CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, Annual Report for the period From 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 Charity name: Ebbw Valley Brass Charity registration number: 1004260 Objectives and Activities SORP retsenc Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its goveming document Para 1.17 Formed in September 2011 following the merger of Cwm Town Band 3nd Ebbw Vale Town Band, the purpose of rhe organisation shall be. to promote, Improve and develop public education and appreciation of the an and science of mu5iCi in particular, brass band playing. to provlde tuitioni equipment and support musical education to members maklng the organisation as acce55iblei diverse and inclusive as possible. and for such oiher purposes as shall be exclusively charitable as the trustees may from t5me to time dedde. to strive for corrtinued excellence of performance on the contest and concert stage., and to increase the activty and focus on the development of chIldn and youth in leamingto play a brass instrument During 202425 the objertives were further detailed as follows to continue with fundraising initiatives as well as a15t local charities in their fundraising attiwties and conrinuing to evolve as a hub of rhe communiry to qualify for rhe Great Britain Naiional Finals and retain the Welsh Open Champion title. to increase the number of concert and contell performances and for such other purposes as shall be excluve[Y charirable as the trustee5 may from time to time decide. Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the Para 1.17 and 1.19 The band ha5 continued to: perform in contesr and concert venues throughout the UK
activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. provide musical tuition, equipmeni and support to its members in line wlth irs objectives reached its highert ranklng on the world brass band stage achieved its highest level of competing in its short history supported our members in their musical aspirarions and ambitions raken every opportunity to perform or collaborate with local communiry-based or charitable groups in an aim to raise the band's profile within the community. Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit Para 1.18 The charit5 trustees have had regard ro the guidance issued by rhe Chariry Commission on public benefit in exercising their powers or durie5. Achievements and Performance SORP reference in nal The band was promoted to Champlonship sertion for the 2024 contesring season. Cornpetiiig 31 rhe Welsh Regionals in March 2024, the band reached its highest ever achievement by qualifying for rhe Briiish National Finals at rhe Royal Albert Hall which were held in October 2024. Ir has been an arnbition ro reach the RAH since the bands, formation and we were proud to be able ro take our members, their families and our supporEers on an incredible journey (o this icoiilc venue. For some, it was rhelr first rime to visir London and the RAH, and what an amazing experience to be able rake ro Ihe s(age there, something we will treasure forever. io Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. Para 1.20 Fe ns Our Ihird rime competing in rhe senior rrophy in May 2024 saw an incredible win for Ihe band, gaining promotion 10 ihe senior cup. Following our qualificatton to the Narional Finals back in March, this was another huge success. The band compered ar rhe NaEional Eisteddfod in August 2024 and were delighted wilh another contest win. The coniesr was televised on $4C and was w31ched by so many ofour families and friend& It was another wonderful opportunity for members and supponer& Welsh O en am In February 2025, the band successfully defended its tille as Welsh Open Champions 2025 for the third nsecutive time. This was a highlighi for our members in only our seventh appearance ai the
conte5r. We also won 'Best Bas, 'Pest Cornei. and Ihe Musical Directors Prtze. ss for er bers As an organisation, we are proud ofourstrong links with rhe Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama (RW(ND). Over the years, we have had many players join rhe band while they are studying in Cardiff and we form parr of the support network for those young people while they are away from horne. The experiences and iuirion we can provide forms part of their musical edu(lOn and compliments their Studies. One of our studenrs graduated in June 2024 and while we were sad to see rheir lime with (he band come to an end, we were so proud of rheir success in loining the Band of rhe Irish Guards. Our principal euphonium player won Ihe Besson Brass Prize ai RWD in March 2025, an incredible achievement in a strong and talenied field of young musicians at the college. The band 15 proud to have played at several concerrs throughout the year includlng Bedwellry Park, Ross on Wye bandstand and Chepstow bandstand. We took part in a wonderfully supported joinr concert with Can Aderyn choir and Beaufort Male Choir. We collaboraied with Paid Gofyn, 3 local Welsh folk group who asked us ro record backing tracks for their sing Wrexham which is played ar Wrexham FC We went on to perform as guests ar their concert in Bedwelliy House. Thi5 was a fantastfc opponuniiy for members to play to a new audience and form new relationships with oiher musicians Sn the area, a collaborarlon we hope to repeaE In the coming year. We attended a number of local venues to support the cornmunity in rheir Acts of Remembrance, Summer and Christmas events. Prior to each major coniesr, the band has held an 'open rehearsal, in a Ioc31 venue providing a free preview of our upcoming contest performance for the local audience 10 enjoy. In doingso, we have paid to hire venues in the communiEyi thus supporting their fuiure as spaces for all 10 enjoy. utim Many brass bands face challenges In recruiting new player& 202425 was no exceprion for Ebbw Valley Bras5, however, during this period, rhe band successfully appoinred a first<la55 principal trombone, two runed percussionisrsi prin(ipal and asSiSEant prinapal cornets, a princip31 euphonium, flugel, b355 irombone and back row cornet players to ensure a full complementand welcome new members to share the opportunities playing in a brass band brings. Recruitment strengthens the band and ensures our member5 have the besr possible opporrunities to perform in concerts and
conte5t& In March 2025, the band successfully recruited a new Music31 Director. We were so fortunare to secure the seryices of 3 young and ambirious conduttor who has played at the highest level. We are confident that rhis pannership means the band Gin provide Ihe highest possible level of musical edu(3tion and achievement for our members as we continue to strive in making rhe band as accessible, affordable and inclusive as P055ible. Eb We successfully launched a ten-piece band in 2023124 in a bid to reach a wider audience with a differenr take on traditional brass band music, as well as raise funds and increase our number of public appearances. The ten-piece band continued its success in 2024125, raising fun(ts for our trips to Blackpool and London. As well as our usu31 programme ofsummer and Chri5trnas fundr3i5ingi we coniinued initiarives in an effort to raise funds including performances wlih our ren-piece band and more outreach work for donations and sponsorship. The ambition is to ser up and recruit ro a youth Ibeginner's band to secure future musiclans and benefir the communiiy. While we have previously been able to run an a(3demy band, arcumsrances have not yet allowed for this io be relaunched, mainly due to volunreer time buf rhls IS an ongoing priority a5 and when circumstances 3110w.
Financial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period Para 1.21 The financial dimaie for a musical organisation such as ours is challenging. The band's posirion of )reaking even. refleas the hard work in looking ai neww3yS to generaie income in line with the org3nisation5 aims and objective Wiih ever rising costs, we a&se5s rhe operaring costs againsr income and ensure the Finanaal viability. The rrustees consider one of the main risks to rhe success in delivering the organisations objecttves to be lack of grant funding or fundraising opportunities for future venrures and equipment and carefully take this into consideration in planning day to d3y attiviries and overall managemenr of rhe band. The bands. principal sources of funding include monies raised at Chris(mas time and rhroughoui rhe yeari playing at various venues and collecting donations. Member conrributions, donations and fees for public engagements also account for a signlflcant portion of the band< income. Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves statin are held Amount of reserves held Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concem Para 1.r2 No reserves policy Is held. however, the trustee5 are mindful of income vs furure eventualities and liabilitie& None NIA Para 1.22 Para 1.22 Para 1.24 NIA Para 1.23 There are no marerial uncertainties abour the charity'5 ability to continue as a going concern. Structure, Governance and Management Description of charity's trusts: Type of governing document I r- Fi(ai ier How is the charity constituted? .i j,'rporated ,Obiatioii. L l O Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees Consritutton adopted13]une 2016 Para 1.25 Constiiution Para 1.25 Assoaarion Para 1.25 Appointed by the management mMittee at Annual General Meerings Trusrees will be the apwinred offi(ials of the band a5 agreed and approved through the Annual General Meeting. These p05ition5 will be appointed from playing and non-playing members of rhe band. Indivtdual skills and experience wtll be considered for these roles and agreed in line with the Constirntion of the band. All new Trusrees will undercake any development trainin& which is deemed necessary for rhe role,
and will be supported by the outgoing official for an agreed period. The Management Team elected at an Annual Gener31 Meeiing in accordance with the bands, Constitution shall comprise the followin[. Chairman 2 Vice thair Band Manager 4. Secreiary 5. Treasurer & Academy Manager (NIA) 7. Noi le55 rhan three or more Ihan five members to acr as Management Team Members A Musical Director Shall be appointed by the Management Team to be responsible for the musical direaor, conducring and progre55 of the band. 9. A Residenr Conductor shall be appolnied by The Managemenr Team ro be responsible for the musical direction and proce55 of the Academy 10. Ai Its dlscreilon, the Management Team may recommend to the Annual General Meerlngi the appointment of a Presidenr and up to flve Vlce Presidenrs, who will support the Band in complering irs objectives and be available as a resource for consultarlon and advlce. Reference and Administrative details Charit name Other name the charit uses Re istered charit number Charity's principal address Ebbw Valley Brass ICK)4260 The Old Tyllwyn kh¢x)I Greenfield Terrace Tyllwyn Ebbw Vale Blaenau Gwent NP23 6AF Please notv, the principal address Is not recognised by the posral service. Therefore, any p05t should be direrted to: CIO 9Greenway aose Griffirhstown Ponrypool Torfaen NP4 5BA
Names of the charity trustees who manage the chartty Trustee name Office (if any) Band Manager None Dates acted if not for whole ear Name of person (or body) entitled toa oint trustee ifan Dean Woods Ellen Waite 02S-_ Atr2r 2P Donna Hardman Chair 10 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Cor orate trustees - names of the directors at the date the re ortwasa roved Director name Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole ear
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets None held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assels are held and how this falls within the custodian charity's objects None Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity's own assets None Additional information (optional) NIA Names and addresses of advisers (Optional informatlon) Type of Name Address adviser Name of chief executive or names of senior stsff members (Optional information) Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disclosure of ke ersonnel details NIA Other o tional information NIA
Declarations The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees, report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustees Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Donna Hardman Chair Date 1510112026
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES % 0042.6D Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period from 01 0'.12024 3 1103,'2(12E To Section A Receipts and payments Unrestricted funds to th• nrnst Restricted funds Endowment funds Total funds Last year to th• nwest £ to th• rfftarost £ to th? n•ar•st £ to the nearest £ A1 Receipts Donations and ifts Grants and Gift Aid Member sub5cnpbi)ns and donabons EasyftJndr8i%ng Other Fundraising Activib"es 8,782 5.681 6.788 8.782 5,681 6,788 309 20 10.284 10.264 Sub total (Gross income for AR) A2 Asset and Investrient sales, (see table). 31.843 31,843 Sub total 31,843 31,843 A3Pa ments Utilities Repairs and m8intenanrE Instrument purchase and maintenance Coach and van hire Insurance Musi¢ Copier and stationery Charitae activities exFEnse$ MI and donations Conlest Entry Uniform Musical Director 2.843 330 1,780 4.296 1,476 571 459 7,006 360 1.415 2,843 330 1,780 4,296 1,476 571 459 7.006 360 1,415 12.95S 34.175 12,955 34.174 Sub total A4 Asset and investment urchases. (see table) Sub total Total payments 34,175 34,174 Net of receipts/(paymentsJ A5 Transfers between funds A6 Cash funds last year end Cash funds this year end 2.331 2.331 2.331 2,331 CCXX R1 accounts ISSI 1010112026
Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period Unrestricted funds to nearest £ Restricted funds to nearest £ Endowment funds to nearest £ Categories Details B1 Cash funds 16,166 16.166 Totsl cash funds 16,166 (a0h**t$ wrth recew a1 payments cOt[sI) Unrestrlcted funds to nèarest £ Restrlcted funds to nearest£ Endowment funds to neprest £ Details Fund to whlch lon Cost loptlonall Current value o tional Details B3 Investment assets Fund to whlch osset belon Current valu o titsnal Details Instnjments, equlwt Cost loptionall B4 Assets retained for the charity's own use Fund to which lales Amount due tional When due lonal Detsils B5 Liabilities Signed by one or trustees on behaw of all the trustees Signature Print Name Dale of roval D Hardman D Woods oj CCXX R2 accounts (SSI 1010112026
CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Independent examinerfs report on the accounts Section A Independent Examinerfs Report Report to the trustees Ebbw Valley Brass On accounts for the year ended 3110312025 Charity no (if any) 1004260 Set out on pages I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the above charity {"the Trusf,) for the year ended 3{ Responsibilities and basis of report As the charity's trustees, you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordan with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 ('the Act.). I report in respect of my examination of the Trust's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination, I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act. Independent I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have examiner's statement come to my attention in connection with the examination (other than that disclosed below ') which gives me cause to believe that in, any material respect: the accounting records were not kept in accordance with section 130 of the Charities Act: or the accounts did not accord with the accounting records., or the accounts did not comply with the applicable requirements Conrning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a 'true and fairf view which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination. I have no COnrnS and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. Please delete the wonls in the brackets if they do not apply. Signed: Date: /5101 Name: Relevant professional qualification{s) or body (if any): C tt%¥il t kllfris L I I cAéu Address: 14 ky SA/¢ 66 J-A AèF/Lo IER Oct 2018
Section B Disclosure Only complete if the examiner needs to highlight material matters of conrn (see CC32, Independent examination of charity accounts: directions and guidan for examiners). Give here brief detsils of any items that the examiner wishes to disclose. IER Oct 2018