East Belfast Community Development Agency

A follow up fun event, after the Wise Men’s open meeting at the Belfast Barge, was thought to be worth a try to provide a networking meeting with a difference.  Supporting a friendly darts match at the Longfellow Bar were men's groups from Ballybeen, Beersbridge Road, Tullycarnet, Short Strand, Willowfield and Cregagh.  This meet up was established to offer men a comfortable venue to talk to other men about issues their group is facing and to share information and support with each other. The Manager of the Bar provided outstanding generous support and refreshments were provided by Short Strand Community Centre.

There was a great Christmas atmosphere about the place and enough expertise within the group to organise a pair’s draw with all eighteen men registered taking part both as players and scorers. There was much good humour about finishing on a double from the oldest member a mere 91 years of age to the youngest a sprightly 55.  The eventual winning pair were David and John from the Tullycarnet Wisecrackers and runners up Jim from Cregagh and Colin from Ravenhill Road. A number of worthwhile discussions took place that identified resources to help recruit more men into groups, possible joint ventures and visits to other men's groups.   The Wise Men of the East Network will be going into their tenth year in 2012 which is quite an achievement and well worth celebrating.

For more information contact; Alan Houston Health Development Worker EBCDA, 90451512 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it