**Patrons:** 8[th] Earl of Yarborough. **President:** The Revd Dr R M Jaggs-Fowler Snake Davis.                                                                                                                             CStJ MBBS LLM MA FRCGP FRSA. 

## **Trustees 2[nd] Annual Report 1[st] January – 31[st] December 2020** 

2020 has been a challenging year for the band as with everyone due to Covid-19. The band had a full diary of concerts this year but unfortunately all concerts have been cancelled again due to Covid. With the cancellation of all concerts the band is running at a loss each month as currently the only income is band subscriptions and children`s lessons. The Corn Exchange has required the monthly rental payment whether rehearsing or not, and Garry and Fiona have required payment for rehearsals and lessons 

However, the band did manage to take part in the 2nd Section of the regional finals prior to the country`s lockdown. 

To try and ensure some kind of communication and camaraderie within the band we held a weekly online quiz which was great fun. It is amazing what can be achieved online. The band were also able to put together an online recording of hymn tunes and carols recorded individually at home and then put together by the very talented Fiona and Zak Fensome-Phillips. 

The band and committee were resourceful in finding ways in which the band could rehearse once lockdown was eased and we could meet in groups of 6. We commenced rehearsals with 6 players meeting outside in Andy Noones beer garden and Helens mum`s garden. (the lengths some determined bandsmen will go to). 

As the band are a registered charity and provide education, we were allowed to meet in larger groups back in the bandroom as lockdown was eased further. This involved writing a risk assessment and pre planning to ensure everyone was 2 metres apart and followed the strict BBE guidance. 

As well as returning to some type of governed rehearsal format, the band has taken every opportunity possible to support community activities throughout the restrictions experienced by everyone in the country. This has been achieved in various ways throughout the year with various band members participating in the national Thursday evening applause and appreciation of essential workers throughout April And May in Barton. Along with the applause, band members played a variety of tunes outside their homes. Players supported important national events by playing in the streets for such as the May 8th V.E. Day and Remembrance Day. 

The band’s education programme has also been drastically reduced due to the Covid situation however Fiona has taken every opportunity to keep supporting the current young members by coaching, encouraging and delivering online lessons whenever possible. 

As Christmas approached, some members of the band played Christmas carols in a socially distanced risk assessed way outside residential care homes to try and bring a little joy and entertainment to residents who also must have had a very challenging year with limited visitors. 

END 

Registered Charity no 1183165 Trustees: Miss Liz Blandford, Mrs. Julie Popplewell, Andrew Garbutt