Excitement as Base Drop in centre is relaunched

Special guests included the Mayor, Alderman William Leathem and his wife, Kathleen, Mr Hugo Dale from the YMCA in Lurgan,

Rev. David Knox, Minister of Harmony Hill, representatives of the PSNI and many members and friends of the Centre.

Mr John Blair, Leader of the Base, welcomed guests and members to the relaunch event. A Power-Point presentation and promotional video of the young people of the Base in action, together with their appreciative comments on their experiences, were shown to the assembled audience.

Mr Blair explained how the centre had developed over the past six years. He referred to the Christian focus which supported the young people’s personal, social and spiritual development.

The Mayor congratulated all those involved in preparing the presentations. He said that the Council was keen to support excellent youth work such as that going on in Harmony Hill.

Other speakers included Mr Dale who reflected on how a vision can result from the foundation of a cause.

Mr Blair spoke on the impact of God’s grace. Both speakers gave inspirational advice to the young people. A particular highlight of the evening was the launch of the Base’s own band, ‘The Base Cadets’.

The members were Paul May, Ryan McCorry, Stephen Armstrong, Ryan Dodds and Owen Dumigan - they gave a rousing debut musical performance.

The Base is a professional youth organisation, dedicated to providing a safe place in which young people can relax, have fun and learn about the issues they face every day.

Over the past six years a secure, pleasant place has been provided for young people of the Lambeg area to get off the streets, much appreciated by the PSNI.

The PSNI have commented on how those participating in Base activities have taken on responsibility and made a useful contribution in the local community.

Young people in the area are of course always welcome to come along. Long may the excellent work of the Base continue.

One of the Base members, Owen Dumigan, chaired the proceedings, whilst another, Nikki May, thanked everyone at the end of the evening.

They really demonstrated what the young adults can do when given positive leadership.

The evening closed with refreshments and food, largely prepared by the members of the Base.