THE TAU?ON THESPIANS Registered Charity No. 1189940 ANNUAL sfATEMENT OF ACCOUNts FOR THE PERIOD tst SEPTEMBER 2023 to 3tst A 2024 Page I Page 2-3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7-8 Cover Chairman's Report Independent Examinevs Report Batance Sheet ststement of Financial Adivities Notes to the Accounts
Chaimi•n's Re to the AGM of TJunton Th ians io 20V¢ Good eveningand welcometoThe PLaceforthisyearf$AGM Firstly a reminder of the ffs CIO objective5= 11 To promote the advancement and improvement of general education in relation to all aspects of the art of drama and the development fo public appreciation of such art. 2) Such charitable objects or purposes that the Trustee5 shall in their discretion think fft. At last year's AGM. I summarised my hopes and aims for the year ahead as Fun. Friendship and Fabulous Shows. Before we look back at how we did, I would like to say grateful thanks to the outgoing Committee members several of whom were new to the Commtttee this year. Commlttee artivities Firstly I must recognise Sue Meredith and Nikki Hale who started the year but had to step down last autumn due to personal commitments. Than to them for their hard work. We were glad to welcome Karen Bolton who has stepped In as Webmaster and continues to do great things with the social media and the webstte as well has helping wtth social events. Thanks also to Suzanne Guppy who has stepped In as Secretary. Rene filner has led the Building and Technical subcommittee. Their focus is always to protert and improve The Place which is our biggest non-human asset. Focus has been improvements to The Place. You can see their work in the new Green Room and the car park protection. This safe8uards our source of income from letting parking spaces to the NHS. They also do the invisible but important work of ensuring that fire extinguishers are maintained, the alarm system works, wa115 are mended. Plans are in hand to improve the kitchen and loos and storage. Karen Downs has been member of the Bullding and Technical subcommEttee and keeper of the keys. Peter Kitson has also been a stalwart of the Building and Technical s0mmIttee plus set building and upgfading equipment. Lynn Kitson leads the Marketing & Publicity Sub Commrttee. Work for her sulxommittee never stOP5 as they are thinking at least one. often two shows ahead Jo Case 35 Productions lead has brought loads of ideas and inspifation and is currently hard at work on our November production as well as planning ahead Bridget Flett ha5 done a great job as our Membership Officer. The excellent Th Times is in her safe hands and she also looks after the ordering of branded clothing. Available via Member moiol Dona Bullion and her subcommittee have delivered a programme of excellent and varied social events and workshops from the ever-popular Ding Dong Christmas Party to the summer garden party to the hilarious improvisation workshop. Rob Smith continues to look after our money, keep us on the financial straight and narrow and find great SOLtrces of grant funding. Levs revlew that last 12 months against the alm Fun and Friendship Since this tlme last year, we have enjoyed social events including a Ceilidh with excellent scotch broth supper, the Din8 Dong (for newer members - that's our traditional name for the Christmas party). a hilarious Lyrical Slam (thanks Steve Mercerl, a skittles evening. a fighting workshop a lovely Garden Party Ithanks to Lynda and Alan Coles for their kind hospitality) and only last week, a hilarious improv evening led by Pedro Meredith. I have not laughed so much in monthsl And we've had some fun-and some challenging- play readings. Always popular. There is also the friendship5 developed by takin8 part in our productions. As our VP Ron Roberts has often said, it take5 20 people behind the scenes to put one actor on the stage. Being in a produrtion is a great way to make new friends, re- connect with old ones and make memories. And can be a real bonding experienced. (Especially the Tour - as I'm sure that everyone who was at the Street performance of Here Be Dragons in the rain will agreell. But there ore inevitably moments of sadness when valued friends are no longer with us. Only last month,we had the loss of dear John Cunningham. John. with Vin his wife, joined the Thespians in 2014 and from the start were a powerhouse couple. John's knowledge of theatre and performance was wide and he was very
generous in sharing his skills particularly on the technical side, Including running workshops on lighting design. Even though he has struggling with illness. he has helped us this season by mentoring our novice sound operators and advisin8 Martin Jevon and me on music for Sherlock John's interests were many and varied a much loved part of the Brewhouse Team and in the world of archery competiti(Ins. Can l ask that we all stand for a minute to pay our resF>ects to John Cunningham. Thank you. On with the show. And what thows they have been. Fabulous Shows November 2023- Sherlock Holmes and the Case of the Jersey Llly I can't say too much about the November production as I was one of the Directors with Martin Jevon. But we had an amazin8 cast and great technical team. And the audience seemed to enjoy itl March 2024- Staf Quality at the Tachhi Morris Very well done to Sue Meredith and team for a strong production that w35 very Teceived by the aLJdience. Everyone enjoyed the witty dialo8ue and imaginative staging. Marth 2024- County Drama Festival- The D¢)or We talked last year about bringing on new, young (firertors. congratulations to Tyler Curry and 'The Door" team for winning three owards at the County Drama Festival. Actiftg awards for Marie Fletcher and Charlie plus the Hope Cup for the production. The play narrowly missed selection to the next round but Vm sure that everyone who saw it will long remember the powerful messages about justice and tolerance. July 2024 Here Be Dragons wrltten and directed by Loma Evans The only word is Wow. What a spectaclel Lorna Evans and team delivered another hi8h-ener8y, coIoLrrful, fun filled production that played to very enthusiastic audiences. There were so many brilliant chararters and magic moments that it feels wrong to pick out any individual scenes. But I have to confess to having particular fondness for the Wassail Scene, the Hinky Punks and the pesky Pixiesl And Treasurer Rob says that the show made a surplus so well done everyone. And finally. here are some general tefie¢tlM> Times- very well received. Thanks to Bridget as edrtor and all the contributors. But I've had some feedback from members that thewve like more information. Including longer lead-in time5 and advance notice for events. I wll agree that some of the notifications to members has been a bit last minute dot com. Many member5 are busy people and it would help them to have plenty of advance notice of events from play reading to auditions to workshop to social events etc. (not just for members who work full time- the retired member5 seem even more busyll I take responsibility for this. On reflection, I think I have got too involved with shows and have not put as much time into forward planning as I should have. I recommend that the new Committee puts some thought into forward information for Members. Will be interested in feedback for members later about how you would like to be kept in touch. Shorta8e of people with technical skills. Very well done to members vh)0 hève stepped forward to operate sound and li8hts for the seasons, show. But we do need to build up our wol of technical people. I have reached out to some of our nei8hbourin8 societies to work with u5 on this and you will have seen my piece in the most recent Th times about taster workshops for sound and lights. Huge thanks to Blake Drama for the very generous long term loan of the new laptop and Qlab software. Again, I'd to recommend to the new Committee that they contribute with the plans for running technical familiarisation events and workshops. Another area where we have not been as active as previou5 years in the area of outreach. By outreach, I mean things like.....Third recommendation to the new Committee is that they look at opportunities for outreach. And explore options with members. So in, summafy. we have had a busy year, with three main produrtions, one act, loads of social events, play readings and workshop5. 1 hope that each of you found something to enjoy and to be proud of over the last year. My suggestion for three words for the new season? How about Communication, coMpannshIp and Crowd-pleasing shows? Thank you. Nicola Dawson 22nd October 2024
THE TAUNTON THESPIANS INOEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE GENERAL COMMirrEE OF THE TAUNTON THESPIANS I report on the Financial Statements of the chaTity The Taunton Thespian5 (Charity No. 8002171 for the period I September 2023 to 31 August 2024, which are set on pages 5 to 8. Respectfve Responslbllltles of General Commlttee and Examlner The charity's committee are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charlty's ¢ommlttee consider that an audit is not required for this year under Section 144 of the Chartties Act 20111.the Charities Act"), and thai an independent examination is needed. It Is my responsibiliy to= examine the accounts under secti¢M 145 of the Charit*s Art- to folk)w the procedures laid down in the general Dire¢ttons given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145151{bl of the Chaflties Art- and to state whether particular matters have corrE to my attention. Basis of Independent Examlnerfs ststement My examlnètion wès carrfed out in accordance with the general Directions gwen by the Charity Cornmis5ion. An examination indudes a review of the acco¥Jnting records kept by the chartty and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual iterns or disclosu5 In the a¢counts. and seeking explanations from you as members ofthe General Committee concerning suth matters. The procedures undertaken tlo not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit. and consequently no opinion Is given as to whether the ?¢counts present a %rue and fair view, and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Independent Examlnerfs Stètefflent In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attentlon:_ which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to Ppare accounts which acco with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met: or 121 to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Date: Ilth Cttober 2024 Edward Coton LTCL AFAIMIPA TaxAssist Accountsnts 24 Bridge Street Taunton Somerset TAI IUB
THETAup¥foN THE5PI BALANCE SH£Er 2024 12 Mortths 23 12 Montl 218A47 218.441 rmnt Assets Cash at Bank -TreasufersCurrent Acrount . BUeSS Bank Inteiest Attount -john Meskle LegacyAccwnt Socsal Account PayPal Wallet - Redwood Account Petty Cash held 8arstuck5 at cost 11,226 19.%9 6.967 114 112 29.046 10.422 19,n9 iO.C60 27.993 106 67 Prepayments Future Shows 3526 ACUu Income Prepaid Subscriptlons Prepafjd donations Future Sknws 420 49 70.772 71,916 Credltot& Amounts Fa115n8 Duewithkn On• Y•r Fyne Court twl Venue Barrington Court Di38ons Venue Independent Examinef SW Heritake 410 -275 -263 -106 Debtors Ticket Source Dragons Mr MAAN Fyne Court TKket Sa$ 450 NetCurrentAssets 70JrrJ 7L694 NetP%sets 289,155 291.135 Fu¥ds1811 uThrestYlrtedl General Reserve Capital Reserve Devek•pment Fund 70.3(YJ 218.847 n.694 218.441 289.155 290.135 Appr#ved by the General Committee M 22 Ortober 2024 a#d Signed on its behaW by.- SUnne Guppy- Secre Robert Smith-Treasurer The n¢teson page$7and 8fomi part ofiheseptsourrts.
NTON TMESPIANS STATEMENT OF FIN IAL ACll YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 12 Months 12 Months Iorn1r Rewurces Income from stage productKns Sub5¢riptions 5nterÈst receNed Club aCt¥VleS Wardrobe & Equlpment Hlre Donations Letting Income Gfft Aid Received Theatre Tox Rellef Other ljohn Meikle bequest) 27,272 I,5 1.432 1,254 787 125 6,171 170 2,816 30,331 951 914 1,014 430 109 5,993 129 2,722 Total IntomlM8 Il•sourc•s 4L091 42592 Rwrces Expended Expenditure on stage productiOAS Club activttles Cost of preml 26.137 1,305 256 6,882 1,548 1.352 1.202 325 25,732 1,148 463 2,355 1,055 1,051 i.iii 300 - Rates and water - Repairs and improvernertS - Safety and security Heat and light Insuwance Warden's Honorarfum Postage. stationery, advertising and telephonè Subscription5 and donations Prlnting Sundry expen*s Marketing Cbthin8 sale5 Independent Examiners Fee Other Professional Fees Ire Theatre Tax Rdiefj DepCiatIOn PayPal Charges Sumup Charges Wrtte-off5 233 655 410 74 43 263 32 420 427 52 27 383 46 20 Totsl Rewurces Expended 41071 35,614 Net 1ryl1{0¥1K0lll8) Resourtes Accumulated Fund$ Brwht Fonward 2.135 150.641 Revaluatio of Freehold Land & Bulldin8S 132,516 Atcumulated Funds Carrled For¥Ard 289.155 2,135
ThE TAUNTON THESPIANS NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AUGUST 2024 Accountlng Polldes General These Accounts have been prèpared undèr the historic cost convention. as modified by the revaluation of investments, and in accordance with applicable accounting standards. the Charities Ad and th• Statement of Recommended Practi "Accounting and Reporting by Charitie5" Fixed Assets Indiwdual fixed assets costing £80 or more are capitalised at cost Depre¢latlon is provided at the followirE rates. based on the estimated useful life of the tlxed assets and their anticipated restdual valuè:_ Freehold land ènd buildings 2% straight lir to 31108122 From 2022-23 finandal year tharyd to revaluallon on re¢ommendatlon of Independent examlner. SubSeqntIv adjusted every S Ye Technical equipment IO% redueing balance Office equipment IO% reducing balance Flxed Assets Freehold Land & Techn11 ui Cost At 31 August 2023 Additions Revaluation write$ 215.(Y)) 9,483 833 59 224,542 833 At 31 August 2024 215,0 10,316 59 225.375 De reciation At 31 Au8USt 2023 Charge for the year 6,042 427 59 6,101 427 At 31 Au8USt 2024 6.469 59 6,528 Net Book Value At 31 August 2024 215,? 3,847 218,847 At 31 AuBUSt 2023 215,OCKI 3.441 218,441
THE TAuoN THESPIANS NOTESTO THE ACCOUNTS YEAR ENDED 31 AiIGusf 2024 Funds (all unrestrirted) General Rese Totsl At I September 2023 Transfeis Net ingoinglloutgoingsl for the year Adjustments- Depreciation Adjustments- Revaluation 71.694 -833 -980 427 218.441 833 290,135 -980 427 At 31 August 2024 70,309 218,847 289,155 * Note r¢wnding error on General Reserve total The Capitsl Reserve represents profrts which have accrued to the charity from the past sales of freehold land and buildings of £116,943 and from a bequest frorn a former member of £2,LK)O. This was reduced by £19.174 in 2013 and Wds subsequenyy reduced each year to reflect the amount of tsngible fixed assets after depreciaton. From the 2022-23 finandal year. the land and bulldings have been valued on a fevaluation basis. The General Reserve now sho, fairly. the true amount of Current Assets, (including the John Meikie bequest of £I0.L). less expenditure on the Green Roornl.