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Timeline

Timeline

1970s

1978 – Ian Bothwell first visited Crossmaglen after TV documentary and was impacted to take action

1980s

1980 – Market Stall started in Crossmaglen

1981 – 1st Summer Programme and Volunteer Team – 5 day Children’s Club held in Crossmaglen with day trips and camping

1981 – The Republican Hunger Strike

1982 – 1st Ulsterbus bought and converted into mobile coffee bar

1983 – Purchase “Care Wagon” – used for summer camps and market in Crossmaglen

1984 – Crossfire Trust founded

1985 – Anglo Irish Agreement signed

1986 – Ian and Pauline get married

1986 – Purchased Darkley House

1987 – Shop opened in Coach House – open twice a week selling quality clothing

1989 – Started ACE scheme (Action for Community Employment)

1990s

1990 – Ian visits USA and Crossfire Trust develops international links

1990 – Purchased second Ulsterbus – converted to mobile coffee bar and outreach unit

1991 – Justin Bothwell born

1992 – Moved ACE scheme to Main Street, Darkley Village

1993 – Megan Bothwell born

1994 – Darkley House acknowledged as a Lighthouse providing emergency care and support

1994 – 31 days Project – creating presence of Jesus in Crossmaglen

1994 – IRA announce ceasefire

1995 – Ian visits Argentina to observe reconciliation initiatives

1997 – Ian holds a 40 day fast to pray for Ireland

1997 - Lance Bombardier Stephen Restorick was shot. He was the last British soldier to die in the Troubles.

1997 – Purchased third Ulsterbus converted to mobile coffee bar and outreach unit – officially named “Life Shelter”

1998 – Worn Again opened

1998 – Good Friday Agreement signed

1999 – Darkley House refurbished

2000s

2000 – Reconciliation initiatives launched

2000 – The Singing Kettle established

2001 – Marquee Purchased

2002 – Ian awarded US President's Prize and Nationwide Volunteer Hero Award

2003 – Ian visits Washington DC to receive prize from President George Bush at The White House

2003 – Memory Making Ltd established

2003 – Yarn and Darn established

2004 – Darkley Club House established

2004 – Visit to Áras an Uachtaráin to meet President Mary McAleese

2004 – 25th Anniversary of Crossfire Trust

2004 – Community Audit revealed need for new vehicle

2005 – Major focus on funding to develop Crossfire Trust

2005 – Work started on the Peace Garden

2005 – The Banks opened by Steve Collier, semi professional Irish Premier League footballer

2005 – Plans drawn up for Coach House Regeneration

2005 – Crossfire wins award - 'Community Environments for All'

2006 – Appoint full time Youth Worker - Phil McEvoy

2006 – Take delivery of Mega Mobile

2007 – Ian attends National Prayer Breakfast in Washington DC

2007 – Care Programme established

2007 – Manager appointed for Care Programme

2007 – Strategic Action Plan launched

2007 – Funding finalised for Coach House Regeneration

2008 – Works get underway on Coach House Regeneration

2008 – Crossfire Trust awarded the Queens Award for Voluntary Service

2008 – Coach House Regeneration building opened

2009 – Funding finalised for The Apartments

2009 – Demolition started on garages

2009 – Restoring Hope Project launched

2009 – New team appointed for Care Programme

2010s

2010 – Mega Mobile coordinator appointed

2010 – Added Value manager appointed

2010 – The Apartments completed

2010 – Crossfire Trust 30th Anniversary celebrated

2010 – The Apartments opened and first residents occupy

2010 – Social Development Minister Alex Attwood visits Darkley House

2011 – Visit from President McAleese visits Darkley House

2011 – Crossfire Trust host Volunteer Recruitment Fair

2011 – Ian and Pauline celebrate 25 years of wedded bliss

2011 – 'We All Get On Well, But...' book launched

2012 – Community Sunday Lunch started

2012 – Friends Youth Moyallen Camp visit                  

2012 – Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland visits Darkley House

2012 – Volunteer Paint Week at Darkley House

2012 – Darkley House friends launched Volunteer Appreciation Meal

2012 – 31st Dail Good Friday Agreement Implementation Joint Committee meet at Darkley House

2012 – Ian Bothwell awarded MBE

2013 – Ian Bothwell joins Chamber of Commerce in Crossmaglen

2013 – European Heritage Open Day at Darkley House

2013 – Christmas programme extended

2013 – Youth Social Links

2013 – St. Bennetts Visit Washington DC

2013 – Shanes Office established into Men’s Shed

2013 – BBC Gardeners Corner hosted at Darkley House

2013 – USA Prayer breakfast + launch of Ireland @ Crossroads

2014 – Gardens redeveloped