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Lithuanian workers go fishing with Glenavy Parish

Monday January 26th 2009

Glenavy Parish has been involved in an innovative project helping migrant workers settle into wider society.

As part of a partnership between the Church of Ireland  and the South Eastern Health Trust (SET) six Lithuanians working in counties Antrim and Armagh travelled to Foxford, County Mayo, to fish in the world famous river Moy.

SET aims to help assimilate migrant workers into wider society, improving their wellbeing and personal development. Glenavy Parish has supported these workers living in the parish by providing English classes, computer classes and social events organised on church property since 2006.

The trip to Mayo was an extension of this programme, and was organised Andrea Wills, an ordinand at Church of Ireland Theological College, John Farr, community worker for Glenavy Parish Church and also an ordinand, and Maureen Bruce, health development worker for SET.

As well as fishing the group enjoyed sight seeing, social activities and some joined in worship in Foxford Parish Church.

John Farr said afterwards: "A good time was was had by all, relationships were established, a salmon was brought home, and plans are afoot for a return trip later in the year which may include a climb to the summit Croach Patrick.

"Lithuania is about as far east in Europe as you can get and Mayo is about as far west. Who knows the next trip may be from Mayo to Lithuania!"

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