Celebrating Good Relations Week at Slieve Gullion

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson Councillor Michael Savage with (L to R) Stephanie Laird-Arnold, Shai Laird-Arnold and Anne Laird-Arnold. Stephanie has established a social group for families of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnicities called Jam'N'Ire.

Newry and Slieve Gullion District Electoral Areas (DEAs) in partnership with Radius Housing, Arbour Housing, and the Clanrye Group Slieve Gullion organised an event at the weekend in Slieve Gullion Forest Park to celebrate the diverse range of cultures that are living across our community has been held as part of Good Relations Week 2022.

The event called ‘Flavours in the Forest’ provided guests with an opportunity to taste and experience a range of cuisine from around the world sampling Asian, Thai, Mongolian and Caribbean food. A host of interactive workshops were organised ranging from Henna and Indian arts to willow basket making. Visitors were entertained further by traditional music and dance performances from Ugandan, Kurdish, Persian, and Afghanistan cultures all of which were provided by Beyond Skin Belfast and Kenny Qua.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson Councillor Michael Savage with (L to R) Blanaid Bruce, Community Officer Radius Housing and Jean Dawson, Scheme Co-ordinator Radius Housing. — Newry, Mourne and Down District Chairperson Councillor Michael Savage with, from left: Blanaid Bruce, Community Officer Radius Housing and Jean Dawson, Scheme Co-ordinator Radius Housing.

‘Flavours in The Forest’ was part of several events that were organised throughout Newry, Mourne and Down during Good Relations Week, which ran from Tuesday 20 to Monday 26 September. This annual week of celebrations shines a light on local communities taking action to build a stronger shared society and a more sustainable future. This year’s Good Relations theme ‘Change Starts With Us’focuses on highlighting the political, social, economic, and environmental challenges we face as a region.

Tallie, Hannah and Kira show off their Indian Art at ‘Flavours in the Forest’.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Michael Savage said, “This year’s celebrations of Good Relations Week across the district highlights the importance of recognising that meaningful and lasting change in our everyday lives starts with ‘us’ and those around us.”

Cllr Savage continued, “Change starts with our efforts towards breaking down barriers to unite communities around us and celebrate community diversity and cohesion. In a time of dramatic change and uncertainty, Good Relations Week 2022 helps us to recognise the outstanding efforts of local organisations across our district that continue to bring communities together, regardless of background, culture, or heritage.”