Lecale & Downe Historical Society
Northern Ireland Charity Number: 101936
Contact address: Sliabh na Mara , 14 Castle Hill, Dundrum, County Down, BT33 0NF
Trustees’ Annual Report for the Financial Year 1[st] April 2022 to 31[st] March 2023
In completing this annual report Trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s public benefit requirement statutory guidance. Charity Trustees who served throughout the reporting period are Berkley Farr, Roderick Downer, Marian McGreevy, Wendy Osborne and Philip Blair. During the year Wendy Osborne stepped down and Philip Blair was added, and Patrick Cross (deceased) was removed.
Lecale & Downe Historical Society’s governing document is a Constitution that was agreed by members on 7[th] December 2015. This document sets out the Charity’s purposes and powers; details who can be admitted to membership; appointment of trustees; responsibility of the trustee committee; notification and running of meetings; management of finances; making amendments to the constitution; and winding up arrangements including transfer of assets.
The purposes of the charity are to encourage public interest in, and promote the study of, local history and environment, and in particular the Barony of Lecale and adjacent areas in County Down.
Public Benefit – During the financial year 2022/23 the charity has improved provision of opportunities for all sections of the community to be informed and involved in learning about the heritage of the Barony of Lecale and adjacent areas in County Down by hosting nine lectures. Following two years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Society was able to meet again in person for monthly lectures. Our AGM was held on Thursday 25[th] May 2023 at which members were informed of the continued success of the Society.
The Society’s editorial committee continued its work regarding the annual journal, Lecale Review , the most recent of which was launched on 27[th] October 2022. Members appreciated the effort made by the Society and this allowed the Society to give out a substantial number of journals limiting the cost of postage. The Lecale Review contains a wide variety of articles on local history and as well as going to members the journal is widely available to the public through libraries and retail outlets in the Lecale area.
Review of the charity’s financial position as of 31[st] March 2023 – The overall finances of the charity remain in a healthy state with total cash assets at the end of the financial year of £12,483.81. The total income for the year was £5,638.99and the total outgoings were £4,359.33. The accounts were inspected by an independent examiner with no issues found.
Marian McGreevy, Charity Trustee & Hon. Secretary, 25[th] May 2023