RATBY CCPOPERATIVE BAND REGISTEfEO (>IARifY N'o.1011147 STATEMENT OF ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 3 1st DECEMBER 2024 WWIW.RATBYBAND.C( co Follow the band on Social Nkdia: facebookcon(RatbyCoop @RatbyBand Secretary: Mrs S. H. Newman, 20 Mill Drive, Ratby, Leicester. LE6 OJH. Tel: 07446 302454
Trustees and Officers President C. R. Kenney 24 Dalby Road, Anstey, Leicester Chairman J. A. Hauton 98-100 Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester Secretary Mrs S. H. Newman 20 Mill Drive, Ratby, Leicester Treasurer S. P. Plant 18 Ingle Drive, Ratby, Leicester Band Manager P. A. Hall 19 Squirrel Close, Narborough, Leicester Trustees J. A. Cawrey Glebe Farm, Landcroft Lane, Sutton Bonnington, Loughborough, Leicester Mrs K. M. Sephton-Reed 11 Farley Way, Kirby Muxloe, Leicester Mrs S. Wilkins 176 Main Street, Stanton Under Bardon, Leicester
Conducting Team - Biographies Musical Directors and Senior Band Conductor- Chris Jeans The highly respected International Trombone Artist, Conductor, Adjudicator and Ambassador for Antoine Courtois Instruments now picks up the baton for the successful and ambitious Ratby Co-operative as they seek to continue to develop their presence and performance on the contest circuit, including preparing for a third successive appearance at the Royal Albert Hall in October. As the highly acclaimed conductor of Youth Brass 2000, currently Championship National Youth Champions of Great Britain undefeated in the last 10 years, Chris brings a blend of musical experience, drive and enthusiasm that promotes the very best in his performances. Many members of Ratby Co-operative have worked with Chris previously, particularly through his work with Youth Brass 2000, a role which Chris will continue alongside his new position at Ratby. Mid Band - Nicholas Garman Nicholas, brass band honours include SwedÈsh National Brass Champion (with Stockholm Brass), Butlins Mineworkers Open Champion (with Redbridge), Midland Area Champion {twice, with GUS) and London and Southern Countie5 Area Champion (three times, with Redbridge). As a conductor, he has won 'best entertainment, in the Cory Online Entertainment Contest and other local enterainment contests and has also conducted at the National Finals of Great Britain. As an adjudicator, Nicholas has experience in all types of contest and at all levels. He joined AOBBA after successfully completing the trainee adjudicator scheme in 2013, was appointed to the executive in 2016, became trainee mentor in Jan 2018 and in Jan 2019 was elected as AOBBA secretary. He was awarded his Licentiate Èn conducting from the London College of Mustc in 2017. For 12 years, Nicholas was Director of Music at an independent school and since 2016, has been an examiner for the London College of Music. In 2021, he became part of the group responsible for the training of new examiners. Also in 2021, Nicholas was awarded Fellowship of the Royal Society of Arts and, Fellowship of the Guild of Musicians and Singers. Crescendos - Becky Cook Becky is the Head of Music at Ratcliffe Preparatory School and has been a teacher for over 20 years. Becky learned to play Cornet with Ratby Band at the age of 5 and still plays with them in the Championship Section today. After playing cornet, horn and Euphonium Becky took up the reins on trombone at the age of 10 and has never looked back. Winning the National Youth Championships Best Instrumentalist at the age of 16 set her in good stead for an abundance of solo prizes over the years. In her playing career to date Becky has performed in Orchestras, Wind Bands, Brass Bands and many more ensembles and is regularly performing in the orchestra pit for Professional Shows. After obtaining her Music Degree at Chichester University, Becky studied for her PGCE then she returned to Leicester in 2002 and continued to work as a Primary School Teacher. Additionally, Becky is a freelance brass teacher, having taken the helm as Conductor of Ratby Junior Band in 2003. Her conducting and tutoring skills are also evident as she is an integral member of staff at the Wessex Band Summer School, "working with young people is what I love best"
Conducting Team - Biographies Tooters - Sheila Allen Sheila grew up in the heart of brass banding country in Yorkshire, learning to play the cornet (and the clarinet!) through the free provision offered at her middle school .After a family move to the midlands, she returned to her roots to study Music at Huddersfield as a student of Phillip Mccann. On her return to the midlands she went on to build a successful private music teaching practice and later completed her Secondary Music Teaching qualification, spending 14 years leading music, and later performing arts, in a local secondary school. Now dividing her time between the classroom in a junior school and her private music teaching practice, her enthusiasm for being involved in brass bands at a variety of levels continues. As a player Sheila has played with some of the finest bands in the country and in addition to her conducting skills Sheila is a Youth Development Brass Specialist working as part of the Brass Bands England Brass Foundations education project. Daytime Band- lan Bartram lan is a renown British composer, arranger, conductor and performer specialising in brass bands. lan's work with brass bands spans several decades, and he has worked with numerous bands and musicians throughout his career. Learning to play brass instruments at an early age, specialising in "lower brass" lan was a renown euphonium player being appointed principle at the National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain. Being mentored in conducting by Geoffrey Brand, Harry Mortimer and George Thompson while conducting at William Davis. In 1982 lan was awarded and completed a John Frears scholarship for part-time study of twentieth Century Music and composition with Andrew -Dickson at Leicester University. As conductor of the Leicestershire Youth Brass Band lan led this prestigious ensemble for over three years. lan is also the proud President of the Leicestershire Brass Band Association.
The Ratby Co-operative Band Re ort of the Trustees Introduction Aims and Objectives Achievements Corporate Governance and Risk Management Ethics Accessibility Public Benefit Financial Appraisal Reserves Policy Conclusion and future objectives Appendicies Financial Statements Income and Expenditure Account for the year ending 31 December 2024 Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2024 Fixed Asset Schedule Trustees Report Trustees Report approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Ig p4 2014 Stephen Plant- Treasurer Sheralyn Newman - Secretary
Introduction This report summarises the status and financial status of the organisation in the reporting year Aims and Objective5 The Ratby Co-operative Band organisation will provide a range of opportunities and experiences to bring music to the lives of its participating members, supporters and the wider local community. Core Values Everyone should be treated with diginity and a level of respect irrespective of their playing ability. Players should be treated as people first and players second. Integrity and kindness should be at the core of our community organisation. Everyone should behave in a way that they want to be treated themselves. Be ambitious! Everyone at Ratby should cease opportunities available to them. Everyone should be tolerant towards other peoples emotions and opinions. Everyone matters at Ratby- Band is like family- our values apply equally to all. Everyone should work to ensure the bandroom is a safe space for all. Everyone is representing the Band and its values at all times. Playing in a band is more than playing music. Trustees Trustees are appointed 'ex officio, (virtue of office) as outlined in the constitution and by-laws of the Ratby Co-operative Band adopted by the members on 17th September 2005. As members of the committee, Trustees are actively engaged in the normal running of the organisation. In addition to normal management meetings the Trustees meet independently on a regular basis to review the strategic direction of the organisation, monitor cash flow and approve specific items of expenditure outside normal decisions taken considering experience and advice of the Trustees. This allows the management committee and Trustees to. ensure that both short term and long term objectives and issues are being dealt with to time and cost. Trustees have been appointed by the committee based on professional experience and added value to the organisation. The Trustees are minded of the need to ensure any new Trustees appointed at the AGM are fully aware of their responsibilities. Newly appointed Trustees have been given a copy of the current Report and Accounts to aid familiarisation and directed to the relevant information via the Charity Commission website. Achievements Concerts and Competitions The Ratby Co-operative Senior, Mid, Crescendo's and Day Time Bands performed more concerts during the reporting period as the public continued to return to "normality" Post Covid-19. The Senior Band consolidated their position on the concert platform winning first prizes at The Buxton and LBBA Contests. The Mid Band also achieved success being promoted to the second section from 1st January 2025. Detailed risk assessments were carried out for each event.
Ratby Tooters and Crescendos Our latest group of beginners, who each started their musical journey in 2024 were promoted to the Crescendos Band and we welcomed a new influx of 20 members all learning to play an instrument for the first time. The Tooters Band from 2024 all moved into the Crescendo Band in January 2025 and continue to develop. The Mid Band also had an excellent year on The Contest Stage being crowned Leicestershire Brass Band Association 3rd Section Champions. Bandroom The bandroom, situated on Taverner Drive, Ratby, is used extensively by the members for rehearsal facilities. In addition other Community Groups have been made welcome to avail themselves of the facilities. Last year it was reported that The Trustees have been working on plans to extend the bandroom. This project is well on the way with a significant amount of funding being secured and builder works due to commence in May 2025. Daytime Band The trustees decision to form a "daytime" band has gathered pace and this was in the planning stage at the end of 2021. The new band held it's first rehearsal in February 2022 under DM lan Bartram has since gone from strength to strength, large numbers are welcomed back each week and during 2024 a number of concerts were held. Corporate Governance and Risk Management Corporate Governance is the internal procedure that ensures the organisation operates within the boundaries and rules of the constitution and requirements of the Charities Acts. Risk Management is the process of adopting policies that protect the assets and the people of the organisation. Corporate Governance and Risk Management are therefore considered under the same category. The Trustees recognise the need for Corporate Governance to ensure correct approproation of finance, maintenance of assets and protection of people to maintain a compliant organisation. As part of the management structure the Trustees recognise a responsibility to ensure advice is obtained in each particular professional field required. The greatest risks to the organisation are financial control, protection of assets and people related issues including Health and Safety and Child Protection. Financial control is maintained by adopting the constitutional procedures. In addition all expenditure outside 'normal' operating expenditure requires the consent of the Trustees. Assets are issued to members for use during membership. The Trustees to implement a control systems that ensures the accurate recording of issued items and timely recovery once membership ha5 ceased. The 'people' issues are equally as important to the organisation. All members undertake a duty of care to act responsibly when travelling, performing and rehearsing with the band. Ratby Co-operative Band is actively involved in the training of young members and therefore each event is risk assessed prior to .implementation. Advice is sought from the many CRB cleared Teachers within the band.
Ethics The Trustees acknowledge the necessity to maintain an ethical code of conduct at all times. In our activity this relates mainly to the negotiation of fee related performance and the management of people. The Committee has to manage the people aspects of the organisation. To this effect the constitution is available to outline maintaining credible business relations and professional integrity in all undertakings. {www.ratbyband.com) Accessibility Ratby Co-operative Band has an open membership and is represented without prejudice of race, gender or sexual orientation. Membership is drawn mainly from the local community. GDPR The organisation is GDPR compliant. Chaperones The Ratby Co-operative Band holds a BOPA with Leicestershire County Council and has five officers who have completed the Chaperone training. Two additional members have attended the Band Safe course run by Brass Band England. Child Protection Officer The Trustees were pleased to reappoint Alison Morrish as Child Protection Officer for the coming year. Public Benefit The Trustees have re-examined the statement of public benefit and have categorised into the following headings: a} Benefits to playing members To attain the standards of competence to perform with a brass band takes dedication, personal practice and self development. Membership of one of the Ratby Co-opertaive Bands may be the culmination of many years of study and the band provides the outlet to perform at the highest level to a wide cross section of audtence. The benefits to the individual may be expressed as a vehicle to perform at the highest level, continue self development and become a role model for other brass musicians. b) Benefits to non playing members Members who cannot commit to the dedication of playing membership are encouraged to be actively involved in the 'Friends' organisation. Non administrative functions include band marketing, refreshments and organising raffles, transport and CD sales. Non playing members have a pride in supporting Ratby Co-operative Band and are integral to the long term growth of the organisation. c) Benefits to the local community The Ratby Co-operative Band celebrated its Centenary in 2006 and enjoys a high profile within the local community. The Trustees have placed great importance on the establishments of community links and strategic partnerships to encourage development of local brass band talent, mentor youth and provide accessibility opportunities for members of the community who may be restricted due to physical disadvantage.
Financial Appraisal Major concerts have brought together the whole of the organisation. We recognise and thank our sponsors, The Member Relations of the Central England Co-op for their financial support and guidance. Further grants and donations have been received from various sources which have been most welcome. The generous donations from John Cawrey in 2022 and again in 2024 enabled us to significantly improve the instruments for the organisation and contribute towards the building project. As we moved out of Covid-19 the Trustees recognised that in the ever challenging financial climate concert revenues are proving to be more and more expensive, changes in venues have enabled us to attract more support for the concerts and at the same time reduce the venue hire costs. A major concern continues to build on audience numbers for concert performances. VAT Registration Number 408091118- The band is VAT registered, with effect from l January 2022 Reserves Policy The organisation has no restricted funds. It is revenue based and has to ensure that it operates within the confines of cash generation. Expenditure outside normal operating requirements is identified during the cash cycle and funds allocated appropriately. This expenditure may add additional assets (music and equipment) thus increasing net worth or may be operating expenditure (repairs, professional services). The Trustees recognise the need to build a reseNe for unforeseen items however the payment of operating expenditure is always of paramount importance. The Trustees are seeking funding opportunities and are confident that this development will be funded with no detriment to the operating cash cycle. Conclusion and Future Objectives The Trustees acknowledge the long term stability and maintenance of the band cannot rely solely on the 'traditional' activity of fee generation. Although this aspect of the band's activity needs to be maintained as ' much as possible the survival of performance based organisations will depend on the development of partnerships and maximisation of use of resources. Although the band still seeks and obtains a small amount of sponsorship tt is widely acknowledged that this form of funding may cease in the future. The Trustees are confident of developing this approach and look forward to being innovative and forward thinking. Development of community initiatives must remain a prime objective and the continued development of internal commercial activity will maximise the potential to ring fence elements of the income stream. Educational initiatives will continue to develop and mentoring local talent will continue to open up opportunities of sucession planning. The Trustees conclude that the organisation will flouish in years ahead. Whilst the engagement profile of the organisation continues to grow our numbers are also on the up following the formation of a new Beginner Band in January 2017. Retirement and Thankyou - Mareika Gray We wish to place on record our sincere thanks for the artistic leadership Marieka brought to the organisation during her eight year tenure with the band. The Trustess and members all wish her the best for the future.
Independent Examiners Report to the Trustees of the Ratby Co-operative Band We report on the accounts of the band for the year ended 31 December 2024 which are set out herewith. Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responslble for the preparation of the accounts" you consider that the audit requirements of Section 43{2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) do not appEy. It is our responsibiltiy to state, on the basts of procedures specified in the general direction given by the Charity Commissioners under Section 43{7)(b) of the Act, whether particular matters have come to our attention. Basis of examiner's report Our examination was carried out in accordance with the General Directions given by the Charities Commissioners. An examination includes a review of accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with the records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit, and consequently we do not express an audit opinion on the view given in the accounts. Independent Examiner's statement In connection with our examination, no matter has come to our attention: Which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material aspect the requirement" (a) to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 41 of the Act and (b) to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and {c) to comply with the accounting requirements of the Act have not been met. or to which, in our opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding the accounts to be reached. which gives us reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the accounting rules of the Band's constitution have not been met. LL) ts W. S. Gor R. Sharman on
Ratb Co-o erative Band Income Summa Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Funday Christmas Concert and Joint Carol Eiients Concerts - Senior Band Mid Band - Crescendo Band DayTime Band Member Subscriptions Contest Prizes Central England Co-operative - Grant Trips Sale of Instruments Donations and Grants 1,240 5,341 6,890 2,679 754 1,464 6,065 5,658 2,044 929 850 727 9,620 1,030 3,375 10,935 7,241 1,222 4,500 14,834 542 4,518 70 9,592 Room Hire Building Grants and Donations Maud Elkington Grant John Corah Foundation Florence Turner Grant John Cawrey Donation Andrew Martin Trust 2,000 1,000 5,000 50,000 1,000 500 Lagan Homes Donation Thomas Stanley Shipman Trust Mary Robertson Trust Next PLC Garfield Weston Foundation Fundraising Fundraising- 200 Club Fundraising- HMRC Fundraising- Curry Night Fundraising- Youth Band Fundraising- Mid Band Fundraising- CD Sales Fundraising- Other Use of Van Bank Interest Received Sale of Merchandise 2,000 3,000 1,500 30,000 2,632 14,969 2,900 1,983 1,186 106 129 255 149 15 70 540 1,442 1,337 902 1,423 615 164,167 {57,997) 106,170 64,605 {66,841) (2,237) Less Expenditure Excess of Income over Expenditure
Ratb Co-o erative Band Ex enditure Summa Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 Tuition Fees 26,085 2,190 3,079 314 27,198 1,631 4,449 49 Van Expenses Bandroom Upkeep and Refurbishment Printing, Postage, Stationery and Office Expenses Advertising Cost of instruments, Repairs, Unsforms and Music Registrations, Room Hire and Contest Entry Fees Insurances 46 79 1.775 1,892 1,278 1,450 5,240 12,097 353 3,746 2,232 1,334 1,555 7,704 15,769 635 200 Club Prizes Concert and Contest Expenses Trip Expenses Merchandise Costs Accountancy Donations Legal and Professional Fees Sundry Expenses and Covid Measures 400 300 30 1,760 38 132 57,997 66,841
Ratb Co-o erative Band Balance Sheet Year Ended 31 December 2024 2024 2023 FIXED ASSETS Land and Buildings 152,017 82,295 Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation 18,017 (17,748) 18,017 (17,700) 269 317 Instruments Less accumulated depreciation 231,477 (190,363) 231,477 (183,108} 41,114 48,369 Uniforms, Music and Stand Banners Less accumulated depreciation 39,259 (36,047) 39,259 (35,480) 3,212 3,779 Van 4,200 (2,605) 4,200 (2,323) Less accumulated depreciation 1,595 198,207 1,877 136,637 CURRENT ASSETS Stock of CD'S & Hoodies Cash at Bank Cash in Hand Debtors Amounts paid in advance 503 503 113,109 280 11,007 327 744 747 114,636 12,584 CURRENT LIABILITIES VAT Account 1,085 1,146 Additional Creditors 1,085 1,146 Net Current Assets 113,551 11,438 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 311,758 148,075 REPRESENTED BY Retained reserves as at l January 2024 Revaluation reserve Deduct depreciation/disposal of fixed assets {Loss}/Profit for the year Retained reserves as at 31 December 2024 148,075 65.665 (8,152) 106,170 311,758 159,901 (9,589) (2,237) 148,075
RATBY CO-OPERATIVE BAND NOTES TO THE ACCOUNTS All items of a capital nature are recognised in the Balance Sheet. The Bandroom does not incur any charge for depreciation. Other assets are depreciated in accordances with accounting policies, at the rates set out below. Fixtures, Fitting and Equipment Instruments Uniforms. Music and Stand Banners 15% NBV 15¥0 NBV 15Yo NBV All future additions of a capital nature will be recognised Én the Balance Sheet and are depreciated accordingly. Related party transactions Mrs R. H. Cook, conductor of the Crescendos band, is the daughter of Mr. S. P. Plant the band treasurer. During the year Mrs R. H. Cook was paid £1,850 for her services. Transactions with trustees Mr. S. P. Plant, Mrs S. H. Newman and Mr J. A. Hauton incurred expenditure on behalf of the Charity during the year which have been reimbursed in full in 2024. Trustee Donation Mr J. A. Cawrey donated £50,000 towards the bandroom extension project.