Banbrid e VIP Club Trustees, Annual Re
ort
st
ril 2023- 31" March 2024
Banbridge VIP Club is a Voluntary Organisation for local blind and
partially-sighted people. The Club was established with a formal
Constitution in 1989 and we are a Registered Charity (NIC 10086).
The trustees for the charity are Mr Sammy Wilson (Chairman), Mrs
Marjorie Hodgen, {Vice-Chair), Miss Peggy Magill, {Treasurer), Mrs
Eleanor Pescod, Mrs Doreen McFarlane and Mrs Doreen Brown.
(Secretary).
This report has been prepared with regard to the Commission's
public benefit requirements statutory guidance.
We continue with our aim of providing a social outlet for blind and
partially-sighted people in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council
Area.
During the summer months we organised several outings, some in
conjunction with other visually impaired groups in the district. These
trips give our members an opportunity to take part in activities which
fully sighted people take for granted, thus improving their quality of
life.
In September 2023, we took our group of visually impaired people
and friends on a respite break to Wales, which was thoroughly
enjoyed by all.
The Trustees are pleased to report that our regular monthly
meetings continue in Banbridge Angling Club premises, at 2a, Kiln
Lane, Havelock Park, Banbridge, BT32 4PD. This venue has proved to

(2)
be very suitable for our needs with easy access and parking readily
available.
In January 2023 we changed our meting time from evenings to
afternoons. In order to facilitate other users of the venue, we now
meet from 2.30pm- 4.30pm. The time change has proved to be
popular with members although we occasionally have to change
back to an evening meeting to suit speakers who work during the
day.
Sadly, some members are no longer with us and others are no
longer well enough to attend meetings. Members are encouraged
to bring friends along with them and we have asked Cherrytrees
Resource to inform local visually-impaired people about our Club.
In November 2023 we held our Annual Dinner in the Whistledown
Hotel, Warrenpoint, an event which was well attended and enjoyed
by all. We were joined by family and friends, including Banbridge
Talking Newspaper volunteers, who have always worked closely with
us and supported us financially.
For the fourth year in a row we have not been able to carry out any
fund-raising activities, so we greatly appreciate all donations which
we receive. This year these included a donation from Loughbrickland
Old Tyme Dancers and donations in lieu of flowers in respect of the
late Colin Crompton.
We are also indebted to the Macan Trust, who have grant-aided us
for many years, most recently in March 2024, with a donation of
£1,000.
Thanks to all these generous donations, we are able continue to offer
our members a varied programme of speakers and outings, with a

{3)
Quiz and Bingo in January & February and dinner in the Belmont in
March, to celebrate St Patrick's day.
Our accounts of the 2023/2024 year were prepared by Sam Vint &
Co, Banbridge. We started the year with a cash balance of £
and our balance at the end of the financial year was £
Signed:
Sammy Wilson, Chairman
Signed:
.Doreen Brown (Mrs) Secretary