Trustees Annual Report for the period ending 31st December 2022
1[st] Old Boys Silver Band
Registered Charity NIC 100053
The 1[st] Old Boys Silver Band is governed by the 1[st] Old Boys Silver Band Constitution and is managed by an Executive Committee containing band members elected at the band’s Annual General Meeting.
Full details of the band’s accounts are available on the Charities Commission NI Website.
The first part of 2022 saw the band continue to return to normal, preCovid activities including regular rehearsals, public performances, contests and fundraising. Individual members of the band gained success at the annual Brass Band NI Solo and Quartet completion in February. In May the band gave a world premiere performance of the composition ‘Rasp’ by Belfast-based composer Anselm McDonnell at the New Music Dublin Festival.
A number of public concerts were given over the summer months including at Drumbeg, Moira and Newtownabbey Loughshore. These were offered free to the public and were well attended.
The band gained first prize at the North of Ireland Bands’ Association Championship of Ireland in October, thus qualifying to represent NI at the European Brass Band Championships in Palanga, Lithuania in May 2024.
In December band members undertook a series of free public Christmas carolling performances as well as a joint Christmas concert with the Belfast Operatic Society in the Ulster Hall, Belfast.
Band finances were augmented by the range of performances that gained fees, and by members’ subscriptions, allowing us to meet our running costs.
Public Benefit Statement
1[st] Old Boys Silver Band promotes the playing, understanding and appreciation of brass band music in its various forms. The direct benefit which flows from this purpose is that the cultural lives of the general public of Northern Ireland will be enriched with high-quality musical performances. This benefit can be evidenced by the feedback from the general public and audience members who have listened to our performances. This purpose will not lead to any harm and results in no private benefit.
Full details of the Public Benefits Statement are accessible via The Charities Commission NI Website.
Summary of Public Benefits
We bring together members of the community from all walks of life for a collective musical experience. Our purpose is to provide a facility for any person to play or learn to play a brass or percussion instrument to the best of their abilities and to pass on our knowledge and experience to the next generations of musicians to keep the tradition of brass bands alive in our community. We offer support from a group of volunteers who give their time freely on either a one-to-one basis or as part of a group.
Administrative Details
Governing Document
1st Old Boys Silver Band Constitution adopted on 12[th] January 2004 and amended on 17[th] April 2023.
Charity Address
20-22 Donegal Street Belfast BT1 2GP
Charity Trustees
Mr Ronald White (Chairman, Board of Trustees) Mr William McCann (Trustee) Mr Joe Cassells (Trustee)
Executive Committee
Nigel Hylands (Band Chairman) Andrew Pentland (Band Vice Chairman) Andrew Milligan (Secretary) Victoria Lloyd (Treasurer) Alan Hunter (Librarian) Ollie Begley (Media/PR Officer) Louise Bell (Development Officer)
Summary
The band comprises of three Trustees as indicated in detail on the Charities Commission NI website and an Executive Committee elected at the Annual General Meeting.
Declaration
The Trustees and Executive Committee declare that they have approved the Trustee’s Report.
The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the band’s constitution and have been scrutinised by a qualified person in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Commission NI and are available to view on the Charities Commission NI website.