Foyle Women’s Aid open state-of-the-art haven

Baroness Smith of Basildon, second from right, and the Mayor, Councillor Martin Reilly, pictured with Marie Brown, of Foyle Women's Aid, and her staff at the opening Ashleywood House on Friday. INLS4813-112KM

The official opening was performed by the keynote speaker, Rt Hon the Baroness of Basildon, Angela Smith, and among the other distinguished guests was Anthony Polychronakis, chairman of the EU project Family Justice Centres, who is also a politician and councillor in the Netherlands and the current European Programme Officer for the city of Rotterdam responsible for the approach to domestic and elder abuse in Rotterdam.

One of the most emotive speakers of the morning was Darren McGrellis, whose sister, Caroline Crossan, died at the hands of her husband in October 1997. Despite the family’s heartbreak, the McGrellis family has campaigned since 1997 to raise the awareness about domestic violence, and this morning Mr McGrellis, who replaced his mother, Bridie at the podium due to unforeseen circumstances, spoke about the impact of domestic abuse on victims and on those left behind.

MC for the occasion was Marie Brown, MBE, director of Foyle Women’s Aid.

During the formalities of the day Foyle Women’s Aid was presented with a coveted special award under the Investors In People initiative, which was presented to Ms Brown by the Baroness.

Over 150 people from all walks of life attended the opening ceremony and in a poignant moment following the speeches, each of the delegates tied a crimson ribbon to a fir tree in the communal ground at the Mews representing the women that Foyle Women’s Aid has helped so far this year. Several hundred ribbons now hang from the tree.

Presentations of City of Derry crystal to mark the occasion were made to each of the guest speakers, who also included Colm McQuillan, from the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. A special gift was also presented to long-time supporter and volunteer, Dilys Crockett.

To read about the opening ceremony and the informative and eloquent addresses by the Baroness and Mr McGrellis, and see our two-page photo-feature get The Londonderry Sentinel on sale on Wednesday, Novemner 27.

The 24-hour domestic violence helpline is 0800 917 14 14.