Balcas At Local DIY SOS Style, ‘Grand Reveal’
Ellie’s Retreat, a local charity who provides free family holidays in Fermanagh for those who have suffered the loss of a child, has always been close to the hearts of Balcas and was their original ‘hands-on’ project under #BalcasInTheCommunity in 2017.
When the call went out late last year for assistance with their upgrade to a bigger and better site at Castle Archdale, Balcas jumped at the chance to help with their decking and fencing needs. A bigger site meant too the opportunity to reimagine the plot with bereaved families in mind, and also the chance to get to work with other local manufacturers on this DIY SOS style makeover.
AG Outside Rooms took the lead in digitally designing the nearly 90 sqm recreational space with the expertise of their Landscape Designer, Ronan O’Dowd. They then brought this vision to life with the help of team members John Simpson and Cormac O’Neill, showcasing several hard landscaping products from the company’s range.
Stage 2 of the transformation was undertaken by Mannok who generously tarmacked the entrance area, providing real kerb appeal, befitting of the surprises which now lie beyond the gates.
This whole outdoor area will no doubt be best enjoyed in our summer months but as families visit from March right through to October, it’s important too that the inside be just as cosy and welcoming and so Encirc unsparingly sponsored the retreat’s heating for the entire season
Once the outdoor works were completed Balcas could finally get in on the act by supplying the decking and timber to create a raised entrance, full length platform and additional seated area from which to enjoy the hustle and bustle from the front vista. Balcas is extraordinarily grateful to Brendan Bogue and our own Sean McCarron, who volunteered many hours to again create the finishing touches to add value to this now enviable property. Roisin McManus, Communications Manager says;
“It is a genuine joy to see our own products being used to help with initiatives that are important to our team as Ellie’s Retreat is. This brand-new site at Castle Archdale provided us the unique opportunity to bring other manufacturers on board to showcase what, together, local manufacturers can achieve and help those dedicated to helping others.”
Ciara and Billy Nicholl who founded and manage the retreat in a voluntary capacity, in honour of their daughter Ellie are grateful also to the general business community who support them on a weekly basis through the provision of groceries and other treats to add value to their deserving visitors.
The last word naturally goes to Ciara who said:
“We could not do what we do for families without the support from our local community and for that we are truly grateful. We are sincerely humbled by the local companies who have provided their own technical expertise which has resulted in the beautiful, tranquil space that Ellie’s Retreat is today. It is not a road that anyone wishes to travel but with your support we are ALL helping bereaved families on their journey. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts to you all for your continuing support.”
