Crossgar public meeting to resurrect association

Crossgar public meeting to resurrect association

28 February 2024

A PUBLIC meeting is being held in Crossgar next Tuesday night in a bid to resurrect the village’s community association.

The meeting — in the War Memorial Community Hall — takes place one month after the plug was pulled on the cross-community group due to lack of support.

Just three people attended Crossgar Community Association’s annual meeting last month, with the decision to fold placing a huge question mark over the future of the village’s Halloween and Christmas events and summer festival.

News of the decision sparked calls for people to come forward to help and ensure residents not only have a voice through a dedicated group representing and articulating their views, but help organise various events.

Rowallane councillors Callum Bowsie and Terry Andrews say they recognise the need for the village to have an active community group and have organised next week’s public meeting.

They are appealing for people to come along and do what they can to get the group up and running again to play a key role in the life of Crossgar.

The two men have also paid tribute to those who kept the group afloat for many years and are hopeful it can be resurrected.

Ahead of the public meeting, the councillors hope community-spirited individuals will step forward to help and that there will be renewed spirit and optimism going forward.

Cllr Andrews commended members for all their hard work over many years.

“It was sad to hear the recent news that the group was going to fold as a result of a very low turnout at their recent annual meeting,” he said.

“I have been contacted by residents and read posts on social media voicing their concern about what has happened and have organised next week’s meeting along with Cllr Bowsie.”

Cllr Andrews is urging people across the village to support next Tuesday’s meeting.

“It would be good to resurrect this group to allow it to carry on with its good work and to ensure the village’s voice is heard where it matters most, with public bodies and statutory agencies,” he added.

Cllr Bowsie, who was one of three people to attend the recent annual meeting, said it was disappointing to see so few in attendance.

“As a result of this and a lack of support over the past few years, vice-chairman Noel Ellison had to fold the group,” he continued.

“While he has now stepped back after 25 years of dedication, there is an opportunity for new volunteers to step forward and bring fresh thinking and skills to a much-needed community group.”

Cllr Bowsie said he was aware of interest expressed by some people in getting involved with a new community group.

“If there is an aspect of the local community which people are passionate about or something they think Crossgar could benefit from and they would be willing to lead, we’d be delighted to hear from them,” he said.

“If there are those keen to keep the village tidy, willing to organise or help at events, are good at fundraising or applying for grants, enjoy connecting with residents and discussing issues with official bodies then we would love them to come forward.”

Cllr Bowsie said if “everyone did a little bit of something that interested them, Crossgar could be an even better place to live.”

Both he and Cllr Andrews are keen to hear from people who would be interested in leading the community association before next Tuesday night or might have any questions or suggestions to contact them at Callum.Bowsie@nmandd.org or Terry.Andrews@nmandd.org.

Next Tuesday’s meeting starts at 7.30pm.