Broughshane Historical Society

Public benefits

Introduction ‘Public benefit’ is deemed to flow from a charity’s ‘purposes’ (or objects). The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland’s document titled ‘Purposes and Public Benefit Toolkit’ clearly lays out how to describe public benefit. This statement of benefits for Broughshane Historical Society seeks to follow the toolkit guidance and

template. Purpose 1: The Society is established to advance education in Broughshane and its environs of the Braid Valley by; studying and encouraging the study of the history, historical and cultural heritage of the area of benefit. What benefit flows from this purpose? The benefits flowing from this purpose include:- (i) Cultural understanding – achieved by more in-depth study amongst local interest groups and by attracting more people to engage in the study of historical and cultural heritage. (ii) Cross community exchange – achieved through engaging in the process of historical and cultural research irrespective of community background. Can you demonstrate this? These benefits are demonstrated through research undertaken in new subject areas, through the number of lectures delivered by and papers prepared by the Society and through the inclusion of research from the perspective of both communities. Is any harm or possibility of harm outweighed by the benefit? There is no risk of harm from this purpose. Who is the benefit for? The charity’s beneficiaries are people living in, interested in and associated with Broughshane and the Braid Valley. Is there any private benefit? Is it incidental or necessary? Through studying the history and cultural heritage of Broughshane and the Braid Valley it may be the case that ‘students’ are encouraged to undertake formal training and/or qualifications in the study of history and culture, possibly leading to employment on a full, part-time or casual basis. These private benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefits from this purpose is realised. Purpose 2: The Society is established to advance education in Broughshane and its environs of the Braid Valley by; raising awareness among the general public in the area of benefit and beyond and encouraging appreciation of, and knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of the area of benefit. What benefit flows from this purpose? The benefits flowing from this purpose include:- (iii) Cultural validity – achieved through a greater sense of belonging to and identification with the area of benefit by the resident population. (iv) Community pride – achieved through greater knowledge and understanding of the historical background to the area of benefit and how it relates to and influences modern day living. Can you demonstrate this? These benefits are demonstrated through attendance at regular meetings of the Society and through attendance at community events where the resident population has an opportunity to gain more knowledge of locally based history and culture. Is any harm or possibility of harm outweighed by the benefit? There is no risk of harm from this purpose. Who is the benefit for? The charity’s beneficiaries are people living in, interested in and associated with Broughshane and the Braid Valley. Is there any private benefit? Is it incidental or necessary? It may be the case that some local residents, encouraged by attending community education activities of the Society will further develop their interest in local history and culture either as a hobby or a future career. These private benefits are incidental and necessary to ensure the benefit from this purpose is realised.

What your organisation does

The organisation was established to advance education in Broughshane and the Braid Valley. To study and encourage the studay of history and cultural heritage. Raising awareness among the general public in the area and encouraging appreciation of and knowledge of the historical and cultural heritage of the area.