Millisle and District Community Association scoops Housing Executive rural award
Millisle and District Community Association in County Down has secured a £1,000 prize as part of this year’s Housing Executive’s Rural Community Awards.
Situated on the Ards Peninsula, this project offers many community activities which bring residents of the village together, particularly those living in social housing, the isolated and the elderly.
Held this year in The Lodge Hotel, Coleraine the annual Rural Community Awards event provides a showcase for individuals and groups undertaking outstanding volunteering work at grassroots level in rural areas across Northern Ireland, helping maintain local neighbourhoods and boosting civic pride.
Pictured at the Housing Executive Rural Community Awards ceremony in the Lodge Hotel are (l-r) Edith Rankin, member of Millisle and District Community Association; Colm McDaid, Supporting Communities; Jo Scott, Chairperson of Millisle and District Community Association; Patricia McQuillan MBE, Rural Residents Forum; and Frank O’Connor, Housing Executive North Regional Manager.
Eileen Thompson, Housing Executive Area Manager for Ards and North Down said, “A very big well done to the association on their well-deserved award as they took the top prize in our Community Spirit section.
“The impact this group has within their local community is huge, and their efforts to provide opportunities for residents are much valued.
“We in the Housing Executive are committed to supporting the group to continue to make a difference within their local community and are delighted they have been recognised through this award.”
Jo Scott, Chairperson for Millisle and District Community Association said, “We were absolutely delighted to have won this award. We go above and beyond to bring residents together, working in partnership with the local schools, churches and sports clubs.
“Events we have organised have included beach and village clean ups, a holocaust Memorial Day, Burns night festivities and other intergenerational projects.
“Our men’s shed and women’s groups are thriving and our community garden continues to be a fantastic resource for all kinds of groups throughout the year.
“The Housing Executive are a great partner to work with. We have been involved with them and the Housing Community Network here in Ards and North Down for many years.
“Our supporters have helped us do renovations and has funded many different projects.
“The money from this award will go into future projects to enhance the well-being of our community.”
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