundrils1 J76 2n 6eTrlrtlFur TLWI re#rt)1l-23l￿￿L.J1b￿II.w*X*vcryW*ehj1tO1¢￿È￿5￿wknWwptOhono*0th. 6. 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