REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 271484
Report of the Trustees and
Unaudited Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
for
Guildford Opera Company
Bennewith 2018 Limited
t/a A J Bennewith & Co
Upper Ground Floor
18 Farnham Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4XA
Guildford Opera Company
Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
|
Page |
Report of the Trustees |
1 to 2 |
Independent Examiner's Report |
3 |
Statement of Financial Activities |
4 |
Balance Sheet |
5 |
Notes to the Financial Statements |
6 to 11 |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities |
12 to 13 |
Guildford Opera Company
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
Thetrusteespresenttheirreportwiththefinancialstatementsofthecharityfortheyearended31December 2025.
ThetrusteeshaveadoptedtheprovisionsofAccountingandReportingbyCharities:Statementof Recommended
PracticeapplicabletocharitiespreparingtheiraccountsinaccordancewiththeFinancialReporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019).
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Sincetheformationofthecharitytheover-ridingobjectshavebeentoprovideentertainment,education and
appreciationof opera,operettasandallformsof music,bothinconcertandfullystagedproductionsto audiences at
reasonableprices.Budgetarycontroland strictfinancialmanagementhave alwaysbeen of greatestimportanceto the
managementofthecompany.GuildfordOperaCompanyisevermindfulthatthesupportofaudiencescanonly be
maintainedby a programmeof qualityandinterestpresentedat affordableprices.This is a continualchallengein the
genre of performing arts and particularly with opera.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Reserves policy
The charityhasa lowlevelof fixedoverheadsandthetrusteesthereforeconsidertheholdingof substantial reserves
to be unnecessary.However, the trustees aim to maintaina level of reserves sufficientto ensure that the charity could
continuetooperateifitweretosufferlossesonaparticularproduction.Thetrusteesconsiderthatreserves were
maintained at a sufficient level throughout 2025.
Financial review
The results for the year are set out in the annexed Statement of Financial Activities.
FUTURE PLANS
Tocontinuethepresentationofoperas,operettasandmusicofawidevarietytolocalaudienceswithinthe prudent
management of our resources.
To continuethe musicaleducationof GuildfordOpera Company'smembers in singingand dramaticart and to actively
encouragetherecruitmentofnewmembers.Inaddition,togivetheopportunityofexperiencetopeopleto work
behind stage in a real 'live' theatre, learning the various crafts of scenery building, stage management, lighting etc.
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
- The charity is controlled by the trustees.
- The trustees consider that there are sufficient reserves. The charity's reserves policy is as set out above in this report.
- All trustees are appointed when necessary and are given sufficient training upon appointment.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS Registered Charity number
271484
Principal address
4 Epsom Place
Cranleigh
Surrey
GU6 7ET
Page 1
Guildford Opera Company
Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
Trustees |
|
|
G Magill |
- Publicity Officer |
|
S Barrett |
- Social Secretary, Rehearsal Bookings |
|
P Peel |
- Chair |
|
G Vincent |
- Secretary, Production Management |
- Appointed 23 April 2025 |
J Adams |
- Fundraising, Volunteers |
- Appointed 23 April 2025 |
T Rycroft |
- Treasurer |
- Appointed 23 April 2025 |
M Hughes |
|
- Resigned 23 April 2025 |
C Garcia |
|
- Resigned 23 April 2025 |
R Rowland |
|
- Resigned 23 April 2025 |
J Gooding |
|
- Resigned 21 November 2025 |
K Benjafield |
|
- Resigned 23 April 2025 |
Independent Examiner |
|
|
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA, FIPA, DchA, FRSA |
|
|
Bennewith 2018 Limited |
|
|
t/a A J Bennewith & Co |
|
|
Upper Ground Floor |
|
|
18 Farnham Road |
|
|
Guildford |
|
|
Surrey |
|
|
GU1 4XA |
|
|
Approved by order of the board of trustees on ............................................. and signed on its behalf by:
........................................................................
P Peel - Trustee
Page 2
Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of Guildford Opera Company
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of Guildford Opera Company
IreporttothecharitytrusteesonmyexaminationoftheaccountsofGuildfordOperaCompany(theTrust)for the
year ended 31 December 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
AsthecharitytrusteesoftheTrustyouareresponsibleforthepreparationoftheaccountsinaccordancewith the
requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I reportin respectof my examinationof the Trust'saccountscarriedoutunderSection145 of the Act andin carrying
out my examinationI have followedall applicableDirectionsgiven by the CharityCommissionunderSection 145(5)(b)
of the Act.
Independent examiner's statement
I havecompletedmyexamination.I confirmthatnomaterialmattershavecometomyattentioninconnection with
the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by Section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or
3. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
Ihavenoconcernsandhavecomeacrossnoothermattersinconnectionwiththeexaminationtowhich attention
should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
A J Bennewith FCA, FCPA, FFA, FFTA, FIPA, DchA, FRSA
Bennewith 2018 Limited
t/a A J Bennewith & Co
Upper Ground Floor
18 Farnham Road
Guildford
Surrey
GU1 4XA
Date: .............................................
Page 3
Guildford Opera Company
Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
|
|
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
Unrestricted |
Restricted |
|
Total |
Total |
|
|
fund |
fund |
|
funds |
funds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
as restated |
|
Notes |
£ |
£ |
|
£ |
£ |
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS FROM |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Donations and legacies |
2 |
23,787 |
1,288 |
|
25,075 |
19,562 |
Other trading activities |
3 |
20,529 |
|
- |
20,529 |
21,706 |
Other income |
|
- |
|
- |
- |
35 |
Total |
|
44,316 |
1,288 |
|
45,604 |
41,303 |
EXPENDITURE ON |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Raising funds |
4 |
48 |
|
- |
48 |
44 |
Charitable activities |
5 |
|
|
|
|
|
Performances |
|
39,224 |
1,288 |
|
40,512 |
46,447 |
Total |
|
39,272 |
1,288 |
|
40,560 |
46,491 |
NET INCOME/(EXPENDITURE) |
|
5,044 |
|
- |
5,044 |
(5,188) |
RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Total funds brought forward |
|
|
|
|
|
|
As previously reported |
|
26,658 |
|
- |
26,658 |
32,954 |
Prior year adjustment |
8 |
1,108 |
|
- |
1,108 |
- |
As restated |
|
27,766 |
|
- |
27,766 |
32,954 |
TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD |
|
32,810 |
|
- |
32,810 |
27,766 |
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 4
Guildford Opera Company
Balance Sheet
31 December 2025
|
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
Unrestricted |
Restricted |
Total |
Total |
|
|
fund |
fund |
funds |
funds |
|
|
|
|
|
as restated |
|
Notes |
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
FIXED ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Tangible assets |
10 |
6,421 |
- |
6,421 |
5,634 |
CURRENT ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
Debtors |
11 |
5,216 |
- |
5,216 |
7,005 |
Cash at bank |
|
32,469 |
- |
32,469 |
24,606 |
|
|
37,685 |
- |
37,685 |
31,611 |
CREDITORS |
|
|
|
|
|
Amounts falling due within one year |
12 |
(11,296) |
- |
(11,296) |
(9,479) |
NET CURRENT ASSETS |
|
26,389 |
- |
26,389 |
22,132 |
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES |
|
32,810 |
- |
32,810 |
27,766 |
NET ASSETS |
|
32,810 |
- |
32,810 |
27,766 |
FUNDS |
13 |
|
|
|
|
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
32,810 |
27,766 |
TOTAL FUNDS |
|
|
|
32,810 |
27,766 |
ThefinancialstatementswereapprovedbytheBoardofTrusteesandauthorisedforissue on
............................................. and were signed on its behalf by:
.............................................
P Peel - Trustee
The notes form part of these financial statements
Page 5
Guildford Opera Company
Notes to the Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of preparing the financial statements
Thefinancialstatementsof thecharity,whichis a publicbenefitentityunderFRS 102,havebeenprepared in
accordancewiththeCharitiesSORP(FRS102)'AccountingandReportingbyCharities:Statement of
RecommendedPracticeapplicabletocharitiespreparingtheiraccountsinaccordancewiththe Financial
ReportingStandardapplicablein the UK and Republicof Ireland(FRS 102) (effective1 January2019)', Financial
ReportingStandard102 'The FinancialReportingStandardapplicablein the UK and Republicof Ireland'and the
Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.
Income
All incomeis recognisedin the Statementof FinancialActivitiesoncethe charityhasentitlementto the funds,
it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
Expenditure
Liabilitiesarerecognisedasexpenditureassoonasthereisalegalorconstructiveobligationcommitting the
charitytothatexpenditure,itisprobablethatatransferofeconomicbenefitswillberequiredin settlement
andtheamountof theobligationcanbe measuredreliably.Expenditureis accountedforonanaccruals basis
andhas been classifiedunderheadingsthataggregateall costrelatedto the category.Wherecostscannot be
directlyattributedtoparticularheadingstheyhavebeenallocatedtoactivitiesonabasisconsistentwith the
use of resources.
Tangible fixed assets
Assetscostingover£100purchasedforcontinuingusebythecharityarecapitalisedatcostandwritten off
over their useful economic lives.
Costumesare not depreciated,as it is consideredby the trusteesthat the useful economiclife of the costumes
is so long that any depreciation charged would not be material to the accounts.
Scenery is depreciated on a straight line basis over 3 years.
Equipment is depreciated on a straight line basis over 5 years.
Taxation
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.
Restrictedfundscanonlybeusedforparticularrestrictedpurposeswithintheobjectsofthe charity.
Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
Furtherexplanationofthenatureandpurposeofeachfundisincludedinthenotestothe financial
statements.
continued...
Page 6
Guildford Opera Company
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
2. DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
2. |
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES |
|
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
|
as restated |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
HR Taylor Charitable Trust grant |
8,000 |
6,500 |
|
Donations |
14,500 |
9,364 |
|
Gift aid |
2,575 |
1,698 |
|
Legacies |
- |
2,000 |
|
|
25,075 |
19,562 |
3. |
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES |
|
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
|
as restated |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Ticket sales |
14,155 |
15,805 |
|
Costume hire |
1,635 |
2,007 |
|
Internal fundraising |
1,571 |
1,153 |
|
Programme advertising & sales |
817 |
924 |
|
Sundry income |
- |
25 |
|
Rehearsal income |
1,125 |
456 |
|
Scores & libretti hire income |
375 |
920 |
|
Bar Sales |
851 |
416 |
|
|
20,529 |
21,706 |
4. |
RAISING FUNDS |
|
|
|
Other trading activities |
|
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
|
as restated |
|
|
£ |
£ |
|
Hall hire |
48 |
- |
|
Food & drink |
- |
10 |
|
Band, transport, printing etc |
- |
34 |
|
|
48 |
44 |
continued...
Page 7
Guildford Opera Company
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
5. CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS
6.
CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES COSTS |
|
Support
Direct
costs (see
Costs
note 6)
£
£
Performances
35,668
4,844
SUPPORT COSTS
Management
Other
£
£
Performances
4,663
181 |
Totals
£
40,512 |
|
Totals
£
4,844 |
7. TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION AND BENEFITS
There were no trustees'remunerationor other benefitsfor the year ended 31 December 2025 nor for the year
ended 31 December 2024.
Trustees' expenses
Therewerenotrustees'expensespaidfortheyearended31December2025norfortheyear ended
31 December 2024.
8. PRIOR YEAR ADJUSTMENT
In the yearended31 December2024,some donorsto the charityagreedto giftaidtheirdonations. However,
theaccruedincomeassociatedwithsomedonationsduetothegiftaidwasnotrecognisedinthe published
financialstatementsforthatyear.Thecomparativefigureshavethereforebeenrestatedtorecognise the
accruedincomewithintheyear.Theimpactofthisonthefinancialstatementsfortheyearended 31
December 2024 is as follows:
|
2024 |
|
2024 |
|
£ |
|
£ |
|
Per published |
|
|
|
financial |
|
|
|
statements |
Adjustment |
As restated |
Donations and legacies |
|
|
|
Gift aid |
623 |
1,109 |
1,732 |
Debtors |
|
|
|
Accrued income |
- |
1,109 |
1,109 |
continued...
Page 8
Guildford Opera Company
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
9. INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S FEE
TheIndependentExaminer'sfeechargedtotheStatementofFinancialActivitiesin2025is£1,068(2024 -
£1,020).
10. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Costumes |
|
Scenery |
Equipment |
Totals |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
COST |
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2025 |
5,634 |
|
- |
474 |
6,108 |
Additions |
|
- |
176 |
1,217 |
1,393 |
Disposals |
|
(425) |
- |
(474) |
(899) |
Impairment |
|
(75) |
- |
- |
(75) |
At 31 December 2025 |
5,134 |
|
176 |
1,217 |
6,527 |
DEPRECIATION |
|
|
|
|
|
At 1 January 2025 |
|
- |
- |
474 |
474 |
Charge for year |
|
- |
25 |
81 |
106 |
Eliminated on disposal |
|
- |
- |
(474) |
(474) |
At 31 December 2025 |
|
- |
25 |
81 |
106 |
NET BOOK VALUE |
|
|
|
|
|
At 31 December 2025 |
5,134 |
|
151 |
1,136 |
6,421 |
At 31 December 2024 |
5,634 |
|
- |
- |
5,634 |
DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
|
|
|
as restated |
|
|
|
|
£ |
£ |
Accrued income |
|
|
|
3,765 |
1,109 |
Prepayments |
|
|
|
841 |
728 |
Other debtors |
|
|
|
610 |
5,168 |
|
|
|
|
5,216 |
7,005 |
11. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
continued...
Page 9
Guildford Opera Company
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
12. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
|
|
as restated |
|
|
|
£ |
£ |
Other creditors |
|
|
160 |
179 |
Advance receipts |
|
|
- |
50 |
Accrued expenses |
|
|
2,536 |
1,250 |
Deferred grant |
|
|
8,000 |
8,000 |
Deferred income |
|
|
600 |
- |
|
|
|
11,296 |
9,479 |
MOVEMENT IN FUNDS |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Prior |
Net |
|
|
|
year |
movement |
At |
|
At 1.1.25 |
adjustment |
in funds |
31.12.25 |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
|
General fund |
26,658 |
1,108 |
5,044 |
32,810 |
TOTAL FUNDS |
26,658 |
1,108 |
5,044 |
32,810 |
Net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Incoming |
Resources |
Movement |
|
|
resources |
expended |
in funds |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
|
General fund |
|
44,316 |
(39,272) |
5,044 |
Restricted funds |
|
|
|
|
Orchestra fund |
|
1,288 |
(1,288) |
- |
TOTAL FUNDS |
|
45,604 |
(40,560) |
5,044 |
Comparatives for movement in funds |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Net |
|
|
|
|
movement |
At |
|
|
At 1.1.24 |
in funds |
31.12.24 |
|
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
|
General fund |
|
32,954 |
(5,188) |
27,766 |
TOTAL FUNDS |
|
32,954 |
(5,188) |
27,766 |
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS
continued...
Page 10
Guildford Opera Company
Notes to the Financial Statements - continued
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
13. MOVEMENT IN FUNDS - continued
Comparative net movement in funds, included in the above are as follows:
|
Incoming |
Resources |
Movement |
|
resources |
expended |
in funds |
|
£ |
£ |
£ |
Unrestricted funds |
|
|
|
General fund |
38,880 |
(44,068) |
(5,188) |
Restricted funds |
|
|
|
Orchestra fund |
2,423 |
(2,423) |
- |
TOTAL FUNDS |
41,303 |
(46,491) |
(5,188) |
Orchestra Fund - Restricted donations received to provide funds for larger orchestras at performances.
14. RELATED PARTY DISCLOSURES
There were no related party transactions for the year ended 31 December 2025.
15. CHANGE IN ACCOUNTING POLICY
Thetangiblefixedassetsaccountingpolicyintheaccountsfortheyearended31December2024stated that
equipmentwas depreciatedon a straightline basis over three years, and did not state a depreciationpolicy for
scenery.
Duringtheyearended31December2025,somescenerywaspurchasedandthetrusteesconsider the
appropriatedepreciationratetobeappliedinrespectofthescenerytobestraightlineover3years. In
addition,theequipmentwhichwasheldat31December2024wasdisposedofduringtheyearended 31
December2025,andnewequipmentwaspurchased.Thetrusteesconsiderthattheappropriate depreciation
rate to be appliedto the new equipmentis straightline over 5 years. The accountingpolicyhas therefore been
updated to reflect these depreciation rates.
Thishasnoimpactonthepriorperiodspresentedintheseaccounts.Theaffectofthischangein accounting
policy on the depreciation recognised in the accounts for the year ended 31 December 2025 is as follows:
|
Equipment |
|
£ |
Depreciation charge for the year without the change |
135 |
Effect of change |
(54) |
Depreciation charge for the year with the change |
81 |
Net book value at 31 December 2025 without the change |
1,082 |
Effect of change |
54 |
Net book value at 31 December 2025 with the change |
1,136 |
Page 11
Guildford Opera Company
INCOME AND ENDOWMENTS
Donations and legacies
HR Taylor Charitable Trust grant
Donations
Gift aid
Legacies
Other trading activities
Ticket sales
Costume hire
Internal fundraising
Programme advertising & sales
Sundry income
Rehearsal income
Scores & libretti hire income
Bar Sales
Other income
Interest
Total incoming resources
EXPENDITURE
Other trading activities
Hall hire
Food & drink
Band, transport, printing etc
Charitable activities
Accompanist fees
Costumes
Lighting, stage and scenery
Rehearsal costs
Scores and libretti
Travel
Venue hire
Sundry production costs
Carried forward |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
31.12.25
31.12.24
as restated
£
£
8,000
6,500
14,500
9,364
2,575
1,698
-
2,000
25,075
19,562
14,155
15,805
1,635
2,007
1,571
1,153
817
924
-
25
1,125
456
375
920
851
416
20,529
21,706
-
35
45,604
41,303
48
-
-
10
-
34
48
44
3,154
3,500
1,071
639
1,691
950
3,145
3,311
1,016
1,896
2,570
4,890
2,100
4,342
550
155
15,297
19,683 |
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025
31.12.25
31.12.24
as restated
£
£
8,000
6,500
14,500
9,364
2,575
1,698
-
2,000
25,075
19,562
14,155
15,805
1,635
2,007
1,571
1,153
817
924
-
25
1,125
456
375
920
851
416
20,529
21,706
-
35
45,604
41,303
48
-
-
10
-
34
48
44
3,154
3,500
1,071
639
1,691
950
3,145
3,311
1,016
1,896
2,570
4,890
2,100
4,342
550
155
15,297
19,683 |
|
|
|
|
|
19,562
15,805
2,007
1,153
924
25
456
920
416 |
|
|
21,706
35 |
|
|
41,303
-
10
34 |
|
|
44
3,500
639
950
3,311
1,896
4,890
4,342
155
19,683 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
Page 12
Guildford Opera Company
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities |
|
|
for the Year Ended 31 December 2025 |
|
|
|
31.12.25 |
31.12.24 |
|
|
as restated |
|
£ |
£ |
Charitable activities |
|
|
Brought forward |
15,297 |
19,683 |
Orchestra & band |
18,550 |
20,458 |
Stage director's fees |
1,186 |
1,000 |
Stage manager's fees |
35 |
- |
Set designer's fee |
200 |
200 |
Bar costs |
400 |
160 |
|
35,668 |
41,501 |
Support costs |
|
|
Management |
|
|
Auditions |
72 |
80 |
Insurance |
728 |
708 |
Office costs |
18 |
77 |
Publicity |
1,562 |
2,137 |
Program and ticket printing |
282 |
292 |
Subscriptions and memberships |
240 |
264 |
Accountancy |
1,068 |
1,020 |
Sundry support costs |
508 |
224 |
Recruitment of members |
60 |
49 |
Fees on card transactions |
125 |
95 |
|
4,663 |
4,946 |
Other |
|
|
Depreciation of scenery |
25 |
- |
Depreciation of equipment |
81 |
- |
Impairment losses for tangible fixed assets |
75 |
- |
|
181 |
- |
Total resources expended |
40,560 |
46,491 |
Net income/(expenditure) |
5,044 |
(5,188) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements
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