Sillees River Social and Cultural Society – 105845
Annual Trustees Report 2018
Aims & Objectives of the Charity
The Charity’s objects (‘the Objects’) are to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the greater Derrygonnelly area and its environs (the “area of benefit”), without
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(1) To promote community development and citizenship by all or any of the following means:
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(i) provide facilities for and organise community and family events in the interests of social welfare for recreation and other leisure-time occupations with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants;
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(ii) provide facilities, amenities and support to community and voluntary groups and organisations;
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(iii) advance active citizenship and volunteering in the community;
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(iv) foster a sense of community by encouraging and celebrating a sense of place, civic pride and an appreciation of all aspects of local heritage.
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(2) Relieve those in need by reason of youth, age or other disadvantage by making available facilities and resources that will enable those who lack access to services or experience social isolation to participate in recreational, social, cultural, educational and other types of activities and events.
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(3) The advancement of heritage, culture and the arts by:
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(i) preserving, restoring, maintaining and improving, for the public benefit, Derrygonnelly Orange Hall, a Grade B listed building of historical, cultural and architectural interest;
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(ii) acquiring, preserving, interpreting and displaying documents, books, photographs, maps, oral recordings, artefacts and other items relating to Derrygonnelly Orange Hall and the social and cultural history of the area of benefit, thereby promoting interest in the past, present and future of that community;
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(iii) carry out research into the social, cultural, religious, political and economic history of the area of benefit and disseminate the findings of such research;
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(iv) either alone or in association with other organisations or agencies, organise and present artistic activities and events, festivals and performances;
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(v) promote and enhance awareness and understanding, and encourage acceptance of, all indigenous customs, traditions, beliefs and artistic expression in the area of benefit, in particular those relating to the Ulster Scots culture which is strongly represented in the area of benefit.
Activities and achievements 2018
During 2018 our regular Hall user groups met and carried on with their normal activities. The groups included Inishmacsaint Mother’s Union, Derrygonnelly Scouts, Cubs and Beavers, Girls Friendly Society, Derrygonnelly Bowling Club along with several Orange lodges and Royal Black Preceptory. Along with the above groups the Orange Hall was also used as a venue for Art classes, keep fit classes, social events such as a Table Quiz and a Carol Service. The year also saw us carrying out various fundraising activities such as a 12[th] night BBQ and our annual Auction and Firewood sale.
In late 2017 the Sillees River Social and Cultural Society successfully applied for a Rural Micro Grant through DAERA, we also assisted some of the groups using the Hall to apply. This grant enabled us to purchase much needed equipment during the year of 2018 for the benefit of the community who use our building. Equipment included new chairs, tables and catering cups & plates for use at large functions.
A second project which saw completion in 2018 was the repairs to the boundary fences surrounding Derrygonnelly Orange Hall. This was completed as part of a village renewal scheme and was also funded under DAERA’s Rural Development Programme. The application was made through Derrygonnelly & District Community Partnership and the project was managed by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. The project involved removal of the old overgrown hedge and fence and their replacement with a set of new galvanised steel railings and gates. We also had the original railings, stone pillars and walls renovated at the front of the building. As Derrygonnelly Orange Hall is in a prominent location at the entrance to the village, the project has benefitted everyone who enters the village.
The final major project which the Sillees River Social and Cultural Society have been involved with is our Roof replacement project. The current roof on the Orange Hall is leaking in several places and is covered with man-made asbestos slates. The project will involve removal of the old slates and repairs to roof timbers, A layer of insulation will be added to the roof to increase the energy efficiency of the building, and the new covering will be a natural blue slate. Progress during 2018 saw us being successful with a funding application to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s Capital grants programme. We have been awarded £20,000 which will cover just under 40% of estimated project costs, fund raising is
continuing for the match funding. During the year we had plans drawn by an architect and submitted to Planning Service and Building Control. We also placed tender advertisements in the local papers and appointed a contractor to carry out the project. At the end of 2018 we have received Building Control approval and are awaiting approval from the planners to use Spanish Blue slates on the roof as supposed to Welsh Slate which had pushed the project over our budget.
The year of 2018 ended with two Christmas events hosted in Derrygonnelly Orange Hall. The Switch on of the village Christmas lights is organised each year by the Community Partnership and takes place in front of the hall. This year we were delighted to host the community for light refreshments after the switch on and children all received a gift from Santa. On the Sunday night of that weekend a Carol Service took place which was organised by local Orange lodges. We look forward to completing our roof restoration project in 2019, and to our venue continuing to be used for a wide variety of community functions and groups.
The Current Trustees are:
Laura Rodgers
Eileen Cutler
Jennifer Ferguson
Roger Corrigan
Nigel Irwin David Bailey
Mark Byers