Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir Association
Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ended 31 December 2023
A Registered Charity
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Organisation Details
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir Association
Registered Charity No. 513081
Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Mount Pleasant Liverpool L3 5TQ
Telephone: (0151) 709 9222 Email: metmusic@metcathedral.org.uk Website: www.liverpoolmetrocathedral.org.uk
Contents
| Patrons and Trustees | Page 3 |
|---|---|
| Chairman’s Report | Page 4 |
| Treasurer’s Report | Page 5 |
| Auditor’s Report | Page 5 |
| Financial Statements | Page 6 |
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PATRONS
President
The Most Reverend Malcolm McMahon OP Archbishop of Liverpool
Vice-Presidents
Very Rev Canon Anthony O’Brien
Dean – Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King
Ms K Peaston
Headteacher, Runnymede, St Edward’s
Mr Stephen Morris Principal, St Edward’s College
TRUSTEES
Mrs Christine Nurse
Chair
Mrs Jacqueline Larrosa
Honorary Secretary
Mr Anthony Leo
Honorary Treasurer
Position Unfilled Position Unfilled
Fundraising Representative (Boys’ Choir) Fundraising Representative (Girls’ Choir)
Mrs Wendy Callacher
Elected Member
Mr Charlie Warrington
Lay Clerks’ Representative
Mrs Anne-Marie Warrington Dr Christopher McElroy Mr James Luxton
Co-opted Member Director of Music
Assistant Director of Music
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CHAIR’S REPORT
This has been a particularly eventful time since the last AGM, as we have celebrated the re-launch of the Cathedral Grand Organ, following its once-in-a-generation restoration by Harrison & Harrison organ builders. The official “return” of our grand organ took place on Sunday 12 May, when we welcomed internationally renowned organist and improviser Martin Baker to give the opening organ recital. To celebrate this momentous event, the Music Department launched a series of musical liturgies and concerts taking place in the Cathedral, and the organ featured in many of the events, as do the Metropolitan Cathedral Choirs.
Prior to this, in October we hosted the Mozart Requiem, performed by all the choirs and the Liverpool Mozart Orchestra. We were delighted to welcome guest conductor Tucker Biddlecombe, the Director of Choral Activities at Vanderbilt University’s Blair School of Music in Nashville, USA. And on the Feast of Christ the King, on 26 November, we were joined by Gavin Ralston, a Trustee of the Cathedral Music Trust, who presented the Dean with a cheque for £25,000 to be used to provide training and educational opportunities for choral and organ pathways for those who have left the choir.
The Choir embarked on their first European Tour since Covid, to Holland. Choir Tours, particularly abroad, introduce out choristers to different cultural and liturgical experiences, which has a huge educational benefit. But sadly, as everyone knows, the cost of travel of any kind has escalated to the point where the feasibility of any future Tours is in doubt, without some substantial funding.
We finished the academic year slightly differently this year, as the work being carried out outside the Cathedral meant that we could not have our usual End of Term picnic in the Gibberd Room. However, this was moved to the Crypt, and allowed families to gather and socialise with one another, but more importantly, it provided an opportunity to thank choristers and Lay Clerks who were moving on, for all their commitment and hard work.
Fundraising has again focussed on larger musical events, held in the Cathedral, which are proving to be very popular with the public and are supported by increasing numbers. We would not be able to host these events if we did not have the support of parents, in the many varied roles needed to put on these events, such as front of house, distributing programmes and providing refreshments, and I genuinely and whole-heartedly thank each and every one of them for their support.
I would like to express my gratitude to the Director of Music, Dr McElroy for the tireless work that he has done throughout the year to ensure that the Choristers and Lay Clerks continue to perform throughout the year. I would also like to thank, and congratulate, newly appointed Monsignor O’Brien, and his PA Claire O’Hanlon for their continued support for the Choirs.
I would particularly like to thank the Association’s Secretary, Mrs Jackie Larossa and the Treasurer, Mr Anthony Leo, who have provided so much support to me, throughout the year, despite the many demands and pressures that they face in their daily working lives as well as their “Cathedral” lives. And last, but not least, I would like to thank the members of the Association Committee, who tirelessly provide support; we may be a small team, but thanks to them, we manage to deliver what is required at the different events.
Christine Nurse Chair
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TREASURER’S REPORT
The audited accounts to 31 December 2023 are presented in this booklet and have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis.
The twelve month period to 31 December 2023 saw more financial transactions for the Choir Association than during COVID-19, but still fewer than pre-pandemic.
In overall terms, the accounts remained healthy at the close of 2023.
Anthony Leo
Treasurer
AUDITOR’S REPORT
Auditor’s report to the members of Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral Choir Association (Registered Charity No. 513081) for the year ended 31 December 2023.
In connection with the examination of the above charity’s accounts, no matter has come to attention which gives reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements i) to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 1 of the Charities’ Act 1993 and ii) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and to comply with the requirements of the Act have not been met or iii) to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Stan Hesketh
Auditor/Independent Examiner
1 September 2024
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