Dervock and Bushmills project

This social event was jointly supported by Ultoniae Cultural & Heritage Society, through the PIP initiative (Community Engagement) - funded by the ‘International Fund for Ireland’ and the COAST initiative that provided funding for the transport.

Parallels ranged from originating and developing due to prolific Landlords who had comparable visions for the areas, the infamous River Bush, the Mill Industry – in fact Mr Blair recounted a total of nine associations that formed the basis of his narrative.

The talk was interwoven by small accounts of localised humour, small ditties that made each account unique in its own manner.

Mary Anderson (committee member Bushmills & District Community Association) informed those gathered that her group had recently secured funding through the ‘Pharmacy’ project – which offered a range of activities – e.g. Luncheon clubs, trips, health related workshops, aerobics etc.

Mrs Anderson added that if anyone from Dervock (Senior Citizens) wanted to attend any of those events to contact Frankie Cunningham (Project Co0ordinator Ultoniae Cultural & Heritage Society).

Bronagh McFadden - Community Navigator for Older People in the Causeway Locality - a pilot scheme funded by the Northern Health and Social Care Trust and the Public Health Agency aimed at creating a better link between the NHSCT and the Community and Voluntary sector, outlined what is available through this initiative.

Frankie Cunningham explained: “The basis for this small community-led event was to develop the Community Engagement Programme within our PIP application.

“The programme will involve the wider community in a number of public events, talks, lectures, exhibitions, site visits.

“This will create an initiative that brings greater community togetherness (Social Inclusion), strengthen both personal & community capacity - and that raises community spirit (Community Cohesion).”