Portstewart Convention
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Th¢ trustees who are also directors of the charity for th¢ purposes of the Companies Act 2006, present their
report with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 December 2023. The trustees have
adopted the provisions of Accounting and Reporting by Charities.. Statement of Recommended Practice
applicable to charities preparing their accounts in accordance with the Financial Reporting Standard
applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) (effective l January 2019).
Objectives and aims
In presenting this Report the Directors are mindful of the three "tactical plans and arrangements" set out in
the Company's registration with the Charity Con]mission. These are the effective marketing of the
Convention, the provision of a suitable programm¢ and the maintenance of the Company's property.
Th¢ annual Convention which took place in Portst¢wart from Saturday 8 until Friday 14 July 2023 was th¢
fIrst to meet without the lingering constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic. Attendances showed an
encouraging increase from the previous year. On several evenings the main marquee, seated for 1.000
people, was full and overflow arrangements were required. While use of the facilities is now close to
capacity the Directors continue to monitor the appTOPTiateness of promotional and marketing aTrangements.
The teaching theme - "Unshakeable
was especially relevant in a society which, having come through the
Covid-19 pandemic, is now facing many economic and social challenges at home and growing political
uncertainties abroad. The importance of a confident, living Christian faith was explored through a series of
talks in the mornings bascd on the Old Testament book of Daniel and in the cvenings in the central chapters
of the New Testament Lett¢r to the Romans.
It was plcasing to see the numbers of people using the coffee shop where they could discuss the talks they
had listened to and share their own experiences with one another. The bookshop was well supported with
good literature bcing bought as a source of further learning. There was good interest in the Missionary
infornation points where opportunities for practical Christian s¢rvic¢ could be consider¢d. Once again
ScriptUTe Unlon provided a well- structured progranune for children and young people.
Through the year the Directors have continued routin¢ maintenance of the property and have undertaken
some improvements to the marquee layout to ensure that the Propety is well suited to achieving the
Convention's purpose. The carpark area remains under the management of Carpark Services Ltd on a "pay
and display basis with the Convention having ex¢lusive use during the we¢k of the Convention.
The Directois recognise that there is no practical means to measure the full outcome of the week of
Conv¢ntion. This can only be se¢n in th¢ lives of people returning to their homes. Church¢s and districts to
live in a manner which. in the words of the Convention's purpose, is God-honouring, helpful to and
consideiate of others. The Directors give thanks to God for the evidence of his Spirit influencing and
changing lives during the 2023 Convention.
FINANCIAL REVIEW
Financial position
As shown morc ￿llY in the attach¢d accounts the Convention's income from all sources in 2023 was
£85.578. Apart from £8,11 I received as donations to the Missionary Fund this income was applied to the
running costs of th¢ Convention. the maintenance and improvement of the site and to maintaining a reserve
as a prud¢nt provision for future costs. The Missionary Fund incom¢ was distributed in its entirety to the
designated projects.
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Portstewart Convention
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
STRUCTURE, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT
Governing document
The charity is controlled by its governing document and is constituted as a company lirnited by guarantee as
defin¢d by the Companies Act 2006.
The charity is managed by a Boaid of Directors which is assisted in practical arrangements by an Organising
Committ¢e.
The Board co-opted Mr Stephen Bailie as a Director at its meeting on 17 Nov¢mber 2023. In accordance
with the Company's Articles of Association Mr Bailie will retire at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting
and offer himself for re*lection.
The Company did not employ any staff during the year. It engaged around 50 volunteers in the organisation
of the Annual Conv¢ntion.
REFERENCE AND ADMINISTRATIVE DETAtLS
Registered Company number
N1661299 (Northern treland)
Registered Charity number
108158
Registered office
42 Rossburn Manor
Kells
Ballymena
Co. Antrim
BT42 3RB
Trustees
Rev Joseph Fell, Minister of Religion
Rev Johnston Rea Lamb¢, Minister of Religion
Rev Darren Basil Mccorriston, Minister of Religion
Mr James Lawson McDonald, Retired Civil Servant
Mr Stephen James Baili¢, Accountant (appointed 17.11.23)
Company Secretary
Mr David Preston
Independent Examiner
John Mccleary FCA
Mccleary & Company Ltd
Chart¢red Accountants
Garvey Studios
14 Longstone Street
Lisburn
Co. Antrim
BT28 ITP
Approved by OTder of the board of trustees on 30 April 2024 and signed on its behalf by..
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Portstewart Convention
Report of the Trustees
for the Year Ended 31 December 2023
Mr James Lawson McDonald - Trustee
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