BEDFORDSHIRE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY TRUSTEES. ANNUAL REPORT FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31" JULY 2024 SECTION A: REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATION DETAILS Charity name: BEDFORDSHIRE ORCHESTRALSOCIETY {the "Society"") Registered Charity Number= 262813 Other name the Society 15 known by.. Bedford Symphony Orchestra; Bedford Sinfonia Contact addre55 of the Society.. Dominic Mills & Co. 11 Grove Place, Bedford, MK40 3JJ Email.. enquiries@bedfordsymphony.com Website.. www.bedfordsymphony.com Trustees Thp following individuals served as Trustees during the twelve months ended 31 july 2024 Chairperson.. Louise Radok Bedford Sinfonia Representative: Dominic Mills, Honorary Treasurer: Clive Bachmanis Elerted Ordinary Membèrs ofthe committee for the 12 month ended 31 July 2024 were: Honorary Secretary: Nicola Phillips Bedford Symphony Orchestra Representatives: julia Robinson. Caroline Cartwright Publicity Coordinator: Benjamin Phillips Eledford Sinfonia Representatives-. Benjamin Phillips Ex-officio Members: Caroline Waters, Alex Collins Bankers: CAF Bank Limited. Kings Hill, West Mallin8, Kent, ME19 4TA Solicitors: Dominic Mills & Co. 11 Grove Place, Bedford, MK40 3JJ Independent Examiner- John Sheehan, FCA. 42 Mallard Hill Bedford MK41 7QR
Section B: STRUCTURE. GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Description of the Society's Trusts The Trustees of the Society are the ihree officers and the five elected Ordinary Members of the Committee leach a Trustee and together the 'Trustees l. In accordance with the Constitution. each year the membership of the Society elects the offi.cers and Ordinary Member5 of the Committee by a ballot at the Annual General Meetr"ng. The Constitution provides that the Trustees may fi.ll any vacancies arising on the Committee. The Chairperson is eliEible to servo in this capacity for a maximum consecutive period of h.ve years after which period he/5he may be re-elected as an Ordinary Member. The other offi'ters and elected Ordinary Members may stand fof re-election without restrictions. On appointment and at any subsequent re-appointment ihereafter. evL'ry Trustee is required to provide written confirmation lo the Society of their consent to act as a Trustee of the Society and to conh'rm that they are not disqualih'ed by law from acting as Trustee. Each Trustee has been provided with a copy of the following publication5 Issued by the Charity Commission: The Essential Trustee.. What you need to know ICC3- May ?0181, Charities and Public Beneflt. The Charity Commission s general Guidance on public benefit IP81 Sep. 20131. The Trustees 8ive their time voluntarily and receive no remuneration or oiher benefits. Management of the Soclety The management of the Society and the control of its funds ore vested in a committee consisting of: The three Offi'cers (Chairperson, Hon. Treasurer. Hon Secreiaryl.. The five elected Ordinary Members Itwo representatives each from ihe Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and the Bedford Sinfonia as well as the Publicity Coordinator. The co.opted Members (Webmaster and Outreach Organiserl: and the Ex-officio Members appointed by the Officers and elected Ordinary Members who advise the Trustee5 on the matters under discussion. During the twelve months ended 31st July 2024, the orchestras welcomed 4 guest conductors, none served a5 an Ex-officio member. The Committee had regular Zoom meetin85. Affiliations of the Societv The Society is a member of Making Music- The National Federation of Music Societies (Registered Charity Number 2492191 whiih represents and supports amateur and semi- professional music groups of all genres throughoul the United Kingdom.
Section C: OBJECTIVES AND AcfiviTIES Aims of the Society: The society exists primarily to promote musical education in Bedfordshire. In furtherance of this aim, the Society run5 two orchestras, the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and the Bedford Sinfonia. Principal Attivities- The Society re8ularly 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 establishod soloists of international repute as well as younger s01oist5 embarking on their professional career5. Both orchestras regularly support other musical groups in and around Bedfordshire in their training and performances. Summary of the main activities undertaken for the public benefit in ielats.on to these aims.. In accordance with section 2lllb within section 3111 of the Charities Act 20113nd the Charitr'es IAccounts and Reports) Regulation5 2008. the Trustees have had regard to the Buidance on public benelit issued by the Charity Commissioner5 when exercising any powers and duties to which the guidonce would be relevant. The Trustees believe that the Societv conforms to the public benefit requirements of the Charity Commission. The reasons for this are.. The Sociely has charilable objects'vcs which demonstrate public benefi't in promoting the education, art, practice and public performance of music. All Individuals in thp local community have the potenrial to beneh't from the activities ot the Sociely. There ère no restrictions on the membership of the Society- anyone with an interest in music can become non- playing member. Playing membership is restricted to Ihose performing in the two orchestras who meet the age and playing standard requirernents. The conccrts promoted bv the Society are open to all members of the public without restriction. DiscDunt on ticket prices 15 offered to senior citizen5, the unemployed, students and school children. Short educational talk5 are often given èt concerts. The Sotiety gives a55lStance to other music group5 in Bedfordshire in support of musical education initiatives.
Section D: ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCES Following Michael Rose'5 retirement at the end of the 2022-23 season, we were most fortunate in securing the services of two familiar face5 as interim conductors for this season, namely, Uwe Radok for BSO, and lan Smith for BS. whilst we went through the proces5 of selecting a permanent conductor for BSO. This wa5 expected to take up the whole sea50n, so the process of looking for a permanent conductor for Sinfonia was postponed for the time being. The season began with a welcome return to St Paul's Church for the first Sinfonia concert. conducted by lan Smith. The pro8ramme included Jarnefelt'5 Praeludium and Berceuse, Maxwell Davi5'5 An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise, complete with bagpiper processing down the aisle in full regalia, Dag Wirén Serenade for Strings (used as the signature lune for TV'5 'Monitor' In the 1950s and 605, for those of us old enough to remefftberll, and Mende155ohn Symphony No. 3 (The Scothshl. November saw the first BSO concert, which began with the Overture Les Francs-Juees by Hector Berlioz. This was followed by a superb ptrrformance by local profession31 Daniel Curzon ol the Glière Horii Concerto lincidentally. Daniel wa5 a former pupil of the evening's conductor Uwe Radokl. The proRramme concluded with Vaughan Williams. Symphony No. 2 IA London Symphony). The enthusiastic applause of the audience truly reflected the hi8h quality of all the performers. The following week, Sinfonia accompanied Bedford Choral Society in a progromme cornprising Brahms Tragic Overture. a selection of Brentano Lieder by Richard Straus5, expertly sung by local soprano. Rebecca Bottone, and Brahms German Requiem, for which Rebecca was joined by Bass Daniel Barrett. The choir was in h'ne voice, and it was a rousing performance. The next concert of the season started with Vaughan Williams Wasps" Overture, followed by the Britten 'Nocturne', for tenor solo and seven obligato instruments, and strings. The original tenor, Peter Hoare. had had to withdraw. but we were most fortu nate that james Gilchrist agreed to step in. His interpietation proved to be a delight, and after Michael, who had returned as guest conductor, skilfully conducted the Haydn Vaiiations, the concert ended with a rousing rendition of Mozart's Symphony No. 35 IHaffnerl- Due to scheduling difficultie5, the date for the second BSO concert had to be changed. and the only date the Corn Exchange was available was Sunday Iolh March (Mother's Dayl. This was lo be Uwe's h'nal concert as interim conductor, and he chose works that were particularly poignant for him - the Irttle-known Schumann Overture, Scherzo, and Finale, Op. 52, Faure's Pelléas et Melisande Suite. Op. 80, and M2hler'5 Syrnphony No. 4 in G Major, with Lothe Greenhow as soprano soloist. The contrasting Styles of the piece5 worked especially well, the orchestra pulled out all the stops, and the performance was truly
memorable. We gave Uwe a vote of thanks and made a small presentation at the end of the final rehearsal. The last concert before the Easter break involved the Choral Society and Sinfonia in an eclectr"c programrne.. Lauridsen's Lux Aeterna. Britten's Simple Symphony, and Goodall's Eternal Light, with soloists Elizabeth Bottone Isopranol and Philip Tebb IFlas$1. This had been a diffi.cult programme for the Choral Society at rehearsèls, but they more than rose to the occasion when the tsme came. Sinfonia returned to St Paul's Church on 411 May for a concert with a European flavour, encompassing Italy, Germany and the Czech Republic in the lirst half. with Rossini's overture The Italian (iirl in Algiers, Wagner's beautiful Siegfried Idyll, and Dvorak's Czech Suite Op. 39. This was followed by Austria, with Schubert's 4th Symphony after the interval. 11 was a fittin8 linale to the last of the instrumental only concerts given by Sinfonia this season. 850 gave it5 third concert on 18 May. This wa£ the culmination of the year-long process to find 3 permanent conductor to replace Michael Rose. In the first half, Bjorn Bantock conducted Schubert's 8" Symphony (the 'unh'nished'l, followed by Brahms Academic Festival Overture. After iho interval, Cathal Garvey conducting Brahms, Symphony No. 2. There were several interesting moments both during the afternoon rehearsal and in the concert itse.If, and once voting had been concluded, it was evident ihat the orchestral opinion Wds loo divi(led for an appointmcnt to be madp. With such an important deLision at stake, it was decided that the process should continuL inlo the 2024-25 season. Our Society's mi55ion is to encourage musit educatr.on throughout Bedfordshire. We were very pleased, therefore, for members of Bedford Sinfonia to be asked, onte again, to provide the orchestral accompaniment for four young 5010isis. winners from the 8edlordshire Festr'val of Music, Speech and Drama and the Rotary Young Musician Competition. The event look place on Sunday 16, Junc in the Recital Hall at Bedford School. This year's soloists were very strong: piènists Aaron Lim and Yazdi Madon played. respectively, the first movement of Grie6'5 Piano Conc.e.rt0 3nd Rachmaninoff's I'- piano concerto, arbd violinists Elias Demetrius- Louisy and Farah Ashby played. correspondinEly. 83ch's Violin Conterto in A minor13trd movementl and the I" movement of Bruch's Violin Concerlo in G minor. lan Sfflith expertly conducted and advised and encouraged the young soloi5t5. Many thanks go to all the volunteer5 from Sinfonia who 8ave up their tt.me so generously. Sinfonia's tinal exhilarating concert on 22Dd June rounded off the whole season. The programme started with the orchestra playing Sibelius's Finlandia. Ihis was followed by Francis Poulenc'5 Glvri(I, Wlth soprano soloist Katherine Crompton. After the interval, Bedford Choral Society were joined by Bedford Youth Chorus for a rousing rendition of Carl Orff's quirky Carmina Burana, with soloists Katherine Crompton Isopranol.. Joseph Doodv Itenorl, and Edward Grint (Bassl. A fi'tting end to a most enjoyable season.
Section E.. FINANCIAL REVIEW Financial Activities and Results Summary 2023-24 season saw a fall of £9300 in total receipts1£25,7121 compared to the 2022-23 season1£34,9991 which is mostly accounted for by havin8 received less in grants and donations IE40001 and lower ricket sales1£40001. The cost of the society's activitr'es in 2023-24 was £36.141 therefore the Society made 31055 of £10,429 over the 23-24 season. Grant5 amounted to £1.750 from the Gale Family Charitable Trust and £1186 from various other sources. 2024-25 season.. ESetween 2020 and 2024, the cveryday acrivi)p.s of BOS continued after Covid in terms 01 putkn'ng on concerts and runnin8 reliearsals, but there was a lack of volunteer5 to assist, and it was impossible to take on the longer.term development and strategic tasks. Furthermore, due to illne55 and a reduced Committee, the Chair was in a positt'on of complekn'ng almost all tasks single-handedly. An almost Complete chanF,e in the makeup of the Committee in November 2024 was another major change and a period of ddaplation was required to understand how things had been working. Once again. Ihe locus remained on putrin8 on concert5. Howevpr, since lanu¢iry 2025, systems have been investigated. responsibilities are being defined more clearly and whilst there is sh'll work to do. many aspects nf the organisatr'on have been evaluated and are being adapted Teady for the new season in September 2025. Measures incltsde.. fully costed programme planning, more rigorous membership subscripts'on collection, social media and ticket sales strate8ies. collaboration with local enterprises with similar missions, funding applicabons and sponsorship opportunities. venue hire review. In conclusion, the Committee is now much more conlident that they have almosl all the personnel and planning in plaie to move forward into the near future ond is forecasring a small operating prolit for the 25-26 season.
Statement of recelpts and payments for the twelve months ended 31st July 2024* "Fund allDcaiioTrs IromAGM iesuIIs 1611012c24aoiusied io reconcilewith TAR èccounr5fiomAc¢umuliis AccountancyLtd Recelpt5 2023 Cost otActivrtie5 2023 SubscTlPtions 4.675.00 4.950.00 Artists 21714.35 21,Qts2.43 ograrnffle priniingiAdyertising Grants & Donation5 2.935.S7 7.000.00 73.50 3.269.99 Ticke15 & Programme Sales 9,115.04 13.183.94 Music Hire 2256.29 3,267.78 Perforfflance Fe 8,634.00 9.865.00 Hall Hire 9.048.46 7,813.70 Bank Intero5t 112.00 MeffljershlpmIsC 668.15 2.231.45 Misc. 240a9 BonAdmIn 18 267.5Q 25.712.00 34.998.94 36,141.0 37, 752.85 Cash at Ban 24.181.32 Pettycash 24.330.82 Investment Policy The Trustees have a policy for investments that states the Society may only invest in collective investment schemes promoted and fflarketed by the Charits'es Aid Foundation. The policy allows for up to 800A of the Society s investments to be held in income fund5. A5 of 31st July 2023 the Society held 61% of its investments in income funds. The policy is stated io be reviewed by the Trustees at least every five years. The policy is now overdue for a review. The Society did not hold investments as of 315t July 2024.
Reserves Policy The Reserves Policy remains unchan8ed and is a5 follows: uirements for reserves: The Society commits to incur expenditure in the further3nce of its charitable objectives often signiticantly in advance of securing revenues/donations. The Trustees consider it prudent to hold reserves from which to meet shorttalls of receipt5 over payments should they occur. Level of reserves.. The Trustees consider it prudent to hold reserves that represent at least 75°k of the expenditure of the previous year. Reserves more than 300% of the expenditure of Ihe previous year could be considered exce55ive and therefore earmarked for expending on exceph'onal item5 in accordance with the charitable objectives. Ste s to be taken to maintain Yeserves within the reed ran e.. Year on Year the Trustees will endeavour to manage the affair5 ol the Society such that expenditure is at least matched by receipts. In any financial year where payments exceed receipts by an amount moro than 20% of Ihe aggregate amount of receipts for the year the Trustees will seek to reduce expenditure in future years to allevi3te the defi'cit. Arran ements for monitorin nd reviewin the reserves The Hon. Treasurer will report at tho AC?M compliance lor otherwisel, with the Society 5 reserve policy. The policy will be reviewed every five years 3nd is due for review. Investment Poli It is the policy of the Trustees to only invest In collettive inve£lment schemes promoted and marketed by ihe 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 and is due for review. Reserves The Society's bank reserves were £34,759 at the start of 23-24 season and were £24,330 at the end of 23-24. The Society does f)ot hold any investments. Therefore, total reserves = £24,330 on 31%1 July 2024. Expenditure for the 23-24 season = £36,141 The Society was therefore in breach of its Reserves Policy a5 It ended the fi.nancial year with le55 than 75Yo of the previous year s expenditure in reserves. Please See p6 Section E
Financial Review "2024-25 Season" for details of chanEe5 which BOS Committee began in 24- 25 in order to address the financial dehcrts which arose in 23-24 and 24-25 and rebuild reserves from 25-26.
SECTION F: SUMMARY STATEMENT OF RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS FOR THE TWELVE MONTHS ENDED 31JULY 2024 Full details are available in "Trustees Report and Unaudited Accounts" prepared by Accumulus Accountancy Ltd. Please contact Bedfordshire Orchestral Souetv chair ' bedfords 'in lion. .com Total funds 2024 Total funds 2024 Total funds 2023 Income and endowments from: oonaty.ons and legacies Charilable aCrivitt'e5 Other 2,936 22,664 112 2,936 22,664 112 27,999 Totsl 25,712 25,712 34,999 Expendlture on: Charitable activiries Other 24,656 11.485 24,656 11,485 26.501 11,251 Total Net gains on investmenl5 Net expÈndSture Transfers betweerb funds 36,141 36.141 37,752 110.4291 110,4291 12,7531 Net expenditure beforè other galnsll1055es1 Other gains and 1055èS 110,4291 110,4291 12,7531 Net movement In funds 110.4291 110.4291 12,7531 Reconciliation of funds: Total funds brought forward 34.759 35,759 37,512 Totsl funds carried forward 24.330 24,330 34,512 10
5EcfioN G: INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the Bedfordshire Orchestral Society I'the charity") for the year ended 31 July 2024, which ale set out in the financial report prepared by Accumulus Accountancy limited, summarised in Section F, above. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of Ihe 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 Acll and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility fo.. examine the accounts under seciion 145 of the Charities Act; to follow the procetjures laid down in the geneial Directions given by the Charity Commission (under 8Pf,tion 14515llbl ol the Charities Act.. and to state whether particular malters havc come ro my allention. Basis of independent examiner's statement My &xamination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includL's a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison ol the accounts presented with those rocords. li also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in Ihe accounts, and seeking explanaiions from the trustees concerning any such matiers. The procedures undeftakcn do not provide all the evidence thdt would be iequired In an audit. and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts prcsent a 'lrue and lair, view and the report is limited LO those matters set out In the statement below. Independent examiner's statement I n connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention- 1. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect. the requirements: to keep accounting records in accordance with sectiorh 130 of the Charities Act- and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting recoids 2nd comply with the 2ccounti ng requifements of the Charities Act. have not been met. or 2. to which. in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order lo enable 8 proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. John Sheehan FCA 42 Mallard Hill Bedfurd. MK41 7QR 8 May2025 12
SECTION H: TRUSTEES. RESPONSIBILITIES AND DECLARATION Trustees Responsibilities The Trustee5 are required to prepare fi.nancial statements far each fi"nanci31 year which give true and lair view of the transactions of the Socicty for thal period. In preparing those finoncial statements. tho Truslees are required to.. Select suitable accountir)g policies and apply them con515lontlv Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent Prepare fi'nancial statement on a going concern basis. unle55 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 dny tiwne, Ihe h"nancial posih'on of the Society, and enable them to ensure that the h'nancial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011 Ithe .2011 Act-'l. They are also rosponsible for the safeguarding of the Socieiy and take reasonable steps for the preventr'on of fraud and any irregularitie5. The Trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144121 of the 2011 Act and that an independent examination is required as carried out by john Sheehan in Section G. Declaration The Trustee5 declare that they have approved the Annual Report and Financial Statements. Date: Dominic Mills Bedfordshire Orchestral Society Committee Member 13