2025-08-31-accounts - Blackpool Operatic Players

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MINUTES OF THE SEVENTYFIRST ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF THE BLACKPOOL OPERATIC PLAYERS HELD AT SOUTH SHORE METHODIST CHURCH, MAYFIELD AVENUE, BLACKPOOL ON WEDNESDAY 1[ST] OCTOBER, 2025 AT at 7.30 p.m.

PRESENT: The President, Chairman, Secretary, and 60 members

APOLOGIES: Mrs. Pam Youles, Mr. Graham Lawson, Mrs. Sherran Lawson, Aimi Brear, Steph Ball, Danielle Crossley, Pauline Merger and 48 members

MINUTES of the Seventieth Annual General Meeting held on Wednesday 13[th] November, 2024 which were sent out to the membership with the Agenda, were confirmed to be a true and accurate record of that Meeting and were signed as such by the Chairman.

Proposed by Mrs. Louisa Hopcroft Seconded by Mrs. Zenda Jones and carried

MATTERS ARISING

There were no matters arising from the Minutes.

WELCOME ADDRESS FROM MR. JOHN CHESTERS OUR PRESIDENT

Once again can I welcome the membership of Blackpool Operatic Players to our Annual General Meeting.

It is my opportunity to thank our hardworking and dedicated Officers and Committee members who take the responsibility and organisational time to do their upmost to allow a smooth running of this large and very talented Society.

I also give my grateful thanks to you all, the membership, for your commitment, enthusiasm and team spirit on making this Society a wonderful unit.

With those welcoming remarks we now move on to the business of the

evening.

CHAIRMAN’S REMARKS

Mr. President, Madam Secretary, fellow Trustees and of course, all of you, the very important members of the Blackpool Operatic Family.

It doesn’t seem that long ago, since we ‘Followed the Fold’ on to the gorgeous Grand Theatre stage and smashed “Rockin the Boat” at every performance. The Summer show, “BOP at the Musicals, One More Time”, followed at two different locations and showcased what amazing talent both the society and welcomed new, family members had.

BUT, both shows suffered from the same thing, a lack of tickets sold. All your talents, all the hard work by yourselves, your production teams, your trustees, front and back of house teams mean nothing, if we don’t sell enough seats.

Costs of putting on a show in a professional theatre are constantly rising and we must work even harder and smarter at selling seats for our productions. I know that you will all be trying your very best to sell seats for “42[nd] Street” and helping to distribute leaflets around where you live.

Being Chair for the last three years, has been an absolute honour and a privilege. During my time, the society and in particular the committee, has had to face some extremely tough challenges, but we have emerged stronger and more financially protected for our future.

I have made the decision to step down as Chair. My health has not been brilliant and the Society needs a Chairman who will be available at rehearsals and not absent due to illness.

I will however continue to do the Props for the shows, so all weird and wonderful items will be made or sourced for you as usual!

SECRETARY’S REPORT

Mr. President, Madam Chairman and Members of the Blackpool Operatic

Players.

In opening my 44[th] Annual Report as Company Secretary, may I welcome

you all to our 71[st] Annual General Meeting.

It has been a great year for us all with a wonderful production of Guys and Dolls with everyone within the Company working hard with the Production Team to create the success of this show. We cannot under-estimate the time and effort of those concerned both out of rehearsal and during it to obtain a smooth and happy running of the Society. These comments are also relevant to our successful Summer Show.

A lot of this success is down to our Production Team. For Guys and Dolls we welcomed back to Blackpool Operatic Players, as our Director and Choreographer, Steve Chesters who has produced and choreographed many shows for us in the past. Thank you to Steve and thank you to Jenni Hickes, our Dance Captain and Steve’s assistant. We also must thank our Music Director, Chris Andrews, whose orchestra was absolutely fantastic, as always, and Leanne Farrer our Voice Coach. They brought together their expertise to provide an outstanding show. It was just a great pity that we were not able to negotiate more favourable terms with the Grand Theatre on ticket prices which affected our sales. However, those who did attend thoroughly enjoyed this brilliant show.

It has, however, been possible for John and Chris to meet with the CEO of the Grand Theatre, Adam Knight, and to make him fully aware of our concerns and we hope that these discussions will bear fruit for the coming years ahead. We also informed him of the history of Blackpool Operatic

Players and the Grand Theatre’s heritage, which he seemed to accept. As always, I would like to take the opportunity of thanking all those involved with Guys and Dolls, starting with Pam, our wardrobe mistress, and Sherran, her much valued assistant. Between them they provided just short of sixty extra costumes in their effort to make the show look as good as it did, and everyone on that stage was dressed correctly. Thank you also to anyone involved with the wardrobe, makeup and wigs. To Graham Lawson, our technical adviser. He is so valued by BOP for his knowledge and expertise and we are so grateful to him, so thank you Graham.

I would like to say thank you to our hardworking committee, and believe me they really do work very hard.

As always I never wish to single out any section, but would like to thank everyone concerned with the success of Guys and Dolls.

Following the show, we all enjoyed the after show party which was organised by Danny Hickes and his team at Layton Institute. This was good fun with lots of games and dancing and expertly run by our junior section Charlie and George Hickes.

This year I have to report on a very sad happening, the passing of a much loved, longstanding member of our Society, Penny Beckett. Penny was in many shows over the years and we all enjoyed good times together and lasting friendships. We all saw Penny during show week, being our principal dresser, as always in her usual efficient way. John and I received

this very sad news from friends of ours who were also members of Preston Golf Club, that Penny had passed away, following a brief illness. Some of us were able to attend her funeral to say our farewells to a dear friend who we all miss very much.

On a much brighter and happier note, I have much pleasure in reporting on two weddings which took place earlier this year. First, Eden, our Princess Fiona, married Mike and what a beautiful bride she was. Congratulations from all of us to you all.

Secondly, our much loved member Danielle married Sam in May. Another stunningly beautiful bride, handsome groom and son Cobie. Congratulations and love to you all.

And now to the 2025 BOP at the Musicals One More Time. Well, what can I say. Unfortunately, John and I were unable to attend any of the performance as we were away on holiday. We did, of course attend most of the rehearsals to support this fantastic group of talented people. It was a joy to watch the dress rehearsal on the Wednesday evening before we left for our holiday to see everyone enjoying singing and dancing gave John and I great pleasure. And the costumes !! The effort everyone put in, including a lovely green glitter suit on one of our boys, was fantastic. And so thank you all, and my sincere thanks to our director, Frazer, and his assistant, Alex, together with our voice coach Leanne. I also thank Sophie and Erin who had set some great numbers in the show. May I also thank

the whole team for making the show the success that it was. We could see from your enthusiasm that you were all enjoying yourselves, which is the whole object of our Society. What a team you all were, and so many congratulations to every single one of you.

In conclusion, I hope the Company realises that choosing a show which has lots to do for everyone, is not an easy task. However, as you will see from our choices, our next show, 42[nd] Street, and the ones previous to this,

have been big expensive shows to stage, especially as we perform at the Grand Theatre, which we always class as our home. We hope also that providing all the facilities which we do for a successful production at such a reasonable membership fee, is a very difficult balancing act, and I can only reiterate that supporting the company by sponsorship, advertising and promotion, is the only way we can fulfil our obligations to the membership. And so I am asking you to support any initiatives or opportunities for fund raising that may be offered. If there are any suggestions or ideas which the company wish to put forward these would be most welcome. So thank you in advance !!

And now to 42[nd] Street. May I take the opportunity of wishing you all a very happy and successful show. I can’t wait to see those dancing feet when that curtain starts to go up and let Blackpool see this epic show performed in the dance centre of the country (according to Strictly) by the Blackpool Operatic Players.

TO RECEIVE AND ADOPT THE SOCIETY’S ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR 2024/2025]

Dear Members

As you may know our annual accounts are supplied by an external accounting company who are very generous and do not charge us for their services. Our accountants have been supporters for our society for many years and we are extremely grateful for everything that they do for us.

Unfortunately due to their operational challenges they have been unable to deliver our annual accounts for this evening, Wednesday 1st October. We, therefore, are unable to provide any finance update for you during this evenings AGM

As soon as our accounts have been delivered to the finance team within our society we will have them sent over to each member and we can take questions from then on. We apologise for any inconvenience caused at this time.

Danny presented the balances from the last committee meeting that took place in September.

Danny Hickes 0n behalf of the Finance Team.

Balances were given as follows:-

Treasurer’s Account Savings Account	£38,510.48 £16,289.03 £54,795.52

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 2025/2026

The Officers for the present year are Chairman Mrs. Jane Seddon, Company Secretary Mrs. Marian Chesters. The Chairman has expressed her wish not to offer herself for reelection. However, Mr. Danny Hickes has offered himself for the position of Chairman and his nomination has been accepted by the Committee. The Company Secretary has offered herself for re-election. Both Officers will serve in office for one year.

ELECTION OF THREE MEMBERS ON TO THE GENERAL COMMITTEE.

To elect three members of the Society on to the General Committee for three years. Miss Gillian Lee and Mesdames Harris and Forshaw have all offered themselves for reelection for three years and Mrs. Jane Seddon has offered herself for two years. . This now leaves two spaces for one year.. Nominations could not be taken from the floor. TO APPOINT TWO MEMBERS ON TO THE PUBLICITY AND PROGRAMME COMMITTEE

To appoint at least two members of the Society to the Publicity and Programme

Committee to serve in office for 12 months. Mrs. Karen Gray Thornton, the Chairman of this Committee has stated her willingness to continue, along with Mrs. Toni Forshaw. It was hoped that she would receive offers of help, but none were received from the floor.

MEMBERSHIP FEES

Membership fees for the year 2025/2026 are confirmed as follows:-

Acting Member £140.00 Non-Acting Member £ 40.00 Student £100.00 (on production of student card)

PROPOSED ALTERATIONS TO SOCIETY’S RULES

RULE CHANGES 2025

Perhaps one change should be that we now become Trustees and not Committee members throughout the Rules?

TITLE

Rule 1 The Society will be called “Blackpool Operatic Players”.

OBJECTS

Rule 2 The objects of the Society are to educate the public in the dramatic and operatic arts and to further the development of

Public appreciation and taste in the said arts; and in furtherance of these objects but not otherwise the Society through its Management Committee will have the following powers:

New Rule The objects of the Society are to educate the public in the dramatic and operatic arts and to further the development of

Public appreciation and taste in the said arts; and in furtherance of these objects but not otherwise the Society through its Management Committee/Trustees will have the following powers:

A to E will remain the same.

Rule 3 a The Society shall consist (except as hereinafter mentioned) of Members, who may be acting, non-acting or student members, paying an entrance fee (if required)

and an annual subscription to the Society and the receipt and acceptance by the Treasurer of a subscription shall constitute the subscriber a member of the Society. The entrance fee and the annual subscriptions shall be decided at the Annual General Meeting of the Society (“AGM”).

New Rule The Society will consist of Members, who may be acting, non-acting or student members, paying an entrance fee (if required) and an annual subscription to the Society, making the subscriber a member. These fees will be announced at the Annual General Meeting of the Society (“AGM”).

Rule 3 b The Management Committee (“the Committee”) may recommend for confirmation or otherwise at the AGM, the award to any member of the Society as shall have rendered special service to the Society, of Life Membership of the Society. Following such award, the member shall thereafter remain a Life Member during his life or until his resignation and payment of the annual subscription shall be at the discretion of the Life Member.

New Rule The Management Committee/Trustees (“the Trustees”) may recommend for confirmation or otherwise at the AGM, the award to any member of the Society who has rendered special service to the Society, of Life Membership of the Society. Following such award, the member will remain a Life Member during his life or until his resignation and payment of the annual subscription shall be at the discretion of the Life Member.

MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE/TRUSTEES

Rule 4 b The Committee shall have power to fill any casual vacancy occurring in the officers or membership of the Committee for the unexpired period of the term for which the vacating officer or member had been appointed and may also co-opt other members if considered necessary.

New Rule Remove this rule.

Rule 7 a The entrance fee (if required) and the annual subscriptions to the Society shall be recommended by the Committee but determined annually by the members at the AGM.

New Rule The entrance fee (if required) and the annual subscriptions to the Society will be submitted by the Trustees and announced at the AGM.

Rule 8 h Acting members are required to assist in the payment of rehearsal room charges by payment of an additional subscription to be decided annually by the Committee and paid per rehearsal for which they are scheduled to attend. New Rule Remove this rule.

Rule 12 a The Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary shall be elected by the Society at the AGM and all such Officers shall be eligible for re-election. New Rule The Chairman and Secretary will be elected by the Society at the AGM and all such Officers shall be eligible for re-election.

Rule 13 b At the AGM a Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary will be elected pursuant to Rule 12a. New Rule Remove this rule.

Rule 15 The Bankers of the Society shall be decided by the Committee. The Banking Accounts shall be in the name of the Society and all cheques shall be signed by any two of the Officers of the Society.

New Rule The Bankers of the Society will be decided by the Trustees. The Banking Accounts will be in the name of the Society and all debit transactions will be authorised by two members of the Finance Team.

Rule 16 All money due from members in connection with the production, by way of ticket money or otherwise, shall be accounted for and paid to the Treasurer by the end of the final day of the current production.

New Rule All money due from members in connection with the production will be accounted for and paid to the Finance Team by the end of the final day of the current production.

All other rules are to remain the same.

The proposed changes to the Rules of the Society were sent out to the Membership with their Agenda for the Annual General Meeting. There were no queries on the proposed changes, and they were agreed unanimously by the membership.

TO TRANSACT ANY OTHER BUSINESS

Nigel Taylor wished to inform the membership about the return of Mad about Musicals

the Return No. 4. . And gave information relating to his proposals. He also went on to announce the 2027 Show which is Charlie and the Chocolate Factory which the membership was very happy to receive.

There being no other business, the Annual General Meeting closed at 8.00 p.m.

BLACKPOOL OPEIL4TIC PIAYERS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025

BLACKPOOL OPERATIC PLAYERS INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 SHOW ACCOUNT-"GUYS AND DOLLS" 2025 2024 INCOME BlaGkpool Grand Show Donations (sponsorship) Ticket Sales Programme Sal¢s Merchandise Sales S¢ore Monies Friend of Grand 29,484 3.550 42.964 4,160 1.390 2,921 310 125 4,000 741 .060 250 3,931 39.016 55.870 EXPENDITURE Theatre Char8¢S Royalties Scenery and TranSrt Costumes Rehearsal Char8es Orchestr Production Team S¢or¢s, Libs and Band Parts Equipmenl, Props: Mics and Sound Marketing and Advertising Brochures and Pro8ramm¢s Stage Crew Wages Microphon¢s and Sound 11.953 6,187 9,725 3.160 1,925 3,900 3,900 200 5.141 3.720 500 3.535 17,900 7,374 7,340 6,275 4.716 3,600 2,300 320 349 5,669 1,146 6.022 5,983 53.846 68.993 (DEFJCIT)IPROFrr FOR THE YEAR 4140) 413,124)

BLACKPOOL OPERATIC PiAYERS CONCERT ACCOUNr FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 2025 INCOME Ti¢ket Sal¢s 5,032 5,032 EXPENDITURE Equipment. Props. Mics and Sound Marketing and Advertising Venue Hire 445 307 lJ52 (DEFICIT)IPROFIT FOR THE YEAR

BLACKPOOL OPERATIC PLAYERS GENERAL AccouNr FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 2025 2024 COME Memb¢t3hip Fees Sundry Incom&Tea Money Settlement Gift Aid Bank Interest 7.260 405 5.128 1,324 9.513 5,203 137 393 13.005 16.358 EXPENDITURE Insurance Printing. Postage and Stationery Miscellaneous 376 61 104 554 62 133 541 749 SURPLUS FOR THE YEAR £12,4&1 £15,61

BLACKPOOL OPERATIC PLAYERS SOCIAL ACCOUNT FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025 202S 2024 INCOME Christmas Paty After Show Paty 471 30 660 501 660 EXPENSES Christm85 Party After Show Party 459 60 519 PROFITI(U)&S) FOR THE YEAR q18) £660

BLACKPOOL OPEKITIC PLAYEILS BALANCE SHEET AT 3A JULY 2025 2025 2024 ASSETS Bank Account - Current - Reserve - 32 Day Accounl - Cash in Hand 41.160 16.270 45,995 880 10.253 104 Deposit paid r¢ Fuh)r¢ Productions 2.398 1.300 £59028 £58532 APPROPRIATION AccouNr 2025 2024 Balance broughi forward 58,532 55,386 Show Account (14,830) (13,124) Concert Account 3,680 Gerteral Account 12.464 15,610 Social Account (18) 660 Appropriation Aceount Carried Fonvgrd £59,828 £5V32 We approv¢ and ac¢ept the foregoing Accounts and Balance Sheet Sretary Ttrasurer Date

AccouNfAwfs' REPORT ON THE UNAUDrrED Accouwrs TO BLACKPOOL OPERATIC PLAYERS As described on the balan¢¢ sheet you hav¢ approved th¢ aUnts for the year ¢nd¢d 31 July 2025 attached. tn accordance with your instrnction& we have compiled these unaudited accounts from the accounting rrdS and infornlation and explanations supplied to us. John Potter & Harrison Chartered Accountants 1121114 Whitegate Drive Blackpool FY3 9XH

BLACKPOOL OPEIL4TIC PIAYERS ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025