2024-06-05-annual-report

ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24 We are pleased to report that membership is now starting to increase again with more people interested in joining the Club. Sadly, we lost some very valued members over the year. We were delighted to obtain funding from Awards for All- Community Fund which will help to purchase tables and a sound system for the use of speakers. We will also be able to organise two outt'ngs and have flower arranging classes starting September. The grant we received from ABC Council will pay for the lll.re of the Hall, Public Liability insurance and stationery. If we did not have this funding we would find it difficult to provide a progran]me of activities which help reduce isolation and loneliness in the community. In September, we celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III by holding a delicious buffet with Willie Clayton and Gerry Black providing music and entertainment afterwards. We welcomed Rev Neville Hugh¢s in October. There was much mirth and laughter when listening to his stories and jokes. In Novernb￿. a Whites Porridge Oats representative, Kelvin Henry gave us a good insight into the growth of the company and thc products now being sold. Our Christmas Dinner was well supported in December and we enjoyed a tasty dinner in the Hall provided by Brian Henry and music by Eric Clyde. The Asha Team from the Royal School visited in January and told us of their visit to India to work in the slums and help those living in p)verty. Jn February, we enjoyed Aghavilly Accordian Ensemble with Eric as conductor. The band played a wide variety of tunes which had our feet tspping to the music. Dr Dicky Barr from Charlene's Project spoke of his work in Uganda building schools. This was in memory of his daughter who died from cystic fibrosis at an early age and it was her wish to support this worthy cause. Members donated £171 to this project. In April, we had an Easter Party with Meryn W￿ker providing humorous stories and playing the 'tin whistle,. The Easter bonnets were notable and 'Guess Who, brought surprising results. Richard Calvert from Richhill brought a large range of gardening products in May and many were purchased by members for their gardens. He demonstrated how to make window boxes and hanging baskets. Our annual outing was held on 22 May. We had morning coffee in the Valley Hotel with a visit to Enniskillen and an evening meal in Corrick House. W¢ look forward to the ¢ntertainment provided by Mark Hawthorne at th¢ Annual General Meeting. I would lik¢ to thank Loma. Madge and the Committee who have worked tirelessly to provide a varied programme of activities for the Club members. The support and regular attendance of Club members is very much appreciated and we look forward to the growth of the Club next