£99,800 War and Peace Programme launched at Newgate Arts and Culture Centre
WAR & PEACE PROGRAMME LAUNCH. . . . .The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Darren Guy pictured launching the War and Peace Programme at Newgate Arts and Culture Centre in the city on Wednesday morning last. With £99,800 in funding, the programme will be managed by the Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID) and will deliver historical research, cross-community dialogue, and visits to significant wartime sites. The wider project will also include the restoration of four key war memorials located in The Diamond, Sion Mills, Strabane, and Castlederg. Included are Philip O'Kane, manager, RAPID, James Kee, Ulster Scots, David Thompson, event organiser, representatives from DCSDC and children from local schools, St. Joseph's Boys, Chapel Road PS, Our Lady of Fatima PS, Mullabuoy and Lisneal College. On right is Ulster Scots dancer Becky Taggart. (Photos: Jim McCafferty Photography)
Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Alderman Darren Guy, has officially launched the War and Peace Programme, a new cross-community initiative funded by the PEACEPLUS Programme.
The launch event, held at the Newgate Art and Culture Centre, brought together community representatives, schoolchildren, and stakeholders from across the district to mark the beginning of this significant reconciliation project.
With £99,800 in funding, the programme will be managed by the Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID) and will deliver historical research, cross-community dialogue, and visits to significant wartime sites. The wider project will also include the restoration of four key war memorials located in The Diamond, Sion Mills, Strabane, and Castlederg.
Speaking at the launch, Deputy Mayor Guy highlighted the importance of the programme for community relations. He said: “The War and Peace Programme represents a significant investment in our shared future. This initiative creates vital space for people from all backgrounds to engage in honest, respectful conversations about our past.
“What makes this programme particularly special is its intergenerational approach, bringing together our young people with older generations to explore shared histories and foster deeper understanding. The restoration of our war memorials across the district will provide physical spaces for reflection and education, ensuring these important stories continue to be told for generations to come.
“Derry City and Strabane District Council is proud to support this PEACEPLUS-funded initiative, which will make a real difference in communities throughout our district.”
The Deputy Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Darren Guy pictured launching the War and Peace Programme at Newgate Arts and Culture Centre. Included are Philip O'Kane, manager, RAPID, Kelly Buchanan, Harry Monteith, David Thompson, event organiser, George Harron, Derrick O'Donnell, Sophie O'Donnell and Rev. Jonathan McFarland.
Brian Dougherty CEO of the North West Cultural Partnership said: “The programme will provide an exciting, innovative, and inclusive opportunity for a broad demographic from across the Council area and Donegal. Our colleague David Thompson will be co-leading on the programme, and we look forward to partnering with RAPID and Council over the next year.''
The project is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). Part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s theme 1.1 local co-designed Action Plan.