Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From Jan 2023 Period start date To Jan 2024 Period end date
Charity name: High Holborn Chamber Choir
Charity registration number: 1191501.
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | To advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of choral music by means of rehearsals, public concerts and recitals and by such other means as the trustees may from time to time determine. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
We have held weekly rehearsals (in term time) and performed 4 concerts/ services since January 2023. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Para 1.18 | Trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
Achievements and Performance
| SORP reference | ||
|---|---|---|
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | 2023 was a year of significant change for High Holborn Chamber Choir. Emma Warren took over as musical director from Rachel Maby in January. Under Emma’s leadership the choir has grown substantially from 12 members in Jan 2023 to 27 members in 2024. For the first time we have a waiting list for sopranos and altos. Our first performance with Emma was Haydn’s Little Organ Mass at a Swiss Church service in March. In May we performed a very enjoyable early evening concert (again at the Swiss Church) with a good varietyof shortpieces, includingearly |
music and modern compositions. In June we sang evensong in the beautiful, historic Charterhouse chapel in East London. We ended our summer term with a rehearsal recording of a new piece by Kerry Andrew. The autumn term held some challenges as we were displaced from our usual venue by a big sound and light exhibition. After some last minute frustrations, we secured an interesting but less-than-ideal rehearsal space at St Martin’s, Ludgate. We began the term trying out some new pieces and in October started on our Christmas repertoire, ending with a popular Christmas concert at the American Church on 9[th] December, which was professionally recorded. As well as learning new repertoire we have been working hard on improving our technique and singing together as a group under Emma’s direction. This year we said goodbye to long term choir members Dora and Pauline, who both served on the committee from HHCC’s foundation. Jonny ably stepped into the role of secretary and Brendan was coopted as treasurer. Phil and Derek have also joined the committee in 2023 and will stand for election at the AGM.
Financial Review
A financial report has been prepared by our treasurer and made available to all members.
We are pleased that an increase in numbers has enabled us to reduce membership fees to £100 per term (with some members paying reduced rates on agreement with the treasurer).
HHCC does not owe any debts as we begin the new year. Our principal sources of income are membership fees and concert ticket sales.
Structure, Governance and Management
| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | Constitution |
|---|---|---|
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees may be co-opted onto the committee during the year but must then be elected by voting members at the AGM in order to retain their position. |
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
|---|---|---|---|
| LucyHandscomb | Chair | ||
| JonnySleeman | Secretary | Since March 23 | |
| Brendan Tracey | Treasurer | Since June 23 | |
| Derek Rutter | Website manager | Since March 23 | |
| Phil Townley | Member | Since June 23 | |
| Helen Citron | Librarian |
Other optional information
The charity has one paid employee; Emma Warren (musical director)
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)
Date
High Holborn Chamber Choir Annual accounts 1 April 2022 – 31 March 2023
| Receipts | ||
|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | |
| Subscriptions | 3790 | |
| Score hire (out) | 10 | |
| Concert receipts | 456.62 | |
| Gift Aid | 1415.58 | |
| recovered | ||
| Charitable | 2000 | |
| donation | ||
| (received) | ||
| Sundry receipts | 25 | |
| Total receipts | 7697.20 | |
| Less:Payments | ||
| Music director | 3780 | |
| Venue hire | 1129.5 | |
| Score hire/ | 471.79 | |
| printing | ||
| Concert | 510 | |
| expenses | ||
| Charitable | 260 | |
| donations | ||
| Sundry | 70 | |
| expenses | ||
| Total expenses | (6221.29) | |
| Net | 1475.91 | |
| Add:opening | 1637.71 | |
| bank balance | ||
| Closing bank | 3113.62 | |
| balance |