Ballymagorry community group celebrates ten years

A LOCAL community group is celebrating a major milestone as it marks ten years of service to the Ballymagorry area.

Founded by a small group of volunteers, the Brighter Ballymagorry Development Group (BBDG) marked a decade of community spirit with a small celebration last Thursday, January 22.

The event took place in the local community hub of Fox Lodge Clricket Club where members were joined by many of the group's funders and community partners to celebrate the momentous anniversary.

The group formed on January 16 in 2016, when the late Joe Melarkey and Leslie Hetherington put out a call to residents of the village to come along to a public meeting to help form a group with the simple goal of bringing neighbours together and addressing local needs

Since then, it has grown into a vibrant group known for organising community events, activities and classes, supporting vulnerable residents, and working closely with other local community groups and schools.

A spokesperson for BBDG thanked everyone who has contributed their time and energy over the years, saying the group’s success is rooted in community spirit and cooperation.

"Thanks to a number of guests who attended, representing some of the funders over the years," the spokesperson added.

"Also thanks to McBride's Spar Derry Road and Mullaghmore Bakery for donating the scones for the celebrations.

"The birthday cake was by D&H cakes and the chocolate cakes by Jean.

"A big thanks to Fox Lodge Cricket Club for the continuing use of facilities as a community hub for Ballymagorry.

"Thanks also to committee members and volunteers for their help throughout the year's and residents for their support."

As it enters its second decade, the group are proud of what has been accomplished and excited about the opportunities ahead.