Month: November 2020

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council has visited Garvagh Forest where new walking and cycling trails are encouraging more people to get active outdoors.

Officially opened last summer, the trail network provides a welcoming environment for the public to experience the benefits of recreation opportunities within a forest environment.

Nestled on the edge of the town, walkers and joggers can explore up to 13kms of way marked routes, while cyclists can enjoy a range of purpose built trails.

Given the pandemic’s social restrictions, Alderman Mark Fielding said access to outdoor space is more crucial than ever.

“Garvagh Forest is a beautiful natural asset enhanced by appropriate infrastructure thanks to funding from DAERA, Sport NI and the Landfill Community Fund. The high quality trails make it a valuable space for recreation, and we have seen its popularity grow in recent times.

“If the trailhead car park is full, I would like to remind the public that they can also avail of further parking at Bridge Street which is only a short walk away. All forest users should park responsibly and be mindful of other drivers and pedestrians at all times.

“The forest is a fantastic shared space and we want to ensure that a visit to the area remains a positive experience for everyone as we promote positive health and wellbeing within local communities.”

As a two-week circuit breaker continues to reduce the spread of coronavirus, the Mayor is also reminding people to adhere to the new regulations:

“During this time we should all try to stay at home as much as possible and only leave for essential purposes which includes outdoor exercise along with education, healthcare needs or to care for others.

“By reducing our contact with others and staying at home we will reduce the spread of the infection and ultimately help to save lives.

“Please do everything you can in the weeks ahead to protect yourself and your loved ones as we continue the fight against COVID-19.”

You can find out more about Garvagh Forest by going to www.visitcausewaycoastandglens.com/garvagh-forest-trails/

Go to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/COVID19 or follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and announcements about coronavirus.

The Northern Ireland Festival of Writing will be broadcasting over six hours of content throughout the day and night on NVTV this Friday, November 28.

Following on from the successful inaugural event in 2019 the festival has launched an online programme of content that will once again encourage and support writers who want to start or develop their skills.

Over the next 3 weeks the free online content will include interviews with local writers and content creators, panel events, workshops and masterclasses.

As well as that the festival will be broadcasting a series of interviews with local writers from a wide variety of writing genres on NVTV and across via a range of Facebook and YouTube channels.

Director of the festival, James Murphy, said that the festival intends to become even more successful in encouraging local talent.

“While we cannot repeat last year we have worked hard to make sure we have a rich programme that aims to help develop participant’s confidence,” he said. 

“We hope that what we have planned will educate, empower and improve literacy and communications skills.”

The 2020 programme will include in-depth interviews with local, national and international writers; a range of practical writing and creative writing workshops, online book club and reading recommendations; panel discussions; and, an online writing retreat.

Festival directors publicist and journalist Tina Calder and author James Murphy will be interviewing a range of well known Northern Ireland writers including comedians Tim McGarry and Nuala McKeever, musicians Janet Devlin and Ciaran McElhinney, performance poets Elizabeth McGeown and Michael Wilson, authors William Clegg and Bernie Allen, transformation coach Deborah King, journalist and author Malachi O’Doherty and journalist and blogger Alan Meban to name a few.

From Zoom to in-studio interviews Tina said they wanted to show the breadth of talent throughout Northern Ireland.

She added: “What we wanted to achieve with these interviews was to inspire other writers by hearing stories from those who have achieved a range of success in their chosen writing field. It was important to us that we were able to show that the writing industry was more than just writing novels and poetry.

“There are some really incredible stories of people’s journey to success and I love the fact that each person has a different one to tell.”

Local community television channel NVTV joined forces with the festival in order to make it more accessible to people across the country.

Simon Wood, Chairperson at NVTV said: “Northern Visions is excited to be a partner in the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing this year. One of the pleasures for many of us during these challenging times, especially during lockdown, has been being able to get lost in a book and become acquainted with books we have forgotten we actually own.

“What’s so interesting about the Festival of Writing is that it is writing in all its forms so this is a real voyage of discovery.” 

Fans of the festival can see the main NVTV broadcast on Friday November 27 broadcasting on Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland).

The festival will also be streaming sessions on Facebook and running a series of online workshop sessions as well as a range of other interactive events over the coming weeks.

“With the support of all including our festival partners NVTV, Oranga Creative, BAM magazine, The Secret Bookshelf and my own company Excalibur Press we will make this year’s festival a roaring success and look forward to having a further programme planned for the time when safer social gatherings can take place” said festival co-founder Tina Calder.

To help support the festival the Crowd Funder page can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-northern-ireland-festival-of-writing

To find out more at http://festivalofwriting.org 

The Health Minister, Robin Swann, has revealed that more than 603 adults are waiting for over a year for autism diagnosis.

Mr Swann was answering an Assembly Written Question from South Down SDLP MLA, Colin McGrath, who also revealed that in total 1,101 were currently waiting for assessment.

The Minister also said that a planned review of adult autism services planned to begin in April of this year had been delayed as a result of the Covid-19 crisis but will be asking the Executive to bring forward an interim review early in 2021.

In terms of the current totals the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust alone has 346 people waiting in excess of 52 weeks for assessment, with only the Northern Trust not having anyone waiting beyond a year.

The written answer detailed how long were people waiting across four week intervals, as counted as of August 2020. Almost 200 have been waiting between 26-39 weeks.

Of the other trusts South Eastern Trust had 83 waiting for assessment more than a year, the Southern Trust 124 and the Western Trust 50.

Meta Auden, founder of Spectra Sensory Clothing reacted to the statistics: “The waiting times for an autism diagnosis are totally unacceptable and cause great distress for many.

“In the case of adults, they seem to be forgotten, and it has to be remembered that children with autism grow up to become adults with autism.”

Mr Swann was also asked for his plans to reduce the waiting times.

“People with Autistic Spectrum Disorder have access to a range of core HSC services,” he explained in his answer. “Support may be provided via GP and Primary Care in the first instance or referral onto services such as psychology or psychiatry, depending on assessed need.

“Access to other community services where relating to Mental Health or Learning Disability support are also available where appropriate, as are services provided through the community/voluntary sector.”

With regards to waiting times he said: “I am however fully aware of the rising demand for adult autism services within our health and social care sector and of the growing need for the standardisation of provision of services across the regional Trusts.

“This is why my Department has been liaising with the Health and Social Care Board and with the Public Health Agency to commence a review of adult autism services.

“Work on this review was due to commence in April of this year, but due to pressures on the system as a result of COVID-19, plans to commence this work had to be paused.”

He went on: “However, mindful of the challenges which COVID 19 has presented to families and people with autism, I have recently written to my Executive Colleagues to advise them of my intention to publish an interim autism strategy early in 2021 which will ultimately inform the development of a fully co-produced strategy later in 2021.

“It is intended that the work to review adult autism services will be undertaken as an action  within this strategy. Like its predecessor, this interim strategy contains cross-departmental actions recognising that adults with autism require a wide range of support across for example health, education, housing, and employment.”

Meta Auden said that lengthy waiting times for diagnosis are across all ages:

“One of the frequently asked questions on the forums here is ‘is there anywhere else, where I can get my child diagnosed’?” she said. Until diagnosis they cannot access many HSC services. 

“This means that the children are struggling at school, as no help without diagnosis.”

There has meant, according to the Spectra Sensory founder, many are having to pay.

“One customer has private health care but it does not cover the autism spectrum, so she is going for a diagnosis to a private clinic where the cost is nearly £400.00.

“There are not many who can afford this and considering that 85% of young adults with autism are unlikely to be in work compared to the rest of the young adult population the private route is not feasible.”

She added that, whilst her company caters for children, the range goes far beyond that.“We cater for all ages, our largest size maybe a 17/18, but they are large enough for many adults and indeed many adults also wear our t-shirts and shirts.”

The Northern Ireland Takeaway Association has warned that up to 2,000 jobs are at risk in the sector with the announcement of the latest raft of lockdown measures.

Director, Michael Henderson said that without immediate financial aid up to 25% of takeaways will close.

“With the latest restrictions now set to cut well into December the entire sector is at grave risk,” he said. 

“Without financial support for the takeaway sector we believe around a quarter of all takeaways in Northern Ireland will close resulting in a loss of over 2,000 jobs.

“Already we have seen a huge reduction in trade with the closure of hospitality with reduced numbers of walk-ins. This has resulted in a loss of 30% of the average trading.”

Mr Henderson said the restrictions in trading will also have a massive impact.

He added: “The arbitrary decision to not allow deliveries after 11pm has also had a devastating effect.

“This has produced an average loss of 40% with no explanation from the executive on why this was put in place even though the rest of UK and ROI currently have no restrictions on deliveries even at the highest level of lockdown.

“The 11pm restrictions means takeaways have to get all orders out on time to customers with a high standard of food quality; they would be limited to taking last orders around 9:45pm. s most takeaways within Northern Ireland do not open until 5pm this would only give businesses only 4hours and 45mins of trade time.”

Mr Henderson said that takeaways in Northern Ireland are having to deal with losing around 70% of average trade while being expected to pay all bills and staff wages with no financial support from the executive. 

“We believe our sector has been forgotten and left hung out to dry but our Executive.”

The NI Takeaway Association that the competition for trade has become more intense.

“Restaurants have now started, understandably, operating as takeaways which makes the market even more saturated.”

Restrictions on deliveries are to be reinstated on November 20 after the current easing from today. The NI Takeaway Association will be liaising with members to keep them up to date on the constantly changing situation.

Members looking for further information on this and other related subjects members can contact Michael Henderson direct on 07425846533 or michael@nitakeawayassociation.co.ukTo become a member go to >> https://www.nitakeawayassociation.co.uk/members-area

19 November – 12 December 2020

www.gallery545.com

Gallery 545 presents a group of emerging and more established artists based in Northern Ireland who have achieved recognition locally and internationally. This exhibition celebrates their originality and talent showcasing a curated selection of diverse artworks. The selection encompasses atmospheric pieces inspired by landscapes, vibrant abstract paintings, fascinating portraits and exquisite works on paper. Viewers will have the opportunity to appreciate and discover recent artworks by several accomplished artists living and working in the region.

All the exhibiting artists are represented by Gallery 545, an online and pop-up gallery specialising in contemporary art of Northern Ireland. They are: Lisa Ballard, Ronan Bowes, Alacoque Davey, Ray Duncan, Craig Donald, Wendy Ferguson, Karl Hagan, Elham Hemmat, Trina Hobson, Ashely B Holmes, Janet Keith, Rachel Lawell, Aimee Melaugh, Rosie McGurran, Kevin Miller, Noel Murphy, Latisha Reihill, Katharine St Angelo, Charlie Scott and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Artworks can be viewed and purchased online at gallery545.com (free delivery in UK and Ireland, and also  free returns in Northern Ireland). They are also available for private viewings at Gallery 545’s office in 51 Malone Road, Belfast.  For more information and enquiries, contact the gallery at hello@gallery545.com or on +44 7960 130414.

Gallery 545 Group Exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545. She commented:

I am delighted to feature and promote several artists based in Northern Ireland with this exhibition. There are so many talented artists here who create great art. This year has been particularly difficult for them. I therefore believe that it is important, now more than ever, to support them.

Eden Project Communities ambassadors Jo Brand and Eddie Izzard will be headlining the popular visitor attraction’s first online festival, which is hoping to be the “perfect antidote to lockdown” says Sir Tim Smit, Co-Founder of the Eden Project.

The Festival of Discovery on 20-21 November is funded by National Lottery and  offers a wealth of sessions FREE  aiming to help people connect from across the UK through lively discussions, fun demonstrations and inspiring stories.

Covering topics from climate change and food security to inclusive communities and wellbeing the virtual festival is hoping to bring together families and neighbours during the challenging next few weeks.

Festival-goers will be able to take  part in cooking, gardening, listen to health and well being expert advice, enjoy a virtual tour around the world-famous Eden Biomes and walk amongst the exotic plants whilst watching exclusive talks and workshops focusing on encouraging people to explore a better future, for themselves and their communities.

Guest speakers will include marathon man and comedian Eddie Izzard who will be talking about exploring identity and making humanity great again, and fellow comedian Jo Brand will be telling people about some of the things she’s personally discovered during her extraordinary life and career.

Speaking about the Festival of Discovery Eddie Izzard said: “We have to remember that this time will turn around and we need to be ready to head towards a more positive future. Eden’s Festival of Discovery is both an antidote to lockdown and a reminder to connect with others, share ideas, spread the positivity and focus on what we can do to make humanity great.”

Online performances will take place across a number of virtual stages including the Med Motivation Station where you can go from having a workout with Mr Motivator before listening to Guinness World Record holder and long-distance cyclist Mark Beaumont in conversation with Peter Stewart, Eden Project’s Executive Director.

Another guest speaker is Greg Whyte OBE, a former Olympian who has helped train numerous celebrities to undertake tough physical challenges and extraordinary feats of endurance. He mentored David Walliams as he swam across the English Channel, took Cheryl Cole, Chris Moyles and Gary Barlow up Mount Kilimanjaro and helped Radio 1’s Greg James on his five triathlons in five cities in five days. Greg explains how exercise and positivity can help anyone to achieve their goals.

On the Open Mic Stage you will be able to listen to the inspirational real-life stories of Esther Mujawayo who talks about her work helping to rebuild shattered lives and communities in Rwanda in the wake of the 1994 genocide, and Derrick Errol Evans MBE, the man behind the iconic lycra-clad fitness instructor – Mr Motivator.

Young dinosaur fans will get a treat from BBC’s CBeebies Andy Day as he entertains the kids with Jurassic raps and wild adventure themed activities. Plus, anyone with creative interests can join in virtual lantern making classes, a poetry session or learn painting skills in workshops put together by artist Alison Critchlow.

The festival is part of the Eden Project’s Communities program, all made possible by the National Lottery, and follows the first virtual Big Lunch that took place in the summer.

Grainne Mc Closkey NI Manager, Eden project Communities said: “This winter is going to be tough for everyone and we know how important it is that people feel connected and stay positive. The Big Lunch – our flagship initiative bringing people together had to be done virtually and with social distance this year and there was such a response from people looking for ways to keep connected.  So when  Eden the wonderful destination in Cornwall temporarily closed  due to the pandemic we decided to open it up virtually to people who would not be able to travel and to share knowledge, ideas and experience to people in neighbourhoods across the UK. The Festival of Discovery as the perfect antidote to lockdown. We can still bring people together to have meaningful conversations online that help us work towards a better future for ourselves, our communities and the planet.”

The free Festival of Discovery will take place over the weekend of November 20-21 with all the events taking place via www.thefestivalofdiscovery.com.

Following on from the successful inaugural event in 2019 the NI Festival of Writing is launching an online programme of content to once again encourage and support writers who want to start or develop their skills.

Throughout November and December the free online content will include interviews with local writers and content creators, panel events, workshops and masterclasses.

Director of the festival, James Murphy, said that the festival intends to become even more successful in encouraging local talent.

“While we cannot repeat last year we have worked hard to make sure we have a rich programme that aims to help develop participant’s confidence,” he said. 

“We hope that what we have planned will educate, empower and improve literacy and communications skills.”

The 2020 NI Festival of Writing which has been developed in partnership with Belfast City Council, has launched a Crowdfunding campaign.

“Whilst the events will be free, in order to increase the number and variety of events held throughout the remainder of the year, Belfast City Council have kindly offered to match-fund us to a maximum of £5,000 if we undertake a crowdfunding campaign,” James explained. 

“We have designed a range of opportunities from donations from as little as £5 through to sponsorship opportunities from £100. We have currently raised just over £1,000 and we hope to double that by the end of the crowdfunder this week.

“We know that what we will be providing will make a real impact on participant’s lives through participation, learning and even the opportunity to showcase their work.”

The 2020 programme will include in-depth interviews with local, national and international writers; a range of practical writing and creative writing workshops, online book club and reading recommendations; panel discussions; and, a regular online writing retreat.

This year the festival has joined forces with local public service television channel NVTV to make the festival more accessible to people across the country.

Simon Wood, Chairperson at NVTV said: “Northern Visions is excited to be a partner in the Northern Ireland Festival of Writing this year. One of the pleasures for many of us during these challenging times, especially during lockdown, has been being able to get lost in a book and become acquainted with books we have forgotten we actually own.

“What’s so interesting about the Festival of Writing is that it is writing in all its forms so this is a real voyage of discovery.” 

Fans of the festival can see the main NVTV broadcast on Friday November 27 broadcasting on Freeview 7 (greater Belfast) and Virgin Media 159 (across Northern Ireland).

The festival will also be streaming sessions on Facebook and running a series of online workshop sessions as well as a range of other interactive events throughout November and December.

“In addition we will launch NI Festival of Writing’s very own podcast as well as interactive advice sessions with writers, agents and publishers,” said Festival co-founder Tina Calder.

“With the support of all including our festival partners NVTV, Oranga Creative, BAM magazine, The Secret Bookshelf and my own company Excalibur Press we will make this a success and look forward to having a further programme planned for the time when safer social gatherings can take place.”

To help support the festival the Crowd Funder page can be found here: https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-northern-ireland-festival-of-writingTo find out more at http://festivalofwriting.org

The coveted title of ‘Best Window Display’ is up for grabs as Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s annual Christmas competition gets underway.

The standard of town centre window displays has soared year after year, with bright, colourful creativity helping to attract shoppers and spread Christmas cheer. Given the challenges of recent months, this has never been more important.

One winner will be selected for each location in Bushmills, Cushendall, Dungiven, Garvagh, Kilrea, Portrush and Portstewart as well as Ballycastle, Ballymoney, Coleraine and Limavady.

A panel of independent judges will assess and score displays based on the following:

How attractive is the display?

How well designed and creative is the display?

How much does the display contribute to a positive town centre experience for local shoppers and visitors?

Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Mark Fielding, said: “2020 has been a very difficult year for our town centres and local businesses. Every one of us is hoping that the Christmas season will mark a positive turning point in the fight against the pandemic, and that the New Year will see a steady recovery of our local economy.

“This Christmas season, more than ever, we are urging people to do their shopping locally by exploring the retail offering in towns and villages across the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough.

“Festive-themed windows have become a great attraction and I encourage all our town centre traders to make the most of this opportunity to embrace the season and enhance the shopping experience your business and town has to offer.”

Each town winner will receive a small trophy in recognition of their creative efforts. There is no need to formally enter the competition. Just make sure your window is beautifully dressed before 5pm on Friday 4th December. Winners will be announced on Monday 14th December 2020.

For further information please contact the Council’s Town Management team on 028 7034 7034 or email: town.management@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

If you are looking for that special gift this Christmas, that offers plenty of choice then why not try the Antrim Town Gift Card?

Launched this week by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council in conjunction with Antrim Town Team, the gift card aims to encourage people to spend more locally and in turn, help businesses recover from the recent pandemic. The card works the same as other shop gift card schemes and can be pre-loaded with any amount from £5 up to £500.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said: “Together with the Council’s Back in Business campaign we want the card to encourage local spend and help our businesses recover from the Covid-19 crisis. People who use the card will be able to discover new shops and businesses which they may not have tried before, whilst also visiting some of their favorite places. The gift card can be redeemed through multiple transactions at over 30 participating businesses within Antrim Town, making the perfect gift for a colleague, friend or family member.”

If you are a business owner who has a till system that accepts Mastercard and would like to get involved please email karen.uprichard@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk. For more information including a list of businesses that accept the gift card or to purchase one, visit www.antrimgiftcard.co.uk

After serving for 21 years in the RUC William Clegg today releases his story of life in the frontline as a serving officer in his début book, Crime, Comedy and Combat.

From his earliest memories, through to joining the force in 1978 in Enniskillen William’s heartfelt telling of his and his colleagues experiences during some of the darkest days in Northern Ireland’s history.

William regards himself as privileged to have worked in and survived the challenges inherent in high risk, hostile, urban and rural environments throughout the province.

Now living in Indonesia he said the book was a way to explain his experiences.

“It is an anthology for people of all ages of how life changed for a young person prior to, during and subsequent to joining the RUC,” he explained. It is about how ‘we’ were during that bleak period, how we coped at that time and how the incidents and emotions resonate to this day.

“I feel that anyone, whether security services or others, will have a feel of true events, episodes, characters and emotions personally experienced by me.

Tina Calder of publishers Excalibur Press said that it was a privilege to bring William’s tale to the public.

“As we now live in relatively peaceful times we forget the horrors that were part of daily life,” she said. “William has been able to encapsulate the experiences of so many RUC officers who had the daily job of a police officer dealing with crime, whilst also under constant threat.

“No matter your allegiances this is the human story of that time, told compassionately.”

In Crime, Comedy & Combat William tells his story for people of all ages, how a young person’s life changed during the Troubles, joining the RUC, and the incidents and emotions that coloured his life.

Crime, Comedy and Combat, published by Excalibur Press is available from Amazon and excaliburpress.co.uk