Trustees’ Annual Report for Financial Year ending 30 June 2023
Legal and Administrative Information
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Charity name Leicester Bach Choir Charity Commission registered number 501890 Financial year ending 30 June 2023 Charity’s principal address c/o Mrs Gail Hobbs 1 Eynsford Close Oadby LEICESTER LE2 2LN
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Independent examiner Mr Meirion Thomas John F Mould & Co. 19 – 20 Baxtergate Loughborough LEICESTERSHIRE LE11 1TG
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Governing document Constitution adopted 13 September 1972. Amended 7 September 1983, 28 August 1990, 2 September 1998, 2nd September 2009, 6th September 2017, 4th September 2019.
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Public Benefit To educate the public with a wide range of choral music through concert performances and choral workshops for a wider audience. We offer opportunities for all full-time students to join us for free and we charge minimal subscription rates for younger singers who are not students. We aim to involve children’s choirs whenever appropriate.
Trustees and Governance
Trustees appointed by the members of the Leicester Bach Choir:
| Dr Jennifer Clegg | Chair | (from 14 Sept 2022) |
|---|---|---|
| Nicola Little | Vice Chair | (from 6 Sept 2017) |
| Gail Hobbs | Secretary | (from 7 Sept 2016) |
| Michael Randle | Treasurer | (from 22 Sept 2021) |
| Patricia Taylor | Friends Representative (from 2 Sept 2020) | |
| Elizabeth Jennifer Casboult | Concert Manager | (from 5 Sept 2018) |
| Jacqueline Burden | General Trustee | (from 5 Sept 2018) |
| Angela Zemlak | General Trustee | (from 3 Sept 2014) |
| Paul Leonard-Williams | General Trustee | (from 2 Sept 2020) |
| Dr Jennifer Wilkinson | General Trustee | (from 14 Sept 2022) |
Nominations for specific committee posts / roles are submitted in advance of the Annual General Meeting in September each year. All the trustees were recruited from the choir membership except for the Concert Manager, whose post was originally advertised through local music networks, and the Treasurer, whose post was filled by a highly experienced and recommended volunteer from outside the choir, being a retired local Bank Manager and a former and present Treasurer for other local charities.
Voting to appoint all Trustees takes place at the AGM.
Achievements and activities
2022-3 concerts acknowledged the significance of Vaughan Williams by performing key works to mark his 100[th] anniversary; and two textured concerts that wove contemporary choral works together with solo instrumental pieces. These involved familiar modern composers such as Ola Gjeilo & John Tavener, & introduced British composer Cecilia McDowall’s Ave Maris Stella . Different concerts featured international soloists on violin, viola, cello, piano and organ, who gave for example, soaring performances of Vaughan Williams’ Lark Ascending , movements from Bach’s cello suites and dazzling French impressionist piano music. Lithuanian Ērik Ešenvalds’ astonishing In paradisum for choir, viola & cello in the summer concert received a standing ovation!
LBC continues to work with businesses and groups that are the framework of the city. We support one of Leicester’s largest churches, St James the Greater, by rehearsing as well as performing there; and on principle employ local people as web administrator, designer, printer, & photographer. With their support we embarked on a major programme of modernisation. Website & marketing materials were redesigned, ticketing was brought online, card reader payments were introduced, & we became an active presence on Facebook & Instagram. This attracted more old friends back alongside some noticeably younger audience members.
A Come and Sing Verdi Requiem in January 2023 attracted around 120 participants from across the Midlands and further afield, many of whom were not current members of the Leicester Bach Choir and included some who had little previous experience of choral singing but reported having had a very rewarding and educational day. Alongside our concerts, this Come and Sing venture continues to fulfil our charitable purpose of educating the wider public about choral music, as the participation, enthusiasm and support of large numbers of singers from outside the choir shows.
None of this would be possible without the innovative programming, professionalism and inspiration of our Music Director, Richard Laing, who has just completed his 20[th] season with us.
We continued to offer free membership to students, which was taken up, and also considerably reduced membership to other under 25s. The Friends and Patrons continue to support the choir through their subscriptions and enthusiastic support at the concerts.
Financial Review
Treasurer’s report
The 2022 -23 season was more like those pre-Covid, although audience numbers at concerts have still not recovered to earlier levels. Singers’ subscriptions of £11,172 were received, and Gift Aid of £2,012 was recovered for previous years. We also received a very welcome £890 in subscriptions from Friends and Patrons. Non-specific donations amounted to £3,810. Other income during the year, including a successful Come and Sing, amounted to £3,432.
Expenditure for the year for rehearsal venue rental, Conductor’s and Accompanist’s fees, and other non-concert related items amounted to £16,349.
The Choir performed in 3 concerts during the year, with total income of £9,454 and expenditure of £9,483, leading to a loss of £29.
Happily, there was an increase in the Choir’s funds of £6,775, and we now have £19,170 available to us. It is still necessary for the Choir to increase its income and / or contain its expenditure during the coming seasons to ensure that good choral music can continue to be performed.
Mike Randle Treasurer
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Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Gail Hobbs September 8[th] 2023
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
Registered Charity No. 501890
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 30[th] JUNE 2023 (INCLUDING 1[ST] JULY 2023 CONCERT)
INCOME & EXPENDITURE – UNRESTRICTED (INCLUDING DESIGNATED) FUNDS
| Note INCOME from: Donations Singing members subscriptions 2 Friends and patrons subscriptions Other 2 Charitable activities - Concert income 5 Come and Sing TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE on: Raising funds - Come & Sing - other Charitable activities - Concert expenditure 5 Other 3 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/( EXPENDITURE) AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2023 £ 3,810 15,172 890 2,278 9,454 3,191 34,795 2,036 152 9,483 16,349 28,020 6,775 12,395 19,170 |
2022 £ 133 11,437 1,140 441 5,204 3,032 |
|---|---|---|
| 21,387 | ||
| 1,929 - 7,307 14,341 |
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| 23,577 | ||
| ( 2,190) 14,585 |
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| 12,395 |
All activities of The Leicester Bach Choir are intended to be continuing.
The statement of financial activities reflects all gains and losses recognised in the year.
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
BALANCE SHEET – 30[th] JUNE 2023
| CURRENT ASSETS Debtors - gift aid tax recoverable - concert income - other ( income receivable and prepayments) Cash at bank - Co-operative Bank Community Directplus account Total current assets LIABILITIES – falling due within one year Creditors - concert expenses - other NET ASSETS THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted income funds |
2023 £ 3,747 1,448 266 16,439 21,900 1,818 912 2,730 19,170 19,170 |
2022 £ 2,048 - 765 10,282 |
|---|---|---|
| 13,095 | ||
| - 700 |
||
| 700 | ||
| 12,395 | ||
| 12,395 |
Signed on behalf of the Managing Committee
M. Randle – Treasurer
11[th] September 2023
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS – YEAR ENDED 30[th] JUNE 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting and reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern in the foreseeable future.
The Choir is an unincorporated charity, governed by its rules, registered in England and Wales as charity number 501890
| Singers subscriptions Income tax recoverable Other trading activities General fund raising events Music sales 3. OTHER EXPENDITURE Conductors fees – retainer and additional fees St. James the Greater rehearsal room hire Accompanists Subscriptions and performing rights Stationery, photocopying and postage Website and advertising Music purchases and hire Bank charges |
2023 £ 11,461 3,711 15,172 1,895 383 2,278 9,291 1,634 2,800 400 379 1,782 - 63 16,349 |
2022 £ 9,662 1,775 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,437 | ||
| 271 170 |
||
| 441 | ||
| 8,589 1,712 2,448 402 375 420 349 46 14,341 |
4. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
No members of the management committee have received any remuneration for the year from the charity’s funds (2022 – nil).
There were no related party transactions during the year (2022 – none).
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS – YEAR ENDED 30[th] JUNE 2023
| 5. CONCERT ACTIVITIES – 2022/23 SEASON November December Concert Concert £ £ INCOME Tickets, programmes, refreshments sales 5,339 EXPENDITURE Soloists and musicians 2,960 Posters, programmes & tickets 219 Venue, fees, lighting Music hire 684 828 Event licence 21 Travel expenses 36 Refreshments 121 Flowers 28 4,897 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) ON EVENTS 442 CONCERT ACTIVITIES – 2021/22 SEASON November December Concert Concert £ £ INCOME Tickets, programmes, refreshments sales 1,663 850 EXPENDITURE Soloists and musicians 1,825 391 Posters, programmes 125 - Tickets 51 - Venue, fees, lighting Music hire 672 85 - - Event licence - - 2,758 391 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) ON EVENTS (1,095) 459 |
Easter Concert £ 2,087 600 163 814 407 21 60 30 - 2,095 ( 8) Easter Concert £ 1,393 1,030 115 77 737 67 - 2,026 ( 633) |
Summer Concert £ 2,028 950 371 690 347 21 40 73 - 2,491 ( 463) June Concert £ 1,298 1,225 60 77 652 97 21 2,132 ( 834) |
Total £ 9,454 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,510 752 2,188 1,582 63 136 224 28 |
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| 9,483 ( 29) Total £ 5,204 |
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| 4,471 300 205 2,031 249 21 |
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| 7,307 (2,103) |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR (THE CHOIR)
I report on the accounts of The Leicester Bach Choir for the year ended 30[th] June 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 4.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
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examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
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to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
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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 seeking 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:
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1) 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 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
-
accounting requirements of the 2011 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 to be reached.
M. THOMAS FCA ICAEW
8 Angus Close Thurnby Leicester LE7 9QG
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11[th] September 2023
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
Registered Charity No. 501890
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 30[th] JUNE 2023 (INCLUDING 1[ST] JULY 2023 CONCERT)
INCOME & EXPENDITURE – UNRESTRICTED (INCLUDING DESIGNATED) FUNDS
| Note INCOME from: Donations Singing members subscriptions 2 Friends and patrons subscriptions Other 2 Charitable activities - Concert income 5 Come and Sing TOTAL INCOME EXPENDITURE on: Raising funds - Come & Sing - other Charitable activities - Concert expenditure 5 Other 3 TOTAL EXPENDITURE NET INCOME/( EXPENDITURE) AND NET MOVEMENT IN FUNDS FOR THE YEAR RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
2023 £ 3,810 15,172 890 2,278 9,454 3,191 34,795 2,036 152 9,483 16,349 28,020 6,775 12,395 19,170 |
2022 £ 133 11,437 1,140 441 5,204 3,032 |
|---|---|---|
| 21,387 | ||
| 1,929 - 7,307 14,341 |
||
| 23,577 | ||
| ( 2,190) 14,585 |
||
| 12,395 |
All activities of The Leicester Bach Choir are intended to be continuing.
The statement of financial activities reflects all gains and losses recognised in the year.
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
BALANCE SHEET – 30[th] JUNE 2023
| CURRENT ASSETS Debtors - gift aid tax recoverable - concert income - other ( income receivable and prepayments) Cash at bank - Co-operative Bank Community Directplus account Total current assets LIABILITIES – falling due within one year Creditors - concert expenses - other NET ASSETS THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY Unrestricted income funds |
2023 £ 3,747 1,448 266 16,439 21,900 1,818 912 2,730 19,170 19,170 |
2022 £ 2,048 - 765 10,282 |
|---|---|---|
| 13,095 | ||
| - 700 |
||
| 700 | ||
| 12,395 | ||
| 12,395 |
Signed on behalf of the Managing Committee
M. Randle – Treasurer
11[th] September 2023
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS – YEAR ENDED 30[th] JUNE 2023
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
The accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP): Accounting and reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011. The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity’s ability to continue as a going concern in the foreseeable future.
The Choir is an unincorporated charity, governed by its rules, registered in England and Wales as charity number 501890
| Singers subscriptions Income tax recoverable Other trading activities General fund raising events Music sales 3. OTHER EXPENDITURE Conductors fees – retainer and additional fees St. James the Greater rehearsal room hire Accompanists Subscriptions and performing rights Stationery, photocopying and postage Website and advertising Music purchases and hire Bank charges |
2023 £ 11,461 3,711 15,172 1,895 383 2,278 9,291 1,634 2,800 400 379 1,782 - 63 16,349 |
2022 £ 9,662 1,775 |
|---|---|---|
| 11,437 | ||
| 271 170 |
||
| 441 | ||
| 8,589 1,712 2,448 402 375 420 349 46 14,341 |
4. TRUSTEES REMUNERATION AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
No members of the management committee have received any remuneration for the year from the charity’s funds (2022 – nil).
There were no related party transactions during the year (2022 – none).
THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR
NOTES ON THE ACCOUNTS – YEAR ENDED 30[th] JUNE 2023
| 5. CONCERT ACTIVITIES – 2022/23 SEASON November December Concert Concert £ £ INCOME Tickets, programmes, refreshments sales 5,339 EXPENDITURE Soloists and musicians 2,960 Posters, programmes & tickets 219 Venue, fees, lighting Music hire 684 828 Event licence 21 Travel expenses 36 Refreshments 121 Flowers 28 4,897 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) ON EVENTS 442 CONCERT ACTIVITIES – 2021/22 SEASON November December Concert Concert £ £ INCOME Tickets, programmes, refreshments sales 1,663 850 EXPENDITURE Soloists and musicians 1,825 391 Posters, programmes 125 - Tickets 51 - Venue, fees, lighting Music hire 672 85 - - Event licence - - 2,758 391 SURPLUS/(DEFICIT) ON EVENTS (1,095) 459 |
Easter Concert £ 2,087 600 163 814 407 21 60 30 - 2,095 ( 8) Easter Concert £ 1,393 1,030 115 77 737 67 - 2,026 ( 633) |
Summer Concert £ 2,028 950 371 690 347 21 40 73 - 2,491 ( 463) June Concert £ 1,298 1,225 60 77 652 97 21 2,132 ( 834) |
Total £ 9,454 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4,510 752 2,188 1,582 63 136 224 28 |
|||
| 9,483 ( 29) Total £ 5,204 |
|||
| 4,471 300 205 2,031 249 21 |
|||
| 7,307 (2,103) |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE LEICESTER BACH CHOIR (THE CHOIR)
I report on the accounts of The Leicester Bach Choir for the year ended 30[th] June 2023 which are set out on pages 1 to 4.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The trustees consider that an audit is not required for the year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 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 seeking 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:
-
1) 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 2011 Act; and
-
to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the
-
accounting requirements of the 2011 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 to be reached.
M. THOMAS FCA ICAEW
8 Angus Close Thurnby Leicester LE7 9QG
- 11[th] September 2023