Pride Of Place Judges Visit East Down RCN

Community Health Initiative‘ by Down District Council. The ‘Pride of Place’ competition is aimed at recognising and celebrating the vital contributions that community and voluntary groups make to improving and creating civic pride in their areas. The competition’s focus is on people coming together to shape, change and enjoy all that is good about their area. Pride of Place also enables entrants to look at other groups’ undertakings and to learn from their experiences. Down Council Vice Chairman, Councillor Liam Johnston, said, “The East Down RCN has done an excellent on our area and I know first hand from the tremendous work they have done in the Ballymote area that they are very worthy of being nominated by Down District Council to this prestigous Ireland wide competition. “I wish them every success. Since the newtork was set up, it has generated a pool of voluntary workers who have made a huge difference to communities across the whole of East Down. They have added to the economic and social infrastructure by their commitment and efforts and this is a very deserved nomination.” The ‘Pride of Place’ judges, Mr Donal Connolly and Mr William Beattie, were welcomed to the ‘Ballymote Centre for Community & Business’ by the Vice-Chairman of Down District Council, Councillor Liam Johnston, and the Chairman of EDRCN, Mr Nick Moore. xa0During their visit, the judges received a presentation on the extensive and valuable work EDRCN does and visited projects in which the EDRCN has been involved with. The judges were introduced to representatives of the wide range community, voluntary and statutory organisations that EDRCN works with, and with whom that judges were keen to discuss the important role the Network plays in the life of the community. xa0In assessing entrants, the judges award marks for: Impact on Community, Innovation, xa0Sustainability, xa0Local Leadership Management, and Overall Impression. Now in its ninth year, the ‘Pride of Place’ competition is growing in terms of its prestige and popularity. The competition is run by Co-operation Ireland in partnership with the All-Island Local Authority Steering Forum, a forum which encourages strategic and sustainable approaches to cross-border co-operation by local authorities. xa0The winning entrants will be announced at an awards ceremony to be held in Gorey, North Wexford, on Saturday 5th November, 2011. Good luck EDRCN.]]>