Glebe House report on our Peace III programme carried out during 2011 - 2013.

1. Harmony Community Trust
Peace III programme
2011-2013
Report

2. Glebe House Peace III programme 2011—2013
Glebe House is owned and run by Harmony Community Trust.
It is 3 miles from Strangford village in Co Down.
Glebe House is a unique and special place for people of all ages,
from Ireland, north and south, and all over the world.
Since 1975 children, young people and adults have been coming to
Glebe House for a week, two weeks, a weekend, or a day, to live
together, play together, work together, learn together, and while
we're at it discover that life can be more interesting, more
rewarding, more creative, more adventurous, and more fun than
the labels that get stuck on us.
H CT has been working for a peaceful, fair, inclusive society that
respects and cherishes each person's humanity, dignity, aspirations, ideas and needs, allowing each person to determine and recreate her or his own identity, rather than conforming to
sectarian, national, ethnic or social stereotypes, myths or
stigmas.
At Glebe House people of all ages create and renew friendships.
“It was an epic time, making new friends and
playing weird games. I can’t wait to come back.”
…..Breena, Teenage participant
“It was
great ….and
what I like
most was the
donkeys”...
Charlie from
Bangor
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3. Chairperson’s Report Peace III programme 2011—2013
Our remit from the North Down, Ards and Down, Peace III Partnership, was to deliver a programme of activities developing partnership working across the cluster area. The need had been identified that linkages
should be further developed and sustained, enabling additional peace building work and thereby improving
levels of trust within and between communities, and decreasing levels of prejudice in the area.
HCT was well placed to deliver this cross-community linkages programme, because during Peace III Phase 1,
we had established contact with groups of adults and young people with whom we could work in partnership.
Our aim was to increase participants’ confidence and ability to develop their own programmes, to increase
their knowledge and appreciation of different local communities, cultures and traditions, to celebrate similarities and differences for a future shared and peaceful society.
We also aimed to encourage the use of the facilities and experience of Glebe House, as a resource for
peace and reconciliation activities by local community groups and individuals in East Down.
We are grateful that the Peace III Phase 2 funding enabled us to appoint the necessary project workers
and administrative staff to undertake this work, which was to be additional to the ongoing community
relations work undertaken by Glebe House. The reality has been that the demand for, and delivery of,
programmes from groups within the cluster area has been 90% of our work over the past 3 years. We have
had to involve all our small staff team, as well as committee members and volunteers, in delivering the
programme. The administrative demands of Peace III have placed a heavy burden on a small voluntary organisation such as Glebe House and I would like to thank our office staff, Bernie and Debbie for the
contribution they have made to the success of the whole venture, as well as expressing appreciation for the
hard work and support of our voluntary committee members, who are listed at the end of the report. W
Without this contribution from HCT’s own resources we would not have been able to achieve the successes
we have in developing genuine cross-community linkages among adults and young people as demonstrated in
this report. Glebe House has once more proved its value as a shared and safe venue within the
community for cross-community activities for all ages.
The challenge for HCT is to find the funding necessary to sustain and extend this work in the future, thus
continuing the ongoing task of overcoming sectarianism, racism and other prejudices, in order to create a
shared and inclusive society. We are up for the challenge but need the financial support.
Helen Honeyman Chairperson Harmony Community Trust Council of Management.
It was awesome
and I can’t wait to
come back.
Chelsea-Marie
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4. Committee Reports Peace III programme 2011—2013
Children & Youth Programme
It is time to reflect on the value and success of the programme that Peace III
funding has enabled HCT to deliver. As far back as 2007 it was felt that there was
a need for us to develop our work with young people in the East Down area. We are
grateful that Peace III enabled us to put this policy decision into practice.
Children and young people from different backgrounds, who have worked together
on an evolving series of activities which focused on developing their awareness of
similar and different identities, beliefs, backgrounds and attitudes thus leading to
the promotion of good relations and a sense of shared future.
It has been encouraging to see the young people develop new friendships, selfesteem and confidence whilst enjoying new, fun and positive experiences. Glebe
House has provided a safe, non-judgemental environment which has allowed participants the freedom to spend time with new people and to enjoy time away from difficulties they may be experiencing at home or within their community. It is doubtful
that many of these young people would have had the chance to mix without the input
that Glebe House has provided.
All young people are given the chance to express their feelings about their Glebe
House experience and it is heartening to read some of their comments, which sum
up the value of the programme!.
“It was the best time I have ever had in my life.....”
“I have made lots of new friends; I don’t want to go home!”
“I can’t wait to come back to see my friends and the donkeys...”
As we move towards a shared future, it is clear that there is still a need for the
work HCT does, as unfortunately, sectarianism and deprivation continue to exist in
all areas, including East Down. Peace III funding has ended but all efforts will be
devoted towards seeking further sources of income in order that the invaluable
work of Glebe House can be continued for future groups of young people.
Sharon Heaney Chairperson Children and Youth Committee
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5. Committee Reports Peace III programme 2011—2013
Adult Programme
It has been an interesting and challenging experience to have been involved in the Peace
III Adult programme over the past 3 years. The challenge has been to ensure that all activities were underpinned by key principles of promoting understanding and addressing diversity and difference across community and cultural divides in a mainly rural area of the
province.
The activities whilst interesting and exciting were a tool for providing opportunities for
people from a wide variety of backgrounds to meet and explore their shared and differing
social, cultural, religious and historical backgrounds. The first stages of the programme
entailed creating opportunities for participants to meet and enjoy shared activities. As
the participants developed deeper relationships and mutual trust, it was exciting to see
the development of dialogue and discussion within groups that challenged preconceptions
and understanding. More challenging activities ensued, such as a tour of the Shankill and
Falls, a visit to the Belfast Islamic Centre and the Ulster Covenant and Easter Rising film
presentation.
Whilst all activities have been fun and some have been very moving and emotional, for both
participants and volunteers, judging from feedback and comments, it has also been a meaningful experience for many participants. The challenge is to consolidate and build on the
learning experience that this programme has provided.
Thanks to the staff, Angela Fitzpatrick and Marie Hoeritzauer, for developing a creative
programme and to the Adult Programme Committee members, Rob Sterritt, David Patterson and Kate Acton, for supporting the staff.
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Dee Kelly Chairperson, Adult Programme Committee
“The important thing
is to talk with your
neighbours from a
different community”….
Wilma and Bridie

6. Project Aims Peace III programme 2011—2013
Children & Youth Programme
Adult Programme
• A series of residentials at Glebe House for children's and youth
The programme of activities has focused on encouraging people in local community groups and individuals from North
Down, Ards and Down District areas to come forward to participate in cross community activities, with an emphasis on
promoting positive and productive community relations,
by sharing knowledge, experience and different cultural traditions, The programme has included:
groups from North Down, Ards and Down Districts in partnership
with community groups, youth groups and schools, addressing issues
of sectarianism, racism and other differences as well as similarities,
• Opportunities for children (8 to 12 yrs) and young people (13-17 yrs),
for personal development through a supportive community learning
experience, which has enabled them to develop their sense of social
responsibility and leadership.
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• An emphasis on promoting positive community relations, exploring
similarities and differences between young people from different
communities and developing a sense of community and an appreciation
of shared history and cultural heritage
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• Pairing of community groups from across the cluster area, participating in preparatory meetings, an introductory weekend, followed by a
6 night residential and a follow-up weekend, Throughout the programme there were evaluation and monitoring sessions with parents,
and community contacts.
• Training for local leaders who are not full-time youth leaders in good
community relations practice with young people, sharing the skills
and experience of Glebe House. During the three years relationships
have been built between local community groups which will be supportive, self-sustaining and developing for the future.
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Study visits on topics dependent on interests expressed
by the groups but including visits to places of
historical or cultural interest followed up by discussions
Day events with arts, music, storytelling and dance
traditions and skills shared amongst participants.
Capacity building and skills training workshops for the
support and development of community groups and their
leaders.
Community Relations focused discussions and experiential
learning sessions,
Practical work/study days, looking at political, social and
cultural issues.
Visits to other sustainable community projects as
examples of best practice.
Arts Workshops sharing different and common cultural
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7. Peace III programme 2011—2013
Volunteering
“the craftroom is freezing”
“being a volunteer is about
learning about life”
“we all learn & share”
“Thanks to our Volunteers
and Community
Contacts”!!
“my kids only meet Catholics when
they come to Glebe House”
Hard work
but Fun!
Without volunteers
there would’ve
been no Peace III
activities at Glebe.”
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“its like being a toddler
just one step at a time”

8. Children & Youth Peace III programme 2011—2013
28 community groups and individual young people and volunteers took part in
the programme,. Each group of children took part in an introductory weekend, a
Summer week and an Autumn reunion. Community groups were usually involved
for two years, but brought different children each year. This sustained contact
allowed leaders and children to build relationships which could continue after
the programme. This has been successful with several groups meeting formally
and informally outside of Glebe House. Several groups who shared a programme
of residentials are actively seeking funding to maintain their contact into 2014.
As always the children have enjoyed coming to Glebe House, feeding and riding
the donkeys, visiting the beach and Castle Ward, taking up crafts and tasting
history in Down County Museum, exploring the countryside and each other’s cultures simultaneously. Contacts have been made and strengthened between
groups and individuals, with young people meeting up in neutral zones. Some
young people even tell us they are visiting each other’s homes. Previous to this
programme many of them would not have even entered different sectarian areas. This idea of Glebe being safe territory comes up often in comments.
The Costa Del Kilclief
As always our programme depended on the support of community leaders and
volunteers from the three council areas. They attended training courses to
help run the residentials and develop sustainable programmes in their own areas. Without the generosity of community leaders and volunteers the children
would have missed out on the Glebe House experience. We thank them for their
time, energy, good humour
and enthusiasm.
Karin McKinty Peace III Programme Worker
Togetherness is fun !
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9. Peace III programme 2011—2013
Children’s
groups
“we learn each others names”
“we do loads of things together”
“I like the
donkeys
and the
pond with
the frogs”
Robert
“my new friends are cool”
“donkeys need friends too”
a
ad
d
e h
“W ime an ”
t
t
a lo
fab
ed
rn
lea
an d
ad
e
Sin e
ri
Ma
”it’s safe to be different here”
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“we all play together”

10. Peace III programme 2011—2013
Youth Groups
”we now talk all the time on fb”
”we are going to meet up
when we get home”
”this was my first time with
ones from a different community,
they were like us”
”when can we come back ?”
“The more we get to
know each other the
more understanding
there will be “
”i planted a tree”
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11. Adult Programme Peace III programme 2011—2013
The programme set out to challenge sectarianism and racism by developing cross community
linkages across the hidden interfaces in the Down, North Down and Ards council areas. By
building trust through workshops, study tours and day events, Catholic and Protestant participants got to know and learn from each other.
Diverse workshops, with a community relations focus, developed links between people to begin
trust building. The study tours evoked personal memories and debunked a few historical myths.
The day events provided people with space and time to discuss and exchange views.
There was laughter when Liz said “I always wanted to be a Catholic so that I could get a Holy
Communion dress”. Someone whose husband had been a policeman, related her experience when
an attempt to abduct her was made. This was the first time she had ever told her story in public, indicating the feeling of trust and acceptance that was present. Another participant has
commented, “Sometimes it’s not what you say- it’s what you don’t say”.
Workshops creating a Peace Quilt brought together Ardglass, Portaferry, and Strangford
stitchers, and generated discussions about the racist and sectarian attitudes which exist in the
rural areas of Co. Down. As Bronagh said, ”Isn’t it grand that we’re all different but the whole
quilt looks great” and someone added “It’s a pity the politicians can’t make our wee country
work”
Activities to address preconceived ideas, understanding diversity, awareness of our own
stereotypes, accepting and respecting differences and similarities, help us to thrive in an ever
changing society
HCT, with its expertise in community relations, has provided opportunities for people to meet
on neutral ground and participants have been encouraged to explore and examine various attitudes to peace and reconciliation thus developing an open mindedness to current affairs past
and present.
It is incumbent upon HCT to develop these activities further to enable neighbouring, but different, communities to work together. We hope the ripple effect of this programme may
trickle down and give hope and inspiration to those engaging in future programmes.
Angela Fitzpatrick
Peace III Adult Programme Worker

12. Peace III programme 2011—2013
Day Programmes
“Never thought
I would do
this”John
“meeting new people and
sharing experiences”
“learning about our cultures”
“its not what we say its what
we don’t say !”
“together we can make a difference”
Mairteadof
“ A place
peace with
good craic
as well !”
Mairead
“can we make peace by dancing?”
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13. Peace III programme 2011—2013
felt making
woodcraft
Computer Class
woodcarving
Workshops
Jack of All Trades but I’m
getting the hang of
it ! ...Harry
family history
floral art work
Christmas art
Singing
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14. Peace III programme 2011—2013
Study Tours
Loughgall
Tommy
I had never been
West of the Bann
before, but we didn’t have enough
time to see everything!...”
Portavogie
Falls / Shankill
“A day of inspiration,
information and craic!”
Bernie
Derry / Londonderry
The Somme Centre
The Mournes
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15. Community groups Peace III programme 2011—2013
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Aughlisnafin Youth Club
Ardglass Youth Club
Ardglass Friendship Club
Ballygowan Youth Club
Ballygowan group
Ballyhalbert group
Ballyhalbert Comm assoc
Ballyhornan Family Centre
Ballyhornan Youth Club
Ballykinler Young Pensioners
Ballynahinch Community Group
Ballywalter Walking Group
9th Bangor Brownies
Belfry Kids Club Newcastle
Bloomfield group
Bowtown residents assoc
Castlewellan Youth Club
Castlewellan Tuesday club
Cedar I.P.S. Crossgar
Cloughey & District Comm Assocn
Clough Old Schoolhouse Group
Downpatrick P.S.
Drumaness Briginis
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Dunsford Arts & Craft group
Drumaness Youth Club
Drumaness Seniors Club
De Wind Cherryvalley,Comber
East End residents assoc
Flying Horse Forum, Downpatrick
Glen Estate Residents Assoc
Glenward Comm.Devt.Assocn
Greyabbey individuals
Hamilton Fold Ballynahinch
Hillcrest group Ballynahinch
Holywood Mens Shed group
Holywood Womens Group
Kairos Newcastle
Kilclief Individuals
Killinchy Womens Group
Killough youth club
Killyleagh friendship club
Kircubbin Regeneration Group
Kircubbin Digital Camera Club
Ladies of Loughview Hollywood
Langley Rd Comm Assocn
Langley Youth Club
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Seaforde/Loughinisland Comm Grp
Millisle Youth Forum
Murlough Community Assocn.
Mustard Seed Bishopscourt
Newcastle Wednesday Club
Portaferry Seniors group
Portavogie Cultural & Heritage grp
Recon Holywood
Redburn Loughview comm forum
Redburn Youth club
St Malachy’s PS Kilclief
St Nicholas’s PS Ardglass
S Mary’s PS Dunsford
St Joseph’s PS Strangford
Saintfield group
Seaforde group
Shrigley Comm Assoc
Strangford Tuesday club
Strangford Village Assoc
St Finians PS Newtownards
The Link Newtownards
Vincent’s Downpatrick
West Winds Estate, Newtownards
YMCA Bangor
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16. Figures & Statistics Peace III programme 2011—2013
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17. Figures & Statistics Peace III programme 2011—2013
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18. Figures & Statisticss Peace III programme 2011—2013
The Cross-Community Programme with Adults
Lughnasa Day, Burns Night, Halloween and Harvest Festivals, Songs and
dance, Midsummer celebrations, St Patrick’s day, Easter and Christmas
Basic Computing, Woodcraft. Family History, Photography, Floral Art, Quilting, Community Relations, Cultural Heritage, Walk and Talk and other topics
Belfast Murals, Mourne Heritage, Ards History and culture, The Big House, Down Churches,
Derry/Londonderry, The Indian Centre, The Islamic centre, Armagh, Loughgall and others.
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19. Staff and Volunteers Peace III programme 2011—2013
Karin McKinty
Children & Youth
Programme
Team Leader
Marie Hoeritzauer
Adult Programme
Worker
Glebe House Staff & Volunteers
Diarmaid Mc Garrigle
Julie Gibson, Andrew Kelly
Patrick O’Neill, Emiko Soekawa
Gerard Mc Williams, Ivor Hill,
Eamonn Quinn
Angela Fitzpatrick
Adult Programme
Team Leader
Bernie Armstrong
Finance Offi-
Debbie Caldwell
Administration
Officer
Children & Youth Committee Members
Sharon Heaney, Robert Sterrett, Maureen Ridgway,
Margaret McGowan, Sheina Rigg, Gerard McWilliams
Adult Committee Members
Dee Kelly, Kate Acton, David Patterson,
Robert Sterrett
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20. Harmony Community Trust
Peace III programme 2011—2013
Glebe House
23 Bishopscourt Road
Kilclief
Strangford
Co Down
BT30 7NZ
Tel: 02844881374
Email: info@glebehouseni.com
www.glebehouseni.com
A project supported by PEACE III Programme
managed by the Special EU Programmes Body
and delivered by the North Down, Ards and
Down Peace III Partnership
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