Statement of financial activities

Concert income for the year has decreased mainly as a consequence of differences in the number of smaller commercial concerts undertaken during the year. Concert & competition expenditure was also lower, primarily as no taster sessions were organised during the year, compared to two taster sessions in the previous year. The surplus from concert & competition activities was £43 higher than the previous year.

Income and expenditure from Tours and trips has varied due to differences in the numbers of members and guests travelling to the Shetland Festival this year compared to last year, as well as the reduced level of member subsidy by the Society. The deficit for Tours and trips was £452 lower this year.

Fundraising income has decreased, largely relating to lower sales of the Society's three CDs. The amount raised via Easyfundraising was also lower this period reflecting members' shopping activity. Fundraising expenditure had decreased reflecting the lower level of CD sales achieved in the year and level of stock provisions. The net surplus from fundraising activities was £103 lower than last year.

Fewer people attended the Christmas Ceilidh in December 2010 compared to the previous year resulting in lower income and expenditure for Social events.

Non-commercial concert donations were £95 lower in the current year, reflecting a small reduction in the number of performances undertaken, with a reduction in other donations as well as last year included the estimated value of donated office equipment.

Interest income is £102 lower as a result of the previous fall in interest rates, with further reductions in rates on both deposit and fixed term accounts in the current year as well. In addition our bank balances have been lower through the year compared to last year.

Rehearsal premises costs are £235 higher as a consequence of the increased rent costs charged by Aberdeen City Council.

A donation of £1,000 to CLAN (Cancer Link Aberdeen & North), an Aberdeen based cancer support charity, was proposed and agreed at the AGM in May 2010. It was not presented until after the end of the accounting year. This has been recorded as a designated fund at the year end and resulted in nil donation expenditure for the year. Last year the Society donated £1,000 to the Archie Foundation.

Admin and other costs are £228 higher, primarily due to additional depreciation charges on the photocopier which the committee agreed to dispose of during the year because of its very high cost of toner cartridges plus the cost of advertising the new concert session in September 2010.

Governance costs are £192 higher, primarily as the Society has appointed a firm of chartered accountants, who are providing their services at cost, to act as its independent examiner. Previously we had benefited from examiners providing their services on a voluntary basis. However, it has been more difficult to find willing volunteers who had the required time, qualifications and knowledge of charity accounts and reporting.