A taste of the Orient during an Indian cookery demonstration

A taste of the Orient during an Indian cookery demonstration

5 March 2025

GLEBE House, a community facility near Strangford, is celebrating success once more.

After a funding crisis nearly brought about its demise two years ago, Glebe House, run by the Harmony Community Trust, is once again at the heart of community by organising events and bringing people together. 

The latest event was a demonstration in Indian cookery by Ciara Von Vogt and her daughter, Kelsey, from Margaret’s B&B in Ardglass.

They prepared and shared four delicious family recipes, filling the hall with warm and exotic aromas of southern India.

Ciara regaled everyone present with fascinating stories of her mixed Indian and Irish heritage, of which she said she is very proud,

“My father originated from Bangalore,” she explained. “In 1962, when he was only 19, he relocated to Ardglass. It was there he met a local woman,  my mother, and they were married four years later.

“I grew up learning about Indian spices and involving them in much of my cooking. I gathered many great hints and tips from my father, grandmother and cousins and I hope to share these recipes and more in future workshops.”

Tasting time did not disappoint, with all four dishes going down a treat and plenty of requests for second helpings.

This workshop was the last of a series of events made possible thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency’s Clear Project.

Previous workshops included willow weaving, vegetable fermentation and a trip to Clifton House in Belfast.

Alongside these ad hoc workshops, there is a well-established programme of weekly classes at Glebe House.

These include chi me classes on Mondays at 10am, a ‘Singing Circle’ most Wednesdays from 2-4pm and ‘Tots ‘n’ Teenies', every Thursday at 10.15am.

Volunteer Ann Barker said: “Classes are open to everyone in Kilclief, Strangford, Downpatrick and beyond. Participants are asked to make a small donation, but as an organisation we stress the donation is completely voluntary, and should not prevent those facing financial hardship from attending.

Everyone will receive a warm welcome and classes normally finish with a cup of tea and a chat”

Glebe House is nestled in eight and a half acres of unspoilt land just outside Kilclief. For the past 50 years  it was best known for cross community youth work for children affected by the Troubles.

In 2023 the Harmony Community Trust had its funding unexpectedly cut, leaving Glebe House with no staff and on the brink of closure.

However, dedicated trustees and volunteers refused to let the place close. Although they had to pause their youth programmes, committed volunteers continued some adult programmes whilst searching for ways to breathe life back into the facility.

One of the first grants secured was a micro rural grant from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, allowing the first seeds to be planted in a new community garden.

The timing was right, and over 18 months the Seedbed Community Garden has thrived.

What began as a small herb garden has blossomed to include to a large polytunnel for growing flowers and vegetables, woodland, an orchard and eighteen raised beds.

The volunteers have just finished carving out space for a community pumpkin patch which they hope to sow with pumpkin seeds harvested from last year’s pumpkins.

Shirley McCrum, from Kilclief, has been volunteering at the seedbed for a year and says they are always looking for new volunteers.

“Now we are just on the cusp of planting season, it is a great time to start volunteering with a welcoming and budding gardening community,” she remarked.

“No gardening experience is necessary – just a love of spending time in the great outdoors. Volunteering at the seedbed garden continues to grow organically. We all grow together and share our learning as we go. Everyone has something they can bring to the project.

“Our ‘no dig’ approach to gardening is good for the environment and because it does not require any heavy digging, it makes growing accessible to a broader range of abilities.”

Recently appointed office manager Cónal ó Mianáin, says he is excited about the future of Glebe House.

“We have a range of great facilities on site and want to ensure the place can reach its full potential,” he continued.

“We are turning our attention to the local community and focusing on developing the site to become a vibrant community hub for local adults, which will thrive alongside our youth programmes.

“We hope to offer hostel-style accommodation to the public in the near future.

“This initiative is crucial for our sustainability, allowing us to supplement our youth programs and reduce our reliance on statutory funding.

“The diversification of income streams is a key part of our strategy to ensure the long-term viability of Glebe House and its vital work within the community.”

Seamus Camplisson, chairperson of the Harmony Community Trust and a long-time volunteer at the centre, said: “The survival of the trust following withdrawal of funding in 2023 is thanks to our energetic, dedicated and pro-active trustees and volunteers.

“I believe the potential of Glebe House as a community hub is beginning to be realised at a local level.”

If you would like any more information about any of the events at Harmony Community Trust, or if you are interested in volunteering, you can visit their website at glebehouseni.org or follow on social media.