‘Four Wakes and a Wedding’

Coleraine, Ballymoney Moyle and Limavady councils are disappearing on March 31 with the Causeway Coast & Glens being born on April 1.

To mark the dawning of a new era in local government, The Causeway Coast & Glens Networks with Be Safe Be Well, Corrymeela and the CCEP Programme (Community Foundation for Northern Ireland) are organising a ‘wake’ in each of the four Councils to share and remember the stories of the ‘old’ Council with a ‘wedding’ to celebrate the new union in April.

Rose Smyth, from Causeway Rural Urban Network, is helping to organise the first ‘wake’ in Cutts House, Castleroe, for Coleraine Council, on Wednesday, March 18 from 7.30pm – 9.00pm

She says: “Liz Weir, the renowned story-teller, will be helping to get the stories and memories going at each ‘wake’ so bring along a memento, photo or object you would like to share.”

The second ‘wake’, for Moyle Council is being organised by Breige Conway from the North Antrim Community Network on Thursday, March 19 from 7.30 – 9.00 pm in Cushendall Sailing and Boat Club.

“There will be live music and refreshments at each ‘wake’ so come along and join us for the evening, “ reveals Briege.

Mark Vinnicombe, from Be Safe Be Well, who are helping to organise the Limavady Council ‘wake’ on Tuesday, March 24 from 7.30pm to 9pm in Dungiven Library, says: “All are welcome to join us for these ‘wakes’ whether you are a member of a community, local councillor or ex local councillor, ordinary rate-payer, or council staff. “

Finally, the Ballymoney Council ‘wake’ is being run by Lyn Moffett from Ballymoney Community Resource Centre.

It takes place in Ballymoney Town Hall on Wednesday, March 25 from 7.30 – 9.00 pm

Lynn says: “People are working very hard at the moment. It is important that we also take time out to remember the stories of our relationship with a Council that is about to go forever.”