Ardmore Rural Community Association
Trustee Annual Report 31[st] March 2024
The trustees present their Trustees' Annual Report, combining the Directors' Report and Trustees' Report, and the unaudited financial statements for the financial year ended 31 March 2024.
The financial statements are prepared in accordance with the Companies Act 2006, FRS 102 "The Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland" and Accounting and Reporting by Charities: Statement of Recommended Practice applicable to charities preparing their financial statements in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102).
The Trustees' Report contains the information required to be provided in the Trustees' Annual Report under the Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) guidelines. The trustees of the company are also charity trustees for the purpose of charity law and under the company's constitution are known as members of the board of trustees.
In this report the trustees of Ardmore Rural Community Association present a summary of its purpose, governance, activities, achievements and finances for the financial year 31 March 2024.
The charity is a registered charity and hence the report and results are presented in a form which complies with the requirements of the Companies Act 2006 and, although not obliged to comply with the Statement of Recommended Practice (Charities SORP effective January 2015), the organisation has implemented its recommendations where relevant in these financial statements. Mission, Objectives and Strategy
Objectives
Ardmore Rural Community Association has been able through part funding from SOAR / DARD to replace an old derelict redundant primary school with a new purpose built Community hall, officially opened on 29.08.2014 The Hall facilitates youth groups , senior citizens groups and men’s bowling club , Also ran a series of classes including Art class, Health and safety First Aid , Healthy eating courses The hall is also be used for Yoga, and ,keep fit classes / sports. To supplement costs for the various classes and social events which we organise, we offer the opportunity for private hire of the Hall for parties / functions etc We maintain and offer an ideal facility for local residents to meet and share with others in the community
Review of Activities, Achievements and Performance
The financial support from Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council once again was crucial to maintaining the work of ARCA. The Council community development grant of £l,600, together with the Association's own activities including hire of hall met the recurrent costs. This enabled ACRA to retain a sound financial position during this year.
Ongoing activities during the year included yoga, art classes, bowling and Senior Citizens Group. Once again, ARCA was very appreciative of some funding received though Loughshore Care Partnership (LCP) to support activities for the Senior Citizens Group. These groups continue to provide a very necessary social outlet to addressing social isolation.
ARCA will continue to explore new ways in which we can reach out to the wider community and maximise the use of Ardmore Community Hall.
There has been a significant increase in costs, particularly in relation to electricity, heating oil and insurance. In order to raise additional funds for the incoming year, a number of events have been planned, including Big Breakfast, and car boot sale and BBQ. While it is hoped that such events will meet any shortfall in income over expenditure, the continuing escalating costs are particularly challenging for small community groups.
The Draft accounts were presented to the AGM. The final accounts prepared by Daly Park Accountants will be shared with the Committee and any queries arising will be addressed with accountants.
Annual monitoring reports were submitted to the Charities Commission in line with requirements.
Once again, I wish to thank all those who have willingly volunteered their time to ARCA and have helped out with activities throughout the year. Particularly, Roberta our Secretary, Ethel our Treasurer, Derek our Vice Chair/grass cutter, and Anne who continues to represent ARCA on the Loughshore Care Partnership (LCP) Committee and organises the Senior group meetings.
ARCA continues to work closely with other rural community groups as opportunities arise, including Derrytrasna, Birches, Maghery and Aghagallon through LCP .and South Lough Neagh Regeneration Association.
J.J. (Ian) Abraham, 31[st] March 2024
ARCAs aim is to achieve a level of £6,000 cash backed reserves.
Public Benefits Statement
1) In relation to Community development the public benefit of ARCA is A)the improved community life through the recreation facilities which we maintain and provide for use by the local community; B) By organising and facilitating a variety of social functions at our premises, we enable all sections of our community to socialise together and reduce the potential problems of isolation in rural communities; C) ARCA provide a community centre for benefit of all local inhabitants, from, parents/ tots, youth groups though to senior citizen groups; D) The benefits can be measured by the success of our events and feedback either verbal or written.
2) In relation to Advancement of health A) The public benefit is the improved knowledge and understanding we provide to groups who attend classes we provide in First aid , Healthy eating / cooking, CPR training etc; B) The exercise and fitness classes such as Yoga, and Dance again improve general health and well being of participants; C) The provision of meals cooked and supplied by our volunteers; D) All of the above can help the well being of the local inhabitants.
3) In relation to education A) By providing training and access for senior citizens on use of Internet; B) Training on Food / safety and hygiene; C) Training for volunteers on health and safety; D) All of above can be measured by feedback written or oral to those providing training
The benefits to those receiving training in use of computers/ internet / e-mails, will enable them to A) communicate with friends / family, B) purchase items via internet if required, including doing their shopping on-line and having it delivered, for isolated rural areas this could be valuable, C) by giving people access to computers who may find cost of internet too expensive, D) keep up to date with on-line news and information. The benefits to those receiving training in food hygiene and health and safety will be healthier lifestyle and less risk to harmful food poisoning issues. There are no private benefits or potential harm from any of these objectives.
Financial Results
At the end of the financial year the charity has assets of £231,085 (2023 - £235, 173) and liabilities of £l 9,400 (2023 £l 9,401 The net assets of the charity have decreased by £4,087). Structure, governance and management
Ardmore Rural Community Association is a company limited by guarantee governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association dated 23rd June 2009.1n the event of the charity being wound up, the liability in respect of the guarantee is limited to £l per member of the charity. The company is under the control of the directors who are therefore acting as trustees for the charity.
Trustees
The trustees who served throughout the financial year, except as noted, were as follows:
Mr Malcolm Stevenson, Miss Helen Parks, Mr Joshua Hamill
Mr Mark Turkington, Mrs Anne Elizabeth Turkington
Mr John Joseph Abraham , Mrs Dora Edgar
Mrs Ethel Parks, Mrs Mary Elizabeth Stevenson
Mr Gary McCavish, Mr Derek Turkington, Mrs Roberta Turkington
In accordance with the Articles of Association, the directors retire by rotation and, being eligible, offer themselves for re-election.
Compliance with Sector-Wide Legislation and Standards
The charity engages pro-actively with legislation, standards and codes which are developed for the sector.
Ardmore Rural Community Association subscribes to and is compliant with the following: The Companies Act 2006
The Charities SORP (FRS 102)
Association not having a share capital) 31 March 2024
Joh Joseph Abrah
Approved by the Board of Trustees on 17 July 2024 and signed on its behalf by: