Chair’s Report 2022-23
Throughout my time as Chair of the Society (2019-2023), I have begun my annual report by commenting that the preceding season has been one of “ups and downs”. Mercifully, 2022-23 has in many respects seen a return to “business as usual” – the Covid restrictions were all finally lifted and all sections have been able to experience a normal season of rehearsals and concerts.
However, there has been change insofar as we have welcomed two new professionals to our team:
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Dr Mark McCombs took over as MD of Macclesfield Singers in September 2022, and impressed us beforehand by singing with us in the summer concert of 2022 (Ian Chesworth’s last). From the Singers’ point of view, Mark has settled in extremely well. His musical talent is amazing – he seems able to sing all four voice parts at pitch (although not simultaneously), his jokes are different from, but as bad as Ian’s, and his positivity and encouragement are never-failing. Under Mark’s leadership, Singers have thoroughly enjoyed their rehearsals and concerts and are finally (I think) getting back to their pre-pandemic standard. Mark might disagree on that score.
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Our second incoming professional is the new Leader of the Symphony Orchestra (see Tony’s report for the background to this): Henry Rankin. It must have been very difficult for Orchestra members to have had so much change in one season, with three different Leaders employed at separate times, and still suffering the aftermath of Ellis’s death. However, Henry’s appointment is reassuring for the future, and the recent orchestral concerts have been very successful. Let’s now hope for a period of stability.
The Concert Band continues strongly under Julia’s able leadership – no major changes there – and the Contemporary Group still meets regularly, if not frequently, with a small group of committed members. We are certainly unusual (if not unique) in the country having four separate sections which work together and complement each other well.
As always, my sincere thanks go to all our professionals: Tony, Mark, Julia, Rachel and Rüta/Matthew/Henry for their talent, efforts, enthusiasm, energy and commitment towards their respective sections and the Society as a whole. We are very fortunate to have such dedicated, good-natured and positive professionals.
Goodbye, Rachel
However, it was with great sadness that we said farewell to Rachel Fright, the Singers’ extraordinarily talented accompanist, at our recent summer concert (17[th] June). Rachel has played with us for six years and has impressed us not only with her musical excellence, but also with her accommodating nature and her flexibility throughout the pandemic, accompanying us on Zoom and later traipsing out to the Rugby Club with her electric keyboard to accompany open-air rehearsals when indoor rehearsals were still forbidden. Our sincere thanks to Rachel for everything she has done to keep the choir going. She moves on to accompany Congleton Choral Society on Monday evenings and we wish her all the best.
We recruited a replacement accompanist earlier this year from a strong field of applicants and will be welcoming James Heathcote in September.
Committee Membership
Our Full Committee has remained stable throughout the year, but there are changes afoot: Andrew Tyler will be relocating some time in the near future so has stepped down as Chair of the Orchestra Committee /
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member of the Full Committee; Gillian Sly will also be leaving the area in the coming months and has now relinquished her role as Committee member; on a brighter note, Andrew Smithson (Orchestra) has volunteered to come onto the Committee. Our sincere thanks go to all here: to Andrew T and Gillian for the time and effort they have so generously given and to Andrew S for being willing to join the Committee. We wish Gillian and Andrew T all the best for their eventual house-moves and new lives elsewhere.
However, Andrew T’s stepping down leaves a vacancy for Chair of the Orchestra Committee and, at the time of writing, this has not been filled. I do urge members of the Orchestra to consider taking on this role.
Richard Moss is relinquishing his role as Chair of the Concert Band Committee and will be replaced by Laura Blackburn: my thanks to Laura for stepping up. I am pleased to say that Richard will continue as Secretary to the Full Committee.
The 2022-23 Committee Membership is below:
Concert Band Singers Symphony Orchestra Lorna Green Annette Butler David Budgett Richard Moss (Section Maggie Earl Wanda Johnson Chair - standing down from this role summer Wanda Johnson Linda Pyatt 2023 / remaining as Lesley Reynolds Rob Shaw KEMS Secretary) Lynne Spedding (Society Chair Andrew Tyler (Section Chair - Laura Blackburn (taking - standing down as Chair standing down summer 2023. on role of Band summer 2023 but remaining on Andrew Smithson will be joining Committee Chair wef the Committee) the Committee wef September) September) Paul Spedding (Treasurer) Gillian Sly (standing down summer 2023) Moira Taylor (Publicity)
It would be really helpful to recruit some new members to the Full Committee from the Orchestra/Band as the make-up between sections remains weighted towards Singers so, if you are a member of Orchestra/Band, please do consider putting yourself forward. The role is only as onerous as you wish it to be (!), and it does offer interesting insights into the workings of the Society.
2023-24 Dates, and Symphony Orchestra / Singers Programme
We agreed the 2023-24 rehearsal dates for all three sections in January 2023, although there have been some minor changes since (these have been emailed to members and the most recent calendar can also be found on the Members’ Section of the KEMS website). In addition, we scheduled the various Orchestra/Singers concert dates for the forthcoming season and agreed a provisional programme. The Concert Band schedules its concerts separately, throughout the year. For the Orchestra and Singers 202324 programme please ask the relevant Section Chair or MD. These will be published on the website before long.
Finances
I would like to give my sincere thanks to Paul Spedding, not only for being a magnificent husband (last year’s joke), but for managing the Society’s finances so competently. He has submitted a detailed set of accounts for this meeting and will be speaking to his written report at the AGM.
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Thanks
I shall be standing down as Chair of KEMS at this year’s AGM. If I’m honest, I took on the role out of compassion for the previous Chair as no-one seemed willing to relieve him of the responsibility despite frequent requests and his many years of service. No-one should view such a post as a job for life, and I decided that I would take on the role for four years only. Fortunately, someone has come forward to take over, assuming this is ratified at the AGM. I knew virtually nothing about the way the Society operated before I took over and it was a steep learning curve but I would like to say that, although the many crises we have faced over the last four years have proved challenging in the extreme, it has been a whole-team effort to manage events and I could not have worked with a more wonderful and supportive group of individuals.
Obviously, I give my sincere thanks to the Full Committee who have not only offered regular words of wisdom and experience, plus innovative ideas in the pandemic, but who have also never stinted on their practical assistance and support. I also thank those many non-Committee members of Orchestra and Singers who so faithfully lug chairs and platform pieces around before and after each concert, and to all, from whichever section, who assist with refreshments at rehearsals or concerts (or both), front of house, raffle prizes, and the oh-so-many little tasks which occur, the fulfilment of which is essential for smooth operation.
I am loath to name individuals but some do need a specific mention (in no particular order):
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Moira for her unstinting work on publicity;
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Richard for carrying out his role as Secretary so efficiently and ably;
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Bob for the website;
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Elaine for poster and programme design;
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Ginny for managing KEMS communications;
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Andrew for all his work on the complex Orchestra side of things;
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Barbara and Tim respectively as Section Librarians;
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Maggie for liaising with the RNCM re soloists;
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Wanda for ticket sales;
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Annette and Lesley for keeping joint concert arrangements well-oiled - and keeping me calm;
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Marianne for welcoming new members to Singers;
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Paul (already mentioned) for his work as Treasurer.
If I’ve missed anyone out, I am sorry – that’s the danger of naming individuals! But you know who you are and I hope you know how much we need and value your help.
And on that subject, if you’ve got this far, a plea : the Society operates on the goodwill, energy and commitment of volunteers. Please do consider helping out in some area or another: for example, we have a number of roles which are fairly critical and for which we have no “deputy”, so, should that proverbial bus head our way, we would be stuck. Please consider making yourself known if you are willing to assist in any area of the life of KEMS, whether it be designing programmes/posters, assisting with website management, social media, offering your spouse or friend to help with concert refreshments or front-of-house (preferably with their permission), or any other area. We are also looking for someone who would be willing to undertake a new role - seeking sponsorship for concerts or soloists from local businesses or companies.
All that remains now is for me to thank everyone in the society for their music-making, and for their continued support and generosity of spirit over the last year.
Lynne Spedding (KEMS Chair)
26[th] June 2023
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King Edward Music Society of Macclesfield: Accounts 2022/23
Income
Expenditure
| Note 2022/232021/22 1 Subscriptions 19,572_17,037_ Band Tickets,Fees etc 2,191_579_ Singers & Orch Tickets 4,280_4,027_ Orchestra Tickets 2,907_2,536_ Band and Singers Fee(Tatton) 250_225_ Singers Tickets 18 June 22 813_- Singers Tickets 17 June 23 -- Band Collection 14 May 16- Charles Beswick Trust 1,599_1,142 HMRC - Gift Aid May2023 4,064_4,505_ Donations(Gift Aided) 1,362_755_ Donations 55_218_ 2 GivingMachine 107_35_ Interest 256_7_ Tea&Coffee Donations(Reh'ls) 535_102_ Raffles 188_- Refreshment Donations(Concerts) 455_251 KEMS ContemporaryMeeting 43_30_ Band Tour Summer 22 14,143_2,628_ WeddingGift 135_- 3 Collection-Vic Brown(Photographer) 225- LeavingGift 15_459 4 Miscellaneous 313_27_ Programme Donations 61_- 5 _Other income in 2021/22 1,206 TOTAL 53,58635,769 |
Note | Note |
|---|---|---|
| MD - TonyHoughton | ||
| MD - Julia Harding | ||
| MD - Mark McCombs | ||
| MD - Ian Chesworth | ||
| Orchestra Leader | ||
| Singers Accomp | ||
| Soloists | ||
| Soloist Travel | ||
| Guest Players | ||
| Presentations to soloists/MD | ||
| Hospitality | ||
| Refreshments - concerts | ||
| Rehearsal Venues | ||
| Concert Venues | ||
| Music Purchase/Copying (Band) | ||
| Music Hire/Copying (Singers) | ||
| Music Hire(Orchestra) | ||
| 6 | MakingMusic | |
| PRS fees - St M's | ||
| Printing,Publicity,Postage etc | ||
| Equipment | ||
| Band Tour Summer 22 | ||
| Ellis Memorial | ||
| Yapsodycommission | ||
| StagingStorage | ||
| KEMS ContemporaryMeeting | ||
| 3 | Collection to Vic Brown(Photos) | |
| WeddingGift | ||
| East Cheshire Eye Society | ||
| 7 | Miscellaneous | |
| 8_Other expenditure in 2021/22_ TOTAL Set aside: Ellis Memorial Event ADJUSTED TOTAL ADJUSTED SURPLUS 2022-23 |
Notes
1 Membership: Total c159: Band c51 Orchestra c42, Singers c66 (double counts members in more than - subsription total is 15% greater than last year (although sub increased by 18%)
2 Giving Machine : an additional way of supporting KEMS - see thegivingmachine.co.uk/ 3 Collections for Vic Brown for photographs he took of concerts - to support a family in India 4 Miscellaneous: includes £100 x2 staging hire (NCO) and £86 LCN web hosting refund. 5 Income in 2021/22 included £1,100 Singing Day Sep 2021
6 Making Music: £665 (membership £365, insurance £143, PRS £157)
7 Miscellaneous: includes £305 LCN web hosting & domain name (2 yrs), £46 Muzodo 8 Expenditure in 2021/22 included £144 Zoom , £459 leaving gift - Ian
Charity Events / Donations (not formally part of the accounts)
Event:
Donation to Mindsong Sep 22 (Band Tour surplus) East Cheshire Hospice and The Trussell Trust £225 each: Tatton 18 Dec Collections for Vic Brown for photographs he took of concerts (to support a family in India)
East Cheshire Eye Society Band concert surplus 25 Mar (£450 from tickets + collection of £60)
2022/23 2021/22 6,099 6,116 5,368 5,032 3,353 - 1,830 6,827 2,724 2,871 2,968 2,746 2,160 1,630 105 50 1,415 1,190 135 85 100 40 208 138 3,947 3,602 1,425 1,587 8 177 732 329 1,761 1,378 665 412 32 - 1,165 1,202 128 140 14,035 2,628 202 - 55 51 500 500 43 30 225 - 135 - 450 373 482 703 52,348 39,946 540 52,888 698
one 1 section)
208 450 225
510 1,393
King Edward Music Society of Macclesfield: Balance Sheet 2022/23
| Openi | ngbalances at 1 June 2022 £ £ |
ngbalances at 1 June 2022 £ £ |
ngbalances at 1 June 2022 £ £ |
|---|---|---|---|
| NatWest Bank | 3,755 | ||
| COIF Investment Account(Standard Reserves) | 9,699 | ||
| COIF Investment Account(Capital Reserve) | 6,050 | ||
| Total Current Assets | 19,504 | ||
| Accounted Fixed Assets | 18,615 | ||
| TOTAL | 38,119 |
Changes during the year
| ges duringtheyear | ||
|---|---|---|
| Increase in Current Assets | 1,279 | |
| Fixed Assets wriiten off *** | - 12,965 | |
| Total increase in Assets(decrease if negative) | - 11,686 |
Closing balances at 31 May 2023
| gbalances at 31 May2023 | ||
|---|---|---|
| NatWest Bank | 7,558 | |
| COIF Investment Account(Standard Reserves) | 6,795 | |
| COIF Investment Account(Capital Reserve) | 6,250 | |
| Cash(Floats: Tickets £100,Wine £40,Soft Dr £40) | 180 | |
| Total Current Assets | 20,783 | |
| Accounted Fixed Assets | 5,600 | |
| TOTAL | 26,383 |
KEMS FIxed Assets *At a full Committee meeting on 15 Jan 23, it was resolved to write off all our fixed assets except those shown below. Purch Date Purcase Price Market value (est) |
KEMS FIxed Assets *At a full Committee meeting on 15 Jan 23, it was resolved to write off all our fixed assets except those shown below. Purch Date Purcase Price Market value (est) |
KEMS FIxed Assets *At a full Committee meeting on 15 Jan 23, it was resolved to write off all our fixed assets except those shown below. Purch Date Purcase Price Market value (est) |
KEMS FIxed Assets *At a full Committee meeting on 15 Jan 23, it was resolved to write off all our fixed assets except those shown below. Purch Date Purcase Price Market value (est) |
|---|---|---|---|
| ? | Drum Kit | 940 | 100 |
| ? | Lightingstands | ??? | 50 |
| 08/09 | Christmas Spirituals(44 copies) | 337 | 100 |
| 08/09 | Staging | 11,667 | 3,000 |
| 09/10 | Puccini Messa di Gloria Orchparts & full score | 350 | 50 |
| 12/13 | Carols for Choirs 5(64 copies) | 1,082 | 200 |
| 12/13 | Bass Drum | 300 | 50 |
| 12/13 | Clash cymbals + cradle | 313 | 100 |
| 15/16 | Roland "Cube Street EX" Portable PA system | 600 | 200 |
| 15/16 | RATStands - accoustic music stands: six | 912 | 50 |
| 17/18 | Lights | 557 | 200 |
| Various | Largequanityof band music - some donated | ??? | 1,000 |
| Various | Orchestral music - some donated | ??? | 500 |
| TOTAL FIXED ASSETS FOLLOWING WRITE OFF Capital Reserve 2022/23 Opening Bal: 1Jun22 Transfer in (staging hire to NCO) Closing Bal: 31May23 |
5,600 6,050 200 6,250 |
||
| 6,050 | |||
| 200 | |||
| 6,250 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT TO THE MEMBERS OF KING EDWARD MUSICAL SOCIErY OF MACCLESFIELD I report on the financial statements of King Edward Musical Society of Macclesfield (Registered Charity No 517554) for the year ended 31 May 2023. Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner The Society through its Committee is responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The Committee considers that an audit is not required for this year (under section 43(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the 1993 Act)) and that an independent examination is needed. It is my responsibility to: examine the accounts (under section 43(3){a) of the 1993 Act)", . to follow the procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 43(7)(b) of the 1993 Act): and . to state whether particular matters have come to my attention. Basis of independent examinerfs report My examination was carried out in accordan with the General Directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the Committee 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 the Committee concerning any such matters. The produreS undertaken do not provide all the eviden that would be required in an audit, and consequently I do not express an audit opinion on the view given by the accounts. Independent examinerfs 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 accordan with section 41 ofthe 1993 Act. and . to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 1993 Act," have not been met. or (2) to which, in my opinion. attention should be drawn in order to enable proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Relevant professional qualification or body= Address:
sfjJo... 3A)A........... Date: