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.