Report and
Financial Statements
For the period ended 31 December 2023
The La Di Da Society
The La Di Da Society
Contents
| Page | |
|---|---|
| Charity information | 1 |
| Trustees’ report | 2 |
| Independent examiner’s report | 28 |
| Statement of financial activities | 29 |
| Balance sheet | 30 |
| Notes to the financial statements | 31 |
The La Di Da Society
Charity information
Registered charity number 1201675 Trustees Thomas Aird (Chair) Louise Lockett Claire Pyant Nicole Barrons Chief Executive Officer Becca Lundberg Contact address 29 Eastbrook Road Brighton East Sussex BN41 1LN
Independent examiner
Banker
Solutions Accountancy and Bookkeeping Ltd The Mews Little Brunswick Street Huddersfield HD1 5JL The Co-operative Bank PO Box 101 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP
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The La Di Da Society
Trustees’ Report
The trustees present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2023. The financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Constitution, and 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).
Structure and Governance
Governing documents
The La Di Da Society is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation governed by its Constitution dated 13 January 2023.
Organisation structure
The trustees are responsible for the direction of the charity. Day to day management of the charity is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.
Methods for recruiting and appointment of new trustees
The election or appointment of trustees is set out in the Constitution. The minimum number is three and the maximum number is 12. The trustees are appointed by the members at the Annual General Meeting and re-appointed by rotation.
New Trustees are given a role description, welcome pack, a copy of The La Di Da Society Constitution and our policies to read through. They are invited to an induction meeting, given the dates of upcoming Trustee meetings and directed to The Charity Commission website to read through the roles and responsibilities of being a charity Trustee.
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The La Di Da Society
Trustees’ responsibilities
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year, which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the balance sheet date and of its income and expenditure for the financial year. In preparing those financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently.
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent.
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state whether applicable accounting standards and Statements of Recommended Practice have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees are responsible for maintaining proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Objectives and activities
Objectives
The objects of the charity are to promote social inclusion for the public benefit by working with older people principally, but not exclusively, in the local government area of Brighton and Hove and its environs by preventing such people from becoming socially excluded and by relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, on the grounds of their age and assist them to integrate into society, in particular by:
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running a social entertainment club for older people
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providing social and recreational events involving the local community
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providing workshops, forums and general support
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increasing, or coordinating, opportunities for older people to connect with local service providers
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by other such means (being charitable in law) as the trustees may from time to time consider appropriate.
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The La Di Da Society Activities
Foreword by the CEO
The first year of The La Di Da Society has been quite the adventure! What started out as some one off Christmas events in December 2022 has grown into us becoming a successful local, grassroots organisation bringing joy and social connection to nearly 1000 older folk in Brighton, Hove and beyond. I am so passionate about this project and reducing social isolation in the older generation, hearing the stories of our guests and what our events mean to them makes all of the hard work worthwhile. The dedication of the volunteers never ceases to amaze me, their commitment and passion for The La Di Da Society is second to none. They are one of the most brilliant groups of people that I have had the pleasure of working with. I am excited to share all of the exciting achievements that The La Di Da Society has made over the last 12 month as well as our plans for next year. Becca Lundberg - Founder & CEO
Statement from The Chair
I am pleased to report that the first year of The La Di Da Society has proved to be a great success. We continue to attract new people in addition to our regular group of attendees. The success of each event can clearly be measured by the very positive body language and happy faces of attendees during and when leaving the events. Providing such a service would not be possible without the support, hard work and d edication of the volunteers, the small group of paid staff, Trustees and the CEO. The commitment of the v olunteers to the smooth running and continued success of The La Di Da Society is especially acknowledged and appreciated. It is clear, from feedback that participation in The La Di Da Society contributes to the physical and emotional health not only of attendees, but volunteers as well. The staff working in the kitchen require a special thank you as they produce hundreds of sandwiches at each event. Charlie, our technician and DJ, ensures that the needs of performers are met and that there is a suitable selection of music at each event to get people up dancing.
Statement from The Chair
Becca, our CEO, deserves a special mention. Her continued passion and drive to ensure the success of The La Di Da Society is clearly obvious. Her skills in engaging with different groups have ensured that we continue to attract a diverse mix of groups attending each event. Her success in fundraising has allowed The La Di Da Society to continue and also the development new initiatives such as La Di Dance which proved to be a great success with those attending.
For the year ahead we aim to continue to attract a diverse range of attendees from across the South East and beyond. New initiatives planned for next year include The La Di Da Film Society and Hoola Hoop lessons. We hope that The La Di Da Society will continue to have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of those attending and involved in its delivery. Thomas Aird Chair of Trustees, The La Di Da Society
About The La Di Da Society
The La Di Da Society is a registered charity that runs daytime cabaret and dance events for people of 60 years old at The King Alfred Ballroom in Hove. At each event, with up to 240 guests, we create a friendly, sociable and lively atmosphere where people can easily make friends and let their hair down! For £10, guests receive an afternoon tea served on vintage crockery, a glass of bubbly and a raffle ticket, as well as getting entertained by some top quality cabaret performers and our resident DJ. We also incorporate short, 5 minute interactive dances at each event that get everyone moving whether it's done sitting down or standing up. Our venue is fully accessible.
We get many people who come on their own, the events are designed in a way to encourage interaction with others and meet new people. We also get lots of groups coming, these can be friendship groups as well as other local community organisations who bring the people they work with along.
Charitable Objectives To promote social inclusion for Principally, but not exclusively, the public benefit by in the area of Brighton and working with older people The Hove By other such means La Di Da Preventing older people from becoming (being charitable in law) as the socially excluded trustees may from time Society to time consider appropriate Relieving the needs of those who are socially excluded from society, or parts of society, Increasing, or coordinating, opportunities on the grounds of their age for older people to connect with local service providers Providing Running a social entertainment workshops, Providing social club for older people forums and general and support recreational events involving the local community For the purpose of this clause ‘socially excluded’ means ‘older people above the age of 60 years old’ being excluded from society, or parts of society, as a result of one or more of the following factors; old age; ill health (physical or mental); financial hardship; dementia; disability; caring responsibilities; race; ethnic origin; sexual orientation
Achievements 1116 Older 3122 Tickets Sold People Reached 401 New People 1500 litres of hot drinks poured! Engaged
£39,900 Funds Raised 15,000 sandwiches made!
25 Events 52 Paid Gigs For Local Artists Two new projects started
3100 172 People Volunteering Engaged With Hours Dementia or Other Needs 25 Partnership Agencies
Our Audience
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Our reach goes far beyond Brighton & Hove, guests travel from all over East & West Sussex to
attend our events. The main mode of transport to reach our events is by bus, followed by car.
Saltdean & Ovingdean Other Most guests find out about us through friends,
1.5%
5.7% family, social media or local service providers
Shoreham & Southwick
7.3%
Another Service Provider
Brighton 9.1%
38.3%
Flyer
9.3%
Peacehaven, Newhaven & Seaford
10.7%
Website
5.8%
Portslade
Social Media
11.6% 11%
Word of Mouth
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Most guests find out about us through friends,
family, social media or local service providers
Another Service Provider
Brighton 9.1%
38.3%
Flyer
9.3%
Website
5.8%
Social Media
11%
Word of Mouth
63.8%
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Hove 19.6%
Our Audience
Over the last 12 months we have engaged 172 people who report that their day to day activities are limited by a health condition or disability. Some examples of the local community groups who attend our events include dementia groups, stroke clubs, visual impairment groups, care homes, day centres, LGBTQ+ groups and carer support groups.
Hearing or Visual Impairment 6.6%
Wheelchair User 10.7%
We were awarded ‘Age & Dementia Friendly’ status by B&H Council
Mobility Restriction 31.6%
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Dementia
46%
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Project Evaluation & Impact
94% said that the main reason they come to the events is to socialise and meet new people
100% of people who attend our events said they are good value for money 97% reported that they felt uplifted, happy or had a sense of wellbeing after attending The La Di Da Society 77% now feel more part of the local community 71% reported that dancing is an important reason for coming along
Guest Feedback
‘La Di Da Society is invaluable to so many people!! An amazing organisation with incredible staff and volunteers’ MB
‘I am so glad I found the club. It is a really good afternoon out and certainly value for money’ SB ‘La Di Da is unique in the entertainment it provides. Extremely good value for money. I particularly like the fact that it welcomes people with additional needs. And the staff and helpers are always so happy and caring.’ BC
‘La Di Da is different to anything else and something older people would not normally experience. I go to the theatre but this is a very different experience’ PJ
‘I come with my mum to support her with her friends I know it's really helped her and I also enjoy it too!’ ET
Volunteering
Volunteers are central to the running of The La Di Da Society, from setting up the venue, serving afternoon tea, washing up, dancing with guests to behind the scenes admin,our team of volunteers are hardworking, dedicated and always carry out their role with a smile. 65% of volunteers attended 8 or more times this year ‘I love volunteering at the La Di Da it is the best thing I do and I am always happy while working there’ Mary
3100 hours of volunteering were donated to The La Di Da Society
89% of our volunteers are aged 60 or above
La Di Dance
In September we started La Di Dance classes, running for 2 hours on Tuesday afternoons in blocks of 6 weeks. Our first block ‘Dance With Nicole’ has now been completed with 33 attendees learning to Swing, Cha Cha Cha, Salsa and Charleston. We have 4 more blocks planned for 2024 including ‘Hula Hoop with Chi Chi Revolver’ and ‘Burlesque with Cherry Shakewell’. The classes are suitable for all fitness levels and abilities and can be done sitting down. The classes are low cost at £2 per person including tea, coffee & biscuits.
In The Community
In August we were invited to run a Summer Garden Party at Patching Lodge, a care home in Brighton. Their residents are too vulnerable to travel to King Alfred to attend our main events, so we brought The La Di Da Society to them! Billie Gold (singer), Cherry Shakewell (burlesque) and Dolly Rocket (cabaret) performed for 40 residents at this two hour event. We plan to apply for funding to run more events at care homes across Brighton & Hove. ‘I cannot begin to tell you how much enjoyment everyone had yesterday, it is all people are talking about here today, they absolutely LOVED it!!’ Caroline, Manager
The La Di Da Film Society
We were approached by Lee Cooper Films to host a special screening of the film ‘Maisie’, a documentary about the U.K.’s oldest Drag Artiste. The event involved a screening of the film, performances by local drag queen ‘Davina Sparkle’, director Q&A and a disco. Guests were treated to finger food, cakes, popcorn & hot drinks plus there was a cash bubbly bar to help raise funds. As this sold out event was so popular, we have set up The La Di Da Film Society and we will be running singalong film, drag and disco events four times per year from January 2024.
Funders
Mrs A Lacey Trust
The Mazars Charitable Trust
Performers
We pay our performers a good rate of pay and do not ask them to work for a low fee due to our charitable status
96% of our performers are from Brighton, Hove, East Sussex & West Sussex
Performers have included drag, hula hoopers roller skaters, comedians, singers, burlesque, boylesque, dancers, impersonators, circus artistes, musicians, opera and more!
We provide paid work for performers on a weekday afternoon when they would not usually have any paid work booked in
Staff
We pay our staff above the living wage
The CEO works 2 days per week
We have 1 stage technician / DJ who works on event days only Staff are provided with food while on shift, holiday pay and travel expenses
We have 3 kitchen team members who work on event days only
Nicole Barrons
It is an absolute pleasure to be one of the trustees for the La Di Da Society. I chose to become a trustee as I believe The La Di Da Society is a fantastic charity providing a much needed service for well being in our local community.
Trustees
Claire Pyant
Volunteering at La Di Da society for me is one of the most positive things I have ever done. To see the joy, energy, fun and laughter amongst the guests is such a reward for the volunteers - I always leave on a high. Being a Trustee is my commitment to help it continue and flourish.
Louise Lockett
I just love being part of this unique and evolving club which brings so much happiness and fun to guests and volunteers alike - proud to be a Trustee
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Plans for 2024
Raise funds to run Secure funding to
Run cabaret
further events in continue running
Run
the community events for 2024
The La Di Da
once per month
Film Society 4 times
with weekly events
per year
at popular
times
Move to
Engage 200 new Increase diversity
a more suitable
people at all of our events
venue
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The La Di Da Society
Public benefit
The Trustees have complied with their duty per the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to Public Benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.
Financial review
During the first year of operation the charity generated income of £67,127 and incurred expenditure of £51,001. The surplus for the year, and net assets at the balance sheet date were £16,126.
Reserves
At the balance sheet date the free reserves as defined by the Charity Commission were £8,598.
The policy of the charity is to maintain reserves of around £3,000 as this is the estimated cost of closing the charity if this became necessary. The reserves were therefore in excess of the target by £5,598. This largely relates to the accrual of a £5k donation which was received in January 2024 to cover general running costs, and will be fully spent in the first half of 2024.
Risk management
The main risk we face is running out of funds to cover the deficit left after ticket income to run our events. The risk for this is low, as we have a robust fundraising strategy in place and reserves to cover 3 months of activity should we need it.
Key management personnel
The key management personnel of the charity are considered to be the board of trustees and the Chief Executive Officer. The salary of the CEO is set by the board of trustees.
Fundraising
The charity does not undertake significant activities to raise funds from the public and has not used any professional fundraisers during the year. The charity has not received any complaints about its fundraising activities.
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The La Di Da Society
Plans for the future
Our plans for the future are to continue to run 15 cabaret and afternoon tea events per year, run four La Di Da Film Society events per year, run 8 events out in the community at care homes and day centres and continue to run La Di Dance until September 2024.
Approved by the Board on 14 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by
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……………………………………………………
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Thomas Aird Chair
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The La Di Da Society
Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of The La Di Da Society
I report to the trustees on my examination of the financial statements of The La Di Da Society for the period ended 31 December 2023.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity's trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's financial statements carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the 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 can 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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the accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the financial statements do not accord with those records; or
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the financial statements do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of financial statements set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the financial statements 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 financial statements to be reached.
Solutions Accountancy & Bookkeeping Ltd 1 The Mews Little Brunswick Street Huddersfield HD1 5JL
19 March 2024
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The La Di Da Society
Statement of financial activities for the period ended 31 December 2023
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Notes | funds | funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| Income and expenditure | ||||
| Income from: | ||||
| Ticket Sales | 26,833 | - | 26,833 | |
| Grants | 26,750 | 10,000 | 36,750 | |
| Donations | 2,075 | - | 2,075 | |
| Charitable Activities | 1,290 | - | 1,290 | |
| Memberships | 117 | - | 117 | |
| Investments | 62 | - | 62 | |
| ────── | ────── | ────── | ||
| Total income | 57,127 | 10,000 | 67,127 | |
| ────── | ────── | ────── | ||
| Expenditure on: | ||||
| Raising funds | 2 | 740 | - | 740 |
| Charitable activities | 3 | 47,446 | 2,472 | 49,918 |
| Governance | 4 | 343 | - | 343 |
| ────── | ────── | ────── | ||
| Total expenditure | 48,529 | 2,472 | 51,001 | |
| ────── | ────── | ────── | ||
| Net income | 8,598 | 7,528 | 16,126 | |
| Reconciliation of funds | ||||
| Balance at 1 January 2023 | - | - | - | |
| ────── | ────── | ────── | ||
| Balance at 31 December | ||||
| 2023 | 8,598 | 7,528 | 16,126 | |
| ══════ | ══════ | ══════ |
All of the charity’s activities are derived from continuing operations.
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The La Di Da Society
Balance sheet at 31 December 2023
| Notes | 2023 | |
|---|---|---|
| £ | ||
| Current assets | ||
| Debtors | 7 | 5,489 |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 11,087 | |
| ────── | ||
| 16,576 | ||
| Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year | ||
| 8 | (450) | |
| ────── | ||
| Net current assets | 16,126 | |
| ────── | ||
| Net assets | 16,126 | |
| ══════ | ||
| Funds | 9 | |
| General funds | 8,598 | |
| Restricted funds | 7,528 | |
| ────── | ||
| 16,126 | ||
| ══════ |
Approved by the Board on 15 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by
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…………………………………………………..
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Thomas Aird Trustee
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The La Di Da Society
Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023
1 Accounting policies
1.1 Basis of accounting
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with 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) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
The charity meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. Assets and liabilities are initially recognised at historical cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policy note(s).
1.2 Going concern
These financial statements have been prepared on the going concern basis. The charity has sufficient cash and reserves to meet its liabilities as they fall due, and the trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern.
1.3 Income
All income is included in the Statement of Financial Activities when the charity is legally entitled to the income, receipt is probable, and the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy.
1.4 Expenditure
Costs of raising funds include marketing costs, and a 5% allocation of the CEO’s salary.
Charitable expenditure comprises costs incurred in furtherance of the charity’s objects, and includes event costs, and relevant support costs.
Governance costs include the independent examiners’ fee, and costs of Trustees’ meetings.
1.5 Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets with a value exceeding £1,000 are recognised in the balance sheet at cost less depreciation. Depreciation is calculated at rates intended to write off the excess of the cost over the anticipated residual value of the assets on a straight line basis over their estimated useful economic lives. No individual assets with a value exceeding £1,000 have been purchased.
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The La Di Da Society
Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023
1.6 Fund accounting
General funds comprise those monies which may be used towards meeting the charitable objects of the charity at the discretion of the trustees.
Restricted funds comprise monies given for particular restricted purposes or projects.
1.7 Critical accounting judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty
In the application of the Charity’s accounting policies, the Trustees are required to make judgements, estimates and assumptions about the carrying amount of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and underlying assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
There were no specific judgements, estimates and assumptions that were critical to the preparation of these financial statements.
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The La Di Da Society
Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023
2 Raising funds
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Salaries | 342 | - | 342 |
| Marketing | 398 | - | 398 |
| 740 | - | 740 | |
| haritable activities | |||
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | |
| funds | funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Salaries | 12,539 | 1,162 | 13,701 |
| Performers | 8,859 | - | 8,859 |
| Food & drink | 7,032 | 124 | 7,156 |
| Event equipment | 7,111 | 63 | 7,174 |
| Venue hire | 6,450 | 600 | 7,050 |
| Event sundries | 2,014 | 510 | 2,524 |
| Staff travel | 704 | 13 | 717 |
| IT | 1,662 | - | 1,662 |
| Insurance | 273 | - | 273 |
| Volunteer expenses | 329 | - | 329 |
| Training | 198 | - | 198 |
| Administrative costs | 275 | - | 275 |
| 47,446 | 2,472 | 49,918 |
3 Charitable activities
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The La Di Da Society
Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023
4 Governance costs
| Unrestricted | Restricted | Total funds | |
|---|---|---|---|
| funds | funds | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Independent examiner’s fee | 300 | - | 300 |
| Board meeting costs | 43 | - | 43 |
| 343 | - | 343 |
5 Staff costs
| Salaries National insurance Employer’s allowance Pensions |
2023 £ 14,003 54 (54) 40 14,043 |
|---|---|
No employees received a salary in excess of £60,000.
Total remuneration paid to key management personnel was £6,845.
6 Trustees’ remuneration
The trustees received no remuneration in respect of their services to the charity during the year. No trustees were reimbursed expenses during the year.
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The La Di Da Society
Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023
7 Debtors
| ebtors | |
|---|---|
| Accrued income Prepayments Other debtors |
2023 £ 5,000 289 200 |
| 5,489 |
8 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year
| 2023 | |
|---|---|
| £ | |
| Trade creditors | 150 |
| Accruals | 300 |
| ─── | |
| 450 |
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The La Di Da Society
Notes to the financial statements for the period ended 31 December 2023
9 Funds
| At 1 January 2023 £ General funds - Restricted funds La Di Dance - Total funds - |
Income Expenditure At 31 December 2023 £ £ £ 57,127 (48,529) 8,598 10,000 (2,472) 7,528 67,127 (51,001) 16,126 |
|---|---|
La Di Dance: The National Lottery Community Fund Awards For All provided The La Di Da Society with a £10,000 grant to start up a new project called La Di Dance. This fund is to run La Di Dance for 12 months between August 2023 and August 2024, with the money to be spent only on costs associated with this specific project. It covers venue hire, refreshments, dance teachers, volunteer expenses, equipment, general running costs and the project manager.
All fund balances at 31 December 2023 were held within net current assets.
10 Related party transactions
There have been no related party transactions during the period.
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