## **TOOMEBRIDGE & DISTRICT WOMENS GROUP TRUSTEES REPORT** 

c/o 36 Gallagh Road, Toomebridge BT41 3QU 

Trustees Report – 1[st] April 2023 -  31[st] March 2024 

Chairman/ Trustee Martha Grant Secretary/Trustee   Lorraine Barry 

Trustees: Mairead Bradley, Alice McNeill and Anne Barry 

OBJECTIVES 

The Group was established to benefit men and women regardless of age, religion, colour or political opinion in the Toome Village and surrounding rural area.  By providing a safe venue for members to socialise. learn new skills hobbies.  This in turns improves their health and wellbeing, increases their confidence and health. They can share interests and problems with each other and help other with their projects. The classes meet weekly, in Toome House from September to June. The sewing class Tuesday evening and crochet class Thursday morning.   The activities are attended by women and evaluations are held annually.  The committee are open for suggestions on new ideas and projects 

## ACHIEVEMENTS 

During the reporting period April 2023 – March 2024 the sewing group had a very successful year, with 15 ladies enrolling in the class. They enjoyed making patchwork quilts and soft furnishings, while others made summer outfits for their grandchildren. The crochet class is always very popular with 16 ladies attending, they made baby blankets and matinee coats as some were expecting new grandchildren. The tutors work hard helping all the ladies with some very difficult patterns and projects. All enjoy a cup of tea-coffee during the class, the ladies share their home baking skills with friends by providing traybakes and scones. 

PUBLIC BENEFITS 

The benefits to the community are, improvement to health and wellbeing of the women attending these classes and a reduction in the level of stress, anxiety and loneliness. The local Social Prescribing group have been encouraging members to join the group to improve their mental health, and become more active in the community.  All our trustees have due regard for the Commission’s Public Benefit requirement and statutory guidance can verify the above Public Benefits. 

## FINANCIAL REPORT 

The group received a grant of £1890 from The Arts Council, which we are very grateful to have received, it enables the group to continue with the classes and provide the community with a venue to enhance their knowledge of sewing and crocheting. 

The opening balance on 1[st] April   2023   £3069.69 with the current balance 31[st] March 2024 £3577. 

Martha Grant Chairperson 2/11/24