## **Dollingstown Ulster Scots Cultural & Heritage Society**
# **Annual Report and Statement of Accounts**
# **For the year 1[st] January - 31[st] December 2022**
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950
## **Annual Report for the year ended 31[st] December 2022**
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 2022.
## **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.
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.
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950
## **Membership**
The membership of the society, as at 31[st] December 2022, was : 5 Management Committee and 14 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 2022 has been positive.
## **INCOME**
Income receipts for the year totalled £3,650.
The Society’s income is healthy.
## **EXPENDITURE**
Expenditure for the year totalled £6,709.
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950
## **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.
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 2022 we identified no major risks.
## **Financial Management Policies**
The Society has a Fraud policy, an Anti-Corruption and Bribery policy and written procedures on Management and Financial Controls.
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950
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. 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 2022.
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
Our social activities benefit participants by improving their health and well-being and reducing their social isolation. We promote learning, activity and inclusivity through opening our events to all local people.
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Bruce Kidd Raymond McCoy
Chairman Secretary
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Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC101950