Registered Charity Number 1172395
Cinderford Band Trustees Report 2023 This Report, collated by the Trustees of Cinderford Band covers the year 2023
CHAIRMAN'S REPORT Thursday 4[h] April 2024
Dear All,
Firstly, I would like thank all band members/friends/family and volunteers for the hard work that was put in throughout 2023. It was a tremendous effort by all.
In January 2023 we were delighted to have our new Musical Director Steve Kane join the band for our new musical journey. It was a huge task for Steve, in a short space of time, to get the band ready for the area in Torquay in March. The band went to Torquay for the WEBBA Regional Championships playing Pilgrims Progress in the 2nd section at Torquay, but we came 11[th] after a number 7 draw. That is contesting, but we continued to strive and improve which we all played a part in. The morale in the band was good and the band had now got its mojo back. A great year was to be had with Steve as MD, and we all connected very well together with old and new venues to play at. Rehearsal attendance proved this. Thanks Steve.
The Academy Band was also going to be a big focus for the band in 2023, as this will be the band’s future and beyond. Feedback and ideas were being steadily implemented and in April 2023 we welcomed our new Academy MD Joey Prescott. He has been influential in restarting the Academy Band after a difficult period with great energy and ideas.
Engaging with primary schools to find interest by doing mini concerts, proved to be a great success as new starters slowly trickled through. This will be now an annual event with special thanks to Anthony/Senior band help and everyone involved in this success. The Academy Band has been reborn with the continuing help from Clive and all involved.
We re-instated the band’s open day as part of an initiative. On 2[nd] September, the band had its first open day in around 15 years. It was hard work by everyone especially our brilliant child safety officers (Tina/Jo) who playing a major part with safety at the forefront. It was great to see so many of the band volunteering and helping out on the day, and it proved to be a major success-something that I would like to be repeated annually. Lots to be learned from the day, with feedback paramount in the continued success of this event to bring awareness of the band and potential new players.
We had a great concert year with both bands and the year ended with the Christmas concerts/carolling period which was very well attended and put Cinderford Band back on the map with the community. Social media also played its part in this story. A great Christmas concert finished our concert year with both bands playing a brilliant part in our 2023 story. It was great to see our new youngsters also playing.
Special thanks to our caretaker Mike Weaving for all the help in setting up the bandroom week in and week out, and for the continued support that he does for our concerts/instrument repairs etc. Also to Anthony Murrell for all the hard work with the new starters. Help is always needed. The band were able to still push through our programme of refurbished instruments for the senior band. We were also continuing our efforts to purchase second hand instruments for the Academy Band. However, everything comes at a cost and it is something we need to be aware of moving forward, with fundraising as our next goal.
Thanks to everyone for all the continued support. Onwards and upwards Team Cinderford!
Kindest Regards Ian
TREASURER'S REPORT for 2023
Anthony Murrell Treasurer 22 January 2024 Treasurer’s Report 2023 Accounts
The band’s finances continue to reflect a healthy position, with a closing bank balance of £20792 versus £26693 last year. The major driver of this reduction in funds is due to the agreed investment in the refurbishment of a Bb Bass (along with other instrument purchases/ repairs), the planned increase in Musical Director fees and Academy Band. One area of disappointment was the loss on hotel fees, amounting to some £702 due to cancellations (£585) and non payment (£117). It was agreed by the Management `Committee that members would be responsible for making their own travel and accommodation arrangements for the 2024 area contest.
The band was extremely fortunate to receive a Grant of £2000 from the Forest of Dean District Council. These funds have been used to purchase instruments for our Learners Group where we provide free instruments, music and tuition to all pupils. I am pleased to report that the learners class has continued to flourish and grow. The remaining balance of the £625 will be spent on instruments by the end of February.
In 2022 we sold instruments for some £8950, these funds were “ring fenced” for future investment in instrument/accessories. This has now reduced to £4910 and we should look to invest this money in the forthcoming year with the Management Committee’s approval.
The membership took the decision at last year’s AGM to double their donations, I am pleased to report that the majority of members have paid these increases. In addition we have also increased the number of members paying donations of which the full benefit will flow through in the 2024 accounts.
Finally it only remains for me to thank everyone for their generous donations (both Private and Corporate), band members for their cooperation and Rob Hume for auditing our accounts, it is very much appreciated.
SECRETARY'S REPORT for 2023 Tuesday 2[nd] April 2024
Engagements
Senior Band
Our engagement programme began by performing at Lydbrook Memorial Hall in January under the baton of our newly appointed Musical Director, Steve Kane. This followed by concerts at the Scarr Bandstand, Ross-on-Wye Bandstand, Chepstow Bandstand, Moseley Green and Priory Park Malvern during the Spring and Summer Season. All of these were well received by the audiences. Armistice Parade followed in November.
Christmas was a very busy time with performances at Forest Hills, Light Convoy Parade in the Triangle Cinderford, Dean Heritage Museum, Cinderford Christmas Markets, Our Own Christmas Concert at the Wesley Hall and finally, Christmas Carol Playing at Littledean Guest House and the Dilke Hospital. Playing at the Dilke for the last time was quite an emotional moment for the players and the Staff as it is closing to make way for the newly built Forest of Dean Community Hospital.
Academy Band
Our Academu Band is going from strength to strength and performed well at the “Rising Stars” concert at the Scarr Bandstand under the baton of their newly appointed Musical Director, Joey Prescott. They were also invited to play again at the Armisice Concert organised by the British Legion at St. Oswald's Village, Gloucester in November. This followed by the youngsters being invited to play carols along with the Senior Band members at the Light Convoy Parade and Dean Heritage Museum. They also opened our own Christmas Concert by plaing carols as the audience arrived. Four of our learners also played Jingle Bells which was their first public performance, a proud moment for all of us.
Contests – Senior Band
Preparations for the Area Contest at Torquay started on a very positive note. Rehearsals were well attende and the band worked hard under the baton of their newly appointed Musical Director, Steve Kane. We went to the contest feeling very confident and gave a very strong performance on stage. Unfortunately, the result did not go our way and we were placed a very disappointing 11[th] place.
We had a difficult build up to the GBBA contest in November. Thanks to Pete and Rebecca covering the Solo Cornet parts we still decided to go. Despite an admirable performance the band were placed last.
Summing up
Overall, a very disappointing year as far as contesting goes, but a very successful one with regards to engagements.
Regards Ruth
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To the Cinderford Band members I would confirm that I have examined the records for the Cinderford Band for the year to 31st December 2023. I would confirm that the accounts are in agreement wrth the records presented. R H Hume FCCA Oaklea House The Orchards Woolaston Glos GL15 6NQ 17tr1 February 2024