THE BARROW OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2024 THE BARROW OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY Receipts and Payments Accounts Year ending 30 June 2024 Contents I Charity Information 2 Accountants report 3 Trustees Report 4 Receipt and Payments account THE BARROW OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIEr( Charity Registration Number 702358 Principal Office 4 Brookvale Swarthmoor Ulverston Cumbria LA12 OXE Trustees Neil Hastings Hannah Godden Sharon Cooper Philip Mclntosh Lorna Jones Bankers Barclays Bank PIC Accountant Elaine Harris EHA Accountancy Ltd 2 Lower Brook Street Ulverston Cumbria LA12 7EE EHA Accouniancv THe wav ForwarD Independent Examiners Report The Barrow Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity for the year ended 30 June 2024, Your attention is drawn to the fact that the charity has prepared the Financial Statements on the Receipts and Payments basis and meets the conditions to do so. As the trustees of the Charity, 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 Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145{5)(b) of the Act. I have completed my examination. I confirm 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 with section 130 of the Act or the accounts do not accord with the accounting records I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Signed: Elaine Harris ACA 30 October 2024 EHA Accountancy Limited Director- Elaine Harri5 ACA Place of RegistratTon'. England and Wales Registered Number.. 11498838 Registered Office Address.. 2 Lower Brook Street, Ulverston, Cumbria. LA12 7EE Contact Number.. 01229 314188 Email: contact@eha-accountan¢y.¢o.uk ICAEW CHARTERED ACCOUNTANT Trustees Report for The Barrow Operatic and Dramatic Society Governance and Management The Barrow Operatic and Dramatic Society continues to be governed by its established book of rules, available to all members. The trustees remain the Chair, Treasurer, and Secretary, along with two additional members selected at the AGM. The day-to-day operations are managed by a committee composed ofth8 trustees and up to seven additional members, all of whom must be members ofthe charity. The committee meets regularly throughout the year. Objectives and Activities The objectives of the Society remain the education and enrichment of public appreciation forthe dramatic and operatic arts. Trustees ensure compliance with public benefit guidance, as set bythe Charity Commission, in exercising these duties. Performance This year, two productions were staged: Revival of the Dec8des, a concert that was both a member favourite and financially successful, and Guys and Dolls. Although Guys and Dolls faced ticket sales challenges, it succeeded in recruiting new members, especially given the challenge of sourcing enough male participants. These productions reflect the Society's continued dedication to off ering a diverse range of shows, despite fluctuating audience numbers. Challenges Post-COVID, audience engagement remains dlfficult. Increased tlcket prices have helped counterbalance rising production costs somewhat, but we find audiences are more reliably drawn to welL-known shows. Additionally, competition from other local theatre groups continues to impact audience turnout and cast recruitment. As a committee, we recognize the need for a coordinated strategyto address these challenges, engagingthe broader Society membership for support. Community Involvement This year, the Society contributed to the Keswick to Barrowwalk, securing some additional funding and demonstrating our commitment to community engagement. We aim to expand our outreach efforts moving forward to strengthen our locaL presence. Financial Status The Society holds reserves totalling £55,927,53. This figure reflects a reduction from lastyear's reserves, underscoring the importance of vigilant financial management in light of rising production costs. Although a formal reserves policy has not been established, maintaining a healthy reserve remains a priority. Future Plans Looking ahead. the Society plans to produce Charlie and The Chocolate Factoryin May 2025. Additionally, Everybody s TalkingAboutJamie was produced in September 2024, just outside the current reporting period. With these and future productions, we aim to balance artistic ambition with financial viability, while maintaining the Society's longstanding commitment to community entertainment and informal education in the dramatic arts. Strateglc Planning The committee, in collaboration with Society members, will work to develop strategies for enhancing audience engagement and ensuringfinancial sustainability. This effort reflects our dedication to securing the future of the Barrow Operatic and Dramatic Society as a vibrant community resource foryears to come. Approval Approved by the Trustees on 2910ctober12024 and signed on their behalf by: N Hastings THE BARROW OPERATIC ANO ORAMATICSIXIErY Rettlpts and P4¥mentsAttounts Year endlni 30Jufie 2024 2024 2023 Y•lkln£ •bo¥i Jamle Revlval of thedeud15 Wlurd OIOZ Guys •nd dolls Charlle and o¢olate Fartory GeDeral Fund5 Tgtsl Funds Toial Fynds Retelpts Oonaiions Giants re