Trustees Annual Report 2017-2018
Throughout 2017 – 2018 Ardglass Development Association have been actively working on the ground in the village and surrounding areas. This is with volunteers, charities and Non-government Organisations.
The main output of the Association in this period was a Live Here Love Here environmental improvement project. This was delivered through funding received from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council. In order to take part in the scheme members of the committee attended seminars which were facilitated by the District Electoral Area Co-ordinator for Downpatrick.
Through the project we have not only been able to benefit members of the community within the area of benefit but also to outreach to other not for profit organisations. The project enabled the purchase and manufacture of window boxes and planters which adds to the vibrancy of the village. This project was delivered in line with a major event taking place in the village, The R&A Girls Amateur Golf Competition. During this event the village played host to a number of visitors and the Association seen the need to ensure that the village looked its best.
In January 2018 the Association approached the nearby Men’s Sheds in Downpatrick and Portaferry. Orders were place with both groups for 45 window boxes and a number of planters to be delivered within a budget. The voluntary groups offer a means of community development by providing a place for older men to come together and undertake woodwork and other activities. These organisations were chosen for their capacity to deliver while also adding to the mental health and wellbeing of the participants.
Once the window boxes and planters were delivered an invitation went out to residents to come and plant their own window boxes. Through the facilitation of planting sessions the Association was able to provide the window boxes at a subsidised rate and raise essential funds for the organisation to cover overheads.
Through the sessions we were able to facilitate 20 participants. This used around 50% of the stock of the window boxes and planters. This means that in the coming years we can facilitate the project again.
In addition to the improving the appearance of the village the committee were also able to assist Strangford Lough and Lecale Partnership in the undertaking of marine litter picks. Through outreach we have been able to co-ordinate a number of volunteers who helped in the collection of over 30 bags of Marine litter from the 10 miles of coastline near the village.
At our AGM in July the committee changed slightly with the departure of one member. In the next financial period the Association committee will strive to deliver community focussed initiatives
around environmental improvement and the facilitation of services to existing user groups. This will be undertaken with a view to increase the number of services and user groups where possible.
The Trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.
Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees
Signature Full Name Duane Fitzsimons Position Director Date 16th June 2019