Community out in force to support 'Bridges of Hope' weekend

MORE than 200 people attended a service in Stranocum on Sunday, marking the climax of a three-day festival held as a celebration for the life of teenager James Elliott who drowned when he went into the River Bush after a dog he had been walking earlier with a friend.

On the first anniversary of James's death, his parents, Clive and Margaret and daughter, Sarah, were joined by other family members and friends from the village and farther afield to take part in a 'Bridges of Hope' service conducted by local ministers, Rev. Jones of Roseyards and Rev. Kenneth Crowe of Bushvale.

The sombre occasion was in contrast to events 24 hours earlier when the Playing Field at Stranocum was a hive of activity as hundreds enjoyed various activities, the climax of which was the unveiling of the new 30,000 Communications Unit which will serve the Community Rescue Service and all other personnel throughout Northern Ireland and beyond in the search for missing people.

Coinciding with the unveiling, Mr. Sean McCarry, the Service's Regional Commander, handed out certificates formally recognising those people for their contributions during the three-day search for James and their work afterwards.

In his introduction to a large crowd, Mr. McCarry briefly recalled the events of last year when rescue workers were called to Stranocum to help in the search for James who jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue a dog at a time when persistent rain had swollen its banks.

Mr. McCarry said everyone had been touched by the tragedy, but in his time in Stranocum he had made many friends which he would treasure forever. He praised the fine work of the community in helping wherever they could at that time.

Mr. McCarry said the tragedy had prompted the locals to begin a fund-raising campaign to provide something tangible by which James would be remembered and the community at large could benefit from. A decision was taken to purchase a Communications Rescue Unit - a vehicle that would become a vital component in the work of the various rescue services.

Mr. McCarry said the response had been amazing with donations not only pouring in locally, but from as far away as America, Canada, Australia and Africa.

Mrs. Margaret Elliott, Clive and Sarah officially cut the tape to unveil the unit. Before hand she had thanked everyone for making it a special day as well as for helping raise the finances for the unit.

A horse-shoe throwing competition, fun runs, bike run with local bikers being joined by the Kings Moss club who had cycled all the way from Ballyclare before taking part in the event, archery, model aeroplane display, stalls and the presence of Kilraughts Young farmers at the Playing Fields made it one of the best supported weekends the village has seen for many years.

And it has been revealed that the event will become an annual affair which will again provide valuable funds for the Community Rescue service who depend solely on voluntary contributions.

Related topics: