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2023-03-31-accounts

Charity no. 1185804

Shakespeare Link Receipts and Payments Accounts 31 March 2023

Shakespeare Link

Reference and administrative details

For the year ended 31 March 2023 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 Simon Fraser (retired 10th October 2022) Marie-Therese Gibson-Watt Gavin Hooson Penelope Lewns (appointed 11 March 2023) Richard Rathbone Barbara Stow Chair Jessica Tyler Carole Walsh (appointed 11 March 2023) 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 2023

The trustees present their annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2023.

Reference and administrative information set out on page 1 forms part of this report. The financial statements comply with current statutory requirements, the constitution and the Statement of Recommended Practice - Accounting and Reporting by Charities (effective from January 2019).

Structure, governance and management

Shakespeare Link has been a Charity since 1994, but in October 2019 we became a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO). The assets of the Charity were transferred to the CIO on 4th April 2020, and the Trust was removed from the register of charities on 20th April 2020.

Trustees are appointed by invitation based on appropriate skills and experience and we are fortunate in having attracted a high calibre Board. Business and planning is carried out by our Artistic Directors and our Office Administrator.

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 22-23 was another productive and valuable year for Shakespeare Link. We continued to build on progress made the year before in the aftermath of Covid 19. An absence of restrictions made logistics easier but the outdoor nature of most of our work remained beneficial. The CIO resumed its annual programme of developmental workshops and performance live within its local community and beyond. Joyous community events returned to normal at Willow Globe along with visits from professionals. The return of in-person Have-A-Go sessions has helped us to continue the additional on-line Have-A-Go sessions via Zoom, which continue to be an invaluable lifeline for less mobile Have-A-Go Shakespeare enthusiasts. Our Trustee Simon Fraser stood down in October, but we welcomed two new Trustees to the Board in March.

THE PERFORMANCE SEASON at WILLOW GLOBE 2022-2023

SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY BASH ’22 – Back to the Willow Globe after being online last year. The sun shone and a cheerful medley of Shakespeare words and songs - contributed from both from Willow Globe Company along with brave members of the audience and all washed down with tea and Birthday cake - opens the Season in style.

CYMBELINE – Evelyn O’Malley brings students from Exeter University who have worked, as we did last year, on the ‘Cymbeline in the Anthropocene’ project. Their take on some of the issues explored in this mighty play, with all its Welsh links and flavour, had the audience spellbound.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2023

MACBETH – a play always sure of an audience, and this was no exception. STAGE FIVE, a local group based in the North of the County, did full justice to the fights and occult furies of Macbeth’s dark journey; their two magnificent performances played to full houses.

IMPROVISED SHAKESPEARE - the dazzling THE SCHOOL OF NIGHT team returned with their unique style and iambic pentameter skills to preside over a theatre ringing with laughs and gasps as the audience soaked up the fun! They led a workshop before indefatigably presenting their hilarious show, to which several audience members daringly and happily contributed.

ROMEO AND JULIET RETOLD – Brilliant Storyteller DEBS NEWBOLD offered a special performance for 100 local secondary school students who were gripped even though it was a Friday afternoon! Her sold-out public Show won her a standing ovation.

AS YOU LIKE IT – Committed rehearsing through March to June with our local team - the WILLOW GLOBE COMPANY, ages ranging from 10 to 70 - resulted in heart-warming performances. This play celebrating the power of love and the positive effect of Nature on our lives, always chimes with the audience. Full houses along with good weather made for a happy community event.

THE BEAST IN ME - Storytellers and Musicians extraordinaire, THE DEVIL’S VIOLIN Company presented another of their fabulous tales; celebrating the nature of beauty and the value of kindness in their own unique style – voice, fiddle and cello harmonising with the birds and the rustling leaves worked their usual magic. We hope we’ll see them back next year.

ROMEO and JULIET – young people from Newbridge-on-Wye primary school worked for the week with Shakespeare Link leaders to unravel the mysteries of Romeo and Juliet. Great fun and a lot of hard work by all resulted in a touching promenade performance of ‘Romeo and Juliet’ for parents and friends on Friday afternoon. ‘A wonderful week – triumphant performance’ say the staff. And how wonderful that the Powys Welsh Church Act, Gibbs Trust, and Mid Wales Music Trust enabled the week with their generous grants.

AS YOU LIKE IT - WILLOW GLOBE COMMUNITY COMPANY presented their glorious AYLI on tour in the beautiful gardens of GREGYNOG HALL. Beautiful weather and a sylvan setting which particularly suited this play made this an enchanting event, much enjoyed by local audiences.

VOICES of the ANCESTORS – a JOURNEY OF GEORGIAN SONGS. Led by a graduate from Mid Powys Youth Theatre, the Georgian Singers transported us with their music and their charm. Having spent several days here camping and singing, the group ran a workshop for 30 participants, using differing spaces around the Nature Trail in the afternoon, then sang for a packed house in the theatre in the evening. A total – and unusual – treat.

MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING – from the SUN AND MOON THEATRE – and another full house with a delightful rendition of this complex and beguiling play. A wonderful balmy evening and the magic of the willows supported this young Company to give off their best – we all loved it!

THE COMEDY OF ERRORS – this now annual visit from the young actors of the EVERYMAN YOUTH THEATRE was triumphant as ever; audience feedback says it all: –‘amazing production!’, ‘thoroughly enjoyed it!’, ‘A wonderful setting and a very promising young crew!’, ‘Absolutely brilliant!’

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2023

LOVE’S LABOURS LOST – marking the 10th Anniversary of the wonderful WET MARINERS – this hilarious and super-skilfull production wowed full houses at the two performances which ended their week-long residency. They carved up, rehearsed, designed and presented with aplomb and so much laughter, and as ever, we already look forward to next year!

A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM – TILL TOMORROW THEATRE COMPANY – these young actors, fresh from drama school and on the threshold of their no doubt glittering careers, delivered two beautiful and differing performances of this perennial favourite with two different casts. Led by Nia Lynne, they were skilful, touching, comical, moving and a total delight to two sold-out audiences. Audiences were treated to an acting workshop with Nia between the shows.

TWELFTH NIGHT – old friends THE FACTORY made their annual visit - this year a mere 15 in the cast. They too had a sell-out house with stellar performances from actors who had now become friends. Feeling this familial connection is always a delight for our local audience who so much appreciate getting to know companies over the years.

RHOS PASTURE FESTIVAL – ‘In The Long Grass’ in September was a delightful afternoon of Nature Activity, including a film show, live music, children’s activities, walks and talks and celebratory refreshments to mark the installation of the Rhos Pasture walkway in the Turbary Field. Well attended and much enjoyed by all, it reinforced our desire for further collaboration with Radnorshire Wildlife Trust.

Willow Globe Season ends 11th September.

AS YOU LIKE IT is performed by the WILLOW GLOBE COMPANY locally 3 more times: at Llysdinam Gardens later in September, and at Presteigne and Builth Wells in January 2023.

THE TEMPEST – This was an ‘on the book’ production with a minimum of rehearsal and a wonderful cast from the WILLOW GLOBE COMPANY led by Phil Bowen. Everyone played to strength. Simon Fraser led a supportive band with Graeme Lamble and Mick Costain, and the audience was blown away. The Institute, Llangammarch Wells.

FAITH I BRANCO – supported by ACW Night Out scheme, on a cold February afternoon, we opened the barn up at the Willow Globe to welcome this energetic and talented band from Serbia and the UK. “The warmth and exciting music from the Band melted our hearts and we all left still tapping our feet and greatly uplifted.” Lively music sets feet tapping to end the year.

A TAPESTRY of WORKSHOPS and COMPLEMENTARY EVENTS

IMAGINING THE REAL - Intergenerational Creative Pilot Weekend - 1st and 2nd October. After a successful funding bid to PAVO’s Social Value Forum Fund, Ian Yeoman began a series of free intergenerational workshops. A mixture of drama, philosophy, history, fantasy, legend, and literature in a safe space which encouraged everyones' input and opinion. No right or wrong answers. Participants young and old shaped the stories and outcomes.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2023

“ It really was fantastic, just the setting alone is beautiful and very magical, but so were all the people who came along. This was a very special event, the first one I had been to in fact, but hopefully the first of many. It felt like we were creating a wonderfully unique and engaging experience for both the children and adults that attended. Delving deep into our imaginations and expressing our thoughts, in a safe space (which in today’s crazy world, this is rare). You made us feel at ease and wanting to know more/do more…….. the session ran nearly 1hr over and I am sure that the group would have stayed longer and continued the debate with the “God” if they could!! For me personally this was an escape from my daily life, having just recently been nursing my mother at home, until she passed 3 weeks ago. This brought light into my life, and allowed me to fully immerse myself in the experience..... thank you. My teenage son absoultely loved it too, we will be back!"

IMAGINING THE REAL – Develops & builds - 4[th] December, 5[th] February, 5[th] March, 26[th] March 2023.

HAVE-A-GO SHAKESPEARE - live fortnightly sessions at Wyeside Arts Centre and in the Stable on site at Willow Globe were resumed and continued, as were Have-A-Go online sessions. Both live and on-line versions of HAGS offer elderly attendees a vital supportive and life-enhancing opportunity for brain, social and physical workouts in the company of like-minded friends.

TREE PLANTING on site – 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.

A GREEN ROOF BACKSTAGE SHELTER – Plans were made and work began on a new living roof backstage shelter. Funds were raised by crowdfunding in addition to a large donation by Tina Micklethwait and another donor who prefers to remain anonymous. The shelter is to be named in honour of Tina’s son Ben Jorgensen.

VOLUNTEERS - we continued to provide a welcome focus for our volunteers. 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 Trail maintenance etc.

VENUE HIRE - we were happy to host the PLAYWORKERS FORUM for their annual get-together, which enables valuable exchange of practice etc. Our accessible position along the A470 makes the site a useful central venue for like-minded groups to convene. Local MPYT Trustees also use the Stable for meetings.

COSTUME RESOURCE for local companies - 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.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2023

RADNORSHIRE WILDLIFE TRUST - the development of our exciting working relationship with RWT is very promising. This year we have hosted workshops for them, when attendees have enjoyed the different spaces we can offer on site, including Moth Trapping and Rush Basket Weaving. We very much enjoyed collaborating with them for their Rhos Pasture Festival last September. We look forward to developing a joint project with them during 2023, linking the natural lore to be found expressed in Shakespeare’s plays - ‘books in the running brooks, sermons in stones’ - with the natural lore here in mid Wales.

LATVIA – talks are underway with colleagues in Riga to organise a trip for drama students to visit Willow Globe. The plan is for Shakespeare Link to run workshops for them.

Shakespeare Link’s charitable remit has been well served during 2022-2023

Fundraising: achievements against objectives

Fundraising was tough again this year in the aftermath of Covid and the recession, with many priorities being shifted away from the Arts. We are extremely grateful to Llysdinam Trust, Ashley Family Foundation, Arwain Community Revenue Fund, PCC Covid Community Renewal Fund, PCC ICVF Fund, The Gibbs Trust, Mid Wales Music Trust, CFW – Powys Welsh Church Act, Gwendoline and Margaret Davies Trust, PCC Winter of Welfare, PAVO (Social Value Forum Fund), Arts Council Wales Night Out Scheme as well as to individual donors such as Tina Micklethwait in memory of Ben Jorgensen. Their support has enabled us to provide the wide variety of experience, collaboration and performance that has enriched the lives of everyone involved. Income was significantly greater than expenditure this year. This is due to a number of reasons including grant income which was only released after our initial expenditure, and grant income which is yet to be spent. Also, a significant portion of the donations (£10,500) has been spent on our new Green Roof Backstage Shelter.

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.

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Shakespeare Link

Report of the trustees

For the year ended 31 March 2023

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 2 December 2023 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 2023, which are set out on pages 9 to 10.

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: 4 December 2023 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 2023

Receipts
Grants
Donations
Ticket sales
Workshops
Bar and café
Venue hire
Other revenue
Total receipts
Payments
Touring and production costs
Equipment purchases
Professional fees
Staff costs
Premises costs
Marketing
Bar and café
Repairs and maintenance
Insurance
Audit and accountancy
Travel and subsistence
Telephone, postage and stationery
Other expenses
Website and software
Bank fees
Hospitality
Total payments
Net receipts / (payments)
Transfers between funds
Cash funds at 1 April 2022
Cash funds at 31 March 2023		 Restricted Unrestricted
£
£
27,841
3,000
10,686
10,587
1,014
14,528
-
2,564
-
4,205
-
990
12
172
39,553
36,046
11,472
6,945
14,587
1,159
4,796
6,134
5,956
3,078
1,360
4,528
845
2,293
234
2,735
45
2,118
-
1,853
-
1,763
1,170
334
207
652
-
551
15
462
13
85
-
-
40,700
34,690
(1,147)
1,356
(114)
114
3,796
23,805
2,535
25,275		 2023
Total
£
30,841
21,273
15,542
2,564
4,205
990
184
75,599
18,417
15,746
10,930
9,034
5,888
3,138
2,969
2,163
1,853
1,763
1,504
859
551
477
98
-
75,390
209
-
27,601
27,810		 2022
Total
£
11,255
9,650
7,571
2,252
2,377
600
363
34,068
18,649
7,734
4,338
10,582
4,778
1,668
926
2,162
1,550
2,079
185
499
25
355
25
256
55,811
(21,743)
-
49,344
27,601

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Shakespeare Link

Statement of assets and liabilities

As at 31 March 2023

Cash funds
Cash at bank and in hand
Total cash funds
Cash funds
Restricted funds
Unrestricted funds
Total cash funds		 2023
£
27,810
27,810
2,535
25,275
27,810		 2022
£
27,601
27,601
3,796
23,805
27,601

Approved by the trustees on 2 December 2023 and signed on their behalf by

Barbara Stow - Chair of Trustees

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