DURHAM CHORAL SOCIETY
1 The study and practice of choral music in order to educate the public in the knowledge and appreciation of such music by the presentation of concerts and other activities. 2 to further such charitable purposes as the trustees in their absolute discretion shall think fit, financially or otherwise but in particular by the making of small grants and donations.
Financial health, per its FY2025 accounts
The accounts state that the charity held unrestricted reserves of £119,949.06 at the end of the financial year, a figure described by the trustees as more than double the annual turnover. The trustees reported no financial concerns regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, noting that the strong financial position was supported by an unexpected legacy. However, the trustees identified principal risks related to the sustainability of the concert format due to venue constraints and the impact of the cost of living on membership and audience numbers.
What the accounts disclose
“Membership subscriptions (49%)” — page 8
“DCS is affiliated to Making Music (Registered charity 249219)” — page 10
“Two concerts during the year were held at Durham Cathedral (Registered charity 1205971)” — page 10
“DCS is affiliated to Making Music (Registered charity 249219)” — page 10
“Two concerts during the year were held at Durham Cathedral (Registered charity 1205971)” — page 10
“DCS is affiliated to Making Music (Registered charity 249219)” — page 10
“Two concerts during the year were held at Durham Cathedral (Registered charity 1205971)” — page 10
“DCS is affiliated to Making Music (Registered charity 249219)” — page 10
“Two concerts during the year were held at Durham Cathedral (Registered charity 1205971)” — page 10
“DCS is affiliated to Making Music (Registered charity 249219)” — page 10
“Two concerts during the year were held at Durham Cathedral (Registered charity 1205971)” — page 10
Trustees
- Catharine Deemingchair
- Angela Eddy
- Clare Mathewson
- Dr Fiona Marion Gameson
- Irene Blakemore
- Jane Abel
- Victoria Nower
Income and spending
| Financial year end | Income | Spending |
|---|---|---|
| 31/08/2025 | £137k | £41k |
| 31/08/2024 | £44k | £41k |
| 31/08/2023 | £45k | £40k |
| 31/08/2022 | £12k | £24k |
| 31/08/2021 | £8k | £12k |
Common questions
Is DURHAM CHORAL SOCIETY financially healthy?
Per its FY2025 accounts: The accounts state that the charity held unrestricted reserves of £119,949.06 at the end of the financial year, a figure described by the trustees as more than double the annual turnover. The trustees reported no financial concerns regarding the charity's ability to continue as a going concern, noting that the strong financial position was supported by an unexpected legacy. However, the trustees identified principal risks related to the sustainability of the concert format due to venue constraints and the impact of the cost of living on membership and audience numbers. Its FY2025 accounts were independently examined.
Funders of similar charities
| Funder | Similar charities funded | Amount to them |
|---|---|---|
| THE MICHAEL BISHOP FOUNDATION | 1 | £1.1m |
| THE THOMPSON FAMILY CHARITABLE TRUST | 1 | £250k |
| THE SACKLER TRUST | 1 | £50k |
| THE KATHLEEN HANNAY MEMORIAL CHARITY | 1 | £40k |
| THE REED FOUNDATION | 1 | £34k |
| MARIA BJORNSON MEMORIAL FUND | 1 | £30k |
| THE SIR JOHN RITBLAT FAMILY FOUNDATION | 1 | £30k |
| Charity of Thomas Dawson | 1 | £30k |
Charities like this
- DURHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR ASSOCIATION
- WIMBLEDON CHORAL SOCIETY
- ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY LIMITED
- OXFORD PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TRUST
- OXFORD LIEDER
- NATIONAL CHILDREN'S CHOIR OF GREAT BRITAIN
Side by side with its peers
| Charity | Income | Top pay band | Staff >£60k | Reserves vs policy | Fundraising cost | Going concern |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DURHAM CHORAL SOCIETY | £137k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| DURHAM CATHEDRAL CHOIR ASSOCIATION | £283k | — | 0 | above | — | no doubt |
| WIMBLEDON CHORAL SOCIETY | £116k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| ROYAL CHORAL SOCIETY LIMITED | £285k | — | 0 | unclear | — | no doubt |
| OXFORD PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA TRUST | £3.1m | £80,001 - £90,000 | 1 | within | — | no doubt |
| OXFORD LIEDER | £742k | — | 0 | unclear | — | noted |