2023-07-31-accounts - Sheffield Oratorio Chorus

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

SHEFFIELD ORATORIO CHORUS

SHEFFIELD ORATORIO CHORUS Registered Charity No. 500578

ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31 July 2023

Contents	Page
Legal and Administrative Information	Z
Trustees’ Report	3
Independent Examiner's Report	Ps
Receipts and Payments Account	8
Statement ofAssets and Liabilities	g
NotestotheAccounts	10

Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023

Legal Information

Trustees August 2022 - July 2023

Elected Trustees Bill Clarke Chair to February 23 Lydia Fielder Lord Co-Chair from February 23 Philip Hirst Co-Chair from February 23 Janet Smith Secretary Margaret Thompson _ Treasurer to February 23 Helen Ledger Treasurer from February 23 Lois McGrath Concert Manager Lydia Fielder Lord Singing Representative to February 23 Philip Hirst Singing Representative to February 23 Helen Ledger Singing Representative to February 23 Kirsten Cubitt Thorley Singing Representative Hilary Fawcett Singing Representative from February 23 Helen Smith Singing Representative from April 23 Co-opted Members Richard Thompson Making Music Representative to February 23 Paul Clarke Making Music Representative from April 23 Director of Music Alan Eost MA ARCO ARCM Voice Coach Dr Vivien Pike M Mus GRSM ARMCM LGSM FRSA Accompanists Peter Heginbotham and Robert Webb

The Director of Music and Voice Coach attend and report to Committee meetings as non-voting members.

Registered Charity Number 500578

Principal Address 101 Whirlowdale Road Millhouses Sheffield S7 2NF

Independent Examiner Craig Williamson White Rose Accounting for Charities The Ghyll Threapland Aspatria CA7 2EL

Bank Natwest Bank plc

Annual Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023

Trustees’

The report Trustees Present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2023. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and the charity. Reporting by Charities", issued in March 2005, in preparing the annual report and financial Statements of

Structure, governance and Management The charity is governed by its constitution adopted 16 September 1970 and amended 3 October 1979, 18 NovemberFebruary 1987, 2016 30and September7 July 2021. 1992, 13 October 1993, 12 March 1997, 25 June 2003, 8 July 2009, 23 The organisation's finances and policies are administered by the Trustees, New Trustees are elected for three-year periods at the organisation’s annual AGM or a Special General Meeting. The new members are given the information they need, including copies of the Constitution and policies and procedures. The Trustees from time to time May co-opt up to three further members, who attend committee meetings, but are not Trustees unless subsequently elected by the membership. The Trustees who served during the year are listed On page2 of the report.

Objectives and activities

The main Objects of the Chorus are to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and Science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of Public concerts and recitals and by such other ways as the Society, through its committee, shall determine from time to time. Review of activities During the year the Chorus has continued to consolidate its position following the pandemic. Membership has not yet returned to pré-pandemic levels. However, the Chorus has been able to perform a more ambitious programme with a performance of Bach’s ‘St John Passion’ marking its return to Sheffield Cathedral and a very well received performance of Will Todd's ‘Mass in Blue’ conducted by the composer and accompanied by Will Todd's jazz Trio. The ‘Mass in Blue’ performance was supported by the Sheffield Chamber Choir and also gave the opportunity for the Chorus to host a workshop day led by Will Todd which was attended by guest singers from across the UK.

The Committee membership changed significantly at the last AGM with the previous chair and treasurer reaching the end of their term of office and new Co-Chairs and Treasurer being elected as well as new singing representatives. The committee has met regularly through the year and has focussed on planning for the future development of the Chorus given its post-pandemic situation and taking account of the results of consultation with the membership. Director of Music’s Report At the end of the 21/22 season SOC was strapped for cash, so the November concert had to be (unusually) without orchestra: this autumn concert then consisted of Britten’s “Festival Te Deum” and “Hymn to St Cecilia”, Chilcott's “Canticles of Light” and Victoria’s “Missa O quam gloriosum est regnum”. By using Semichorus instead of soloists more money was saved. The concert was moderately successful, but it was in future. hoped that financial pressures would ease somewhat and allow a return to a more “normal” autumn concert For the Christmas concert in Ecclesall church we welcomed the Lodge Moor Children’s Choir who provided a delightful contrast to our traditional range of choral Carols

Annual Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023

The spring concert consisted of Bach's “St. John Passion” and we welcomed back the Northern Chamber Orchestra and an excellent sextet of young soloists to create a very good concert. An added bonus was our return to Sheffield Cathedral after three and half years away. For the Summer concert we returned to Ecclesall church for an equally memorable evening performing Will Todd's “Mass in Blue” and Chilcott's “Nideros Jazz Mass”. We also welcomed “Sheffield Chamber Choir" who joined us for the “Mass in Blue” and performed Martin’s “Mass for double choir”. With Will Todd conducting and his ensemble providing the accompaniment this was an exciting and lively evening for all concerned. There was the added bonus of a workshop with Will Todd, three weeks before the concert. This proved highly beneficial and enjoyable for those who took part. For this season, in an effort to keep costs down and to allow instrumental support for all our main concerts we are engaging South Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra. In November we are offering Mozart’s “Coronation” Mass and “Vespers”. Completing the programme will be Haydn's “Little Organ Mass”. This is a must for devotees of standard choral repertoire. For Christmas we welcome the Steel City Choristers, founded initially from the former Cathedral Choir. For the March concert we return to Sheffield Cathedral to offer Rutter's “Requiem” (now an established part of the choral repertoire) and Le Fleming's somewhat under-rated “Five Psalms”. For the summer concert we are joining with Sheffield Bach Society to put on Hall Brahms “Requiem”. This will be our first joint concert with SBS since 1997 and will take place in the Victoria Last season, vocal Support sessions were offered to all members as part of the Academy scheme to assist and improve aspects of vocal technique. This season there will be some further classes. | would like to thank Bill Clarke, Chairman until last January for his support and leadership particularly in overseeing the Will Todd concert and workshop. Thanks also to Vivien Pike for her work with the Academy and support and also to our two accompanists, Peter Heginbotham and Robert Webb. Peter now returns as our full-time accompanist. Lastly, thanks to Lydia, Phil and the Committee for their support and assistance in driving the Society forward.

Alan Eost. Musical Director

Annual Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023

Financial Review reflectsThis se a sonn increase Saw anin ti k tsin c r e ase salesin income and donations.to £39,120 compared with £23,105 in the Previous year and Expenditure increased to £37,729 compared with the previous year’s £28,897 additional expenses were theincurred Will Todd because Ensemble, we have who completed joined us a for more the ambitious concert July concert, Programme this year including welcoming This year’s concert costs were greatly helped by our successful fundraising including a grant of £1,000 received from the JG Graves Charitable Trust and Sponsorship of the July concert by members of the andChoir. friends. We also benefitedDonations, bygrants another and SS ponsor shiped mountaintotalled climb, £9,749. this time Ben Nevis by ourMusical Director interval cakes which raised a further £1,279, Other fundraising activities comprising marmalade sales, the hamper raffle at the Christmas concert and Reserves policy We began the year with total reserves of £35,203 and ended with £36,594 to underpin our future activities. The Chorus aims to maintain unrestricted reserves of a minimum of £15,000. This represents a suitable amount to provide the necessary security for booking orchestras, soloists and venues at least a year ahead. The need for reserves was illustrated in the past two years as the impact of a communicable breakdown on Page 10 for full details. disease is not covered by insurance. The unrestricted reserves at 31 July 2022 were £35,502. See Fund

Public benefit statement

The trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus take our responsibilities Seriously. We are confident that the Society’s activities meet the public benefit guidance of the Charity Commission, in particular our main object as stated above. Our singing members benefit considerably in terms of improved musical education and mental wellbeing associated with singing with a choir. We offer opportunities to young enjoy our music with us, singers to develop their Skills by participating in our concerts as soloists and we welcome audiences to The Membership fee for the 2022-23 Season continued at the rate of £150 per year. However after a review an increase to £160 per year, Was agreed at a Special AGM in June 2023, this will commence therefrom theis always start of a 2023-24 50% reducti seas on .forOn members the principle on low incomes. that no one should be excluded on grounds of cost,

Annual Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Report and Accounts for Year ended 34 July 2023

Trustees’

Charity responsibilities for the financial statements State law requires the trustees to Prepare financial Statements for €ach financial Period which show the °[to:] those of[financia|] affairs of the[ Statements] Charity[ the] and[ trustees] of net[ are] income[ required] or expenditure of the Charity for that period. In preparing ° Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently, e Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. ° the Charity will continue in Operation. Prepare the financial Statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that State whether applicable accounting standards of recommended Practice havebeen followed subject
The to any departures disclosed and €xplained in the financial Statements. trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable
accuracy at any time the financial Position of the charity and €nable the trustees to Prepare the financial] reSt a tements.sonable stepsThe for trustees the prevention are responsibleof fraud for and Safeguarding other irregularities,the assets of the charity and hence for taking This report was approved by the Trustees on 1%}or/y and is signed on their behalf by:

----- Start of picture text -----
he
----- End of picture text -----

Lydia Fielder Lord Co-Chair

----- Start of picture text -----
Phil Hirst
Co-Chair
----- End of picture text -----

Annual Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023 and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023 for Year ended 31 July 2023 Year ended 31 July 2023 ended 31 July 2023 31 July 2023 July 2023 2023 Examiner’s report to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus report to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Oratorio Chorus Chorus

Independent Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023 and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023 for Year ended 31 July 2023 Year ended 31 July 2023 ended 31 July 2023 31 July 2023 July 2023 2023 | Examiner’s report to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus report to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Oratorio Chorus Chorus report on the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023 which are set out on pages 8 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, ¢e underto follow section the Procedures145(5)(b) oflaid the down Charitiesin these Act), generaland Directions given by the Charity Commission to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination Was Carried out in accordance with general Directions given by the Charity Commission. An €xamination 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 explanations from the 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. InIndependent examiner's statement 1. 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: e to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act; and 2. requirementsto prepare accounts which accord of the Charities Act have with not the been accounting met; recordsor and comply with the accounting accounts to be reached. to which, in my Opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the
Signed

Craig Williamson White Rose Accounting for Charities The Ghyll Threapland Aspatria CA7 2EL Date: Pa ™ WO [helt

Receipts

Sheffield Oratorio Chorus and Payments Account for the year ended 31 July 2023

RECEIPTS		Unrestricted Restricted TotalFunds funds Funds 2023	Unrestricted Restricted TotalFunds funds Funds 2023	TotalFunds 2022
Concert Income Ticket Sales - Concerts		£ £ £		£
Ticket Sales -Workshop Programme Sales,Cushionhire, Refreshments Music & Folder Hire& Sales Sponsorship & Grants Subs from Guest Singers Total Concert Income General Income Subscriptions from Members		8.610 8,610 1,154 1,154 663 663 951 951 2,460 1,000 3,460 415 415 14,254 1,000 18,254		5,383 430 688 - 375 6,876
Donations & Bequests Fundraising Gift Aid(HMRC Refund) Bank Interest (COIF account) Total General Income Total Receipts PAYMENTS Concert Expenditure	12,400 12,400 3,923 3,923 3,953 3,953 2,744 2,744 845 845 23,865 - 23,865 38,120 1,000 39,120 ee		11,937 813 1,206 2,199 74 16,229 23,105 ee
Orchestras
Cencert organists/pianists Soloists Concert Conductors Other concert expenses & equipment Venue Hire - concerts Music Hire& Purchase Publicity, Programmes, tickets Performing Rights fees Total ConcertExpenditure	____	9,764 9,764 1,050 1,050 2,876 2,876 1,450 1,450 428 428 3,357 3,357 919 919 1,234 1,234 207 207		6,584 1,150 2,043 2,050 - 1,439 1,458 978
GeneralExpenditure	2haas - 21,285 ee			- 15,702
Musical Director8 Accomipanists Venue Hire - rehearsals Education Costs Publicity -Annual Brochure, website etc Administration & minorequipment Fundraising expenses Accountancy Gifts 8 Donations bySOc Making Music(Annualsub andInsurancepremium) Total General Expenditure Total Payments Surplus/Deficit (Netreceipts/payments) Fund balancesbroughtforward 01/08/2022 Transfers between funds Fund balancescarriedforward		10,064 10,064 4,209 4,209 432 432 457 457 314 314 87 87 175 175 162 162 544 544 16,444 - 16,444 37,729 - 37,729 391 1,000 1,391 35,203 35,203		8,630 2,890 - 580 432 - 175 106 382 . 13,195 28,897 (5,792) 40,995
	35,594 1,000 36,594

Statement

Sheffield Oratorio Chorus of Assets and Liabilities for the year ended 31 July 2023

		2023	2022
Assets		£	£
Balance atbank
CurrentAccount
Deposit Account(COIF) Cash in hand Total Assets	__	7,470 29,000 124	6,132 29,000 71
		36,594	35,203
Liabilities
Venue Hire forJune22 concert PRS feeforDecember21 Concert Accountancy &IndependentExamination		175	660 42 175
		175	877	_
Funds represented by General Fund
Restricted Funds:		35,502	35,111
Funds raised forJune 2024concert Chamber Choir		1,000
		92	92
		36,594	35,203

This report was approved by the Trustees on IBloi fry and is signed on their behalf by: fpLydia Fielderee Lordhe and Phil Hirsttu te Be As hgsT Co-Chairs Helen Ledger

Be As hgsT Helen Ledger Treasurer

Notes

Annual Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2023 to the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023

Receipts and Payments accounts Because the level! of income and €xpenditure is below £250,000 the group has opted for accounts prepared On a receipts and Payments basis rather than an accruals basis. This is in line with the Charity FundsCommissioners’ guidelines for small charities and is seen as more appropriate for this organisation. Unrestricted funds represent funds held for the general purposes of the Charity at the trustees’ discretion. Designated funds are Part of the unrestricted funds which trustees have earmarked for a particular project Or use, without restricting or committing the funds legally. The designation May be cancelled by the trustees funds were designated. if they later decide that the charity should not Proceed or continue with the use or Project for which the Purpose.Restricted funds represent funds which can only be used for particular purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise where the donor Specifies or where the funds raised are for a particular restricted

Restricted funds brought forward to this financial year represented:

Chamber Choir £92

At the year-end SUMS Carried forward in restricted funds amounted to: Chamber Choir Concert Costs (June 2024 Sponsorship) £1,000£92