Trustees’ annual report for the period
From: 1 April 2023 to: 31 March 2024
Charity name: Ballymaguigan Community Development Association
Charity registration number: NIC 103659
Objectives and activities
| Objectives and activities | |
|---|---|
| Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document |
The Association was established for charitable objects and purposes only. In particular the Association was established to promote the benefits of the inhabitants of Ballymaguigan without distinction of age, gender, race, political, religious or other opinion by association with statutory bodies, voluntary organisation, institutions, business and inhabitants in a common effort to alleviate poverty and disadvantage, advance education, promote social inclusion and to provide facilities in the interests of social welfare for health, recreation and leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving conditions of life for the inhabitants; and to promote all or any objects for the benefits of the community which now or hereafter may be deemed by law to be charitable. |
| Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts. |
The Association had been dormant for several years before electing a new committee in January 2020. Since then, the Association has focused its activity on the management and maintenance of the Moyola Riverside Walk which proved to be highly valuable to the local community during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continues to provide a place for people of all ages to exercise and interact safely. The most significant activity in the year 2023/24 was the transfer of ownership of the lands comprising Moyola Riverside Walk from the Ulster Wildlife Trust (UWT) to the Association for a nominal sum. UWT had indicated that they no longer wished to continue as owners of the Reserve and the Association negotiated the transfer to secure its ongoing access for the public benefit. This has required the Association to take on landowner responsibilities, in particular the purchase of relevant insurance for the Walkway and environs. As a consequence, the Association successfully sought financial support from local businesses in the form of sponsorship for the first time, as well as continuing to secure grant aid from the local council. |
| Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit |
The Trustees confirm that they have complied with their duty to have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit. |
Financial review
| Financial review | |
|---|---|
| Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period |
During the year the Association successfully secured £700 from Mid Ulster District Council towards the design, fabrication and erection of signage; materials for maintenance of fishing platforms and the riverside path and the Association’s running costs. The Association also secured £1,900 in sponsorship from local businesses since taking ownership of the Walkway. At 31 March 2024, the Association currently has a small cash reserve and no debt. |
| Details of fund materially in deficit |
None |
| Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern |
None |
Structure, governance and management
| Type of governing document: | Constitution |
|---|---|
| How is the charity constituted? |
Unincorporated association |
| Trustee selection methods: | The current trustees volunteered to become trustees. |
Reference and administrative details
| Charity name | Ballymaguigan Community Development Association |
|---|---|
| Other name the charity uses | None |
| Registered charity number | NIC 103659 |
| Charity’s principal address | 243 Shore Road Ballymaguigan Magherafelt BT45 6LH |
Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity
| Trustee name | Office (if any) | Dates acted if not for whole **year ** |
Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christina Close | None | Deceased 17/11/2023 | None |
| Eamon Close | None | Appointed 05/12/2023 | None |
| Cathal Doyle | None | None | |
| Sean Bradley | None | None |
Declarations
The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above. Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees by
Cathal Doyle
22 January 2025