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This week it was announced that the Presbyterian Fun Day planned for Saturday, 19th May, 2001 at the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Cultra, had been cancelled because of the Foot and Mouth Crisis.
'The final decision was left as late as possible, so that it could be made in the light of the best information and advice available,' explained event organiser Ian McKee. 'Even though the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum has now re-opened to the public (with the exception of the Rural area), with the event only some 6 weeks away, there remained too many uncertainties and real concerns, to proceed with any degree of confidence.'
Last year around 10,000 Presbyterians from all over Ireland filled the park to help raise money for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, Stewart's Hospital and School, Dublin and for the production of Sunday School materials for use in Brazil, Malawi and Jamaica.
'Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the farming community and all those whose livelihoods have been affected adversely and often quite catastrophically by the foot and mouth disease,' continued Ian McKee.
'Of course cancelling the fun day is a big blow to our fund raising activities. However I would encourage Sunday Schools and Youth Groups to do what they can locally to raise as much money as possible in support of the projects we are helping this year, assisting to build a children's and youth centre in Nairobi, Kenya, supporting a Phab Club and Playgroup at the 174 Trust in Belfast and helping with the Loft Youth Centre in Ballybay, Co Monaghan.
And despite this year's setback, plans are already underway for next year and the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum has been booked for Saturday, 11th May, 2002.
Issued by Stephen Lynas, Presbyterian Information Services. Info@PresbyterianIreland.org
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