Around 10 years ago, members of the former Londonderry Branch, now the Foyle Ward, hosted a fun day for their neighbours, Belmont House Special School, as part of Helping Hands Day. It was such a success that it has now become an annual event. Belmont House Special School is now Ardnashee School and College, and following the close relationship built up between the school and the local members of the Church, this year school officials asked if they could hold their annual carol service in the Foyle Ward building. The Ardnashee school community, teachers, pupils and parents gathered with Foyle Ward members to celebrate Christmas. Who would have thought that a Helping Hands project would have led to this?
Foyle Ward also hosts the Families and Schools Together (FAST) programme. FAST is an award-winning early-intervention programme designed to support children’s learning at home and help them achieve their potential at school. Families attend eight weekly sessions where children and parents take part in structured activities together. The programme has produced great results, with FAST reporting across the board success for children, their families and the wider community.
Additionally, because of the Foyle members’ efforts to build relationships in their community, the Derry and Strabane District Council has recognised Mormon Pioneer Day in its 2016 calendar, and this day will feature in the council’s calendar for years to come.
In the run up to the 50th anniversary of the dedication of the Foyle building (6th November 2016), a Facebook page has been set up with a picture of the building and a caption asking for anyone with memories of it to share them. Ward leaders report that people from all over the world have contributed to the page. Local leaders intend to gather as much information as possible about the building and the ward, and they hope that the work can be published and add to the knowledge of the history of the Church in Londonderry.