Hilden goes country for community night

ack row (L-R) from Hillhall Regeneration Group are Kenny Coyle, Pauline Milligan, Laurence Milligan and Eddie Mullan. Also, Tommy McCormick (Hilden Community Association), Cllr Luke Poots and Peggy Kabul (The Welcome Project) Front row: (L-R) Aide Bird (Resurgam Community Trust), Trisha McCormick (Hilden Community Association), Roberta Mitchell and Laureen McFaul (Housing Executive) and Danielle White (Hilden Community Association).

The group turned the Highway Inn into a country and western theme venue for the night.

The event was part of Hilden’s involvement in the Housing Executive’s Shared Communities Programme.

They invited their neighbours, Hillhall Regeneration Group and The Welcome Project to the evening.

The theme was warmly embraced as partygoers got into the mood dressing up in their best country and western gear.

Those able to attend queued and took their chance on the bucking bronco before dining on a hog roast, carved straight off the spit.

A country music beat kept everyone entertained before Tracey McCauley and the Bar Room Buddies took to the stage.

The Chair of Hilden Community Association, Trisha Mc Cormick, commented: “The atmosphere was electric and a good night was had by all.

“It was great to see all neighbours coming together to enjoy the country and western night.

“I’d like to thank the Housing Executive for supporting this and other events we’ve been a part of through the Shared Communities Programme.”

She continued: “It has proved a valuable tool for our group to develop good relations across our community.

“I’d also like to pay tribute to our ‘neighbour’ Adie Bird Trust Director of Resurgam Community Trust who proved terrific help to us during the event along with Roberta Mitchell our local Housing Executive Neighbourhood Office and Luke Poots, who had an enjoyable night and even ventured onto the Rodeo Bull.”

The Housing Executive’s Manager of Neighbourhood and Cohesion, Deirdre Crawford, said: “We’re delighted that through the Shared communities Programme the three associations were able to come together, to share an evening’s entertainment and create a platform for local engagement.

“I wish Hilden Community Association well on their continued journey towards a shared community that has strong positive relations with their wider neighbourhood in the area.”