REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 1193375
TRUSTEES' REPORT AND
UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
FOR
SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
Martin and Company 25 St Thomas Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9HJ
SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
CONTENTS OF THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 5 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 6 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 7 |
| Balance Sheet | 8 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 9 to 14 |
| Detailed Statement of Financial Activities | 15 to 16 |
SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
TRUSTEES P Nutting N Thomas H T W Janson T Jones F Slinger PRINCIPAL ADDRESS Longhope Newton Valence Alton Hampshire GU34 3RB REGISTERED CHARITY 1193375 NUMBER INDEPENDENT EXAMINER Martin and Company 25 St Thomas Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9HJ
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
The trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
Legal and administrative information set out on the information page forms part of this report.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
The charity's objectives are the advancement of the musical arts for public benefit through training and such other opportunities and activities which the trustees deem suitable for the technical and professional development of the skills of emerging musical artists in delivering expert public performance.
Public benefit
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 and have taken account of the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit. The benefit to the public is in:
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bringing singers together to work collaboratively on suitable repertoire, developing ensemble skills and rehearsal communication techniques;
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offering opportunities to develop the necessary aural skills to perform with orchestras and conductors, often a barrier to excelling in early career breaks; and
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bringing singers inside the production and management process, seeking to instill artistic and managerial confidence when setting out to realise projects independently.
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
ACHIEVEMENT AND PERFORMANCE Charitable activities
In 2023, Scherzo undertook two performance projects - Longhope Opera, and a series of recitals.
Longhope Opera
Longhope Opera is an ongoing project for which Scherzo assembles an entire opera company (performers, technical staff, orchestra, management etc) of young professionals under 30 years old. The central aim is to help young practitioners to gain professional experience and build confidence, with the associated aims of fostering deeper respect and understanding between theatrical departments and imparting a more holistic understanding of what goes into creating opera. Everyone involved is expected to help with some role outside of their specialism, enhancing team-spirit and, ultimately, insight into the artistic process.
Two public performances of Rossini's La Cenerentola were given at Longhope on 1st & 2nd July, with a school's performance on 30th June. This was Scherzo's fourth presentation at Longhope and we welcomed audiences of 700.
We would like to thank The Jerwood Foundation, Fenton Arts Trust, Garrick Charitable Trust, Thistle Trust, Maria Bjornson Foundation, The Stansmore Trust, Sir Jeremiah Colman Gift Trust.
Cast & Creatives:
Alexandra Meier - Cenerentola (Angelina) Beca Davies - Tisbe Daniella Sicari - Clorinda Jorge Carlo Mariani - Don Ramiro Jake Muffett - Don Magnifico James Quilligan - Dandini Meilir Jones - Alidoro Rosie Kat - Director Fenna de Jonge - Designer Matthew O'Keeffe - Conductor & Producer
We thank Tony Krauss for his excellent coaching of the singers. Here are some quotes from our participants:
Beca Davies, Mezzo-Soprano
"I sang the role of Tisbe in Longhope's production of Cenerentola. As an emerging artist, I hugely appreciated this paid opportunity to work with like-minded musicians and singers. With a young and enthusiastic team at the helm, the energy in the performances and during the rehearsal process was palpable. Singing this role provided me with a fantastic opportunity to work through Italian recit, bel canto technique, and was a playground for characterisation and spontaneity. Singing with a full orchestra also meant I could experiment with technique and was an opportunity to hone my musicality and stage craft further. Working with Scherzo was a brilliant stepping stone into my current work as an Associate Artist with the Welsh National Opera."
Fenna de Jonge, Designer
"Working for Longhope Opera was a useful experience for me to work with Rosie, the director and a team of brilliant singers and musicians. These opportunities are meaningful for young designers developing their craft and asking questions about the shape of Opera. There are lots of challenges that you have to face during the process and the realisation when designing for a fringe opera. These challenges help teach you to be resourceful and find quick solutions along the way."
We would like to thank the performers, creatives and assistants who worked so hard to deliver this convincing production. We would also like to thank the Janson family for hosting the event at Longhope.
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
Recitals
In December, we arranged song recitals with two of our season cohort, soprano Daniela Sicari and tenor Sam Harris. They were joined by accompanist Domonkos Czabay for performances in St Peter's Church, Winchester, and St Wilfrid's Hall, London. The programme contained English, French and German song cycles, and some arias too. They ended with a memorable set from Kurt Weil's Street Scene.
Organisational development
Scherzo continues to build a following and a base of financial support across London and Hampshire, as well as securing in-kind support from a variety of stakeholders. We are delighted to be supported by our patrons, who grew in number in 2023.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
As the charity is in its infancy, the focus is to ensure solvency is maintained whilst activities and financial resilience is built up. Commitments are continually reviewed against available resources with a view to ensuring an overall breakeven or better result can be achieved. The charity's overheads include payments for the general manager, representing 9.7% of our spending. The Trustees will develop and adopt a formal reserves policy as the organisation develops. However the Trustees have considered the financial position of the charity in the light of plans for the 2023 year and have concluded that, taking into account the ability to vary production commitments, Scherzo Ensemble can continue to trade viably as a going concern for the next twelve months.
In 2023, charitable expenditure came to £115,774 with £114,232 spent on Longhope Opera and £1,542 spent on the recital series. Expenditure on fundraising totalled £1,212. Total income was £116,714, with ticket sales of £39,110, combined charitable grants of £46,150, donations and gift aid of £13,550, commercial sponsorship and advertising of £8,350 and theatre tax relief of £9,554. The Charity's cash reserves at the end of the year totalled £6,884.
FUTURE PLANS
Plans for 2024
In spring we will create a new production of Haydn's Creation with dance and lighting, and give performances in London and Winchester. We will stage Don Pasquale next year at Longhope, and as ever will seek to improve the experience of audiences and those working on the show. We will arrange another recital series and continue to develop our networks of funders, patrons, partners, and of course our audience.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The Scherzo Ensemble is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, established by constitution and registered at the Charity Commission on 2nd February 2021.
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
TRUSTEES' REPORT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Organisational structure
Scherzo Ensemble currently has a Board of five Trustees and two part-time officers. The Trustees are listed below:
Peter Nutting (Chair) Nick Thomas (Treasurer) Hamish Janson Tim Jones Fergus Slinger
The Board delegates the management of Scherzo Ensemble to the Artistic Director Matthew O'Keeffe, and General Manager Stephanie Waldron. They engage freelance professionals to work on projects as required, and engage the young professional performers who are the charity's beneficiaries. Open auditions are held to help ensure a meritocratic selection process.
The Board is responsible for the oversight of all aspects of the charity's activities. The strategy, programme, and budget are approved by the board annually and reviewed at quarterly board meetings. All facets of Scherzo's activities are scrutinised by the Board in respect to our charitable objects, public benefit, value for money, and risk management. The Trustees have had due regard to the commission's public benefit guidance in their decision-making.
Scherzo Ensemble's flagship project, Longhope Opera, is hosted by the Janson's at their home, Longhope in Newton Valence. Mr Janson and his son-in-law, Fergus Slinger, both sit as trustees on the board of the charity. They donate use of the grounds for the presentation of an opera production and the board is satisfied that there is no financial benefit resulting from this arrangement.
Risk management
The trustees have a duty to identify and review the risks to which the charity is exposed and to ensure appropriate controls are in place to provide reasonable assurance against fraud and error. Risks and the charity's actions to manage them are reviewed at each Trustee meeting and relevant operational steps are part of the brief of the executive team.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 19[th] June 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................ P Nutting – Chair of Trustees
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INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Scherzo Ensemble
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of Scherzo Ensemble (the Trust) for the year ended 31st December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of the Trust 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 carried out under Section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all 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:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) 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 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.
Seamus McLaughlin
Martin and Company 25 St Thomas Street Winchester Hampshire SO23 9HJ
Date: .............................................
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted funds Notes £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM Donations and legacies 3 51,700 Charitable activities Longhope Opera 39,110 Other trading activities 4 8,350 Other income 5 9,554 Total 108,714 EXPENDITURE ON Raising funds 1,212 Charitable activities 6 Longhope Opera 106,232 Recitals 1,542 Total 108,986 NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) (272) RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward 18,028 TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD 17,756 |
Restricted funds £ 8,000 - - - 8,000 - 8,000 - 8,000 - - - |
2023 Total funds £ 59,700 39,110 8,350 9,554 116,714 1,212 114,232 1,542 116,986 (272) 18,028 17,756 |
2022 Total funds £ 71,290 33,100 2,800 - 107,190 3,967 98,236 2,097 104,300 2,890 15,138 18,028 |
|---|---|---|---|
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
BALANCE SHEET 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds Notes £ £ FIXED ASSETS Tangible assets 11 10,512 - CURRENT ASSETS Debtors 12 360 - Cash at bank 6,884 - 7,244 - NET CURRENT ASSETS 7,244 - TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES 17,756 - NET ASSETS 17,756 - FUNDS 13 Unrestricted funds TOTAL FUNDS |
2023 Total funds £ 10,512 360 6,884 7,244 7,244 17,756 17,756 17,756 17,756 |
2022 Total funds £ 12,367 - 5,661 5,661 5,661 18,028 18,028 18,028 18,028 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on ............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
............................................. P Nutting - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
1. STATUTORY INFORMATION
Scherzo Ensemble is a charitable incorporated organisation registered in England and Wales. The charity's registered number and registered address can be found in the Trustees' Report.
2. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
The financial statements have been prepared to give a 'true and fair' view and have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a 'true and fair' view. This departure has involved following Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) issued in October 2019 rather than the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended practice effective from 1st April 2005 which has since been withdrawn.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the Charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life.
Improvements to property
- 15% on reducing balance
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.
continued...
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
3. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
| Unrestricted funds £ Donations 11,796 Gift aid 1,754 Grants 38,150 51,700 4. OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES Unrestricted funds £ Sponsorships 7,500 Advertising 850 8,350 5. OTHER INCOME Unrestricted funds £ Theatre tax relief 9,554 6. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS Longhope Opera Recitals |
Restricted funds £ - - 8,000 8,000 Restricted funds £ - - - Restricted funds £ - Direct Costs (see note 7) £ 110,532 1,542 112,074 |
2023 Total funds £ 11,796 1,754 46,150 59,700 2023 Total funds £ 7,500 850 8,350 2023 Total funds £ 9,554 Support costs (see note 8) £ 3,700 - 3,700 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
continued...
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
7. DIRECT COSTS OF CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Staff costs Marketing & Advertising Artistic Staff Fees Production Staff Fees Instrumentalists Fees Production Costs Singers Logistics Music Costs Longhope Event Costs 8. SUPPORT COSTS Longhope Opera Support costs, included in the above, are as follows: Management Professional fees Depreciation of tangible and heritage assets |
2023 2022 £ £ 11,350 6,917 1,573 2,012 9,620 6,554 6,200 4,800 17,650 14,839 9,497 7,231 11,460 10,941 15,846 15,336 101 150 28,777 29,371 112,074 98,151 Management £ 3,700 2023 2022 Longhope Total Opera activities £ £ 1,845 - 1,855 2,182 3,700 2,182 |
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9. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees' remuneration or other benefits for the year ended 31st December 2023 nor for the year ended 31st December 2022.
Trustees' expenses
There were no trustees' expenses paid for the year ended 31st December 2023 nor for the year ended 31st December 2022.
continued...
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
10. STAFF COSTS
| The average monthly number of employees during the year was as follows: Administration No employees received emoluments in excess of £60,000. 11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS COST At 1st January 2023 and 31st December 2023 DEPRECIATION At 1st January 2023 Charge for year At 31st December 2023 NET BOOK VALUE At 31st December 2023 At 31st December 2022 |
2023 2022 1 2 Improvements to property £ 17,116 4,749 1,855 6,604 10,512 12,367 |
|---|---|
Improvements to property relate to works undertaken in the grounds of Longhope that are solely to facilitate Scherzo Ensemble performances and which have no other purpose.
12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
| 2023 | 2022 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ | £ | ||||
| Prepayments and accrued income | 360 | - | |||
| 13. | MOVEMENT IN FUNDS | ||||
| Net | Transfers | ||||
| movement | between | At | |||
| At 1.1.23 | in funds | funds | 31.12.23 | ||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | ||
| Unrestricted funds | |||||
| Longhope Opera | 17,543 | (10,760) | 10,128 | 16,911 | |
| Private Events | 485 | - | - | 485 | |
| Recitals | - | (1,162) | 1,162 | - | |
| Creation | - | 11,650 | **(11,290) ** | 360 | |
| 18,028 | (272) | - | 17,756 | ||
| TOTAL FUNDS | 18,028 | (272) | - | 17,756 |
continued...
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
| Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds Longhope Opera 96,684 Recitals 380 Creation 11,650 108,714 Restricted funds Orchestra 6,000 Designer and costumes 2,000 8,000 TOTAL FUNDS 116,714 Comparatives for movement in funds At 1.1.22 £ Unrestricted funds Longhope Opera 14,653 Private Events 485 15,138 TOTAL FUNDS 15,138 Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: Incoming resources £ Unrestricted funds Longhope Opera 84,690 Restricted funds Opera 22,500 TOTAL FUNDS 107,190 |
Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (107,444) (10,760) (1,542) (1,162) - 11,650 (108,986) (272) (6,000) - (2,000) - (8,000) - (116,986) (272) Net movement At in funds 31.12.22 £ £ 2,890 17,543 - 485 2,890 18,028 2,890 18,028 Resources Movement expended in funds £ £ (81,800) 2,890 (22,500) - (104,300) 2,890 |
|---|---|
continued...
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS - continued FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Donations and grants received for specific artists or costs are allocated to the Restricted Fund. Expenditure on the specific artists and costs is allocated against this income.
14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31st December 2023.
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS Donations and legacies Donations 11,796 - Gift aid 1,754 - Grants 38,150 8,000 51,700 8,000 Other trading activities Sponsorships 7,500 - Advertising 850 - 8,350 - Charitable activities Ticket sales 39,110 - Other income Theatre tax relief 9,554 - Total incoming resources 108,714 8,000 EXPENDITURE Raising donations and legacies Subscriptions 180 - Fundraising 1,032 - 1,212 - Charitable activities Staff costs 11,350 - Marketing & Advertising 1,573 - Artistic Staff Fees 7,620 2,000 Production Staff Fees 6,200 - Instrumentalists Fees 11,650 6,000 Production Costs 9,497 - Singers 11,460 - Logistics 15,846 - Music Costs 101 - Longhope Event Costs 28,777 - 104,074 8,000 |
2023 Total funds £ 11,796 1,754 46,150 59,700 7,500 850 8,350 39,110 9,554 116,714 180 1,032 1,212 11,350 1,573 9,620 6,200 17,650 9,497 11,460 15,846 101 28,777 112,074 |
2022 Total funds £ 19,590 7,578 44,122 71,290 2,000 800 2,800 33,100 - 107,190 96 3,871 3,967 6,917 2,012 6,554 4,800 14,839 7,231 10,941 15,336 150 29,371 98,151 |
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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SCHERZO ENSEMBLE
DETAILED STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31ST DECEMBER 2023
| Unrestricted Restricted funds funds £ £ Support costs Management Professional fees 1,845 - Improvements to property 1,855 - 3,700 - Total resources expended 108,986 8,000 Net income (,272) - |
2023 Total funds £ 1,845 1,855 3,700 116,986 (272) |
2022 Total funds £ - 2,182 2,182 104,300 2,890 |
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This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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