Clay Workshop
We had a fantastic evening at our recent Clay Workshop with Roberta Campbell from At the Clay House.
Participants enjoyed a relaxed and creative atmosphere as they designed and made their own unique clay trays. We were guided through each step of the process, making the workshop suitable for both beginners and those with previous experience. It was wonderful to see everyone’s creativity come to life, with each tray reflecting its maker’s own individual style.
Workshops like these not only provide an opportunity to learn a new skill but also bring people together, encouraging conversation, creativity and connection within the community.
A huge thank you to The Co-Ownership Community Fund for supporting this event. Their funding helps us provide enjoyable activities that bring people together and create opportunities for our local community to learn, connect and try something new.
Wooden Planter Workshop
We had a fantastic time at our planter workshop, led by Jenny McGetrick. Everyone had the opportunity to learn how to build their own wooden planters using planks of wood, while developing new skills and gaining confidence using woodworking tools such as saws and hammers.
It was wonderful to see everyone getting involved, and having fun together. After all our hard work, we enjoyed a well-deserved comfort break with a lovely cup of coffee and delicious scones kindly provided by The Courtrooms.
We then headed down to the community garden, where everyone planted beautiful flowers into their newly created planters. Each planter was completely unique and special, just like the people who made them!
A huge well done to everyone who took part!
We would also like to say a big thank you to the Co-Ownership Community Fund for funding this wonderful workshop and helping us create opportunities for our community to learn, connect, and grow together
Tayto Factory Visit
CACD enjoyed a fantastic visit to the Tayto Factory in Tandragee!
The tour was brilliant, learning about how the crisps and snacks are made. We were even lucky enough to sample lots of delicious treats along the way! The Tayto staff looked after us so well and impressed us with their knowledge about the fascinating history of the castle.
The Co-Ownership Community Fund made our visit and this wonderful experience possible.
Visit to Neary Nogs Chocolate Factory
We had a fantastic trip to NearyNógs Stoneground Chocolate on Thursday! The tour was excellent, giving us a fascinating insight into how their chocolate is made and how they support their cocoa farmers. The chocolate tasting was a real highlight too.
An unexpected highlight of the day was the journey itself. Travelling by bus along the scenic coastal route to Kilkeel, we enjoyed beautiful views of the local countryside and coastline. The stunning scenery, combined with plenty of good conversations on the bus, made the time pass quickly.
We also stopped in Warrenpoint for lunch, where we were lucky enough to enjoy the beautiful weather. The great company throughout the day made the experience even more enjoyable.
Overall, it was a wonderful day out, filled with great food, beautiful scenery, interesting discoveries, and plenty of laughter.
Welcome Door Mat Painting Workshop
CACD, with the support of the Co-Ownership Community Fund, was delighted to run a Welcome Doormat Painting Workshop.
We had a fantastic evening where local people were able to take some time out from their busy schedules to enjoy good company, be creative, and try something new. Using outdoor acrylic paints and stencils, participants designed and painted beautiful, functional doormats just in time for summer.
The workshop received excellent feedback, with many participants already asking what we will be creating at our next workshop. It was wonderful to see people enjoying themselves, sharing ideas, and taking home a unique piece they had made themselves.
Events like this are so important for people living in rural areas, where opportunities to take part in creative activities are not always readily available. Being able to offer workshops locally, in community halls that people know and feel comfortable in, helps bring people together, build connections, and support wellbeing within the community.
Pastel Art Landscape Workshop
We had a fantastic evening with artist Jonathan Heenan in Portadown Town Hall, learning how to use pastels and create beautiful landscape artwork. Everyone took home their own framed masterpiece, and no two pieces were the same!
Jonathan guided us step by step through the process, helping participants build confidence with pastels while enjoying a relaxed and welcoming atmosphere. It was wonderful to see so many people trying something new, meeting new friends, and getting involved with us for the first time.
Christmas Garland Making
We had a fantastic start to our Co-Ownership Community Fund activities with our Christmas Garland Making Workshop!
What a brilliant evening it was. Participants used ribbons, cinnamon sticks, dried oranges, baubles, and a variety of festive decorations to create their own unique and beautiful Christmas garlands. No two garlands were the same, as everyone brought their own creativity and personal style to their designs.
The workshop gave people the chance to take a break from the busy Christmas period and enjoy some time to be creative, relax, and connect with others in a fun and welcoming environment.
We also stopped for tea, treats, and Christmas music, making the evening feel even more festive and enjoyable. It was wonderful to see people chatting, sharing ideas, and supporting each other while creating their festive decorations.
