WHATLINGTON SINGERS
SUMMARY OF PERFORMANCE 2024 – 2025
Finances
In the year Aug 24 to July 25 we had an income of £ 8139 and expenditure of £ 7429. Our income is from subs, patronage, donations, concert takings and gift aid. Our expenditure is on director of music fees, accompanist fees, venue hire, rehearsal website, our website, music purchase, entry fees, publicity, making music membership, charitable donations and concert expenses.
Activities
Our charitable objectives ‘to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music‘ have been achieved through regular rehearsals and performances.
The Choir continues to rehearse weekly during term-time in the premises of a local school.
Our membership now stands at 35, a number which affords a good balance of voices across all sections.
We continue to reach out to all areas of the community to share our enthusiasm for choral singing. In accordance with our charitable aims we have welcomed children, young people, older adults, people with disabilities and the general public to performances. The Choir has been able to provide paid opportunities for young musicians and has had the pleasure of collaborating with a local education charity to enrich the musical experience of choir and pupils alike.
Where possible we perform at accessible venues. In general, there is no entry charge for our performances which makes them widely available to the community. Where possible, in line with our aim to further other charitable purposes, we have been able to make donations and support fund raising events.
Below is a list of the performances we were involved in during the past singing year.
October 2024
“The Big Sing”, an annual day of singing to raise money for St Michael’s Hospice, a local charity. The total raised by the contributing 21 choirs was £5403.
December 2024
“A Celebration of Christmas Music” performed in a local Battle Church. Entry was free, donations welcomed in aid of the St Mary’s Church Organ Fund.
March 2025
The Hastings Music Festival, a local charity involving various branches of music and offering over 500 classes. Our choir entered the ‘Adult Community Choirs’ class and the ‘A Capella’ class.
May 2025
“A Choral Showcase” – one of a series of lunchtime concerts presented by our Musical Director. We were joined by Battle Abbey School Junior Choir and Battle Abbey Chamber Choir. Free entry with a collection for St Mary’s Church Organ Fund.
June 2025
Our final performance had as its theme ‘Songs of Light and Dark’ and featured the Rutter Requiem followed by a selection of new and familiar works. We were joined again by Battle Abbey School Chamber Choir and a small ensemble of local instrumentalists. The concert was performed under the umbrella of Battle Festival which takes place annually in July.
Signed…Elaine Gardner (Chair) Date…30.10.2025