Charity number.. 511905
Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
Report of the Trustees and Accounts
31 August 2024

Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
Contents
Page no
Report of the Trustees
Independent Examinerfs Report
Receipts and Payments Accounts
Statement of Assets and Liabilities

Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
Report of the trustees for the year ended 31 August 2024
The Trustees present the annual report and accounts for the year ended 31 August 2024.
The Trustees are satisfied with the performance of the charity during the year, consider that
the charity is able to continue its activities during the coming year and that the charity's
assets are adequate to fulfil its obligations.
Ob"ects and activities of the chari
Extract from the Constitution of the Arts Festival
"The objects of the festival shall be to promote, improve, develop and maintain public
education in the furtherance of the following objects: appreciation of the arts and sciences of
music, opera, ballet, drama, film, literature, painting, drawing, photography and sculpture in
all their aspects by the presentation of public Con￿rtS, performances, arts exhibitions and in
such other ways as the festival Committee shall from time to time determine."
Strategic aims of the Arts Festival
1. To hold a festival in and around Church Stretton run by volunteers with a core of major
high-quality events to include concerts, drama, talks, poetry, art, crafts, photography.
workshops and other creative and artistic endeavours.
2. To retain a core offer while annually having some experimentation such as new types of
art, event or performer so that the Festival-
remains vibrant and interesting.
adapts to changing tastes., and
provides a continuing attractive offering for regular and first-time attendees.
Activities - 2023-24
The Trustees are satisfied with the planning and delivery of the 2024 Festival which took
place between 26 July and 10 August inclusive. The Festival, as in earlier years comprised
three elements..
An art, crafts and photography exhibition running for almost the entire two weeks
A series of nine free concerts - six "coffee Con￿rts. in the firsl week and three organ
recitals in the second
Eleven ticketed events spread over the two weeks. This was deliberately a smaller
number than in 2023. In reviewing the 2023 Festival, the Committee decided that
offering 15 ticketed events in that year, while successful in temis of ticket sales and
audience feedback, had brought undue pressures on some Committee members and
others involved. The Committee agreed that offering 10 or 11 ticketed events is
more feasible.
During the year. the Committee benefited from new members. This introduced new skills
experience and ideas. The Committee also commenced the steps to convert the current,
unincorporated charity to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
Achievements and erformance
The Committee was very pleased with the reception given to the Festival:
The exhibition had over 1300 visitors over the two-week period who viewed over
1000 entries, with sell out workshops and a very well-attended portrait painting
demonstration
Six of the 11 ticketed performances were sold out or almost sold out
Attendance at the free concerts was particularly good

As in 2023, the main venues used were St Laurence's Parish Church. the Parish Centre,
St Lawrence Primary School, the Silvester Home Institute (SHI), and Concord College. The
Committee is very pleased to continue its long-term relationship with the Primary School and
is always grateful for being able to use the excellent theatre at Concord College. In 2024,
the Committee was delighted to work with the owners of Acton Scott Hall to host a family
outdoor theatre event. This was blessed with fine weather, sold out and very well received.
Another departure was a success: offering two popular music events with dancing to a live
band. The talk was moved to the evening., it is clear that talks work better when held during
the afternoon as in earlier years.
With the benefit of a critical learning review of the 2023 Festival. significant changes were
made to how volunteers were recruited and deployed to plan and deliver the ticketed events
and free concerts. This introduced many changes (differently structured roles and
responsibilities) which the Committee knew would import risk. The new arrangements
largely worked well., there are learning points lo refine how these roles work together and are
planned for future years.
Structure
overnance and mana
Governance
The Festival is governed and managed by a Committee who are volunteers. The Committee
draws on the huge experience, enthusiasm and commitment of more than 60 volunteers who
come together to demonstrate that the Festival is an event run by the community for the
ommunity.
ement
The Charity has no employees or any contractors. No payments other than reimbursement
of travel and incidental costs incurred by truslees were made to the trustees.
Trustees/Committee
The trustees of the charity during the year ended 31 August 2024 were:
Shanthi Flynn
Andrew Hall (Chair)
Sue Mitchell (Secretary)
Andrew Robinson (Treasurer)
Rosamund Seal
Kath Stephenson
Claire Tocknell
Adam Matthews
The Committee recruits trustees by means of advertising in the local "Stretton Focus",
developing interest among volunteers and members and seeking expressions of interest at
Festival events.
In addition to the trustees, the Committee also benefited hugely from the presence and
contribution made by three invitees: Graham Cossins who brings invaluable advice,
guidance and input on a wide range of 'lechnical° matters; Catherine Thomas who led on
popular music events and Gloria Partridge who led on marketing until she had to stand down
in April 2024 for personal reasons.
Charity structure
During the year, the Committee decided to move the charity to a Charrtable Incorporated
Organisation (CIO) structure to reduce the financial and legal exposure of the trustees which
is associated wrth the current, unincorporated charity structure. This decision will be
enacted through formal processes to start in autumn 2024. A CIO should reduce these risks,
help attract future trustees and enable the charity to continue on a more resilient basis.

Risk
The Committee wishes to record its very warm thanks to all those who have contributed to
the Festival in any way including the members of the Festival - wtthout such support and
commitment, the Festival simply would not happen. The Committee is very well aware that it
relies on the huge input, enthusiasm and skill of a few key people. This remains a continuing
risk and the Committee continues to address Ihis in various ways.
Following the review of the 2023 Festival, the risks lo which the charity is exposed were
addressed. It was clear that some volunteers were being asked to carry unnecessary
responsibilities as regards first aid and fire evacuation= the Festival had previously decided
to provide 'coverf beyond what was specified by venues. The new arrangements are fully
compliant with terms and conditions of hire and have worked well. Furthermore, in 2023,
one lead role at events was hugely overloaded and brought undue pressures on an
individual. This year, those responsibilities have been spread among several volunteers and
again have generally worked well.
The fragility of the Festival team this year was well demonstrated., two people occupying lead
roles were either unwell or suffered a family issue causing them to withdraw temporarily
during the Festival. One other volunteer suffered an accident. All these absences were
covered by others who willingly and generously gave extra time or were immensely flexible.
These examples illustrate this key risk but also show the amazing commitment of everyone
who gives their time to the Festival.
Reference and administrative details
The full name of the charity is: Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
Registered Charity number: 511905
Financial review
The Charities Acts require the TrUSt￿S to prepare financial statements for each financial
year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity as at the end of the
financial year and of the surplus or deficit of the charity- In preparing those financial
statements the Trustees are required to:
select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently.,
make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent: and
prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate
to presume that the charity will continue in business.,
state whether applicable accounting standards and statements of recommended
practice have been followed, subject to any material change.
The Trustees are also responsible for maintaining adequate accounting records which
disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time Ihe financial position of the charity and which
are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and enable them to ensure that
the financial statements comply with the Charities Acts. They are also responsible for
safeguarding the assets of the charity and for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and
detection of fraud and other irregularities. The Committee has agreed a reserves policy and
aims to maintain reserves at the agreed level of £40,000.
The Festival does not have any grant income from either local or national SoUr￿s.
The charity achieved a net surplus on the year of £11,300. A small working surplus is
essential as the Festival has to meet some costs upfront each year ahead of generating any
income. The charity's reserves stand at £56,200 compared to £44,900 at the end of 2022-
23 financial year.

These resutts are very rewarding -
there were fewer ticketed events than 2023 but the uptake of tickets was generally
strong
donations from the free concert series were very high at almost £3,000
sponsorship exceeded the target at £5,600
the exhibition produced a net surplus of £5,800, the best result for over the last decade
especially bearing in mind that in 2019 and earlier years, the exhibf(ion did not bear
premises hire costs as they were accounted for the whole Festival which then was
largely based at the Secondary School
The Committee wishes lo thank warmly Ihe following Festival sponsors: Acton Scott Hall and
Estate, Meryl Austin, Berry's Coffee House, Burway Books, Continental Fireplaces, Mike and
Jennie Cooper, Entertaining Elephants. Howard Franklin, Albert Gallon, Jemima's
Kitchenlvictoria House, Matthew Mills Graphic Design, Netley Jall, PCB Solicitors, Peppers.
Peter Jennison Memorial Trust, Saxtons Deli, September Books, Alan and Elaine
Stockbridge, Roger and Margaret Stokes, Stonemasons of Church Stretton, Stretton
Business Network, Stretton Print and Supplies, Tanners Wines, The Central Garage, The
Green Dragon, John R Thomas Florist, Vine & Co, Wenlock Water, Wrights Estate Agents. A
sponsor who wishes to remain anonymous made a substantial contribution.
The Committee is very grateful to all those who gave a donation at Ihe end of the free
concerts. The generosity of the audiences was amazing.
This report was approved by the Trustees on 1 Oth April 2025.
The financial accounts and the Independent Examinerfs report follow.

Independent Examinerfs report on the accounts
Report to the trustees of Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festtval
On accounts for the year ended 31st August 2024
Charity Number 511905
Set out on pages 2 10 3
I report to the Iruslees on my examinab.on of the accounts of the above charity I'lhe Twst") for the year ended
31st August 2024.
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 charib.es Acl 2011 {'Ihe ACY'I.
I report in respect of my examination of the Twsfs accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in
carrying out my examinats'on, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under
section 14515llbl of the ACL
Independent examinerfs ststement
I have completed my examination. I confimi that no material matters have come to my attention in connection
with the examination which gives me cause to believe that in. any material respect..
accounting records were not kept in accordance seth.on 130 of the charib.es Act or
the accounts do not accord wth the accounting records
the accounts did 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 requimienl that the
accounts give a 'twe and fairf view which is not a matter consKlered as part of an independent examination.
I have no COn￿rnS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination lo which attention
should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts lo be reached.
Ruth Whiling of RLW Accountants
Chartered Accountsnt
Castle Green, Ludlow Road, Little Stretton, Church Stretton, Shropshire SY6 6RB
10th April 2025

Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
Receipts and Payments Accounts
for the year ended 31 August 2024
2024
2023
2024
2023
Rècèipts
Fèstival
Paymènts
Fèstival
Ticket sales
27.914.41
30.125.19
Arb"sts fees and ex[￿SeS
Free COn￿rtS
20,603.58
21,558.24
Free concerts
2,837.02
2.252.00
412.89
232.77
Refreshments
2,700.00
2.780.50
Refreshments
3,458.88
2,425.30
CD'S and bc￿kS
400.00
270.LKI
PRS
1,369.12
1,719.11
Piano
1,318.00
1,630.00
Hire of premises
1,855.80
2,465.00
Exhibtion
Exhibition
Exhibtion Entry
Exhibits"on fees
1,T18.00
1.660.00
Payments to exhibitors
Hire of wemises
Other eyhibib.on expenses
Workshop eX￿nSeS
Refreshments
17,034.52
15,881.12
1,115.00
1,071.00
1,440.00
1,440.00
Exhibit sales
21,293.15
19,844.40
1,699.14
1,373.68
Workshop fees
Refreshments
2,100.00
2,555.00
900.00
1,660.00
305.10
371.10
259.19
183.13
Donations
Génèral
General
Donations
206.00
245.00
Public4ty
Progtsmmes
Administr3ts"on
4,396.22
8,135.12
Swnsorship
Grant
5,685.00
4.455.LKI
367.45
164.18
761.93
590.74
Gift Aid
804.18
659.79
Insuran
879.70
681.32
Bank Interest
239.45
92.04
Ticket Sour￿ f*s
2,387.22
Membership
Sundry
777.50
660.LXJ
Free transwrt
First Aid
30.00
30.00
417.71
Equipment
3,465.60
68, 154.81
67 124.02
56,786.42
66,440.24
Surplus for the year
11,368.39
683.78

Church Stretton and South Shropshire Arts Festival
Statement of assets and liabilities
as at 31 August 2024
2024
2023
Cash funds
Festival current account
Art exhibition current account
Paypal
Virgin Account
23,339.52
9,869.27
1.83
23,066.67
56,277.29
16,482.31
4,731.18
1.83
23,010.00
44,225.32
The assets of £56.277.29 {2023 £44.909.10) indudes an amount of £30.000 (2023
£30,000} deemed to be an emergency fund.
Signed on behalf of the trustees on 1 Oth April 2025
A Hall
Chairman
A Robinson
Treasurer