Stranocum gets ready to celebrate!

Organisers, Stranocum Development Group, in association with the CRS, have put in a great deal of time and effort into making the event a memorable one with the aim of bringing together villagers in a spirit of harmony to mark the annivesary of the death of teenager, James Elliott.

The organisers are intent on celebrating the three days with a mixture of music, entertainment, a church service and, most importantly, the first public appearance of the Community Rescue Unit vehicle fundraising for which was launched following the tragedy which robbed the village of a highly respected young man.

The evening begins on Friday, August 20 with a kids disco at theBridge playing field from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. amd if the weather is inclement, the disco will take place at Gardner's barn.

On Saturday morning, at 11 a.m. the 'Bridges of Hope' cross country fun run of approximately 10k will take place alongside a 2.5k. fun run.

Entry for the longer run is 10 with categories for open male and female and under 18 male and female while participants in the shorter race will be asked for a 3 entrance fee. More details can be obtained by calling 077841 81318

The race runs alongside a fun day in the playing field where there will be bouncy castsles, stalls and refreshments. Local DJ, Barry Thompson (Gift of the Gab) will supply the music and some banter, no doubt.

Then, at 3 p.m. the mood will hopefully remain upbeat with the unveiling of the Communications vehicle by Clive and Margaret Elliott, parents of James.

The family have been greatly encouraged by the support and generosity of the general public in providing the funds for the vehicle and it will be a fitting tribute to the memory of James as well as the spirited attitude shown by the community in the past 12 months.

Just after 4 p.m., an inter Community Rescue Service games with representatives from all over Northern Ireland, will take place. Participants will be competing on an 'It's a knockout' basis with an assault course as one of the tasks.

All the festivities should be wrapped up by around 6 p.m. and then it's off to Gardner's Barn where a disco will take place. Doors are open from 8 p.m. onwards with music expected to start at 9 p.m. Admission to the disco is 5.

A barbecue will be in operation throughout Saturday and food will also be available at the disco.

On Sunday, there's a short church service at the Playing Field at 3.30 p.m. and the Elliott family are anxious the public will turn out and bring together eveyone in a spirit of harmony.

A spokesperson for Stranocum Development Group commented: "We would like to think this will become a yearly event and that even more good can come from it."