Winners of the Big Lottery

Mr Robin Swann, the North Antrim Ulster Unionist Party Assemblyman and Chairman of the Stormont Public Accounts Committee, has urged project groups throughout the constituency to submit their proposals for cash support from the Big Lottery.
Robin SwannRobin Swann
Robin Swann

The call comes after current projects received thousands of pounds from within the local area.

Assemblyman Swann, the UUP Chief Whip and North Antrim UUP Chairman, said he “warmly welcomed this much-needed support to worthy groups which are to be highly commended for utilizing non-government monies for projects in our community”.

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Mr Swann said he “actively encouraged” other project groups in the constituency to apply for similar funding which, if granted, “would enhance the quality of life for many folk in the community”.

Mr Swann said the cash grants came from the Awards for All section of the Big Lottery Fund and was very welcome for everyone involved.

“The small grants programme, Awards for All, funds projects helping people to get involved in their local communities.

“It encourages people to come together from all walks of life to enjoy a wide range of charitable, community, educational, environmental and health-related activities.

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“Given this very worthwhile ethos, my message to everyone from the local community project groups is simple – get applying and don’t miss out!” added Assemblyman Swann.

* Local organisations which received the funding were:

Ballycastle Town Market C.I.C, Cloughmills Cultural and Historical Society, Pride of the Park Flute Band, Tapp Friens Community Group, Ballymoney and District Cultural and Heritage Society, Cloughmills Golden Oldies and Ullans Speakers Association.

Full story and more information is online: www.ballymoneytimes.co.uk

Ballycastle Town Market C.I.C.

The organisation delivers an independent community managed artisan market in NI. They are using the grant to involve more people from the community by using the markets in Ballycastle, Ballymoney, and Limavady to provide a platform for local musicians, food producers entertainers to promote community cohesion.

Cloughmills Cultural and Historical Society

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The group provides facilities for five community groups and delivers community events and activities including arts and crafts, and bowling for senior citizens. They are using the £1,525 grant for a coach trip to historical sites in Counties Tyrone and Armagh for older people in the area.

Pride of the Park Flute Band

The group develops and promotes Ulster-Scots music, culture, history and marching heritage of Armoy. They are using the grant to deliver a series of events and activities throughout the year for all in the village to take part in, including knitting, paintballing, boxercise, and fitness classes as there are no leisure facilities near Armoy. They will also hold an Ulster-Scots Cultural night in November for the whole village.

Tapp Friens Community Group

The organisation promotes the health and well-being of the local rural community near Ballymoney. They are using the £9,415 to provide events and activities including complementary therapies, arts and crafts and IT classes and venue hire. They are also using it to provide a trip to the Titanic Centre in Belfast, and an Old Time Dance afternoon.

Ballymoney and District Cultural and Heritage Society

The group works in partnership with a wide range of local community groups to explore the culture of differing traditions. They are using the £9,990 to provide a five day intergenerational festival commemorating historical events including the 1916 Rising and the First World War.

Cloughmills Golden Oldies

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The group provides social and recreational opportunities for older people living in Cloughmills and the surrounding area. They are using the£8,235 for a range of social and educational activities including arts and crafts and day trips. They are also providing wheelchair battery packs to enhance the independence of members who are wheelchair users.

Ullans Speakers Association

The Ballymoney group promotes the Ulster Scots language within the North Antrim area. They are using the £9,999 grant for a range of events and activities and also provide IT equipment.

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