BARNARD Castle’s arts centre ended 2021 by recording a surplus of £42,000 after a second year of trading affected by Covid-19 restrictions.
Total income for The Witham for the 12 months to December 31, 2021, was £375,000 against expenditure of £333,000, the centre’s annual meeting was being told as the Mercury went to press on Monday.
Despite the restrictions still in force during part of the year, 37 performances were staged with more than 4,000 tickets sold, including the successful staging of a panto in December.
The cafe garden was used to create a ten-week busking festival – The Witham Unlocked – to provide live music in a safe venue. Donations supported the artists and The Witham.
The Castle Players, Barnard Castle Brass Band, and FunnyWayToBe comedy also returned to The Witham during 2021.
Shelagh Avery, chairwoman of trustees, said: “There were occasions when doors were closed and periods of operating a restricted service.
“However, there were opportunities to restart a cultural and community programme within the building and in the garden.”
She said government grants had been gratefully received and the job retention
scheme helped to avoid redundancies.
“Covid support grants together with grant aid from Durham County Council meant that we could continue trading in these challenging times.
“During the year, income started to flow as the cafe, visitor information point, and gallery opened up and ticketed events and community activities restarted.”
Centre manager Susan Coffer left during 2021, which
led to a rethink of staff
roles and responsibilities
and the appointment of Suzanne Wallace as operations and commercial executive.
Of the centre’s £375,000 income, some £199,000 came from cafe and bar sales, £32,500 from studio and room hire and £61,000 from ticket sales.
Ms Avery added: “Our reserves position improved year on year, reflecting the low level of spend on salaries and wages.
“Our free reserves stood at £112,000 and although this exceeds the policy requirement, it is less than the minimum annual net funding required to operate The Witham, estimated to be £150,000.”
She said as the current three-year funding agreement was coming to an end, discussions were ongoing with Durham County Council about future support.
Ms Avery said that despite the challenges of trade affected by Covid-19, The Witham’s mission to deliver something for everyone had continued.
“Everything that was achieved in 2021 was directly linked to the passion and commitment of the staff and volunteers and their tireless approach to customer service,” she said.
