The Kerryman (South Kerry Edition)
Blackwater Women’s Group making a difference in the community
HAVING recently received a Special award in the ‘Community Wellbeing Initiative Holistic’ at the IPB Pride of Place Awards 2018, the future remains as vibrant as its present for this wonderfully industrious group of women.
Blackwater Women’s Group was founded in 2002 and has over 65 members. Eight officers are elected at the AGM and sub-committees are formed for specific projects. Monthly meetings are held in Blackwater Tavern on the second Tuesday of each month and new members are welcome.
Blackwater Women’s Group has developed over the years to fulfil its mission statement ‘to enhance the lives of the women and their families in the greater Blackwater area’. The group’s success lies in its open and inclusive nature, diverse membership, varied skill base and the ongoing interest and energy in the community.
Successfully combining an emphasis on education and self-development with having fun and promoting friendships, they are well attuned to responding to the needs of all age groups in their catchment area. Monthly meetings are the spawning ground for creative ideas which have resulted in many innovative projects from writing original plays, to documenting the area through film, photography, exhibitions and local book publications.
Blackwater Women’s Group were gold winners in the Kerry Community Awards this year and they got a ‘Special Award’ in the ‘Community Wellbeing Initiative Holistic’ at the IPB Pride of Place Awards Cermony at a Gala Dinner and in Cork City Hall in November.
The Judges described the group as “a vibrant community group making a real difference in peoples’ lives as they have succeeded in combatting loneliness through the extraordinary actions of a number of dedicated people.”
The good news is there is plenty in the pipeline for 2019 with plans to produce a documentary film of the area and developing a community centre, as well as continuing to hold classes, write and produce plays and host social and sporting events.
The presence of this adventurous group in Blackwater helps to address the isolation and disadvantage of living in a sparsely populated rural location. The Blackwater Tavern is the focal point for all their activities, many of which are open to the wider community. Be sure to come along and join them in 2019.