As part of its celebrations to mark 50 years since its formation the Confederation of Community Groups this week launched its “ 50 Trees for 50 Years ” project.
The project will see the establishment, over the coming months, of 8-10 small community orchards within the Council area. Welcoming the initiative Council Chairperson Valerie Harte said that she would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the CCG on this initiative noting that she was particularly delighted to see so many local community groups engaged with the project on behalf of their communities. Those groups involved in the project include Barcroft CA, Linenhall CA, Drumalane / Quayside Close CA, New Town Together Men’s Shed, Lisdrumgullion Men’s Shed, Derrybeg CA, Lislea Men’s Shed , Ballinacraig CA , Ballybot CA, SWAGATH, Martin’s Lane CA, Carnagat CA , Craobh Rua Camlocha.
During an insightful and entertaining presentation at the launch in Ballybot House, Newry local horticulturist Dr. Seán Mac An tSaoir outlined to groups the dos and don’ts of setting up small scale community orchards. Community activists got an opportunity to put their questions to Seán and people were very complimentary about the quantity and quality of knowledge they were able to avail of from his presentation.
Also in attendance at the event were Council officials Therese Hamill , Slieve Gullion AONB officer, Danielle Begley, Council Bio-diversity officer, Cathy Mc Mahon, CCG Community Development officer, Laurence Bradley CCG Development Manager and Raymond Jackson CCG CEO .
