A new cross-border project aims to connect residents of Glenties with Ballinascreen in County Derry.
The initiative is aimed at fostering community engagement and cultural exchange between the two areas.
It will connect residents and organisations from the Glenties and Ardara areas with the people of Ballinascreen through a range of events and activities.
The project is funded by the International Fund for Ireland (IFI) through the Communities in Partnership Programme and managed by Rural Action, and seeks to strengthen relationships between communities on both sides of the border.
Coiste Forbartha Eadan Fhionn Fraoich recently hosted a willow basket workshops as part of the BALGLEN project
Some of the organisations involved include the Ardara Sheltered Housing Association, Coiste Forbartha Eadan Fhionn Fraoich, Glenties Town Team formerly Glenties Community Development Group, and St Connell’s Museum & Heritage Centre.
During the past year there has been a range of events and activities undertaken that has allowed for cross-border sharing of heritage and traditions; from traditional music workshops and Irish Language classes in Mullanmore School, Edenifagh where groups from Ballinascreen travelled across to attend. Opportunities have also been taken to gain new skills in the creative arts learning the art of willow basket weaving, copper crafting and traditional cooking.
There is still time to get involved in this new initiative with a range of activities happening for those in the Glenties area:
- Join Colin Urwin in St Connell’s Museum, Glenties on Tuesday 10th June from 11am – 1pm as he returns for this free reminiscing session exploring ‘Workdays and Walking Out’ through the use of museum artefacts with music, songs and stories.
- Online Event Management Training: Are you interested in finding out how to a run successful community event? Free online Introduction to Event Management on Monday 9th June 6.30pm – 9.30pm. A must for all local community organisations in the local area!
- Coiste Forbartha Eadan Fhionn Fraoich are hosting ‘Create your own summer window box workshop’, this is a free workshop with all resources and materials provided, on Wednesday 18th June 7 – 8.30pm in Éadain Hall – Edenfinfreagh
- Day trip to Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh: As part of the BALGLEN Project, there is a free day trip to the Ulster American Folk Park, Omagh on Wednesday 25th June, exploring our shared heritage with our partners in Ballinascreen / Draperstown. The bus will leave Glenties from St Connell’s Museum at 9am and return approximately 4.30pm.
For further information on the BALGLEN project and to book your place on any of the activities, contact Caroline Breslin Tel: (+353) 087 183 5600 or email: admin@cfballinascreen.org.
