SHEFFIELD ORATORIO CHORUS SHEFFIELD ORATORIO CHORUS Registered Charity No. 500578 ANNUAL REPORT AND ACCOUNTS For the year ended 31 July 2024 Contents Page Legal and Administrative Information Trustees, Report Dlrector of Music's Report Independent Examiner's Report Receipts and Payments Account Statement of Assets and Liabifities Notes to the Accounts 10
Sheffield Oratorio Choru8 Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2024 Lagal Information Trustses August 2023 - July 2024 Electsd Trustees Lydia Fielder Lord Philip Hirst Janet Smith Helen Smith Helen Ledger Lois McGrath Lydia Fielder Lord Alison Bond Hilary Fawcett Helen Smith Co-chair to February 24 Chair from February 24 Secretary to February 24 Secretary from February 24 Treasurer Concert Manager Singing Representative from February 24 Singing Representative from February 24 Singing Representative Singing Representative to February 24 c0ptsd Member8 Paul Clarke Making Music Representative from April 23 Director of Music Voice Coach Accompanists Alan Eost MA ARCO ARCM Dr Vivien Pike M Mus GRSM ARMCM LGSM FRSA 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
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2024 Trustees. report The Trustees present their report and financial statements for the year ended 31 July 2024. The Trustees have adopted the provisions of the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) "Accounting and Reporting by Charities" issued in March 2005, in preparing the annual report and financial statements of the charity. Structure, governance and management The charity is governed by its constitution adopted 16 September 1970 and amended 3 October 1979, 18 February 1987, 30 September 1992, 13 October 1993, 12 March 1997, 25 June 2003, 8 July 2009, 23 November 2016 and 7 July 2021. The organisation's finances and pOl¢le8 are administered by the Trustees. New Trustees are elected for three-year periods at the organisalion'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 $8rved during the year are listed on page 2 of the report. Objectives and activltles 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, shal5 determine from time to time. Review of aGtivitles The Chorus has had a successful year both musically and socially, The membership has seen a modest increase over the year and in addition there have been several 'guest singers, joining us for individual concerts. Our 5-year strategic development plan has been reviewed during the year and has identified ways of encouraging new members to join the chorus. Our 4 conrtS during the year had reasonable audience attendance but our strategi¢ development plan also Seeks to increase numbers and reach out to potential new audiences.our concerts during the year included a performance of Haydn & Mozart masses in Ecclesall Church, our Christmas Carol Concert which faced challenges due to ill health of many members, Rutter & Le Fleming works in Sheffield Cathedral and a perf0mlan of Brahms Schicksalslied, and 'Requiem' in the Victoria Hall. The latter concert saw the Oratorio Chorus join forces with the Sheffield Bach Choir for the first time in over twenty years with the musical directors of each choir conducting. This was regarded as a very successful collaboration. Our financial position for the year was better than originally budgeted due in large part to very generous sponsorship of our Brahms COnrt by a former long-standing member and supporter, Laurence Coates, who sadly did not live to see the concert. The concert was dedicated to the memory of Lauren and his wife Liz. The Chorus also held its first ever Autumn Craft Fair which was a very sucSsful fundraising ventur8 in a local church hall. The committee continues to look ahead to the future through the implementation of its 5-year strategic plan. It undertook an extensive consultation with the membership with the objective of enhancing the rehearsal experience and has implemented a number of new practices and policies arising from this and previous consultations.
Director of Music's Report 2023124 Season The 202314 season opened with a Classical cOnrt consisting of Mozart's "Vespers and "Coronation Mass" along with Haydn's "Little Organ Mass" A trio of young soloists were joined by Debra Morley (soprano) making a welcome return to our solo platform. The organ solo was in the hands of Peter Heginbotham who has, once again, become our accompanist, and South Yorkshire Symphony Orchestra provided the accompaniment. An enjoyable and successful concert resulted. This was followed by the usual Christmas concert, again in Ecclesall Church. Guests on this occasion were the Steel City Choristers. formed from the Cathedral Choir of old. For the Spring concert, we returned to Sheffield Cathedral for a programme of approachable 20, Century music ie John Rutter's "Requiem" and the under-rated "Five Psalms" of Christopher Le Fleming. This featured a small ensemble of the SYSO with soprano soloist Ruby Hendry and Peter Heginbotham on the organ. We also had an enjoyable interlude provided by Natalie Fooks, BBC Chorister of the Year, and daughter of oné of our members. Despite off-stage problems this was another SUsSfUllY delivered concert. The highlight of the season Game with the final concert, for which we joined forces with the Sheffield Bach Choir to perform Brahms Requiem. and "Schicksalslied"{ Song of Destiny). We were delighted to welcome baritone Darren Jeffery and internationally acclaimed soprano Elizabeth Watts. The Victoria Hall was a new venue for SOC. A near-full house made this a successful venture both musically and financially We start the new season with a "Concert for Peace. on Remembrance Saturday, This will feature the Karl Jenkins "Requiem" and Vaughan Williams, Cantata "Dona nobis pacem" (Grant us peace). A semichorus of the Froggatt Young Singers will Join us.we also welcome back the outstanding young soprano Georgie Malcolm and making his debut with SOC th8 young rising baritone "Johannes Moore" The venue is to be Ecclesall Church. For the Christmas Concert we hope to welcome some young soloists. In April we will return to Sheffield Cathedral for a performance of the ever-popular oratorio "Elijah" last performed by SOC 20 years ago. The season will close with a concert and masterclass with young singgrs in June. My thanks go to musicians Vivien Pike for her work with voice trials and coachlng and to Peter Heginbotham for his woth as accompanist and assistant conductor. Thanks also to Phil and the Committee for their support and hard work in moving the Society forward. Alan Eost. Musical Director
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2024 Financial Review This season saw an increase in income to £40,182 compared with £39,120 in the previous year and reflects an increase in subscriptions, fundraising and the re-charge arrangement agreed with the Sheffield Bach Society for costs related to the final concert of the year. Expenditure increased to £40,202 compared with the previous year's £37,729 additional expenses were incurred due to inflation increases in areas such as publicity and printing costs, as well as an increase in the number of soloists used and the additional costs for our joint concert with the Sheffield Bach Society. This year's concert costs were greatly helped by our successful fundraising including a craft fair held in the autumn of 2023 raising £1,180 and sponsorship of the July concert by Laurence Coates a retired member of the choir in memory of both himself and his wife. We also benefited from other donations, and fundraising efforts totalling £2,045 Reserve8 policy We began the year with total reserves of £36,594 and ended with £36,575 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 year ahead. The need for reserves was illustrated in the past two years as the impact of a ommunicable disease is not covered by insurance. The unrestricted reserves at 31 July 2024 were £36,482. See Fund breakdown on page 9 for full details. Publlc beneflt statement The trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus take our SponSibl11t1es 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 singers to develop their ski118 by participating in our concerts as soloists and we welcome audiences to enjoy our music with us. The Membership fee for the 2023-24 season was at the rate of £160 per year. On the principle that no one should be excluded on grounds of cost, there is always a 50 /0 reduction for members on low incomes,
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2024 ' Trustses, responsibilities for the financial statements Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which show the state of affairs of the charity and of net income or expenditure of the charity for that period. In preparing those financial statements the trustees are required to.. Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently. Make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent. Prepare the financial statements on a going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation. State whether applicable accounting standards of recommended practice have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements. The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable the trustees to prepare the financial statements. The trustees are responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention of fraud and other irregularities. This report was approved by the Trustees on [INSERT DATEI and is signed on their behalf by: Phil Hirst Chair
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2024 Independent Examinerfs report to the trustees of Sheffield Oratorio Chorus I report on the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024 which are set out on pages 7 to 9 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 these 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 examinerfs statement My examination was carried out in accordance with 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 seeking explanations from the trustees concerning any Such matters. The prOdureS undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and Gonsequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a 'true and fair, view and the report is limited to those matters s8t out in the statement below. Independent examiner's statsment In connection with my examination. no matter has come to my attention,. which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in, any material respect, th8 requirements.. to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act,. and to prepare accounts which aGGord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the Charities Act have not been met ', or 2. to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts fo be reached. Slgned Craig Williamson White Rose Accounting for Charities The Ghyll Threapland Aspatria CA7 2EL Date..
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Receipts and Payments Account for the year ended 31 July 2024 Unro5trictgd funds Rèstrlctsd Funds Total Fund$ 2024 Totsl Funds 2023 RECEIPTS Concert Incomo Ticket Sales - Concerts Ticket Sale8 - Workshop Programme Sale8, Cushion hire, Refroshmtrn15 Music & Foldei Hire & Sales Sponsorship & Grants Sub¥ from Guest Singers Totsl Concert InGome G8neral Incorne Subscriptioits from Members Donations & Bequests Fundraising Gift Aid {HMRC Refund) Bank InleTosI (COIF account) Total General Incom• Totsl R•celpts 6.547 8.547 8,610 1,154 663 569 569 2,206 4,089 225 2,206 3,589 225 15,136 951 3,460 415 5¢)0 500 15,636 12,926 2.440 4,220 3,488 1,474 24,546 39,682 12,926 2.440 4,220 3,486 1,474 24,546 12,400 3,923 3,953 2,745 845 600 39,120 PAYMENTS Concert Expgndlture Ofch8s1ras Concert or9anis1glpi8nisls Soloi515 ConGert Conductors Othei concart expenses & equlpmenl Venue Hire- concerts Mu¥1¢ Hiie & Purehagé Publicity, pro9ramme5, liGkeis Performlng Rights fee9 Total Concert ExndIture 6,709 1,380 3,173 2.214 536 1,500 8,269 1,380 3,173 2,214 536 9,764 1,050 2.876 1,450 428 3,357 919 3,718 2.777 1,8fj9 212 3.718 2,777 1.869 212 1,234 207 22,648 1,500 24.148 Ggneral Expenditurè Musieal Dirgclor & Accompani$18 Venu& Hlre- rehoarsals Educallon Cost8 Publlcily - Annual Brochure, website etc Adrnini3tralion & minor equipmant FunrJraising exponses Accountancy Glfts & Donatsons by SOC M8king Music (Annual sub and insurance prèmium) Totsl General Expendlture Tc>tsl Paymonts SurpluslDeflclt IN&t recèlptslpayrnentsl Fund balan¢gs brought for*4ard 0110812022 Tran8fers batr4e&n funds 9,829 4,190 9,829 4,190 10.064 4,209 432 504 504 402 206 175 167 581 457 402 206 175 314 87 175 1e2 167 581 544 16.054 38,702 980 16,054 40,202 1201 36,594 16,444 37,729 1.391 35.203 11,0001 1.000 35,594 Fund balances carrfed forward 36,574 36,574 36,594
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Statement of Assets and Liabilities for the year ended 31 July 2024 2024 2023 Assets Balance at bank Current Account Deposit Account (COI F) Cash in hand Total Assets 7,051 29,000 523 36,574 7,470 29,000 124 36,594 Liabilities Accountancy & Independent Examinatic 175 175 175 175 Funds represented by General Fund Restricted Funds.. 36,482 35,502 1,000 92 36,594 Chamber Cholr 92 36,574 This report was approved by the Trustees onl1148eRfj and is signed on their behalf by.. Phil Hirst Chairs Helen Ledger Treasurer
Sheffield Oratorio Chorus Annual Report and Accounts for Year ended 31 July 2024 Notes to the accounts for the year ended 31 July 2024 Receipts and payments accounts Because the level of income and expenditure 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 Commissioners, guidelines for small charities and is seen as more appropriate for this organisation. Funds 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 if they later decide that the charity should not proceed or continue with the use or project for which the funds were designated. Restricted funds represent funds which can only be used for partlcular purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise where the donor specifies or where the funds raised are for a particular restricted purpose. Restricted funds brought foNard to this financial year represented: Concert Costs (June 2024 Sponsorship) £1,000 At the year-end sums carried forward in restricted funds amounted to.. 10