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Status
Received: on time
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Income
£32.5K
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Spending
£37.2K
- Charity no. 101797
- Date registered. 07/07/2015
Public benefits
The trustees of Merville Residents’ Association believe that our purposes satisfy both elements of the public benefit requirement. The direct benefits which flow from this purpose include an appreciation of civic values, social inclusion for all and the provision of recreation, a beneficial use of leisure time and the improvement of conditions of
life for local residents. Residents of Merville Garden Village and neighbouring communities avail of the excellent facilities provided by the Residents’ Association for their use and recreation. The Association has its base in a beautifully restored Georgian house – Merville House which acts as the community centre for the village. This is a multi-purpose facility which has various rooms for the local community to use and it is totally disabled friendly. These rooms are hired out by various organisations to provide activities for physical, mental and social well-being. All age groups can benefit from these pursuits. The facilities can also be hired by local residents and others for functions and ad hoc meetings. Many take advantage of this and this aspect provides much needed funds for MRA to provide regular free activities for all residents. Organisations who have recently used our facilities and benefitted from the same include the NI Hospice, Neighbourhood Watch, The British Legion, and Sure Start. Further direct benefits which flow from the purpose include the preservation, maintenance and good management of the estate in which the residents live. Merville Garden Village is currently the only conservation area within the borough of Newtownabbey and MRA is keen to ensure that this beautiful environment continues to be an aesthetic benefit for all who live there and for those who come to visit. It is the opinion of the trustees that no harm can result from the benefits described above. These benefits are demonstrated through the provision of activities for all sections of people who live within Merville Garden Village and the surrounding area. We are not exclusive when organising activities and providing events and providing activities - all are welcome. They are designed to provide an opportunity for residents to improve their health and well-being; to learn a new skill or hobby; to help other charitable causes; to meet people and make new friends, thus reducing social isolation and to help build community. The charity's beneficiaries are all sections of the working, non-working and retired members of the local community and beyond. The activities are organised both during the day, in the evenings and at weekends to ensure that as many people as possible can avail of these. Some activities are more suited to those less mobile or in their latter years - such as craft and bridge whilst others can experience heath improvements through the exercise and weight management groups. Young people can have their social skills improved as well as fitness in the various groups available specifically for them. There are no people or organisations who receive private benefit from Merville Residents' Association.
What your organisation does
Merville Residents' Association provides close liaison with the local council and other voluntary organisations to provide a service to the residents of Merville Garden Village. We operate from a beautifully restored Georgian house which is the community centre of the village. It has many rooms and facilities for the local community to use.
These include several exercise and fitness groups, weight management classes, a photography club, a bridge club, dancing classes, a craft group and an Irish language class. These activities are open to all age groups and the building is disabled friendly. MRA provides regular activities throughout the year, which although primarily are aimed at providing recreation for the residents of the village, are also open to those living as neighbours to our community. Examples are: table quizzes, musical performances, a St Patrick's night event, a Hallowe'en event and party, a Christmas concert and talks from various bodies on community safety from the PSNI. We are involved in applying for grant funding for expanding the functions and activities of the Community Centre so that it may serve beyond the environs of Merville Garden Village. Last year a community audit took place and from this we are trying to provide more activities and improve our environment in accordance with the wishes and desires of those who live here. We provide a liaison for local residents with the local council, managing agents, the owners and government organisations such as the DOE which provides a stronger voice for all who live here. The committee of MRA meets once per month and several sub-committees will meet to progress current or pressing issues. All who sit on this committee are volunteers who as well as attending meetings will open and close the premises on behalf of those conducting activities there. They may also help with setting up rooms, catering for functions and cleaning.
The charity’s classifications
- Other charitable purposes
Who the charity helps
- Community safety/crime prevention
- General public
- Older people
- Tenants
- Voluntary and community sector
- Volunteers
How the charity works
- Arts
- Community development
- Cultural
- Environment/sustainable development/conservation
- Heritage/historical