2024-01-31-accounts - Burnley Light Opera Society

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BURNLEY LIGHT OPERA SOCIETY

President : His Honour, Raymond Bennett

Secretary Chairman Treasurer “SENi rey,al 5 Mrs S Hardwick Mr A Whittaker Ms A Whittaker SSP” 14 Marsden Court 60 Lydgate 9 Alston Road Founded 1934 BURNLEY BURNLEY BLACKPOOL Affiliated to the National Operatic Lancs. BB10 2SS Lancs. BB10 2DU Lancs. FY2 0TD and Dramatic Association Registered as a Charity  01282 831597  07812 479615  07778 447529 No 505288  susan.hardwick@ic24.net

MINUTES OF THE 2024 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD ON THURSDAY 8th MAY 2024, 7:15pm AT THE MECHANICS

Mr Whittaker issued a warm welcome and thanked everyone for attending.

APOLOGIES FOR ABSENCE

Were received from:- Carrie Bishop, Martin Chadwick, Peter Dilworth, Sarah Farragher, Sue Green, Ann Hodgson, Laura Kay, Ann Mason, Ann Mayor, Nancy Mitchell, Kathryn Rawlinson, Bethan Rigby, Pauline Sandiford, David Slater, Zoe Tompkins, David Walton, Barbara West, Peter Woodhead

1 MINUTES OF THE 2023 AGM & 2023 EGM

1.1 The minutes for 2023 AGM & EGM had been previously circulated to members with the 2024 agenda, and were available at the meeting along with the Society rules. The minutes were passed as correct.

2 MATTERS ARISING

2.1 There were no matters arising.

3 TREASURER’S REPORT.

3.1 Everyone had sight of the balance sheet for the last 12 months. The Independent Examiner reported there were no matters of concern that would prevent him from signing the accounts. Ms Whittaker expressed her thanks to Mr Green for his time, in this honorary role
3.2 Ms Whittaker reported our funds had decreased over the year by £12,861. Non production related costs were covered by member’s subscriptions and building society interest, unfortunately the production related costs this year generated a loss of £12,852.
3.3 Our only production this year was Young Frankenstein. Whilst the production was a huge success creatively, the low ticket sales, 58% of capacity, and slightly higher expenditure than originally anticipated, had resulted in the loss.
3.4 Contributing factors to the higher expenditure was an increase in costume and orchestra costs, an alternative to scaffolding being required. Income from selling some of our scenery is shown in the accounts.
3.5 An additional expenditure this year was credit card fees, charged by the Mechanics.
3.6 Despite additional funds dedicated to the publicity and social media campaigns, the show was not a popular choice.
3.7 Ms Whittaker gave thanks to the Ladies committee, who presented a cheque from £2k from their fund raising. This reduced the loss on the production for which we are extremely grateful.
3.8 Shows not paying for themselves is quite common now and it is worrying. It is something which is unsustainable if we are to secure the future of BLOS for another 90years. We, as a committee, are committed to ensuring that we do everything possible to redress this balance.
3.9 To address the replenishment of society funds we:
3.9.1 are working with the production team, to ensure where possible we contain and reduce costs, without sacrificing our high standard of show.
3.9.2 have a calendar of fund raising events, first of which was a cabaret organised by Messrs S & S Mercer-Murray raising £500 in addition to the Ladies committee raffle.
3.9.3 have successfully challenged bank charges from Royal Bank of Scotland and have had over £1,750 refunded.
3.9.4 are looking into Gift Aid and changes to our subscriptions.
3.9.5 have the Ladies committee fund raising events as well.
3.10 The treasurer’s report and accounts were adopted.
3.11 Mr Green is prepared to stand as external examiner and this position was approved by the members.

4 CHAIRMAN’S REPORT

4.1 Mr Whittaker thanked Ms Whittaker for her report. He also stated Mr Green was very complimentary regarding the quality of the accounts he had seen.
4.2 Mr Whittaker said he was immensely proud to take on the role of chairman last year. He thanked the committee, saying he could not do it without their support. He had noted the amount of work that goes on behind the scenes by the committee and it was much more than he had realised.
4.3 We had a fantastic production with Young Frankenstein, it was undoubtedly an artistic success. A huge thank you to Anthony Williams, Steven and Simon Mercer-Murray for all their dedication and hard work pulling together such as production.
4.4 We scooped 6 NODA district awards and Ann Mason won a regional award. BLOS won the regional councillors Special recognition award for Young Frankenstein, well done everyone.
4.5 For the concert in April we welcomed previous and new members. The aim of the concert was to keep members together, promote 90 years of BLOS and raise funds. It was another success. Thank you to all who contributed to this wonderful show.
4.6 It is worth noting the changing demographics of the theatre going public. The matinee was not as popular as expected and more patrons are booking last minute.
4.7 Our audiences have not returned to pre-covid numbers, which takes its toll on show planning, decision making, our risk appetite and our finances.
4.8 Mr Whittaker paid tribute and thanked Mrs Rawlinson, who stood down as the Ladies committee chair after 34 years. Over the years she has guided the Ladies in fund raising to provide thousands of pounds for BLOS, which has enabled us to add that extra bit of oomph to our productions.
4.9 Mrs McKay has taken over the mantle of chair of the Ladies committee and we welcome her.
4.10 Mr Whittaker thanked the Ladies committee for their donation of £2K.
4.11 Mr Whittaker acknowledged the donation from Mrs Jackie Catlow in memory of her mother and sister. This enabled us to have a cello player for the concert.
4.12 Last November we welcomed Mr David “Wally” Walton as our most recent Life member. His contribution to our sets has been phenomenal.
4.13 On the social scene, Mr Whittaker thanked Jess Whittaker for the post show meal, Simon & Steven Mercer-Murray for the cabaret, Anthony Williams for the post-concert meal.
4.14 Mr Whittaker promoted the social and fund raising events coming up: 90th celebration, curry night, quiz night, and garden party to name a few.
4.15 Rehearsals will be starting soon for Annie and we have a concert booked for April 2025, followed by Disney’s Hunchback of Notre Dame in November 2025.
4.16 Mr Whittaker called for everyone to help sell seats for Annie and support fund raising events to build a positive balance sheet.
4.17 To finish, Mr Whittaker hoped everyone would support him, the committee and the production team, to drive us forward to put on outstanding shows.

5 MEMBER’S QUESTIONS

5.1 The following question was asked – “We had previously announced our next production as Elf. Why had this changed?”
5.2 Mr Whittaker replied – “We could not get a sleigh to fit our stage which was also available for our performance dates. We may return to this is the future.”

6 ELECTION OF OFFICERS

6.1 All officers were up for re-election; as there had been no nominations and everyone, was prepared to continue to serve, they were re-elected.
6.2 After the 2023 EGM Mr Rhys Roberts volunteered to become a member of the executive committee to assist on publicity through social media.
6.3 The meeting approved the re-elections and appointment.

7 SUBSCRIPTIONS

7.1 Subscription of £30 last year was very good value. With rising costs we need to increase subscriptions with effect from 01/02/2025.
7.2 There committee put forward 2 proposals to change the subscriptions:
A. Annual subscription to remain at £30 with additional payments by performing members. £10 for the concert & £20 for the main production.
B. Increase annual subscription to £60 for everyone.
7.2.1 The members voted for option A.
7.3 There was a challenge that there had not been any chance for members to discuss these proposals, ask questions or look if other options were available.
7.4 Mr Whittaker re-opened the agenda item for discussion, followed by another vote.
7.4.1 Discussion and debate took place and other options, one of which was a weekly fee, were discussed.
7.5 At a second vote, Option B was chosen. For which there was dissent from the Ladies committee members who donate the refreshments every week.
7.6 The item was closed with subscriptions rising to £60 for everyone from 01/02/2025.

8 LADIES COMMITTEE REPORT

8.1 Mrs McKay on behalf of the Ladies committee thanked Mrs Rawlinson for her 34 years as Chair, and said it was a remarkable achievement.
8.2 This year there has been a tremendous amount of money raised and lots of fun had with the rehearsal bake offs.
8.3 There will be a Ladies committee coffee morning on July 20[th] , with various stalls. Tickets are available, please support.
8.4 The next main event is a garden party being hosted by Mr Williams on the 25[th] August.
8.5 Please keep supporting our events and raise as much money as we can, whilst having a great time.
8.6 Ladies committee were thanked on behalf of all members, it is astonishing what they do and really appreciated.
8.7 The Ladies Committee accounts were circulated at the meeting.

9 AOB

9.1 There was no other business.

The Chairman thanked everyone for their attendance. The meeting closed at 7.55pm.

BURNLEY UGHTOPERAsoaErY Annual Report for the year to 31 January 2024 Burnley Light Opera Society is constituted by rules adopted by the members. It is a Registered Charity Number 505288. The officers and committee who are appointed bythe members at the annual general meeting are . President: Mr Raymond Bennett Chairman . MrAlan Whittaker Vice Chairman . Mr Graham Cheshire Secretary . Mrs Susan Hardwick Treasurer . Ms Anne Whittaker Mrs Cynthia Morris Mr Peter Woodhead Mr Rhys Roberts Mr Ken Hardwick Mrs Leanne Wharf Mr Thomas Whittaker The objerts of Burnley Light Opera Society are . To educate the public in the Drama and Operatic Arts. To further the development of public appreciation and taste in the said Arts. To assist and further suth charitable institutions and charitable purposes. Burnley Light Opera Society presented in November 2023 Young Ftankenstein" at the Mechanics. Burnley. The general reserves at 31 January 2024 amounted to £17,844 (2023 £30,704}. It is the general policy of Burnley Light Opera Society to keep in resenE the cost of one produttion. Burnley Light Opera Society bank with the Royal Bank of Scotland and the Marsden Building Society. The Independent Examiner is Mr. Ormerod Green. Alan Whittaker Chairman Date . OLfr/.4z+

Independent examinerfs report to the trustees of Burnley tight Opera Society I report to the trustees on my examtnation of the accounts of Burnley Light Opera Society (the Trust} for the year ended 31 January 2024. Responsibilities and basis of reporL As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Acv). I report in respect of my examination of the Trusvs 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 Examinerfs statement I have completed my examination. I can 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: 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. I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection wtth the examination to which attention should be drawn in this respect in order to enable a proper understanding of the account5 to be reached. Ormerod Green Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants in England and Wales 7 Mayville Road Brierfield Nelson BB9 5RP 3 April 2024

BURNLEYLIGHTOPERASOCIEtY BALANCE SH ASAT31JANUARY 2024 31 oi 31 oi 31 oi ASSErs DEPOSITMARSDEN BUILDING SOCIErY 16.182.99 15,472 15,343 CURRENT ACCOUNT ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND 1.285.53 14,732 7,210 17.468.52 30.204 22,553 PAYMENTS IN ADVANCE/DEBTORS (ROYALTY DEPOSITS) 2024/5 Production Leaflets 1.171 500 2,321 1,000 171 18,639 30,704 24,874 RECEIPTS IN ADVANCEAND CREDITORS (Fund Raiser Feb 2024) 12024/5 Subscriptions) 795 285 510 17,844 30,704 24,874

BURNLEY LIGTrrf OPERA Accounts 23124 Accounts 22123 Actual Yow¥ Franken*dM ThE 11 CaleTrlar Grls Nlne to Frve The Mwkal Nw-21 RECEIPTS ricket Sales PatronsTickets Programmesales & Adverts Sponsors& Donations Ladiescommitt 28.455 1.760 2.197 353 2.000 34765 38300 3640 2314 270 2000 46524 33412 1425 2340 405 2000 39582 EXPENDITURE Royalties & Mustc Hireof Theatre Mechanics Credit Card Charges Rehearsal Rooms Sound Scenery, Lighting & Video Wall Props& Technical Costumes Orchestra & Musical Dirertor Director Advertising & Publicity Programme Printing Sundries Professional Fees Administration 7,325.31 8.410 818.81 560 3,334.74 14,063.99 656.38 3.149.33 5,100 3,500 1.316.13 1.385 34.75 7012.09 8475 8201 6160 826 1200 3035 11072 2021 1240 5710 3500 722 1355 528 3000 12463.2 1079.27 576.9 3975 3500 890.64 1405 75.15 4925 169 113.38 92.72 49767.82 43072.97 50136 DINNER Receipts Expenditure Surpluson Dinner Show 4.536 2,385 2151 5600 -3066 2534 7740 4250 3490 Surplus/Deficit on production -12851.82 5985.03 -7064

BURNLEYLIGHTOPERASOCIEPI STATEMENTOF FINANCIAL AcnviMES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 JANUARY 2024 2023124 INCOME MEMBERS SUBSCRIPTIONS MARSDEN BUILDING SOCIETY INtERESt RECEIVED PROFITON SALEOF MERCHANDISE 820.08 710.85 8.65 1.539.58 EXPENDITURE NODA SUBSCRIPTION ROYAL BANK OF SCOTLAND BANK CHARGES INSURANCE RE PROPS & COsfuME STORAGE DONATIONS-Ruth Cotton & Michad Ril GIFfs-Wally, David & Kathryn PHOTOGRAPHER-CALENDARGIRLS 230.00 90.48 464.77 284.33 150.00 179.00 150.00 1,548.58 SURPLUSOF EXPENDITURE OVER INCOME SURPLUS/DEFICITON PRODuclloNS 12,851.82 NsURPLUSIDEFICITF0R THEYEAR 12,860.82 GENERAL FUND BALANCE BROUGHT FORWARD 30.704.59 PREVIOUSYEAR ADJumENT BALANCE CARRIED FORWARD 17,843.77