Ant and Dec open Catholic retreat in Consett

Jul 6 2010 by Neil McKay, The Journal

DECLAN Donnelly fulfilled a promise he had made to his priest brother Dermott when he officially opened a Catholic retreat for youngsters yesterday.

Accompanied by his friend and fellow Britain’s Got Talent presenter Ant McPartlin, Declan opened a Youth Village for the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese at Allensford, on the outskirts of Consett, County Durham.

The pair were accompanied by Bishops past and present and watched by admiring young fans.

Fr Dermot Donnelly, who runs the Youth Mission Team based at Allensford, said the Bafta award-winning duo, who have presented I’m a Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!, Saturday Night Takeaway, Push the Button and Britain’s Got Talent, readily agreed to perform the official opening.

He said: “The building of the youth village has been a dream of the charity for a number of years and Ant and Dec have been very supportive throughout.

“It seems right that they are present at the opening, together with other supporters and benefactors because they have all been so determined to make this dream a reality.

“Others who have been incredibly supportive are the former Bishop of Newcastle, Ambrose Griffiths, who saw the potential in this venture 15 years ago, his successor the late Bishop Kevin Dunn, and the current Bishop, Seamus Cunningham.

“Two chalets have been named in honour of Bishop Kevin and Bishop Ambrose.”

Dec said: “A place like this in the North East is much needed. Youngsters are under more pressure than ever these days, because of bullying, knife crime, peer pressure and so many other factors. This is somewhere they can come to reflect and to get away from it all.”

Ant added: “This retreat is somewhere youngsters can come and mix with others who maybe have the same problems and where they can spend some time by themselves and learn about themselves. This is why we were so keen to support it. Besides, we didn’t dare say no to Dec’s brother.”

Fr Dermott said the retreat was open to youngsters “of all religions and denominations”.

“I hope every child from every school in the Hexham and Newcastle Diocese will be able to spend at least some time here.

“The international community of young volunteers who live at the Youth Village accompany the young visitors on a journey of discovery to a place where they can encounter their true selves,” he added.

Visitors to the Youth Village – which is situated in verdant Derwentside country – will enjoy state-of-the-art-facilities which include an auditorium and dining hall for groups up to 90 people. There are 55 en suite bedrooms across four attractive chalets, a games room, spacious gardens, playing fields and a dedicated space for prayer and reflection. In addition to the young people who are invited to use the Youth Village for retreats and camping, it also offers a venue for different occasions such as receptions, adult conferences and meetings.