## **The Rowantree Choir**
Report and Accounts Period ended 31 December 2024
## **The Rowantree Choir**
## **Legal and Administrative Details For the period ended 31 December 2024**
Address for correspondence
Governing Document
Charity registration number Trustees
Bankers
67 Orchard Crescent Enfield EN1 3NS
Constitution 31 January 1989 amended 20 June 2017
801087
Jenny Johnson Adrian Saull David Gilles Resigned August 2024 Susan Humphries From September 2024 Pauline Martindale Reem El-Sharouni Pauline Weatherley Pam Bremner Jonathan Rathbone Liz Woolf Sandra Leah Helen Ennis
CAF Bank Ltd
## **The Rowantree Choir**
## **Report of the Trustees**
## **For the period ended 31 December 2024**
## **Objects of the charity**
To promote, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by such other ways as the Society through its Committee shall determine from time to time
## **Summary of the charity's main activities and achievements**
Regular weekly rehearsals, which started in January 2024 led to successful Spring, Summer and Christmas concerts in 2024. There were also charitable ‘Pop up’ concerts in support of our community activities at various times throughout the year.
The Choir’s membership has remained relatively stable at around 80 paying members, with some members leaving for health or other reasons and new members being recruited, largely through the efforts of existing members encouraging friends to come and join.
Since Covid (2020-21) our membership has fallen by around 20%. However, we have attempted to continue to operate at our previous level by subsidising our activities from our reserves. At the same time costs have risen. Members were all made aware that the Choir could not go on indefinitely at a deficit. Hence, we have made strenuous efforts to recruit more paying members and also to encourage more people to come to our concerts to increase ticket income. These efforts are beginning to produce encouraging results, but it is a slow business. Nevertheless, the Charity has managed to turn a profit in 2024 of some £2,351.
## **Concerts performed:**
**Spring** - Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughan Williams and Faure Requiem with organ accompaniment at Fox Lane Church in Palmers Green
**Summer** – ‘All Kinds of Everything – a World Tour’ - at Enfield Baptist Church
**Christmas** – ‘A Christmas Celebration’ - Britten ‘Ceremony of Carols’ and other Christmas music accompanied by members of the Sylvan Orchestra at Enfield Baptist Church. At this event one of our members organised a raffle in aid of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre which raised £240
**‘Pop up’ concerts** , aimed at making the choir more widely known and usually in support of some charity fund raising. These were performed between July and December at:
- North Middlesex Hospital - July
- Chase Farm Hospital - September
- St Andrew’s Church Enfield – September (Macmillan Cancer Support)
- Forty Hall Christmas Fair - November
- Pre-Christmas (December) singing in Enfield Palace Gardens Shopping Precinct (where representatives of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre collected £241 for their charity)
## **Committee Activities**
Following the launch of the new Website and some very active Marketing initiatives which started in 2023, we began 2024 knowing that we must address the financial imbalance. The Committee spent much time discussing ways of increasing our income and decreasing our costs. Actions taken included:
- increasing the price of our concert tickets to £15 in the summer and £17 in advance (£20 on the door) for Christmas 2024
- reducing the amount of staging used for concerts at Christmas 2024
- and deciding to increase subscriptions from January 2025 (from £276 to £288 for a full year i.e. £1.00 per month).
There were some changes to the Committee roles and structure. The Treasurer, David Gilles announced his intention to retire from the end of August 2024, so a replacement was sought urgently. Susan Humphries eventually agreed to take over the role from September 2024. At the same time Adrian Saull (Vice Chair, Membership and Communications Secretary) requested a reduction in responsibilities and so Pauline Martindale agreed to become Membership Secretary whilst Adrian continued to deal with member communications.
Communications with members was Sargely via the Website (for rehearsal schedules and practice
tracks) and emails for day-to-day adminislralive matters. Social Media (via Fabook and Instagram
continued to keep the wider world infomied of the Choirfs activit¢es. cOnrt Flyers were produced and
distrtbuted by members for each event and a portable banner giving details of the choir, was produced
which could be displayed prominently at every event. For a small fee, a phottsgrapher attended each of
our concerts and provided high quality images to be used on all platforn.
Other Activities
As the Choir was celebrating its 65th year, a special dinner was organised in July by a small gmup on
the Committee, which was held at the Enfield Golf Club. Nearly 70 members and friends attended and
enjoyed an exlIent meal and very convivial company. Building the social connections within the choir
is an important part of Rowantree life and we believe it helps to encourage people to join- and stay.
Members donated money generously to enable us. at this event, to make presentations lo our Musical
Director (who has been with the choir for 25 years) and our Accompanist (who h2s been with us for
similar time) in recognition of their long service.
In November we held a 'Coffee and Cake. evening in aid of the Macmillan Cancer Support Charity and
members donated £425 to this exlIent cause.
As usual there are many people to thank for the continuing high standard and variety of music that is
prlxluced. Jonathan Rathbone {MDI always shows enthusiasm and good humour as he helps us to
develop from rather uncertain beginnings to a polished perfom)ance at the end of each term. Judith
CrawFord {Accompanistl sUPPOrts each and every voice part at rehearsals as we come to terms with a
new piece and is an importanl part of our Goncert5. Thanks are due to all the Committee members who
work hard to 8nsure we keep the show on the Toad- and remain solvent., and also, thanks to the many
volunteers who take on a variety of tasks throughout the year. Finally, thanks musl go to all the choir
members who hava worked hard this year not only to cope with musical challenges, but also to recruit
new members and audience for our concfrrts. Member5 turn up every week cheerfully, making
Rowantree Choir a great pla to be.
2024 has beèn a good year musically for Rowantree Choir. We have perfomied a number of concerts
which have been well attended and the Christmas concert in particular ended the year on a high. We
are determined to carry this positive vibe foNard into the new year. Challenges will be both musical
and finan¢ial but the cheerful atmosphere at our rehearsals leads us to believe that we shall suctsed.
Flnancial review and reserves policy
IDhe Choir has no fixed overheads or ongoing contractual expenditure. Income from subscripb'ons,
ticket sales at conrtS and Gift Aid broadly cover expenditure on rehearsals and concerts. Incieased
tid(et sales for concerts and more new member subscriptions in 2025 will stabilise the Choir's finances
further.
lllhe Choir has sufficienl fund$ to support its activities for some six months without any income such
that if for any reason there was a catastrophic loss of in¢onE ?nd 9xndItUre Continued at present
levels there would be no unfunded losses.
Addltlonal notes
All Cornmittee members and offirS are volunteers. The only paid individuals (who both receive fees)
are the Music Director and the Accompanist
Approval
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above.
Signature..
Full name..
Position..
Jenny Johnson
Chair
Susan Humphries
Treasurer
## **The Rowantree Choir**
## **Statement fo Financial Activities**
## **For the period ended 31 December 2024**
|Notes
**Incoming resources**
3
Donations
Gift aid receipts
Charitable activities
Interest income
**Total**
**Resources expended**
Charitable activities
4
**Total**
**Net income / (expenditure)**
**Net movement in funds**
Total funds brought forward
**Total funds carried forward**|**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**(£)**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**(£)**
**Total**
**2024**
**(£)**
**Total**
**2023**
**(£)**|
|---|---|
||100
-
100
25
5,996
-
5,996
4,264
30,750
-
30,750
28,099
555
-
555
270|
||**37,401**
**-**
**37,401**
**32,658**|
||35,750
35,750
36,366|
||**35,750**
**-**
**35,750**
**36,366**|
||**1,651.26**
**-**
**1,651.26**
**(3,708)**|
||**1,651.26**
**-**
**1,651.26**
**(3,708)**
16,906
-
16,906
20,614
**18,557**
**-**
**18,557**
**16,906**|
The Rowantree Choir
Balance Sheet
For the period ended 31 December 2024
Unrnstricted Restricted
Fund
Fund
1£)
Total
2024
1£)
Total
2023
{£}
Notes
{£)
Current Assets
Current assets
Cash at bank and at hand
6,360
18,968
6,380
18,968
4,306
13,843
Total curront assèts
25,328
25.328
18,157
Cr•dltors: amounts falllng dut withln one year
6,771
6,771
1,251
Not curront assetsl Iliabilities)
18,557
18,557
16,906
Total assets less current Ilabllltles
18,557
18,557
16,906
Creditors l•mounts falllng due after one yeorl
Total net assets or liabllitla8
18,557
18,557
16,906
Funds of tho Charity
Restricted income
UnreslriGted income
Totsl fund8
18,557
18.557
18,557
18,557
16.906
16.906
The accounts have been approved by the Trustees and and signed on their behalf by .
Jenny Johnson (Chair of Trusteesl
Signature..
Date..
The notes on the followng pages fom) part of these accounts.
## **The Rowantree Choir Notes to the Accounts For the period ended 31 December 2024**
## **1 Basis of preparation and going concern**
The financial statements of the charity, which is a public benefit entity under FRS 102, have been prepared in accordance with the Charities SORP (FRS 102) 'Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to 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)', Financial Reporting Standard 102 'The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland' and the Charities Act 2011. The financial statements have been prepared under the historical cost convention, as modified by the revaluation of certain assets.
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
The financial statements are presented in sterling (£).
## **2 Accounting policies**
## **2.1 Income**
All income is recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities once the charity has entitlement to the funds, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount can be measured reliably.
## **2.2 Expenditure**
Liabilities are recognised as expenditure as soon as there is a legal or constructive obligation committing the charity to that expenditure, it is probable that a transfer of economic benefits will be required in settlement and the amount of the obligation can be measured reliably. Expenditure is accounted for on an accruals basis and has been classified under headings that aggregate all cost related to the category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources.
## **2.3 Governance costs**
Governance costs comprise auditors' remuneration.
## **2.4 Taxation**
The charity is exempt from tax on its charitable activities.
## **2.5 Debtors**
Trade and other debtors are recognised at the settlement amount. Prepayments are valued at the amount prepaid.
## **2.6 Cash at bank and in hand**
Cash at bank and in hand includes cash and bank accounts with no withdrawal limits.
## **2.7 Creditors**
Creditors are recognised where the charity has a present obligation resulting from a past event that will result in the transfer of funds to a third party and the amount due to settle the obligation can be measured or estimated reliably. Creditors are recognised at their settlement amount.
## **2.8 Fund accounting**
Unrestricted funds are donations and other income received or generated for the objects of the charity, They are given without further specified purpose and are therefore available as general fund.
Restricted funds can only be used for particular restricted purposes within the objects of the charity. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for particular restricted purposes.
## **3 Analysis of income**
|Donations and gifts
Gift aid
Membership subscriptions
Charitable activities
Events
Ticket sales
Income from investments
interest income
**Total income**
**4 Analysis of expenditure**
Governance fees|**Unrestricted**
**Fund**
**(£)**
**Restricted**
**Fund**
**(£)**
**Total**
**2024**
**(£)**
**Total**
**2023**
**(£)**
100
-
100
25
5996
-
5,996
4,264
21157
-
21,157
21,149|
|---|---|
||**27,253**
**-**
**27,253**
**25,438**|
||2560
-
2,560
-
7033
-
7,033
6,950|
||**9,593**
**-**
**9,593**
**6,950**|
||555
-
555
270|
||**555**
**-**
**555**
**270**|
|||
||**37,401**
**-**
**37,401**
**32,658**|
||661
-
661
1,165
19373
-
19,373
18,990
397
-
397
340
144
-
144
385
367
-
367
2,943
2,423
2,423
-
2,010
-
2,010
2,885
178
-
178
144
154
-
154
246
543
-
543
508
792
-
792
423
4,200
-
4,200
4,926
189
-
189
9
305
-
305
251
231
-
231
252
3,084
-
3,084
2,899|
|Professional fees||
|Administration
Advertising
Bank charges
Computer & Website
Dinner costs
Equipment hire
Equipmentpurchase
Gifts
Insurances
Musicpurchase
Performance fees
Printing,Postage and Stationery
Refreshments
Software
Venue hire||
|||
||**35050**
**-**
**35,050**
**36,366**|
|**5 Analysis of current assets**
Accrued income
Prepayments
**Total debtors**
Cash at bank and at hand
Current account
Deposit account
**Total cash at bank and in hand**
**Total current assets**
**6 Analysis of creditors**
Creditors
Accruals:
**Total creditors**||5,996
-
5,996.00
3,487
364
-
364
975.99|
|---|---|---|
||||
||||
|||**6360**
**-**
**6360**
**4463**|
|||4775
4,775
8,597
14193
14,193
13,395|
||||
||||
||||
||||
|||**18968**
**-**
**18968**
**21992**|
||||
|||**25328**
**-**
**25328**
**26455**|
|||121
-
121
5221
6,650
-
6,650
620|
|||**6,771**
**-**
**6,771**
**5,841**|
**7 Related party transactions** There were no related party transactions in the period.
## **8 Employees**
There were no employees in the period.
## **Independent examiner's report on the accounts**
**Section A Independent Examiner’s Report**
**Report to the trustees/** Charity Name The Rowantree Choir **members of**
**On accounts for the year** 31 December 2024 **Charity no** 801087 **ended (if any)**
**Set out on pages**
This page only
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity (“the Trust”) for the year ended **31 / 12 / 2024** .
## **Responsibilities and** As the charity trustees of the Trust, you are responsible for the preparation of **basis of report** the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011
- 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.
## **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 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.
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Date: 02/04/2025
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Signed:
**----- End of picture text -----**
**----- Start of picture text -----**
Name: Phil Bremner
**----- End of picture text -----**
1
**October 2018**
**IER**
**Relevant professional** Association of Chartered Certified Accountants **qualification or body:**
**Address:**
3 Ridler Road Enfield EN1 3RB
2
**October 2018**
**IER**
## **THE ROWANTREE CHOIR**
## **Report of the Trustees**
## **For the period ended 31 December 2024**
## **Objects of the Charity**
To promote, develop and maintain public education in and appreciation of the art and science of music in all its aspects by the presentation of public concerts and recitals and by other such ways as the Society through its Committee shall determine from time to time.
## **Summary of the Charity’s main activities and achievements**
Regular weekly rehearsals, which started in January 2024 led to successful Spring, Summer and Christmas concerts in 2024. There were also charitable ‘Pop up’ concerts in support of our community activities at various times throughout the year.
The Choir’s membership has remained relatively stable at around 80 paying members, with some members leaving for health or other reasons and new members being recruited, largely through the efforts of existing members encouraging friends to come and join.
Since Covid (2020-21) our membership has fallen by around 20%. However, we have attempted to continue to operate at our previous level by subsidising our activities from our reserves. At the same time costs have risen. Members were all made aware that the Choir could not go on indefinitely at a deficit. Hence, we have made strenuous efforts to recruit more paying members and also to encourage more people to come to our concerts to increase ticket income. These efforts are beginning to produce encouraging results, but it is a slow business. Nevertheless, the Charity has managed to turn a profit in 2024 of some £1651. (This was largely due to an increase in members signing up for Gift Aid and a generous back payment, which is a one-off bonus.)
## **Concerts performed:**
**Spring** - Dona Nobis Pacem by Vaughan Williams and Faure Requiem with organ accompaniment at Fox Lane Church in Palmers Green
**Summer** – ‘All Kinds of Everything – a World Tour’ - at Enfield Baptist Church
**Christmas** – ‘A Christmas Celebration’ - Britten ‘Ceremony of Carols’ and other Christmas music accompanied by members of the Sylvan Orchestra at Enfield Baptist Church. At this event one of our members organised a raffle in aid of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre which raised £240
**‘Pop up’ concerts** , aimed at making the choir more widely known and usually in support of some charity fund raising. These were performed between July and December at several venues.
- North Middlesex Hospital - July
- Chase Farm Hospital - September
- St Andrew’s Church Enfield – September (Macmillan Cancer Support)
- Forty Hall Christmas Fair - November
- Pre-Christmas (December) singing in Enfield Palace Gardens Shopping Precinct (where representatives of the Nightingale Cancer Support Centre collected £241 for their charity)
## **Committee Activities**
Following the launch of the new Website and some very active Marketing initiatives which started in 2023, we began 2024 knowing that we must address the financial imbalance. The Committee spent much time discussing ways of increasing our income and decreasing our costs, so that the regular erosion of our reserves by £2,000-£3,000 a year could be slowed down. Actions taken included:
- increasing the price of our concert tickets to £15 in the summer and £17 in advance (£20 on the door) for Christmas 2024
- reducing the amount of staging used for concerts at Christmas 2024
- and deciding to increase subscriptions from January 2025 (from £276 to £288 for a full year i.e. £1.00 per month).
There were some changes to the **Committee** roles and structure. The Treasurer, David Gilles announced his intention to retire from the end of August 2024, so a replacement was sought urgently. Susan Humphries eventually agreed to take over the role from September 2024. At the same time Adrian Saull (Vice Chair, Membership and Communications Secretary) requested a reduction in responsibilities and so Pauline Martindale agreed to become Membership Secretary whilst Adrian continued to deal with member communications.
**Communications** with members was largely via the **Website** (for rehearsal schedules and practice tracks) and emails for day-to-day administrative matters. **Social Media** (via Facebook and Instagram) continued to keep the wider world informed of the Choir’s activities. **Concert Flyers** were produced and distributed by members for each event and a portable banner giving details of the choir, was produced which could be displayed prominently at every event. For a small fee, a photographer attended each of our concerts and provided high quality images to be used on all platforms.
## **Other activities**
As the Choir was celebrating its 65[th] year, a special dinner was organised in July by a small group on the Committee, which was held at the Enfield Golf Club. Nearly 70 members and friends attended and enjoyed an excellent meal and very convivial company. Building the social connections within the choir is an important part of Rowantree life and we believe it helps to encourage people to join – and stay. Members donated money generously to enable us, at this event, to make presentations to our Musical Director (who has been with the choir for 25 years) and
our Accompanist (who has been with us for a similar time) in recognition of their long
servi.
In November we held a 'Coffee and Cake, evening in aid of the Macmillan Cancer
Support Charity and members donated £425 to this excellent cause.
As usual there are many people to thank for the continuing high standard and variety
of music that is produced. Jonathan Rathbone (MD) always shows enthusiasm and
good humour as he helps us to develop from rather unrtain beginnings to a
polished performan at the end of each term. Judith Crawford (Accompanist)
supports each and every voice part at rehearsals as we come to terms with a new
piece and is an important part of our concerts. Thanks are due to all the Committee
members who work hard to ensure we keep the show on the road - and remain
solvent. and also, thanks to the many volunteers who take on a variety of tasks
throughout the year. Finally, thanks must go to all the choir members who have
worked hard this year not only to cope with musical challenges, but also to recruit
new members and audience for our concerts. Members turn up every week
cheerfully, making Rowantree Choir a great place to be.
2024 has been a good year musically for Rowantree Choir. We have performed a
number of concerts which have been well attended and the Christmas concert in
particular ended the year on a high. We are determined to carry this positive vibe
forward into the new year. Challenges will be both musical and financial but the
cheerful atmosphere at our rehearsals leads us to believe that we shall succeed.
Financial review and reserves policy
The choir has no fixed overheads or ongoing contractual expenditure. Income from
subscriptions, ticket sales at concerts and Gift Aid broadly cover most expenditure on
rehearsals and concerts. Increased ticket sales at concerts and more new member
subscriptions at the new increased rate in 2025 should stabilise the choir's finances
further.
The Choir has sufficient funds to support its activities for some six months without
any income such that if for any reason there was a catastrophic loss of income and
expenditure continued at present level, there would be no unfunded losses.
Additional notes
All Committee members and OffirS are volunteers. The only paid individuals (who
both receive fees) are the Music Director and the Accompanist.
Approval
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above.
Signatures
Jenny Johnson
Chair
Susan Humphries
Treasurer
## **Musical Director’s Report AGM for 2025 May 2025**
Yet another encouraging year for the Rowantree Choir. Membership seems to be on the rise again, which is a very good state of affairs. And I’m grateful to the extras who come and help us for some of the concerts. Their presence is always warmly welcomed.
## **CONCERTS**
We started the year with another rather ambitious piece - “Dona Nobis Pacem” by Vaughan Williams. This is a rather difficult piece and I have to say I was extremely proud of how well the choir did, and grateful that they were tenacious enough to stay with the piece all the way through to the performance. It’s an example of how difficult pieces grow on you. I was aware that after a couple of rehearsals it was not the most popular of choices of repertoire - but as with many such works, one only appreciates it when one has got down to learning it thoroughly. These compositions are often rather deep, and on a superficial glance are obviously not ‘lollipops’ but rather complex ‘savory dishes’ and need to be appreciated in the same way! We had two excellent soloists - Chety Enever and Ed Price, and the wonderful Peter Jaekel on organ. They always do so much to bring the concert to life - and it should be noted that they were very impressed with the choir.
Our summer concert was, as usual, drawn together on a theme. This year I was aware that we tend to slip into one style of song (which is OK from time to time - ‘Sounds of the Seventies” doesn’t lend itself well to a piece of renaissance music!) so I concocted a programme entitled “Around the World” and used geography to chart a course through a rather wide variety of music. Obviously different countries were involved, but we managed to include Classical, Renaissance, Folk, Pop, Jazz, Spirituals and even German Cabaret. This seemed to be a popular set of music for both choir and audience.
We have gently retired the idea of a Sing-away (although I hope one day we can attempt one - possibly closer to home, so if you have any ideas…). But we did have what we now term a number of ‘pop-up’ concerts. For these concerts we rely on a backing track which I prepare, so we can literally go anywhere to perform, as long as there’s a plug. These pop-up concerts appear every term or two, in our calendar, and my sincere thanks go to Jane Newcombe who has done a lot of work liaising with places that might want us to perform, and to Adrian Saull, who does a magnificent job getting the sound system together for each event. We could not do these events without either of these people. These pop-up concerts are very important, I feel. It means we get to sing to a lot of people who would probably not bother coming to our regular concerts, but who might decide on hearing us that they would like to attend a concert - or better still, decide to join the choir.
We performed at St Andrews in Enfield, at Chase Farm Hospital, North Middlesex Hospital, in the Enfield Shopping Precinct and at Forty Hall. Unfortunately I was unable to be at Forty Hall and Geoff too was unavailable. At that point, in retrospect, we should have cancelled - but I asked Mark Denza to stand in for me. He is usually a very safe pair of hands, but I
realise now that there is quite a lot that he couldn’t know if he hadn’t done the concert with the choir before. This date did not go so well, and for that I apologise. We have now made it policy not to do pop-ups when I can’t be there.
The Christmas Concert went very well and was very well attended. This year we tackled another really difficult piece - Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols”. We were lucky to have Hugh Web on harp. I rate him as the best harpist in London. And we had Freya Parry as our everdelightful soloist who charmed the audience with her versatility, performing both classical and jazz pieces with equal aplomb! She also brought along her father (Ben Parry) who came and sang with the basses which was extremely useful as we were a little low in numbers on this occasion.
## **THANKS**
I’d like to thank all the committee for their hard work during the year and especially Jenny Johnson, our chair. As usual, she has worked hard for the choir all year, often stepping in to sort out all sorts of problems and irritations. And she has a great gift of being gentle with everyone - but firm! Thank you, Jenny
But there is a lot of work done by other committee members behind the scenes to make the choir run so smoothly. In particular, I’d like to thank Liz Woolf for all the work she and her staging team do to actually make the concerts happen. And I’d like to thank Helen Ennis for taking on the librarian duties and Pauline Martindale, her assistant. I’d also like to thank the wonderfully cheerful Amanda D’Souza for all she puts into organizing our rehearsal space and refreshments at every rehearsal.
And I’d like to thank Judith for all the playing she does for us - both at rehearsals and concerts. And she also comes with a useful husband who has stepped in to play on a few occasions and more often to help our basses. I am extremely grateful to both Crawfords for the years of dedication they have given to this choir.
Lastly, I’d like to thank the members of the choir for their wonderful at ude and enthusiasm. It is always a pleasure to turn up to rehearse this particular group. You have always been the most welcoming of crowds and I really appreciate how hard you work to make the concerts the successes they always seem to be! Some of you (if not all…) are obviously putting in a few hours of homework - and it shows. So, thank you, and keep up the good work. We’re on the way up!!
As always, I’m looking forward to another wonderful year of music making with the choir.
Jonathan Rathbone – May 2025