Bill Shaw said few words to welcome guests,staff and volunteers

"I want to begin by echoing my Chair's welcome and words of thanks – really appreciate fact taken time out of busy schedules to be with us – celebrating 25 Years of Peacemaking in N Belfast...

Lord Mayor – great that you were able to make it!

Thank you all – as our Chair has said – exciting time for the Trust – and the people of lower Antrim Road/New Lodge as work on old church gathers pace. Something we've talked about/dreamt about for many years and with the commitment of major funders International Fund for Ireland and Heritage Lottery Fund it's going to happen!

Design/Development phase begins in earnest today – with a builder on site next summer and hopefully end of 2011/early 2012 will see the 'Centre for Arts and Culture' open its doors...

Lot of hard work before then and want to thank my Team here for their hard work and professionalism, dedication and commitment as we work in partnership with others in delivering programmes and activities here in the Complex everyday of the year.

Crucial part of that Team are our Volunteers – special tribute to those folk who freely give of their time in ensuring the needs of others are met.

Celebrating 25^th Anniversary – also Celebrating the important contribution Volunteers make – and have always made – to the work of the Trust."

Say particular thanks to Lord Mayor for taking time – making time to be with us. Know been busy time for you Lord Mayor since taking up office and pay tribute to way you've 'hit the ground running'. Your leadership around the minority ethnic issue has been greatly appreciated for everyone working towards a Shared Future and ensuring that everyone feels they belong here – wherever they have come from.

The efforts of everyone here at the 174 Trust – like yours are aimed at encouraging tolerance and mutual respect and the promotion of reconciliation. I know from our Director Bill that you have taken a keen interest in the work here and championed our cause in City Hall – so we're especially glad you're here to celebrate our Anniversary.

To everyone else – thank you for coming – your support and encouragement are essential as we catch our breath and launch into an exciting period of development and expansion with the plans for the 'Centre for Arts and Culture' and the transformation of the former church building taking shape."

All the User groups, staff of the 174 Trust and Volunteers had a lovely day.