Loughgall and District Improvement Association

Loughgall Village Improvement Committee was formed in 1989 but the constantly expanding nature of its work required the title to be changed to Loughgall and District Improvement Association, (LADIA) thus emphasising the broader remit of the organisation. The committee consists of local councillors, professional people, and representatives of various organisations, housing estates, other areas, and residents.

LADIA meets on a monthly basis in the Women’s Institute Hall. Although a committee heads LADIA the monthly meetings are open to all the village residents. The work of the committee centres on creating environmental enthusiasm amongst the villagers, the success of which can be easily measured by the number of window boxes, hanging baskets and flowering containers throughout the village.

LADIA has been the driving force behind the village’s success in winning a variety of competitions over the years including, the Progressive Ulster in Bloom Competition, (1995, 1996 & 1997) Northern Ireland Tidy village, (1996, 1997 & 1998) The village carried off two prestigious awards, Ireland’s ‘Best kept Small Village’ and the overall ‘Tidy Town’ award 1998, having been placed third in the All Ireland Tidy Village Competition 1997. In addition in 2000 and 2001 Loughgall competed in the ‘Britain in the Bloom Competition’. These are remarkable achievements and are entirely due to the hard work of the villagers who are involved in all aspects of the work.

During the year LADIA holds business meetings once a month. Naturally the focus of many of these meetings centres on problems in the village and surrounding areas. Areas of concern for LADIA include issues such as litter, housing provision, speeding through the village, tourism, employment, roads and proposed developments by Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council. Over the years close links have developed between LADIA and the Technical Services Department of the Council.

Unfortunately, some sections of the Department of Agriculture have closed, with the result that the land, surplus to the department’s requirement was leased to Armagh Banbridge and Craigavon Council for a country park with extensive leisure facilities.

In June 2001 Loughgall Country Park was opened. The park includes an 18 hole golf course, two football pitches, angling facilities on the lake, a pony drive and various walks. In addition, multiple artefacts within the Country Park have been restored. These include 2 gate lodges, an icehouse, a hermitage and a lakeside cottage. LADIA was also closely involved in the establishment of an apple heritage centre.

LADIA is committed to improving community relations and we organise a variety of community events. Without a doubt Santa’s arrival each Christmas is an annual highlight for both young and old alike.

LADIA strives to make Loughgall and the surrounding area proud of which young and old are. As we enter the 21st Century not only do we look back on the past but also we expectantly acknowledge the future potential of Loughgall.