The Bradford Catholic Players
Charity number 701402
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2024
The Bradford Catholic Players
Annual Report and Financial Statements for the year ended 31 January 2024
| Contents | Page |
|---|---|
| Trustees' report | 2 to 4 |
| Examiner's report | 5 |
| Statement of financial activities | 6 |
| Balance sheet | 7 |
| Notes to the accounts | 8 to 10 |
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Trustees' report for the year ended 31 January 2024
Reference and administrative details of the charity, its trustees and advisors
The trustees during the financial year and up to and including the date the report was approved were: Name Position
Position Martin Walker Chairman Anne Copley Secretary Terence Stamp Treasurer Christine Fozard Business Manager Simon Carroll Graham Robinson Carmel Dylak Angela Hurtault Marie Stamp Tanya Elsegood
Charity number
Charity number 701402 Registered in England and Wales Registered and principal address Bankers 24 Roydsliffe Road Barclays Bank plc Heaton 10 Market Street Bradford Bradford BD9 5PN BD1 1EG
Independent examiner
Rhys North ACA
Structure, governance and management
The charity is governed by a constitution adopted 1927 as amended 26 February 1965 and 13 March 1989.
Method of recruitment and appointment of trustees
As set out in the rules of Bradford Catholic Players, the Executive Committee (including the Officers) and the Auditor shall retire annually but shall be eligible for re-election at the Annual General Meeting.
There shall be posted on the Society notice board, at least fourteen days prior to the date of each Annual General Meeting at which any election is to take place, a sheet for the nomination of Officers and Executive Committee for the following year.
The consent of the member nominated must be obtained before their name is entered on the nomination sheet. The Chairman shall have been a member of the Society for at least one year on the Executive Committee.
If more names are proposed than the number required, the election shall be by ballot. All members nominated for the Executive Committee must be 18 years of age or over and fully paid up members in the previous financial year ending 31st January.
Trustee induction and training
New committee members (trustees) are provided with details of their obligations as a charity trustee at the first meeting of the new committee in each year.
Organisation
The society’s executive committee is the charity’s board of trustees and comprises of a maximum of 12 members, all of whom administer the charity. The committee usually meets monthly although ad-hoc smaller meetings may take place if required.
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 January 2024
Objectives and activities
The charity's objects
To educate members in the musical, dramatic, performing and expressive arts.
To promote the spiritual life of the members.
To further the development of public appreciation and taste in the above arts.
To assist such charitable institutions and charitable purposes as the Executive Committee from time to time determine.
The charity's main activities
The strategies employed to achieve the charity's objectives are to:
Present a major production each year, usually a musical show;
Stage smaller scale productions each year such as concerts or reviews;
Offer opportunities for people to get involved in arts activity exploring their own creative powers; and Provide facilities for amateur artists to develop.
Public benefit statement
In setting our objectives and planning our activities our Trustees have given serious consideration to the Charity Commission’s general guidance on public benefit and in particular the advancement of dramatic and operatic arts.
Achievements and performance
In late autumn/winter 2022, Bradford Catholic Players (BCP) returned to the stage, after the Covid lockdown 2020 into 2021, with a production of ‘Evita’ at Yeadon Town Hall. This was a new theatre venue for BCP which was received well by members and patrons, alike.
Come the turn of the new year, 2023, after a Christmas break our attention was focused on supporting those who had arrived in our local community from The Ukraine. Rehearsals started for a concert/review production to be staged at The Ukrainian Club (Bradford) in a cabaret format. The event generated funds which were donated to the community in supporting refugees with housing and associated living costs. The event also enabled BCP to identify a production talent which we plan to work with in the future.
Our first face to face AGM, in 3 years, in Spring 2023 (supported inevitably by the now familiar online link) established the need to build capacity for the future especially in supporting the organisational side of the charity, as well as ensuring the skills and experience required in production management are developed in the next generation.
In early summer, our annual celebration of Mass was received well by current and former members with their families. At the end of Mass, Very Rev Canon K Walker (BCP Chaplain) was our guiding light as our new President, Mary Brown, was blessed and inaugurated; with our retiring President, Catherine Taylor, presenting her with the Presidential Medal for 2023-2024.
Summer 2023 also enabled BCP to respond to a request to support our local Marie Curie Hospice during their volunteer week. An exceptional afternoon, when volunteers were being thanked for their services supporting The Hospice, witnessed BCP members delivering a well-received musical presentation, in the grounds, for volunteers, staff, patients and their families; all of which enabled a reflection of how important collective and mutual support is all of the time to support those in need, especially at the end of life.
Within the concert season, above, the process of auditioning and casting for a production of ‘Anything Goes’ was completed before rehearsals started in early summer. Circumstances demanded the identified production team be amended and we were able to secure the services of an emerging talent to support. The outcome in late 2023 was a well-received production week but it did not engage the support required at the box office, the result of which was a posted loss; a scenario we are mindful to address in 2024.
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The Bradford Catholic Players Trustees' report (continued) for the year ended 31 January 2024
Achievements and performance continued
At the end of 2023, attention was focused on ensuring the best possible event was in place in 2024. A decision made very late in 2022, meant a quiet period was always planned for Winter into Spring 2024, with our focus looking to maximise efforts for an autumn production 2024. The performing rights secured for that production were reviewed as a priority and the production changed with the support of license holders. By the end of 2023 into the early part of January 2024 all attention was focused on the process of ensuring the success of Sister Act in November 2024.
Our volunteers
Besides those amateur performers and artists who display their talents on the stage, the charity is fortunate in having a great many volunteers who give their time freely to help with all aspects of staging a production, selling tickets, making props and scenery, etc., and we thank them sincerely for the time they dedicate to these tasks.
Financial review
The net expenditure for the year was £12,881, all relating to unrestricted funds.
During the reporting period:
No income was derived from contracts with central or local government;
No grants were received from central or local government; No staff were employed by the charity; and
The charity’s financial controls were reviewed by the Treasurer and approved by trustees.
Our pricing policy
As far as it is possible to do so, it is the charity’s policy to offer concerts and shows at ticket prices that will maximise the scope for participation among people from all income brackets whilst at the same time returning a surplus in order to bolster the charity’s funds and make charitable donations possible.
Investment powers and policy
The trustees, having regard to the liquidity requirements of staging musical shows and concerts have operated a policy of keeping available funds in an interest-bearing deposit account and seek to achieve a rate on deposit which matches or exceeds inflation as measured by the retail prices index.
Reserves policy
The charity's free reserves, excluding fixed assets, at the year end were £40,890.
Reserves are needed to bridge the gap between the spending of funds on a production and receiving of income from ticket sales. The trustees consider that the ideal level of reserves as at 31 January 2024 to be £35,000. The charity’s net liquid assets are in excess of this reserve minimum.
Approved by the board of trustees on 28/11/2024
Martin Walker (Trustee)
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Independent examiner's report to the trustees of The Bradford Catholic Players
I report to the charity trustees on my examination of the accounts of the charity for the year ended 31 January 2024, which are set out on pages 6 to 10.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act').
I report in respect of my examination of the charity's accounts as carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act. 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 examiner's statement
I have completed my examination. I 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:
-
1 accounting records were not kept in respect of the charity as required by section 130 of the Charities Act; 2 the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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3 the accounts do 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 requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Rhys North ACA
29/11/2024
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Statement of Financial Activities
(including summary income and expenditure account) for the year ended 31 January 2024
| Notes Income from: Major production - Anything Goes/Evita (2) Minor production - Sing for Ukraine (3) Society income: Subscriptions Northcote subscriptions Donations Fundraising Interest received Miscellaneous income Total income Expenditure on: Production overheads - Anything Goes/Evita (2) Production overheads - Sing for Ukraine (3) Society overheads: Annual Mass Depreciation Dinner Dance Insurance Ukraine donation NODA conference and medals Subscriptions Northcote subscription Website Members' welfare Sundries and bad debts Total expenditure Net income / (expenditure) Fund balances brought forward Fund balances carried forward |
2024 Total funds £ 25,517 6,605 1,373 145 325 142 316 - 34,423 34,927 5,435 141 - 677 440 3,000 1,800 230 - 209 - 445 47,304 (12,881) 54,727 41,846 |
2023 Total funds £ 38,578 - 823 112 205 238 9 142 40,107 36,969 - 104 1,203 - 459 1,000 708 72 180 317 116 149 41,277 (1,170) 55,897 54,727 |
|---|---|---|
All incoming resources and resources expended derive from continuing activities.
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Balance sheet
| as at 31 January 2024 Notes Fixed assets Tangible assets (4) Total fixed assets Current assets Debtors and prepayments (5) Cash at bank and in hand (6) Total current assets Current liabilities: amounts falling due within one year Creditors Total current liabilities Net current assets / (liabilities) Total assets less current liabilities Net assets Funds Unrestricted funds Total funds |
2024 Total £ 956 956 2,913 37,977 40,890 - - 40,890 41,846 41,846 41,846 41,846 |
2023 Total £ 508 508 6,020 48,933 54,953 734 734 54,219 54,727 54,727 54,727 54,727 |
|---|---|---|
The financial statements were approved by the board of trustees on 28/11/2024
Martin Walker (Trustee)
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Notes to the accounts
The Bradford Catholic Players
for the year ended 31 January 2024
1 Accounting policies
Basis of accounting
These accounts have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts. The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting by Charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2019) and with the Charities Act 2011.
The charity constitutes a public benefit entity as defined by FRS 102. There has been no change to the accounting policies since last year. No changes have been made to the accounts for previous years.
Going concern
The trustees are satisfied that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue.
Incoming resources
All incoming resources are included in the Statement of Financial Activities (SOFA) when the charity becomes entitled to the resources, if it is more likely than not that the trustees will receive the resources and the monetary value can be measured with sufficient reliability.
Grants and donations
Grants and donations are only included in the SOFA when the charity has unconditional entitlement to the resources.
Where grants are related to performance and specific deliverables, they are accounted for as the charity earns the right to consideration by its performance.
Expenditure and liabilities
Expenditure is recognised on an accrual basis as a liability is incurred. Liabilities are recognised where it is more likely than not that there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to pay out the resources and the amount of the obligation can be measured with reasonable certainty.
Taxation
As a charity the organisation benefits from rates relief and is generally exempt from income tax and capital gains tax but not from VAT. Irrecoverable VAT is included in the cost of those items to which it relates.
Tangible fixed assets
Tangible fixed assets costing more than £400 are capitalised and included at cost including any incidental expenses of acquisition. Gifted assets are shown at the value to the charity on receipt. Depreciation is provided on all tangible fixed assets at rates calculated to write off the cost on a straight line basis over their expected useful economic lives as follows: Office equipment and furniture - over 4 years Lighting and audio equipment - over 4 years Staging and pianos - over 4 years Library scores - not depreciated
Fund accounting
Unrestricted funds are available for use at the discretion of the trustees in furtherance of the general objectives of the charity.
Restricted funds are subjected to restrictions on their expenditure imposed by the donor or through the terms of an appeal.
Further explanation of the nature and purpose of each fund is included in the notes to the accounts.
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 January 2024
| 2 Major production Income: Ticket sales Patrons and Vice Presidents Sponsorship Programme sales Programme adverts Programme sponsors Raffle/fundraising Production overheads: Orchestra and accompanist Production team Publicity/programme printing Royalties Scenery, props, sound and light Wardrobe and costumes Sundry expenses Venue hire Net profit/(loss) 3 Minor production Income: Ticket sales Donations Production overheads: Orchestra and accompanist Production team Publicity/programme printing Scenery, props, sound and light Wardrobe and costumes Sundry expenses Venue hire Net Profit/(loss) |
2024 Anything Goes £ 21,468 - 45 802 2,130 525 547 25,517 6,828 5,600 1,741 5,675 4,472 3,745 866 6,000 34,927 (9,410) 2024 Sing for Ukraine £ 6,161 444 6,605 1,758 1,850 160 80 52 1,035 500 5,435 1,170 |
2023 Evita £ 33,936 50 - 1,157 2,885 550 - 38,578 7,490 5,000 2,534 7,188 5,309 2,820 628 6,000 36,969 1,609 2023 - £ - - - - - - - - - - - |
|---|---|---|
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The Bradford Catholic Players
Notes to the accounts continued
for the year ended 31 January 2024
| 4 5 **6 ** |
Tangible assets Cost At 1 February 2023 Additions At 31 January 2024 Depreciation At 1 February 2023 Charge for year At 31 January 2024 Net book value At 31 January 2024 At 31 January 2023 Debtors and prepayments Debtors Prepayments Cash at bank and in hand Cash at bank Cash in hand |
£ 500 - 500 - - - 500 500 Library scores |
£ 12,454 - 12,454 12,450 - 12,450 4 4 Staging and pianos |
£ 11,222 448 11,670 11,220 - 11,220 450 2 Lighting and audio equipment |
£ 1,695 - 1,695 1,693 - 1,693 2 2 2024 £ 761 2,152 2,913 2024 £ 37,798 179 37,977 Office equipment and furniture |
Total £ 25,871 448 26,319 25,363 - 25,363 956 508 2023 £ 3,078 2,942 6,020 2023 £ 48,866 67 48,933 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
7 Related party transactions
Trustee expenses
No trustee received any expenses during this year or the previous year.
Trustee remuneration and benefits
No trustee received any remuneration or benefit during this or the previous year.
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