The Shared Neighbourhood Programme is three-year pilot programme aimed at supporting and encouraging shared neighbourhoods across Northern Ireland. It is mainly funded by the International Fund for Ireland and delivered by the Housing Executive. [caption id="attachment_24556" align="alignleft" width="400" caption="Dr. Eddie Rea, back left, Killyleagh Social Partnership, with Dave McClure, back right, NIHE South East Area Grounds' Manager,and Amanda Lennon, Ecoseeds Ltd, with pupils from Killyleagh Primary School and St. Mary's Primary School."][/caption] The programme aims to develop shared areas where people choose to live with others, regardless of their religion or race, in a neighbourhood that is safe and welcoming to all. Dr. Eddie Rea, Chairman of the Killyleagh Social Partnership, which is also supporting this initiative, said, “I wish to pay tribute to all the volunteers who work hard for the benefit of all the residents of Killyleagh. I am delighted to see the schoolchildren become involved in this project as it creates the right environment for establishing better values. I also wish to thank Dave and Tina Cowell for organizing additional planting in the display boat. This display will also add some colour to the area in the lead up to the Poppy Festival.” The pupils from the two schools will also be taking part in a colouring competition depicting wild flowers, and it is hoped to have their artwork displayed beside the planted area. ]]>