2025-06-30-accounts

Charity registration number 258458 (England and Wales)

LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

ANNUAL REPORT AND UNAUDITED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

LEGAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION

Trustees Ms H Davies Ms W Charlton Mrs W Evans Ms S Hamilton Ms S M McGann Mr I Wardhaugh Mr G Jones Ms A Williams Ms C C M Orrell Ms A Shead Ms G R Boocock Mr D McCaffrey Ms S Ejuoneatse Charity number (England and Wales) 258458 Principal address 40 Wembley Road Mossley Hill Liverpool Merseyside L18 2DR Independent examiner Keith Miller FCA Monetta LLP 110-114 Duke Street Liverpool L1 5AG

LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

CONTENTS

	Page
Trustees report	1 - 3
Independent examiner's report	4
Statement of financial activities	5
Balance sheet	6
Notes to the financial statements	7 - 13

LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

TRUSTEES REPORT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

The Trustees are pleased to present their annual trustees’ report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 June 2025.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)".

Objectives and activities

The purposes of the charity are to advance the study and practice of choral music in order to foster the public knowledge and appreciation of such music by means of public performances. In shaping our objectives for the year and planning our activities, the trustees have considered the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit, including the guidance ‘public benefit: running a charity (PB2)’. The charity relies on the income from ticket sales, membership subscriptions, fundraising activities and other charges to cover its operating costs. Affordability and access to our performances is important to us and is reflected in our pricing policy. We endeavour to encourage all to take part in our activities and to attend our performances. The programme of events is designed to be enjoyed by all.

The strategies employed to achieve the charity’s aims and objectives are to: present a broad range of choral productions and performances for the enjoyment and enlightenment of the community; offer opportunities for a broad range of people to get involved in choral music activities thereby exploring their own creative powers; provide facilities for amateur and professional performers and artists to develop.

Achievements and performance

Significant activities and achievements against objectives

Over this last year, The Choir has rehearsed and performed several significant pieces which showcase the continuing high vocal standard and musical diversity of our portfolio. The challenge remains to champion the delivery of quality choral works whilst being mindful of our financial position and budgetary restrictions.

Our season started with a concert in Port Sunlight in November 2024. Swiftly followed by our traditional Christmas Fanfare Concert, supported by The Northop Silver Band.

In March 2025; we celebrated the choir’s 125th year with an Anniversary Concert, raising our profile to a larger audience. Legacy moneys made it possible for us to ask and accept a higher and more varied soloists, which made the evening very special. We commissioned a special work, written and conducted by our Musical Director, Keith Orrell, called “4 Rivers”. This work was well received by the choir and the audience.

In June we accepted an invitation to perform The Dream of Gerontius, singing with Cantorion Menai at their venue in Bangor. We were able to an offer reduced fare for bus transportation, again through the legacy money.

We also accepted an invitation from the Crosby & Wirral Symphony Orchestras to perform Holst’s Planets Suite with them at the Liverpool Philharmonic concert hall at the end of June, with the soprano and alto sections providing the choral section for the final movement of the work. The concert was a great success with much positive feedback and marks another step in growing the reputation of the choir with other orchestras.

As a result of such activities, the reputation of the choir is attracting other quality choirs and orchestras to wish to collaborate with LWC at no or minimal cost to LWC. Opportunities will be sought to develop such collaborations and over time expand the appeal of Liverpool Welsh Choral.

Once again, we have been proud to attempt to show off our city and our very varied choral repertoire. We are indebted to those who have given their time and energy to organise events which enhance our reputation, to those who work to create a varied programme every season, to those who look to increase our audience reach and, to those who work hard at fundraising and sponsorship initiatives to mitigate some of our outgoings. Our newly refreshed website and online ticketing platforms are designed to increase both choir recruitment and audience reach. The results for the year and financial position of the charity are as shown in the annexed financial statements. Reserves at the year-end amounted to £231,774, down from £237,000 representing a modest decrease in funds of £5,226.

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Financial review

Reserves policy

Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending and receiving of income and to cover unplanned costs and other expenditure. The trustees have established a policy whereby the unrestricted funds not committed or invested in tangible fixed assets (‘the free reserves’) held by the charity should be between 12 and 24 months of the planned resources to be expended, which equates to between approximately £50,000 to £100,000 in general funds. At this level, the trustees consider that they would be able to continue the current activities of the charity in the event of a significant drop in funding. At present the free reserves are significantly above this target level thanks to the receipt of legacy money from former members and supporters. The trustees are actively planning a set of future activities and expansion of operations funded by the legacy money to advance the aims and purposes of the choir. In preparing the accounts, the trustees consider that the charity has sufficient resources to continue operations for the foreseeable future.

Structure, governance and management

Liverpool Welsh Choral Union (which can trace its roots back to 1900) is an unincorporated trust and was registered as a charity on 6 May 1969. The charity is governed by the policies made from time to time by the trustees together with the terms of its Rules which set out the aims and objects of the charity. The procedures for the appointment, retirement and removal of trustees of the charity are set out in the Rules. All trustees are encouraged to attend appropriate external training events where these will facilitate the undertaking of their role.

The trustees, who met at regular intervals to formulate policy and decisions during the year were:

Ms H Davies Ms W Charlton Mrs W Evans Mr K Rigby (Resigned 23 October 2024) Ms S Hamilton Ms S M McGann Mr I Wardhaugh Mr G Jones Ms A Williams Ms C C M Orrell Ms A Shead Ms G R Boocock Mr D McCaffrey Ms S Ejuoneatse

Risk management

The Trustees have have a risk management strategy which comprises: an annual review of the principal risks and uncertainties that the charity faces and; the establishment of policies, systems and procedures to mitigate those risks identified in the annual review; and the implementation of procedures designed to minimise or manage any potential impact on the charity should those risks materialise.

Financial sustainability is the major financial risk for the charity. A key element in the management of financial risk is a regular review of available liquid funds to settle debts as they fall due and active management of incoming funds and creditor balances to ensure sufficient working capital is available.

Attention has also been focused on non-financial risks arising from health and safety. These risks are managed by ensuring procedures and accreditations are up to date, having robust policies and procedures in place, and regular awareness training for trustees and volunteers in these operational areas.

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

TRUSTEES REPORT (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

Statement of trustees' responsibilities

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Report of the Trustees and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations.

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice (United Kingdom Accounting Standards and applicable law). Under charity law the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the net movement in funds of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:

• select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;

• observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;

• make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;

• state whether applicable UK accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements;

• prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue on that basis.

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and 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 regulations. 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.

The Trustees report was approved by the Board of Trustees.

Mrs W Evans

22 October 2025

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT

TO THE TRUSTEES OF LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

I report to the Trustees on my examination of the financial statements of Liverpool Welsh Choral Union (the charity) for the year ended 30 June 2025.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the Trustees of the charity you are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011.

I report in respect of my examination of the charity’s financial statements carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011. In carrying out my examination I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act 2011.

Independent examiner's statement

Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the financial statements in accordance with the relevant version of the Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) in preference to the Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice issued on 1 April 2005 which is referred to in the extant regulations but has now been withdrawn. I understand that this has been done in order for the financial statements to provide a true and fair view in accordance with UK Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.

• I have completed my examination. I confirm that no matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act 2011.

• 2 the financial statements do not accord with those records; or

• 3 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.

Keith Miller FCA Monetta LLP 110-114 Duke Street Liverpool L1 5AG 29 October 2025

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES INCLUDING INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2025	2024
	Notes	£	£
Income from:
Donations and legacies	3	1,423	914
Charitable activities	4	46,008	68,704
Other trading activities	5	1,851	1,871
Investments	6	6,354	6,491
Total income		55,636	77,980
Expenditure on:
Raising funds	7	870	1,582
Charitable activities	8	59,992	101,070
Total expenditure		60,862	102,652
Net expenditure and movement in funds		(5,226)	(24,672)
Reconciliation of funds:
Fund balances at 1 July 2024		237,000	261,672
Fund balances at 30 June 2025		231,774	237,000

The statement of financial activities includes all gains and losses recognised in the year. All income and expenditure derive from continuing activities.

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

BALANCE SHEET

AS AT 30 JUNE 2025

Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets 14 Current assets Debtors 15 Cash at bank and in hand Creditors: amounts falling due within one year 16 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities The funds of the charity Unrestricted funds 17	2025 £ 3,505 225,143 228,648 (2,225)	£ 5,351 226,423 231,774 231,774 231,774	2024 £ 4,044 230,085 234,129 (4,026)	£ 6,897 230,103
				237,000
				237,000
				237,000

The financial statements were approved by the Trustees on 22 October 2025

Mrs W Evans

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

Charity information

Liverpool Welsh Choral Union is an unincorporated trust, registered as a charity in England and Wales. The charity's registered number and principal address can be found on page 1.

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the charity's governing document, the Charities Act 2011, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and the Charities SORP "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)". The charity is a Public Benefit Entity as defined by FRS 102.

The charity has taken advantage of the provisions in the SORP for charities not to prepare a statement of cash flows.

The financial statements have departed from the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 only to the extent required to provide a true and fair view. This departure has involved following the Statement of Recommended Practice for charities applying FRS 102 rather than the version of the Statement of Recommended Practice which is referred to in the Regulations but which has since been withdrawn.

The financial statements are prepared in sterling, which is the functional currency of the charity. Monetary amounts in these financial statements are rounded to the nearest £.

The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, [modified to include the revaluation of freehold properties and to include investment properties and certain financial instruments at fair value]. The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.

1.2 Going concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the Trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the Trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Charitable funds

Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of their charitable objectives.

Restricted funds are subject to specific conditions by donors or grantors as to how they may be used. The purposes and uses of the restricted funds are set out in the notes to the financial statements.

Endowment funds are subject to specific conditions by donors that the capital must be maintained by the charity.

1.4 Income

Income is recognised when the charity is legally entitled to it after any performance conditions have been met, the amounts can be measured reliably, and it is probable that income will be received.

Cash donations are recognised on receipt. Other donations are recognised once the charity has been notified of the donation, unless performance conditions require deferral of the amount. Income tax recoverable in relation to donations received under Gift Aid or deeds of covenant is recognised at the time of the donation.

Legacies are recognised on receipt or otherwise if the charity has been notified of an impending distribution, the amount is known, and receipt is expected. If the amount is not known, the legacy is treated as a contingent asset.

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

1.5 Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to transfer economic benefit to a third party, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement, and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably.

Expenditure is classified by activity. The costs of each activity are made up of the total of direct costs and shared costs, including support costs involved in undertaking each activity. Direct costs attributable to a single activity are allocated directly to that activity. Shared costs which contribute to more than one activity and support costs which are not attributable to a single activity are apportioned between those activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. Central staff costs are allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges are allocated on the portion of the asset’s use.

1.6 Tangible fixed assets

Tangible fixed assets are initially measured at cost and subsequently measured at cost or valuation, net of depreciation and any impairment losses.

Depreciation is recognised so as to write off the cost or valuation of assets less their residual values over their useful lives on the following bases:

Library 25% on reducing balance Staging 20% on reducing balance Equipment 20% on reducing balance

The gain or loss arising on the disposal of an asset is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying value of the asset, and is recognised in the statement of financial activities.

1.7 Impairment of fixed assets

At each reporting end date, the charity reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated in order to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any).

1.8 Cash and cash equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include cash in hand, deposits held at call with banks, other short-term liquid investments with original maturities of three months or less, and bank overdrafts. Bank overdrafts are shown within borrowings in current liabilities.

1.9 Financial instruments

The charity has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Basic Financial Instruments’ and Section 12 ‘Other Financial Instruments Issues’ of FRS 102 to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the charity's balance sheet when the charity becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

1 Accounting policies

(Continued)

Basic financial assets

Basic financial assets, which include debtors and cash and bank balances, are initially measured at transaction price including transaction costs and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Basic financial liabilities

Basic financial liabilities, including creditors and bank loans are initially recognised at transaction price unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, where the debt instrument is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest. Financial liabilities classified as payable within one year are not amortised.

Debt instruments are subsequently carried at amortised cost, using the effective interest rate method.

Trade creditors are obligations to pay for goods or services that have been acquired in the ordinary course of operations from suppliers. Amounts payable are classified as current liabilities if payment is due within one year or less. If not, they are presented as non-current liabilities. Trade creditors are recognised initially at transaction price and subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method.

Derecognition of financial liabilities

Financial liabilities are derecognised when the charity’s contractual obligations expire or are discharged or cancelled.

1.10 Employee benefits

The cost of any unused holiday entitlement is recognised in the period in which the employee’s services are received.

Termination benefits are recognised immediately as an expense when the charity is demonstrably committed to terminate the employment of an employee or to provide termination benefits.

2 Critical accounting estimates and judgements

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 associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised where the revision affects only that period, or in the period of the revision and future periods where the revision affects both current and future periods.

3 Income from donations and legacies

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2025	2024
	£	£
Donations and gifts	1,423	914

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED)

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

4 Income from charitable activities

	Unrestricted	Unrestricted
	funds	funds
	2025	2024
	£	£
Incoming funds
Ticket and programme sales and fees	12,996	40,229
Member and honorary member subscriptions	29,573	25,249
Gift Aid reclaims	3,439	3,226
	46,008	68,704

5 Income from other trading activities

		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Music hire	816	872
	Garment sales	28	106
	100 Club	995	893
	Music folder sales	12	-
	Other trading activities	1,851	1,871
6	Income from investments
		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Interest receivable	6,354	6,491
7	Expenditure on raising funds
		Unrestricted	Unrestricted
		funds	funds
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Fundraising and publicity
	100 Club prizes	318	480
	Purchases for resale and stocks	552	1,102
		870	1,582

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

8 Expenditure on charitable activities

		Charitable	Charitable
		expenditure	expenditure
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Direct costs
	Depreciation and impairment	1,546	2,002
	Orchestras, bands, artistes and conductors	12,499	16,110
	Venue and equipment hire	15,120	50,796
	Printing, stationery, programme costs and adverts	2,790	4,988
	Music hire	1,473	1,869
	Rehearsal, storage and meeting space hire	7,335	5,115
	Administrative support costs	4,442	5,944
	Chorus masters, lead vocalists and accompanists	8,845	10,719
	Subscriptions and insurances	-	360
	Bank charges	90	84
	Sundry expenses	866	778
	Travel costs	2,520	-
		57,526	98,765
	Share of support and governance costs (see note 9)
	Support	2,466	2,305
		59,992	101,070
	Analysis by fund
	Unrestricted funds	59,992	101,070
9	Support costs allocated to activities
		2025	2024
		£	£
	Governance costs	2,466	2,305
	Analysed between:
	Charitable expenditure	2,466	2,305
10	Net movement in funds	2025	2024
		£	£
	The net movement in funds is stated after charging/(crediting):
	Fees payable for the independent examination of the charity's financial
	statements	2,466	2,305
	Depreciation of owned tangible fixed assets	1,546	2,002

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

11 Trustees

None of the Trustees (or any persons connected with them) received any remuneration or benefits from the charity during the year.

12 Employees

The average monthly number of employees during the year was:

	2025	2024
	Number	Number
Total	-	-

There were no employees whose annual remuneration was more than £60,000.

Remuneration of key management personnel

The charity trustees were not paid, nor did they receive any other benefits or expenses from the charity (2024 - £nil). No charity trustee received payment for professional or other services supplied to the charity (2024 - £nil).

13 Taxation

The charity is exempt from taxation on its activities because all its income is applied for charitable purposes.

14 Tangible fixed assets

Cost At 1 July 2024 At 30 June 2025 Depreciation and impairment At 1 July 2024 Depreciation charged in the year At 30 June 2025 Carrying amount At 30 June 2025 At 30 June 2024	Library £ 41,601 41,601 38,282 830 39,112 2,489 3,319	Staging Equipment £ £ 1,616 6,138 1,616 6,138 1,192 2,984 85 631 1,277 3,615 339 2,523 424 3,154	Total £ 49,355
			49,355
			42,458 1,546
			44,004
			5,351
			6,897

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LIVERPOOL WELSH CHORAL UNION

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS (CONTINUED) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2025

15 Debtors

Amounts falling due within one year: Other debtors Prepayments and accrued income 16 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Accruals and deferred income	2025 £ 3,439 66 3,505 2025 £ 2,225	2024 £ 3,217 827
		4,044
		2024 £ 4,026

17 Unrestricted funds

The unrestricted funds of the charity comprise the unexpended balances of donations and grants which are not subject to specific conditions by donors and grantors as to how they may be used. These include designated funds which have been set aside out of unrestricted funds by the trustees for specific purposes.

At 1 July 2024 Incoming resources Resources expended At £ £ £ General funds 237,000 55,636 (60,862) Previous year: At 1 July 2023 Incoming resources Resources expended At £ £ £ General funds 261,672 77,980 (102,652)	30 June 2025 £ 231,774
	30 June 2024 £ 237,000

18 Related party transactions

There were no disclosable related party transactions during the year (2024 - none).

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