Free tour highlights successful NI co-ops

Award-winning craft beer, expertly refurbished bikes, delicious organic bread and much sought after Lough Neagh eels '“ what do they have in common?
By The Newsroom
Published 3rd Mar 2017, 13:59 BST
Updated 24th Mar 2017, 10:38 BST
Co-operative Alternatives in partnership with Social Enterprise NI has organised a free study tour to highlight the energy and diversity of our co-operatives and offer people the opportunity to talk to those who are running successful co-operative models. One of the stops along the way will include meeting the team from NICE (Northern Ireland Community Energy.)Co-operative Alternatives in partnership with Social Enterprise NI has organised a free study tour to highlight the energy and diversity of our co-operatives and offer people the opportunity to talk to those who are running successful co-operative models. One of the stops along the way will include meeting the team from NICE (Northern Ireland Community Energy.)
Co-operative Alternatives in partnership with Social Enterprise NI has organised a free study tour to highlight the energy and diversity of our co-operatives and offer people the opportunity to talk to those who are running successful co-operative models. One of the stops along the way will include meeting the team from NICE (Northern Ireland Community Energy.)

They are all products of successful co-operatives being run by passionate and experienced people dedicated to running sustainable, community owned enterprises.

Co-operative Alternatives in partnership with Social Enterprise NI has organised a free study tour to highlight the energy and diversity of our co-operatives and offer people the opportunity to talk to those who are running successful co-operative models.

The half day event is on Friday, March 24, with a mini-bus tour from Belfast to Toomebridge, via Ballymena and back to sample products, talk to co-operators and give anyone interested in starting a co-operative the chance to learn more about them.

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Starting with a breakfast of fresh baked bread and scones at Loveworks in 130 Duncairn Gardens the tour will talk to the people behind this fantastic co-op which provides handcrafted bread, bike repair and gardening and landscaping services.

The next stop is Breezemount Farm in Connor to talk to co-operatives skilled in Renewable Energy including Northern Ireland Community Energy (NICE), Northern Ireland’s only solar energy co-operative and Drumlin Wind Energy, a co-operative co-owning six wind turbines.

Next on the tour is Harryville in Ballymena for coffee with the Raglan Community Development and Renovation Society, which is working to raise £100,000 in community shares towards an ambitious project to create community hub, with 10 business units and exhibition area in the Slemish n tha Braid Credit Union building.

Then it’s on to Toomebridge, centre of the Northern Ireland eel fishing industry to talk to the Lough Neagh Fisherman’s Co-operative and to taste the product that is a prized delicacy all over Europe.

During the trip, the very successful Lacada Brewery co-op, which is making a big reputation in the rapidly growing craft beer market, will also speak to participants. There will be a chance to sample some of their wonderful products.

Places on this tour are free but must be booked in advance. To book your place go to https://co-operative_tour_2017.eventbrite.co.uk or contact Tiziana O’Hara at [email protected] or ring 07858317634.

Related topics:BallymenaRenewable Energy