Launch of Killyleagh and Shrigley Community Website and Directory on Celebration Day coming on Sunday 27th April 2025
On Sunday 27 April, the launch of a new initiative for Killyleagh and Shrigley will take place – a “Community Celebration” – from 2-5pm in the Bridge Community Centre.
The xa0killyleaghandshrigley.co.ukxa0website will be launched with a community directory.
To date seventy community organisations are involved and they will be represented at the launch.
Ann Fee, former librarian in Killyleagh and committee member of Killyleagh Community Association, is one of the drivers behind the project
She said: “It’s so exciting to see the website getting up off the ground. There are so many groups working away in the area.
“Some of the groups some have been here for years and some are new.
“But it is great to have one place where you can find out who is doing what.
“And for those who don’t use smartphones or computers we also have a physical directory.
“We have been able to produce both the website and directory thanks to funding from the National Lotteries “Awards for All” project. “
Sean O’Brien, Chairperson of Killyleagh Community Association xa0and Kathleen Stockton Chairperson of Shrigley Community Association will officiate at the launch and they are enthusiastic about local support for the website.
Ann added: “We are lucky to live in a place where there is a lot of community spirit but we can’t take it for granted.
“In the old days nearly everyone here knew each other because they worked together in the mill or the tannery.
“We ‘Gathered’ at the Bridge Centre in January to make informal introductions and to discover how groups would like to take the project forward xa0and it was agreed that we should all meet again and celebrate the launch of the website and the directory.
Local artist Joanne McCrum wanted to add a bit of colour and fun to the website launch, so she got together with Down Community Arts for ideas.
Joanne said: “They have been so supportive. Our very own Cheryl Martin, a textile artist, has worked with five groups locally and they have created a magnificent piece of artwork connected to the area which will also be unveiled at the event”.
Refreshments will be served, and Alison Patterson and Glenn Millar of Killyleagh Community Association Volunteers have spearheaded the organisation of the celebration.
“We are sending an open invitation to the people of Killyleagh and Shrigley and the surrounding area to join us on what should prove to be a spectacular celebration of our local facilities.
“The majority of the groups involved are run entirely by volunteers who selflessly give of their time to enrich our community this is your opportunity to discover ‘who does what’, so join in the fun and thank them personally,” added Ann Fee.
Everyone is welcome!
