Along with the obvious opportunity for women from across Belfast to network and enjoy social evenings, there was a very serious and not so easy, topic to work on.

Facilitated by Johnston McMaster, the women broke into workshops to tackle the issues of contentious parades around interface areas and how they, as residents and members of the communities directly affected by these, could come to a solution.

Although well handled by Johnston-given he did have a car nearby in case of a need for an early exit, the role play and debates were quite real and acted out in vigour! We are sure the staff and other residents in Derrynoid started to wonder if ,in fact, riot squads were required!!

The maturity, openness and willingness of all the women to the subject were both admirable and productive. Yes they were all still on talking terms and did socialise fully (and too well) on Saturday night! One key learning from the exercise was around the myths and facts of each religion and historical interpretation.

There was a sincere desire and request to do more of this and take the issues further.

Our thanks to Community Relations Council who grant aided this work and to Johnston McMaster for his professional facilitation.