CACD Networking Barbeque, Brownlow House. Lurgan

County Armagh Community Development (CACD) Networking BBQ in Brownlow House Lurgan was a huge success with over 120 people representing community groups mainly from Portadown/Lurgan area.. The event gave people the opportunity to meet with members of other community groups, exchanging ideas, contact details and sharing success stories in an informal setting which was considered conducive to networking.

From left to right Joanne Honeyford and Richard Hodges, Coleraine 12th Festival Committee, David McMullen and George Patton , CACD,
Paulette McArdle, Drogheda Community Forum and William Moorcroft , Chairman CACD

William Moorcroft Chairman of CACS welcomed everyone and introduced the guest speakers. First was Paulette McArdle from Drogheda Community Forum who spoke about how the Forum works with 30 Community Groups in the Drogheda area. Encouraging networking and cross border engagement in a relaxed atmostphere arranging exchange visits, mentoring and making groups aware of funding opportunities so that communities can benefit from an improved quality of life.

Next to speak were Richard Hodges and Joanne Honeyford of Coleraine 12th Festival Committee. The Committee which formed in 2006 originally organised a 2 day Cultural Heritage exhibition in Coleraine Orange Hall. This has now grown into a week long programme of events including all members of the community which culminates in the traditional 12th July Demonstration. Attendance has in increased year on year and the festival is now recognised as a tourist attraction more details are on their website.

Entertainment was provided by Highland Dancers from Aughnagurgan Scottish Dance Association who have been very successfully in a number of competitions this year and traditional music group Session Beat.

CACD Chairman Billy Moorcroft commented on the large number of people attending from the Portadown/Lurgan area stating that this illustrates the progress being made towards reaching our goals.