Kelvin Players Theatre
Company
253b Gloucester Road Bishopston Bristol BS7 8NY
www.kelvinplayers.co.uk
…………………………………………………………….
Annual Report
and
Financial Statements
2020/21
…………………………………………………………….
Vision
To be and be seen to be
the premier non-professional theatre group in Bristol
Mission
To create excellent theatre through the sharing and development of skills and expertise in all aspects of production and performance
Kelvin Players Theatre Company is a non-professional drama company. It is a member of the Little Theatre Guild of Great Britain and a charity Registered with the Charities Commission under Number 294367
Trustees' Annual Report
The Trustees present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2021.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out on page nine of the attached accounts and comply with the charity’s constitution, the Charities Act 2011, regulations applicable to that Act, and 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 from accounting periods commencing 1st January 2015 or later.
President - Milton Johns
Charity Trustees
The Management Committee of Kelvin Players are its Trustees for the purposes of charity law and throughout this report are collectively referred to as its trustees. The Trustees serving during the year were as follows:
Sue Stobbs Chairman Peter Phillpot Treasurer Anna Freire Camacho Secretary Neil Bonnett Company Stage Manager Fran Lewis Artistic Director Dean Bentley Hawkins Premises Manager Anna Bonnett Marketing and Publicity Manager Tim Whitten Membership Development Officer Joshua Cooper Committee member Ex-officio (non-voting) Mary McCallum Vice President Richard Jones Vice President
Legal Trustees
In addition to the above, Kelvin Players has four legal Trustees, Peter Almond, Richard Jones, Mary McCallum and Robin Turner, who would be responsible for winding up the assets of the club if it was ever dissolved.
Names and Addresses of Advisers
-
➢Bank: Lloyds Bank plc, 15 High Street, Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol BS9 3DA -
➢Independent Examiner: Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors, Woodlands Grange, Woodlands Lane, Bradley Stoke, Bristol BS32 4JY
Structure, Governance and Management
-
➢Type of governing document - The Rules (constitution) of Kelvin Players were adopted at the AGM of 26 September 1991 and amended at the EGM of 13 February 2000 (Second Edition), AGM of 23 September 2007 (Third Edition) and AGM of 25 September 2011 (Fourth Edition). -
➢How the charity is constituted - Membership is open to any person aged 16 or over who is interested in the art and practice of any branch of the theatre. There are currently 155 members (157 in 2019/20). Kelvin Players is run by a Management Committee of nine comprising: Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Company Stage Manager, Artistic Director, Premises Manager, Marketing and Publicity Manager, Membership Development Officer
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21 Page 2
and one general member. The President and Vice-Presidents are ex-officio members of this committee but are not eligible to vote at its meetings.
➢Trustee selection methods - Members of the Management Committee are appointed or re-appointed at the Annual General Meeting in September. The Management Committee has the power to co-opt members should a committee vacancy occur during the year.
Objectives and Activities
The object of Kelvin Players is to educate the public in the arts in particular the art of drama by the presentation of dramatic productions and its mission is to create excellent theatre through the sharing and development of skills and expertise in all aspects of production and performance. Kelvin Players stages five productions a year either at its studio premises or at an outside venue as well as social events. Kelvin Players has no paid employees and the trustees acknowledge the considerable time and effort put in by members, not only in staging productions but also in maintaining and running the Studio premises.
Achievements and Performance
The following productions were staged at the Kelvin Studios in 2020/21. The Chairman’s report on pages 4 to 5 gives further details of activity during the year.
➢ Metamorphosis – July 2021
Public Benefit
In setting the charity's objectives and planning its activities the Trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit.
Kelvin Players’ Studio premises are accessible for disabled patrons and ticket prices are set at levels designed to encourage the local community and those on low incomes to attend. In addition, schools in Bristol and the surrounding area are offered group discounts to enable students to experience live theatre at an affordable cost. The local community receive information about all productions and ticket sales and feedback confirms that there is a high level of local support for the broad range of quality theatre presented by the group during the year.
Financial Reserves Policy
Kelvin Players holds a minimum of £6,000 in reserve to cover any unforeseen production losses. Additional reserve funds are held in a Sinking Fund to cover possible emergency repairs to the Studios. Reserves of £9,950 are also held in a Studio Maintenance and Development Fund.
Declaration
The Trustees declare that they approved the above report at their meeting on 1 September 2021. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees:
Sue Stobbs, Chairman
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21 Page 3
Chairman’s Review of the Year 2020/21
Once more the events of this year have very much been impacted by COVID-19. Our postponed season planned from last year was put on hold again with the government’s announcement of a four-month lockdown starting just after Christmas 2020. Just when we had hoped that our theatre might possibly re-open in the near future, it was all starting to look very unlikely again with no date for opening on the horizon for quite a few months.
Committee meetings continued on Zoom and generally revolved around discussing the work that the IAG were doing, a planned change to the general committee structure and the bar refurbishment using the generous legacy from David Higson.
The IAG (Inclusivity Action Group) sub-committee chaired by Mat Rees have been very busy during this period of quiet for the club. During the past few months, the IAG group had several discussions and also listened to feedback from members and put together a valuable report for the general committee in which 10 recommendations were made. One of the recommendations made was to have a clear commitment to inclusivity from the leadership which includes a more proactive equality and diversity policy. I want to personally thank Mat Rees, Terri Mohiuddin and Ralf Togneri and the rest of their team, for their hard work in putting the policy together. It will be presented to you at this meeting for your approval.
Another idea put forward by Jacqs Graham during the summer of last year and which took a great deal of thought and effort with assistance from a few other members, was to propose that the management committee structure was re-evaluated and modernised to suit the current demand placed on serving committee members. The reality is that this is a large club and within a normal working year (COVID aside) we are producing five plays, holding rehearsed readings and maintaining a studio that also sub-lets to organisations outside of Kelvin. This means that the workload can sometimes build up heavily for committee members. In essence, Jacq’s idea is to simplify the current structure of the management committee by having several sub-committees which report back to the management committee thereby hopefully lessening the workload on these members. As per our constitution, Jacqs will be putting a proposal to this AGM for a rule change and will explain in detail what this rule change will consist of. I would like to formally acknowledge and thank Jacqs for the work she has done in putting this proposal forward which I am confident can only benefit the club in the future.
As many of you will no doubt remember; at last year’s club meeting which took place instead of our usual AGM it was mentioned that we had been blessed with receiving a gift from a much loved and long-standing member David Higson who sadly passed away a couple of years ago. In his will he bequeathed to the club the sum of £30,000. The management committee asked the membership to choose from several options how they would like the money to be spent. It was a very close vote and the committee made the final decision. It was agreed that David’s generous bequest would go towards the refurbishment of the bar and lounge area naming it after him in honour of his generous donation and also reflecting how much time he devoted to Kelvin over a period of many years. The project is being managed by Neil and Olivia Greenwood (Lesley Small’s daughter and son in law) and who both have a great deal of experience in pub refurbishments. They are working closely with the Bar and Front of House Management teams, as well as liaising with Dean Hawkins in his role as premises manager. At the time of writing, it is anticipated that by this year’s AGM the work will be in its final phases of completion and ready for use in October with our postponed production of Hamlet. Although the original design was not followed to the letter (mainly due to budget restraints and potential problems with building and fire control approvals) the design in principle has stayed true to the original concept.
I also mentioned last year that Rick Procter managed to secure for the club a grant from Bristol City Council of £10,000 and reduced our rates bill to zero until the end of the financial year for 2019/20. I am pleased to say that we have received extra grants this year totaling £18,717 which are included in this year’s accounts. Due to the fact that the members have not enjoyed the usual benefits of their subscription prior to and during the pandemic, the grants have allowed us to waive
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21 Page 4
our current members subscription until September 2022 and offset the loss of income from quite a few of our lets some of whom have yet to return to the studios. Thanks are due to Rick and our Treasurer Peter for their efforts in obtaining these grants for Kelvin.
In summary, it’s been a strange two years serving as Chair but one thing that has resonated with me is looking to the future for this club. I joined Kelvin nearly 35 years ago initially looking to do some acting as well as getting involved in other aspects of the club and finally was encouraged to try my hand at directing. Over the years I have worked as Stage Manager, DSM, Lighting Operator, assembled props, sold programmes, worked behind the bar, made scenery and painted it, attended get ins and get outs, cooked breakfast and cleaned toilets to name but a few. Now this is not a boastful paragraph of my efforts in Kelvin as there are many of us here tonight who have also done just as much if not more.
What I am trying to highlight is, that it’s really important to look at preserving this clubs’ future by stepping up and helping in ways other than performing and directing. Of course, there are many of us here tonight that I see do just that. So, the message here is perhaps it’s time now to focus on new members that come to join our club and ask what it is they expect to get from joining Kelvin? Are they just interested in coming along and expecting to do an acting role? Let’s encourage these members and show them how much more Kelvin can offer for their subscription! Directors, speak to the members who don’t get cast and try to offer them other roles in your production. Encourage them to think about offering their services to ‘Front of House’ or perhaps to come down to construction nights on a Monday or Wednesday?
And my message to those members who would like to do more but are not sure what they can offer.…. Look around and get involved! Ask yourself is there something else you can do, and remember there is always someone else who will help show you the way if it’s something you have never done before. We want you to enjoy the full benefit of your subscription and see what a great family Kelvin is and how many more new skills and friends you can make. In the words of Lord Horatio Kitchener.…” Your country needs you” or should I say… Kelvin needs you!
As a final note, I would like to say how much I look forward to seeing the long-awaited production of ‘Hamlet’ in October. I’m sure the cast and crew are also anticipating it with relish as well so I wish them all the very best for an enjoyable and profitable two weeks. Thank you to my fellow committee members and the rest of the membership who have supported me in my endeavors to help keep the club strong during these very trying past two years.
Sue Stobbs
September 2021 “The best way to predict the future is to create it” [Abraham Lincoln]
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21 Page 5
Independent Examiner's Report on the Accounts
Report to the trustees of Kelvin Players (Charity no. 294367) on accounts for the year ended 31 July 2021 as set out on pages 9 to 10.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year [under section 144 (2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the Charities Act)] and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the Charities Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under Section 145(5)(b) of the Charities Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. 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 the seeking of explanations 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 no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention which gives me reasonable cause to believe that, in any material respect, the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 130 of the Charities Act; and
-
• to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met.
Michael Robert Paul Dunkley FCA Dunkley’s Chartered Accountants and Registered Auditors Woodlands Grange Woodlands Lane Bradley Stoke Bristol BS32 4JY
2 September 2021
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21 Page 6
Statement of Financial Activities - for the year ended 31 July 2021
| (All funds are unrestricted) 2020/21 £ Incoming Resources 390 5,629 346 13 18,717 9 - 25,104 Resources Expended Direct Charitable Expenditure Cost of Theatrical Productions 175 Storage Rental 180 Studio Expenses: Cleaning 1,026 Gas and Electricity 1,331 Insurance 3,370 Rates and Water 382 Waste disposal; security alarm etc. 259 Studio Maintenance and Development 3,486 Bar Costs, Equip, Licence and Refurbishment 2,265 Subscriptions & Donations 185 Depreciation 5,288 17,947 Audit and Professional Fees 732 Postage, Stationery, Photocopying 110 Sundry Expenses - theatre - Sundry Expenses - other 871 Property Revaluation - Internet/Telephone/Zoom 535 2,248 20,195 Gains/(losses) on revaluation of fixed assets 4,909 1,083,312 1,088,221 Total funds carried forward Governance Costs Sub total Total resources expended Net movement of funds Total funds brought forward Interest Equipment Hire Total incoming resources Sub total Box Office receipts Lettings Subscriptions Donations and Fund Raising Gift Aid Receipts Government Grant Bar Sales |
2019/20 £ 16,609 8,554 4,290 30,176 10,000 500 16 80 70,225 9,084 180 790 2,608 3,475 1,563 314 4,376 188 5,873 28,451 566 356 77 1,500 900 374 3,773 32,224 260,000 298,001 785,311 1,083,312 |
|---|---|
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21
Page 7
Balance Sheet as at 31 July 2021
| 2020/21 £ Fixed Assets (note 2) 997,597 Current Assets: Debtors 13 Gift aid debtor 1,105 Cash at bank and in hand 88,141 89,259 Advance funding 1,365 90,624 - 90,624 1,088,221 Creditors Total net current assets Total funds(all unrestricted) |
2019/20 £ 1,002,885 100 1,105 |
|---|---|
| 78,127 | |
| 79,332 1,095 80,427 80,427 1,083,312 |
Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees:
……………………………. ……………………………. Sue Stobbs Peter Phillpot Chairman Treasurer 1 September 2021
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21
Page 8
Notes to the Financial Statements
1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES
These accounts have been prepared for the year to 31 July 2021.
The accounts have been prepared under the historic cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant accounting policies below or the notes to these accounts.
These accounts have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (Charities SORP FRS 102) issued on 16 July 2014, Update Bulletin 1 issued on 2 February 2016, the Financial Reporting Standard applcable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The date of transition to the Charities SORP FRS 102 was 1 July 2014.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102.
Depreciation is provided on Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment at 10% (on reducing balance basis) depending on estimated life.
| 2 | FIXED ASSETS Cost: At 1 August 2020 revaluation during the year Depreciation: At 1 August 2020 Charge for the year Net Book Value at 31 July 2021 Net Book Value at 31 July 2020 |
Fixtures, Fittings & Equipment £ 125,774 - 125,774 72,889 5,288 78,177 47,597 52,885 |
Freehold Property £ 876,458 876,458 8,218 - 8,218 868,240 868,240 |
Freehold Improvements to Property £ 81,760 - 81,760 - - - 81,760 81,760 |
Total £ 1,083,992 - 1,083,992 81,107 5,288 86,395 997,597 1,002,885 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Kelvin Players - Annual Report 2020/21 Page 9