'Big lunch’ strengthens community links

by Marianne Flood

Two Derry residents groups came together last week for a ‘Big Lunch’ to strengthen links between their communities.

The Ballymagroarty Hazelbank Community Partnership (BHCP) and the Irish Street Community Association (ISCA) met at the recently revamped Irish Street Community Centre for a food, music and chat.

The slap up meal of chicken curry and vegetarian lasagne was prepared by the members of the Ballymagroarty Women’s Group.

“The ‘Big Lunch’ is part of our summer festivities,” explained BHCP manager Maeve McLaughlin.

“Last year the ISCA came to us so we wanted to keep it going this year by cooking for them and bringing it to their community centre.

“It’s a lovely way to network on a cross community basis.”

Laura Smith, Chairperson of the ISCA, said the event was a great success.

“We’d like to thank the people of Ballymagroarty for their hospitality and the beautiful food they provided.

“They are very friendly people and it was lovely to meet them all and hopefully we will do it again.

“We had a lovely day last year at the BHCP and it was nice to return the compliment.

“We’ll have to cook for them the next time.”

Ms McLaughlin added she was glad to see the renovation work that had been carried out at the Irish Street Community Centre ahead of the creation of a new pitch in Ballymagroarty.

“It’s great to see this one operational and see what we have to look forward to,” she said.

Guest of honour, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Maolíosa McHugh paid tribute to the organisers.

“This is a great opportunity for the community to come together and meet everyone.

“I’ve been so impressed by the centre manager and all the volunteers.

“It’s such a great asset for the older people to be able to come together, and the food great too,” he said.