Garvagh & District Diamond Club – Charity number – 102499
Trustees Report – 2021
About the Charity
Our organisation is a group which supports elderly people over the age of 55 in a five-mile radius of the Garvagh area. We work on a cross community basis and provide a range of activities as described below: Cater for all persons of fifty-five years plus with the area afore stated and especially those in the greatest social, economic, or physical need.
We organise social and educational activities to promote the worth and well-being of the area's older citizens and address the problems presented by the inter-generational gap between young and old. Provide activities and lectures relevant to the educational and physical needs of the group’s members.
We provide transport when deemed necessary, but especially for those who are extremely isolated in the rural area and we provide all the necessary equipment and facilities needed to adequately meet these objects. Create a good inter-community working relationship within the Club. Seek advice on matters of health, security, and safety. Run keep fit classes, craft classes, reminiscence, music, card games etc Provide light refreshment at all sessions Network with other organisations and clubs with similar aims to provide the widest possible range of services to our members.
We meet in the community building in Garvagh on a fortnightly basis between 2.30 and 4.30 pm and our format is to have a guest speaker or activity as outlined above in our objects. Our main aim is to alleviate poverty and poor health and well-being outcomes as outlined above. Loneliness and isolation are debilitating conditions in the rural areas. Many elderly people feel vulnerable and have community safety fears and we provide fellowship and support through our activities.
How the charity is funded
This year we got a grant from Causeway Coast and Glens Council Awards as well as a small amount of donations and proceeds from our raffle reflecting the effects of the pandemic on our activities. Many of our group members are isolating and we have made phone calls, garden gate visits and provided comfort packs. As the pandemic strictly curtailed activities we have had a series of small administrative issues which have affected our accounts. Two cheques have given us problems as one was processed for a different amount by the bank who have admitted their error after inquiry and the other has not yet been submitted. We have highlighted these as ‘under investigation’ in our accounts until we have both matters fully resolved.
Administration Information
During the financial year we held our meetings in Garvagh and District Development Association (GADDA) building on Main Street in Garvagh. The trustees are as follows: Mr Michael Bradley, Mrs Ann Bradley, Mrs Bridie Tully, Mr William James Mullan, Mr Frank Higginson, Mrs Jean Wallace, Mrs Susan McNichol, Mrs Ann Mullan, Mrs Thea Boyd, Jacqui Whann, Barbara Andrews, Jean Workman, Stan McKnight, Ms Sarah McCafferty, Ms Elizabeth Holmes and Mary Mckenna.
Activities undertaken and the furtherance of the Charities purposes
The purposes of the charity are to promote health, wellbeing, interests and alleviate loneliness,
isolation and exclusion of the aged living within Garvagh and the greater Causeway Coast and Glens Council area (the area of benefit) without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, caring responsibilities, race, or political religious or other opinions.
Due to the pandemic, we held limited meetings this year and supported our members through calls, visits, and packs. Members look forward to the fortnightly meetings and the feedback we get is that they appreciate and enjoy the companionship and varied activities very much. We hope to be operating on a normal footing next year.
Signed
Ann Bradley