'It means a lot to be nominated': Ballyphehane group in line for award

Ballyphehane Horticultural Course and Community Garden are one of the groups looking to take home the Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary Award in the Community Development & Lifelong Learning category.

It acts as a vibrant hub of learning and growth for people of all ages.

Speaking to The Echo, Arthur Needham of the Ballyphehane Horticultural Course and Community Garden said:

“The biggest thing is that we are offering a service that people are enjoying and other people are getting great use of. It means a lot to be nominated. Plus it is the fact that we are offering such a wonderful service to the local community. 

“We are serving the needs of the young and old. We have different schools involved," said Mr Needham

“It is a great resource to the community of Ballyphehane. That alone is wonderful. But to get nominated and is like being acknowledged all the work we are doing with the course.

“The garden is a place for people to use. It fulfils a sense of belonging for people as well because you are part of a group. The fact that you are learning as you are involved in a group," he added.

“It is a safe space and it is open to all minority groups of people as well.

“It is a real inclusive area and there is a very inclusive group.” 

The garden provides a place for individuals to learn new skills, particularly in gardening and horticultural. In turn, this  fosters a sense of achievement and pride in their contribution, and seeing the fruits of their labour bloom. 

The garden also allows people to build meaningful relationships and friendships.

The Ballyphehane Horticultural Course and Community Garden also offer a calming environment for people to connect with nature ,as well as offering people the opportunity to build meaningful relationships and friendships.

Mr Needham added that even just being nominated for a Lord Mayor's Community and Voluntary award was a big achievement in itself.

"It fosters a very good working relationship within the community, and will probably just drive everyone to reach out and to do more to the local community as well.

“It would be a win for the community centre and the people of Ballyphehane. But the acknowledgement is the big thing.”

The awards take place on Wednesday.