Dark Peak Music Foundation Annual Report 2024/25
Overview
2024/25 has been a strong and positive year for Dark Peak Music Foundation, with continued growth across ensembles, stable finances, and a number of successful performances and initiatives. The organisation remains in good health both musically and organisationally, supported by committed trustees, musical directors, and volunteers.
Musical Activity and Participation
All ensembles reported good or improving health, with several noting growth in numbers and musical standards. The Concert Band and Orchestra continue to perform at a high level, with strong leadership emerging from within the groups and younger players progressing into more advanced roles. Junior and Intermediate ensembles remain vibrant, with steady recruitment and good progression routes between groups.
Junior Strings has reached its largest size to date, reflecting successful recruitment efforts. The Choir has had a particularly successful year, with plans to develop separate junior and senior groups to support musical progression. Activity in Chinley and outreach settings has stabilised following venue changes, with continued local engagement and modest growth.
Overall, the Foundation continues to provide a coherent pathway for young musicians, from beginner to advanced level.
Performances and Projects
The year included a strong programme of concerts across ensembles, including joint performances and community events. Collaboration with Glossop Music Festival included workshops and performances with visiting artists. A successful tour was widely regarded as a musical and organisational high point of the year.
New ideas have been developed for future projects, including a 25th anniversary concert and commissioned work. OOPS (the community orchestra) continues to play an important role in adult participation, with successful concerts and strong musical progress, although some improvements in organisation and communication have been identified.
Community and Volunteering
The Foundation continues to benefit from a committed and expanding volunteer base. The Friends group has become more active and better coordinated, particularly around concerts and events. Efforts have been made to recruit and support volunteers, including social events and improved communication channels.
Parents and volunteers remain central to delivery, particularly in concert organisation and logistics. Community engagement remains a core strength of the organisation.
Finance
The financial position for 2024/25 is stable and positive. The budget is reported to be in good shape, with no major concerns regarding expenditure or balance. Previous timing issues around grant income have been resolved in-year, clarifying the underlying position. Both the main organisation and OOPS are operating on a sustainable basis.
This provides a solid platform for future planning.
Governance and Organisation
During the year, trustees began to consider how to strengthen governance and organisational effectiveness. A governance review has been proposed to ensure trustees, staff, and volunteers are aligned and able to contribute effectively. The appointment of a new trustee strengthens the board’s skills and capacity.
There is a growing focus on sharing workload, improving communication, and supporting staff and volunteers. This work will continue into 2025/26.
Looking Ahead
Key priorities for the coming year include planning and delivery of the 25th anniversary celebrations, including a major concert and new commissioned work; development of the 2026 tour programme; strengthening governance and trustee engagement; and continuing to grow participation across ensembles.
Conclusion
Dark Peak Music Foundation remains a thriving, community-focused organisation, delivering high-quality musical opportunities for young people and adults. The combination of strong musical leadership, committed
volunteers, and careful financial management places the organisation in a confident position as it approaches its 25th anniversary.
Dark Peak – Summary of Main Accounts 2024/25
The accounts show a headline surplus of £27,309, with closing reserves increasing to £44,028. However, this figure significantly overstates the underlying position for two reasons: (i) the Derbyshire County Council (DCC) grant includes two years’ payments, and (ii) Piano Appeal income is restricted and being carried forward toward a future capital purchase.
Income
Total income of £84,063 exceeded budget by a substantial margin.
Core earned income remains strong and stable, with subscriptions (£16.5k) and ticket sales (£7.6k) both in line with or slightly above expectations.
Grant income (£35.4k) is the largest single contributor. This is inflated due to the timing of DCC payments, effectively bringing forward income from a previous year.
Fundraising and donations performed well, including Gift Aid (£3.9k), general fundraising, and a notable £7.0k raised for the Piano Appeal.
A number of additional or one-off income streams (e.g. trip income, OOPS, choir activity) contributed positively.
Overall, income performance appears strong, but headline growth is partly artificial due to timing and restricted funds.
Expenditure
Total expenditure was £56,753, moderately above budget but broadly controlled.
Artistic and programme costs (Artistic Director, conductors, choir, Supertonics) remain the largest area of spend and are close to budget.
Venue costs are slightly higher than planned, reflecting increased activity or pricing.
Administration costs (c. £7k) are slightly under budget, indicating good cost control.
Some unbudgeted or variable costs (office expenses, miscellaneous, OOPS) increased spend but are not structurally concerning.
In summary, expenditure is well managed and broadly aligned with delivery activity.
Surplus and Reserves – Interpretation
While the accounts show a large surplus (£27.3k), this should be interpreted with caution:
A significant portion relates to the DCC grant timing, meaning part of this surplus is effectively prior-year income.
The Piano Appeal (£7k) is a designated/restricted fund and not available for general use.
Adjusting for these factors, the underlying operating position is much closer to break-even with a modest surplus, consistent with a stable, sustainable organisation.
Overall Position
The organisation remains financially healthy, with improved cash reserves.
Core income streams are reliable, particularly subscriptions and ticket sales.
Cost control is effective, with no major areas of overspend.
However, the apparent strength of the surplus should not be over-interpreted, as it is influenced by timing and restricted funding.
OOPS (Community Orchestra) – Summary of Accounts 2024/25
The accounts show a surplus for the year of approximately £3,139, with reserves increasing to £6,832. This represents a positive and sustainable position for a small-scale community ensemble, with income comfortably exceeding expenditure.
Income
Total income of £8,022 exceeded budget expectations.
Subscriptions (£5.1k) form the core and performed strongly, significantly above budget, indicating healthy and possibly growing participation.
Ticket sales (£750) were broadly in line with expectations.
Gift Aid (£1.6k) provides a valuable and consistent supplementary income stream.
A modest contribution from raffle/merchandise activity (£618) added useful additional income.
There is no reliance on grants or external funding, meaning the ensemble is largely selfsustaining through participant contributions and modest concert income.
Expenditure
Total expenditure was £4,883, slightly above budget but proportionate to activity.
Artistic costs (£3.1k) are the primary area of spend and slightly above budget, reflecting the central importance of musical leadership.
Venue costs (£1,060 total) were in line with expectations.
Other costs remain very low or negligible, with minimal administrative overhead.
A £500 contribution to DPMF represents a planned or strategic internal transfer.
Overall, expenditure is lean and well controlled, consistent with a community-based model.
Surplus and Reserves
The resulting surplus is genuine and operational, not driven by timing or restricted funds.
The ensemble has increased its reserves to a healthy level relative to its scale.
The surplus reflects a strong balance between subscription income and modest operating costs.
Overall Position
OOPS is financially stable and self-sustaining, with no dependence on external funding.
Participation income is strong, suggesting good engagement and retention.
The cost base is low and well managed, with spending focused on core musical delivery.
The organisation is in a robust position to continue operating sustainably, with a modest and appropriate level of reserves.
| 2024-25 | Main Account | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | Budget | Actual | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Subscriptions - BACS | 16450.85 | 16450.85 | |
| Ticket Sales | 7000.00 | 7644.65 | |
| Projects | 200.00 | 950.00 | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments | 450.00 | 329.78 |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| FundingBodies | Grants | 34800.00 | 35400.00 |
| Sponsorship | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Trusts | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Donations | 0.00 | 1781.06 | |
| Advertising | Adverts | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | Trip | 4496.00 | 4496.00 |
| Gift Aid | 3500.00 | 3852.15 | |
| Fundraising | 580.00 | 765.18 | |
| Choir | 0.00 | 1175.00 | |
| Piano appeal | 0.00 | 6996.63 | |
| Supertonics | 0.00 | 626.50 | |
| OOPS | 0.00 | 2851.07 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 743.68 | |
| 67476.85 | 84062.55 | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Artistic | Directors Fees | 21805.00 | 20975.00 |
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | 3970.00 | 3925.00 | |
| Theory | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Supertonics | 1575.00 | 1506.00 | |
| Minimusic | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Choir | 4275.00 | 4772.11 | |
| CommunityMusic Programme | 550.00 | 0.00 | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | 500.00 | 136.47 | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | 0.00 | 194.20 | |
| Production | Venue Hire - Bradbury | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Venue Hire - Glossopdale | 1762.00 | 1860.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Victoria Hall | 2080.00 | 2210.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Chinley | 0.00 | 180.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | 1100.00 | 1250.00 | |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Refreshments | 210.00 | 0.00 | |
| Other eg. Van | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Marketing | Brochure/Web | 500.00 | 267.46 |
| Posters | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator/Auditor | 7500.00 | 7000.00 |
| Bank | 100.00 | 88.40 | |
| Office expenses | 200.00 | 758.42 | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | 0.00 | 541.64 | |
| Transport | Coach | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | NCBF | 570.00 | 470.00 |
| Insurance | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| OOPs | 0.00 | 2858.32 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 2531.79 | |
| Trip | 4354.92 | 4354.92 | |
| Other | 0.00 | 873.02 | |
| 51051.92 | 56752.75 | ||
| Profit/Loss | |||
| Year Start Balance | 16718.40 | 16718.40 | |
| Current Balance | 33143.33 | 44028.20 | |
| Surplus for the year | 16424.93 | 27309.80 |
ACCOUNTANT STATEMENT - MAIN BUDGET
| certify that | have examinedi these accounts and compared them to ih charity's bank statements. | confirm that they are an accurate record of the charity's financial position.
Signed wale | Date ee08 February 2026
Name Sheila Strong wmaan NENA CUO MAN Address 4 Brook Fold
Brooklands
Chapel-en-le-Frith
High Peak, Derbyshire
SK230BB..
| 2024-25 | OOPS Accoun | TOTAL t |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | Budget | Actual | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Subscriptions - BACS | 3360.00 | 5053.75 | |
| Ticket Sales | 800.00 | 750.04 | |
| Patrons - Friends | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments | 360.00 | 0.00 |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | 0.00 | 617.53 | |
| FundingBodies | Grants | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Sponsorship | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Trusts | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Donations | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Advertising | Adverts | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | Trip | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Gift Aid | 1600.00 | 1600.51 | |
| Fundraising | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 6120.00 | 8021.83 | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Artistic | Directors Fees | 2790.00 | 3083.51 |
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | 280.00 | 0.00 | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | 0.00 | 127.74 | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Production | Venue Hire - VH DPCO | 700.00 | 660.00 |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | 400.00 | 400.00 | |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Refreshments | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Other eg. Van | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Marketing | Brochure/Web | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Posters | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Postage | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Stationery/photocopying | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | 0.00 | 111.50 | |
| Transport | Coach | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | Insurance | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| To DPMF | 0.00 | 500.00 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Trip | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Other | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 4170.00 | 4882.75 | ||
| Profit/Loss | |||
| Year Start Balance | 3692.76 | 3692.76 | |
| Current Balance | 5642.76 | 6831.84 |
ACCOUNTANT STATEMENT - OOPS BUDGET
| certify that | have examined these accounts and compared inem” to the Charity's bank statements. | confirm that they ar accurate record of the Charity's financial position.
Signes 4a Date 08 February 2026
Name Sheila Strong maar) Address 4BrookFold2 Brooklands ~~
High#22Peak, Derbyshire SK230BB
ee
Dark Peak – Summary of Main Accounts 2024/25
The accounts show a headline surplus of £27,309, with closing reserves increasing to £44,028. However, this figure significantly overstates the underlying position for two reasons: (i) the Derbyshire County Council (DCC) grant includes two years’ payments, and (ii) Piano Appeal income is restricted and being carried forward toward a future capital purchase.
Income
Total income of £84,063 exceeded budget by a substantial margin.
Core earned income remains strong and stable, with subscriptions (£16.5k) and ticket sales (£7.6k) both in line with or slightly above expectations.
Grant income (£35.4k) is the largest single contributor. This is inflated due to the timing of DCC payments, effectively bringing forward income from a previous year.
Fundraising and donations performed well, including Gift Aid (£3.9k), general fundraising, and a notable £7.0k raised for the Piano Appeal.
A number of additional or one-off income streams (e.g. trip income, OOPS, choir activity) contributed positively.
Overall, income performance appears strong, but headline growth is partly artificial due to timing and restricted funds.
Expenditure
Total expenditure was £56,753, moderately above budget but broadly controlled.
Artistic and programme costs (Artistic Director, conductors, choir, Supertonics) remain the largest area of spend and are close to budget.
Venue costs are slightly higher than planned, reflecting increased activity or pricing.
Administration costs (c. £7k) are slightly under budget, indicating good cost control.
Some unbudgeted or variable costs (office expenses, miscellaneous, OOPS) increased spend but are not structurally concerning.
In summary, expenditure is well managed and broadly aligned with delivery activity.
Surplus and Reserves – Interpretation
While the accounts show a large surplus (£27.3k), this should be interpreted with caution:
A significant portion relates to the DCC grant timing, meaning part of this surplus is effectively prior-year income.
The Piano Appeal (£7k) is a designated/restricted fund and not available for general use.
Adjusting for these factors, the underlying operating position is much closer to break-even with a modest surplus, consistent with a stable, sustainable organisation.
Overall Position
The organisation remains financially healthy, with improved cash reserves.
Core income streams are reliable, particularly subscriptions and ticket sales.
Cost control is effective, with no major areas of overspend.
However, the apparent strength of the surplus should not be over-interpreted, as it is influenced by timing and restricted funding.
OOPS (Community Orchestra) – Summary of Accounts 2024/25
The accounts show a surplus for the year of approximately £3,139, with reserves increasing to £6,832. This represents a positive and sustainable position for a small-scale community ensemble, with income comfortably exceeding expenditure.
Income
Total income of £8,022 exceeded budget expectations.
Subscriptions (£5.1k) form the core and performed strongly, significantly above budget, indicating healthy and possibly growing participation.
Ticket sales (£750) were broadly in line with expectations.
Gift Aid (£1.6k) provides a valuable and consistent supplementary income stream.
A modest contribution from raffle/merchandise activity (£618) added useful additional income.
There is no reliance on grants or external funding, meaning the ensemble is largely selfsustaining through participant contributions and modest concert income.
Expenditure
Total expenditure was £4,883, slightly above budget but proportionate to activity.
Artistic costs (£3.1k) are the primary area of spend and slightly above budget, reflecting the central importance of musical leadership.
Venue costs (£1,060 total) were in line with expectations.
Other costs remain very low or negligible, with minimal administrative overhead.
A £500 contribution to DPMF represents a planned or strategic internal transfer.
Overall, expenditure is lean and well controlled, consistent with a community-based model.
Surplus and Reserves
The resulting surplus is genuine and operational, not driven by timing or restricted funds.
The ensemble has increased its reserves to a healthy level relative to its scale.
The surplus reflects a strong balance between subscription income and modest operating costs.
Overall Position
OOPS is financially stable and self-sustaining, with no dependence on external funding.
Participation income is strong, suggesting good engagement and retention.
The cost base is low and well managed, with spending focused on core musical delivery.
The organisation is in a robust position to continue operating sustainably, with a modest and appropriate level of reserves.
| 2024-25 | Main Account | TOTAL | |
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | Budget | Actual | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Subscriptions - BACS | 16450.85 | 16450.85 | |
| Ticket Sales | 7000.00 | 7644.65 | |
| Projects | 200.00 | 950.00 | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments | 450.00 | 329.78 |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| FundingBodies | Grants | 34800.00 | 35400.00 |
| Sponsorship | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Trusts | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Donations | 0.00 | 1781.06 | |
| Advertising | Adverts | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | Trip | 4496.00 | 4496.00 |
| Gift Aid | 3500.00 | 3852.15 | |
| Fundraising | 580.00 | 765.18 | |
| Choir | 0.00 | 1175.00 | |
| Piano appeal | 0.00 | 6996.63 | |
| Supertonics | 0.00 | 626.50 | |
| OOPS | 0.00 | 2851.07 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 743.68 | |
| 67476.85 | 84062.55 | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Artistic | Directors Fees | 21805.00 | 20975.00 |
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | 3970.00 | 3925.00 | |
| Theory | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Supertonics | 1575.00 | 1506.00 | |
| Minimusic | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Choir | 4275.00 | 4772.11 | |
| CommunityMusic Programme | 550.00 | 0.00 | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | 500.00 | 136.47 | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | 0.00 | 194.20 | |
| Production | Venue Hire - Bradbury | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Venue Hire - Glossopdale | 1762.00 | 1860.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Victoria Hall | 2080.00 | 2210.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Chinley | 0.00 | 180.00 | |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | 1100.00 | 1250.00 | |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Refreshments | 210.00 | 0.00 | |
| Other eg. Van | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Marketing | Brochure/Web | 500.00 | 267.46 |
| Posters | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator/Auditor | 7500.00 | 7000.00 |
| Bank | 100.00 | 88.40 | |
| Office expenses | 200.00 | 758.42 | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | 0.00 | 541.64 | |
| Transport | Coach | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | NCBF | 570.00 | 470.00 |
| Insurance | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| OOPs | 0.00 | 2858.32 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 2531.79 | |
| Trip | 4354.92 | 4354.92 | |
| Other | 0.00 | 873.02 | |
| 51051.92 | 56752.75 | ||
| Profit/Loss | |||
| Year Start Balance | 16718.40 | 16718.40 | |
| Current Balance | 33143.33 | 44028.20 | |
| Surplus for the year | 16424.93 | 27309.80 |
ACCOUNTANT STATEMENT - MAIN BUDGET
| certify that | have examinedi these accounts and compared them to ih charity's bank statements. | confirm that they are an accurate record of the charity's financial position.
Signed wale | Date ee08 February 2026
Name Sheila Strong wmaan NENA CUO MAN Address 4 Brook Fold
Brooklands
Chapel-en-le-Frith
High Peak, Derbyshire
SK230BB..
| 2024-25 | OOPS Accoun | TOTAL t |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| INCOME | Budget | Actual | |
| Earned Income | Subscriptions | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Subscriptions - BACS | 3360.00 | 5053.75 | |
| Ticket Sales | 800.00 | 750.04 | |
| Patrons - Friends | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise | Refreshments | 360.00 | 0.00 |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise / Raffle | 0.00 | 617.53 | |
| FundingBodies | Grants | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Sponsorship | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Trusts | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Donations | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Advertising | Adverts | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | Trip | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Gift Aid | 1600.00 | 1600.51 | |
| Fundraising | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 6120.00 | 8021.83 | ||
| EXPENDITURE | |||
| Artistic | Directors Fees | 2790.00 | 3083.51 |
| Directors Fees - Concerts & Projects | 280.00 | 0.00 | |
| Music Purchase / Hire | 0.00 | 127.74 | |
| Equipment Hire/Purchase | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Production | Venue Hire - VH DPCO | 700.00 | 660.00 |
| Venue Hire - Concerts | 400.00 | 400.00 | |
| Programmes | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Refreshments | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Other eg. Van | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Marketing | Brochure/Web | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Posters | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Merchandise/Raffle | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Administration | Fees - Administrator | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Postage | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Stationery/photocopying | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Expenses(eg. Refreshments / Gifts) | 0.00 | 111.50 | |
| Transport | Coach | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| Other | Insurance | 0.00 | 0.00 |
| To DPMF | 0.00 | 500.00 | |
| Misc./Float | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Trip | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| Other | 0.00 | 0.00 | |
| 4170.00 | 4882.75 | ||
| Profit/Loss | |||
| Year Start Balance | 3692.76 | 3692.76 | |
| Current Balance | 5642.76 | 6831.84 |
ACCOUNTANT STATEMENT - OOPS BUDGET
| certify that | have examined these accounts and compared inem” to the Charity's bank statements. | confirm that they ar accurate record of the Charity's financial position.
Signes 4a Date 08 February 2026
Name Sheila Strong maar) Address 4BrookFold2 Brooklands ~~
High#22Peak, Derbyshire SK230BB
ee