‘Resilience and determination’ praised

“These years of constant campaigning for a new community hall reminds me of a quotation by Margaret Millar (author of ‘Gone with the wind’) – “Life’s under no obligation to give us what we expect”.

“I must praise the resilience and determination of Dervock & District Community Association and councillors who continuously lobbied for a new community hall to be built in the village. This is a remarkable achievement, for a small village, brought about by the people of the village working together - and again highlights and demonstrates the benefit of local communities working in partnership with statutory agencies – which is paramount to the continuing success and development of our village.
“Dervock has seen many positive changes over the past few years through economic, environmental and social regeneration in the village. This project will compliment and help celebrate previous regenerational projects (‘People and Place Neighbourhood Renewal’ programme 2003/04, the Market House with the help and support of the statutory and voluntary sector, has delivered a wide range of regeneration initiatives e.g. The Market House (Old Co-op building), new street paving and street columns, housing of artefacts representing the influence of the flax industry and how it helped shape the village of Dervock – which will complement the interpretative history panels added to the village through the Rural Development Programme, the Re-imaging Communities project, Storyfinders.co.uk (BBC initiative), Cultural & Heritage Audit (Books, DVDs, Brochures), the established KK McArthur ‘Festival of Running’.

“Other exciting projects for 2013 are the development of a Multi-Use Games Area (M.U.G.A.) and Outdoor Gym trail within the Riverside Park. This will undoubtedly provide a fantastic facility in our rural community for people of all ages and abilities, therefore creating an environmental area that will provide inclusiveness through sport, Shared Space and will benefit the village from a socio-economic position with the potential increase of visitors.”

Steven Phillips (Vice Chair) added: “I wish to take this opportunity to thank all the council officers, councillors, Dervock & District Ltd Co and members of DADCA (Dervock Project Team) for their commitment which has resulted in the delivery of this project.

“Also thanks must be recorded and sent to Ballymoney Borough Council, Dervock & District Ltd Co and the EU North East Rural Development Programme (measure 3.5 Village Renewal & Development) and ‘Basic Services’ component.

“We are a proud village, let’s work together to make our village, our community the envy of every other town and village in the province. The village has an unchallenged legacy of sport and cultural history.

“I want this information to inspire more people to become involved – to create future leaders within our community. If you want to become involved in the management or simply volunteer at community events/projects - please do not hesitate to contact me on 028 207 42568, Mob: 07734888600 or email: [email protected]”