More than £23,000 in grant funding has been awarded to community groups in the Lisburn Castlereagh area to help them mark the 80th anniversary of D-Day.
On Thursday 6th June, it will be 80 years since the Normandy landings, which were a pivotal moment in history. The bravery and sacrifice of those who participated in this operation impacted the course of the Second World War.
The D-Day 80 grant programme is being implemented as part of a wider programme of events being led by Lisburn & Castlereagh City council to mark this significant milestone and remember an important part of our shared history.
Having now reviewed all the applications received, the council has announced that £23,400 will be awarded to 47 different groups, each one receiving a grant of up to £500.
Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Andrew Gowan said: “By providing funding for local groups, we are encouraging and empowering people mark this historic occasion in a way that is meaningful to them within their local community and to join with communities right across the UK in doing so.
“There are already great plans in place right across the Council area which include historical talks, remembrance lunches, film screenings and tea dances. Local people have really committed to making this a memorable occasion. I am very much looking forward to attending some of these events.”
The Chair of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee, Councillor Thomas Beckett, added: “I was delighted with the demand for this funding from local groups. Events that are planned, hosted and delivered by the community are extra special and the enthusiasm of the groups in our area is wonderful to see. I would encourage everyone to get involved with the different events”
The Atlas Women's Centre in Lisburn received £500. Gay Sherry-Bingham, Centre Manager, said: “I want to thank the council for this opportunity. Atlas Women’s Centre is delighted to be able to get involved in the D-Day 80 programme.
"We’re excited to be hosting a D-Day 80 quiz, afternoon tea and garden party for 60 guests in our outdoor space. This funding will help us continue to build a strong sense of community spirit as we bring people together and recognise the bravery and sacrifice of those who served on D-Day.”
To see the full programme of LCCC D-Day 80 events, click here.
The full list of the 47 community and voluntary groups receiving a D-Day 80 grant from Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council are listed below:
1st Hillhall Scouts
Anahilt & Magheraconluce Community Association
Atlas Women's Centre
Baillies Mills Accordion Band
Ballinderry War Memorial Hall
Ballybeen Men's Motivational Group
Ballybeen Women's Centre
Ballyoran Community & Arts Group
Beechland Community Group
Carryduff Retirement Group
Damask Community Outreach
Deramore Community Group
Derriaghy District LOL No.11
Dromara Community Group
Dromara Local History Group
Drumlough Community Association
Drumlough True Blues LOL423
Dunbeg, Ashvale & Kilwarlin Community Group
Dundonald Angling Club Ltd.
Dundonald Women's Institute
Dungoyne Football Club
Halftown Residents Association
Hilden Community Association
Hillhall Community Resource Centre
Hillsborough Fort Guard
Hillsborough Old Guard
Hillsborough Working Together
Hillstreet Residents Group
Irwins True Blues
Killynure Community Association
Lanaway Rural Development and Cultural Society
Lisburn Chess Club
Lisburn Congregational Church
Lisburn PSP
Lisburn Temperance Junior
Lisburn BMX Club
Lisburn Elim Church
Maghaberry Community Association
Magheragall Parish Church
Moorcroft Rural Community Association
Old Warren Community Association
Poundbridge & District Community Association
Ravarnet Community Network
Resurgam Trust
Resurgam Youth Initiative
Royal Hillsborough RBL
Ulster New Zealand Trust