2023-03-31-annual-report

ARDS PENINSULA VILLAGES PARTNERSHIP ANNUAL REPORT FOR 2022/23 GIVEN AT AGM ON 1[ST] APRIL 2023

• Death of Michele Strong and the loss of her contribution to the group condolences given.

• APVP still meeting every month via Zoom, with sub group meeting.

• Charitable Status obtained.

• Several Strategic meetings held in terms of promoting the Ards Peninsula for Tourists:

• Sharon Mahaffy and Claire McClay, ANDBC Tourism Dept

• o Sharon Scott, Strangford Lough Cluster.

• East Coast of Ards Peninsula approved to be part of Strangford Lough Cluster

• Continued engagement with Council Regeneration Dept and now all Village Entrance Signs have been erected, some of these still need adjustments.

• APVP partnered with County Down Rural Community Network or organise and deliver Tatties Project, this saw 900 potato grow packs distributed at 100 packs per village all 9 villages on the Ards Peninsula got involved.

• Gardening Workshops, partnering with CDRCN herb workshops and strawberry workshops held in Ballywalter, Greyabbey, Millisle, Portaferry and Portavogie

• Kite Festival held in Millisle with up to 7000 attendees, great event and excellent coverage in presss and TV.

• Ards Peninsula Heritage Trail Survey undertaken and results compiled.

• Response submitted to DAERA regarding Fishing consultation, awareness of new Offshore Wind Farm proposals.

• Disappointment expressed with ANDBC declining to be part of the GEO Park and how ANDBC are lagging behind other Councils in promoting tourism especially the Ards Peninsula.

• Thanks were also expressed to Councillor Eddie Thompson for attending meetings and to CDRCN and Frances for help and secretariate.

Report Proposed by Steve Newell and Seconded by Barbara Workman and accepted by all.