Annual Report to the Charity Commission: Cleveland Concert Band
Reporting Period: 10 February 2025 – 9 February 2026
Introduction
This report outlines the activities, achievements, financial position, and governance developments of Cleveland Concert Band during the past year. It reflects the continued dedication of our members, trustees, volunteers, and musical leadership, all of whom have contributed to the band’s stability and growth.
Activities and Achievements
The band has enjoyed a successful and active year, continuing to strengthen its presence across the North East. Our annual performance at the Middlesbrough Cenotaph remains a key commitment, and our Christmas Concert at St. Columba’s Church in Darlington has become a well‑established highlight of our calendar.
Alongside these regular fixtures, the band performed at a wide range of venues, including:
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Beamish Museum – increased from three to four visits this year
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Saltburn Bandstand
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Ropner Park
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Local churches and community events
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Two nursing homes , who approached the band directly for Christmas entertainment
These engagements demonstrate the band’s growing reputation and the value placed on our contribution to community life.
Musical Direction
During the year, Ben stepped down from his role as Musical Director. We thank him sincerely for his contribution to the band’s musical development.
Diane has stepped up as Interim Musical Director , providing continuity and leadership while the band actively explores options for securing a new permanent Musical Director. Her willingness to take on this additional responsibility has been invaluable.
Membership and Engagement
Membership has continued to evolve, with several experienced players moving on to new opportunities or retiring for personal reasons. Despite this natural turnover, the band has successfully attracted new players across multiple sections, ensuring a balanced ensemble and enabling us to meet all performance commitments.
The strong sense of community and shared purpose that has defined the band in recent years remains a key strength.
Grant Funding and Governance
Our focus on strengthening financial sustainability has continued to produce positive results. During this reporting period:
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A further £1,500 grant was secured by Denise to support the purchase of new music and essential equipment.
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Combined with previous funding, this has significantly improved our ability to expand our repertoire and maintain necessary resources.
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Governance documents and policies have been reviewed and updated to meet the requirements of grant providers and ensure compliance with best practice.
This work has strengthened the band’s organisational foundation and improved our eligibility for future funding opportunities.
Acknowledgements
The smooth running of the band relies on the dedication of several key individuals:
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Terry (Band Librarian) — Maintains an organised and accessible music library, ensuring rehearsals and performances run efficiently.
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Diane (Secretary, Co‑Treasurer, and Interim Musical Director) — Coordinates concerts and engagements, manages uniforms, oversees administrative duties, maintains financial records, and leads the band musically. Her contribution remains exceptional.
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Denise (Grants and Governance Lead) — Secured further grant funding and strengthened our policy framework.
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All Trustees, Members, and Volunteers — Their collective effort continues to underpin the band’s success.
Financial Overview
The band remains in a strong financial position, ending the year with a surplus of £2,615.78 .
Income
Total income for the period was £5,379.86 , comprising:
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Subs: £1,679.00
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Grants: £1,500.00
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Beamish fees: £900.00
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Saltburn Bandstand: £380.00
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Church Concert: £250.00
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Middlesbrough Council: £200.00
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Ropner Park: £150.00
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Care Home fees: £60.00
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Easy Fundraising: £195.07
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Savings interest: £65.79
Expenditure
Total expenditure for the period was £2,764.08 , including:
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Rehearsal room hire: £1,440.00
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Sheet music: £316.39
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Insurance (including trailer): £356.67
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Web domain & hosting: £230.64
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Uniform: £98.45
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Performing rights: £97.01
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Equipment, repairs & maintenance: £35.41
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Printer ink: £12.98
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Tablet PC: £69.97
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Miscellaneous & fees: £76.56
Net Position
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Total income: £5,379.86
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Total expenditure: £2,764.08
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Surplus: £2,615.78
This surplus strengthens the band’s reserves and supports future investment in music, equipment, and operational costs.
Conclusion
The past year has been one of progress, stability, and continued community engagement. The band remains financially sound, musically active, and organisationally resilient. On behalf of the Board of Trustees, I extend sincere thanks to all members, volunteers, supporters, and partners who have contributed to our success.
We look forward to the coming year with optimism as we continue our mission to bring live music to communities across the North East.
Dave Stones Chairman and Co‑Treasurer Cleveland Concert Band
Financial Summary (10 February 2025 – 9 February 2026)
The band ended the financial year in a strong position, with a surplus of £2,615.78 . Income remained healthy across performance fees, subscriptions, grants, and fundraising, while expenditure was managed carefully to support essential running costs, music purchases, and equipment.
Income Breakdown
Total income for the period was £5,379.86 , made up of:
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Subs: £1,679.00
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Grants: £1,500.00
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Beamish Museum fees: £900.00
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Saltburn Bandstand: £380.00
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Church Concert: £250.00
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Middlesbrough Council: £200.00
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Ropner Park: £150.00
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Care Home performance: £60.00
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Easy Fundraising: £195.07
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Savings interest: £65.79
These figures reflect a balanced mix of earned income, community support, and grant funding.
Expenditure Breakdown
Total expenditure for the period was £2,764.08 , covering:
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Rehearsal room hire: £1,440.00
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Sheet music: £316.39
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Insurance: £234.00
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Trailer insurance: £122.67
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Web domain & hosting: £230.64
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Uniform: £98.45
-
Performing rights: £97.01
-
Tablet PC: £69.97
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Equipment, stands, repairs & maintenance: £35.41
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Bank charges: £35.00
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Printer ink: £12.98
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Miscellaneous & other fees: £71.56
Expenditure remained focused on essential operational needs, music acquisition, and maintaining equipment and digital services.
Net Position
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Total income: £5,379.86
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Total expenditure: £2,764.08
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Surplus: £2,615.78
This surplus strengthens the band’s reserves and supports future investment in music, equipment, and operational costs.