Co Down youth groups manifest their culture

The North/South Ministerial Council attended the Ulster-Scots Agency's first ever 'summer schools' held recently in Ballyroney, Banbridge and Newry.

George Patton, Chief Executive of the Agency, was delighted to welcome Mary Bunting, the NSMC Joint Secretary, and Deputy Chairman of Agency's Board, Jim Devenney, from Newtowncunningham, Co Donegal, to see at first hand how the summer school concept was being developed.

"The local success of the summer schools run by Drumadonnell Cultural Society and Ballyroney Cultural Society in Banbridge and Kidiscape youth group in Newry was excellent and we have been encouraged in developing the summer school concept in other areas as a direct result," said Mr Patton.

"We were delighted that the Joint Secretary Mary Bunting and Deputy Chairman Jim Devenney took the time out of their busy schedules to come along and see what we are trying to achieve with the help and support of some really excellent Ulster-Scots community groups.

"They were very interested and supportive of what was going on."

Mr Patton said that the Agency, with the help of Ulster-Scots groups, had organised a further four summer schools throughout the Province in this month.