Friends of Drumross – Trustees Report,
During the year 1[st] April 2022 – 31[st] March 2023 there were 4 committee meetings, all of which have been in person. The officers were re-elected to their posts as follows; Chairman – Niqi Rainey, Vice Chairman – Jim McMillan, Treasurer – Alan Gilmour & Minutes Secretary – Susan Byrne.
I confirm that all the trustees have complied with their duty under charity law to have regard to the Commission’s public benefit guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant. Niqi Rainey, 30[th] December 2023
This report covers our accounting year of 1 April 2022 to 31 March 2023.
Whilst the year to end of March 2023 saw a significant reduction in restrictions and regulations, Covid continued to have a major impact on our fundraising abilities during this period. As Drumross continued to keep the number of visitors in the building to a minimum, allowing only essential personnel in, it has not been possible for any fundraising events to be held at Drumross. I’m sure you’ll agree that we are all missing the wonderful Summer and Christmas Concerts that Michael Murtagh organizes and are looking forward to them happening again.
We arranged a coffee morning at Corrs Corner to be held on 4[th] April for parents and carers. We asked Clare and Gillian from the Carer’s Hub in NHSCT to join us to talk about the services they provide to NHSCT. Unfortunately, due to covid in their office, no one from the Carer’s Hub was able to attend on the day, we still held the coffee morning, which wasn’t as well attended as we would have hoped. If there are signs of interest, we would think about holding similar events in the future.
Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council opened applications for a Special Event Grant, to hold an event celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of the Queen in June. After consulting with Clare as to what type of event might be possible within the Covid restrictions, we successfully applied for funding of around £600 to hold a Jubilee Picnic for Drumross & NewWay service users and staff, with special dispensation to hold the event on the Wednesday immediately ahead of the jubilee weekend. I want to thank the committee members that helped to pack the 120+ individual picnic bags. The event had to be held outside due to the restrictions that were still in place at the time and fortunately the weather was good. It was so good we had to have additional drinks provided by the Drumross catering team, and try to keep the service users in the shade.
During the year Friends of Drumross has also funded other items and services requested by the service users and staff including the cost of an open top bus tour, New Age Kurling equipment and candle & soap making paraphernalia. In December we funded the Christmas Dinner for service users and staff of Drumross at Corrs Corner.
At our meeting on 5[th] December 2022 the committee agreed to add support and fundraising with and for New Way Adult Centre into our constitution. This has been happening for a while but will make it official.
We have submitted another application to ANBC, this time for their Special Events grant for the King’s Coronation for May 2023. The service users have chosen to celebrate with a petting zoo, BBQ and a visit by the ice cream van.
Our March 2023 year end accounts are awaiting the independent examination. In summary we received £2100 in donations and grants, with no fundraising events and had expenditure of £4500, with our account for the year ending with a balance of £4323.
I want to thank the committee and trustees for their ongoing commitment to improving the daily experience for the Service Users and Staff at Drumross and NewWay Adult Centres. Especially to Alan, our Treasurer for keeping us on track financially. Elizabeth, for the administration side of things, including our first annual return to the CCNI in January. Susan for taking the minutes and Jim, for providing inspiration, a venue and catering for our meetings.
Niqi Rainey
12[th] Sept 2023