Good evening, everyone, and thank you for joining us at our Annual General Meeting. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces, and I’d like to extend a warm welcome to those of you who are joining us for the first time.
Looking back at the past season, I think we can all be incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together. The 2023/24 season was a resounding success, with sold-out performances, glowing reviews, and a palpable sense of community spirit both on and off the stage. We showcased a fantastic range of productions, from comedies that had the audience in stitches, to heartfelt dramas that moved us all, proving once again that amateur theatre is a vital and thriving part of life here in East Lancashire.
Perhaps one of the most exciting developments of the past season has been seeing our audience numbers almost return to pre-COVID levels. After the challenges that the pandemic brought, it’s been a joy to welcome so many people back through our doors. The return of our loyal audiences, combined with many new faces, is a testament to the resilience of amateur theatre and the vital role it plays in our community. It’s been a long road, but thanks to the dedication of our team and the support of the public, we’re bouncing back stronger than ever.
None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of our incredible volunteers. From the actors to the backstage crew, from the set builders to the costume designers, each and every one of you played a crucial role in making the season the success it was. It’s this dedication that makes Rossendale Players such a special group to be a part of. We’re not just putting on plays; we’re creating memories, fostering creativity, and providing a platform for people from all walks of life to come together and experience the magic of theatre.
As we move into our new season for 2024/25, I’m filled with excitement about what’s to come. We’ve got an amazing line-up of productions that are sure to entertain, challenge, and inspire our audiences. Our programme is more ambitious than ever, with a mix of classic works, modern pieces, and something for everyone in between. And while we have set ourselves high standards, I have no doubt that, with the passion and hard work of everyone here, we will exceed expectations once again.
Of course, none of this would be possible without the continued support of our local community. Rossendale and East Lancashire as a whole have long been supporters of amateur theatre, and we’re grateful for the enthusiasm and encouragement we receive. Whether it’s through ticket sales, donations, or simply spreading the word, every bit of support makes a difference.
We’re also incredibly proud of the relationships we’ve built with other local groups and businesses, who help us in countless ways to keep amateur theatre alive and well. It’s a team effort, and we’re grateful for the part they play in our success.
As we look ahead, we know there will be challenges. Funding, resources, and time are always tight in community theatre, but what we lack in those areas, we more than make up for in determination, creativity, and a deep sense of community spirit. I have every confidence that, together, we’ll continue to produce theatre that Rossendale can be proud of.
One particularly exciting milestone on the horizon is our 90th anniversary in 2026. It’s an incredible achievement to have been part of this community for so long, and we’ll be working hard to make sure that our 90th year is one to remember. I’m sure many of you are already
thinking of ways we can celebrate this landmark year, and I can’t wait to see what ideas we come up with.
So, as we celebrate the achievements of the past season and gear up for an exciting year ahead, I want to thank each and every one of you for your hard work, dedication, and passion. Amateur theatre is a true labour of love, and it’s people like you who make it all worthwhile.
Here’s to another fantastic season, and to many more years of bringing joy, creativity, and culture to the people of East Lancashire—and beyond!
Thank you.
The Rossendale Players
Income and Expenditure Account
for the year ended 30 June 2024
| NET PROFIT ON PRODUCTIONS 1 - Albert Nobbs 2 - Folk [cancelled] 3 - Entertaining Mr. Sloane 4 - Curtain Up! 5 - Sheila's Island Additional expenditure on previous year's production = See next page MEMBERS' SUBSCRIPTIONS OTHER INCOME Bar profit Bank interest received Use of rear garden PRODUCTION-RELATED EXPENSES Premises licence Recorded music licence Scripts &playcatalogues Stage lighting replacements Make-up, sound effects and sundries Training courses & ACT meetings THEATRE RUNNING COSTS Insurance Electricity Gas Repairs & building materials Theatre cleaning Janitorial supplies Emergency escape route Sundries Depreciation OTHER EXPENSES Printing & stationery Postage WiFi connection Telephone Website Sum Up' card fees Subscriptions Gifts / flowers Sundries DEFICIT FOR YEAR (on main activity) Theatre events & hire Fund-raising, including donations DEFICIT FOR YEAR |
£ . p 2,711.31 532.36 20.00 70.00 160.18 24.46 55.87 20.00 300.00 2,875.90 2,140.08 2,127.52 3,530.40 323.00 189.28 20.00 495.25 4,180.88 780.56 22.45 481.62 132.00 68.78 72.14 60.00 184.90 339.58 |
£ . p 3,254.45 -60.14 2,259.43 1,459.81 2,161.13 - 855.00 3,263.67 13,193.35 -630.51 -15,882.31 -2,142.03 -5,461.50 270.00 586.50 -4,605.00 |
2023 £ .p |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,259.52 1,402.75 1,223.86 2,332.41 2,626.46 -18.50 855.00 2,858.35 214.06 20.00 |
|||
| 13,773.91 | |||
| 70.00 216.03 50.00 |
|||
| - 76.89 - 2,665.06 2,334.84 2,871.67 10,964.70 431.79 84.12 20.00 183.58 3,521.97 316.27 27.63 - 132.00 4.24 - - 252.05 763.31 |
|||
| 24,986.15 | |||
| -11,212.24 176.77 452.46 |
|||
| -10,583.01 |
BALANCE SHEET
as at
30 June 2024
| 30 June 2024 | 30 June 2024 | 30 June 2023 | 30 June 2023 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £ . p | £ . p | £ . p | £ . p | |
| New Millennium Theatre, Waterfoot | ||||
| Initial cost | 35,110.00 | 35,110.00 | ||
| Additions to date | 121,969.40 | 121,969.40 | ||
| 157,079.40 | 157,079.40 | |||
| Less: Grants received | 6,922.00 | 150,157.40 | 6,922.00 | 150,157.40 |
| Plant and equipment: | ||||
| Cost | 67,581.98 | 60,992.43 | ||
| Less: Grants received | 440.00 | 440.00 | ||
| 67,141.98 | 60,552.43 | |||
| Less: Depreciation to date | 46,619.80 | 20,522.18 | 42,438.92 | 18,113.51 |
| 170,679.58 | 168,270.91 | |||
| Cash and bank balances | 36,912.25 | 42,740.18 | ||
| Debtors & prepayments | 6,044.40 | 7,606.76 | ||
| Bar stock | 887.02 | 551.14 | ||
| 214,523.25 | 219,168.99 | |||
| Creditors & accruals | -299.26 | -340.00 | ||
| NET ASSETS | 214,223.99 | 218,828.99 |
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER'S REPORT
I have compared the accounts with the books and documents of the society and am satisfied that the income and expenditure for the year ended 30 June 2024 and the assets and liabilities at that date are fairly stated
Brian Carter, ACMA
30 September 2024
1 Grove Street, Slaithwaite, Huddersfield, HD7 5DZ