Council Recognises Work of Local Community Group

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey hosted a civic reception, on Thursday 27 September 2019, for the Newry Felons Community Group in recognition of their work on Good Relations initiatives in the district.

Working as a support group, Newry Felons has worked to engage with the community to raise awareness and understanding of different identities, politics and cultural heritage.

Speaking at the event, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “I am delighted to host the Felons here tonight. It is fantastic to see community groups such as the Felons get the recognition they deserve for the invaluable work they do, making the community a cleaner, more social area through projects organised and delivered by them.

“We all understand that it is important to look after our wellbeing, and projects such as these enable the community to improve both their physical and mental health.”

In 2015 the group set up a community garden and Men’s Shed beside Barcroft Community Centre on land leased from Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.

The group has continued to grow and invest in the garden with projects such as a pumpkin patch area at Halloween and Santa Sunday at Christmas. As well, the group create planters and other items which they sell to the community and use the funds raised for local activities.

The garden has benefited both the group members and the public as it provides a space where both group members and the public can come together.