## **Annual Report 2024/2025**
## **St Albans City Band Annual Report**
_April 2024 – March 2025_
## **Introduction**
The 2024–2025 season marked another vibrant chapter in the long history of St Albans City Band. With a legacy dating back to the late 19[th] century, the band continued to deliver high-quality brass music across Hertfordshire and beyond, while nurturing new talent and deepening its community roots.
## **Musical Engagements**
Throughout the year, the band performed at a wide range of events, showcasing its versatility and commitment to public performance:
- **Clarence Park Bandstand (Summer 2024)** : A highlight of the summer calendar, featuring both the City Band and Youth Band in a joyful outdoor concert.
- **Community and School Events** : The band supported local fairs and school functions, including appearances at Sandridge School and other venues, reinforcing its role as a community cornerstone.
- **Autumnal Concert in Brass (October 2024)** : A collaborative performance with Hemel Hempstead Band and the Community Band at Dagnall Street Baptist Church, celebrating seasonal music and partnership.
- **Christmas Performances (December 2024)** : Festive engagements included carolling and concerts that brought holiday cheer to local audiences.
- **Spring Concerts (Early 2025)** : The band closed the financial year with a Spring Concert with Potters Bar Band and a Youth Band end of term concert.
## **Band Development and Leadership**
- **Musical Direction** : Under the baton of Musical Director Nicholas Garman, the band explored a diverse repertoire and occasionally welcomed guest conductors.
- **Membership Growth** : The band continued to welcome new players, encouraging brass and percussion musicians of all ages and abilities to join rehearsals and performances. Under the baton of Beth Pippen, the Community Band and adult beginner programme continued to grow.
- **Youth Band Expansion** : Under the baton of Simon Tong, The Youth Band thrived, offering weekly rehearsals and performance opportunities for players from Year 6 and above. Their appearance at Clarence Park Band Stand was a particular highlight, showcasing their talent and enthusiasm.
## **Community Impact**
St Albans City Band remained deeply engaged with the local community, performing at public events, supporting schools, and offering a welcoming environment for musicians of all backgrounds. The band’s inclusive ethos and commitment to musical education were evident throughout the year.
## **Looking Ahead**
As the band moves into the 2025–2026 season, plans are already underway for new concerts, collaborations, and outreach initiatives. With strong leadership, growing membership, and a passion for performance, the future looks bright.
## **Conclusion**
From April 2024 to March 2025, St Albans City Band upheld its mission to bring brass music to life in St Albans and beyond. We thank our trustees, players, supporters, and audiences for their continued enthusiasm and look forward to another year of musical excellence.
Richard Sved
Chair 2024/25, St Albans City Band
**St Albans City Band accounts 2024/25 Summary sheet**
## **Section A Receipts and payments**
|**Income**
Subscriptions
Concerts & engagements
Rent income
Miscellaneous
Zhoosh recharges (net off expenses)
**Deficit for the year**
Total|27,623.54
£
**Expenditure**
**6,012.00**
**£**
Conducting Expenses
1,967.22
£
Concerts & engagements
**18,000.00**
**£**
Music Purchases
1,644.32
£
Business Rates
-
£
Instruments & Equipment
Insurance
Service Charges net of recharge to tenant
Website Management
Miscellaneous/Solicitors
Electricity net of recharge to tenant
**877.19**
**£**
28,500.73
£
Total
**Income and Expenditure 2024/25**|28,500.73
£
11,469.76
£
1,851.25
£
1,147.54
£
1,522.00
£
4,738.41
£
1,713.03
£
4,283.91
£
228.82
£
1,049.42
£
496.59
£|
|---|---|---|
||28,500.73
£|28,500.73
£|
|**Section**|**B Statement of assets and liabilities**|**B Statement of assets and liabilities**|**B Statement of assets and liabilities**|**at the end of the period**|**at the end of the period**|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|**Categories**|**Details**|**Unrestricted funds**||||
||||**to nearest £**|||
|**Cash funds**|Barclays account|£|39,786.20
|||
||CCLA account|£|7,585.95
|||
||Total cash funds|£|47,372.15
|||
||Details||**Cost**||**Current value**|
|**Assets**|Property in AL3 (April 2014 purchase)|£|350,000.00
|£|450,000.00
|
||Instruments (insurance value)|£|-
|£|64,150.00
|
||Sheet music (insurance value)|£|-
|£|20,000.00
|
||Uniforms (insurance value)|£|-
|£|15,000.00
|
## **Fund movements**
|||**Funds Movements during the year**|**Funds Movements during the year**|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Opening Balance 1st April 2024|£|40,663.39
|Balance of CCLA account|£|7,585.95
|
|Deficit for year|-£|877.19
|Bank account balance|£|39,786.20
|
|Closing Balance 31st March 2025|£|39,786.20
|Total cash|**£**|**47,372.15**
|
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## **Independent examiner’s report to the trustees of St Albans City Band**
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of the **St Albans City Band** (“the Charity”) for the year ended 31 March 2025.
## **Responsibilities and basis of report**
As the charity trustees of the Charity you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Trust’s accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
## **Independent examiner’s statement**
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
1. accounting records were not kept in respect of the Charity as required by section 130 of the Act; or
2. the accounts do not accord with those records.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
## Signed: _Jennifer Hill_
Name: Jennifer Hill
Relevant professional qualification or membership of professional bodies (if any): Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (Membership number 8822724)
Address: 57 Beechwood Avenue, St Albans, Herts, AL1 4XR
Date: 6/10/2025