Bann Valley scoops Lottery windfall

A BALLYMONEY group is sharing in a grants windfall from the Big Lottery Fund's Awards For All programme.

The small grants programme is awarding almost 9,500 to Bann Valley Community Association as part of a grants roll-out of 545,243 to 70 groups across Northern Ireland.

Awards for All offers community, voluntary and statutory groups the chance to apply for small grants of between 500 and 10,000 that will have a big impact on local communities and the lives of people most in need.

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The community association, based in Eden Orange Hall just outside Ballymoney, will be using the money towards furniture and classes at its recently refurbished hall.

“Now we have the hall brought up to scratch we’ve been delighted by how many people and groups want to use it – it’s now in use most days of the week,” said local man and chairman of the community association Trevor McClarty.

“This is a rural area so the hall provides an important focal point for people. Already it is being used by the local Orange Lodge, the Bann Valley Accordion Band, keep fit classes and aerobics classes.

“We also plan to start computer courses too and families are even hiring the venue for birthday parties,” continued Trevor, a long-standing member of the accordion band.

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“It’s important that groups like ours can meet locally as it all help build community spirit. Something like the band too is a great opportunity for local people of all ages to meet and mix.

“I’ve been in the band 35 years and my son is a member also. We even have a family of five who are all members – the parents and three children. This year we’ve 11 young people who want to join and that’s great news for a community like ours.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.awardsforall.org.uk.

For more details call us on 028 9055 1455, or e-mail us at [email protected]

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