The Community Decision event for the Grand Choice participatory budgeting initiative in Downshire East was held on Saturday 18 October 2025 from 11.00am to 3.00pm in Drumlough Presbyterian Church Hall, 5 Rafferty's Hill, Hillsborough, BT26 6QB.
We were delighted to see 1,076 people from the local community come along to vote and show support and help the local groups achieve support for their ideas for 5 Ways to Wellbeing; Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, Give.
Each of the projects exhibited during the event prior to the public casting their votes. Representatives from various agencies also attended on the day to give advice and guidance to the local community on areas such as crime prevention, health and wellbeing and much, much more.
There is a total £15,000 available under Grand Choice.
Grand Choice winners
| Organisation |
Project |
Amount |
| Dromara Primary School PTA |
Outdoor learning |
£1,000 |
| Drumlough VIP Club |
Reduce loneliness and boost health & wellbeing |
£1,000 |
| Anahilt Primary School |
Assembly Hall modernisation |
£1,000 |
| Dromara Village Football Youth Academy |
DVFC Youth Academy 2025 Equipment Refresh |
£1,000 |
| Anahilt Primary School PTA |
The thrive space |
£1,000 |
| Drumlough Committee |
Coffee Dock |
£1,000 |
| Anahilt & Magheraconluce Community Association |
Community library |
£1,000 |
| Harry Ferguson Memorial Pipe Band |
Youth bagpipe and drum musical development |
£1,000 |
| 358th Loughaghery Presbyterian Church Girls’ Brigade |
On the farm experience |
£1,000 |
| Drumlough Pipe Band |
Improve Uniform Quality |
£1,000 |
| Anahilt Scout Group |
Roof repairs and purchasing equipment |
£1,000 |
| Dromara Village FC |
Dromara Village Football Club Refresh |
£1,000 |
| St John’s Parish Church, Dromara |
Senior Friends Christmas Dinner |
£1,000 |
| Carr Primary School Sen Spin Unit |
Outdoor Equipment |
£985 |
| Dromara Local History Group |
Purchase Equipment for Group Activity |
£1,000 |