2025-08-31-accounts

These Minutes are unratified. Minutes of AGM’s are ratified at the AGM the following year i.e. in 2026.

PLYMOUTH PHILHARMONIC CHOIR

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Meade King Hall, Plymouth College at 7pm on Thursday 23[rd] October 2025.

Brian Gerry, our President, in his address, paid particular tribute to Christopher Fletcher, our Director of Music, for his skilful musicianship over the past 29 years. He wished it to be recorded that his musical knowledge and expertise were always evident at concerts, and valued, not only by the choir, but by himself and the countless patrons who have appreciated his commitment and leadership. He thanked the Choir for three wonderful concerts in the previous season and commented that he had sent Christopher a letter of thanks after each concert and often used the word “astounding” when describing the Choir’s performance. Brian mentioned that today was the 80[th] birthday of the former accompanist to the Choir, Jenny Shepley, who expressed her thanks for the card she had been sent by the Choir.

Present: Jenny Hart (Chairing the Meeting), Secretary: Catherine Teague, Teresa Lakeman (speaking on behalf of Anne-Marie Smith – Treasurer), Associate Members’ Secretary: Alan Hart, Dr Sean Sweeney (taking the rehearsal) and approximately 70 members.

1. Apologies; these were received from Cathy Cook, Pete Cook, Louise Courtnell, Ruth Gozzard, Margy Keene, Sian Lowry, Kate McWhirter, Jen Millward, Meg Norris, Angela Stallard, Anne-Marie Smith, Jackie Visser.

2. Minutes of the last AGM were read and approved. Proposed by Barbara Beatty and Seconded by Delia Crichton. They were then passed by the membership present. It was suggested that the minutes of the AGM, although unratified, be circulated after the AGM as well as 21 days before the AGM in 2026.

3. Chair’s Report – Jenny thanked Brian fo r his appreciation of last year’s season of concerts, which were supported by both superb soloists and orchestral players.

Mozart :Vesperae Solennes de Confessore Haydn: Little Organ Mass & Mozart’s Maria Theresa Mass Mendelssohn’s Elijah Opera Gala Evening

Throughout the year, Christopher consistently demanded high standards from us all, until we reached our very best for each concert. Our spirits were lifted each week by Irina’s lead on the piano. Thanks to both for their dedicated service.

We are grateful to approximately fifty members who contribute to the overall running of the choir (which doesn’t include all the amazing cake makers) thank you for all your contributions whether weekly, occasional or on concert days themselves. The committee appreciates everything you do.

The committee has been operating on reduced numbers this year, taking it in turns to chair meetings and so unusually Jenny chaired the AGM.

After a wonderful season, we were looking forward to a restful summer. However, after 29 years in post, Christopher decided that he was unable to continue and so resigned with immediate effect. It was a shock to us all, and he’s going to be a hard act to follow. We wish to celebrate his legacy and are waiting to hear from him as to how he would like to receive our gift.

In August, we were facing a new season with no musical director and uncertainty about where we could perform – the Guildhall (whenever it opens) or St Andrew’s. To prevent uncertainty, we chose to perform at St Andrew’s all season. We are grateful to Pete Cook for agreeing to run the Autumn term and concert at short notice (ably assisted by Sean Sweeney for the Cook holiday break). We are delighted that Paul Foster will be our interim Music Director for the Spring and Summer. Both conductors have worked hard with the committee to compile a brilliant programme for each term.

We are delighted to welcome many new singers this term, along with some old friends returning. We wish to involve the whole membership in shaping our choir for the future. In September, Catherine (Sec) organised two focus groups, where you had the opportunity to voice your opinions on the choir’s strengths and areas we could develop. Later, we were asked to consider what we are looking for in a new Musical Director. The results of these will be reflected in future documents and actions.

One concern expressed by many was our safety on the new tiered seating in the hall. We would like to thank you for your patience as various seating plans were trialled. Last week, we rehearsed in the Old Gym and a vote taken as to which venue was preferred. The choir narrowly voted in favour of the Old Gym. We plan to finish this term with the present arrangements, moving to the Old Gym in January 2026.

We enjoyed this year’s Singing Day in the Woolwell Centre, on Saturday October 11[th] . We learned so much from Joe Judge as he led the day for us, singing Messiah choruses. Thank you to Sarah Potter and Margy Keene for a brilliantly organised day, with the bonus of some songs from the Legacy choir – what a treat!

We are delighted that we have several nominations for new committee Members. I mentioned earlier, there are so many roles in running a choir of our size and if everyone undertook a small task this would help to share the load. If you’d like to consider offering a little time, you are invited to a cream tea on Saturday 8th November at Catherine’s house; details will be

in the rehearsal notes. It’s for any member, new or established, who would like to find out ways in which they can support the choir.

As we begin the journey to find a new Musical Director to lead Plymouth Philharmonic Choir from 2026 onwards, be assured that you, the membership, will be involved and informed during the process.

I’d like to finish by thanking committee members past and present for their tireless work on your behalf, united in wanting the best for the choir’s future.

4. Treasurer’s Report – Teresa Lakeman spoke on behalf of our Treasurer, Anne-Marie Smith, who is away. The accounts for the year had been circulated to the membership with the AGM calling papers. Teresa said that we currently have assets of £52k which is £6k up from last year. This improvement in the choir’s overall financial position meant that no increase of subscriptions for the coming season would be necessary.

5. Associate Member’s Report – Alan reported that to date he had received 23 renewals to renew associate memberships. He highlighted the benefits of Associate Membership, knowing the Choir has several new singers. The cost of becoming an Associate Member this year would be £50. He has left flyers about Associate Membership on the seating in MKH. He encouraged us to ask regular supporters of the Choir to become Associate Members. He emphasised that he was always happy to respond to any queries made to him concerning the scheme.

6. Resolution: that a new Constitution be adopted by the membership – Jenny explained that further work needed to be carried out on the Constitution and that documents would be sent to the membership before an SGM in 2026.

7. Election of Committee: Jenny thanked the membership for listening to requests for more members to join the Committee. There are 5 Officers for the Committee, with the role of Chair and Deputy Chair being vacant this year. The 3 remaining Officers are happy to stand again, with the addition of one of the committee members, Janet Perks being willing to stand as Deputy Chair. Catherine Teague has offered to undertake the role of Chair. The lateness of this latter change has left us with insufficient time to recruit a Secretary to the Choir. However, Mandy Kellagher has offered to undertake the role of Minute Secretary.

Name	Post	Proposer	Seconder
Catherine Teague	Chair	Jenny Hart	Maggie Owen
Janet Perks	Deputy Chair	Mark Newberry	Sonia Aldworth
Pat Brodie	Membership Secretary	Lyn McLouglin	Teresa Lakeman

Anne Marie Smith	Treasurer	Catherine Teague	Maggie Owen

The motion to accept these members into these roles was carried unanimously by the membership.

Name	Post	Proposer	Seconder
Jenny Hart	Voice Representative	Catherine Teague	Ruth Gozzard
Judith Blake	Committee Member	Catherine Teague	Josephine Street
Allison George	Committee Member	Oksana Riley	Kathryn Epps
Teresa Lakeman	Committee Member	Judith Blake	Alison/Bob Jeffery
Michael Hall	Concert Co- ordinator	Mandy Kellagher	Vesna Hawley
Glenda Jones	Committee Member	Janet Perks	Lyn McLoughlin
Margy Keene	Committee Member	Mary Johnson	Pat Brodie

The motion to approve these members into these roles was carried unanimously by the membership.

8. Any other business – There was no other business. One member checked the level of subscription which was confirmed as being unchanged from the previous season. £170 for an annual subscription which could be paid in either one or two instalments. Student membership is £10 per term.

5mPM Ptymouth Phllharmonlc Cholr Profrt & Loss Prev Year Comparison September 2024 through August 2025 £ ChabVJ• Fundr￿th9 2.378. 5.340.crt 1.010. .675( 13.592 1.824.SJ 553.70 S.275.(X) 947 93 19.59J.O) 12.848 68 .01fj.97 Sub•¢rfptb)n IrK•m• 1,125. 944.12 7,￿.75 / 42.w.r2 21.523.￿ 461 (￿1 4.715 1.197 20 / 289.1 102 160. 979.70 rJ.337 11 628 77 4.(KM) QO -1,813.52 -165.77 715.(X) Hlr•ofw•nthe 155.10 Prirrting Arbd ReprodL -123.60 1.238.25 1.11681 11.75ts 413. PulAictty Sllpqnth Sundry ExpM• 4ll.56 41.50 11,W50 I.143￿ / 42,98$ 18 I3.7￿.00 -tr20.tr2 N•t Ordlnary 111.54 4,￿.83 8,781.37 DfvkJend• S,448 714( 4.LK6.35 599.&5 1.442.15 11451 8233.15 4.679.15 1.554.00 6.233 15 4.679.15 1,554.00 4.990J8 10JJSJ7

4".5fj PM Plymouth PhIlharn￿nlC Cholr Balance Sheet Prev Year Comparison As of ￿￿USt 31. 2025 Apj 31. 3)25 $1. 2024 e¢h•rvJB %¢h• Tlered Jt•Jlry Totsl Flxqd 20.B38.40 20.838.40 .￿40 TOtal￿h•f ¢urMrtAw•ts 20.83&40 0.0% Curr•nV5¥Wnq• CCIF Cha￿Y Fund• 7.15345 2.(KK> (K) -13.￿.97 35.482.64 31.519 12 8,829. 324.25 0.0% -1.t29.30% 135.30% 1.27240 15.07283 25.174.43 -14.￿.37 20.3B9 81 6.344 89 TotslCurw•ntlS•￿ty• 25 20% 52.157.$2 45.012 83 6.344.89 13.W NETCURREPIT ASSETS 5115T 45I12A3 6J44A9 13&J% TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LLl8￿rE3 N￿AsSET8 Equrty OpwlTrg Equty Rotalr￿￿ Eamlrys 52.257 52 $2.257.$2 45,912.83 45.91283 6.344.$9 6.344. 13 80% 13.327 03 32,585. 6.344 69 13.327 03 .576.48 4.9W.88 0.0% -10.9)% 259.0% 10.335 37 Equlty S2￿￿2 45.91183 13AI O<ic42EL 262 Pty•1