Interested in becoming a Patron?
The Patrons scheme was instituted in 2006 to encourage financial support from businesses and benefactors. Patronage starts at just £250 per annum – with some generous Patrons and sponsors supporting our charity to the tune of several thousand pounds each year. Some Patrons prefer to link their donation to specific items i.e: soloists’ fees; music hire; scenic or costume design etc., (please ask to see our annual ‘Wish List’).
Many Patrons pay by Standing Order and commit to a five-year cycle of support. There are three levels of patronage which we would invite you to pay by Gift Aid:
The Conductor’s Circle from just £250 per annum
The Director’s Circle from £500 per annum
The Chairman’s Circle from £1,000 per annum
- Your generosity will be acknowledged in the opera programme (unless you prefer to remain anonymous).
- You will receive early publicity and priority booking for each opera; copies of our full-colour bi-annual newsletter
- You will be invited to exclusive events throughout the year
- You will have an opportunity to join the casts for lunch and view the progress of the opera during our production week
- Time permitting, you will also be escorted on a tour of the costume and props departments
- You will be invited to join the President, Chairman and Artistic Director at a champagne reception in the marquee on the night(s) you attend the opera.
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![Twilight picnics in the interval. [Photograph courtesy of Tim Lee]](images/picnic.jpg)
Twilight picnics in the interval
Photograph courtesy of Tim Lee
...or would you prefer to become a Friend?
THE FRIENDS OF DORSET OPERA was established as a separate charity in 1984 with the object of "promoting, supporting, assisting and improving the Society (Dorset Opera)". In effect this means accumulating funds from members' annual subscriptions, which are then made available to Dorset Opera when required, but at the same time striving to build up reserves.
Why are we needed?
Opera is expensive to produce. In spite of the fact that our soloists often perform for a fee well below the norm, and that all our administration is voluntary, ticket sales etc. do not cover the full costs. In the past, we have been fortunate to have had the support of the Arts Council, The Foundation for Sport and the Arts, local authorities and local individuals. Sponsorship from businesses and grants from Charitable Trusts provide additional funding, but it is invariably necessary each year for the Friends to offer support from accumulated funds. | Friends' benefits
Friends of Dorset Opera receive early publicity, and priority booking, for each opera production and also notice of occasional events put on in support of Dorset Opera. They also receive an informative, full-colour Newsletter twice a year. Friends’ names are listed in the programme. The AGM of the Friends is combined with that of Dorset Opera, and generally takes place in March each year.
Picnicking at Dorset Opera on a balmy summer's evening
© 2008 Giles Harvey
The Cost
The minimum subscription to the Friends is just £25 per year. Many kind Friends also include an annual donation taking the average subscription to over £30. Some donations are far more generous. Those donating more than £250 fall into our Patrons category. To save on administration time, we ask that the subscription be paid by Banker's Order. A Gift Aid declaration would allow us to reclaim tax without costing you any more.
Gift Aid Declaration
Gift Aid regulations are financially advantageous to charities, without costing you more than your original donation. All donations are eligible, provided you pay an amount of Income Tax or Capital Gains Tax equal to the amount we can reclaim (currently 25p in every £1 you give). A Gift Aid declaration would allow us to reclaim tax on any donations you have made to us since 6 April 2000.
Interested?
If you are interested in becoming a Friend or Patron, or would like details on how to become a sponsor or corporate benefactor, please send your name and address via our contact page.
Data Protection Act
If you decide to become a Patron or join 'The Friends', your name, address and payment details will be kept on computerised records which will be used only for administrative purposes and will be handled in accordance with the terms of the Data Protection Act (1998). Details will not be passed to any other organisation.
Company Registration Details
Dorset Opera is registered in England & Wales as a charity No: 1105318
Dorset Opera is a company limited by guarantee No: 5170704
The Friends of Dorset Opera is a registered charity No: 284784
Registered address:
Dorset Opera, Russell House, Oxford Road, Bournemouth BH8 8EX Telephone: +44 (0)1258 840000
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