Moneyreagh & District Community Association N1107202 Public Address: 36A Church Road, Moneyreagh, BT23 6BB. Annual Report to Trustees for the Financial Year 1st April 2022 to 31st March 2023 Moneyreagh & District Community Association is founded to, "advance educats'on and to promote the benefit of the inhabitants (hereinafter called the "benefi'ciaries,) of the Moneyreagl7 village, wider rural district and its environs of County Down (hereinafter called the "area of benefif) by associating with the statutory authorities, other community and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education, improve the community environment and to provide or assist in the provision of facilities in the interests of social welfare for recreation or other leisure-time occupation, with the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants." For the year in question, the following persons served as Committee members and trustees of Moneyreagh & District Community Association: Robert Campbell Nelson Bryce Nikki Donnelly Stephen Gray Peter Johnston Mary Mcmillian Joanne Aiken st st This Report is for the financial year from l April 2022 to 31 March 2023 and a summary of the Associations Activities includes: Over the last few years, it has been difficult due to the ongoing Covid 19 Pandemic and lock down curtailing social activity we are pleased to say we are well on the way to recovery. Our clubs, Create and Grow, Paintbox (Art Club), The Nook, now relaunched as the Moneyreagh Seniors (Afternoon Tea club) have all met regularly from September 22 to December 23 and January 23 to April 23. The mum and tots group remain strong in attendees and we offer a sincere thank you to Rory Knox and his colleagues for continuing to run the group on our behalf. Monies from the MAC assisted the Paintbox Art group with tutors and materials. Also provided materials for our Craft and grow crafts group. Our sincere thank you to Mary Shields for running this group and our thank you to committee member Peter Johnston for supporting Paint Box. All ourclubs assist enormously toward the area of mental health and cohesion within community.
All organisations within the village, Masonic Lodge Union Band Lodge 566, The Wl, The Young Farmers, The Non -subscribing Presbyterian Church and The Moneyrea Old Standard Orange Lodge 783 together with our association held a serious of meetings coming up to the Queens Platinum Jubilee Celebrations to provide a weekend of events to mark the occasion. No funding covering our costs for our part in the join project was obtained. The weekend was organised and advertised by our association and the following events took place from Thursday 2nd June through to Sunday 5 June 22. Thursday 2, June 22, Masonic Hall open from 5pm to 9pm for tours and strawberry rd tea. Friday 3 June 22 Childrens fancy dress pride with the local orange lodge and pipe band through the village to the community centre. At the centre"The Young Farmers supplied a BBQ. There was Scottish dancing supplied by"The Michelle School of Scottish Dance" and prizes for the children were supplied by "Create and Grow" craft group. Saturday 4 June 22 The Women's Institute held a Queens Platinum senior citizens afternoon tea in The Lyttle Memorial Hall Running alongside this event Moneyreagh and District Community Association ran a family funday, the funday consisted of Horse and carriage rides, a BBQ, face painting, bouncy castles and crafts etc. On the Saturday evening the Non-subscribing Church held a barn dance and in attendance was the Scottish School of dancing. Sunday 5 th June 22 a thanksgiving service was held in the non-subscribing Church for Her Majesty the Queen, this was led by Rev Chris Wilson and all stakeholders in the village was in attendance. During all the events attendees made donations toward the "AirAmbulance Nl". A total of £2600 was raised and donated. December 22 projert was the swltchlng on of the Chrlstma5 tree withln the vlllage, thls was carried out by councillor Haze Legg. Entertainment was also provided around the tree provided by caricatures wlth song. A children s train was supplled to ferry children from the tree to a room in the community centre which was transformed into a Sants Grotto where each child received a small gift. Further to this we also held a Christmas dlnner for the senior members of our groups. We held this event In the Auld House restaurant, and we are grateful for the support of the proprietor Stephen Grey. Under the banner of Good Relations during February 23, we hosted a Chinese Evening introducing this cultural experience. We provided food tasters sessions, Chinese Music, dance and craft sessions. This provided an education on other cultures living within community. During February 23 we held a family fun day with a difference. We set up a virtual playroom with computer games, this was a big success with the older children. The main hall in the community centre had crafts, bouncy castles, and food for all. The committeeltrustees offer our thanks to all who support the associatt'on in its endeavours throughout the year and help make each of our projects a success. Our Public Benefit
The committee members and trustees annually reflect on our activities set against our stated Public Benefits, which are, "the reduction of njral social isolation, the reduction of anti-social behaviour, the improvement of mental health andphysical well-being of the inhabitants of Moneyreagh village, wider Rural District and its environs as well as the building of an integrated community in the area." The committee, following a consideration, believes that the work of the Association contr'nues to contribute to the public benefit by the establishment of the Moneyreagh Hub working in partnership with organizations within the village. The lockdown offered the opportunity to assist people who were isolated providing mush need assistance. Lobbying local council also assisted with free food parcels. Financial Review This year funding was received from fvnders Lisburncastlereagh City Council which we are grateful. The Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations was self-funded by the association. Audited accounts are attached to the report and confirm Moneyreagh and District Community Association do not own buildings or assets. This report has been approved by Trustees and signed on their behalf by: Chairperson Moneyreagh and District Community Association st Date:31 March 2023