## **Lisburn Downtown Centre AGM 2024-2025 Chair’s Report** 

## Thank you all for coming to this year’s AGM. 

I am not going to detail the work that has taken place or how we have secured and managed the funding to make this happen, as this will be set out in subsequent reports. However, it is suffice to say that, the range of activities and level of participation has continued to grow throughout the year. After review by the committee, it was decided to continue with our two staff model of operation as this has provided an enhanced service for our members and there were sufficient funds coming in by way of charitable grants to sustain the model. We continue to review our governance arrangements and update our policies. 

It is also vital that Downtown itself undertakes fundraising activities. We held our second annual Table Quiz – this time in the Crafty Hound – in November 2024 raising over £1600. We will be back in the Crafty Hound on the 6[th] February 2026 for our next Quiz so please put the date in your diaries. The Lambeg Players made a donation of £600 to Downtown, part of the proceeds of their “Orange Bucket Collection” held during their pantomime in January. Our major fundraising event of the year was the “7 Peaks Challenge” in the Mournes held on 31[st] May and led by Ashley Parks. Despite some inclement weather and the gruelling distance and height to be covered, the team completed the challenge arriving back in Newcastle after midnight. The challenge raised over £5K for Downtown. We are eternally grateful to these intrepid adventurers. 

None of what happens in Downtown would be possible without our wonderful team of volunteers and, in particular our two Co-ordinators Jill and Rebecca. As you may know Rebecca is currently on maternity leave, and just to make it a little more challenging for the management committee, Jill is also going on maternity leave at the end of November. We have been very fortunate to secure Caoimhe Agnew, a former placement student, as an interim coordinator to cover this period of leave. 

Since last year’s AGM we have made further changes to our management committee. Paul Stephenson has joined us bringing with him a wealth of experience as a social worker. Janet Moffett is planning to step aside from her Honorary Secretary role after many years of service and Donald Starritt has agreed to take over from her. Richard Millen plans to step down from his Honorary Treasurer position once a replacement can be found. I would like to thank both Richard and Janet for their excellent service and am very pleased that they have agreed to remain on the committee. We have recently received some expressions of interest to join the committee and we are currently working through our processes. Hopefully this will result in some new members with complimentary skill sets. 

In May of this year FLPC installed a new minister, Rev Mariann Gilicze. Mariann has been very supportive and enthusiastic about the work here in Downtown, for which we are very grateful, and we look forward to working with her in the years ahead. The Lisburn Downtown Centre is very appreciative of our special relationship with FLPC and grateful for their continuing support. 

In conclusion I would just like to thank Jill, Rebecca  and Caoimhe for the tremendous work they do for us, we would not be as successful without their dedication, enthusiasm and drive. I would also like to thank the other members of the management committee and in particular our Secretary, Janet, and Treasurer, Richard, and all the many volunteers who support our members. 

Thank you 

JH Brown 20[th] October 2025