THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR ANNUAL REPORT & ACCOUNTS 31 JULY 2025
Charity Number 511629
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
The trustees present their report and the unaudited accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAILS
Registered charity name The Chapter House Choir Charity registration number 511629 Principal office c/o Adrian Fuller CHC Treasurer 19 Bilsdale Close York YO30 5TT
The trustees
The trustees who served the charity during the period were as follows:
Chairperson Sarah Hewlett Secretary Richard Parkinson Treasurer Adrian Fuller David Frith Christopher Davies Anna Burr Richard Benson Fran Reid (appointed January 2025) Rosie Knighton (appointed January 2025)
Independent examiner Stephen Douglas, Ll.B.(Hons), M.Phil.(Cantab), F.C.A . Old Joiners Cottage, Marton, York, YO62 6RD
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
The Charity's objects are to promote, improve, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music and in particular choral music and a capella works by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other means as the society through its Committee shall from time to time determine. The Charity is administered by a Committee, the members of which during the financial year are as shown above. The Musical Director attends meetings of the Committee.
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The Choir’s 2024/25 season started on 10[th] September when they sang Compline in York Minster.
On 26[th] October the Choir travelled to Selby Abbey where they were asked to sing at a wedding.
The first concert in the 2024/25 season was “Celestial Songs” to celebrate the anniversaries of the births of Bruckner, Holst and Bairstow and the deaths of Stanford and Ethyl Smyth. This was held on 16[th] November at St Olave’s Church York.
The Choir was joined by the Youth Choir in the Nave of York Minster on 20[th] December in our annual “Carols by Candlelight”.
The Choir then sang Epiphany Evensong in York Minster on 6[th] January 2025 followed by Compline on 25[th] February. In a welcome return to the Chapter House on 5[th] April the Choir gave a performance of the St John Passion by Heinrich Schutz and the Mass for Double Choir by Frank Martin.
On 15[th] May the Choir were pleased to be asked to sing in the service at York Minster commemorating the 40[th] Anniversary of the founding of St Leonard’s Hospice.
The summer concert at St Olave’s Church in York on 21[st] June (repeated in Easingwold Church on 5[th] July) was entitled “Clair de Lune” a performance of a variety of works based on expressions and representations of the moon.
The Youth Choir gave a range of performances in the 2024-5 season, starting with singing at a launch event for Y-Music on 24th October, the new organisation for the merged York Music Hub and North Yorkshire Music Hub. After half term, there was a major performance for Ripon Concerts , a concert for remembrance on Sunday 10th November with celebrated tenor Nicholas Watts and pianist David Cowan, alongside Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Later in the term, they sang again with the Gabrieli Consort for their ROAR concert at York Minster, and with the Chapter House Choir for 'Carols by Candlelight'. In Spring 2025 term, they prepared a varied programme of music for St Olave's on 29th March, and in the Summer term, started early preparations for the concert on 25[th] October 2025.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
The accounts show a surplus this year of £7,276 (a deficit of £253 last year).
The main contributor to this during the year was the surplus of £8,373 on the sold-out Carol concert in the Minster in December. The income and costs from other concerts were significantly smaller.
The cost of rehearsals was largely met from the subscription income, with the balance funded from concert surplus.
The Youth Choir broke even during the year.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
TRUSTEES' ANNUAL REPORT (continued)
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
PLANS FOR FUTURE PERIODS
The Choir’s 2025/26 season marks its 60[th] Anniversary. The season started on 9[th] September when they sang Compline in York Minster.
Their autumn concert, dedicated to Remembrance, will be held on 25[th] October at Jack Lyons Hall in the University of York. It will be a celebration of 60 years of music-making and the Choir will be joined by the Youth Choir and the Jervaulx Singers.
This year’s “Carols by Candlelight” will be held in the Nave of York Minster on 19[th] December.
The Choir will, once again, sing Epiphany Evensong in York Minster on 6[th] January.
The Choir will travel to Ely Cathedral on 7[th] March where they will join the Fairhaven Singers in a performance of Britten’s “War Requiem”.
The programme for later in the season has yet to be finalised but the spring concert will provide a welcome return to the Chapter House on 18[th] April 2024. To conclude their 60[th] Anniversary season the Choir will perform a Summer Gala concert at St Olave’s Church in York on 27[th] June.
Plans for the Youth Choir in 2025-6 include joining the performance on 25[th] October with the Chapter House Choir and Jervaulx Singers, Carols by Candlelight on 19[th] December, a service of Evensong at York Minster with Repton School Chapel Choir and Jervaulx Singers, and a co-composition project with composer Michael Betteridge and librettist Laura Attridge.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Stephen Douglas has been re-appointed as independent examiner for the ensuing year.
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Signed on behalf of the trustees
4[th] November 2025
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
I report on the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 July 2025 which are set out below.
RESPECTIVE RESPONSIBILITIES OF TRUSTEES AND EXAMINER
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this 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.
Stephen Douglas, Ll.B.(Hons), M.Phil.(Cantab.), F.C.A. Independent Examiner Old Joiners Cottage, Marton, York, YO62 6RD
4[th] November 2025
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
| Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| Note | £ | £ | |
| INCOMING RESOURCES | |||
| Incoming resources from generating funds: | |||
| Voluntary income | 2 | 13,712 | 12,610 |
| Investment income | 3 | 524 | 366 |
| Incoming resources from charitable activities | 4 | 28,081 | 29,737 |
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| TOTAL INCOMING RESOURCES | 42,317 | 42,713 | |
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| RESOURCES EXPENDED | |||
| Charitable expenditure | 5 | (35,041) | (42,966) |
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| TOTAL RESOURCES EXPENDED | (35,041) | (42,966) | |
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| NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR THE | |||
| YEAR | 6 | 7,276 | (253) |
| RECONCILIATION OF FUNDS | |||
| Total funds brought forward | 39,960 | 40,213 | |
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| TOTAL FUNDS CARRIED FORWARD | 47,236 | 39,960 | |
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The Statement of Financial Activities includes all gains and losses in the year and therefore a statement of total recognised gains and losses has not been prepared.
All of the above amounts relate to continuing activities.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
BALANCE SHEET
31 JULY 2025
| 2025 | 2024 | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | |
| FIXED ASSETS | ||||
| Tangible assets | 8 | 12,767 | 13,439 | |
| CURRENT ASSETS | ||||
| Debtors | 9 | 2,330 | - | |
| Cash at bank and in hand | 34,217 | 26,541 | ||
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| 36,547 | 26,541 | |||
| CREDITORS: Amounts falling due within one | ||||
| year | 10 | (2,078) | (20) | |
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| NET CURRENT ASSETS | 34,469 | 39,960 | ||
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| TOTAL ASSETS LESS CURRENT LIABILITIES | 47,236 | 39,960 | ||
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| NET ASSETS | 47,236 | 39,960 | ||
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| FUNDS | ||||
| Unrestricted income funds | 11 | 47,236 | 39,960 | |
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| TOTAL FUNDS | 47,236 | 39,960 | ||
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These accounts have been prepared in accordance with the provisions applicable to companies subject to the small companies’ regime.
These accounts were approved and signed by the member of the committee and authorised for issue. on 4[th] November 2025.
…………………………….
Signed on behalf of the Trustees
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
1. ACCOUNTING POLICIES
Basis of accounting
These financial statements have been prepared in compliance with FRS 102, 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and the Republic of Ireland', the 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) (Charities SORP (FRS 102)) and the Companies Act 2006.
Fixed assets
All fixed assets are initially recorded at cost. Fixed assets comprise the choir’s stock of music, instruments and equipment.
Depreciation
Depreciation is calculated so as to write off the cost of an asset, less its estimated residual value, over the useful economic life of that asset at 5% per annum.
2. VOLUNTARY INCOME
| VOLUNTARY INCOME | ||
|---|---|---|
| Total Funds | Total Funds | |
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Donations & Grants | ||
| General donations | 4 | - |
| Grant to Youth Choir | - | 100 |
| Subscriptions from members | 6,444 | 5,536 |
| Subscriptions from Patrons | 1,342 | 1,310 |
| Gift Aid claims | 2,139 | 2,013 |
| Music Hire | 30 | 60 |
| Subscriptions from youth choir | 3,753 | 3,591 |
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|
| 13,712 | 12,610 | |
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3. INVESTMENT INCOME
| Total Funds | Total Funds | |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | |
| Bank interest receivable | 524 | 366 |
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THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
4. INCOMING RESOURCES FROM CHARITABLE ACTIVITIES
| Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| CD Sales | - | - | |
| Royalties | - | - | |
| Income from concerts | 27,475 | 28,791 | |
| Income from Youth Choir concerts | 606 | 946 | |
| Sundry income | - | - | |
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| 28,081 | 29,737 | ||
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| 5. | CHARITABLE EXPENDITURE | ||
| Total Funds | Total Funds | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Concert expenses | 15,537 | 22,489 | |
| Rehearsal venue hire | 2,590 | 2,820 | |
| Music | 1,967 | 2,186 | |
| Music Director's fees | 6,806 | 7,857 | |
| Music Director's fees Youth Choir | 5,200 | 4,583 | |
| Rehearsal pianist | - | 112 | |
| Subscriptions & insurance | 700 | 675 | |
| Sundry expenses | 122 | 124 | |
| Choral Bursaries | 250 | - | |
| Computer & website costs | 309 | 41 | |
| Depreciation | 672 | 707 | |
| Performing Rights | 67 | 118 | |
| Net charity donations | - | - | |
| Sundry expenses Youth Choir | 821 | 1,254 | |
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| 35,041 | 42,966 | ||
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| 6. | NET INCOMING/(OUTGOING) RESOURCES FOR THE YEAR | ||
| This is stated after charging: | |||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Depreciation | 672════ |
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7. STAFF COSTS AND EMOLUMENTS
No salaries or wages have been paid to employees, including the member of the committee, during the year.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE CHOIR
NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS
YEAR ENDED 31 JULY 2025
8. TANGIBLE FIXED ASSETS
| £ | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| COST | |||
| At 1 August 2024 | |||
| & | |||
| At 31 July 2025 | 26,058 | ||
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| DEPRECIATION | |||
| At 1 August 2024 | 12,619 | ||
| Charge for the year | 672 | ||
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| At 31 July 2025 | 13,291 | ||
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| NET BOOK VALUE | |||
| At 31 July 2025 | 12,767 | ||
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| At 31 July 2024 | |||
| 13,439 | |||
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| 9. | DEBTORS | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Debtors and Prepayments | 2,330 | - | |
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| 10. | CREDITORS | ||
| 2025 | 2024 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Receipts in advance & Creditors | 2,078 | 20 | |
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11. UNRESTRICTED INCOME FUNDS
| Balance at | Incoming | Balance at | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | August 2024 | resources | 31 July 2025 | |
| £ | £ | £ | ||
| General Funds | ||||
| 39,960 | 7,276 | 47,236 | ||
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