November 2014 to January 2015 (PDF - 11MB)

Transcription

November 2014 to January 2015 (PDF - 11MB)
November 2014 - January 2015
Celebrated citizen
Carl Frampton p21
Win a Lidl £250
voucher p15
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/citymatters
Services
Council venues and buildings
A-Z of council services
a
Abandoned Vehicles
Asbestos 0800 032 8100
0800 032 8100
g
Good Relations
Graffiti Removal
b
Belfast Policing and Community Safety
Partnership 9027 0556
Belfast Waterfront
Administration and enquiries9033 4400
Box Office and bookings 9033 4455
Bin and container sales 0800 032 8100
Births - Registration
9027 0274
Blue bin enquiries 0800 032 8100
Building Control
General enquiries
9027 0650
Technical helpline
9027 0432
Bulky household waste
and special collections 9027 0230
h
Health and Environmental Services
Emergency (after hours) 07850 499622
Home Safety
9091 8715
i
Industrial Estates
9027 0510
j
Jobline www.belfastcity.gov.uk/jobs
9027 0481
n
Night-time Noise Hotline
9037 3006
p
Parks 9032 0202
Pest Control
9027 0431
Pollution Control
9027 0428
Port Health
9035 1199
Postal Numbering
9027 0650
Public Toilets
0800 032 8100
Public Health and Housing 9027 0428
r
Recycling Centres
0800 032 8100
Recycling Helpline
0800 032 8100
Refuse Collection
Customer Contact Centre 9027 0230
Registration of Births,
Deaths, Marriages and
Civil Partnerships
9027 0274
Roselawn Bus Service 9027 0296
Roselawn Cemetery
9044 8288
c
d
e
f
Cemeteries Office
Mon-Thur 8.30am-5.00pm (Fri 4.30pm)
Sat 8.30am-12.30pm
9027 0296
City Cemetery
9032 3112
City of Belfast Golf Course 9084 3799
Civic amenity sites 0800 032 8100
Civil partnerships
9027 0274
Community Services
9027 0346
Complaints Helpline
9027 0270
Consumer Advice
9032 8260
Consumer Safety
9027 0428
Corporate Plan
9027 0234
Crematorium
9044 8342
Culture and Arts
9027 0426
Dangerous Structures
Dead Animal Removal Deaths - Registration
Dog Warden Service
Dundonald Cemetery
9027 0650
9027 0230
9027 0274
9027 0431
9048 0193
Economic Development
9027 0482
Entertainment Licensing
9027 0650
Environmental Health
9027 0428
EPC enforcement
9027 0650
Equality Officer (Freefone) 0800 0855 412
European Unit
9027 0317
Events
Visit Belfast Welcome Centre 9024 6609
Leisure and Sporting 9027 0345
Parks
9091 8768
Fly Poster Removal
Fly Tipping (Illegal dumping) Food Safety
Forest of Belfast Officer
Freedom of Information
9027 0230
9027 0230
9027 0468
9072 6345
9027 0639
s
t
u
w
Smoke Hotline
Street Cleansing
Enquiries
Street Naming
Street Trading
Sunday Opening Hours
9027 0663
9027 0230
9027 0428
9027 0230
9027 0650
9027 0650
9027 0650
Tourism
9027 0426
Travellers’ community liaison 9032 0202
ext 3770
Belfast Castle
Belfast Waterfront
Belfast Welcome Centre
Cecil Ward Building
Adelaide Exchange
Adelaide Exchange
(textphone)
Consumer Advice Centre
Malone House
Smithfield Market
St George’s Market
Ulster Hall Zoo information line
9077 6925
9033 4400
9024 6609
9032 0202
9032 0202
9027 0405
9032 8260
9068 1246
9032 3248
9043 5704
9033 4400
9077 6277
Leisure and recreation centres
Andersonstown Leisure Centre 9072 6311
Avoniel Leisure Centre
9072 6326
Ballysillan Leisure Centre
9091 8731
Falls Leisure Centre
9050 0510
Grove Wellbeing Centre
9072 6363
Indoor Tennis Centre and
Ozone Complex
9045 8024
Loughside Recreation Centre 9078 1524
Olympia Leisure Centre
9091 8746
Outdoor Pitch Hotline
9027 0677
Shankill Leisure Centre
9091 8750
Whiterock Leisure Centre
9023 3239
Some other services for which
the council is not responsible
Department of the Environment (DOE)
Water Pollution Belfast Health and
Social Care Trust
Libraries NI
0800 807060
9056 5656
028 3752 0738
DOE Planning Service
9025 2800
Flooding incident line
0300 2000 100
Rate Collection
Land & Property Services 0300 200 7801
Department for
Regional Development
(DRD) Roads Service 9054 0540
Schools
Belfast Education and
Library Board
Council for Catholic
Maintained Schools
9056 4000
9042 6972
Northern Ireland Housing Executive
General enquiries
(8.30am-5pm)
03448 920 900
Housing Benefit enquiries
(8.30am-5pm) 03448 920 902
Waste Management Service
Repairs 03448 920 901
0800 032 8100 Street Lighting
Weddings
9027 0274 (fault reporting) DRD
9025 3051
Ulster Hall 9033 4400
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/atoz
Water
Northern Ireland Water
Customer Service Enquiries 08457 440088
Leakline (water mains only) 08000 282011
Contents
4 Holiday collections and closures
5 Christmas trading hours
6 The Tall Ships Races 2015
7 Investment Programme
10 Local government reform
12 Help for the homeless
13 Beat the burglers
The frozen River Lagan in Lagan Valley Regional Park. Picture taken as part of our Parks
Photographic Competition 2013, see page 22 for more details.
15 Competition
17 What’s on
21 Cover story – Celebrated citizen Carl Frampton
24 Zoo
26 Green section
29 Here’s to our unsung heroes
31 Consumer advice
32 Seniors’ section
34 Members' directory
Belfast City Council
Belfast City Hall, Belfast, BT1 5GS
Tel: 9032 0202
Textphone: 9027 0405
We are committed to making sure that
our services are available to all sections of
the community. City Matters is available in
Braille, DAISY, audio and large print. We
will consider providing it in other formats if
requested. Please call 9032 0202 ext 6280.
City Matters is published by Belfast City
Council and delivered to over 130,000
addresses in Belfast.
Belfast City Council is not responsible for the
content of advertisements or advertorial.
This magazine
is printed on
recycled paper.
© Belfast City Council 2014. No article
or photograph in this magazine may be
reproduced without the consent of the Editor.
In this edition
Welcome to the Christmas
edition of City Matters.
For your convenience, we’ve
highlighted our holiday closures and
collections on page 4.This includes
the opening times of our leisure
centres, recycling centres, cemeteries
and crematorium, and any changes
to bin collections.You can also find
out about city centre shopping
times and the opening hours of our
markets on page 5.
On page 6 you’ll learn more about
the Tall Ships Races 2015 and how
to share your maritime memories
with us from previous tall ship visits
to Belfast. And we’ve got exciting
plans for the North Foreshore on
page 7.
We’ve got information on events
that are taking place as part of
Global Entrepreneurship Week
(page 8) and news on how we’re
introducing City Matters to new
residents joining us as a result of
local government reform (page 10).
On pages 12 and 13 we’ve listed
lots of helpful numbers if you find
yourself struggling at this time of
year, along with tips on how to stay
safe this Christmas.
Don’t miss our ‘What’s on’ guide
(pages 17 to 19) for a range of
fantastic events that are taking place
from November to mid-January.
Our front cover story (page 21)
pays tribute to our Celebrated
citizen, Carl Frampton, and there’s
news on how we’re celebrating
Belfast’s boxing legacy on page 20.
Page 22 launches our 2015 Parks
Photographic Competition and
we’ve our regular festive zoo
update on page 24.
Our 'Green section' (pages 26 and
27) also has a festive focus, with
tips on how to deal with extra
Christmas waste, and learn how to
make the most of food waste on
page 28.
On page 29 we celebrate the
contribution of carers – our unsung
heroes, and find out what we’re
doing to remember the soldiers who
died in WW1 on page 30.
Finally, don’t miss your chance to win
£250 of vouchers for Lidl (page 15)
and check out our other Christmas
giveaways on pages 4 and 8!
Have any comments or queries about City Matters?
Call us on 9032 0202 ext 6253 or
email [email protected]
www.belfastcity.gov.uk
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
3
What’s new
Holiday closures
and collections
Recycling centres
All sites will be closed on Thursday
25 December, Friday 26 December,
and Thursday 1 January.
Maintenance works at Park Road
Recycling Centre have now finished
and the site can accept all materials.
For opening hours go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/recycling
Bin collections
Holiday bin and box collections
(including purple, red and black
recycling boxes and food waste bins)
Bins/boxes due to Will be
be collected on:
collected on:
Thurs 25 Dec
Fri 26 Dec
Thurs 1 Jan
Sat 27 Dec
Sun 28 Dec
Sat 3 Jan
Leisure centres
All our leisure centres will close at
4pm on 24 December and will be
closed on 25 and 26 December.
Centres will also close at 4pm on 31 December and will be closed on 1 and 2 January 2015.
Cemeteries and crematorium
Our cemeteries and crematorium
grounds will be open to the public as
usual throughout the winter holidays.
There will be no burials at Roselawn,
Dundonald, City or Glenalina
cemeteries or cremations at the
City of Belfast Crematorium on 25
December or 1 January 2015. But
burials and cremations will take place
on 26 December and 2 January 2015.
The development of new burial ground
provision at Roselawn Cemetery
(Section Z) will continue until mid-April
2015. Please be aware that there will be
heavy plant machinery in this area and
there is a two-way traffic management
plan in operation.
For more information on holiday
arrangements go to
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
holiday arrangements
4
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Belfast gets its bling on!
Join the Lord Mayor and
special guests on Saturday,
15 November from 6.45pm 7.45pm in the grounds of City
Hall, as the Christmas lights are
officially switched on.
As highlighted in the last edition
of City Matters, this is a ticketed
event. Free tickets were available
from Wednesday 5 November
from the Visit Belfast Welcome
Centre, but a limited number of
tickets may still be available.
Don’t forget to pay Santa’s
postbox a visit (just beside the
grotto in the Christmas Market),
and send your Christmas wish
lists to the North Pole. Each child
who posts their letter will receive
an individual response from the
‘big man’ himself.
Also in the grounds of City
Hall is the ever popular Belfast
Christmas Market. It’ll be open
until Sunday, 21 December,
offering a range of unique gifts,
gourmet food and drink to cater
for the savviest of shoppers.
Details of all events are available
from the Visit Belfast Welcome
Centre. Call 9024 6609, or go to
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
Win £250 of vouchers!
The Belfast Christmas Market is back
and, to celebrate, we’re giving away
five £50 vouchers to spend there!
To enter our prize draw to win one of
these fabulous vouchers, simply send us
your name and contact details before
Wednesday, 3 December by emailing
[email protected],
or post your entry to:
Belfast Christmas Market
Belfast City Council,
Freepost BEL4010,
Belfast BT1 5BR (no stamp).
Terms and conditions (as per main
competition on page15) apply.
Only in Belfast
Gorgeous St George’s
decks the halls!
This Christmas promises
to be a special time at our
historic St George’s Market.
Matthew Grouios from Melbourne,
Australia
We’re extending the opening
hours right up to Christmas
Eve to make it easier for you
to pick up those special gifts,
treats and stocking fillers.
You might even bump into
Santa Claus as he pops in for
a visit on Friday 19, Saturday
20 and Sunday 21 December.
There’ll be choirs and other
entertainment too including:
• cartoon characters,
• children’s entertainment,
• face painting,
• family fun activities,
• fashion shows, and
• tasty chocolate giveaways.
With every purchase you’ll be
entered into our Christmas
ballot for the chance to win
your very own ‘stall’ crammed
with more than 100 St George’s goodies!
For more information visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets
Christmas
trading hours
Sat 6 Dec: 9am-7pm
Mon 8 – Fri 12 Dec: 9am-9pm
Sat 13 Dec: 9am-7pm
Mon 15 – Fri 19 Dec: 9am-10pm
Sat 20 Dec: 9am-8pm
Monday 22 and Tuesday 23
December: 10am-9pm
Wednesday 24 December:
8am-2pm
Wednesday 24 Dec: 9am-5pm
Open every Sunday in
December: 1pm-6pm
Sat 27 Dec: 9am-6pm
Mon 29 – Tues 30 Dec: 9am-6pm
Wed 31 Dec: 9am-5pm
Thurs 1 Jan: 1pm-5pm
Friday 2 – Sat 3 Jan:9am-6pm
Sun 7, 14, 21, 28 Dec and 4 Jan:
1pm-6pm
“I’ve been picking up lots of brochures
for attractions like the Ulster Museum,
Botanic Gardens and St Anne’s Cathedral.
I’m heading to Victoria Square now
to visit the Dome and to do some
shopping.”
Edward Nan from Romania
“I’m just in Belfast for the day on
a cruise ship so I’ve come to the
Welcome Centre to get some
information. The free Wi-Fi is great as
I can download information, check
emails and update Facebook.”
St George’s Market
Smithfield Market
Fri 26 Dec: 9am-6pm
Nicole McCoy from Minnesota, USA
“I use the Welcome Centre to buy
tickets for events and find out what’s
happening in Belfast by picking up the
latest event guide."
Mon 22 – Tues 23 Dec: 9am-10pm
Thurs 25 Dec: CLOSED
“We’re on a nine month trip and are
currently travelling across Northern Ireland
in a camper van, so we stopped at the
Welcome Centre to find out about what
there is to see and do. We got tickets for
Titanic Belfast and maps of the city, which will really
help with our time here.”
Colin Maguire from Belfast
City centre shops
Mon 1 – Fri 5 Dec: 9am-9pm
As the Visit Belfast Welcome Centre
approaches its first anniversary, we
find out how visitors are using the
new state of the art information
centre and what they think of the city.
Shops will open as normal
during November and
from 2 January 2015.
Opening times for smaller
shops and independent
retailers may vary.
Nicole Alonso from Minnesota, USA
“I’ve picked up some souvenirs to bring
back to friends and family. The touch
screen information pods are easy to use
and have helped plan the rest of my trip.”
For information on what’s on, things to do and
the latest events, call into the Visit Belfast
Welcome Centre at Donegall Square North or
visit www.visit-belfast.com
You can also get more details on
Facebook and Twitter
For more information
call Belfast City Centre
Management on 9024 2111.
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
5
Tall ships
are Belfast
bound!
Belfast is gearing up
for Northern Ireland’s
biggest ever event as
we prepare to host
The Tall Ships Races,
welcomed by The Lidl
Belfast Titanic Maritime
Festival, between 2 and
5 July 2015.
This will be the third time we’ve
hosted The Tall Ships Races, with
the first back in 1991 and the most
recent in 2009. Over 40 vessels
came here for the last event,
including 11 Class As (square-rigged
vessels measuring over 40 metres).
In 2015, we’re expecting twice as many
ships and we’ve already surpassed the
number of Class A vessels.
Here's some information about
some of the magnificent ships due
to grace our shores in July.
Sorlandet
Lord Nelson
Dubbed a ‘tall ship for
all’. This is one of only
two Class-A tall ships,
specially equipped to
accommodate people
of all abilities. The
Jubilee Sailing Trust
manages the ship and it
is the ‘flagship’ for their
mission to enable people
with disabilities to sail.
This is the oldest fullrigged ship in operation
in the world and is mostly
in its original state. It
was built in 1927 in the
Norwegian town of
Kristiansand, a host port in
the 2015 races. Sorlandet
was originally built for
training the merchant
marine but, over the years,
it has been used for cruises
and general sail training.
Tell us about your maritime memories
and if you have photographs, we’d
love to see them. Please note that we
may use quotes and images online, on
social media or in publications.
6
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
This ship was built
in 1980 as a marine
educational project and is
the flagship of the Polish
Sail Trainers’ Association
in Gdansk. It's a threemasted barkentine vessel
and the 1,000 square
metre sails enable the
ship to hit a top speed of
about 9 knots.
For more information on The Tall Ships Races 2015 go
to www.tallshipsbelfast.com or call 9027 0533.
Tell us your tall stories!
To celebrate The Tall Ships Races
coming to Belfast from 2 to 5 July
2015, we’re looking for stories and
images from the last tall ship visits in
1991 and 2009.
Pogoria
You can email us at [email protected] or
write to us at:
Tall Ships, Corporate Communications, Belfast City Hall, BT1 5GS
You can also share your stories and
images on Facebook or Twitter.
Remember to use the
hashtag #tallshipsbelfast
Lidl competition
Turn to page 15 to find out how
you could win a £250 voucher
courtesy of our Tall Ships host
port sponsor!
/tallshipsbelfast
/tallships2015
Investment
Programme
Let’s make your
project happen
Do you work with a not-for-profit
group or organisation? Do you have
a great project idea? We’ve opened
a new call for applications for 12
grants covering everything from arts
and culture to community projects,
good relations and sports projects.
You can now apply online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/funding
We’re holding a range of
workshops and information
sessions to make the application
process as pain-free as possible.
You can also pop into the Cecil
Ward Building in Linenhall Street
at any time to use a computer to
submit an application.
Your project must take place
between April and September 2015
and benefit the Belfast City Council
area.The deadline for submitting
applications is 7 January 2015.
For more information about
grants or submitting an
application, please contact the Central Grants Unit on 9027 0324 or email [email protected].
A giant opportunity!
At 340 acres, the North
Foreshore is the biggest
development site in Belfast.
We've exciting plans for this area
– known as Giant’s Park - and
have applied for funding to help
realise its full potential.
Our goal is to develop a sustainable
and eco-friendly space that will
open up new economic and social
opportunities for the whole city.
Northern Ireland already leads
the way in green technologies and
research, so we want to build an
environmental resource park for
these types of businesses.
This includes the recycling and
renewable energy sectors, and other
investors in the ‘cleantech’ industry.
If our plans go ahead, the park
could create new jobs, as well as
apprenticeships and training, and be
a catalyst for further regeneration
opportunities.
Look out for more updates about
Giant’s Park in future editions,
visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
northforeshore or call 9032 0202
(extension 3441).
2012-2015
When we launched our Investment
Programme, we pledged to make sure
everyone felt the benefits, right across our city.
Two years on, we've kept our commitment by:
Delivering over £85 million of
schemes in all corners of Belfast
Page 20 has more about
exciting plans to celebrate
our rich boxing heritage,
or turn to page 23 for
an update on restoration
work at the Tropical Ravine
in Botanic Gardens.
Investing in key projects
to grow our economy
Work is underway to extend
Belfast Waterfront and to
complete the next phase of
the Connswater Community
Greenway. We’ve also applied
for funding to develop the
North Foreshore (see left).
Creating jobs and
training opportunities
As well as trebling our own
job targets, our investment
will create an estimated 9,400
construction jobs. Page 8 also
explains how social clauses in
our contracts are delivering
community benefits, while page
28 features a success story from
our employability schemes.
Building strong communities
Our £5 million Local
Investment Fund has
helped improve quality of
life through 52 community
projects. Go to page 23
to see how it has helped
at Rosemount House in
north Belfast.
CS Lewis Festival
The second CS Lewis Festival
will recognise and celebrate
both the life and legacy of CS
Lewis to the world.
From Thursday 20 to Saturday
23 November there'll be:
• family events,
• film and documentary
screenings,
•tours,
•theatre,
• workshops, and
•talks.
This is a fantastic
opportunity
for locals and
visitors to
celebrate Belfast’s
most famous
and popular
storyteller.
For more information go to www.communitygreenway.co.uk/
CSLewisFestival
/CSLewisFestival
@CSLewisFest
Call 9027 0202 or visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/investment for more
on how the Investment Programme is making a
difference to your area.
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
7
Calling all budding
business people!
Global Entrepreneurship Week (GEW) will take place
from 17 to 23 November. This year’s theme is ‘Get
Connected’ and we’re hosting a series of workshops
and events to encourage existing businesses and
new entrepreneurs to make the most of networking,
business start-up and development opportunities.
GEW is about unleashing ideas and doing what it takes to
bring them to life. It’s about thinking big and making your
mark on the world! It will focus on:
• spotting opportunities,
• taking risks,
• solving problems,
• being creative,
• building connections, and
• learning from both failure and success.
To find out more or to register email
[email protected]
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/gew
Business networking event
In partnership with Queen’s University.
Wednesday 19 November 6pm – 8pm (registration 5.30pm), City Hall
Social innovation event
Consider new ways to solve key social issues.
Thursday 20 November
9am-1pm, Workwest Social Economy Village
Real people,
real benefits
Over the next decade, we'll
spend over £330 million on
capital projects.
John Joe McCann who
To make sure these schemes
benefit as many people as possible, works at Girdwood Hub.
we're screening our physical
“I’m studying for a
contracts for opportunities to
Foundation Degree
include social clauses.
in Sustainable
These are initiatives with a direct
Construction, and am
impact on communities. Examples currently on placement
include apprenticeships, training
at Girdwood Hub.
opportunities and environmental
“I’m working as an
improvements.
assistant site engineer
Clauses have already been
with the contractor,
introduced at major projects, with O’Hare and McGovern,
plans to include them in even
to develop my skills
more, including the expansion of
in construction
Belfast Waterfront.
management and
engineering.
We’ll also continue to work
within the current legislation to
“The experience
look at other ways to maximize
has opened up new
our investment into Belfast.
possibilities – I feel very
lucky and have loved
For more information, call
every minute so far.”
9027 0482.
Global Entrepreneurship Week is part funded by Belfast City Council,
Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund
under the Sustainable Competitiveness Programme for Northern Ireland.
Christmas giveaway!
Following on from the success of his book on Belfast
City Cemetery, local historian,Tom Hartley, continues
his study of Belfast in his latest publication ‘Milltown
Cemetery:The History of Belfast,Written in Stone’,
published by Blackstaff Press.
Within the grounds of the 145 year old
graveyard, Milltown Cemetery contains
a wealth of fascinating individuals - from
actors and artists to political activists.
This book takes the reader on a journey
through the cemetery, examining the lives
of the people buried there, to tell the
complex story of the population of Belfast.
We’ve got 5 copies to give away!
To enter our prize draw, simply send us your name and
contact details before Wednesday, 3 December by
emailing [email protected],
or post your entry to:
Written in Stone, Belfast City Council, Freepost BEL4010,
Belfast BT1 5BR (no stamp).
Terms and conditions (as per main competition on page15) apply.
8
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
An Investment
Programme project
a
M a g i C a l
e x p e r i e N C e
Join Father Christmas for traditional festive cheer from 22nd November!
Make your own decorations… play timeless street games… enjoy classic stories…
write your Father Christmas letter and visit him in his Old Curiosity Shop,
where he’ll check your name off the ‘Naughty and Nice List’.
adults £4.00
Mulled wine
and mince pies
ChildreN £15.00
Father Christmas visit,
crafted gift and photograph
Make this a ChristMas to reMeMber!
Book your tickets now at titanicbelfast.com
or call 028 9076 6399
Shaping the future of our city
From April 2015, we'll be responsible for spatial planning and
community planning in Belfast.
10
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Festive treats at Belfast
Waterfront and The Ulster Hall!
This epic adventure movie
begins at 3pm. Arrive from
2pm and get into the
Christmas spirit with face
painting and lots of festive
fun. Come dressed as your favourite
Guardian or villain!
All roads lead to Belfast Waterfront
and The Ulster Hall this Christmas
with a glittering selection of
seasonal treats for all tastes!
Opening on 27 November, Jack
and the Beanstalk at Belfast
Waterfront is the pantomime to
see this Christmas. Children will
love getting up close to the action
and being part of this enchanting
tale with a twist.
The Ulster Hall’s Punjana Christmas
Retro Dance kicks off on Monday,
22 December at 7.30pm (over 18s
The Music Box - Home for
only) and promises a retro night to
Christmas takes place on 18
remember! Dance the night away to
to 20 December at Belfast
Nightswing and brush up on your
Waterfront. Starring ’master of the old-time dancing moves, courtesy of
musicals’, Peter Corry, and special
Bellehoppers. Places for The Ulster
guest stars, Andrea Begley and Ian Hall’s Punjana Christmas Tea Dances
McElhinney, this festive family show on 22 December (12 noon and
will delight you with its incredible
3pm) are sure to disappear fast – get
adult cast, young ballet dancers,
your free tickets from Monday, 24
the finest junior male trebles and
November at 9am by phoning 9033
local guest choirs.
4455 and in person from the Ulster
Hall Box Office on Bedford Street.
Be part of Belfast’s largest cinema
audience on 23 December
For more information please
for Belfast Waterfront’s big, big
visit www.waterfront.co.uk
screening of Rise of the Guardians.
and www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Variety Market
Friday 6am-2pm
Food and Craft Market
Live music, Saturday 9am-3pm
Food, Craft and
Antique Market
Live music, Sunday 10am-4pm
Extra Market Days
Monday, 22 December and
Tuesday, 23 December – 10am-9pm
Christmas Eve - 8am-2pm
Visit our website for a full Christmas programme
of events for each weekend in December to
include live music and family activities.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/markets
6811-SGM City Matters November.indd 1
13/10/2014
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
11
13:22
Domestic violence
Domestic Violence includes
physical violence, emotional
abuse, sexual abuse and
financial abuse. One in
four women experience
domestic violence at some
time in their life and it
affects women of all ages
and from any background.
accommodation or to talk
to a support worker.
If you are living with
domestic violence or think
you might be, please get in
touch in confidence - we
really can help.
Belfast and Lisburn Women’s
Aid supports women
and children experiencing
domestic violence.
Women can contact
us directly if they need
emergency refuge
Help for the homeless
Christmas isn’t always a
good time for everyone, and
homelessness is a particular
concern at this time of year.
The Housing Rights Service
(HRS) was set up to tackle
homelessness and housing
problems across Northern
Ireland. Last year, HRS helped
people deal with over 40,000
housing problems.
The charity is celebrating 50
years of service by launching
a vision of a Northern
Ireland where everyone
has a home. Janet Hunter,
Housing Rights Service
Director, said: “We’ve been
helping individuals and
families for 50 years. People
turn to us when they are
homeless, worried about
losing their home or living
in unacceptable conditions.
If you're faced with any of
these situations-we can
help. All our services are
free of charge and available
throughout NI.”
You can support the vital
work of HRS. Find out who
they help, and sign up to
their cause at www.housingrights.org.uk
East Belfast advocate
Domestic violence will force many
women and children in Northern
Ireland to leave their homes and
spend Christmas in our refuges.
Can you help us make Christmas
2014 better by giving:
• money or vouchers
• new toys or gifts for children
and teenagers
• gifts for women.
Your generosity will really
make a difference!
Please leave donations at: Belfast and Lisburn Women’s Aid Support
and Resource Centre, 30 Adelaide Park, Belfast, BT9 6FY.
Tel: 028 9066 6049
Fax: 028 9068 2874
Email: [email protected]
Charity No: XT3255
Company Reg No: NI 20807
12
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
We’re working with
East Belfast Alternatives
Restorative Justice (EBARJ)
to develop a proactive
response to hate crime.
The organisation is made up
of a group of agencies and
was set up over 10 years ago
to tackle antisocial behaviour,
community conflict and other
community safety issues.
Mandy Maguire, a Mediation,
Advocacy and Community
Support Worker from EBARJ,
tells us more:
“Anyone can contact us to
discuss hate crime issues. I’m
happy to meet with people
in their homes, or at work, to
find out what the issues are whether it's housing, community
issues or neighbour disputes. I
then try to find ways to resolve
those issues, either through
mediation or by signposting
people to other agencies that
can help.
“People have told us how
grateful they are to have a direct
point of contact where they can
raise ‘low level’ concerns, which
might’ve become more serious
if they hadn’t been addressed at
the time.
“You can contact us by calling
9045 6766, visiting the office in
Isthmus Street, off Woodstock
Road, or by emailing
[email protected]”
Belfast Policing and
Community Safety Partnership
Beat the burglars
Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP)
is hosting a free seasonal Christmas crime prevention and
safety event in City Hall on Wednesday 3 December, from
10am-1pm.
In the meantime, here are a few tips to keep you safe over
the festive season:
Out shopping
Keep valuables
out of sight.
Keep your handbag
closed and avoid
carrying large
amounts of cash.
Belfast City Hall
At home
Lock doors and
windows and
keep presents
out of sight.
If you're going
away, use a timer
to switch lights
on and off.
Lock all gates.
Out and about
Drinking and
driving don’t
mix - nominate
a driver, if going out in a
group, or get a licensed
taxi home.
Never leave
your drink
unattended.
Crime prevention
and safety event
Wednesday, 3 December
10am-1pm
Don’t leave car keys
or handbags near
doors and windows.
Don’t open the
door to unexpected
callers, use a door
chain and check who
they are first.
Don’t leave Christmas
gifts in your garage or
shed.
Your car
Remove portable sat
navs, presents and
valuables when parked.
Try to park in a well lit
or supervised car park.
If you own a van,
make sure you
remove tools
overnight.
After Christmas
Dispose of the packaging of high value goods
carefully – it might encourage criminals to
target your property.
Remember to report any suspicious behaviour to the
police on 101. For more information on community
safety call 9027 0469 or visit: www.belfastcity.gov.uk/communitysafety
Come along for free practical advice,
information and support on a range of
crime prevention and safety issues for the
festive season.
The event will host a range of statutory,
community and voluntary organisations.
Last year’s event featured exhibitions from
the PSNI, FASA, Samaritans, NI Fire and
Rescue Service, Trading Standards, Victim
Support, Age NI and many more.
Complimentary tea,
coffee, mulled wine
and mince pies!
e
re
nf
io
ss
mi
Ad
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/pcsp
CityMatters
6797 -PCSP crime ad CM .indd 1
13
November 2014 - January 201515/10/2014
10:36
Competition
Work life’s better
with Translink
Translink is making life
better for commuters with
great value tickets and
services that save you time
and money when travelling
to work.
dayLink travel card with one,
five or 10 days of travel, with
fares starting at £3.00 (after
9.30am) or £3.50 (all day).
So, if you’re a suit in the city,
look out for Translink Metro’s
Translink have a range of travel new campaign encouraging
cards that offer huge savings
Belfast commuters to make
and ease of travel. Use the
their work life better by
Metro Smartlink multi-journey travelling with Metro.
card for only £1.15 within the
City Zone, compared to £1.90
Buy your smartcard online
for a normal cash fare.
at www.translink.co.uk
or call 9066 6630 for
Or, the dayLink travel card
full details and follow
offers flexible unlimited Metro
the conversation online
day travel around the city for
#translinklifesbetter .
adults and children.Top up a
Win a £250 Lidl
shopping spree!
Next year, Belfast will host its biggest ever event
when The Tall Ships Races 2015 comes to the
city between 2 and 5 July, welcomed by the Lidl
Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival.
To celebrate the partnership with our host port sponsor
Lidl Northern Ireland, we have a fantastic £250 Lidl
Christmas shopping voucher to give away!
Since opening its doors in Cookstown on 20 May 1999,
the popular discount retailer has made its mark here
in the Northern Ireland community. Lidl Northern
Ireland is committed to working with more than 35 local
suppliers from right across Northern Ireland, many of
them household names such as Linden Foods, Moy Park
and Dunbia. Lidl are proud to have worked closely with
Northern Irish suppliers for 15 years. These locally sourced
products are stocked in all 37 Lidl stores across the province.
Lidl are trusted for quality products at low prices and you’ll
find many award-winning products within its own brand
ranges. This is the perfect time of year to stock up on Lidl’s
festive food offerings, including its exclusive ‘Deluxe’ range!
To win this £250 Lidl shopping voucher, simply answer the
following question:
Q. In which year did Lidl open in Northern Ireland?
(A) 2009 (B) 1992
(C) 1999
See page 6 for information on the Tall Ships Races 2015
Name Address
Tel
Terms and conditions
Only one entry per household. No Belfast City Council or Lidl employees
may enter and you must live within the Belfast City Council electoral area.
Enter by Friday, 19 December 2014. Full terms and conditions available on
request. Return to freepost address overleaf.
Belfast City Council complies with the Data Protection Act 1998.The
personal information you provide on the entry form will only be used to
respond to you about this competition.
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
15
Feedback
We hope you've enjoyed reading City Matters and
welcome your comments.
Please spare a minute or two to let us know what
you thought about this issue:
How would your
community or
school group like to
visit ‘From Bolshoi to
Belfast:The Theatre
of Costume’ at the
Crumlin Road Gaol
during November,
entirely free of charge?
(Tickets usually priced at £5).
This extraordinary exhibition
showcases a stunning
collection of costumes from
the internationally renowned
Bolshoi Theatre, alongside
a beautiful collection of
traditional peasant wear
from the celebrated Russian
Museum of Ethnography.
Combining over 50 magnificent
ballet, opera costumes and
other artefacts never seen
Please tell us what type of stories and features you
would like to see in future issues of City Matters:
Thank you for taking the time to tell us what you
think. Now return this slip to:
Freepost
RTHB-SJTZ-TZUJ
Belfast City Council
BT1 5GS
(no stamp required)
Or email your comments to
[email protected]
Belfast City Council complies with the Data Protection Act 1998.
The personal information you provide on this feedback form
will only be used to respond to you about these comments.
16
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
before outside Russia,
this exhibition has been
created especially for
Belfast as part of the UK
Russia Year of Culture.
It traces the evolution
of these costumes from
their origin and the rise of the
Bolshoi within Russia using
innovative design, sound, light,
and moving image.
We also have a limited
number of beginners’
introduction to opera
workshops available on a
first-come, first-served basis,
so please register your interest
early to avoid disappointment.
To make a booking call
9027 0426 or email
[email protected]
FROM BOLSHOI
TO BELFAST:
The Theatre of Costume
17 OCT – 13 DEC 2014
CRUMLIN ROAD GAOL
Images ©Bolshoi Theatre Russia 2014
Your views
Free admission for schools
and community groups
A unique exhibition, created especially for Belfast
as part of the UK Russia Year of Culture, showcases
costumes never before seen outside of Russia.
Presented by the world famous Bolshoi Theatre
and the Russian Museum of Ethnography.
Supported by Belfast City Council.
Tickets from Visit Belfast Welcome Centre online at
www.visit-belfast.com or phone 028 9024 6609
What’s on
Christmas lights
switch on
Sat 15 Nov: 6.45pm
City Hall Grounds
Your essential guide
to Belfast events
Limited tickets may still be
available. Call 9024 6609, or go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
November
Paul Hollywood
Get Your Bake On!
Prison Arts Foundation
Mrs Deaf Boys Tour
Queen’s Film Theatre
Wed 26 Nov – Wed 17 Dec
Linen Hall Library
Fri 28 Nov: 8pm
Wednesday 19 November: 8pm
QFT’s youth panel
presents themed
screenings and
interactive film.
Belfast Waterfront
Call 9033 4455 or go to:
www.waterfront.co.uk
Releasing the creative potential
of prisoners and young
offenders.
C S Lewis Festival
Call 9032 1707 or go to www.linenhall.com
A tale of a foul-mouthed
matriarch who always looks
out for her family after the
death of her late "husband".
Go to www.crescentarts.org
Borne Sulinowo by Victor
Sloan
The Rainbow Elves and the
Shoemaker
Thurs 27 Nov – Sat 24 Jan
Sat 29 Nov: 1pm and 5pm
Takeover UFO
September – December
Call 9097 1097 or go to www.queensfilmtheatre.com
Future Reflections
Thurs 23 Oct – Sat 22 Nov
University of Ulster art gallery
Works from the University print
making archive, spanning 40 years.
Monthly Céilí
Mon 17 Nov: 8pm
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
Monthly Irish Céilí with supper
included.
Call 9096 4180 or go to www.culturlann.ie
Thurs 20 – Sun 23 Nov
Across east Belfast
Family events, film screenings,
tours, workshops and much
more!
A selection of works from Victor
Sloan’s Series ‘Borne Sulinowo’.
A colourful and uplifting fairy tale.
Mistletoe & Crime
Jack and the Beanstalk
Aladdin
Sat 29 Nov - Sun 18 Jan
Lyric Theatre
Grand Opera House
Marie Jones’ Christmas crime
caper, directed by Dan Gordon.
Call 9024 1919 or go to www.goh.co.uk/aladdin
Go to www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
Orchestra of the 18th
Century
Thurs 20 - Sun 23 Nov: 8pm
Tues 25 – Sun 30 Nov
Go to www.crescentarts.org
Winifred Carney and George
McBride – An Unlikely Union
Wed 19 November: 7pm
Belfast City Hall (Free)
Go to www.crescentarts.org
Sat 22 Nov – Sun 11 Jan
Fleadh Feirste: The
Gaeltacht Quarter Festival
The story of a political prisoner and
a mental patient in a Soviet asylum.
Crescent Arts Centre
Call 9046 7925 or go to www.communitygreenway.co.uk/
CSLewisFestival
Every Good Boy Deserves
Favour
Crescent Arts Centre
University of Ulster art gallery
Crescent Arts Centre
Thurs 27 Nov - Sun 4 Jan
Belfast Waterfront
This giant of a pantomime is
packed with ‘larger than life’
Enjoy live music, literature, children’s characters!
events, workshops and céilís.
Call 9033 4455 or go to: Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
Call 9096 4180 or go to www.culturlann.ie
Exhibition:
Prison Arts Foundation
Wed 26 Nov – Wed 17 Dec (free)
www.waterfront.co.uk
Cluedo - Inspector Clouseau
v Miss Marple
Fri 28 and Sat 29 Nov
Grand Opera House
Sun 30 Nov: 7.45pm
A talk and performance on their
lives during the start of WWI in
working class Belfast.
Linen Hall Library
Become your favourite Cluedo
The theme of this display, produced
character and enjoy this murder
by women, is books and bookbinding. mystery evening.
The Ulster Hall
Call 9027 0663 or email
[email protected]
Call 9032 1707 or go to www.linenhall.com
Call 9033 4455 or go to www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Call 9024 1919 or go to www.goh.co.uk/cluedo
Appearing in Northern Ireland
for the first time.
Christmas
at
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
17
What’s on
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
Your essential guide to Belfast events
December
Sir Samuel Ferguson:
Hibernian Knight
Punjana Christmas dances
The Ulster Hall
•Punjana Christmas Tea Dance
Mon 22 Dec: 12 noon - 2pm
and 3pm - 5pm
Free tickets are available from
Mon 24 Nov at 9am.
•Punjana Christmas Retro Dance
Mon 22 Dec: 7.30pm
Mon 1 – Wed 31 Dec
Call 9033 4455, visit The Ulster Hall
or Belfast Waterfront box office or go
to www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Linen Hall Library
Take a look at this Belfastborn, Ulster-Scots literary
achievements.
Sleeping Beauty
Call 9032 1707 or go to www.linenhall.com
An African Christmas
Sat 20 Dec: 11am
The MAC
Belfast Castle
Christmas tours
Let your little ones explore texture,
boxes and glittering Christmas fun.
Tues 2, 9, 16 December: 7.30pm
Sat 6, 13, 20 December: 10.30am
Belfast Castle
Tours cost £4pp and include tea
or coffee, homemade mince
pies and fresh cream.
To book call 9077 6925. For more information go to www.belfastcastle.co.uk
The Family Hoffmann’s
Christmas Mystery Palace
Baby Wrap
Go to www.themaclive.com
Fri 5 Dec – Sun 4 Jan
Lyric Theatre
A timeless tale of enchantment.
Go to www.lyrictheatre.co.uk
NT Live: John
Tues 9 Dec: 8pm
Queen’s Film Theatre
DV8 Physical Theatre’s new
production.
Thurs 11 Dec: 7.30pm
Belfast Waterfront
The African Children’s Choir
is joined by 600 children from
across Northern Ireland.
Call 9033 4455 or go to www.waterfront.co.uk
Christmas Unwrapped
Bolshoi Ballet Live in HD: The
Nutcracker
Sun 21 Dec: 3pm
Queen’s Film Theatre
The perennial family Christmas
favourite.
Call 9097 1097 or go to www.queensfilmtheatre.com
Wed 3 Dec – Sun 4 Jan
Call 9097 1097 or go to www.queensfilmtheatre.com
Sat 13 Dec: 8pm
Be transported
back in time
into a world
of wonder,
weirdness and
wickedness.
Pony Panto
Sunday 21 Dec: 8pm
A glowing extravaganza of dance! Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich
Tues 9 – Sun 14 Dec: 9pm
Go to www.crescentarts.org
Monthly Irish Céilí with supper.
Christmas Concert
Call 9096 4180 or go to www.culturlann.ie
The MAC
The MAC
Join us for an adult panto with
a twist.
Go to www.themaclive.com
Go to www.themaclive.com
Curious Christmas
Workshop
Sports Development
Conference
Crescent Arts Centre
Wed 17 Dec: 6pm
Linen Hall Library
Wed 10 Dec: 6pm
The MAC
Holiday Inn
Call 9032 1707 or go to www.linenhall.com
Inviting your little ones to make
delicate trinkets and clever
Christmas cards with a twist.
Best practice tips for club
administrators, coaches and sports
development staff.
The Music Box Home for Christmas
Tues 23 Dec: 3pm
An evening of storytelling, poetry
and the sounds of a silver band.
Take a magical
journey through a
seasonal selection
box of music, song
and dance.
Call 9032 1707 or go to www.linenhall.com
Call 9033 4455 or go to www.waterfront.co.uk
Call 9033 4455 or go to: www.waterfront.co.uk
Mon 8 – Sat 13 Dec
Linen Hall Library
Go to www.humanrightsfestivalni.com
18
Crescent Arts Centre
Go to www.crescentarts.org
Victorian Christmas
Promoting the importance of
human rights at home and abroad.
Mon 22nd Dec: 7.30pm
Thurs 18 - Sat 20 Dec: 7.30pm
(2.30pm performance also on Sat
20 Dec)
Go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
sportsdevelopment
Northern Ireland Human
Rights Festival
Across Belfast
Janet Devlin - My Delirium
A selection of seasonal music
performed by the Belfast String
Quartet.
Sat 6 – Sun 14 Dec: 11am
Go to www.themaclive.com
Monthly Céilí
Thurs 11 Dec: 6pm
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Belfast Waterfront
Rise of the Guardians The Big Christmas Movie
Belfast Waterfront
Enjoy the movie on the Waterfront’s
big, big screen! Arrive from 2pm for
face painting and festive fun.
Get the latest Belfast Waterfront and
Ulster Hall entertainment guide.
Call the box office on 9033 4455 or
visit www.waterfront.co.uk or www.ulsterhall.co.uk
January
Visit Belfast is your official guide to what’s
on and everything happening in Belfast. Pick
up your free copy from the Belfast Welcome
Centre in 9 Donegall Square North, call 9024 6609 or go to www.visit-belfast.com
Comedy Club
Acoustic Picnic
Sat 3 Jan: 1pm
Oh Yeah Music Centre
Age restrictions apply
Ulster Hall
Bring a picnic and listen to
some great live music for free.
All ages welcome.
Dave Gorman Gets
Straight To The Point*
(*The Powerpoint)
Go to www.ohyeahbelfast.com
Sat 29 Nov: 8pm
Ulster Orchestra:
New Year Viennese
Jason Byrne in You
Name The Show
Fri 9 – Sat 10 Jan: 7.45pm
Belfast Waterfront
With Camilla Dallerup and Ian
Waite.
Call 9033 4455 or go to
www.waterfront.co.uk
Ulster Orchestra:
Music from the Heart
Wed 14 Jan: 7.45pm
Ulster Hall
A perfect fit for those new
to classical and romantic
repertoire.
Call 90334455 or go to
www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Ulster Orchestra:
Latin Rhythms
Sun18 Jan: 8pm
Ulster Hall
Includes a pre-concert talk by
Rafael Payare at 7pm.
Belfast Waterfront
Art and
photographic
exhibitions
Frank Skinner Man In A Suit
Belfast Waterfront
Ross Noble
Tangentleman
Ulster Watercolour
Society’s 38th Annual
Exhibition 2014
Wed 12 – Fri 28 Nov
Perfect Fit By the Danielaites
Wed 3 Dec - Tues 6 Jan
Ulster Hall
Thurs 4 Dec: 7.30pm
Alan Davies Little Victories
Fri 12 Dec: 8pm
Wed 10 Dec: 8pm
Call 9033 4455 or go to www.waterfront.co.uk or www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Literary
Lunchtimes
Organic
Lunches
Ulster Hall: 1pm
Ulster Hall: 1pm
Barry Flynn presents The Best of Enemies
Ulster Punk: Rebels with a Cause By Mireia Bordonada
Wed 19 Nov
Fri 7 – Fri 28 Nov
Wed 26 Nov
Making Strange By Judy Carroll Deeley
Sun 7 Dec: 8pm
Words Alive Presents
Lunchtime Serving
Eimear McBride
Wed 3 Dec
Fri 5 Dec - Fri 2 Jan
Poetry Picnic Christmas Cracker
Emma Gibbons Plays
Bach, Glass, Wammes
Call 9033 4400 to check exhibition
opening hours or go to
www.waterfront.co.uk or
www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Wed 10 Dec
Fri 28 Nov
Call 028 9033 4455 or go to:
www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Call 028 9033 4455 or go to:
www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Call 90334455 or go to
www.ulsterhall.co.uk
Christmas
at
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
19
han families
Photos courtesy of the Caldwell and Monag
Ozone to reopen
We’re pleased to announce
that the indoor tennis courts
and climbing wall at the
Ozone Complex will re-open
on 16 January 2015.
You’ll notice we’ve installed
a new tennis arena surface
to improve the bounce and
enhance game speed on
court. We’ve also upgraded
the lighting to a state-ofthe-art LED low energy
system, which will help to
enhance lighting levels
for competitions.
John Caldwell is pictured wearing
his Lonsdale Belt, which he won in
October 1960 in taking the British
flyweight title.
'Rinty' Monaghan with his ‘Ring
Magazine’ belt, which he received
in 1950 in recognition of his
undisputed world flyweight title.
Belfast’s boxing heroes
Belfast has a strong profile
of world champion boxers
under its belt. And what
better way to celebrate the
contribution that boxing has
made to our city than to
recognise the achievements
of our great boxing heroes
from years gone by?
Next year, we’ll be erecting
bronze sculptures of John
Caldwell (7 May 1938 - 10
July 2009) in Dunville Park
and John Joseph ‘Rinty’
Monaghan (21 August
1918 – 3 March 1984)
in Cathedral Gardens.
Artist Alan Beattie Herriot
has been appointed to
undertake this honour. In
Woodvale Park, a boxing
themed art piece will also
commemorate all of the
boxing heroes in the local
area. It’s hoped that this
investment in boxing themed
public art will create a sense
of pride and a source of
inspiration for people living
in the local areas.
As part of our £200,000
boxing strategy, we’re
working with boxing clubs
and youth clubs to increase
participation so that Belfast’s
boxing legacy lives on.
Playing in a new league
20
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
We’re improving the quality
of our facilities, with new
playing pitches and pavilions,
to help players and clubs
play more regional games
and encourage more young
people to try out a wider
range of sports.
work will also start in 2015 on:
•new pavilions at Ballysillan
Park and Victoria Park;
•a new pitch at Ormeau; and
•new pitches and pavilions
at Woodlands Playing
Fields, Musgrave Park, Falls
Park and Cherryvale.
A new pitch and pavilion is
currently under construction
at Cliftonville Playing Fields,
with new pavilions starting
soon in the Waterworks and
Dixon Playing Fields. And
This project has been
supported by our £15.1
million pitches investment,
with £1 million coming from
the GAA.
Celebrated citizen
Celebrated citizen
Carl Frampton
Thousands of proud fans gathered
in the grounds of City Hall recently
to celebrate the achievements
of Belfast’s new world champion
boxer, Carl Frampton.
Lord Mayor, Cllr Nichola Mallon, held
a special reception for him in the front
lawns of City Hall to give local people
the opportunity to celebrate his victory
against Spanish fighter, Kiko Martinez.
Over 16,000 people
turned out to support
the 27 year old Belfast
boy in his world title
fight at the Titanic
Quarter Belfast, with
over 90 countries
watching live on TV.
skills in the ring soon
caught the attention
of former world
champion boxer,
Barry McGuigan.
The win is Carl ‘The
Jackal’ Frampton’s 19th
in his professional career,
and puts him well on his
way to becoming one
of the biggest names in
world boxing.
In 2009, Carl turned
professional under
the management
of Barry McGuigan.
And his son, Shane
McGuigan, trained
Carl to his world
title. The London
But it all started at the
based coach fuses science with
age of seven when Carl picked up his
old-school dedication in a bespoke
boxing gloves for the first time. His coach,
training regime, which features input
Billy McKee, saw Carl’s potential and set
from a bioscientist and a neuroto work putting down foundations at
musculoskeletal consultant.
Midland Amateur Boxing Club in Tigers
Bay, north Belfast. And soon Carl was
But Carl is still a Belfast boy at heart
fighting his way to the top.
and looks forward to coming home to
Belfast to see his wife, Christine, and
After winning the European Union
two year old daughter, Carla, on his
silver medal and the Irish Senior
weekend breaks from physical training.
Featherweight title, two prestigious
domestic senior titles, along with 12
Outside of the ring, Carl is a family
international medals from around the
man and is heavily involved with charity
globe, Carl’s future looked bright and his work for a variety of different causes.
Carl’s hand injury from his ‘Titanic
Showdown’ with Martinez will keep
him out of the ring until early 2015,
when he can expect all of Belfast
to get behind him once again as he
defends his world title.
In the meantime, Belfast’s newest
sporting superstar can enjoy a well
deserved break with his family this
Christmas as they look forward to the
birth of their next child.
Congratulations once again Carl - we
wish you a happy Christmas and a
fighting fit New Year!
Your donations
help to save lives,
turn your pre-loved into re-loved and
donate to your local Action Cancer store.
Email: [email protected] Tel: 028 9080 3344 for large donations.
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
21
Moving Knock River
Parks in
the picture
Are you an amateur photographer
or photography fan? If so, it’s time to
think about entering our Belfast Parks
Photographic Competition.
Our parks offer a wealth of natural
landscapes, including woodlands, meadows
and lakes, and are full of historic buildings
like the Tropical Ravine and Wilmont
House. We’re looking for photographs
that capture our beautiful parks. It could
be one of our manicured gardens, a snap
of the local wildlife or some of the people
who bring our parks to life.
Earlier this year, as part of the combined
Connswater Community Greenway and
East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme,
the Knock River was redirected away
from the houses and diverted into the
middle of the Orangefield Park.
This has significantly reduced the risk
of flooding, whilst creating an amazing
outdoor educational resource.This work,
alongside the development of bespoke,
curriculum based educational materials, has
meant that the park can now become a
central hub for outdoor learning.
The park itself has been turned into an
‘outdoor classroom’ with interpretive
signage, educational materials and a
new designated pond dipping area.
Field Studies Centres, who developed
the learning materials, have also trained
local primary and secondary school
teachers to deliver environmental and
ecological education programmes
that focus on the diverted river and
the variety of nature that can be
discovered in the park.
Why not go online and learn about
the moving of the Knock River and get
information on nature conservation,
biodiversity, habitats and how you can
get involved?
Visit www.communitygreenway.co.uk/
movingtheknockriver
Knock River before
Take advantage of the rain showers,
snowflakes or sunshine to create a
unique photo that will stand out from
other entries. The photographs will be
judged on beauty, creativity and originality.
The closing date for entries is Friday 15
May 2015. So get snapping and give it
your best shot.
Knock River after
For an entry form and information on
submitting your photographs, go to
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
parkphotocompetition or call 9027 0467.
Mindful Walks
Groundwork NI, in partnership with
Active Belfast, is encouraging residents
to try Mindful Walks in parks and
outdoor areas near you.
Mindfulness is meditation and mindful
walking means walking meditation.
Mindful walking can help promote
physical and mental health. Anyone
can take part and the benefits can be
almost immediate.
Each Mindful Walk is led by an
experienced Mindfulness Practitioner.
They're free and last around 90 minutes.
Why not come along to stop, breathe and
enjoy the beautiful, natural surroundings?
22
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Pictured outdoors on a Belfast Mindful walk are, left to right: Ben Hanvey, Active Belfast Project
Officer, Lynne Elliott, Mindful walker, Michael McEvoy, Project Officer at Groundwork NI, Pauline
Dunlop, Mindful walker and Séamus Mullen, Head of Health and Social Wellbeing Improvement
(Belfast), Public Health Agency.
For more information go to www.mindfulwalksbelfast.wordpress.com
Tropical Ravine gets the green light
Coming up roses!
Our Local Investment Fund has “Now the garden offers a
place for our 20 residents
turned a piece of vacant land
to relax, meet up with
into a therapeutic garden.
family or friends or improve
Rosemount House received
their physical and mental
£46,000 to develop the
health through gardening,”
overgrown site, behind their
says Charles Rafferty,
Antrim Road property in north Compliance Officer.
Belfast.The land was donated by
“As well as aiding the
local residents Sheila and Dan
recovery process, it is also
McCann and Peter Gormley.
attracting more wildlife and
It was previously used to dump providing extra green space
rubbish and had become
within a built-up area.”
an eyesore for the charity,
The garden is one of 52
which provides sheltered and
community projects to
supported accommodation
for homeless men recovering benefit from our £5 million
Local Investment Fund so far.
from alcohol addiction.
Read more case studies at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/investment or call 9027 0202.
We’re excited to announce
that planning permission
has been granted for the
£3.8 million restoration of
the Tropical Ravine and its
important botanical collection
in Botanic Gardens.
The ravine has also received its
‘listed building consent’ to make
sure the character of the building
retains its special architectural
and historical interest.
The Tropical Ravine is now
closed with work due to begin
in early 2015.The Ravine will
reopen in autumn 2016.
and distinctive species - the
Killarney Fern.
We’re working with the
Eden Project to ensure
To prepare for the construction, the collection of rare and
endangered plants will be
we’ve rehomed some of
conserved and developed to
the plants, including banana,
cinnamon, bromeliad and orchid, create an entertaining and
educational experience for all.
as well as one of the rarest
Read
more
case studies
For
more
information
goatto
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/investment or call 9027 0202.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/tropicalravine
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
23
Belfast Zoo
Giraffe calf makes debut
at Belfast Zoo!
Belfast Zoo recently
welcomed a Rothschild’s
giraffe calf and keepers are
delighted to announce that
the infant is a girl!
The lofty newcomer, who
has been called ‘Ballymena’,
was born to proud parents,
Neja and Finn.
Christmas at the zoo
Belfast Zoo is expecting
a very rare new arrival
from the North Pole this
December. Santa will
be parking his sleigh and
reindeer at Cave Hill to
meet zoo visitors in his
special grotto on 13, 14,
20, 21 and 22 December.
Come along and wrap
and deliver presents to
the chimpanzees, decorate
Christmas trees for the Asian
elephants, make some Christmas
crafts and enjoy some festive
animal feeding times.
Tickets are on sale
from 1 October 2014.
For more information or to book tickets, visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk/events, email [email protected]
or call us on 9077 6277 extension 229.
Giraffe give birth standing up
and the calf falls more than
five feet to the ground! The
calf learns to stand within 30
minutes and can run just 10
hours after birth!
Zoo curator, Alyn Cairns,
is delighted with the new
arrival, “Keepers were onsite
throughout the labour to
ensure that everything went
smoothly and, since the birth,
we have been giving the pair
time to bond.
of names throughout Neja’s
pregnancy and have selected
‘Ballymena’, which will be
shortened to ‘Mena’.”
Rothschild’s giraffe are one
of the most endangered of
“It is a tradition that we
the nine subspecies of giraffe
name our giraffe calves
and are part of a European
after towns and villages in
breeding programme. Belfast
Northern Ireland and Ireland, Zoo first became home to
which begin with ‘Bally’. The giraffe in 1988 and, since
keepers, who care for the
then, 33 calves have been
giraffe, have been thinking
born at the Cave Hill site.
You can support the care of Belfast Zoo’s giraffe herd by
taking part in the animal adoption scheme.
Visit www.belfastzoo.co.uk/adoption or call 90 776 277
extension 229 for more details.
We need
your help!
As part of our enrichment
programme to stimulate
the animals, we're on
the lookout for your old
Christmas trees and old
clothing. Many of the
animals love to eat the trees,
especially the elephants, and
we wrap up old clothes
for the apes as ‘Christmas
24
presents’ as they love
playing with them! If you'd
like to help us, please feel
free to bring any donations
to the zoo.
For more information about Belfast Zoo call 9077 6277, go to
www.belfastzoo.co.uk
facebook.com/belfastzoo
twitter.com /belfastzoo
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Members of Clonard
Summer Outreach
Brush Off competition winners
Clonard Summer Outreach have
beaten off strong competition and
won this year’s Brush Off Community
Cleanup Competition.
The competition ran between April
and August 2014 and challenged local
communities to take ownership of their
environment and make a real difference
to where they live. Schools, residents,
summer schemes, voluntary and church
groups all took part in cleanups, gathering
over 200 bags of rubbish.
The judges were impressed with Clonard
Summer Outreach’s promotion of their
work, including before and after images
and a production of a DVD detailing
their cleanup.
The runners up; Sandy Row
Community Centre, Greater Village
Regeneration Trust and Bloomfield
Community Association, had a strong
focus on advertising their projects
using social media, local shops and
newsagents and working in partnership
with external bodies.They also
demonstrated a strong commitment to
the sustainability of their projects.
Generous prizes were sponsored
by McDonalds, Tesco, Translink and
Holiday Inn.
If you are interested in holding a
community cleanup, we can help.
Just call us on 9032 0202, or email
[email protected].
The Christmas
ELF
Our Christmas ELF (Environmental
Litter Friend) will be visiting nursery
schools this festive season to spread
our important anti-litter message.
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
25
Green
Dealing with extra
Christmas waste
Most of us end up with extra rubbish over
Christmas and it can be difficult to determine
the best way to dispose of it.
You can recycle most of your waste using your
bins and boxes at home or by taking it to one
of our recycling centres.
Here’s a quick A to Z guide about what goes where.
Artificial
Christmas trees
recycling centre
Batteries
red box (in a
bag), recycling
centre
Broken
Christmas lights
recycling centre
Cans
black box, blue
bin, recycling
centre
Cardboard
boxes
red box, blue
bin, recycling
centre
Cartons
black box, blue
bin, recycling
centre
Christmas cards
plain cards in red
box, blue bin,
recycling centre*
Christmas
crackers
cardboard inner
tube in red box,
blue bin or at a
recycling centre
(place the rest in
your black bin)
Cling film and
shrink wrap
black bin (cannot
be recycled)
Clothes
red box (in a bag),
recycling centre,
charity shop
Crisp packets
black bin (cannot
be recycled)
Electrical items
recycling centre
Foil (clean)
black box (in a
bag), blue bin,
recycling centre
Glass bottles
and jars
recycling centre,
bottle banks, red
box, purple box
(in glass trial area)
Leftover food
use for other
meals if possible
or recycle using
brown bin or
green food bin
Mobile phones
recycling centre
Old decorations
depends on what
they are made
from, but most
will have to go in
black bins
Plastic bottles
black box, blue
bin, recycling
centre
Plastic pots
tubs and trays
black box
Real Christmas
trees
recycling centre,
branches in
brown bins
Sweet and
biscuit tins
black box, blue
bin, recycling
centre
Takeaway pizza
boxes (torn up)
brown bin or
green food bin
Toys
good condition
only - charity
shops or reuse
container at a
recycling centre
Wrapping paper
black bin
(cannot be
recycled)
* we cannot recycle cards with glitter and lots of decoration
If you’re still unsure about the best way to dispose of a particular item, contact our helpline on 0800 032 8100 or watch our
recycling video at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/recycling
26
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Green
Know your
waste!
It’s just as important to remember
what can’t go into your bin as much as
what can.
Do one thing differently
The Love Food, Hate Waste
(LFHW) ‘10 cities’ campaign is
now in full swing, highlighting the
importance of reducing food waste
to residents of selected cities across
the UK, including Belfast.
The campaign will demonstrate the
many ways we can reduce food
waste and save money. Free training
is available to individuals, groups and
businesses, over the next 18 months, to
urge people to ‘Do one thing differently’
in their approach to food waste.
The training will give you fascinating
ideas, tips and advice on how to
reduce your food waste at home
and provide you with all the skills
and confidence to go out there
and spread the Love Food Hate
Waste message. And remember
to recycle any food waste in your
green or brown bin.
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/bins
If you'd like to get involved visit
www.lovefoodhatewaste.com
On 13 December, new rules will be
introduced that will affect the way
food businesses provide allergen
information.
Local mum, Mary Fields, tells us what
these changes will mean for her and
her son Luke, who has a peanut allergy.
Yes, it’s difficult buying non-packaged
food or when I want to take Luke for
a treat, as we don’t know what the
foods contain.
Do friends and family find it difficult
to know what foods he can have?
Luke is very aware and cautious about
his allergy, which is good. However,
if I’m not around, people are very
cautious about what Luke can have
and sometimes this means “if in doubt,
Luke does without”.
Reuse before
you recycle
You may’ve noticed our large blue reuse
containers at our recycling centres.
These are serviced by East Belfast Mission
who collect items that you no longer want,
but that are too good to throw out.They
then refurbish, repaint and reupholster
the items, where necessary, and sell them
through their Re:Store outlets. The
money raised subsidises their Meals on
Wheels and other services for the elderly
and vulnerable.
Food labelling
Do you find it hard to choose
suitable foods for Luke?
Plastic bags, textiles and take away
pizza boxes placed in the blue bin
can contaminate the whole lorry and
increase the price of disposing the load
from £100 to £900. The money saved
by putting the correct items in your bins
is reinvested in our parks, community
centres and other services.
Only use your blue bin for:
• paper,
• card,
• plastic bottles,
• cans,
• clean foil, and
• cartons.
If you’re thinking of doing a clear out,
consider donating your unwanted items for
reuse before recycling them.
Mary and Luke at a local food business with
food labelled properly.
Treecycle
How will these changes make a
difference to your life?
They will help my family and
friends to decide on foods that
Luke can enjoy safely. Also, visiting
restaurants and cafés will be a
more relaxing experience for the
whole family.
If you need more information
on these new regulations visit
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/food
Don’t forget to recycle your
Christmas tree at any of our
recycling centres.
Call 0800 032 8100 or visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/recycling
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
27
Good
enough to eat
It’s hard to keep costs down at Christmas.
So why not make some savings by reusing
leftovers and cutting down on food waste?
Creamy turkey and ham
stroganoff
Learn the 4Ts of diabetes
Integrated Care Partnerships
(ICPs) in Belfast are working
with Diabetes UK and the Belfast
Education and Library Board to
raise awareness of the symptoms
of Type 1 diabetes.
The 4Ts associated with Type 1
diabetes are:
1. Toilet - going to the loo a lot, bed
wetting by a usually dry child or
heavier nappies in babies;
2. Thirsty - being really thirsty and
not being able to quench the
thirst;
3. Tired - feeling more tired than
usual; and
4. Thinner - losing weight or
looking thinner than normal.
This dish is based on a traditional beef
stroganoff, but uses leftover turkey and
gammon instead to make a tasty creamy dish.
You will need:
ey, diced
- 300g (11 oz) leftover roast turk
, diced
- 100g (4 oz) leftover cooked gammon
- 300g pack mushrooms, sliced
ional)
- 100g (4 oz) chestnuts, halved (opt
- 300ml (half pint) soured cream
- 1 tbsp oil
- 1 tsp paprika
Method:
and
1.Heat the oil in a large frying pan
fry the mushrooms and paprika for
mon
gam
2-3 minutes. Add the turkey,
and chestnuts and cook for another
2-3 minutes.
er
2.Stir in the soured cream and simm
taste.
gently for 1-2 minutes. Season to
3.Serve with rice or pasta.
Cook’s tip
Double cream or crème fraiche can
be used instead of soured cream and
stirred into pasta instead of rice. Add
hot smoked paprika for extra flavour.
28
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Research by Diabetes UK shows
that up to nine out of 10 parents do
not know the four main symptoms
of the illness. The ‘4Ts’ campaign
educates parents, carers, and those
working with children on what
to look out for to ensure early
diagnosis and treatment.
Pictured with pupils at Harberton Special
School, Belfast (L-R): Florence Findlay
White, National Care Advisor, Diabetes
UK; Mike Megaw, Business Manager Belfast
ICPs; and Dr Michael McKenna, GP lead
and Chair of the South Belfast ICP.
If a child has some or all of
these symptoms you should
contact your GP urgently so
they can arrange for testing.
Looking for a job? Take HARTE
Bernie Magee, aged 24 and living in
north Belfast, had been unemployed
since leaving school at the age of 18.
But this all changed after she took
part in our Hospitality and Retail
Training for Employment (HARTE)
Programme.
Through HARTE, Bernie gained
five qualifications in areas including
World Host Training, Food Hygiene
and Customer Service - all of which
helped her update her CV and
embark on a career in the growing
hospitality sector. Bernie is now
Counter Assistant at O’Brien’s
coffee shop, where she works 16
hours each week.
Bernie says, “The HARTE
programme gave me free access
to a wide range of training and
helped me to build confidence in
my abilities. If you’re looking for a
career change, or perhaps returning
to work after starting a family and
you’re interested in starting a career
in hospitality, get signed up today!
Without HARTE I simply wouldn’t
be in the job I’m in now.”
Our HARTE programme gives
unemployed individuals a range of
employability and vocational training
opportunities to help them secure
employment in the tourism and
hospitality sector.
HARTE is funded by Belfast City Council,
Lisburn City Council and the European Social
Fund with the support of the Department for
Employment and Learning (DEL).
Here’s to our unsung heroes
‘Celebrating the best of Belfast’ is
the theme of Lord Mayor, Cllr Nicola
Mallon’s term in office. She wants
to connect with those who feel
invisible in our city and celebrate the
contributions of our unsung heroes.
Tomorrow’s
leaders
Carers make up a large portion of
our society but their efforts are often
forgotten or unnoticed.
We chatted to Laura Collins who tells
us what the past 33 years of caring
have been like for her.
“On the 10 July 1981, I had a beautiful
baby boy. Little did I know that,
within two years, I'd be caring for my
husband, my elderly father and my
little son.”
Laura went on to explain that trying
to do it on your own doesn’t benefit
anyone,“I used to focus all my energies
on helping my loved ones to get the
most out of life. I was naive and did
not realise that providing such intense
support, 24/7, is just not possible for
one person to do.”
According to Laura, having a life
outside of your caring role is essential
and should not be considered a
luxury, “I need to look after myself so
I can physically provide good care for
my family. Most people at my age are
The newly recruited Belfast Youth
Forum recently embarked on a two year term, which will run until
June 2016.
Laura (pictured right) with her friend and
fellow carer, Leandre Monroe.
planning to retire. This will not be the
case for me, so finding opportunities to
promote a quality of life is essential.”
As part of their induction, the 40 young
people met the Lord Mayor to find out
more about her role and priorities for
the year.They also helped to launch an
intergenerational toolkit and facilitated
discussions at the EurVoice event.
Laura says that accepting the ‘label’
of carer can make all the difference,
“When I started caring, I was seen as
a dutiful daughter, a good mother and
a supportive wife. But much has been
done over the years to highlight the
caring role and the stresses involved.
“I cherish the term ‘family carer’, as it
identifies and validates what I do in an
unpaid capacity. It is only by knowing and
owning this word that the journey to
carer support can begin.”
If you are a carer and need help or
advice, contact Carers NI.
Caring for carers
There are around 34,000 unpaid
carers in Belfast who look after frail,
ill or disabled loved ones. Many are
unaware of their right to benefits and
services that can help, and see caring
as a normal part of family life. But, you
don’t have to do it alone. It’s important
to get as much help as you can so that
you don’t end up feeling exhausted
and isolated.
Carers NI have a confidential and
independent advice service for carers
and their families’, helping you find the
support you need, when you need it.
Call Carers NI any weekday on 9043
9843 and ask for their free booklet,
‘Looking after someone - an essential
guide to carers’ rights and benefits’.
Or download a copy at www.carersni.org, where you’ll find
useful information about support
for carers.You can also access their
online forum, where carers share their
problems and give each other support.
Did you know...
Because they are unpaid, carers
across Northern Ireland save the
economy at least £4.4 billion each
year? However, they are missing out
on state support of more than £4
million in unclaimed benefits.
Call Carers NI on 9043 9843 or
email [email protected] for
more information.
The group will spend their first four
months completing teambuilding
activities and learning about:
•democracy;
• children’s rights;
• how the Belfast Youth Forum works;
•communication;
• negotiation and leadership skills; and
• public speaking.
They’ll also complete a weekend
residential, to help them decide on the
campaigns they want to lead and the
events they want to organise, and will
award a group of young people a £500
children’s rights bursary as part of the
PCSP awards.
Keep an eye on their progress at
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
belfastyouthforum, follow
@belfastcc and join in the
conversation at #BelfastYouthForum
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
29
Present
safety
It’s that time of year again
home. Make sure that
when we start to think
Christmas decorations are
about buying presents and
not mistaken by children
decorating our houses for
as toys as they are unlikely
Christmas. So here are a
to comply with toy safety
few things to think about to
requirements.
make sure you have a safe
• Look for the CE mark when
festive season:
buying toys and check the
• Be safe when using tea lights
age advice to ensure the toy
and candles – never leave
is suitable for your child. You
these unattended when
should also separate toys for
burning and make sure they
older and younger children
are in a safe place, away
to help prevent accidents
from children, pets and
and choking hazards.
furnishings. Always use an
• Make sure that you
upturned spoon or a candle
buy any presents from
snuffer to put them out –
reputable suppliers.
never blow them out or use
water to extinguish.
If you are concerned
about the safety of any
product you’ve bought
please contact us on
9027 0428.
• Make sure that you buy
Christmas lights from
a trustworthy supplier
and never leave lights
on when you leave the
Decade of Centenaries
This year marks the hundredth anniversary of the
outbreak of the First World War when Irish regiments
enlisted in the new Divisions: the 10th Irish Division, the
16th Irish Division and the 36th Ulster Division. Over
200,000 Irish men fought in this war and it is estimated
that up to 49,400 Irish soldiers from Irish and British
based divisions died between 1914 and 1918.
Over the coming months we’re organising some events
as part of our Decade of Centenaries Programme to
remember them. Check out our 'What's on' guide on
pages 17-19.
Did you know?
The Irish regiments that fought
in World War 1 were:
• Royal Irish Regiment,
• Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers,
• Royal Irish Rifles,
• Princess Victoria's
(Royal Irish Fusiliers),
• Connaught Rangers,
• Prince of Wales's Leinster
Regiment,
• Royal Dublin Fusiliers,
• Royal Munster Fusiliers.
30
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Join the club
Many homes still rely on
increasingly expensive
home heating oil. So
some communities have
established local clubs to use
their combined bargaining
power to get a lower price
with suppliers.
Everyone, even those who
would normally pay more
for smaller quantities, get
their oil delivered for the
same price per litre - often
saving members hundreds of
pounds over a year.
We’ve got together with the
Public Health Agency and
Bryson Energy to develop
a toolkit to help groups set
up their own clubs. We’re
also encouraging some of
the city’s larger community
organisations to offer practical
support to local groups that
would like to set up a club or
improve an existing one.
Consumer advice
Consumer advice
on guarantees
I got PVC fascia, soffit and
guttering at my home two
years ago and I received a 10 year
guarantee. But the PVC started
to discolour in some areas so I
contacted the company I used. They
said the manufacturer of the PVC
products supplied the guarantee and
I must refer to them. I did this and
they sent me a form to complete and
return but I have not heard back. Do
I have to rely on the manufacturer to
sort the problem under the guarantee
or can I ask the company that carried
out the work to put it right?
When you buy goods or services
you make a contract with the seller
and they are liable to you if they breach
it.The consumer protection laws say
that goods should be:
• of satisfactory quality,
• fit for purpose, and
• as described.
A service should also be carried out
with reasonable care and skill. This
means that if the seller carries out
substandard work or supplies faulty
goods you can ask them to put things
right. These are your statutory rights; a
guarantee does not replace these but
adds to them.
By law, you have rights against the
company that carried out the work.
The Statute of Limitations states that
you have the right to take action against
the seller of goods or services for a
breach of contract for up to six years.
At this point, you can ask for a repair or
damages. Put your complaint in writing
if you are unable to get a resolution
directly with the seller. If you do not
receive a suitable response and if the
amount of the claim is under £3000
Need help with a
consumer problem?
you can then take your case to the
Small Claims Court.
A guarantee is different to your
consumer rights; it makes a contract
between you and the guarantor. It
doesn’t have to be offered and can
be given verbally or in writing. If a free
guarantee is given with a product it
must be made available:
• in writing,
• in English (if offered in the UK,) and
• in plain language.
It should also clearly detail how to
make a claim.You may need to register
the guarantee to avoid any difficulties if
you have to make a claim later.
Check the terms and conditions of
the guarantee to understand what
you can expect the guarantor to do
to put things right. Guarantees usually
promise to fix manufacturing faults
free and for a set period. If you make
a claim under the guarantee, tell the
guarantor that you are reserving your
rights under the consumer protection
laws. If the guarantor does not settle
your complaint and the guarantee is
in writing, then you may have to take
legal action.
In all cases it is best to find out what
you are entitled to claim from both
the guarantee and under consumer
law and decide which one is likely to
get you the quickest, most convenient
and best results.
If you have a consumer problem
and would like some specialist
advice, visit the Advice Centre at
14 Wellington Place, Belfast.
You can pick up information on
consumer issues from here or go
online to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
consumeradvice
Opening times:
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday Thursday
Friday
9.30am - 4.30pm
9.30am - 4.30pm
9.30am - 2.00pm
9.30am - 4.30pm
9.30am - 4.15pm
We're closed at weekends.
You can also telephone 9032 8260
or email your query to
[email protected]
Go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
consumeradvice for more answers
to consumer problems.
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
31
Seniors’ section
The benefits of age
Intergenerational
toolkit
We recently launched the Agefriendly Belfast intergenerational
toolkit and guide, which offers
organisations the support to
effectively plan, implement and
evaluate their intergenerational
projects. It includes practical
tips and guidance that will help
projects become a success.
To get your free copy of this
resource, please contact the
Age-friendly Belfast Team on
9050 2073 or download it at
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/seniors
Age-friendly Belfast
calendar
We’ve developed a calendar of Age-friendly Belfast events for 2015.
If you haven't already received one
through your forum, or at one of
the winter warmth events, please
contact the Age-friendly Belfast
team on 9050 2073 or email
[email protected]
32
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
Northern Ireland is an ageing
society, and this is something
worth celebrating.
Many families, organisations and
communities depend on older
people for their skills, knowledge
and experience. Older people
pay taxes and have contributed
throughout their lives to their
‘old age pension.’They also
provide invaluable care and
support to others.
Yet, too often, we hear
pessimistic voices saying that
increased age is a burden on
society by creating unaffordable
costs. The ‘Appreciating Age'
report by The Commissioner
for Older People NI challenges
this point of view and considers
the economic value of the
contributions made by older
people in our society.
The report looks at:
•taxes paid,
•volunteering time, and
•informal caring that older
people provide.
It reveals that the
contributions of older people
far outweigh the cost of agerelated spending, to the tune
of an astonishing £24.7 billion
over the next fifty years.
So let’s set the record
straight and celebrate that
we're better off because of
our ageing population; let’s
appreciate age!
Reducing home fuel costs
money to buy
Winter Fuel Payments are
'Be Warm' oil
annual tax-free payments to
help with heating costs during savings stamps.
periods of cold weather.
The quickest way to make
Seniors can apply for Winter a claim, or to find out if
Fuel Payments from the
you are eligible, call the
Social Security Agency. These Winter Fuel Payment
are available to people
helpline on 0845 915 15
receiving a state pension or
15 or visit certain benefits, as well as
www.nidirect.gov.uk
those in employment, if they
are eligible.
For information on oil
saving stamps go to
If you or someone you
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/
know qualifies for this
bewarm
payment, you can use this
Being prepared
in winter
Hear to Help service
As the temperature continues
to drop, it’s important to
keep yourself warm and take
particular care of your health and wellbeing.
The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust and Action on Hearing Loss are working in
partnership on a joint project called ‘Hear to Help’.
If you need help to stay warm, or if you know
an older person who’s struggling this winter,
contact the Age NI Advice and Advocacy
Service on 0808 808 7575.
The aim of the project is to provide FREE
hearing aid maintenance to NHS hearing
aid users, in local clinics, and at home to
housebound people.
Looking out for neighbours
During winter, some of our older and more
vulnerable relatives, friends and neighbours
can find it difficult to get out and about. Why not lend them a helping hand?
You can help your older neighbours by doing
some of the following:
Hear to Help will be holding clinics across the
city and can assist with:
•general hearing aid usage and cleaning;
•batteries and provision of batteries;
•changing the flexible hosing on the hearing aid,
which should be done every six months; and
•advice and information on sevices for hard
of hearing people
•Call in to make sure
that everything is
alright and to find out
if they need anything.
•Check they're warm
enough. Make sure
their heating system is
working properly and
timed for the weather. Suggest blankets,
hot water bottles and hot drinks to keep
them warm.
•Make sure that they're drinking plenty of
fluids and eating hot meals.
this Christmas
•Suggest that they get the flu jab from their
local GP or health centre.
•Keep an eye out for signs that something
could be wrong, such as milk not being
taken in and curtains remaining closed.
•Make sure there are no fire hazards and
that they have a working smoke alarm.
Call us for a free home safety check on
9091 8715.
•If you're going out
to buy groceries or
on other errands,
offer to pick up
shopping for them.
For that unique
and personal
Christmas gift
Boxing kits, collectibles, personalised garments,
camping gear and army surplus, garment
alterations, computer repairs and much more!
Smithfield is open every
Monday-Saturday in December
from 9am-5.30pm and every
Sunday from 1pm-6pm.
Winetavern Street, behind Castlecourt
www.belfastcity.gov.uk/smithfield
6812-Smithfield Christmas Advert.indd 1
CityMatters
33
13/10/2014
November 2014 - January 2015
14:51
Members' directory
Members of Belfast City Council
Balmoral Electoral Area
Oldpark Electoral Area
(Blackstaff, Finaghy, Malone, Musgrave, Upper Malone,
Windsor)
(Ardoyne, Ballysillan, Cliftonville, Legoniel, New Lodge,
Waterworks)
Alderman Tom Ekin
Councillor Claire Hanna
Councillor Bernie Kelly
Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir
Alderman Ruth Patterson
Alderman Bob Stoker
Councillor Mary Clarke Councillor JJ Magee Councillor Nichola Mallon Councillor Gerard McCabe Councillor Gareth McKee
Councillor Lee Reynolds
ALL
SDLP SDLP SF
DUP
UUP 9020 1714
07729 208258
07710 931323
9024 3194
07788 371323
07876 358893
SF
SF
SDLP SF
DUP
DUP
9074 0817
9074 0817
9032 0202
9074 0817
07917 353474
07879 065457
Castle Electoral Area
Pottinger Electoral Area
(Bellevue, Castleview, Cavehill, Chichester Park, Duncairn,
Fortwilliam)
(Ballymacarrett, Bloomfield, Orangefield, Ravenhill,
The Mount, Woodstock)
Alderman David Browne
UUP
Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell SF
Councillor Patrick Convery
SDLP
Councillor Tierna Cunningham SF
Alderman Lydia Patterson
DUP
Councillor Guy Spence
DUP
Alderman May Campbell
Councillor Máire Hendron
Councillor Dr John Kyle
Councillor Adam Newton
Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile
Alderman Gavin Robinson
9077 1757
9074 0817
07884 367987
9074 0817
9071 7072
078 2485 9297
Court Electoral Area
(Crumlin, Glencairn, Highfield, Shankill, Woodvale)
Councillor Billy Hutchinson Alderman Brian Kingston
Alderman Frank McCoubrey
Councillor Naomi Thompson
Councillor Nicola Verner PUP 07515 715563
DUP
07795 233313
DUP
9032 0202
DUP
9074 4008
DUP
07585 008895
Laganbank Electoral Area
(Ballynafeigh, Botanic, Rosetta, Shaftesbury, Stranmillis)
Councillor Catherine Curran ALL
Councillor Deirdre Hargey
SF
Councillor Pat McCarthy
SDLP Councillor Kate Mullan
SDLP Alderman Christopher Stalford DUP
9033 0811
9024 3194
07711 644275
07852 150167
07791 317310
Lower Falls Electoral Area
(Beechmount, Clonard, Falls, Upper Springfield, Whiterock)
Councillor Janice Austin
Councillor Ciaran Beattie Councillor Steven Corr Councillor Colin Keenan
Councillor Jim McVeigh
34
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
SF
SF
SF
SDLP SF
9062 6670
9050 8989
9062 6670
9080 7808
9050 8989
DUP
ALL
PUP
DUP
SF
DUP
9087 8587
9065 0052
07515 409757
9045 9500
9024 3194
9032 0202
Upper Falls Electoral Area
(Andersonstown, Falls Park, Glencolin, Glen Road,
Ladybrook)
Councillor Tim Attwood
Councillor Arder Carson Councillor Matt Garrett
Councillor Emma Groves
Councillor Caoimhín
Mac Giolla Mhín
SDLP
SF
SF
SF
9080 7808
9080 8404
9080 8404
9080 8404
SF
9080 8404
Victoria Electoral Area
(Ballyhackamore, Belmont, Cherryvalley, Island, Knock,
Stormont, Sydenham)
Councillor Tom Haire
Councillor John Hussey
Councillor Mervyn Jones
Councillor Brian Kennedy Councillor Laura McNamee
Alderman Jim Rodgers
Alderman Andrew Webb
DUP
DUP
ALL
DUP ALL
UUP
ALL
07796 453691
07889 838047
9047 3420
07769 333223
9032 0202
07801 882478
07976 018801
Party abbreviations
ALLAlliance
DUP Democratic Unionist Party
GP Green Party
PBPA People Before Profit Alliance
PUP Progressive Unionist Party
SDLP Social, Democratic and Labour Party
SF Sinn Féin
TUV Traditional Unionist Voice
UUP Ulster Unionist Party
Members of Belfast’s shadow council
Court
Balmoral
(Belvoir, Finaghy, Malone, Musgrave and Upper Malone)
Councillor Paula Bradshaw
ALL
Councillor Jeffrey Dudgeon
UUP
Councillor Claire Hanna
SDLP
Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir SF
Councillor Christopher Stalford DUP
07825 684499
07921 251874
07729 208258
9024 3194
07791 317310
Black Mountain
(Andersonstown, Ballymurphy, Beechmount, Colin Glen,
Falls Park, Shaw’s Road and Turf Lodge)
Councillor Tim Attwood
Councillor Janice Austin
Councillor Ciarán Beattie
Councillor Gerry Carroll
Councillor Arder Carson
Councillor Steven Corr
Councillor Emma Groves
SDLP
SF
SF
PBPA
SF
SF
SF
07802 279939
9062 6670
9050 8989
07596 114612
9080 8404
9062 6670
9080 8404
(Blackstaff, Central, Ormeau, Stranmillis and Windsor)
SDLP
UUP
SF
07769 298311
9032 0202
9024 3194
ALL
DUP
07833 220447
07788 371323
Castle
TUV
PUP
DUP
SF
DUP
SF
07876 743222
07515 715563
07795 233313
9050 8989
9032 0202
9050 8989
Lisnasharragh
(Cregagh, Hillfoot, Merok, Orangefield, Ravenhill and Rosetta)
Councillor Aileen Graham
Councillor Carole Howard
Councillor Michael Long
Councillor Chris McGimpsey
Councillor Kate Mullan
Councillor Tommy Sandford
DUP
ALL
ALL UUP
SDLP
DUP
07876 033389
07876 800913
07876 395436
9045 6593
07852 150167
07867 420201
(Ardoyne, Ballysillan, Cliftonville, Legoniel, New Lodge, and
Water Works)
Councillor Mary Clarke
Councillor Julie-Anne Corr
Councillor JJ Magee
Councillor Nichola Mallon
Councillor Gerry McCabe
Councillor Gareth McKee
SF
PUP
SF
SDLP
SF
DUP
9074 0817
07934 819824
9074 0817
9032 0202
9074 0817
07917 353474
Ormiston
(Bellevue, Cavehill, Chichester Park, Duncairn, Fortwilliam
and Innisfayle)
Councillor David Browne
UUP
Councillor Mary Ellen CampbellSF
Councillor Patrick Convery
SDLP
Councillor Nuala McAllister
ALL
Councillor Lydia Patterson
DUP
Councillor Guy Spence
DUP
07774 424140
9074 0817
07884 367987
07791 251441
9071 7072
07824 859297
Colin*
(Dunmurry, Ladybrook, Lagmore, Poleglass, Stewartstown
and Twinbrook)
Councillor David Bell
Councillor Matt Garrett
Councillor Bill Groves
Councillor Brian Heading
Councillor Stephen Magennis
Councillor Charlene O’Hara
Councillor Jolene Bunting
Councillor Billy Hutchinson
Councillor Brian Kingston
Councillor Mary McConville
Councillor Frank McCoubrey
Councillor Jim McVeigh
Oldpark
Botanic
Councillor Declan Boyle
Councillor Graham Craig
Councillor Deirdre Hargey
Councillor Emmet
McDonough-Brown
Councillor Ruth Patterson
(Ballygomartin, Clonard, Falls, Forth River, Shankill and
Woodvale)
SF
SF
SF
SDLP
SF
SF
9061 1176
9080 8404
07792 852363
07854 365833
07989 530062
9061 1176
*Please note that the District Electoral Areas (NI) Order
2014 named this ward as Collin.
(Belmont, Garnerville, Gilnahirk, Knock, Sandown, Shandon
and Stormont)
Councillor Ross Brown
Councillor Tom Haire
Councillor John Hussey
Councillor Peter Johnston
Councillor Mervyn Jones
Councillor Laura McNamee
Councillor Jim Rodgers
GP
DUP
DUP
UUP
ALL
ALL
UUP
07930 366842
07796 453691
07889 838047
07827 909660
9047 3420
9032 0202
07801 882478
Titanic
(Ballymacarrett, Beersbridge, Bloomfield, Connswater,
Sydenham and Woodstock)
Councillor David Armitage
Councillor Sonia Copeland
Councillor John Kyle
Councillor Adam Newton
Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile
Councillor Gavin Robinson
ALL
UUP
PUP
DUP
SF
DUP
07881 363939
07833 223215
07515 409757
028 9045 9500
9024 3194
9032 0202
CityMatters
November 2014 - January 2015
35