BLUES AND R TS Ensemble IJ. Jazz for Creativity & Community Annual Report Year Ending 31stJuly2025 an -1192Y www.bluesandrootsensemble.com
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Contents
Introduction - 3
Objectives - 3
Summary of Activities - 4
Impact Summary - 5
Projects & Performances - 7
Financial Review - 17 - 23
Declarations - 24
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Introduction
The trustees present their report with financial statements for the charity for the year ended 31st July 2025.
Incorporation
The CIO was registered and commenced trading on 26th November 2020.
Registered Charity Number
1192545
Registered Address
15 Arterberry Road, Wimbledon, London, SW20 8AF
Trustees
Soo Bishop (Chair), appointed 26/11/20 David Greening, appointed 26/11/20 Nancy Buchanan, appointed 26/11/20 Richard Mallett, appointed 7/9/23
Artistic Director
Ed Babar
Projects Manager
David Lalljee
Objectives
The objective of the CIO is to promote the public knowledge and appreciation of the works of Charles Mingus and the genre of jazz more widely, in particular, but not exclusively, through educational workshops and public performances.
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Summary of Activities
From August 2024 to July 2025, Blues and Roots Ensemble continued to deliver its charitable objectives through a programme of education projects and public performances, reaching a wide range of participants across London and beyond.
The charity maintained a strong emphasis on creative music-making, improvisation and accessibility , ensuring that all participants—regardless of age, background or musical experience—were able to engage meaningfully with jazz. Across its work, BARE continued to position jazz as both an art form and a means of social connection, rooted in history, collaboration and individual expression.
A key strand of activity this year was the continuation of the New Wimbledon Theatre primary schools’ project , combining live performance with accessible online learning resources. This model enabled schools to prepare in advance, deepening engagement and supporting teachers in delivering music education within the classroom.
Alongside this, BARE delivered a wide range of workshops and partnership projects with schools, SEND settings and community organisations, including Colfe’s School, King’s College School, Perseid School, Wimbledon High School, The Brady Club and Youth East Surrey Performing Arts (YESPA). These projects created opportunities for participants to explore improvisation, develop ensemble skills and gain an understanding of the cultural and historical context of jazz.
Public concerts, including a performance for EFG London Jazz Festival, continued to play an important role in raising awareness of the charity’s work and maintaining its artistic profile.
Across all activities, Blues and Roots Ensemble remained committed to delivering high-quality musical experiences that inspire confidence, creativity and a deeper appreciation of jazz and its cultural significance.
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Impact Summary
During the year ending 31st July 2025, Blues and Roots Ensemble delivered a programme of education projects and performances that reached approximately 1,800 young people , alongside teachers and wider public audiences.
Across the year, the charity:
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Delivered workshops, concerts and partnership projects across schools, SEND settings and community organisations
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Reached approximately 1,770 young people through in-person education activity , alongside over 200 teaching staff
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Achieved a total audience reach of over 2,000 people , including public performances
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Worked in partnership with over 30 schools and organisations , including primary, secondary and SEND settings
The majority of participants engaged through primary school activity , particularly through the New Wimbledon Theatre project, which alone reached 1,355 pupils and 206 staff across 23 schools .
Blues and Roots Ensemble maintained a strong commitment to inclusive practice, working with a minimum of 130 young people with additional needs , including dedicated SEND settings and integrated projects. This figure does not include additional SEND participants within mainstream school groups.
A significant proportion of participants experienced live jazz performance for the first time , with many attending their first concert or theatre performance. This was particularly evident in the New Wimbledon Theatre project, where access to live performance was combined with preparatory learning resources to deepen engagement.
Key Areas of Impact
Access to High-Quality Music Education
BARE provided opportunities for young people to experience live jazz and work directly with professional musicians, regardless of prior experience. The integration of accessible digital resources with live performance enabled teachers to support classroom learning and maximise student engagement.
Creative Development and Confidence
Workshops emphasised improvisation, collaboration and student-led learning , encouraging participants to contribute their own ideas and develop confidence through performance. Many
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participants engaged in improvisation for the first time within a supportive and inclusive environment.
Inclusion and Social Integration
Projects in SEND settings and mixed-school partnerships demonstrated the role of music as a tool for integration and shared experience . Participants of differing abilities were able to contribute equally, fostering both musical and social development.
Cultural Awareness and Understanding
Through exploring the history of jazz and its roots in social and cultural movements, participants developed an understanding of the cultural and historical significance of the music , including its links to identity, migration and protest.
Selected feedback highlights included:
“For many of our disadvantaged children this is life changing…”
“It was wonderful to watch our young people grow in confidence…”
“The music and enthusiasm from the musicians was outstanding.”
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Projects & Performances
’ – Colfe s School Workshop and Concert 24/9/24
Blues and Roots Ensemble began the year with a return to Colfe’s School, delivering a workshop day and concert involving students from Colfe’s School, Harris Academy Greenwich and Eltham Hill School.
The project combined small ensemble work with a larger-scale improvisation workshop involving up to 60 students from multiple schools, culminating in a short performance. Students explored a range of repertoire, including music influenced by Charles Mingus and South African jazz traditions.
The workshops emphasised collective improvisation, listening and creative risk-taking, with a central theme that there are no mistakes in jazz. This approach enabled students of varying experience levels to participate confidently and contribute to a shared musical outcome.
The project also strengthened relationships between participating schools and supported the development of inclusive ensemble work across different educational settings.
Feedback included:
“The focus on improvisation and ensemble skills means that there is natural differentiation built into workshops, allowing all pupils to learn and progress.”
“It was fantastic to see the pupils engaging in the workshops and concert.”
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“Staff feedback from other schools was highly positive, as was pupil feedback about the day.”
– YESPA Workshop 13/10/24
Blues and Roots Ensemble delivered a workshop day with Youth East Surrey Performing Arts (YESPA), engaging a diverse group of young people in an immersive exploration of jazz.
The workshop introduced core musical concepts including blues form, swing rhythm, improvisation and song structure, alongside opportunities for movement, lyric writing and personal expression. Repertoire included Blue Cee , Prayer for Passive Resistance , Maraba Blue and Truth Spoken Here .
Participants were encouraged to take creative ownership of the music, contributing ideas through improvisation and collaborative composition. The session also explored the historical and social context of jazz, including its role as a form of protest and expression.
The day culminated in a performance that reflected significant musical and personal development, with many participants engaging in improvisation for the first time.
Feedback included:
“It was wonderful to watch our young people grow in confidence throughout the day… a number of them had never taken a solo before.”
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“So far it’s the best workshop my child has attended. What a privilege.”
“He said it didn't feel like they were being taught and yet they learned so much!”
“They couldn't believe how quickly the day flew by and how much was achieved.”
“They thoroughly enjoyed the experience of improvising and shedding the worries of being able to ‘remember’ what to do.”
’ – New Wimbledon Theatre Primary Schools Concert 12/11/24
Blues and Roots Ensemble continued its partnership with Merton Music Foundation through a large-scale primary schools’ concert at New Wimbledon Theatre.
As in previous years, the project combined live performance with a suite of free-to-access online resources, enabling teachers and pupils to prepare in advance. A follow-up video was also produced to extend learning beyond the event.
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The concert introduced students to key elements of jazz, including swing, blues form, improvisation and ensemble playing, while also highlighting the cultural and historical origins of the music. Interactive elements allowed students to sing, clap and actively participate throughout the performance.
For many pupils, the event provided a first experience of live music in a theatre setting, as well as exposure to a wide range of instruments and musical styles.
Feedback included:
“For many of our disadvantaged children this is life changing as it is their first trip to a concert and first visit to a theatre.”
“The children have got so much out of it! The songs and body percussion resources were fantastic.”
– Crazy Coqs Jazz Club Performance 17/11/24
Blues and Roots Ensemble presented a public performance at Crazy Coqs Jazz Club in Soho, as part of EFG London Jazz Festival 2024. The concert featured an expanded ensemble performing a
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varied programme of repertoire associated with Charles Mingus and the wider jazz tradition. The performance included ensemble work, solo features and audience interaction, showcasing the versatility and energy of the group.
The event contributed to the charity’s ongoing aim of maintaining a visible artistic presence alongside its education work.
Feedback included:
“An absolutely incredible gig… we loved every minute of it.”
– Brady Club SEND Workshop 20/2/25
Blues and Roots Ensemble delivered a holiday workshop at Brady Club for approximately 16 young people in a SEND setting.
The workshop was designed to be flexible and inclusive, with activities adapted to support a wide range of abilities. Participants engaged in singing, percussion, movement and improvisation, exploring jazz through accessible and interactive approaches.
Repertoire included Work Song , Blue Cee and Jelly Roll , with opportunities for both individual expression and collective performance. The session emphasised the importance of listening, participation and confidence, allowing each individual to contribute in their own way.
Feedback included:
“The workshop from start to finish was fantastic… the pupils were engaged throughout and connected strongly with the facilitators.”
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– Perseid Cluster Schools Workshop 21/3/25
Blues and Roots Ensemble worked with Perseid Upper School and its cluster network to deliver a full-day workshop involving five schools, including one SEN setting.
The project focused on integration through creative music-making, bringing together students from different educational environments to collaborate and perform. Activities explored jazz phrasing, blues form, improvisation and the historical context of the music.
Students worked in mixed groups and were encouraged to shape the performance themselves, developing both musical and interpersonal skills. The day concluded with a shared performance for families and staff.
The project demonstrated the effectiveness of music as a tool for inclusion, communication and collective achievement.
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’ ’ – King s College School / BARE Primary Schools Workshop Concert 9/5/25
Blues and Roots Ensemble collaborated with King’s College School to present a concert for primary school pupils, combining performance with education and student leadership.
Guided by the BARE musicians, KCS students played a central role in introducing the music, explaining key concepts such as improvisation, swing and the blues. The programme included a range of jazz repertoire and interactive elements designed to engage younger audiences.
The project provided valuable leadership opportunities for KCS students while offering primary pupils an accessible and engaging introduction to jazz.
Feedback included:
- “The music and enthusiasm from the musicians was outstanding.”
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– Wimbledon High School / Rutlish Partnership Project 15/5/25
Blues and Roots Ensemble continued its partnership with Wimbledon High School and Rutlish School through a workshop day and evening concert.
Students from both schools rehearsed and performed alongside BARE musicians, presenting a varied programme including ensemble pieces, vocal performances and combined choir works. The project offered students the opportunity to explore jazz and blues repertoire, often for the first time, while developing performance skills and confidence.
The collaboration also supported integration between students from different school contexts, culminating in a high-quality public performance.
Feedback included:
“A really wonderful opportunity for the students to learn a new style with top rate professional musicians.”
“I really enjoyed exploring a different genre of music.”
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Looking Ahead
Blues and Roots Ensemble looks forward to continuing to develop its programme of education projects and performances in the coming year.
The success of the New Wimbledon Theatre project reinforces the value of combining live performance with accessible digital resources, and BARE aims to expand this approach further. The charity also plans to strengthen its partnerships with schools and community organisations, while continuing to develop new opportunities for inclusive music-making, particularly in SEND and mixed-ability settings.
Through all future activity, Blues and Roots Ensemble will continue to champion jazz as an inclusive, creative and socially meaningful art form.
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Structure, Governance and Management
Structure
The charity is a CIO and was registered on 26th November 2020.
Governance
The charity is governed by a board of trustees with a broad range of skills and experience, including finance, governance, risk management and music education. The Board remains committed to strengthening governance through the recruitment of additional trustees.
Trustees are responsible for preparing financial statements in accordance with UK GAAP and the Charities SORP, maintaining adequate accounting records and safeguarding the charity’s assets.
Trustees remain actively engaged in the charity’s work and meet regularly throughout the year.
Principal Risks and Uncertainties
The principal risk facing the charity continues to be income generation to support long-term sustainability. The recruitment of additional trustees to broaden expertise also remains a priority.
Management
The charity has no employees, and administrative services are engaged on a freelance basis. Safeguarding policies and a code of conduct are in place and are enforced through agreements with all musicians working on behalf of the charity.
Financial Review 24/25 (1/8/24 to 31/7/25)
The accounts have been prepared on an accruals and prepayments basis and in accordance with the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP FRS 102), governing accounting practices for charities.
The Charities Act 2011 ii) defining incoming resources are recognised as follows:
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Performance fees, ticket income and programme income: in the period in which the performance takes place.
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Donations: in the period in which the donation is received.
• Gift Aid: in the period in which the associated donation is received, provided the charity is sufficiently certain that the donation fulfils all the necessary requirements for a gift aid claim to be submitted in due course.
Overview
Blues and Roots Ensemble became a charity on 26[th] November 2020.
The charity published accounts on a receipts and payments basis for its first accounting period which ran from 26/10/2020 to 31/07/2021. The second full year completed on the 31/07/2022, a twelve month period, and BARE passed its 3rd year end on 31/07/23. Accounts for 21/22 were prepared and published on a prepayments and accruals basis so 20/21 was restated on that basis in the last year numbers. 22/23 accounts were posted on 30[th] May 2024. The bank balance as reported on the balance sheet for 22/23 was £7,220 as at 31/7/23. The bank balance on 31/7/24 was £3,381. The bank balance on 31/7/25 was £10,505, the end of financial year 24/25.
Summary of 24/25
Yellow highlighted figures are restricted funds, one fund in 24/25. The totals are on the top of each section in the exploded version after this summary. The movements in the bank accounts are explained as follows:
31/7/24 bank balance £3,381 as per CAFbank statement.
31/7/25 bank balance was £10,505 as per CAFbank statement.
With donations of £4,419, 24/25 added £4,524 to BARE’s funds in 24/25, see table.
In 24/25 accounts we need to accrue £500 (A), £100 for Perseid, invoice was £375 but payment was £275 and 2 x £200 for WHS 24 for 2 musicians not paid as didn’t invoice. There was a debtor in 23/24 of £1,100 which was received in 24/25 and 2 overpayments in 23/24, £1,000, received back in 24/25.
So, £3,381 bank balance 31/7/24 + £1,100 (KCS 2324) + £1,000 (overpayments) = £5,481.
£5,481 + movement in 24/25, £4,524, + £500 (A) = £10,505.
| Row Labels | **Sum of Debit ** | **Sum of Credit ** | Sum of Profit/Loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Admin | 228.28 | -228.28 | |
| COLFE 2024 | 1,150.00 | 1,250.00 | 100.00 |
| Donations | 4,419.31 | 4,419.31 | |
| KCS 2425 | 1,400.00 | 1,400.00 | 0.00 |
| Kisharon Langdon/Brady | 400.00 | 400.00 | 0.00 |
| NWT 24 | 9,933.96 | 9,946.00 | 12.04 |
| Perseid 2025 | 1,200.00 | 1,300.00 | 100.00 |
| Spice Jazz | 960.00 | 1,036.00 | 76.00 |
| WHS 2425 | 2,356.90 | 2,445.00 | 88.10 |
| YESPA 2425 U | 600.00 | 600.00 | 0.00 |
| Z_Interest | 11.91 | 11.91 | |
| Z_MonthlyAccount Fee | 55.00 | -55.00 | |
| Grand Total | 18,284.14 | 22,808.22 | 4,524.08 |
| Blues and Roots Ensemble | Charity No (if any) |
||||||||
| Annual accounts for the period | |||||||||
| Period start date | 01/08/2024 |
To |
Period end date |
31/07/2025 | |||||
| Section A | Statement of financial activities | ||||||||
| Recommended categories by activity |
Guidance Notes | Unrestricted funds |
Restricted income funds |
Endowment funds |
Total funds | Prior year funds |
|||
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||||
| Incoming resources (Note 3) | F01 | F02 | F03 | F04 | F05 | ||||
| Income and endowments from: | |||||||||
| Donations and legacies | S01 | 4,419 | - | 4,419 | 32 | <<generaldonations | |||
| Charitable activities | S02 | 8,431 | 9,946 | - | 18,377 | 36,169 | |||
| Other trading activities | S03 | - | - | - | 3,505 | ||||
| Investments | S04 | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Separate material item of income | S05 | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Other | S06 | 12 | - | - | 12 | 11 | << bank interest | ||
| Total | S07 | 12,862 | 9,946 | - | 22,808 | 39,717 | |||
| Resources expended (Note 6) | |||||||||
| Expenditure on: | |||||||||
| Raising funds | S08 | - | - | - | 4,619 | <<FundraiserCosts | |||
| Charitable activities | S09 | 7,959 | 9,934 | - | 17,893 | 31,191 | <<mainlymusiciancosts | ||
| Separate material item of expense | S10 | 336 | - | 336 | 4,463 | <<Planning andAdmin | |||
| Other | S11 | 55 | - | 55 | 183 | <<website and bank charges | |||
| Total | S12 | 8,350 | 9,934 | - | 18,284 | 40,456 | |||
| Net income/(expenditure) before gains/(losses) |
investment | S13 | 4,512 | 12 | - | 4,524 | 739 - |
||
| Netgains/(losses)on investments | S14 | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Net income/(expenditure) | S15 | 4,512 | 12 | - | 4,524 | 739 - |
|||
| Extraordinary items | S16 | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Transfers between funds | S17 | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Other recognised gains/(losses): | |||||||||
| Gains and losses on revaluation of fixed assets for the charity’s own use | S18 | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Othergains/(losses) | S19 | - | - | - | - | ||||
| Net movement in funds | S20 | 4,512 | 12 | - | 4,524 | 739 - |
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| Reconciliation of funds: | |||||||||
| Total funds brought forward | S21 | 5,254 | 227 | 5,481 | 6,220 | ||||
| Total funds carried forward | S22 | 9,766 | 239 | - 10,005 |
5,481 | ||||
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) Note 27 Charity funds 27.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period Please give details of the movements of material individual funds in the reporting period together with a balancing figure for 'Other funds'. The 'Total funds' figure below should reconcile to 'Total funds' in the blanace sheet.
* Key: PE - permanent endowment funds; EE - expendible endowment funds; R - restricted income funds, including special trusts, of the charity; and U - unrestricted funds
| Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note 27 Charity funds |
||||||||
| 27.1 Details of material funds held and movements during the CURRENT reporting period | ||||||||
| Please give details of the movements of material individual funds in the reporting period together with a balancing figure for 'Other funds'. The 'Total funds' figure below should reconcile to 'Total funds' in the blanace sheet. |
||||||||
| * Key: PE - permanent endowment funds; EE - expendible endowment funds; R - restricted income funds, including special trusts, of the charity; and U - unrestricted funds |
||||||||
| Fund names | Type PE, EE **R or UR *** |
Purpose and Restrictions |
Fund balances brought forward |
Income | Expenditure | Transfers | Gains and losses |
Fund balances carried forward |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |||
| New Wimbledon Theatre 23/24 | R | - | 10,009 | - 10,267 |
- | - | 258 | |
| Royal Albert Hall 23/24 | R | - | 7,200 | - 7,200 |
- | - | - | |
Wimbledon 22/23 |
R | 24 | - | - | 24 | |||
| North and South 22/23 | R | 461 | - | - | 461 | |||
| NWT 24/25 | R | - | 9,946 | - 9,934 |
- | - | 12 | |
| - | - | - | - | - | - | |||
| Other funds | N/a | N/a | - | - | - | - | - | - |
| Total Funds | 485 | 27,155 | - 27,401 | - | - | 239 |
Section C Notes to the accounts (cont)
| Note 20 Creditors and accruals |
||||
| Please complete this note if the charity has any creditors or accruals. | ||||
| 20.1 Analysis of creditors | ||||
| Amounts falling due within oneyear |
Amounts falling due after more than oneyear |
|||
| This year | Last year | This year | Last year | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Accruals for grants payable | - | - | - | - |
| Bank loans and overdrafts | - | - | - | - |
| Trade creditors | - | - | - | - |
| Payments received on account for contracts or performance-related grants |
- | - | - | - |
| Accruals and deferred income | - | - | - | - |
| Taxation and social security | - | - | - | - |
| Other creditors | 500 | - | - | - |
| Total | 500 | - | - | - |
Independent Examiners Report as income exceeded £25,000 for Blues and Roots Ensemble (CIO) in 22/23.
I report to the trustees on my examina�on of the accounts of the charity Blues and roots ensemble, 1192545, for the year ended 31/07/23.
I have carried out this examina�on as the submi�ed accounts had income above £25,000 and should have been independently examined. I can confirm that I have had no cause to amend any of the original published financial statements.
The trustees are responsible for the prepara�on of the accounts. I have carried out an independent examina�on as required under sec�on 145 of the Chari�es Act 2011, following the direc�on issued by the Charity Commission.
Nothing has come to my a�en�on that gives me cause to believe that the records were not kept in accordance with sec�on 130 of the Act, or that the account do not agree with those records.
I have no other ma�ers to report that would require disclosure to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.
I thank the trustees and for their coopera�on throughout the process.
Signed ……………………………………
Date 19[th] May 2026
Wendy A Brooks
28 Cape Cross House
Kingsman Way
Newbury BERKS
RG147GU
Independent Examiners Report as income exceeded £25,000 for Blues and Roots Ensemble (CIO) in 23/24.
I report to the trustees on my examina�on of the accounts of the charity Blues and roots ensemble, 1192545, for the year ended 31/07/24.
I have carried out this examina�on as the submi�ed accounts had income above £25,000 and should have been independently examined. I can confirm that I have had no cause to amend any of the original published financial statements.
The trustees are responsible for the prepara�on of the accounts. I have carried out an independent examina�on as required under sec�on 145 of the Chari�es Act 2011, following the direc�on issued by the Charity Commission.
Nothing has come to my a�en�on that gives me cause to believe that the records were not kept in accordance with sec�on 130 of the Act, or that the account do not agree with those records.
I have no other ma�ers to report that would require disclosure to enable a proper understanding of the accounts.
I thank the trustees and for their coopera�on throughout the process.
Signed ……………………………………
Date 19[th] May 2026
Wendy A Brooks
28 Cape Cross House
Kingsman Way
Newbury BERKS
RG147GU
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Declarations
On behalf of the trustees, Blues and Roots Ensemble would like to thank all those who supported the charity’s work during the year.
SIGNED ON BEHALF OF THE TRUSTEES
………………………………………………………………. Soo Bishop Chair of Trustees
28/05/2026 Date: ______