This public meeting was attended by around 30 local residents of Anahilt, Councillor William Ward, Councillor Jonathon Craig and Police Constable Edgar Lawson.

The meeting was opened by the Community Association's secretary Mr Rod O'Doherty. The secretary outlined the agenda and noted the following apologies; Councillor Ned Falloon, Councillor James Baird, Deputy Mayor Councillor Betty Campbell, Janet Flynn - the Bridge Community Centre, and Mrs Mackie - Larchfield Estate, Councillor Edwin Poots, Police Constable Daryl Lucas.

The minutes of last year's AGM meeting were proposed by Frank Wallace and seconded by Suzanne Johnston.

Report from the Chair
Mrs Sheila Urey, the Association Chair, open to a speech by welcoming everyone to the meeting. Mrs Urey reviewed the association meetings since March 2001 when Mrs Anne-Louise McIlrath chaired the opening meeting of the association. Over the year the association has dealt with issues such as road safety, grit bins, dog fouling and computer training. It had been noted that a dog warden had booked in number of residents for not cleaning up after their dogs. It had also been noted that a number of motorists had been booked for speeding offences during the year. The association organised a Dublin bus trip which was enjoyed by approximately 50 local residents. We were also joined during the year by local community police constables who provided input into our meetings. A garden competition was held during the year with a number of residence winning money vouchers as prizes. Mrs Urey's speech proceeded to describe the other issues looked at during the year; use of the Orange Hall as a community hall, a quiz night at The Pheasant, a Christmas event, traffic calming & Neighbourhood Watch scheme.

On completing her speech Mrs Urey once again thanked all those who had supported the Community Association during the year. She also indicated that the association needed support in the way of new talents and encourage those present to put themselves forward for the committee.

Secretary's Report
Mr Rod O'Doherty the Community Association secretary opened his speech by welcoming all those present. Mr O'Doherty explained how the Community Association committee managed to identify and progress projects during the year. Initially, the committee identified 40 projects arising from a recent needs-analysis and from committee member ideas, which the committee wished to see progressed. Out of this 40 the committee decided to progress 25 projects - averaging two per committee member. Of the 25 projects, 16 have been completed in full, and the remaining projects are long-term in nature and are therefore on-going.

Treasurer's Report
Mr Ray Allen the community association treasurer, opened his speech by for explaining that the association's funds where in good condition. Mr Allen explained that the biggest outlay during the year was the Christmas Event. He also explained that we received income from a number of sources including the computer course, Dublin bus trip, Lisburn Borough Council grant, Lisburn Borough Council Christmas Grant, a quiz Night and Raffle.

Mr Alan went on to praise the Bank of Ireland, which operates in the Association's bank account as a small business, therefore attracting no fees in the first two years. Had fees been in operation, there would have been almost £50 used on this expense.

Youth Report
Mrs Suzanne Johnston covered the topic of youth issues during the year. Mrs Johnston explained that the youth group had grown in numbers from the previous year. She went on to explain how the youth group was using the Scout Hall and meets once a week. The most difficult problem to overcome was the lack of volunteers to help run the Youth Club. Mrs Johnston appealed for more of volunteers to come forward and assist in the running of the club.

Police Liaison
Mr Frank Wallace covered the topic of police liaison. Mr Wallace explained how three members of the Community Association where members of the local police liaison Committee. The purpose of the police liaison committee is to exchange information between the community and the police. The committee is made up of 12 members, six from Dromara, three from Drumlough, and three from Anahilt. The three members from Anahilt are Frank Wallace, Paddy Devenay and Jennifer Crossland.

Police Constable Edgar Lawson
Constable Lawson outlined his involvement with the Community Association over the last year. He explained how he had attended a number of Community Association meetings with his colleague Constable Daryl Lucas. Constable Lawson explained how the Community Association was concerned, amongst other issues, about the speed of traffic in the village. He advised the meeting how there had been a number of speed traps set up, with one as recently as a couple of weeks ago. At that speed trap session, no motorists were detected breaking the law over a period of 40 minutes or so.

Open discussion
After completion of the speeches, the chair opened discussions to the floor. Mrs Adrianne Bell asked if the rumble strips which had been covered over during recent road improvements, would be replaced. The chair confirmed that the new committee would pursue the replacement of the rumble strips.

The discussion was held regarding the banning of public drinking in Anahilt. It was felt that the introduction of a drink free zone would enhance the police's ability to deter such activity. It was agreed that the new committee should pursue a policy confirming Anahilt as a drink free zone. This motion was voted upon and carried by an overwhelming majority.

The issue of the Royal Jubilee was raised by members of Drumlough Community Association. Mr Tom Cairns of Drumlough Community Association asked the councillors present if there was money coming from Lisburn Borough Council to fund Jubilee events. The councillors confirmed that the money was not coming directly from Lisburn Borough Council but from another body.

The issue of the housing development on the Ballynahinch Road was raised. There was concern about more development in Anahilt while the sewage system was over capacity and there were not enough recreation facilities for the population.

The issue of wasteland at the rear of West Winds terrace was raised. The chair confirmed that this was an issue for the new committee and that he felt they would pursue it.

The issue of crime in Anahilt was raised. There was concern about contractors from outside the area offering to tarmac driveways. There was also concern at in recent break-in near the village shop. Constable Edgar Lawson asked those present to be vigilant and to note information about strangers in the area.

Closing Remarks
The meeting was close by Mr Rod O'Doherty who thanked all those who attended the meeting for giving up their time. The committee then stood down and Mr Derek Capper took over the chair and organised the formation of the new committee as follows :-

Candidate Proposed Seconded

Ms Urey Mr. Chambers Mrs Bell
Ms Chambers Ms Crossland Ms Oliver
Mr O'Doherty Ms Brien Ms Johnston
Ms Oliver Ms Crossland Mr Macken
Mr Wallace Mr Thompson Mr Devenay
Ms Brien Mr Macken Ms Chambers
Mr Devenay Mr O'Doherty Mr Wallace
Mr Alan Mr Wallace Ms Urey
Ms Crossland Mr Macken Ms Oliver
Ms Johnston Ms Bell Mrs Brien
Mr Thompson Mr Wallace Mr O'Doherty
Mr Mackin Ms Crossland Mr Thompson

Autmn 2001

Youth Leaders Needed Anahilt

Youth Club has re-opened after a summer of supervised football events in the school. The Association wish to thank the school management, for allowing us to run these supervised events on school property. We also thank those adults who helped supervise the events. In addition to this, the Youth Club has also been making wind-chimes, which you can see outside the residential home, as part of the Council's community arts projects. Again, we are in need of more youth leaders to come forward to help run the Monday-night club on a rota basis. We have lost leaders from last year and may have to reduce Youth Club activities if new leaders cannot be found. Please ring Suzanne on 9263 9059. If you are a teenager and would like to join in the fun atthe Youth Club, come along any Monday Night about 8:15pm.

Computer Course - Click Here for Pictures

Have you noticed the big blue truck outside the school on Tuesday nights, with the words Computer Gym on the side? Guess what, that's Anahilt's latest mobile training facility. The first basic computer course has now been completed and a second is under way. So far 17 local residents have benefited from training and some have achieved excellent results in their course

Christmas Lights

Planning is already under way for this year's Christmas Event. The Mayor of Lisburn will be switching on the Anahilt Christmas Lights at 4PM on Thursday, December 6th. Children from Anahilt PS will be singing Carols. The Committee wil be raising funds for this and other events by selling tickets door-to-door (prizes to be announced) in the near future.

Community Policing

The Association was very pleased to be visited recently by our very own community police officers; constables Daryl Lucas and Edgar Lawson. Daryl and Edgar have many years of policing experience between them and are dedicated to providing Community Policing service in a number of villages in the area. In response to the Associations concerns of the dangers of high-speed traffic hurtling through the village on the Hillsborough/ Ballynahinch road, the Community Police are looking at a number of alternatives in an attempt to address this issue. They have also warned of a small number of bogus callers and have provided leaflets about answering the door (available from ACA committee members). Some tips are overleaf. If you need to speak to Daryl or Edgar, they can be contacted at Hillsborough RUC station Tel: 028- 9268 2222.

Garden Competition Winners - Click here for pictures.

The competition took place in July and sponsored by local company Woodhall Nurseries, who also judged the event. The event was reported in the Lisburn Star newspaper. The top prize was for the Enthusiast's Category which was won by Val and John Brien of Conluce Park in Anahilt. The Brien's Garden was chosen as it displayed the best all-year-round qualities. In the two other categories, the winners were Molly Booth & Ruby Hamill for the best Practical Garden and Andrew & Elaine Oliver winners of the Children's Category. The Association wish to thank George and Peggy Morton, and Wendy Dunlop of Woodhall Nurseries for all their help, assistance and sponsorship without which this event would not have been the great success that it was. We hope to be running another similar event next summer.

Bins, Seats and Shrubs

The Committee is currently seeking additional village furniture from the Council, DOE Road Services and other sources. If we are successful you should see additional bins and seats in the village. We are also seeking a tidy-up of the bottle bank area with some shrubs. By the roadside we hope to get additional bus shelters and a drop-kerb outside/near the residential home and school to allow easier access for prams and disabled residents

Beavers Under Threat of Closure

The Beaver Scout motto is 'Fun & Friends'. To this end, these 6 to 8 year-olds enjoy games, trips, sing songs, stories, and making things. The Scouts in Anahilt have been operating for over 50 years and have made a highly valuable contribution to our community. Unfortunately this year due to lack of leaders, the Beaver night is under threat of being cancelled altogether. If you have an interest in Scouts or children, your help could be of enormous assistance in maintaining a Beaver Group in Anahilt. It would be a terrible shame for the children, if the Beavers have to close down, so if you are interested or know anyone who might fit the bill as a Beaver leader, please contact Jos Toombs on 92677748.

Free Logo Competition

Anahilt Community Association wish to have a new logo design to display on our letters and publications. We are therefore inviting local young people to design a logo for us and there will be a prize of £20 for the design which we decide to use. Guidelines: Image should be A4 page size and suitable for photo-reduction to matchbox size, Keep it simple, Use Bright Colours, Reflect aspects of Anahilt (Rural, Village Life, History, Community). Deliver/post completed designs (with name, age and address) to ACA Secretary, 58 Kernaghan Park, Anahilt by November 30th. This will be judged by an ACA sub-committee. Judges decision is final. No correspondence can be entered into.

Recent Crime in Anahilt

It has come to the attention of the Association that there has been a small number of low-level crime occurring in the village. Most of this crime seems to be opportunist in nature, with small items being stolen from unlocked properties. We would urge all residents in the village to be extra vigilant about locking doors, windows and cars. Please report any suspicious activity, no matter how small, to the authorities.

Source: Anahilt Area News, October 2001

Summer 2001 Update

Dublin Bus Trip

The community trip to Dublin in June was a great success. All participants enjoyed the day out and the weather was great. On the return journey, a short stop for ice cream and sweets was enjoyed by all. The bus provided by a Kilkeel company was a luxury double decker with kitchenette and toilet on board. The downstairs seats had tables suitable for playing cards etc. So much so was the day enjoyed, one or two passengers even broke into song on the way back! All in all a great day - and the only question is - when's the next trip ???

Anahilt in Bloom

The competition was organised by Anahilt Community Association and sponsored by local company Woodhall Nurseries, who also judged the event. The top prize was for the Enthusiast's Category which, was won by John & Val Brien of Conluce Park in Anahilt. The Brien's Garden was chosen as it displayed the best all-year-round qualities. In the two other categories, the winners were Molly Booth & Ruby Hamill for the best Practical Garden, and Andrew & Elaine Oliver (Aged 9 and 11) winners of the Children's Category.

A Lisburn Star photographer took photographs of the winners on August 8th and it should be appearing in the paper shortly.

ACA would like to thank all the participants for entering the competition. We also thank George and Peggy Morton at Woodhall Nurseries, with special thanks to Ms Wendy Dunlop for her assistance with the event.

AGM Public Meeting

The Association AGM meeting took place on March 1st. There was a good attendance at the meeting considering the extremely cold weather. During the meeting last years committee stood down and a new committee was elected. Local residents raised various issues including youth public drinking and dog fouling in the village. There was a call for increased community policing and dog warden presence to address these issues, both of which have, since been addressed by the authorities. The committee would like to thank all those who attended, including local councillors.

New Faces at the Shop

After some 30 years service to our community, Winston and Amy Patterson retired from the Village Store at the beginning of March. The Community Association thank them for their valued contribution to our community and wish them a happy future. In the mean time, the shop has been taken over by Herman and Sandra Manso and will be managed by Hermans's brother Hendrick. The Mansos come to Anahilt from Portugal and South Africa via Belfast! The Community Association wish to extend a warm welcome to the Mansos and wish them every success in their new venture. As well as having plans to extend the shop in terms of space and variety of stock, the Mansos have already extended opening times as follows :- 7:00AM-8:00PM Sat 8:30AM-7:00PM Sun 8:30AM-6:00PM

Anahilt Garden Competition

In conjunction with Woodhall Nurseries, the Community Association is running a FREE Garden Competition with prizes amounting to £150 to the lucky winners. (See details and how to enter overleaf).

Day Trip to Dublin

The Association is organising a day trip to Dublin in June. This promises to be a great day out for shopping (£1.00 sterling buys £1.25 punts as at 21/4/01) or just a stroll around the city. A luxury coach departs from Anahilt on June 9th at 8:30AM. Tickets are £10 for the return journey and must be bought in advance. Why not treat yourself or even better bring a friend or two, for this great day out! Book early to avoid disappointment. (Contact: Paddy on 92638739 or Sheila on 92638275)

New Committee

The newly elected committee members are as follows :- Sheila Urey (Chair), Paddy Deveney, Ray Allen (Treasurer), Jennifer Crossland (Vice-Chair), Lorna Oliver, Rod O'Doherty (Secretary), Alfie Chambers, Suzanne Johnston, Ian Mackin, Ian Thompson, Frank Wallace and Mervyn McClelland. The new committee is committed to "improving the quality of life of all the residents of Anahilt, by articulating and helping meet the needs, of the local community". Our aims are to enhance and improve the local environment, to encourage a local community spirit, to lobby for local leisure facilities and to represent the community in these aims in an open and transparent fashion.

Community Projects

This year, there are a large number of projects to be progressed. The types of projects which, we are working on are road safety, community events, recreation areas, youth provision and environmental improvements. Most projects can be progressed by the committee members, however we could use some help from any of the residents of Anahilt who may be interested. If you have some time to spare and would enjoy making a difference in the village, please contact one of the committee members or ring the number below.

Youth Club

The Youth Club has had a change of face, namely our youth co-ordinator Suzanne Johnston. Suzanne has had experience running youth activities in the past and judging by the quality of the tuck shop, the youth club is set to attract many new members! As well as regular outings, the club provides games, table tennis, mini pool and is currently organising an arts project to produce a short film/video. If you are of secondary school age and want somewhere to go on a Monday night, here's your chance to make some new friends. Come along to the scout hall about 8:30PM and see what it's all about ! We are also in need of help from adults who could spare 1 evening every 4-6 weeks to help us run the club. If you can help us, please contact us (details below).

Computer Training

The association has secured funding for some training in Anahilt and is running a short beginners course. We intend to run further courses in the near future. If you wish to be considered, please contact us on the number below to register your name. Places will be given out on a first-come first-serve basis.

Source Anahilt News April 2001

Anahilt Community Association AGM - March 1st, 2001

The ACA (Anahilt Community Association) AGM took place at Anahilt Primary School on March 1st, 2001. There was a good turnout of local residents despite the atrociously bad weather and freezing footpaths. For a full report click here.

Anahilt News - November 2000

Generous Donations

The community association would like to thank the following people for their very kind donations in aid of Community Association funds and the Christmas Lights switch-on event.

A draw will take place up to and on the day of the switch-on. Good Luck !

Evening Bus Service Axed

Unfortunately the pilot bus service from Dromore to Lisburn via Anahilt has been withdrawn, due to lack of demand. When Translink kindly attended one of our open meetings, they said that if such a service was provided, that it would only be continued if the support was there.

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Humps ‘n’ Bumps

Before you phone the USPCA, no we haven’t opened a zoo in Anahilt! This article is about the condition of our roads. After numerous comments about how smooth the rumble strips were, this problem has now been resolved.

Also in connection with local roads, we have made representation to the DOE to address the deteriorating surface on the Glebe Road close to the Anahilt Parish Church.

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Youth Club Success

After a successful pilot last year, there is now a need for new volunteers who could spend one night per month to help supervise our local young people at the youth group.

The aim of the group is to provide all young people in Anahilt with a supervised venue for activities which are both fun and beneficial to them. The youth group is open to all young people (13-17 years) in the Anahilt area. Club night usually every Monday at Anahilt Scout hall from 8:30- 10:15PM. At the weekly club young people can enjoy games, table tennis, music and supervised activities.

As well as the regular Monday night club, once a month we aim to organise an outing to venues such as the Lisburn Leisure Centre, Dundonald Ice Bowl, Snooker, etc.

If you are interested in becoming a youth leader in Anahilt and can meet the requirements of the Child Protection Act, please contact us.

Environmental Improvements

We are being supplied with a number of bins and seats as part of on-going environmental improvements. We also hope to plant a permanent Christmas tree once approval has been granted from the DOE. We have also asked for the bottle bank area to be tidied up.

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Annual General Meeting

The Community Association AGM is expected to be held in early February. If you are interested in helping our community or airing your views on how we can improve our locality, this is your opportunity to have your say or get involved.

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Strategic Plan

The proposed strategic plan has now been drawn up. It covers areas such as Road Safety, Environmental Issues, Recreation Facilities, Children’s Play area/Playing Field, Networking, Education and Training, Communication Plan and Events.

This plan will be reviewed by the Association Committee and will then be used as a basis for future local improvements.

Vox Pop

Want to influence what goes on in Anahilt? Have an opinion you want to air? Now you can, on our 24 hour answering service. Just call 07050-614-059 (call charges 12p offpeak to 37.5p per minute at peak times).

Anahilt Web Site

Anahilt community website

at www.anahilt.org.uk has been receiving regular visits (around 1000) since it was first published last December. Visitors to the site have been from countries as far afield as USA, Canada, Cyprus, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, Spain, Yemen and South Africa. From this list of countries it’s no surprise that the website is very popular with ex-pats, who regularly ask for more pictures and local news. If you would like to contribute to the website, advertise a local service or event, please get in touch. Better still – send an email to info@anahilt.org.uk .

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Computer Training

From our survey last year, a desire for basic computer skills courses has been identified in the local area. The running of these courses will depend upon demand. If you are interested in attending a series of local evening classes, please get in contact (see contact details below). Please state whether you require basic, intermediate or advanced training.

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Christmas Event

Following from last year’s very successful lights-on party, another event has been organised for this year on Thursday December 7^th at 4PM. It is hoped again to have the Mayor, The Anahilt School Choir and one other very special guest. Light refreshments served afterwards at Anahilt Primary School.

(Source: Anahilt News-sheet November 2000)

UUP Branch AGM

At the Annahilt Branch of the Ulster Unionist Party AGM on Thursday, 16th. November Barry Fitzsimons was re-elected chairman. Treasurer Dorothy Rainey, Secretary Esme Lilburn. Don McConnell, chairman Lagan Valley Unionist Association as guest speaker conducted the election of office bearers and praised the hard work of members and office holders in one of the most pro-active long established UUP branches. (Source: Rodney Magowan)

Pre-November 2000 News

New Bus Service - Dromara - Anahilt - Hillsborough - Lisburn (March 24th, 2000)

Translink have now put on a later bus (Service 26D) from Dromara to Lisburn via Anahilt.

** This service operates Tuesday to Saturday only **

Community Association AGM (March 7th, 2000)

The Community Association public AGM was held on March 7th. As well as a good number of local residents, the meeting was attended by local councillors and by Locus Management who carried out a presentation on the details of the recent community survey. Other discussions covered topics such as youth provision, speeding in the village, population growth in the area, how the association is run, community policing, the new night bus from Translink and many other issues. The chairman thanked the outgoing members of the committee for their efforts during the year. At the meeting, the current association committee stood down and a new committee of 12 members was elected from 13 candidates proposed from the floor. The new committee will commence it's business on Thursday, March 16th where office holders such as Chair Person, Treasurer and Secretary will be appointed by consensus or election from within the committee.

The spelling of Anahilt (March 11th, 2000)

I have researched a number of documents from the 17th, 18th, 19th and 20th Centuries. There is no one consistent spelling of the name. The earliest document I have found spells the village name with one ‘n’. However, my understanding is, that those employed by the Ordnance Survey and other bodies which carried out surveys, were notoriously bad spellers anyway - hence the variations in the spelling. The majority of documents spell the village name with one ‘n’.

The simplest thing to do, therefore, is to go back to the derivation of the name. This is Eanachelte meaning ‘the marsh of the doe’ (the school crest). The old Irish spelling has only one ‘n’ hence the correct spelling of the village name is ‘Anahilt’.

This is the recognised spelling by the Department of Education, The Public Records Office and other statutory bodies.

Derek Capper
Head Teacher, Anahilt Primary School

Anahilt Community Association news sheet, November 1999.

Christmas Raffle.

In previous years the council were totally responsible for the tree. This year Anahilt was one of many community groups who had to apply to Lisburn Borough Council for a Christmas tree for the area.
We applied and got a tree, along with a grant which goes towards the purchase of lights and decorations. Although more money is needed to purchase decorations the main costs are for the installation of the electrical cable and tracking to the lights and this one of cost will be in the region of £750.

In order to raise funds for the tree we are very grateful for the donation of prizes from local business.
Mrs Dunlop of Fortwilliam Turkey's.
W Patterson of the Pheasant.
The House of flowers.
Ritchie's of Hillsborough.

Rurallink Survey.

Anahilt joined the Rurallink scheme along with other rural community groups in the Lisburn borough. One of the benefits of this scheme is that it gives us the free use of a consultant to do a "needs analysis" in the area. This survey could be extremely beneficial to the area because it will give a clear picture of what people who live in the area actually want. Other people (including ourselves) may think they know what residents want but this is your chance to make your views actually count. The survey is in confidence. No names are used and the survey is returned in a sealed envelope to be open by a Locus management consultants.

Funding Applications
Anahilt community association has secured £3,000 funding from Lisburn peace and reconciliation. This will provide computer equipment and running costs for the next 18 to 24 months. Applications have already been submitted to the Millennium Fund for the year ahead.

A special thank you to both of the local shops "Betty's" and "Winston's" who have acted as mail collection points for the community association over the past year.

(Source: Anahilt News-sheet November 1999)