BDCA held their Christmas Evening on Wednesday 5th December at the Village hall.
Chairperson Sean Hughes, welcomed everyone and introduced Fresh n Fly Pop Dancers who entertained a packed hall with some lovely dance routines. The Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Mr. Hamilton Gregory said that he was delighted to hear about the new youth club which had started in Ballygowan recently. He also thanked the BDCA, for the excellent fun festival which had taken place over the Jubilee weekend. Everyone then moved outside, for the switching on of the Christmas tree lights by Ruth and Jamie. When we all returned to the warmth of the hall, we settled down to listen to the choir from Alexander Dickson Primary School who sang a selection of Christmas Carols and Christmas Songs, the young voices blending beautifully together.
Many thanks to the choir and their teachers for joining with us at our christmas evening.
Santa appeared with lots of goodies in his sack, sweets for all the youngsters, with some of the adults also getting in on the act.After Santa left the hall, we were all entertained by a lively dance routine from three members of Ballygowan YC, Lauren, Rebecca and Tanisha. Well done girls you were brilliant.

Our thoughts then turned to food, as everyone enjoyed tea, coffee, mulled wine, sandwiches shortbread and mince pies, Many thanks to all involved with serving the refreshments. To round off the evening, Ballygowan Concert Flute Band led us as we sang carols, they also played some other pieces including an item from Sister Act and the Radetzky March. The band were congratulated on their recent success at the world championships, and we wish Mark and the members of the band continued success in the future.
Many thanks to the members of BDCA who planned and organised the christmas evening.
Wishing everyone a Happy Christmas and best wishes for 2013

Building Peace through the Arts – Re-Imaging Communities

Community-led funding programme opens in March 2013

The Arts Council of Northern Ireland is launching a major new funding programme to support communities across Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland to tackle sectarianism and racism in their areas. Grants from £500 - £50,000 will be available.

The ‘Building Peace through the Arts – Re-Imaging Communities’ programme will provide funding to local authorities, constituted community groups and voluntary organisations to employ artists to work with local communities on creative projects – large and small - that will promote tolerance and understanding.

Funding Information Sessions:

Wed 6^th March @ 5.30pm - The Studio, Ardhowen Theatre, Enniskillen

Thurs 7^th March @ 2pm - The Alley Arts Centre, Strabane

Tues 12^th March @ 2pm - The Burnavon Centre, Cookstown

Tues 12^th March @ 6pm - The Sean Hollywood Arts Centre, Newry

The Arts Council has organised a series of information sessions for anyone who wants to find out more about the new funding programme. Booking is not required.

The programme team will explain the support available and the application process.

Further details

For further details about the information session, please contact the Building Peace through the Arts – Re-Imaging Communities team on:

Tel: +44 (0) 28 9038 5228 from NI

Tel: 048 9038 5228 from ROI

Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Building Peace through the Arts – Re-imaging Communities is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, the International Fund for Ireland and the European Union, through the European Regional Development Fund, PEACE III funding distributed through OFMDFM and DECLG.

 

Building Positive Relations involves making the effort to find out about yourself and others,

treating others with respect, being inclusive and building relations between different parts of the community.

North Down Borough Council invite communities you to participate in their Building Positive

Relations Project funded by the EU's Peace programme.

The project aims to build positive relations, promote shared and integrated communities and address divided living through a range of community animation programmes including visits, events, festivals, training and workshops.

Uncover your living history through visits to cultural sites or experience other traditions and cultures by attending festivals.

Increase your knowledge, understanding  and skills with  the training  element of the project, provides a range of programmes and workshops suitable for all, on topics such as

Everyone has a contribution to make to the community they belong to and to build lasting peace.

If you are interested in finding out more contact Donna Mackey on 028 9127 0371 ext 6101 or

email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ">donna.mackey@northdown.gov.uk