Newcastle Branch Profile.
On Saturday, 17th June 1993, a meeting was held in the D.C.F.I. Holiday Home to elect a Committee for the purpose of establishing a Branch in the Newcastle area.
Six people were elected representing three local church denominations.
A further meeting was held on the 14th August 1993 when appointments were made to specific posts of Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer and Transport Organiser.
Our first monthly meeting was held on Saturday, 25th September in the D.C.F.I. Holiday Home.
Numbers enrolled for the first year were around 21 disabled and 20 helpers.
Sadly however, over the past eleven years 24 disabled and 3 helpers have died.
Our membership now is 24 disabled and 12 helpers.
please pray that we may be enabled to reach out to more disabled in our area and that we may find younger helpers.
Our meetings are held on the third Saturday of each month in the D.C.F.I. Holiday Home when some of the guests in residence love to join us.
God’s word has been faithfully preached, Christians have been blessed and encouraged and unbelievers have been challenged.
Transport to our meetings is provided by the D.C.F.I. minibus and private cars.
Our prayer meeting is held on the second Tuesday of each month in the Secretary’s home with an attendance of 8–10 helpers.
In recent years at Christmas a lunch has been provided by the helpers.
This consists of:–
1. Choice of soup with wheaten bread, rolls and crisps or Pringles;
2. Choice of pavlova, trifle, fresh fruit salad, tart or cheesecake;
3. Shortbread, Mince pies and Christmas cake.
After our usual Christmas meeting each member is given a present.
These have included a primula plant, beaker with sweets, purse, soap, face cloth and comb, shortbread, handkerchiefs and small framed picture with scripture text.
During the month of June outings have been to the following places and we have been very satisfied with the meals provided.
| OUTINGS. | TEAS. | |
| Lady Dixon Park, Belfast. | Lisburn DCF Ladies. | |
| Craigavon Lakes & Shopping Centre. | High St. Methodist church, Lurgan. | |
| Mall Shopping & Linen Centre, Lisburn.. | Lisburn DCF Ladies. | |
| Whiterock & Ards Shopping Centre. | 1st Newtownards Pres. Church; | |
| Forestside Shopping Centre. | Carryduff Pres. Church. | |
| St. Patrick's Museum, Downpatrick. | Museum Cafe. | |
| Buttercrane & Quays Shopping Centres. | Warrenpoint Methodist church. | |
| Kilkeel. | Mourne Presbyterian Church. | |
| Castlewellan Forest Park. | Castlewellan Pres. Church. | |
| Castlewellan Forest Park | Raffrey Pres. Church. |