Mayfield's Newbury House celebrates 40 years of service to the community

Newbury House in Mayfield recently celebrated its 40th anniversary with a celebration opened by Lord Mayor Damian Boylan.

He spoke about the centre’s impact on the community, adding that his wife, Lady Mayoress Brenda Boylan who was in attendance, is from Mayfield.

Mr Boylan launched the Newbury Strategic Plan – 2026-2030 and unveiled a plaque dedicated to the Sisters of Mercy’s contribution to Newbury.

The sisters co-founded the centre with Father Donal Linehan and it originally operated in a small house in Mayfield.

Established in 1986 in response to the number of new homes and the influx of young families to the area, Newbury House now incorporates childcare, family support service and Mayfield Arts Centre.

The centre provides vital social, economic and educational supports to improve and maintain the quality of life for all in Mayfield and the surrounding area.

The event also featured speeches by Amanda Foley, Edward Sorenson, Noreen Keohane, Alan O’Riordan and Patricia O’Riordan who shared their stories using different services within Newbury House.

Margaret Hennessy, a previous board member who served 20 years on the board, recalled that when the centre decided to build a building for arts centre, now Mayfield Arts, they only had £1,500 in the bank.

The arts centre was originally was just a shed on the grounds, but between donations and government funding they managed to raise all the money necessary for the building now in place today.

Manager Rosella Sheehan, the event MC, shared stories, memories and interesting facts from across the charity’s history.

Employee Leslie O’Connor was commended for 30 years of service, as well as Cork Education and Training Board tutor Deirdre Morgan for 21 years of service.

Guests also enjoyed music from Mayfield Men’s shed at the event.