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.