|
|
TORBAY OPERATIC AND DRAMATIC SOCIETY
|
|
(Promotional Name : Toads Stage Musical Company)
|
|
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
|
|
FINANCIAL YEAR 1.1.02 - 31.12.02
|
|
|
|
|
Registered Address : Flat 1, Vaughan House, 4 Lisburne Crescent, Higher Woodfield Rd, Torquay, TQ1 2LA.
|
|
|
|
Revised Constitution adopted 26/7/1984 and amended at the AGM’s on 1994, 1996 and 1999. The object of which is the educate the public and the dramatic and operatic arts, and to further the developments of public appreciation and taste in the said arts. In order to do this the Charity stages theatrical productions and concerts for public viewing, and for the benefit of the members, holds workshops and training sessions when appropriate.
|
|
|
|
The charity retains Barclays bank as its principal bankers, and C.H. Pearson Chartered Accountant as its auditor.
|
|
|
|
The 2002 Financial Year proved to be one of the most successful for the Charity in recent years. The trustees efforts at strict budgeting, coupled with higher ticket income proved successful for the major production at least.
|
|
|
|
“South Pacific” was the Society’s major production and cost £35,563 to stage. However this show was very popular with audiences and a surplus of £11,395 was achieved. The production was slightly more expensive to stage than budgeted for due to the fact that royalties were much higher than usual (£7,373) because of the excellent ticket sales.
|
|
|
|
The autumn production of “Little Shop of Horrors” suffered from a poor advance sale, but business improved significantly during the run of the production, thus minimising the deficit. The production cost £13,382 which was the most expensive autumn production to date. This was because of the intricate technical demands of the show. The deficit on production was £2835.
|
|
|
|
Once again funds were raised during the year from various events and the social account showed a surplus of £428 and the Fighting Fund a surplus of £1617. The annual deficit of the General Running account was much reduced this year to £129 due in part to higher interest receipts as a result of an increase in the level of investments.
|
|
|
|
The Trading Result for the year was a surplus of £10,476 and the accumulated fund to carry forward at the year end stood at £28,059. This is a significant improvement on recent years, and a large step towards the trustees aims of achieving a running balance of reserves equal to the costs of presenting a major production. However, production costs are increasing yearly and it is now estimated that an average production at the Princess Theatre will cost between £37,000 and £40,000 to stage and an average production at the Little Theatre between £10,000 and £12,000 to stage. There is still a long way to go before the full cost of a major production can be covered by accumulated fund to ensure a minimum risk, but the trustees are in a much better position than previously. They clearly understand the need to source income from activities other than productions which cannot always be relied upon to produce a surplus and efforts with regard to the social and fighting funds continue unabated.
|
|
|
|
During the year the society was administered by a committee of 9 trustees. These were Mrs. J. Macer (Chairman) ; Mr. I. Douglas (Hon. Secretary) ; Miss. E. Gard (Hon. Treasurer) ; Mrs. M. Green ; Mr. C. Hawes ; Mrs. F. Humphreys ; Mrs. A. Jenkins ; Mr. M. Opie ; Mrs. J. Stewart. This team of trustees was appointed for the entire year and there were no resignations of new appointments during the year. The constitution of the Charity stipulates that there should be a 9 trustees, which should include the 3 officials of the Charity (Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer). No trustee was paid for any services to the society. All 9 trustees are elected annually at the AGM of the Charity, and the membership is entitled to propose new trustees (who must be seconded). The three officials are proposed separately. Should there be more than the required numbers proposed, a vote takes place at the AGM. If any position is left vacant at the AGM, the trustees are given the power to co-opt any person willing to take on the position and who is, in their opinion, capable of carrying out the duties of a trustee.
|
|
|
|
There were approximately 100 members and 40 Vice Presidents who all paid an annual subscription. Those involved in productions paid an appearance fee. No member was paid for services to the Society and about 50 of the members were active in connection with raising funds, and about 70 were active in connection with the charitable objective of the society which is to educate the public in the dramatic and operatic arts.
|
|
|
|
I.H. DOUGLAS (TRUSTEE AND CHARITY ADDRESSEE)
|
|
|
