BEDFORDSHIRE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
TRUSTEES` ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31[st] JULY 2023
SECTION A: REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS
Charity name: BEDFORDSHIRE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY (the Society)
Registered Charity Number: 262813
Other name the Society is known by: Bedford Symphony Orchestra; Bedford Sinfonia
Contact address of the Society: 30 Furness Close, Bedford, MK41 8RN
Email: enquiries@bedfordsymphony.com
Website: www.bedfordsymphony.com
Trustees
The following individuals served as Trustees during the twelve months ended 31 July 2021
Chairperson: Louise Radok Honouree Secretary: Nicola Phillips Honour Treasurer: Clive Bachmanis
Elected Ordinary Members of the committee:
Bedford Symphony Orchestra Representatives: Eve McGrath; Co-Opted Members
Publicity Coordinator:
Bedford Sinfonia Representatives: Kathryn Tipping; Dominic Mills, Ex-Officio Members; Micheal Rose; Caroline Waters
Bankers: CAF Bank Limited, Kings Hill, West Malling, Kent, ME19 4TA
Solicitors: Dominic Mills & Co, 11 Grove Place, Bedford, MK40 3JJ
Independent Examiner:
Section B: STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Description of the Society’s Trusts
The Trustees of the Society are the three officer and the six elected Ordinary Members of the Committee (each a Trustee and together the Trustee). In accordance with the Constitution, each year the membership of the Society elects the Officers and Ordinary Members of the Committee by a ballot at the Annual General Meeting. The Constitution provides that the Trustees may fill any vacancies arising on the Committee. The Chairperson may only stand for re-election once. The other Officers and elected Ordinary Members may stand for re-election without restrictions.
On appointment and at any subsequent re-appointment thereafter, every Trustee is required to provide written confirmation to the Society of their consent to act as a Trustee of the Society and to confirm that they are not disqualified by law from acting as Trustee.
Each Trustee has been provided with a copy of the following publications issued by the
Charity Commission:
The Essential Trustee: What you need to know (CC3- May 2018) Charities and Public Benefit. The Charity Commission`s general Guidance on public benefit (PB1 Sep. 2013)
The Trustees give their time voluntary and receive no remuneration or other benefits.
Management of the Society
The management of the Society and the control of its funds are vested in a Committee consisting of:
The three Officers (Chairperson, Hon. Treasurer, Hon Secretary):
The five elected Ordinary Members (two representatives each from the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and the Bedford Sinfonia as well as the Publicity Coordinator. The Co-opted Members (Webmaster and Outreach Organiser); and the Ex-offico Members appointed by the Officers and elected Ordinary Members who advise the Trustees on the matters under discussion.
During the twelve months ended 31[st] July 2023, Michael Rose (Musical Director), served as an Ex-officio member.
The Committee had regular Zoom meetings.
Affiliations of the Society
The Society is a member of Making Music- The National Federation of Music Societies (Registered Charity Number 249219) which represents and supports amateur and semiprofessional music groups of all genres throughout the United Kingdom.
Section C: OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Aims of the Society:
The Society exists primarily to promote musical education in Bedfordshire. In furtherance of this aim, the Society runs two orchestras, the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and the Bedford Sinfonia
Principal Activities:
The Society regularly organises and promotes around ten classical music concerts each year in and around Bedford featuring performance by its two orchestras who are often joined by
established soloists of international repute as well as younger soloists embarking on their professional careers
Both orchestras regularly support other musical groups in and around Bedfordshire in their l training and performances.
Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in relation to these aims:
In accordance with section 2(1)b within section 3(1) of the Charities Act 2011 and the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, the Trustees have had regard to the guidance on public benefit issued by the Charity Commissioners when exercising any powers and duties to which the guidance would be relevant.
The Trustees believe that the Society conforms to the public benefit requirements of the Charity Commission. The reasons for this are:
The Society has charitable objectives which demonstrate public benefit in promoting the education, art, practice and public performance of music.
All individuals in the local community have the potential to benefit from the activities of the Society
There are no restrictions on the membership of the Society- anyone with an interest in music can become a non- playing member. Playing membership is restricted to those performing in the two orchestras.
The concerts promoted by the Society are open to all members of society without restriction.
Discount on ticket prices is offered to senior citizens, the unemployed, students and school children.
Short educational talks are often given at concerts
The Society gives assistance to other music groups in Bedfordshire in support musical education initiatives.
Section D: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCES
The year 2022-2023 has been no less challenging than the previous year, with some anticipated and other less predictable events happening along the way. Whilst normal service seems to have been resumed in part since the hiatus of Covid, we have still to see a return to pre-pandemic audiences. An audience survey taken at one of the BSO concerts indicated that the choice of programme was the most significant factor in drawing audiences, followed by the venue, (in this case The Corn Exchange, Bedford), with the conductor, soloist and ticket pricing attracting fewer votes. Many of those who completed
the survey had links to orchestral members. This highlights the importance of choosing programmes that are exiting for the orchestra to perform and interesting for audiences to hear.
The season started with Bedford Sinfonia performing a programme comprising Mozart Haffner Symphony, Shostakovich Piano Concerto No.2 and Hayden Symphony No.99 at St Andrews Church. This is not a usual venue, but it proved to b e a suitable alternative for Sinfonias smaller chamber concerts.
The first BSOI concert included Mendelssohns Ruy Blas Overture, Beethovens Piano Concerto No.4 (Stephen Meakin, soloist) and Rachmaninov`s Symphony No. 2
2022 marked 150 years since the birth of Ralph Vaughan Williams and a concert in November, given by the Bedford Choral Society and accompanied by the Bedford Sinfonia was a celebration of his music. The first half featured The Wasps Overture, Towards the Unknown Region and Serenade to Music. The second half comprised the lesser known Hodie, with soloists Elizabeth Bottone (Soprano), Phillip Salman (Tenor), Phillip Tebb (Bass), the Biddenham International School Choir, with their Musical Director Georgina Murphy.
The opening concert of 2023 saw Sinfonias wind players perform Mozarts Serenade in E Flat, K375. This followed by two of the societys stalwart soloists, Peter Hoare (tenor) and Brendan Thomas (horn), for Brittens Serenade for Tenor, Horn and strings. The finally to the concert was Beethovens Eroica (Symphony No.3).
The Societys conductor Micheal Rose chose the Februarys concert programme to celebrate his 50 years as conductor of the orchestra, with works by Rossini (Semirande); Schumann (Piano Concerto in A minor) and Brahms (Symphony No.4). Prior to the concert the Orchestra presented Micheal with framed autographs of Gounod and Stavinsky and an autographed sketch of Sir Thomas Beecham.
In a fitting nod to the transition out of winter into spring, March saw the Choral Society and Sinfonia put on a performance of Haydn`s The Seasons, with Rachel Nicholls (Soprano). Ben Johnson (Tenor) and Andrew Slater (Bass), conducted by Ian Smith.
The coronation Of King Charles III meant the planned Maty concert was moved forward to April. St Pauls Church, Bedford was able to accommodate the Sinfonia who performed Sibelius Pelleas et Melisande; Poulenc Organ Concerto and Beethovens Symphony No.7.
The concert in May was to be Micheal Roses last with the orchestra. In a dramatic turn of events, the booked soloist to play the Ravel piano concerto had to withdraw at short notice. Gabriele Sutkute was booked and played the Grieg Piano Concerto instead. At the end of the concert Baroness Young of Old Scone, the Societys Patron, said a few words of appreciation and confirmed Micheals appointment as Conductor Emeritus of the orchestra.
The final concert of the season was given by the Choral Society and Sinfonia and was a medley of American works by Samual Coleridge -Taylor (Petite Suite de Concert); Eric Whitacre (Five Hebrew Love Songs); Samuel Barber (Agnus Dei); Micheal Tippett (Five Spirituals from A Child of Out Time); Aaraon Copland (Appalachian Spring); and George
Gershwin arr. Charles Evans (Four Songs from Porgy and Bess).Solo parts were ably taken by members of the chorus.
On Sunday 2[nd] July, in the Recital Hall of Bedford School, members of Bedford Sinfonia accompanied four young soloists, winners from this years Festival of Music, Speech and Drama and the Rotary Young Musicians Competition: pianists Christian- Peter Hiemstra and Nelly Palmer, and violinist Farah Ashby and Harry LEstrange. This gives young players the experience of playing a movement of a chosen concerto with an orchestral accompaniment. It was the second time the event has taken place, following its successful inauguration last year.
Section E: FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial Activities and Results
Summary
2023, saw an increase in total receipts (£34,998) compared to the 2023 (£27,645) due in the main to the sale of more tickets. There was, however, a shortfall of (£2,753), principally due to a £6,000 increase in the cost of hiring soloists and extras.
Grants amounted to £2,500 from the Gale Family Charitable Trust.
Investment Policy
The Trustees have a policy for investments that states the Society may only invest in collective investment schemes promoted and marketed by the Charities Aid Foundation. The policy allows for up to 80% of the Society`s investments to be held in income funds. As at 31July 2023 the Society held 61% of its investments in income funds.
The policy is stated to be reviewed by the Trustees at least every five years. The policy is now overdue for a review.
Reserves Policy
The Reserves Policy remains unchanged and is as follows :-
Requirements for reserves: The Society commits to incur expenditure in the furtherance of its charitable objectives often significantly in advance of securing revenues/donations. The Trustees consider it prudent to hold reserves from which to meet shortfalls of receipts over payments should they occur.
Level of reserves: The Trustees consider it prudent to hold reserves that represent at least 75% of the expenditure of the previous year. Reserves in excess of 300% of the expenditure of the previous year could be considered excessive and therefore earmarked for expending on exceptional items in accordance with the charitable objectives.
Steps to be taken to maintain reserves within the agreed range: Year on Year the Trustees will endeavour to manage the affairs of the Society such that expenditure is at least matched by receipts. In any financial year where payments exceed receipts by an amount in excess of 20% of the aggregate amount of receipts for the year the Trustees will seek to reduce expenditure in future years to alleviate the deficit.
Arrangements for monitoring and reviewing the reserves policy: The Hon. Treasurer will report at the AGM compliance (or otherwise), with the Society`s reserve policy. The policy will be reviewed every five years.
Investment Policy: It is the policy of the Trustees to only invest in collective investment schemes promoted and marketed by the Charities Aid Foundation. Any investment decisions are to be taken by at least two of the Trustees acting jointly. It is the policy of the Trustees to diversify investments equally amongst growth and income funds. The policy will be reviewed at least every five years.
Investment Performance and Reserves
Over the twelve months to July 2023, no money was taken out of the society`s investments.
In the twelve months to July 2023, expenditure totalled £37,753 ( 2022 £25,957 ), while reserves as at 31[st] July 2023 totalled £37,265 ( 2022 £38,270 ), comprising investments in collective investment schemes of £32,965 (2022 £32,900 ) and cash at bank £4,300 (2022 £5370). Consequently, the Trustees remain in compliance of their Reserves Policy of holding at least 75% of the previous year`s expenditure in reserves.
SECTION F: TRUSTEES` RESPONSIBILITIES AND DECLARATION
Trustees` Responsibilities
The Trustees are required to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the transactions of the Society for that period. In preparing those financial statements, the Trustees are required to:
Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent
Prepare financial statement on a going concern basis, unless it is inappropriate to presume that the Society will continue to operate;
Follow applicable accounting standards, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements.
The Trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounts and records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time, the financial position of the Society, and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act). They are also responsible for the safeguarding of the Society and take reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and any irregularities.
The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the 2011 Act and that an independent is required.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they have approved the Annual Report and Financial Statements.
Date: By order of the Trustee
Clive Bachmanis
Hon. Treasurer
SECTION G: INDEPENDENT EXAMINER`S REPORT
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Bedfordshire Orchestral Society (the charity) for the year ended 31 July 2023 which are set out on page xxx and yy
Responsibility and basis of report
As trustees of the charity, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (the Act)
I report in respect of my examination of the charity`s accounts carried out under section 145 of the Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner`s statement
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
-
accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Act or:
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the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which my attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
John Sheehan
Date:
SECTION H: STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR
THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31 JULY 2021
| Year ended Year ended | |
|---|---|
| 31 July 2023 31 July 2022 | |
| Notes£ £ | |
| Receipts | |
| Donatons | 3 11,950 10,260 |
| Receipts from charitable actvites | 4 23,048 17,385 |
| Net receipts from investments | 5 - - |
| Total receipts | 34,998 27,645 |
| Payments | |
| Cost of actvites for charitable objectves37,753 25,957 |
|
| Total Payments | 37,753 25,957 |
| Net (payments) | (2,745) 1,688 |
| Gains and losses on revaluaton | - - |
| And disposal of investment assets | |
| Net movement in funds | (2~~,745) 1,68~~8 |
| Total Funds Brought Forward | 38,270 |
| Total Funds Carried Forward | 35,525 |
SECTION I: STATEMENT OF ASSETS AND LIABILITIES AS AT 31 JULY 2020 31 July 2023 31 July 2022 Notes £ £ Fixed assets Investments 7 32,965 32,900 32,965 32,900 Current assets Cash at bank and in hand 8 4,300 5,370 4,300 5,370 Total Fixed and current assets 37,265 38,270 Liabilities Nil Nil Date By order of the Trustees Clive Bachmanis Hon. Treasurer
Section J: NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE
(1) Accounting policies
In preparing the financial statement, the following accounting policies have been
Complied with:
-
(a) The financial statements have been prepared using the receipts and payments convention as permitted under section 122 0f the 2011 Act
-
(b) Quoted investments have been valued at market value at the date stated
(2) Taxation
The society is a registered charity and accordingly is exempt from taxation on its income and gains where they are applied for charitable purposes.
(3) Donations
Year ended Year ended 31 July 2023 31 July 2022 £ £ General donations - - Grants 7,000 6,110 Gift Aid - - Subscriptions 4,950 4,150 11,950 10,260
(4) Receipts from activities in furtherance of charitable objectives
Year ended Year ended 31 July 2023 31 July 2022 £ £ Ticket & programme sales 13,184 9,040 Performance fees 9,865 8,345 Advertising income - 550 ----------------------------------------------------------Other income 23,049 17,935 -
| **(5) ** | Receipts from Investments | |
|---|---|---|
| Year ended Year ended | ||
| 31 July 2023 31 July 2020 | ||
| £ £ | ||
| CAF Bank Interest | 244 262 | |
| - - |
(6) Cost of activities in furtherance of charitable objectives
Year ended Year ended 31 July 2023 31 July 2022 £ £ Artists 21,002 14,915 Programme printing 3,270 831 Music hire 3,268 3,220 Hall hire 7,814 6,427 Membership fees and insurance 1,293 141 Bank, postage & administrative expenses 167 258 Misc. - 938 165 --------------------------------------------------37,753 25,947
(7) Gains and losses on revaluation and disposal of investments
IM CAF IM CAF Total UK Equity Fixed Interest Fund Fund £ £ £ Value as at 1 August 2022 13,329 19,571 32,900 Dividends reinvested Investments - - - Disposals - - - Growth/(reduction) in value 418 (343) 65 Value as at 31 July 2023 13,747 19,228 32,965
(8) Cash at bank and in hand Year ended Year ended 31 July 2021 31 July 2020 £ £ CAF Bank Limited 4,300 5,370 Cash 140 130 4,440 5,500
Cash at bank of £2,359 is represented by a credit balance of £2359 with CAF Bank Limited and no unrepresented payments on 31 July 2021
- (9) As at 31 July 20231 the Society had total funds of £37,265 ( 2022 £38,270) represented by investments of £32,965 ( 2022 £32,900) and cash at bank and in hand of £4,440 ( 2022 £5,500) . All funds were unrestricted.