Cullybackey & District Historical Society
Trustees Report for the year ending 31“ January 2026
NIC 107124
Governing Document:
The Cullybackey and District Historical Society is governed by the constitution amended on the 18™ October 2018
The Society was registered with the NI Charity Commission as of 29" October 2018. Charity Number NIC 107124
Purposes of the Charity:
The Society was established to educate the public in all aspects of the history of Cullybackey and the immediate surrounding area by:
-
Collecting local historical material and artefacts 2. Input information on our website www.cullybackeyhistory.co.uk 3. Answer queries about local and family history received via email 4. Organise speakers for monthly meetings from September to May for public historical talks on local and other historical and cultural themes and to mix socially
-
To further the aims of the Society by giving talks about the history of Cullybackey and the surrounding area to other groups when asked
Main Activities and Achievements:
For everyone’s safety the Society’s Health and Safety Policy and Risk Register has been updated. This is done annually by our Health and Safety Officer.
The society held two events during the year for the benefit not only of its members but for all the community. The first was on the 26" September 2025 when we had a very enjoyable evening with award winning journalist and broadcaster Mr Eamonn Mallie, followed by our second Halloween Hoke, book and Jigsaw sale on the 4" October 2025.
Unfortunately, there was not the opportunity to do so much outreach this year. On the 13" June the society took a table at the Cullybackey Scouts Car Book Sale, on the 3 November 2025 the chairperson spoke at the Ballymena Probus Club, and on the 20" January 2026 the chairperson held a reminiscence session with the resident’s of Redford Residential Home. A wreath was laid in November on Remembrance Sunday by the chairperson on the Society’s behalf at a wreath laying ceremony organised by the Royal British Legion, Cullybackey Branch.
Research has been carried out and more new material has been added to our new website. There has been an opportunity to again promote the history of Cullybackey and the work of the Society this year.
Public Benefit:
The Society’s beneficiaries are the general public, mainly in the Cullybackey and surrounding area who come together at our monthly lectures to listen to, discuss and reflect on the history and culture of Cullybackey and beyond and have a greater knowledge and a better understanding and appreciation of their local history and heritage. Members and visitors at our lectures also benefit socially as it gives people, especially those who are more isolated or live alone, the opportunity to meet together regularly, enjoy the company while learning together and talking to one another over a cup of tea.
Access to the information on our website is of great pubic benefit, not only to our own members, but to the wider community and to people worldwide. This enables a wide section of the population to have access to an educational facility and to have a greater understanding of the history of Cullybackey and the surrounding area.
Finance:
Details of the Charity’s finances for the year ending 31" January 2026 are provided in the Statement of Receipts and Payments forwarded with this report.
The Charity has £1294.74 in the Building Society and £230.39 cash in hand at 31% January 2026. This is the Charity’s only funds.
Name and Administration Details:
The name of the charity is the Cullybackey and District Historical Society. The administrative address is 87 Shellinghill Road, Cullybackey, Ballymena, BT42 1NS
Charity Trustees/Management Committee for the year ending 31‘ January 2026
Miss Elizabeth Hoy —Chairperson/Secretary Mrs Elizabeth McCormick — Treasurer Miss Nicola McFall — P.R.O.
Mr Robert McQuillan — Vice-Chairperson Mr Hugh Wiseman — Health & Safety Officer
Mr Thomas Campbell Mr Alan Rosborough Mr George Simpson
Appointment of New Trustees:
The appointment of new trustees is reserved to the Charity. No other individual or organisation has the power to appoint trustees to the Charity.
Organisation:
The running of the Society is managed by the Trustees who hold committee meetings once a month between September and May.
Compliance with the Charity Commission’s Guidance on Public Benefit:
In setting out the Charity’s objectives and planning for the year the trustees have given careful consideration to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s guidance on public benefit to ensure that the activities have helped to achieve the Charity’s purposes and provide a benefit to its beneficiaries.
Mitigation of Harm Flowing from the Charity’s Purposes:
No harm flows from the Charity’s purposes. To negate the likelihood of harm, the Society is a member of the Federation of Ulster Local Studies.
Private Benefit:
There was no private benefit received by anyone who is not an intended beneficiary of the Charity.
As trustees of the Cullybackey and District Historical Society we feel that our objectives have been achieved during the period of this report and that we have served the interests of all our members and the general public.
SIGNATURE OF TRUSTEE
Miss Elizabeth Hoy
Chairperson/Secretary
----- Start of picture text -----
laLP one \ . gee Q e
An - yor, You 7 Date: \% iN \ NAa IA
----- End of picture text -----