THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
Trustees’ Report and Accounts for the Year ended 31st July 2025
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Legal and Administrative Information | 1 |
| Trustees’ Report: Objectives and Activities | 1 |
| Financial Review | 1 |
| Structure, Governance and Management | 2 |
| Appointment of Trustees | 2 |
| Achievements and Performance | 3 |
| Independent Examiner’s Report | 4 |
| Statement of financial activities | 5 |
| Balance Sheet | 5 |
| Notes to the Accounts | 7-10 |
Legal and Administrative Information
The Bristol Bach Choir (“the Society”) was established 29[th] June 1967, with adoption of constitution and amendment of rules adopted on 12[th] November 2009. An amended constitution and rules were adopted on 23[rd] March 2023. It is registered with the Charity Commission and its registered number is 253338. Its principal address is 59 Reedley Road, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, BS9 3TD
Trustees’ Report
Objectives and Activities
The Constitution of 2023 sets out the Objectives of the Bristol Bach Choir ("the Society") shall be:
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to advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music in all its aspects, in particular the music of Johann Sebastian Bach, the Baroque era, and contemporary music by any means the trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals;
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to further such charitable purpose or purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit but in particular through the making of grants and donations.
Financial Review
This was our second full season under our musical director, David Bednall. With the support of the Bristol Bach Choir Foundation we were able to schedule another adventurous season, although numbers in the choir still remained relatively low.
We started the season in October 2024 with a concert that celebrated the music of Charles Stanford, marking the centenary of his death in 1924, and his contemporaries Ralph Vaughan Williams and Hubert Parry.
We continued our season with our traditional Christmas concert in St Georges, and this year were accompanied by Bristol Brass Consort, who added an extra dimension to our performance.
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THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
For the spring concert in March 2025 we combined the popular Nelson Mass by Joseph Haydn with the less well known Magnificat by CPE Bach. The Bristol Ensemble accompanied us and we were also joined by a quartet of professional soloists. We are grateful to the Bristol Bach Choir Foundation for their support for this concert; the costs of concerts of this nature are significant and exceed the income we can generate from ticket sales alone.
For the final concert of the season in June 2025 we returned to Tyndale Baptist Church, the venue for the Choir’s very first concert in 1967. We performed a variety of works of composers from the Baltic states and associated schools of composition. We finished the concert singing on the steps of the church – the penultimate piece was unfortunately interrupted by a faulty fire alarm!
Overall we achieved a shortfall on concerts over the season, due to the significant costs and limited audience numbers for the March concert. For the Christmas concert we had a good audience and made a small surplus. On the other concerts, where we were only accompanied by the evergreen Nigel Nash, we broadly broke even.
We benefited from the continued support of our Patrons, many of whom have been supporting us for a number of years. They provide a core audience and also make regular donations.
On the other hand, with reduced number of choir members we did not cover our weekly rehearsal costs. We also invested in updating our website and commissioned a professional photographer to photograph the Choir in action ahead of our Christmas concert.
Due to continued higher interest rates our deposit account generated a significant amount of interest. However, we do require our assets to generate returns so that our reserves broadly keep their value in real terms.
Taking everything into account, we made a significant shortfall for the year, before allowing for the interest earned on our assets. However, our reserves remain significant and will enable us to maintain our current level of activities for at least the next 5 years.
Our ability to perform ambitious concerts is currently constrained to some extent by our numbers and the audience levels we are able to attract. We are fortunate to have reserves currently, and we are grateful for the support that the Bristol Bach Choir Foundation provides. This does allow us to continue to plan future seasons with relative confidence for the time being. Our 2025/26 season is again ambitious and is expected to lead to a modest reduction in our reserves.
Structure, Governance and Management
Five trustees were voted in at the start of the season. Julie Borowski, Mary McKean, Lisa Lewis, Rod Thouless and Judith Vorley (the Trustees). Lisa Lewis served as Chair, Rod Thouless as Treasurer and Mary McKean as Secretary. For health reasons, Mary McKean stepped down as Secretary in March 2025 and Neil Thomas was coopted to act as Secretary for the remainder of the season.
Appointment of Trustees
In accordance with the Constitution of 2023 the management of the Charity is in the hands of a committee of Elected Trustees, including a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer as a minimum, with more officer roles appointed if deemed necessary by the Trustees, with no maximum number.
All Trustees of the Charity shall be members of the Charity. Elected Trustees shall be elected by & out of the Charity’s members at the Annual General Meeting (AGM). At each AGM, a third of the Elected Trustees shall retire and be eligible for re-election up to a fixed number of three-year terms as set out in the Charity’s rules and regulations.
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THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR In addition to Elected Trustccs, furthcr trustceg can be elected by existing Trustees 88 Co-opted Trustees. Co-opted Trustees are not able to vote at committee meetings, should one take place. Co-opted Trustees would be expected lo stand for election by members at the next AGM. Vvhere relevant, existing Elected Trustees can appoint Co-opted Trustees who are not a member of the Charity. to provide additional expertise or experience. provided that the number of such en-nptp.d Triiqtees does not represent more than one third of all trustees and they do not more than two consecutive three year term. Achievements and Performance In performance of the Trust Objectives, the Society has performed 4 times during this financial year. October 2024.. We sang a mixed programme of works in All Saints, Clifton. The pieces performed included works by Charles Stanford, Ralph Vaughan Williams and Hubert Parry. December 2024.. We put on a concert of a mix oftraditional and less well known carols in Sl Georges, Bristol. March 2025.. We performed Joseph Haydn's Nelson Mass and CPE Bach's Magnificat in Sl Peters Church, Henleaze. June 2025.. We pérformed a mixed programme of works by Baltic composers in Tyndale Baptist Church, Clifton, including works by Parl, Gjeilo, Esenvalds, Miskinis 2nd Dubra, Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by.. Mrs Lisa Lewi3, Chair Mr Rod Thouless, Treasurer Date. Iiigl?L Ddte:
THE BR15TOL BACH CHOIR Independent Examinor's Report on th• accounts Report to the trustees of the Bristol Bach Choir. registered charity number 253338, on accounts rui (lie year ended 31st July 2025 set out on pages S to 8. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144 of the Charities Act 2011 {'the Charities Act") and also that an independent examination is not needed due to the low gross income this year. However, they have chosen to have an independent examination. as has been needed in previous years. It is my responsibility to.. examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act, to follow the procedures laid down in the general Directions and guidance for examiners {CC32} given by the Charity Commission (under section 14515){b} of the Charities Act, and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of Independent examinerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance with the general Directions and guidance for examiners given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking cxplanations from the trustees concerning any suGh matters. The proGedui"¥s uiidei Icikeri do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. Indèpendent examiner's statement In connection with my examinalion, no material matters have come to my attention which gives ffle cause to belleve that in any material respect.. the accounting records were not kept in accordance with sedion 130 of the Charities Act.. or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair, view which is not a matter Considered as part of an independent examination. I 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 accounts lo be reached. Signed.. Address.. 16 Wyedale Avenue Coombe Dingle Bristol BS9 2QQ Mr Philip Neville Date
THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
Statement of Financial Activities
| 2024-25 | 2023-24 | |
|---|---|---|
| Income (Note 4) | ||
| Income and endowments from: | ||
| Subscriptions, Donations and Grants | £13,042 | £16,848 |
| Charitable activities | £15,839 | £15,799 |
| Other | £893 | £836 |
| Total | £29,774 | £33,483 |
| Expenditure (Notes 5) | ||
| Expenditure on: | ||
| Charitable activities | £31,464 | £33,698 |
| Other | £2,116 | £1,533 |
| Total | £33,580 | £35,231 |
| Net income/(expenditure) before investment interest | £(3,806) | £(1,748) |
| Investment interest | £1,349 | £1,344 |
| Net income/(expenditure) for the reporting period | £(2,457) | £(404) |
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||
| Total funds brought forward | £31,334 | £31,738 |
| Total funds carried forward | £28,877 | £31,334 |
| Balance Sheet | ||
| 2024/25 | 2023/24 | |
| Current Assets | ||
| Deposits - CCLA COIF Charities Deposit Fund | £24,234 | £27,014 |
| Cash at bank - Barclays Plc | £3,738 | £2,822 |
| Debtors and prepayments | £1,398 | £3,626 |
| Total | £29,371 | £33,462 |
| Less current liabilities | ||
| Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | £494 | £2,128 |
| Net Assets / General purpose fund (unrestricted) | £28,877 | £31,334 |
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THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR Trse financial Statem Vr# approvgd by thg Committ09 on 9 March 2026 and Vbve signed on its IAhalfby'. Mr R(Kl Thouless Tr&urer Mrs Ltsa Chair Date". Date: 1gL31.4..............
THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
Notes to the Accounts
1. Basis of Preparation
1.1 Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) issued on 16th July 2014 and with the Charities Act 2011.
1.2 Accounting policy
In preparing the accounts, the trustees have considered whether in applying the accounting policies required by FRS102 and the Charities SORP FRS 102 the restatement of comparative items is required. No restatement of comparative items is considered necessary.
1.3 Material prior year errors
No material prior year errors have been identified in the reporting period.
1.4 Policy for holding reserves
There is currently around £24,000 held in cash in a savings account, which is treated as reserves for the choir. This will not be accessed unless agreed by the committee for special projects or if there are not enough funds in the working bank account, e.g. building the website or a large expensive concert.
The committee may be approached to approve accessing these funds to help finance some of the concerts for the 2025/26 financial year.
There are currently no financial uncertainties about the Society continuing as a going concern.
2. Accounting Policies
2.1 Income
Income is recognised when the Society has entitlement to the funds, any performance conditions attached to the item(s) of income have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured directly.
Donations and grants are recognized once received. In the event that a donation is subject to conditions that require a level of performance before the Society is entitled to the funds, the income is deferred and not recognized until either those conditions are fully met, or the fulfilment of those conditions is wholly within the control of the Society and it is probable that those conditions will be fulfilled in the reporting period.
Tax reclaims on donations and gifts: Gift Aid receivable is included in income when there is a valid declaration from the donor. Any Gift Aid amount recovered on a donation is considered to be part of that gift.
Income from interest and dividends: This is included in the accounts when receipt is probable and the amount receivable can be measured reliably.
Fund accounting: Unrestricted funds are available to spend on activities that further any of the purposes of the Society. The Society has no other funds.
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THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
2.2 Expenditure and Liabilities
Liability Recognition: Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the Society to pay out resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Deferred Income: Monies received prior to 31 July 2025 for the 2025/26 season have been treated as deferred income.
2.3 Assets
Debtors: Debtors are measured at the settlement amount at the cash consideration expected to be received.
Cash at bank and in hand: Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.
- Related Party Transactions and Trustees’ Remuneration
The Trustees received no emoluments or reimbursement of expenses.
4. Income
Income Recognition: Income is recognised as and when received, unless it is more likely than not that there is an obligation committing the Society to return the funds and the amount to be returned can be measured with reasonable certainty.
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THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
5. Income and Expenditure
| Income Donations, Grants & Subscriptions Membership Subscriptions Donations & Gifts Gift Aid Grants from other Charities Total Charitable Activities Tickets Programmes & Advertising Refreshments Members music recoveries Total . Investment income Interest on deposits and cash at bank Other income Rent-a-choir Other Total |
2024/25 2023/24 £7,025 £7,766 £1,842 £2,139 £1,675 £1,243 £2,500 £5,700 |
|---|---|
| £13,042 £16,848 |
|
| £14,062 £13,920 £198 £196 £472 £322 £1,107 £1,360 |
|
| £15,839 £15,798 |
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| £1,349 £1,344 |
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| £0 £825 £893 £11 |
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| £893 £836 |
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THE BRISTOL BACH CHOIR
Expenditure
| Expenditure on Charitable Activities Performers Fees Hire Charges Printing and Advertising Members’ music costs Other concert expenditure Rehearsal costs Marketing costs Total Other Expenditure Making Music membership Admin, expenses and gifts Patrons event Other Total |
2024/25 2023/24 £11,917 £11,567 £4,073 £5,361 £2,366 £2,078 £1,235 £1,621 £1,626 £2,812 £9,846 £10,259 £400 £0 |
|---|---|
| £31,464 £33,698 |
|
| £566 £543 £690 £20 £354 £447 £507 £523 |
|
| £2,116 £1,533 |
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