Mid & East Antrim Connections - Spring 2017

Mid and East Antrim Borough Residents’ Magazine

Recycling 07 Important changes to food waste disposal In our Nature 14 Biodiversity in the Borough

Inside: 10 Revitalising Carrickfergus

12 Spring Events in MEA

17 Starting a new business?

Spring 2017

Useful Numbers To contact Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, telephone

0300 124 5000 Tourism

Leisure Centres

Arthur Cottage 028 2563 5010

Amphitheatre Carrickfergus 028 9335 8342

Glenarm Marina 028 2884 1285 Newferry Tourism Facility 028 2563 5010 Portglenone Marina 028 2563 5010

Larne Leisure Centre 028 2826 2497

We are always looking at ways to make it easier for you to engage with us at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena 028 2563 3382

We welcome your queries, comments and suggestions.

You can contact us directly by telephone: 0300 124 5000 Visit or write to us at any of the offices below:

Ballymena Showgrounds 028 2563 3290

Ballymena (Headquarters) The Braid, 1-29 Bridge Street, Ballymena BT43 5EJ Ballymena Ardeevin, 80 Galgorm Road, Ballymena BT42 1AB Carrickfergus Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7DG Larne Smiley Buildings, Victoria Road, Larne BT40 1RU

The Gobbins Visitor Centre 028 9337 2318

Planning Area Planning Office 0300 200 7830

Visitor Information Centres

Waste, Street Cleansing and Recycling

Ballymena Visitor Information Centre 028 2563 5077

Ballymena 028 2563 3385

You can follow us on our social media channels to keep up-to-date with the latest news and information from the Borough.

Larne 028 2826 2428

We want to hear from you, and see your photographs, so use the hashtag #myMEA and tweet and tag us to share your comments.

Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre 028 9335 8222 Larne Visitor Information Centre 028 2826 2495

Carrickfergus 028 9335 8267

Ballymena 028 2563 3213 Carrickfergus 028 9335 8220

Grants

Larne 028 2826 2384 Parks & Open Spaces Carnfunnock Country Park 028 2826 2471 The People’s Park 028 2563 3342

Community and volunteer grants – Ballymena 028 2563 3148 Community and volunteer grants – Carrickfergus and Larne 028 9335 8240

Bentra Golf Course 028 9337 8996 2

MEA Borough Council twitter.com/mea_bc instagram.com/meaboroughcouncil

Environmental Health Animal Welfare 028 2563 3134 (after 5pm or on weekends and holidays, call 07824 994490)

Cemetery Enquiries

Connect with us

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

You can also keep up-to-date with the Mayor by following her on her social media channels: Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council twitter.com/Mayor_MEA instagram.com/mayorofmeaborough Why not send her a tweet or post and use the hashtag #MEAMayor We would like to hear any comments or suggestions you have for our Council magazine, please contact us at Communications@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Or send your comments by post to: Communications Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Ardeevin 80 Galgorm Road Ballymena BT42 1AB If you would like this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, please email Communications@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

CUT OUT AND KEEP

Carrickfergus Marina 028 9336 6666

Contact and engage with us

Greetings!

Welcome to another edition of Connections magazine and our first for 2017.

In this edition, an environmental theme runs through many of our articles. We look at the Borough’s local biodiversity on Pages 10-11, the addition of Environmental Wellbeing to our draft Community Plan (Page 8) and the launch of our first wind-powered social enterprise scheme on page 11. We are also changing how we collect food waste - turn to page 7 to find out more.

As this issue also heralds the beginning of Spring, we have a full list of Events (pages 12-13) to help you make the most of the longer days.

There is plenty going on in the Borough and my diary is full of engagements, from a special Circuit of Ireland event to the 300th anniversary of Friends’ Goodwill.

Wishing you all a happy Easter and beyond, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE Mayor of Mid and East Antrim

How to contact the Mayor’s Office All invitations to the Mayor should be sent to the Mayor’s Office and confirmed in writing. This may be via email. The Mayor’s Office will gladly provide any protocol advice or further guidance.

Mayor’s Office Chief Executive’s Department The Braid, 1–29 Bridge Street, Ballymena BT43 5EJ T: 028 2563 3398 E: Mayors.Office@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

We have done our best to ensure all information is correct at the time of going to print.

07 10 12

Events

16

Changes to food waste collections

Revitalising Carrickfergus

14

Local Biodiversity Action Plan

Community Plan

This issue is approved by the Plain English campaign - see page 22.

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In Brief

Flushed with success!

We have the best local authority toilet facilities in the UK and that’s official!

The Loo of the Year competition is a nationwide search to find the best ‘away from home’ washrooms in the UK. In December, Mid and East Antrim was named overall UK and Ireland winners for Local Authorities. In addition, our cleansing team won the best In-house Cleaning team in the Attendants of the Year section and the Ballymena Showgrounds was named the UK winner in the Sports Section.

In total, we picked up six platinum and five gold grade Loos of the Year across the Borough and joined a select handful of international names at the top of the table such as Asda, Heathrow Airport and Wetherspoon. Our winning facilities include Ecos, Seven Towers Leisure Centre, the People’s Park, The Braid, Agnew Street in Larne and Ballymumford in Islandmagee.

Every entry received an unannounced visit from a Loo of the Year Awards Inspector and was assessed against 101 judging criteria – including signage and décor, fixtures and fittings and overall standards of cleanliness and management.

Still smiling

Another survey has shown that Mid and East Antrim is one of the happiest places in the UK. In the last issue of Connections, we reported on an Office of National Statistics survey that showed we are the happiest place in Northern Ireland and the second happiest in the 4

UK. Now, a Quality of Life survey from the Halifax Bank has shown we have the highest average rating for happiness in the UK – sitting at 8.4 out of ten compared to a national average of 7.7. We also scored the best for overall life satisfaction.

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

Your rates bill Rates bills are made up of district rates set by councils and the regional rate set by the Northern Ireland Assembly. At the time of writing, the normal process for setting rates has been interrupted by the collapse of the Assembly. Council is continuing to work on the budget required to deliver local services collected through the district rate. This rate was struck at a 2.32% increase in February.

This will allow us to

invest in growing the local economy in Mid and East Antrim. We will give you a full rundown of your district rates for 2017/18 and how we will collect them in the next issue.

In Brief

Planning ahead This Spring we will be launching our Preferred Options Paper, which is part of our Planning Department’s work towards a full Local Development Plan. This is the first stage in the process and we will be asking for your input as part of a public consultation over the summer.

This plan will eventually set out what the Borough should look like and how land should be used and developed in the future.

Keep up to date at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/planning

Public holiday arrangements Council offices will be closed for public holidays on the following dates: Good Friday 14 April Bin collections as normal.

Easter Tuesday 18 April Ballymena and Larne: Bin collections as normal.

Easter Monday 17 April Alternative collection on Saturday 15 April for blue, black and brown bins.

Red and black kerbside boxes will be collected on Monday 24 April.

Additional items can be presented in clear bags (one type of material per bag please).

Carrickfergus: Alternative collection on Saturday 15 April for black and brown bins. Kerbside boxes will be collected as normal.

For further details of bin collections and other council facilities such as leisure centres, please check www. midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Save the play date Look out for our draft Play Strategy, which will be launched on May 14 to help celebrate National Children’s Day. We will be holding a public

consultation on this, and we welcome feedback to help make Mid and East Antrim a fun and lively place for little and big kids alike.

The Gobbins set to reopen We look forward to re-opening The Gobbins tourist attraction in late June. A small section of the path will remain closed until work has been completed after the bird nesting season. Book tickets from May at www.thegobbinscliffpath.com or call 028 9337 2318.

5

Regulatory Services

Get ready for the BIG Spring Clean!

We have partnered with the Live here, Love here campaign to help improve our local environment.

The campaign is focused on empowering people to make a positive difference to where they live and we will be facilitating a range of projects in line with this. The BIG Spring Clean takes place in April and is Northern Ireland’s biggest volunteer cleanup. Last year, we worked with community groups

to help tidy up six different areas across the Borough and we want to do even more this year. If you or your community group is interested in participating, please contact Regulatory Services on 0300 124 5000.

Find out more at www.liveherelovehere.org Photo: Council officers and volunteers clean up Doury Road, Ballymena.

Friendly scheme to tackle dog fouling We are piloting a Green Dog Walkers project to tackle the problem of dog fouling on our streets and in our parks.

The project will ask volunteers in Whitehead and Carnfunnock to wear special armbands to show they are carrying extra dog waste bags and that they are happy to share these with other dog walkers. Most importantly, the volunteers will give a friendly reminder to others to clean up after their pets.

The project will be supported by our Borough’s six dog wardens and enforcement officers. They provide daily

Bag it, bin it!

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We collect approximately 400 tonnes of dog foul from litter and dog bins across the Borough every year! We want to thank all the dog owners who are

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

responsible pet owners and use these bins to help keep our streets and footpaths clean and safe.

patrols as well as targeted patrols in the key walking times of evenings and weekends. Enforcement officers also attend community events to give talks and presentations; and visit schools to underline the importance of dog fouling prevention.

If approved, the scheme could roll out across the Borough.

Star Fact You can put dog foul in any Council litter bin as long as it is bagged first.

Waste and Recycling

Big changes to bin collections We are changing the way we collect food waste from April. All food waste – from leftover scraps of dinner to the forgotten cucumber languishing in your fridge – must be placed in your brown bin.

You cannot put ANY food waste into your black bin.

STRICTLY NO FOOD WASTE

Why are we changing?

IT’S THE LAW A change in legislation requires us to.

IT SAVES MONEY It costs us twice as much to dispose of food waste in a black bin as it does to recycle food waste from a brown bin.

IT PREVENTS ENVIRONMENTAL DAMAGE Food waste that ends up in landfill is the most polluting type of waste due to the release of harmful gases.

IT HELPS THE ENVIRONMENT Food waste in brown bins is made into high-quality compost.

What happens if I get it wrong?

Our refuse collectors will be keeping an eye on the black bins they lift. If we find food waste in a black bin, we will place a warning sticker on the

bin. If we find that some black bins are repeatedly carrying food waste, we will flag that bin with a red sticker and it will not be emptied. You will need to

remove the food waste before that bin can be emptied as part of the next scheduled collection.

Did you know?

Tips for using your kitchen caddy 1

2

Line your caddy with a biodegradable bag. We will supply these three times a year in April, July and October. If you run out, you can buy more or use newspaper to line the caddy. Please do not use plastic bags as these will not biodegrade.

?

Help!

I need more advice

Put your food waste in.

When it is full, remove the bag and knot it. You can clean your caddy by rinsing it or wiping it with a cloth.

We understand this may be a big shift for some people who don’t use their brown bins for food waste.

We want to encourage you to make this change.

3 Drop your bag of food waste into the brown bin or kerbside caddy.

Newspaper or kitchen roll can go directly into the brown bin as they will decompose. Leave it outside on collection day by 7.30am with its lid closed.

Currently, black bins contain 30% food waste when we collect them from households.

This costs us £1m in landfill tax EVERY YEAR. This money could be better spent on improving services in your community.

To request a brown bin or kitchen food caddy, please email: recycling@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5000.

For more information, visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/recycling

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Special Events

Start your engines!

We’ve teamed up with the world famous Circuit of Ireland Rally to stage a totally new event next month in Mid and East Antrim, the Circuit Festival 2017.

Photo: Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Cllr Audrey Wales MBE takes the wheel as the Circuit Festival roars into the Borough.

She is joined by Anne Donaghy, Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and Bobby Willis, festival director.

Running from April 4-8 and based in Mid and East Antrim’s Ballymena Showgrounds, the event will include the International Circuit Challenge plus an innovative programme aimed at inspiring young people.

STEM@TheCircuit will offer experiential STEM opportunities for school children across Northern Ireland, encouraging them to follow education and careers in STEM subjects – Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths.

Festival Director Bobby Willis explains: “Rallying has made a major contribution to engineering and technological development in car manufacturing and can provide an innovative platform for the promotion of STEM careers to young

8

people. The students who attend will not only have the chance to meet and talk with industry professionals but also be able to get ‘up close’ to the international rally cars, drivers and teams participating in the International Circuit Challenge Rally. I am grateful to Council for co-funding the Circuit Festival with us this year.”

STEM@TheCircuit is a schools-only event and will take place in the Ballymena Showgrounds.

Interactive displays and activities will challenge students and professional bodies, colleges and institutions will demonstrate STEM in action in Northern Ireland today.

We are pleased to partner the event and welcome key partners Sentinus (Northern Ireland’s main

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

STEM promoter) and Catalyst Inc. (the local umbrella group for business innovation and technology) to the festival – as well as all rallying enthusiasts and visitors!

Special events will include: - Celebration day for Sentinus Team R&D projects (4 April); - F1 in Schools – Northern Ireland final (April 5–6); - Science and engineering shows for students aged 10–17 years; - Pitstop Challenge and Wheel Change competition with fantastic motorsport prizes; - Opportunities for young people and families to get ‘up close’ to rally cars and teams (April 7–8); and - A celebration of local business technological innovation.

The Circuit Challenge The International Circuit Challenge will take place on April 7–8. It will feature invited drivers in internationally recognised R5 cars tackling eight competitive elements across the Mid and East Antrim area. The action will be streamed online, providing an excellent opportunity for us to showcase the best of our Borough to the world.

For more information, visit www. circuitofireland.net

Special Events

Sailing into the unknown Three hundred years ago, a ship called Friends’ Goodwill left the Quay Street docks in Larne carrying 52 people.

It was destined for the port of Boston, Massachusetts, and is considered the first specific emigrant ship to leave Ulster in the 18th century. Its journey cut a line through the Atlantic Ocean that would become a much-travelled and deeply embedded link between Ulster and the United States of America.

What the passengers were leaving behind was the dramatic coastline of east Antrim, their lives and their families. What lay before them was an uncertain hope of a better life. A lack of a passenger log means we do not know specifically who the emigrants were or why they were travelling. At that time in Ulster, anyone holding public office had to observe the sacraments of the Anglican Church. As many Ulster-Scots were Presbyterians, they could not carry out their duties as ministers, magistrates and civil servants unless they belonged to the Church of Ireland.

This tension prompted many Ulster-Scots to emigrate to America in search of religious freedom.

Between 1717 and 1776, over 200,000 Ulster-Scots made the journey from Ulster to America. While life was initially hard for the first settlers, in time many of their descendants forged paths for themselves as politicians, businesspeople, scientists and cultural icons.

Famous American UlsterScots from around our area include Andrew Jackson (7th President of the USA, whose family was from Boneybefore); Chester Alan Arthur (21st President, whose family was from Cullybackey); John Wayne (the actor’s roots stretch back to the Maine River near Randalstown) and Mark Twain (his family was from Ballyclare and some of them held positions in local government in Carrickfergus).

But for those onboard Friends’ Goodwill in May 1717, it was a long, difficult journey. Their progress was hampered by storms and nearly four months later, they arrived into port hungry, weak and ill.

Among the first of so many to emigrate, we continue to remember their bravery and pioneering spirit on the 300th anniversary of the voyage. We invite you to join us.

Did you know?

In Curran Park, Larne, there is a statue commemorating Friends’ Goodwill.

It depicts a family ready to leave for America.

They carry a bible as a symbol of faith and a pair of good shoes.

Date for the diary The Friends’ Goodwill family event on May 19-21 will be packed with maritime-themed activities, country and bluegrass music, BBQs, historical re-enactments and American-themed sports displays. We hope to educate, entertain and bring together cultures from both sides of the Atlantic.

Various locations, Larne.

For more information, please visit www. midandeastantrim.gov. uk/events

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Economic Development

Breathing new life into an old town 2017 will be a great year for the revitalisation of historic Carrickfergus, with a number of projects set to refresh the town’s unique offering.

Here, we take a look at what will be happening.

Let there be light The Lighting Strategy for Carrickfergus Town Centre has now been completed.

The £15,000 project funded by Council and managed by Carrickfergus Regeneration Partnership explores how lighting will support the regeneration aims of centralisation, quality and connectivity of the town.

Once in place, the lighting strategy will have many important functions. It will reinforce the role of the Walled Town, making it feel safer and more attractive after dark. This will help extend hours of retail, improve hospitality and increase tourism activity. It will also be used to connect parts of the town centre together more effectively.

10

Conserving our walled town We have secured €10,000 for developing a Conservation Plan for the historic town walls. The plan creates a management and action plan which will increase awareness and access to the walls, resulting in economic benefit. The successful funding was awarded by Irish Walled Town Network (operated by the Heritage Council, Ireland) and the Historic Environment Division helped us with the bid.

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

Townscape Heritage Initiative welcoming applications A £4million Townscape Heritage Initiative is getting ready to move forward with its first applications for funding.

The project will focus on a series of priority buildings that have been identified for repair and restoration within the historic town walls conservation area.

With £1.7m coming from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the scheme will help bring vacant historic buildings back into use and provide resources to help local property owners undertake structural repairs and shopfront improvements.

The rest of the funding will come from Council and the owners of the buildings themselves. The scheme will run until 2020.

Carrickfergus

Did you know?

The Mid-Antrim Heritage partnership has developed a free app to help children explore the walls in Carrickfergus. Called Kids ‘n’ Castles, it is available on iPhones from the App Store.

Sprucing up the shop fronts Shop fronts are getting a facelift in Carrickfergus thanks to a £220,000 project funded by the Department for Communities. Work is underway and improvements include paint works, new signage and repairs.

Remember to support your local businesses by shopping local!

Social Enterprise

Photo left to right: Valerie Blake, Ballymena East Rural community cluster Brian Holmes, Ballymena South community cluster Alec McQuillan, Ballymena East Rural community cluster Jenny Dougan, North Ballymena community cluster Nikella Holmes, Ballymena South community cluster Joanne Brown Kerr, Bann Maine West community cluster

Power to the people An innovative project has begun spinning in the hills of Northern Ireland, aiming to generate renewable energy and bring in vital funds for community groups in Mid and East Antrim.

The Ballymena Community Clusters Renewable Energy Project has given the local community ownership of two wind turbines in Garvagh and Rathfriland.

Eventually, this will provide an annual income to help fund initiatives such as youth projects, intergenerational projects, luncheon clubs and much more. By doing so, it will bring sustainability to the participating groups and help them deliver key activities and fund new projects.

At the heart of the project is an innovative cluster approach spearheaded by the former legacy council in Ballymena. We have continued to drive forward this project as it recognises our role in supporting

the community and voluntary sectors’ need to access funding.

The Ballymena Community Clusters are made up of community associations who have come together to share resources. The cluster groups are Bann Maine West, Ballymena East Rural, North Ballymena and Ballymena South.

Four years ago, these cluster groups recognised the value of community wind projects and visited similar schemes in Scotland. They made an application to the legacy Council’s Enabling Scheme and, since then, have worked closely with council officers at each stage of the application process. After a great deal

of hard work, the project was match funded, with the clusters providing funds alongside Council.

In total, the project has cost £1,076,135, of which Council has funded 55%.

Now that the wind turbines are up and running, the scheme has been praised for its innovative approach to generating income in a sustainable way. It has also been noted as a best practice example of the public sector working with the community sector, and a model of community planning in practice.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Audrey Wales MBE, said: “The Ballymena Community Clusters have embraced Council’s aims with regards to social

enterprise and community planning. We congratulate them on delivering such a complex, innovative scheme and we hope this will be the first in a long line of successful and sustainable projects.”

The Ballymena Community Clusters Renewable Energy Project greatly benefitted from the assistance and advice of Action Renewables (as the appointed industry specialist), the former Department of Agriculture and Rural Development (now Department Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs), the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Investment (now Department of Economy), the Fermanagh Trust, Collaboration NI, Community Wind Scotland and the Neilston Trust.

We would like to thank all involved for their help in getting this scheme off the ground and to everyone who provided their expertise throughout the journey.

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Events

Hello Spring!

We have a long list of events, exhibitions and family fun days happening across the Borough. Here are some highlights.

April Carnegie Family Fun Day Saturday 1 April, 11am– 3pm, Larne Museum and Arts Centre Celebrate 111 years since the official opening of Larne Carnegie Free Library with walkabouts, Edwardian dressing up and storytelling.

Free admission

International Circuit Challenge 7–8 April, Ballymena Showgrounds The International Circuit Challenge will roar into the Borough in April.

For more information, see Page 8. www.circuitofireland.net

Magical Easter Park Hunt 17–18 April, Carnfunnock Country Park Price £3 per activity sheet or buy 3 or more for 20% discount. A fixed parking charge applies on entry to the park on bank holiday periods. Contact Carnfunnock Country Park on 028 2826 2471.

The Big Easter Mini Golf Competition Wednesday 19 April, 10am–12noon, Bentra Golf Course, Whitehead

Easter at Arthur Cottage Saturday 15 April, 11am–3pm. £6.50 per family / £2 Senior Citizens Easter bunny hunt and seasonal crafts.

Easter Monday 17 April, 11am – 3pm. £6.50 per family / £2 Senior Citizens Dyeing, painting and rolling of eggs.

Hop, skip, jump!

Friday 21 April, 10am–12 noon.

As part of National Skipping Day, we’re holding a hop, skip and jump activity session at Larne Town Parks.

Free admission Musical Highlights

The Legends of American Country Show Wednesday 12 April at 8pm. The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena Check www.thebraid. com for ticket prices.

Ben Glover Live Wednesday 5 April, Larne Town Hall The 2016 UK Americana Song of the Year winner is back from Nashville to perform on his home turf.

Tickets £10 available from Larne Visitor Information Centre on 028 2826 2495 or at www.wegottickets. com/LarneArts.

Free admission

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

May Friends’ Goodwill 300th Anniversary Celebrations May 19–21, Various locations, Larne Maritime-themed activities, bluegrass music, historical re-enactments and American-themed sports displays. See Page 9 for more information.

National Children’s Day Fun Day Saturday 13 May, 2pm–4pm. Marine Gardens, Carrickfergus We’re celebrating National Children’s Day with a big family fun day, come and join us!

Free admission

Image: Courtesy of NMNI

Art of the Liner: The Work of Kenneth Shoesmith (1890–1939) 5 May–24 June, Mid-Antrim Museum, The Braid, Ballymena This stunning exhibition, on loan from National Museums Northern Ireland, showcases the important work of Kenneth Denton Shoesmith.

Free admission

Framed: People and Place in Irish Photography 13 May–1 July, Carrickfergus Museum An exhibition of historic photographs from the Ulster Museum’s archives.

Dating from 1850s, these photos show the history, topography and personalities of Ireland.

Free admission

Ballymena Agricultural Show 26–27 May, Ballymena Showgrounds Annual Agriculture Show of animals, trade stands and entertainment.

Main Show on Saturday.

Gates open to public 9am–5pm. Visit www. ballymenashow.co.uk

Events

Magical Easter Park Hunt

The Braid Arts Centre Weekend Theatre Festival Wednesday 31 May to Monday 5 June, The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena A weekend festival of theatre including the multi award-winning Katie’s Birthday Party and the touring production of Crazy.

June

Dolls’ House Exhibition by Clare McAllister June/July (dates to be confirmed), Larne Museum and Arts Centre Explore the changes in house trends and decorations through a private collection of dolls’ houses dating from the 1930s to the 1980s.

Free admission

Woollen Wood Saturday 24 June, 1pm–4pm, Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead The only woollen wood in Ireland will be full of wonderful woolly creations and family activities.

Free admission All information is correct at the time of going to print.

Please check online or with a Visitor Information Centre nearer the date to ensure event arrangements have not changed.

Ballymena Car Fest and Truck Show Saturday 3 June, 11am– 5pm, Ballee Playing Fields, Cars, trucks, motorcycles, motorsports, vintage, classic, modern, modified – whatever tickles your engine you will find it here!

Proceeds to MacMillan Cancer Support.

Visit www. ballymenacarfest.com £7 entry fee

Larne Summer Arts Festival

The Royal Landings

8–18 June, various locations

8–11 June (main event on June 10)

A week of creative activity featuring the annual Carnival Parade, Adopt an Artist art trail, live music and performance in various venues around Larne. Local artists will be helping to bring colour to the streets with individually designed lamppost banners.

Previously known as the Carrickfergus Pageant, this four-day event commemorates the Royal Landings of King William of Orange in 1690.

A series of cultural nights, lectures, story-telling, festival entertainment and a recreated ceremonial event will welcome crowds to the streets of the historic town.

US Rangers 75 Family Fun Day Saturday 17 June, US Rangers Museum Saturday 17 June, US Rangers Museum Join us for an actionpacked afternoon of family fun as we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the elite World War II US Commando Force established in Carrickfergus in 1942.

For more details contact Carrickfergus Museum on 028 9335 8241.

Free admission

Want to know more?

We publish a full events guide available online or from our Visitor Information Centres.

Visit www. midandeastantrim. gov.uk/events for more information.

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Biodiversity

It’s in our nature Wildflower meadow, Fairhill, Ballymena

We are committed to the protection and enhancement of biodiversity and the environment in Mid and East Antrim.

In 2015, we launched our Local Biodiversity Action Plan which sets out our objectives: to help conserve habitats and species, to raise awareness of local biodiversity, and to involve people in biodiversity projects and develop partnerships. Here, we take a look at some of the ways in which we have been putting this plan into action.

Carrickfergus Mill Ponds was officially declared a Local Nature Reserve in March 2015 and we manage it as a wildfowl refuge. The ponds are fringed with wetland vegetation and support a wide variety of bird life, including common species of ducks and mute swans, greylag geese, oystercatcher, snipe, kingfisher, swallows and many more woodland and garden birds. The ponds contain a number of invertebrate species including the notable lake orb mussel, which is rare and red-listed as vulnerable.

We have been busy building bird boxes to 14

help protect threatened species. We have installed nesting boxes for barn owls at Ecos Nature Park, Eden Allotments and Diamond Jubilee Wood. We have placed custom boxes with nesting holes for black guillemots at Glenarm Marina and Carrickfergus Marina. We have also put bird boxes in Ecos Nature Park, Smiley Park, Larne, and Shaftesbury Park, Carrickfergus, to encourage birds like sparrows, which while still common are in decline.

We host a wide range of free, public educational events and workshops including hedgelaying workshops, tree planting

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

Did you know?

Without bees we wouldn’t have some of our favourite foods.

Bees pollinate apples, beans, blackberry, cabbage, carrots, pears, plums, potatoes and tomatoes to name a few!

sessions, bat nights, moth nights, whale watches, rock pool rummages, foraging workshops and much more.

Play your part

We produced an educational leaflet to increase awareness of the discovery of endangered native crayfish in the Sixmilewater.

- Choose plants that provide pollen and nectar for as long a season as possible, for example lavender or bee balm.

- Leave a pile of dead wood in a shady corner.

This provides cover and hibernation sites for bugs.

- Allow one patch of grass to grow tall to provide shelter for small animals.

- Just add water! By creating a small wildlife pond or even just leaving out a container of water, you will be giving birds

This Spring we will be running the Beelicious project, funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

We want to restore and create habitats that will help our pollinators bees, butterflies and beetles. You can get involved by helping us build bee banks, bee hotels and more.

You can easily make your own garden more biodiverse:

Biodiversity

Did you know?

This hedgehog is actually an African pygmy hedgehog.

The European hedgehog is an endangered species and it is illegal to keep them as pets.

You can help our local population of hedgehogs by adapting your garden and brushing up on your hedgehog first aid!

Find out more from the British Hedgehog Preservation Society at www. britishhedgehogs. org.uk

and insects somewhere to have a drink and take a bath.

- Build your own bird or bat box for the garden.

Get Involved

Find out more

Our ‘Friends Of’ volunteer groups work to protect and conserve our fantastic open spaces and native wildlife. The ‘Friends Of’ groups typically meet once a month (at Bashfordsland Wood, Ecos, Town Park Larne and Carnfunnock) and take on a wide range of tasks such as invasive species removal, river cleans, tree planting, wildflower meadow sowing and bird ringing.

Download the Local Biodiversity Action Plan at: www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/biodiversity For more information on biodiversity and how you can help please call 028 9335 8231; email biodiversity@ midandeastantrim. gov.uk or visit www. midandeastantrim.gov. uk/biodiversity

We run free Biodiversity Summer Schools every August! A packed outdoor programme gives families the opportunity to take part in fun biodiversity activities and games such as pond dipping, minibeast hunts and nest box building. Keep an eye out online and in our next edition for more details.

If you would like to be updated on events and activities happening in our parks and open spaces, please email biodiversity@ midandeastantrim.gov. uk with the subject line ‘mailing list’ and you will receive a monthly update.

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Community Planning

Putting People First A Community Plan for you We are getting ready to launch the first ever Community Plan for Mid and East Antrim, setting out how key community planning partners will work together to improve life for everyone in the Borough.

The document is the result of 18 months of meetings, workshops and consultations led by the Mid and East Antrim Community Planning Partnership. It addresses areas which you have told us are important to you.

These are: - Sustainable Jobs and Tourism; - Good Health and Wellbeing; - Progress in Education; - Community Safety and Cohesion; and - Our Environment.

It is an ambitious programme of change that will have an impact on everyone who lives and works in the Borough.

It also shows how we

will measure success by identifying quantifiable outcomes, as the plan will run until 2032 with regular opportunities to review progress.

As these priorities will impact everyone, we encourage you to read it and to share your views with us as we begin to develop action plans around each theme.

The M id and A Mid draftand EaAntrim The Community Plan st for cEast onsult Ant–rim A draft for consultation Com 2017 ation January – Jan munitny P ua lan la unitryy 2P017 Comm 2017 im r t n A ry st ua and Ea n – Jan The Mid r consultatio fo ft A dra

www .m comm idandeasta unityp nt lannin rim.gov.u k/ g www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ communityplanning

You can find out more at www. midandeastantrim.gov. uk/communityplanning

.uk/ rim.gov astant idande www.m ityplanning commun

or email us at communityplanning@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Our Environment In the last issue of Key Priorities: Connections, we - Assets - the natural wrote that work had environment of our begun on including Borough is protected the new theme and sustainably of Environmental managed.

Wellbeing into the draft Community Plan. - Attitudes - people value This was finished in time for the public consultation that launched in January.

Here are some of the key priorities and outcomes that you told us were important: 16

our Borough’s natural environment and behave responsibly towards it.

- Access - people enjoy easy access to our Borough’s natural environment.

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

What will success look like?

- More environmental standards achieved in the Borough, including Green Flags for our parks and open spaces and Blue Flags for our beaches.

- All citizens of the Borough have access to good quality green space within walking distance.

- Our environment is protected and enhanced by partners working in association with local communities.

Economic Development

Tyre-d of your job?

Not this business owner!

Have you ever wanted to start your business?

Get rolling by signing up for one of our Go For It! Programmes. We talk to a business person who did just that…

Name: Matthew Elliott Business: JM Tyre Art, LEDCOM Industrial Estate, Larne. We upcycle used tyres to make garden furniture including hanging baskets, dog boxes and feeding troughs.

What made you want to start your own business?

I wanted to be my own boss and have the satisfaction of earning income from my own business.

What was the hardest part of getting started?

Figuring out how the business was going to work on a day-to-day basis and sourcing the tyres. I did the Go For It programme in September 2016. The LEDCOM Business Advisor helped me to think through all aspects of the business including marketing, sales, premises and distribution.

The advisor provided me with a thorough Business Plan which was invaluable in getting me started.

What have been the biggest challenges of running your own business?

The biggest challenge is trying to satisfy demand with only two people working in the business and ensuring there is enough cash flow to pay staff. The biggest rewards have been being my own boss and getting rewarded in business for my own hard work and initiative.

What business plans do you have for this year?

To increase productivity and sales, to employ staff and to diversify into other areas of work related to tyre upcycling.

What is the biggest lesson you have learnt through the process?

Don’t dream about starting a business – just do it.

Ask for help from your Local Enterprise Agency in getting up and running.

Do you have a business mantra?

Be positive and believe in your products and services but match this with quality customer service.

If you meet an obstacle, overcome it. If you get turned down by one customer, ask another. In short, just do it!

What advice would you give to anyone who is thinking about starting a business?

You need to see and talk to a business advisor.

Don’t just ask your friends and family but talk to the Local Enterprise Agency who will help you prepare an objective, realistic business plan.

Go For It is open to anyone over the age of 16 thinking about selfemployment or starting a new business. Free support includes: - One-to-one time with a specialist business advisor - One-to-one financial and business planning advice - Advice on how to access funding - Access to best practice guides, tools and videos The programme is being delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Local Enterprise network in the council area – Ballymena Business Centre, LEDCOM and Carrickfergus Enterprise.

For more information: 0800 027 0639 www.goforitni.com www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/goforit

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Good Relations

Keeping watch of the Borough Mid and East Antrim Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) has launched a new phase of the Community Safety Wardens project.

There are now three Community Safety wardens working in Mid and East Antrim to assist with tackling low level crime and antisocial behaviour. Based in Ballymena (rural and town centre), Carrickfergus and Larne; they will work in key hotspot areas and at key times on weekdays and weekends.

The scheme has several objectives: - to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour by 5%; - to ensure removal of

graffiti within one week of reporting; - to have litter and dumping issues dealt with within a working week; - to enhance public confidence in feeling safer, as per annual survey; - to support local businesses in regard to crime; and - to have three interagency meetings to discuss performance and progress.

The Community Safety Wardens project is funded by the NI Housing

Executive (NIHE) and the PCSP and is managed

by Ballymena Retailers Against Crime (BRAC).

The PSNI will be a liaison partner in the overall management of scheme.

Community Safety Wardens Peter Fleck, Tommy Crawford and Billy Hamilton are pictured with PCSP Vice Chair, Marjorie Hawkins.

Marking Holocaust Memorial Day To mark Holocaust Memorial Day 2017, our Good Relations team hosted a post-primary schools event called How Can Life Go On? We were pleased to welcome a keynote address from Mr Billy Kohner, whose parents were administrators of the Millisle Farm in Co Down.

The farm was home to many Jewish refugee children during World War II and is the basis of the fictional novel Faraway Home by Marilyn Taylor.

We gave copies of this novel to all post-primary schools in the Borough to mark last year’s Holocaust Memorial Day, and this year’s event built on that legacy.

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

At the event, interactive workshops and short dramas focussed on life on the farm and what refugee children arriving at the time would have been feeling. This enabled pupils to reflect on the theme of How Life Can Go On after genocide as well as developing their thinking with regard to the present day context.

Health and Wellbeing

Keep on running Parkruns are growing in popularity as a free, fun and social fitness activity – and we have three in our Borough.

Each Saturday, timed 5k runs are held in Ballymena, Carrickfergus and Larne.

Each event relies on dedicated volunteers to manage all aspects of the race, from setting up the course, marshalling the event, managing timings and publishing results. We encourage everyone to consider taking part, whether you are a beginner or a fitness enthusiast, a junior racer or a senior shuffler.

If you are a new runner, please visit www.parkrun.org.uk/ register

Ballymena Ecos Park, Kernohan’s Lane, Broughshane Road, Ballymena, BT43 7QA. Every Saturday at 9.30am.

Contact ecoshelpers@ parkrun.com Carrickfergus Amphitheatre Wellness Centre, Prince William Way, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38 7HP. Every Saturday at 9.30am. Contact carrickfergushelpers@ parkrun.com

Did you know?

Over 7000 people have registered as a parkrunner in our Borough. Every week between 300 and 600 people join in.

The youngest to have signed up is four years old and the oldest is 90!

Larne Carnfunnock Country Park, Coast Road, Ballygally, Larne, BT40 2QG. Every Saturday at 9.30am. Contact larnehelpers@parkrun. com. A junior event takes place every Sunday at 9am in Town Park, Larne.

Taking steps to tackle suicide rates We have committed to taking action on the very concerning levels of suicide in Northern Ireland.

At an emotional council meeting in January, Councillors agreed that working together to prevent suicide should be treated as a priority.

In light of this, we are writing suicide prevention into our Community Plan, and we will be working in partnership with the Public Health Agency and other public sector bodies and voluntary agencies to take this forward. We will also be promoting the charities and services that provide help and advice to people who need to talk.

Lifeline 0808 8088 000 The Samaritans 116 123 Cruse Bereavement Care 0808 808 1677 Childline 0800 1111

If you are struggling to cope with any issue at all, please talk to someone.

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Parks and Open Spaces

Ahoghill

Blooming great!

The Mid and East Antrim In Bloom 2017 campaign will officially launch in April. As perennial winners, our villages and towns consistently top the awards table.

Last year, Ballymena and Cullybackey won regional awards and are now in the running for the top accolades in the prestigious 2017 RHS Britain in Bloom competition. Judging will take place in the summer.

Many more of our towns and villages will be hoping their blooms attract praise in the 2017 Translink Ulster in Bloom Competition. We wish everyone involved the best of luck and thank them for their hard work.

Community competition There are great prizes to be won in the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom community competition.

Launching in April, categories include Best Kept Front Garden, Best Kept Community Planting Scheme and Tallest Sunflower Competition.

You can find out more by visiting www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/inbloom or email inbloom@ midandeastantrim.gov. uk

Date for the Diary National Gardening Week is April 10-16. It is the country’s biggest celebration of gardening - to find out more, visit www.nationalgardeningweek.org.uk

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

Whitehead

Could you use your green fingers to support the In Bloom campaign?

Here are some ways you can help: - Add flowers, containers, hanging baskets and window boxes to your garden.

- Keep gardens tidy.

- Keep your local area litter free.

- Make use of local recycling facilities.

- Help wildlife with nest boxes, log piles and wildlife ponds.

- Consider joining your local town/village improvement committee.

Get into the garden Spring is the perfect time to take up allotment gardening. From March onwards you can begin planting your potatoes, spinach, beetroot, carrots, parsnips, lettuce, spring onions, peas, broad beans and turnips – delicious!

We currently run three allotment gardens: Eden Allotment Gardens (Beltoy Road, Carrickfergus ), Greenisland Allotment Gardens (Knockleigh Drive, Greenisland) and Larne Allotment Gardens (Town Park, Larne).

Allotment plots come in a variety of sizes to suit all requirements. An average plot works out at less than £1 a week and concessions are available.

The tenancy year starts on April 1 and ends on March 31 2018.

For more information and to apply for a plot, visit www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/allotments

Museum Services

On the Brink receives national acknowledgement The Heritage Lottery Fund has recognised On the Brink: The Politics of Conflict 1914-1916 as a key case study to inspire others.

As one of only ten HLF funded First World War projects featured on their website, and the only one from Northern Ireland, On the Brink was noted for its work with volunteers.

On the Brink: The Politics of Conflict 1914-1916 was a three-year project supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund with a grant of £178,800. A partnership of Mid Antrim Services and Causeway Museum Service, it explored the local impact of the

Battle of the Somme and the Easter Rising.

The project supported communities to develop a shared understanding of events from the period, highlighting how the broader context of the war interconnected with events in Ireland. Over 12,000 people engaged with two major touring exhibitions and a digital learning resource has been produced.

to research, develop and deliver tours of local sites of commemoration – and seven volunteers even completed an OCCNI Level 2 Award in Tour Guiding. They were presented with their awards in February.

Congratulations to Leith Burgess Henderson, Etta Mann, Alan Nicholl, Alistair Harper, Betty McLernon, Nina McNeary and Brian McKay. Well done to all involved.

The volunteer strand recruited 16 volunteers

Your Rangers need YOU! The US Rangers museum in Carrickfergus is undergoing a facelift and we need your help! The museum was first opened in 1994 to commemorate the elite American Army unit formed in Sunnylands in 1942. The US Rangers, which is the only US Military unit ever founded on foreign soil, became one of WWII’s most courageous and decorated units. The new display will include artefacts never before displayed and extensive film footage.

If you or anyone you know has memories or items

relating to the US Rangers, we would love to hear from you.

For further details please contact 028 9335 8245 or email carrickfergusmuseums @midandeastantrim .gov.uk

Date for the Diary Family friendly 75th anniversary celebrations at the US Rangers Museum, Saturday 17 June, 1pm-4pm.

2 Boneybefore, Carrickfergus, BT38 7EQ. Call 028 9335 8241 for more information.

Carnlough Industrial Heritage Project We have been awarded £58,400 by the Heritage Lottery Fund to help fund an overhaul of the first floor of Carnlough Town Hall and Heritage Centre.

The new facility will act as an orientation space on the geology and industrial history of the village and the wider glens. The project is being delivered in conjunction with Carnlough Community Association and Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust.

Did you know?

You can find out more about the work of the Mid and East Antrim Museum and Heritage service by visiting www. midandeastantrim. gov.uk/museums

21

Communications

Did you know?

Keeping it plain and simple We have signed up to the Plain English Campaign to help us improve the way we communicate with you.

We want our publications to be easy-to-read and our message to be easily understood. The mission of the Plain English Campaign is to fight goobledygook, drivel and jargon in public information. The campaign has worked with thousands of organisations including UK

government departments, public authorities and international banks.

Over the course of 2017, you will begin to see the Plain English Campaign’s Crystal Mark on our documents and publications that have been approved as being clear and concise.

Do you have trouble reading our website?

If you have difficulty reading online or if English is not your first language, you may be interested to know that there is now an orange Browsealoud icon on our website. This button can convert text to speech,

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magnify the text or even generate an audio file for listening offline. The addition of Browsealoud is part of our ongoing commitment to make our communications more accessible to all users.

Mid and East Antrim Connections Spring 2017

We can also make our documents available in alternative formats such as large print on request.

For more information, please visit www. plainenglish. co.uk

We regularly get calls about the following issues which are not the responsibility of Council. If you have queries about the following, please contact the correct bodies: Water and sewerage services including septic tank clearance - Call Northern Ireland Water on 0345 744 0088.

Rating valuation and land registration mapping – Call Rates (Land And Property Services) on 0300 200 7801.

Public roads, footways, bridges and street lights – Call Transport NI on 028 9054 0540 (9am to 5pm).

In the next edition: Bring on the holidays!

Our summer issue will be packed with activities and things to do in Mid and East Antrim over the summer months – as well as all the latest news and updates. Look out for it

in your post box from the end of June.

You can also download previous editions of Connections online at www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/connections

Your Council Ballymena Cllr Donna Anderson UKIP cllr.anderson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07541 830 589 Ald John Carson DUP ald.carson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07891 338 220 Cllr Reuben Glover DUP cllr.glover@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07733 100 803 Cllr James Henry Independent cllr.jhenry@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 028 2565 2456 Cllr Stephen Nicholl UUP cllr.snicholl@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07967 621 603 Cllr Declan O’Loan SDLP cllr.oloan@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07764 220 533 Cllr Audrey Wales MBE Mayor DUP cllr.wales@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07899 985 110

Bannside Cllr Timothy Gaston TUV cllr.gaston@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07514 213 186 Cllr Patrice Hardy Sinn Féin cllr.hardy@ midandeastantrim.org 07935 228 722 Cllr Billy Henry DUP cllr.bhenry@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07599 400 857 Ald Stewart McDonald TUV ald.mcdonald@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07793 848 107

Ald William McNeilly Deputy Mayor UUP ald.mcneilly@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07746 157 674 Ald Tommy Nicholl MBE DUP ald.tnicholl@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07970 012 520

Braid Cllr Beth Adger MBE DUP cllr.adger@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07976 533 483 Ald Robin Cherry MBE UUP ald.cherry@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07785 752 712 Cllr Beth Clyde DUP cllr.clyde@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07724 906 855 Cllr Brian Collins TUV cllr.collins@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07745 220 564 Ald Sam Hanna DUP ald.hanna@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07710 402 693 Cllr Paul Maguire Independent cllr.maguire@ midandeastantrim.org 07857 912 097

40 Councillors, elected in seven District Electoral Areas, working together to create a better future for all in Mid and East Antrim Borough.

Cllr Cheryl Johnston DUP cllr.johnston@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07545 151 992

Cllr Paul Sinclair Alliance cllr.sinclair@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07779 895 013

Cllr Noel Jordan UKIP cllr.jordan@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07775 633 391

Cllr Andrew Wilson UUP cllr.awilson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07414 478 808

Cllr John Stewart UUP cllr.stewart@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07823 442 161

Larne Lough

Coast Road

Cllr Robert Logan Alliance cllr.logan@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07565 168 191

Cllr James McKeown Sinn Féin cllr.mckeown@ midandeastantrim.org 07719 335 416

Ald Gregg McKeen DUP ald.mckeen@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07944 641 251

Ald Maureen Morrow UUP ald.morrow@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Cllr Dr Mark McKinty UUP cllr.mckinty@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07771 925 546

Ald Gerardine Mulvenna Alliance ald.mulvenna@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07970 896 367 Cllr Ruth Wilson TUV cllr.rwilson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07771 965 206 Cllr Angela Smyth DUP cllr.smyth@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk ​07896 657 723

Ald May Beattie DUP ald.beattie@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07939 634 348

Carrick Castle

Cllr Lynn McClurg DUP cllr.mcclurg@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07794 602 517

Cllr James Brown MBE Independent seejbrown@hotmail.com 07939 634 369

Cllr Andy P Wilson UUP cllr.apwilson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07754 963 615 Find out more about your local councillors at midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ councillors

Knockagh

Cllr William McCaughey DUP cllr.mccaughey@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07739 875 626

Cllr Billy Ashe DUP cllr.ashe@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07773 095 133

Cllr Paul Reid DUP cllr.reid@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07713 511 407

Cllr Lindsay Millar UUP cllr.millar@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07540 399 685

Did you know?

We have been awarded Platinum Status in the Northern Ireland Environmental Benchmarking survey.

Run by Business in the Community, the award recognises organisations that are going above and beyond their legal requirements to minimise environmental impact and better manage resources.

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BROWN IS THE NEW BLACK From 1st April 2017, new legislation means the way we collect food waste is changing.

All food waste must now be placed in your brown bin. We won’t collect your black bin if it contains food waste.

For more information, call 0300 124 5000 or visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ recycling