Have you heard of European Heritage Open Days? Would you like to take part this year?
This year marks the 24th year of European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) in Northern Ireland. It’s an annual celebration of local architecture, history and culture. It’s when hundreds of properties and locations open their doors and organise free events for the public each September.
EHOD provides a unique opportunity for the public to see ‘behind closed doors’ at a variety of historic places, many of which are not normally open to the public.
It’s when the public can enjoy talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops, walks, traditional skills demonstrations.
It’s also a celebration of Northern Ireland’s history and culture through art, literature, song, dance, drama, film, food and crafts.
Getting involved
Your business can take part in EHOD by:
putting on an event
opening a historic property or building of interest to the public
hosting an online event
contributing digital content
The physical events are on 11 & 12 September whilst the digital offerings run from 6 to 12 September.
EHOD is co-ordinated by Department for Communities – Historic Environment Division. They’ll help you promote your offer to the public for FREE on @LoveHeritageNI social media channels, Dept. for Communities website, Discover NI website and in an e-brochure. There’s also help to manage bookings if needed and you’ll be given promotional material, all FREE.
The only requirement is that your place, space or story is provided free of charge to the public for EHOD and it has heritage at its core.
Photoshoot ahead of the St Patrick’s Day Live online event presented by Sailortown Regeneration at St Joseph’s Belfast on March 17th 2021. From left Anthony Toner, Singer / Songwriter; Terry Sharpe, lead vocalist, The Adventures,; Terry McKeown, project manager, Sailortown Regeneration and Johnny Hero, DJ & presenter, U105 Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press.
The rich cultural and historical heritage of Belfast’s Sailortown will be celebrated on St Patrick’s Day with an eight-hour live streamed event from the iconic St Joseph’s Church featuring music, dancing, storytelling and art.
After years of restoration the ‘sailor’s church’ has been transformed to a community hub that will host the event on March 17 from 2pm to 10pm presented by U105 presenter Johnny Hero.
Terry McKeown, Project Manager of Sailortown Regeneration explained the event will be a landmark day after the efforts of so many past and present residents of the area.
“For years we have been collating, collecting and recording the heritage of Sailortown to keep alive the memories and history, and the future of the area,” she said.
“The St Patrick’s Day event which is funded by Intercom, The Executive Office and The Community Relations Council is a big turning point for us. It’s about bringing people back to showcase the creative talent that’s in Belfast and celebrating the transformation of the Chapel on the quays to a community hub.
“We would like to express our gratitude to the National Lottery for their ongoing support of Sailortown Regeneration.”
Boasting a mixture of live events and exclusive video presentations the day will mark the re-opening of St Joseph’s.
“When the church was going to be closed in 1999 it really triggered a whole outpouring of emotion and feeling and hundreds of people who used to live here came back down,” Terry explained.
“They objected vociferously to the church being closed, with the result that there was a long campaign. Then in 2006 we managed to get a lease on it.”
However, the building was in a state of disrepair, and since then there has been a long journey, with always the vision to transform St Joseph’s and the Parochial House into a usable community space but still retaining the character of the buildings that date back to the 1880s.
“Sailortown was devastated when new motorways began in the 60s and 70s,” said Terry.
“But the spirit of the area has always been there. There is a new future with apartments, housing and some of the original buildings. Reopening St Joseph’s is a symbol that we have a population here, some new, and we have those who may have moved away, but their heart is still in Sailortown.”
Among the performances on St Patrick’s Day will be from Dalriada Folk, Anthony Toner, Ferris School of Irish Dancers, Barnbrack, Hugh Jordan, The String Ninjas, The Adventures, Amanda St John and The Lee Hedley Band, with many more on the line-up. There will also be the screening of a video about Sailortown.
Previously known as Sailortown Cultural and Historical Society, which gathered much of the heritage of the area together, Sailortown Regeneration are utilising these Listed Buildings as an Anchor Institution to promote ‘people led’ regeneration and re-establish a thriving community in this city centre waterfront area.
Sailortown is looking forward to the future, with planned developments such as the new Ulster University campus, the City Quays complex and work with the Maritime Trust, the Harbour and City Council to develop the Maritime Mile trail into Sailortown.
The group will explore the rich Maritime Heritage of Belfast and plan to host events for ex-seamen and their families to discover why Sailortown’s Seafarers became such a vital part of the Belfast Story.
“The milestone event on St Patrick’s Day will be streamed under the current Covid-19 restrictions,” said Terry.
“but we want to present St Joseph’s as an iconic space for St Patrick’s Day to show that we will soon be welcoming everyone back in a celebration of our past and a brighter future for our City.”
One of the most difficult things business leaders have had to do throughout the pandemic is ensure not only their business survived but that staff morale and client confidence was maintained.
A year ago no one knew what to expect and the economic landscape was much more uncertain than it is now.
According to Northern Ireland business coach Bernie Allen experience in how the pandemic is shaping the world around us isn’t enough for businesses to survive.
She said: “With the new of a general plan of exiting the lockdowns and restrictions and a bit of hope that a new normal isn’t far away business leaders can now start really planning for their future.
“However, whilst planning for the future is absolutely essential the threat to our businesses hasn’t gone away and survival should, for many leaders and business owners, still be top of the agenda.”
Here are 5 things Bernie says you can do to continue surviving:
1. Know Your Vision
“Successful business leaders not only know where they are with their business at any given time, but they know where they are going” said Bernie, adding: “Especially during uncertain times, it is essential that you exert as much control over your vision as you possibly can, while remaining suitably prepared for the odd bump in the road.
“You should know what you want, know what you need to do to get it and most of all know why you want it. Knowing your why is the single best way to stay connected to your vision, and achieve it.”
2. Make A Plan
Bernie explained: “So you know what you want, and you know roughly what you need to do to get there. Now it’s time to make a plan. As a business owner, these unprecedented times can cause us to feel defeated by our plans, because the plans we once had now seem so far removed from our current reality.
“However, it must be said that poor preparation produces poor results, and if you are a business leader who is hell bent on surviving this pandemic, then it is essential you have a plan up your sleeve.”
3. Focus On Action
As you make your plan, I cannot stress enough the importance of focusing on action. Centre all of your planning around tangible actions that you can take to move the needle forward in your business.
“It’s true, for many of us Covid has thrown the needle in the air completely, but getting back on track relies on focusing on action. Once you begin taking relevant, positive action, motivation will follow.” said Bernie.
4. Break It Down
Bernie said: “Have you ever felt as though you have so much to do that you don’t know where to start? Me too. We all have. However, the important thing is that you start somewhere.
“Take the actions that you know you need or want to complete, and break them into smaller, bitesize tasks which are more easily completed. This will make it much easier for you to survive the pandemic as a business owner.”
5. Serve
Bernie’s final words of advice: “Finally, there has never been a more important time to adopt the service mindset. Serve more than you ever have before.
“Focus on adding value, on helping. That way, when we are finally out the other end of the pandemic, you will be the one still standing.
“These five but simple strategies, if implemented, will help you have clarity, focus and a clear path on your journey to recovery out of this pandemic.”
If you would like to find out more about what you can do as a business leader or owner to keep on top of your game and not let challenges or situations change your direction contact Bernie Allen at bernieallen.com or by emailing Berniespowerhouseacademy@gmail.com
Bernie Allen’s book How To Succeed In Business & Life is out now published by Excalibur Press and available from excaliburpress.co.uk .
We are Hiring career employee message background. Employment hiring job recruitment concept banner.
With exit plans now revealed as to how Northern Ireland will move out of lockdowns and restrictions the recruitment landscape is looking healthy again for many companies.
From customer services, IT, tech and marketing through to business development, administration and project management there’s something for everyone out there at the minute.
Regardless of your sector, experience or desired grade, here are 17 jobs recruiting right now that might be right for you:
1. Customer Service Advisor | Tyson Wilson Recruitment
From £18,160 | Full Time | Permanent | Belfast
As a member of our clients Team, you will play a key role creating a unique customer experience for our client in Bangor Co.Down. You will become a specialist in effectively resolving incidents and queries.
Our callers want to talk to people with personality. People who’ll listen, ask the right questions and patiently offer solutions that leave them smiling. Bring your experience and enthusiasm and you’ll have the chance to support one of the world’s leading mobile phone brands.
Tyson Wilson Recruitment are looking for enthusiastic people who are comfortable speaking on the phone. Working for one of the largest contact centres in Northern Ireland you the ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for customers.
Whilst this is a temporary role, there is with potential of becoming permanent at week 13.
Tyson Wilson Recruitment are looking for enthusiastic people who are comfortable speaking on the phone. Working for one of the largest contact centres in Northern Ireland you the ideal candidate will be the first point of contact for customers.
Whilst this is a temporary role, there is with potential of becoming permanent at week 13.
Our Client is seeking an immediate experienced Customs Broker to join their expanding team. The role has been created to support our clients in specifically Post-Brexit Customs. The successful candidate will receive full training with the potential to progress and be accredited with a professional qualification.
Previous experience in a UK and/or EU Customs office and a working knowledge of Brexit, Customs procedures and International Trade are required.
£35,000 – £40,000 | Permanent | Full Time | Lisburn
As an IT Systems Analyst you will contribute to the delivery of internal IT projects and business processes to support the newly formed Customs Department with our client.
The ideal candidate will have a bachelors degree in IT, Computer Science or an equivalent field and will be knowledgeable on IT Systems.
6. Business Development and Sales | PIP Chemicals £30,000 | Permanent | Full Time | Newtownards
We want an experienced professional in client account management who is confident in generating sales and leads for PiP Chemicals throughout the UK and Ireland.
This role is centred around sales and maintaining customers of automotive cleaning and care chemicals. It is important that you have a general interest in cars and that you can work independently or as part of a team to deliver results for the organisation.
You are perfect for this role if you are hardworking, passionate about driving great SEO or PPC opportunities for our growing list of clients and you are on the lookout for a new, challenging opportunity in Belfast.
It’s important that you have a minimum of two years experience in the field and can demonstrate strong commercial awareness.
You will be working within the Payroll Bureau undertaking administrative, advisory and payroll duties to ensure that processes and systems are completed to an exceptionally high standard.
You will have experience in payroll, pensions administration and processing, and be able to showcase an ability to adapt quickly to new technology alongside strong IT skills.
Excalibur Press are looking to add to their growing team of high level, good quality copywriters.
Ideally, we want someone who has industry experience in marketing, PR or journalism and who is happy to write conversion based corporate copy as well as consumer facing content and blogs.
Excalibur Press are looking to add to their growing team of content creators.
Ideally, we want someone who has created a range of content in a variety of different platforms including photo, graphics, video, text etc.
Those who will be successfully added to our freelance register will have examples of content they have created. Candidates should be prepared to show examples and talk about what apps, software etc..they use.
You will take overall responsibility for the delivery of new projects and the success maintenance and enhancement of existing applications. The role involves creating and tracking quality project plans and managing both the delivery and operations teams’ time to deliver projects to agreed timescales.
You will be able to showcase strong experience in all aspects of project management and hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, business or a related field.
You will take responsibility for the success of our projects. The role involves creating and tracking quality project plans and managing the team’s time to deliver the project to the agreed timescales.
You will be able to showcase strong experience in all aspects of project management and hold a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, business or a related field.
You will help us scale our existing MySQL databases, enhance database performance, support our database batch processes, and progress our integrations with external organisations.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show one to three years of experience in database development, information technology, database architecture, or a related field.
You will take responsibility for our projects’ successes. The role involves quality & test advocacy, resource planning & management, and resolution of issues that impede the testing effort.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show three to five years of experience in application testing.
You will elicit, analyse, specify, and validate the business needs of stakeholders, be they customers or end users. The BA will work closely with the Chief Technology Officer and designers to deliver requirements work products and assist in the production of design work products.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show three to five years of experience in Business Analysis along with associated Technical Qualifications.
You will be a part of a full-stack creative team that is responsible for all aspects of the ongoing software development from the initial specification, through to developing, testing and launching.
You will have a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science or a related field and be able to show 5+ Years proven software development experience in PHP.
You will be positioned within the Marketing team and will report directly to the Chief Marketing Officer to grow the Lead Onion brand and deliver customer acquisition at scale.
You will have at least 2 years of work experience in a similar role and ideally have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in digital marketing in total.
The East Belfast basedfootball club have announced their involvement in the charity’s campaign which strives to raise awareness of the shocking reality of domestic abuse in Northern Ireland and raise funds to support their vital work in the community
Glentoran FC have endorsed Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid’s latest campaign – the #10KbyMay challenge- and have encouraged their fans to get involved and show support.
The challenge, which was launched at the end of January, seeks to encourage the people of Belfast and Lisburn to take part in a 10K run, walk, or cycle on or around May 1st this year.
The charity launched the campaign in a bid to raise community spirits and encourage an active lifestyle during Covid-19 lockdowns, whilst also raising awareness of and funds for their vital work with women and children.
The motivation behind the campaign is to inspire communities in Belfast and Lisburn to get involved with supporting Women’s Aid, as well as look after their mental and physical health during Covid-19 lockdowns, a feat which Glentoran jumped at the opportunity to get behind.
They approached the charity shortly after the campaign launched back in January and offered their endorsement and support in what they understood was – and still remains – a demanding time for domestic abuse charities.
On their website, the club have issued the statement: “Glentoran Football Club is delighted to support the excellent work done by the employees and volunteers at Women’s Aid, so we are very happy to formally endorse the 10K by May initiative run by Women’s Aid in Belfast and Lisburn”
Glentoran General Manager Ian Clarke said of the club’s involvement: “We are well aware of the impact the Covid-19 pandemic and resultant lockdowns have had on so many aspects of our society and on our daily lives. We are also aware of news reports indicating the very worrying increase in domestic abuse related offences over the past year.
“As a club with very strong community roots, Glentoran wishes to support Belfast & Lisburn Women’s Aid in their vital work protecting victims of domestic abuse across our society and offering practical help to those vulnerable to abuse. We encourage the Glentoran Family and society as a whole play their part, however small, in raising money for this very important cause.”
Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid Chief Executive Kelly Andrews added: “We are very grateful to have the support of Glentoran FC for our #10KbyMay campaign, and truly appreciate their commitment to helping us continue to raise awareness among the general public of the work we do as well as raising funds to support our work.
“In what is a difficult time for everyone, it’s great to see a club which already has a strong sense of community supporting us with our community efforts. We’re excited to continue to work closely with Glentoran for the remainder of this campaign and look forward to having their support in the future.”
Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid and Glentoran FC are encouraging everyone to consider getting involved in the #10KbyMay challenge, whether they want to run, walk or cycle the distance.
