## **GADDA Annual Report 2023** ## **Overview:** The year 2023 was filled with a variety of engaging and creative community-led activities for all age groups. These programs were designed to promote social inclusion, creativity, and skill-building, fostered by several local groups and facilitators who contributed their time and expertise to strengthen community ties. ## **Weekly Community Groups** ## **Tuber Tuesday Men's Group** Recommenced in January 2023, meeting weekly from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. The group, supported by social workers, maintained the community garden and took on woodworking projects to benefit the community. Notable projects included: - Building four potting tables for Kathleen Thompson Fold. - Designing and constructing two sensory play tables for Sandleford Special Needs School. - Partnering with Rasharkin Community Group to build raised allotment beds with funding from The Big Lottery Fund. ## **Wednesday Women Group** Continued to meet weekly from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, with approximately 20 women attending each session. Activities throughout the year included: - Mental health awareness sessions covering breast screening, bowel screening, postpartum psychosis, and Alzheimer’s. - Arts and crafts workshops. - Designing posters for the Forest Community noticeboard. - Organizing and participating in the Garvagh Forest Easter Event. ## **Monday Morning Art Class** Commenced in January 2023 for 12-week terms, running through to December 2023. Around 10 participants attended each term under the guidance of artist Louie Winward. ## **Monday Singers (Community Choir)** Held weekly meetings starting January 9, 2023, with performances at key community events, including: - April Coffee Morning for Garvagh Combat Cancer fundraising. - Garvagh Vintage Club Charity cheque presentation evening. - Garvagh Village Christmas Celebration. ## **Garvagh Forest Strollers** Met every Thursday at 10:00 am, bringing together 10-15 community members for weekly strolls, led by Sharman Wilson and William Boyd ## **Workshops and Special Events** ## **1. Children’s Workshops** Valentine’s Day Bear Workshop (February 14, 2023): Approximately 30 children created Valentine bears with Jumping Clay Magherafelt. St. Patrick’s Day Leprechaun Workshop (March 11, 2023): 35 children attended. Easter Bunny Workshop (April 2023): Over 30 children made Easter bunnies from Jumping Clay. World Art Day Workshop (April 15, 2023): 20 children celebrated with squishy floral paintings under artist Louie Winward’s guidance. ## **2. Summer Schemes** GADDA organized several summer schemes for children aged 5+, featuring: A three-day Jumping Clay workshop, a painting workshop, and a Build-a-Bear workshop, each with 25-30 children attending. ## **3. Music Workshops by Claudia Keller** Held in July 23 and August 23 and included: Music sessions for toddlers, children aged 5-7, and children aged 8+, where participants explored music games, percussion, and creative sound stories. ## **4. Crafty Teddies Bear-Making Workshop** Held in August, October, and December 2023, this oversubscribed workshop allowed children to make their own bears, complete with a wish star and birth certificate. ## **5.Paint-a-Plate Workshop (August 2023)** Artist Louie Winward led a session where 20 children designed and painted their plates, which were then fired and made ready for collection. ## **6. End of Summer Live Music Event (August 2023)** In collaboration with Live Music Now and traditional musicians from Réalta, this BYOB evening celebrated local culture with ballads, reels, and songs set to poetry by Anne McMaster. ## **7. Halloween and Christmas Celebrations** Halloween Spooktacular Workshop (October 2023): 40 children participated in a festive Jumping Clay workshop. Christmas Workshops: High demand led to two Jumping Clay workshops in December, in addition to carol singing and Christmas dinners for the local senior citizens group. ## **Summary** 2023 saw a broad range of activities that brought together community members of all ages to learn, socialize, and celebrate. Through collaborative projects, artistic exploration, and holiday events, the programs nurtured a sense of belonging and creativity in Garvagh. Plans are underway to continue and expand these initiatives in the coming year, aiming to further enrich community life.