Five groups have been awarded funding from the Big Lottery Fund, in an attempt to boost the services they provide, and their impact on the community.  

Share Discovery Village Lisnaskea has been rewarded funding for the inclusion of disabled people. The £8,480 will be used to develop an area of wasteland into a shared space for relaxation and education and to provide a greenhouse for use as an outdoor classroom.

“The big lottery funding has allowed us to update our chalets with new curtains and carpets which will be great for the new season. Funding has also paid for new automatic doors on our buildings making access for wheel chair users much easier. This funding is vital to a charity such as ourselves,” said Catherine Keaney of the Share Discovery Village.

The Lady of the Lake Festival, Irvinestown have been awarded £8,380 to aid their 10 day community festival every July.  The money will be used for a ‘School Around the Corner’ day during the festival to celebrate the 50th and 60th anniversaries of the two primary schools in Irvinestown. 

The event includes old and new pupils talking about their experiences of school days, an exhibition of old photos and records, and a re-enactment of school experience before 1960.

Brightstarz Fermanagh Mencap has been working hard to improve the lives of people with a learning disability. They have been rewarded a massive £9,130 for a programme of social, health and cultural activities including theatre trips, discos, karaoke, quizzes, and drama.

Crichton Masonic Hall, Lisnaskea have plans to use their £10,000 to develop the hall’s facilities so it can be used for more community activities.

Tempo and District Development Association are using the £10,000 to provide an intergenerational programme of activities to bring the whole community together over the Christmas period.                                                                                                                               

Anyone who believes their group deserves some funding for the work they provide and can access application forms and guidance notes at  /www.biglotteryfund.org.uk” www.biglotteryfund.org.uk.