Throughout Bray there is a myriad of local community groups providing activities or supporting a range of different interests and needs. Some receive State support for their programmes, others however are voluntary and rely on their own resources to deliver their projects.
Irrespective of the make-up of these organisations, it is true to say that without them and the efforts that their members put into organising and providing initiatives Bray would be a sorely different place. In all cases, those that put their effort in expect or seek no reward for doing so, but it is only right and fair that their contribution to the town should be recognised.
The Community Development Projects in the town, the St Fergal’s Resource Centre, Little Bray Family Resource Centre and Bray Travellers Development Group have been the bedrock of local communities in their areas for over twenty years. Through their participation in a range of local initiatives substantial funding for many programmes has been brought into Bray and benefited hundreds of local families.
Mermaid Arts Centre and Signal Arts are just two projects locally that are involved in supporting the arts. Annual funding is provided to Mermaid to ensure the viability and accessibility to local groups who wish to use it. David was very pleased to have led the support for Signal Arts to secure funding to allow them redevelop their existing premises on Albert Avenue that will provide additional supports for young artists in the town.
Activities for older people are provided in many parishes throughout the town. The Young at Heart Club in St Peter’s parish, the Cairdeas Group in St Fergal’s and the Bray Active Retirement Group all provide weekly events for senior citizens. The annual Christmas old folks party run by volunteers in conjunction with An Garda Siochana is one the highlights on Bray’s social calendar.
Bray is also fortunate to have a wide base of support groups that provide assistance to those in our community that need help and advice with medical, personal or family issues.
The number of local festival committees has in recent years increased. This has seen an expansion of the number and type of festival weeks and weekends taking place in town. The long standing Summer Fest, the Jazz Festival, St Patrick’s Day events and the new Christmas experience have all contributed at various times of the year to providing free local entertainment.
To foster further a civic spirit in Bray, these and many more organisations need to be supported. Through them the rejuvenation of local communities in smaller part of the town or communities of certain interests can come about.
Details of many of these groups, clubs and organisations can be found in annual Bray Directory. To access the online version just click
here.