CUSHENDALL DEVELOPMENT GROUP For the Year ended 31 March 2023 Trustees Annual Report Charity Name:. Cushendall Development Group - NIC 101601 Charlty Address:. Old Schoolhouse 25 Mill Street CUSHENDALL Co Antrim BT44 ORR Trustees:. The following served as trustees durSng the year and up to the date of this report Bernadette Delargy (Chairperson) Bernadette Harvey (Secretary) Francis Mccurry (Treasurer) Andrew McAlister Liam O'Hagan Ann McLaughlin Eamon Gillan Donal Kearney Hazel Imrie Maeve McAlister Accountants:. Park McKillop and Company Sl Springwell Street Ballymena Co. Antrim BT43 6AT Structure, Governance and Management:. Cushendall Development Group (known as CDG) was formed in October 1990 in response to a growing realisation that locally based initiatives were needed to stimulate development in the village. Membership of the group is open to anyone living, working or interested in the area and presentlythereareover 140 members, made upofindividuals,businesses andvoluntarygroups Thecommitteeshall meetatleast Iotimes intheyearandshall consistofnotless than 5members and no more than 15 members as per election at AGM. Cushendall Development Group employs and pays any person(s], not being a member of Committee to supervise, organise and carry on the work of the group and make all reasonable and necessary provision for the payment of remuneration to employees. The Hon Treasurer keeps proper accounts of the finances of the group. The financial year of the group runs from l April - 31 March annually. Theaccounts areauditedbyanauditor/sasappointedattheAnnual General Meeting. This yearthe auditor was Park McKillop & Co.
Purposes and Objectlves of Cushendall Development Group Provide or secure the provision of social services, educational and recreational facilities and practical assistance for elderly people, people with disabilities, people within the area of benefit Promote and carry out, or assist in promoting and carrying out research, surveys and investigations and publish the useful results thereof. Organise or assist in organising meetings, lectures, classes and exhibitions and publish or assist in publishing reports, periodicals, recordings, book5 or other documents or information. Obtain, collect and receive money by way of grants, donations, bequests, legacies or other lawful method. provided that the Association shall not undertake any substantial pernianent trading activities and shall conform to any relevant requirements of the law Recruit and train volunteers with relevant skills to carry out the objectives of the group. Promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the above objectives and to that end to work in association with local authorities and voluntary organisations engaged in the furtherance of the above objectives in the area of benefit. Establish or support any charitable trusts, associations or institutions formed for all or any of the above objectives. Do all such other lawful things as may be necessary for the attainment of the above objectives or any ofthem. Promote. encourage and advise communlty and individual development initiatives. Seek to highlight issues of importance to people in the area. To encourage more people to become involved in community development, particularly socially excluded groups To support and promote the creation of additional employment To encourage, Social, recreational cultural and educational activities. To support new and existing groups that are forthe benefit of the community Statement of Compllance:. In setting out our objectives and carrying out our activities for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission Nl's guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity's purposes and provide a benefit to its beneficiaries. Achievements and Performance:. Cushendall Development Group (CDG) has worked hard to facilitate activities and events for the Cushendall Community. Cushendall Development Group continuously assess the needs of the local community and try hard to address these needs. CDG work closely with other community groups providing administration assistance to these groups and the wider community. CDG liaise with local government agencies lor the needs of the local community. Cushendall Focus continues to be produced during the year. which keeps the community updated on events that have just happened or planned for the near future. The Environment Group continue to work tirelessly to plant and maintain flowers throughout the village.
The conference room in the Old Schoolhouse is now being used again by local businesses and community groups. Outside agencies are also using the room to engage with the community at local level. Necessary training is held throughout the year for the benefit of the community, which helps provide volunteers and support to others. Financial Review: . All monies raised byoronbehalf ofthegroup areapplied tofurtherthe objects ofthegroup and for no otherpurpose, providedthatnothinghereincontained shall preventthepaymentof legitimate out-of-pocket expenses to member5 of the group engaged upon the approved business of the Cushendall Development Group. Grants Applled and Received 2022-23 Communlty Dev Support Grant- £3SOO ThesemonieswereprovidedbyCausewayCoastandGlens Boroughcounciltoassistinthe overheads involvedinrunningthecornmunitybuilding, e.g. Rates, Electricandheatingetc. Rural Mlcro Capltal Grant Scheme- £1286.36 This enabled the group to purchase a new Defibrillator for the village and electric table top Hobs for future classes. Llve Smart Grant-£500 This money was secured to purchase new Litter pickers and gloves for the community and facllitate classes that benefit the environment. Northern Area Communlty Network- Mental Health and Suiclde Preventlon Communlty Development Model - £lOOO This money was secured to facllltate Art, Craft and other recreational activities. Northern Area Communlty Network NICHI Programme- £2000 This money enabled the group to purchase a heated box to safely store the new village Defibrillator. The group also were able to facilitate health and wellbeing courses. Totallncomeforthlsyearendwas £44,334 Total Expendlture for this year end was £48,977 Funds are held in reserve to cover any unexpected expenses. This report was approved by the Trustees on 23rd October 2023 and signed on its behalf by: Signed Signed Bernadette Delargy Francis Mccurry Chairperson Hon Treasurer