Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 6[th] April 2024 Period start date To 5[th] April 2025 Period end date
Charity name: Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society
Charity registration number: 1196596
Objectives and Activities
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society is a performing arts charity at the heart of the Wilmslow community. We empower young people to develop enduring and transferable skills that lead to increased life chances and long-term wellbeing through the creation of outstanding theatre in a professional environment. |
| 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. |
Every December/January the Society performs a pantomime. Each show runs for six performances with matinees on Saturday and Sunday. For each show there is a director, musical director, and choreographer. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
The Trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. The Society relies on subscriptions and ticket sales to cover its operating costs. In setting the level of subscriptions and ticket prices, the trustees give careful consideration to the accessibility offered by the Society both to potential members and the wider public, also offering subsidised rates. To achieve this the society supplements income with fundraising events and grants. |
Additional information
| Additional information | Additional information | |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution made by volunteers |
We are a charity powered entirely by volunteers. Every aspect of what we do, from planning and fundraising to delivering services, is driven by people who generously give their time and skills. |
Achievements and Performance
| 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. |
This year has been one of exceptional progress and recognition for CHYPS. Celebrating Excellence Our January 2025 pantomime,Cinderella, was met with outstanding acclaim, earning 2 awards from the Greater Manchester Drama Federation, including Best Principal Girl and Best Choreographer. These accolades reflect the creativity, hard work, and professionalism of our volunteer-led team. Expanding Our Reach Performances have continued to draw impressive audiences with Cinderella attracting well over 2,200 attendees, and ticket sales approaching sell-out levels. This growth demonstrates the strong community appetite for high-quality musical theatre and the continued success of our strategic move to a bigger space. Commitment to Inclusivity We maintained our tradition of offering a free dress rehearsal for underprivileged families, and people with additional needs. This initiative ensures that those who might otherwise miss out on live theatre can share in the joy and cultural enrichment of our productions. The Difference We Make For our beneficiaries:We provide young performers with opportunities to develop confidence, creativity, and teamwork in a supportive environment. For society:Our productions enrich the local cultural landscape, foster community spirit, and make theatre accessible to all, regardless of background. |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | |
|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
We are pleased to report a strong financial outcome for the year, despite a challenging environment and a 27% increase in overall costs, including a 76% rise in venue hire charges. To manage these pressures, we implemented a modest ticket price increase and invested significant effort in publicity. These measures paid off, with ticket sales reaching £35,089, almost £5,000 above our previous record. We also benefited from generous support through grants from Wilmslow Town Council and The Evans Trust, which helped offset rising costs. In addition, our community fundraising initiatives raised over £4,000, reflecting the continued commitment of our supporters. As a result, we closed the year with a surplus of £5,124, providing a valuable buffer against future uncertainties and ensuring the charity can put on next year’s show. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
We maintain financial reserves to ensure stability and continuity of our work. These reserves are essential because we incur significant upfront costs for the following year’s pantomime, including venue hire, costumes, and technical expenses, before ticket income is received. Our policy is to hold funds at 20%-25% of next year’s pantomime costs, providing a buffer against unexpected challenges and ensuring we can deliver high-quality productions without interruption. Review Process: The level of reserves is reviewed annually by the trustees to ensure it remains appropriate for the charity’s needs and future plans. |
| Amountof reservesheld | £16,311 |
Additional information
| Additional information | |
|---|---|
| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
We were delighted to receive generous grants and sponsorship from Wilmslow Town Council, The Evans Trust, Lloyds Bank, The Round Table, Travellbag and Wilmslow Way Better. Without these we would not be able to operate. We received record revenue from ticket sales thanks to our promotions team working tirelessly. We also introduced merchandise sales at the shows. Our fundraising volunteers held events including a quiz night, a bonfire stall, and amazing raffles. Our flagship fundraising event,Songs from the Musicals, returned featuring our cast and many dedicated helpers. The evening showcased the remarkable talent within CHYPS and raised vital funds to sustain our work. Our patrons play a vital role in sustaining the charity’s work, providing essential support that helps us deliver high-quality productions and keep theatre accessible. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Financial risk is significant, as income depends on ticket sales, donations, and grants, which can fluctuate. We are also experiencing a substantial increase in costs. |
Structure, Governance and Management
| Structure, Governance | and Management |
|---|---|
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
|
| Type of governing document | Constitution – Foundation Model |
| How is the charity constituted? |
CIO |
| 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 |
Our trustee recruitment process is designed to ensure the board has the right mix of skills and experience. Current trustees regularly review the board’s expertise and identify any gaps that need to be filled. When a suitable candidate is found, existing trustees nominate and vote to appoint new members. |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | CHYPS |
| Registered charity number | 1196596 |
| Charity’s principal address | 41 Fulshaw Park South Wilmslow SK9 1QP |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not **for whole year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ian Dale Hunt | Chair | |||
| Christelle Katherine Needham | Secretary | |||
| SallyHunt | Trustee | |||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
| Description of the assets held in this capacity |
Not Applicable |
|---|---|
| Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects |
Not Applicable |
| Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets |
Not Applicable |
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s) ID Hunt Full name(s) Ian Dale Hunt Position (eg Secretary, Chair Chair, etc) Date 29th November 2025
Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society
1196596
CC16a
Receipts and payments accounts
For the period 06-Apr-24 05-Apr-25 To from
Section A Receipts and payments
| A1 Receipts | Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Unrestricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Restricted funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Endowment funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Total funds to the nearest £ |
Last year to the nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fundraising- Events/Other |
3,988 | - | - | 3,988 | - | ||||
| Fundraising- Grants/Sponsorship | 2,825 | 9,500 | - | 12,325 | - | ||||
| Fundraising- Patrons | 490 | - | - | 490 | - | ||||
| Fundraising- Raffles | 3,979 | - | - | 3,979 | - | ||||
| Show - Programmes | 709 | - | - | 709 | - | ||||
| Show - Tickets | 35,089 | - | - | 35,089 | - | ||||
| Subscriptions | 6,087 | - | - | 6,087 | - | ||||
| Trading- Clothes/Merchandise | 2,254 | - | - | 2,254 | - | ||||
| Sub total(Gross income for AR) | 55,421 | 9,500 | - | 64,921 | - | ||||
| A2 Asset and investment sales, (see table). |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| Sub total | - | - | |||||||
| Total receipts A3 Payments |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
Administration/Insurance/Business Services |
1,028 | - | - | 1,028 | - | ||||
| Advertising,Publicity,Printing | 1,265 | - | - | 1,265 | - | ||||
| Costumes/Cast T-Shirts | 1,819 | - | - | 1,819 | - | ||||
| FundraisingCosts | 2,262 | - | - | 2,262 | - | ||||
| Refreshments | 384 | - | - | 384 | - | ||||
| Show - Costs/Scrips/Professionals | 5,058 | - | - | 5,058 | - | ||||
| Show - Set/Lighting/Sound/Props | 26,442 | - | - | 26,442 | - | ||||
| Trading- Clothing& Merchandise | 1,458 | - | - | 1,458 | - | ||||
| Venues - Show,Rehearsals & Storage | 10,582 | 9,500 | - | 20,082 | - | ||||
| **Sub total ** | 50,297 | 9,500 | - | 59,797 | - | ||||
| A4 Asset and investment purchases, (see table) |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| **Sub total ** | - | - | |||||||
| Total payments Net of receipts/(payments) A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end |
|||||||||
| - | |||||||||
| 5,124 | - | ||||||||
| - | - | ||||||||
| 11,187 | - | ||||||||
| 16,311 | - |
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
| CCXX R1 accounts (SS) Categories B1 Cash funds |
1 Cash in Bank Details Total cash funds (agree balances with receipts and payments account(s)) |
Unrestricted funds to nearest £ 16,311 - - 16,311 OK |
31/01/2026 Restricted funds Endowment funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - OK OK |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - | ||||
| - |
| Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees B2 Other monetary assets B4 Assets retained for the charity’s own use B5 Liabilities B3 Investment assets |
Signature ID Hunt Details Details Details Details |
Unrestricted funds Restricted funds to nearest £ to nearest £ - - - - - - - - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - Fund to which asset belongs Cost (optional) - - - - - - - - - Fund to which liability relates Amount due (optional) - - - - - Print Name Ian Hunt |
Endowment funds to nearest £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| Current value (optional) |
|||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| - | |||
| When due (optional) |
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| Date of approval | |||
| ID Hunt | Ian Hunt | 29th Nov 2025 | |
CCXX R2 accounts (SS)
31/01/2026
2
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Cheshire Youth Pantomime Society I report to the trustees on niy exan)ination of the accounls of Cheshlre Youth Pantomlme Society for the year ended 6. April 2025 Responsibilities and basis of report As the chanty trustees of the Trust you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the quirementS of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act,). I report in respect of niy exaniination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out niy examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Coniniission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent examiner's statement I have completed my examination. I confim that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect.. 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act., or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enabSe a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Name: Jf((0 6 G4£AJÉ I I Address: 16? Wcfjosmool LhAJe, fri ocleottr Sk3 8Tr1 Qualification.. AGM4 CAssoCi&lo .1 (£•1 Insl,bl * IA¢rt tM{& kn,ts.ts Date.. 2911112025