## **Lisbarnett & Lisbane Community Association Ltd** Charity Registration Number: NIC 103654 Address: 16-18 Lisbarnett Road, Lisbane, Comber, BT23 6AW ## **Trustees report Annual Report 1[st] October 2022 to 30[th] September 2023.** Lisbarnett & Lisbane Community Association Limited (LLCA) is a voluntary association committed to working together for the benefit of all local residents and businesses. It comprises a Community House and a Community After School Club. ## **Structure, Governance and Management** LLCA is constituted as a charitable company limited by guarantee and is registered with the Charities Commission for Northern Ireland and Companies House. The elected Executive Committee (The Committee) consists of ten local people and meets regularly to deal with management issues and user group needs. LLCA currently employs four part time members of staff and works widely with community development groups and statutory agencies. It is a member of the Rural Community Network, County Down RCN, NICVA, Early Years and Playboard. Trustees for the year 2022/2023 were Gillian Anderton, Margaret Finlay, Violet Spence and Company Secretary, Catherine Chambers. ## **Objectives and Activities** LLCA objectives are to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the districts of Lisbane and Lisbarnett and their environs in Co Down without distinction of age, sex, nationality, ethnic origin, political or religious or other opinion, by associating with the statutory authorities, voluntary organisations and residents in a common effort to advance education, relieve poverty, and improve mental health. The Committee strive to maintain the facility in a way that provides a neutral and fit for purpose venture that anyone in the community can access and utilise. Our vision statement is for Lisbane to be “a vibrant, inclusive and welcoming village where everyone comes together in safe and secure shared spaces to improve village life for residents and visitors alike”. LLCA offers services to a wide range of people within the local area, from children of pre-school age, to retired members of our community. During the period LLCA facilitated a variety of classes including Bridge, Art Club, Pilates, Yoga, and Dramarama, along with an Afterschool and Holiday Club for children aged 4 -11. LLCA was also available for use by members of the public for birthday parties, meetings and other family or business events. We are pleased to report a steady environment in community activities during the year 2022/2023. Community House was open for classes/activities which provided an opportunity for our community to interact, socialise and stimulate. Grants from Ards Borough Council enabled the Committee to organise a couple of community events in year. The Committee organised a craft fair December 2022, allowing local artisans to promote and sell their wares, and provided festive food and drink, and a Santa visit for the children. In May 2023, in conjunction with another community group the Committee planned and organised a King’s Coronation family day which was a success, in terms of interaction with the other group, and also an enjoyable day for all attendees. The AfterSchool club have maintained an essential service for three days in the week and have continued with additional fundraising activities during the year, offering movie nights and tuck shops for local children. ## **Achievements and performance** The Trustees are pleased to report that in the operational year ended 30[th] September 2023, the primary objectives of the Community Association have been met. The Committee have closely monitored activities and spending in year, noting the challenging environment of rising costs and a reduction in availability of grant funding. They will continue to monitor on an ongoing basis, to ensure that LLCA continues to meet the objectives of the association. The Trustees noted that there were no major incident reports in the operational year. **Financial Review** : - LLCA operates on a small budget with the aim of covering all costs of the Community Association through community usage and grants. Our aim is to make the Community House services and AfterSchool care, available to all at an affordable price. In the year ended 30[th] September 2023, LLCA generated £48,821, up from £26,635 in 2022, from users of the AfterSchool/Holiday Club and Community House, and received grant income of £11,880, of which £5,244 was restricted income. The Committee are thankful for all grants received as these continue to provide a lifeline to the charity. Due to AfterSchool invoicing being delayed in September 2023, debtors amounted to £6,035 at year end, but we are pleased to report that all outstanding monies were received in October. Creditors (money owed by LLCA) at this date amounted to £7,292, with £6,636 pertaining to the Capital Grant in relation to our leased premises. After all expenditure we had a net income of £2,646, resulting in an increase in our total funds from £41,290 to £43,936. The Committee were pleased with this result given the challenging environment were working in. The Committee work hard to keep income and expenditure under review and will continue to do so in these uncertain times. ## **Pay and Remuneration** No payment was made to any Trustee during the financial year ended 30[th] September 2023. ## **Compliance with Public Benefit** The Trustees have carefully considered the guidance on public benefit issued by Charities Commission for Northern Ireland to ensure that the activities entered into during the year help, not only to achieve the Charity’s objectives and activities, but also provide public benefit to the people of Lisbane and the surrounding area. ## **Statement of Trustee’s Responsibilities** The Trustees are responsible for preparing the Trustee’s Report and the Statement of Financial Activities and Balance Sheet as of 30[st] September 2023 in accordance with the applicable law and regulations. The Trustees are responsible for keeping accounting records that are enough to record and explain the transactions with the Association, and to disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the assets and liabilities of the Association. They are also responsible for safeguarding the assets and liabilities of the Association, and for taking reasonable steps to detect and avoid fraud and other irregularities. Gillian Anderton Director /Trustee Date 10 July 2024 Signed : Violet Spence Director / Trustee Date 10 July 2024 Signed :