## **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 conr￿clI0n 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 y￿th 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 Charit￿S Truslees as a brxjy. lor my work or this report. Signed.. Daied.. 20112r2025 Jonathan M Beart Rectory Cottage, St ArKlreWs Lane Congham, PE32 IDU