When Storm Éowyn hit Armagh a couple of weeks ago it provided disruption, inconvenience and indeed suffering in equal measure.
But a positive aspect was to emanate from the chaos that has left one particular body in the city even more aware of the part it can play in helping to those in difficulties.
The West Armagh Consortium has for a number of years been at the heart of community endeavours but never quite bargained for the role it might fulfil when the full fury of the storm hit the city.
Electricity outages, severe traffic disruption and flooding created huge problems for the majority of the population yet the upshot of the pandemonium was that the West Armagh Consortium was suddenly viewed in a new light.
The door was thrown open at the body’s premises on Cathedral Road to all who required help whether that was a kettle of hot water, food, dry clothing or benefit from a quick nap.
The West Armagh Consortium suddenly became the mecca for people of all age groups as they flocked to the premises to shelter from the howling wind and driving rain given that electricity black-outs had driven them from their homes.
Stephen Fields is Programme Manager at the Consortium’s premises and he reveals that it was particularly fortunate the electricity service there was not impacted by the storm.
“I think you could say we were very lucky,” smiles Stephen, “No one was turned away from our door. People of all age groups came to seek help and we were only delighted to offer it to them.
“We made sure that people were informed that we were open to lend a helping hand where it was needed and this is just the way things turned out.
“There were other premises such as the Council offices and the Vibe Church which were also open. We normally have week-end events in our own premises and we offered people the opportunity to come along and they did so.
“I think I can underline just how wide a variety of events we host when I tell you that we have Bulgarian dancing here at the week-ends and there is a great interest in this, would you believe.”
The West Armagh Consortium staff certainly put in a huge effort to ensure that everyone was catered for to the extent that they have since been flooded with messages of thanks.
“It was overwhelming,” recalls Stephen, “But we are there for the people. They were able to get a cup of tea and a bit of food, charge their telephones and in the process make new friends.
“We were able to send people home with hot water because of the tea pumps which we have and I can assure you that these were greatly appreciated. We were just delighted to be able to help people from across our community and indeed from further afield. We even tried very hard late on a Saturday evening to get a particular family a generator but we simply could not manage it. But then, you can’t win all the battles!”
