TAGHNEVAN Community Development Association has successfully accessed substantial funding through the Local Community Fund.

Three projects have been identified. One offers LGV/HGV training for unemployed people from the area, another funds a women’s painting group and the other provides Good Relations Training for the Community Association. TCDA acknowledged the support of council staff members Bernie Marshall, Louise McCrory, Catherine McNeill and Nicola Mitchell.

A presentation evening took place at the end of March to celebrate the achievements of the participants.

Senior citizens

THE Senior Citizens Club in Taghnevan continues to flourish and meets every Thursday.

Funding from Craigavon and Banbridge H & SS Trust has enabled the club to offer activities such as Tai Chi, armchair aerobics, glass painting and a range of arts and crafts.

The programme also includes bowls, bingo, information sessions, and trips.

A three course meal costing £2 per session is also provided.

Parents and toddlers

THE Parents & Toddlers group is going well with approximately 15 children and their carers attending each Monday and Friday 10.30am-12.30pm.

The adults have recently completed a six week Cook It and Basic Food Hygiene programme in conjunction with Splash Sure Start and Southern Regional College.

A second group will cover the Cook It programme after Easter. Grateful thanks to Anna Louise, Janet and the Sure Start team for their hard work.

The Parents & Toddlers group is also indebted to Splash Sure Start for the grant aid which has enabled them to purchase resources for the children in the group.

Thanks also to Extended Schools funding the group have been able to arrange visits to Peter Pan’s and Belfast Zoo as well as a Movement and Music session with Karen from Soundlines

Cost each morning is £1 per child and includes a healthy option snack.

Manor Park

MEETINGS of Manor Park/ Manor Drive have continued throughout the year.

Problems involving anti-social behaviour have declined over the past months. This is in part due to the increased presence of the PSNI in the area and also due to the vigilance of the residents.

The NIHE have completed an external maintenance scheme replacing footpaths and tidying particular areas. There were concerns over parking in particular areas but this has been addressed with the help of the committee.

Residents have been asked to complete complaint forms regarding grass cutting in the area if required.

Meetings will continue on a regular basis throughout the coming year.

Graffiti removal scheme

CRAIGAVON Safety Partnership’s Graffiti Removal Scheme is in operation in Taghnevan.

Identified graffiti will be removed FREE OF CHARGE but this can only be done with the written consent of the householder.

If you have received a letter to this effect TCDA would encourage you to post off your consent form.