‘Great support’ for new events

Alison McCullough and Stephen Boyd enjoying the Mods and Rockers event held in Whitehead at the weekend. INCT 32-416-RM

With the participation of the town’s businesses and shops, Operation Purple has been raising funds for the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

Jeremy Jones, chairman of Whitehead Community Association, said: “The charity aspect of the festival has been extremely well supported by all the businesses in Whitehead and the churches. Operation Purple, on behalf of the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice has really united the town and the concept of painting the town purple (the Children’s Hospice colour) has been very well received by the entire community.”

The programme, sponsored by Carrick Council, Irish Salt Mines, Subway Carrickfergus, Translink and Cannon Motors Carrickfergus, commenced with the excitement of the raft race and has continued in that vein since. The Walking Art Trail and ‘Secrets of Whitehead’ had people out learning more about the town and the creative talent within in it. Sport, dance and nature were also covered.

Jeremy added: “The varied community events last week have had great support, and I have been especially pleased with the support for the new events in the festival programme, such as the Whitehead Art Trail with local artists opening their homes to viewers and the Fun Run around the Diamond Jubilee Wood, which was organised by the Whitehead’s social runners, The Whiteheaders.”

“This week includes the Molly Coppock quiz at the Whitecliff Inn, the fishing competition on the shorefront, the annual tea dance in the Community Centre, five-a-side football and of course, the Food & Folk Fest on Saturday at the playing fields beside the Railway Preservation Society platform. Steam trains and tours of the revamped station will be ongoing all day Saturday.”

The programme concludes with the community service at Whitehead Community Centre on Sunday at 3.00pm. Before then, there’s the fishing competition and barbecue in support of Action Cancer this evening (Thursday) from 6.30pm. Tomorrow (Friday) there’s an arts and crafts day at the Bank House between 11.00am and 4.00pm and a tea dance in the Community Centre from 8.00pm.