|
|
Bronze sculpture unveiled in
Newtown
26.01.10
by Linda McGrory
A BEAUTIFUL bronze sculpture has been unveiled at
Trinity Court secure living and community day centre
in Newtowncunningham.
The 12ft 'Shepherd's Crook' was created by Derry
sculptor Maurice Harron and was erected in the
grounds of the complex on Saturday.
Trinity Court, which opened last August at a cost of
€5.3m, provides safe and secure living accommodation
for members of the local community aged 55 and over.
The fresh, modern facility, was built thanks to the
cross community efforts over many years of the
Newtown Housing Association in association with the
three local churches.
Trinity Court manager Teresa McGee said the design
of the sculpture, a shepherd's crook, symbolises the
collective involvement in the project of the Church
of Ireland, the Catholic Church and the Presbyterian
Church and their respective local leaders, Canon
David Crooks, the recently-retired Fr Kevin
O'Doherty and Reverend Nigel Craig. |
 |
"The psalm, The Lord is
My Shepherd, is recognised by all three churches so
we thought the shepherd's crook would be a fitting
symbol for the sculpture and the centre. It also
signifies the caring element of Trinity Court,"
explained Teresa.
Trinity Court, at Monfad Road, finally came to
fruition in 2009 after many years of collaboration
and fundraising by the three churches and the local
community.
Ms McGee explained that €4.7m of the funding was
provided by the Government with the remainder raised
through local benefits and events. She said
fundraising was still ongoing.
The complex, constructed by George Gill & Sons,
Clonmany, comprises 33 secure living apartments. |
There are currently
eight full-time residents including a couple.
Meanwhile, the Newtown Day Centre housed within the
complex, opens Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from
10am until 3.30pm. The day centre currently caters
for between 15 and 25 people who each get
mid-morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for a small
fee. The day centre is supported by the HSE while
the Department of Health is also involved in the
running of the overall complex. Other general
community activities are also organised throughout
the year.
Ms McGee said she would be delighted to show
potential new tenants around the complex. If you
would like to view the apartments or day centre, you
can call Teresa on 07491 08771 or 086 8763579 from
Monday - Friday, 9.30am to 4.30pm. |
|
