## **TRUSTEE REPORT - LARGY COMMUNITY GROUP 2022/23:** 

The reporting year 2022/23 saw the Largy Community Group emerge from the effects of the Covid pandemic which had had a significant impact upon our activities during the previous two years. However, despite this the Group continued to encounter unforeseen circumstances during the year. 

April 2022 saw us hold our first event for the local Community, with a ‘New to you’ clothing event and opportunity for members of the community to meet for tea and traybakes. The event took place over consecutive weeks and was a great success. Many commented that it was great to come together to see friends who they had not seen due to the pandemic. 

However, it was whilst planning and holding this event that water damage was found to an area of flooring in the Main Hall which required further investigation. This was caused by issues with the heating system, which had caused water to leak and damage a third of the flooring in the main hall. 

Due to the extent of the damage and in the interests of safety, a decision was made to restrict access to areas of the hall until the issue was rectified. Unfortunately, due to needs to follow due process, it was not until early 2023 that the works were completed and reopening of the main hall. 

As a result of this, this seriously curtailed the ability for activities to be held in the hall. For example, Largy Bowling Club had to relocate to a nearby hall for the season. However, we were able to host Samaritan’s Purse use of the hall for the 2022 shoebox appeal, as it was for storage purposes only, brought members of the local community together in extremely limited numbers to help achieve the campaigns aim. 

However, as we approached the end of the reporting year, as the issue with the heating system and flooring has been rectified, we are optimistic about holding events in the hall during 2023/24, and planning had commenced towards that. 

The Committee continue to meet, initially informally at the start of the year but as restrictions began to be lifted, in person subject to social distancing. Key focus of the meetings was discussing repairs to the floor and oversee progress. 

In the financial climate finances continued to be an area of concern and we remain extremely grateful to the Causeway Coast and Glens Council for their continued financial support through the Community Development Support Grant (CDSG) Fund. The CDSG helped in covering running costs. 

Finally, the Community Association would like to thank all those who have supported the Community Association during the year.