Issue 213 - North Down BT18 •BT19 • BT20 • BT21
Successful ‘Taster Tours’ Programme Ards and North Down Borough Council, in partnership with South Eastern Regional College (SERC), is celebrating the success of its ‘Taster Tours’ initiative, which ran from July to October 2025. The programme, delivered by the latest ONC Level 2 Tour Guiding graduates, gave residents and visitors a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich history, heritage, and natural beauty through the eyes of passionate local guides. Over the course of the summer and early autumn, participants enjoyed themed tours, each offering a distinctive perspective on the area’s cultural and historical treasures. Programme highlights included explorations of the Victorian elegance of the award-winning Bangor Castle Walled Dementia NI member Raymond Crawford, and his wife Elsie, chatted with BBC Radio Ulster’s David Maxwell about gardening and the importance of getting outdoors, at the new sensory garden in Ward Park, Bangor. They were joined by Jonny Bettes (far left), Parks Development Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council.
Dementia NI members drive development of Sensory Garden
A new sensory garden opened at Ward Park in Bangor earlier this year after a lengthy consultation process with charities, community groups, individuals and their families, as to how it could appeal to, and be used by, as many groups of people as possible. In late 2024, Ards and North Down Borough Council approached Dementia NI members in Bangor to provide feedback and guidance as to how its planned dementia-friendly garden should be designed. Council
representatives and the garden designers visited the organisation’s Bangor group and discussed possible layouts, materials, seating styles and more, with s amples to review and the opportunity for
input and feedback. The Dementia NI members, all of whom are living with a diagnosis of dementia, provided vital intel to the process, heavily influencing the design of the garden and
resulting in a wellrounded and holistic space providing a treat for all the senses in a safe and enclosed garden environment.
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Garden, uncovering floral secrets and timeless charm, reflective journeys from the Walled Garden to Bangor Abbey combined mindfulness with local heritage, coastal walks along Portavo and Orlock revealed myths and maritime history, while stories of three influential women at The Old Market House brought Bangor’s past to life. Ticket proceeds were donated to the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Gillian McCollum’s chosen charities for 2025: St Vincent De Paul, Women’s Aid, and Orchardville.