## Annual Report ## and ## Statement of Accounts ## For the year 1st January 2022 - 31st December 2022 Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103387 ## Annual Report ## For the year ended 31st December 2022 The trustees of Mazetown Rural Action Collective (MRAC) present their report for the period above. ## **Meeting Programme** MRAC meets quarterly throughout the year, to discuss and prepare programmes, receive feedback from other Hall user groups i.e. (Maze/Brookfield WI 62 members, LV Historical Society 12 members, Maze Lodge 60 members, Mazetown Women Together 27 members, Ribbons Group 8 members, Maze Lecturers Class 15 members) consider financial reports and explore possible avenues of funding. ## **Community Programme** The Group’s Community Programme is a vital to the sustainability of our organisation, by promoting inclusiveness through social, educational and recreational programmes. The events included a summer Festival, Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebration, Country Jive classes Children’s Christmas Party, Christmas Craft Fayre, Night at the Races, and a programme of talks supported by the Community Relations department in Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council. Mazetown RAC wishes to place on record their gratitude to all volunteers and members, without them, and the support of the wider community, our programmes would not have been delivered. ## **Membership** The membership of the Group, as at 31st December 2022 was 160. ## **Accommodation** Mazetown RAC rents the Maze Orange Hall, 15 Kesh Road, Maze, Lisburn, BT27 5RP. ## **Financial Review** ## **Financial Performance** Financial performance in the year to 31st December 2022 is as follows: ## **INCOME** Income receipts for the year totalled £21,177.09 ## **EXPENDITURE** Expenditure for the year totalled £30,265.03 ## **Support in Kind** In assessing the finances of the MRAC, it must be noted that many members and trustees give a great deal of support in kind, by planning and delivering events, managing the Group itself, and liaising with the numerous user groups in our Hall. Not forgetting regular maintenance of the premises, in order to maintain a warm and safe environment. The Trustees wish to record their sincere thanks, to all those whose contribution has led to the continued success of our group. ## **Major Risks** In our Annual Report and Statement of Accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022, the only major risk identified was the high cost of energy, impacting almost every other running cost as well. We have worked hard with our stakeholders through this difficult period, making savings in energy costs where possible, with draft exclusion fittings around doors, and good practice information to user groups. We believe this will stand us in good stead to meet the financial challenges ahead in 2023. ## **Financial Management Policies** MRAC has adopted the following policies: Fraud, Anti-Corruption and Bribery, together with written procedures on Management and Financial Controls. All are reviewed regularly. ## **Reference and Administrative Details** ## **Charity Name:** Mazetown Rural Action Collective ## **Charity Number** : Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC103387 ## **Principal Address** : Maze Orange Hall, 15 Kesh Road, Maze, Lisburn, BT 27 5RP ## **Charity Trustees** : Mr Dennis Watson Chairperson Mrs Karen Shields Vice-Chairperson Mr Eric Hewitt Secretary Mrs Ruth Nelson Treasurer Mr Philip Nelson Mr Harry Turkington ## **Structure Governance and Management** ## **Governing Document and Constitution** MRAC is registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland and works in the Community Development sector. We were governed by a Constitution adopted in December 2001, as Mazetown Cultural Society. A change of name to Mazetown Rural Action Collective, and new constitution was adopted on the 8th April 2016. The Group is run by a management committee. They consult with their volunteers and other Hall user groups on a regular basis. ## **Trustee Selection and Management** MRAC is managed by a committee, which consists of all the appointed trustees together with approved volunteers. Committee meetings offer a forum to review recent activities within our programme, and to plan forthcoming events. Further ad hoc meetings are called, if required, for example to plan and manage special events or projects. The Annual Report and Statement of Accounts are approved by the chairperson and independent examiner, before being presented to the members at the Annual General Meeting. MRAC can appoint sub-committees which can meet and report as and when necessary. ## **Related Organisations** Mazetown RAC is not a member of any related organisation or organisations ## **Objectives and Activities** ## **Charitable Objects** The object of MRAC, as set out in our Constitution, is the relief of need and the advancement of education of the inhabitants of the Mazetown and surrounding areas, without distinction of age, sex, race, disability, political, religious or other opinion. ## **Public Benefit 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 the beneficiaries. ## **Summary of Main Activities** The main activities of our Group are to provide a varied range of services and activities for our community, in this isolated rural area. We aim to provide social interaction and learning opportunities for all sections of the community, and for all age, to develop and enhance community spirit, community relations and civic pride; and ## encourage integration and reduce loneliness. Through operating our social activities to the people living in this area, the charity has benefited them by improving their health and well-being, and reducing their social isolation. We promoted learning through our programmes and other Hall User Groups programmes, and inclusivity through opening our events to all, in the wider community. Dennis Watson 26.10.2023 **Chairperson Date** Eric Hewitt 26.10.2023 **Secretary Date**