Annual Report & Report on Public Benefit
Hilltop Highland Dancers Dergina
Registered with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC 107696
First Constituted as an Unincorporated Community Association: 21 May 2019 Constitution updated: 21 January 2021
Registered Office Address C/O 15 Tirelugan Road, Aughnacloy, Co. Tyrone, BT69 6DB.
Saturday 17[th] June 2023
TRUSTEES
Mrs Wendy Beatty Mrs Elaine Agnew Mrs Gillian Kelly Mrs Leanne Law Mrs Alma Marshall Mr Ivan Duff Mrs Beverley Hylands Miss Jessica Jardine Mr Leslie Hawe
PURPOSES
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3.1 The Association is established to promote the benefit of the inhabitants of the Mid Ulster District council area and its surrounding rural environs (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 a common effort to advance the Ulster Scots dance, Ulster Scots culture and heritage, health, wellbeing and education by providing or assisting 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 and in particular:
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a. To Provide Highland dance tuition to children and young people in the local area, encouraging children to get active and express themselves creatively, developing skills in self-discipline and exploring and becoming aware of their own unique culture.
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b. To provide opportunities for members of the group to participate in events demonstrating the skills they have learned and therein promote the Ulster Scots Culture.
c.
BENEFICIARIES
The charity’s beneficiaries are primarily the inhabitants of Dungannon and its surrounding environs within the Dungannon and South Tyrone area of Mid Ulster District Council.
ACTIVITIES
The end of 2021 saw the group emerging from lockdown and finally back to a little normality just as the group celebrated its 5[th] birthday. After a very successful cookery book fundraiser 2022 saw the return of regular competitions and events bookings for the dancers. Alongside the many local events which our dancers thoroughly enjoy showcasing their dancing at, some of the advanced dancers were given the opportunity to dance at the Peace Proms choreographed by our very own teacher Miss Kathryn Stewart. It was a busy year with the Queen’s jubilee events in the Summer of 2022 as there were many memorable occasions for our dancers to participate in which we hope they will remember for many years to come. The end of 2022 saw the group host a wonderful evening of music and dance showcasing all things Ulster Scots and celebrating the exam successes and achievements of our own dancers. This was quickly followed by the groups Inaugural Platinum Jubilee Competition which was supported widely though dance groups, local businesses, bands, lodges, schools, family and friends of the group.
The group is extremely active and dedicated to each dancer who came through the door and it would be remiss not to acknowledge the many voluntary hours dedicated to the group by the committee and the large team of volunteers in the background.
ACHIEVEMENTS
HOW MAIN ACTIVITIES HAVE BENEFITED BENEFICIARIES
The overall aims of our annual activities are to provide direct benefits which flow from our purposes which include: preservation of Ulster Scots Culture and in particular Highland Dance. This in turn improves dance skills and promotes good / community relations, education, training, health and well-being outcomes, and reduced levels of social isolation, stress and anxiety, through the promotion of dance and Ulster Scots, culture, arts, heritage, recreation, education and training.
We did this by the Committee meeting regularly to run the charity behind the scenes, help raise funds for the Group and running weekly dance classes.
The Committee holds regular meetings with the full membership to plan events and avail of information, and to provide support and facilities to ease social isolation.
The Group socializes and meets with other similar groups in the local area, the local district and beyond to network and share information.
Guest Speakers give talks and information sessions on dance and related topics for the benefit of all the members.
The charity’s beneficiaries are primarily the inhabitants of Dungannon and its surrounding environs within the Dungannon and South Tyrone area of Mid Ulster District Council.
These benefits are demonstrated through feedback from beneficiaries and attendees at our meetings, events, classes, and cultural activities using: surveys, verbal feedback, and evaluation of our activities.
A private benefit to Trustees may arise from our ongoing services and programmes of dance tuition, music, arts, cultural, educational, leisure and recreational activities: information, training, events, and networking visits. Through this, Trustees gain services, dance tuition, cultural awareness, information, skills, and experience which are transferable to other settings, and which may benefit their own community group or area. Our own Trustees receive information, tuition, services and activities in the same way as other beneficiaries, and are assigned support, information and services in the same ways as other beneficiaries. These benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit is provided to our beneficiaries.
In providing a local point of social contact and activities for the community benefit there is no possibility of harm out weighing the benefit - there is no harm arising from any of the purposes.
FINANCIAL REVIEW AT END OF YEAR
FINANCIAL POSITION AT END OF YEAR: Despite cuts to funding programmes, the organisation remains in a strong financial position.
OUTSTANDING DEBTS OR LIABILITIES: There were no debts or outstanding debts or liabilities.
FUNDS IN MATERIAL DEFICIT & STEPS TAKEN TO MITIGATE: There were no funds in material deficit.
FINANCIAL MITIGATION: The Trustees ensured the organisation’s finances were managed prudently and on an ongoing basis.
FUNDS HELD BY THE CHARITY AS A CUSTODIAN TRUSTEE: None – Not applicable.
RESTRICTIONS ON WHO CAN BENEFIT
There are no restrictions on who can benefit. We do not charge any fees. There are no charges to access any events or services.
There are no restrictions based on personal characteristics.
PUBLIC BENEFIT
The direct benefits which flow from our purposes include improved: preservation of Ulster Scots Culture and in particular Highland Dance. This in turn improves dance skills and promotes good / community relations, education, training, health and well-being outcomes, and reduced levels of social isolation, stress and anxiety, through the promotion of dance and Ulster Scots, culture, arts, heritage, recreation, education and training
PRIVATE BENEFIT
There is no private benefit to any individual.
HARM
No harm has flowed from any of our Purposes.
SERIOUS INCIDENT REPORTING
There are no serious incidents to report.
VULNERABLE BENFICIARIES
Appropriate Policies, Procedures and Training are in place such as POCVA Policy & Procedures.
STATEMENT OF COMPLIANCE
The Trustees have complied with their duty to have due regard to the Charity Commission NI’s Public Benefit Guidance when exercising any powers or duties to which the guidance is relevant.
Signed Chairperson: _________ Wendy Beatty
Date: 17[th] June 2023