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2023-12-31-annual-report

Kilkeel Silver Band

Trustees' Annual Report for the Year 2022-2023

Public Benefits

Purpose (a): Promote and educate the public in musical silver band culture.

Direct Benefit: The local area benefits from our musical repertoire and serves as an educational resource for both the public and members while also supporting local culture. Evidence of Benefit: This can be evidenced through regular invitations to perform and promote musical silver band culture.

Harm/Private Benefit: No harm arises from this purpose and there is no private benefit. Purpose (b): Enrich the cultural lives of the general public of Kilkeel, Mourne & all of Northern Ireland.

Direct Benefit: The cultural lives of the public are enriched with high-quality musical performances.

Evidence of Benefit: Feedback from the general public and audience members who have listened to our performances.

Harm/Private Benefit: No harm arises from this purpose and there is no private benefit. Purpose (c): Achieve a high standard of musicianship among members.

Direct Benefit: High standards of musicianship are attained, especially among novice players.

Evidence of Benefit: Success in our previous contest in Northern Ireland and the high level of proficiency among novice players.

Harm/Private Benefit: No harm arises from this purpose, but there is some private benefit. Musicians enhance their expertise through regular practice, which furthers this purpose. The private benefit is incidental, desirable, and reasonable, and does not outweigh the public benefit.

Purpose (d): Increase the reputation of Kilkeel & Mourne as an area producing performances of artistic merit.

Direct Benefit: Increased reputation for artistic merit, especially in charitable activities and support of religious events.

Evidence of Benefit: Requests from organisations, churches, and charities nationwide to perform.

Harm/Private Benefit: No harm arises from this purpose and there is no private benefit. Purpose (e): Enrich the cultural lives of the communities where our members reside and our audience.

Direct Benefit: Enrichment of the cultural lives of communities and audience members. Evidence of Benefit: Regular participation in events all over Northern Ireland. Harm/Private Benefit: No harm arises from this purpose and there is no private benefit. Purpose (f): Foster good relationships with other musical organisations.

Direct Benefit: Good relationships are fostered with other musical organisations. Evidence of Benefit: Enrichment of cultural lives and continual updating of repertoire. Harm/Private Benefit: No harm arises from this purpose and there is no private benefit.

Beneficiaries: The general public of Kilkeel, Mourne & all of Northern Ireland, including young adults, children, men, women, and older people.

What Our Organisation Does

Kilkeel Silver Band is a brass band dedicated to concerts, competitions, and activities that further the development of brass band playing and its appreciation by the general public. Our rehearsals take place on Wednesdays from 7:30 pm to 9:00 pm. We hold regular concerts, including church services, parades, charitable events, and seasonal events, bringing together community members from all walks of life for a collective musical experience.

Our purpose is to provide facilities for any person to play or learn to play a brass or percussion instrument to the best of their abilities and to pass on our knowledge and experience to the next generations of musicians, keeping the tradition of brass bands alive in our community. We offer support from a group of volunteers who give their time freely on either a one-to-one basis or as part of a group.

The Charity’s Classifications

The advancement of citizenship or community development The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science

Who the Charity Helps

Children (5-13 year olds) General public Men Older people Women Youth (14-25 year olds) How the Charity Works

Arts Cultural Education/training Youth development

Financial Report

At the end of the year KSB was in surplus of £3065 and the balance of funds as £9631 unrestricted funds.

These funds are being held for new uniforms which we are hoping to be able to purchase in 2025

Risk Assessment for Kilkeel Silver Band

Kilkeel Silver Band is currently in a strong financial position with a surplus, which mitigates the immediate financial risks. However, like all organisations, the Band faces various risks and uncertainties due to external factors such as economic changes, political developments, and global events. This assessment outlines the key risks and the strategies in place to manage them.

1. Impact of COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic had a significant impact on community organisations and charities. While the restrictions have eased, there remains a risk of future disruptions to in-person events, rehearsals, and community engagements.

Strategy : The Band has established digital communication channels, covid safe outdoor rehearsals, and flexible planning to ensure continuity in case of future restrictions. Additionally, health and safety measures are in place to safeguard members and attendees at any events.

2. Brexit and Political Uncertainty

As a Northern Ireland-based organisation, Brexit presents unique challenges, including potential disruptions to funding, increased costs for equipment sourced from the EU, and changes in cross-border collaboration.

Strategy : The Band maintains a flexible approach to sourcing materials and equipment, exploring local and alternative suppliers when necessary. Additionally, engagement with local community networks helps navigate any funding changes.

3. Cost of Energy and Rising Inflation

Rising energy costs and overall inflation are a concern for any organisation using physical spaces. Higher costs could impact the Band's operational expenses, such as venue hire, heating, and transportation for events.

Strategy : Kilkeel Silver Band is taking steps to optimise energy usage during rehearsals and performances. The organisation also reviews budgets regularly to ensure that surplus funds can be allocated to cover any unexpected cost increases.

4. Reputation and Membership

The Band relies heavily on its members, volunteers, and community support. Any issues affecting reputation or membership retention could negatively impact the Band's activities.

Strategy : The Band has a clear communication strategy to promote a positive image within the community. Initiatives are in place to encourage new memberships, engage existing members, and retain volunteers.

5. Compliance and Governance

As a registered charity, Kilkeel Silver Band is subject to various regulations set by the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland. Compliance failures or changes in legislation could pose a risk.

Strategy : Regular reviews of governance procedures are conducted to ensure adherence to regulations. The trustees maintain oversight of compliance and risk management strategies.

Conclusion

While Kilkeel Silver Band currently has a strong financial standing and is in surplus, it remains vigilant to external risks such as economic changes, regulatory updates, and global uncertainties. The strategies outlined above ensure that the Band can continue to serve the community and deliver its charitable objectives, irrespective of the challenges it may face in the future.

Achievements and Performance

Key Concerts, Competitions, and Events Held Throughout the Year

  1. 5th March 2023: Participated in the Boys Brigade parade and service.

  2. 26th March 2023: Participated in the Girls Brigade parade and service.

  3. 22nd April 2023 : Our drum major Katie represented the band for the Ulster-Scots Coronation Event at Stormont.

  4. 1st May 2023 : Two band members, Reggie and Jasmin, went on a Battlefields Tour of the Somme and Flanders with the Pride Of Ballinran, visiting significant memorials such as Thiepval Memorial, The Ulster Tower, Menin Gate, and The Hill 70 Memorial. Reggie laid a wreath on behalf of the band at the Menin Gate and the Ulster Tower.

  5. 5th May 2023 : Performed in a Coronation party at local primary school Brackenagh West Primary School, Kilkeel

  6. 6th May 2023 : Participated in a coronation party in River House Residential Care Home.

  7. 8th May 2023 : Participated in a street tattoo for King Charles III Coronation in association with The Schomberg Society (Ulster-Scots)

  8. 14th May 2023 : Played at Scarva Bandstand, performing a selection of marches and hymns for a gathered crowd.

  9. 21st May 2023 : Led the Kilkeel UDR Association CGC parade.

  10. 1st July 2023 : Performed in Annalong Orange Order Somme remembrance service

  11. 1st July 2023 : Played in Mourne Presbyterian Church Somme remembrance service

  12. 2nd July 2023 : Performed at the Auld Time Gospel Night in Mourne Presbyterian Church.

  13. 11th July 2023 : Participated in the Schomberg Society’s 11th Afternoon Fun Day in Kilkeel.

  14. 11th July 2023 : Played in Kilkeel in the afternoon and later paraded in the evening.

  15. 12th July 2023 : Participated in the Mourne District LOL No.6 1 Twelfth parade.

  16. 12th July 2023 : Performed at remembrance service for Mourne Young Defenders.

  17. 6th August 2023 : Performed at 100 years of War Memorial for Mourne Presbyterian Church

  18. 26th August 2023 : Led the Elijah’s Chosen Few RBP 208 at the Annual Black Saturday Demonstration in Dromore.

  19. 27th August 2023 : Participated in the parade in Kilkeel for the Police and Combined Services event.

  20. 1st September 2023 : Performed in Victims Day Service in Kilkeel.

  21. 14th September 2023 : Participated in a concert supporting the New Beginnings Charitable Foundation (NBCF).

  22. 17th September 2023 : Participated with Dunmore in the South West Down Bands Association parade in Poyntzpass.

  23. 20th September 2023 : Participated at a funeral in Christ Church Kilkeel.

  24. 22nd September 2023 : Hosted a special evening of Music and Song featuring The Ballybay Gospel Group and Kilkeel Silver Band.

  25. 6th October 2023 : Performed at Kilhorne Church Concert with Portadown Male Voice Choir to raise funds for the Kilhorne Church Restoration Project.

  26. 11th November 2023 : Performed in UDR remembrance service in Kilkeel

  27. 12th November 2023 : Participated at the Royal British Legion Act of Remembrance service

  28. 12th November 2023 : Participated at the Royal British Legion Remembrance service in Annalong Presbyterian Church

  29. 12th November 2023 : Participated at the Royal British Legion Remembrance service in Kilhorne Parish Church, Annalong.

  30. 12th November 2023 : Participated at the Royal British Legion Remembrance parade and service

  31. 25th November 2023 : Performed at the Dickens Day Variety Concert in Kilkeel to support the local town.

  32. 2nd December 2023 : Hosted a coffee morning at Kilkeel Orange Hall to raise funds for new uniforms and performed carols.

  33. 17th December 2023 : Participated in a carol service at Kilhorne Parish Church.

  34. 20th December 2023 : Carol singing around Annalong in Mourne in support of Kilhorne Parish Church.

  35. 21st December 2023 : Performed at the Community Carol Service in The Square, Kilkeel.

  36. 22nd December 2023 : Participated in a caroling event .

Awards or Recognitions Received

Notable Collaborations with Other Musical Organisations

  1. 1st May 2023 : Collaboration with the Pride Of Ballinran during the Battlefields Tour of the Somme and Flanders.

  2. 3rd February 2024 : Collaboration with Ardarragh Accordion Band for the Variety Concert in Rathfriland.

  3. 22nd September 2023 : Collaborated with The Ballybay Gospel Group for a special musical evening.

  4. 6th October 2023 : Joint concert with Portadown Male Voice Choir to support Kilhorne Church’s restoration project.

Community Outreach and Educational Programs Conducted

  1. 20th December 2023 : Carol singing around Annalong in support of Kilhorne Parish Church.

  2. 21st December 2023 : Participated in a Community Carol Service in The Square, Kilkeel.

  3. 2nd December 2023 : Hosted a coffee morning at Kilkeel Orange Hall to raise funds for new uniforms.

Future Goals and Planned Activities for the Upcoming Year

  1. January 2025.. Planned participation in a musical evening organised by a group of local tradesmen travelling to Uganda for a charitable mission. Trustees, Declaration We, the trustees of Kilkeel Silver Band. declare that we have approved this trustees, annual report and accounts. Trustee Names: George McKee Sharon Annett Alex McKee Martin Cassidy il Davey Date. 0911012024