## **2022 Trustees Report** ## Contents |1.|Introduction .................................................................................................................................... 1| |---|---| |2.|Row the Erne Details ....................................................................................................................... 1| |3.|Reporting period ............................................................................................................................. 2| |4.|Review of financial position at the end of the year ........................................................................ 2| |5.|Statement by the Trustees .............................................................................................................. 2| |6.|Purposes .......................................................................................................................................... 2| |7.|Public Benefits ................................................................................................................................. 3| |8.|Summary of Activities and Achievements ...................................................................................... 4| ## **1. Introduction** The Purpose of this report is to inform the Charities Commission NI of the activities and achievements of Row the Erne during the financial year ended 31[st] December, 2022. ## **2. Row the Erne Details** Name: Row the Erne Row is Erne is governed by its Constitution. It is included in Appendix 1. Charity Registration No. NIC102251 ## **Trustees 2022:** - Barbara Irwin; - Mairead Larmer; and - Olivia Cosgrove. ## **Principal Address** 12 Drumlin Heights Enniskillen Co. Fermanagh BT74 7NR Page **1** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** ## **3. Reporting period** The Reporting Period is 1[st] January, 2022 to 31[st] December, 2022 ## **4. Review of financial position at the end of the year** Row the Erne operates a ‘Receipts and Payments’ approach to accounting. It does not have any debts owing at 31st December, 2022. Its reserves are reflected in the closing bank balance of £7,503.57. It does not have a formal reserves policy. ## **5. Statement by the Trustees** The Trustee state that they have regard to the Commission’s Public benefit requirement statutory guidance ## **6. Purposes** Row the Erne (The Club) is a community-based organisation empowering people to build and row traditional craft primarily on the Erne Waterway System in County Fermanagh and throughout the island of Ireland to. The Club has the following Purposes: **Purpose 1:** To foster and promote the rowing and sailing of traditional boats for all abilities, provide opportunities for recreation and leisure to members of the public who may not, because of their social or economic circumstances, have access to the waterways. **Purpose 2:** To provide the facility for boat building to members of the public in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure purposes and to improve the conditions of life of said persons by creating a natural and welcoming environment. ## **Purpose 3** : - To promote the maritime heritage of the Lough Erne waterway system and to advance the engagement of the community in the conservation and celebration of the maritime heritage. - To realize social, environment, community development and educational benefits without distinction of age, gender, race, political, religious or other opinion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or those with or without dependents by associating Page **2** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** with relevant organisations and inhabitants in a common effort to support the conservation of maritime heritage through education, learning, conservation projects and recreational activities. - To establish a range of community focused maritime activities and promote the heritage and use of resources and any other facilities which would lead to further engagement by the community in maritime heritage conservation and be of benefit to the community ## **7. Public Benefits** The Public Benefits in relation to Row the Erne’s Purposes are: **Purpose 1** : Row the Erne brings people together from all types backgrounds and social groups to enjoy the waterways. **Purpose 2:** The Club has created opportunities of improved health outcomes and reduced levels of stress and anxiety _._ **Purpose 3** The Club has engaged the public in developing boat building skills, so that the knowledge and activities will continue to grow and be passed on These benefits were demonstrated through feedback from the users of the curragh through surveys, films and interviews. Many of these videos and pictures were shared on social media to let others know what we were up to and to come along. The charity’s beneficiaries are people from all walks of life of all ages and abilities. Page **3** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** ## **8. Summary of Activities and Achievements** The Trustees worked alongside members and volunteers of Row the Erne in a range of activities, events and initiatives that benefited the public in line with the Club’s Purposes. This section lists the range of activities and achievements of the Club in 2022. It refers to the relevant purpose & public benefit linked to it. - **Boat Maintenance:** This took place when the Currach was off the water in February and March. - **Regular Evening rows** . Row the Erne ran regular evening and weekend rows from April through to early November when the Currach was lifted off the water for a winter rest. This benefited the public under purposes 1 &2. We introduced a whole new group to rowing, many rowing to improve their physical and mental wellbeing, to have fun and to make new friends. - **Taster days:** The Club ran a taster days in June when it attended the for Rathlin Sound Maritime heritage festival supported by the Causeway Coast and Glens . The public enjoyed getting hands on for a row in the sea. For many this was their first rowing experience on the sea. This benefited the public under purposes 1 &2. - **Long rows** : We ran a series of longer day rows to challenge the public to push themselves, increase their fitness and invest more in making new friends. This benefited the public under purposes 1 &2. We ran these rows in Summer, Autumn and winter, generally at a weekend. - **Heritage rows:** The Club secured £5,000 in funding from the heritage lottery to run a series of rows around the Plantation Castles of Lough Erne. This gave people a unique insight to their local heritage from the perspective of the water. Many were surprised at the number of heritage castles in touch with the Lough. This benefited the public under purposes 3. - **Schools heritage rows:** The club worked in partnership with local paddling group, Erne Paddlers, to deliver a series of rows for local school children and their teachers. The children learnt new boating & team skills, experienced their local biodiversity and leave no trace guidance while rowing an ancient boat and absorbing the heritage of their local castle in Enniskillen and what life was like for local boat builders on Castle island on the shores of Enniskillen. This benefited the public under purposes 1 & 3. Page **4** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** - **Expedition:** The Club went on a sea expeditions to Rathlin as part of the Rathlin Sound Maritime Heritage Festival in June. During each trip we invited the public to come and look at the currach. We explained how it was built. It was a new venture for many on the currach, as many had not rowed at sea before. This trip benefited the public under purposes 1, 2 and 3. ## **Signed by:** Page **5** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** ## **Appendix 1** ## **1. Name** The Association shall be called Row the Erne (hereinafter called the association) ## **2. Objects** The Association is established: - 2.1 To foster and promote the rowing and sailing of traditional boats for all abilities, provide opportunities for recreation and leisure to members of the public who may not, because of their social or economic circumstances, have access to the waterways. - 2.2 To provide the facility for boat building to members of the public in the interests of social welfare for recreation and leisure purposes and to improve the conditions of life of said persons by creating a natural and welcoming environment. - 2.3 To promote the maritime heritage of the Lough Erne waterway system (hereinafter described as the area of benefit) and to advance the engagement of the community in the conservation and celebration of the maritime heritage, and realize social, environment, community development and educational benefits without distinction of age, gender, race, political, religious or other opinion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status or those with or without dependents by associating with relevant organisations and inhabitants in a common effort to support the conservation of maritime heritage through education, learning, conservation projects and recreational activities. - 2.4 To establish a range of community focused maritime activities and promote the heritage and use of resources and any other facilities which would further engagement by the community in maritime heritage conservation and be of benefit to the community. - 2.5 In furtherance of the above object, the association may: - 2.5.1 Provide or secure the provision of educational, and recreational facilities for the community within the area of benefit; - 2.5.2 Provide information and training to encourage and further the engagement of the community in maritime heritage based activities; - 2.5.3 Provide, maintain, conserve and equip or assist in the provision, maintenance and equipment of premises, facilities including boats and gear designed to carry out the objects of the association; - 2.5.4 Promote and carry out research related to the maritime heritage; - 2.5.5 Recruit and train volunteers in relevant skills to enable them to carry out the objectives of the Association; - 2.5.6 Organise or assist in the organising of meetings, lectures, classes, and exhibitions and publish or assist in publishing reports, periodicals, recordings, books or other documents and information; - 2.5.7 Obtain, collect and receive money by ways of grants, donation, bequests, legacies or other lawful method provided that the association may not engage in any form of permanent trading; - 2.5.8 Purchase, take on lease or exchange, hire, obtain a license, or otherwise acquire any real or personal property and any rights and privileges necessary for the promotion of the above objects and construct, maintain and alter any buildings or facilities which the association may think necessary for the promotion of its objects; Page **6** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** 2.5.9 Make appropriate regulations for any property which may be so acquired. - 2.5.10 Subject to any consent as may be required by law, sell, let, mortgage, dispose of or return to account all or any property or assets of the association with a view to the furtherance of its objects. - 2.5.11 Receive money on deposit or loan and borrow or raise money in such a manner as the association shall think fit subject to such consents as may be required by law. - 2.5.12 Invest the monies of the association not immediately required for the furtherance of the said objects in or upon such investments, securities for property as may be thought fit, subject nevertheless to such conditions (if any) as may for the time being be imposed or required by law. - 2.5.13 Employ and remunerate any person or persons, not being an officer (Chairperson, secretary, treasurer) of the Management Committee referred to below, to supervise, organise and carry on the work of the Association and make all necessary and reasonable provisions for the payment of remuneration to all such employees - 2.5.14 Promote and organise co-operation in the achievement of the above objects and to that end to work in association with local/National authorities/bodies and voluntary agencies engaged in the furtherance of the above objects in the area of benefit. - 2.5.15 Do all such other lawful things as may be necessary for the attainment of the above objects or any of them. - 2.5.16 To maintain and manage these facilities and resources, or to co-operate with any local or statutory authority in the maintenance and management of such facilities for activities promoted by the association and its constituent bodies in furtherance of the above objects. ## **3. Membership** Membership of the association shall be open to the following: - 3.1 People aged 18 years or over who subscribe to the objects of the association and whose applications for membership are accepted by the Committee; such representatives shall be called f meetings of the association. Children under 18 may join with the consent of their parents/guardians. Children under 16 must join as part of a family membership. All membership applications will be reviewed by the Committee and an application can be refused without an explanation - 3.2 Organisations, whether voluntary or statutory may, upon application to, and with the approval of the Committee, be admitted as Affiliated Members and such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. Affiliated members shall not have the right to vote at association meetings. Affiliated Members shall each be entitled to be represented at meetings of the Association by a duly authorised representative. - 3.3 The Committee may fix a rate of annual subscription appropriate to each category of membership; may issue membership cards and shall have the right, for good and sufficient reason, to terminate the membership of any member provided that the member concerned shall have the right to be heard by the association before a decision is made final. ## **4. Management Committee** - 4.1 Except as provided otherwise in this constitution, the policy and general management of the affairs of the association shall be directed by the committee which shall meet not less than 4 times a year. The Committee shall consist of at least four persons who are known as Trustees with a maximum of 10 Page **7** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** persons nominated and elected at the Annual General Meeting. Trustees are hereafter, referred to as ‘the Committee’. - 4.2 Oral nominations from full members of the association for members of the Committee can be made at the Annual General Meeting hereinafter mentioned. - 4.3 Should the number of nominations exceed the number of vacancies, election shall be by secret ballot of the members of the association present and voting at an Annual General Meeting. - 4.4 Should the number of nominations be less than the number of vacancies, further oral nominations may, with the approval of those in attendance at the AGM, be invited from members present and voting at the said AGM. - 4.5 The Committee elected at an AGM shall have the power to co-opt further members, who shall be Full Members or eligible to become Associated members and who shall serve until the conclusion of the annual business at the next AGM provided that the number of co-opted members shall not exceed one third of the total Full membership of the Committee. Co-opted members shall have the right to vote at committee meetings. - 4.6 The Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, Honorary Secretary and Honorary Treasurer, who shall be the Honorary Offices of the association, shall be Full Members or Associated Members of the association and shall be elected annually by and from the members of the Committee at their first meeting following the AGM. Any office/position shall not be held by any one person for more than three consecutive years other than in exceptional circumstances as prescribed by the management committee. In any event, such person is eligible for re- election after standing down for at least one year. - 4.7 Any member of the Committee who fails to attend five consecutive Committee meetings without reasonable excuse may lose his/her place on the Committee which may be filled by co-option in accordance with Clause 4.5 above. Page **8** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** ## **5.** ## **Functions of the Committee** - 5.1 The Committee may make such regulations as they consider appropriate for the efficient conduct of the business of the Committee and the association. - 5.2 The Committee may appoint staff as they consider necessary on such terms and conditions as they may determine, provided that such terms and conditions are in keeping with all relevant legislation and good practice. - 5.3 The Committee may appoint such sub-committees, advisory groups or working parties of their own members and other persons as they may from time to time decide necessary for the carrying out of their work, and may determine their terms of reference, duration and composition. All such sub-committees shall make regular reports on their work to the Com5mittee. - 5.4 The proceedings of the Committee shall not be invalidated by any failure to elect or any defect in the election, appointment, co-options or qualification of any member. ## **6. Chairing Meetings** All meetings of the association or of the Committee or any of its sub- committees shall be presided over by its Chairperson failing whom its Vice-Chairperson, if one has been appointed. If neither the Chairperson nor ViceChairperson is present, those present may elect one of their number to take the Chair. The Chairperson of any meeting shall have a second or casting vote. ## **7 Finance** - 7.1 All monies raised by or on behalf of the association shall be applied to further the objects of the association and for no other purpose provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the payment of legitimate out-of-pocket expenses to members of the association engaged upon the approved business of the association. - 7.2 The Honorary Treasurer shall keep proper accounts of the finances of the association. - 7.3 The financial year of the association shall run from 1st January to 31st December. - 7.4 The accounts shall be scrutinised at least once per year by an independent financial assessor who shall be appointed by the Committee. - 7.5 A statement of accounts for the last financial year shall be submitted by the Committee to the AGM. - 7.6 A bank account shall be opened in the name of the association. The Committee shall authorise in writing the Honorary Treasurer and two members of the Committee to sign cheques on behalf of the association. All cheques must be signed by not less than two of the four authorised signatories. ## **8. Property** Page **9** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** The association may appoint and may terminate the appointment of at least three people to act as Trustee for the purpose of holding any moneys or property belonging to the association. The title to all or any such real and/or personal property which may be required by or for the purposes of the association shall be vested in the Trustees who shall hold such property in trust for the association. The Trustees shall act under the instructions of the Committee who shall, subject to the approval and consent of the association as determined by a General Meeting, have power to fill vacancies among the Trustees. ## **9. Annual General Meeting** - 9.1 The first Annual General Meeting of the association shall be held not later than twelve months after the Inaugural Meeting and in each year thereafter an AGM of the association shall be held at such place and time (not being more than fifteen months after the holding of the preceding AGM) as the Committee shall determine. - 9.2 At such Annual General Meeting the business shall include the following: - 9.2.1 The election of members to serve on the Committee - 9.2.2 The appointment of an independent financial assessor. - 9.2.3 The consideration of an Annual Report of the work done by or under the auspices of the Committee. - 9.2.4 The consideration of the accounts. - 9.2.5 The transaction of such other matters as may from time to time be considered necessary. ## **10. Special General Meetings** The Committee may at any time at its discretion and shall upon a requisition signed by not less than eight full members having the power to vote and giving reasons for the request, call a Special General Meeting of the association for the purpose of altering the constitution in accordance with Clause 12 hereof or of considering any matter which may be referred to them by the Committee or for any other purpose. Page **10** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** ## **11. Rules of Procedure at all Meetings** **Voting** - 11.1 Subject to the provisions of Clause 12 hereof all questions at any meeting shall be decided by a simple majority of those present and entitled to vote thereat. In case of an equality of votes the Chairperson shall have a second or casting vote. ## **Minutes** - 11.2 Minute books shall be kept by the Committee and all other sub- committees and the appropriate Secretary shall enter therein a record of all proceedings and resolutions. ## **Quorum** - 11.3 The quorum at General Meetings of the Association shall be 5 and at a committee meeting shall be 3 or other such number as the Committee may from time to time determine. **Standing Orders** - 11.4 The Committee shall have the power to adopt and issue Standing Orders and/or rules for the association. Such Standing Orders and/or rules shall come into operation immediately provided always that they shall be subject to review by the association in General Meeting and shall not be inconsistent with this Constitution. ## **12. Alterations to the Constitution** - 12.1 Any alterations to this Constitution shall receive the assent of not less than two-thirds of the members of the association present and voting at the Annual General Meeting or a meeting specifically called for such purpose provided that notice of any such alteration shall have been received by the Honorary Secretary in writing not less than 21 clear days before the meeting at which the alteration is to be brought forward. - 12.2 At least 14 clear days notice in writing of the meeting setting forth the terms of the alteration to be proposed shall be sent by the Honorary Secretary to each member of the association provided further that no alteration shall be made which would cause the association to cease to be a charity at law. ## **13. Dissolution** - 13.1 If the Committee by simple majority decide at any time that on the grounds of expense or otherwise it is necessary or advisable to dissolve the association they shall call a meeting of all members of the association who have the power to vote of which meeting not less than - 21 days notice (stating the terms of the Resolution to be proposed thereat) shall be given. - 13.2 If such decision shall be confirmed by a simple majority of those present and voting at such meeting, the Committee shall have power to dispose of any assets held by or in the name of the association. - 13.3 Any assets remaining after the satisfaction of any proper debt and liabilities shall be given or transferred to such other charitable institution or institutions having objects similar to the objects of the association as the Committee decide. Page **11** of **12** ## **2022 Trustees Report** ## **14 Expulsion and Disciplinary Action** - 14.1 All complaints regarding the behaviour of members should be submitted in writing to the Secretary. This will be investigated by the Club Committee along with 3 current members selected by the committee. - 14.2 Any member violating any of the rules or regulations of the Club or being adjudged guilty of unsatisfactory conduct may, by resolution of the General Committee, be suspended or expelled. - 14.3 The General Committee may temporarily suspend or exclude a member from particular activities where it is deemed in the best interests of the Club. - 14.4 Any member who is temporarily excluded or suspended or has had his/her membership terminated shall have the right to appeal against such decision to an appeal panel which shall comprise of no less than 3 members selected by the committee. ## **15. Indemnity** The association shall indemnify and keep indemnified every officer, member, volunteer and employee of the association from and against all claims, demands, actions and proceedings (and all costs and expenses in connection therewith or arising therefrom) made or brought against the association in connection with its activities, the action of its officers, members, volunteers or employees, or in connection with its property and equipment but this indemnity shall not extend to liabilities arising from wilful and individual fraud, wrongdoing or wrongful omission on the part of the association or its committee. ## **Row the Erne Group** Approved and adopted by the Association and signed on its behalf by: Page **12** of **12**