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
Meffljershlp￿mIsC
668.15
2.231.45
Misc.
240a9
Bon￿AdmIn
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