Celebrating 10 Years

1998 - 2008 Rural People, Rural Voice, Rural Pride. CELEBRATING 10 YEARS Minister’s Foreword // page 3 // page Foreword Minister’s Development Manager’s Report // page 7 Manager’s Development Board Membership // page 5 Membership Board Introduction // page 4 Introduction ‘Ear to the ground’ // page 8 - 9 ‘Ear to the ground’ Staff & Management // page 20 Financial Reports // page 22 - 23 Chairman’s Report // page 6 Chairman’s Highlights // page 16 - 17 Projects // page 10 - 15 // page 10 Projects Thanks To Funders // page 21 Funders To Thanks Timeline // page 18 - 19

Contents 2 Minister’s Foreword Minister’s Foreword

I am delighted as Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Programme and particularly how it can benefit Development to write this foreword to the TADA Rural their lives. Community Network’s Annual Review 2007/2008. Finally, I want to congratulate the TADA team for another It is now ten years since TADA was established. What a journey successful year. from those early days working with one Development worker, to the opening of the new offices in April 2007, and now This Annual Review demonstrates the excellent achievements providing employment for ten members of staff! That is indeed reached throughout the year and clearly illustrates the very some achievement and I congratulate you on it. I am pleased to valuable contribution that TADA makes to local rural note that the focus of TADA’s work during these changing times communities. I commend it to you. has not deviated from your original mission of providing high quality support to meet the needs of local rural communities. MICHELLE GILDERNEW MP MLA Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development I am glad that my Department continues to have a role in this important work and that new developments and opportunities 3 are happening. I was particularly delighted that the Executive ent pm gave support to my proposal for a Rural White Paper in April elo ev past. This will be the first Rural White Paper for the North and D al is a very important development. The paper will provide the ur R opportunity and allow for the development of an integrated, & cohesive and transparent approach to rural issues across re u lt government. u ic r g A

Also in July 2007, I announced the approval by the EU f o

Commission of the Northern Ireland Rural Development r

e t

Programme 2007 – 13. Funding from this programme will be s i

n available for a range of activities, such as diversification into i

non-agricultural activities, micro-business creation and -

development, the encouragement of tourism activities, basic w

services, village renewal and the development and conservation r

l of the rural heritage. Work on this new programme is well i

advanced and new Local Action Groups will soon be setting

about the business of getting money on to the ground. I e

c believe this new money will present real opportunities to further i

improve the quality of life in rural areas. I know that TADA, who M are represented on the Local Action Group, and the other support organisations will work with my Department in helping to ensure that local people know about the Rural Introduction Introduction

TADA Rural Support Network is one of 12 Rural Support Networks across Northern Ireland, and works in partnership with Rural Community Network and Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network.

TADA Rural Support Network is part core-funded by DARD, Banbridge Council, Craigavon Council, Lisburn Council and Southern Health and Social Care Trust.

We are a membership-led organization, with 128 members and associate members. Our Board of Management is composed of 14 representatives from across the geographic areas of Tyrone Antrim Down and Armagh.

Our Vision To create a rural community which is confident, vibrant and dynamic; 4 a community which is recognized on equal terms with its urban neighbours and one where social and economic wellbeing, together with equality of opportunity for all, are established on the twin pillars of a structured, stable and settled rural way of life for all its citizens.

Our Mission To help sustain vibrant local communities in rural areas through the development and support of all rural community groups and individuals by providing information, advocacy, capacity building and partnership working with all other relevant bodies.

Our Aims and Objectives To support and meet the needs of rural communities in The Armagh, Down and Antrim rural areas by:

l Investing in the capacity of people and communities in rural areas which seek to create change where it is needed; l Actively engaging people in rural communities to increase their influence in the decision making process that affect their every day lives; l Encouraging the development of partnerships between the community, voluntary and statutory sectors for the sustainability of rural communities; l Advocating on behalf of rural communities in The Armagh, Down, Antrim areas; l Providing direct support, information, networking and group development.b Board Members TADA Board Member

When I first joined the Management Committee, little did I think 10 years on, I would be asked to write about being a Board member. I must say, there have been great changes over the years. As TADA’s role expanded, so did the staff, the office premises, the number of Board members, and the commitment.

Training for the Board members became more important. We attended workshops and seminars, discovering skills we never knew we possessed and finding there were more we needed to acquire. With each move to different premises, there were more projects to manage on a larger scale, requiring more supervision and commitment, especially on the part of the Chairperson.

Over ten years on and several Development Officers later, I 5 hope I have contributed somewhat to the vibrant and hard working group of people that constitutes TADA. Being a Board member has given me an insight into what can be achieved by a management committee of volunteers who are trying to make their rural voices heard.

Eleanor Barr

Over the years as Chair, it has been a pleasure working with the with working a pleasure it has been as Chair, years the Over on volunteers and the dedicated and past, both present staff, it to where grow helped this organisation who have the Board with I know could not exist. TADA volunteers, Without is today. Board returning of all the staff, and persistence the commitment to grow will continue TADA members, Board and new members our services needs of our local groups. to meet the and develop Jim Dickson Chairman’s Report Chairman’s in we met nights the first one of remember clearly I can rural up a discuss setting to ago, ten years Lawrencetown, the from of representatives A number support organisation. the around voluntary statutory and sectors were community, to support something was needed It was decided that table. their to improve funding available in accessing the rural groups local communities. a funding for for applied up and we drawn A constitution was At that was the first member of staff. Angela McCann worker. able were and office in Lawrencetown, based in an were we time, we beginning, In the Harvey. Lynne an administrator, to recruit and doing building up the membership started off very slowly, It needed. what help the groups to discover work ground mostly but on a to do today, continue we was very similar to the work smaller scale. much Aiden McCullagh took up post and Angela moved, After in the organisation further to premises moving by developed funding was at it peak, Peace that time, Around Waringstown. of a number for Aidan was successful in securing funding and in Banbridge and Lisburn. programmes development community as did the large amounts of funding grew, The staff numbers on Aiden moved Then our member groups. for Aiden secured Manager in Southern Development to become the Community post as Development and Grainne Close took up her Trust, TADA. Manager of Grainne changes. been many have there years, In the last few and to develop continue to TADA for that in order recognised that to premises move to have the organisation would expand, to become the Board She has encouraged had disabled access. to tirelessly Grainne has been working and involved. active more services TADA’s of the organisation and develop raise the profile been very and knowledgeable staff have TADA’s All of further. making unique skills to the job, bringing their own working, hard the organisation what it is today.

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Chairman’s Report 6

Development Manager’s Report 7

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At another level, TADA represents the views of rural people of rural views the represents TADA level, At another partnerships and boards strategic Southern within the on key Partnership Safety and the Banbridge Community including area, on representatives have now We Health. for Investing Southern “cluster” areas the of in two (LAG) Action Groups the Local the delivery of the rural people for of the views representing 2007 – 2013. Programme Rural Development change changes; internal and external many been so have There staff has demonstrated their TADA implies uncertainty. participating fully organisation by and commitment to the and I value the contribution in the change process. engaging fully they how the staff and respect from perspectives different working, dedicated and hard focused, stay to continue of our purpose. and understanding loyalty demonstrating their this important milestone has achieved TADA I am delighted that as it highlights commitment and anniversary, of its 10 year who have and to our funders dedication of our voluntary board hope that as long as We the years. supported us throughout a to deliver will be here TADA need support, rural communities high quality service is of value and significance to rural that communities. Grainne Close

council in the Community Support Plan are met. Support met. council in the Community Plan are community to ensure the aims and objectives set out by the set out by the aims and objectives to ensure community knowledge, skills, expertise with the and relationships skills, knowledge, community organisation is good practice. TADA has the has the TADA practice. organisation is good community This form of partnership a local council and a This form between Community Support Plan for the Banbridge District Council. Support District Council. Community the Banbridge Plan for TADA was successful in securing the tender to deliver the was successful in securing the tender to deliver TADA represent in the last ten years? in the last ten years? represent investment TADA has levered into the geographic areas we we areas into the geographic has levered TADA investment would those figures look like if we were to calculate the to calculate were we if look like those figures would £228,537 income we generated for the organisation. What What the organisation. for generated £228,537 income we into the rural areas we represent. This is not inclusive of the This is not inclusive represent. we into the rural areas TADA has levered in £370,000 of grant –aid, this year alone, alone, this year in £370,000 of grant –aid, has levered TADA like TADA to exist. to exist. TADA like in our communities. This is why it is important organisations for This is why in our communities. which impacts on everyone, but especially the most vulnerable but especially which impacts on everyone, the global economy is forcing an increase in the cost of living, in the cost of living, an increase is forcing the global economy turbulence at local, national and global levels. The downturn in The downturn levels. national and global turbulence at local, delivery in rural areas. All sectors are currently in a state of currently All sectors are delivery in rural areas. for TADA’s Board and Staff as we rethink the future of service the future rethink and Staff as we Board TADA’s for This year, in particular, has presented a number of challenges a number has presented in particular, This year, the full extent of its success. success. the full extent of its been launched; we will have to wait until February to measure to wait until February to measure will have we been launched; communities. I-Member is new, six-month pilot that has recently has recently six-month pilot that I-Member is new, communities. people to discuss and debate issues that are important rural debate issues that are to people to discuss and ‘Bee on Your Bonnet’ successfully brought together over 240 together over brought Bonnet’ successfully Your ‘Bee on community involvement: I-Member and ‘Bee on Your Bonnet’. Bonnet’. Your ‘Bee on and I-Member involvement: community how we disseminate information and promote promote and disseminate information we how year we tried out a couple of new ideas to creatively improve improve ideas to creatively a couple of new tried out we year change, an advocate, lobbyist, bridge builder and networker. This builder and networker. bridge lobbyist, an advocate, change, comprehend the importance of TADA’s role as a catalyst for for as a catalyst role TADA’s the importance of comprehend all that we have carried out. It is not until this point that I fully I fully point that until this It is not out. carried have all that we Every year the organisation takes a step back and reflects upon upon and reflects a step back takes the organisation Every year Development Manager’s Report Manager’s Development Ear to the ground

Michael Hughes, “A silk purse from a sow’s ear” Liam Hannaway Rosemary Davis Rural Community Network Banbridge District Council Moira Friendship group

“When I reflect on the development of the TADA Rural Support Network, I am amazed “It has been a pleasure to work with TADA “Moira Friendship Group has been a member at how much progress has been made across a geographical area which has no direct over the past 10 years. It has established itself of TADA for over the past five years. TADA linkages with each other. For the Tyrone, Armagh, Down and Antrim Network, there was as one of the leading proactive rural networks has always been willing to give help and advice a distinct feeling that they may have got the dregs, the areas that no-one else wanted or in the region. Its work in highlighting the on any concerns we may have. 8 could be fitted in neatly to a distinct geographical area. shortfall in services for rural areas and childcare issues has made TADA a national “TADA are champions for the Rural “But from those early informative days based in CIDO, to the current spacious offices in name. The Council is thankful for the Communities – a very good organisation to CARN, TADA’s Board, members groups and the staff have worked tirelessly in engagement of TADA on our Local Strategy be identified with, endeavouring to bring the developing a Rural Support Network that is pro-active on the ground, supporting rural Partnership, Community Safety Partnership Rural Communities together with communities in many practical ways whilst at the same time being influential in changing and indeed for holding officer positions in interesting topics and relative up to date practice and policy especially among service providers. these organisations. Its innovative approach to information with their programmes.” many social issues, e.g. the ‘Creative I’ Scheme, “These developments are critical at the local, this key engagement with the ‘experts at has enhanced the reputation of the Banbridge Rosemary Davis being rural’ the rural dweller also feeds into policy and decision making at the regional District. Chairperson level. Rural Community Network as the regional rural voluntary organisation places huge importance on the support provided by the RSNs which enhances its work on issues of “I am delighted to congratulate TADA on this poverty, disadvantage, inequality and discrimination. TADA has made several timely momentous milestone.” contributions to RCN by its work in planning, health, education, transport, equality, anti-racism and community relations. This co-operative working demonstrates the Liam Hannaway unique value of a rural community development infrastructure for Northern Ireland. Chief Executive Officer “To all those who have been involved with TADA over the years, may I, as Chief Executive Officer for RCN, pay a special tribute for your immense generosity of time, your willingness to share expertise and your unstinting interest in the well being of our rural communities. The next time you hear some-one say that you ‘cannot make a silk purse out of a sow’s ear,’ perhaps you might want to reflect on what the TADA RSN has achieved.

“Given its lack of critical geographical togetherness, this could have been the sow’s ear, but through sheer hard work and a passion for rural communities, this ear has become a silk purse, a Rural Support Network which delivers for rural people in a way that matters to them.” Michael Hughes Chief Executive Officer Ear to the ground

Dr.Gillian Rankin Jim Flanagan Lyn Donnelly Joanne Gallagher Southern Health and Social Care Trust Gilford Community Club Southern Investing for Health Orchard Playgroup, Ballyheagan

“The Southern Health and Social Care Trust “Without TADA Rural Support Network, “We, in Southern Investing for Health “The Orchard Playgroup is a small rural welcomes this opportunity to commend I don’t know where we would be. TADA Partnership, are delighted to have TADA community playgroup. The playgroup is run TADA Rural Support Network for its major has been a great help to our community Rural Support Network as a core partner by a volunteer committee - the majority of contribution in working collaboratively to group, helping us secure £107,000 in the and to work with them on key issues whom are mothers of children attending the playgroup. Since becoming members promote health and wellbeing within and last 18 months to refurbish our community relating to health and wellbeing. Their 9 between rural communities over the last 10 hall. The staff are great and always willing strong links with and to local communities of TADA Rural Support Network, we have years. to go the extra mile in making sure we get have proved invaluable to the Partnership enjoyed a range of support including what we need. There were most definitely and we are especially pleased that they accessible advice, advocacy, training for “Through providing a representative rural times we felt it was all beyond us, but being implement the Community Energy committee members and networking voice and building capacity to identify and involved with TADA gave us the confidence Efficiency Programme on our behalf, which opportunities. This support has been address rural health inequalities, the in ourselves to know we could do it. It has been recognised as a model of best invaluable to us as it has given us the skills Southern Health and Social Care Trust was great for us to get involved; we have practice in addressing Fuel Poverty and and confidence we need to work towards recognizes TADA Rural Support Network learned so much by attending the Energy Efficiency.” improving the service we offer local as a key partner which has had a significant networking events, information sessions families. impact in promoting social inclusion in rural and seeing other groups gave us the hope Lyn Donnelly areas, combating social deprivation and and determination we needed. Manager SIHP “Running a community playgroup in a sustaining a vibrant and empowered rural rural area has many challenges. There community.” “Now we take great pride in our were times when we, as a committee, felt building and what we have achieved to date. like giving up. We will always be grateful Dr.Gillian Rankin It has given our committee the confidence to TADA for the support and help they Director of primary care, SHSCT we need and injected life back into our gave. I believe TADA made the difference community. We hope to work with TADA that kept us going. We are now looking in the incoming months to help us plan and forward to developing the services we develop our programme for 2009.” offer families with TADA’s continued help and support.” Jim Flanagan Secretary Joanne Gallagher Chairperson Projects Mural visits Managing Positive Change development organisations, we are using a community development approach to implement the project. TADA Rural Support Network, in partnership with Rural Community Network (RCN) and the 11 other sub-regional Each of the Working Groups described above are comprised of Rural Support Networks (RSNs), is implementing a project staff and board members from across the partner entitled ‘Managing Positive Change’. ‘Managing Positive organisations. This is important from the point of view of Change’, which is funded through the Department for Social negotiating change, ensuring ownership of the process of change, Development’s Modernisation Fund, challenges RCN and the as well as the changes which may result. Delivering on project RSNs to critically explore modernisation. objectives is only made possible because of the commitment and investment of all the project partners. A number of areas of work have been identified as part of the modernisation challenge. These areas of work form a framework In rising to the challenge of change, we must also be mindful of which sets out the collective commitments of all the project changes in the operating environment, such as the outcome of partners. To assist in taking this work forward, four working the Review of Public Administration which in 2011 will see the groups have been established: creation of 11 new Super Councils for Northern Ireland, the development of Local Action Groups as the delivery mechanisms

10 Mural visits Services & Support: for the Rural Development Programme 2007-2013, as well as the l tasked with identifying the core community creation of 8 Peace III Council clusters. How best can a regional development services and support which the infrastructure rural networking infrastructure interface with these? This is one should deliver to rural communities locally, sub-regionally and of a number of questions the ‘Managing Positive Change’ project regionally will address.

Performance Management & Quality Standards: Across Frontiers l tasked with implementing a performance management and quality standard for the infrastructure The programme was funded by the Rural Development Council EU Programme for Peace and Reconciliation, Measure 1.11-- Membership: Rural Reconciliation and Regeneration. l tasked with exploring options for single membership The aims of the Programme were: Connections: l to support communities in the rural Lisburn area l tasked with working towards strengthening partnerships and l to address rural reconciliation encouraging the establishment of new ones which promote l to promote community leadership through a community greater collaboration in order to deal more effectively with development framework issues affecting rural communities The Across Frontiers Project aimed to help communities in rural Currently, TADA Rural Support Network, RCN, the 11 RSNs Lisburn address the issues that might affect them as they move and the Northern Ireland Rural Women’s Network (NIRWN) forward into a new future of mutual understanding, collectively comprise a Northern Ireland-wide rural community reconciliation, and co-operation. The process of reconciliation development networking infrastructure. In order for the was looked at on the basis of how participants, and society in infrastructure to remain appropriate in the midst of changes in general, deals with the past (trauma, in particular), addresses government, the infrastructure must change also. Though intergenerational learning, and how to look towards a long-term partnering in this work, we are all independent organisations, interdependent future. This was done by training participants in each with our own Board of Directors. As community a Community Leadership Programme, and taking participants on Projects a range of site visits—locally in Northern Ireland, internationally Bosnia Bosnia trip to Bosnia, and Cross-Border to Ballina, Republic of Ireland. Thirteen participants travelled from Northern Ireland to Community Leadership Programme Sarajevo for a study visit from 14th April 2008 to 18th April 2008. During the four-day visit, the group met with governmental The overall purpose of the Community Leadership Programme bodies and NGOs. The group learnt a lot from the study visit training was to build confidences and capacity within rural about the political and socio-economic problems in Sarajevo communities in Lisburn, thereby promoting and raising the today. It was interesting to see what actions are being taken profile of positive role models and leaders. The programme at community level in Bosnia, post-conflict, and also to meet endeavoured to be an innovative and creative way of addressing with groups and organisations involved in building relationships issues that have prevented the two communities from moving between communities. forward. The Community Leadership Programme took place over five weeks in Hillsborough, from 13th November 2007 until Across Frontiers was a two year pilot programme that ended 12th December 2007. in July 2008. There is optimism that this programme will be developed further to expand the programme into other Site Visits: geographical areas that TADA covers. 11 Murals of Belfast

The aim of this site visit was to build on the history of the conflict theme and to increase awareness of sectarianism and the impact it had on our past.

South Armagh

The purpose of the visit was to look at how two communities living in the same area experienced the Troubles and how they understood it from their own religious and political perspectives.

Corrymeela

On Saturday, 8th March 2008, members of the Across Frontiers programme visited Corrymeela. Corrymeela’s history is one of committed work with individuals and communities who have suffered through violence and polarisation of the Northern Ireland conflict.

The purpose was not only to visit a venue long associated with promoting reconciliation and peace-building, it was a preparatory meeting for the upcoming trip to Bosnia.

Bosnia trip Projects Bran II BRAN II hosted a picnic in Rathfriland and a Polish Night for new communities. These events aimed to build an BRAN II has been funded by The Bridge Partnership (Banbridge understanding and respect for difference. A Polish Police District Local Strategy Partnership), through the EU Programme Personnel officer, Goska Barska, who was seconded to Northern for Peace and Reconciliation (PEACE II) Measure 3.1.--Locally Ireland to assist the Police Service in Northern Ireland in their based Regeneration and Development Strategies. work with Polish Nationals, spoke at a Networking event. He gave insight into life in Poland and the cultural differences The objectives of the Programme were to: between Poland and Northern Ireland. l Provide specific support to areas of weak community infrastructure and marginalized groups BRAN II also held an ‘Anti-Racism in Our Communities’ Youth development l Promote general support, networking and capacity building to Information Morning where local agencies got an opportunity to community groups display their information on the help and support they provide l Provide advice and support for ethnic minorities and migrant to new ethnic minority communities in Banbridge district. workers, and encourage coordination of existing resources and facilities Unfortunately in August 2008, the BRAN II programme ended. From the outset, the BRAN programme has been a uniquely 12 BRAN II set up the Banbridge Community Forum. The Banbridge collaborative approach between TADA, ROMAL and the Launch of ceep training Community Forum provided representatives from local groups a Banbridge Council. BRAN’s tremendous success on the ground platform to share information and highlight issues relevant to the would not have been possible without the 100% funding support local areas by taking a proactive approach to issues raised. The of the Banbridge Local Strategy Partnerhship. highlight for this year’s Community Forum was the participation of The Minster for Regional Development, Conor Murphy MLA, BRAN’s absence will undoubtedly leave an unavoidable gap in who spoke on the panel to discuss water rates and health and service provision within the Banbridge District. However, there wellbeing, alongside many local representatives. are prospects that BRAN may evolve into a membership-led community network. Many of the community groups BRAN For many years, anti-social behaviour has been a problem for supports have been anxious about losing the support and have Church Square residents living near the Coach Inn in Banbridge come together as a management committee and set up as a town. BRAN has played an independent role in this work, constituted group in the hope of maintaining vital services to the supporting residents and advocating on their behalf at community groups in the local area. multi-agency meetings. After many years of tremendous hard Digital photography work, a new bus parking scheme and taxi rank are being piloted, As the project promoter of both BRAN 2003- 2006 and as well as a procedure to log and address residents’ complaints. BRAN II 2006-2008, TADA fully supports the endeavours and determination of the communities in Banbridge to mobilise and BRAN II offered training in a variety of areas. Two of the most come together to maintain support services for their local area. successful courses were Digital Photography & Desk Top Publishing, including website design facilitated by volunteer tutor Trevor Milligan. The course ended with a photographic exhibition and the production of a calendar. In conjunction with My Group NI and Discover ICT, BRAN was able to offer community groups in Banbridge an opportunity to set up their own website, free of charge.

Projects 13

Community Energy Efficiency Program EnergyCommunity Efficiency Program Community Energy Efficiency Program EnergyCommunity Efficiency Program Community Energy Efficiency Program EnergyCommunity Efficiency Program

3 local primary students in schools engaged pupils and 2588 people benefited directly from workshops from directly 2588 people benefited part in the workshops taken have 39 organisations In total,

participants for the Accredited Energy Advice training. EnergyAccredited participants the for areas in Armagh and South Tyrone, and recruit three new new three recruit and Tyrone, Armagh and South in areas qualified Energy Advisors to work with groups in their local groups work with Advisors to qualified Energy During the third year of the programme, CEEP will support of the programme, year During the third

received qualification certificates, NVQ Level 2. Level NVQ qualification certificates, received Advisor Training provided by National Energy Action and National Energy by provided Training Advisor during 2007-2008. Nine individuals were selected for Energy selected for Nine individuals were during 2007-2008. Awareness 6176 took place across the Southern Board area area the Southern Board across 6176 took place Awareness The recruitment and launch of NEA City and Guilds Energy and launch The recruitment

energy and the environment discussing the positive impacts their behavior can have in saving in saving can have their behavior impacts discussing the positive l l

l outcome; Newry & Mourne, Tyrone and Dunngannon with the following and Dunngannon with the following Tyrone Newry & Mourne, Workshops have been ongoing in Banbridge, Craigavon, Craigavon, in Banbridge, been ongoing have Workshops of energy efficiency. These meetings proved to be excellent for raising an awareness raising an awareness for to be excellent These meetings proved worked with community groups in the Newry and Mourne area. in the Newry and Mourne area. groups with community worked Between March 2007 and April 2008, CEEP worker Ciara Burns CEEP worker April 2008, 2007 and March Between

and capabilities to increase energy in their households’. efficiency to increase and capabilities providing information advice and referrals, to change behavior to change behavior referrals, advice and information providing local community organisations to ‘tackle fuel poverty through through poverty fuel ‘tackle to organisations community local The Community Energy Efficiency Program (CEEP) works with works (CEEP) EnergyThe Community Program Efficiency Community Energy Efficiency Program Energy Community Program Efficiency

Country comes to town

HighlightsProjects 14 new dynamic for rural festivals. rural festivals. dynamic for new transnational level thus developing new horizons and creating a horizons and creating new thus developing transnational level reach out beyond it parochial borders and engage on a borders it parochial out beyond reach Working with TADA has enabled ‘Country Comes to Town’ to Town’ ‘Country Comes to enabled has TADA with Working deveoploping food relations and promoting cultural diversity. and promoting relations food deveoploping enabler to ‘Country Comes to Town’ in its catalytic role of role in its catalytic Town’ ‘Country to Comes enabler to TADA Rural Support Network, has been an encourager to and has been an encourager Rural Support Network, TADA In its work supporting ‘rural people, rural voice and rural pride’, and rural pride’, rural voice ‘rural people, supportingIn its work has exemplified all that is good in rural communities. all that is has exemplified and rural life. Over the past ten year‘Country Comes to Town’ Town’ the past ten year‘Country Comes to Over and rural life. Rural festivals have been instrumental in profiling rural tradition been instrumental in profiling have Rural festivals Town To - Country Rural Festivals Comes Projects Loughshore Care Partnership Loughshore care partnership groups Loughshore care partnership groups Loughshore Care Partnership (LCP) provides day care provision, one day per week, for the elderly in four areas: Aghagallan and Cranagh, Birches, Derrytrasna and Maghery.

LCP groups receive a hot lunch, transport to and from the centre, courtesy of Down & Armagh Rural Transport (DART), and take part in a variety of activities: flower arranging, mosaics, Tai Chi, cookery, armchair aerobics, gardening, health checks, and work with community pharmacists.

TADA Rural Support Network secured funding from the Rural Service Centre Hubs Programme Strand II for LCP. This funding was used to purchase storage equipment, recreational equipment, defibrillators, archery, laptops, armchairs, overhead projectors which will equip LCP to provide improved services 15 and greater opportunities for all the areas. The funding also provided resources to improve health initiatives at a local level.

LCP volunteers also received training in First Aid and the defibrillation equipment, and will be trained in archery.

This was an innovative programme that has really made a difference in rural areas. The defibrillation equipment will allow LCP volunteers to resuscitate people who go into cardiac arrest and could mean that the waiting time for emergency treatment is reduced from 20 minutes to 2 minutes in LCP local areas.

LCP have also been able to run a joint Health Fair at Lough Neagh Discovery Centre and, through the funding, were able to have the Action Cancer Big Bus on site. The Health Fair was a great example of networking, sharing ideas, fears and expectations. It was great to see so many men attend and avail of the services, as it is well documented that men in rural areas do not regularly attend their local GP services.

The Business Plan has now been completed for LCP, outlining the vision to expand the services to include other marginalised communities in LCP rural areas.

Country comes to town Loughshore care partnership groups Highlights Bee On Your Bonnet Accompanied by the Deputy Mayor, Councillor Arnold Hatch, the rural festival representatives from Portadown, Mervyn In November 2007, TADA launched our series of public debates Carrick, Sally Hill, and Noelle Menaul were hosted and called ‘Bee on Your Bonnet’. ‘Bee on Your Bonnet’ has proven to entertained by members of the Cepelia Kurpinka traditional be huge success with over 240 attendees in total. ‘Bee on Your rural culture group who were taking part in the festival together Bonnet’ aimed to increase public awareness, knowledge and with other Polish and European groups including Romania, connect rural people to issues relevant in their communities. Ukraine, and Bosnia Herzegovina. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive; every audience member was eager to participate and have their say. The delegation met the Mayor Darius and the Polish Minister of Culture, exchanged civil greetings and shared their views of TADA is grateful to BBC journalist and presenter, William their respective countries. The members from Cepelia spoke Crawley, who skilfully hosted the debates. His input and highly of their experience and the warm hospitality extended to Bee on your bonnet professionalism was key to every ‘Bee on Your Bonnet’ being them when they visited the ‘Country Comes to Town’ festival in riveting, challenging, and successful. Portadown last year.

Membership The connections now established between the Kadzidlo Festival 16 and ‘Country Comes to Town’ festival has created the TADA reviews its membership yearly, and currently has 100 opportunity to further develop cultural music and dance member groups. The majority of time spent with groups, exchanges. An invitation has already been extended by Mayor supporting them to build their capacity to access funding, carry Darius for Irish / Ulster Scots dancers and musicians to come to out community audits, and address local issues using a next year’s festival, subject to funding. community development approach. Many groups approach TADA when there are particular problems in their local area and they are looking for support and ways of finding solutions. Rural festivals and exchange visits have a unique potential to educate in the appreciation of Cultural Diversity by developing One of the new groups that recently joined TADA is the mutual respect and understanding in breaking down physical and Kilmacrue Community Development Association. Based outside physiological division, sharing new ideas, addressing language and Banbridge, Kilmacrue Community Development Association was cultural barriers, providing opportunities to travel and learn, and Bee on your bonnet set up to provide social and educational activities in its local strengthening Civic and Community Connections. rural areas. Mervyn Carrick, Board with Pawel Laszczych Recently, TADA has started to work with new initiatives and projects with groups in Maghery, Ballynahinch, Moira, Ballyheagan, Carnew and Dromore. TADA has also supported the setting up and development of the Polish group in the Craigavon area.

The Kadzidlo Rural Festival 2008

A delegation from TADA Rural Support Network and the ‘Country Comes to Town’ festival responded to an invitation from the Polish Cultural Group, Kurpianka, to attend their traditional rural music and dance festival in Kadzidlo, North East Bee on your bonnet of Warsaw, Poland. Highlights I-Member and the Mayo participants exchanged the visit and were brought to Stormont for an official reception organised by the Ulster TADA Rural Support Network is delighted to announce the Unionist Party. For many of the participants from Mayo, this was launch of their much-anticipated new initiative, I-member. their first time in the North The outcome of that single I-member is a new, six month, pilot initiative aimed at all TADA exchange visit has encouraged two more bus loads to come Rural Support Network’s member groups. from Co. Mayo in the last two months and stay in Northern Ireland for a three day visit, contributing at least With the reduction of EU funding, Big Lottery funding and the £26,000 to our economy. The benefits of cross-border and uncertainty of future funding for community and voluntary cross-community work at grass-roots level have been long sector organisations and groups due to the Review of Public recognised by TADA. Administration (RPA), TADA Rural Support Network is concerned about the increased pressure on groups to access Our recent trip to Bosnia as part of our Across Frontiers funding. programme was a real eye opener and learning experience for all of the participants. (see page 11) Boston College, Master’s Programme, Grainne Close, 2008 We recognise that not all our groups may have internet access, but we know that a large majority have mobile phone access. TADA believes that these experiences widen the horizons and I-member will text and email regular funding opportunities to all provide people opportunities to learn about other cultures and 17 group members, ensuring all our members have access to ways of being. These are valuable experiences that on return are available funding information at their fingertips. shared with other rural communities, which Drumlough Coummunity Association did on their return by presenting to It is a very innovative, simple initiative that makes full use of other groups. everyday technology. After the six month pilot, we intend to introduce I-member as a regular service. Co. Mayo and Scotland For a number of years, TADA has been a conduit for developing cross-border and trans-national relationships between Co.Mayo and Scotland. This has been strengthened by a partnership known as Shamrock Thistle Rural Action Partnership (STRAP). This partnership has provided many opportunities for developing social, cultural and economic exchange programmes for TADA. NEA city of guilds awarness training

Staff Development & Training

TADA values and invests in the development of its staff and Board. All the administration staff participated in SAGE training. All staff and Board members participated in Child Protec- tion training. In addition, the Board participated in Community Development training and Good Governance training. Paul Across Frontiers Gibney, one of the Board members, and Ewa Babicka, TADA staff, received their NVQs in Energy Advice. This year, as part of our Across Frontiers programme, we brought a group from Drumlough Community Association to In July 2007, Grainne Close graduated with a 2:1 in Community Co. Mayo. For many of the participants, this was their first time Development at the University of Ulster and is continuing her in the South of Ireland. They met with Protestants living in Mayo, education in a Masters programme in Executive Leadership. Visit to Boston - Grainne s Involved in Down Armagh in Down Involved Rural Transport Transport Rural community on Focus education, training and health education, festivals Links with other rural in RoI and Scotland in RoI and Scotland Town’ ‘Country Comes to rural festival Craigavon and Banbridge Health Craigavon Trust funded TADA TADA funded Trust

1990s FOUNDED 1998

Timeline 18 Timeline

2000s

FOUNDED Craigavon and Banbridge Health ‘Country Comes to Town’ Links with other rural festivals Focus on community Involved in Down Armagh Peace II Shamrock Thistle Banbridge Regeneration Rural Lisburn Loughshore Care Creative I CEEP – Fuel New Mission, BEE on your 147 15 Board 10 Staff 1998 Trust funded TADA rural festival in RoI and Scotland education, training and health Rural Transport s Funding Action Partnership Agencies Network Outreach Project Partnership poverty Vision and Aims Bonnet Members Members

19 Staff & Management Board Members Ten years on and still growing Jim Dickson - Chairperson Sally Hill - Vice Chairperson

Eleanor Barr - Secretary Jim McCoy - Treasurer George Savage Mary Bloomer Henry Phillips Arnold Hatch Mervyn Carrick William Robinson Roy Clarke Noelle Menaul Paul Gibney Tom Cairns 20

Grainne Close - Development Manager Katrina Lavery, Lynne Harvey - Community Development Worker, Job Share, (Ended August 2008) Ruth Hutchinson - Administrator

Claire Mc Auley - Admin Support ( Ended August 2008)

Ewa Babicka - Energy Efficiency Programme Worker (Maternity Cover) Evelyn Rushe - Admin Support

Ciara Burns - Energy Efficiency Programme Worker Anne O’Neill - Commumity Resource Worker, Carmel Creaney - Support Worker Loughshore Care Partnership Thanks To Funders TADA Rural Support Network Members 1825 Project Ltd Donaghcloney Rural Needs Development Group Maghaberry Hill Cultural Society Age Concern Dromara Village & District Community Association Maghery District Hall Committee Aghalee Village Hall Management Committee Drumaness Cross Community Playgroup Magnet Womens Group Annaclone Parent & Toddler Group Drumellan Community Association Massford Project Armagh Rural Transport Drumlough Community Association Maze Community Association Ballymacnab C.D.A Finnis Ladies Lifestyle Circle Moneygore Rural Development Association Benraw Rural Community Association Finnis Rural Development Association Moneyslane Cultural & Rural Development Association Bleary Young Farmers Club Gilford Community Club Moria Friendship Group BRAN Gilford Community Forum Mourneview & Grey Estates Community Association Bronte Ladies Glenavy Development Partnership N.I Connemara Pony Breeders Association Cargycrory Primary Trustees GLM Silver Threads Groups Noah’s Ark Playgroup Carnew Rural Society Golden Millenium Club Purple Heather Group Chrysalis Womens Centre Gransha rural Community Development Association Redrock Development Partnership Closkelt Ulster Scots & Co Greater Lisburn Ageing Well Richmond Rural Community Association Country Comes To Town Harrison Nursery School St Patricks Ladies Discussion Group Craigavon Vietnamese Club Hillside Spa (Ballynahinch) Together 4 All Cranagh & Aghagallon Kilmacrew & District Rural Community Group Young At Heart Men’s Club Derrycarne Rural Community Association Lagan Valley Rural Transport Derryhirk Rural Development Association Lisnanard Rural Association Derrytrasna Senior Citizens Group LLT Community Association Disability Network Loughall Village & District Association 21

Thanks to our funders “Let’s continue to grow!”

TADA Rural Support Network is indebted to all our funders who have supported us in the last ten years. Without their support, much of the work we do would not have happened.

Our funders have facilitated the delivery of our core programme and have enabled leverage of other funding to deliver programmes and projects in our local areas.

This has enabled TADA Rural Support Network to take risks, pilot innovative ideas and, most importantly, provide support to our member groups.

Thank you. Financial Reports

Project Income

Banbridge District Counci (Creative 1) 1% Awards for All (Creative 1) Southern Investing in Health 2% Partnership (Ceep) 19% SHSCT 8%

22 Loughshore Care P/Ship (SHSC Trust) 20%

Core Income

Income Generation SEUPB (Across Frontiers) 13% 50% Craigavon Borough Council 4% Lisburn City Council 3%

Southern Health & Social Care Trust 5%

DARD 75% Financial Reports Financial Report - Tyrone Antrim Down Armagh (TADA) Rural Network, Company limited by guarantee. Detailed trading profit and loss account and expenses schedule or the year ended 31 March 2008 2008 2007 £ £ £ £ Core Income Rural Community Network (NI) 71,479 57,816 Southern HSC Trust 10,000 10,000 Lisburn City Council 2,625 6,882 Craigavon Borough Council 3,750 4,000 The Big Lottery Fund - 7,344 Income Generation 3,765 3,698 91,619 89,740 Project Income Banbridge District Council (Creative I) 1,700 2,814 Awards for All (Creative I) 3,153 - Loughshore Care P/ship 11,641 2,586 Loughshore Care P/ship (Salaries Southern HSC Trust) 25,175 24,312 Stirling Council (STRAP) 1,000 - SEUPB - (Across Frontiers) 68,601 66,467 NI Community Relations - 3,064 Southern Investing in Health Partnership (CEEP) 25,648 2,198 136,918 101,441 23 Total Income 228,537 191,181 Administrative expenses Wages and salaries 115,828 98,307 Staff pension costs 1,787 1,145 Conferences, Seminars & Project Launches 4,676 7,137 Beneficiary Training & project costs 14,110 26,320 Rent payable 10,079 12,474 Across Frontiers Programme Costs 26,042 - Insurance 1,740 1,572 Light and heat 3,035 800 Cleaning 1,530 603 Repairs and maintenance 1,713 803 Printing and stationery 6,008 6,088 Postage 1,459 1,399 Advertising, Recruitment & PR 7,013 2,472 Telephone 6,467 6,712 Computer costs 278 3,297 Leasing (Photocopier) 7,035 1,251 Motor & Travel expenses 12,211 9,545 Legal and professional 1,388 1,044 Accountancy & Audit 2,500 1,750 Bank charges 377 190 AGM Expenses 1,181 1,546 Income generation transfer to reserves - 3,564 General expenses 770 557 Amortisation of capital grants (1,832 ) (1,832 ) Depreciation on FF & Equipment 2,616 3,077

228,011 189,821

DARD Net Surplus for the year 526 1,360 75% TADA Rural Support Network is a registered charity and is core funded by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development with the remainder of its resources coming from a variety of local statutory funders. Charity No. XR28873. Company Ltd. No. NI38531

TADA Rural Support Network, Unit 10a, 19 Carn Business Park, Portadown, BT63 5WG T 028 3839 8888 F 028 3839 8883 E [email protected] www.tadaruralsupportnetwork.org Design by www.anorakcreatives.com T: 028 92 640 644