KILCLUNEY VOLUNTEERS FLUTE BAND 128 Mowhan Road, Markethill, Co Armagh, Annual report of the Trustees th 8 Dember 2023 Charity Registration Number: NIC102551 The aims and objectives of the Band is: To increase participation and awareness of the Ulster Scots tradition in the Markethill area and it's environs by advancing the musical ability of younq people and their leaders through education, training and membership of a marching band. Agenda 1. Welcome by the Chalrman - Lee Coulter 2. Record of those present and ascertaln that a quorum exlsts 3. Apologles 4. Report of Accounts by the Treasurer laln McKee 5. Trustees Report The Chairman, Lee Counter, on behalf of the Trustees, give the annual repoit on the work of the Band. The Band has made steady progress during 2023 with an increased membei'ship of 12 making the total membership including learners 99. Only one member I'etired during the year with 13 members joining, 10 of which had been learning the flute or drum, during the winter months. We have currently another 4 learner drummprs and 6 young people leaming the flute. The Band took part in 54 Parades in all parts of Northern Ireland from 17th March until the last parade on 29th September 2023. We also played at 7 indoor coricerts as well arranged our own parade on Friday 2nd June with 60 bands in attendf2nce making it the second largest Band parade in Northern Ireland that year. The parade still attracts a crowd of up to ten thousand people each year giving ari economic boost to the town of Markethill. The band has continued to provide a safe and inexpensive environment for young people to learn a musical instrument greatly increasing participation in the Ulster Scots musical tradition in the local area. The band plays an active role in the local community by taking part in church parades with local youth organizations arid is
alc4>0 a keen promoter of inclusivity with members on the autistic spectrum as well as one with Downs syndrome. Other benefits include promoting health and fitness, raising self-esteem, leadership skills, working as a team and pride in achievernent. It ialso provides a recognizable focus for family involvement as well as improving miJntal health. The band recently took part in the Take 5 Steps to improve mental health project. Trie band has regular committee meetings each month and an annual general mi:eting every December. We have a constitution and audited accounts going back 40 years as well as secretarial records for 50 years. The accounts are scrutinized by the committee throughout the year and independently audited each year. Tre Chairman also reported that a sub-committee would be set up next year to pl¢in for the 751h Anniversary of the band and more details would be available next year. After a general discussion the band also agreed an action plan and list of events for the year ahead. In conclusion the Chairman praised the Committee of the band for all their hard w()rk during the year and give an upbeat assessment on how well the band had pliiyed all year receiving loads of awards at several of the major competition parades. 6. Electlon of the Comrnlttee Slgned Chalrrnan Slgned Secretary Diite 07 L(