Fifty plus group launch event held in Gilford

‘Kindred Spirits’, a cross community club for both men and women, got under way in the Gilford Community Centre this week when Councillor Olive Mercer, Chair of Banbridge District Council had the honour of officially opening the club and unveiling the Kindred Spirits plaque.

Mary Quinn, chair of the group said: “The committee were delighted with the huge turnout at the event and the interest and enthusiasm shown.

Mary address thanked Councillor Mercer for her support and explained the origins of Kindred Spirits which was born out of requests from residents at the last Gilford Concerned Residents Group (GCRG) public meeting.

In her speech she acknowledged the excellent support and work given to the group by Alan Wilson and his team in Gilford Community Centre.

She expressed her appreciation and thanks to a number of local businesses namely, Linen House, Georgian Tea Rooms, NISA and Source Hygiene who donated foodstuff and catering materials for the launch event.

“Laurencetown TLC was a great source of support in terms of lending catering equipment and being on hand to help with the catering at the launch,” she said.

The community were very well represented with the Community Police Officers lending their support and being warmly welcomed by residents.

Councillors, Seamus Doyle and Liz Ingram and Banbridge District Chief Executive Liam Hannaway were amongst the invited guests to lend their support to the project.

Mary concluded: “All in all the launch event was a tremendous success and now Kindred Spirits looks forward to the first week of activities next Wednesday afternoon, March 19, 2 – 4 pm and going from strength to strength thereafter.”