The Bridge Community celebrates 25 years

The Bridge Camphill Community and friends yesterday celebrated 25 years since the group set up in Kilcullen in the former Nugent’s Field, writes Brian Byrne.

In a balmy afternoon of music, food, and memories, the silver anniversary was marked by former and current staff and volunteers, and local people who have been involved over the years.

Mischa Fekete, current director of the Bridge Community, thanked the people of Kilcullen for welcoming the group all those years ago.

He presented small gifts to four people who reflected the input from the people of Kilcullen to the Community. These included Mary Berney, who has given nearly 20 years of involvement, mainly in the Adult Education Programme; and Annette McCarthy who was also involved in the same programme as well as being a good friend to the Community in many ways.

The other recipients were Anne Hughes, a volunteer down the years in many ways; and John Martin, who initially helped out with musicals produced by the Community and became further involved in developing the creative potential among the residents.

Responding on behalf of Kilcullen, John Martin said the Bridge Community had not just established a haven and a home for their residents, but had also made a major contribution to the wider community of Kilcullen.

“The Bridge opened its arms to Kilcullen, and Kilcullen responded by opening its arms to them,” he said. Noting the physical part of the Community’s activities, which include An Tearmann, the Manna shop, the bakery and the weavery, he also reminded those present of how those in the Bridge have been involved in the local social, environmental, and cultural side of Kilcullen.

“The interaction has resulted in a seamless partnership and cooperation,” he concluded. “We are privileged and blessed to have had the Bridge Community in Kilcullen for the last 25 years.”