Carnival Tea Party celebrates DEEDS successful end to phase two

DEEDS (Dementia Engaged & Empowered Derry and Strabane) marked the end of their second phase of work 2022-25 on Tuesday afternoon with a special tea party that had a carnival theme during Feile Week celebrations in Creggan.

Celebrating the success, the event brought together members from all the social and activity groups in the city and district who enjoyed music, games, dancing and the craic in the superbly decorated Bishop’s Field Sports Centre.

One of the city’s foremost entertainers, the fabulous Mickey Doherty sang, danced and entertained the attendance ensuring all there had their moment in the spotlight. The event also saw the city and district’s new Mayor Ruairí McHugh join in the fun.

Delighted with how the day went, DEEDS co-ordinator Sinead Devine commented: ‘It is hard to believe that we are at the end of our second phase. I joined DEEDS as a Support Worker in 2018 and here we are seven years later.;

The DEEDS co-ordinator thanked the National Lottery Community Fund for supporting the project over two phases and also praised everyone that buys a weekly lottery ticket.

‘The people’s money has funded DEEDS, and we are so grateful as it has enabled this project to flourish and grow,’ added Ms. Devine.

Those in attendance were treated to chicken and chips sponsored by the Old Docks followed by ice cream cones to cool down after in the heat.

Drawing attention to this special sponsorship, Wendy McLaughlin, DEEDS Support Worker said: ‘On behalf of all at DEEDS we would like to give a special mention to Sean McLaughlin and Liam Shiels from the Old Docks for their sponsorship of food for the event.

‘This has been such a generous donation from the Old Docks, and we would like to thank Sean, Liam and all the team who helped prepare the food. The members have really enjoyed tucking into the fabulous food today.’

Kathleen McNaught, Support Worker, also noted the kind sponsorship by Ultimate Touches who decorated the hall. Kathleen went on to thank Olivia Briggs, with her mum Ann and dad Billy for making the event look so special.

‘Our members commented on how lovely the hall looked. It is so good to bring all our social groups together for these large-scale events and it helps them feel a part of the bigger DEEDS family when we gather like this.’

IN PICTURES: DEEDS Carnival Tea Party at Derry Féile

Sabrina Lynch, Programmes Manager in the Old Library Trust where DEEDS is based praised all involved and added that everyone enjoyed the day.

‘I was really thrilled with the celebration today with everyone having a great time.  Our entertainment from Micky Doherty was superb. He has a great gift in being able to connect to everyone. He is so inclusive and enables everyone no matter what their mobility is, to enjoy the music whether they are able to get up on the dance floor or by dancing beside them in their chair.’

Training and Support Officer, Eilish Brown also thanked Tish from Hand Crafted Gifts for her support to the event too. The T Shirts created helped continue the carnival theme.

Eilish added: ‘We love to see our members enjoying themselves like this.  Then, we know all the hard work that has gone into making a successful day has been worth it.’

The members had their say on the day’s proceedings with Willie Barrett praising the staff and all involved for an unforgettable day.

‘It was a great day’s entertainment and the food served was superb. Micky brings an edge to it but everone still enjoys coming to the DEEDS events.’

The only ‘downside’ said Willie was when Micky Doherty asked him to sing and ‘he knows I don’t have a note in my head anymore!’

Anyone looking for further information on DEEDS please contact Sinead on 028 71 373870.