Trustees’ Annual Report for the period
From 1/11/2023 Period start date To 31/10/2024 Period end date
Charity name: Plymouth City Brass
Charity registration number: 1179197
Objectives and Activities
| SORP reference | ||
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| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
Para 1.17 | 1. To promote the musical arts, in partcular the art of Brass Band playing, to further the development of public appreciaton in the said art, through public performances, concerts and compettons, for the beneft of the public in general, within the Plymouth and surrounding areas. 2. To advance educaton in the musical arts, in partcular the art of Brass Band playing, by providing educatonal and training opportunites, for the beneft of the public in general, within the Plymouth and surrounding areas". |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
Para 1.17 and 1.19 |
The organisation has continued to grow the membership within the three bands, in particular the Academy band, being led by Paul Norley (MD)MA, BA(Mus), LRSM, LDBBA, CNCB, MCGI, is encouraging all members to strive for further development at personal and group level, which is generating more interest from other people within the Plymouth area to join the band. The events/concerts and support for other associations (British Legion, Armed Services etc) continues to provide the promotion of the various musical genre performed. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have |
Para 1.18 | When planning our activities for the year the trustees and committee have taken due |
| had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
regard to the importance of the charity commission’s guidance related on public benefit at our trustee and committee meetings, this included the importance of rehearsing and performing in a safe environment. |
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Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
SORP reference |
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| Policy on grant making | Para 1.38 | Not Applicable |
| Policy on social investment including program related investment |
Para 1.38 | Not Applicable |
| Contribution made by volunteers |
Para 1.38 | As a voluntary organisation, the success of the ‘combined band’ organisation is totally dependant on all of the volunteers who contribute their time and effort freely, to enable the ongoing year on year improvements. This includes the trustees, committee and members of the organisation. Thanks go out to all involved. The main activities are; administration, defining and managing processes and the general organisational running of the charity. Recognition should also be made to the friends and parents of the band members who provide their ongoing support. |
| Other | For 10 years the Musical Director Lee Clayson has been developing, improving and leading the senior band and supporting the organisation. Lee decided to stand down from this role. Due recognition was provided to Lee in his final concert with the band during May 2024. To appoint a new MD the band advertised the position, defined a small sub-committee to carry out the interview and auditions. Following the completion of this process the committee appointed Adam Glynn (a current playing band member) to succeed Lee Clayson. |
Achievements and Performance
SORP reference
| Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. |
Para 1.20 | In support of the organisations objects the following information provides details of the main achievements and activities carried out: During November 2023, both senior and academy bands took part in the annual South West Brass Band Association Championshipsin Torquay. For some members, this was the first time to participate in the playing of music to a large audience and to experience listening to other participating bands. The combined bands also provided musical support for the Plympton Branch of the British Legion Remembrance Day at the local cenotaph in November 2023, with the principal cornet playing the last post. Many members of the local area attend along with various military affiliations, schools etc. December 2023 involved all three bands, (senior, academy and training bands) in the annual Christmas concert, held at the Plymouth Methodist Central Hall??.This annual event brings together all the friends and supporters of the organisation to share and participate in a festive celebration of the Christmas period, using appropriate brass band music. March 2024 saw the senior band take part in theWest of England Brass Band Association Area Finals & National Brass Band Championshipsin Torquay. Having been successfully promoted back to the 1st section the band achieved a good result. Academy band ?? A Spring concert took place in a new venue at Ivybridge with the band carrying out a joint concert with thexxxxxxchoir. During this concert it was formally announced that the MD Lee Clayson had decided to stand down, and appropriate recognition was given to Lee for his 10 years spent developing the band and organisation. In June the Academy band took part in the annualWest of England Bandsmans Festival at Bugle. The Academy band also supported the annual Armed Forces Day on Plymouth Hoe during June 2024. |
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With a new Musical Director (Adam Glynn) appointed during July 2024, and rebranding concert took place at the Plymouth Central Hall in Plymouth in September 2024. This proved to be a very successful concert with funds for the concert being raised through the support of local businesses. The participation in these events provides learning opportunities for all band members of all levels, as they experience new and sometimes challenging music. Bringing music to audiences indoors and out, provides the local population with new experiences of brass banding and the various musical genres played.
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Achievements against objectives set |
Para 1.41 |
Refer to the above activities. Following the impact of Covid-19, the organisation has been rebuilding each band during the last year. All bands are showing growth and increased performance levels. This has enabled the bands to provide performances which have been as individual bands and also as combined concerts e.g. Christmas concert. |
|---|---|---|
| Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set |
Para 1.41 | The organisation raised funds through concerts and events where each band participated. As usual a major funding contributor each year is the playing of Christmas music at local stores, schools, public houses, shopping centres etc, where funds are generated by either voluntary contributions from the public and/or payments received from some of these local companies. |
| Investment performance against objectives |
Para 1.41 | The organisation does not invest funds. |
| Other |
Financial Review
| Financial Review | ||
|---|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
Para 1.21 | The finances for the organisation were positive at the end of the reporting period. £11,353 was available at the end of the financial year. |
| Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held |
Para 1.22 | The organisation in previous years has reviewed whether it is necessary to hold reserves. This is reviewed annually, and it was decided to put aside a £7,000 reserve for 2024/2025, to ensure the basic financial requirements of the organisation are maintained. This will continue to be reviewed at the end of each financial year. |
| Amount of reserves held | Para 1.22 | Zero. But £7,000 planned for 2024/2025 |
| Reasons for holding zero reserves |
Para 1.22 | Not applicable |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
Para 1.24 | There is no deficit of funds. |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
Para 1.23 | There are no concerns. The aim is to continue to grow the organisation and encourage more people to learn and play musical instruments. |
| Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about: |
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| The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) |
Para 1.47 | Funding comes from a number of sources: Voluntary contributions provided by band members (monthly subscriptions). Also linked to this is the benefit of gift aid receipts. Voluntary contributions from members of the public through performances as described above. Concerts and other events where the public come to listen the bands perform. Occasional small grants provided by local stores e.g.Asda, Tesco ??etc. |
| Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted |
Para 1.46 | Not Applicable. |
| A description of the principal risks facing the charity |
Para 1.46 | There are no significant risks affecting the organisation. The Trustees and Committee management keep in review the funding, health and safety, and safeguarding risks that could impact the organisation and ensure the processes are robust, to prevent any issues occurring. |
| Other | At an EGM held during June 2024, the decision was made by all members to |
change the name of the organisation from Soundhouse Brass Plymouth to Plymouth City Brass. It had been discussed for a number of years that a change should take place to a name that fitted with the Plymouth Geographical area to enable people to locate the band easier, especially when moving to the area. The proposal was provided to the Charity Commission who duly approved the name change. In September 2024 a ‘Re-branding concert took place to celebrate the new ‘ ’ name and also the new band colours .
Structure, Governance and Management
| Description of charity’s trusts: |
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| Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter) |
Para 1.25 | The organisation has a governing document/constitution which is the Association model for a CIO. |
| How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO) |
Para 1.25 | The organisation is a CIO. |
| Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees |
Para 1.25 | Trustees are appointed by the band committee and band members, usually at the AGM. The Trustees are all volunteers who have been appointed by the members of the organisation. Details can be found within the constitution document. |
Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:
Policies and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees |
Para 1.51 |
Information is provided to trustees regarding trustee responsibilities; the governing document/constitution, the financial account statement and additional information related to the relevant bands. |
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| The charity’s organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works |
Para 1.51 | The organisation works with the Plymouth Youth Music Service (PYMS) to encourage young people from the Plymouth area to learn musical brass instruments. PYMS also provide financial support for the training and academy band musical directors. The organisation is a member of the South- West Brass Band Association and also the West of England Brass Band Association. The organisation is also a member of the Brass Bands England network, that provides a wide range of networking advice and benefits e.g. safeguarding training. |
| Relationship with any related parties |
Para 1.51 | A close relationship exists between the charity and PYMS, with each providing any needed support required for each other. The remaining network contacts are available as required, with the charity providing input as required. |
| Other | The Band adopt and review policies as recommended by Brass Bands England which aid Trustees in their governance. These include Safeguarding, Equality and Diversity, Anti-bullying (a full list is included on our website). |
Reference and Administrative details
| Charity name | Plymouth City Brass (formerly Soundhouse Brass Plymouth) |
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| Other name the charity uses | NA |
| Registered charity number | 1179197 |
| Charity’s principal address | The Soundhouse Miller Way Plymouth PL6 8UN |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| 1 2 3 4 5 6 |
Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole year |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kenneth Ayre | Chair of Trustees | Members of the band and band committee. |
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| Sally Jeffery | Secretary | Members of the band and band committee. |
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| Alan Gears | Trustee | Members of the band and band committee. |
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| Maurice Craze | Trustee | Members of the band and band committee. |
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| Roger Rowland | Inventory | Members of the band and band committee. |
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| Gary Pumford | Trustee | Members of the band and band committee. |
– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved Director name Not Applicable
Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity
| Trustee name | Dates acted if not for whole year | |
|---|---|---|
| Not Applicable | ||
Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others
Description of the assets Not Applicable held in this capacity Name and objects of the Not Applicable charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for Not Applicable safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets
Additional information (optional)
Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)
Type of Name Address adviser Not Applicable
Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)
Not Applicable
Exemptions from disclosure
Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Not Applicable
Other optional information
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature(s)
Full name(s)
Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc)
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Date
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Charity Name No (if any) Plymouth City Brass (formally Snd'house Brass Ply'th) 1179197 Receipts and payments accounts CC16a For the period Period start date Period end date To from 01.11.2022 31.10.2023
Section A Receipts and payments
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Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Total funds Last year
funds funds funds
to the nearest
to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £ to the nearest £
£
A1 Receipts
Grants 2,000 - - 2,000 920
Charitable donations 3,398 - - 3,398 2,919
Non-Charitable donations 985 - - 985 1,707
Band Engagements 10,982 - - 10,982 3,750
Subscriptions 1,860 - - 1,860 -
Inland Revenue - - - - 679
Bank interest 34 - - 34 4
Insurance/ Instrument sales 930 - - 930 121
Sub total (Gross income for
20,189 - - 20,189 10,100
AR)
A2 Asset and investment sales,
(see table).
- - - -
- - - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total receipts 20,189 - - 20,189 10,100
A3 Payments
Subs and Fees 639 - - 639 766
Coach and other transport 2,478 - - 2,478 238
Music and Sundry Purchases 990 - - 990 788
Repairs and refurbishment 386 - - 386 453
Insurance 673 - - 673 766
Trophies and presentations - - - - -
Uniforms 300 - - 300 167
Postage, printing, website etc 178 - - 178 313
Conductor and other fees 5,368 - - 5,368 3,459
Donations DEC Ukraine) - - 499
Intrument purchase 2,700 2,700 11,977
Hall rental and venues 1,599 1,599 917
Sub total 15,311 - - 15,311 20,341
A4 Asset and investment
purchases, (see table)
- - - -
- - - -
Sub total - - - - -
Total payments 15,311 - - 15,311 20,341
Net of receipts/(payments) 4,878 - - 4,878 - 10,241
A5 Transfers between funds - - - - -
A6 Cash funds last year end 16,821 - - 16,821 27,062
Cash funds this year end 21,699 - - 21,699 16,821
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Section B Statement of assets and liabilities at the end of the period
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Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
Categories Details funds funds funds
to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B1 Cash funds Cash available 21,699 - -
- -
- - -
Total cash funds 21,699 - -
(agree balances with receipts and payments
account(s)) OK OK OK
Unrestricted Restricted Endowment
funds funds funds
Details to nearest £ to nearest £ to nearest £
B2 Other monetary assets - - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
- - -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B3 Investment assets - -
- -
- -
- -
- -
Fund to which Current value
Details asset belongs Cost (optional) (optional)
B4 Assets retained for the Musical Instruments - 98,000
charity’s own use Music library and other assets - 11,000
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
- -
Fund to which Amount due When due
Details liability relates (optional) (optional)
B5 Liabilities -
-
-
-
-
Signed by one or two trustees on Date of
behalf of all the trustees Signature Print Name approval
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