RASHARKIN & DISTRICT RURAL CULTURAL & EDUCATIONAL SOCIETY
ANNUAL REPORT 2023-24
02/06/23-01/06/24
The following report was given at our AGM on 4[th] July 2024 at 8pm in a meeting held in Rasharkin Orange Hall.
The Chairman started his annual report by thanking those for attending and for all those who had helped the society in the last year.
The year past had seen the start of community engagement projects which were still ongoing and great progress had been made to date. Some small capital works were being finished and it was hoped that all Capital works would be finished by the start of 2025. The main focus of the group had been on community projects again. A number of successful events had taken place with the “Rasharkin step back in time” project completed with great participation and feedback from the local community. The Community opening day had also just passed which was a major success with many members of the community attending, many noted interest and support to our continued community engagement. The projects were seeing an increase in morale and confidence within the local community with increased community involvement and reduction in social isolation. The Chairman praised all those involved in these projects.
He noted support received throughout the year from the Causeway Coast and Glens DCAL Culture Arts and Heritage grant, National Lottery Community Fund and CFNI Long Mountain Community Fund. These funding schemes being essential to the society providing the community events and projects.
The accounts were presented to the meeting and the chairman remarked that these were satisfactory. No subscriptions or donation were received within the financial year but monies were to be included in the following financial year. The income had been solely from grant funding but this would be boosted in the next financial year with 2-year subscriptions.
He stated that he was delighted that the group had started meeting more regular with good attendance. The society was celebrating its 10[th] Anniversary and events planned were in fitting with this and community support had been forthcoming. He hoped the remaining events would have the same impact as the previous events and asked all to get behind them. He thanked all for their tireless efforts in making the projects such a success.
The charity remained based in Rasharkin and used the Rasharkin Orange hall for meetings. A lease was still valid on the premises and thanks to the hall trustess for their understanding this year was to be noted. Trustees remained the same as the previous year. A space remained vacant for anyone who wished to nominate someone.
The society continued to work at promoting its charitable purposes. Projects are still ongoing in connection with the groups 10[th] Anniversary. It was hoped that the 10[th] Anniversary events would lead to further projects next year as a direct response to the topics and themes covered in 2024.
He finished by wishing all re-elected officers well for the year ahead and thanked all those who had worked in helping the society throughout the year, he finished by stating that this had been the most enjoyable year since the society's formation.
WILLIAM BEVERLAND
CHAIRMAN.