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2025-01-31-accounts

Registered Charity Number 504611

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

Trustees' Report and

Unaudited Financial Statements

for the year ended 31 January 2025

HPH Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham YORK YO30 7XZ

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

CONTENTS page
Annual Report of the Trustees 1 to 6
Independent Examiner's Report 7
Statement of Financial Activities 8
Balance Sheet 9
Notes to the Financial Statements 10 to 15

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

The trustees of the Society submit their annual report and accounts for the Society for the year ended 31 January 2025.

The financial statement is prepared to comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Statement of Recommended Practice for Charities, in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) Financial Reporting Standard 102, and with the Society’s governing documents.

OBJECTIVES

The objectives of the Society are:

a) To advance, improve, develop and maintain public education in, and appreciation of, the art and science of music in all its aspects by any means the charity trustees see fit, including through the presentation of public concerts and recitals.

b) To further such charitable purpose or purposes as the said charity trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit but in particular through the making of grants and donations.

ACTIVITIES DURING THE YEAR

Concerts

During the period covered by the annual accounts the Society presented the following concerts:

• 23rd March 2024 at York Barbican, the Brahms Requiem performed with the YMS Orchestra and soloists Anita Watson and Alex Ashworth.

• 9th November 2024 at St Lawrence Parish Church, York, Duruflé’s Requiem, and Howard Goodall’s Eternal Light performed with Shaun Turnbull (organ), Angelina Egerton (harp), William Campbell (piano) and vocal soloists Georgia Mae Ellis and Adam Jarman.

Workshops

There was a very well attended workshop on Rutter’s Sprig of Thyme on 18th January 2025 at St Lawrence Church, accompanied by Shaun Turnbull on piano.

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YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Rehearsals

Throughout the year rehearsals were held in the Shepherd Hall at St Peter’s School.

Concert since financial year end

Since the end of the financial year covered by the accounts one concert has taken place, namely on 15th March 2025 the Bach B Minor Mass at York Minster.

CHARITABLE BENEFIT

The trustees have reviewed the guidance on ensuring that a charity’s aims are for public benefit. They believe that in presenting and preserving choral works, providing public access to those works, and making specific efforts to include the wider community, particularly young people, both as audience members and, where possible, as active participants in making music, the Society is providing clear benefits associated to its charitable aims. No harm caused by the achievement of these benefits has been identified. Subscriptions and ticket prices are reasonable, concessionary rates are available, and public rehearsals are held so that access to these benefits is not unreasonably restricted.

All the Society’s expenditure contributes to achievement of its objectives and no specific private benefit has been identified.

COMMUNITY AND YOUTH OUTREACH

In planning the Society’s activities, the trustees make every effort to ensure it reaches out to the wider community and particularly to young people. Very low rates are charged to students and young people who attend concerts. The annual workshop has, in recent years, proved to be an excellent way of bringing music making opportunities to the wider community and allowing others to benefit from the highquality musical leadership that members enjoy. All York Minster concerts are preceded by public rehearsals that can be enjoyed by any visitors to the Minster that afternoon.

2

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

FINANCIAL REVIEW

The Society is in a sound financial position but concerts involving large choirs and orchestras in prestigious settings are expensive undertakings. Subscriptions were last raised by vote of the members at the 2022 AGM. The trustees have been careful to budget within the Society’s means, so no subscription increase is sought for this year. However, it should be noted that 2026 is likely to be an expensive year, with a planned visit from the Phiharmonischer Chor, Munster, and other events connected with the Society’s 150th anniversary year. It is possible that subscriptions will have to be reviewed at the 2026 AGM.

The trustees will continue to organise a programme that meets the Society’s objectives while remaining financially prudent. Care is taken to ensure a varied and balanced repertoire and to maintain a high-quality standard.

Sources of Funds

The principal source of funds is membership subscriptions. As noted above, the standard rate was raised in 2022. Despite this, current membership – at the time of writing 158 – remains at a very satisfactory level.

In addition to subscription income YMS has received some very welcome donations from patrons, members and ‘Friends’.

Expenditure

The Society has core expenditure to meet even when no rehearsals or other activities are taking place and concert related expenditure continues to rise. The trustees budget carefully to ensure the Society can always meet its planned financial commitments.

Investment policy and objectives

The funds of the Society are held in two accounts, an account held with Virgin Bank to fund day-to-day activities, and a deposit account held with the COIF Charities Deposit Fund. After a long period of low interest rates this deposit account is now earning a reasonable rate of interest. It is the policy of the trustees to maintain a reserve that would enable it to cover any uninsured losses or concert cancellation costs.

3

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

FUTURE PLANS

The trustees have worked with the Society’s Musical Director to plan a programme of events for 2025 / 2026 as follows:

15[th] March 2025 at the York Minster, Bach Mass in B Minor.

21[st] June 2025 at York Minster Verdi’s Requiem.

8[th] November 2025 at St Lawrence Parish Church, Vivaldi Gloria and Haydn Nelson Mass.

13[th] December 2025 at St Lawrence Parish Church, Christmas Concert.

14[th] March 2026 at York Minster, Bach St Matthew Passion.

6[th] June 2026 at York Minster, Elgar Dream of Gerontius (with Philharmonischer Chor, Munster).

12[th] December 2026 at York Barbican Handel Messiah (Come and Sing).

STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT

Governance

York Musical Society was founded in 1876. Its previous Constitution was replaced by a new Constitution adopted on 30 June 2015 and amended on 21 June 2016 and 5 July 2021. It is registered with the Charities Commission and operates under the name of “YMS”.

Appointment of Trustees

Trustees are members of the Society and are elected by members at a General Meeting. Their term is for one year in all cases. All trustees, including the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer are eligible for re-election for a normal maximum of six consecutive years, with extension to maximum 8 years in exceptional circumstances. Making Music (formerly the National Federation of Musical Societies, NFMS) is entitled to appoint one trustee of the Society but has not exercised this right.

Organisation and Management

The Society is administered by the trustees who hold regular minuted meetings. The Musical Director has the right to attend all meetings except where their position is being discussed. The Treasurer administers financial affairs. Volunteer members of the Society assist the trustees with specified tasks.

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YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Trustee induction and training

The Society has a policy of recruiting some new trustees every year in order to give new trustees the opportunity to learn from more experienced ones and to ensure continuity of organisational knowledge. The Chairman is responsible for the induction of any new trustee which involves awareness of a trustee’s responsibilities, the governing document, administrative procedures, and the history of the Society. A new trustee would receive copies of the previous year’s annual report and accounts and a copy of the Charity Commission leaflet ‘The Essential Trustee: What You Need to Know’.

Risk management

The trustees maintain and review annually a formal risk register. Key risks include cancellation of performances, loss of concert and rehearsal venues and loss of key personnel. The trustees consider that they have taken steps to mitigate these risks where possible. Funds are held in reserve to cover unexpected expenses resulting from risks of this kind and the Society holds an insurance policy which should cover concert cancellation costs in most circumstances.

5

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS

Registered Charity number

504611

Principal address

c/o Mrs Nicola Hedges 39 Hull Road York YO10 3JP

Trustees

The following are the trustees, including the principal officers, for the period from 1 February 2024 to date:

Appointment Retired Chair: Nicola Hedges 17/11/2023 (Secretary to 08/07/24; Chair from 08/07/24) Secretary: David Knowelden 08/07/2024 Treasurer: Caroline Mozley 05/07/2021 Pamela Johnson 02/07/2018 08/07/2024 Valerie Corder 02/07/2018 08/07/2024 Lynn Bradshaw 04/07/2022 Naomi Wood 03/07/2023 Stephen Hedges 03/07/2023 Rose Hilton 03/07/2023 Margaret Antoun 08/07/2024

Independent examiner

Adrian Rodaway BA, BFP, FCA, DChA HPH, Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham York YO30 7XZ

Approved by order of the board of trustees on 3 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Nicola Hedges (Chairman)

6

INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the York Musical Society for the year ended 31 January 2025.

This report is made solely to the Charity's Trustees, as a body, in accordance with Section 154 of the Charities Act 2011. My independent examination work has been undertaken so that I might state to the Charity's Trustees those matters I am required to state to them in an Independent Examiner's Report and for no other purpose. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I do not accept or assume responsibility to anyone other than the Charity and the Charity's Trustees as a body, for my independent examination work, for this report, or for the opinions I have formed.

Responsibilities and basis of report

As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).

I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.

Independent examiner’s statement

I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect: 1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Trust as required by section 130 of the Act; or 2. the accounts do not accord with those records; or

  1. the accounts do not comply with the applicable requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.

I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.

Adrian Rodaway BA, BFP, FCA, DChA HPH, Chartered Accountants 54 Bootham, YORK, YO30 7XZ

Date: 3 June 2025

7

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Note
INCOME
Donations and legacies
3
Other trading activities
4
Investments
5
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Overheads
6
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
9
Total funds carried forward
9		 Unrestricted
Restricted
Total
funds
funds
funds
£
£
£
38,638
10,000
48,638
19,506
-
19,506
893
-
893
59,037
10,000
69,037
56,851
-
56,851
56,851
-
56,851
2,186
10,000
12,186
99,500
-
99,500
£ 101,686
£ 10,000
£ 111,686
Year ended 31 January 2025		 Year ended
31 January
2024
£
34,687
40,112
856
75,655
68,864
68,864
6,791
92,709
£ 99,500

All activities derive from continuing operations.

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

8

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

BALANCE SHEET AS AT 31 JANUARY 2025

Note
CURRENT ASSETS
Debtors
7
Cash at Bank and in hand
LIABILITIES: amounts falling
due within one year
8
NET CURRENT ASSETS
TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES
NET ASSETS
THE FUNDS OF THE CHARITY
- Designated Concert Funds
9
- Undesignated Funds
9
- Restricted Funds
10
TOTAL FUNDS
11		 £
£
11,413
104,522
115,935
(4,249)
111,686
111,686
£ 111,686
22,953
78,733
10,000
£ 111,686
31 January 2025		 £
£
9,935
91,839
101,774
(2,274)
99,500
99,500
£ 99,500
17,060
82,440
£ 99,500
31 January 2024
-

Approved by the Trustees of the York Musical Society on 3 June 2025 and signed on its behalf by:

Nicola Hedges (Chairman)

The notes on pages 10 to 15 form part of these financial statements.

9

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS

FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The principal accounting policies adopted, judgements and key sources of estimation uncertainty in the preparation of the financial statements are as follows:

1.1 Basis of preparation

The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) - (Charities SORP (FRS 102)), and the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102). The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention.

1.2 Preparation of the accounts on a going concern basis

The trustees have a reasonable expectation that the Charity has adequate resources to continue in existence for the foreseeable future. They continue to believe the going concern basis of accounting is appropriate in preparing the financial statements.

1.3 Income recognition

1.4 Expenditure

Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.

1.5 Fund accounting

Unrestricted funds can be used in accordance with the charitable objectives at the discretion of the trustees.

Designated funds are unrestricted funds which are earmarked by the Trustees for particular purposes within the objectives of the charity.

Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.

Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the financial statements.

1.6 Debtors

Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount due after any trade discount offered. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid net of any trade discounts due.

10

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

1 ACCOUNTING POLICIES (continued)

1.7 Cash at bank and in hand

Cash at bank and cash in hand includes cash and short term highly liquid investments with a short maturity of three months or less from the date of acquisition or opening of the deposit or similar account.

1.8 Creditors and provisions

Creditors and provisions are recognised where the Charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will probably result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors and provisions are normally recognised at their settlement amount after allowing for any trade discounts due.

1.9 Taxation

As a registered charity, York Musical Society is exempt from tax on income and gains to the extent that these are applied to its charitable objects. No charges have arisen during the year.

2
Net income/expenditure for the year are stated after charging:
Independent Examiner's Fee
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
3
£
£
Donations
916
10,000
Subscriptions income
29,287
-
Gift Aid
8,435
-
£ 38,638
£ 10,000
Unrestricted
Restricted
Funds
Funds
4
£
£
Fundraising events
3,071
-
Concerts
14,514
-
Music folders and score hire
1,921
-
£ 19,506
£ -
NET INCOME/EXPENDITURE FOR THE YEAR
DONATIONS AND LEGACIES
OTHER TRADING ACTIVITIES		 Total
2025
£
1,914
Total
2025
£
10,916
29,287
8,435
£ 48,638
Total
2025
£
3,071
14,514
1,921
£ 19,506		 Total
2024
£
1,959
Total
2024
£
1,234
28,105
5,348
£ 34,687
Total
2024
£
6,058
32,739
1,315
£ 40,112

11

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

Unrestricted
Total
Funds
2025
5
INVESTMENT INCOME
£
£
Bank interest received
£ 893
£ 893
In 2025, no income from Investments related to restricted funds.
Unrestricted
Total
Funds
2025
6
OVERHEADS
£
£
Honoraria
12,011
12,011
Making Music subscription
411
411
Room rent
3,931
3,931
Publicity
1,101
1,101
Soloists
5,195
5,195
Orchestra fees
13,604
13,604
Organ costs
187
187
Music score / hire
1,285
1,285
Programme printing
974
974
Concert venue costs
12,765
12,765
Refreshments
48
48
Commission on ticket sales
-
-
Insurance
155
155
Other expenses
709
709
Independent Examiner's fee
1,914
1,914
Accountancy fees
474
474
Travel costs
444
444
Performing Rights Society
-
-
Administration expenses
160
160
Tickets Friends
1,223
1,223
Bank charges
260
260
£ 56,851
£ 56,851
In 2025, no expenditure on Charitable Activities related to restricted funds.
Unrestricted
Total
Funds
2025
7
DEBTORS
£
£
Gift Aid
8,435
8,435
Prepayments
2,878
2,878
Other debtors
100
100
£ 11,413
£ 11,413		 Total
2024
£
£ 856
Total
2024
£
10,070
392
3,404
967
6,500
14,835
595
1,639
1,144
17,093
3,030
2,888
151
1,787
1,959
450
622
44
164
823
307
£ 68,864
Total
2024
£
5,348
4,527
60
£ 9,935

In 2025, no Debtors (2024: none) related to restricted funds.

12

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

8 LIABILITIES: Amounts falling due within one year

Unrestricted
Funds
Trade Creditors
£ 4,249
In 2025, no creditors (2024: none) related to restricted funds.
9
UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
General
Fund
£
Balance at 1 February 2024
82,440
Income
53,144
Expenditure
(56,851)
Transfers between funds
-
Balance at 31 January 2025
£ 78,733		 Total
2025
£ 4,249
Designated
Concert Fund
£
17,060
5,893
-
-
£ 22,953		 Total
2024
£ 2,274
Total
£
99,500
59,037
(56,851)
-
£ 101,686

The Designated Concert Fund represents the reserves held in the COIF Charities Deposit Fund. It is to enable the cover of any uninsured losses or concert cancellation costs.

UNRESTRICTED FUNDS
Balance at 1 February 2023
Income
Expenditure
Transfers between funds
Balance at 31 January 2024
10
RESTRICTED FUNDS
Balance as at
01/02/2024
Minster Fees for Concert
-
Balance at 31 January 2024
£ -
Comparative for movement in funds		 General
Fund
£
76,395
74,909
(68,864)
-
£ 82,440
Incoming
Resources
10,000
£ 10,000		 Designated
Concert Fund
£
16,314
746
-
-
£ 17,060
Resourced
Expenditure
-
£ -		 Total
£
92,709
75,655
(68,864)
-
£ 99,500
Balance as at
31/01/2025
10,000
£ 10,000

Minster Fees for Concert: An anonymous donation for the payment of Minster hire charges for the March 2025 Concert.

13

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

11 ANALYSIS OF NET ASSETS BETWEEN FUNDS

Current year
General fund
Designated Concert funds
Restricted fund
Balance at 31 January 2025
Comparative year
General fund
Designated Concert funds
Balance at 31 January 2024		 Current
assets
£
82,982
22,953
10,000
£ 115,935
Current
assets
£
84,714
17,060
£ 101,774		 Current
liabilities
£
(4,249)
-
-
£ (4,249)
Current
liabilities
£
(2,274)
-
£ (2,274)		 Total
£
78,733
22,953
10,000
£ 111,686
Total
£
82,440
17,060
£ 99,500

12 CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Charity is committed to booking soloists, conductors and orchestras up to two years in advance, with fees chargeable at rates applicable at the time of the concert. This contingent liability was also in existence at 31 January 2024.

13 TRUSTEES' REMUNERATION, BENEFITS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

There were no trustees' remuneration, related party transactions or other benefits for the year ended 31 January 2025 (2024 - nil).

14

YORK MUSICAL SOCIETY

NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2025

14 COMPARATIVE STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES

INCOME
Donations and legacies
Other trading activities
Investments
TOTAL INCOME
EXPENDITURE
Overheads
TOTAL EXPENDITURE
Transfers between funds
Net movement in funds
Reconciliation of funds
Total funds brought forward
Total funds carried forward
Net income		 Unrestricted
funds
£
34,687
40,112
856
75,655
68,864
68,864
6,791
-
6,791
92,709
£ 99,500		 Year ended
31 January
2024
£
34,687
40,112
856
75,655
68,864
68,864
6,791
-
6,791
92,709
£ 99,500		 Year ended
31 January
2023
£
36,897
45,021
164
82,082
62,642
62,642
19,440
-
19,440
73,269
£ 92,709

15