## **TELFORD AND DISTRICT LIGHT OPERATIC PLAYERS**
**Trustees’ Annual Report and Accounts for the period 1[st] January 2023 to 31[st] December 2023**
**Charity registration number 701613**
|**Contents**
**Report of the Trustees**
**Legal and Administrative Information**
**Report of the Independent Examiner**
**Receipts and Payment Account**
**Statement of Assets and Liabilities**|**Page(s)**|
|---|---|
||**2 - 4**
**5**
**6**
**7 - 8**
**8**|
pg. 1
**REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF TEFORD & DISTRICT LIGHT OPERATIC PLAYERS**
The Charity Trustees present their report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31st December 2023. The financial statements comply with both the Charity’s Constitution and the Charities Act 2011.
## **Objectives and Activities**
Our main goals are to educate the public in the dramatic and operatic arts, to provide entertainment to the local community and to inspire theatrical experiences.
## **Main Purpose**
TADLOP was formed in 1972 and has produced 91 shows predominately at The Place (Oakengates Theatre). Strategies to achieve our objectives have been Increase the use of our society within the community by continuing to produce theatrical entertainment.
- Ensuring we are accessible to all people in our local community both as audience members and as society members.
- Develop and support our membership by diversifying our production programme and to provide opportunity information and guidance to enable members to develop and enhance their skills across all disciplines.
- Establish relationships and develop a network with local organisations and individuals, to enable enrichment to all both involved or observing via the Arts.
## **Public Benefit**
The trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit and have tried to ensure that we provide public benefit, particularly in encouraging new audiences and members of the community to access the arts who may not have had opportunity. We have paid particular heed to the changing political, social and financial landscape of the country when choosing both our productions and how we showcase ourselves.
## **Contribution made by Volunteers**
The charity has many active members and fantastic volunteers who support the charity from performing and producing our shows to assisting with props, costume, backstage and Front of House. We encourage those with all levels of experience to participate in and be inspired by aspects of theatre. We have also benefitted from fundraising led by our members to further our charitable aims.
## **Achievements and Performance**
2023 gave us two performances at The Place, 9 to 5 and Jekyll and Hyde. These were two very contrasting pieces of Musical Theatre, both of which were nominated for a NODA awards which we believe is a first for TADLOP. We sadly didn’t win for either show but we have 2 lovely certificates with our nominations on.
9 to 5 took place in April 2023 with a brand-new production team to TADLOP of Ban as Director, Lorna as MD and Ben as choreographer. Rave reviews were received from this fun and high energy musical, with lots of great feedback from the cast also.
October 2023, just in time for Halloween, was TADLOP’s production of Jekyll and Hyde. Showcasing the epic struggle between good and evil, we welcomed 1[st] time director for TADLOP Sammi McSporran as Director, 1st time MD for TADLOP Amy Minshall and returning choreographer Lucy Warrilow who last choregraphed Addams Family. This was also a TADLOP first of having a schools performance which was very well received. Fantastic performances were put on at every show, and again wonderful feedback from our audiences.
pg. 2
Not only did we have to find a new performance space we also had to find a new rehearsal space too after Hadley Church was put up for sale. After lots of research and a few meetings at available spaces the committee decided on our new rehearsal space of Hadley Community Centre, which has worked out well. We will continue to rehearse here during 2024 and are planning on this remaining as our rehearsal home. TADLOP on Tour have also been out and about performing to showcase TADLOP’s Talents
As ever, the commitment, community and talent of our members has shone through in their activities throughout 2023. We are as ever looking for ways to reach new audiences within our local area and beyond in order to fulfil our charitable aims
## **Financial Review**
Income for 2023 totalled £47,750, up £27,454 from 2022. Our main source of income was our performances, totalling £39,043, with a breakdown by show of: £7,698 for ‘Hunchback of Notre Dame’, £16,454 for ‘9 to 5’, £14,891 for Jekyll and Hyde.
Membership subscriptions were our second biggest income source, totalling £3,060. TWINCL (Telford & Wrekin Community Lottery) was a great source of income £1,383. TADLOP on Tour (formerly Promote TADLOP) have contributed £50 in donations from their performances. We also received a £450 Community Chest grant from Wrekin Housing Trust, other donations totalling £1,328 and fundraising totalling £1,977.
Expenses totalled £60,374, an increase of £31,937 from 2022. Our main expenses are show costs. We absorbed late costs from ‘ Hunchback of Notre Dame in 2022, totalling £11,842 . ‘9-5’ cost £19,524 and ‘Jekyll and Hyde ’ cost £23,913 by the end of December 2023.
Our governance costs are £3,586. This includes costs such as society insurance of £729, and storage costs of £1,780. Plus other costs like NODA subscription, website and accounting software. TADLOP on Tour fundraising costs totalled £280.
The net deficit for 2023 is -£12,624. Many shows have deficits, but clearly this is unsustainable going forwards without other income to fill the gap.
Things to note: we are still struggling significantly with ticket sales compared to pre-COVID. In addition to, the need for shows to cover their costs and be popular with our audiences.
## **Reserves**
The charity holds all surplus reserves in short term deposits. The trustees consider that this should be maintained in order to provide sufficient reserves to meet future working capital requirements. The level of funds held is solely determined by the financial performance of the charity.
At the end of 2023, £27,432 was held as cash funds and are considered freely available for the charity. Given that in a typical year one show could cost between £15,000 and £25,000, it has been deemed appropriate to hold reserves between £40,000 and £50,000. Due to continued challenges faced this year, the society now holds less than what is deemed appropriate.
## **Investment Policy**
There are no specific investment powers granted to trustees within the constitution, nor are there any specific restrictions to investing. The trustees are deemed to have the power to invest in such assets as they see fit. The trustees are governed by the Trustee act 2000 which sets out the general power of investment.
## **The Principal Risks Facing the Charity**
- Governance costs in negative – new fee structure implemented from 2024 to attempt to mitigate rising costs caused by pandemic and cost of living crisis in the UK
- Ticket sales remaining lower than expected combined with increased show costs
- Income streams insecure (ticket sales) and reserves need to be held to fund planned production activities.
pg. 3
## **Structure, Governance and Management**
## **Governing Document**
We are governed by a constitution, first set in place by committee at the AGM in February 1989. This has been revised and modified over the years. The most recent version was approved at the AGM in June 2015, and is still current.
## **Organisational Structure**
We are an unincorporated charity with a governing committee of up to 13 Volunteers.
## **Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees**
The trustees are elected at our annual AGM meeting, which membership are invited to attend. Each year all trustees step down from roles and members can propose/nominate candidates for trustee roles prior to the meeting. Outgoing trustees are allowed to re-run for positions or run for other roles.
Once elected members of the committee become trustees of the charity.
## **Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees**
Once selected, trustees returning and new, are briefed on the legal obligations, charity commission guidelines, the committee function as a whole and the decision-making process. A handover also takes place between any outgoing/incoming members for specific roles. We have multiple policies and procedures in place as a society and our trustees are required to familiarise themselves with these too.
## **The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works**
Our charity committee is made up of 11 named roles plus one General Member, all of whom have voting rights. There is also a non-voting role as President who can provide guidance and insight but does not cast a vote.
The committee meet at least once a month to discuss the society’s business and make decisions where needed.
TADLOP is a member of the National Operatic Dramatic Association, which is made up of amateur dramatics societies around the country. NODA offers guidance, advice and insurance as well as optional training for its members.
The charity provides Trustee Indemnity Insurance cover for the committee
## **Declaration**
**This Report was approved by the Board of Trustees on the 22[nd] October 2024 and was signed on their behalf by**
**…………………..………………… …………………..…………………**
**Samamtha Lampitt, Chair**
**Phil McIver, Business Manager**
pg. 4
## **Reference and Administrative Details**
|Charity Name:|Telford and District Light Operatic Players|
|---|---|
|Other name the charity sees: TADLOP||
|Charity Status:|Unincorporated|
|Registered Charity Number: 701613||
|Principal Address|71 York Road|
||Priorslee|
||Telford|
||Shropshire|
||TF2 9WD|
|**Charity Trustees:**||
|Chair|Sian Elizabeth Kyle (until Jun 2023)|
||Samantha Lampitt (from Jun 2023 ongoing)|
|Vice Chair|Samantha Lampitt (until Jun 2023)|
||Alex Madden (Jun 2023 - Jun 2024)|
||Richard Kee (from Jun 2024 ongoing)|
|Treasurer|Amelia Wildmore-Evans (until Jun 223)|
||Nat Hodkiss (Jun 2023 - June 2024)|
||George Price (from Jun 2024 ongoing)|
|Secretary|Amy Minshall (ongoing)|
|Business Manager|Richard Kee (until Jun 2023)|
||Phil McIver (from Jun 2023 ongoing)|
|Publicity Manager|Richard Kee (Jun 2023 - Jun 2024)|
||Rebecca Hassall (from Jun 2024 ongoing)|
|Marketing Manager|Alex Madden (until Jun 2023)|
||Katie Kinnon (from Jun 2023 ongoing)|
|General Member|Rami Walkden (until Jun 2023)|
||Amelia Wildmore-Evans (Jun 2023 - Jun 2024)|
||Rob Lampitt (from Jun 2024 ongoing)|
|Health and Safety|Kitty Chapman (until Jun 2023)|
||Rebecca Hassall (Jun 2023 - Jun 2024)|
||Jack England (from Jun 2024 ongoing)|
|Membership Secretary|Rachel Cuthbert (until Jun 2023)|
||Debra Nimmo (Jun 2023 - Jun 2024)|
|Tickets Secretary|Adele Clarkson (until Jun 2024)|
|Minutes secretary|Debra Nimmo (until Jun 2023)|
||Kitty Chapman (Jun 2023 - Jun 2024)|
## **Independent Examiner:**
Bev Richardson M.A.A.T. Charity AID Accountancy Services **,** Woodland Lodge, Dunston Business Village Stafford Road, Dunston, Staffordshire, ST18 9AB
## **Bank:**
Lloyds Bank, 25 Gresham Street, London EC2V 7HN
pg. 5
**INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT TO THE TRUSTEES OF**
## **TELFORD AND DISTRICT LIGHT OPERATIC PLAYERS**
I report on the financial statements of Telford and District Light Operatic Players for the year ended 31[st ] December 2023 which are set out on pages 7 to 8.
## **Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner**
The charity’s trustees are responsible for the preparation of the financial statements. 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 required.
## **It is my responsibility to:**
- Examine the accounts under Section 145 of the 2011 Act 2011
- 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 any 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 the 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 to 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.
Bev Richardson M.A.A.T.
Date: 22[nd] October 2024
On Behalf of Charity AID Accountancy Services Woodland Lodge, Dunston Business Village Stafford Road, Dunston, Staffordshire, ST18 9AB
pg. 6
## **Receipts & Payments Account for the period 1[st] January – 31[st] December 2023**
|**RECEIPTS**
Shows
Guys & Dolls 2022
The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2022
9 to 5 2023
Jekyll & Hyde 2023
Our House 2024 (libretto sales to cast)
**Membership**
Total Membership (incl. performing,
student & non-acting)
**Fundraising**
TADLOP's 50th Ball
Fundraising - Other (incl. PayPal,
Amazon, Easy Fundraising)
TADLOP on Tour
TWINCL (T&W Community Lottery)
**Donations**
Grants
Other
Interest Income
**TOTAL RECEIPTS**
**PAYMENTS**
**Show Costs**
Guys & Dolls 2022 - Costs
The Hunchback of Notre Dame 2022 -
Costs
9 to 5 2023 - Costs
Jekyll & Hyde 2023 - Costs
Early Costs for Legally Blonde 2025
Early Costs for Our House 2024
Late Costs for Adams Family 2021
**Governance Costs**
Committee Insurance
Committee Expenses
Society Insurance
NODA Subscription
Website
QBO - Accounting Software
Storage
Governance - other
**Fundraising Costs**
TADLOP on Tour
Fundraising - other
General Social Event (TADLOP 50th
Ball)
**TOTAL PAYMENTS**|**Unrestricted**
**Restricted**
**2023**
**2022**
**£**
**£**
**£**
**£**
0
0
0
6,150
7,698
0
7,698
5,309
16,454
0
16,454
360
14,891
0
14,891
0
170
0
170
0
3,060
0
3,060
3,148
0
0
0
2,706
1,977
0
1,977
44
50
0
50
513
1,383
0
1,383
1,380
450
0
450
500
1,328
0
1,328
167
289
0
289
19|
|---|---|
||**47,750**
**0**
**47,750**
**20,296**|
||0
0
0
13,704
11,842
0
11,842
6,694
19,524
0
19,524
0
23,813
0
23,813
0
500
0
500
0
779
0
779
0
0
0
0
1,804
729
0
729
305
7
0
7
30
0
0
0
1,074
190
0
190
117
0
0
0
144
218
0
218
249
1,780
0
1,780
1,064
661
0
661
209
280
0
280
660
50
0
50
70
0
0
0
2,313|
||**60,373**
**0**
**60,373**
**28,437**|
pg. 7
|**Net incoming resources**
**Transfer between funds**
**Cash funds from last year**
**TOTAL CASH FUNDS**|**(12,623)**
**0**
**(12,623)**
**(8,141)**|
|---|---|
|||
||**0**
**0**
**0**
**0**|
||40,055
0
40,055
48,196|
||**27,432**
**0**
**27,432**
**40,055**|
## **Statement of Assets and Liabilities as at 31[st] December 2022**
## **ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**
|**ASSETS AND LIABILITIES**||||
|---|---|---|---|
||**Unrestricted**|**Restricted**|**Total**|
|**CASH FUNDS**||||
|Lloyds - Treasurer|1,791|0|1,791|
|Lloyds - Instant Access|25,638|0|25,638|
|Co-op Community Account|3|0|3|
|**Total Cash Funds**|**27,432**|**0**|**27,432**|
|**OTHER MONETARY ASSETS**|Blists Hill||300|
|
**INVESTMENT ASSETS**|||0|
|
**ASSETS RETAINED FOR**
**THE**|||0|
|**CHARITY'S OWN USE**||||
|**LIABILITIES**||||
|OJS UK Ltd|||120|
## **The financial statements were approved by the Board of Trustees on the 22[nd] October 2024 and were signed on their behalf by**
**……………………………………….…… ..….………..………………………………**
**Samantha Lampitt, Chair**
**George Price, Treasurer**
pg. 8