Ballyhegan and Kilmore Community Heritage Association
Trustee Report 2023 to 2024
(known as “BK Heritage”)
Charity Number: 103228
Address of Chair: 7A Annaboe Road, Kilmore, Armagh, BT61 8NP
Trustees: Donna Lappin, Marion Gilliland Hodges, Peter McNeill, Ivan Glass, Conor Sandford, Margaret Preston, Deirdre Morgan, Carson Troughton.
Governance of BK Heritage:
BK Heritage is governed and managed by its constitution.
Related Organizations:
BK Heritage is a member of the Ulster Federation of Local Studies.
Charitable Objectives:
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Identify sources and topics of local and general heritage interest.
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Promote an agreed number of heritage talks and/or events each year.
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Develop ways to promote wider exploration of the concept of heritage.
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Establish mutually supportive relationships with groups which have similar aims.
Structure and Management of BK Heritage:
The association is managed by a committee of twelve members elected annually at the Annual General Meeting. The officer bearers are the chairperson, secretary, and treasurer. They, along with the other members of the committee, plan and implement talks, outings and other activities. Minutes of all meetings are kept by the secretary, with the treasurer being responsible for all accounts.
Purpose and benefit (Area of Benefit)
BK Heritage is organised to foster a sense of community by facilitating people from all backgrounds and interests to participate in rediscovering and preserving knowledge, celebrating a sense of place and encouraging appreciation of all aspects of local heritage.
Membership is open to all who are aged 16 and over, regardless of gender, disability, sexual orientation, nationality, ethnic identity, political or religious opinion.
Activities of BK Heritage
The main activities of the association are:
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Hosting a programme of talks of interest to the local community;
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Organising outings to places of interest both locally and further afield.
Talks are held turnabout in the local church halls at Stonebridge and Kilmore.
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Achievements of BK Heritage
BK Heritage Association offered a full programme of events in 2023 to 2024, our first after the break due to the pandemic. Attendance has remained strong, particularly when topics of specific local interest are planned. Feedback from members continues to be extremely supportive. The committee took the decision to return to the former membership arrangements in line with the constitution. Membership for the year was set at £20, and non-members pay £5 to attend an event, payable at the door. The amount was set to cover the costs of hall rental, speakers’ fees, refreshments and insurance.
The impact and benefit to the public
The trustees of BK Heritage have complied with their responsibilities regarding the “Charities Commission Public Benefit Requirement” statutory requirement. There is no private or personal benefit arising from the purpose of BK Heritage. Those who benefit from BK Heritage include not only its members but members of the wider community.
Our events were well attended by the local community and participants valued the opportunity to meet, learn, discuss and appreciate our shared heritage once again. Refreshments were served and people had an opportunity to chat and to become reacquainted with each other.
The following events were completed in this financial year:
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Limestone, a most versatile rock, Averil Morrow on 18[th] April 2023
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A brief history of national schools in Ballyhegan and Kilmore, A Morrow and P McNeill, 19[th] September 2023
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Flax growing through the centuries, Sebastian Graham, 14[th] November 2023
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A Window into the past, Brian McDonald, 20[th] February 2024
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Stuff with Stories, various members, 19[th] March 2024
The Financial Report for the years 2023 to 2024 was presented at the A.G.M. on the 12[th] February 2025 by the Hon. Treasurer, Marian Gilliland Hodges and approved by the meeting. It was ratified by the external auditor. At the beginning of the year the balance was £284. The gross income for the year was £568, and expenditure was £257, leaving a balance of £595. This report has been signed on behalf of the trustees who have approved it at their meeting on 12[th] February 2025.
Report Authorization
Name of Trustee: Declan McCann Signature
Name of Trustee: Peter McNeill Signature
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