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
c0￿ptsd 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 pO￿l¢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 con￿rtS 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 COn￿rt 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 suc￿Ssful 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 cOn￿rt 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 SU￿sSfUllY 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 prO￿dureS 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 Ex￿ndIture
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 onl1148eRf￿j 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