The Mayor of Ards Borough Council, Councillor Robin Drysdale, launched the 2006-7 Annual Report at the 12th AGM of East Down Rural Community Network. The event was held in Maxwell Courtyard, Kircubbin on Wednesday 5th December 2007. The Mayor praised the work of the network and the voluntary work of members in providing a range of services across east Down that helped to build good relations and vibrant rural communities.

Nicholas McCrickard, Manager of EDRCN, told the meeting that this past year had been a challenging one for the staff, the Board and the membership.

"With a number of funding sources coming to an end and a delay in bringing on stream new funding programmes we worked exceptionally hard just to sustain our existing rural development. We are grateful to the Department of Agriculture, to the Community Foundation for NI and to Down and Ards' Councils for their support throughout the year. Fortunately, with new funding secured under the Investing for Health initiative, from Neighbourhood Renewal and the imminent launch of DARD's new rural development programme the future looks brighter for the network."

Nicholas paid tribute to the support the network had received over the year from elected politicians both at council and assembly level. "Recently the network took over 60 members up to Stormont where we were received by MLA's from the five major parties in our area. It was wonderful to engage directly with Assembly members who share our concerns for the issues affecting rural communities and who will ensure accountability for government policy in this respect."

Click on this link for a pdf copy of the latest report: Annual Report 2006-7