REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
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 have recently given opportunities to people with special needs to act as volunters an to help us in the development of the centre.
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 work closely wiith Northern Ireland Tourist Board and also work with Tourism Ireland and attend many of the cross-border courses. This year we took part in a seven week short course with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board who helped us immensely with our social media. We have taken part in many courses in Made in Mourne, these were primarily to do with marketing.
The tutors were from Newry College.
This year our emphasis was on marketing the centre and we used all forms of social media to do this. We took part in some advertising with local newspapers and we also worked closely with Trivago. We developed better links with Hostel World,Booking.com, AirBnB and FreeToBook always updating our information.
We provide people within the area a better quality of life by providing them with activities and services.
We work closely with the local primary and secondary schools and provide placements and opportunities for part time work for students.
This year we have painted and redecorated each room and we have upgraded all our bedding.
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
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facilities by the local community. The results for the period are set out on pages six to seven
Development Plan for 2023-2025
Long/ Short-term Activities
We are currently adding a memories page on our facebook to assist with the identifcation and maitenance of deceased persons who no longer have any living family we will erect a plaque displaying the names, dates of birth and date of death of those deceased persons and also where possible their addressess.
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REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES FOR THE YEAR ENDED 30 SEPTEMBER 2023
Pop-up Coffee Shop (Summer)
The "pop-up" coffee proved a welcome addition, opening at weekends.
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:
These workshops alo mproved to be very popular wih the local community.
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 June 2024 and signed on its behalf by:
Miss Mairead White Trustee
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