## **Dollingstown Ulster Scots** — = aila St- [ **Cultural & Heritage** Poe > a Se | **Society** ia oe # **Annual Report and Statement of Accounts** # **For the year 1[st] January - 31[st] December 2020** Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 ## **Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2020** The trustees of Dollingstown Ulster Scots Cultural and Heritage Society (DUSS) are pleased to present their report and accounts for the period 1[st] January – 31[st] December 2020. ## **Meeting Programme** The Society were unable to meet in person due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, they consulted with the committee members throughout the year, via telephone, and made decisions on possible grants that could be applied for. ## **Community Programme** The Society’s Community Programme is a vital tool, as we aim to reach more members and promote inclusiveness through social, educational and recreational programmes. Unfortunately, this was not viable this year due to Covid-19 restrictions. However, there is an interest to arrange further projects going forward when it is safe to do so. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 The Society would like to record their gratitude to all volunteers and members who work closely with them and give so generously of their time. ## **Membership** The membership of the society, as at 31[st] December 2020, was : 6 Management Committee and 16 Volunteers. ## **Accommodation** DUSS hold a lease until June 2029. They meet in Dollingstown Orange Hall, 79 Belfast Road, Dollingstown, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 7JS ## **Financial Review** ## **Financial Performance** Financial performance in the year to 31[st] December 2020 has been positive under the circumstances due to Covid-19. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 ## **INCOME** Income receipts for the year totalled £375.68. The Society’s income is healthy. ## **EXPENDITURE** Expenditure for the year totalled £1,583.89. ## **Support in Kind** In assessing the finances of the Society it must be noted that many members and trustees give a great deal of support in kind. Under normal circumstances members give generously of their time; without the many hours given to preparing and delivering talks, running events and managing the Society its growth and success could not be achieved. The Trustees wish to place on record their recognition of and gratitude for all these contributions. ## **Major Risks** In our Annual Report and statement of Accounts for the year ended 31[st] December 2020 we identified no major risks. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 ## **Financial Management Policies** The Society has a Fraud policy, an Anti-Corruption and Bribery policy and written procedures on Management and Financial Controls. These are reviewed regularly. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 ## **Reference and Administrative Details** **Charity Name** Dollingstown Ulster-Scots Cultural and Heritage Society **Charity Number** Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 **Principal Address** Dollingstown Orange Hall 79 Belfast Road, Dollingstown, Lurgan, Co. Armagh BT66 7JS **Charity Trustees** Mr. B. Kidd, Chairman Mr. R. McCoy, Secretary Mr. C. McKinley Mr. D. Russell Mrs. A. Kidd Mrs. S. McCoy Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 ## **Structure, Governance and Management** ## **Governing Document and Constitution** The Society is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and works in the Community Development sector. We are governed by a Constitution adopted in August 2008 and amended in September 2015. The Society is run by a management committee. They consult with their volunteers regularly. ## **Trustee Selection and Management** The Society is managed by a committee which consists of all the appointed trustees. Committee meetings offer a forum to review recent activities within our programme and to plan forthcoming events. Further ad hoc meetings are called, if required, for example to plan and manage special events or projects. The Annual Report and Statement of Accounts are approved by the chairman and independent examiner and then presented to the members at the Annual General Meeting. The Society can appoint a sub-committee which would meet on an ad hoc basis to oversee and manage projects, e.g. renovations. No sub-committees met during 2020. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 ## **Related Organisations** The Society is not a member of any related organisations. ## **Objectives and Activities** ## **Charitable Objects** The object of our Society, as set out in our Constitution, is the relief of need and the advancement of education; and to advance knowledge and appreciation of the Ulster-Scots language and culture and to encourage understanding and acceptance of all indigenous cultures to the area of benefit. ## **Public Benefit Statement** In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year, the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purposes and provide a benefit to the beneficiaries. ## **Summary of Main Activities** The main activities of our Society are to provide a good range of services and activities for our community in a rural area. We aim to provide social interaction and learning opportunities for all sections of the community and for all ages; to develop and enhance community spirit, community relations and civic pride; and encourage integration and reduce loneliness. Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950 Normally our social activities benefit participants by improving their health and well-being and reducing their social isolation. We usually promote learning, activity and inclusivity through opening our events to all local people. Please note : during this past year our activities have been curtailed due to Covid-19, but we hope to resume when it is safe to do so. ............................................ .............................................. Bruce Kidd Raymond McCoy Chairman Secretary Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950