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The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland
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County Antrim Agricultural Association

  • Status

    Received: on time

  • Income

    £63.1K

  • Spending

    £64.4K

Charity no. 101013 Date registered. 22/09/2015

Public benefits

Purposes To promote, advance and improve agriculture, horticulture, rural crafts and skills for the benefit of the public (‘the beneficiaries’) in Co. Antrim and the environs in Northern Ireland (‘the area of benefit’) by the holding of an annual show to include primarily, but not exclusively, the showing of livestock and rare breeds, crafts and

farm produce, machinery, demonstrations on methods and processes in connection with agriculture, horticulture, rural crafts and skills; To further such other purposes that are charitable under the law of Northern Ireland through the provision of grants or donations to such charities as the Trustees in their absolute discretion from time to time determine. Public Benefit The beneficiaries for all our purposes is the public in Co Antrim and the environs of Northern Ireland. Purpose 1 Our progress at advancing education and heritage are very much integrated. The direct benefit which flows from the promotion, advancement and improvement of agriculture, horticulture, rural crafts and skills is that the beneficiaries gain increased awareness and understanding of local rural life and skills. Beneficiaries have the opportunity to view agricultural machinery and get involved with exhibitions and demonstrations; which highlight local rural life culture and heritage. This is keeping the crafts alive and raising awareness of old methods of country life. By affording the public the opportunity to see horticultural displays, and learn about farm crops we are enhancing individual’s horticultural knowledge and capabilities, encouraging them to undertake gardening activities and a healthier lifestyle. The showing of livestock and rare breeds allows the public to see and interact with animals; this is of particular benefit to children and young people increasing their awareness and empathy with animals and promoting a healthy physical and mental lifestyle. Public interest and awareness indirectly allows farmers to continue breeding programmes for rare animals, this allows for rare breeds to continue to exist and are therefore preserved for future generations. Benefit Demonstrated High numbers of visitors of approximately 5-6000 were identified as having visited the show last year. Annually the demand is proven by the level of entries received from exhibitors within each section and spectators. Statistics created by CAAA show that exhibitor participation remains stable in all sections of the show. The committee, through various sub committees, work alongside a number of community groups and organisations who are keen to become involved with the show – this includes nursing homes, schools, nurseries, young farmer clubs and many more. Purpose 2 While the main benefit will primarily focus on our charitable purpose above, from time to time we may want to focus in on other purposes, as our trustees may identify need. We have chosen this purpose so that we will not be restricted in developing other activities over time. We recognise that it must be for one of the twelve charitable purposes as outlined in the Charities Act. Harm There is a potential risk of public injury by one of the exhibition animals, however this is mitigated by robust health and safety training and practices, and is outweighed by the benefits. Private Benefit Any private benefit is incidental; for example arising from the large numbers of visitors; sales from concession stall holders and increased trade to shop keepers in the surrounding area, however this is incidental to the main purposes of holding the annual show.

What your organisation does

The organisation is responsible for organising an annual agricultural show which promotes the importance of rural activities in the community and the importance of responsible farming and a sense of pride in this sector. This annual event allows for the local farming and livestock based community to get together and promote the benefits of this

sector through the exhibition of animals within specific breeds. It allows for the promotion of good quality, locally sourced foods and the value and health benefits therein. Through this event there is a connection to the statutory agencies, including DARD, in compliance and promotion of the policies and procedures for the greater benefit of the sector. Each year there is an invitation to local groups from the area of benefit from primary school age through to nursing and residential homes to become involved in rural activities and events creating a sense of belonging and participation within the community. An important factor within the event is to educate regarding the importance of rural activities and development and the impact on the economy is also at the core of the show. With the exception of one member of staff the show is organised and facilitated in its entirety by volunteers and thus encourages the next generation to become involved in this sector.

The charity’s classifications

  • The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science

Who the charity helps

  • General public
  • Men
  • Older people
  • Voluntary and community sector
  • Volunteers
  • Women
  • Youth (14-25 year olds)

How the charity works

  • Animal welfare
  • Community enterprise
  • Economic development
  • Education/training
  • Environment/sustainable development/conservation
  • Grant making
  • Heritage/historical
  • Rural development
  • Volunteer development
  • Youth development

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 December 2024

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 December 2023

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charity accounts & reports for financial year end 31 December 2022

Independent examiners report Charity accounts Trustee annual report

Charitable purposes

The Objects are: to promote, advance and improve agriculture, horticulture, rural crafts and skills for the benefit of the public (‘the beneficiaries’) in Co. Antrim and the environs in Northern Ireland (‘the area of benefit’) by the holding of an annual show to include primarily, but not exclusively, the showing of livestock and rare breeds, crafts and farm produce, machinery, demonstrations on methods and processes in connection with agriculture, horticulture, rural crafts and skills; to further such other purposes that are charitable under the law of Northern Ireland through the provision of grants or donations to such charities as the Trustees in their absolute discretion from time to time determine.

Governing document

Other

Other name

  • 20 Trustees
  • 1 Employees
  • 60 Volunteers

Contact details

Public address

  • Lynne Wilson, County Antrim Agricultural, Association, Ballymena Showgrounds, Warden Street, Ballymena, BT43 7DR

Trustee board

Trustee
Mr Robert Dick
Mr Harold Dickey
Mr Packie Donnelly
Mr Randal Hayes
Mr Harry Millar
Mrs Linda Millar
Mr Ernest O'hara
Mr Andrew Park
Mr Ian Gibson
Mr Joe Adams
Mr Samuel Symth
Mr Samuel Watson
Mr Robin Boyd
Mr Brian King Frags
Mr David Perry
John Crawford
Mark Mcauley
Jason Benton
Fraser Tweed
Adam Mcauley

List of regions

  • Mid And East Antrim Borough Council