Rural community group celebrates 20th anniversary

Rural community group celebrates 20th anniversary

16 September 2015

COUNTY Down Rural Community Network has celebrated its 20th anniversary.

Over 90 representatives from voluntary and community groups marked the network’s birthday at its annual general meeting in the new Annsborough Community Centre last Tuesday.

Network manager Nicholas McCrickard said the group had grown from humble beginnings since its formation in 1995 with a grant of just £500.

He said it now encompassed a range of community programmes, including health development, rural development support, active communities and inter-estate programmes, as well managing the Ballymote Business and Community Centre.  

Mr McCrickard led a tour of local community projects before the AGM, visiting An Riocht GAC in Dunavil, Ballinran Community Centre in the Mournes and the Mourne Mountain Rescue Team.

“It is a wonderful achievement to celebrate 20 years of community development,” he said.

“This year we supported over 300 community groups across North Down, Ards, Newry, Mourne and Down to achieve their aims, making life better for local people and communities.  

“As a network, we are now working to build relationships with the new councils and our statutory partners to ensure that the needs of local communities remain to the forefront of the new community planning agenda, and to ensure that County Down Rural Community Network will be there to meet and support those needs.”

Councillor William Walker, who visited the community venues before attending the AGM, said he enjoyed the opportunity to see the projects.  

“As an elected representative, I commend the work of all the volunteers who work tirelessly to provide essential services and facilities in their local areas,” he said,

“In particular I commend the work of County Down Rural Community Network which is an invaluable source of support to local communities.

“New community halls, play parks, walking routes, renewable energy projects and social economy projects as well as a huge range of health and community programmes have benefited from the highly professional and dedicated support available to local groups from the County Down Rural Community Network.”

Groups are invited to contact the network through its website at www.countydownruralcommunitynetwork.com