Success for Causeway Coast and Glens groups in Housing Executive Rural Community Awards
Causeway Coast and Glens groups enjoyed success at the eleventh annual Housing Executive Rural Community Awards ceremony.
Held in The Seamus Heaney Homeplace in Bellaghy and supported by the Rural Community Network and the Northern Ireland Housing Council, the event celebrated the dedication of rural groups and individuals in improving community spirit in rural neighbourhoods.
Three categories were keenly contested – Cleaner and Greener, the Community Spirit award and Best Rural Community Champion.
Opening proceedings, Pamela Johnston, Housing Executive Rural & Regeneration Manager, said: “Our Rural Awards ceremony is such an important event in our calendar. It’s where we celebrate and showcase the often complex and challenging positive work in rural communities.
“My vision for the event was lighthearted, fun and celebratory, as community groups get to learn experiences from others and make connections through networking. My thanks to all those taking part who made the event such a roaring success.”
Nicole Lappin, Chair of the Housing Executive, said: “I want to give my heartfelt thanks to all those who attended the Rural Awards for their ongoing work in the communities they represent.
“These awards are a real testament to the leadership, commitment and ambition for improvement in our rural communities. Now in their eleventh year, these awards emerged from a young people’s photography competition back in 2012.
“Participants wanted good work in rural places to be recognised and rewarded. Communities are at the forefront of what the Housing Executive does and we do recognise there are many challenges faced by rural residents, especially those living in more remote areas.
Informative presentations were provided by a range of organisations, including Rural Residents’ Forum, the Seamus Heaney Homeplace, and the Rural Community Network, who presented a special recognition award to Mary Watson, Chair of Carnlough Community Association at the close of the ceremony.
A highlight of the evening was delightful entertainment provided by Glenlough Community Choir, which combines members from the rural villages of Glenarm and Carnlough.
Causeway Coast and Glens groups were recognised in the awards with Cloughmills Community Action Team winners of the Cleaner and Greener (north) award.
Frankie Cunningham of Dervock and District Community Association was runner up in the Community Champion (north) category while the Community Spirit Award (north) went to Ballintoy Young at Hearts Club.