Taking to the heavens for church hall funds

Some of the team members from Drumlough Presbyterian Church who took part in a fundraising skydive. INUS Drumlough

The group took part in a sponsored skydive after 15-year-old Danielle Hanna decided she wanted to do a parachute jump to help raise some money for the new church hall.

So she asked her parents and her dad Steven agreed that he would join her in the venture, but that they would have to wait until after Danielle’s 16th birthday before they would be allowed to do the jump.

An appeal was made in church asking if anyone else would be interested in joining Danielle and Steven and before long four other thrill-seekers had signed up.

So, on Saturday 30th April Danielle and Steven, along with Avril Gibson, John Hook, Reggie Jess and Elaine Murdock (and a group of friends and family for support) headed up to the Wild Geese training Centre near Garvagh for their jump.

After a short training session, each team member got suited up and was introduced to the Wild Geese team member who would be their partner for the tandem jump. Jumping from a height of 10,000 feet, each pair did a free-fall for around 20 – 25 seconds before the parachute was deployed at 5,000 feet and then they drifted to the ground.

Despite proceedings having to be postponed for a short period due to a heavy rain shower coming through, the weather held up for all the Drumlough team to get their jumps done before lunchtime.

Everyone agreed afterwards that they had enjoyed it and to date the team have raised over £4000.

This is just one event in a series of activities Drumlough congregation has arranged to reach out to the local community. Their next event is scheduled for Saturday 11th June 2016 at the home of Mr and Mrs R Brown, Trillick House, Edentrillick Road, Hillsborough when they are planning a Garden Party and Afternoon Tea to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday, followed by a barbecue. There will be a range of stalls and activities for children with music provided by Bailliesmills Accordian Band & Commons Silver Band from Newry.

The Garden party is from 1.30 – 4.30 pm, admission – adults £5, children £2.50. The evening barbecue (ticket only) will be held from 5.00pm and tickets are available from Church committee member.