Drumquin Development Association NIC 107180 ## **Trustees Annual Report** For financial year 1[st] January 2023 – 31[st] December 2023 The Charity is an unincorporated association established under a constitution In fulfilling the public benefit requirement, the charity trustees have had regard to the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s statutory public benefit guidance. ## **The purpose of this charity continues to be:** The association is established to relieve poverty, sickness and prevent social isolation within the aged population and to promote the benefits of the inhabitants of the Drumquin district and its environs of County Tyrone (hereinafter called the “area of benefit” without distinction of age, gender, sexuality, nationality, ethnic origin political or religious opinion, by associating the statutory authorities, voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in common effort to advance education, and to provide facilities in the interest of social welfare for recreation or other leisure time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life of the said inhabitants. The information below sets out the activities we have carried out to further our purpose and fulfil the public benefit elements during the last 12 months ## **Activities** 2023 saw members of Drumquin Development Association make a return visit to our twinning town of PONT- REMY in France. A delegation from Drumquin travelled to Pont Remy in August for a 4 day visit during this time they took part in the celebrations of the Battle of Somme. They enjoyed a civic reception, street parade and had a very enjoyable visit to the local football grounds where relationships where further developed with an invitation to the local football team to visit Drumquin in the near future. This visit further strengthen the long term bond that has been established between Pont Remy and Drumquin. We held a very enjoyable Halloween Event for families this included families visiting the Development Association for an evening of fun and games with lots of Halloween festivities happening including Scarecrow viewing, old time engine and tools were on display and we had an enjoyable story time with a local story teller. Christmas saw the erection of the Christmas illumination on the main street of the village and a Christmas tree was illuminated. Following this we were entertained by the Mummers and all the children had an opportunity to meet Father Christmas and receive festive treats. Everyone was treated to festive Hot Chocolate. The Development Association continues to lead on a very successful community garden with Polytunnels as well as outside gardening space. This introduction has given the residents of the village the opportunity grow their own fruit and vegetables as well as take part in Cook what you Grow programmes. Our activities do not lead to any harm. The only private benefit from our purposes is that a trustee or family member may participate in the same manner as all other beneficiaries, this is purely incidental and necessary so that the benefit is available to all inhabitant of the area. ## **Finances** A review of the charities financial position confirms a successful year. The charity had receipts of £6,132 and payments of £5,333. We have a closing balance of £4,215 and net assets of £19,070. The Charity’s finances are in surplus and accounts are prepared to comply with the requirements of the Charity Commission of Northern Ireland. We have received funding from Lough Hill Wind Farm and this funding is vital to the charity’s survival. The charity is currently planning for further Grant application via People and Communities for a purpose built cabin and 2 year programme costs this will allow us to continue to be able to host various events and improve the lives of the inhabitants of the area by the introduction of the Take 5 programme of events. Signed on behalf of the Trustees by: Name: Mairéad Taggart Date: 15[th] October 2024