Ballycanew Tidy Towns marks its 25 years of pride in a community
THE rich history and many achievements of Ballycanew’s dedicated local Tidy Towns group were celebrated during a special gathering that marked its 25 years in existence.
Over the course of the evening, the crowd that turned out heard all about the impact that the group had made to the area, always working hard to keep it looking and feeling brighter, cleaner and more colourful.
‘Our celebration went very well, the turn out was brilliant with a nice crowd. We want to thank everyone who came out to celebrate with us,’ said Ann Tighe, previous treasurer of the group and long term member.
Looking back on the past was an important part of the evening, as was looking ahead to the future of the area and the role of the Tidy Towns group within the community.
‘As Lilly Masterson stepped down as chairperson earlier this year, the night also marked her retirement party. We have a new committee formed now and we have hope now that Ballycanew Tidy Towns will be taken on to a new stage. We know that they will see us right for the next 25 years,’ said Ann.
With plenty of achievements under its belt, having won Tidiest Village in the Tidy Towns’ competitions multiple times over the years, Ann and her team have their hearts set on making it to the awards ceremony again.
‘Winning tidiest village was always a big achievement for us, we won from about 2012 to 2017 year on year. Hopefully with the new committee now we might make it back to the rankings again, maybe this time next year.
Ann explained that what made the group such high achievers and ever so dedicated, is the pride that is ever present in Ballycanew.
‘From school projects to just the local people that come out with us, everyone can do their bit and get involved in some way and there is a lot of pride of place to be seen in Ballycanew,’ she said.