Overdue: 110 days
Public benefits
CBPT rescued Cushendun Old Church, a Grade 2 listed building and former Church of Ireland church deconsecrated in 2006, raised funds for its restoration (completed in 2019) and now manages and maintains the building. The first public benefit is that of preserving the historic fabric of a significant, beautiful building for current and future
generations. Now known as the Old Church Centre, the building is open to the public and is extensively used by the local community. The Centre provides displays of information about the old church, built heritage and the history of the area, to advance an understanding of local history and heritage. CBPT also monitors and promotes awareness of other local buildings and heritage sites that might be at risk in and around the area of Cushendun in order that the area retains its important historical and heritage links, which encourage a strong sense of identity and pride and ensures that future generations of local people and visitors to the area can continue to access, enjoy, and learn about these important physical assets. The benefit is for the public, the local community and visitors to the area. CBPT manages the Old Church Centre as a multi-use venue running a varied programme of arts, heritage and community events and accessible to all. The public benefits of the programme include • Providing the only unlicensed community venue in the locality offering social space, health and wellbeing activities, facilities for other community groups and other activities to promote community cohesion and general wellbeing. • Providing access to arts and culture in a very underserved remote rural area ( Glendun, ranked number 23 when looking at proximity to services NI multiple deprivation index 2010). • Promoting heritage awareness through community and schools' projects, publications, and events. • Cushendun is a remote rural community whose local economy is reliant on tourism. Providing an information point and activities for visitors to the area encourages longer and repeat visitors. The activities in the Centre provide indirect community benefit by supporting the local economy. There is no potential harm to the public in the furtherance of this charitable purpose. The Old Church Centre and the activities of CBPT are accessible to all. CBPT actively promotes diversity, inclusivity, and equal opportunity for all. There is no private benefit which flows from this purpose.
... [more] [less]What your organisation does
Cushendun Building Preservation Trust (CBPT) managed the restoration of Cushendun Old Church which it now runs as a Heritage, Arts and Community venue. It also promotes awareness of built and natural heritage in the area. The day-to-day activities of CBPT include • Identifying and managing funding. • Delivering an arts, heritage and community
programme which includes annual events The Big Arts Weekend, Culture Month, Cushendun Community Cinema, Tuesday Lunch Club, wellbeing classes, etc. • Opening the building to the public for a minimum of three days per week year-round. • Managing and maintaining the building including conservation, maintenance and setting up for activities. • Delivering projects with heritage outcomes such as the Greetings from Cushendun exhibition and publication. • Hire of venue and facilities to provide revenue to support our charitable activities. • Engaging and supporting volunteers and providing training opportunities for the community. These activities are managed and delivered by the team of volunteers and the Trustees (Board of Directors) supported by three part-time members of staff. The board meets monthly to progress the programme, monitor finances, and identify opportunities for future development.
... [more] [less]The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
Who the charity helps
- General public
- Older people
- Specific areas of deprivation
- Volunteers
How the charity works
- Arts
- Community development
- Cultural
- Environment/sustainable development/conservation
- Heritage/historical
- Rural development
- Volunteer development
