Lord Mayor Alderman Glenn Barr recently visited Clanmil Housing Association's Hawthorn Gardens housing development to take part in a community gardening and environmental event along with 50 residents.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The event involved planting shrubs and flowers as part of the annual 'Clanmil in Bloom' gardening competition and young people in the community also took part in a litter picking competition with equipment provided by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Council.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lord Mayor Glenn Barr said "This was a fantastic event and I very much enjoyed my visit. I was delighted that Council was able to give some support to enable what was a great family day out."

Clanmil staff worked with residents to organise the day, with keen involvement from the local community. Austin Kelly of Clanmil Housing said, "This event was planned by the residents for the residents with the assistance of Clanmil staff. It was evident from the event the growing bond and sense of community that exists among the residents in Hawthorn Gardens."

The enthusiasm for the activities were also shared by those who live there. Resident Keith McCarthy said, "This was one of the best community events we have held as it provided activities for all the family in Hawthorns Gardens. It is great to see the children with parents and grandparents all getting involved."

Hawthorne Gardens is one of 10 shared neighbourhoods led by the Department for Communities and delivered under the Northern Ireland Executive Together: Building A United Community (T:buc) strategy which aims to build a more shared society. This event was part of the good relations programme being delivered by Clanmil at the scheme and in the surrounding area.