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2022-03-31-accounts

Charity no. 1185804

Shakespeare Link Receipts and Payments Accounts 31 March 2022

Shakespeare Link

Reference and administrative details

For theyear ended 31 March 2022
Charity number 1185804
Registered office and Penlanole
operational address Llanwrthwl
Llandrindod Wells
Powys
LD1 6NN
Trustees The trustees who served during the year and up to the date of this report
were as follows:
Andrew Cresswell (appointed 5 June 2021)
Simon Fraser
Marie-Therese Gibson-Watt
Gavin Hooson
Richard Rathbone
Barbara Stow
Jessica Tyler
Independent Godfrey Wilson Limited
examiners Chartered accountants and statutory auditors
5th Floor Mariner House
62 Prince Street
Bristol
BS1 4QD

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2022

The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2022.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements and the trust constitution.

Structure, governance and management

In October 2019 the original trust of Shakespeare Link, formed in 1994, converted to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), Charity number: 1185804.

The Trustees resolved to transfer the assets of the Trust to the CIO on 4 April 2020, and the Trust was removed from the register of charities on 20 April 2020.

Trustees are appointed by invitation based on appropriate skills and experience and we are fortunate in having attracted a high calibre Board.

Objectives and activities

The objectives of the Charitable Incorporated Organisation Shakespeare Link are the advancement of the education of the public through the use of Shakespearean and other drama and in particular, but without prejudice in the generality of the foregoing, to promote their mental, moral and physical development and improvement.

Public benefit

The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the general guidance issued by the Charity Commission regarding public benefit when reviewing the Charity’s aims and objectives when planning activities. The activities undertaken to further the Charity’s purpose for the public benefit are outlined above and further described in the report below.

Achievements and performance

March 21-22 was a productive and valuable year for Shakespeare Link. Despite the restrictions of the Covid 19 pandemic, the CIO continued to provide an annual programme of developmental workshops and performance at first online and increasingly, as restrictions eased, live within its local community and beyond. Working towards the 2022 celebrations for achieving 30 years since founding Shakespeare Link in 1992, we pursued a regenerative programme to address the Covid disruptions. Joyous community events happened live again at Willow Globe along with visits from professional companies as Covid restrictions eased. Successful fundraising also allowed us to continue the additional online Have-a go sessions via Zoom, which have proved an invaluable lifeline for less mobile Have-a-Go Shakespeare enthusiasts. We welcomed new Trustees to the Board along with a fresh team in the office. All of these will have been named elsewhere, and they all contribute hugely, with their wide variety of skills and expertise, to the success of all that happens at Shakespeare Link.

THE PERFORMANCE SEASON at WILLOW GLOBE 2021-2022:

SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY BASH ’21 took place live on YouTube to open the season, allowing for inclusive and exciting input from links around the world. Following the clock round the globe we heard from friends in Beijing, Calcutta, Russia, Latvia, Kenya, France, USA and Canada as well as home-brewed contributions involving singing, words modern and Shakespearean, a Pavane and la Volta display by members of the Community Company and some dazzling break-dancing – all topped off with locally animated and real birthday cake.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2022

MID WALES OPERA – we were delighted to host this vibrant local company who brought two joyful and entertaining musical treats, featuring an eclectic mix from the worlds of song, opera and cabaret. They warmed the hearts of their audiences, limited in size by Covid restrictions but not in their rapt appreciation of the music in its willowy setting.

CYMBELINE – at last the Community Company could bring this extraordinary play to the stage. Much of 20-21 had been spent working via zoom to learn songs, explore story and character, delve into the historic background to the play along with its Welsh links, and being inspired by a wide variety of enriching skills-based techniques – such as Gavin Hooson’s talk on Celtic habits and customs which encouraged a volunteer to construct a Carnyx for the Cymbeline battle scenes, and a Welsh language workshop focussing on Cymbeline from Ffion Glyn. All this prep work culminated in 2021’s triumphant performances at Willow Globe. ‘We enjoyed it so much!’ - ’Must rank as one of the best things Willow has given us – Bravo!’ write audience members. Film shot during the run was edited and subsequently shown as part of the ‘Cymbeline in the Anthropocene’ Festival in Montana, USA.

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM from the FACTORY – this infectious Company have established themselves as firm favourites with local audiences, and we were delighted that they invited Willow Globe actors to join the fun – Helen Street and Rosie Price shared Hippolyta, Stan Blake with his guitar played and sang his own composition of the fairy song.

KING LEAR RETOLD – accomplished Storyteller Debs Newbold brought her gripping skills to this great tragedy, bringing out the personal crises of all concerned – ‘what a brilliant performance’, ‘this is a crucial venue for mid-Wales’, ‘I’ll be back!’ commented audience members after the Show.

HENRY V from EVERYMAN YOUTH THEATRE – this ever-popular youth group from Cardiff played to packed houses with such skill, commitment and its own energetic brand of refreshing invention! Their Director writes: ’’such a massive thanks for having us and giving the young people this opportunity .. it is such a positive experience for us – enabling them to develop new skills and even more importantly enabling them to develop a sense of self-worth and build confidence’’. The feedback drew attention to the ‘awesome’ setting and ‘to be in nature was so authentic’.

TWELFTH NIGHT from the WET MARINERS who brought all the skill, expertise and charm we have come to expect from this generous and multi-talented group. ‘A brilliant show yet again – and we count the days until they return.’ The audience was, as ever, so very happy to see them.

HENRY IV parts 1&2 from Joyous Gard saw a team of 2 tackle this huge sweep of British history in a couple of hours. And twice in the day! Audiences were enthralled – enjoying ‘the beautiful setting’, an ‘outstanding presentation’, and feeding back that ‘it’ so important to have a venue like this in mid Wales – it’s just the very best!’

ROMEO & JULIET from the Fontainbleau School of Acting, led by RSC actor Kirsty Bushell, was another delight. The young and international team of actors in their graduation year relished ‘the opportunity to present their work in .. ‘this special and unique theatre in the heart of Wales’, and audiences found their show dazzlingly energetic, a modern riff on a well-known and much-loved play.

THE SCHOOL of NIGHT – IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE was a wonderful surprise – how could 4 actors interact with their audience to create something fresh and totally new at every performance? We were in safe hands as the team dexterously warmed us up, created a firework display of iambic pentameter and cajoled willing volunteers to participate in the mayhem on stage. They proved so popular that they were immediately invited to return in 2022.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2022

A TAPESTRY of WORKSHOP and COMPLEMENTARY EVENTS:

GLOBE 4 GLOBE – this symposium, spearheaded by Shakespeare’s Globe in London and looking at how theatre is addressing the Climate Emergency, asked for a 10 minute video of what goes on at Willow Globe to include in their programme. We were thrilled to create this video with contributions from so many to tell the story of the place, our rich rural community and ethos of working with nature. It was shown as part of the G4G festival and is now available on Shakespeare Link’s website.

HAVE-A-GO SHAKESPEARE - live fortnightly sessions at Wyeside and in the Stable on site at Willow Globe have been resumed. And we continued to run online Have-a-Go sessions. Sessions both live and online offer elderly attendees a vital supportive and life-enhancing opportunity for brain, social and physical workout in the company of like-minded friends.

TREE PLANTING - an ongoing programme of reforestation. The 7 acre field, for over 50 years grazed by sheep, is now back in hand to re-establish a natural woodland/rhos pasture, proving of interest to environmentalists and chiming with our green ethos. This redeveloping habitat, planted by volunteers and kept free of stock, is proving a wonderful venue for fresh creative initiatives and we are delighted to be liaising with the Radnorshire Wildlife Trust as well as other groups over collaborative workshops and events.

NEW GREEN ENERGY LANTERNS in WILLOW GLOBE - Energy on site has been green since 2007, via the solar panels and wind turbine, but the actual lanterns in Willow Globe needed updating. We were fortunate that thanks to links with Shakespeare’s Globe in London we were able to source up to spec LED festoons and lanterns for Willow Globe over the autumn and install them ready for use in 2022.

VOLUNTEERS - despite Covid regulations curtailing the opportunities for large-scale volunteer involvement early in the year, we were still able to provide a welcome focus for endeavour whilst strictly adhering to Covid guidelines. In this rurally isolated area volunteers welcomed the opportunity to be on an open-air site, focussing on familiar routines - wardrobe, technical checks, theatre and nature walk maintenance etc.

VENUE HIRE - we were happy to host the Board of DRAMA ARTS WALES for their AGM in September, our accessible position along the A470 making it a useful central venue for Board members to convene. Local MPYT Trustees also use the Stable for meetings.

COSTUME RESOURCE - we were glad to be able to source some costumes and props for MPYT, MWO, BWCAS, the Dangerous Community Games project, and some individual borrowers, as well as helping visiting Companies as required.

RADNORSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST - the development of an exciting working relationship with RWT is very promising. We have hosted workshops for them and look to collaborate with RWT over various initiatives linking natural lore with Shakespeare’s wisdom, enriching an awareness of both.

LATVIA – a visit from colleague Brigitta Stroda in Autumn 21 promises workshops in 2022.

BUDDING NEW SPIELBERGS – young techie workshops in March 22 prove a popular and valuable upskilling opportunity for local young people, and ends the accounting year. Onwards and upwards.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Shakespeare Link’s charitable remit has been well served during 2021-2022:

Fundraising: achievements against objectives

Fundraising was tough this year in the aftermath of Covid with many priorities being shifted away from the Arts. We are extremely grateful to Arts Council Wales – Cultural Recovery Fund, Dwr Cymru, Powys County Council Winter of Wellbeing, Llysdinam Trust, PAVO (ICF Grant) as well as to individual donors such as Tina Micklethwaite in memory of Ben Jorgensen, John Walker, the many contributors to our ‘Go Fund Me’ and our regular friends and supporters. Their support has enabled us to provide the wide variety of experience, collaboration and performance that has enriched the lives of everyone involved. Income and expenditure have been reasonably well balanced, and the generous gift donated just before Covid forced the lockdown in March 2020 has continued enable us to implement some upgrading of our facilities as well as to underwrite projects which could not have otherwise been embarked on. We plan for a robust year 22-23.

Reserves policy

The Trustees consider the optimum level of unrestricted reserves to be equal to 3-6 months’ fixed expenditure of the Charity, estimated at £15,000. This level of reserves would provide adequate funds to enable the Charity to continue its activities in the event of an unforeseen reduction in funding or another significant event.

Independent examiners

Godfrey Wilson Limited were re-appointed as independent examiners to the charity during the year and have expressed their willingness to continue in that capacity.

Approved by the trustees on 12 November 2022 and signed on their behalf by

Barbara Stow - Chair of Trustees

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Independent examiner's report

To the trustees of

Shakespeare Link

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Shakespeare Link (the charity) for the year ended 31 March 2022, which are set out on pages 7 to 8.

Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner

As the trustees of the charity 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 charity’s accounts carried 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 under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:

I have no concerns 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 a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

William Guy Blake

Date: 14 November 2022 William Guy Blake ACA Member of the ICAEW

For and on behalf of:

Godfrey Wilson Limited

Chartered accountants and statutory auditors 5th Floor Mariner House

62 Prince Street Bristol BS1 4QD

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Shakespeare Link

Receipts and payments account

For the year ended 31 March 2022

Receipts
Grants
Donations
Ticket sales
Workshops
Bar and café
Venue hire
Other revenue
Transfer from Shakespeare Link Trust
Total receipts
Payments
Touring and production costs
Staff costs
Equipment purchases
Premises costs
Professional fees
Repairs and maintenance
Audit and accountancy
Marketing
Insurance
Bar and café
Telephone, postage and stationery
Website and software
Hospitality
Travel and subsistence
Other expenses
Bank fees
Total payments
Net receipts / (payments)
Transfers between funds
Cash funds at 1 April 2021
Cash funds at 31 March 2022		 Restricted Unrestricted
£
£
8,255
3,000
5,000
4,650
2,138
5,433
-
2,252
70
2,307
-
600
-
363
-
-
15,463
18,605
12,580
6,069
10,571
11
4,621
3,113
1,152
3,626
2,246
2,092
-
2,162
-
2,079
986
682
-
1,550
27
899
13
486
-
355
-
256
170
15
-
25
-
25
32,366
23,445
(16,903)
(4,840)
1,390
(1,390)
19,309
30,035
3,796
23,805		 2022
Total
£
11,255
9,650
7,571
2,252
2,377
600
363
-
34,068
18,649
10,582
7,734
4,778
4,338
2,162
2,079
1,668
1,550
926
499
355
256
185
25
25
55,811
(21,743)
-
49,344
27,601		 2021
Total
£
19,414
30,658
1,462
931
-
-
-
50,363
102,828
15,849
8,814
10,750
3,682
2,257
3,550
2,282
1,291
2,494
-
296
107
-
1,729
-
383
-
53,484
49,344
-
-
49,344

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Shakespeare Link

Statement of assets and liabilities

As at 31 March 2022

Cash funds
Cash at bank and in hand
Total cash funds
Cash funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total cash funds		 2022
£
27,601
27,601
3,796
23,805
27,601		 2021
£
49,344
49,344
19,309
30,035
49,344

Approved by the trustees on 12 November 2022 and signed on their behalf by

Barbara Stow - Chair of Trustees

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