Harmony Community Trust - Glebe House
Harmony Community Trust was established by the Rotary Club of Belfast in 1975 in conjunction with the International Volunteer Service. In 1973 at the height of the “Troubles” the Club had initiated the hosting in Britain of 800 children in mixed parties allowing them the opportunity of respite and the experience of mixing together in a neutral environment. However on return it was found that the benefits were short lived, and the Club decided it would be better to have a local facility which would provide the children with the opportunity of meeting again and getting to understand one another in familiar territory. In 1975 Glebe House, an old
Rectory with 16 acres in Kilclief near Strangford was purchased and the organisation established to run a holiday centre where children from both sides of the divided community in Northern Ireland could meet in a neutral environment, learn to understand one another and contribute towards a better and more peaceful future for the Province. Throughout the last 35 years this centre has provided an essential facility, promoting reconciliation and understanding. The Belfast Club has remained closely involved through continued representation on Harmony’s Committee and currently Gary Bennett and David Boyd are the Club’s representatives.
The facilities have been enhanced over the years by the addition of a 40 bed dedicated accommodation block (The Rookery), indoor barn activity area, renovated cottage sleeping 5, and an indoor activity and conference facility and craft room now named the Harry Corscadden Building in honour of the Late Harry Corscadden, Past President, one of the founders. The Harry Corscadden Building was named at a special ceremony in May 2009 see here.
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The Rookery |
Harry Corscadden Building |
The challenges faced grow no less year by year and the Trust is recruiting new Council members, developing new programmes, and seeking new sources of funding to replace the core funding of salaries being withdrawn by the Department of Education.
Despite recent political developments the need for its services in the community, whilst changing in emphasis, is as necessary as when it was first envisaged by the Belfast Rotarians. The continuing interest of the Club in the affairs of the charity is much appreciated but over the coming months will be ever more required to meet these challenges.
Further information on Glebe House can be found here.
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