Documents 91 days overdue
Overdue: 91 days
- Charity no. 103363
- Date registered. 21/07/2015
Public benefits
Purposes 1. The study of, and encouragement of public interest in, the history, folklife, archaeology and antiquities of the area. 2. The publication of occasional research papers on the above topics and the establishment of a society archive The public benefit requirement. The direct benefits that flow from Purpose 1 are to increase awareness
among the general public and in particular among those supporters of the history society in the historical development of the local area and the factors that helped make it what it is at present. It will increase local pride in the area, help in the development of tourism and encourage people to interact more with other members of the community in exploring the past and assessing its contributions to the present. It will help develop skills among a section of the population on researching the past and transferring those skills to everyday life in the present. This will be demonstrated by the sustainability by the continued existence of the society for over twenty five years, the increased participation of many in the local population in the activities of the history society and the cross community nature of its membership It is an entirely voluntary society that charges a small annual membership that helps to finance the programme of the society. There are no charges for attendance at meetings and society members give of their expertise freely in presentations to the other members. Any disagreements about interpretations of the past are accepted as part of the challenge of history and something that has to be accepted as inherent in the discipline of history. The beneficiaries are the members of the society and the general public in increased awareness of the varieties of traditions that go to make up the present and the experiences of people in other generations in surmounting difficulties and problems. There is no private benefit from the activities of the society and no payments are made to members for their help with the programme of events. Outside lecturers and helpers are provided with a small fee to help offset expenses incurred. Some individuals will help develop expertise and skills that can be transferrable to other positions and occupations but that is an incidental benefit. The public benefits that flow from Purpose 2 are very similar to those outlined. The research and the publication of articles of local interest raise local and community awareness of their heritage and traditions and encourage others to engage in a similar process and helping local people both in the society and outside to develop their expertise and skill levels. The archive elements can be judged by the local publications available in the library and the use of research materials by those visiting that library. This can be demonstrated by the publication and sale of local historical journals and other publications by the society over the years and the new research that this has entailed. There has been a noticeable rise in the standard of research in such local publications over the years and the Strabane society would be seen as one of the leading local historical societies in the range and extent of its publications. The society website is another source for archive material and this is constantly being developed. The main beneficiaries are the local researchers and writers and those who benefit from these publications being made available to them for leisure reading or further study. The young and those in education would benefit from the availability of local resources and the guidance of experienced researchers and writers. There are no payments made to contributors to journals or other publications and only necessary expenses would be considered. It does not appear that there would be any private benefit except the incidental development of awareness and skills. There is no potential harm from our declared purposes.
What your organisation does
The society organises a series of talks and presentations on a regular basis, open to the general public as well as to the affiliated members of the society. These are supplemented by occasional site visits to places of historical and cultural significance and by study visits to repositories of archives and to museums and outdoor exhibits. An
annual membership fee helps to support the society programme and allows it to produce periodic journals. A committee helps ensure that the society programme is advertised in the local press and help is sought from local government and from funding organisations to assist in special programmes like anniversary commemorations and community events. The society works with the Library service and with other heritage organisations and is affiliated to the Federation for Ulster Local Studies, participating in its programmes where possible.
The charity’s classifications
- The advancement of education
- The advancement of citizenship or community development
- The advancement of the arts, culture, heritage or science
- The advancement of human rights, conflict resolution or reconciliation or the promotion of religious or racial harmony or equality and diversity
Who the charity helps
- Adult training
- General public
- Older people
- Voluntary and community sector
- Youth (14-25 year olds)
How the charity works
- Arts
- Cross-border/cross-community
- Cultural
- Education/training
- Heritage/historical
- Research/evaluation
- Rural development
- Volunteer development