– Mullabrack Rural Community Group AGM Report for Year ending 31[st] December 2023
As we celebrate the eighteenth AGM of Mullabrack Rural Community Group, one wonders where the last eighteen years have gone as it seems a short time since we had met to form this community group. It is comforting to know that all those committee members are still with us and working with the group.
As always, over the year, there continues to be those with periods of sickness and we continue to keep these members in our thoughts and prayers.
Our accounts started with a balance of £2668.09 and closed with £2442.83. While the closing balance is down just over £225, we are awaiting the payment for a grant from the ABC council for £340 This amount was spent in the current year but the funding will not appear until next year’s accounts.
We applied for funding from the ABC council to celebrate the coronation of King Charles III and this allowed the group to celebrate this event with a ‘Coronation afternoon tea’. For most of the group this was the first time a Coronation could be celebrated as the late Queen Elizabeth’s coronation had been 70 year’s previous. The hall was filled for this event and a great afternoon was had by all who attended. Thanks to all who worked to make this event such a success and thanks to the ABC council for the provision of funding for the event.
As in previous years the Harvest service was held in October and the Carol Service in December. The proceeds from these events, along with donations made to the group during the afternoon tea means that the group will be presenting a donation of £560 to the Gilford Health Centre for purchase of much needed equipment to help the community of Gilford.
The group also held their Christmas raffle for a hamper full of Christmas fayre along with numerous other prizes. Thanks again to all those members who sold tickets and provided the prizes.
Once again, the usual thanks to my Vice Chairperson Laura, Heather our treasurer, Neill our secretary and indeed all the committee members for their continued commitment.
While we have a small group, we do endeavour to provide the local community with events which allow them to get together and enjoy a few hours relaxation. We also wish to continue to support local charities who continue to be under financial pressures at this time.
In addition where there are opportunities to apply for funding to assist the group, these will be pursued.
I would wish all members an enjoyable summer recess and look forward to getting together again after the summer to continue the work within the group and to organise some events over the winter period.
David Francey Chairman.