A major building scheme began after Easter 2002 which is being part-financed by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Congregation of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion. This process in turn has highlighted the many defects in the new Retreat House built in the late 1960s. It bears all the characteristics of its age—flat roof, unsound structure, windows and services all wearing out—leaks, draughts, lack of disabled facilities, no lift, etc. The Chapel, for example, has no proper heating system and the positioning and style of the building itself is out of keeping with the land and seascape that we are so privileged to enjoy. These realities raise the question of how long this building can survive without major work being done on it. The dream would be of a purpose-built energy efficient facility which would be usable all the year round where people can be comfortable.

None of these plans would have any relevance if there was not a strong conviction that Drumalis has a future. The New Vision is to build on our present mission statement in which Drumalis for many people is an “oasis of peace on the journey of life”. The challenge of the 150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion is to widen and extend the vision to those people and places where the need is greatest. For Drumalis it is clear that the needs are still spiritual, ecumenical and ecological … a place where justice, peace and the integrity of Creation can be fostered.

PATIENCE - Drumalis will be closed until late Spring 2003.  This will come as a disappointment to many retreatants whose annual visit to Drumalis was not even interrupted by the Second World War, the Troubles and the Foot and Mouth scare.

PRAYER - While thanking everyone who has given time and energy to the project, we also need the support of your prayers so that those of us most directly involved with the day-to-day implementation of the project will have the stamina and patience for all that is involved in the restoration work.

FUNDING - The Heritage Lottery scheme will only award partial funding. We have to find the rest. There are some aspects of the scheme which will not be funded at all. If we were to proceed with a plan for the Retreat House building there would be additional major financial implications.

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HELP, PLEASE SEND DONATIONS, BY CHEQUE OR POSTAL ORDER MADE PAYABLE TO DRUMALIS BUILDING FUND, TO:

DRUMALIS BUILDING FUND
47 GLENARM ROAD
LARNE
COUNTY ANTRIM
NORTHERN IRELAND
BT40 1DT