TRUSTEES ANNUAL REPORT 1 SEPTEMBER 2022 – 31 AUGUST 2023
Poyntzpass Community Regeneration Co Ltd The Meeting Place 16-18 Church Street Poyntzpass Newry Co Down BT35 6SW
Phone 028 38 318899 themeetingplacepcr@gmail.com
Charity Registration No: 103277
Names of Trustees
Position (if any)
Mr John Waddell Mr John Morrow Mr John McVeigh Mr Reggie Patel Mrs Catherine Sterritt Mrs Maureen McVeigh Mrs Geraldine Crilly
Secretary Chairperson Treasurer
Trustee Statement:
In setting our objectives and planning our activities for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the charity’s purposes and provide a benefit to beneficiaries.
Charity Governance:
Poyntzpass Community Regeneration Company Ltd is a company incorporated in Northern Ireland: NI 40376 incorporated on 3 March 2001. The company’s Memorandum and Articles of Association state that the objects of the company are to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the village of Poyntzpass and its environs without distinction of sex, sexual orientation, race or of political, religious or other opinions, by associating together the said inhabitants and the local authorities voluntary and other organisatons in a common effort to advance education, relieve the aged, preserve and protect health and to provide leisure time occupation with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants and improving the appearance and attractiveness of the village of Poyntzpass
Financial Position:
The company’s financial statements have been prepared in compliance with the Financial Reporting Standards applicable in the UK and republic of Ireland (“FRS 102”) as it applies it applies to the financial statements of the company for the year ended 31 August 2023. At the end of the financial year the company had a net unrestricted income of £13,149 available for charitable application, with a total of £14,494 unrestricted charitable resources expended. The company has Fixed Assets of £38,404 with Net Assets of £37,282. The Company operates a community building the ‘Meeting Place’ which consists of a community hall, cross community playgroup, and three lettable units. Most of income is derived from rental to our commercial tenants. We also receive a thank you payment for hosting a family under the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme.
Public Benefit Summary Report:
Our purpose is citizenship and community development. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose are the promotion of rural regeneration, providing a community centre, promotion of volunteering and promotion of social inclusion. These benefits are evidenced by the wide range of community activities which take place in the building and our work in improving the village. Over the past year the following activities took place:
‘The Village Club’ a self-directed senior group which meets every Wednesday morning from 10.00 a.m. to 12 noon between September and June. It has a membership of around 25 and host a programme of activities and talks including gardening, storytelling, and craft making. In addition they also organise a number of trips throughout the year.
The Parent and Toddler group meet on a Thursday morning during school term-time from 10.00 am to 12 noon. They provide an excellent link in the children’s transition to the playgroup which is also located in the building, and the group is an opportunity for new parents to engage with others potentially reducing social isolation in a rural area. As well as providing opportunities for play they organise a number of outings during the year.
Poyntzpass Cross Community Playgroup caters for up to 26 pre-school children, and staff are committed to the delivery of a curriculum which prepares children for their transition to primary school. The playgroup runs its session from 8.50 a.m. to 12 noon Monday to Friday, and is registered with Social Services, Department of Education and N.I.P.PA. The playgroup has both indoor and outdoor play facilities.
The local history society holds a series of talks on issues of local interest, delivered by members, at 8.00 p.m. on the first Thursday of every month between September and May which regularly attracts over 80 members of all ages to the meetings. Between September and June, yoga classes take place on a Monday morning and Tuesday evening; adult set dancing takes place on a Monday night; and both children’s Irish dancing classes and flower
arranging classes on a Wednesday evening. In the run up to Christmas we host a cross community carol service which is attended by over 150 participants. Throughout the year we provide a community facility which has been used for ad-hoc activities, for example, children and adult birthday parties; after funeral meals; and a senior citizens Christmas dinner. All of these activities have led to a greater involvement of people in the life of the village and helped with the sustainability of an isolated rural community.
Signed: J Waddell Name: John Waddell Position: Secretary Date: 13 June 2024