Welcome to the West Armagh Consortium's website. We hope that you will find this both interesting and informative. We would like to take this opportunity to give the reader some background to us.
The West Armagh Consortium (WAC) was constituted in November 2002 as a voluntary amalgamation of local community groups from Armagh City West. As a non-sectarian and politically unaffiliated umbrella organisation, the Consortium welcomes affiliations from all new and existing community and voluntary groups in our catchment area. The groups currently affiliated represent districts within the three electoral wards of Abbey Park, Callanbridge and Downs.
We are indebted to Martin McCann for the video monatge of the St.Patricks Day Parade.Please follow the link below.
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There was a wee grey toy rabbit lost during Sundays parade. It was lost around the Charlemount area. It is a childs' comforter . If anyone knows anything about this can the get in touch. 07759949314.
In a follow up to this story, there is a happy ending. The grey rabbit was handed in at the Shambles Yard were the council had organised a family day. A council worker took it to lost and found and when she seen our social media posts contacted the consortium. We are pleased to say that rabbit and child have been reunited, much to the relief of the child's parents, who said that 'it restores you faith in human nature when your realised that someone made the effort to return the toy'
The streets of Armagh were thronged with people who came out to enjoy the community parade organised in response to the ABC Councils decision to change its own St. Patricks Day Procession. Lead by a flag party consisting to 25 national flags and walking behind the St. Patricks Flag, the parade made it way through the streets for its finishing point at Sherry Field Sports Complex. Even the odd shower of rain couldn't dampen people’s spirits who can out in their droves to both spectate and walk in the parade.
The organisers have thanked everyone who helped out with the organising of the parade and the many individuals and business who donated money that was used put the parade over. Speaking on behalf of the organising group, Stephen Fields said “The response to the news that the council had changed the St. Patricks Day parade has been phenomenal. The community stepped up to the plate and came out in force. This was very evident in both the turnout and the volunteers who helped out in every way. This included the making of flags/bunting, the donations of materials, the stewards, messages of support and willingness to be involved. Due to the complete lack of consultation on the part of the council (council has still not responded to our initial letter), we only had just over 4 weeks to organise this parade and it could not have been done without this support. A big thank you to all and all credit is due to the community.
“Sundays parade was an example of inclusiveness. We sought to include as many as possible and to do so in a festive and community spirited manner. Numerous people have thanked WAC and the organising group for putting on the parade, but the real thanks goes to the people who by their actions over the weekend completely vindicated our decision to go ahead and organised the parade in response to the council’s disgraceful decision to change the day.”
It has been described as one of the biggest and colourful parades in years going back to the time when the community used to organise monster parades through the town. Those parades were at a time when the council hardly recognised St. Patricks Day but eventually through constant pressure from local representatives the council began to take the day onboard. However, that has not been a smooth journey, they have almost been dragged kicking and screaming to the conclusion that as a public body they should be supportive of everybody's expressions of culture and views. Nevertheless and even to this day, they have sought to mitigate against the parade and any sense of Irishness . Their choice in bunting omits the recognised colours of green and white. They have a lengthy list of pre-conditions for those wanting to take part in the parade , so much so, that in recent years there has been very little community buy in. This in turn has forced the council to rely more and more on professional street performers. While such acts are very colourful, they alone cannot command the support and widespread community participation.
For more picture follow READ MORE
It was smiley faces all round at the childrens' party held in Sherrys recently marking the end of Carnival . The party was organised by our local polish group POLACY to mark the end of Carnival which is a pre-Lenten event. Such events are traditional in many countries and there are many similarities in how this time is marked.
The Polish Carnival season includes Fat Thursday (Tłusty Czwartek), when pączki (doughnuts) are eaten, and Śledzik (Shrove Tuesday) or Herring Day. The Tuesday before the start of Lent is also often called Ostatki (literally "leftovers"), meaning the last day to party before the Lenten season.
The traditional way to celebrate Carnival is the kulig, a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered countryside. In modern times, Carnival is increasingly seen as an excuse for intensive partying. As can be seen from our pictures,everyone certainly enjoyed the event.
Armagh Mensshed recently delivered a Dementia Board to each of the 5 local Nursing/ Residential Homes in the city area and they were very well received by management who thought they were a brilliant idea.
This concept was developed by a number of Menssheds in Australia after a member of one of their Menssheds had personal experience of a family member with Dementia presenting to the emergency dept of their local Hospital. They had become very agitated when being examined by the Doctor and the shed member decided to develop a distraction. So the Dementia board was born and similar designs have now being replicated by menssheds all over the world to assist those living with Dementia.
The local Homes included Hamilton Court Care Home, Sunnymead, Orchard Lodge, Greenpark and Fairlawns. Mary Catherine Hutton, manager of Greenpark Nursing Home, was very pleased with the gift and said it will definitely be useful in the Home. “ We are very grateful to the lads from Armagh Mensshed who have been very helpful to us over the years and are always on hand to help with the various jobs here, whether its replacing benches or painting our picnic tables, you can always rely on them,” she said.
Armagh Mensshed have thanked both Northern Building Supplies and Macari Paint Shop for sponsoring paint and equipment and also for their continued support for our various projects.
There are over 450 sheds throughout Ireland, according to the Irish Menssheds Association, who said they get at least two enquiries a week from areas looking for help to start their own shed. A spokesperson said that this equates to well over 12,000 men visiting a mensshed on a weekly basis –a staggering statistic when you consider what these lads would be doing if they hadn’t got this important facility!!!
If you have a Father, Husband, Grandfather or other family member at a loose end and getting under your feet, send them down to their local mensshed, where they can be assured of a very warm welcome and regular cups of tea and wont regret calling in.!!
Armagh Mensshed is open 5 days a week from 830-3pm and there are also very vibrant menssheds locally, in Richhill, Keady, Portadown, Maghery, Derryrtrasna and Lurgan as well as a few more in their infancy in Newtownhamilton, Crossmaglen and Cullyhanna. If you need further info on your nearest shed please contact 07763818393.
The steering group organising the St.Patricks Day parade have confirmed start times and route for the parade. The parade will assemble on the CBS all weather pitch at Greenpark at 2.00pm.It will be a 2.30pm start and the parade will make its way on the Keady Road to Irish Street Corner. Making its way down Ogle St- Thomas St-Market St- English St to the Shambles and along the Cathedral Road where it will disperse at Sherry Sports Complex. There has been a great interest shown by the community in the parade with local sports clubs , community based projects and local businesses contributing and participating. The organisers have stressed that this will be an inclusive parade something that was stressed in their press release. Responding to an article released by Cllr. Jim Speers the groups spokesperson Stephen Fields responded saying:
“Cllr Jim Speers call for a united St. Patricks Day Parade does little to resolve the issue that Armagh City Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council (ABC council) has created. Unity is perhaps something that he should have brought to the attention on the council before it decided to move the St. Patricks Day parade to a different date. In a lengthy statement Cllr. Speers completely ignores the genuine frustration felt by a sizable section of the community. He places the onus on the organisers of the community-based St. Patricks’ Day parade to get in behind the council while at the same time absolving the council of any fault in this debacle. But to give credit were credit is due at least Cllr. Speers has given some response. The council that he is so passionately defending, has yet to reply to a request by the West Armagh Consortium, sent in the form of a letter to its chief executive asking a number of relevant questions.
So perhaps given his claim to have passionately outlined his view during the delivery of the report to the council that presumably was the basis of the councils’ decision perhaps Cllr, Speers could answer some of the questions posed.
Could Cllr. Speers shed some light on other points, some that relate to comments from some of his unionist colleagues on ABC Council?
Below in a link to a short video of an intergenerationl programme that is a joint project between WAC and Spotlight Dance Studio based at the Shambles. It shows the first of four visits to residential care homes in Armagh during which young members of the dance group put on a wee show for elderly residents. Well done to Joanne and her dancers. The video speaks volumes, the interaction between the young dancers and the residents says it all.
https://www.facebook.com/joanne.mullen.10/videos/2239387952779644/
There was a great turnout for the litter pick along the banks of the Callan River on Saturday. Organised by Friends Of The Callan River, the entire exercise had a much improving effect of the rivers environment. Pasted below is a link to a video made by one of the team ,Mr. John Nixon. Copy and paste it into your search bar and the link will take you to the video.
You know the old saying- a picture paints a thousand words. Congratulations to all involved it was true community spirited event and deserving of all our support.
Any budding Entrepreneurs might want to take note of this programme. Its aim is to teach all the necessary skills for the running of a successful business. Located at Armagh Business Centre it is a free course (criteria applies).
However, the course is not solely designed for business start up and is also suitable for anyone looking to improve their employability chances. The skills taught will enhance any CV and open up avenues in the employment market. Check the flyer for details.
The West Armagh Consortium is calling on the youths responsible for the deliberate targeting of children’s play equipment to consider the danger that they are putting young children in. It follows several incidents when bottles were smashed in and on play equipment in the children’s play park at Sherry Field Sports Complex.
Speaking for the West Armagh Consortium, Stephen Fields said, “It is clear from the number of times that this has happened and where the bottles have been smashed that it is not the actions of some fling it away vandals. The play equipment itself appears to be the target with glass being deliberated broken in and around as well as on top of equipment. In some cases, this glass appears to be strategically placed where young children would be playing in what can only be assumed is an effort to inflict as must hurt as possible on unsuspecting children. We have pictures of bottles having been broken and placed at the top and bottom of slides.
“These are deplorable acts and even go beyond the wanted destruction of community facilities. The individuals involved in this are deliberating targeting young children. This is an obvious conclusion considering where they are breaking the bottles and, in some cases where the glass is being deliberately placed.
“Thankfully no child has been injured by these acts. The result has been that the park has had to remain closed on several occasions while council staff clean up the glass.
“As community representatives, we would urge these young people to stop this very dangerous and destructive behaviour. We would urge anyone seeing this behaviour to report it to the police, their local community representatives, or both. All it takes is a sliver of glass to remain on a piece of equipment that a child is playing on for them to suffer a very serious cut. And before anyone turns a blind eye, remember that child could be yours.”
Congratulations to Mr. John Fields and Mrs Patricia Creighton who completed their First Responders Training and will be responding to NI ambulance service calls in the coming weeks. Our new First Time Responders received their training though a four-week course and confidently passed. Their going active with the CFR programme comes shortly after the actions of the Community First Responders are being credited with assisting in the saving two lives in the city. Two men were successfully resuscitated and maintained by CRF volunteers, not the local volunteers but others who responded to the emergencies. Indeed, in one of the emergencies the CFR volunteer accompanied the patient in the ambulance assisting in the speedy delivery of the patient to Craigavon Area Hospital. These incidents happen at Callanbridge and on the Moy Road.
The West Armagh Consortium and REACT came together in the promotion of this life saving project. And we would like to take this opportunity to extend our congratulations to John Fields and Patricia Creighton. We hope that they will be the first of many community volunteers to take up the challenge of the first responding. The four-week training course has been described by the two CRF volunteers as very comprehensive and rewarding. They added that the training programme will also afford them further opportunities to advance their emergency medical responding skills.
We would like to take this opportunity to once again promote this fantastic project and encourage more people to uptake and avail of the training. ‘Such a programme can sometimes be under appreciated insofar that not all emergencies become newsworthy for the very fact that assistance had been readily available and had averted what could perhaps have been a more serious incident. As a result of our initial promotion we identified several people willing to put their names forward we hope that these volunteers will be able to follow through and in turn encourage even more like-minded people.
There are a number of avenues that potential volunteers can go down to register with the Community First Responders. They can contact either WAC or REACT and we will forward their details on or go directly to the CFR website https://www.cfrat.org.
Two local charities were presented with an equal share of the money raised at the sponsored run/walk held on August 10th as part of the West Armagh Community Festival. The event raised £4,220.Lisanally Special Needs School and Armagh Breast Cancer Support Group each received £2,110 at the night organised by the Lord Mayors Office at which the Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr, Paul Duffy made the presentations and congratulated the festival committee on delivering such a successful event.
There was a special presentation to Jack Rolston who attends Lisanally School. Together with his family ,Jack raised well is excess of £600 and in recognition of this fantastic achievement the festival committee presented Jack with a Harry Potter rucksack and wand. Needless to say there was a plethora of spells cast for the rest of the evening by the young wizard himself.
The event was attended by community volunteers, local politicians and representatives of the two charities.The committees sponsored run organiser Mr. John Fields thanked everyone for all their efforts in the organising and participation in the run. He also thanked the local council who allowed the run to take place in the Palace Grounds. He added that it was particularly heartening to see the money raised being put to such good use.
Following an attempted online scam received by the WAC this morning we would urge people to be vigilant as in a previous instance the scammers targeted people in the locale. It is not clear whether or not the scammers operate on a geographical grid, going through area codes but previously there was a number of individuals targeted within a local area. The scam is similar to the previous one except they are purporting to come from Microsoft this time and not BT. However the result will be the same. You will informed that scammers are:
*Slowing down your computer/laptop.
*If not already on,turn on your machine.
*You cannot see what is going on in the background because they are hiding their activity.
*To see what they are doing, press the windows key and R and it opens up a box bottom left hand corner.
*Then you'll be instructed to insert a lettered code. This allows them to install a programme onto your computer and once that's activated, you have lost control of your computer. You screen will go blank at least at your end but allowing them to access your files. From there on in it will be a matter of them stalling you with false information and bogus commands with the sole aim of gaining access to your banking details.
If you received such a call do not comply with it. Simply hang up. Genuine service providers do not contact their customers in this manner. Even if you are suspicious do not try to confirm with a number or email address that the caller may give. Go to the service providers verified online site and follow their respective contact procedures and details.
The Deputy Lord Mayor of Armagh City Banbridge Craigavon Council, Cllr Paul Duffy, has invited members of the West Armagh Community Festival Committee to a reception in the Lord Mayor's Parlour on 26th September. Representatives of the local charities due to receive a share of the monies raised through the sponsored run/walk held as part of the West Armagh Community Festival in August, have also been invited.
Lisanally Special School and the Armagh Breast Cancer Awareness Group will benefit from the funds raised through the run/walk which was very well supported. Several hundred runners and walkers took part in the event that was held in the Palace grounds on August 10th
Committee members wishing to attend need to confirm their attendance.
Please click onto the link below to view photo montage. Hope you enjoy. We are indebted to Brian Corvan for compiling the short video. Some people have experienced difficulty with the first links. If that's the case click on the last link will take you to our FB page and the video.
https://www.facebook.com/westarmagh.consortium/videos/2123775827897025/
Could you help someone with dementia to keep doing the things they love?
Side by Side volunteers support people living with dementia in the local community. This involves companionship for a person in the early stages of dementia helping them to take part in social and recreational activities, providing one-to-one support to enable people with dementia to continue with their hobbies and interests or engage in new ones.
This would be for a few hours every week or fortnight in the Armagh, Banbridge or Craigavon areas.
We are currently seeking people with these interests:
- Golf - Gardening - Cycling - Baking
- Cricket - Farming - Knitting - Walking
Want to find out more?
If you would like to find out more about this or any of our volunteering opportunities please contact Rosario Mc Hugh, Volunteering Officer (This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. /028 71 384570) or visit our website at www.alzheimers.org.uk.
"The West Armagh Community Festival has been in operation for over 20 years and in that time has been officially opened by Mayors and Lord Mayors from ALL parties within Armagh City and District Council (ACDC). The events that appear to be causing upset to members of the unionist parties have been part and parcel of the Festival since its early days, so why are unionist politicians up in arms now, considering that they participated in its official opening over the years and witnessed some of the events in question.
"Indeed, we have the current Lord Mayor officiating at our sponsored run/walk tomorrow night in the Palace Grounds. The monies raised at this will benefit two local charities, Lisanally Special School and Armagh Breast Cancer Support Group.
"The Festival was deliberately timed to coincide with what used to be a very volatile time of year, particularly within the nationalist community. The Festival organisers used the Festival to redivert energies. By and large this has been a great success insofar that here in Armagh the anniversary of Internment now passes off without any unrest and anti-social behaviour as had been the norm.
"The events in the Festival are named after people who are significant to the community in Armagh, who died either as part of the conflict or had respected standing within the community. There are over 10 events named after local people, not all who died violently.
"We are currently involved in a very busy Festival with a full schedule of multi-cultural events and cross community activities geared to everyone in the community. We hope this statement will suffice. If there are any further queries we will gladly respond to them after the Festival is completed."
Armagh Travellers Support Group (ASTG) is seeking new Directors (Trustees) to join our Management Board. This is a great opportunity to make a difference to an organisation committed the improving the quality of life of the Traveller Community living in Armagh. You will be part of a voluntary team supporting the governance of an organisation delivering a range of supports and community services to families and young people. We are looking for individuals with a background in the private, public, voluntary or community sectors with an interest in social justice issues who can contribute to the leadership and governance of the Organisation. If you feel you have skills and qualities that could help, ATSG would welcome your involvement. We currently meet on a monthly basis. For further information, or to submit letter of interest, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or tel 028 3751 7531 by Friday 24th August.
The final walk in the 7 Hills Challenge Parks Experience took place with a dander around Kinnego Marina Lough Neagh. All the walks in this programme have enjoyed very fine weather and it was fitting that the programme finished off at such a picturesque location and on such a fine morning. Congratulations to all those who took part in the walks and to Mr. John Fields who served as guide, coach and general all round mentor for the walkers. We hope to revisit the project again as part of our promoting healthy lifestyles programme.
Could you be a community first responder was the question we asked when this article was first published .To date there have been several people who have expressed an interest in responding to this. Although there wasn't a time frame outlined for the purposes of moving the appeal forward both WAC and REACT have agree to resubmit this appeal via all our social media outlets. It has also been decided to set the end of the month as an interim cut off date, at least for the initial appeal and in order to get those who expressed an interested connected to the CFRAT. Obliviously the recruitment of first responders will be an ongoing process and will continue after this initial promotion.
To find out more follow the link READ MORE to the original article.
Registered with The Charity Commission for Northern Ireland NIC100377
