Garryduff Flute Band - Trustees’ Report 01/04/22 – 31/03/23
The past year has been an active one for the band, with a variety of activities being organised to maintain its public benefit obligations to the local community.
Musical Tuition and Performances
The band continues to provide free musical tuition classes to people from the local community. As well as being a social outlet, these classes act as a means of teaching new skills and developing existing ones. We performed at a variety of open-air events, competitions, concerts and charity events to allow members to showcase their talent and provide members of the public an opportunity to appreciate the musical genre of a marching band.
DAERA Rural Micro Grant
To enhance the building that we lease to hold our musical tuition and other activities, we obtained a grant to upgrade the existing lighting with LED versions and install a forced air ventilation system to help improve the quality of air inside the building. This continues our policy of having a comfortable location that is welcoming to people.
Platinum Jubilee Grant
We were successful in obtaining a grant from Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council to hold a community fun day to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II in June 2022. The event included musical entertainment, outdoor inflatables, children’s craft, demonstrations of floral & cake decorating, food and drinks for those who attended and finished off with a ceilidh dance. Around 200 people attended from both the local community and neighbouring districts, and it proved to be one of the most successful events that we have held in recent times.
Fundraising & Social Events
We also held several successful fundraising events during the year. This included a Burns’ Supper night with musical entertainment, quiz nights, a tractor run and a bonus ball competition. A free party for local children at school halfterm time was held as a follow on to a previous year’s Christmas party. These activities allow people to support us financially, with some events proving to be very popular social events that bring the whole community together.
Ian Kennedy Secretary of Trustees 5[th] April 2023