February Frolics

The weather has improved since our last update, and the first signs of Spring are starting to show, giving us all a renewed feeling of hope for the year ahead. We have some upcoming events to look forward to, including an event that will help people to learn some useful tips and tricks to make their money stretch that little bit further. This will take place at Ballymena Showgrounds on Wednesday 1st March 2-5pm. Ballymena South Community Cluster will also be supporting Carson Project's Women's Group to host an event for International Women's Day on 8th March. This will be held at Harryville Community Centre on 8th March. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more news about this.

In Ballee we have had the Patch Manager from the Housing Executive to facilitate some drop-in sessions for HE residents in Ballee. This will be a monthly drop in so if you missed them this time there will be other opportunities. They are there to help with advice and to listen to issues and concerns that local people face. Also in Ballee, the 60+ Luncheon Club members were delighted and appalled in equal measures to receive a visit from Wee Critters. Some of the braver members held an assortment of little creatures including cockroaches, snakes and even a skunk. A big thanks to Allen who delivered this and put a smile on everyone's face.

In Harryville there's been a bit of a buzz surrounding the Men's Shed as they look forward to a helping hand with their very own paid worker. Harryville Resident's Association's Bingo with a Difference and the continued success of their Community Hub are certainly livening the place up, while the Carson Project Women's Group are busy as every with armchair dancing and an Arabian awareness session, and even laughter yoga. Beyond that, the green light being given for the Home Bargains store in Harryville is causing quite a stir of excitement for the anticipated boost it will give the area!

It isn't exactly quiet up in Ballykeel either, with the reopening of the Ballykeel 1 Moving Forward's Chatty Cafe! After a long winter break residents flocked to the much-loved breakfast club to enjoy food, fun and good company. Bright Stars Special Needs Youth Club is trucking along as usual, always a much-appreciated staple in their community. The newer Ballykeel Parents and Tots group, Building Blocks is also going very well as they return after their half-term break.

All-in-all things are as busy as always, even for us here in the Cluster office. Those groups who run allotments are eagerly anticipating the return of Spring and both the work and the bounty it entails while most of the rest of us are just hoping for a bit of sunshine! As always, keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. For more information about our Cluster Community activities or if you have any questions, please contact us on 02825 631 350 or email hello@ballymenasouth.com.

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