Video conference first for Craigavon and sister city

Members of the Craigavon Sister City International Committee, including Mayor of Craigavon, Alderman Stephen Moutray spoke with Mayor of LaGrange, Jeff Lukken, city councillors and officials together with members of the LaGrange International Friendship Exchange Committee.

The meeting was made possible by Paul Moorehead, helped by students at Lurgan Junior High School, who has developed a facility to webcast local events around the world.

The format was relaxed and allowed an opportunity for updates to be given on various projects, local economic situations as well as the Arts. The Kia car plant which had recently opened in LaGrange, had created major employment opportunities with many spin-off businesses having been made possible.

Mayor of LaGrange, Jeff Lukken congratulated Alderman Moutray, on his appointment as Mayor of Craigavon and both extended invitations to the other to visit their respective areas.

Chairman of the Craigavon SCI Committee, Councillor Kenneth Twyble stated: “It was wonderful to meet with old friends, even in a virtual sense.”

The new Millennium Arts Centre arts director, Jackie Barker discussed plans for an artist and exhibit exchange with her predecessor, Megan Johnson, who is the new arts director of the LaGrange Art Museum.

Colin Elliot, from Portadown, was also present at the meeting having arrived in LaGrange 30 minutes before it started, together with Grand Ole Oprey star George Hamilton IV as part of a sister city project.

Speaking after the video-conference, Lewis Porter, SCI Liaison Officer, said: "With new personnel having taken over at the head of LaGrange College and West Georgia Tech, the use of such technology will facilitate the establishment of good working relationships with these organisations in the future."

Committee members paid tribute to Mr Moorehead and to the students - who had stayed after school on the last day before the summer break to facilitate the video link.