CHARITY COMMISSION FOR ENGLAND AND WALES Trustees, Annual Report for the period From 1 October 2023 to 30 Septsmber 2024 Charity name: West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band Charity registration number: 1188218 Objectives and ActAVities Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in tts governing document Pava 1_17 To advance the education and appreoiation of the public in music and music perf0mlan particularly Scottish Pipe Band music for SidentS of all ages and backgrounds within the West Midlands and surrounding areas by developing skills and mpetences, by the presentation of concerts and similar activities and by any means as the trustees in their discretion shall determine. We provide opportunrties to learn to play the pipes and drums, gain a qualification and take part in competitions to improve skills and Confiden. Summary ofthe main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or servi$ identified in the accounts. Par3 1.17 8r*J 1.19 We providè opportunities to play and perfomi wrth other musicians in the band, other band5 and other groups from a variety of genres. We promote the music genre through playing at communty and Fire Service events. The trustees have read the guidance on public benefit and our activities remain open to anyone in the area of benefit. Statement confimiing whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefft Para 1_18 We specifically want those involved to benefrt from the improved skills and competence in playing pipes and drums as well as improved health and wellbeing from bein art of a band. Additlonal inforniation (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant about: We have received no grants as yet. We will apply to funders for specific programmes of work as they are identified and developed. We also use community events and rfomiances when ossible as Policy on grant making Para 1.38
an opportunty for the band to play together in public and occasionally there is a fee for this. Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 None at present. l Band members and Trustees are volunteers. Some band members act as voluntary tutors to other band members. Contribution made by volunteers Para 1.38 Other Achievements and Perfomiance SORP lerer6 The band has had a busy year building on the success of last year's recruiknent and leamers a makn'ng exlIent progress. In February 2024, the band joined with other bands from the Midlands area to perform at the Bimiingham Tattoo at the NEC Arena. This was a great opportunity to neork with other bands and perfomi in front of a large audience. Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identfying ihe difference the charity's work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole. P8ra 1.20 In March 2024 the band partlCiP*ed in the Bimiingham St Patrick's Day Parade. This was a great opportunity for all members of the band to participate in the first parade as a whole band for many years. This contributed to building the confidence of all players who participated and increased the aspirations of our leamer members. In July we perfomed at the Wem Camival, taking part in the marching parade followed by a static performano in the arena. Looking forward to the next year. we are partiapating in Ihe Wolverhampton Remembrance Day Parade in November 2024 and have already arranged several perfomiances in 2025. Six pipers have passed RSPPA examinations this year with Iwo still to complete the practical elements. Tuition is rovided weekl at West Midlands Fire
servi HQ in BinnirKJham who provide the room free of Charge. Addttlonal Infomiation (optional) You ma choose to include further statemerrts where relevant at(Jut". AGhievements against objectrves set Para 1.41 Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set Para 1.41 Investment perfomiance against objectives P8rn 1.41 Other Financial Review Review of the charity's financial position at the end of the period Parn 1.21 The year began wtth the balan of £7374.07. Income for the year was £1395 including £1210 received for playing in events. Expenses during the year were £1890.21 leaving a balance at the end of the year of £6878.86. Expenses included RSPBA membershi and examination fees
as well as instrument consumables and unrfonn ttems. Statemerrt explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held Para 122 We do not currently have a reserves policy. We do not employ staff and the cost of ongoing commitments is low. All cash reserves would be applied to activities vthen £6878.86 unrestricted Amount of reserves held Reasons for holding zero reserves Details of fund materially in deficit Explanation of any UnrtaIntieS aboLrt the charity continuing as a going ¢oncem Para 1.22 Para 1.22 Para 1.24 P4ra 1.23 Additional infomiation (optional) You ma choose to indude further statemerrts where reFevant aboirt: The charity's principal sources of funds (including any fundraising) No regular sources of funds exist. Grants may be accessed rf required and some fees are eamed from playing at events. Para 1.47 Investment Wicy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted Para 1.46 A description of the pnnctpal risks facing the charity Risks to the Chanty are low. A risk assessment which covers governan, finances, operations, extemal factors and compliance is reviewed annually. P8A 1.46 Other Structure, Governance and Management Description of chanty's trusts.. Type of goveming d¢)cJJment PaR 1.25 Constitubon How is the charity constituted? i e.g unincorporated assne.iAtinn p.lni Trustee selection methods induding details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to ost or name of Par8 125 Charitable Incorporated Organisation Parn 1.25 Trustee5 are appointed for a tenn of 3 years by a resolution passed at a properly- onvened meeting of the charity trustees.
any person or body entttied to appoint one or more trustees West Midlands Fire Service may appoint one Gharity trustee for a perii)d of one year. Additlonal infom)ation (optional) You ma choose to include further statements where relevant aboutr. Poliaes and procedures adopted for the induction and training of trustees Pao 1.51 The charity's organisational structure and any wider network with which the charity works Pwa 1.51 Relationship with any related parties Para 1.51 Other Reference and Administrative details Chari name Other name the cha istered chari numter Charity's principal address West Midlands Fire Seriice Pi Band 1188218 29 School Road Evesham WR112PT Names of the charity trustses who manage the charity Trust•e name Offi¢e Irf ary) Chairperson Secretary Trustee Trustee Name Of porson {or body) •ntiUed toa Int tTUSt8è ifan Simon Nicholts Alastair Jackson Henry Cleaver Thomas Watkins Corporate trustees - names of the directors at th8 date the report was approved
Dlygctor nam• Name of trustees holding title to propety belonging to the thatity Trust•• nam• Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others Description of the assets held in this capacity Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity's objects Delails of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the chartty's own assets Additional inforniation (optional) Names and addresses of advisers {Optional inforniatlon) Type of Name Address adviser Name of ehief executlve or names of senior staff members (Optional Inforniatlon) Exemptions from disclosure Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details
Other o tlonal Infonnation Declarations The trustees declare that they havo approved the trustees. report above. Signed on behalf of the charity's trustses Signature(s) Full namols) Position leg Secretsry, Chalr, etc) ¢J frcj.ela Date
WEST MIDLANDS FIRE SERVICE PIPE BAND R8giSter8d Charlty No. 1188218 Registered on 2712120 Annual Accounts l October 2023 to 30 September 2024 INCOME 2024 2023 Events Refund 1210.00 4100.00 185.00 Totsl income 1395.00 41IXI.00 EXPENDITURE RSPBA + Competitions Examinations Events Uniform, instruments + consumables Travel expenses Other Bands for conlribulion to events Stationery and administration Insuranc8 288.00 689.05 67.25 845.91 0.00 0.00 534.95 198.00 2250.00 19.32 Total expenditure 1890.21 3002.27 surplUderIt 495.21 1097.73 Openlng balance Closing balance 7374.07 6276.34 6878.86 7374.07 RepSented by: Current account 6878.86 7374.07 Independent Exarninefs Statement I have examined the records. bank statements and invoiceslreceipts for West Midlands Fire Service Pipe Band for the financial year 1 October 2023 to 30 Seplember 2024. In my opinion, Ihe figures above are a true representstion of those tranwtions. Signed Salty Bateman 79 Wrtherford Way. Bimiingham B29 4AN Date 2slilzs Signed on behaK of the Board OK Trustees Date