## **LLANTRISANT MALE CHOIR**
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Est. 1898
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## **Côr Meibion Llantrisant**
## **INTRODUCTION**
The Board of Trustees is pleased to present the first annual report of Llantrisant Male Choir, along with the consolidated financial statements, since attaining charitable status as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) on December 15, 2022, registration number 1201350.
Ten initial trustees were duly elected to oversee the affairs of the choir, comprising seven organisation members and three non-chorister trustees who form the Board of Trustees who collectively ensure our charity is governed effectively and in compliance with our governing document and charity law.
In adherence to Charity Commission best practices, the inaugural Annual General Meeting (AGM) called for the resignation and re-election of trustees, ensuring diverse leadership tenures and fostering continuity in service.
In accordance with our Governing Document, at the first Annual General Meeting (AGM) subsequent to the attainment of charity status, the Trustees were requested to tender their resignations and stand for re-election. This practice facilitates the rotation of leadership roles, ensuring varied tenures of office and promoting continuity in the service of Trustees.
## **TRUSTEE TENURE**
|2 Years|Chair|Vice-Chair|Treasurer|
|---|---|---|---|
|3 Years|Section
Representatives|Non-Member Trustee||
|4 Years|Charity Advisor|Non-Member Trustee||
Moving forward, our primary objective is to consolidate and optimise our charity status, leveraging any available financial assistance associated with this designation. To achieve this aim, we have taken the initiative to register our Charity with His Majesty's Revenue & Customs (HMRC), and we are pleased to announce that our application for charity tax status has been officially approved.
This milestone marks a significant step forward in our efforts to maximise the benefits of our charitable status and further support the mission of the Llantrisant Male Choir.
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350
## **Chairman Report**
As we reflect on the period from December 15th, 2022, to December 31st, 2023, marking our inaugural year as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation , I extend my gratitude to individual trustees, our loyal members, volunteers, and our dedicated musical team for their steadfast commitment to the vision and mission of the Llantrisant Male Choir and for the remarkable strides we've made in our commitment to choral music performance.
Especially in these post-pandemic times, it's crucial for us to reflect on our membership numbers and continue our efforts in recruiting new members, ensuring the growth and legacy of the Llantrisant Male Choir. Currently, we have launched a targeted recruitment drive to bolster our ranks. Despite facing challenges such as illness, bereavement, and personal circumstances resulting in the loss of six members, we're pleased to welcome three new members to our choir family.
Additionally, we've secured the addition of a second pianist, who will further support our exceptional musical team.
On a sombre note, we recently said farewell to a Vice President, a huge supporter of the choir. It was heartwarming to see many choristers attend and sing at his funeral in our local Llantrisant Parish Church, honouring his memory and commitment to our choir.
During this period, our business activities remained consistent with previous years. We successfully engaged in a total of four concerts, participated in 12 events, performed at six weddings, and contributed to five funerals.
Noteworthy concert highlights included our St. David's Day concert, as well as memorable performances during our Malta Tour Concerts in Valetta and Gozo, and a joint concert with Talgarth Choir.
Despite challenges such as COVID restrictions and illness, our dedicated team managed to deliver exceptional performances at weddings, including venues such as the Coal Exchange, St. Lytham's, and Canada Lakes.
Our involvement in corporate events at prestigious venues such as Cardiff Castle, London Guildhall, and the Principality Stadium (for Siemens PLC) were resounding successes, showcasing the professionalism and talent of the Llantrisant Male Choir.
Before concluding, I must extend several expressions of gratitude:
A huge thank you to our dedicated Charity Commission Team for their ongoing efforts and collaboration.
Additionally, to the three non-chorister trustees for generously contributing their time, specialised skills and dedication to advancing our mission.
A heartfelt appreciation to our logistics team for their invaluable role in transporting all our musical equipment, ensuring smooth operations at our events.
Lastly, a big thank you to our Tour Team for their meticulous planning and execution of our 125[th] year anniversary trip to Malta, which was a resounding success.
## **Mr E. Tidman Board of Trustees Chairman**
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
## **Purpose and Activities**
The objects of the CIO are:
_To advance, improve, develop, and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music in all its aspects by any means the Trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals._
Our organisation is dedicated to promoting an appreciation of choral music, with a particular focus on Welsh choral traditions, and enriching the lives of the Rhondda Cynon Taf community through engaging public performances.
In our planning process, we carefully consider the guidance provided by the Charity Commission, ensuring that our activities align with principles of public benefit. To this end, we offer low-cost and complimentary concerts to ensure accessibility to all members of the community, irrespective of financial constraints.
These complimentary performances serve not only as opportunities to enjoy music but also as platforms to support local charities and cultivate new community relationships.
Financially, our organisation relies on member subscriptions, grants, and fees from engagements, with all revenue directed towards covering operational expenses.
Our strategies aim to offer a diverse repertoire of choral music, provide opportunities for community involvement and artistic development, celebrate cultural diversity, and promote Welsh choral music to new audiences through tours. These efforts are focused across three principal areas: concerts, charitable initiatives, and private functions.
Our goal is to deliver high-quality choral music experiences that resonate with our local community, fostering a culture of appreciation and participation in the
Our charity employs a range of strategies to fulfill our aims and objectives:
Diverse Repertoire: We curate a varied selection of choral music to entertain and educate our local community, catering to diverse tastes and interests.
Community Engagement: We offer opportunities for community members to actively participate in music-making, fostering creativity and self-expression among individuals of all ages.
Support for Artists: We provide a platform for amateur artists to grow and showcase their talents, nurturing the development of young performers and facilitating collaboration between emerging and established artists.
Cultural Celebration: Through collaborative performances with artists from diverse cultural backgrounds, we celebrate the rich diversity of our society, promoting inclusivity and cultural exchange.
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350
Promotion Through Tours: By taking our organisation on tours, both domestically and internationally, we expand the reach of Welsh choral music, introducing it to new audiences and promoting its cultural significance.
Through concerts, we showcase a rich repertoire of choral music, offering performances that entertain, educate, and inspire audiences of all ages and backgrounds. These events serve as platforms for cultural enrichment and artistic expression, bringing people together through the universal language of music.
Charitable events represent an opportunity for us to extend our impact beyond entertainment, leveraging our musical endeavors to support worthy causes and make a positive difference in the lives of others. By aligning our performances with charitable initiatives, we demonstrate our commitment to social responsibility and community service.
Private functions provide a more intimate setting for experiencing choral music, allowing us to tailor our performances to the specific preferences and needs of our audience. Whether it is a corporate event, wedding, or private gathering, we aim to create memorable musical experiences that resonate with our clients and their guests.
Overall, our activities across these three areas are guided by a shared commitment to delivering exceptional choral music experiences while fostering a sense of belonging and engagement within our local community. Through our efforts, we seek to celebrate diversity, promote cultural appreciation, and inspire a lifelong love of music among all who encounter our performances.
From performances at primary schools to entertainment at local residential care homes, we strive to provide musical enjoyment for individuals of all ages and backgrounds, encouraging active involvement and membership within our organisation.
|**Concerts**|||
|---|---|---|
|May 2023|Malta Tour|Gozo Cathedral Concert
Valetta Harbour Concert|
|Nov 2023|Talgarth Male Voice Choir|Joint Concerts|
|Dec 2023|Llantrisant Parish Church|Christmas Carol Service|
|Feb 2024|Miskin Parish Church|St Davids Day Concert|
|Oct 2024|Talgarth Male Voice Choir|Joint Concerts|
|Oct 2024|Bridgend Tabernacle Choir|Joint Concert|
||||
|**Charitable Events**|||
|Feb 2023|Llantrisant Workingmen’s Club|Fundraiser for the Club|
|Apl 2023|Mick Antoniw MS, Welsh|Humanity Appeal Fundraising|
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
||Government|Event DEC Ukraine|
|---|---|---|
|Apl 2023|Crecy, France Town Council|Welcome
Concert
on
twinning with Llantrisant|
|Sep 2023|Cardiff Arms Park|Project RECCE (ex-service
personnel charity) Awareness
Charity Event|
|Nov 2023|Llantrisant Golf Club|Community Bonfire Night
Sing-a-long|
|Nov 2023|Llantrisant Community Council|Remembrance Service|
|Dec 2023|Farmers Arms Inn, Church
Village|Community Christmas Carol
Concert|
|Dec 2023|De Clare Lodge Home,
Cowbridge|Christmas Carol Sing-a-Long|
||||
|**Private/Corporate**
**Functions**|||
|Mar 2023|Highgrove Royal Warrant
Holders Association (Wales),
Cardiff Castle|AGM Concert|
|May 2023|Pencoed House|Wedding|
|Aug 2023|Cardiff Castle|Wedding|
|Aug 2023|Hensol Castle|Wedding|
|Aug 2023|Talygarn|Wedding|
|Aug 2023|Canada Lodge|Wedding|
|Sep 2023|The Vale|Wedding|
|Apl 2024|Highgrove
Royal
Warrant
Holders Association, Guild Hall,
London|AGM Concert|
## **Financial Review**
## **TREASURER REPORT**
Brief statement on the charity’s policy on reserves:
The CIO maintains a prudent approach to reserves management. As of December 31, 2023, our unrestricted funds stand at £16,148.13, which includes a portion allocated for upcoming choir tours scheduled for 2025.
We maintain reserves at an agreed level of £4,460 to cover ongoing operational expenses. Any surplus funds are carefully considered, with priority given to supporting organisations aligned with our objectives.
Currently, there are no funds materially in deficit.
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023
|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|Llantrisant Male Choir Accounts Period 15th December 2022 to 31st December 2023|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|||||||||||||
||INCOME|||||EXPENDITURE||||||
|Bank balanc|e at 14/12/22|£12,924.46|||Bank|balance at 01/01/24|£16,148.13|||||
|||||||||||||
|Subscriptons (charitable actvites)||£9,325.00|||Music|Team (Rehearsal Fees)|£8,979.60|||||
|Donatons||£1,234.00|||Clothing||£1,225.42|||||
|Grants and gif aid (Other)||£2,533.45|||Club hire||£1,960.00|||||
|Event fees (Charitable actvites)||£8,285.00|||Event fees||£3,184.00|||||
|Miscellaneous (Charitable actvites)||£525.00|||Event transport||£1,516.99|||||
||||||Miscellaneous||£1,812.77|||||
|||||||||||||
|Total Income||£21,902.45|||Total Expenditure||£18,678.78|||||
|||||||||||||
|Proft||£3,223.67||||||||||
**Mr M Hughes Board of Trustees Treasurer 30 April 2024**
## **Reference and Administration**
Registered Charity No: 1201350
Charity Address: Llantrisant Workingmen’s Club, 19 Swan St, Llantrisant, Rhondda Cynon Taf, CF72 8EB
## **TRUSTEES:**
|Mr E. Tidman
Mr. T. Nash
Mr. M. Hughes
Mrs. C. Fairbairn
Mr. D. Fairbairn
Mr. T. Jenkins|Ms M. Seaman
Mr. J. Price
Mr. G. Hughes
Mr. C. Williams
Mr. D. Crabbe||
|---|---|---|
As a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered with the Charity Commission of England & Wales, our governance structure is defined by our Governing Document.
Board of Trustees: The charity is administered by a Board of Trustees, which can consist of up to a maximum of 12 members. These trustees oversee the strategic direction and operations of the charity.
Meetings: The Board convenes quarterly, in addition to holding an Annual General Meeting (AGM) that includes all members. These meetings provide opportunities for decision-making, review of progress, and engagement with the wider membership.
Sub-Committees: Several sub-committees have been established to focus on specific areas of operation and compliance. These include committees covering
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
**Policies, Review and Risk Management**
compliance, finance, recruitment, tours, and social media. These sub-committees meet as required to address relevant matters within their respective domains.
Officers: The trustees are led by officers, including a Chair, Vice-Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary. These officers play key roles in providing leadership, guidance, and coordination within the organisation.
Remuneration: None of the trustees receive remuneration or personal benefit from their involvement with the charity. Their contributions are purely voluntary and driven by a commitment to the organisation's mission and objectives.
Conflicts of Interest: At present, there are no conflicts of interest declared among the trustees. However, mechanisms are in place to address and manage any potential conflicts that may arise in the future, ensuring transparency and ethical conduct in our governance processes.
Through this governance framework, we strive to uphold the highest standards of accountability, transparency, and integrity in managing the affairs of our charity, thereby ensuring effective stewardship of resources and fulfilment of our charitable purposes.
To safeguard the interests of our trustees, members, organisational reputation, finances, patrons, and audience, we have implemented the following policies and procedures:
CIO Governing Document (15[th] December 2022) Code of Conduct and Organisational Rules (reviewed January 2024) Health and Safety Policy (reviewed March 2024) Finance Policy (reviewed March 2024) Safeguarding Policy (reviewed March 2024) Equality and Diversity Policy (reviewed March 2024) Environmental Policy (reviewed March 2024) Complaints Handling Policy (reviewed March 2024) Confidentiality Policy (reviewed March 2024) Conflicts of Interest Policy (reviewed March 2024) Data Compliance Policy (reviewed March 2024) Fundraising Policy (reviewed March 2024) Information Security and Data Protection Compliance Policy (reviewed March 2024)
The charity conducts an annual review of all its risks and policies, aiming to identify potential risks and establish systems and procedures to mitigate and minimise them effectively. This comprehensive review process ensures that the organisation remains proactive in managing risks and maintaining operational resilience.
Through this review, the charity has identified financial sustainability and decreasing membership as the primary risks. These challenges are being actively addressed through
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
strategic initiatives and targeted efforts to enhance financial stability and attract and retain members.
Financial risk management is a key focus area, and the charity adheres to a reviewed reserves policy in line with Charity Commission guidelines. This policy ensures the retention of sufficient working capital to sustain operations and support long-term sustainability objectives.
The charity trustees bear the responsibility for preparing the trustee's annual financial report and financial statements, adhering to Charity Commission regulations. The Treasurer oversees the preparation and submission of these accounts, which are subsequently audited by two other trustees to ensure accuracy and compliance.
In addition to financial risks, attention is also directed towards non-financial risks, including those related to fire safety, health, and safety, as well as the management of performing rights. The organisation implements measures to address these risks effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of all stakeholders involved in its activities.
By proactively managing both financial and non-financial risks, the charity demonstrates its commitment to sound governance practices and the safeguarding of its operations, assets, and reputation. This approach helps to ensure the continued success and resilience of the organisation in fulfilling its charitable objectives.
**Registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales No:1201350**
## **CHOIR ACCOUNTS 2023**
## **INCOME**
|**INCOME**||
|---|---|
|**Bank balance at 14/12/22**|**£12,924.46**|
|Subscriptions|£9,325.00|
|Donations|£1,234.00|
|Grants and gift aid|£2,533.45|
|Event fees|£8,285.00|
|Miscellaneous|£525.00|
|**Total Income**|**£21,902.45**|
|**Proft**|**£3,223.67**|
## **EXPENDITURE**
|**EXPENDITURE**||
|---|---|
|**Bank balance at 01/01/24**|**£16,148.13**|
|Music Team (Rehearsal Fees)|£8,979.60|
|Clothing|£1,225.42|
|Club hire|£1,960.00|
|Event fees|£3,184.00|
|Event transport|£1,516.99|
|Miscellaneous|£1,812.77|
**Total Expenditure**
**£18,678.78**