Londonderry Bands Forum Financial Ststements and Trustees Report For the Year ended 31st March 2024 KEITH MCELHINNEY & Co. CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS CHARTERED TAX ADVISER 42A Clwney Terra , Waterside , Londondery , BT47 6AP Phone . 02871313330 , Fax .' 02871313330 . evrroil .' krrc£lhinney@btconnecLcom
Trustees Annual Report for the year ended 31 March 2024 The Trustees of The Londonderry Bands Forum are pleased to present their report for the year ended 31 March 2024. Purpose5 and Activities of the Charity The Forum is established "to challenge and communicate at all levels" Going forward our aims are still relevant in the ongoing peace process and our partnerships with others has expanded our remit outside Londonderry. This is evident in our monthly Board reports and the Quarterly reports to funder5. Main Achlevements in the year The Londonderry Bands Forum has had a remarkable year, marked by significant achievements and enhanced performance across various areas. This report outlines our key accomplishments and the progress made in promoting the work of bands and their members. Leadership Tran5itTon New Coordinator.. Mr. Andrew Lynch was appointed as the new coordinator, succeeding Mr. Stephen Porter. This transition has been smooth. with Mr. Lynch bringing fresh perspectives and energy to the role. Engagement and Outreach Increased Participation= Our meetings have seen a notable increase in attendance, reflecting improved engagement from the bands. Diverse Outreach-. We have successfully engaged with groups from diverse backgrounds and cultures, promoting inclusivity and the work of bands across the communitv. Collaboration with Authorities.. Continued collaboration with relevant authorities on parading and other i55ues has strengthened our position and influence. Banding Artivities Return to Full Activities: This year marked a full return to banding activities, with both new and returning members joining the bands. This resurgence has been encouraging and bodes well tor the future. Positive Outlook: The end of the year ha5 seen a positive trend in membership, with old and new member5 artively participating. Funding and Development Secured Fundin8: We have secured funding forthe coordinator position for another two years. This financial stability will support the development and promotion of the bands over this period. Development Inltiative5.' The secured funding will enable us to implement various development initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills and visibility of our bands. Conclu51on The period from April 1, 2023. to March 31, 2024, has been a year of growth and positive change for the Londonderry Bands Forum. With increased engagement, successful outreach. and Page I
secured funding. we are well-positioned to continue our mission of promoting the work of bands and their members Public Benefit Statement The Trustees of The Londonderry Bands Forum confirm that they have complied with their duty under section 17 {51 of the Charities Act 2011 to have regard to the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit requirement has informed the activitie5 of the Society in the year to 31 March 2024. Review of Financial position as at 31 March 2024 The Charity had excess payments over receipts for the year to 31 March 2024 of £6,61612023.' surplus £14,001). As at 31 March 2024 the Charity had no funds in material deficit No funds are held by the charity as a custodian trustee Trustee Selection and Management The Charity is managed by an Executive Committee which con5i5ts of all the appointed trustees, and the selection of any new Trustees is dealt with by that Committee. The following served as Trustees and Committee Members of the Charity throughout the year to 31 March 2024, and were also Trustees and Committee Members as at the date of approval of this Report Trustees Kenneth McF3rland Ryan Simpson Joanne Smyth Evans Darren Milligan Committee members Tim Cairns David Campbell Gordon Porter Brian Dougherty This Report was approved on 9 September 2024 and signed on behalf of the Trustees by Ryan Simpson, Chairperson The Londonderry Bands Forum Principal Address and Registered Office Address: Noriliern Ireland Charity Number= 108021 2-4 Kennedy Place, Londonderry, BT48 6RF Page 2