The small village with the ‘giant’ spirit

Bushmills is normally buzzing with activity at this time of year with hundreds of tourists descending on the village en route to the nearby Giant’s Causeway.

However, since lockdown was imposed in March, a group of volunteers have turned their attention to caring for the fellow members of their own community.

Bushmills Coronavirus Support Group was set up on March 14 after community consultation via social media. Within a matter of days, a core group of 40 volunteers had been established. The group engaged through social media and agreed a plan adhering to Government guidelines and assessing the need of the local community.

A bond was also established quickly with the Portballintrae community and those within the district. Bushmills Coronavirus Support group took the lead.

Leanne Abernethy said: “Initially cards were printed with a point of contact for anyone who needed support, advice or a friendly chat. These were distributed door to door throughout Bushmills and Portballintrae as well as advertised on social media.”

The main focus was to collect prescriptions and go shopping for food. The group set up a Just Giving page and applied for funding which enabled them to purchase various types of food and toiletries for distribution to those who required it. Hot food was provided by Yi House, The Giant’s Barn, volunteers and Lorna Elliott.

Leanne said: “There was a desire amongst the volunteers to raise the community spirit and morale so some of the initiatives undertaken included an Easter egg competition, a village TikTok and an ‘in your home’ scavenger hunt.”

The volunteers also decided to do a spring clean of the village which included planting out some of the flowerbeds.

The Bushmills Coronavirus Support Group have been encouraged and overwhelmed by the support given by local groups, the community and the various businesses within Bushmills and Portballintrae. The group, at this stage, have no plans to stop their community activities.