Peace and Reconciliation Group

PRG's week long family residential at the Corrymeela Centre in Ballycastle recently took place. 48 people from 15 different families participated in this residential, which is part of the “Dealing with the Past, Shaping the Future” project and a very enjoyable time was had by all.

Participants took part in group activities, made full use of the gardens, play areas and beaches, participated in Community Relations workshops and generally relaxed and enjoyed the atmosphere and venue. Some activities were off site, as we visited the traditional Auld Lammas Fair, spent a day in Portrush and challenged ourselves with teambuilding and absailing at the nearby Watertop Farm, courtesy of Ardclinis Ourdoor Pursuits Company. For the younger children, pony rides and a petting zoo provided hours of entertainment.

This project was extremely successful in achieving its aims. All participants felt relaxed and enjoyed the residential and everyone participated fully in all aspects of the programme. Overall networks and friendships were established, reaching across the city and the border and across the cultural and traditional divides. People were challenged on their opinions and beliefs and gained new understandings of cultures and identities and of barriers were let down. As one participant put it “I am leaving Corrymeela feeling I have learned a lot and have enjoyed learning and relaxing”

Follow up activities are now planned for this group.