Stewarton Band Support Group
Minutes of Committee Meeting
Monday 24th May 2010 at 7.00 pm, The Millhouse Hotel, Stewarton
Attendees:
David Welsh, Nicola McNaught, Carole Steele, Brigid Allen, Mags Paterson, Kate Love, David Russell, Alan Friel
Charitable Status
Brigid gave a summary of her recent enquiries about the type of accounts required to be produced if the Group has charitable status, and who would be qualified to check the accounts. Both these criteria were thought to be acceptable to the Committee.
She also reported that the procedure required to obtain gift aid on donations appeared to be fairly straight forward. This would require an application to HMRC once charitable status is obtained.
It was agreed that charitable status should now be sought. Brigid to send necessary final documents to OSCR.
EAC Budget Consultation
David Welsh reminded the committee of the Council’s proposals to start charging for lessons, as set out in the minutes of the recent EGM. Also proposed is that the first year of all tuition should be free.
Some discussion followed on the subject of out-of-hours tuition, which the Council has requested the Support Group to fund. It was agreed in principle that the group would charge the full cost of tuition to any parents whose children get lessons after school hours. It was suggested that holding group lessons after school hours would enable a similar charge to be levied as EAC would be charging during the school day and may have advantages in terms of classroom availability and space. David Welsh to contact Paul Wood to put this idea forward and to find out when parents will be informed of the forthcoming changes.
Band Events in June
The Junior Band will perform at Loudon Castle on Saturday 12th June and also at Dean Castle on Sunday 13th June. Alan asked for about 3 parent helpers for each of these trips. Brigid to email junior band parents to ask for volunteers.
The school summer concert is to be held on Friday 18th June at 7.30 pm. All tickets to be priced at £3.00. The Support Group will hold a raffle at the concert.
Co-Op Community Fund Application
Nicola is still waiting to hear further about our application. She agreed to chase this up.
Bag-Packing at Sainsburys
Brigid Allen reported that the fundraising event had gone very well and had raised £840.08.
Future Fundraising Focus
Future fundraising objectives of the Group were discussed and it was agreed that the most worthwhile project on which to concentrate for the benefit of the bands would be residential practise weekends for junior and senior bands. Alan agreed to have a look at costings.
Future Fundraising Activities
Ideas discussed for future fundraising included a concert next year in the Grand Hall in Kilmarnock. Mags agreed to look into the cost of hiring the venue. Also, Kate suggested a Race Night as a good way of raising funds and she agreed to look at possible dates and a venue for this later this year. Other suggestions were a raffle for a hamper of gourmet foods, and applying to local charity funds such as Stewarton Fundraisers and a local community police fund. Kate agreed to look into these ideas.
Grants
David Welsh to continue to investigate grants available to SBSG through various channels, including Awards for All and Ayrshire Leader.
There being no other business, the meeting was closed.
Earlier Minutes:
22nd Feb 2010.
17th April 2010.
EGM - 28th April 2010.