Nigel Johnston (with Certificate, on left), from Fermanagh Headhunters, and members of Belnaleck Community Group with their Certificate of Recognition.
THE chairman of Fermanagh District Council, Alex Baird, praised the positive role that volunteers play in all aspects of community life.
He was speaking at this week’s annual ‘Oscars’ awards, organised by the Fermanagh Rural Community Network, and he noted the Network’s 20 years of continuous support of rural communities.
This year’s presentations took place in Cleenish Parish Hall, Belnaleck.
Louise McLaughlin, the Network chairman welcomed the 70-plus delegates to its the 19th annual general meeting. It was the 13th year of the Celebrating Community Achievements Awards.
Barry Boyle, the Network Co-ordinator, in his annual report, referred to a number of achievements.
Among these was working alongside the Omagh Forum for Rural Associations in obtaining a tender contract arrangement with DARD to tackle rural poverty and social isolation.
He explained that the programme would run until 2015, and he identified a number of features.
Among these was a ‘community development service’ for the unionist population living in rural border areas.
Lesley Nixon, of Cleenish Parish Hall, explained how her group had modernised Cleenish hall to provide social, educational and recreational activities for the local community.
The two guest speakers were Annie Clarke of Community Places, and Leslie Baillie from Clackmannanshire in Scotland.
Ms Clarke gave addressed ‘community planning’, one of the key functions of the new ‘super’ councils.
This year’s community awards’ winners were then announced. They were split into three categories.
The winners were as follows -:
Involving People category – Boho senior citizens
The group has been going for the past 10 years. It makes use of the local community hall and Fermanagh Community Transport. Thanks to DARD funding , it established a lunch club, with the meals provided from the local primary school kitchen.
(A Certificate of Recognition was presented to the Fermanagh Family Support Hub).
Local Community Activity – ‘Scout Out Loud’ (operated by 1st Magheraculmoney, Kesh and 18th Fermanagh Scouts, Ederney.
These two scouting organisations come from neighbouring villages but from different religious backgrounds. They have combined to deliver this EU project that focuses on their shared interest in scouting.
(Certificates of Recognition were presented to Headhunters Railway Museum, Enniskillen and Belnaleck Community Group.
Other Certificates of Recognition (to individuals) were presented to the following:
Anita Mukherjee – Women of the World & Fermanagh Women’s Network;
Ann Kerrigan – Bannagh Belles Women’s Group;
Robert Anderson – Maid Of Lough Erne Festival, Kesh;
Rose McHugh – Boho Community Association & Playgroup;
Tedd Maye – Irvinestown Community Partnership.
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