REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
The trustees who are also directors of the charity for the purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 30 September 2017. The trustees have adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective 1 January 2015).
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document, a deed of trust, and constitues a limited company, limited by guarantee, as defined by the Companies Act 2006.
The organisation is a charitable company limited by guarantee, incorporated on 13 September 1998 registered as a charity on 8 September 1999. The company was established under a Memorandum of Association which established the objects and powers of the charitable company and is governed under its Articles of Association. In the event of the company being wound up members are required to contribute an amount not exceeding £1.
Recruitment and Appointment of Management Committee
The directors of the company are also charity trustees for the purposes of charity law and under the company's Articles are known as members of the Management Committee. Under the requirements of the Memorandum and Articles of Association the members of the Management Committee are elected to serve for a period of one year after which they must be re-elected at the next Annual General Meeting.
Directors retire by rotation and are eligible to offer themselves for re-election.
Risk Management
The Directors have conducted a review of the major risks to which the The Mourne Lodge are exposed. A risk register has been established and is updated at least annually. We work closely with Troy Hanna, Commercial Insurance Specialist, to ensure the Centre is safe for all who use it.
Procedures are in place to ensure compliance with health and safety of staff, volunteers, clients and visitors to the centre. The management committee have undertaken child protection training and have developed a child protection policy. These procedures are periodically reviewed to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the Mourne Lodge.
Organisational Structure
The Mourne Lodge has 3 directors and up to 8 other members who help to run the Centre. The directors meet monthly or more often and the committee meet up to 4 times per year.
Related Parties
We work closely with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Green Tourism, Local Council, Mourne Heritage Trust, Community Associations, Newry & Mourne Social Enterprise, Invest NI, Translink and Logon NI.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
OBJECTIVES AND ACTIVITIES
Objectives and aims
We have referred to the guidance contained in the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit when reviewing our aims and objectives and in planning our future activities.
The company's objects are to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of Attical, Kilkeel, County Down (hereinafter described as "the area of benefit") without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities, voluntary and other organisations in a common effort to advance education, to promote the relief of the elderly, support youth and unemployed, and give opportunities of work for people with special needs (both in a paid and voluntary capacity).
To preserve the environment and heritage of the area of benefit. To provide facilites for leisure, recreation and public meetings for the local community.
To support the local primary school.
ACHIEVEMENTS AND PERFORMANCE
The organisation is currently involved in offering activities and employment to the local community particularly those in very much of need who are economically and socially disadvantaged.
We provide activities and opportunities for the local community where possible to take seasonal and part time employment in the hospitality and tourism sector.
We promote cross community and cross border understanding in the Attical area.
We reduce isolation and loneliness among the older people by giving them opportunities to meet.
We provide skills, courses and opportunities to increase people's confidence and self esteem especially among young women, people from other countries and unemployed.
We provide people within the area a better quality of life by providing them with activities Commercial Insurance Specialist, to ensure the Centre is safe for all who use it.
We work closely with the local primary and secondary schools and provide placements and opportunities for part time work for students.
We received several awards including one from NITB for services provided.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Principal Funding Sources
The main sources of funding was generated by visitors staying at the Mourne Lodge, conferences held at the centre during the year for team building and training, seminars and use of the conference facilities by the local community. The results for the period are set out on pages six to seven
Development Plan for 2017-2020
Long/ Short-term Activities
The planned actions are outlined as follows:
Up-grade and up-date The Mourne Lodge web-site:
i) Revamp leaflets and letter head to reflect a new corporate logo and a defined corporate image: ii) Seasonal and Birthday Cards/ Emails to former guests:
We plan to keep in touch with our former guests approximately once a year in the form of thank you letters/ birthday cards/ Christmas wishes/ St. Patrick’s Day wishes via emails, where appropriate and with permission.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2018
Pop-up Coffee Shop (Summer)
In order to generate additional revenue, we plan to open a coffee shop at the Centre on Sundays from 10.30am – 4.30pm during the period mid May to 31st August to offer coffee shop facilities to to local and passing trade. Additionally, the Centre could offer various local craft products for sale (such as gifts created by local people). Biscuits, cakes, fudge, sweets, soft drinks etc. could also be sold to visitors. The craft products could be a permanent feature of the Centre. Promotional items such as pens, tee-shirts and sweat-shirts with The Mourne Lodge logo could also be offered for sale. We would also be offering work opportunities for those with disabilities and special needs.
Marketing
We did extensive marketing throughout the year with Tourism NI, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, which proved very successful for our overall occupancy.
One-off evenings / weekend workshops, including:
i) traditional music evenings or weekend workshops for both the local community and visitors; ii) painting, art and, or, crafts workshops such as sewing retreats;
iii) special dining events (theme nights) for up to 30 guests, 2 or 3 times per annum, possibly linked to some of the food courses and weekends noted above.
Involvement with the Local Community/ School/ Sport Club
Opportunities exists to involve the local community with the facilities at the Centre and in so
doing meet some of the needs of local people as well as generating additional income as the facility is in the heart of the village.
INDEPENDENT EXAMINER
Mr Michael Grant of Michael Grant & Co Ltd, will be proposed for re-appointment as independent examiner at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting.
Small Company Provisions
This report has been prepared in accordance with the special provisions for small entitities. Commercial Insurance Specialist, to ensure the Centre is safe for all who use it.
Approved by order of the board of trustees on 20 March 2019 and signed on its behalf by:
Miss Mairead White Trustee
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