The Borough Link Summer 2018

BOROUGHLINK ARMAGH CITY, BANBRIDGE & CRAIGAVON BOROUGH COUNCIL

RESIDENTS' MAGAZINE

SUMMER 2018

NEW

URBAN SPORTS FACILITY SOLITUDE PARK, BANBRIDGE

PROUD OF OUR

BOROUGH

HONOURING

COMMUNITIES

COMPETITION

EVENTS

PAGE 4

PAGE 9

PAGE 17

PAGES 24-26

RORY BEST OBE FREEMAN OF THE BOROUGH

CELEBRATING OUR RESIDENTS

WIN A RELAXING BREAK

WHAT'S ON IN THE BOROUGH

New Lord Mayor and Deputy Lord Mayor elected Councillor Julie Flaherty (UUP) took up the chain of office as the new Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon on 4 June 2018.

Representing the Portadown district electoral area, Councillor Flaherty was co-opted to the council in 2016 and has now made history as the first female Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon. Married to Wayne and a trained podiatrist, Councillor Flaherty joined politics four years ago following the passing of her son Jake, whom she credits with the reason for entering politics.

In addressing the chamber Councillor Flaherty said she was delighted with the new role, stating: “It is an honour and a privilege to be asked to serve as the first female Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon. This wonderful area has so much to offer and I pledge to spend my forthcoming year in office working tirelessly for its citizens, children, businesses, economy and all the vital voluntary and community organisations providing such valuable contributions throughout the borough. I intend to hit the ground running and embrace the year ahead. My door is always open and I hope to help you all in any way I can.”

The position of Deputy Lord Mayor went to Councillor Paul Duffy (SF) who was returned to fill the vacancy for the Portadown district electoral area in February 2017.

Armagh office The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL T: 028 3752 9600 Banbridge office Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge BT32 3JY T: 028 4066 0600 Craigavon office Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, Lakeview Road, Craigavon BT64 1AL T: 028 3831 2400

FIND US ONLINE: armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk armaghbanbridgecraigavon @abcb_council

Borough Link is produced by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council and delivered to local households.

No article or photograph in this magazine can be reproduced without the consent of the editor. © Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council.

04 09 10-11

If you have any comments or queries about this magazine, contact the editor on 028 3831 3606 or send an email to communications@ armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk This magazine can be provided in alternative formats upon request.

Borough Link is printed on FSC certified paper.

2

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

17

Welcome to your summer edition of the Borough Link!

With all the latest on new projects and initiatives, future plans for the borough, recent and upcoming ceremonies and showcasing all that is great about the borough, we’ve certainly got a bumper edition in store for you!

Last year we unanimously agreed to grant the Freedom of the Borough to Rory Best OBE, the highest honour we can give any person or organisation. Head over to page 4 to find out more about this true ambassador for the borough.

Our Community Awards took place earlier this year. Make sure you head over to page 9 to find out about this ceremony that celebrates the extraordinary achievements of ordinary people.

On pages 10-11 you can find out more about our exciting plans for leisure transformation in the borough and our brand new urban sports facility in Banbridge.

With so many beautiful parks and open spaces across the borough there is plenty for us to see and do.

With the recent development of walking and cycling trails in Gosford, Darkley and Gilford there’s even more reason to get out and about, so if you love the great outdoors why not skip to page 13 to find out more.

On page 15 you can read up on our first-ever Community Plan and Local Development Plan, learn how these plans are progressing and how you can get involved. Don’t forget to read the pull-out on our new Corporate Plan, which outlines our vision for the future, how we will make it happen and how you can shape its development.

05

We are dedicated to boosting the local economy and creating new jobs through our innovative programmes and initiatives. Learn more about what we do and hear first-hand how local businesses are reaping the benefits from this support on page 19.

And lastly, remember to go to our 'what's on' guide on pages 24-26 to take note of some of the brilliant events and exhibitions taking place across the borough from now until November.

We know that's where our little reader Ralph (pictured right) will be heading first!

CONTENTS 04

Rory Best OBE Freeman of the Borough

05

£5.1m PEACE IV programme

09

Celebrating our residents

10-11 Transforming leisure provision

13

12

Disability sports hub

13

Gosford, Darkley and Gilford trails

17 Competition 19 Business brief 22-23 Contact your councillor

24-26

24-26 'What's on' guide 27 Directory of council facilities BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

3

Rory Best

Freedom of the Borough Rory Best OBE, Ulster Rugby star and captain of Ireland's international rugby team, will be bestowed the Freedom of the Borough this autumn in recognition of his outstanding sporting achievements.

The Freedom of the Borough is the highest civic honour we can bestow on any person or organisation. It recognises Rory's outstanding sporting achievements and acknowledges him as an excellent ambassador for his sport and our borough.

Rory is steeped in all parts of the local area, he was raised and educated in Poyntzpass, went to Tandragee Junior High and then to Portadown College, played rugby for Banbridge and his wife Jodie teaches in The Armstrong Primary School in Armagh. Bringing great pride and honour to our area throughout his long and distinguished career, the Ulster and Ireland captain joined the Ulster Rugby squad in 2004 and made his debut for Ireland the following year.

He has been a consistent figurehead in both the Ulster and Ireland teams ever since and is the most capped hooker for Ireland with an impressive 111 caps for Ireland and 208 for Ulster. He has also been part of two British and Irish Lions tours to Australia and New Zealand.

Boasting two historic Grand Slams and three Triple Crowns at international level, Rory also led Ireland to their first ever Test victory over New Zealand in November 2016, ending the All Blacks record-winning streak of 18 games. Ireland’s subsequent win over Australia in the same series resulted in Ireland achieving victories over the Southern Hemisphere big three in the same calendar year for the first time in their history.

Arrangements are currently being made for a prestigious ceremony in early autumn to bestow this honour and celebrate his achievements.

4

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

£5.1m PEACE IV programme

The PEACE IV programme is a unique cross-border initiative, financed through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) of the European Union and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

PEACE programmes have played an important role in reinforcing progress towards a more peaceful and stable society in Northern Ireland and the border region of Ireland since they were established in 1995.

Our PEACE IV programme emphasises the importance of improving local citizens’ quality of life. We want to continue to tackle the root causes of sectarianism and racism, and by focusing our interventions in areas of social deprivation, we can reach those most affected by inequality, segregation and limited life choices. Our programmes bring people and communities together based on shared needs such as employment, health, wellbeing, education, and mental health and we look at how these issues can be addressed collectively.

The local action plan for PEACE IV is developed around the three themes of children and young people, shared spaces and services, and building positive relations. 26 programmes will be rolled out and implemented between now and December 2019 with a budget of £5.1m. While the majority of programmes will be managed and delivered by council and PEACE IV staff, there are also grants programmes, which allow community and voluntary organisations to access funding for projects to help address the key PEACE IV objectives.

Many of the projects are in their infancy, but some of the main projects earmarked to receive part of the £5.1m are:  £1.4m for 19 grants scheme projects (each receiving between £40k and £100k)  £1.5m St Patrick’s College community sports facility in Banbridge (part funded by council and Sport NI)  £120k for eight reimaging projects in local towns

We're becoming JAM card friendly Did you know we're on our way to becoming a JAM card friendly organisation? This means our staff are being trained to ensure they are equipped to provide excellent customer service to people with learning difficulties and communication barriers.

The JAM card is a credit cardsized plastic card that people with learning disabilities or learning difficulties can carry and use to tell others they need ‘Just a Minute’ discreetly and easily.

For example, the card or newly developed app can be used to alert staff in retail outlets, leisure centres, community centres, public or private transport providers and other areas of public life, that the person needs a little bit of patience and understanding when interacting with you.

So, in autumn look out for the window stickers displayed in our facilities letting customers know that we welcome JAM card holders.

For more information on the JAM card or to register visit jamcard.org BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

5

There’s no amount too small!

Next time you’re making a brew or scraping your plate after dinner, remember all your food waste can be disposed of and recycled through your brown bin or kerbside food caddy.

Every household produces some form of food waste, like egg shells, tea bags and banana peels and while you can’t put liquids, such as milk, oil or packaging into your bin or caddy, you can recycle: uneaten food which you can’t use up

bread and pastries

plate scrapings

dairy products such as cheese

mouldy/out of date food

egg shells

fruit and vegetable peelings, cores and skins

rice, pasta and beans

tea bags and coffee grounds

meat, fish and bones (raw and cooked)

[remember to remove all packaging]

Last year we recycled an estimated 3,000 tonnes of food waste, but we need your help to recycle even more!

So make sure you place all your food waste in your caddy or brown bin, it’s quick and easy to do and it all makes a difference! And to help keep your caddy clean, we provide food compostable liners free-of-charge from all our recycling centres.

We’re all good at recycling the usual suspects like plastic bottles, cardboard boxes, newspapers, food and drink cans, however there are lots of lesser known or more unusual items that can be recycled that are often overlooked.

Most of us recycle items from our kitchens, but there are lots of other places around the home that the unusual suspects can be found. Many people throw at least one into their blue/black bin and we are trying to raise awareness to help people spot these unusual recyclables.

So what are the unusual suspects?

• shampoo and conditioner bottles • shower gel and moisturiser bottles • aerosol deodorant cans • dishwasher tablet boxes • spray cleaners • toothpaste boxes • mouthwash bottles • toilet roll tubes • bleach bottles • tissue boxes • batteries 6

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

Holiday

arrangements

WIN with

Bin-Ovation!

Download our FREE Bin-Ovation app to be in with a chance to WIN A SAMSUNG GALAXY TABLET! Available from the Google Play or Apple App store, Bin-Ovation is simple and very easy to use with lots of practical features including:  bin collection calendar including holiday arrangements  a list of over 300 household items that can be recycled  location and directions to your nearest recycling point or centre  news, information and useful recycling tips from WRAP UK The interactive app also lets you:  set reminders telling you when to put your bin out  receive handy notifications when there is a change to your collection  report a missed bin collection, request a bulky waste collection or order a new bin part using the contact form

How to enter

To be in with a chance to win all you have to do is: 1. Download the app from the Google Play or Apple App store 2. Select Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council 3. Go to the ‘More’ section and select the option to enter the draw

Don’t forget to provide your email or phone number so we can contact you if you win, the closing date for entries is 30 September 2018 at 4pm.

Bin collections There will be no bin collections on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 July. Bins due to be collected on Thursday 12 July will be collected on Saturday 7 July.

Bins due to be collected on Friday 13 July will be collected on Saturday 14 July.

Kerbside boxes All kerbside boxes due to be collected on Thursday 12 July will be collected on Saturday 14 July. Collections due to take place on Friday 13 July will to go ahead as normal.

Recycling centres All recycling centres will be closed on Thursday 12 and Friday 13 July reopening as normal on Saturday 14 July.

Full details of holiday arrangements for bin, kerbside box collections and recycling centres throughout the year can be found on our website: armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/ resident/holiday-collections or on the Bin-Ovation app.

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

7

Success stories Residents loving where they live thanks to small grants!

The borough is positively blooming with beauty and looks terrifically tidy thanks to the Live Here Love Here (LHLH) small grants scheme!

Volunteer and community groups, school and third level education organisations, youth groups and sports clubs across the borough have been busy undertaking civic pride projects and sprucing up the local area after securing grants of between £500 and £5,000 from the LHLH small grants scheme.

Launched by local councils, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Choice Housing, McDonald’s, and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, the small grants scheme provides support to volunteer projects and offers them a fresh approach to improving their local environment and building a sense of pride in their local communities. This year 27 applications from across the borough were successful in availing of grants with projects ranging from rejuvenating derelict spaces and developing community gardens to building sensational sensory gardens and establishing fabulous floral planters. In addition, outdoor classrooms have been created and equipment such as litter-pickers and gardening tools have been purchased, essential for clean-up and maintenance projects. Everyone plays a part in these wonderful projects, so well done to the local community for keeping our towns and villages looking beautiful, including at work and school!

Bocombra Primary School (PS), Portadown Bocombra PS has constructed a charming community garden, all with a little help from their friends! After securing funding from the scheme, pupils worked closely with green-fingered volunteers from the Young People’s Partnership at Bocombra Children’s Centre to build and grow ten raised flower beds, one for each primary school class to look after.

The beds are overflowing with fabulous flowers and pretty plants, bringing unused areas of the school grounds to life! The project was a great opportunity for keen gardeners of all ages to come together and produce an area of beauty and tranquillity for everyone to enjoy.

Blackwatertown Community Association, Armagh Members of Blackwatertown Community Association have been hard at work making their area look super spick and span following a series of litter-picking days.

Volunteers donned hi-vis jackets and put their litterpickers to work to tackle litter issues in and around Blackwatertown. The team used the funding from the LHLH scheme to design and plan the planting of new flowers and greenery over the summer months, creating eye-catching displays for all to enjoy. Community spirit in and around the area has been thriving thanks to the projects, with all ages working together to keep their homeplace beautiful.

Rathfriland & District Regeneration Co. Ltd project Members of the Men’s Shed at Rathfriland and District Regeneration Company have been hard at work with their brilliant project ‘Operation Garden Transformation’. The group meets every Tuesday and Saturday and they have constructed a splendid polytunnel creating the perfect growing environment for lovely lettuces and terrific tomatoes. It is also being used as a space to nurture young tree saplings, which will be used for a local tree planting project. The group has plans to extend the garden further with raised beds of various vegetables and plants.

For more information on the LHLH small grants scheme and to download an application form please visit liveherelovehere.org or contact Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful on 028 9073 6920.

8

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

THE PRIDE OF

THE BOROUGH

RURAL RENEWAL New improvement scheme for our small rural villages and settlements.

They say good things come in small packages, well that’s definitely the case with our rural villages dotted across the borough. With their unique heritage and welcoming character they enhance the distinctive fabric of our borough.

We are investing £200,000 to enhance and improve our small rural areas. Already underway, the small rural environmental improvement scheme will see engagement from the local communities and stakeholders to select rural areas to receive funding, from a total of 83 eligible locations.

Based on a needs assessment, the scheme will bring about aesthetic improvements across the borough by March 2019.

The scheme will improve the appearance of and encourage investment in our rural areas, benefiting residents and visitors alike. or more information about F the scheme and how to get involved, call the Rural Regeneration department on 028 3831 2588.

This May a well-deserved spotlight was shone on the extraordinary achievements made by ordinary people across our borough.

Taking place every two years, the Community Awards give us the chance to acknowledge and recognise the passion, drive and commitment of those who selflessly serve others and drive positive civic change in their areas. Celebrating their tireless contribution, generosity of time and talents, the awards night pays tribute to our remarkable residents who continue to deliver positive outcomes for people from all walks of life in the borough. On the night 11 groups and individuals bagged themselves an award out of over 50 nominees, each picking up a bespoke award designed by Ciara Campbell Ceramics.

And the winners were: • Richmount Rural Community Association OLDER PERSON’S AWARD • One Eighty Restaurant YOUTH SECTOR EXCELLENCE • Polish NI Community Network GOOD RELATIONS • Darkley Rural Community Group NEW COMMUNITY GROUP • Richmount Rural Community Association SMALL COMMUNITY GROUP • ABC Community Network LARGE COMMUNITY GROUP • The Fitzone Foundation HEALTHY LIFESTYLE • George Center VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR • Oasis Youth INNOVATION • Drew Flack UNDER 18 YOUTH VOLUNTEER • Melvyn Hamilton LIFETIME ACHIEVER RECOGNISING HIS EXCEPTIONAL CONTRIBUTION TO THE COMMUNITY, MELVYN HAMILTON WAS HONOURED WITH THE LIFETIME ACHIEVER AWARD.

GIVE COLD CALLERS

THE COLD SHOULDER

Fed up with cold callers knocking at your door?

Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon’s Policing and Community Safety Partnership (ABC PCSP) is working with the PSNI to introduce no cold calling zones throughout the borough to keep rogue traders at bay.

Zones have been introduced in Portadown, Lurgan, Tandragee and Banbridge, with signs and window stickers being displayed to urge wouldbe scam artists to stay away. While we understand not all cold callers are rogue traders, the project has been introduced to clamp down on problems associated with doorstep crime.

For more information, contact your local crime prevention officer on 101 or ABC PCSP on 0300 0300 900.

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

9

South Lake Leisure Centre update Work is continuing on Craigavon’s state-of-the-art £35m leisure centre.

This is the biggest capital project ever undertaken by the council. Offering indoor and outdoor leisure experiences from a single site, the centre will be unique in the region with facilities that will rival the best available anywhere in the world.

Following planning approval at the end of 2017, Farrans Construction are onsite working on the new leisure facility ahead of its 2020 official opening.

Craigavon Watersports Centre has now moved to its temporary site on the western shore of the lake in the grounds of Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre. It will operate from this site for the duration of the build. Excavation and piling works have started and will last until late summer.

Given the enhanced accessibility provision incorporated into the design, Disability Sport NI inclusive sports facility accreditation ‘excellence’ status is expected to be granted.

It is expected that around £25m of construction work will be subcontracted within a 40-mile radius of the site, creating more than 500 jobs during the construction phase alone. This is in addition to the staff that will run the facility.

Situated at the former site of the Watersports Centre, adjacent to the Civic & Conference Centre and overlooking the South Lake, features will include: Largest gym in Northern Ireland Outdoor watersports adventure centre 50m main pool (with moveable floor level) Fun pool Teaching pool Eight-court sports hall suitable for several indoor sports Range of studios including a dedicated spin room and dance studio Open hub space Café Soft play area Two squash courts Health and beauty suite

Farrans are committed to investing in the local community, with 85% of the budget being spent within 40 miles of the project and 75% of labour coming from this same radius.

They are offering career opportunities and structured work experience to local students and the long-term unemployed, all of which will create a lasting positive legacy long after the centre is up and running.

For more information, and regular updates, visit getactiveabc.org/south-lake-leisure-centre 10 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

Armagh leisure village project Work is progressing for this innovative and exciting vision for shared indoor and outdoor leisure facilities in the heart of Armagh City, which will provide a new era of better health and wellbeing for everyone.

Earlier this year council agreed the preferred location at the Lisanally site and approved the business case as part of its commitment to support a new five-year Armagh leisure village project.

It is anticipated the new shared sport and leisure facilities will open in 2023 and the range of facilities are expected to include: • A ten-lane 25m swimming pool • Sports halls • Studio • Fitness suite and thermal spa • Multi-sports indoor arena • Specialist strength and conditioning facility • Floodlit artificial multi-sports pitch • Natural turf multi-sports pitches • A hockey pitch • Athletics track Extensive consultation revealed a need to replace the ageing Orchard Leisure Centre and provide an enlarged facility with much greater car parking provision, more water provision, fitness space and increased shared facilities for a range of users and sports.

We are actively consulting with groups, sports clubs and governing bodies at the moment and we encourage anyone with comments to contact us on armaghleisure@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

Urban sports facility a huge hit in Banbridge The Banbridge urban sports facility was officially opened in May and since then young people have been flocking down to practice their BMXing, skateboarding and scooting skills, as well as even trying out some parkour moves in the adjoining amphitheatre!

Based in Solitude Park, this impressive 490m2 facility sits within its own enclosure and has a variety of features, including a pocket corner, curved bank, London gap ledges, a wallie penny as well as a bank hip and table top. The urban sports facility is free to use for young people aged 10 years and over all year round during normal park opening hours. All users are reminded that they must follow the health and safety instructions, which are clearly signposted at the urban sports facility.

This capital project was led by council, designed

by Spraoi Linn Ltd and manufactured by X-Move in conjunction with McAvoy Construction (NI) Ltd.

Scale new heights

at Gilford Community Centre

The sky’s the limit for adventure seekers at Gilford Community Centre (GCC) thanks to the facility’s immense new indoor climbing wall!

Suitable for all abilities and anyone aged over four years, the climbing wall is already a popular attraction at the centre, bringing exciting new thrills and challenges to all users under the expert guidance of GCC’s fully qualified staff. Hour-long public sessions are available seven days a week at various times daily.

An adult session costs £7 (£5 concession). The climbing wall is included in the ‘Get Active ABC’ platinum membership scheme free-of-charge. Experienced climbers are able to undertake unsupervised sessions at a discounted rate of £3.50, once approved by the centre instructors. The climbing wall can also be booked exclusively for groups, parties and events for a maximum of 12 people.

For more information visit getactiveabc.com/facility/gilford-community-centre or contact Gilford Community Centre on 028 3883 1708.

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 11

Accessible sports sessions

Disability sports hub

Craigavon weekly boccia Mondays: 1.30pm-2.30pm Craigavon Leisure Centre Coaching and friendly games for adults with a disability.

encourages adults and children to become more active

GOGA super stars Mondays: 4pm-4.45pm Craigavon Leisure Centre For children aged 5-12 with a learning disability. Siblings/close friends are welcome to join in.

ABC wheelie active club Mondays: 5pm-6pm Craigavon Leisure Centre For children aged 4-12 with a physical disability including spina bifida, cerebral palsy or amputee.

Siblings are also welcome to join.

Armagh GOGA boccia Tuesdays: 1.30pm-3pm Orchard Leisure Centre A seated bowls game for adults with a disability.

In October 2017, we received a wide range of brand new equipment through the disability sports hub project. This included 12 sports wheelchairs, one rugby wheelchair, three track chairs, five hand cycles, four tandem bikes, three trikes, three boccia sets and a sensory activity pack, all with the aim of helping people with a disability to increase their activity levels.

This project was launched across all council areas by Disability Sport NI and funded by Department for Communities via Sport Northern Ireland. Our Sports Development team regularly organises a range of programmes and events using the new equipment so why not come along and get involved? You will find details on this page outlining current sessions or contact Ryan or Clare on 028 3831 1690 to find out more.

Inclusive cycle scheme Taster sessions are being held on Saturday 21 July, 18 August and 15 September at Craigavon Lakes for people with a disability.

Visit getactiveabc.com for more details and to book a bike that meets your needs.

Inclusive cycles are available to individuals, families and groups to hire from: Craigavon Watersports Centre 028 3832 6606 (all year round) Scarva Cycle Hire 028 3883 2766 (June, July, August and September) Booking is essential by calling the numbers above.

Craigavon boccia club Thursdays: 8pm-9pm Brownlow Community Hub A club offering competitive opportunities for children over 13 and adults with a physical disability.

Craigavon goalball club Last Saturday of each month: 10.30am-11.30am Brownlow Community Hub For children over eight and adults with sight loss.

Wheelchair basketball Children over seven and adults who are unable to play the running game through physical disability/ injury are asked to get in touch.

Inclusive gym programme Support is available for individuals/groups with a disability to access their local council gym.

Inclusive sports clubs Local sports clubs can access support and training opportunities to assist them to become more inclusive.

Let’s play!

Our innovative eight-year play strategy has been in operation now for a number of months.

As well as plans for fixed play areas (such as play parks), some of which have already been built and launched, the strategy sets out our commitment to non-fixed play, which is crucial to child development.

A lot of research has been done on the benefits of non-fixed play (which is play that is part of children and young people’s everyday life and experiences) and how it can help children and young people explore their physical and social environments; learn and develop new skills and abilities; test out ideas and concepts; and learn how to assess and respond to risk or situations that trouble them.

Contact the play development officer on 028 3831 1684 or 07515 607 472.

12 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

We have appointed a play development officer to help deliver the strategy, and one of the main parts of this role will be to provide training for local community groups on how to incorporate play into group activities.

Gosford

Darkley

Blazing a trail at

Gosford and Darkley!

Major regeneration works were carried out earlier this year at Gosford Forest Park and Darkley Forest with locals and visitors making the most of the fantastic new facilities.

So far, around £900,000 has been invested in planning, designing and developing a state-of-the-art playpark and 16km of new trails in Gosford as well as 4.6km of trails in Darkley, which have helped to revitalise each area, bringing them closer to their full potential.

Gosford Forest Park

Darkley Forest

Funding

The master plan process for Gosford - one of Northern Ireland’s top forest attractions - started in 2014. A brand new play park opened in 2015 and Gosford now has a network of 46km of trails with something for everyone, including some disability-friendly paths.

The 4.6km of trails that have been created within Darkley Forest are the first purposebuilt recreational facilities to be built within the forest.

Starting at a new car park on Mountain Lodge Road, the trail accommodates a wide range of users, giving everyone the chance to improve their own physical and mental wellbeing.

We are always searching for external funding opportunities to complement internal funding to help get projects like these off the ground as we know the huge difference that they make to the local community.

Whether walking, running, cycling or horse riding, the trails have added a new dimension to this wonderful attraction.

There are other big plans in the pipeline for Gosford! Consultants are exploring exciting designs for an ‘Iconic Play’ area that will appeal to children of all ages and will be different to anything else in the country, with adventure, climbing, swinging, challenging and fun-filled days guaranteed!

In January 2019, we will be taking over the operation of Gosford from the Forest Service and we look forward to maximising all that this fantastic forest park has to offer.

The community walking trail came about following extensive consultation, and they have already increased community cohesion and social inclusion within the Darkley area. Residents are delighted to have something so unique in the forest and right on their doorsteps. We are now working with the local historical society to look at names for the new trails that will be meaningful to Darkley.

For both the Gosford and Darkley projects, we secured funding through the Targeting Rural Poverty and Social Isolation (TRPSI) programme administered by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA). The Darkley project also received funding from Sport NI under its ‘Everybody Active’ funding programme, while Outdoor Recreation NI (ORNI) oversaw the delivery of both projects on our behalf.

We also worked with Forest Service to help bring the plans for Gosford to life.

£250,000 for Gilford riverside trail upgrade A derelict stretch of riverside along the River Bann in Gilford is set for an upgrade, thanks to £250,000 funding from SOAR (ABC), much to the delight of local walkers and cyclists.

This new phase, which will create a picturesque pathway, is the second of three proposed phases. Phase one was completed in 2014 at Stramore Park, adjacent to Gilford Community Centre on the opposite bank of the river, off Bridge Street. Phase two will connect these lands to Woodlands Park with a new riverside walking and cycling trail of around 845m. A short section of walkway will be created over the remains of the old millrace, including a new footbridge, linking the trail to Woodlands Park. We are also enhancing the trail with landscaping, installing street furniture and lighting, and adding interpretative material.

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 13

‘How the Move More project has helped us’ An innovative project has so far helped over 160 people diagnosed with cancer to get active and remain active.

We teamed up with Macmillan Cancer Support and Southern Health and Social Care Trust to deliver the ‘Move More’ project, which offers amazing support and encouragement for anyone diagnosed with cancer to build up and improve their fitness while going through treatment. Three local people tell us their experiences of how Move More has helped them during a tough period of their lives.

John's story (62) Prostate cancer

I was a bit apprehensive starting the Move More project, about whether I would be able to keep up or if I would feel out of place. But I didn’t need to worry. The class is mixed, the people are so friendly and willing to help, the exercises are gentle, and you can work at your own pace. I particularly like the Chi Me exercises.

When I finish my class, I feel really good and motivated to do things instead of sitting watching TV. I would definitely recommend Move More for anyone who has had a cancer diagnosis and wants to improve their fitness.

Jon's story (29) Testicular cancer

I would strongly encourage those with a cancer diagnosis to get involved in Move More. For me, the prospect of returning to normality after my own cancer experience was both exciting yet difficult, but the encouragement offered by the guys at Move More was instrumental in my recovery. I attended the circuits sessions and was encouraged to meet people who had walked similar roads. Exercise played a key role in my journey towards recovery, and still continues to do so, thanks to Move More.

Liz's story (71) Breast cancer

I have been attending Move More for over a year now, twice a week and I love the circuits and pilates. The classes give me a tremendous feeling of wellbeing and they end with a cup of tea or coffee and plenty of chat. I would encourage anyone who has gone through, or is going through cancer to join Move More as there is a wealth of experience in the groups, and sometimes you just need to talk.

For more information on the Move More project please contact Nuala McVeigh on 028 3831 1690 or 07711 756 836.

14 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

Delivering our

Community Plan In May 2017 we launched our Community Plan ‘Connected’, which sets out an ambitious programme of change to improve the quality of life for everyone in our borough between now and 2030.

Working collaboratively with our partners, the Community Plan will tackle the big issues impacting our residents and aims to improve access to and the quality of public services.

Our plan is made up of three strategic themes with nine outcomes which are:

COMMUNITY Confident Healthy Welcoming

At the heart of all we do...

Connectivity Equality Sustainability

Where

PLACE Creative Enhanced Revitalised

ECONOMY Enterprising Skilled Tourism

we’ve got to…

May 2017

Connected: Community Plan launched

Sept-Dec 2017

The community planning strategic partnership came together for the first time and together they: Decided the governance structure for community planning in our borough Established the need for a community and voluntary sector panel Developed the skilled and enterprising economy action plan

Jan-Apr 2018

We engaged with over 50 community and voluntary organisations to shape and inform the process for our community and voluntary sector panel We commenced action planning for tourism economy

May-Jun 2018

Community and voluntary sector panel met for the first time to decide action planning team nominees We commenced action planning for confident and welcoming community and healthy community outcomes

We are here!

We are continuing to progress the remaining action plans

For more information on our Community Plan and action plans, visit armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/communityplanning

Our first Local Development Plan We are responsible for developing a new Local Development Plan (LDP) for the borough. By working with local people we will create a clear vision of how it should develop over the next 15 years.

We launched our LDP preferred options paper earlier this year, with a nine-week consultation period, which saw 20 public engagement sessions across the borough. As the first stage in the preparation of the new LDP, it will set out our preferred approach on a range of planning issues, from housing in urban and rural locations, to economic development and protection of the environment.

The new LDP will include two documents: • Plan strategy • Local policies plan These will inform residents, statutory authorities, developers, investors and other interested bodies about the planning framework and land use proposals that will guide development decisions.

What’s next?

We will be preparing the plan strategy, which will set out our strategic objectives and policies to facilitate and manage development; and will also include a spatial strategy that will indicate in broad terms the locations where development will be accommodated.

A draft plan strategy will be available for public consultation, which will be subject to an independent examination before its adoption.

Following this we will prepare a local policies plan, which will set out our detailed policies and proposals (zonings and designations) regarding the future development of the borough. During this stage a draft local policies plan will be available for public consultation and similarly, the local policies plan will also be subject to an independent examination before its adoption.

For more information on our LDP and how to get involved visit armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk/ldp

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 15

Carrying out home improvements?

Contact Building Control first!

Building Control is here to offer professional, impartial advice on the legal requirements around all types of construction, from something as simple as knocking down a wall in your house to building a complex multi-million pound hospital.

Our team ensures that you comply with certain standards when it comes to health, safety, structural stability, accessibility and energy efficiency. You are legally required to comply with building regulations, and all alterations or constructions require the property owner to involve Building Control.

Why is Building Control involved?

Building Control enforces building regulations, a set of construction standards laid down by Parliament.

As well as checking applications for compliance, building control officers carry out site inspections to ensure that they meet the requirements of ‘The Building Regulations’, such as: • Buildings are accessible for all, • Buildings are thermal and energy efficient, • Fire protection and means of escape from facilities are in place, • Pollution is minimised to protect the environment, • Safety, health, welfare and convenience of people in and around buildings is ensured.

When do I need Building Control?

Major works such as new dwellings and extensions will always require Building Control approval, however the following are examples of other types of work that you might not realise also require Building Control involvement: • Knocking down a wall in your home, • Fitting a new boiler or stove, • Adding a sunroom or conservatory, • Replacing a roof covering (e.g. a conservatory roof), or fitting wall cladding, • Converting a roof space or an attached garage, • Changing a building’s use (e.g. dwelling to shop), • Installing cavity wall insulation, • Installing microgeneration technology (e.g. solar panels), • Any work affecting means of escape or fire safety in a house, flat or commercial premises (including replacing fire doors or a fire alarm system).

If your project is not listed here, or if you require any information on work that you intend to do, or work that you have already carried out, please contact Building Control for professional, impartial advice.

It is best to check with Building Control before starting any building work so we can keep you right, otherwise you may be liable to a fine or prosecution.

Online Building Control applications For your convenience, you will soon be able to apply and pay for building notice and regularisation applications online. Applications for multiple properties can be submitted at one time, and the built-in fee calculator will help you work out the correct payment each time. Online applications will be validated within 48 hours and you’ll be able to arrange an inspection as soon as possible after that.

For more information, visit armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or contact your local Building Control office: Armagh 028 3752 9616, Banbridge 028 4066 0603 or Craigavon 028 3831 2486.

Is your tattoo artist registered?

As tattoos and body art become ever more popular, we would urge local residents to use only registered tattoo establishments across the borough.

The legal age for receiving a tattoo is 18 years and must be carried out by a registered tattoo business.

Registered tattooists operating in their own premises in the council area are inspected under health and safety legislation on a regular basis and must be registered to ensure they comply with our byelaws. This is to ensure that any tattooing is completed using appropriate equipment, which is kept sterile and hygienic and by tattoo artists who work safely.

Unregistered tattooists operating under the radar pose a real danger to people's health as they may have low hygiene standards, work in unsterilised studios using cheap equipment bought online and could take health and safety short cuts, which could cause serious bacterial infections, diseases including hepatitis, nasty scarring or worse.

A tattoo is a lifelong addition, so it is essential you use the right businesses to develop your own unique body art.

Tips for securing the best establishment include: • Ensuring it is registered with our Environmental Health department • Looking at previous examples of their work • Ensuring all work is completed with a clean, sterile needle • Getting the correct aftercare information To check if a premises has been registered with us or to report concerns about cleanliness or hygiene, please contact our Environmental Health department on 0300 0300 900 or email ehealth@ armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

16 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

WIN! a relaxing break at Blackwell House In need of some rest and relaxation? Well we’ve just the ticket for you!

We’re giving one lucky Borough Link reader the chance to win an overnight stay for two in Blackwell House, a luxury guest house in the heart of Northern Ireland.

Sponsor

One winner and their plus one will be able to switch off and unwind from the moment they arrive. Greeted by a delectable cream tea served with a glass of chilled prosecco on arrival, the afternoon will be all yours to enjoy the sumptuous surroundings and tranquil gardens of this magnificent country house. You can then choose to relax in the hot tub with a pre-dinner glass of bubbly before a mouthwatering four-course meal including a bottle of wine. What’s more, after a wonderful night’s sleep in the truly romantic colonial room with a super king four poster bed, a hearty breakfast will await you in the morning to set you up for your day ahead.

31 July 2018

So to be in with a chance to win this one-of-a-kind prize, just answer the question below!

Q

How much funding has been earmarked for our PEACE IV programme?

Moss Construction (NI) Limited Closing date for entries Email entries competition@armaghbanbridgecraigavon. gov.uk Postal entries Borough Link competition, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, 66 Lakeview Road, Craigavon BT64 1AL Terms and conditions Only one entry per person. Entrants must be aged 16 and over and reside within the borough. Council employees cannot enter. No cash or alternative prize will be offered. The personal information you provide on the entry form will only be used to respond to you about this competition.

Pay your dog licence online...

Register at https://council.direc t

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 17

Get to know SOAR ABC SOAR Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon (SOAR ABC) is the local action group for our borough. It is made up of 25 board members, including 13 social partners representing the main strands of rural civic society and 12 councillors representing the four main political parties.

What do they do?

With a budget of over £8m, SOAR ABC implements the NI Rural Development Programme (NIRDP) 2014-2020 through a range of grants for rural businesses and community organisations across all sectors. They also offer grants to help create new jobs for our rural businesses, improve the appearance of our villages and address much needed services for communities in our rural areas.

Upcoming schemes Rural business investment scheme With grants ranging from £500 up to £90,000, this scheme supports and encourages the development of new and existing businesses to grow, find new markets and create new jobs. A new scheme is planned to open in September 2018.

Armagh|Banbridge|Craigavon

"With funding secured through the rural development programme we were able to create new conferencing and banqueting facilities that not only broadened our reach to new and existing customers but also enabled us to diversify and ultimately grow as a business.

Furthermore, we were able to create six new full-time jobs, which has certainly brought about an added value to the local community."

Julianne Morton, Sinton’s at the Bridge

Did you know?

SOAR ABC has:

Rural basic services With grants ranging from £500 up to £250,000, this scheme supports the provision of improvements in social infrastructure that will provide access to basic services for our rural communities, and offers an opportunity for rural community groups to invest in community and leisure space to help address social isolation and improve much needed local services. A new scheme is planned to open in October 2018.

 A budget of £8,020,000  Awarded £2,000,000 worth of grants to date  Supported 51 projects to date  Created 33 new full-time jobs and 3 new part-time jobs to date  The potential to create over 100 new rural jobs

Find out more about these schemes and eligibility by visiting soarni.org

Based on NIRDP 2014-2020 figures from 2016 to April 2018

This programme is funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union.

£2.4m super-fast broadband boost Improving broadband provision across the borough is one of our top priorities, and we have set up a working group to track and avail of every opportunity to provide access to high quality affordable broadband for our residents and businesses.

One positive outcome from the working group has been an award of £2.4m from the UK government to install gigabit infrastructure to help drive up broadband speeds and increase digital connectivity. This significant investment is a welcome boost and will be invested in certain hubs across the borough to enable greater business growth, increased competitiveness and productivity.

Ours is one of only two councils in Northern Ireland, and one of just 13 areas in the UK, to have successfully bid for the funding secured from the government’s £190m Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) capital grant programme. Over the next three years this grant will help us deliver the fastest and most reliable digital networks available, bringing us closer to our goal of affordable broadband for all.

We are also working with partners across government to push for real change and provide economic solutions for residents and businesses in rural areas in particular.

18 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

Major trade missions

Creating quality new jobs and supporting thriving local businesses are key priorities for us. Over the last 12 months we led a number of ambitious global export trade missions in partnership with Invest NI.

The hugely successful Business Engagement Programme is open to small businesses located in this borough.

As part of this programme, a baseline assessment of the business is completed in order to determine their needs.

The organisation may then receive tailored mentoring support or be reassigned to one of our other Economic Development programmes. Where appropriate, the company will be signposted to other business programmes and support organisations such as Invest Northern Ireland, Intertrade Ireland or our local enterprise partners.

One business that benefited from the programme was Rathbanna, bespoke metal craftworkers based outside Portadown. James O'Neill from the company said, “As part of the business engagement programme we received support to address business growth, energy efficiency, human resource management and marketing.

The consultants themselves came from their own business backgrounds. We benefited from their knowledge and experience. This programme is highly recommended for any small business.”

To arrange an initial baseline meeting, contact the programme manager on bep@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or telephone 028 3831 2551.

We brought dynamic delegations of micro, small and medium-sized companies to India in November 2017 and Chicago in April 2018 to help our local businesses find new customers and explore exciting new global markets. The ‘Export to India’ programme also involved an inward mission of senior civic and business delegates making a return visit to the borough to help provide ongoing civic linkages, tourism and investment opportunities between our borough and the Indian region.

Commenting on the ‘Export to India’ trade mission, Brian Brannigan, Head of Sales at Linwoods said,

“Our experience on this council initiative was massively positive because we were well prepared before we went to India. The quality of the meetings in India were excellent and the planning of the whole trip was very well organised. Having a civic delegation accompanying us added real weight, we got to meet very senior government and business figures as a result which opened many more doors. We are now very confident that we will win new business in India and expect to create more jobs in the borough as a direct result.”

We are planning trade missions to Great Britain and India in the near future. For more information contact Economic Development on 0300 0300 900.

Got a business idea? Then 'Go For It'!

Are you thinking of setting up a business but you’re unsure of where or how to go about it? How do I do market research? How do I write a robust business plan? What do I need to be aware of when employing people?

This project is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme.

Well the ‘Go For It’ Northern Ireland Business Start Up Programme could help you answer those important questions.

With support from us and three enterprise partners – Armagh Business Centre, Banbridge Enterprise Centre and CIDO

Innovation Centre - the ‘Go For It’ programme will help you: • • • • •

clarify your business idea spot potential problems set out your goals measure your progress access finance to start and grow your business

If you have a business idea you’d like to develop or if you are thinking about starting a business visit goforitni.com or call 0800 027 0639 to be connected with your local business advisor.

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 19

otch Street, Armagh

PROPOSED

ON

THROUGH

Regeneration

38

SCOTCH

STREET

|

1:100

in Portadown

We recently partnered with the Department for Communities to deliver the Portadown linkages public realm scheme, and to restore and extend Portadown pump house.

With £2.16m funding, the Portadown linkages public realm scheme has enhanced several key locations surrounding Portadown town centre, including streets leading to the People’s Park, Portadown train station and the River Bann.

ON

THROUGH

The scheme has seen improvements to Castle Street, SCOTCH STREET | 1:100 Mill Avenue, Craigwell Avenue, Obins Street, Park Road, Woodhouse Street, Bridge Street, Carrickblacker Road, West Street and Meadow Lane. A further £300,000 was invested into restoring and transforming the historic Portadown pump house into a bustling coffee shop, creating jobs and bringing vibrancy to this area of the River Bann. The project was also highly commended in the regeneration category at the prestigious Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) awards 2018.

40

We are continuing to invest in the regeneration of the River Bann corridor, with plans for an extensive ‘Portadown Riversides’ scheme which will see further revitalisation of this area of the town.

38

&

40

SECTION

SCOTCH

THROUGH

STREET

38

FRONT

£6.3m

SCOTCH

STREET

ELEVATION

|

|

1:100

1:100

major built heritage transformation plan for Armagh City An investment of £6.3m will transform Armagh’s historic city centre as part of an exciting five-year regeneration project.

PROPOSED

SECTION

THROUGH

40

SCOTCH

STREET

|

1:100

Led by the Armagh City Townscape Heritage Partnership, with support from council and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), the Armagh City Townscape Heritage project will iconic P R O Prepair O S E D 3 8 28 & 40 S C O T C Hbut S T R Eunderused E T R E A R E L E V A Tbuildings.

ION | 1:100 The scheme will bring around 5,000m2 of historic floor space back into full productive, sustainable use, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Several existing businesses in the city will directly benefit from the scheme, with almost 50 new jobs being created over the course of the scheme. An additional 30 will be secured, acting as a real catalyst for millions of pounds of future investment and growth.

Key buildings in Armagh’s protected conservation area, which includes Upper English Street, Scotch Street, Barrack Street and Russell Street, will be redeveloped as part of the overall heritage-led regeneration project.

SITE

LOCATION |

1:1250

1:1250

PROPOSED

20 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

7 Dobbin Street, Armagh, BT61 7QQ

REAR SECTION

THROUGH

38

& 40

SCOTCH

STREET

|

1:100

Rates 2018-19 E T RA

Health

2.95%

Bin collections

YOUR TOTAL RATES BILL

Social services

Average householders will see an increase of £1.08/month

TE RA

Leisure, parks and open spaces

Education

Domestic and business rates increase

DIS T

Building Control and Planning

CT RI

REG I ON AL

In Northern Ireland, rates are a property tax based on the capital, market or rental value of properties.

Community services

Tourism, arts and culture

Infrastructure

Regional rate set by NI Executive goes towards:

Justice

Where our money comes from and where it goes

Economic Development

District rate set by your local council goes towards:

Rates 72% Revenue from services 20%

£86m

Central government and grants 8%

12+88+W 10+90+W 54+46+W 14+86+W 10+90+W Earnings (2017)

£24,320

average median earnings in 2017 Median gross annual earnings for full-time employees who work in the borough (2017 provisional)

12%

 Community

Planning  Planning  Building Control, Estates and Asset Management

10%

 Economic

Development  Regeneration  Tourism, Arts and Culture

54%

 Environmental Services  Environmental Health  Health and Recreation  Community Development

14%

10%

Population Industry in Armagh City, fundingby Age in Armagh  Capital  Support services City, Banbridge & Craigavon Banbridge & Craigavon

for projects such as the 15% new leisure 22% centre facility in Craigavon and 32% replacing bin 32% lorries

departments such as IT, Human Resources, Governance and Democratic Services, and Finance

Health

0-15 years

16-39 years

Agricul

30%

34%

65+ years

Transp

6%

13%

5%

Produc

Constru

40-64 years

6%

3% 3%

Query on your rates? Call Land and Property Services Rate Collection on 0300 200 7801 or visit nidirect.gov.uk/rates BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 21

Profess & Tech

Busine Other

CONTACT YOUR COUNCILLORS

BANB

ARMAGH DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA

Banbridge

Blackwatertown, Cathedral, Demesne, Keady, Navan, The Mall Alderman

Mealla Campbell SDLP 07729 220 040

Freda Donnelly DUP 07760 175 412

Garath Keating SF 07809 288 049

Darren McNally SF 07851 630 292

Sam Nicholson UUP 07713 074 776

Hamiltonsbawn, Markethill, Rich

Alderman

Declan McAlinden SDLP 07760 231 410

Robert Smith DUP 07714 278 030

Glenn Bar UUP 07713 391

CUSHER DISTRI

CRAIGAVON DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA

Bleary, Brownlow, Craigavon Centre, Derrytrasna, Kernan

Fergal Lennon SF 07841 462 585

Thomas O’Hanlon SDLP 07743 930 427

Alderman

Margaret Tinsley DUP 07990 501 568

Kenneth Twyble UUP 07780 961 697

LAGAN RIVER DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA

Donaghcloney, Dromore, Gransha, Quilly, Waringstown

Paul Berry IND 07889 731 911

Sharon Ha SDLP 07980 21

LURGAN DISTRI

Aghagallon, Knocknashane, Lou

Alderman

Mark Baxter DUP 07833 196 996

Carol Black IND 07919 493 883

Hazel Loane DUP 07979 158 731

Paul Rankin DUP 07714 835 878

Marc Woods UUP 07815 122 694

Catherine Nelson SF 07720 949 553

PORTADOWN DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA

Ballybay, Corcrain, Killycomain, Loughgall, Mahon, The Birches Deputy Lord Mayor

Darryn Causby DUP 07850 592 494

22 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

Paul Duffy SF 07593 382 367

Lord Mayor

Julie Flaherty UUP 07710 562 611

Alderman

Arnold Hatch UUP 07711 713 737

David Jones IND 07751 149 737

Louise Templeton DUP 07766 117 917

Keith Hau SF 07590 26

BRIDGE DISTRICT ELECTORAL AREA

e East, Banbridge North, Banbridge South, Banbridge West, Gilford, Loughbrickland, Rathfriland Alderman

rr

1 927

Ian Burns UUP 07733 303 712

Alderman

Seamus Doyle SDLP 07889 501 121

Paul Greenfield DUP 07841 595 633

Alderman

Elizabeth Ingram UUP 07712 881 290

Junior McCrum DUP 07917 543 668

Kevin Savage SF 07919 214628

ICT ELECTORAL AREA

hhill, Seagahan, Tandragee

Lurgan Craigavon

Alderman

Portadown Lagan River

aughey

13 712

Gordon Kennedy UUP 07833 527 821

Jim Speers UUP 07713 062 239

Armagh

Gareth Wilson DUP 07788 156 519

Cusher

Banbridge

ICT ELECTORAL AREA

ugh Road, Magheralin, Mourneview, Parklake, Shankill

ughian

64 227

Liam Mackle SF 07720 211 273

Colin McCusker UUP 07740 123 898

Terence McWilliams Philip Moutray DUP DUP 07973 889 983 07512 727 701

WHO’S IN

3 6

POWER?

These 41 councillors are responsible for shaping local services and making important decisions that make a real difference to you and your community. They should be your first point of contact if you want to comment on a service or see some action on an issue that affects you.

Joe Nelson SDLP 07768 302 110

8

13 Number of seats by political party

Democratic Unionist Party Ulster Unionist Party Sinn Féin Social Democratic and Labour Party Independent

11 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 23

YOUR GUIDE TO

WHAT'S ON IN THE BOROUGH EXHIBITIONS Armagh Visitor Information Centre

Ballydougan pottery Running until Tues 31 July Award winning Ballydougan pottery will be on exhibition for the month of July.

Shane McDonald Wed 1 Aug-Fri 31 Aug The works of talented artist Shane McDonald which focusses on ball point pen, oils and water colours will be on display for the month of August.

Red Earth Designs Sat 1 Sept-Sun 30 Sept The beautiful works of Red Earth Designs will be on exhibition for the month of September.

Armagh County Museum

F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge

Telling people's stories

Neil Shawcross

Running until Fri 31 Aug Open on 28 April 1937, Armagh County Museum marks its 80th anniversary by selecting objects from its collections that tell the stories of people who have lived, worked and been associated with the Orchard County over the past 9,000 years.

Running until Sat 15 Sept Retrospective exhibition of much loved Northern Irish artist.

Armagh County Museum is open Mon-Fri 10am-5pm and Sat 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm [Closed Sun] 028 3752 3070

Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre

F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio is open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm (June, July and Aug) 028 3752 1800

The Barn Museum, Craigavon

Mon 23 July-Sat 1 Sept Photographic exhibition by Sonya Whitefield in collaboration with acclaimed writer David Park.

Living Loom exhibition

Daily Lives-asylum seekers in Italy and Ireland

Geoff Tulip, Lindsay Press and Andrew Coombes Thurs 1 Nov-Mon 31 Dec Enjoy the talented works of three celebrated crafters covering wood carvings, ceramic art and painting.

Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre is open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm and late opening on show nights Thurs-Sat

028 3752 1800

Sat 29 Sept-Sat 10 Nov Exhibition celebrating the life and work of one of the UK's most influential textile and pattern designers of the post-war generation .

Travelling in a strange land

Mon 23 July-Sat 1 Sept Photographic exhibition documenting the experiences of asylum seekers in Italy and Ireland, North and South by Polish photo-journalist Mariusz Smiejek.

Armagh Visitor Information Centre is open Mon-Sat 9am-5.30pm and Sun 1pm-5.30pm

Lucienne Day: Living design

Sat and Sun June-Sept Exhibition documenting the history of the linen manufacturing industries in Lurgan and Portadown.

The Barn Museum is open Sat-Sun 1pm-5pm 028 3831 1669 facebook.com/ craigavonmuseumservices

028 3752 1821

FREE ADMISSION TO ALL EXHIBITIONS

JULY The John Hewitt International Summer School 2018 - A festival of culture and creativity Mon 23 July-Sat 28 July | Various times | Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre International literary festival celebrating Northern Ireland's rich literary heritage and the work of poet John Hewitt.

028 3752 1821

johnhewittsociety.org

24 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

AUGUST 7 Hills Blues Fest Thurs 9 Aug-Sun 12 Aug Various times | Armagh City Centre Returning for an eighth summer the festival will bring world-class talent to more than 30 venues and locations.

028 3752 1800 7hillsblues.com

Lazy Sundays Every Sunday in July and Aug 11am-4pm | The Argory Join us for laid back tunes and relaxation.

Chill in the Courtyard while the kids are entertained and feast on our summer BBQ. 028 8778 4753 visitarmagh.com

The living lough exhibition-mission invertebrate

Minecraft adventure week Mon 13 Aug-Fri 17 Aug | 11am-3pm Lough Neagh Discovery Centre Come along and enjoy sapling planting, diamond sword and pickaxe making, torch making, t-shirt making and so much more!

028 3832 2205 oxfordisland.com/bookings or facebook.com/ oxfordislandnaturereserve

Bat walk and talk Fri 24 Aug | 8pm Lurgan Park Join us for a bat walk around Lurgan Park and see how bats use their amazing echolocation skills to keep insect populations under control.

07766 740 427

July-Aug (daily) | 10am-5pm Lough Neagh Discovery Centre Come and discover everything you wanted to know about Lough Neagh, its history, wildlife and human interactions. This year’s exhibition has a special emphasis on minibeasts and the role they play in our everyday lives. oxfordisland.com 028 3832 2205 facebook.com/ oxfordislandnaturereserve

Armagh Food & Cider Festival Thurs 20 Sept-Sun 23 Sept Various times and venues Brimming with fine foods, sharing plates, foraged lunches, artisan markets, art tuition, fiction and even a murder mystery set amongst the apple laden orchards.

Combined with award winning ciders and the most stunning surroundings, you'll certainly be in for a harvest season treat! Early booking recommended. visitarmagh.com/foodandcider

SEPTEMBER Rare breed show and sale Sat 1 Sept | 10am-4pm Gosford Forest Park Enjoy a wonderful family day out - seeing native breed cattle, sheep and pigs being judged in the show rings, to determine which animals are the best representatives of their breed.

07809 499 520 Admission ÂŁ8.00 | Children under 12 free

BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 25

SEPTEMBER

OCTOBER

Autumn book fair

10th birthday celebrations

Sat 1 Sept-Sun 2 Sept | 11am-5pm The Argory Browse through hundreds of second hand books in our courtyard and stock up on some new and favourite reads.

028 8778 4753

Sat 29 Sept | 10am-4pm F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio Family fun day with arts and crafts for all to enjoy.

028 3752 1800 Free admission

Branching out!

Sun 16 Sept | 11am-3pm Lough Neagh Discovery Centre Learn more about our native tree species with activities such as tree identification, seed collecting and planting, bark rubbings, helicopter making and leaf art!

028 3832 2205 oxfordisland.com facebook.com/ oxfordislandnaturereserve Free admission

Band concerts Every Sun to end of Sept 3pm-4pm | Scarva band stand Enjoy the finest in local concert bands performing at the magnificent Victorian bandstand on Scarva Green.

028 3883 2163

Halloween fireworks display Thurs 25 Oct | 8pm Rushmere and Craigavon Lakes Entertainment in Rushmere with a fancy dress parade to the lakes. getactiveabc.com facebook.com/getactiveabc

NOVEMBER Christmas crafts at the Gallery Fri 16 Nov-Sat 17 Nov Fri 4pm-9pm | Sat 10am-4pm F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio

CHRISTMAS LIGHT SWITCH-ONS

Christmas crafts on sale from local artists.

028 3752 1800 Free admission

Put these dates in your diary for a magical Christmas experience as our city and towns light up in celebration of the season and put on a fanfare of festive fun for families across the borough.

The 25th William Kennedy International Piping Festival Thurs 15 Nov-Sun 18 Nov Various times and venues Celebrate the 25th birthday of the William Kennedy piping festival. wkpf.org

Portadown Fri 16 Nov 6pm-9pm Lurgan Fri 23 Nov 6pm-9pm

Armagh Georgian Festival Thurs 22 Nov-Sun 25 Nov Experience Armagh as the Ancient Cathedral City is transformed back to its Georgian roots.

028 3752 1800 visitarmagh.com/georgian

26 BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018

Brownlow Wed 28 Nov 3.45pm-5pm Banbridge Fri 30 Nov 6.30pm-9pm

DIRECTORY OF

COUNCIL FACILITIES Central telephone number 0300 0300 900 Main council offices Armagh The Palace Demesne, Armagh BT60 4EL 028 3752 9600 Banbridge Civic Building, Downshire Road, Banbridge BT32 3JY 028 4066 0600 Craigavon Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre, Lakeview Road, Craigavon BT64 1AL 028 3831 2400

Arts and cultural facilities Armagh County Museum 028 3752 3070 Armagh Visitor Information Centre 028 3752 1800 Banbridge Visitor Information Centre 028 4062 0232 BrontĂŤ Interpretive Centre, Rathfriland 028 4062 0232 F.E. McWilliam Gallery and Studio, Banbridge 028 4062 3322 Navan Centre & Fort, Armagh 028 3752 9644 Scarva Visitor Centre 028 3883 2163 The Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh 028 3752 1821 Tommy Makem Arts & Community Centre, Keady 028 3752 1810

Leisure, recreation and community centres Ardmore Recreation Centre Ashgrove Community Centre, Craigavon Avenue Road Community Centre, Craigavon Banbridge Leisure Centre Bleary Business and Community Centre Brownlow Community Hub Brownstown Park Community Centre Cascades Leisure Complex, Portadown Cathedral Road Recreation Centre, Armagh Craigavon Golf Ski Centre Craigavon Leisure Centre Craigavon Watersports Centre Dobbin Street Community Centre, Armagh Dromore Community Centre Gilford Community Centre Keady Recreation Centre Killicomaine Jubilee Community Centre, Craigavon Kinnego Bushcraft Centre, Craigavon Kinnego Marina, Craigavon Lough Neagh Discovery Centre, Craigavon Loughgall Country Park Lurgan Park Mourneview Community Centre, Craigavon North Lurgan Community Centre Orchard Leisure Centre, Armagh Oxford Island National Nature Reserve, Craigavon People’s Park, Portadown Rathfriland Community Centre Richhill Recreation Centre Scarva Cycle Hire Taghnevan Youth and Community Centre, Craigavon Tandragee Recreation Centre Tannaghmore Gardens and Animal Farm Waves Leisure Complex, Lurgan

028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028

3751 8384 3833 1650 3831 6392 4062 8800 3831 2433 3831 3630 3833 1964 3833 2802 3751 8338 3832 6606 3834 1333 3832 6606 3751 2004 9269 9070 3883 1708 3753 8388 3833 6816 3834 2040 3832 7573 3832 2205 3889 2900 3832 3795 3832 6020 3831 6394 3751 5920 3832 2205 3831 2597 4063 8188 3887 0718 3883 2766 3832 4989 3884 1110 3834 3244 3832 2906

Recycling centres Banbridge Community Recycling Centre Dromore Community Recycling Centre Fairgreen Recycling Centre, Portadown Keady Recycling Centre Markethill Recycling Centre New Line Recycling Centre, Lurgan Rathfriland Community Recycling Centre Restore, Banbridge Station Road Recycling Centre, Armagh Tandragee Recycling Centre

028 4066 0604 028 4066 0604 028 3835 0629 028 3753 9131 028 3755 2762 028 3834 5249 028 4066 0604 028 4066 0656 028 3751 0245 028 3884 9932

Town halls Banbridge Old Town Hall Dromore Town Hall Lurgan Town Hall Portadown Town Hall

info@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk

028 028 028 028

4062 9269 3832 3833

0232 9070 2422 5264

armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk BOROUGH LINK SUMMER 2018 27

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

CRAIGAVON CIVIC & CONFERENCE CENTRE With stunning views over the picturesque Craigavon Lakes, Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre offers a suite of multi-purpose rooms with state-of-the-art facilities and an impressive octagonal Civic Hall.

Whether you need a meeting place for twenty people, a conference facility for 120, a banqueting suite for 240 or a concert venue for 530, Craigavon Civic & Conference Centre will meet all your needs and expectations. As the ideal location for a wide range of business and social events our dedicated, experienced staff are ready to cater for your every need. Why not experience the difference for yourself.

t: 028 3831 2423 info@craigavonciviccentre.com

craigavonciviccentre.com

ACBCBC 1128

Meetings | Conferences | Banquets | Seminars | Concerts | Exhibitions