Delight Crossgar Community Association is revived for area

Delight Crossgar Community Association is revived for area

13 March 2024

A COMMUNITY group in Crossgar is back in business after an appeal for support.

Crossgar Area Community Association folded in January after just three people attended its annual meeting.

The decision was described at the time as disappointing, but unavoidable, owing to the lack of support.

It also left a question mark hanging over the future of the village’s popular summer festival and Halloween and Christmas events, all of which were organised by the association.

Thankfully, the association has been revived and plans are in place to form a new committee.

A meeting organised by local councillors Callum Bowsie and Terry Andrews was held last week and was attended by 25 people.

A delighted Cllr Bowsie said afterwards that most of those in attendance agreed to be part of the new committee.

He remarked: I’m delighted to share that Crossgar Area Community Association has been revived.”

Cllr Bowsie said there will be a further meeting next Tuesday night, March 19, in the War Memorial Hall to select office bearers and put together an action plan.

He thanked Lise Curran, from County Down Rural Community Network, for chairing last week’s meeting and said anyone interested in helping out should get in touch with him or Cllr Andrews.

“Crossgar has had some major blows in recent weeks in terms of funding and key groups struggling and so needs a community-led voice now more than ever,” he continued.

“Crossgar is a great village and the enthusiasm of busy people to step up and help their community at this time is encouraging to see. I 

wish the new committee all the best and I look forward to continuing to help in anyway I can.”

Cllr Andrews said he was pleased with the excellent turnout from the local community at last week’s meeting.

“There were also numerous offers of help and support from others who were unable to attend the meeting in person,” he explained.

There were a lot of ideas and excellent contributions from the floor from people who are keen to play their part either on the committee or on groups to improve, enhance and move Crossgar forward.”

He added: “It was great to see so many people coming out to support Crossgar Area Community Association. I am totally committed to helping and working with the association as they move forward.”