First formed 9 th April 2002 and constituted 16 th April 2002 The Nottinghill Mas Bands Association (NHMBA) is a body that represents the interests of all costumed Mas Bands that presently participate in the Nottinghill Carnival. In 2001, a loosely formed ‘Forum' of Mas Band members came together to unite Mas Bands when our main company the Notting Hill carnival Trust (NHCT) was going through a management crisis. This action struck a chord within the Mas community and calls for a representative body led to a series of meetings in the Autumn of 2001 from which developed the beginning of a ‘Forum' to represent and articulate the interest of all Mas Bands.

So on the 9 th April 2002 the NHMBA was formed and a committee elected. The constitution for the Association was adopted 16 th April 2002 .

Our Strategic Plan
This strategic plan sets out our vision for the coming years. Our statement of purpose and strategic objectives guide the direction and actions that the NHMBA will pursue in order to achieve our goals.

Vision
To be recognised as the national representative organisation promoting and supporting the development of Carnival Masquerading in England.

Urban Setting
We represent members, many of whom are based in urban areas of the City of London and face social issues, which can limit access to services and the capacity to develop and maintain social links and networks. Social exclusion tends to be compounded by other issues such as low income, poor housing, and perceived unsafe areas. Where these issues exist in combination the effects can be particularly devastating. Membership of the organisation is now nationwide and not now exclusively London.

Strategic Objectives
It is our expectation that will have made positive steps in achieving our vision resulting in being recognised as a key strategic cultural organisation based in London . We have produced a set of strategic objectives, which we feel illustrate the direction, development and growth

1. To provide a range of learning opportunities, skills development and training programmes responsive to the artistic and organizational aspirations and needs of Mas Bands
2. To provide support to members' efforts to promote awareness, understanding and facilitate learning about the History, Traditions, Art, Music, Costume and Culture of the Caribbean , Caribbean Carnival and other world Carnivals
3. To increase the membership and ensure effective internal communication with members
4. To work as a partner, representing members, with relevant organisations, agencies and authorities at international, national and local levels in order to promote the work of NHMBA and Mas Bands.
5. To build-up the resources of the organisation to ensure its sustainability and develop high standards in planning and management.

1. Yearly membership of the Organization is open to all Mas Bands, who are committed to the Aim and Objectives and will adhere to the guidelines of the Organization, by putting forward a maximum of two people to represent their Bands at meetings.
2. Applications for membership shall be made on the prescribed form and accompanied by payment of a subscription, which shall be agreed by the Executive Committee and accepted at a general meeting.
3. Membership shall not be transferable, and shall be renewable annually.
4. A member may at any time withdraw from the Organization by giving a minimum of seven (7) clear days notice to the Organization.
5. The Executive Committee may withdraw membership, should a member behave or conduct themselves in a manner contrary to the interests of the Organization. This will be on the recommendation of the Disciplinary Committee.
6. Membership will lapse if a member fails to pay the membership subscription for two (2) consecutive AGM's, plus a period of grace of three (3) calendar months after the second of the two (2) consecutive AGM's.
7. No committee member of the Organization shall, at the same time, be a committee member of an organization representing another Carnival Arts Arena.
8. No member of the Organization shall, at the same time, be a member of any organization representing Mas Bands and having similar aim and objectives to the Organization...

Notting Hill Mas bands Association is a culturally diverse organisation, with a mission to promote and develop all aspects of the Carnival Masquerade bands (Mas bands) and in particular, the maintenance of the cultural and artistic traditions of the Caribbean and other world Carnivals.; to promote the provision and access to high quality carnival arts experience and participation, to a wide audience through innovative and artistic programmes; to educate and otherwise raise awareness in Britain and throughout Europe regarding the History, Traditions, Art, Music, Costume and Culture of the Caribbean and other world Carnivals.

Statement of Purpose
Notting Hill Mas Bands Association is a UK based organisation. It represents the interests and promotes the activities of All Mas bands (Carnival Masquerade bands), including those that take part in the Notting Hill Carnival. The association provides its members with support, advice, and training, undertaking strategic projects on behalf of its members in order promote the traditions of the Caribbean in the UK.

Meeting strategic outcomes of the public sector
NHMBA believes that carnival plays a significant role in contributing to and adding value to the strategic plans of a range of public sector bodies. We firmly believe that carnival can make a significant contribution to:

• Supporting Cultural Life
• Healthier and safer communities
• Environmental Plans
• Social Exclusion
• Economic Benefits

Carnival has a role to play in meeting the needs of local communities. To that extent, a concerted effort will be undertaken in our plans to ensure that members' activities work to as wider community as possible and support the plans of other funders and organisations working within similar environments and contexts.

Prospective members must formally apply for membership by first having read the constitution of the Association and subscribe to the Aim and Objectives outlined in it and further agree to abide by the administrative arrangements contained in the constitution.

CHILDRENS BAND

• Young people aged 19 years and under.
• Band must be made up of at least 30 young people in costume.
• T-Shirts are not considered to be costumes.
• Band must be accompanied by a sound system/steel pan. Playing predominately Soca/Calypso music and or other forms of Carnival associated music from around the world.

ADULTS BAND

• People aged 20yrs and older.
• Band must be made up of at least 30 adults members in costume.
• T-Shirts are not considered to be costumes.
• Band must be accompanied by a sound system/steel pan. Playing predominately Soca/Calypso music and or other forms of Carnival associated music from around the world.