The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland
Charities Commission for Northern Ireland Reg. NIC 107590
Trustees Annual Report for the year 1[st] September 2022 - 31[st] August 2023
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The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland – Trustee Report
Administrative details of the charity and its trustees for the year ended 31[st] August 2023.
Trustees:
Chair of the Trustees : Melvyn Lockhart
Honorary Secretary: Jennifer Lockhart
Honorary Treasurer: Christopher McAlister
Other Trustees :
John Williams Thomas Ringland Robert Keith Townley Martin Clayton Johnny Conn John Kennedy Robin Mack Martin Gillespie
Registered Office: Lagan House 2a Queens Road Lisburn BT27 4TZ
Charity Number: NIC 107590
Bankers: Danske Bank Business banking PObox183 Donegal Square West Belfast BT1 6JS
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Trustees Annual Report
The trustees have the pleasure in presenting their report and financial statements for the year ended 31[st] of August 2023.
About Us
The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland is a uniformed youth organisation serving the Church of Ireland. Our groups meet in Church of Ireland Halls throughout Northern Ireland and are open to children of all faiths and none, aged 3-18 years old.
Our Aim
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To extend the Kingdom of Christ among young people and encourage them to be faithful members of their Church.
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To provide fun, faith and fellowship in a safe and caring environment to young people aged three to under eighteen years of age from all backgrounds across Northern Ireland.
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To help young people grow in confidence, develop their skills and abilities, and work together showing care and concern for others.
Our Motto
“Fight the good fight”.
Governing Document
The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland had previously been operating as part of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade UK for over 125 years. In December 2019, the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland set up and adopted our own Constitution. The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland received charitable status under the Northern Ireland Charities Commission in July 2020 and is governed by its Constitution. Its constitution was last amended on the 16/10/2020.
Financial Review
The detailed results for the period are shown in the attached financial statements. During the year 1[st] September 2022 - 31[st] of August 2023 no trustee received any financial benefit or remuneration.
It was a busier year from a transaction point of view but was expected as 1[st] full year completed post COVID. Donations and Grants continued to be vital for the running of the organisation and some donations and grants are ring fenced for specific expenditure. Finances were tracked at meetings of the
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trustees which were held 4 times in the reporting year (the winter meeting was held via ZOOM). Online banking with Danske bank charitable account was used and a 2 Tier approval for payments was enforced.
The opening balance for the year was £31,746.10 and the closing balance for the year was £33,638.35.
Public Benefit
The trustees of The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade confirm that they have complied with their duty under the Charities Act to have regard to the Charity Commission’s guidance on public benefit and that the public benefit requirement has informed the activities of the charity in the year 1[st] September 2022/31[st] August 2023.
The Church Lads’ and Church Girls; Brigade Northern Ireland has had due regard to the public benefits that are registered with the Charites Commission for Northern Ireland and our activities throughout the reporting period have been with the aim of achieving these public benefits.
Public Benefits – The Advancement of Religion
The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland’s programme includes bible teaching and prayer. Our groups provide a safe place for children to explore their faith, ask questions and learn from others. We partner with and support local Church of Ireland Parishes and encourage greater connections between our companies and their parish. This seeks to benefit families and communities by creating fellowship and helping children to develop a moral framework. Our companies have been provided with Bible Teaching resources throughout the year to help them achieve our aim of extending God’s Kingdom. Membership of the Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland is open to children of all faiths and none.
Public Benefits – The advancement of citizenship or community development
The Church Lads and Church Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland continued to provide a safe place for children to learn, grow and develop. They are provided with opportunities to form friendships and have new experiences, go on trips, and take part in competitions. As part of a company, they belong to a bigger Brigade family, fostering a sense of belonging and community. Our Badge scheme teaches them skills and gives them opportunities to try new activities. Our young people can take part in volunteering, Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme and training which helps them to become well rounded individuals. Our groups benefit the community by providing low-cost extracurricular spaces for children to learn and thrive.
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Activities and Achievements (from the Chairman)
At the end of the reporting period the total membership of the charity was 567 which was a slight drop from the previous year; unfortunately, we are still suffering from the drop off from COVID and the few Companies which didn’t reopen following COVID, remain closed. These groups had significant numbers and we keep pressing on towards a hopeful restart.
The new Badge Scheme which was introduced last year, is being widely used and the leaders find it extremely useful when planning their weekly programme.
Throughout the year, the Trustees and Regimental staff met on 4 occasions with the much-needed face-to-face meetings resuming.
Reports from the Trustees responsible for Finance, Training (included general officer training, First Aid, and TGA1 & 2 (taking groups away), Sports, Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme, Communication/Publicity and COVID Awareness were submitted at the AGM for approval. Social media continues to enhance our Organisation and keeps all our leaders informed of what is happening.
The Leaders’ Handbook has now gone “live” and proving a powerful aid to our leaders. The DofEd reported that 5 participants had completed their Bronze Expedition and a further 5 completed their Gold. Awards received were 1 Silver and 7 Gold. All outdoor sporting activities resumed, bringing a much-needed boost to our membership.
Representatives from 12 Companies/Battalions attended the AGM, providing them with the opportunity to hear the various reports and enjoy a healthy discussion as required – it was useful to get feedback from the attendees.
One of the highlights during the year was the presentation of the Brigade Cross to my wife and I by the Archbishop of Armagh held in Church House, Armagh. A very special evening which was shared with the Regimental Staff and Trustees.
Another highlight was the invitation to Johnny Conn (2 I/C) to attend the Coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey on 6[th] May. Johnny attended in CLCGB uniform representing our Organisation. Another highlight was afforded to Michael (our Brigade Standard Bearer) to act as Standard Bearer for the Royal British Legion, providing the Guard of Honour at the Coronation.
Our Regimental Chaplain retired at the end of the financial year and was presented with a beautiful watercolour of St. Patrick’s Cathedral (Armagh) as a mark of appreciation for his help and guidance over the many years.
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Partnerships
The Church Lads’ and Church Girls’ Brigade NI continued to engage with our partner churches who run CLCGB NI companies through email, face-to-face meetings, social media / printed material.
We continued with the following partnerships:
The Church of Ireland Youth Department, Connor Diocese Children and Youth, The Girls’ Friendly Society and The Duke of Edinburgh’s award.
I concluded by thanking all our leaders, chaplains, Regimental CO and staff for their continuing help and support throughout the year.
Signed
Melvyn Lockhart 05/6/24
Melvyn Lockhart – Chair of the Trustees
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