Members of Langley Road Residents Association have enjoyed a study visit to the Battle of the Boyne site and museum in Drogheda.
The Ballynahinch-based group travelled to the historic location on a trip facilitated by the EU Peace III funded Building Relationships in Communities (bric) Programme, a unique partnership between the Rural Development Council, Housing Executive and Tides Training.
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Members of the Langley Road Residents’ Association at the Battle of the Boyle site in Drogheda.[/caption]
The day-long visit brought the group up close and personal to the sights and sounds of one of the pivotal events in history and gave the participants a valuable insight into the facts and personalities at the heart of it all.
Andrew Steenson, Chairperson of Langley Road Community Association said: “This visit has given us a real feel for the events that took place here and the people involved.
“It has been a terrific learning experience for us all and we would like to thank the bric Programme and Housing Executive for making it possible. Our trip to the Boyne Museum has been both educational and entertaining for our group and has really helped give us a better understanding of the events that took place around there.”
Kerry McIvor, BRIC Programme Manager, said: “The bric Programme is working closely with almost 90 groups across Northern Ireland providing a range of activities, training and initiatives designed to develop and promote the benefits of good relations.
“Study visits like this are educational, entertaining and insightful for the groups involved and give a valuable understanding into events and personalities that have shaped life here. Improving and maintaining Good Relations is an integral component of the bric Programme and we are very excited to be able to support Langley Road Residents Association.”
Raj Thompson, Housing Executive Good Relations Officer, said: “The Housing Executive is delighted to be associated with the bric Programme and the invaluable work it does to help empower local residents as they work achieve their goals of creating neighbourliness and inclusiveness in all aspects of community life.
“Study and educational visits like this are just one essential element of the Programme and offer participants a fascinating insight into our shared history and the lessons that can be learned from it.”
For more information, please contact Jonathan Walmsley, Communications Officer for the bric Programme within the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council on 028 9043 8180 or 028 8676 6980.
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The Special EU Programmes Body is a North/South Implementation Body sponsored by the Department of Finance and Personnel in Northern Ireland and the Department of Finance in Ireland. It is responsible for managing two EU structural funds Programmes PEACE III and INTERREG IVA designed to enhance cross-border co-operation, promote reconciliation and create a more peaceful and prosperous society.
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