Newtongrange Silver Band SCIO Annual Report & Financial Statements 2024
The Trustees have the pleasure in presenting their report together with the Financial Statements for the year ended 31 December 2024.
Contents
Reference information
Our objects and activities
President’s report
Financials
Future outlook
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Reference information
Charity name
Newtongrange Silver Band SCIO
Charity number
SC045828
Incorporation date
23 July 2015
Registered address
14 Dalhousie Road Newtongrange Dalkeith Midlothian EH22 4NG
Charity structure
Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation Single-tier
Current trustees
Office bearers
Chairman Colin McCabe Vice-chair Vacant Secretary Christopher Ludwig Treasurer Graham Adam
Ordinary trustees
Katherine Quinn Kirsten Souter
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Our objects and activities
Charitable purposes
We are established for charitable purposes only, and our principal objectives are:
-
to advance musical education,
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to advance appreciation and knowledge of the arts, heritage, culture, and the science of brass bands; and
-
to promote the brass band culture in Midlothian.
Area of benefit
We operate throughout the county of Midlothian and its surrounding areas.
Beneficiaries
Our services come with no restrictions and are available to be accessed by anyone who wishes. Whilst the list of people we promote our activities to is not exhaustive, it includes children, young people, older people, non-specific groups, members of the local community, and local brass musicians.
Activities
The main activities of the band centre on community entertainment. This involves performing concerts, participating in local area festivities, and participating in competitions. Most activities undertaken by the organisation are musical.
The organisation performs when requested in advance and when the organisation elects to do so. All activities are advertised either by the organisation or the external body contracting the organisation. Members benefit from musical education and the public benefit from the culture provided by performances. The presence of a brass band continues the development and appreciation of the heritage and the arts of the mining village of Newtongrange. The band is recognised as the most successful brass band in Midlothian, and we continue to be the flagship band of the area.
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President’s report
2024 has been a year of significant achievement and positive development for Newtongrange Silver Band. The band has continued to strengthen its musical standards, expand its community engagement, and build valuable partnerships across the Scottish brass banding community.
The year began with the traditional New Year’s Day March and Concert at the Dean Tavern, conducted by Musical Director Anne Crookston. The Dean Tavern Trust expressed its appreciation by awarding the band an additional grant in recognition of the event’s success.
In February, the band collaborated with the Cooperation Band for a joint concert at the Reid Concert Hall in Edinburgh. Both ensembles performed to a near sell out audience, demonstrating the strength of this developing partnership.
At the Scottish Championships in Perth, the band delivered a strong performance of Eric Ball’s High Peak. Despite the quality of the performance, the band placed 5th, resulting in its continuation in the First Section for another year.
In May, the band travelled to Blackpool to perform Peter Graham’s Journey to the Centre of the Earth at the British Open Spring Festival. The band achieved an excellent 2nd place in the Senior Trophy, securing promotion to the Senior Cup for 2025.
In August, the band competed in Troon with a French themed programme inspired by the Paris Olympics, concluding with Ravel’s Bolero. Performing last in the draw, the band achieved a commendable 3rd place.
Community involvement remained central to the band’s activities throughout 2024.
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In June, the band performed at the Newtongrange Gala Week Concert, which was moved to a Thursday evening to allow participation from the Junior Bands. The band also supported the Gala Day procession, performing alongside junior members. The band was invited twice to perform at the National Portrait Gallery in Edinburgh for the opening and closing of the Before and After Coal exhibition. The exhibition featured images of Scotland’s coalfield communities, including one of the band’s own members. The Autumn Concert at the National Mining Museum in Newtongrange attracted a full audience and showcased a high quality programme. The year concluded with a busy Christmas schedule, including concerts for Longniddry and District Rotary Club, The National Mining Museum, and The Scottish Parliament. Smaller ensembles also supported festive events at Dalkeith Country Park’s Winterfest, Christmas fayres at Glenkinchie Distillery and Floors Castle, and carol evenings at the Crown Inn in Biggar and the Dean Tavern.
A particularly positive development in 2024 was the increased use of the bandhall by youth ensembles. This included Loanhead Brass Roots relocating its Wednesday rehearsals to Newtongrange. This expansion strengthens the band’s commitment to youth development and the future of brass playing in the region. The year also marked the first in what is hoped will become an annual series of joint concerts with the Cooperation Band. Such partnerships enhance the band’s musical reputation and create opportunities for shared learning and collaboration.
The band extends its sincere thanks to The Dean Tavern Trust, McDougall McQueen Solicitors, and the local community in Newtongrange. Their continued support remains vital to the band’s success and sustainability.
Christopher Ludwig Trustee, and President during 2024
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Financials
Independent examiner’s report
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
Report to the Trustees of Newtongrange Silver Band SCIO, registered charity number SC045825 on the accounts for the period 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024.
Respective responsibilities of trustees and examiner
The Charity’s Trustees are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the terms of the Charities and Trustees Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. The Charity Trustees consider that the audit requirements of Regulation 10 (1) (d) of the Accounts Regulations does not apply. It is my responsibility to examine the accounts as required under Section 44 (1) (c) of the Act and to state whether particular matters have come to my attention.
Basis of independent examiner’s statement
My examination is carried out in accordance with Regulation 11 of the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006. An examination includes a review of the accounting records kept by the charity and a comparison of the accounts presented with these records. It also includes consideration of any unusual items or disclosures in the accounts and seeks explanations from the Trustees concerning any such matters. The procedures undertaken do not provide all the evidence that would be required in an audit and, consequently, I do not express an audit opinion on the accounts.
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Independent examiner’s statement
In the course of my examination, no matter has come to my attention:
- which gives me reasonable cause to believe that in any material respect the requirements:
to keep accounting records in accordance with Section 44 (1) (a) of the 2005 Act and Regulation 4 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations, and to prepare accounts which accord with the accounting records and comply with Regulation 9 of the 2006 Accounts Regulations
have not been met, or
- To which, in my opinion, attention should be drawn in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
Signed: Date: 17-04-2026 Sa Saree Name: Michelle Innes (née Healy)
Professional qualification: ACMA Old Schoolhouse, Address: Maxwellheugh, Kelso TD5 8AY
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2024 overview
During the year, the SCIO recognised income of £37,667 (2023: £31,703) and expenditure of £33,599 (2023: £31,.818). Therefore, a surplus was recognised of £4,067 (2023: £116 deficit), which was wholly attributed to unrestricted funds. No activity was recorded on restricted funds.
Statement of financial activities For the year ended 31 December 2024
| Restricted | Unrestricted | Total | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Funds | Funds | 2024 | 2023 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Income | ||||
| Donations | - | 16,649 | 16,649 | 11,218 |
| Charitable activities | - | 17,904 | 17,904 | 17,900 |
| Other | - | 3,113 | 3,113 | 2,585 |
| - | 37,667 | 37,667 | 31,703 | |
| Expenditure | ||||
| Direct costs | - | 25,616 | 25,616 | 23,364 |
| Support costs | - | 7,984 | 7,984 | 8,454 |
| - | 33,599 | 33,599 | 31,818 | |
| Net income | - | 4,067 | 4,067 | (116) |
| Transfer between funds | - | - | - | - |
| Net movement in funds | - | 4,067 | 4,067 | (116) |
| Reconciliation of funds: | ||||
| Total funds at 31/12/23 | 100 | 11,482 | 11,582 | 11,698 |
| Total funds at 31/12/24 | 100 | 15,550 | 15,650 | 11,582 |
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Reserves policy
At the close of the year the SCIO held reserves of £15,650 (2023: £ 11,582) of which £15,550 is unrestricted. The SCIO does not currently have a reserves policy as, at present, it has no significant ongoing overhead commitments. However, this will be reviewed regularly by the Trustees.
Statement of financial position As at 31 December 2024
| Dec-24 | Dec-23 | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Current Assets | |||||
| Cash at Bank | 3 | 10,468 | 9,501 | ||
| Debtors | 4 | 5,117 | 3,439 | ||
| 15,585 | 12,940 | ||||
| Liabilities | |||||
| Creditors | 5 | (65) | 1,358 | ||
| (65) | 1,358 | ||||
| Net Assets | 15,650 | 11,582 | |||
| Funds | 6 | ||||
| Unrestricted | 15,550 | 11,482 | |||
| Restricted | 100 | 100 | |||
| 15,650 | 11,582 |
Approved by the Trustees and signed on their behalf:
Christopher Ludwig Trustee
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Notes to the financial statements
- 1 Balance of accounting
These accounts have been prepared on an accruals basis in accordance with the Charities & Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005 and the Charities Accounts (Scotland) Regulations 2006 (as amended).
2 Nature and purpose of funds
Unrestricted funds are those that may be used at the discretion of the Trustees in furtherance of the objects of the Charity. Restricted funds may only be used for specific purposes. Restrictions arise when specified by the donor or when funds are raised for specific purposes. The Trustees may also place restrictions upon funds that are received / raised without condition if they deem it to be in the interest of furthering the Charity's objects.
3 Cash at Bank
| Cash at Bank | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior | Junior | Total | |
| £ | £ | £ | |
| Balance at 31/12/23 | 8,811 | 690 | 9,501 |
| Movement | 1,400 | (433) | 967 |
| Balance at 31/12/24 | 10,211 | 257 | 10,468 |
| Debtors | |||
| 2024 | 2023 | ||
| £ | £ | ||
| Trade Debtors | 1,313 | 335 | |
| Sales on Account | (358) | (313) | |
| Prepayments | 4,098 | 3,418 | |
| 5,052 | 3,439 |
4 Debtors
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5 Creditors
| 5 Creditors | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 2023 | ||||
| £ | £ | ||||
| Trade Creditors | 155 | 1,208 | |||
| Purchases on Account | (220) | (460) | |||
| Accruals | - | 610 | |||
| (65) | 1,358 | ||||
| 6 Funds | |||||
| 2023 | Income | Expense | Transfer | 2024 | |
| £ | £ | £ | £ | £ | |
| Senior band | |||||
| Unrestricted | 11,944 | 37,318 | (30,776) | - | 18,485 |
| Restricted | 100 | - | - | - | 100 |
| Junior band | |||||
| Unrestricted | (461) | 349 | (2,823) | - | (2,935) |
| 11,582 | 37,667 | (33,599) | - | 15,650 |
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Future outlook
Heading into 2025, the Band aims to build on the learnings of 2024, building on consistent contest performances, and focussing on further developing new-found relationships. We aim to participate in both Scottish and National brass band contests and will continue to place our engagement with the local and surrounding areas at the centre of what we do.
The Trustees intend to build on the following headline strategies, adopted and detailed in our 2022 Annual Report:
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Embracing new technologies
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Brand development
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Player pathway
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Flexible music-making
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Collaboration
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Broaden governance structures
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Heritage project
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Patrons’ scheme
The Trustees maintain the intention to source funds to finance the purchase of a new set of instruments and uniforms as most of the current stock are becoming “tired”, due to being in excess of twenty years old. We recognise the complexity of sourcing funding to fulfil this goal but are committed to working creatively to ensure its attainment, particularly when the links to wider strategies are considered, e.g., our brand development and player pathway strategies.
Furthermore, having invested in the internals of our bandhall quite considerably over the last couple of years, we now aspire to seek funds to have the exterior of the property renovated to a similar standard, making the outward appearance more appealing to potential building users. We continue to hold funds received from the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes for this purpose.
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Newtongrange Silver Band SCIO
14 Dalhousie Road
Newtongrange Dalkeith Midlothian
EH22 4NG