On Wednesday 25 February 2009 over 300 people from the Ards Peninsula and beyond travelled to Ballywalter Village Hall to benefit from the opportunity to have free health checks, health information and advice available on the day. The event got off to a great start by the Sliver Stars Line Dancing Club with everyone enjoying the complimentary tea, coffee and fresh fruit. Ballywalter Little Starfish Playgroup provided crèche facilities which enabled parents to spend time at the information stands. This event was coordinated by the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust, East Down Rural Community Network and funded by Investing for Health

January 2009 although a cold and miserable month for some, proved to be an auspicious time for women in the Ards Peninsula to form new relationships. During the Autumn EDRCN made contact with Louth Women's Network who had expressed an interested in meeting with women from the north, next we talked to some women's groups in the Peninsula also interested and then planned a visit. Women from Ballyhalbert, Ballywalter, Greyabbey and Portaferry all came together for a visit to Mountpleasant and Carlingford in Co Louth. This meeting the first of what will hopefully be many, hosted by Louth Women's Network, was an opportunity for both the women in the Ards Peninsula and the Louth Women's Network to get to know each. Relationships began to form between both groups with each discovering much in common, much was shared including stories, ailments and laughter. Next stage will be a visit by women from the Louth Women's Network to the Ards Peninsula, planning is ongoing. Funding for the event was provided by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.