Deatils of the Council's policy on funding Christmas lighting schemes for towns and villages across the Ards, together with an application form to apply for funding.

The 'Women of Achievement' award scheme aims to recognise the successes, progress and attainments of local women on an annual basis across four categories - women in the community, women of determination, inspirational women and young women achievers.
Local people are being encouraged to mark the achievements of women in Ards by nominating someone they know for an award. the closing date for entries is Friday 25th July 2008.

The rural communities of the Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down council areas will be the focus of attention in the coming weeks as a series of key information events are held in relation to the future of rural areas.

Issues such as the future of family farms, diversification, village renewal, local services, tourism and economic development will be the focus of the Rural Development Programme as it is rolled out between 2008 and 2013. Under the Programme £100 million has been allocated across Northern Ireland to develop initiatives to address these issues. The four council areas of Ards, Banbridge, Down and North Down in conjunction with a recently established Local Action Group are beginning the process of developing a strategy to bid for funding from the Programme.

A series of information events are planned to provide an opportunity for local groups and individuals to give their views on the issues that impact on rural communities and to identify ways in which these might be addressed.

The information events will be held at:

Bangor Signal Centre 4 June, 14.00-18.00

Comber Comber Learning Centre 10 June, 10.00-14.00

Castlewellan The Lodge 11 June, 10.00-14.00

Rathfriland Rathfriland Community Centre 11 June, 15.30-19.30

For those unable to attend an event, you can also submit your views using this questionnaire.

The Ards Arts Committee Community Arts Development Small Grant Scheme has been set up to enable arts, community and special interest groups throughout the Ards Borough area to enhance existing, and undertake new community arts activities. Professional Artists working and living in the Borough may apply through the Artistic Development Scheme for support towards training costs.

Grants of up to £250 are available. Application forms can be obtained from Ards Arts Centre, Townhall, Conway Square, Newtownards, BT23 4DB. Applications are assessed by the Ards Arts Committee every four months.

Assessment dates:

28th February 2008, for projects occurring in April, May and June 2008.

31st May 2008, for projects occurring in July, August and September 2008.

31st August 2008, for projects occurring in October, November and December 2008.

For further information contact Ards Arts, Tel: 028 9181 0803.