Glenanne Community Association in County Armagh has secured £1,000 prize as part of this year’s Housing Executive’s Rural Community Awards.
Situated in the hinterland of Armagh, this project is dedicated to combining environmental education, practical action and inclusive participation to create a greener, more sustainable Glenanne — a village that cares for its environment and future generations.
Held this year in The Seamus Heaney Home Place the annual Rural Community Awards event provides a showcase for individuals and groups undertaking outstanding volunteering work at grassroots level in rural areas across Northern Ireland, helping maintain local neighbourhoods and boosting civic pride.
Pauline Beattie, Housing Executive South Area Manager said, “A big well done to Glenanne Community Association on their well-deserved award, as they took the top prize in our Cleaner and Greener section which was sponsored by Northern Ireland Housing Council.
“I commend them for their outstanding environmental work in the village – their efforts in encouraging environmental sustainability in the wider community is inspirational.”
Joanne Armstrong, Chairperson, Gleananne Community Association, said, “We are so delighted to be recognised in this way by the Housing Executive. We work tirelessly with our fantastic volunteers and the community to enhance the appearance of our rural village while lobbying statutory agencies.
“Through our Adopt-a-Spot initiative, we organised litter picks involving residents of all ages, including tenants from Housing Executive estates.
“These clean-ups improve safety, reduce waste and encourage pride. In the last year we launched a village composting project to reduce food waste and promote environmentally responsible habits through open days and practical workshops.
“Our community gardens, established in 2023 and fully maintained by volunteers, remain at the heart of village life. We manage two large community greenhouses where we grow fruit and vegetables to distribute within the local community, supporting healthy living and helping families in need, including housing executive tenants.
“Very soon we shall begin new family workshops alongside a new leaf compost company and we hope to bring further life soon with a bug hotel and wildlife den.
“The Housing Executive are a great support to us and we are delighted to win the cleaner and greener award.
“We plan on using the prize money to invest in community projects and initiatives that will create a healthy environment that our kids can grow up in happy and be proud to call home.”
For more information visit nihe.gov.uk.
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