Peace money recipients celebrate projects

BENEFICIARIES of £4million pounds of European peace money took part in a celebration event in Strabane last week.

The event took place in the Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane on Wednesday, April 14 and included an entertaining and informative mix of presentations and showcase performances.

It was attended by representatives from over 50 projects from the Londonderry, Strabane and Omagh areas who have received European Union PEACE III funding under six different Strategic Priorities.

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Speakers at the event included Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body as well as representatives from the Partnership, the three Councils and a number of the funded projects.

These included the Millennium Forum (InterAct Youth Arts Festival), the North West Peace and Reconciliation Youth Forum, Omagh Forum for Rural Associations, Gateways to Protestant Participation, SEEDS (One World Centre) and STEER Mental Health.

The event also included four showcase performances from funded groups. Firstly a collaboration between St. Joseph's Brass Band and Bready Ulster Scots Pipe Band entertained the audience, followed by a DVD showing the work of Millennium Forum - InterAct Youth Arts Festival.

There was also a rousing performance by multi-cultural drumming circle Harmonicity and the event was closed by music over lunchtime by Gordon Speers from Border Arts.

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Chairperson of the North West PEACE III Partnership, Eileen McFarline, is delighted with the event and the progress of the projects the Partnership has been working to assist.

She said: "This event really is a celebration of how the PEACE III funding has been successful and the difference it has made to a host of diverse groups across the North West.

"The Partnership is an excellent example of how social partners, elected members and statutory agencies can work together across the three Council areas and on cross border initiatives to challenge sectarian and racial prejudice."

Pat Colgan, Chief Executive of the Special EU Programmes Body spoke at the event and provided an update on the next phase of PEACE III funding.

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"This event was an excellent opportunity to reflect upon and celebrate the EU supported work that has been carried out under the North West PEACE III Partnership.

"A lot has been achieved by the individual projects operating under the cluster in fostering greater reconciliation at a local level and challenging some of the root causes of sectarianism and racism.

"We are only halfway through the PEACE III Programme however and there is still a lot more that can be achieved before its completion. I anticipate that over the next few years the Partnership will continue to play its part in helping to create a more peaceful and stable society."

The event also announced details of a number of consultation workshops to inform Phase 2 of the funding that will take place in May. These workshops will take place on 18th May 2010 in Omagh District Council Offices at 2.00 pm and 7.00pm and in Strabane District Council Offices at 11.00 am and 7.00 pm.

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They will also be held in the North West Play House in Derry at 10.00 am on 18th May and in St Columb's Park House in Derry at 7.00 pm on 20th May.

For further information on the North West PEACE III Partnership, for details of the forthcoming workshops and to book a place, please contact Deirdre Harte, Temporary Programme Manager: Peace III NW Cluster at Derry City Council on 028 7130 8466.

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