Colmcille Ladies Choir Annual Report To Charity Commission NI
Summary of Activities
The choir continues to meet every Wednesday to practise under the guidance of our musical director Miss Sheila Carlin.
During the year 2023-2024 we participated in the following activities:
08/04/23 The Good Friday Anniversary Commemoration
16/12/23 Concert in aid of the Northern Ireland Traffic Bereavement Society in the Guidhall, Derry
17/12/23 Carol service in Long Tower Church 17/12/23 Carol Service in Pennyburn church
22-26 February 24 Choir trip to Lisbon International Choral Festival
All of the above were charity events and no fee was received by the choir
The choir were invited to participate in the 25[th] Good Friday Agreement Commemoration held in the Guidhall Derry. This event was attended by invited dignitaries and politicians from the city and further afield.
The choir sang at a concert to remember all those who had died as a result of road traffic accidents during the year.
This has become an annual event and was attended by families of the deceased who light candles for their loved ones. We were delighted to participate in such a worthwhile event.
22/02/24 In February the choir went to Lisbon to participate in the International Choral Festival. We performed at a variety of church and civic events and were roundly applauded for our performances. We sang in Portuguese which was greatly appreciated by our audiences. The organisers of the festival commended the choir on our performances and stated that we were the highlight of the entire Festival and that we had proudly represented our country and city. So much so that we were invited back again for next year.
In addition the choir performed at various church services and funerals throughout the year.
This year the choir took a prolonged break as our choir mistress had to take time off for health reasons.
Public Benefit
The Colmcille Ladies Choir partakes in a variety of cultural activities which includes regular public performances, choral festivals and charity functions. We perform in a variety of places such as churches, theatres, shopping centres and open air venues where the public are given the opportunity to listen to and appreciate choral music. We are delighted that we continue to thrive with new members joining .
Our members are drawn from all walks of life and backgrounds. We benefit from the opportunities to learn, sing, enjoy and participate in choral music. We are always looking to attract new members and we do this mainly by encouraging our current members to recruit new singers. All age groups, race and creeds are welcome in the choir and our members range in age from 17 to 80 plus. Indeed we have several long established family members within our ranks.
Sheila, our musical director continues to promote a variety of genres of choral singing, which includes sacred, jazz, popular, traditional, blues and classical. This can be challenging as we often perform in a variety of languages. Participation in the choir helps improve our knowledge of music including diction, breath control, phrasing and singing. Singing in a choir is known to be beneficial for mental health well being, as well as promoting social inclusion. The sense of achievement and increased confidence is another added benefit.
The choir performs a wider benefit to the public by supporting fund raising activities, our annual carol services being one example.
Financial Benefit
The choir holds both a current account and savings account. A balance of funds is maintained to cover any unexpected expenses.
We have increased our fund-raising efforts throughout the year to assist with our anniversary trip in 2024.
Overall, the trustees are happy with the finances of the choir.
The financial position is secure. The choir has no reserved accounts or assets.
Trustees
The trustees of the Colmcille Ladies Choir remain in position as follows:
Chairperson Ursula Clifford Musical Director Sheila Carlin Hon Secretary Anne Gallagher Hon Treasurer Angela Morrison Costume mistress Marie Horton Charity Co-ordinator Deirdre Carroll
Administration
The choir is administered by the Board of Trustees appointed annually at the Annual General Meeting which is held during January/February. The committee meets on a regular basis throughout the year. The charity is governed by its constitution dated 2 September 2015 which has remained unchanged, and which is approved by the committee members.
Mrs Ursula Clifford Chairperson January 2024 Colmcille Ladies Choir NI Charity No 103566 Inland Revenue Charity No
XT21164