## LINCOLN CHORAL SOCIETY Founded 1896 Registered Charity No 505023 President: The Precentor of Lincoln www.lincolnchoralsociety.org ## **TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT FOR YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2024** ## **Charity's principal address for correspondence** Dr Susan Marris Valley Farm Collingham Road Swinderby Lincoln LN6 9JB ## **Objects** The Society was founded in 1896 with the object of educating the public in the arts and sciences and in particular the art and science of music by the study, practice and performance of music and other activities as may be felt by the Committee to be incidental to the achievement of these objects. The Society carries out these objectives by presenting public concerts and including within the programmes for these concerts notes on the composers and works represented. The Trustees confirm that they have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing the Society's aims and objectives and in planning future activities. ## **Trustees** The Trustees during the period were: Chairman Dr Elisabeth Murray Hon Secretary Ms Josephine Johnston Hon Treasurer Dr Susan Marris ## **Annual accounts** The accounts continue to be prepared on a Receipts and Payments basis. The Society's banking arrangements are unchanged and the Trustees are satisfied with the balances in both of the accounts. ## **Friends and Sponsorship scheme** The Society continues to benefit from the support of Friends (individual subscribers and couples) to whom the Society provides discounted tickets for concerts and Sponsors (local businesses) to whom the Society provides free tickets and also advertises them in the concert programmes. During the year the Society was supported by 22 Friends and three Sponsors; the number of Friends has been falling for several years. ## **Social Fund** The Social Fund is financed by the sale of raffle tickets to members; this activity has increased somewhat during the year covered by this report as a member has volunteered to take this on. It normally provides a significant contribution to the Society's funds and the Trustees are grateful to members for their continued support. ## **Concerts** The Society's autumn concert, on 4 November 2023, was a performance of Stanford’s Via Victrix, a little performed and much overlooked work. This was the first time the work had been performed in Lincoln and the first performance by an amateur choir. The Society’s Christmas concert on 16 December 2023 was at St Faith’s Church, West Street, Lincoln and featured Christmas carols and choruses from Handel’s Messiah. Members were again pleased to be invited to lead the singing at the Lincolnshire NHS Carol Service in Lincoln Cathedral on 20 December 2023. The Society also performed a solo piece, “Torches”, conducted by one of our student members. On 20 April 2024 the Society performed Handel’s oratorio Saul, accompanied by Musica Donum Dei. Audience numbers remain lower than before the pandemic and as ticket sales are essentially the only income for concerts, this is a concern and the Society has taken steps to reduce its expenditure on concerts by seeking alternative venues to the Cathedral, selecting works that do not require a large orchestral accompaniment, and collaborating with other choirs. Building on the success of the 2023 event, the Society held a “Come and Sing” day on 4 May 2024 at St Nicholas’ Church, Newport, featuring Fauré’s Requiem. This was very successful and made a profit for the Society. As last year, several people came forward to express interest in joining the Society as a result. The final event of the year was a concert on 16 June 2024 at St Peter & St Paul Catholic Church, Lincoln. This featured a reprise of Fauré’s Requiem along with the Cantique de Jean Racine and Pavane by the same composer. The solo parts were sung by two of our Choral Scholars. ## **Collaboration with University of Lincoln** In March 2022 the Society signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Lincoln. One of the main drivers for this was that the school where the Society had rehearsed for more than 20 years was no longer offering for evening hire the hall the Society used, and another venue was needed. As the Society's Musical Director and Associate Musical Director are both members of staff at the University, this seemed an obvious choice. The University offers the Society a rehearsal venue free of charge; this enables the Society to pay a modest sum to four gifted students as Choral Scholars. In return, the Scholars are expected to learn the works to be performed and to support Society members in their learning. This collaboration has had the benefit of attracting a number of students to the choir; attracting younger members has long been a challenge and the Society benefits from their ability and enthusiasm. In the 2023-24 season only three scholars were identified and one of them left the University after the autumn term, for reasons unconnected with the Society. ## **Society's Trustees and Officers** No member of the Society receives any form of remuneration for the deliverance of their duties. ## **Reserves and investments** The Trustees are pleased to note that the Society is in surplus, but continue to exercise due diligence in applying budgetary control. The Society has no investments other than an instant access savings account, to which money is transferred from the current account as funds allow. I declare in my capacity as Charity Trustee that the Trustees have approved this report and have authorised me to sign it on their behalf. …................................................................ …................................. Susan Marris Date Hon Treasurer ## **Lincoln Choral Society** Year ending 31[st] July 2024 ## **Receipts and payments** 31/07/24 31/07/23 **RECEIPTS** Subscriptions 11,717.07 9,180.00 Gift aid claim 1,294.02 0.00 Friends/sponsors 3,375.00 1,130.41 Donations 2,439.02 3,108.29 Interest- savings acct 187.46 71.40 Social fund 0.00 117.00 Concert receiptsTickets 8,561.15 5,688.50 Program ads 450.00 300.00 Program sales 290.00 411.60 Music hire 485.88 520.83 Concert sundries 321.00 1,004.00 Sundries 1,949.56 2,178.18 **Total £31,070.16 Total £23,710.21** **PAYMENTS 31/07/24 31/0723** Rehearsal Expenses Conductor and pianist 6955.00 6225.00 Student singers 1780.00 2220.00 Concert Expenses Professional fees 13,826.12 14,007.35 Advertising and publicity 50.00 110.00 Venues 4,582.00 3,934.00 Printing 632.69 1,523.43 Music 744.45 851.14 Miscellaneous 194.41 840.50 Sundry Insurance 449.00 418.00 Friends scheme exp. 27.62 0.00 Subscriptions paid 181.00 170.00 Social media 0.00 0.00 Donations made 250.00 0.00 Miscellaneous 324.45 496.24 **Total £ 29,996.74 £ 30,795.66 Year-end profit /loss £ 1,073.42 £ -7,085.45** ## **Bank Accounts 23-24** ## **LLOYDS TREASURERS ACCOUNT 75115068** **Balance on July 31[st] 23 £1,582.66** to/from savings Receipts 30,882.70 6000 Payments 29,996.74 5000 **Balance on July 31[st] 24 £3,468.62 LLOYDS BBINST ONLINE ACCOUNT 75515160 Balance on July 31[st] 23 £13,602.65** Receipts 187.46 5000 Payments 6000.00 **Balance on July 31[st] 24 £12,790.11** Independent Examiners Report. I report to the committee of the Lincoln Choral Society on my examination of the accounts for the year ended 31[st] July 2024. I have completed my examination of the accounts which accord with the accounting records and have nothing to draw to your attention. B.S Nelson FCA. 30[th] September 2024.