## **Pride of the Hill Flute Band Trustees Annual Report 2023** 

## **Charity Registration Number : NIC100350** 

Report Year ending 31[st] December 2023. 

## **Status** 

The band finished the year in a healthy state membership wise with 86 members on the books and 16 junior members. During 2022 2 members retired and 5 members joined. We have a strong leaners class and hopefully they will all make it out onto the road in 2024. 

## **Main activities** 

Annual parade – We held our own parade in Rathfriland on the 9[th] June. It was a great event with large numbers of spectators and 33 bands in attendance. We attended 37 Parades in 2023 including the large annual celebrations the 12[th] , 13[th] , Derry Day and the Last Saturday. We also attended 2 indoor concerts. 

## **Community Benefit** 

During the year the band performed at 39 community engagements. The band also provided tuition for the flute and drum for the local community, and continue to provide a platform for local people to participate in UlsterScots musical Traditions. 

The band continues to provide a welcoming and safe environment for young people to learn a musical instrument and partake in a local cultural tradition. Other benefits to the participant include improved self-esteem and confidence, friendship, teamwork and pride in achievement. 

The band continues to provide an invaluable service at no cost to the local community in a rural area with high deprivation of childhood poverty and access to services. 



The band also provide a focal point for civic pride and family involvement. 

## **Finance** 

The financial support required for a highly active flute band with 100 members is considerable. There are ongoing costs that enable the band to function, that need to be meet annually. In 2023 more uniforms were purchased to fit out our growing organisation. 

## **Conclusion** 

It was a great year for the band with the band attending many events around the country. Membership remains very health. We also have many young people participating in our tuition classes, who all being well will be ready to parade with  the band this year. Moral is great within the band and playing performance remains to a high standard.  These positives not only serve the band well but is also of a  great benefit to the  community. 


Martin Porter Trustee 7[th] February 2024