Down District Actively Supporting 2014 Community Relations Week

Down District is supportingxa0Community Relations Week 2014 and its theme ‘Building a United Community’ with events planned as part of some 170 happening across Northern Ireland fromxa016 to 22 June.

Community Relations Weekxa0is organised by the Community Relations Council (CRC) and includes events run by local councils, public bodies, schools, and community and voluntary sector organisations.

Down events include a cross community Midsummer Celebration for seniors organised by the Harmony Community Trust on Thursday June 19 at Glebe House Kilclief. Participants from community groups in Down and Ards area are taking part in craft workshops to explore midsummer traditions in Ireland.

Down District Council have organised a bus tour of the High Crosses of Down onxa0Saturday June 21xa0which begins with a visit to Down County Museum’s exhibition ‘Digging our Faith: Exploring our Religious and Cultural Identity’. Advance booking is essential and the cost is £12 per person. Further details at Down County Museum 028 4461 5218.

The week will begin with its flagship event, the Community Relations Council policy conference entitled ‘Finish the Job’ atxa0at the 174 Trust, Duncairn Complex, Duncairn Avenue, Belfastxa0onxa0Monday June 16. Itxa0will consider how we mightxa0find ways to resolve the outstanding issues in the peace process.

Jacqueline Irwin, the CRC’s Chief Executive, said: “Building a united community is as urgent now as it was when the peace agreement was signed in 1998. We have plenty of examples of our capacity to slip back into animosity and old ways of thinking. There is no room for complacency.

“Community Relations Week is always an opportunity to showcase the great work that goes on quietly all year round to build and sustain relationships. It is a time to celebrate the ethnic and cultural diversity of our community and the many imaginative ways in which we are building a shared cultural region.

“We are grateful to everyone who is organising or attending events during the week. Your personal commitment to good community relations is changing this place. Your energy and enthusiasm is the fabric of our peace,” she added

A full listing of Community Relations Week events can be found at:

www.nicrc.org.uk

and printed programmes can be obtained from local libraries.