OpenCharities

This text was generated using OCR and may contain errors. Check the original PDF to see the document submitted to the regulator.

2022-07-31-accounts

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Report of the Trustees and Unaudited Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2022

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Contents of the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 July 2022

Page
Charity Information 1
Report of the Trustees 2
Independent Examiner's Report 5
Statement of Financial Activities 6
Balance Sheet 7
Notes to the Financial Statements 8

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Company Information

TRUSTEES: SP Parr (Chairman) JD Davies S Grimmant IH Major MJ Merry MJ Smith (resigned 4 October 2022) NK Rive AR Mawer (appointed 19 April 2022) SECRETARY: LEA Miles REGISTERED OFFICE: Barn Theatre Handside Lane Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6ST COMPANY REGISTERED NUMBER: 01604619 (England and Wales) REGISTERED CHARITY NUMBER: 284143 INDEPENDENT EXAMINER PJ McKay BSc (Hons) FCA Jones Hunt & Keelings Chartered Certified Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers Broad House 1 The Broadway Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 5BG BANKERS: Barclays Bank plc Howard Centre Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6HA Co-operative Bank plc PO Box 101 1 Balloon Street Manchester M60 4EP SOLICITORS: HRJ Foreman Laws 10 Parkway Welwyn Garden City Hertfordshire AL8 6HG

Page 1

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Report of the Trustees for the Year Ended 31 July 2022

The trustees (who are also directors of the company for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006) present their report and unaudited financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2022. In preparing the annual report and financial statements, the trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019), the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies, applicable UK accounting standards and the Charities Act 2011.

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

The charity is governed by its memorandum and articles of association, and is a company limited by guarantee, with no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of a winding-up is limited to £1.

The trustees who have acted during the year are named on page 1.

No trustee received any remuneration for services as a trustee. No trustee had any beneficial interest in any contract with the charity during the year.

Trustees are nominated from the charity's members and are elected at the Annual General Meeting. They are elected for a term of one year and may offer themselves for re-election each year. Trustees may not serve in the same defined area of responsibility for more than five years.

Most trustees have defined areas of responsibility but there are also up to five non-executive trustees who bring a range of valuable skills and knowledge to the management of the charity. The trustees meet at least ten times a year to discuss all aspects of the charity. Decision-making is generally by consensus, or by majority vote if necessary.

OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES

The charity's principal objective is to promote and advance education through the arts generally and through theatre and drama in particular. To achieve its charitable objectives, the charity organises theatrical productions and similar events, runs youth drama groups and adult training classes.

ACHIEVEMENTS

The Barn Theatre re-opened in July 2021 for one studio performance following Covid, and was able to put on almost a complete season in 2021/22. One show had to close early because of Covid in October 2021, but the Barn was able to host both the Welwyn Drama Festival and the Youth Drama Festival. Up until Christmas 2021, social distancing was maintained as some audience members were reluctant to return. However, by the end of the season, audience numbers were increasing to previous levels.

During the summer of 2022, work began on replacing lighting in the theatre with LED lights to improve sustainability and reduce costs, and new bar tills were introduced to improve customer service and stock control.

VOLUNTEERS AND SUPPORTERS

The trustees take this opportunity to thank all the charity's supporters, without whom the charity could not function, and their generosity with donations and their time to maintain the Barn Theatre.

Page 2

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Report of the Trustees (continued) for the Year Ended 31 July 2022

FINANCIAL REVIEW

Overall, the charity's income was £117,543 (2021: £52,618), which is an improvement on the previous season that was affected by Covid restrictions. However, income has still not returned to its normal, pre-Covid levels. For a proper comparison, the equivalent income in 2019 was £169,187, which was the last full season of main auditorium and studio productions.

Total expenditure increased to £122,163, from £62,761 last year. Again, this is still not back to preCovid levels, with the last full season’s costs being £148,167, in 2019. The Barn is benefitting from fixed-price energy costs since January 2021 until January 2024.

Welwyn Hatfield Council gave the charity one final Covid grant, totaling £2,667 (2021: £18,241), which is included in the income stated above. The Government-backed Bounce Back Loan has interest charged at 2.5% pa, which is significantly lower than the previous commercial loan.

The donation from the Barn Theatre Club was £8,295, up from £878 in 2021, reflecting the Club’s increased bar income.

Overall, the charity suffered a loss of £4,620, compared with £10,143 last year. The charity’s reserves at the year-end stood at £730,585 (2021: £735,205). The trustees are satisfied with the charity’s financial position at the end of the year.

RESERVES POLICY

The trustees’ reserves policy is to hold sufficient liquid funds to meet at least six month’s operating expenses, excluding the costs of putting on shows and teaching fees, which they believe will ensure the short-term viability of the charity. At the balance sheet date, the charity's total funds had decreased by £4,620, to £730,585. Of this sum, £712,383 is represented by fixed assets. With the charity being largely self-financing, the net current assets of £38,202 (2021: £46,883) will adequately fund day-today activities and some small residual expenditure on necessary improvements. Therefore, they are satisfied with the charity’s position at the year-end, given the challenges of the past two years. Over the medium term, the trustees aim to build up reserves to fund an expansion of the charity's activities and further improve the Barn Theatre.

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES

Charity and company law require the trustees to prepare financial statements for the charity for each financial year that give a true and fair view of the charity's financial activities during the year, its surplus or deficit for the year and its financial position at the end of the year. In preparing the attached financial statements, the trustees are required to:

Page 3

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Report of the Trustees (continued) for the Year Ended 31 July 2022

LEGAL FRAMEWORK AND STATEMENT OF TRUSTEES' RESPONSIBILITIES (continued)

In addition, the trustees have responsibility for maintaining proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and which enable them to ensure that financial statements comply with the Companies Act 2006. They also have responsibility for safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps to prevent and detect fraud and other irregularities.

The trustees must, in determining how amounts are presented in the statement of financial activities and balance sheet, have regard to the substance of the reported transaction or arrangement, in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and practice.

PUBLIC BENEFIT

The trustees confirm that they have complied with the duty in section 17(5) of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission.

The charity's activities are for the public benefit in a number of ways:

Youth Groups and Training

Four groups provide a basic grounding in performance skills to young people in the community. These groups returned to normal operation in September 2021.

Performances

The charity was able to put on eight main-house productions and three studio shows, drawing on the existing and new talent from a membership that stands at about 430. Ticket prices for main productions remained at £13 during the season, with studio shows priced at £10.

Other Activities

The building is available for other activities, and room-hires to local dance schools and the NHS returned to normal levels, and brought in valuable income. In addition, the theatre was hired by an outside stage school.

This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies.

SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES

SP Parr - Chairman of Trustees 27 January 2023

Page 4

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Independent Examiner's Report to the Trustees of The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

I report to the charity's trustees on my examination of the accounts of the company for the year ended 31 July 2022.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity's trustees (and also the directors of the company for the purposes of company law), you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 ('the 2006 Act').

Having satisfied myself that the accounts of the company are not required to be audited under Part 16 of the 2006 Act and are eligible for independent examination, I report in respect of my examination of your charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the Charities Act 2011 ('the 2011 Act'). In carrying out my examination, I have followed the Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act.

Independent examiner's statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with my examination which give me cause to believe that, in any material respect:

  1. accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 386 of the 2006 Act; or

  2. the accounts do not accord with the accounting records; or

  3. the accounts do not comply with relevant accounting requirements of section 396 of the 2006 Act, 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; or

  4. the accounts have not been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102).

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

PJ McKay BSc (Hons) FCA Jones Hunt & Keelings Chartered Certified Accountants and Chartered Tax Advisers Broad House 1 The Broadway Hatfield Hertfordshire AL9 5BG

27 January 2023

Page 5

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Statement of Financial Activities (Including Income and Expenditure Account) As at 31 July 2022

Notes
Income
Donations and legacies
3
Charitable Activities
4
Other Trading Activities
5
Other Income
Donation from Barn Theatre Club
Interest Receivable
Grants
6
Total Income
Expenditure on:
Raising Funds
Charitable activities
Governance costs
Total Expenditure
9
Net expenditure for the year
Fund balances brought forward
Fund balances carried forward
15
2022
Unrestricted
Funds
£
1,493
93,776
11,311
8,295
1
2,667
117,543
2,265
117,348
2,550
122,163
(4,620)
735,205
730,585
2022
Restricted
Funds
£
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
2022
Total
Funds
£
1,493
93,776
11,311
8,295
1
2,667
117,543
2,265
117,348
2,550
122,163
(4,620)
735,205
730,585
2021
Total
Funds
£
15,079
8,652
6,013
878
5
21,991
52,618
1,164
59,347
2,250
62,761
(10,143)
745,348
735,205

The results for the year derive from continuing activities and there are no gains and losses other than those shown above.

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 6

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Balance Sheet As at 31 July 2022

Notes
Fixed Assets
Tangible Assets
11
Current assets
Debtors
12
Cash at bank and in hand
Creditors
Amounts falling due within one year
13
Net current assets
Total assets less current liabilities
Creditors
Amounts falling due after more than one year
14
Net assets
Unrestricted funds
General funds
15
Designated funds
15
Total funds
2022
£
23,334
29,999
£
712,383
38,202
2021
£
14,240
43,080
£
715,396
46,883
53,333
15,131
57,320
10,437
750,585
20,000
762,279
27,074
730,585 735,205
18,202
712,383
19,809
715,396
730,585 735,205

The company is entitled to exemption from audit under Section 477 of the Companies Act 2006 for the year ended 31 July 2022. The members have not required the company to obtain an audit of its financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2022 in accordance with Section 476 of the Companies Act 2006.

The trustees acknowledge their responsibilities for:

(a) ensuring that the company keeps accounting records which comply with Sections 386 and 387 of the Companies Act 2006; and

(b) preparing financial statements which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the company as at the end of each financial year and of its profit or loss for each financial year in accordance with the requirements of Sections 394 and 395 of the Companies Act 2006 and which otherwise comply with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 relating to financial statements, so far as applicable to the company.

These financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies and with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102).

The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees and authorised for issue on 27 January 2023 were signed on its behalf by:

SP Parr

IM Major

The notes form part of these financial statements

Page 7

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements For the Year Ended 31 July 2022

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

Basis of Preparation

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS102) ‘Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS102) (Effective 1 January 2019)’, all applicable UK Accounting Standards, the Charities Act 2011 and the special provisions of Part 15 of the Companies Act 2006 relating to small companies. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention. The principles adopted in the preparation of the financial statements are set out below.

The presentation currency of the financial statements is the Pound Sterling (£).

Significant Judgements and Estimates

Estimates and judgements are periodically evaluated and are based on historical experience and other factors including expectations of future events that are believed to be reasonable under the circumstances. Actual results may differ from these estimates.

The company's critical accounting judgements and estimates are in respect of impairment of assets and depreciation.

Details of these judgements and estimates are described in the relevant accounting policy and detailed notes to the financial statements as set out below:

Fund Accounting

General funds are unrestricted funds and are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity and which have not been designated for other purposes.

Designated funds comprise unrestricted funds that have been set aside by the trustees for particular purposes. The aim and use of the charity's designated funds is set out in the notes to these financial statements.

Restricted funds are funds which are to be used in accordance with specific restrictions imposed by donors or which have been raised by the charity for particular purposes. The aim and use of any restricted fund is set out in the notes to these financial statements.

Income

All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) at the fair value of the consideration when the charity becomes legally entitled to the income, when the amount can be quantified with reasonable accuracy and when there is virtual certainty that the income will be received.

Page 8

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements- continued For the Year Ended 31 July 2022

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

Expenditure

Expenditure is recognised on an accruals basis as a liability is incurred. Expenditure on costumes, properties and operating consumables is not carried as stock but is charged to the SOFA. Expenditure includes irrecoverable VAT, which is reported as part of the expenditure to which it relates.

Other Grants

Income from grants, whether capital or revenue grants, is recognised when the charity has entitlement to the funds, any conditions attached to the grants have been met, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably. The charity sometimes receives grants that have conditions attached to them. If the satisfaction of those conditions is not certain, these grants are excluded from the SOFA and are instead included in Other Creditors (as they may need to be repaid).

Government Grants

Government grants are recognised in the accounts on an accruals basis and are recognised in the period to which the grant relates.

Tangible Fixed Assets

Tangible fixed assets costing more than £500 are capitalised and included at cost, including any incidental expenses of acquisition. The trustees review the charity's investment in fixed assets annually for any indications of impairment and make such provisions as are considered necessary.

Depreciation is provided at the following annual rates in order to write off each asset over its estimated useful life:

Fixtures and equipment - 20% on reducing balance basis

Freehold property is the charity's theatre, which is a converted wooden barn. This has been improved periodically, but the original structure is about 290 years old and is a Grade II listed building. As the Barn has a very long useful life and a high residual value, in the opinion of the trustees any provision for depreciation would not be material (either for the year or cumulatively). Although this is a departure from the requirements of the Companies Act 2006, the trustees believe that a depreciation charge would distort the true and fair view presented by the accounts.

Measurement of Financial Instruments

The company has elected to apply the provisions of Section 11 ‘Accounting for financial assets and financial liabilities’ of Charities SORP (FRS 102) to all of its financial instruments.

Financial instruments are recognised in the company’s balance sheet when the company becomes party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.

Financial assets and liabilities are offset, with the net amounts presented in the financial statements, when there is a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and there is an intention to settle on a net basis or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.

Page 9

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements- continued For the Year Ended 31 July 2022

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES continued

Measurement of Financial Instruments continue

Basic financial assets, which include debtors, are initially measured at transaction price, including transaction costs, and are subsequently carried at amortised cost using the effective interest method unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, when the transaction is measured at the present value of the future receipts discounted at a market rate of interest. The ammortised cost is assessed at the end of each reporting period for objective evidence of impairment. If objective evidence of impairment is found, an impairment loss is recognised in the statement of financial activities. Financial assets classified as receivable within one year are not amortised.

Going Concern

At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity will continue to operate for at least the next twelve months and so these financial statements have again been prepared on the going concern basis.

2. LEGAL STATUS OF THE CHARITY

The charity is a company limited by guarantee and has no share capital. The liability of each member in the event of winding up is limited to £1.

3. INCOME FROM DONATIONS

INCOME FROM DONATIONS
INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
Promotion of education through theatre
Youth drama workshops and similar
Income from agent activities
INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES
Income from theatre and room hire
Income from costume and property hire
GRANTS
Government Grants - Covid-19 Support
Grant
Donations and related gift aid tax recoveries to further the charity's general activities
2022
2021
£
£
1,493
15,079
2022
2021
£
£
82,264
3,553
9,200
5,099
2,312
-
93,776
8,652
2022
2021
£
£
9,808
5,871
1,503
142
11,311
6,013
2022
2021
£
£
2,667
18,241
-
3,750
2,667
21,991

4. INCOME FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES

5. INCOME FROM OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES

6. GRANTS

The Government put together a package of temporary measures to support businesses through the period of disruption caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. The charity was eligible for grants totalling £2,667 (2021: £18,241) during the year.

Page 10

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements- continued For the Year Ended 31 July 2022

7. TAXATION

The company is a registered charity and no liability for corporation tax has arisen on its activities

8. STAFF COSTS

The charity has no employees and has not incurred any staff costs

9. TOTAL EXPENDITURE

The net expenditure for the year for the charity is stated after charging:

2022 2021
£ £
Depreciation - owned assets 4,592 6,348
Independent examiner's remuneration 2,550 2,250
The charity's expenditure on activities is made up as follows:
Theatre Costume Other Theatrical Drama 2022 2021
Letting Hire Production Training Total Total
£ £ £ £ £ £ £
Raising funds
Premises expenses 1,133 1,132 - - - 2,265 1,164
Other fundraising costs - - - - - - -
1,133 1,132 - - - 2,265 1,164
Charitable activities
Production Costs - - - 23,809 - 23,809 7,872
Depreciation - - - 4,592 - 4,592 6,348
Programmes & publicity - - - 14,695 - 14,695 3,225
Office and sundry - - - 7,292 - 7,292 8,703
Teaching fees
& expenses - - - 8,160 495 8,655 4,729
Box Office Costs - - - 3,941 - 3,941 513
Premises expenses - - - 52,665 1,699 54,364 27,957
- - - 115,154 2,194 117,348 59,347
Governance costs
Accountancy & similar - - 2,550 - - 2,550 2,250
Total Expenditure 1,133 1,132 2,550 115,154 2,194 122,163 62,761

Premises expenses are apportioned to activities based on estimates of relative usage

10. FUNDS RECEIVED AS AGENT

During the year, the charity received £9,036 (2021: £nil) as agent. The fees receivable for acting as agent were £2,312 (2021: £nil) and are included as income in the accounts. The amount paid to principals was £6,724 (2021: £nil). At the year-end, there were no amounts held as agent.

Page 11

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements- continued For the Year Ended 31 July 2022

11. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS

COST:
At 1 August 2021
Additions
At 31 July 2022
DEPRECIATION:
At 1 August 2021
Charge for year
At 31 July 2022
NET BOOK VALUE
At 31 July 2022
At 31 July 2021
Freehold
Fixtures &
Property Equipment
Total
£
£
£
695,818
126,584
822,402
-
1,579
1,579
695,818
128,163
823,981
-
107,006
107,006
-
4,592
4,592
-
111,598
111,598
695,818
16,565
712,383
695,818
19,578
715,396

The Barn Theatre (which is the charity's freehold property) has an insurable value of £2.73m.

12. DEBTORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Prepayments and accrued income
Owed by related company
CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR
Accrued expenses
Deferred income
Other creditors
Bank loan
2022
2021
£
£
6,557
6,353
16,777
7,887
23,334
14,240
2022
2021
£
£
2,490
2,250
5,699
1,025
-
478
6,942
6,684
15,131
10,437

13. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN ONE YEAR

Deferred income comprises advance ticket sales for theatrical productions. All deferred income of the previous year was released in the year.

A Bounce Back Loan was taken out in April 2020 and no interest was charged nor anything repayable for the first twelve months. The loan is repayable within six years from the date it was taken out and the interest rate is 2.5% pa.

14. CREDITORS: AMOUNTS FALLING DUE WITHIN MORE THAN ONE YEAR

Bank loan (1 - 5 years) 2022
2021
£
£
20,000
27,074

Page 12

The Barn Theatre Trust Limited

Notes to the Financial Statements- continued For the Year Ended 31 July 2022

15. STATEMENT OF FUNDS

STATEMENT OF FUNDS
General funds
Charitable funds
Designated funds
Fixed Asset fund
Total funds
At 1 August
Income
Expenditure
Transfers
At 31 July
2021
2022
£
£
£
£
£
19,809
117,543
122,163
3,013
18,202
715,396
-
-
(3,013)
712,383
735,205
117,543
122,163
-
730,585

Designated funds

The Fixed Asset fund represents funds that have been invested, or set aside for investment, in fixed assets. Such funds are not available for general purposes. At the balance sheet date, the trustees made a transfer to general funds so that the balance on the Fixed Asset fund was equivalent to the net book value of the charity's fixed assets at 31 July 2022.

16 ANALYSIS OF CHARITY NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Fund balances at 31 July 2022 are represented by
Tangible fixed assets
Current Assets
Current Liabilities
Long term liabilities
General
Designated
Restricted
General
Funds
Funds
Funds
Funds
£
£
£
£
-
712,383
-
712,383
53,333
-
-
53,333
(15,131)
-
-
(15,131)
(20,000)
-
-
(20,000)
18,202
712,383
-
730,585

17. TRUSTEE REMUNERATION AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

The charity is controlled by the trustees. No trustee received any remuneration or reimbursement during the year (or the previous year) and were not involved in any transactions with the charity.

The trustees are also directors of The Barn Theatre Club Limited ('the Club'), which operates the bar at the Barn Theatre and receives subscription income from members. Each year, the Club donates its taxable profits to the charity; this year they were £8,295 (2021: £878).

During the year:

and the Club:

At the balance sheet date, the Club owed £16,777 (2021: £7,887) to the charity. No arrangements have been made regarding the payment of interest on, or the repayment of, this loan.

Page 13