Two community groups, Gilford Community Club and Rathfriland Regeneration, have been taking part in a creative project over the last four weeks, with the groups presenting their creations last week.
This project, ‘Rhyme and Rhetoric’ was made possible through a collaboration between Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Armagh Rhymers and Heather McDermott – Willow Craft.
Community Arts Officer at ABC Council, Mark Revels oversaw the project and worked closely alongside the Armagh Rhymers and Heather Mc Dermott Willow Craft, and over the past eight weeks saw the Gilford Community Club and the Rathfriland Regeneration Project come together to share, learn, and create.
On Wednesday, December 3, the Deputy Lord Mayor Councillor Jessica Johnston attended the celebration event in the Gilford Community Club, marking the end of the eight week creative programme and the following day, the Rathfriland Regeneration group celebrated the conclusion of their project.
Working alongside willow artists Heather McDermott and Yamuna Soto, participants were introduced to the art of willow weaving. What began with simple shapes soon grew into hand brooms crafted from birch and rowan, tension trays from hazel and sticks, and even the joy of sampling hedgerow produce and freshly pressed apple juice.
The journey continued with the Armagh Rhymers, who brought traditional folklore to life through storytelling, music, craft, and dance.
Together, the groups created straw dolls and costumes, wrote and shared stories and poems, and learned traditional dances and songs that connect us to their heritage.
At its heart, this project aimed to engage older people – those aged 50 and above – to help combat isolation and exclusion, particularly in rural communities. Through creativity, culture, and collaboration, participants have not only enjoyed the process, but have also reported feeling more connected to one another and to the wider community.
This is the true power of the arts: to bring people together, to celebrate tradition, and to strengthen the bonds that make our communities vibrant and resilient. Organsers would thank everyone who contributed, participated, and supported this project.
Together, they have woven not just willow and straw, but connections, friendships, and memories that will last far beyond the eight weeks.
