COMMUNITY DIARY

Art Society meeting

THE Lower Bann Floral Art Society met in Killowen Primary School earlier this month.

The evening was enjoyed so much by everyone as Mrs Karen Frew led a wonderful craft evening and everyone learnt the skill of “felting”. This was new to everyone and a great evening was had by all.

The evening ended with a raffle and supper provided by ladies of the committee.

The club meet on the third Wednesday of each month in Killowen Primary School at 7.30pm. All existing members are encouraged to return and new members will be most welcome.

A club spokesperson said: “We would love to see new faces joining in our fun and inspiring evenings. Please do come along and bring a friend.”

Biodiversity ’Unlocked’

THE North Coast Association of the National Trust will continue its spring lecture series on Tuesday, March 6, when local naturalist Hill Dick will explore the idea of ‘biodiversity’ in nature.

Hill is a former committee member of the North Coast Association, a former Education Officer of the National Trust and is closely involved with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the British Trust for Ornithology.

He has had a lifelong interest in birdlife, but is passionate about all aspects of natural history. Hill is much concerned with conservation and the necessity to protect the diversity which is necessary for the survival of the natural world.

The talk will take place at 8pm at the Magherabuoy House Hotel, Portrush. All are, of course, welcome. Cost of admission (payable at the door) is £4.00 and includes tea/coffee and biscuits after the talk.

Jean entertains Exorna

THE president of Exorna Women’s Institute, Ann Pollock, welcomed everyone to the February meeting.

The guest speaker was Jean Caulfield, who gave a very entertaining survey of unusual and amusing comments from recent newspapers and also told the members about her several trips to New Zealand. She was thanked by Barbara Martin.

The Exorna team, Sandra Simpson, Barbara Martin and Anne Campbell, was congratulated on winning the Lower Bann Area Quiz.

Mary McCaughan and Della Murphy were congratulated on being given awards for their craft work.

The competition, “ A decorated Cup Cake ” was won by Anne Lundy with Jean Sherrard as runner-up. The ‘Birthday Girl’ was Margaret Nicholl.

The evening ended with supper and the Countrywoman’s Song.

MLA in housing call

A Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Ó hOisín has called on the Housing Executive to provide emergency accommodation in the west of the Bann in Coleraine.

Mr Ó hOisín stated: “I met with Gerry McCloskey from the Housing Executive to discuss emergency accommodation in the Coleraine area.

“At present the only emergency accommodation that exists in the Coleraine area is in the Ballysally estate, which is unsuitable for many people.

“It is important that people who are already under pressure due to the need for emergency accommodation are found somewhere in an area where they can feel part of the community.

“As Ballysally is a predominately Unionist/Loyalist estate it is therefore not ideal for people from the Nationalist/Republican community to be asked to take shelter there until they are found proper accommodation.

“I impressed upon Mr McCloskey the need to immediately provide alternative areas where Nationalist and Republicans who find themselves homeless can access secure accommodation in an area where they can feel part of that community.”

BARK Table Quiz night

BENVARDIN Animal Rescue Kennels (BARK) are holding a fundraising quiz night in the Bayview Hotel in Portballintrae on March 20th. The fun begins at 8pm. £10 per team. Top prizes to be won.