Annual Report of Carlton Community Choir
January to December 2025
2025 has been another successful year for Carlton community Choir (Halifax) and plans for 2026 are already well advanced.
Part 1 of this report concentrates on internal / opera�onal ac�vity and Part 2 records the achievements towards our Charitable Objec�ves. Of necessity there is some overlap.
1. Music Ma�ers
a. Music Delivery and Choir Opera�on
The choir has been admirably served by its dedicated team of Lynn Hudson as Music Director, Ned Smith as Deputy Conductor and Accompanist and Craig Cockerill as Accompanist. Thom Meredith has con�nued to support the choir develop vocal skills and approaches.
Lynn has con�nued to lead the choir and select a range of new repertoire some of which has been challenging. We are delighted that Lynn was able to return to conduct the choir in the spring.
The leadership of the choir remains strong and secure with opera�onal support from the small commi�ee and advice from the Board of Trustees.
b. Financial
At the end of 2024 we carried forward a posi�ve cash balance of £485.19. Income for 2025 was £11,320.19 our expenditure was £9778.38 meaning that we carried forward a posi�ve cash balance of £1541.81. (Both figures include dona�ons for chari�es – see below) .
The increased income is the consequence of
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Stable membership
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A legacy from Margaret Laycock (used to purchase new music)
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Ability to claim gi� aid on certain categories of income. In 2025 financial year this yielded an addi�onal £1068.94 of income.
The Commi�ee con�nue to have an aim of ensuring that the choir is accessible to all and therefore have been commi�ed to maintaining the cost of a�endance at £40 per term throughout 2025 whilst con�nuing to have 36 rehearsals per year.
The main income stream is from membership supplemented by a small amount of profit from social events and refreshments, approximately £200 over the year, and the summer dinner which made a profit of £197.99.
The major expenses are for rent of the Carlton Centre which has risen this year, payments for the Accompanist and Deputy Conductor and purchase of new music. General administra�on costs remain extremely low (insurance, membership of NAC and website costs are the main expenses).
During the year the Trustees asked the Commi�ee to look at electronic payment / dona�on methods and the purchase of a SumUp electronic payment machine. Despite the small charges of approx. £20 for the year we believe that this is a posi�ve addi�on and has helped with the prompt payment of membership fees as well as providing a variety of ways for people to donate.
The Trustees also asked the Commi�ee to consider whether a formal Reserves Policy was required. A�er further discussion, the Commi�ee and Trustees agreed that one was not required due to the following factors
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Income for the term is known early in the period and therefore expenditure can be controlled
c. Membership
Membership of the choir remains stable at 66 members. There has been some ‘churn’. 2 of our younger members have le� due to pressure of study. Some people have taken sabba�cals for long holidays or illness. We are delighted that in 2026 we have 7 new members.
enables members to take a break for long holidays, work reasons or illness whilst remaining in touch with the choir.
d. Social life of the choir
The regular (once per half term) social rehearsals where doors open an hour before rehearsals for light refreshments and general ‘ge�ng to know you �me’, have become firm favourites in the life of the choir. They have enhanced its cohesiveness, reduced social isola�on and increased inclusion. Several new members have commented on how helpful they find these sessions. These will con�nue in 2026. Thanks to the team of helpers who run these.
At the end of the summer term we held a ‘Choir Meal’ where members could pay £15 for a 2 course meal, drink and entertainment. This was a great success and seemed to be enjoyed by all who a�ended. It made a small profit for choir funds.
The choir have a What’s App group which is run by and moderated by singers in the choir. This group again appears to be helpful in ensuring people feel involved. Our thanks to them.
e. Opera�onal Ma�ers
The Commi�ee maintain the day to day running of the Charity. Thanks go to all of them in their roles which frees up the music leadership team to work effec�vely with the choir. Par�cular
thanks this year go to our Treasurer who has persevered to ensure we can claim gi� aid.
At the end of the year Belinda stepped down from being membership secretary and has passed this role on to Kate. Thanks to Belinda for se�ng up robust systems and ensuring our membership details are up to date. Belinda will remain on the Commi�ee.
The Commi�ee maintain a general oversight of the ac�vi�es and running of the choir to ensure that Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Financial and Charity Law (as it applies to the choir) are met. We can confirm that at the end of 2025 we have sufficient people who are competent in Health and Safety and sufficient who are trained and DBS registered to oversee Safeguarding ma�ers. Financial and Charity Law ma�ers are regularly reviewed and compared with CCC processes and policies to ensure compliance.
f. Progress to Charity Objec�ves
- (1) To advance, improve, develop and maintain public educa�on in, and apprecia�on of, the art and science of music in all its aspects by any means the trustees see fit, including through the presenta�on of public events.
‘To advance, Improve, develop and maintain public educa�on in, and apprecia�on of, the art and science of music ……’
- i) This year has seen the choir con�nuing to take on a more challenging and complex SATB repertoire, such as Dan Forrest’s arrangement of And Can It Be with its variety of choral textures, alongside simpler two-part arrangements of folksongs such as Shenandoah and the Skye Boat Song. This allows for all capabili�es of singers and the inclusivity of the choir is always at the forefront of how our repertoire is explained to audiences. A new venture has been to work on pieces for separate upper and lower voices. The SSA piece, I Remember, was by the contemporary composer Sarah Quartel and
con�nues our mission to champion the work of female composers. Our concerts introduce our audiences to a wide range of choral genres from gospel, Peace Like a River, to contemporary sacred in La�n, A Fes�ve Gloria, through pop, Coldplay’s Something Just Like This, and musical theatre, The Muppets Christmas Carol medley which, incidentally, is universally popular with listeners of all ages. The variety of rhythmic wri�ng from the syncopa�ons of pop and gospel to the diversity of homophonic and polyphonic textures in the more tradi�onal sacred pieces maintains our commitment to bringing music of all types to singers and audiences alike.
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ii) The con�nuing addi�on of Thom Meredith to the Music Team has meant that the choir has not only been coached by Choral Specialists but also a Vocal Specialist. The results of this combined work over the year has been a significant improvement in tone, dic�on and dynamics. These will remain our focus into 2026.
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iii) We have also con�nued to support a young local singer by providing solo opportuni�es as he con�nues to develop his career.
(2) To further such charitable purpose or purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion such think fit but in particular through the making of grants and donations.'
‘presentation of public events and making of grants and donations ……’
These are taken together as the public events make the donations possible and are always linked directly to the charity we are raising funds for.
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i) Our major fundraising focus for 2025 has been to continue to support Ukraine. In April our spring concert raised £573.40 and our Christmas concert raised a superb £1021.03.
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ii) In June we were once again asked to support St Paul’s Church Halifax who are raising funds for their restoration fund. They handled all aspects of the event including the collection of donations. This raised £869.10.
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iii) In October we joined Anthony Davis and his community choirs for a massed concert to raise funds for The Alzheimer’s and Stroke Associations. They organised all aspects of the event including handling the collection of donations. This event raised £800.
In total during 2025 CCC has raised £1594.43 directly, £869.10 indirectly (St Paul’s) and contributed towards the raising of £800 for charitable causes.
The Committee and Choir are looking forward to 2026 and making even more music together.
| CCC (Halifax) Statement of Accounts 2025 | Credit | Debit | Balance | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brought Forward | £485.19 | £485.19 | ||||
| 06/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(2) | £80.00 | £565.19 | |||
| 07/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(2) | £80.00 | £645.19 | |||
| 09/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £40.00 | £685.19 | |||
| 13/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(7) | £280.00 | £965.19 | |||
| 14/01/2025 | C.Cockerill (Wix) | 142.06 | £823.13 | |||
| 14/01/2025 | Goodwin Publica�ons | £84.50 | £738.63 | |||
| 15/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(20) | £800.00 | £1,538.63 | |||
| 16/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £40.00 | £1,578.63 | |||
| 16/01/2025 | Marsh Commercial (Insurance) | £94.08 | £1,484.55 | |||
| 20/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(3) | £120.00 | £1,604.55 | |||
| 22/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(4) | £160.00 | £1,764.55 | |||
| 27/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £40.00 | £1,804.55 | |||
| 29/01/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(6) | £240.00 | £2,044.55 | |||
| 05/02/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(4) | £160.00 | £2,204.55 | |||
| 12/02/2025 | Refreshment dona�ons | £71.30 | £2,275.85 | |||
| 12/02/2025 | S.Maddocks, Refreshment expenses | £12.00 | £2,263.85 | |||
| 17/02/2025 | Carlton Centre rent (Jan) | £216.00 | £2,047.85 | |||
| 17/02/2025 | J.Sheldon, Accompanist 22/01 | £45.00 | £2,002.85 | |||
| 05/03/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £20.00 | £2,022.85 | |||
| 12/03/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £20.00 | £2,042.85 | |||
| 20/03/2025 | Sum Up card machine | £94.80 | £1,948.05 | |||
| 20/03/2025 | Carlton Centre rent (Feb) | £211.50 | £1,736.55 | |||
| 02/04/2025 | Ukraine collec�on | £573.40 | £2,309.95 | |||
| 02/04/2025 | Refreshments collec�on | £68.40 | £2,378.35 | |||
| 07/04/2025 | C.Cockerill (Spring term) | £675.00 | £1,703.35 | |||
| 09/04/2025 | E.Smith (Spring term) | £280.00 | £1,423.35 | |||
| 22/04/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(2) | £80.00 | £1,503.35 | |||
| 24/04/2025 | A.Cloch (Ukraine) | £573.40 | £929.95 | |||
| 24/04/2025 | Carlton Centre rent (Mar) | £288.00 | £641.95 | |||
| 28/04/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(2) | £80.00 | £721.95 | |||
| 30/04/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(11) | £440.00 | £1,161.95 | |||
| 01/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(2) | £80.00 | £1,241.95 | |||
| 02/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £40.00 | £1,281.95 | |||
| 06/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(3) | £120.00 | £1,401.95 | |||
| 07/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(7) | £280.00 | £1,681.95 | |||
| 08/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £40.00 | £1,721.95 | |||
| 12/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(3) | £120.00 | £1,841.95 | |||
| 14/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(10) | £400.00 | £2,241.95 | |||
| 15/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(1) | £40.00 | £2,281.95 | |||
| 21/05/2025 | CarltonCentre rent (Apr) | £122.00 | £2,159.95 | |||
| 21/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(3) | £120.00 | £2,279.95 | |||
| 21/05/2025 | Bequest (M.Laycock) | £180.00 | £2,459.95 | |||
| 21/05/2025 | Refreshments collec�on | £52.10 | £2,512.05 | |||
| 27/05/2025 | Membership Subscrip�ons(8) | £300.00 | £2,812.05 | |||
| 09/06/2025 | Sum Up (dinner) | £15.00 | £0.25 | £2,826.80 | ||
| 11/06/2025 | Dinner (4) | £60.00 | £2,886.80 | |||
| 12/06/2025 | Dinner (1) | £15.00 | £2,901.80 | |||
| 12/06/2025 | Sum Up Dinner (15) | £225.00 | £3.80 | £3,123.00 | ||
| 19/06/2025 | Dinner (15) | £225.00 | £3,348.00 | |||
| 19/06/2025 | Sum Up dinner (4), membership (1) | £100.00 | £1.68 | £3,446.32 |
| 24/06/2025 Carlton Centre rent (May) 25/06/2025 Dinner (1) 26/06/2025 Sum Up dinner (4) 12/07/2025 St Paul's concert (dona�on) 17/07/2025 D.S�rling, dinner entertainment 17/07/2025 Dinner (3) 17/07/2025 C.Cockerill (summer term) 17/07/2025 E.Smith (summer term) 17/07/2025 A.Walker, dinner expenses 17/07/2025 S.Maddocks, dinner expenses 17/07/2025 H.Davies, dinner expenses 17/07/2025 Dinner, bar takings, cash 17/07/2025 Sum Up, bar takings 17/07/2025 dona�ons 17/07/2025 N.Bates, dinner expenses 31/07/2025 Carlton Centre rent (jun/ Jul) 22/08/2025 Goodwin Publica�ons 22/08/2025 L. Meredith (music) 03/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(9) 04/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(5) 05/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(1) 08/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(1) 09/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(3) 10/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(8) 11/09/2025 Sum Up, membership (8) 15/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(1) 17/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(9) 17/09/2025 Sum Up, membership (3) 20/09/2025 Sum Up, membership (2) 24/09/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(3) 25/09/2025 Sum Up, membership (2) Oct-25 Sum Up, membership, (1) 23/10/2025 Dona�ons (refreshments) 05/11/2025 Carlton Centre rent (Sep) 08/11/2025 Membership Subscrip�ons(1) 10/11/2025 Gi� Aid HMRC 17/11/2025 Carlton Centre rent (Oct) 27/11/2025 Sum Up, dona�on 10/12/2025 Dona�ons (Ukraine) 10/12/2025 Dona�ons (refreshments) 11/12/2025 Sum Up, dona�ons (Ukraine) 11/12/2025 Sum Up, dona�ons (Refreshment) 15/12/2025 C.Cockerill (Autumn term) 15/12/2025 A.Cloch (Ukraine) 18/12/2025 E.Smith (Autumn term) 18/12/2025 Carlton Centre rent (Nov/Dec) Lloyds Bank Cash Total |
£288.00 £3,158.32 £15.00 £3,173.32 £60.00 £1.01 £3,232.31 £100.00 £3,332.31 £50.00 £3,282.31 £45.00 £3,327.31 £825.00 £2,502.31 £315.00 £2,187.31 £110.23 £2,077.08 £125.63 £1,951.45 £326.91 £1,624.54 £30.00 £1,654.54 £127.50 £2.14 £1,779.90 £15.00 £1,794.90 £75.00 £1,719.90 £522.00 £1,197.90 £989.35 £208.55 £71.52 £137.03 £360.00 £497.03 £200.00 £697.03 £40.00 £737.03 £40.00 £777.03 £120.00 £897.03 £320.00 £1,217.03 £320.00 £5.43 £1,531.60 £40.00 £1,571.60 £360.00 £1,931.60 £120.00 £2.04 £2,049.56 £80.00 £1.36 £2,128.20 £120.00 £2,248.20 £80.00 £1.36 £2,326.84 £20.00 £0.34 £2,346.50 £22.80 £2,369.30 £216.00 £2,153.30 £40.00 £2,193.30 £1,068.94 £3,262.24 £211.50 £3,050.74 £3.50 £0.07 £3,054.17 £834.25 £3,888.42 £247.81 £4,136.23 £190.00 £3.22 £4,323.01 £10.00 £0.17 £4,332.84 £975.00 £3,357.84 £1,021.03 £2,336.81 £385.00 £1,951.81 £410.00 £1,541.81 |
£288.00 £3,158.32 £15.00 £3,173.32 £60.00 £1.01 £3,232.31 £100.00 £3,332.31 £50.00 £3,282.31 £45.00 £3,327.31 £825.00 £2,502.31 £315.00 £2,187.31 £110.23 £2,077.08 £125.63 £1,951.45 £326.91 £1,624.54 £30.00 £1,654.54 £127.50 £2.14 £1,779.90 £15.00 £1,794.90 £75.00 £1,719.90 £522.00 £1,197.90 £989.35 £208.55 £71.52 £137.03 £360.00 £497.03 £200.00 £697.03 £40.00 £737.03 £40.00 £777.03 £120.00 £897.03 £320.00 £1,217.03 £320.00 £5.43 £1,531.60 £40.00 £1,571.60 £360.00 £1,931.60 £120.00 £2.04 £2,049.56 £80.00 £1.36 £2,128.20 £120.00 £2,248.20 £80.00 £1.36 £2,326.84 £20.00 £0.34 £2,346.50 £22.80 £2,369.30 £216.00 £2,153.30 £40.00 £2,193.30 £1,068.94 £3,262.24 £211.50 £3,050.74 £3.50 £0.07 £3,054.17 £834.25 £3,888.42 £247.81 £4,136.23 £190.00 £3.22 £4,323.01 £10.00 £0.17 £4,332.84 £975.00 £3,357.84 £1,021.03 £2,336.81 £385.00 £1,951.81 £410.00 £1,541.81 |
|---|---|---|
| £11,320.19 9778.38 £1,541.81 |
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| £1,533.97 £7.84 |
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| £1,541.81 |