Battery Heights community and voluntary groups were the proud winners of the housing estate category at the recent IPB Co-operation Ireland Pride of Place Awards which took place last weekend.
In their citation, the judges said, “Battery Heights community and voluntary groups are tackling a range of significant challenges in their area. Undaunted they have generated great pride and energy in the community in the past 16 months. That pride is manifested in a beautiful community garden, the extensive painting of walls, the establishment of a men’s shed group, the Battery Belles Women’s group, and a range of events and programmes in the Monsignor McCarthy Community Centre. The key priority for the residents is to reverse the negative perception of Battery Heights through self-help and improving the area. That goal is being achieved: the tide has turned.”
Speaking after the announcement Annette Barr Jordan, administrative officer, Community Development section congratulated all those involved. “Congrats to all involved who supported this group in preparing for the Pride of Place competition including Battery Heights Family Resource Centre, Athlone Community Radio, Battery Belles, Battery Heights Men’s Shed Project, Battery Heights Residents Association, Westmeath County Council staff, and all other volunteers who gave their time and support.”
The awards recognise cities, towns, and communities that show respect and inclusion for every sector in local areas and create communities to which the people are proud to say they belong. Forty-six groups, ranging from small rural communities to inner city housing estates won accolades in the main and cities competition - all of them demonstrating the pride they have in their cities, towns, and villages.
