“...an amazing opportunity; an inspired idea...”
Annual Report and Financial Statements For the year ending 5[th] April 2025
Torbay and South Devon Music Centre[1] advancing music education for young people
The committee is pleased to present its report for the year ended 5[th] April 2025
Torbay and South Devon Music Centre has been supported by: Devon Music Education Hub La Motte Charitable trust Torquay Boys’ Grammar School Brixham C of E Primary School Oldway Primary School The Hill Family The Lee Family All our members and their parents; The music Centre wouldn’t happen without you. We thank them all.
1 “.... the chance to be part of music making at its best - with others..”
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Contents
Our Objectives - Why What We Do Matters ................................................................................... 4 Activities - What We Do .................................................................................................................. 7 Review of Developments and Achievements ................................................................................. 9 Rehearsals, Concerts and Events .............................................................................................. 9 Members .................................................................................................................................... 14 Staff……………………………………………………………………………………………..………..16 Volunteers…………………………………………………………………………………………….....17 The Clatsworthy Legacy……………………………………………………………………………….17 Conventions, Conferences and Training……………………………………………………………..17 Music Education Hubs………………………………………………………………….………………18 Financial Review - How We Spent Your Money…………………………………………………….19 Expenditure……………………………………………………………………………………………...20 Income……………………………………………………………………………………………………20 Our Reserves where we go next………………………………………………………………………21 Double Reed Playing…………………………………………………………………………………...21 Publicity and Communications…………………………………………………………………………21 Residential Weekends………………………………………………………………………………….22 The Committee and Trustees-Who We Are………………………………………………………….23 Governance - How We Work…………………………………………………………………………..25 Our Ethos………………………………………………………………………………………………...26 Risk Management ......................................................................................................................... 26 Independent examiner's report .................................................................................... Appendix 1-7
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Our Objectives - Why What We Do Matters
“Arts and music education are not merely ‘extras’, but central to who we are.” - Barack Obama
Music plays a key role in the lives of most people, particularly adolescents.
Evidence shows that children who experience high quality musical training have advantages across all school subjects and that participation in music
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enhances positive attitudes towards school, leading to
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higher attendance,
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increased motivation and
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improved behaviour.
The Music Centre provides an important, complementary service that encourages children to continue enjoying and benefitting from their playing.
We believe that group music making, amongst people of all backgrounds, offers the opportunity to
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engage in wider cultural experiences,
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explore new ideas,
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broaden experience and
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encourage tolerance.
Our data shows that some young people stay with us for as long as 10 years, demonstrating that The Music Centre is an important part of their lives through childhood and adolescence. Playing in an ensemble contributes to feelings of
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social inclusion,
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self-confidence and
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aspiration.
Our members learn about
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teamwork,
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communication and
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relating to others in a positive way.
But above all else, The Music Centre allows children to have fun.
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The National Plan for Music Education
“When young people make music together, they work toward a common goal that has the potential to change lives profoundly for the better.” - The National Plan for Music Education
Through its collaboration with the Devon and Torbay Music Education Hub, The Music Centre is engaged in delivering some aspects of the National Plan.
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In providing a variety of ensembles, we ensure that children have an opportunity to make music with others, and that music education is supported outside schools.
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Our concerts provide an opportunity for children to perform regularly.
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By offering ensembles of varying standard, we give children the opportunity to progress along clearly signposted routes.
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We guide young people to other live music making opportunities. More experienced members have played with county ensembles and with Torbay Symphony Orchestra.
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Our bursaries and subsidies help children from all backgrounds to learn to play, and to progress, by making our ensembles affordable.
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Older members provide inspiring role models for younger ones.
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We ensure all members can learn from specialist instrumental teachers, and that enhanced experiences are available through providing access to specialist ensembles and instruments.
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The use of specialists ensures that our teaching is of a high quality.
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Through us, Hubs can deliver an offer that reaches beyond school boundaries and draws on additional expertise.
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We allow children to experience a range of musical genres and activities and stretch their boundaries.
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We provide teaching and progression routes beyond what individual schools can offer. These experiences can be broader and more challenging.
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These opportunities are not one-offs; they allow for continuous and ongoing progression.
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Residential weekends and attendance at specialist events allow our members to benefit from expert tuition, and to experience high quality playing at large scale events, at prestigious venues and with professional musicians.
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Our feedback demonstrates that our members experience enjoyment and success through all their stages of musical learning.
And that’s what matters to us the most.
The objectives of the trust are established in our declaration of trust of 14[th] April 1998, as varied 22[nd] May 2012.
The trust’s purpose is the advancement of musical education in South Devon by the:
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promotion and support of music training; and
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staging of musical events for young people in the area.
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Activities - What We Do
Torbay and South Devon Music Centre operate under that name and as the Peninsula Clarinet Choir. We have approximately 90 members.
The Music Centre provides an opportunity for its members to enjoy playing their instruments and improve their musical skills by performing together. Orchestras and bands are led by experienced musicians and there are opportunities to play in concerts as well as weekly rehearsals. There are groups for players of all standards and all ages, though our focus is on the under 25s.
We also offer members the chance to try new and endangered instruments (such as piccolo, cor anglais, contrabass clarinet) and to become familiar with a greater range of musical styles.
Each term’s work culminates in a concert performance staged in front of a live audience. This allows all our students to play in separate ensembles and the full orchestra. Senior students experience participation in a high-quality musical production whilst the more junior members not only participate but are inspired to strive for future success and development. This year we have performed two concerts in The Centenary Hall at TBGS and one outdoor concert on The Terrace, The Old Manor House, TBGS.
Our groups have also participated on the Music Hub stage at The Devon County Show and have been involved with Music For Youth events in Birmingham’s Symphony Hall and The Royal Albert Hall, London.
Termly, each group presents a prize to the most deserving member and a “Young Musician of the Year Award” is presented to the member who has made the greatest contribution to The Music Centre overall.
This year it was given to Alistair Jamson and Grace Deam both from our Reed Ensemble and Orchestra who both leave us after many years of membership at Music Centre to go off to different universities. We wish them both well for their future studies and music making!
The Peninsula Clarinet Choir draws its membership from clarinet enthusiasts across the region, meeting approximately monthly at various venues. It also holds a residential weekend with a professional masterclass and recital; and attends the single reed day at Wells Cathedral School.
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Here they are on their annual residential in January 2025 at Pixies Halt, Dartmoor.
The committee is determined to ensure that as many young people as possible can access our service. To this end we
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operate a bursary system remitting subscriptions in cases of financial hardship,
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subsidise the cost of our residential weekends; and
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have adopted an equal opportunities policy.
Everyone is welcome[2] at The Music Centre without regard to gender, religion, sexuality, or ethnicity.
Low Membership Fees for beginner musicians.
Low membership fees are also important to us. The Music Centre is pleased to implement a scheme to support free membership for those in receipt of free school meals, funded by Devon Music Education Hub. It has also made it possible to offer subsidised membership of Fast Forward groups (for very young musicians) for £30 a term.
Membership for more advanced groups is £45 per term with siblings charged at the lower £30 rate.
2 “...giving children of all ages and abilities the chance to take part.”
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Review of Developments and Achievements
Rehearsals, Concerts and Events
Summer Term 2024
The Devon County Show 2024
The Peninsula Clarinet Choir performed at the Devon County Show despite the torrential rain with a great
programme and super sound. Well done PCC for keeping the music going no matter what!
MFY Event July 2024
Our Youth Strings, after going to the regional event in March, were invited to play at the Symphony Hall in Birmingham for the MFY National Festival. Here they are backstage before going on to perform. A great experience for all of them and they did TSDMC proud!
Summer Term Concert 2024
The weather was not dry enough for us to play outside for our outdoor end of ‘ j 7 f; summer term concert on the terrace at i SN4 : = i) TBGS in July. So, we used our wet weather plan and moved into the Centenary Hall instead. Highlights included the violins from Oldway Primary joining our Fast Forward group and a percussion solo by Arthur. With all our ensembles playing it was a fantastic celebration of all the hard work this year by all at TSDMC.
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Mid Summer Music Event 2024
This sucessful event again enabled children of 7-18 years to come to try orchestral instruments with our tutors giving workshops and master classes on each of the four instrument families. We had 32 children over the 2 day event. We also had some of our current members joining in, helping out with the workshops and performing in the master classes
Autumn Term 2024
Highlights of the Autumn Term Concert at the end of November were Fast Forward groups being joined by Kings Ash Academy violins, and musicians from every group at TSDMC playing together in an orchestra that would then play at the Royal Albert Hall in the Music for Youth Proms. This was on top of all our groups playing a great programme of pieces from a wide range of composers and music genres.
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Jazz Workshop November 2024
Our last week of term was a wonderful workshop to explore Jazz music. We worked with professional musicians Vincent Touret and Joshua Cusworth and welcomed non-members in to join us.
Vincent specialised in street music after graduating in trombone in a classical conservatoire in France. For 20 years he has created numerous joyful street bands with children, with teenagers and with amateur adults alongside touring with the pro Latin street band La Belle Image Fanfare.
Now living in England, he joined the creatives street bands Tongues of Fire and Little Big Horns, runs the Big Friendly Street Band in primary school and some street music workshops about playing together, improvising, welcoming all ages and abilities to make some joyful big sounds!
London based Joshua Cusworth started playing trumpet at the age of 7. During his time as a Drapers Company Scholar at the Royal College of music, he studied classical trumpet with Kate Moore, Jason Evans, Mark Calder, and Dan Newell, jazz trumpet with Mark Armstrong, and Martin Shaw, and baroque trumpet with Paul Sharp.
He has performed many venues in the UK and abroad. His biggest achievements so far playing alongside the world-renowned trumpeter Hakan Hardenberger in a double trumpet concerto with London Symphony Orchestra as well as playing with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London. Alongside performing, Joshua holds an ABRSM diploma in Trumpet teaching, working with the Tri-Borough Music Hub, InDeep Music Therapy and Royal College of Music Sparks Programme to deliver successful private trumpet lessons and workshops to people of all ages.
Music for Youth (MFY) Proms 2025 Create Project
Music for Youth is a national youth music charity working with young people aged 25 and under across the UK. Their vision is to ensure that every young person in the UK can achieve their musical potential by performing the music they love. They believe that music, and the chance to participate in high-quality musical activities, should be open to every young person.
On Wednesday 27[th] November 2024 TSDMC took two coaches of their musicians and their families and went to London to play at the Royal Albert Hall in the Creative Project pieces. Our members ranged from 7-25 years old. Musicians from every group at Music Centre were involved. Some of our members had never been to London before and here they were playing in such an iconic performance venue with other young musicians from all over the UK.
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What an amazing day. Thank you so much! The Royal Albert Hall was incredible, and it was a great experience to be there…It was the best day of my life. – A note from one of TSDMC aged 8.
Spring Term 2025
World Music Workshop February 2025 The second of our Exploring Music workshops was all about World Music. We worked with local professional musician Lynton Forster with his handmade Handpans and our own Tom Deam and Colin Bellworthy on rhythms from around the world.
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Spring Term Concert March 2025
The Spring term concert highlights included solos from Arthur and Isabella on the xylophone, Samara on the violin, and a family trio of John on cello, Max on violin and their dad Marios on piano. Peninsula Clarinet Choir shared their music with the rest of Music Centre, and all our groups showed their hard work and enjoyment of music making. Fast Forward and the Orchestra joined together to play Milestones a classic jazz piece in the final section of the concert with the orchestra finishing with the Great Escape by Elmer Bernstein.
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Members
Involving as many young people as possible in our work has long been a priority for the committee and we are determined to see our membership increase.
Fast Forward[3]
To this end we have undertaken a number of projects, including satellite groups, to reach out to primary schools in the Bay. The Music Centre has built on the success of the established “Fast Forward” group aimed at primary school children. This group has attracted very young people, learning to play musical instruments for the first time. We have been delighted to welcome these new members both to weekly rehearsals and to the termly concerts where they have done themselves proud.
This year this took the form of an Orchestra for All, based on our existing Fast Forward group, now held on Tuesdays after school from 4-5pm at Oldway Primary School in Paignton and our Thursdays after school in Brixham C of E Primary. These children joined together with the Fast Forward group from Music Centre to perform in the Summer, Autumn and Spring concerts. We continue to build on these numbers.
We are also pleased to report that a number of these younger students have progressed sufficiently to become full members of The Music Centre and join more advanced groups.
We have members from over 25 different local schools, (primary and secondary) and children who are home educated. We have members who play with Devon Youth Music Groups and with the National Youth Orchestra
As always, our members continue to impress. Congratulations to all those who passed grade exams this year including:
Arthur (drum kit), Rosie (piano), Imogen (flute), Cora Mae (piano and trombone), Will (violin), Benji (trombone), Bertie (theory), Thomas (trombone), Hannah (cello), Henry (French Horn), Max (violin), Dylan (violin), Samson (tuned percussion), Isabella (tuned percussion).
Communication with all our members continues to be key. We have continued to develop our online membership forms and emails and social media have proved invaluable to the continuation of our
3 “We really enjoy being part of the Music Centre family.”
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provision. Future online communication and website development will be part of our plans looking forward.
Adult participation in centre activities continues, with appropriate regard to our safeguarding policy. The presence of adults strengthens the family atmosphere of the Centre, using work skills to benefit the charity. The committee is grateful for time and effort given.
Alumni News
Our congratulations and best wishes also go to former members
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Jack Oades (violin), who was the winner of the Buckfast Abbey Millennium Composition Competition;
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Ellie Kendall (flute and sax), who, as part of her master’s degree, has played with the Gothenburg and Helsingborg Symphony Orchestras.
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Jake Downs (viola), continuing doctoral musicology research at Sheffield University.
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Jason Hill (clarinet), graduating with a master’s in orchestral performance at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, and performing with the National Orchestra of Wales; Now plays with Barndon Hill
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Sophie Williams (cello), at the Royal Welsh College, studying music.
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Sebastian Boot (clarinet), graduated in music at Cardiff University; Sebastian Boot (Clarinet), one of our past Young Musician of the Year composed and then conducted music at the Peninsula Clarinet Choir residential 2022.
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Poppy Bell (violin), now in the Royal Marines Band Service.
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Hannah Capstick (flute), now studying music at the University of Oxford.
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Hannah Spear (flute) studying music at Royal Holloway, University of London.
“As a previous member of the Music Centre, attending for 8 years, I am full of gratitude for all the Music Centre has done to further and encourage my musical education.” – Hannah Capstick
Our best wishes go to all those who are applying to university this year and wish them every success in their studies and music making.
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Staff[4]
The trustees are convinced of the importance of recruiting and retaining highly qualified staff, who are as passionate about music education as the committee itself.
| Brass Ensemble | Hannah Spooner BMus(hons) GRNCM PGCE (secondary music) |
|---|---|
| Percussion Ensemble | Colin Bellworthy BMus(Hons) ATCL LTCL FTCL |
| Fast Forward Group (for very young musicians) |
Tom Deam BA(Hons) PGCE Dip.ABRSM |
| Flute Choir | Claire Hindle BA(Hons) |
| Reed Choir | Marina Kummer BA(Hons) Cert.Ed. |
| Concert Orchestra | Helen Wills ALCM Suzuki Level 2 |
| Youth Strings | Goska Kosmaczewska BA(Hons) |
| Youth Orchestra | Moira Devonport BEd (Hons) |
| Fast Forward Orchestra for All Oldway and Brixham |
Sharon Cusworth BEd(Hons) Mark Farrin BA Moira Devonport BEd (Hons) |
| Peninsula Clarinet Choir | Marina Kummer BA(Hons) Cert.Ed Graeme Hardman BA(Hons) PGCE |
Marina Kummer is an established arranger and has a body of works in print.
As Faculty Leader for Creative Media at Brixham College, Graeme Hardman is an experienced classroom teacher and musician.
Tom Deam is a member of the Gustav Benzel Hot Club, a Gypsy Jazz / Klezmer band. He also once played fiddle for a colony of seals.
Marina Kummer plays with Torbay Symphony Orchestra and Moira Devonport is a member of Exeter Symphony Orchestra.
We would like to thank the staff for their unfailing professionalism and good-natured
support throughout the year, and hope they are looking forward to the next one as much as we are.
4 “The dedication of the staff is wonderful…”
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Volunteers
Our volunteers play a vital role in the life of The Music Centre and the trustees are very grateful for all the support they receive:
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The members of the committee are an invaluable sounding board;
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Our external advisors provide expert opinion;
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The first aiders help keep our members safe;
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Our team of concert volunteers sell tickets and provide refreshments, helping create the inclusive and welcoming atmosphere that our members enjoy.
All our volunteers are a source of enthusiasm and inspiration. The trustees couldn’t manage without them, and we thank them all for their important contribution. More volunteers are always welcome.
The Clatworthy Legacy
In 2014, The Music Centre was very pleased to be awarded £7,000 from the estate of the late Mr Henry Clatworthy. This sum is dedicated to promoting the playing of the oboe, and related instruments, and to this end The Music Centre[5] provides a specialist teacher to give subsidised tuition. We are actively looking for children to take up double reed instruments.
Conventions, Conferences and Training
TSDMC was represented at the Devon and Torbay Music Conference held at Buckfast Abbey Conference Centre and flyers were given to participating music teachers from across the area. Training has been undertaken on communications, safeguarding and website management. Music Centre continues to invest in DBS checks this year, not only making sure staff are checked but all of our trustees who are present at Music Centre as well. As we believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
5 “...what an asset we have in South Devon!” - Stover School
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Music Education Hubs
Following the restructuring of the local Music Hubs, we have been glad to continue our collaboration with the Devon Music Education Hub, working as one of their delivery (Hub-Supported) partners. This relationship is strengthened by our staff member, Tom Deam being part of the board of the Hub.
The trustees would like to record their thanks to the Music Education Hub for all their support. We look forward to further collaboration in the years to come.
Background information on:
Devon Music Education Hub works with schools, music educators and a range of local, regional and national partner organisations to provide an inclusive, diverse and relevant music education offer for all children and young people. As part of a network of Music Education Hubs across England, we are supported using public funding from the DfE and Arts Council England.
Devon County Council is the Hub Lead Organisation (HLO) for Devon Music Education Hub, which covers the upper tier local authority areas of Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. As the HLO, we are tasked with delivering the vision, aims and strategic functions of the National Plan for Music Education, and responsible for reporting to DfE and Arts Council England.
Devon Music Education Hub Advisory Board
Devon Music Education Hub Advisory Board provides strategic direction and ensures the Hub is fulfilling its Vision, Mission and Objectives, as well as ensuring the statutory governance requirements set out in the Arts Council England Relationship Framework are fulfilled.
Hub-supported partners
Devon Music Education Hub-supported partners are organisations delivering or enabling music education opportunities for children and young people in Devon, Plymouth and Torbay. They are valued as part of the rich music education ecosystem that contribute to the delivery of the Hub’s Local Plan for Music Education.
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Financial Review - How We Spent Your Money
Expenditure
Our total expenditure for the year was £50479, slightly more than in the previous year.
As ever, staffing and premises costs form the bulk of our expenditure. We pride ourselves on the quality of our teaching, management and musicianship and make no excuse for the sums we spend. Our staff are our greatest asset.
The committee would like to thank Moira for her tireless work and all our staff for their patience during the course of the year.
Of course, our staff need a venue in which to work and, as always, premises hire has been a significant expense, this year amounting to £3938. This is a reduction due to a change of the Brixham venue and events held this year.
Of the £960 spent on administration, governance and insurance, half of this cost is insurance. We appreciate the importance of protecting our members, the public and the charity’s assets and take expert advice to ensure we have appropriate cover.
We increased our spending by worked with some amazing professional musicians on top of our fantastic regular professional staff this year. This enabled us to continue to provide even more outstanding musical experiences for our members and other local young people.
Income
Our total income for the year was £51137, with grants and donations (£31533) and members’ subscriptions (£13414) our principal sources of funds. The committee has highlighted the lack of diversity in our income streams and addressing this risk to the charity continues to be a major focus in our risk management strategy.
The use of the gift aid scheme provides a welcome boost to our finances, and we encourage our members to sign up to the scheme whenever possible.
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Our Reserves - Where We Go Next
The trust holds both restricted and unrestricted reserves as detailed in the financial statements.
Unrestricted funds are held to:
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meet costs arising at short notice, such as instrument repairs;
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cover ongoing costs incurred in running Music Centre and the Clarinet Choir, including staff fees and premises hire; and
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meet the costs of projects as directed by the trustees.
Restricted reserves have been given to meet specific areas of expenditure as described in the financial statements.
The charity holds total reserves of £94978 of which £7101 are restricted. The movement on and size of the reserves are described in the financial statements. Reserves are utilised as and when volunteers become available to undertake projects, with no fixed timescale.
Operating Costs
The trustees decided to hold our operating costs reserve at £27k to meet potential, unfunded operating costs. This represents 2 terms' costs and is intended to provide a financial breathing space if external funding is withdrawn.
Peninsula Clarinet Choir
Peninsula Clarinet Choir is expected to be financially self-supporting and generates, and spends, its own funds under the umbrella of The Music Centre.
Double Reed Playing
The Clatworthy legacy of £7101 will continue to provide opportunities for double reed playing.
Publicity and Communications
The committee is very aware that the members are the lifeblood of our organisation and that attracting new young musicians is vital. Accordingly, we set aside £3k to fund improvements to our literature and other publicity vehicles. Building on previous investments we will be looking at refreshing the website and promotional videos to be used on social media, at conferences and in schools over the next year.
Refreshing this reserve will be considered at forthcoming trustees’ meetings, taking account of the current needs.
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Residential Weekends
Residential weekends provide a welcome and valuable opportunity for members to spend time with like-minded friends and to focus on their playing for extended periods. They are also a forum in which young musicians can learn from, and interact with, professional players in an informal environment. The committee is keen to support these events and make them accessible to as many students as possible.
In order to make our reserves work as hard as possible for us, the committee has invested £20k in an ethical fund managed by a specialist provider. The choice of amount and the nature of the fund reflects the trustees’ investment policy: £20k is sufficient to increase the diversity of our assets, without incurring excessive risk. The investment continues to increase and at present is £32751.
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The Committee and Trustees - Who We Are
The Music Centre committee has a number of different elements, all working together for the furtherance of the charity’s aims. The ethos has always been one of inclusive, happy and equal collaboration, something for which the trustees are very grateful.
The members of the committee during the year were:
| Chair and trustee | Lisa Portch |
|---|---|
| Treasurer and trustee | Martin Hill DipPFS |
| Member and trustee | Elizabeth James BA(Hons) PGCE |
| Member and trustee | Marie Tanton M.Litt |
| Member and trustee | Dr Anne Fairey BM FRCP FFPM |
| Member and trustee | Katherine Amy |
| Member and trustee | Sean Hindle |
| Member and parent representative | David Spear |
| Member and Student representative | Daniel Spear |
| Member and Manager | Moira Devonport BEd (Hons) |
| Member and primary education representative | Louise DarvidBA(Hons) PGCE |
| Member and staff representative | Marina Kummer BA(Hons) Cert.Ed. |
| Member and secondary education representative |
Graeme Hardman BA(Hons) PGCE |
The committee devises the strategic direction of the trust, and the manager works under the direction of the committee. However, all responsibility for the management and conduct of the charity rests with the trustees alone.[6]
Committee members advise the trustees in their decision making, bringing a wider range of views and professional opinion to the table. No formal roles are assigned to committee members in recognition of their other responsibilities, away from The Music Centre, but their support is invaluable.
Trustees are appointed at a special meeting, serving for a period of three years. In making new appointments, the existing trustees take into account the residence, employment, occupation and specialist knowledge or personal qualifications of each candidate.
6 “...well led and managed and offers excellent progression opportunities…”
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All the trustees and committee members give their time for free and no remuneration or expenses are paid to them. As a committee, we are always pleased to receive expressions of interest and are happy to discuss membership further.
Advisors
Safeguarding[7] Christine Franklin BA (Hons) Diploma in Psychology Devon Music Education Hub Lead Lewis Gibbs Insurance Making Music Making Music is the trading name of the National Federation of Music Societies, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales no. 308632. Registered charity in England and Wales no. 249219 and in Scotland no. SC038849. Banking Lloyds TSB plc Independent Examiner Michael Walkden MAAT, Walkden Accountancy Services
7 “...secure and positive…”
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Governance - How We Work
Contact details:
Web http://tsdmc.org.uk Email torbayandsouthdevonmusiccentre@gmail.com Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TSDMusicCentre Instagram torbaymusiccentre Telephone 07862 922739 Post c/o Torquay Boys’ Grammar School, Shiphay Manor Drive, Torquay, TQ2 7EL
Legal Status
Torbay and South Devon Music Centre is a charitable trust, constituted by deed, and registered with the Charity Commission and HM Revenue and Customs.
Other Memberships, Affiliations and Registrations
Arts Council England National Council for Voluntary Organisations Making Music LawWorks National Centre for Diversity Musicians Union Sound Connections Music for Youth
Both the treasurer and manager report to the committee at each meeting, where members review the financial position and day-to-day running of The Music Centre. An annual budget is agreed at the start of each new financial year and used to monitor both income and expenditure as that year unfolds. The committee members make extensive use of Charity Commission guidance, and other resources, to inform their discussions and ensure they are acting in accordance with best practice and the public benefit.
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Our Ethos
The committee has considered and adopted the seven principles of standards in public life or 'Nolan Principles'. These are:
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selflessness : Committee members have a duty to act in the best interest of the organisation as a whole. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, their friends or the organisations they come from or represent;
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integrity : Committee members should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their duties;
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objectivity : In carrying out their duties, including making appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, committee members should make choices on merit;
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accountability : Committee members are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public, funders and service users. They must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their role;
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openness : Committee members should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands;
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honesty : Committee members have a duty to declare any interests relating to their role and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in favour of their trustee role; and
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leadership : Committee members should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.
(Source: National Council for Voluntary Organisations)
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Risk Management
The trustees are responsible for identifying and managing risks faced by The Music Centre and are assisted in this by the committee and external advisors. At present, the areas of highest risk are considered to be:
| risk | mitigated by |
| Safeguarding – As young people, our beneficiaries are vulnerable, and this is an ongoing risk we face. The committee fully appreciates the importance of maintaining best practice in this area. |
Involvement of a qualified practitioner to advise the committee. In 2018, we undertook an in-depth review of our policy and procedures, which produced more detailed protocols. These have been communicated to both staff, beneficiaries and their parents. This is updated annually, and all staff and trustees are expected to keep up to date with policies and procedures as safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Safeguarding is also a standing item on our meeting agendas, to ensure that any issues arising are identified and addressed as soon as possible. |
| Over dependency on public funding – Public funding is subject to unpredictable changes in policy and direction, which are beyond our control. |
The committee believes in taking a holistic and proactive approach to promoting the future viability of the charity. We have implemented a reserves policy which allows for the possibility that funding will be withdrawn. We are also actively pursuing alternative sources of income, including applying to grant making trusts. In tandem with this, the committee is building up expertise in the areas of impact measurement and evidence gathering. These tools should aid us in demonstrating our worth to current and potential supporters. |
| Trustee recruitment - We are conscious that, as a small body, our pool of resources is limited, and that succession planning is problematic. |
Following successful appeals, we recruited two new trustees to join us in 2024. They bring welcome expertise in charity governance and in accountancy. We will be appealing for more trustees this year. |
All areas of significant risk are addressed on an annual basis. During the course of the year, the committee also considered the following issues:
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communication with funders and supporters
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stakeholder feedback, including improved dialogue with our staff
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promoting the playing of ‘endangered instruments’
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evidencing the charity’s work and the helpfulness of measuring outcomes
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data protection, the use of digital technology and online safety
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conflicts of interest
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progression and continuation following on from a child’s first access to music education
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the security of charity assets
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their policy on reserves.
External Scrutiny
The Music Centre was subject to evaluation by staff from the Devon Music Education Hub who concluded that,
‘With a well-established weekly music centre, providing a variety of ensemble and progression activities, a strong offer is in place for children and young people drawn from schools across Torbay, South Devon and as far as Plymouth and Cornwall. An experienced team of specialist instrumental teachers provide high quality experiences, with many students progressing to an advanced level of ability and some choosing to pursue music further through county groups and/or further studies.’
Statement of the Responsibilities of the Trustees
The trustees are required to comply with their obligations under the Charities Act 2011 and the declaration of trust to
-
keep accounting records;
-
prepare annual statements of account;
-
present these statements for audit or independent examination;
-
prepare an annual report; and
-
provide the Charity Commissioners with such information as is required by law.
27
Gift Aid
| Every £1 a UK taxpayer pays in membership subscriptions |
allows The Music Centre to claim 25p from the taxman, providing you sign a gift aid declaration. |
| This costs you nothing | but earns us £2-3k each year, which goes towards paying for our premises. |
| Please sign up if you can |
|
How You Can Help
| Donate | All donations, large and small, are always welcome and help us maintain financial sustainability. |
| Volunteer | We can always use more help, particularly at concerts. |
| Join the committee | An informal commitment where you can contribute as much or little as you feel able. |
| Become a trustee | We meet 6 times a year and attendance is expected of trustees. We lighten the load by making the meetings as sociable and informal as possible. |
If you would like to know more about us and our work, please speak to Moira.
Public Benefit
The trustees confirm that they have had due regard to the Charity Commission guidance on public benefit when determining the activities of the trust.
28
Basis of Preparation
This report has been prepared in accordance with the Charities Act 2011.
Lisa Porch Martin Hill DipPFS Chair Treasurer 22nd January 2025 22nd January 2025
For and on behalf of the committee.
We are [8]
8 “Fantastic!”
29
|
Torbay and South Devon Music Centre
Independent Examiner's Report
|
| | |
Independent Examiner's Report
| report to the accounts of the trust for the year ended 5th April 2025, which are set out on pages 3 to 7:
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusal items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
-
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention whoch gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
¢ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met;
-
or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: M\iclhnae\ Wolkden mMAAT Nyesalos—— Date: OU (02/26
Page 2
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ending 5th April 2025
|
==> picture [451 x 410] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes|Unrestriced|Restricted|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Income|
|Grants|and|Donations|2|31,533|-|31,533|20,766|
|Members|Subscriptions|3|13,414|-|13,414|15,183|
|Concert|proceeds|2,346|-|2,346|2,147|
|Event|income|3,542|3,542|-|
|Sundries|302|.|302|379|
|Expenditure|
|Tuition|costs|24,393|-|24,393|22,948|
|Manager's|fee|14,237|-|14,237|14,179|
|Premises|Hire|3,938|-|3,938|4,158|
|Event|expenses|3,980|3,980|-|
|Administration|468|-|468|739|
|Insurance|492|-|492|602|
|Working|with|Professional|Musicians|2,821|-|2,821|1,616|
|Governance|-|-|-|47|
|Repairs|and|Music|Consumables|-|-|-|-|
|Instrument|purchase|-|-|.|950|
|Sheet|Music|&|Hire|150|-|150|159|
|Net|movement|in|cash|funds|657|-|657|(6,923)|
|Cash|funds|b/fwd|45,944|7,101|53,045|59,968|
|Cash|funds c/fwd|46,601|7,101|53,702|53,045|
----- End of picture text -----
Page 3
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
|
==> picture [447 x 179] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes|Unrestriced|Restricted|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Cash|funds|
|Cash|at|Bank|46,601|7,101|53,702|53,045|
|Investment|CCLA|8|32,751|-|32,751|31,850|
|Total|cash|funds|79,352|7,101|86,453|84,895|
|Postage|Stamps|-|-|-|25|
|Tuck|Shop|Stock|70|-|70|70|
|Fixed|Assets|held|for|own|use|7|8,454|-|8,454|i744.|
|TOTAL ASSETS|87,877|7,101|94,978|92,702|
----- End of picture text -----
|
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
Lisa Portch (Chairman) 2025
Martin Hill DipPFS (Treasurer) 2025
|
|
Page 4
Notes to the accounts
as Accounting Policies
These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis, under the historic cost convention and in accordance with the relevant sections of the Charities Act 2011. The accounting policies have been applies consistently throughout the current and previous periods.
Depreciation
Provision for depreciation of fixed assets is made at the following rates based on the estimated useful life of these assets and their residual value. Assets are not depreciated in the year of purchase:
Instruments 5% of cost per annum Vehicles and other equipment 25% of cost per annum
Tuck shop stocks
|
Stocks for resale and valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Unrestricted and restricted funds
Unrestricted funds consist of the general purposes fund and designated funds. Designated funds are funds established by the committee from time to time for specific projects or | purposes and are not in any way restricted. Any surplus or deficit will be transferred to/from the general purposes fund when the designated fund is closed. Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by the donors or by the purposes of the appeal.
2; Grants and Donations
==> picture [357 x 73] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
Grants 31,323 20,641
Donations 210 125
31,533 20,766
----- End of picture text -----
Page 5
3 Subscriptions
The priority of the committee was to encourage as many young people as possible to come to music centre. This year holding extra workshops to explore different styles of music and worked with Music For Youth (MFY).
We charged subscriptions for 3 full terms in 2024-25.
4. Concert Proceeds
Concert proceeds were higher for this year due in part to reintroduction of resfreshments for audience members and performers at events, and WCET local school musician group participation after tuition which is included in these accounts.
4 Tuition Costs
Total Tuition costs
==> picture [104 x 41] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
24,393 22,948
----- End of picture text -----
Tuition costs have increased this year due to additional workshops and events in the year.
6. Employees
There were no employees during the year (2024: none).
Page 6
¢ Fixed Assets
| Instruments | Otherequipment | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| As at 6 April 2024 | 15,143 | 1,437 | 16,580 |
| Additions | 1,500 | - | 1,500 |
| Disposals | - | . | . |
| As at 5 April 2025 | 16,643 | 1,437 | 18,080 |
| Depreciation | |||
| As at 6 April 2024 | 7,432 | 1,437 | 8,869 |
| Depreciation Charge | 757 | - | 757 |
| Eliminated on disposal | . | ||
| As at 5 April 2025 | 8,189 | 1,437 | 9,626 |
| Net Book Value | |||
| As at 6 April 2024 | iW ph | - | ais |
| Asat5April2025 | 8,454 | . | 8,454 |
The purchase in the year relates to percussion donated and therefore does not form part of the income and expenditure which is based on cash movements.
8. Investments
| 2024 | Movement | 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCLA | Investment | 31,850 | 901 | 32,751 |
The CCLA investment has been revalued at the year end at the closing bid price as at 5th April 2025. The amount is unrestricted.
9. Committee Expenses and Benefits
Moira Devonport and Graeme Hardman were remunerated for their work as members of staff. No other payments were made to committee members.
|
Torbay and South Devon Music Centre
Independent Examiner's Report
|
| | |
Independent Examiner's Report
| report to the accounts of the trust for the year ended 5th April 2025, which are set out on pages 3 to 7:
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The charity's trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts. The charity's trustees consider that an audit is not required for this year under section 144(2) of the Charities Act 2011 (the 2011 Act) and that an independent examination is needed.
It is my responsibility to:
-
examine the accounts under section 145 of the 2011 Act;
-
to follow the procedures laid down in the general directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the 2011 Act; and
-
to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner's report
My examination was carried out in accordance with the general directions given by the Charity Commission. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with those records. It also includes consideration of any unusal items or disclosures in the accounts, and seeking explanations from you as trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and consequently no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair view' and the report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below.
Independent examiner's statement
-
In connection with my examination, no matter has come to my attention whoch gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
-
to keep accounting records in accordance with section 130 of the 2011 Act; and
-
¢ to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the accounting requirements of the 2011 Act have not been met;
-
or to which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Name: M\iclhnae\ Wolkden mMAAT Nyesalos—— Date: OU (02/26
Page 2
Income and Expenditure Account for the Year Ending 5th April 2025
|
==> picture [451 x 410] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes|Unrestriced|Restricted|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Income|
|Grants|and|Donations|2|31,533|-|31,533|20,766|
|Members|Subscriptions|3|13,414|-|13,414|15,183|
|Concert|proceeds|2,346|-|2,346|2,147|
|Event|income|3,542|3,542|-|
|Sundries|302|.|302|379|
|Expenditure|
|Tuition|costs|24,393|-|24,393|22,948|
|Manager's|fee|14,237|-|14,237|14,179|
|Premises|Hire|3,938|-|3,938|4,158|
|Event|expenses|3,980|3,980|-|
|Administration|468|-|468|739|
|Insurance|492|-|492|602|
|Working|with|Professional|Musicians|2,821|-|2,821|1,616|
|Governance|-|-|-|47|
|Repairs|and|Music|Consumables|-|-|-|-|
|Instrument|purchase|-|-|.|950|
|Sheet|Music|&|Hire|150|-|150|159|
|Net|movement|in|cash|funds|657|-|657|(6,923)|
|Cash|funds|b/fwd|45,944|7,101|53,045|59,968|
|Cash|funds c/fwd|46,601|7,101|53,702|53,045|
----- End of picture text -----
Page 3
Statement of Assets and Liabilities
|
==> picture [447 x 179] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Notes|Unrestriced|Restricted|2025|2024|
|£|£|£|£|
|Cash|funds|
|Cash|at|Bank|46,601|7,101|53,702|53,045|
|Investment|CCLA|8|32,751|-|32,751|31,850|
|Total|cash|funds|79,352|7,101|86,453|84,895|
|Postage|Stamps|-|-|-|25|
|Tuck|Shop|Stock|70|-|70|70|
|Fixed|Assets|held|for|own|use|7|8,454|-|8,454|i744.|
|TOTAL ASSETS|87,877|7,101|94,978|92,702|
----- End of picture text -----
|
Approved by the trustees and signed on their behalf
Lisa Portch (Chairman) 2025
Martin Hill DipPFS (Treasurer) 2025
|
|
Page 4
Notes to the accounts
as Accounting Policies
These accounts have been prepared on a receipts and payments basis, under the historic cost convention and in accordance with the relevant sections of the Charities Act 2011. The accounting policies have been applies consistently throughout the current and previous periods.
Depreciation
Provision for depreciation of fixed assets is made at the following rates based on the estimated useful life of these assets and their residual value. Assets are not depreciated in the year of purchase:
Instruments 5% of cost per annum Vehicles and other equipment 25% of cost per annum
Tuck shop stocks
|
Stocks for resale and valued at the lower of cost and net realisable value.
Unrestricted and restricted funds
Unrestricted funds consist of the general purposes fund and designated funds. Designated funds are funds established by the committee from time to time for specific projects or | purposes and are not in any way restricted. Any surplus or deficit will be transferred to/from the general purposes fund when the designated fund is closed. Restricted funds are funds subject to specific restrictions imposed by the donors or by the purposes of the appeal.
2; Grants and Donations
==> picture [357 x 73] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
Grants 31,323 20,641
Donations 210 125
31,533 20,766
----- End of picture text -----
Page 5
3 Subscriptions
The priority of the committee was to encourage as many young people as possible to come to music centre. This year holding extra workshops to explore different styles of music and worked with Music For Youth (MFY).
We charged subscriptions for 3 full terms in 2024-25.
4. Concert Proceeds
Concert proceeds were higher for this year due in part to reintroduction of resfreshments for audience members and performers at events, and WCET local school musician group participation after tuition which is included in these accounts.
4 Tuition Costs
Total Tuition costs
==> picture [104 x 41] intentionally omitted <==
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
24,393 22,948
----- End of picture text -----
Tuition costs have increased this year due to additional workshops and events in the year.
6. Employees
There were no employees during the year (2024: none).
Page 6
¢ Fixed Assets
| Instruments | Otherequipment | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | |||
| As at 6 April 2024 | 15,143 | 1,437 | 16,580 |
| Additions | 1,500 | - | 1,500 |
| Disposals | - | . | . |
| As at 5 April 2025 | 16,643 | 1,437 | 18,080 |
| Depreciation | |||
| As at 6 April 2024 | 7,432 | 1,437 | 8,869 |
| Depreciation Charge | 757 | - | 757 |
| Eliminated on disposal | . | ||
| As at 5 April 2025 | 8,189 | 1,437 | 9,626 |
| Net Book Value | |||
| As at 6 April 2024 | iW ph | - | ais |
| Asat5April2025 | 8,454 | . | 8,454 |
The purchase in the year relates to percussion donated and therefore does not form part of the income and expenditure which is based on cash movements.
8. Investments
| 2024 | Movement | 2025 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCLA | Investment | 31,850 | 901 | 32,751 |
The CCLA investment has been revalued at the year end at the closing bid price as at 5th April 2025. The amount is unrestricted.
9. Committee Expenses and Benefits
Moira Devonport and Graeme Hardman were remunerated for their work as members of staff. No other payments were made to committee members.