Delighted with annual celebrations

The events organised by Mourneview and Grey Estates Community Association included a Health and Beauty Fair, a Family Fun Day and the annual Eleventh Night Bonfire.

Commenting on the Health and Beauty Fair, Michele Hanlon from Mourneview and Grey Estates Community Association, said: “Many of the local community came along to the community centre to freely avail of things like Indian head massages, blood pressure and cholesterol checks or even nail painting. I would like to thank all those who made this fair possible, especially those who funded the day’s activities.”

Regarding the family fun day and Eleventh night bonfire Mrs Hanlon commented: “For the past year we have been working hard within the community to tackle concerns surrounding the annual Eleventh night bonfire celebrations. We undertook to turn this event into a family fun day that could be enjoyed by the whole community. Importantly, we also sought to re-establish the cultural traditions associated with this time of the year”.

Mrs Hanlon continued: “We are absolutely delighted at how everything turned out. Well over 300 children came along to enjoy the events that were provided for them along with their parents and grand-parents. It was a truly enjoyable family fun day and I would like to thank the people of Mourneview for coming along and participating in the occasion”.

During the course of the day the community centre hosted a number of historical, cultural and military displays. The displays were enjoyed by many people, young and old, who passed through the doors. And when inside all could enjoy refreshments kindly provided by the group.

Mrs Hanlon said: “I would also like to thank all those who played a key part in the day. To those who served refreshments, to those who provided displays and to those who marshalled all the events, including the kid’s activities, I would like to say a very special thanks from the Community Association”.

In conclusion Mrs Hanlon said: “The Bonfire Committee did a great job and our thanks is due to them. This year the bonfire was well marshalled. No longer was wood collected for months on end but rather a four-week period leading up to the 11th was set aside for collection. Indeed, due to the erection of fencing, there was no illegal dumping and no rubbish was left lying around as in previous years. This was a good start and hopefully we can build on this success and make future Eleventh July celebrations a time when families within our community can celebrate our culture.”