FEIS DHOIRE CHOLMCILLE
Trustees Annual Report
For the financial year 1[st] of October 2023 to 30[th] September 2024
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The charity is an organisation governed by a constitution dated 26[th] September 2019 setting out the objectives of the charity. It is managed by a committee of six Trustees and other committee members elected each year at the AGM
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The purpose of the charity is to advance education and promote arts and culture among children aged 4yrs to 18yrs within the Derry and Strabane district council and the wider Donegal area. It also is there to promote the knowledge and a love of the various disciplines of Irish language, classical and Irish music, drama, classical and traditional instruments and Irish dancing. The annual Feis on Easter week is also supported by the choral competitions run every year on the Tuesday of Holy week.
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The charity Trustees at the date of the approval of this report were: Aisling Bonner, Pat Mac Cafferty, Ursula Clifford, Christine Mc Ivor, Elizabeth Gallagher and Siobhan Watts.
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The charity’s activities this year were as follows
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(a) The Annual General Meeting took place 19[th] September 2023 where venues timetables and syllabus items were discussed as well as other issues pertaining to the running of the Feis in Easter 2024
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(b) The syllabus was prepared by the charity’s trustees in conjunction with adjudicators in October which consisted of a detailed outline of competitions available including set pieces for the disciplines of Drama, Music, Instrumental and Irish language. This was reviewed and agreed in November 2023 by all Trustees being uploaded to the Feis website.
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(c) The entries for the Feis were taken by hand and via the website during January completing at the Playhouse Theatre in Derry February 3[rd] 2024.
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(d) The timetable for the annual Feis and the choral competitions was prepared by the Trustees in February and March 2024 and finalised at a
meeting in March before going to print and being uploaded to the website the week beginning the 4[th] of March 2024
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(e) The annual Feis Clar and programme detailing competitions and competitors names was prepared by the Feis Trustees and proof read in preparation for printing the week of 18[th] of March
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(f) The annual timetable for volunteers including stewards, adjudicator assistants and cashiers was prepared by the Trustees early March
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(g) The annual Choral competitions took place in St Mary’s College on Monday 25[th] March. Eight Primary and Post primary Schools took part in nine different competitions. All winning schools were awarded a cup and bursary. There was a special overall prize also awarded to one Primary and one Post Primary School
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(h) The annual Feis took place on 2[nd] of April to 5[th] of April 2024. It involved running some 295 competitions in five venues within the St Columbs Hall Theatre and The Playhouse Theatre. Over 3000 competitors between the ages of 4yrs to 18yrs took part in competitions in their respective disciplines. The Feis employed 11 adjudicators and 5 accompanists for the various disciplines. Many of the children went on to receive a medal, cup or certificate to celebrate their achievements. All of the competitions were run by volunteers who included stewards, adjudicator assistants and cashiers and overseen by the Trustees.
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(i) A Meeting took place on May 2024 to review finances and agree bills payable. Bursaries were detailed and agreement was made to pay these out to recipients during June and July 2024
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Financial position: The accounts confirm that the charity is in funds in the sum of £54447. The Feis received £3700 from sponsors and £1090 in book sales the rest of its income was derived from competitors entry fees and entry to competitions by the public. The Feis issued £6253 in bursaries which are used by pupils and schools for the tuition or promotion of music, drama, instrumental Irish language and Irish dancing
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The Charity holds no funds that are in deficit
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In compiling this report the trustees of the charity have regard to the Commission’s public benefit requirement statutory guidance
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The principal address of the charity is: 16 The Meadow Derry City BT488RJ
Christine Mc Ivor
___ ____ Trustee Trustee 20[th] September 2024