31 Oct 2025

On 30 Oct 2025, Corrymeela celebrated 60 years since the dedication of our Ballycastle Centre with founding members, brilliant musicians, encouraging words, and good friends.

The shared lunch and the great conversations made every moment memorable, but the highlight of the day was our time in the Croí. We shared familiar words and music from poems and songs through a programme wonderfully designed and led by member Norman Richardson and featuring favourites such as ‘One Small Candle’, ‘Go In Peace’ and ‘The Pollen of Peace.’ (Thanks to member Alan Meban there is a recording of the service on our YouTube page.) 

The event echoed the words of Ray Davey: ‘with thanksgiving for the past, we look to the future with hope.’ It was good to reflect on our history –– but it was even better to know that the prayer that ‘Corrymeela would become an Open Village for all people of good will’ has led us along a wonderful journey of changing ourselves to be part of real reconciliation. 

As the current Leader remarked in his reflection, it wasn’t just the centre that was opened in 1965 – it was the community. We remain a place and a people open to all –– and open to being changed by a growing sense of ‘us. 

We are Corrymeela and you are always welcome.