Remaining members fear for the future of Crumlin organisation

Some of the volunteers of the Crumlin Initiatives Group

Without Cignet Crumlin Initiatives group, formed more than two years ago, a number of projects for the village could hang in the balance, and as things stand the future of the group has been left in serious doubt.

Cignet helped form the Crumlin Oil Club, of which there are 160 members, as well as other successful initiatives, such as a youth employment scheme.

It was recently in the process of re-applying for £250,000 in grant aid to transform the old mill into an art and community centre and to form a forest adventure centre for the Glen.

The group came about in response to feeback from a community survey aimed at addressing areas such as the environment, community safety, community development and fundraising and communication.

However, without volunteers and support the group may have to take the unenviable decision to fold.

When the groupfirst formed there were 30 members; now there are just four.

“It would be sad if we had to fold,” said treasurer of the group, Joe Dornan. “There are a lot of volunteers who have done a lot of good work on behalf of the group.

“We have a lot of long-term plans and goals for Crumlin which you can view via our Facebook page.

“In 2013, we organised a hugely successful summer festival and I think we became just too successful, too quickly. If we started off small and then built our way up then things might have been a lot different.

“The festival was amazing but we were a victim of our own success - and soon after volunteers started to drop.

“I would also like to point out that the support and feedback from the community and local business throughout our events has been fantastic.

“One highlight was local hairdresser Peter Alexander rewarding our young volunteers with a free hair and makeup session in recognition of their hard work for the community.”

Cignet is holding a public meeting on Monday, April 13 at 7pm in Crumlin Leisure Centre.

To become a volunteer log onto www.cig-net.org or like their Facebook page.