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Community

A community is a group of people who live or spend time together in the same place.

A community can be a town, a city, or even a building, and you can be a part of many different communities at the same time!

You could be a member of a club or church, or live in the same neighbourhood as other people.

Features of a place

People who live in the same place usually have lots in common, such as attending the same school, shopping at the same stores, and playing at the same park.

They will often work together to make their community a better place.

This might include keeping it clean, volunteering to help others and supporting local shops and businesses.

Some communities may also have facilities that help people like doctors surgeries, libraries and post offices, and places to meet friends like cinemas and cafes.

Place names

A place name is a word or words that describe a specific location, such as a town, city, or country.

Place names help us identify and remember where things are on a map or when giving directions.

They can also provide clues about a place's history, culture, or geography.

Place names can be based on the landscape, the people living there, or events.

We use place names when we talk about where we live, where we want to go, or where we have been.

Did you know that Downpatrick comes from the Irish Dún Pádraig, meaning 'Patrick's fort'?

Or have you ever heard of the Townland of Hurtletoot in County Antrim? It comes from the word Hurkletoot meaning ‘hunched ridge’, which has an Ulster Scots background.

What do you know about where you live?

Maybe you could create a pamphlet advertising your local community as an area that other people should visit.You could add some photos and find out the history behind it's name.

Your pamphlet could include:

• A catchy title - this should include the name of where you live. To make it even more appealing, you could add a positive adjective, for example ‘Crackin' Carrickfergus!’
• Facts and information - present interesting facts about your community, such as things to do in the area, the population or even the success of your local sports team.