BEDFORDSHIRE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY
The Society exists primarily to promote musical education in Bedfordshire.In furtherance of this aim, the Society runs two orchestras; the Bedfordshire Symphony Orchestra and the Bedford Sinfonia.The Society regularly organises and promotes in excess of ten classical music concerts each year in and around Bedford featuring performances by its two orchestras.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity made a loss of £7,944 for the year ended 31 July 2025, resulting in total unrestricted reserves of £16,385.61. This reserve level is below the charity's stated policy target of holding reserves equal to at least 75% of the previous year's expenditure. The trustees acknowledge significant financial pressures and unpredictable income, noting that the society is in breach of its reserves policy and aims to rebuild reserves to a minimum of £30,000.
What the accounts disclose
“The Society was therefore in breach of its Reserves Policy as it ended the financial year with less than 75% of the previous year`s expenditure in reserves.” — page 12
“The policy is stated to be reviewed by the Trustees at least every five years. The policy is now overdue for a review.” — page 11
“The policy will be reviewed at least every five years and is due for review.”
“The policy is stated to be reviewed by the Trustees at least every five years. The policy is now overdue for a review.” — page 11
“The policy will be reviewed at least every five years and is due for review.”
Trustees
- Karen Lesley Masonchair
- Dominic Mark Mills
- Elizabeth Joanna Ploszajski
- Georgina Mary Murphy Clifford
- Jane Deborah Sieling
- Katherine Rosmund Lees Brown
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/07/2025 | £35k | £43k |
| 31/07/2024 | £26k | £36k |
| 31/07/2023 | £35k | £38k |
| 31/07/2022 | £25k | £26k |
| 31/07/2021 | £4k | £1k |
Common questions
Is BEDFORDSHIRE ORCHESTRAL SOCIETY financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity made a loss of £7,944 for the year ended 31 July 2025, resulting in total unrestricted reserves of £16,385.61. This reserve level is below the charity's stated policy target of holding reserves equal to at least 75% of the previous year's expenditure. The trustees acknowledge significant financial pressures and unpredictable income, noting that the society is in breach of its reserves policy and aims to rebuild reserves to a minimum of £30,000. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.