Chair’s Report
AGM – 13th October 2025
It is both a pleasure and an honour to stand here this evening and reflect on another year in the life of King’s Lynn Festival Chorus — my first as Chair.
Looking back, it has been a year filled with variety, challenge, and great satisfaction. From the sublime Fauré Requiem paired with the energy of Rutter’s Feel the Spirit , to the beautiful harp accompaniment in A Ceremony of Carols , and from Rutter and Britten in the spring to our finale with Carmina Burana and The Rio Grande — which I think most of us grew to love!
There are so many people I would like to thank for their support throughout my first year as Chair — your encouragement and dedication have been invaluable to both me and the chorus.
First, to our Music Director, Ben , whose inspiration, guidance, expertise, and friendship continue to lift the choir to new heights. His vision, patience, and ability to bring out the very best in us make all the difference to our musicmaking. Thank you, Ben, for everything you do — it is truly appreciated.
We are also deeply grateful to our accompanist, Joe , whose commitment and skill are second to none. Week after week, Joe’s reliability and superb keyboard playing provide the foundation and support we all rely on. We are very fortunate to have both Ben and Joe leading and supporting us.
To the committee , my heartfelt thanks for your hard work, support, and—above all—friendship. You have kept everything running smoothly behind the scenes and kept me sane in the process!
Special thanks go to Penny , whose calm efficiency in managing the music and unwavering support to both me and the chorus have been invaluable. Your friendship and help have meant so much — thank you, Penny.
To Helen and Gill , thank you for ensuring that we are seen, heard, and remembered — quietly and efficiently coordinating our publicity with such dedication.
And finally, to all of you , the members of King’s Lynn Festival Chorus — my warmest thanks. Your commitment, enthusiasm, and friendship are at the heart of everything we do. The way you support one another, turn up week after week with good humour, and give your all in rehearsals and performances makes this choir not just a musical group but a true community. It is an absolute privilege and a joy to sing alongside you.
Of course, being part of a choir brings its challenges, particularly with the continuing rise in costs for venues, musicians, and other essentials. Nevertheless, our commitment to excellence and to performing with high-calibre musicians and orchestras remains central to our identity. By maintaining these standards and delivering concerts that inspire both singers and audiences, we help to ensure a strong and sustainable future for the choir. Every ticket sold and every contribution of support plays an important part in enabling us to continue making music of the highest quality.
Looking ahead, the coming year promises to be an exciting one, filled with new musical opportunities and collaborations. With a varied programme already taking shape, we aim to continue challenging ourselves artistically while building on the strengths that define the chorus — commitment, quality, and community. I am confident that, with Ben’s leadership, the dedication of the committee, and the enthusiasm of every member, we will continue to grow in confidence and reputation. Together, we will ensure that King’s Lynn Festival Chorus remains a vibrant and inspiring part of the region’s musical life.
Michelle Marple
Chair, King’s Lynn Festival Chorus
King's Lynn Festival Chorus Income and Expenditure Year Ended 31st August 2025
| Income Subscriptions Gift aid Hire / sale of music General Donations Donation for piano Concert income 100 Club Bank interest SMP fund Grants Come and Sing MK Memorial Concert Friends of KLFC Other income Expenditure MD / Accompanists Rehearsal rooms Purchase / hire of music Insurance / Making Music Website / Zoom subs 100 Club prizes Come and Sing MK Memorial Concert Purchase of piano Other expenditure Concert expenses: Musicians MD / Assistant MD Printing / Publicity PRS fees Other costs Venue hire Instrument hire Box Office Surplus / (Deficit) Reserves Balance 1st September 2024 Surplus / (Deficit) for the year Balance 31st August 2025 Represented by NatWest bank Payments received in advance Payments made in advance Equals card Cash float |
General Funds Restricted Funds Total Total 2024-25 2024-25 2024-25 2023-24 £ £ 17,990 17,990 16,950 4,115 4,115 6,413 2,137 2,137 1,957 521 521 3,516 2,400 2,400 0 21,961 21,961 14,081 2,520 2,520 0 297 297 263 0 0 8,500 0 0 200 0 0 2,376 1,001 1,001 0 200 200 0 318 318 680 |
|---|---|
| 53,460 0 53,460 54,938 15,435 15,435 13,874 1,295 1,295 2,667 1,244 1,244 1,320 700 700 675 398 398 330 202 202 0 0 0 2,376 1,001 1,001 0 2,895 2,895 0 422 422 222 24,235 24,235 6,304 3,060 3,060 2,790 2,215 2,215 2,062 590 590 0 1,259 1,259 989 1,930 1,930 1,802 1,400 1,400 1,350 2,215 2,215 994 |
|
| 60,495 0 60,495 37,756 |
|
| (7,035) 0 (7,035) 17,182 |
|
| 29,370 1,708 31,078 12,188 (7,035) (7,035) 17,182 |
|
| 22,336 1,708 24,044 29,370 21,863 1,708 23,571 28,418 0 (370) 0 1,152 273 273 70 200 200 100 |
|
| 22,336 1,708 24,044 29,370 |
Independent examlner's report to the Trustees of Klng's Lynn Fesllval Chorus {'Ihe Charlty,) I report to the charity Trustees on my examirk2tion of the accounts of the Charity for the year ended 31 August 2025. Re8pon8lblllllo8 and ba818 of report As the Trustees ol the Charity you are responsible for the preparaiion of the accounts in accordan with Ihe requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('Ihe 2011 Act"). I report in respe of my examinatr'on ol the Charitys accounts carried out under section 145 of the 201 l Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act. Indepondent examlner'8 Statement have completed my examination. I conlirm that no matlers have come to my attention in conrclI0n with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respeth.. accounting records were not kepi in respect of the Charity as required by seclion 130 of the 2011 Act; or the accounts do not accord wilh Ihose records: or the accounts do not comply wilh the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requiremenl Ihal the accounts give a 'true and fair Mew which is not a matter considered as part of an Independent examination. I have no concerns aThY have come across no other matters in connection yth the examinalion to which attention should be drawn in Ihis report in order to enable a propef un(lerstanding of the accounts to be reached Thls report Is made solely to the Charty's Trustees. as a body. in accordance wrth Part 4 01 the Charltles (Accounts and Fleportsl Regulalions 21x18. My work has been undertaken so Ihal I might stale lo the Charty's Trustees Ihose matters l am Tequired to slate lo Ihem in an Independenl examlner's report and lor no olher purpose. I do nol arxept or assume responsibility lo anyone other than Ihe Charity and the CharitS Truslees as a brxjy. lor my work or this report. Signed.. Daied.. 20112r2025 Jonathan M Beart Rectory Cottage, St ArKlreWs Lane Congham, PE32 IDU