BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEAR ENDED 

31 MARCH 2025 

Bradley Accounting and Taxation Chartered Certified Accountants Suite B, Formation Works Maryland Maryland Industrial Estate Ballygown Road Belfast BT23 6BL 

BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

## CHARITY NUMBER: 

MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE 

## ACCOUNTANTS: 

## BUSINESS ADDRESS: 

NIC 100872 

Deirdre Kearns Christine Dowling Catherine O'Neill Martin Dowling Anne Marie Walsh Kevin McCullagh Berni Corr Pat O'Hagan Conor Diamond Sile Martin 

Chairperson Vice Chairperson Treasurer Administrative support Safeguarding Music-Co-Ordinator Dance Co-Ordinator Dance Co-Ordinator Data Visualisation Officer Deputy Safeguarding Officer/ Tutor Liaison Social Media Officer Officer Officer 

Olivia Adair Naomhan O’Connor Tom Clarke 

Nuala McBride Ciara Maguire 

Administrator/Secretary Temporary administrator (Appointed April 2025) 

Bradley Accounting & Taxation Chartered Certified Accountants Suite B, Formation Works Maryland Maryland Industrial Estate Ballygowan Road Belfast, BT23 6BL 

## Blick Shared Studios 

65 Great Northern Street Belfast, BT9 7FL 

## BANKERS: 

## CAF Bank 

25 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling, Kent, ME19 4JQ, 

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## BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

## CONTENTS 


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||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
|EXECUTIVE|COMMITTEE|REPORT|Page|4|
|INDEPENDENT|EXAMINER’S|REPORT|Page|8|
|STATEMENT OF|FINANCIAL ACTIVITIES|Page|10|
|STATEMENT OF|FINANCIAL|POSITION|Page|11|
|NOTES TO THE|FINANCIAL STATEMENTS|Page|12|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

## EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT 

## FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 

The Executive Committee present their report and the financial statements for the year ended 31 March 2025. 

The accounts have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in note 1 to the accounts and comply with the charity's governing document and ‘Accounting and Reporting Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice.’ 

## Status and Administration 

BelfastTrad (Traditional Music and Dance Society) is a charity under number NIC 100872 and is governed by an Executive Committee (also referred to as "Trustees"). The registered office of the charity is located at Blick Shared Studios, 65 Great Northern Street, Belfast, BT6 7FL. 

## Principle Activity 

The principal activity of the society is to promote and develop a knowledge and love of the traditional arts of Irish music, song and dance and to advance its education in the greater Belfast and district area. 

BelfastTrad was originally founded as Belfast and District Set Dancing and Traditional Music Society. Constituted in 1991, it was formed by a small cohort of like-minded dancers and musicians led by the set dancer Mary Fox. The goals and ethos of the Society from its inception have been to ensure that the shared traditions of Irish music and dance are available to anyone who wants to learn, with classes provided ina welcoming and neutral setting. Our students are aged 5-90, with the majority of our students being young adults and up. 

The executive committee have paid due regard to guidance issued by the Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Society should undertake. 

## Public Benefit 

The benefit which flows from the provision of traditional arts of Irish music and dance include education, social inclusion and artistic expression to the people throughout Northern Ireland that participate in the activities. The provision of workshops, classes, lectures and training in all aspects of traditional music and dancing skills to anyone in the area of benefit who wants to learn also provides the benefits of education, greater understanding of our shared culture and traditions and the attainment of musical skills. 

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We welcome people of all abilities. Through the organisation of the performance of traditional music, song and dance and promoting active participation in such arts provides direct benefits of supporting the arts, social cohesion and better health. 

## Financial Review 

A statement of financial activities for the year is set out on page 10. 

The society is a non-profit making organisation. The results are set out in detail on pages 10 and 11. The Society recorded a surplus of £8,798 in the year (2024: £3,387). 

Income generated from Society activities totalled £99,378 (2024: £89,338) of which £35,824 (2024: £37,448) was received from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. This continues to fund a part-time administrative post within the Society. The remaining income was generated from term fees for a range of instrument classes at various levels, individual and set dancing classes, workshops, oblique masterclasses and end of term concerts/ ceilis. 

The balance of funds at the year-end was £68,307 (2024: £53,864) of which £62,961 was unrestricted. 

The committee have discussed strategies for reducing any unnecessary expenditure and will apply these in the forthcoming programme of events. 

## Reserves 

The Committee considers it prudent to hold monies in reserve in the event that unforeseen circumstances should lead to financial difficulties which might put the users' well-being and charitable work in jeopardy. The Committee recognises that in the developing public sector funding climate, competition for future grant aid will be even more intense. Free reserves are defined by the trustees as those funds freely available for use as the society so determines and thereby excludes any restricted or designated funds. 

## Focus for the Future 

The society now looks forward to growing our programme and our audience over the next year as we build on the success of this year, helping to consolidate our identity as the leading provider of traditional arts tuition in Belfast's Queen's Quarter and South Belfast and helping to gain new audiences. 

## Structure Governance and Management 

The Society was formally constituted in 1991. It is a non-profit making organisation. 

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The executive committee members, who are also trustees for the purpose of charity law, and who served during the year, were: 

Deirdre Kearns Chairperson Martin Dowling Chairperson (resigned November 2024) Christine Dowling Vice Chairperson Catherine O’Neill Treasurer Anne Marie Walsh Safeguarding Kevin McCullagh Music-Co-Ordinator Berni Corr Dance Co-Ordinator Pat O'Hagan Dance Co-Ordinator Conor Diamond Data Visualisation Officer Olivia Adair Social Media Officer Sile Martin Deputy safeguarding officer/ tutor liaison Ciara Maguire Administrative support Naomhan O’Connor Officer Tom Clarke Officer 

Nuala McBride Administrator/Secretary 

Martin Dowling Temporary Administrator/Secretary (Appointed December 2024) 

During the period under review the Committee met monthly and the present Committee was approved by the membership at the Annual General Meeting. 

## Recruitment and Appointment of Trustees 

Under the Society constitution the number of trustees for the purpose of law shall not be less than three and is not subject to any maximum. Trustees are elected to serve only until the next Annual General Meeting, at which they shall be eligible for reelection. 

## Taxation 

The Society has no liability to taxation as a result of its charitable status. 

## Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities 

The trustees are responsible for preparing the Executive Committee report and the financial statements in accordance with applicable law and regulations. 

Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year. Under that law the trustees have elected to prepare the financial statements in accordance with the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008. Under relevant legislation the trustees must not approve the financial statements unless they are satisfied that 

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they give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and the net movement in funds for that period. in preparing these financial statements, the Trustees are required to: 

- Select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently; 

- Observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP; 

- Make judgements and accounting estimates that are reasonable and prudent; and - Prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to assume the charity will continue on that basis. 

The trustees are responsible for keeping adequate accounting records that are sufficient to show and explain the charity's transactions and disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the applicable law and regulations. they are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities. 

The Executive Committee Report is approved and signed on behalf of the Executive Committee on 21 June 2025: 

UO) Fe errs Deirdre Kearns Chairperson 

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BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

## INDEPENDENT EXAMINER’S REPORT 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 

| report on the accounts for the year ended 31 March 2025, which are set out on pages 10 and 11. 

## Respective responsibilities of committee and examiner 

The charity’s committee considers that an audit is not required for this year (under section 65(2) of the Charities Act 1993 (the Act) and that an independent examination is needed. 

It is our responsibility to: 

- Examine the accounts (under section 65 of the Act). 

- Followthe procedures laid down in the General Directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 65(9)(b) of the Act) 

- State whether particular matters have come to our attention. 

## Basis of independent examiner’s report 

Our examination was carried out in accordance with general directions given by the Charity Commission (under section 65(9)(b) of the Act). 

An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity anda comparison of the accounts presented with those records. 

It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeking explanations from you as committee members concerning any such matters. 

The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and no opinion is given as to whether the accounts present a ‘true and fair’ view. 

The report is limited to those matters set out in the statement below. 

## Independent examiner’s statement 

In the course of our examination no matter has come to our attention: 

1. That gives us reasonable cause to believe that, in any material aspects, the requirements to keep accounting records in accordance with section 65 of the Act; and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with the 

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accounting requirements of the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008l have not been met; or 

2. To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached. 

## colnuk ing d vor. Aeeonukiag & Taxol 

Bradley Accounting & Taxation Chartered Certified Accountants Suite B, Formation Works Maryland Maryland Industrial Estate Ballygowan Road Belfast, BT23 6BL 

Date: 21 June 2025 

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BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

## INCOME AND EXPENDITURE ACCOUNT 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 


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||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|Unrestricted|Funds|Restricted|Funds|Total|Funds|Total Funds|
|2025|2025|2025|2024|
|Income|
|Stripe Income|61,829.31|.|61,829.31|50,471.00|
|Box|Office|-|-|:|969.00|
|Other Sponsorship|663.06|-|663.06|333.00|
|Donations|200.00|-|200.00|“|
|Bank interest|861.80|=|861.80|117.00|
|Arts Council Grants|.|35,824.00|35,824.00|37,448.00|
|63,554.17|35,824.00|99,378.17|89,338.00|
|Expenditure|
|Workshop/Geili|Expenses|.|4651.00|4,651.00|3,376.00|
|Tutor Payments|22,811.23|14,901.00|37,712.23|40,050.00|
|Rent Payable|25,950.30|:|25,950.30|18,540.00|
|Depreciation|280.98|-|280.98|355.00|
|Wagas-and|Salaries|.|16,272.00|16,272.00|16,342.00|
|Training|356.00|;|356.00|290.00|
|Insurance|932.00|.|932.00|977.00|
|Instruments/Equipment/Storage|500.00|.|500.00|727.00|
|Administration|Expenses|2,092.78|.|2,092.78|2,092.00|
|Telephone|110.20|.|110.20|584,00|
|Digit Sanises|1,377.21|-|1,377.21|1,699.00|
|(Gain)/ Loss on|sale of assets|.|300.00|_.|300.00|.|
|Aecauntsney Fees|450.00|-|450.00|335,00|
|Bark Charges|120.80|.|120.80|175.00|
|Membership|Fees|75.00|.|75.00|409.00|
|.|54,756.50|35,824.00|90,580.50|85,951.00|
|Surplus/(Deficit) for Year|8,797.67|-|8,797.67|3,387.00|

**----- End of picture text -----**<br>


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BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

## STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL POSITION 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 

||2025|2024|
|---|---|---|
|Fixed Assets|||
|Fixtures & Fittings|21,330.60|21,627.00|
|Accumulated Depreciation|20,304.98|20,564.00|
||1,025.62|1,063.00|
|Current Assets|||
|Cash at Bankand in Hand|68,307.28|53,864.40|
|Debtors: Arts Council NI|1,791.20|3,416.20|
|Debtors: HMRC and NEST|196.28|-|
|Prepayments|1,332.38|932.00|
||71,627.14|58,212.60|
|A<br>Liabiliti|||
|Accruals|16,167.50|16,904.51|
|Advance Statutory Maternity Pay|5,316.50|P|
||21,484.00|16,904.51|
|NetAssets|51,168.76|42,371.09|
|Sources<br>of Capital|||
|Accumulated Fund|||
|OpeningBalance - Unrestricted Funds|42,371.09|38,969.00|
|- Restricted Funds|-|-|
|Surplus/ (Deficit) forYear|8,797.67|3,402.09|
||51,168.76|42,371.09|



These Financial Statements were approved by the committee of BelfastTrad and authorised for issue on 21 June 2025: 

Deirdre Kearns (Chairperson) 

Catherine O’Neill (Treasurer) 

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## BELFASTTRAD (TRADITIONAL MUSIC AND DANCE SOCIETY) 

NOTES TO THE FINANCIAL STATEMENTS 

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025 

Note 1 Accounting Policies 

## Accounting Convention 

The financial statements are prepared under the historical cost convention and comply with financial reporting standards of the Accounting Standards Board. 

## Turnover 

Income of The Charity represents monies received from grants and operating activities. 

## Tangible Fixed Assets and Depreciation 

Depreciation is provided at rates calculated to write off the costless residual value of each asset over its expected useful life, as follows: 

Fixtures and Fittings -25% Reducing Balance 

## Incoming Resources 

Donations, legacies and other income is included in full in the Income and Expenditure Account when received. 

Bank interest received is accounted for on accruals basis. 

## Resources Expended 

All expenditure has been classified under headings that aggregate all costs related to the category. 

Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have all been allocated to activities on a basis consistent with the use of resources. 

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