2023-08-31-accounts - The Arden Theatre Group

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CHAIRMAN’S REPORT 2024

Good afternoon, all, and welcome to the Arden Theatre.

This afternoon marks the end of another busy year at the Arden Theatre.

Our little theatre is growing rapidly in all directions.

A few numbers:

We currently have 78 actors in our pool – 78!

We currently have over 1,500 active people on our mailing list.

We currently have 81 members of our youth theatre – and more on the waiting list

We currently have a huge cohort of volunteers who give their time and energies to make the theatre the place that it is.

What we currently have is a thriving community theatre.

Natalie will be going into more detail later about the Arden productions this year. All that I have to say is that we have had an influx of new talent – both on and off stage, and that the quality of performance has really improved.

We now have the reputation for delivering quality entertainment and audiences have increased terrifically.

Two things about this are particularly noticeable.

Firstly, when you ask at Front of house if the audience members know where everything is, the majority of people now do and secondly, there are those who seem to have made certain seats their own and book the same ones each time. That feels really special.

Such a busy year both on and off stage. For now, let us concentrate on the bigger picture.

You are all well- aware that this thriving little theatre is now bursting at the seams and that we are fundraising to provide an extension.

Planning has been re accepted and we are gaining momentum in raising the large amounts of money for the build.

I must here thank Lizzie Talbot and Richard Andrews who have both given enormous amounts of time to making connections and seeking funding. Lizzie in particular raised a substantial amount of funds for the youth theatre by holding an event in memory of her friend Rosie Hammond, who believed in the potential of theatre for young people. Thank you, Lizzie, Peter Erftemeijer and friends.

Many organisations prefer to donate one off specific grants, and we have benefited from a new lighting desk – partially funded by Tesco.

Those of you that came to watch Arbeit Macht Frei – wow what a brilliant youth production that was – will know that there was a poignant moment at the end where the cast were reduced to base clothing. These costumes were funded by Kent County Council and the Faversham Arts Society.

Other projects are on-going, and I feel sure that efforts will continue and the pot increase throughout the next year.

We also received a donation from Athelston Lodge, The Berling foundation and from The Hayes players who were sadly closing down, but wanted to help similar small theatres.

Thanks also here to Kent University players for their kind donation of sound equipment.

Lyndsey Dale and Dave Turner also generously donated a lighting desk. Thank you both.

In addition to the funding applications, we have had some fabulous fundraising events all of which have been great fun and added to the pot.

We started in June with a really successful, and fun Race Night organised by Sue and Andrew Shepherd. Such a fun evening. Thanks to Sue and Andrew for organising it.

This was followed by a Cabaret evening with Phil Mace, Emma Rafferty and Mandy Garner as part of the Sheldwich Lounge on the Leas festivities. Again, thanks to all involved and to Brian Denton for allowing us the opportunity.

In February, Sylvia Lawrence arranged a variety show in aid of the Anita Walker memorial fund. Anita was an active member of the Arden Theatre for many years, and it was a fitting tribute to her, whilst raising money for local charities.

In April, we spent a lively few hours at Boughton Village Hall for a Barn Dance, with the Mike Wheeler band. Thanks go to Trishia Luckhurst for organising the event and all of the proceeds went to the extension fund. Thank you Tricia

In May, the Phoenix Theatre group presented a murder mystery play entitled The Great British Bump off. It was a murder mystery with a twist in that the audience were treated to afternoon tea while they made their deliberations.

In addition to eight – yes eight Arden productions, we have had a number of outside hirers using our theatre.

We had Hill and Jones Comedians in July with some wonderful entertainment. They are returning this year. Well worth a watch if you like rip roaring comedy.

Our theatre was hired in July by two local youth organisations – Stagecoach and Playtime theatre.

August saw the return of the Jerseys. Oh what a night! They are back here this August for a couple of nights. Book early to avoid disappointment.

Our Youth theatre once again teamed up with Vibe for a Summer school which was well – attended and great fun for all those who took part.

We also welcomed the Canterbury Shakespeare Festival society for the performance of one of their plays.

October saw the return of the Sound of Musicals for probably their last show here. They have grown so much as an organisation that they are now seeking larger venues. What a wonderful asset to our community. We wish them well in the future.

Following a couple of Spooky Crafts sessions organised by Emma Taylor, we saw the return of Faversham Fringe to the theatre for a couple of evenings prime entertainment.

The return of Up the Creek pantomime society in February was followed by another return - Faversham Literary festival.

All this goes to show what a town Faversham is – so rich in culture, so many people giving up their time for others.

Which brings me on to a huge list of thank -yous.

The theatre cannot run without its volunteers. So many people give up their time to keep this place alive and kicking.

If I have missed anyone, please let me know.

Firstly the Committee.

We have become more efficient this year with committee members taking on specific roles. All are like the ingredients of a cake that would be a flop without them.

I thank them all for the time that they spend and will spend to keep things running smoothly.

Richard Andrews, Richard Baker, Brian Denton, Sue Gower, Eldon Hinchliffe, Howard Smith, Vicky Smith and Katie Sherlock – Clarke.

There are so many more though and here is the list.

Many thanks to ;

Don Cockrill, John Pickering and Colin Sherwood for Set building. Jill Hawkins for taking over as bar manager and becoming our new Licensee. All of those who help behind the bar – Maggie Scott, Don Cockrill, Sid Taylor, Debbie Taylor, Jo Leahey, Katie Sherlock - Clarke, Lou Funnell, Carole Morris, Basia Losynska, Tom Pikett, Brian Denton, Michelle Taylor, Cheree Bright, Lizzie Talbot and Peter Vale.

Linda Kelly, Vicky Smith, John Pickering and Colin Sherwood for Stage Management Martin Kelly for creating beautiful sets with his painting skills Ribs Norman for running the website Peter Vale for sorting out membership for us

Our Chaperones – Kirsty Horsey, Gillian Fox, Claire Salthouse, Sue Gower, Katie Sherlock, Luicia Dillow, Michelle Taylor, Sue Shepherd, Ben Jones and David Clarke. Mick Bennell, Howard Smith and Malcolm Strickland for all things technical, and Richard Andrews, John Pickering and Jack Denton for operation of said tech. Our directors, Bob Froud, Richard Andrews, Colin Duncan, John Moss, Vicky Gatward -Warner, Derek Brown, and Paul Milton. Our costumiers, Sue Gower and Joan Sach .

The make- up ladies, Bev Cook, Becky Simmons, Chel Mckean and Melissa Dawson Bowling.

Natalie French, James Freed, Derek Brown, Richard Andrews, Jack Woodford and Howard Smith for their work on the Drama Committee

Ben Jones, Tom Pikett, Grace Manning and Emma Taylor for the hours that they spend at the youth theatre and also for our young volunteers – Meg, Ashton, Ed, Ryan, Macie and Eloise.

Wendy Otway, Georgia Denton, Brian Denton, Richard Andrews and Laura Crawte for their marketing and Publicity skills.

Derek and Phyll Brown for our monthly clean up of the kitchen.

Our Trustees – Terry Hodges and Charles Vanderpeer.

The list of the family that is the Arden is endless.

Please excuse me if I have omitted anyone.

Hmmmmmm The actors? So many, so many new faces. So much talent. Brilliant.

So, that brings us to the end of the report. As I said at the beginning, what a year! There have been hissy fits and flounces, laughter and tears, hugs, arguments, reconciliations, dramas and crises and all else that contributes in making the theatre the family that it has become.

Thank you all for your part in it. You are all important, you are all welcome.

All this, and so much more to look forward to in the coming year – another season of plays, another Bal, more fundraising events, a gala evening to mention a few. Onwards and upwards!

I would like to finish by saying that the year 2024/5 will be my last year as chair. It will by then be the time to hand over the reins to a new broom to take this functioning theatre and fly with it. Thank you for your continued support in making the theatre what it is

Thank you all.

The Arden Theatre Group Registered Charity No. 274906 Financial Statements

For the Period 01 September 2022 to 31 August 2023

Independent Examiner’s Report to the Trustees of the Arden Theatre Group

I report on the accounts of the Arden Theatre Group for the year ended 31[st] August 2023, which are set out on pages 3 to 4.

Respective Responsibilities of Trustees and Examiner

As the charity’s Trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts; you consider that the audit requirement of section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) does not apply. It is my responsibility to state, on the basis of procedures specified in the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners under section 43 (7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to my attention.

Basis of Independent Examiners Report

My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commissioners. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanation from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent Examiner’s Statement

In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention

(1) which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 41 of the Act; and
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act

have not been met; or

(2) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

David White

5 The Larches

Faversham

Kent

1st June 2024

NET WORTH REPORT Registered Charity 274906 As of 31/08/23

ASSETS Bank and Cash Accounts Lloyds Current Lloyds Saving Natwest Current NatWest Savings Bar/Cash Total Bank and Cash Accounts Other Assets Property Fixtures & Fittings Bar Stock Year End Debtors Total Other Assets TOTAL ASSETS LIABILITIES Other Liabilities Year End Creditors TOTAL LIABILITIES NET WORTH Notes to the Financial Statements	31/8/2022 £5,034.74 £0.00 £6,572.67 £12,418.89 £84.05 £24,110.35 £302,000.00 £68,041.33 £911.85 £370,953.18 £395,063.53 £0.00 £395,063.53	31/8/2023 £25,247.45 £9,409.59 £8,116.62 £12,531.04 £173.64 £55,478.34 £302,000.00 £80,758.45 £2,017.68 £384,776.13 £440,254.47 £5.58 £5.58 £440,248.89

The Statements are prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis as permitted by the Charity Commissioners for Charities with income of less than £250,000.

Property - The ownership of the property is by a Trust Deed and is not owned by the Arden Theatre Group Charity. However the Charity Commissioners require the value of any property regularly used by the charity to be included in the Financial Statements.

Fixtures and Fittings. Previoulsy these were items above £100, included at cost and brought forward from earlier Financial Statements with no depreciation or reduction. Following an in-house inventory of equipment figure has been changed to the inventory figure in August 2018

RECEIPTS AND PAYMENTS REPORT The Arden Theatre Group 274906

Between 01/09/2022 and 31/08/2023

Inflows

Total Inflows

Outflows

Voluntary Donations Fund Raising Membership Youth Income Total Voluntary Trading Bar Charitable, Productions Theatre Hire Costume Hire Sponsership Total Trading Other Income Income from Assets Grant Total Other Income Charitable Expenditure Production Costs Young Arden Total Charitable Expenditure Other Expenditure Bar Costs Fund Raising and Publicity Management & Administration Total Other Expenditure Assets Amplifier Cables Carpet Chairs Glass Washer Lights	01/09/2021 – 31/08/2022 11,328.57 392.41 1,645.94 203.32 13,570.24 8,291.29 11,338.20 4,286.58 10.00 23,926.07 71.71 71.71 37,568.02 4,811.89 4,811.89 4,627.93 2,033.85 12,765.91 19,427.69 2,690.74 25,960.80 1,320.00	01/09/2022 – 31/08/2023 2,016.71 13,246.86 2,472.95 1,883.05 19,619.57 18,357.47 19,345.76 8,085.45 20.00 950.00 46,758.68 219.17 11,254.00 11,473.17 77,851.42 7,041.81 168.58 7,210.39 8,786.41 8,219.69 9,555.40 26,561.50 419.05 396.53 11,602.49