Author: Katrina Hartin

What is Drumalis?
Drumalis provides “an oasis of peace on the journey of life”: it is a sanctuary offering renewal, retreat and refreshment for all. It is a place that celebrates diversity of age, religious affiliation, socio-economic status and aspiration. At its heart is a fine, listed Victorian house overlooking the sea at the gateway to the Antrim Coast in Larne. Its tradition of hospitality and welcome stretches back to medieval times and its origins as a monastic site. Who owns Drumalis?
Drumalis is owned by the Sisters of the Cross and Passion, a congregation of Religious Sisters with outreach around the world. They have been working in Northern Ireland for over 100 years and have had a ministry at Drumalis since 1930. Drumalis is a registered charity and is run by a small resident community, supported by a management committee and working alongside local staff and volunteers.

Presentation of Eco Congregation Award to Drumalis in 2018.

Who Benefits from Drumalis?
Drumalis has been a place of sanctuary for many people during the toughest times in Northern Ireland’s chequered history. Traditionally a retreat house for working girls and women from industrial Belfast during the 1930s and 40s, Drumalis became a place of refuge during World War II and again at the height of “the Troubles.” Since the ceasefires were established, Drumalis has taken a lead role in the work of peace and reconciliation, particularly in its local East Antrim area but also extending its scope to include individuals from wider Northern Ireland, Europe and beyond. There is an ongoing commitment to make the facilities available to people who find themselves in difficult circumstances.
What is the Role of the Friends?
Following the extensive restoration of the Smiley Heritage House during 2002-2003, another ambitious project was launched in 2007 to replace the 1960s building, which had become unsuitable to meet the growing demand Drumalis was experiencing. A fund-raising campaign to support this project was launched and, thanks to the generosity of the Sisters of the Cross and Passion and many donors, the project was completed and formally opened in September 2008.

“Walking together with hope into the future: Building Community” - one of a series of meetings to share ideas and explore the future of Drumalis
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Many people associated with Drumalis are dedicated to supporting its ongoing work and preserving the site as a place of peace and tranquillity. The establishment of the “Friends” provides an opportunity to galvanise the goodwill and generosity towards Drumalis and its activities that have accumulated over the past 80 years. It is also a way to provide a secure financial support base which will go towards the maintenance and development of the Centre and its facilities now and in the future.
What are the Rewards of being a friend?
As a Friend of Drumalis, you become part of a tradition that stretches back to 1930 when the Sisters first came to the house. Whether you are visiting the centre or attending services, retreats, conferences or cultural events, you will know that you belong as a Friend and that your interest is helping to ensure that future generations can enjoy Drumalis. You will also receive a regular newsletter as well as an invitation to the annual Friends Gathering. Your name will be entered into our “Book of Friends” and you and your family will be included in the prayer and Eucharistic celebrations throughout the year.

Rev Ann Irvine, keynote speaker at Friends of Drumalis Garden Party 2019 (centre) with her husband Don and Maura Burns, Drumalis Management Team

Membership Application
I wish to become a Friend of Drumalis (please tick as appropriate) Minimum Donation o Annual Member (individual) £25 o Annual Member (family) £50 o Annual Corporate Member £100 o Lifetime Member (family/individual) £500 o I am interested in bequeathing to the Friends of Drumalis in my will
Name: …………………………………………
Address: …………………………………………
Contact No: …………………………………………
Email Address: ………………………………………… Method of Payment (please tick as appropriate): o Cheque (made payable to Drumalis) o Banker’s Standing Order (also available on request) o Credit/Debit Card o Cash
Gift Aid declaration – for present & future donations
Name of charity: DRUMALIS
Please treat as Gift Aid donations:
o The enclosed gift of £________
o All qualifying gifts of money made today and in the future Please tick the appropriate box
I confirm that I have paid or will pay an amount of Income Tax and/or Capital Gains Tax for each tax year (6 April to 5 April) that is at least equal to the amount of tax that all the charities or Community Amateur Sports Clubs (CASCs) that I donate to will reclaim on my gifts for that tax year. I understand that other taxes such as VAT and Rates/Council Tax do not qualify. I understand the charity will reclaim 25p of tax on every £1 that I give on or after 6 April 2008.
Signed …………………………………………
Date …………………………………………
Please notify Drumalis if you:
1. want to cancel this declaration
2. change your name or home address
3. no longer pay sufficient tax on your income and/or capital gains
If you pay Income Tax at the higher or additional rate and want to receive the additional tax relief due to you, you must include all your Gift Aid donations on your Self Assessment tax return or ask HM Revenue and Customs to adjust your tax code.
Please return to: Friends of Drumalis, 47 Glenarm Road, LARNE, County Antrim, BT40 1DT

Who are our Patrons?
The Very Rev Dr John Dunlop Former Moderator, Presbyterian Church in Ireland Mrs Olivia Nash MBE Local actress and television personality Baroness Nuala O’Loan DBE Member of the House of Lords and former Police Ombudsman
Rev Dr Ruth Patterson Director of Restoration Ministries & Presbyterian Minister The Most Rev Noel Treanor Bishop of Down and Connor
The Most Rev Patrick Walsh Bishop Emeritus of Down and Connor
The Rev Dr Johnston McMaster Methodist minister & Coordinator of Reconciliation Programme, Irish School of Ecumenics

Drumalis Retreat and Conference Centre Sisters of the Cross and Passion 47 Glenarm Road, Larne, County Antrim, BT40 1DT Tel: 028 2827 2196 or 028 2827 6455 Email: drumalis@btconnect.com Website: http://www.drumalis.co.uk

“We love this place O God, this holy ground Where we are fed and you are found.” - Psalm 43