W4LD SAFFRON WALDEN CHORAL SOCIETY (swcs) TRUSTEES, ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024 A Charitable Incorporated Organisation Registered Charity No. 1180134 www.swchoral.org.uk Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 OBJECTIVES, AcfiviTIES AND ACHIEVEMENTS "As o soclety we exist to promote this wonderful muslcolform (choral singlng) and, through our youth work, to ensure that the next generation has an opportunity to experience the energy and fun of performing chorol music. We also ensure th(Yt our oudiences ct7n experience the power and musical beauty of the human voice, and perhapsfi'nd their own moment of inspirotion within a live performance." Judith Hasler, Presldent SWCS This year has been a remarkable journey of musical excellence and community engagement. Our season began in November 2023 with a stirring performance of Elgar's "Dream of Gerontius" at Saffron Hall. This was followed by our "Spirit of Chrlstmas" concerts in December, where we had the joy of collaborating with local schools at St. Mary's Church in Saffron Walden. We also sang Christmas carols outside the King Edward Vl Almshouses in support of their fundraising efforts. The festive season climaxed with a spectacular Christmas extravaganza, joining forces with the London Philharmonic Orchestra at Saffron Hall. In March 2024, we embarked on an inspiring journey "Into the Stars" including Cecilia McDowall's "Da Vinci Requiem,, showcasing our choir's ability to tackle complex and contemporary works. June saw us partnering with the Saffron Walden Symphony Orchestra for a powerful rendition of Poulenc's "Stabat Mater,, a testament to our collaborative spirit and musical versatility. Our participation in Saffron Walden's Fete de la Musique in July, under the baton of Jamie Hall, was a highlight of the summer, bringing music to the heart of our community. As well a5 supporting our Musical Director, Quintin Beer in the musical development of the choir through programming music of increasing complexity and breadth, the trustees are committed to supporting Quintin in the vocal development of the choir. Quintin re-auditioned all members of the choir in January 2024 and two singing coaches have been appointed. In order to support these activities, the trustees held a strategy day in February 2024 and as a result set up a several new sub-committees, involving trustees and non-trustee members, to take forward various developmental activitie5 In marketing, audience development, fundraising and membership. We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members, our accompanist Richard Carr, 5UPPOrters, and the wider community for their unwavering sUPPOrt. FUTURE PLANS Looking ahead, we are thrilled to announce our future plans. In September, we will hold a fundraising "Come & Sing.. The Messiah" in Saffron Hall. In November, we will perform Benjamin Britten's "Saint Nicolas" with the Britten Sinfonia, our first concert with this renowned orchestra. December will See u5 return to St. Mary's Church for our "Spirit of Christmas" concerts with local schools. In March 2025, we wlll present Bernsteln's "Chlchester Psalms" and a selection of other Annual Report forthe ye3r to 31 July 2024 Re8lster@d charlty no. 11801341 Page I Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 American works,. followed by a June 2025 performance at Saffron Hall featuring Mozart's "Vespers,, Mendelssohn's "Hebrides Overture,, and Haydn's "Theresienmesse." Under the creative and dynamic leadership of our Musical Director, Qulntln Beer, the cholr continues to flourish. We are proud to be performing more musically demanding works and expanding our repertoire, reflecting our commitment to artistic growth and excellence. We look forward to another year of inspiring performances and musical achievements. STRucfuRE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Managing Committee IBoard of Trustees) Management ofthe charity is in the hands of a Committee comprising no fewer than seven, or more than twelve, members elected by the charit15 membership at the Annual General Meeting. The Musical Director recommends a music policy to the Committee members for their approval. All elected members of the Committee are Trustees of the charitv. The following trustees held office throughout the year, unless otherwise indicated.. Mark Phillips Ichairl (appointed 22 January 20241 Sara Varey (Chairl Iretired 22 January 20241 Christine Hall (Treasurer) Lucy Thomson (Secretary) Stephanie Emberson Iretlred 22 January 20241 Robert Goldsmith Margaret Griffiths Iretlred 22 January 20241 Alison Hall Paul Parker Andrew Noakes (resigned 15 April 20241 Abigail Booth (appointed 22 January 20241 Peter Solway13ppointed 22 January 20241 The Committee meets 6 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 Organisation approved by the Charity Comm15sion Ireg. charity no. 11801341. Charitable Objects The objects of the Society continue to be to promote, improve, develop and malntain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other ways as the Society through its charity trustees shall determine from time to time. Annual Report for the yearto 31 July 2024 Reglstered charlty no. 1180134 Page 2 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 Public Benefit The trustees have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance publlshed by the Charity Commission. Amongst several ways of making our activities affordable, we offer free membership to under-30s, half-price concert tickets to under-25s for concerts at Saffron Hall and free tickets to under-185 for our Spirit of Christmas concerts. Fundraising Saffron Walden Choral Society's fundraising is volunteer-led. We do not employ the services of external agencies. We are committed to building trust with our supporters. During the financial year 2023-2024 we received no complaints relating to our fundraising activities12022-23 none). Safe8u3rdin8 Saffron Walden Choral Society carries out activities whlch occasionally bring our volunteers and people working on behalf of our organisation into regular contact with children and young people. The Trustees recognise their legal duty to act prudently and in the best interests of these children and young people, and have implemented policie5, procedure5, training and monitoring to ensure that all reasonable steps are taken to protect them and keep them safe. We believe that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a Safeguarding Officer, who liaises with the accompanying school staff who remain responsible for their students, welfare. The charity's Safeguarding Pollcy and procedures have been reviewed and updated during the year. Principal Risks and Uncertainties The trustees have examined the major governance, operational and financial risks to the Trust and confirm that systems are in place to mitigate the impact of these risks. The potential risks and management of them are reviewed annually by the trustees. The Society maintains public and employee liability insurance cover at levels consistent with other similar organisations. Cover for specific risks associated with particular activitles may be taken out a5 appropriate. The Society has policies covering such things as child protection, privacy, data protection and health and safety, which are kept under regular review. The Society uses advice frorn Making Muslc to develop its policies. procedures and risk assessments and undertakes appropriate Covid risk assessments for in-person rehearsals and public performances. Reserves Policv The Committee reviews the level of reserves held by the Society periodically. The Committee aims to maintain In reserve, in readily accessible form, sufficient funds to ensure that a significant fall in income can be absorbed during the year. In general terms this is measured as the amount needed to cover the expected net cost of a season's concerts without levying additional subscriptions durlng the year and wlthout the levels of sponsorship or donations which the Society has normallv 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 31July 2024 Registered charity no. 1180134 Page 3 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Flnancial Statements 2023-2024 Registered Address Conkers, Wenden Road, Arkesden, Essex CBII 4HB Indopendent Examiner Benten5, Abbey House, 51 High Street, Saffron Walden, CBIO IAF Bankers CAF Bank Limited, 25 Kings Hill Avenue, West Mallin& Kent, ME19 4JQ Saffron Bullding Society, Saffron House. la Market Street, Saffron Walden, CBIO IHX FINANCIAL REVIEW- Treasurerfs Report for the year to 31 July 2024 In 2023-24 the Society made a deficit of £57312022-23 surplus £3511. This leaves us with total funds of £40,686, compared to £41,259 at July 2023. Funds at 31 July 2023 and 2024 included restricted funds of £235 donated by Saffron Walden Arts Soclety, to be used for re-designing the choir's logo. Restricted funds relate to donations given for a particular purpose. Charitable Activities (including concerts and rehearsals) During 2023-24 there were three concerts at Saffron Hall, two Spirit of Christmas concerts at St Mar(s Church and two community events las described in the Report abovel. Income from concert tlcket and programme sales (see Note 21 was lower than the previous year for two reasons lil tickets sales for the March 2024 concert were over £3k lower than for the March 2023 concert; lill the June 2024 concert promotion was shared 50150 with Saffron Walden Symphony orchestra. Concert costs were lower than the previous year mainly due to the joint promotion of the June 2024 concert. Other Income Our thanks 80 to our members, Friends and supporters for their membership fees, donations, sponsorship and fundraising. Donation income increased from the previous year thanks to very generous donations from two members, additional Friends donations and successful fundraising from local organisations. Other costs Fundraising costs are analysed In note 6 to the accounts. Support costs are analysed In note 5. STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES, RESPONSIBILITIES The trustees are responsible for preparing the Tru5tees' Report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable13w and Unlted Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice). The law appllcable to charities In England & Wales requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of the affairs of the Annual Report for the year to 31 July 2024 Registered charity no. 1180134 Page 4 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 charity and of the Incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to: select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently observe the methods and principles in the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice {SORPI 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, subjert to any material departures 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 disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charlty and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charity {Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 and the provisions of its governing constitution. 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. Independent Exarniners Bentens have been appointed as the charitqs independent examiners. Signed on behalf of the uste Mark P Chair of Trustees November 2024 Annual Report forthe year to 31 July 2024 Reglstered charlty no. 1180134 Page 5 Saffron Walden Choral Society Tru5toes' A viiiial Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SAFFRON WALDEN CHORAL SOCIETY INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SAFFRON WALDEN CHORAL SOCIETY I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity I'the Tru5t"I for the year ended 31st July 2024 Set out on pages 8 to 10. Respor)sibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts In accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {"the Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carrled out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission undef section 14515llbl of the Act. Independent examir)er's statement I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection wlth the examinatlon which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept In accordance with section"130 of the Charities Act: or the accounts dld not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reportsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concern5 and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable 3 proper understandin8 of the accounts to be reached. Signed Date 16 November 2024 Annual fteportfor the yearto 31 July 2Q24 Registered charfty no. 1180134 Page 6 Saffron Walden Choral Society TrLlStee5' Annual Report & Financial St8tement5 2023-2024 0￿1 Q Ln Ln o Aiinual Report forthe yearto 31 July 2024 Registered charity no. 1180134 Page 7 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 Saffron Walden Choral Society Accounts for the year endln8 31 July 2024 Balan¢e Sheet a5 at 31 July 2024 Note5 2024 2023 Current Assets Debtors & prepayments Cash Deposit accounts other Cash at Bank and in hand Total Asset5 Creditors.. amounts falling due within one year Sundry creditOfS Total Liabilities 5,355 4,448 30,367 6,062 40,094 41.784 44,542 1,098 3,283 1.098 3,283 Total Net Assets 40,686 41,259 Fund balances General Fund Re5trlcted Fund 40.451 235 41,024 235 41,259 40,686 Appr ed y theTrustees and s Mark Phlllips Ichairmanl ned on thelr behalf.. Chrlstlne Hall (Treasurer) The notes attached form part of these accounts Annual Report for the year to 31 July 2024 Reglstered charlty no. 1180134 Page 8 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 IlmnW4ldeThChDrnI Soclety NotestotheAccountsforlheYearended31July2024 J. &5150f Prnp?Y&￿O These 3c(ountshavpbeenprepaiÈd b￿edonahl$t0rIta1￿StbaSls In ac(OrdanttwlththeAccoyniip8andRep￿InBbychar4tI2￿- Ststementof Rècornmended Piattice IFR$1021 Issuedbythechaiity COMn￿ssIOnette[t￿ve lJanuaty2019and In jccordante wlth FRSIO2. TheTiuStee5 ha￿1￿￿e￿adVant￿geOleXtMpt1Oll5 Inihe SORP avallabletosmallerihorllles.Theaccount5¥e prepared In gc(oidante vAthchal￿tYIaWl)pllcObl¢I￿En0affld&w31es. 23 2. IncomèfrnrndonJtlons& leyd•s Gen2ral Restri(ted Toi* fuhds MembpTS'subsulptlon51ndvdlTr8iaxrebate5 OLherlnrome&doThatlllns 24.8J3 5.224 24,813 5,214 3Q037 21024 27.984 3 Ch?rlt*)leartlvlth 2O2J Restiitted LID7 Totslfunds 20,53D 1*)3 Cthcertlncome Advertlslngspace (hhertharttable •i￿lIeS Si¢salp5& hSre 19.433 L%3 27,786 1515 q In¢OmefromfundralsSn8a￿￿￿es Iwclubintome 1822 2.576 Restrfrted Funds Contert5& Tota nrestrirted Total Concefls& 0lherevent5 Totsi funds CO*Ke￿IDthere¥e￿ts Concert(05ts M,365 34365 If07 41670 Reheuisfjlcosts 11.677 11677 Rehearsèl Yenup5&othercosts Il677 3.141 3.141 Supportcost5 li_ -11 _ 2,284 279 675 1.827 Insurance &MakinE Mu51¢N*mbershlp 373 675 1,827 675 619 21.481 097 L(B7 f6191. All irusteesare valvntetys a)d receive¢nootherremuner¥tlon. All ttUSteesaremember501the choirèndtherelorebenelitfr0rnlt5charfts￿E atilvltle51nthesamEwayihatallmefflbeI5do. The In¢ependentexaMInei￿¢e5VPd noleeln 2O2>1412￿2-23£￿hI). Weareveryw*efulto BeThieTr5fOitheirprobonowo￿. Annual Report for the yearto 31 July 2024 Registered Charity no. 1180134 Page 9 Saffron Walden Choral Society Trustees, Annual Report & Financial Statements 2023-2024 & FundYalslnim5ts 2023 J(oaubprlzes Refreshments &otherfundrèlsln{c051s 345 1545 20 7 Debtors&préyaym2n HMRC- tslftAid rebaie Olherdebiors Prepaid expenses AdvertlsSngdebtors 4,370 69) 295 S355 8 5undrytrÈdltor5 &?￿￿•￿110￿11llle5 Iwclub priiespayable In(ome Inadvance Sundrycfedlt4rs 198 1283 9 balances General Fund Rèstrfcted Fund fund5 Openingbalan￿5 bthvernenl Balan￿ at end of yehr 41.024 Sni 4Q451 41,259 1573 GeDetal furA balan05 aiÈunrestilrtedfundsforuse atlhedlstretlonof the Irusteesforatyfjf thÈ￿ely.5(h8rtt3ble purposes. Therèstdctedfund5 iemonle5 rp¢Èlved forwhlchthÈ donorha55Petifleda partlwlaTpurpose. Re5tritledlundswere Tetelvedduflngthe yeaifromTees LLPforthÈ Splrlt olchri5irnascon(￿rtS. The restrittedftsnd cariledfDtwaid of ll351s the ￿lance of the donation IromSaffranWaldenArtsSoc1ety iecelved In 2(ll2-23.to bÈ spenton redesl8nlngthe tholrsl¢80. Annual Report for the year to 31 July 2024 Reglstered charlty no. IJ80134 Page 10