# **Pride of the Hill Flute Band Trustees Annual Report 2024** 

## **Charity Registration Number : NIC100350** 

Report Year ending 31[st] December 2024. 

## **Status** 

The band finished the year in a healthy state membership wise with 94 members on the books and 19 junior members. During 2024 3 members retired and 15 members joined. We have a strong leaners class and hopefully they will all make it out onto the road in 2025. 

## **Main activities** 

Annual parade – We held our own parade in Rathfriland on the 14[th] June. It was a great event with large numbers of spectators with 33 bands in attendance. We attended 39 Parades in 2024 including the large annual celebrations the 12[th] , 13[th] , Derry Day and the Last Saturday. We also attended 1 indoor concert. 

## **Community Benefit** 

During the year the band performed at 40 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 participants 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 provides 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 2024 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 18[th] February 2025