HDIOS Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society Trustees, Report for 2020/2021 and Accounts for the year ended 31S July 2020 Content5 2021 AGM Agenda Minutes ofthe 2020 AGM Reports by Trustees on Society Activities Financial accounts for year ending 31" July 2020 Signed on behalf of the Trustees MrsPMLay Honorary Secretary Mrc Bell Chairman of Trustees
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THE 102" ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE HERTFORD DRAMATIC AND OPERATIC SOCIETY WILL BE HELD BY VIDEO-CONFERENCE ON WEDNESDAY 16" JUNE 2021 at 8.00pm AGENDA 1. To confirm and Sign the minutes ol the 101 St Annual General Meeting. 2. Mallers Arising 3. To consider the report ol the Trustees and sub-committees 4. To consider the Treasurer's report. 5. To elect a Presidenl 6. To elect Vice-Presidents 7. To elect the following Officers= Hon. Secretary Hon. Treasurer Hon. Membership Secretary Hon. Librarian and Recorder Hon. Independent Examiners121 8. To elecl= The Trustees Electrical Manager Properties Manager Wardrobe Manager Workshop Manager Slalemenl on Covid-19 10. Sialemenl on the Hertlord Theatre Closure 12. Any other business NOTE In accordance with Rule 20lcl, candidates for election musl be nominated by two members ol the Society and nominations in writing must reach the Secretary, Pal Lay, 33 Hollybush Lane, Datchworth, Knebworth, Herts. SG3 6RE, by the 9th June 2021. The consent ol the candidate musl be obtained before nomination and il is requested that such nominations should indicate the aspects ol the Society in which the nominee is inleresled.
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HERTFORD DRAMATIC AND OPERATIC SOCIETY PRESIDENT Pat Lay PAST PRESIDENTS P. Longmore OBE 1919140 Mrs. Z. Driver MBE 1971 L. Purkiss Ginn 1945147 Mr. H. A. Westmore 1972 Mrs. W. S. Hoare 1948 Mrs. D. Clark 1973 Mr. P.H. Ilott 1949 Mr. F. T. B. Wills DFM 1974 Mrs. D. Burgess 1950 Mrs. P. Sledge 1975 Mr. W. S. Hoare 1951 Mr. G. V. Hale 1976 Mrs. P. H. Ilott 1952 Mrs. S. Tomlin 1977 Mr. T. Barber 1953 Mr. P. N. K. Wells 1978 W.A. L. Jackson 1954 Mrs. B. P. Redwood 1979 Mrs. J. G. L. Evans 1955 J. Goodland 1980 H. Wallis-Nichols 1956 Mrs. A. Wells 1981 Mrs. A. G. Blakes 1957 P. J. Keogh 1982 E. A. Williams 1958 Mrs. D. Game 1983 Mrs. E. Fullager 1959 S. Onyon 1984 Mr. E. L. Porteus 1960 Mrs. M. A. Archer 1985 Mrs. E. Purkiss-Ginn JP 1961 Mr. R. G. Archer 1986 Mr. E. E. Ashman 1962 Mrs. M. Hale 1987 Mr. G. W. Brighten 1963 Mr. L. Sledge 1988 Mrs. A. M. Tidd 1964 Miss. J. Jolly 1989 Mr. M. V. Puleslon 1965 Mr. R. Dapp 1990 Mrs. H. V. Mellows 1966 Mrs. D. Keogh 1991 Mrs. B. Wingale 1967 N. Parry 1992 P. G. Tomlin 1968 Miss. D. Ison 1993 Mrs. G. Wills 1969 A. Coyslon 1994 Mr. N. A. Parker 1970 Ms. S. Newland 1995 M. K. Grewcock 1996 Mrs. J. Crossley 1997 B. Bales 1998 Mrs. S. Bennett 1999 Mr. J. Fennell 2000 Mrs. P. Steadman 2001 Mr. J. Dore 2002 Mrs. P. Coyston 2003 J. W. Roberts 2004 Mrs. J. A. Laidler 2005 K. Morbey 2006 Mrs. J. Barton 2007 G. Crossley 2008 Ms. M. J. Tomlin 2009 Mr. J. Laidler 2010 Ms. S. Hanlke 2011 Mr. M. Budd 2012 Mrs. C. Nicholson 2013 Mr. G. Lay 2014 Miss K. Ayres 2015 N. Mayes 2016 Mrs L. Burnett 2017 C. Bell 2018 VICE-PRESIDENTS Mr R G Archer Miss K Ayres Mrs J Barton Mr C Bell Mrs S Bennell Mr M Budd Mrs L Burnell Mr A Coyston Mrs P Coyston Mr G Crossley Mrs J Crossley Mr J Dore Mr J Fennell Mrs S Fennell Mrs D Game Ms S Hantke Mrs D Keogh Mrs J Laidler Mr GLay Mr N Mayes Mr K Morbey Mrs C Nicholson Mr S Onyon Mr N Parry Mr J W Roberts Mrs P Steadman Ms M J Tomlin Mrs S Tomlin Mrs A Wells LIFE MEMBERS Mr J W Roberts R G Archer Mrs D Game Mrs S Tomlin Mrs A Wells Mrs P Sleadman Mr A Goyston Mrs P Goyslon Mrs J Laidler Mr S Onyon
MINUTES OF THE 101" ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF HERTFORD DRAMATIC AND OPERATIC SOCIETY th HELD ON WEDNESDAY 24 JUNE 2020 BY VIDEO-CONFERENCE AND SOCIAL MEDIA DUE TO COVID-19 OUTBREAK Allendees on Zoom were: Ken Alllord Kalerina Ayres Julia Barton Clive Bell Malcolm Budd Liane Burnell Carly Cousins David Cousin8 Andrew Coyslon Penny Coyslon David Curling Jerry Fennell Sally Fennell Davina Foster Annie Gaudencio Sue Hanlke Alan Hobbs Brenda Hobbs Amanda Howard Graham Lay Pat Lay Abby Lowman Jim Markey Julie Markey Nik Mayes Elaine Miller Cheryl Nicholson Steve Onyon Jenny Reynolds David Ronco Beverley Tapper Mary-Jane Tomlin Lynne Warrilow Aiiendees by Facebook were- Joan Laidler- William Lay Apologies were received from.. Clive Barton Gordon Crossley Joan Crossley Natasha Easton Louise Kirtley Jackie Noble Jenny Reynolds Shirley Richardson Pal Steadman Sally Tomlin The meeting was opened by the President, Pat Lay, who welcomed everyone lo this histori¢ meeting - the first AGM in the history of the Society lo be held by means ol video link. Pal atx)logised that the meeting was having lo be held on-line due to the Covid-19 outbreak and thanked everyone for tnaking the effort lo attend, by the various means possible, though il was regrettable that il could not be the social occasion it normally was when held al Bentley House. She asked everyone lo log their allendance and to send messages by email, phone or lexl message to record attendance and apologies, which would be accepted subsequent to the meeting. She also thanked those people who had taken the trouble to complete and return their voting forms in advance of the meeting. A total of 26 voting forms had been received. some ol which nominated Clive Bell as proxy and those forms had been forwarded lo Clive lor him to record his voles during the meeting. th Minutes of 100 AGM The Minutes were agreed subject to one amendment- Cheryl Nicholson's name had been omitted from the list ol people allending. This was amended and the minutes were signed. Acceptance ol the Minutes was proposed by Louise Kirtley, seconded by Lynne Warrilow. Clive Bell submilled the proxy voles which were added to the lolal received by the Secretary, the lolal voles carrying the motion lo accept the minutes ol the 1 Oolh AGM.. 2. Matters Arising The Secretary had not received any notice of matters arising prior to the meeting.
- Report of the Truslees This was normally the point in the meeting when the outgoing President would give a presentation on their activities during the year. This year had been unprecedented in the life ol the Society and much ol il would be covered elsewhere in the Agenda. The President, Pal Lay, slated that, given the somewhat different circkjmslances, she would just make a lew comments to summarise the main issues. The year had started very well. The first main event lor the Society had been the Centenary Dinner at the Conservatory. Ware Priory on 21 Sl September 2019. The Social committee had W0ed very hard on this and Pat was delighted to say that it had been a great success. The room looked beautiful and had been made very much 'our' space with the wonderful displays of archive material, thanks lo Penny Coyslon. People had brought along their own special memories to share with everyone on the memory board and there had been some new and unique material on display. It had been lovely lo see old friends catching up with each other, though il had made il dillicull to get everyone lo stop chatting and go lo their respective lablesl She was, however, very happy lo lake that as a mark ol the success of the evening. Sieve Beeston provided a lovely set ol photographs lor the archive as a memento ol the evening and Pat had received a great many positive comments and lellers of thanks afterwards. Pal wished to record an enormous 'Thank You, to everyone who had helped in any way lo make that the memorable evening that it was. We had then gone on to have three very successful shows starting with SisterAct in October. This had been very well received by our audiences and had proved a wonderfully uplilling show lo watch, and, she gathered, a very happy production all round. This had been followed in November by A Vicar ol Dibley Ghristn7as- The Second Goming which had also enjoyed great success. Doing a sequel was always fraught with risks bul the audience had seemed very happy to come back for a second helping and, once again, feedback had been excellent. In January, we had pul on The Sleeping Beauty pantomime and, having allended the auditions in July at which a very strong and talented cast had been assembled, she knew that this, loo, would go on lo be a winner. She had attended with our dignitary guests who had thoroughly enjoyed the traditional family entertainment and had been sporting enough to join in enthusiastically. She commended all those involved in the production. She and Graham had also spent a delightful Sunday morning attending the Young Idea Christmas Showcase, at which they had, once again, been amazed al the talent and creativity displayed by our younger members. She recorded her thanks lor the invitation and congratulated those involved. She commented that 'Start as you mean lo go on" was not a bad tenet to live by and we had had every intention of continuing this vein ol success bul then il had all been taken out of our hands. With Going Green just two weeks away from production, it had started to become obvious that the Covid-19 pandemic would have major ellecls on our lives and we had started having discussions about whether we should proceed. Just a lew days later, aller we had made the difficult and Èmotional decision lo postpone, Ihealres everywhere had been closed down, and whilst that had reinforced our knowledge that the right decision had been taken, it had not made il any easier lor a cast and crew poised on the brink of performan¢e. The impa¢l ol the Covid-19 pandemic would be covered elsewhere in the Agenda so she would pick this up later, bul it had Certainly made for a regrettably unique year in the history ol the Society. She was just so glad that we had managed to celebrate our Centenary year in such a worthy manner before it struck. There had been other events which had taken plaTr and which she had managed to attend as President.. the Ware Summer Concert, celebrating their 50th anniversary,. the Remembrance Day ceremony in Hertford and service in All Saints, Church,. the launch of the East Herts Year of Culture during which the inlenlion had been lo do much lo raise the profile of all things cultural in our region ol Hertfordshire - this loo had sadly come lo grief and il was lo be hoped that all the work which had gone into laying the foundations lor greater inleraclion among groups would bear fruit once activity resumed again- she and Graham had allended the NOSCARS evening at Martinswood School, at which OLJr own Kale Ayres and Joe Savill had won the awards in the categories in which they had been nominated- congratulations were extended lo them on their well-deserved SLJccess- our own Quiz evening and Darts match, two very enjoyable social gatherings", and finally, the Mayor's Charity Dinner at the beginning of March, which had been the last function she had attended as President, just as the pandemic was making ils presence fe. UnlortLJnalely, HD&OS
represenlalives had been too late with their application lo secure lickels for the NODA Gala luncheon, bul she was delighted that Steve Onyon and team had won the award for Best Technical Sel Design lor Vicar of Dibley- The Second Coming, which was very well deseNedl After that, all activities had ceased and she would just like lo thank everyone who had worked hard lo keep the Society going throughout these difficult limes. 11 was also her very sad duly lo report the death this year of several people who had made significant conlribution to the life ol our Society.. First of all, Derek Forbes, who had acted and dire¢ted many times with HD&OS and had been in51rumenlal in organizing the Pageant in 1973 to Celebrate the meeting of the first Synod of the English Church in 673AD. Se¢ondly, we had heard of the dealh of Margaret Archer, ex-Presidenl and member, whose conlribution lo HD&OS had been inestimable. She had been a wonderful actor as well as an ex¢ellenl Cook and her organisalional skills were legendary. She had been a genuine driving force and a powerhouse of energy. Pat commenled that Margaret and her husband Roy had made herself and Graham most welcome when they joined the Society back in the late 1980s and they would remember her with great affection and admiration. On 11th April, Linda Radlord had passed away in the Isabel Hospi¢e after a long and very brave light against cancer. Linda had worked backstage on several of our shows and in recent years had taken up the mantle ol Secretary of OLJr Hertford Theatre Week Committee. A Town Councillor and ex-mayor ol Hertford, her contribution lo the life of Hertford had been immeasurable. We had also heard ol the death ol Joan Beagles, whom some people may remember as Joan Goodland, Friend ol the Society, who had been associated with HD&OS since Corn Exchange days, mainly through her husband at the lime. Despite underlying health issues affecting her lungs. she had continued to be a loyal supporter of our shows. Joan's health problems sadly had rendered her vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus and she had paSSj away in hospital. Finally, on Sunday 24th May. Monica Hale, another long-standing member and ex-President. who had done so much lor HD&OS over the years, had passed away peacefully, aged 96, in the care home in which she had lallerly been resident. Monica would be well-remembered by our older members as she & her husband, Gordon, had both worked Front of House on all our productions over many years. A member of HD&OS since the 1940's, Monica had also perfomied on stage in shows in her younger years and had always supported our shows until she had had to move into the Care Home. Together with several other members ol the Society, Pal and Graham had been able lo allend the memorial service for Derek at the Friends, Meeting House in Hertford on 2th February 2020. However, due to the Covid pandemic, there had been no opportunity since then lo arrange or allend memorial services and il had not been possible to pay one's respects lo these members. She hoped that once life returned to normal, il may be possible lo do so, il the families were lo decide lo hold a memorial service. In the meantime, she did not propose lo pause the on-line meeting, but instead urged everyone lo find a moment alter the meeting lo pause and remember them and their contribution to HD&OS with allection and graiftude. That concluded her remarks on the events of the year. In advance of the meeting, she had not received any comments on the retx)rts. The adoption of the Trustees, report was proposed by Sue Hanlke, seconded by Julia Barton. Clive Bell submilled the proxy voles which were added to the total received by the Secretary, the total voles carrying the motion to accept the Report. The President's award Normally. al this point in the meeting, the President would announce the recipient ol the Zillah Driver President's award, bul il had been decided lo suspend this lor a year, given the dillicull
circumstances. In lieu ol that, Pat would just like to mention a lew people who deserved special thanks for all their efforts during the year.. First of all. Graham Lay, who had worked tirelessly lo pul in place the technology which had enabled the Society lo continue with Trustees, meetings and with other events on Zoom so that we could continue lo manage the Society and maintain contact. Also. his input into the reslrucluring ol the AGM had been enormous, including the design ol the forms and the processes. Se¢ondly, Sue Hantke and Clive Barton for Iheir efforts in continuing lo produce and distribute a lively and informative Newsletter which had helped to keep contact with the membership. Also, lor Iheir help in preparing, printing and distributing the large amount of information lor the AGM. Thirdly to all the people who had been popping in lo Bentley HoLJse during the lockdown lo keep an eye on the premises, perform upkeep tasks and ¢olle¢t and dislribute mail.. Steve Onyon, Penny and Andrew Goyslon, Clive and Julia Barton, Sue Hantke and anyone else she had missed. Fourthly, Julie Markey, lor stepping up to the plate when ticket sales for Panto had been perilously low and lor putting in an enormous amount ol work to gel audiences in- so esgent121 lor the success of a pantomime. Also. Julie had recently organized a Zoom quiz and a very enjoyable play-reading of The Importance of Being Earnest, with more lo follow. Pal thanked Julie for laking that on. All these things had made a hLJge difference during such challenging and difficLJlt times and she expressed her thanks lo everyone lor their conlribulion. 4. Treasurerfs Report The Secretary had not received any comments or questions on the accounts and Treasurerfs report in advance of the meeting Pal thanked David Curling lor all his hard work on the accounts during the year, especially as health issues during the pandemic had made life very diff icull for him. Adoption of the report was proposed by Graham Lay-, seconded by Lynne Warrilow. and unanimously agreed. Clive Bell submitted the proxy voles which were added to the total received by the Secretary, the total votes carrying the motion to accept the Report. 5. Eleclion of President As the last year had represented a most unusual sel ol events in the history ol the Society, Trustees had had lo make some radical decisions. Normally, this would be the point in the proceedings al which the outgoing President would give a resumé of the proposed President's life within HD&OS. Unsurprisingly, this year would be somewhat different. In view ol the fact that all HD&OS show activities had ceased in early March due to the Covid-19 outbreak, Pal had been unable to undertake the majority of the customary duties associated with one's year as Presiijent. It was not expected at the time of the meeting that normal activity would resume until al least the end ol the year, so there would be nothing lor an incoming President to do. Accordingly, Trustees had asked that she continue as President for the coming year. Therefore, the nomination lor President lor the coming year was Pal Lay, proposed by Clive Bell, seconded by Mary-Jane Tomlin. Clive Bell submilled the proxy voles which were added lo the total received by the Secretary, the total voles carrying the motion lo re-elect Pal Lay lo serve a second year as President. Pal thanked everyone for their support and said that she hoped lo be able to serve the Society well in the onward struggle through the difficult times brought about by the pandemic. She looked forward to happier limes returning very soon and to a return lo the Society being able lo pul on shows again, which was, aller all, tts raison d'etre. 6. Eleclion of Vice Presidents The election of the Vice Presidents as listed in the Report was proposed by David Gurling, seconded by David Cousins. Glive Bell submilled the proxy votes which were added lo the total received by the Secretary, the lolal voles carrying the motion lo a¢pt the election ol the Vice Presidents.
- Election of Ollicers Before moving on lo the election ol officers, Pal thanked all the officers and committee members lor their hard work throughout the year, often under dillicult circumstances. The following officers were willing lo stand for re-election. Hon. Secretary Pal Lay. Proposed by Liane Burnett, seconded by David Cousins David Curling. Proposed by Graham Lay, seconded by Nik Mayes Joan Laidler. Proposed by Graham Lay, seconded by Liane Burnell Penny Coyston. Proposed by Louise Kirtley, seconded by Steve Onyon Bill and Beverley Tapper. Proposed by David Curling, seconded by Clive Bell Hon. Treasurer Hon. Membership Secretary Hon. Librarian & Recorder Hon. Independent Examiners Clive Bell submilled the proxy votes for each ol the olli¢ers in turn, which were added to the lolal received by Ihe Secretary, the total voles Carrying Ihe re-election of the officers as lisled. Pal recorded her thanks to Bill and Beverley Tapper for their work in examining the accounts.
- Eleclions 8.1. Truslees Julia Barton was retiring from Trustees after serving as a Trustee for 26 years. Most recently, Julia had been in charge of the Young Idea section and on behalf of the Trustees, of Ihe Society and most particularly, of all Ihe young members ol the Society whom she had mentored through workshops and shows, Pal wished lo offer her the heartfelt thanks and gratitude of the Society. The quality of the shows put on by YI in recent years was testimony to the quality of Julia's leadership. Furthermore, Julia was one of those people who worked ceaselessly and tirelessly on behalf ol the Society, often quietly and in the background, picking up the kind ol tasks that often seem lo go unnoticed. Pal assured her that they had not gone unnoticed and thanked her again lor all she had done lor HD&OS over the years. She expressed the hope that the Society would continue lo see a great deal ol Julia and that people could continue lo call on her vast knowledge and experience. Election ot Trustees.. Graham Lay, Nik Mayes. Steve Onyon and Mary-Jane Tomlin had been elected lor 2 years in 2019. A minimum 012 and a maximum 017 more Trustees were needed to complete the committee. The following members were standing for re-election- Clive Bell. Liane Burnell, Lynne Warrilow, Louise Kirtley, Sue Hanlke and David CoLJsins. They had all been proposed en bloc by Joan Laidler, seconded by Pal Lay. A vote needed to be taken as four of these 6 nominees were lo be elected lor 2 years. The votes from the voting forms had been combined with the proxy voles in advance of the meeting and the following four people were elected to serve lor 2 years.. Clive Bell, Louise Kirtley. Sue Hanlke and David Cousins. Liane Burnell and Lynne Warrilow were elected lo serve lor one year. 8.2. Election of Hon Managers The following people were willing lo sland lor re-election- Hon. Eleclrical Manager Nik Mayes. Proposed by Sleve Onyon, seconded by Liane Burnell Lynne Warrilow. Proposed by Sue Hantke, seconded by Louise Kirtley Penny Coyston. Proposed by Joan Laidler, seconded by Mary-Jane Tomlin Hon. Properties Manager Hon. Wardrobe Manager
Hon. Workshop Manager Sieve Onyon. Proposed by David Cousins, seconded by Julia Barton Clive Bell submitted the proxy voles lor each ol the Managers in turn, which were added to the total received by the Secretary. the total voles carrying the re-election of the Managers as listed. 9. To consider a proposal to waive subscriptions for 202012021 for exisiing members Pal explained that the proposal was that subscriptions for the year 202012021 should be waived for Ihose people who had paid a subscription lor 201912020. This was proposed by Clive Bell, seconded by Nik Mayes. The reason lor the proposal was that, due to the restrictions necessitated by the Covid-19 outbreak, members had had very little opportunity to lake part in shows during the year and had had little chance lo benefit from their membership. This would, in ellecl, be a transfer of the subscription paid lor 201912020 over lo 202012021. Pal had received the following comments on this issue, prior lo the meeting.. Joan Laidler had asked how the Friends ol the Society would be informed about waiving subscriptions for a year. Would they have to be informed separately a5 usual? Pal replied thal, il Ihe motion were to be carried, then an announcement would be made in the next Newsletter and it would also be useful lo include a separate notice (like a flyerl regarding the deferring of payment. People who normally paid by standing order would need to make provision lo cancel this payment lor a year. If people chose to carry on paying anyway, it would be trealed as a donation, or if they were lo pay by accident, they would be able lo ask the Treasurer lo refund it. This would be confirmed al the next Trustees, meeting. Clive Bell submilled the proxy votes which were added lo the total received by the Secretary, the total voles carrying the motion lo waive subscriptions lor 202012021 lor existing members. 10. Statemeni on Covid-19 A slalemenl on the impact ol the Covid-19 OLJtbreak on the activities ol the Society and the measures taken by Trustees to manage it had been circulated with the Agenda. Pat summarised the conlenl and upjated it as follows.. The closing ol Ihealres due lo the pandemic had meant that Going Green and the Young Idea show had been postponed and Hertlord Theatre week had been cancelled. Trustees had later taken the decision lo cancel the Autumn bookings at the Theatre as il had appeared loo risky lo proceed with those. Trustees were currently working on the assumption that Panlo would be able lo go on in January. However, the panlo auditions scheduled for June had, indeed, been postponed as social distancing measures were still in place. Nolilicalion had been pul out on Social Media lo that ellect, together with an exhortation to 'watch this space, in the hope that we would be able lo hold them in September. There was also an element of doubt allached lo whether or not we would be in a position lo proceed al all with the panlo and much would depend on when normal rehearsals could lake place. This was planned lo be a very spectacular show and Trustees were in agreement with the panlo production sub-commillee that the production standards should not be compromised for what was to be a lavish show. During the lockdown period of the pandemic, a video-link quiz and a play-reading had been held, which had helped lo keep membership in touch wrfth each other. Restrictions were continuing to be relaxed, with businesses such as pubs and restaurants scheduled lo open on 4th July with social distancing measures in place. Discussion had taken place at Trustees, meetings regarding additional measures which may have lo be implemented before gatherings ol any kind could lake place al Bentley House and this would be discussed in more detail at the next Trustees, meeting. Trustees continued to consider Carefully any plans being made, with a view lo being able lo keep financial losses to a minimum whilst accepting that, due to the continued uncertainty, there remained an element ol risk. It was a difficult process lo second-guess the likely situation several months ahead and lo then try to judge whether a sulliciently long rehearsal lime would be available to maintain the production of quality shows.
Pal had received the following comments on the Stalemenl= Cheryl Nicholson had expressed concern at the lack of reference to drama productions in the statement when il was discussing the rescheduling ol shows. Pat had swken lo Cheryl in advance ol the meeting and had apologised lor the omission - Trustees had previously agreed with her that, in the event ol the Autumn 2020 slots al the Theatre having to be cancelled, the Society would put on a drama production in Spring 2021. It was hoped Ihal this would still be the case, with one possibility being lo pick up Going Green to put on in-house Idates lo be confirmed) and submit il lor Theatre Week, Ihough this was the subject of current discussion wtth cast and crew and would obviously be subject lo developments regarding Covid-19. One alternative would be to auditionlcast another play, or il may have lo be cancelled if rft were not possible by then lo put on shows. With regard lo the difficulties associated with rehearsing lor shows, Penny Coyslon had commented in advance of the meeting that she had heard a radio show in which the host had been talking to an amateur group who had been auditioning and rehearsing via Zoom in the early slages ol production. Penny had asked whether that was something HD&OS could consider. Trustees had discussed this at the last meeting, when the question ol panto auditions had arisen, and had concluded that, whilst some aspects such as singing ol the audition song could be done this way, it would be difficult with something like panlo which depended heavily on the ollen physical matching ol, and interaction between, multiple Characters. However, this option would be revisited with consultation with the panto produ¢lion sub-committee if il began to look as if the auditions planned for September could be eased by using this means Ilor example il the limescales were borderline feasible and some advan work via Zoom would buy sullicient timel. 11. Statemenl on Ihe Hertford Theatre Closure A statement on the proposed closure ol the Hertford Theatre and ils impact on the activities ol HD&OS had been circulated with the Agenda. Pal provided the following summary and Ljpdates.. The Trustees had seized every opportunity lo lake part in discLJssions over the proposed redevelopment ol the Theatre which had now been pushed back until al least August 2021 due to the delaying ellecls ol the Covid-19 pandemic. Trustees believed that HD&OS shoLJld be able to maintain all Society activities by PLJtting on shows in Bentley House andlor by renting space in allernalive venues. There remained a requirement to SOLJrce suitable alternative venues for additional rehearsal space and. further down the line, lor performances. A suitable potentia venue had been identified just as lockdown started, which had not been pursued any further due lo the pandemic and to the fact that the Hertford Theatre had released new slots on 23rd March. buying us a little more time, It was not ¢urrently known, therefore, whether the venue under Consideration would have Changed their willingness lo a¢commodale us in the light ol the pandemi¢. Trustees would pick this up as soon as restrictions were eased sufficiently and the situation was such as lo enable them to belter formulate the exact requirements. Pal had received the following comments on the Statement.. Penny Coyslon had asked whether, in view ol the lact that Trustees had decided that it would not be reasonably possible to on a panto in-house, the Society should perhaps not allempt to do panto at all during the closure period and, quoting from Penny's letter, "only attempt shows that can b8 staged al Bentley House during this lime? While Panlo is obviously a money spinner, when properly managed, not doing one would release rehearsal lime lor other productions. Drama, Opemtic and Young Idea have all produced fine shows at Bentley House in the past." This had already cropped up lo some exlenl during planning discussions, and the general feeling al Trustees had been that, if at all possible. il would be uselul for HD&OS lo be able to put on a panto during the closure period when ours would be the only panlo in Hertford as il would be a useful tool lor keeping up our profile as a pr(Iducer of pantomimes. It would have lo depend on our being able to lind a suitable venue which would enable us lo provide an adequate quality standard. This would be revisited and considered al Trustees as the situation regarding available venues and the lasting impact ol Covid-19 became clearer and when firm plans would need lo be made lor future shows.
- Any Oiher business Pat had reiVed the following items in advan of the meeting for nsideratIon under 'Any Other Business,: 12.1. General lack of Interesl In Drama: Cheryl Nicholson had expressed disappointment at the continuing apparent lack ol interest in drama within the Society, other than lor television adaptations, with a very poor turnout of members allending auditions lor recent prodLJCtions. Her suggestion to the meeting was, lo quote from her letter, "Ihal the Trustees and membership re-evaluate drama in our repertoire. perhaps even changing our name as we do not perfom opeffttic productions eilherf,. This had been circLJlaled round Trustees lor their response and would be discussed formally in the next trustees, meeting. Initial response on the renaming issue had been that, whilst it was a fact that HD&OS no longer performed Operatic shows as such. the Society was known by that name and everyone in Hertlord recognized the 'brand' so il was fell that it would be unwise to ehange that, particularly al the present lime when we needed lo relain the support ol our audiences and lo maintain our public profile during the Covid-19 pandemic and the upcoming closure of the Theatre. 11 anyone had any suggestions or comments to make on these issues of drama productions or regarding the name ol the Society, Pal asked them lo message or email her after the meeting so that comments could be taken lomard to Trustees lor discussion. 12.2. On-line Play-readings: Following on from the suessful play-reading ol The Importan of Being Earnest, Julie Markey had asked lor the details lor the next planned play-reading lo be passed on lo the membership. The play was lo be Mrs Wen'S Profession by George Bernard Shaw and would take place on Wednesday 15, July al 7.30pm. With two great parts for women Iplayed in the past by actresses such as Carol Browne, Joan Plowright, Jessica Turner and Felicity Kendall), there was also a requirement for al least four men. Parts would be split to ensure everyone interested had a chance to read. It would also be possible to join the Zoom call to listen lo the reading - the 'audience' in June had greatly enjoyed the experience. Anyone interested in participating as a reader or as audience was asked lo contact Julie by Sunday 12th July - details WOLJld be available on Social media or via the Honorary Secretary. Julie had asked for her thanks to be recorded to Graham Lay for setting up the technical side of the play-readings. A further on-line play-reading was planned lor Wednesday August 12th when il was hoped lo do a more modern play dependent on the availability of a script for these events. Pal reiterated her thanks to Julie for organizing the play-reading events. 12.3 Forthcoming events: Pat reminded everyone that, as already slated, the intention at present was to press ahead with plans lor Panlo 2021 al the Hertford Theatre and auditions were currently planned lor September. Clearly, there remained a level ol uncertainty as lo whether that would be possible or whether il would even be feasible lo pul the show on in January, so she urged everyone to watch Facebook and the Newsleller lor further updates. She asked people to support the Society s activities, whatever they turned out lo be, and to suptx)rt the HD&OS community as much as PK)ssible. 11 was vitally important in such troubled times lo keep our sense of community alive, the beller lo be able lo resume our activities as soon as it became possible lo do so. She offered everyone her very best wishes and hoped that all Members and Friends would slay sale and well throughout those most challenging of times. 12.4 Vote of thanks: Graham Lay proposed a vole of thanks to Pat lor all her hard work in sorting out the formal for the meeting, preparing Ihe documentation and lor presenting it single-handedly. Pal reileraled her thanks lo everyone lor making the effort to allend the meeting and declared the meeting closed at 9.15pm.
REPORTS FOR 2020-2021 Report from the Trustees for 2020-2021 In last year's report my opening gambit was knhat a challenging year this has been lor all" well I must admit that I did not have any idea of the further challenges lacing not only HD&OS bul the World with regard lo the Covid-19 pandemic. It does appear though that now we are emerging from what has been a very difficult time for all. On a positive note, l am pleased lo report that Trustees have mel regularly on'zoom" a video link, throughout the last twelve months and have discharged their responsibilities lo ensure that we continue to meet the criteria lor a charity. The mn duties ol the Trustee8 are: Ensuring that HD&OS is managed appropriately and solvent. The Trustees Continue lo minimise expenditure where possible, yel remain consistent with the So¢iety objectives lor the quality of our shows. Unfortunately, HD&OS have been unable lo perform any shows over the past year due lo the Govid-19 pandemic. Ensuring that the charity complies with ils own rules. There have been no issues for the Trustees lo deal with. The Trustees have also addressed some specific areas of concern lor the benefit ol the society.. The Covid 19 pandemic has brought with il many challenges for HD&OS and to ensure compliance with Government guidelines Trustees have postponed all scheduled productions over the past twelve months, including Hertford Thealre Week. Young Idea workshops have also been cancelled over the last year bul it is anticipated that these will resume in Seplember 2021. HD&OS receive a "Covid 19 grant" last year which has been used to offset show cancellation charges and fund our"ZcK)m" video conferencing facility, which has allowed HD&OS to undertake virtual play readings and social events. The Hertford Theatre refurbishment closure that was originally scheduled lor Mar¢h 2020 has been delayed and construction works are now scheduled to Commence in August 2021 with the Theatre reopening in April 2023. As stated in my report last year the Hertford Theatre ¢105ure has presented Trustees wilh the challenge of locating alternative venues. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic, lockdowns and adherence to Government guidelines Trustees have not been able lo continue to locate alternative venues during the past Iwelve months although with the UK gradually emerging from varying degrees of lockdown Trustees shoLJld be able lo rekindle this issue and endeavour lo locale suitable local alternative venues. Trustees have discussed al length the use of Bentley House for fulLJre productions and are confident that more in house productions can be staged at Bentley House throughout the period ol the Theatre closure bul for the performance ol larger productions, where Bentley House is not deemed appropriate, suitable alternative local venues will be required. There have been no issues requiring Trustee allenlion concerning our relationship with Signature over the last year. Finally, and on a sombre note I have lo inform members of the sad passing of Monica Hale, past Vice President and member of the Society, and Jess Brady a former member of Young Idea. I would like to thank all the Trustees lor their support and contribution during the year in fulfilling this essential role lo maintain the Society s smooth operation. Glive Bell Ghairman of Trustees
Report from the Hertford Theatre Week Committee Hertford Theatre Week 2020 Like most of the theatrical wodd, Covid took tts, loll and Hertford Theatre Week was another casualty. As we were in the in the final rLJn-up. and atx)ut to begin advertising, il became obvious we were not going lo be able lo go ahead: the entries we had lined up for another entertaining week of theatre began to evaporate, and shortly after we made the sad decision to pull the leslival - the first lime since 1962 there would be no Hertlord Theatre Week. The decision was reinforced by the government announcing Lockdown No.1 and the closure ol the theatre. We had high hopes lor a 2021 festival, as the pandemic had also hil the redevelopment schedule lor Hertford Theatre, pushing the theatre closure back beyond our usual April date. Bul later in 2020 our hopes were dashed again as lockdowns followed lockdowns. There does now seem to be a glimmer of light at the end ol the tunnel Iperhaps, this lime, not an oncoming Irainll so lingers crossed for a Hertford Theatre Week 2022. All we need now is somewhere to present il as, ol course, Hertford Theatre will be well into their rebuild. So, if anyone has a 400-seat living room please let me knowlll Steve Onyon Chairn7an HTW Report from Operatic Sub-committee for 2020-2021 Due lo the Covid Pandemic, our production of 'The Addams Family scheduled for October 2020 at Hertford Theatre was postponed lill March 2021, then cancelled altogether because of government Covid restrictions. The launch ol the new Musical Theatre Choir, planned for May 2020, was similarly affected and has also had lo be re-scheduled till 2021. Therefore, sadly, we have not been able to pul on any Operatic produclions this year and have nothing further lo report. Mary-Jane Tomlin Operatic sub-committee Report from the Young Idea Sub-committee for 2020-2021 It has been a very. very quiet year lor Young Idea as it has for most due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the restrictions in place. This has been really disappointing al a lime when the young people in our society have missed oul on so many things including school, sports and the arts. In 2020 Julia Barton stepped away from Young Idea aller more than 25 years al the helm lor a very well deserved rest. I think secretly Julia has appreciated the fact that she has slipped away quietly but I hope we can ensure that a more deserving celebration of her contribution can be made in the future. It seems inadequate to say she has done an amazing job over the years but what I can say 15 her dedication, organisalion and patience has benefilted an enormous number ol young people lo grow and develop through accessing Young Idea. I was in Young Idea with Julia's sons so feel l am coming full circle in agreeing lo lake over leading the Young Idea Productions. This was definitely not how I imagined my first year lo be but let's hope the next year allows more activity and some easing of reslriclions. Our first priority has lo be the safety ol our young people and the wider community so we will continue lo work with the Trustees to ensure this.
May 2020 saw the postponement of Rock of Ages lo May 2021 which unfortunately was not able to happen due lo the pandemic reslriclions and Ihealres remaining closed. The impending closure ol Hertford Theatre has also meant some lateral thinking for productions and seeking alternative venues alongside the Trustees. Regrellably we have now had lo cancel the production ol Rock of Ages as finding an alternative venue that is both practically and financially viable has not been possible. However this is a production we will definitely be looking to do in the future when we are able. A number of our members would potentially have had this production as their last with Young Idea so we hope they continue in the pursuit of the arts and wish them all the very best for the future. Emma Morter has taken the reins lor the Workshops and, although we have not been able to restart them as yel, Emma is busy planning lor a relaunch in September 2021. Emma was a very active member ol Young Idea herself and her passion, experience and teaching skills will be invaluable. We now start the planning for the new lulure and the prospect ol new projects and productions lor Young Idea in whatever form they may be. As always we are indebted lo the parents and volunteers who support Young Idea as wilhoul them il would not be possible. We always welcome anyone who is willing and able lo come forward to be part of the team. I hope that next year's report allows us to demonstrate the talent and skill of our young people and that Emma and I can continue the amazing success ol the Young Idea shows and workshops lo inspire the next generation. Louise Kirtley Young Idea Sub Committee Report for Drama for 2020-2021 Like every other area ol the Society, Drama has had to be put on hold this year. Having sadly had lo cancel 'Going Green, a week before the performance in March 2020, we did toy with trying lo revive il as either an online or live performance bul the logistics ol trying to gel the cast and crew back together eventually defeated us. We'd lost our director Cheryl Nicholson and one of the cast (her husbandll to Cheshire and il was reludanlly decided to shelve the produ¢lion. Thanks are due to all those who worked $0 hard to try and bring this play lo the audience it $0 richly deserved. Thanks to the efforts of Julie Markey, we have been able lo continue our Drama efforts online in Ihe form ol Zoom play-readings. These have proved popular with both performers and audiences, and we are considering continuing these in some form even when we gel back lo live pertorming. They are the ideal platform for those who can't or don't want to leam lines any more or live too far away lo attend rehearsals, and the play readings have proved invaluable in keeping Society members in touch with each other. We are planning lo resume our Drama activities with a series of duologues entitled 'Deckchairs' which will be directed by Julie Markey. This is a good way lo ease ba¢k into rehearsals with a relatively small number of people involved al a time. Hopefully, government restrictions will continue to be lifted as planned lo allow us lo perform these in our Studio Theatre in September and we look forward lo the buzz ol being back in Bentley House once more doing what we lovel Liane Surnett Drama representative on Trustees
Report from Panto Sub-commiiiee for 2020-2021 As Ihe Hertford Theatre was due to close lor redevelopmerrt immediately following our 2021 pantomime, we had planned a memorable show for our last offering before closure. Under the direction ol Lorraine Bollomley, the plan was lo put on an original pantomime entitled Camelot- A Magical Pantomime, written by Daniel Goode and featuring oodles of magic, spectacular special effects and modern musical numbers. Regrellably, the Covid-19 pandemic struck and the Hertford Theatre had to close down. In August 2020, with continuing reslriclions making auditions and rehearsals impossible and with the likelihood that live performances may still not be allowed by January 2021, the decision was reluclanlly taken lo can1 the show. The intention is that this show will be picked up for production as our first panlo lo be pul on in the newly redeveloped Hertlord Theatre aller rt reopens. In the meantime, Lorraine Boltomley and Julie Markey pul forward lo Trustees plans lor a panto-slyle show, again written by Daniel Goode, to be put on over the 202112022 Christmas season in the Studio Theatre. This suggestion was approved and work is now in progress on this show. Jack and the Ice Queen will follow Ihe story ol your lavourite characters after the curtain has come down. Sel in the Land of Make Believe, we lind Sleeping Beauty, Jasmine, Snow White and their Princes planning the annual Panto Christmas bash, while poor Jack hasn't had much luck since retuming down the beanstalk, and is forced to sell beans in the village square with his Mum. Widow Twanky and an Ugly Sister are now living in their children's palaces, and on the hunt for a man- enter the Duke ol Hertfordshirel Meanwhile in the Ice Kingdom the magical Ice Queen, with her daughter, seeks revenge lor pantos past. Can the only non-relired Good Fairy help our heroes save the day? This will be a Musical Theatre style show, with lols of panlo silliness, magic and sparkle, plus some great musical numbers and exciting choreography. Music will include songs from Mean Girls, Footloose and The Prom, as well as pop hits from One Direction, Maria Carey and Abba. Keith Willis will be our Musical Director and Heidi Koutselinis our Choreographer. We have also assembled a great team in all the Technical roles and the Panto Committee are already working on Publicity ideas and will run Fronl ol House. Offers ol help in all areas are welcome. The show dales will be confirmed following the casting, bul we are hoping lo run 15 performances between 21 sl December and 4th January. We will be casling in July so we can confirm the performance and rehearsal schedule for the Production leam and lo start selling tickets, bul there will be no rehearsals until September. Gel-logelhers will be held at our Studio Theatre on Monday 5th July and Wednesday 7th July al 7.30pm. Auditions will be held in the Studio Theatre on Sunday 11 th July in the afternoon. This will be an exciting production to be part ol and we are looking for a small, enthusiastic cast prepared io work as a team to create this show. We will be work-shopping some elements and will have a slightly adapted script for a few'over-16' perfomiances. We are unable lo cast anyone under-16 in this production due lo dressing room space. We are very much hoping that the progress of the Roadmap out of lockdown will allow lor all these plans lo come to Iruilion this year and we hope thal everyone will feel able to come along to the Studio Theatre to support what is an innovative show for the Society. David Cousins Panto sub-committee Bentley House Bar Report 2021>21 Due to the Covid 19 Pandemic the HDOS bar has been closed since March 2020. Unfortunately as a result ol the closure some of the stock has gone out of dale and has had to be wrillen off. Thank you to all the members who have helped in the past, hopefully we will be able to re-open when the situation allows. Sally Newland
Report from Ihe Social Events and Social Media Sub-committee 20221 Social Events Well, this has been a year like no other, with the Coronavirus impacting on the social life ol the Society, just as much as il has on every other aspect of our lives. Al the time of writing my report for last yearfs AGM, ils effects were just being fell with a level ol uncertainly as to how long restrictions WOLJld continue. bul restrictions in one form or another have been with us throughout the intervening 12 months. As a result, it has not been possible lor us lo hold any get-logelhers in person, so all activities have been via Zoom. Graham Lay took on the hosting of all our zoom meetings and grateful thanks lo him for making possible all the social contact we have been able to maintain throughout the year. Julie Markey look on the responsibility for co-ordinating a series ol play-readings which have proved extremely popular. These have tended lo allract a small but loyal group ol participants and audience, enjoying a wide range of plays from Oscar Wilde lo modern farcical comedy. 11 seems that there is enthusiasm lor the play-readings lo continue in some form or other in the future, whether on-line or in person al Bentley House. Our Christmas party this year look the form of an on-line social event, with a formal of short, seasonally- themed entertainments ollered by some of those attending, interspersed with the now-lamiliar break- out rooms, which provided opportunity lor social chal and interaction. It was lovely to take the opportunity lo dress forthe occasion Ilrom the waisl-up at leaslll as well as lo be able to 'perform' again. So popular was this event, that we repeated it twice more once lor a general social evening, again with short entertainments, and a second time with a focus on discussing the issues we face over the closure of the Hertlord Theatre. Thank you again Julie lor organising these events. A final event was a Revue Evening, suggested by David Harrold and based around classic comedy sketches. He and Julie pul together a varied programme which ranged from a 'radio' version of a Thunderbirds spoof lo iconic sketches from Monty Py1hon, the ever-popular writings of Victoria Wood, and a classic from Peter Cook and Dudley Moore, all interspersed with comic poems and songs. 11 was a brilliant evening's entertainment which showed the timeless appeal of well-written comedy. Thank YOLJ David and Julie for putting that together and thank you to everyone who has come forward to make a contribution lo these social events during the course ol the year. Thank you also lo our loyal audience members who have tuned in time and lime again to listen lo our ollerings it is aayS beller to have someone lo perform tol Julie and Jim Markey have also organised a number of quiz evenings during the year which proved very popular. Teams were either from single households or multiple households joining together via the Zoom facility. Enormous thanks once again lo Julie and Jim lor all their hard work in pulling these quizzes together. As a result of this rather dillerenl way ol working being forced upon us. il has not been possible for the sub-committee lo meet up as usual, nor to work together in our usual fashion on organising events. Two members ol the sub-coMmee- Cheryl Nicholson and Abby Lowman - moved away during this year so we will revisit the sub-committee structure in the coming months with the intention of re-forming when we can gel back lo meeting in person for social gatherings. In the meantime, we wish Cheryl and Abby every happiness in their new homes and thank them for their contributions to the social life ol the Society. I repeal my thanks this year lo everyone for your support, especially lo Julie Markey lor her time (especially the many lengthy telephone conversations we have had around social eventsll, her commitment and continued work in putting together so many enjoyable events. Pat Lay. Social events sub-committee
Social Media Unfortunately, there is very little to report on the SOCI media Ironl this year due to continued lock down. We now have 970 followers, an increase 0136 from last year. Posts are still reaching an audience of around 150-400 each Ithe higher end being the most recent about upcoming audilionsl. The posls have mainly been about online social events such as the quizzes and entertainment evenings. There have also been a few recent posts about the upcoming panlo and Deckchairs auditions as well as a lew things shared from other groups such as online projects and songs (Kitchen Sink, St Albans song project etcl. We also shared the petition on behalf ol Andrea Brady about the tragic loss of her daughter, Jess. Additionally, there have been a few requests lo share a lew casting posts from outside the society. There has not been very much engagement other than the odd comment or like on posts. However, I believe the Members and Friends page has had a little more Ithey are two separate pages). l am aware that other societies such as Ware have been a lot more active during the year lo keep members interested larchived photos, questions with polls, lun little quizzes elcl and l apologise lor not doing so on the HD&OS page but I'm afraid the hours I have been working this year have just not allowed lor it. One thing to note is people seem lo be a little confused between the two pages and their role (including myself!). We have the official HD&OS page, which MJ and I post in but there is also the Members and Friends page. l am not 100 /0 sure ol the role ol each and it may need some clarilicalion. Some things seem to be posted on one page by other members bul are not posted on the main page because I may have missed them. Do we need both pages? Do they have separate roles or are they just duplicating each olheF As I'm not admin for the Members and Friends, I don't know if there are many people that are not on both. The members and friends page is for people lo'join'1266 members) whereas the main page is to lollow1970 lollowersl. Carrie Gilham
Treasurer's report- financial report to July 2021 Our accounts for August 2019 to July 2020 Ilhe financial year endl have been circulated to the membership lor presentation al the AGM. Because of the theatre closLJre due lo Covid-19 lockdowns, we were given a £10,000.00 "hardship. grant by the East Herts Council which has been used lo ollsel non-recoverable losses broLJghl about by having to cancel shows. A substantial part ol this grant has been allocated to offset the waiver of membership lees that was agreed at the 2020 AGM. Most advance expenditure (Hertford Theatre deposits and licence fees) lor shows has been recovered minimising the financial impact of Covid reslriclions. All expenditure was supwrted by an Expense fomis which the society's members have completed lo demonstrate that they are valid and to ensure expenses are allocated correctly. There are explanatory notes on the Financial Activities sheet OLJtlining what was included. Subscriptions were significantly down on last year. Utility costs are lower than last year, probably doe to Bentley HoLJse not being used during lockdown. 11 was anticipated in July 2020 that Hertlord Theatre deposits paid lor shows in October and November 2020 would be forfeited and the accounts were prepared on that basis. Hertlord Theatre actually refunded the deposits as the theatre was forced lo close. The value ol our investment funds is up on last year. The Trustees requested that our investments should be managed so that they are covers by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme which is limited lo £85,000 per banking group account. The Schroders Charity Responsible Mulli-Asset fund has been selected and funds will be reallocated accordingly. The Society's shows income was obviously down on last year due poor ticket sale for January 2019 Panto Idue lo HT advertising our show on the Family page instead of the Pantomime pagel and show cancellations. I would also like lo propose a vote ol thanks lo Graham Lay lor helping me prepare the accounts and Independent Examiners Bill and Beverley Tapper. This is my last AGM report because I have decided to sland down as Treasurer. I wish my successor the best of luck. David Curling
HERTFORD DRAMATIC AND OPERATIC SOCIETY Registered as a Charity BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31st. July 2020 2019 10 2020 2018to 2019 Fixed Assets Investment Valualion 15,735 216,175 231,911 20,143 220.278 240,421 Current Assets Bank Current Account Young Idea Cash in Hand PayPal Account Advanced Payments Bar Cash-in-Hand Bar Stock President's Medals 51,150 74 59,702 29 11,193 767 667 472 6,765 1,263 623 472 60,346 72,829 292,257 313,250 Current Liabililies Accruals Young Idea Fund -3,755 -1,049 As above -8,592 -4,804 As above -8,604 287,453 304,647 Represented By:_ Capital and Reserves Retained Earnings Surplus Transfer lo Reserve 149,417 -16,537 6,813 -20.000 149,142 -16,261 -276 132.605 119,693 Investment Fund Reserve Investment revaluation 171,862 -4,102 167,760 171.862 287,453 304,467 Signed:. Hon. Treasurer
Tr*rtforf Di4malic & O r4ticSDc Aetounlfortho YèarEnd5n 21st.Jul 2020 Inco 201910 2020 2018 102019 Asset Hiielwes B4T Income DivideDd50n 1nvesliTIS DoDatlOD5 e1j Friemts sUbnpbOTrS GIN Aid Rer embership Suts¢nptlPns Iinrl. F?$) S¢¢iAI Evgnls 1,005.40 452.44 See Below¢ 472.LMI 887.91 1,554.69 See Below S.795.twi 2.74900 275.CMI 11 6.468.(W) 43005 TOTAL INCOME 14 749.64 Ilding Ci Cl8aning & Manag8Tr3nt 2.599.) 750. 259. NoTrDDme51ic Rale5 Fresh & Waste WatfjT EltriCity & Gas Euilding RE1 & 396. 5,243.73 499.77 14 637 Èr A¢wuniart¢y thivÈS r Ewnsés Igrtailling Insuiancè. Commllle Makc Misccllaneous ExpeThgés (unEatOlSdl 84.99 180.rM) 12356 26586 629 2.921.$2 24.35 415.25 2.337.65 131.D8 Postage 230. 234.40 464.66 120. TOTALCOSTOF NEWSLEFfE Pholocopying Pte51denls Expenses IHDn. Boardl 15.tMI 96.80 REIrS SorJ&l Exppn5P5 Sollware lQui¢kEtths1 See below S,357 See below 99D.eo 37440 5.05965 12252 2001M) 564tr3 2.135.95 9324 S1allry bsciltAiw$8 ¢9$6 562.65 Twsts8sExp8ns8S Uncateuoiised Inco Wardrobe Fepairs Website Ewenses WDrf<shw Renev¢ats R1 24.67 112J30 14 10.1 472.47 495.52 159.66 402.53 272.92 788hl 15 217X TOTALEXPENDrruRE PROFITIDEFE¢ITBEFOAE SNOW INCOME 5)$.94 -20,4¥.4Q DiVidgOn Inv4S1nfiIs'_ 5,983.74 5228.97 IQ 03446 NETT IN¢OME(EXPENDrfuREI 673.77 g Gree Hprtford Thw1reWth'2 3,290.$4 8.660.70 2,102.63 552.53 1.77927 1,981.9 .1,627.88 903.98 100. TheeThJ Beauty Ctsvil adju9118 TOTILSHOWINCOME S546ts8 JHPLUEFK1T BEFORE DEFRECIATK)N Suwu 11,220.65 Suwus 7,001.$4 DÈpreciBlion Ptioiyeai adjus15 ApprOpr1•10¢at11Ac20Tht 4,407.59 &813 BanC80tH[dshlpgral1r EHC héi Ineom 6,205.00 70.OD 8ts98apion InSplOn &t8rtrflcalion zoom m¢¢iin96 (Xhei Income 2.86 57.56 5.99 overchae 1¢h i¥ being relunded. 151 Write011 unr¢wveiAbl¢ ex¢¢ndilyig8nd ¢0$1$10rsW64eF¢ir¢d.
Investment assets Charinco Charrfund Total Carryiny Ifairl value 81 beginning of peri(Ml Add= Additions lo investments duri peri(MJ' Less.. diswsals at carrying value 108.129 112,149 220,278 10,000 10,000 20,000 Less.. impairnient5 Add= Reversal ol impairrnents Addlldoductl= tronsfer inlloull in the peri(MJ Adtvldqduttl: n6198inlllossl on revaluation Carrying Ifairl value al 8fKJ of year 6.212 30.315 24.103 124.341 91,834 216,175 Nol8'. Ch8rifund.. £10.000 Investe(I Increasing holding from 6713 to 7361. Charinco. £10,000 invested increasing holding from 58009 to 62735. Blackrock closed Ch8rinco In December2019 and transferred il their Charities UK Bond Fund lincomel. 1810512021 Fixed 8ssetÈ Computer Cofflpuler Hardware Sollwa £3.109 £368 BH Boiler Foyer Furnire & Lighting Brid £10.561 Lighting meni Tools & Plant Totol inal Cost £5,357 £42,513 £40.893 £59.056 £32.449 £185.472 Cum. Dep. As @ 311712019 44.192 -£3.109 4368 -£24,462 40.W3 -£6.436 -£58.469 -£32.449 4161.539 Dtprècialion 201912020 -£536 2,751 -£534 4587 -£4,408 Totsl ¢umaL4live Depreciation 44.714 -£3.109 4368 -£31,012 -£40,893 -£6.970 -£59.056 -£32.449 4170.379 Nell Book Valu* at 3117120 £643 £0 £0 £11,501 £0 £3,591 £0 £0 £15,735 1810512021
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examiner's Report Report to the trusteosl members of Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society On accounts for tho year onded 31" Juty 2020 Charlty no Ilf any) 271065 I report to the trustees on my examination of Ihe accounts of the above charity (Ihe Trust.) for the year ended 3110712020. R•sponslbllltles and bas13 of rnport As the charitvs trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wrth the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 {'Ihe Act"). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commissi¢)n under sedion 145{5){b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examinatton. I confirm that no material matters have examlnerfs statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below") lch gives me cause to believe that in, any material resped: Ihe acwunting rerdS b*re not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charrties Act., or the aco)unts did not accord with the accounting records; or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements conmIng the fomi and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the account5 give a 'true and fairf view whith is not a matter conSided as part of an independent examination. I h8ve no concems and have come 8cr¢JSS no other matters in cr)nnection with the examination lo which attention should Èe drawn in this reF)Ort in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.. Slgned: Date: Name: Relevant professlonal quallflcatlon(sl or body (If any): Address: LLiL C L-O IER Oct 2018
CHARITY (OMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examiner's report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trusteesl mernbers of Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society On accounts for the year ended 31•t July 2020 Charlty no {if any) 271065 I report to the twstees on my examination of the acrA)unts of the above charity ('the Trust") for the year ended 3110712020. Responslbllltles and basls of report As the charf(Is trustees. you are reswnsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance wtih the requirements of the Charities Aci 2011 (Yhe Acr). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's acwunts cafried out under section 145 of Ihe 2011 Act and in carying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Chartiy Commission under section 145{5){bl of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have examinerfs sement come to my attention in Gonnedion Vth Ihe examination {olher than that disclosed below '} vthich gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect.. the accounting recxsrds were not kept in accord8nce wtth Sl0n 130 of the Charriies Act.. or the a¢(unt$ did not accord with the accounting records,. or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements ¢on¢eming ihe forni and Content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Rewtsl Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no concems and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order lo enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.. Signed: Dats: Name: SILL T APP,= Relevant professional quallflcatlonls) or body (If any)- Address: Ci(LklH£.4.J jioJK pJTo iTrJ fAI +rc- IER Oct 2018
| Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society | Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society | Hertford Dramatic and Operatic Society | 271065 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annualaccountsforthe period | ||||||
| Period start date | 01/08/2019 | To | Period end date |
31/07/2020 | ||
| Section A | Statement of financial activities |
| Recommended categories by activity Incoming resources (Note 3) Income and endowments from: Donations and legacies subs Charitable activities shows Other trading activities Investments Other Resources expended (Note 6) Expenditure on: Raising funds Charitable activities shows Separate material item of expense Bentley House Other Net gains/(losses) on investments Extraordinary items Other gains/(losses) Prior Year Adjustment Reconciliation of funds: 1 Total Net movement in funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward Total Net income/(expenditure) before investment gains/(losses) Net income/(expenditure) Transfers between funds Other recognised gains/(losses): Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets for the charity’s own use |
Unrestricted funds Restricted income funds Endowment funds Total funds Prior year funds £ £ £ £ £ F01 F02 F03 F04 F05 9,001 - - 9,001 6,468 58,357 - - 58,357 95,557 4,278 - - 4,278 - 11,213 - 11,213 10,034 - - - - - - - 2,693 82,848 - - 82,848 114,752 210.00 - - - - - 48,999 - - 48,999 78,465 6,500 - - 6,500 14,638 13,789 - - 13,789 15,217 69,288 - - 69,288 108,320 13,561 - - 13,561 6,432 24,102 - - - 24,102 - - 10,542 - - - 10,542 - 6,432 2,340 - - - 2,340 - - Provision for lost deposit s on Autumn shows - - - - - 4,408 - - - 4,408 - 6,296 - 275 - - 275 - 17,014 - - - 17,014 - 136 201 - 304,467 - - 304,467 304,668 287,453 - - 287,453 304,467 |
|---|---|
3: The show costs shown on the SOFA includes provision for lost deposits on Autumn shows
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Section B Balance sheet
| Fixed assets Tangible assets (Note 14) Investments (Note 17) Total fixed assets Current assets Bar stock Presidents medals Nett Book Value at 31/7/19 Nett Book Value at 31/7/20 Prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Total current assets Creditors: amounts falling due within one year Net current assets/(liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: amounts falling due after one year (Note 20) Provisions for liabilities Total net assets or liabilities Funds of the Charity Endowment funds (Note 27) Restricted income funds (Note 27) Unrestricted funds Revaluation reserve Total funds Signed by one or two trustees on behalf of all the trustees |
Total this year £ F04 |
Total last year £ F05 |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 15,735 | 20,143 | ||
| 216,175 | 220,278 | ||
| 231,911 | 240,420 | ||
| 624 | |||
| 472 | |||
| 1,095 | 1,139 | ||
| - | - | ||
| 6,765 | 11,193 | ||
| 52,486 | 60,497 | ||
| 60,346 | 72,829 | ||
| - | 8,581 | ||
| 60,346 | 64,248 | ||
| 292,257 | 304,668 | ||
| - | - | ||
| 4,804 | - | ||
| 287,453 | 304,668 | ||
| - | - | ||
| - | - | ||
| 287,453 | 304,467 | ||
| - | - | ||
| 287,453 | 304,467 | ||
Signature |
Print Name | Date of approval dd/mm/yyyy |
|
Notes
Prepayments for shows in future years Previous year figure understated by £201.33 in last year's accounts
£3875 provision for 2021 subs
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Herts Drama & Operatic Society Profit & Loss by Class
All Dates
| Income 4160 - Other Income 4205 - Ticket Sales 4210 - Programme Sales 4225 - Canteen 4300 - Show Fees Total Income Nett Book Value at 31/7/19 Nett Book Value at 31/7/20 6010 - Staging 6015 - Staging Transport 6020 - Lighting 6023 - Effects 6025 - Sound 6027 - Hire of Equipment 6030 - Properties 6035 - Wardrobe 6040 - Musical Director 6043 - Music Arrangement 6045 - Orchestra 6049 - Choreographer 6050 - Director 6053 - Licenses 6055 - Royalties 6060 - Posters, Flyers; Printing 6063 - Programme Design & Print 6070 - Advertising 6080 - Scripts & Scores 6085 - Photographs 6090 - Rehearsal Pianists 6097 - Charges for Comps 6105 - Show - Secretarial 6110 - Flowers 6120 - Show Hospitality Total Cost of Sales Cost carried forward to 2021 Rebate on licence cost for previous shows Total cost Total Expenditures Total Expenditures Net Operating Income Net Income/(Expenditure) |
Going Green Hertford Theatre Week 2020 Rock of Ages Sister Act The Sleeping Beauty Vicar of Dibley 2 TOTAL 375.93 852.14 243.36 1,471.43 0.00 24,098.00 13,676.00 16,686.00 54,460.00 514.00 315.00 371.00 1,200.00 118.27 89.17 58.60 266.04 Note 1 960.00 960.00 £ 375.93 £ 852.14 £ 243.36 £ 25,690.27 £ 14,080.17 £ 17,115.60 £ 58,357.47 0.00 1,173.00 5,741.60 5,722.50 5,450.00 18,087.10 42.00 2,036.00 1,200.00 40.14 3,318.14 356.71 672.91 253.75 1,283.37 33.42 354.00 504.00 72.00 963.42 966.15 966.15 52.47 724.15 95.38 872.00 153.00 153.00 124.14 43.35 78.19 245.68 25.00 138.27 2,141.92 1,421.38 454.92 4,181.49 1,150.00 500.00 1,650.00 1,000.00 1,000.00 2,880.00 1,280.00 4,160.00 750.00 800.00 1,550.00 1,000.00 500.00 500.00 2,000.00 23.37 500.00 523.37 1,976.00 5,099.00 136.76 375.00 7,586.76 209.18 150.89 242.50 307.65 171.07 1,081.29 432.00 452.00 421.00 1,305.00 639.00 40.00 40.00 40.00 759.00 116.19 1.32 250.00 367.51 60.00 72.00 65.00 197.00 70.00 70.00 42.00 42.00 2.64 2.64 53.00 53.00 34.05 35.10 40.55 109.70 £ 517.12 £ 852.14 £ 3,530.63 £ 23,708.28 £ 15,707.83 £ 8,211.62 £ 52,527.62Note 3 £ 141.19 £ 3,287.27 £ 3,428.46 £ 100.00 £ 48,999.16 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 1,981.99 -£ 1,627.66 £ 8,903.98 £ 9,258.31 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 1,981.99 -£ 1,627.66 £ 8,903.98 £ 9,258.31 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 0.00 £ 1,981.99 -£ 1,627.66 £ 8,903.98 £ 9,258.31 |
|---|---|
Note 1: £810 show fees revenue for rock of Ages has been transferred to FY20-21
-
2: The income shown on the SOFA does not include £1313.87 Other Income. This is recorded as part of the government grant towards COVID losses.
-
3: The show costs shown on the SOFA includes provision for lost deposits on Autumn shows
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Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)
Note 3 Analysis of income
| Total funds | Prior year | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Analysis | £ | £ | ||
| Donations | Donations andgifts | 472 | ||
| and legacies: | Gift Aid | - | ||
| Legacies | - | - | ||
| General grants provided by government/other | £3875 of £10,000 covid grant representing | |||
| charities | 6,205 | - | 2021 membership subscription defered |
|
| Membership subscriptions and sponsorships | ||||
| which are in substance donations | ||||
| 3,795 | 6,468 | |||
| Donatedgoods,facilities and services | - | - | ||
| Other | - | - | ||
| Value at | Total | 10,472 | 6,468 | |
| Nett Book Value at | ||||
| 31/7/20 | ||||
| Charitable | Canteen | |||
| activities: | 266 | 513 | ||
| EntryFees | - | 35 | ||
| Show Fees | 960 | 1,170 | ||
| Ticket sales | 54,460 | 91,626 | ||
| Programme Sales | 1,200 | 1,987 | ||
| Other | - | 226 | ||
| Total | 56,886 | 95,557 | ||
| Other trading | ||||
| activities: | - | - | ||
| Asset Hire | 988 | 707 | ||
| Bar Income | 452 | 1,555 | ||
| Other | 2,837 | 431 | ||
| Total | 4,278 | 2,693 | ||
| Income from | Interest income | - | - | |
| investments: | Dividend income | 11,213 | 10,034 | |
| Rental and leasingincome | - | - | ||
| Other | - | - | ||
| Total | 11,213 | 10,034 | ||
| TOTAL INCOME | 82,848 | 114,752 |
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Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)
Note 6 Analysis of expenditure
| Nett Book Value t 31/7/19 Nett Book Value at 31/7/20 Other E dit Expenditure on Bentley House: |
Analysis | Analysis | Total funds FY18-19 £ £ |
Total funds FY18-19 £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Building Repairs & Maintenance | 1,325 | 5,771 | ||
| Cleaning and management | 2,176 | 2,599 | ||
| Council Tax | - | 750 | ||
| Electricity | 470 | 1,737 | ||
| Gas | 2,133 | 3,507 | ||
| Rates (Non - Domestic) | 396 | 259.2 | ||
| Water | 15 | |||
| Total | 6,500 | 14,638 | ||
| ArchiveExpenses | 85 | 124 | ||
| B.H. Refreshments | 13 | 6 | ||
| General Advertising | - | |||
| Bar Expenses | 180 | 266 | ||
| Insurances | 2,338 | 2,322 | ||
| Make Up | 131 | 24 | ||
| MiscellaneousExpenses | 786 | 415 | ||
| Newsletter | - | - | ||
| Postage | 240 | - | ||
| Stationery | 8 | - | - | |
| Printing | 120 | |||
| Total Newsletter | 368 | 465 | ||
| Office/General AdministrativeExpenses | - | 34 | ||
| PayPal | - | 35 | ||
| Photocopying | 1,565 | 2,203 | ||
| President'sExpenses | 15 | 97 | ||
| Social EventsExpenses | 3,357 | 991 | ||
| Software (QuickBooks) | 410 | 374 | ||
| Sound/LightingRepairs | 2,136 | 5,060 | ||
| Stationery | 85 | 123 | ||
| Subscriptions &Licences | 868 | 200 | ||
| Telephone | 563 | 564 | ||
| TrusteeExpenses | 25 | 76 | ||
| UncategorisedExpenditure | - | 10 | ||
| WardrobeRepairs | 88 | 472 | ||
| Website | 403 | 496 | ||
| WorkshopRenewals | - | 160 | ||
| WorkshopRepairs | 273 | 702 | ||
| YoungIdeaPayments | 100 | |||
| Total | 13,789 | 15,217 |
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
20,289 29,855
3: The show costs shown on the SOFA includes provision for lost deposits on Autumn shows
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Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)
Note 14 Tangible fixed assets Please complete this note if the charity has any tangible fixed assets 14.1 Cost and Depreciation
| Original Cost Disposals Additions Cum. Dep. As @ 31/7/2019 Depreciation 2019/20 Cum. Dep. As @ 31/7/2020 Nett Book Value at 31/7/19 Nett Book Value at 31/7/20 |
Bar Equipment |
Bentley House Boiler |
Computer Hardware & software |
Computer Software |
Foyer | Furniture & Fittings |
Lighting Bridge |
Lighting Equipment |
Muslin Drapes | Properties & Wardrobe |
Tools & Plant | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 5,357 | 3,478 | 369 | 42,513 | 40,893 | 10,561 | 59,056 | 344 | 6,595 | 32,449 | 201,701 | |
| - | ||||||||||||
| - | ||||||||||||
| 0 | 4,178 | 3,478 | 369 | 28,260 | 40,893 | 6,436 | 58,469 | 6,595 | 32,449 | 181,127 | ||
| - | 536 | - | - | 2,751 | - | 533 | 587 | - | - | 4,408 | ||
| 87 | 4,714 | 3,478 | 369 | 31,012 | 40,893 | 6,970 | 59,056 | 6,681 | 31,660 | 184,918 | ||
| 87 | 1,179 | - | - | 14,252 | - | 4,125 | 587 | - | - | 20,230 | ||
| - | 643 | - | - | 11,501 | - | 3,591 | - | - | - | - | 15,735 |
14.5 Revaluation
3: The show costs shown on the SOFA includes provision for lost deposits on Autumn shows
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Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)
Note 17 Investment assets
Please complete this note if the charity has any investment assets.
17.1 Fixed assets investments (please provide for each class of investment)
| Carrying (fair) value at beginning of period Add:additions to investments during period Less:disposals at carrying value Less: impairments Add: Reversal of impairments Nett Book Value at 31/7/19 Nett Book Value at 31/7/20* Carrying (fair) value at end of year |
Cash & cash equivalents |
Listed investments |
Investment properties |
Social investments |
Other | Total | Note 1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - | 220,278 | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | 20,000 | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | - 24,102 | - | - | - | - | ||
| - | 216,175 | - | - | - | - |
Note 1:
Charifund: £10,000 invested increasing holding from 6713 to 7361.
Charinco. £10,000 invested increasing holding from 58009 to 62735. Blackrock closed Charinco in December 2019 and transferred it to their Charities UK Bond Fund (income).
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