RATBY CO£)PERATIVE BAND ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE PERIOD I JANUARY 2025 to 31 DECEMBER 2025 FEQSTESED 04AATr No 1011147 WWW.RATBYBAND.(X Follow the band on Social Viedia. . Re,tliy(-oop foJRdtL)I'8and 11 Secretary: Mrs S. H. Newman, 46 Park Roa(L Ratby, Leicester. LE6 OJJ
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 46 Park Road, 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, Leicestei G. J . Hutchinson 11 Main Street, Ratby, Leicester
Condurting Team - Biographies Musical Director 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 achieving first place at the Wychavon Festival of Brass. 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 Band have worked with Chris previously, particularly through his work with Youth Brass 2000, a role which Chris will continue alongside his position at Ratby. Mid Band- Nicholas Garman Nicholas, brass band honours include Swedish National Brass Champion (with Stockholm Brass), Butlins Mineworkers Open Champion (with Redbridge), Midland Area Champion (twice, with GUS) and London and Southern Counties Area Champion (three times, with Redbridge). As a conductor, he has won 'best entertainment, in the Cory Online Enterertainment Contest and other local entertainment 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 January 2018 and in January 2019 was elected as AOBBA secretary. He was awarded his Licentiate in conducting from the London College of Music 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 besy,.
Conducting Team - Biographies Tooters - Jonathan Abbott Jonny started his musical journey aged 7 learning orchestral percussion with Leicestershire Arts and Education playing in a variety of musical ensembles for 9 years. At the age of 10, Jonny joined the highly acclaimed Youth Brass 2000 brass band based down in Northamptonshire. During this time he was able to perform at some of the UK'S most renowmed concert venues including Symphony Hall, the Sage and the Royal Albert Hall. Alongside this, Jonny experienced many tours performing around Europe with the band incluiding, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Spain, Austria and Italy. At 14, Jonny joined his first adult brass band Foresters Brass who had just joined the Championship Section. He enjoyed playing with the band for 3 years and gave him plenty of memorable musical experiences. Aged 17, Jonny joined the Ratby Senior Brass Band who he still plays for, as a percussionist. Jonny has experienced some great moments in the band's recent history including two podium finishes at the Midland Area contest, wins at the Leicestershire Brass Band Contest and three appearances at the National Brass Band Championships at the Royal Albert Hall. Jonny has always been interested in conducting and in 2025 the opportunity arose for him to lead the Ratby Tooters Group. Starting with a group of about 20 the experience helped him to grow in confidence in teaching others how to play as an ensemble: He now coducts the Ratby Tootendos where he enjoys helping the learner's grow in confidence. Daytime Band - Kevin Holdgate Kevin was born in September 1961 in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Although born in Wakefield the family soon moved to Doncaster where he grew up in the coal mining community of Woodlands. His father, Allen, worked in the local coal mine and more importantly played trombone with the local brass band, Brodsworth Colliery. It was perhaps inevitable therefore that when Brodsworth decided to establish a junior band in 1967 one of the first names on the list of players was Kevin's. Keeping up the family tradition, the trombone was the instrument of choice. Within 3 years he was Solo Trombone with the senior band with his father on 2nd. Over the next 2 years he helped Brodsworth gain promotion to the Championship Section and gained invaluable early experience of performing. During this period he also competed in dozens of solo competitions and had considerable sucess. He was also introduced to the world of jazz and played lead trombone with the South Yorkshire Youth Jazz Orchestra alonside Pete Beechill (now a top London session musician) and later a very young Dennis Rollins MBE (freelance jazz trombonist). His success in the competition field had not gone unnoticed and in 1972 he was approached by the famous Carlton Main Frickley Colliery Band, one of the top 10 brass bands in the world. At the age of 12 he became their Principal Trombone making his debut at the British Open in Belle Vue Manchester. In 1972 James Shepherd stunned the brass band movement by leaving his position as principal cornet of the world famous Black Dyke Mills Band to form his own James Shepherd Versatile Brss. In 1982 Kevin was asked to join the group following the resignation of his great friend Derek Southcott who had left to join the Syd Lawrence Jazz Orchestra. In 1983 he was asked to join Grimethrope Colliery, to succeed Stan Priestley who had emigrated to Australia. Once again he made his contesting debut at the British Open and helped the band to get 2nd place. Over the next 20 years he was privileged to tour the world with Grimethorpe and Verstaile Brass, appearing as a soloist in some of the finest concert halls, in cities across the globe.
Conducting Team - Biographies When Kings of Brass was formed in 1994 one of the first names on the list was Kevin's on Principal Trombone. His inclusion broke one of the key riules which was to be over 40 years of age, but this was conveniently ignored by the management. He was even included as a soloist on the bands final album playing Bill Geldard's fine arrangement of Autumn Leaves. In 2010 Kevin was approached by the Newhall Band based in Swadlincote, Derbyshire to become their Musical Director. At the time the band was placed 21st out of 22 bands in the 4th section of the Midlands Area. In the ensuing 6 years, the band progressed and was promoted to the 2nd section for 2017. Following retirements, relocations and players progressing to higher levels within the brass band movement the band moved down the sections again but became National Champions of Great Britain in 2023 in the 4th Section. Kevin was Lead Trombone with the Nottingham Jazz Orchestra for the past 25 years. During which time he has had the privilege of playing with some of the UK'S finest jazz musicians, Mike Lovatt, Alan Barnes, Matt Ford, Bruce Adams and Nathan Bray to name but a few. Kevin is a published composer, arranger and orchestrator for Brass Band, Wind Band, Symphony Orchestra and brass ensemble. His big band, jazz and bierkeller arrangements are regularly featured with his own bands and many others around the world. Many of his arrangements were produced for and featured by the James Shepherd Versatile Brass and recorded on their last two CDS'S. In 2020 he produced over 80 arrangements for JSVB Legacy Group that was put together during the Covid pandemic. Many of these arrangements are available for full brass band. Kevin is passionate about making live, instrumental music available across the age groups. His involvement in the growing number of daytime band offerings is synonymous with this passion.
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 2025 Balance Sheet as at 31 December 2025 Fixed Asset Schedule Trustees Report Trustees Report approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf by Stephen Plant- Treasurer Sheralyn Newman - Secretary
Introduction This report summarises the status and financial status of the organisation in the reporting year Aims and Objectives The Ratby Co~operative Band organisation will provide a range of opportunities and experiences to brinf 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 20th December 2025. 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 ensLire 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 Crescensos and DayTime 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 contest platform winning first prize at The Wychavon Festival of Brass. The Band was particularly pleased to have been awarded runner up in the BBC Radio Leicester Community awards section for our work in providing musical tuition. Detailed risk assessments were carried out for each event.
Ratby Tooters. Tootendos 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 2025 all moved into the Crescendo Band in January 2026 and continue to develop. We were particularly please to form our Tootendos Band ensemble in January 2026. Mid Band The Mid Band also had an excellent year on The Contest Stage consolidating their position in the second Section. Bandroom 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 on the way with a significant amount of funding being secured and builder works commenced in May 2025 and were completed in October. Members and officers of the organisation have received fire officer training . After a summer full of hard work, fundraising, building, decorating and relocating (here, there and back again) five bands and all of our equipment, the organisation is please and proud to once again me back in its home on Taverner Drive, in our newly extended space- now suitable to accomodate all of our larger bands comfortably! Our project moves to its final phase, attending to its fixtures, and fittings, including our outside space and developing core amenities and facilities (examples include a Drain Pump, a Defibrillator, Fencing, Car Park and other external developments). We continue to work towards our financial target to make this happen and provide a facility for our bands and the community for years to come. 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 the baton of lan Bartram has since gone from strength to strength, large numbers are welcomed back each week and during 2025 a number of concerts were held with new Conductor Kevin Holdgate. 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 implement control systems that ensures the accurate recording of issued items and timely recovery once membership has 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 and bye laws are 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 Protertion 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 audience. 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 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 donation from John Cawrey in 2022 enabled up to significantly improve the instruments for the organisation. We are fortunate to receive generous financial support from a number of other individuals ,Trusts and Companies in support of the Bandroom Extension 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 reserve 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 it 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 be 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 flourish in years ahead. Whilst the engagement profile of the organisation continues to grow our numbers are also on the up following the increased additions to the bands in our development section. lan Bartram We wish to place on record our thanks for the work lan brought to the Ratby Daytime Band during his three year tenure with the band.
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 2025 which are set out herewith. Respective responsibilities of the trustees and examiner As the charity's trustees you are responsible 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 apply. It is our responsibiltiy to state, on the basis 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 ststement 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 an (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 of 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 and bye laws have not been met. . Sharman W.S.G on
Ratb Co-o erative Band Income Summa Year Ended 31 December 2025 2025 2024 Funday Christmas Concert and Joint Carol Events Concerts Member Subscriptions Contest Prizes Central England Co-operative- Grant Trips Donations and Grants Room Hire Building Grants and Donations Maud Elkington Grant John Corah Foundation Florence Turner Grant John Cawrey Donation Andrew Martin Trust 1,240 5,341 11,173 9,620 1,030 3,375 10,935 4,518 70 3,312 8,321 8,396 1,981 4,200 8,555 9,226 2,000 1,000 5,000 50,000 1,000 500 60,000 Lagan Homes Donation Thomas Stanley Shipman Trust Mary Robertson Trust Next PLC 2,000 3,000 1,500 30,000 Garfield Weston Foundation The George Ward Trust The Foyle Foundation 29 May 1961 Charity Bernard Sunley Foundation The Cadbury Trust Malcolm & Karen Pounder John & Jane Hauton Duncan & Toplis Kaye Root Fundraising Fundraising- 200 Club Fundraising- HMRC Fundraising- Youth Band Fundraising- Mid Band Fundraising- CD Sales Fundraising- Other Use of Van I nterest Received Sale of Merchandise 1,000 6,500 5,000 15,000 5,000 1,000 10,000 1,000 1,000 3,081 18,776 2,632 14,969 129 1,452 255 15 1,886 695 540 902 1,105 1,423 176,672 (64,746) 111,926 164,167 (57,997) 106,170 Less Expenditure Excess of Income over Expenditure
Ratb Co-o erative Band Ex enditure Summa Year Ended 31 December 2025 2025 2024 Tuition Fees Van Expenses Bandroom Upkeep Storage Costs Travel Expenses Printing, Postage, Stationery and Office Expenses Advertising Cost of instruments, Repairs, Uniforms and Music Registrations, Room Hire and Contest Entry Fees Insurances 200 Club Prizes Concert and Contest Expenses Open Day Catering Trip Expenses Merchandise Costs 29.490 3,873 4,493 1,200 1,410 380 26,085 2,190 3,079 314 46 1,940 1.707 1,278 1,525 5,532 1.125 8.762 1,775 1,892 1,278 1,450 5,240 12,097 353 Accountancy Donations 468 400 675 Legal and Professional Fees First Aid Course Sundry Expenses 500 1,760 205 183 38 64,746 57,997
Ratb Co-o erative Band Balance Sheet Year Ended 31 December 2025 2025 2024 FIXED ASSETS Land and Buildings 510,000 152,017 Fixtures, Fittings and Equipment Less accumulated depreciation 18,017 (17,788) 18,017 (17,748) 229 269 Instruments Less accumulated depreciation 231,477 (196,535) 231.477 (190,363) 34,942 41,114 Uniforms, Music and Stand Banners Less accumulated depreciation 39,259 (36,529) 39,259 (36,047) 2,730 3,212 Van Less accumulated depreciation 4,200 (2,844) 4,200 (2,605) 1,356 549,257 1,595 198,207 CURRENT ASSETS Stock of CD'S & Hoodies Cash at Bank Cash in Hand Debtors 503 503 16,800 844 113,109 280 293 Amounts paid in advance 748 744 19,188 114,636 CURRENT UABILITIES VAT Account 1,085 Additional Creditors 1,085 Net Current Assets 19,188 113,551 Total Assets less Current Liabilities 568,445 311,758 REPRESENTED BY Retained reserves as at l January 2025 Revaluation reserve Property revaluation Deduct depreciation/disposal of fixed assets Profit for the year Retained reserves as at 31 December 2025 246,093 65,665 151,694 (6,933) 111,926 568,445 148,075 65,665 (8,152) 106,170 311,758
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 15Yo NBV 15Yo NBV 15Yo NBV All future additions of a capital nature will be recognised in 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 £2,400 for her services. Transactions with trustees Mr. S. P. Plant, Mrs S. H. Newman and Mrj. A. Hauton incurred expenditure on behalf of the Charity during the year which have been reimbursed in full in 2025. Donations from Trustees Mr J. Cawrey and Mr J. Hauton donated towards the Bandroom Extension project.