Tipperary group nominated for Pride of Place award

A community group helping asylum seekers living in Carrick-on-Suir’s direct provision centre to integrate into the local community for over 20 years, is in the running for a national Pride of Place award.
Tipperary County Council has nominated the Friends of Bridgewater House Committee for the prestigious award in the Inclusive Communities Category.

Pride of Place judges recently visited Carrick-on-Suir to meet with Friends of Bridgewater House Committee members and residents of Bridgewater House Direct Provision Centre to find out about the group’s work.
Bridgewater House Community Liasion Officer Martina Walsh said the judges spent three hours finding out about the social events, outings and activities the Friends of Bridgewater House have organised for the centre’s children and adult residents over the past two decades.

The judges were brought to the Rising Stars dance studio on the North Quay and shown display stands covered in photos and media coverage of Bridgewater House residents' participation in community events like Carrick-on-Suir’s St Patrick’s Day Parade and annual Africa Day celebrations and multicultural events at the Brewery Lane Theatre and Carrick Heritage Centre.

The exhibition also showcased their participation in social activities ranging from pilates and crafts classes to day trips for children during school holidays.
Friends of Bridgewater House members made presentations to the judges while a number of Bridgewater House residents spoke about their experiences in Carrick. Some children from the centre read pieces they wrote about what the Africa Day celebration meant to them.

The judges ended their visit with a tour of Carrick’s sights including Ormond Castle.
The Pride of Place awards will be announced at a gala ceremony in the Hillgrove Hotel in Monaghan on November 2.