## Friends of Music in the Education Authority (North East Region) 

(Registered with the Charity Commissioners for Northern Ireland - NIC 103653 ) 

## **Annual Report - 1st April 2023- 31st March 2024.** 

## **Aims** 

**1.** The aims of the Friends of Music in the Education Authority (North East Region) {hereinafter referred to as the Friends} remains unchanged and continues to be: 

To advance and develop the art and science of music and musical education, with particular reference to orchestral music, in the Education Authority (North Eastern Region) by providing services not normally covered or subsidised by the Department of Education or Education Authority grants. 

## **Organisation** 

**2.** The Executive Committee (EC) of the Friends is elected at the Annual General meeting and is the body responsible for the day-to-day management of the organisation. Decisions taken by the EC must conform to the objectives of the Friends set out in the constitution and are also taken having regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland Public Benefit Requirement statutory guidance. 

**3.** The members of the EC during the 2023/24 year were: 

Christine Stewart (Chairperson) Liz Brown David Foster (Secretary) Noel Lamont Tracey Montgomery (Treasurer) Helena Haffield Jean Martin                                                    Clifford Bell Brian Lynas 

(These members of the EC were in office when this report was approved.) 

The Executive Committee met on 3 occasions during the year. 

**4.** The registered address of the Friends is 82, Ballylagan Road, Ballyclare BT39 9QR. 

## **Activities during the year** 

**5.** A circular was issued to schools advising that the Friends were willing to provide financial assistance to suitable musical projects and applications for assistance should be sent to the Secretary for consideration by the Executive Committee. 30 applications were received; 16 were offered assistance but two offers were withdrawn later upon receipt of additional information and 1 school decided not to proceed with their project.  3 applications were withdrawn by the schools and the remaining applications (11) were rejected by the Executive Committee. 

## **Finance/Liabilities** 

6 **.** The 2023/24 financial account shows the Friends to be in a sound financial position with a credit balance of £18527.22. 

**7.** At the end of the year the Friends had outstanding liabilities of £2097.31. 



## **8.The Officers and members of the Executive Committee elected for the 2024/25 year were:** 

Christine Stewart (Chairperson) Liz Brown David Foster (Secretary) Noel Lamont Tracey Montgomery (Treasurer) Helena Haffield Jean Martin                                                           Clifford Bell Brian Lynas 

**Signed: _________________________________.                  Date: _______________ David Foster (Secretary)**