## **Kilcronaghan Community Association** 

## Chairperson Report, April 2022 – March 2023 

I would like to welcome everyone to the AGM tonight, especially thank the Presiding Officer. 

I would like to thank everybody on the committee for working so hard & giving their time and ultimately contributing to the success of Kilcronaghan Community Association. 

I would also like to thank Lorraine for her dedication & continuing hard work behind the scenes to ensure the smooth running of the Centre.  It should be noted that it would be impossible to continue what we do without funding & it is Lorraine who does all the applications to secure & see through the numerous grants we receive. 

Our many volunteers who give their time freely & generously need a special word of thanks.  We wouldn’t be as successful if we didn’t have your support also. 

2022 remained a challenging year post Covid but we emerged step by step & are back at full capacity. There have been many classes & events ongoing throughout the year, but it is worthwhile mentioning a few in particular. 

- Another very successful plant sale was held in May & my grateful thanks goes to Jennifer & Graham for their continued hard work for this annual event & to all the volunteers who step up & help.  September & October seen our painting & creative writing classes resume face to face with social distancing in place & these have been continuing since. 

- The 2 Wednesday art groups pulled together a wonderful Art Exhibition & Creamed Tea Fundraiser in July 2022 & a cheque for £1113 was presented to Air Ambulance NI.  Thank you to everyone who helped organise this event & to everyone who donated. 

- The Vintage Rally returned on 24[th] September, after a 2 year break.  It was once again very successful & the hard work of everyone involved really paid off.  Thank you to everyone involved. 

The mobile classroom continues to be used weekly by the 33[rd] Derry Ballinascreen Scouts & this brings in a small weekly income for that.  This will continue throughout 2023. 

Community funding continues to be reduced and year on year it is difficult to secure long term funding. However many grant applications continued to be successful & these are essential to provide the means to offer workshops/classes/events & in some cases for repairs/upgrades around the Centre. I would like to thank our funders who have generously allocated monies to Kilcronaghan. The grants are detailed on the Financial Statement. 

There continues to be many very costly repairs, upgrades and ongoing maintenance around the Centre & these expenses are paid by the Youth Hostel business/grants/fundraising/class fees. We continue to face a very challenging future with limited funding & increasing cost of living.  However more than ever our work is essential for the good of the community & we must continue to provide a much needed facility for the surrounding communities. 

I would like to thank you all for supporting me in my role as Chairperson throughout the year & I hope we can continue our journey together building on & improving this busy & all-inclusive community facility.  Thank you, **Albert Wallace, Chairperson, Kilcronaghan Community Association.** 

Kilcronaghan Community Association                                                                    AGM 20[th] November2023