STEPPING STONES The Newsletter of the South Area

Winter issue Funding Award for LACE

oughshore Access and Commu- nity Enterprise (LACE) has been Lawarded a Lottery grant to cre- ate a social enterprise that will help to breathe new life into the rural South Lough Neagh communities. LACE is one of two groups in the Craigavon area that have been of- fered grants totalling nearly £99,000 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Village SOS scheme which is supporting ru- ral communities across the UK to come together to improve facilities, services and opportunities for local people. The programme, which is now closed for applications, supports John McAlinden's visit with rural communities with less than Alan Emerson Chairman of LACE 3,000 people to develop plans for enterprising projects from commu- employed, to visit people’s homes next and they can get quite lonely.” nity run shops and pubs to energy in the area and carry out small tasks said Chairman Alan Emerson. or transport schemes, and craft or such as gardening, minor house re- The handyman scheme will help food projects. LACE plans to use its pairs and decorating. As well as cre- people with small jobs by offering grant of £50,000 to set up a commu- ating employment the business will reasonably priced skilled work. We nity handyman business offering a give the older people the chance to hope to create training in handy- range of services to isolated people chat and raise any worries or con- man skills which may lead to em- living in the South Lough Neagh cerns they have. ployment for local people who are area, which includes hamlets Der- “This is a deprived area where long term unemployed. ryinver, Derrytransa, , Kin- there are older people, people with nego, Aghagallon, The Birches and disabilities and those with mental ill . health who live alone and are quite LACE will employ local people, in- isolated. They often don’t get to cluding those who are long term un- see anyone from one week to the

Maximising Access to Service, Grants and Benefits in Rural Areas

The aim of the MARA project is to improve the health and wellbeing of people living in rural deprived areas in , by making them aware of, or helping them access local service, grants or benefits thus supporting those rural dwellers living in or at risk of poverty and social exclusion. For more info or to arrange an appointment please contact: Allison Slater, Project Manager Telephone: 028 4177 4248 or Email: [email protected] Loughshore ‘Lap’ Land

amilies from the Loughshore area got their wellies, scarves Fand hats on for an enjoyable family walk on Saturday 15th The event was organised in December 2012. Over 65 children partnership with Craigavon and adults attended the Christmas Council Active Communities and themed event. The children the PSNI Community Police. We received goody bags from Santa hope to arrange another event with fruit, water, toothbrushes, around Easter, and hope to see and compasses. you all there.

Loughshore Drop-In Clinics

oughshore Drop-In Clinics have Benefits Entitlements Unit. to whatever branch they need to been very successful in the past Barbara Johnson, Benefits Entitle- contact. I also have organised Lfew months. ment Unit: forms to be issued to clients Many clients have saved a lot of I have helped past clients by and have advised them of the out- money on their homes with the giving them general benefit advice, reach service available to them if Warmer Homes Scheme and some specific benefit advice relating to they are vulnerable and need help have gained valuable advice from their personal circumstances and in their own home to complete the Citizens Advice Bureau and the have been able to signpost clients forms etc."

Below are our future drop-in clinics, please call to book a space.

Organisation Dates & Times Service

The Benefits Entitlement Unit help Benefits Entitlement Mon 21st Jan 2013 (2pm-5pm) to ensure that you are accessing Unit Mon 25th Feb 2013 (2pm-5pm) all the benefits you are entitled to Mon 25th Mar 2013 (2pm-5pm) and can receive any back payment due. This service is available for all age groups.

The Warmer Homes Scheme Warmer Mon 21st Jan 2013 (2pm-5pm) ensures that anyone who owns or Homes Mon 25th Feb 2013 (2pm-5pm) privately rents their home receives Mon 25th Mar 2013 (2pm-5pm) a qualifying benefit or tax credit to have free insulation or heating measures installed in their home. This service is available to everyone who rents or owns their home.

Citizens Advice Bureau has Citizens Advice Mon 21st Jan 2013 (10am-1pm) extensive experience in offering Bureau free, confidential help on welfare, consumer, financial and legal matters. Advocacy help and sign-posting also available.

Visit us at: Ground Floor, 1 Annaloist Road, Kinnego

Free, confidential one-to-one advice available by appointment. To book contact Louise on 02838317898 or email: [email protected]

2 2013 Men's Heath Days een meaning to make that area! Come along and get a free No appointment necessary. GP appointment? Feel the basic health check, free fitness Btime is right to get healthier? checks, information on diabe- For more information contact Loughshore’s free, confidential tes, dealing with stress and much Louise on T:028 3831 7898 or health days are coming to your more… email: [email protected] The Birches & Maghery Areas Derryadd & Areas Derrymore & Aghagallon Areas January 26th 2013 February 23rd 2013 March 16th 2013 - 11am-3pm 11am-3pm 11am-3pm at Aghagallon HIB Hall, at Milltown Church Hall at St. Patricks Primary School, Whitehall Road Derrymacash A Look back the 2012 Men Health Days

ll-Ireland final weekend pro- vided a great opportunity to Aencourage men from a num- ber of local GAA clubs to check out their health. Loughshore Access Project along with the Man Matters Project organised a Men’s Health Day in Sarsfields Gaelic Foot- ball Club in . The event provided the oppor- tunity for men to access free basic health checks, free basic eye checks, free mini Boxercise sessions and even free smoothies! The men who attended also had the opportunity to get some useful information on a big issue which doesn’t get much how to handle stress and to speak attention. It’s very good to see it to a number of other organisations being brought to the forefront and about the services they can provide great to see it being brought to the for men. heart of communities, especially Declan McAlinden, Chairman of rural communities like our own. Sarsfields GFC and local SDLP coun- Rural men find it particularly diffi- cil representative on Craigavon cult trying to get to the GP during Borough Council said; “It’s been standard opening hours. The Man- very good to see the local commu- Van has been wonderful, lots of nity come out strongly to support a men getting MOTs, it’s great to see. Men’s Health Event. Men’s Health is Thank you.” 2013 Men's Programme

Are you a man over 16 living in the Loughshore area? Get healthy in 2013 9 week FREE programme Starting Wednesday 30th January, 7pm – 9pm Maghery Community Centre

Register now - Places Limited

Programme Includes: • Free Health Checks • Free Weekly Class • Free Gym Use • Information and Advice

For further information contact: Alex McMeekin, Closing the Gap Phone: 075 0077 2905 Email: [email protected]

3 Attention Grandparents who are childminders! Would you like to meet up with fellow grandparents for a cuppa and a chat while you’re grandparenting? Have a look at what things you could do together in the community to support you and your grandchildren? The first grandparent and baby/toddler get together takes place on Thursday 31st January, 9.30-11am, at Sarsfield Community Hall, Hall Rampart, Derrytrasna. Fresh scones, tea or coffee along with a chat! All grandparents and grandchildren welcome. For info or help with transport, contact Louise on T:028 3831 7898 or email: [email protected]

Neighbourhood Watch

he Loughshore Access Proj- If you would like more information Anyone who would like more ect has held three successful on starting a Neighbourhood Watch information on Neighbourhood Tneighbourhood watch meet- Team, please contact the Lough- Watch or would like to sign up for ings throughout the South Lough shore Access Project or Lynette one in their area is welcome. shore areas. After the meeting for Burke from the Craigavon Policing Please bring two passport photos the Derrytrasna/Derrymacash ar- and Community Safety Partnership. along on the night along with your eas, a Neighbourhood Watch Team The next Neighbourhood watch survey. started in the Charlestown Road meeting will take place on Tuesday Please call Louise on T: 028 3831 area. They are awaiting the signage 5th February 2013, 8.00pm at the 7898 to get a copy of a survey. which will be up in the New Year. Kinnego office.

4 outh Lough Neagh's first Fam- Free security tagging of tractors, ty, education opportunities, free ily Farm Health & Safety Eve- trailers and machinery available health checks also available. A light Sning takes place on Tuesday from The PSNI on the evening. You supper will be served. 5th March 2013, 7pm-10pm at can also arrange for the PSNI to do For more information call Louise Meadows Equestrian Centre, Kin- a home visit to tag your equipment. on T:028 38 317898 or email: info@ nego. Information and talks on farm safe- lap.uk.com

Tommy Glenny’s Book Review Reviewed by Graham Brown, Director, InHouse Publications, THE GROUND WE STAND ON Co .

y way of introduction I wish to say that there in times past. His stories are always enter- local historian Thomas Glenny’s new book taining recalling businesses and characters long B‘The ground We Stand On’ is a well re- gone. searched history of north Co. Armagh and in The section entitled 'The Moss Men of The its 250 pages this Birches author unfolds for us Birches’ illustrates as to how important the peat stories which start in the local but industry once was to the local economy and he spread to involve people far removed by geog- underscores his narrative with some humorous raphy and time. accounts associated with the now forgotten la- In particular his tale of local born man Rob- bour force. His research into the families who ert Hart who went on to modernize China in the laboured to extract peat from the bogs reveals tales of nineteenth century gives an interesting insight into a help, kindness, and generosity among those who had man and his family connections while the scope of his little to spare. achievements and respect in which he was held around Liberally illustrated with eye catching photography the world are breathtaking. Who knew for instance overall the book is a compelling read not only for the that Norway presented him with the Grand Order of St. local but for those interested in Irelands past, and with- Olaf, or that he was honoured by Italy, Belgium, France out doubt will appeal wholeheartedly to the many ex- Japan, Russia, China, Japan, Holland, Portugal, Austria, iles and their descendants, who once left this land to USA, The Vatican, not to mention the U.K.! seek a life in the wider realm. Thomas Glenny is well known as a modern day poet Copies may be obtained from Winnie’s Newsagents and he makes good use of verse and song from many Woodhouse Street; Wright’s Filling Station, Derry- ages past to illustrate and enliven the pages of this keeven; South Lough Neagh Regeneration Associa- comprehensive book. He has a wonderful knowledge tion’s offices T: 028 3885 2550 and from Tommy on of shops and businesses in Portadown having worked T:028 3885 1795

Interested in learning digital photography? How about beginners’ computers? Adult Education Or conversational Spanish for that next holiday?

Enrolement The Southern Regional College and Loughshore Access Project have teamed up to Evening deliver an exciting new community education programme right on your doorstep. 10 week courses available at affordable cost … Come along to the info/enrolment evening Monday 4th February 2013, 7.00pm – 8.00pm at Loughshore Access Project, Ground Floor, Emerson Stone Centre Building, Kinnego.

For info or help with transport, Contact Louise on Telephone: 028 38317898 or Email: [email protected]

5 Loughshore Rural Youth Together Event

ver 300 young people from the rural Loughshore area Oof Craigavon Borough en- joyed a summer get together event on Saturday 11 August in Sarsfields Grounds, Der- rytrasna; even the weather was on our side. This event coincided with the closing of the four Summer Schemes which took place during the summer months in the Agha- gallon/Derrymore, , The young people participated in Mc Alinden said, "I was delight- Derrytrasna and Maghery/Birches a diverse range of inclusive, edu- ed with the huge turnout at the areas. cational, interactive workshops event and already the plans are The event was financially sup- and fun related activities that in- in place for next year. I want to ported by the South Lough Neagh creased their awareness of diver- thank the Leaders of each Youth Regeneration Association under sity and understanding of others Group and the young leaders for its SOAR funded - Access to Basic and enhanced good relations in a all their help on the day and in- Health & Wellbeing Programme, safe and welcoming environment. deed when the Mayor of Craiga- RCN’s Rural Enabler Programme Other activities provided on the von Cllr. Carla Lockhart visited us funded by the European Peace III day promoted the importance of she commented on how impressed programme, PSNI – Lurgan Neigh- exercise and healthy eating. she was with the event and the bourhood Team and supported Organiser of the event Louise volunteer input”. by South Lough Neagh Good Re- lation’s Programme funded by In- ternational Fund for Ireland the SELB Craigavon Loughshore Youth Initiative, the Craigavon Borough Council’s Active Communities Coaches, Classic Mineral Water and Sarsfields GAA committee.

DART Training Opportunities

The 'Community Transport in Northern Ireland' site, managed by the Community Transport Association, represents a wide variety of opera- tors who provide accessible door-to-door and group travel services to community groups, older people and people with disabilities on a non- profit making basis throughout Northern Ireland. A community trans- port operator can be located in most parts of the country, in both urban and rural areas.

MIDAS Training Opportunities Available

If you need more information please contact with Alan Gilmore from DART on T:02838 317810 or email: [email protected]

6 Programme of Irish History Talks Understanding ‘A Decade of Centenaries’ and its impact on society

The programme is FREE and will be fun, interactive which will commemorate a sequence of events of the and encouraging, and will generate thought and shared history of Northern Ireland. The programme discussion around this interesting topic. will raise awareness of Good Relations issues in relation to these events and will explore the back- Programme Content ground and history of the decade of centenaries in preparation for the upcoming commemorations. 1815 Campaign against Penal Laws 1870’s Land Crisis Begins Venue – Maghery Community Hall 1885 – 1906 Land Acts Passed Open to adults over 16 years 1905 Ulster Unionist Council Formed 28/09/1912 Ulster Day The programme will run over 4 Evenings 31/01/1913 Official Formation of the UVF April 1914 Larne Gun Running in March 2013 March 1914 The Curragh ‘Mutiny’ Refreshments provided August 1913 The Lockout August 1916 Roger Casement Executed The Programme will be facilitated by Tides Training April 1916 The Easter Rising and is OCN NI Accredited for those wishing to obtain a Certificate Programme overview No homework and no exams

The programme has been developed to prepare in- Places are limited to 16 so please contact dividuals and community representatives for the up- Mary or Bernie on T:028 3885 2550 coming decade of centenaries. Over the next 10 years, or email: [email protected] Northern Ireland will see a series of impact centenaries for more information and to book a place.

Derrytrasna Play Group - Official Opening

he new Playgroup in Derrytrasna opened its doors in September 2012 delivering Tpreschool education to local children. The Playgroup has also extended its opening by of- fering a breakfast club and after school club as part of the services. There are still a few places available for this school year and already the Play- group and Afterschool Club are tak- ing applications for the 2013/2014 As a celebration of all the Good Relations work school year. For more information which has taken place in Derrytrasna throughout please contact Deirdre on T:028 2012 the parents and children from Derrytrasna 3834 0295 Playgroup set of balloons with messages on the first day back in class of 2013.

7 ported bylocalbusinesses. sup- and Affairs, Foreign of Department the and land, Ire- for Fund International the Council, Borough rone Ty- South & Council, Borough Craigavon Borough Council’sMayor,MrFéilimGildernew. ness ofoursharedculturalpast. aware- create to harmony in together work to people local for opportunities create and area Neagh Lough “This event will further promote the uniqueness of the later intheevening. proceedings the finished stories and music with quet been witnessed in 1,200 years, and a grand Viking Ban- the variousskillsofera. of displays as well as camps and villages re-enact- Viking ments, battle featured – day the through old, and cessful event – which drew massive crowds; both young suc- hugely The Society. Historical Neagh Lough South and Association Regeneration Neagh Lough South by ever Viking Festival organised at first panic, the of part were day to the of events the as need though, no was There pyre. funeral blazing on a own their of one to farewell bade and battle did The Vikings–Return h Vkns vn rcie fnig rm OFMDFM, from funding received Event Vikings The The event was opened by Dungannon & South Tyrone said, Greenaway Robert member, committee Event hasn’t which sight a Lough, the on sailed Longboats M Come toMaghery ot rwd y crs f iig warriors Viking of scores by rowed long- boats 2 when Vikings’, the of ‘invasion the saw Neagh Lough and Park Country aghery The Vikings Produced by South LoughNeagh Regeneration Association Tel: 02838852550Fax: 02838852552Email: [email protected] 1 Maghery BusinessCentre,1 Maghery Road, Maghery DungannonBT71 6PA Charity No. XR84678 Company Registration No. NI056142 S homemade mealfromeachcentre. delicious a finish to and crafts and food, values, ily fam- customs, on discussions lively were There each day. on held was workshop awareness cultural A group the between connections social build To 6. communities BME of integration the support To 5. and experiences shared on dialogue promote To 4. BME and women local with made links foster To 3. 2. To enhance the understanding local women have 1. The Objectivesofthestudyvisit: friendship. and build ground, common find experiences, and learning share region, the in living families ethnic in order to improve their understanding of different communities BME with engage to opportunities for attended eachevent. women rural 35 approx. event Society in each At Polish Portadown. the to visit the of finished it and in Centre Indian the to was visit second the Belfast, in centre Chinese the to visit a was first The The purpose of this visit is in response to the need the to response in is visit this of purpose The Culture Awareness Visits Culture Rural Women the regions. in living women immigrant other and members in theareathroughsharedlearning cultural identity groups locallyandelsewhere of differentculturesandexperiences. grounds. back- ethnic diverse from women with interact To broaden the opportunities for local women to eie tre utr aaees programmes. awareness culture three deliver to Network Community Rural with up teamed Association Regeneration Neagh Lough outh

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