Ballynure and District Friendship Club
Trustees’ Report for the year ending 31st December 2023
The AGM was held at 3.30pm after the monthly meeting on Friday 26th April 2024. Rev Matthew Kelso, who had been in attendance at the Guide Dogs NI meeting, took the chair for the election of office bearers.
Attendance
34 members were in attendance as per the roll. Apologies were received from Bertie and Freda Allen, Maureen Allen, Deirdre McCready, Bill & Jackie Wells and Linda Dodds.
The Constitution
There have been no changes to the constitution, and, because it still meets our needs, we will continue to adopt and use it.
Proposed by Ellie Gingles, seconded by Wesley Park and agreed by all.
Trustees’ Report and Review of the year
The Chairman gave the following report of the activities for 2023:
Objectives
The Club was established:
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to provide opportunities for older people, many of whom live alone or are in an isolated part of this rural community, to meet together, raise funds together, get to know each other and spend time in each other’s company;
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to give older people a chance to be entertained and informed about interesting events, musical shows, activities or hobbies;
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to ensure that these older people, many of whom are widowed, divorced or single, are still able to get out and about to see, enjoy and experience the many attractions and entertainment that NI has to offer;
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to provide transport to venues so that this growing number of older people are not stressed out by having to drive or seek lifts;
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to cement friendships that will last.
The activities in 2023
January: Kerry Connolly from Willow and Greene gave an illustrated talk about Gardening and Well-being;
February: A number of members took part in ‘Every Object tells a Story’;
March: Albert Crieghton from Newtownabbey told us about his experiences on the Camino de Santiago Walk;
April: The NI Air Ambulance with Tracey McIlwaine, one of their volunteers;
May: Coronation Celebrations and Carriage rides;
September: Around the World in 80 minutes ….members sharing their holiday experiences;
October: ‘Memorable Moments’ with Jim Rea;
November: The Gospel Trio ‘Testify’.
By far the most enjoyable afternoon was our Coronation Celebrations on May 6th 2023. The event was funded by ANBC and 56 of us came together for a Barbecue and a Carriage Trip around the Church Grounds provided free of charge by BWM Coaches. The Mayor was in attendance and a good time was had by all.
Outings in 2023
March: Bus Trip to Dobbies Garden Centre, Lisburn
May: Bus Trip and Outing to Hillsborough Castle and The Temple Golf Club for tea.
In December we went for a Christmas Lunch in Ballyclare Golf Club specifically funded by ANBC.
Other news
Ballynure Village came first once again in Ulster in Bloom. The village got a Silver Gilt Medal in the national competition, Britain in Bloom. Ballynure was the Best Kept Village in N Ireland. Richard Wallace was the Community Champion in both Ulster in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions.
Financial Statement 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023
The chairman thanked Mrs Nance Mackey for keeping the books so well. He reported that the club had secured grants totally £3053 from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council for the period April 2023 – March 2024.
The accounts, which have been audited and found correct were adopted at the AGM.
Proposed by Dave Stitt, Seconded by Wilma Park, and agreed by all.
Appointment of Honorary Auditor
The Committee recommends that Neil Walker ACA, the current Honorary Auditor, should be re-elected.
Proposed by Ella Mawhinney, Seconded by Margaret McCowan, and agreed by all.
Charitable Status
The NI Charity Number is NIC101824. The current Trustees are Mrs Linda Dodds, Mrs Nance Mackey, Mr Gordon Mackey, Mr Brian Falls, Mrs Isobel Wallace, Mr Richard Wallace.
Permission is sought to upload The Financial Statement, The Trustees’ Report and the required Certification by Honorary Auditor to the Charity Commission. Proposed by Moyra McGookin, seconded by Alister McKinley and agreed by all.
Appointment of Office Bearers and Committee … with Rev Matthew Kelso in the chair.
Chairman: Richard Wallace, proposed by Alister McKinley, seconded by Wesley Park, and agreed by all.
Treasurer: Nance Mackey, proposed by Robina Falls, seconded by Ellie Gingles, and agreed by all. Secretary: Linda Dodds, proposed by Brian Falls, seconded by Ella Mawhinney, and agreed by all.
Committee Members: Re-election of the committee ie Isobel Wallace, Gordon Mackey and Brian Falls en bloc: proposed by Wilma Park, seconded by Pearl Richards and agreed by all.
At the end of the election, Rev Matthew Kelso proposed a vote of thanks to the Chairman, Office Bearers and Committee. All responded positively with a round of applause.
There was no AOB.
The meeting finished at 3.50pm. Signed: Richard T Wallace Friday 26th April 2024