Charity Registration Number: NIC102129
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND
FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
FOR THE YEAR ENDED
30 SEPTEMBER 2025
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Table of Contents
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND Unaudited Financial Statements
For the year ended 30 September 2025
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|Report|of the Trustees|2|
|Independent Examiner's|Report to the Trustees|7|
|Receipt and|Payments Account|9|
|Statement|of Assets|and|Liabilities|10|
|Notes|to the|Financial Statements|11|
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND
ye Introduction The trustees present their annual report and financial statements for the year ended 30 September 2025.
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial statements and comply with the charity's constitution and the Charities Act (Northern Ireland) 2008.
Association of Friends of the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band Music Service, EA Southern Region, Bann House, Bridge Street, Portadown, BT63 SAE Charity Registration Number: NIC 102129 Date Registered: 24 July 2015.
Annual Report October 2023 to September 2025
Trustees and Office Bearers of the Association during the Reporting Year: Chairperson: Andrew Fogarty Vice Chairperson: Judith Day (appointed 25 February 2025) Secretary: Niamh McCluskey Treasurer: Caroline Doherty
Constitution The Association of Friends of the SUYO & SUYB is governed in accordance with its Constitution which was last updated and approved at the AGM of the Association on 15 November 2016. Trustees/ Officer Bearers are selected by persons in attendance at Annual General Meetings in accordance with rules as set out in the Constitution.
Objectives and Activities
| Purpose | To advance education and promote the appreciation and understanding of music for the benefit | of the public with particular reference to orchestral and band music, by providing financial and | practical support. In particular supportingthe presentation of public performances and concert | tours by the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band. | The direct benefits which flow from the purposes include: | . Encouragement of young musicians to participate in and experience the life of an orchestra player. | . Bringingcity venues. classical music to the public through the provision of public performances in the host | - An opportunity to experience life as a touring musician. | . Forging cross community lifelong friendships. |
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Personal development opportunity with focus on team building skills.
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Opportunities for students with musical ability to progress to advanced teaching with Music Service tutors, without regard to financial background.
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
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eS « Improved numbers of students feeding through to the Senior Orchestra, : The benefits can be demonstrated through feedback arising from Orchestra and Band tours received from authorities within the host towns and cities and members of the public attending open air events.
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Enhanced personal development as demonstrated through students’ applications to study and contribute to Senior Orchestra in follow up years, student progression to other orchestras, careers as professional musicians and success at ABRSM Examinations, Music GCSE and A Level etc.
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There are no detriments following from the purposes.
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The charity’s beneficiaries are the members of the Orchestras and Bands(in particular students) and more widely members of the general public who have the opportunity to attend public performances of the music ensembles.
: There are no private benefits flowing from the purposes.
Main Activities:
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To provides financial and practical support to the Music Service of the EA Southern Region, in the provision of opportunities for the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and the South Ulster Youth band to undertake tours at home or abroad at which orchestra members will undertake public performances
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To provide financial support in form of bursaries for advanced tuition for students
| pursuing advanced instrumental study beyond grade 5 under the pupilage of Music Service | Tutors. | 3. To provide financial assistance to the Music Summerto run additional workshops over and above that provided as part of standard provision, the purpose of which is to enhance appreciation of music and performance by students.
Main Achievements during the year to September 2025
Chairperson's Report:
It gives me great pleasure to present the Chairman’s Report for this year. It has been another busy and rewarding yearfor the orchestra, marked by change, progress, and the continued commitment of our students, parents, and supporters.
Changes to Orchestra Practice Oneofthe major changes this year has been moving our orchestra practice to Wednesdays. Thankfully, our numbers have remained strong, which sends a clear message about the dedication of both our students and their parents—especially those who travel long distances each week. It’s a long day for many, and their continued enthusiasm and commitment are truly appreciated. For many long-term members of the music | service, having Saturday mornings free has been quite an experience—a well-deserved lie-in at last! | The Association of Friends of the South Ulster Youth Orchestra and Band We've also seen positive developments within the Association. I’m delighted to report that Judith Day has been | voted in as the new Vice Chairperson and we also welcomed Noreen Jeffers to the team. | | |
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
With these additions, the Association can now function more effectively as a full committee. That said, we are always on the lookout for new members, so anyone interested in getting involved would be most welcome.
The idea of inviting some of the older members of the South Ulster Youth Orchestra to attend our meetings was suggested by Nuala Curran. The Friends Association fully supports this idea and looks forward to hopefully implementing it in the future.
Sadly, we must also note the departure of Jan Hutchinson, who has moved to another centre and is no longer able to attend. Jan will be sorely missed for her dedication and friendship over the years.
Bursaries
We’re delighted to report that a number of bursaries have been awarded this year: 1 pupil for 1 year (completed June 2026)
5 pupils for 2 years (to finish June 2027)
1 pupil for 3 years (to finish June 2028)
These bursaries make a real difference in supporting young musicians and ensuring that talent continues to
thrive across the region.
Future Concerts and Fundraising Events
Looking ahead, we have an exciting programme of events planned:
15th December -Lagan Arts Centre
21st March - Academy (TBC) 27th March -— Gala Showcase, South Lakes And of course, our much-loved performance at Georgian Day in Armagh
We look forward to seeing everyone there and continuingto share our music with the community.
Financial Report | The Association presents its annual accounts in the Receipts and Payments Format, in line with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland regulations. The financial statements have been compiled and independently reviewed by AAB Group Accountants Limited, and Caroline Doherty will be presenting them at
Closing Remarks
In closing, | would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all who have contributed to another successful year—the students, parents, staff, committee members, and supporters. Your time, energy, and enthusiasm continue to make this organisation thrive.
Thank you for your ongoing support throughout the year.
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Andrew Fogarty \ a Date: 2 x \ | Qt
Chairperson py
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Adherence to Charities Commission NI Statutory Guidance In the conduct of activities, the Association have regard for the public benefit requirements as set out in the Charities Commission Statutory guidance.
Annual Accounts and Financial Review The association has chosen to present annual accounts In Receipts and Payments format as permitted by Charities Commission Regulations.
Aset of accounts will be presented to Annual General Meeting on after being submitted to professional accountants for review.
All activities have been carried out in accordance with the requirements of the Charity Commission.
The Charity Commission profile remained up to date with appointments, and the Financial Accounts for the year ended 30 September 2024 were submitted within the required time limit.
The Friends Association has sufficient funds to sustain the Association's activities without disruption.
Income for 2024/25 has decreased by £1,531 compared to last year. This is in part to a delay in receipt of lodgement for fundraising totalling £1,232.80, which has now been received and will be accounted for in the next Financial Year End.
The Association's income during the Financial Year End Sep 2025 was £1,292, derived from fundraising activities, membership contributions, and a small amount of interest on bank deposits.
Expenditure in the Financial Year was £2,671, attributed to Bursary payments, accountancy charges, trustee insurance, and bank charges.
A delay in receipt of the Bursary payment invoice for YE 2024 means payment of £1,760 has been accounted for in this financial period.
Following a review with EA music Service, an update has been made to the format of when Bursary payments are awarded and paid. Going forward Advanced Teaching Bursaries will be awarded in Spring Term and presented at the Gala Showcase each year. The bursary is applicable to the following academic year and payment will be forwarded to EA Music Service the following September.
| Work continues in the background to generate a Just giving page and it is anticipated that the code | could be added to event programs, making the donation process more efficient and encouraging more | parents to donate. | At Year End 30 Sep 2025 the Association's bank deposits stood at £27,984, showing a decrease of | £1,379 from the previous year.
| Caroline Doherty Treasurer
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Date: 96 SAN 2026
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ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS OF THE SOUTH ULSTER YOUTH ORCHESTRA AND BAND
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES
YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2025
Reserves policy
It is the policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should be maintained at a level equivalent to between three and six month’s expenditure. The trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure that, in the event of a significant drop in funding, they will be able to continue the charity’s current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This level of reserves has been maintained throughoutthe year.
Going Concern
At the time of approving the financial statements, the trustees have a reasonable expectation that the charity has adequate resources to continue in operational existence for the foreseeable future. Thus the trustees continue to adopt the going concern basis of accounting in preparing the financial statements.
Statement of Trustee's Responsibilities
Charity law requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial period which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of its financial position at the end of that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and apply them consistently;
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- make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent; - state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed subject to any departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in operation.
The trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring that the charity has an appropriate system of internal controls, financial and otherwise. They are also responsible for keeping proper accounting records which disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and to enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2008. They are also responsible for safeguardingthe assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
Disclosure of Information to Independent Examiners
The Trustees who held office at the date of approval of this trustees' report confirm that, so far as they are each aware, there is no relevant audit information of which the Charity’s independent examiners are unaware; and each Trustee has taken all the steps they ought to have taken as a trustee to make themselves aware of any relevant information and to establish that the Charity’s independent examiners are aware of that information.
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Andrew Fogarty Po
Chairperson .
Date: 2%| | aN
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Caroline Doherty 2°S17 2026
Treasurer
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