Newtownabbey 50 Years of Progress

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

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A-Z of Council Services Listed below are the services for which the Council is responsible, with contact telephone numbers.

a

b c

d

e f g h i j l m n p

Abandoned Cars Air Pollution Alcohol Free Zones Arts Development

028 028 028 028

9034 9034 9034 9034

0160 0160 0160 0063

Ballyearl Arts & Leisure Centre Best Value Initiative Births, Deaths & Marriages Bowling Green Bookings Bruslee Recycling & Civic Amenity Site Building Control

028 028 028 028 028 028

9084 9034 9034 9034 9335 9034

8287 0038 0180/79 0138/39 2122 0140

Cemeteries Administration Cemeteries Maintenance Civic Events Community Safety Partnership Community Centres Bookings Rushpark, Rathfern Community Services Consumer Safety Contacting Council Members Council & Committee Administration Countryside Access Customer Relations Cycle Ways

028 028 028 028 028

9034 9034 9034 9034 9034

0080 0042 0034 0070 0060

028 028 028 028 028 028 028

9034 9034 9034 9034 9034 9034 9034

0066 0168 0086 0086 0076 0031 0076

Dangerous Structures District Policing Partnership (DPP) Dog Bins Dog Fouling Dog Licences Dog Pound Dog Warden After-hours (Weekends & Bank/Public holidays only)

028 028 028 028 028 028 028 028

9034 9034 9034 9034 9034 9335 9034 9034

0140 0011 0170 0160 0158/59 1004 0178 0178

Economic Development Entertainment Licences Environmental Health Equality Scheme

028 028 028 028

9034 9034 9034 9034

0072 0160 0160 0038

Finance & Accounts Food Hygiene Freedom of Information

028 9034 0120 028 9034 0160 028 9034 0038

Good Relations 5-*"%&4 ($10#*2 Grave Purchase

028 9034 0033 028 9034 0057/56 028 9034 0080

Health & Safety in the Workplace Human Resources

028 9034 0160 028 9034 0084

Illegal Dumping

028 9034 0160

Jordanstown Caravan Park*

028 9034 0058

Litter Removal

028 9034 0057/56

Marketing & Public Relations .*60-3) ,"%'$ Museums & Heritage

028 9034 0028/27 028 9034 0002 028 9034 0064

Noisy Neighbours

028 9034 0160

Parks & Play areas Pavilions Pest Control (Ballymena) Play Development Project Development +-0/$-&6 !$-&4%'*&$) Public Toilets

028 028 028 028 028 028 028

9034 9034 2566 9034 9034 9034 9034

0042 0137 5818 0065 0078 0140 0140

r s

t v w z

Recycling Enquiries Refuse Collection Restaurant Mossley Mill

028 9034 0077/74 028 9034 0057/56 028 9034 0023/22

Sentry Hill Sixmile Leisure Centre Society Lotteries Sports Development Sports Grounds Bookings Sports Grounds Hotline Street Cleansing Street Name Plates Street Naming Sustainability

028 9083 2363 028 9334 1818 028 9034 0099 028 9034 0065 028 9034 0138/0061 028 9034 0049 028 9034 0057/56 028 9034 0140 028 9034 0140 028 9034 0077

Tenders Tennis Court Bookings Tourist Development Tourist Information Town Hall Bookings Town Twinning

028 028 028 028 028 028

Valley Leisure Centre

028 9086 1211

Waste Collections Black Bins/Blue Bins/Brown Bins Kerbie Box (Bryson Recycling) Buying a Bin Bulky Household Items

028 028 028 028 028

ZEST Leisure Membership

028 9086 1211

9034 9034 9034 9034 9034 9034

9034 9034 9084 9034 9034

0090 0205 0071 0071 0137 0072

0057/56 0057/56 8494 0057/56 0057/56

Here is a list of service areas for which the Council is NOT responsible: Bus Shelters (vandalism/graffiti)

028 9046 3250

Citizens Advice Bureau

028 9085 2271

Electoral Office (Newtownabbey)

028 9044 6688

Land Registry of NI

028 9025 1555

NE Education & Library Board

028 2565 3333

Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership

028 9034 0193

NI Housing Executive

08448 920 900

Northern Health & Social Services Board Patient & Client Information

028 2531 1000

Northern Ireland Electricity

08457 455 455

Ordnance Survey

028 9025 5755

Planning Service

028 9025 2800

Rates Collection Agency

08453 006 360

Roads Service (grass verges, road repairs)

028 9025 4057

Social Security Agency: Newtownabbey Office

028 9025 0888

Antrim Office

028 9442 6500

Ballyclare Office

028 9335 2822

Street Lighting

028 9025 3051

Town Centre Management Company

028 9034 0039

Water Pollution

0800 807 060

Water Service (24 Hour Customer Service)

08457 440 088

Address Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, BT36 5QA ! 028 9034 0000 Textphone 028 9034 0109. Text SMS 078 1622 5290. Starting message with NBC Email info@newtownabbey.gov.uk Website www.newtownabbey.gov.uk * Bookings made directly with Roy McConnell ! 07775 687356


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Change is always with us OVER the last 50 years Newtownabbey has grown from an amalgamation of scattered villages with a population of some 30,000 to a modern borough, now home to 81,700 citizens. The pace of development has at times been frantic and this has resulted in pressures on the infrastructure needed to support growth particularly the problems of coping with vastly increased traffic flows - now a feature of daily life. The facilities and services provided in Newtownabbey are more than a match for any other local council area and the quality of our service has been recognised by our customers and by the achievement of numerous quality awards. In 1973 the number of councils was reduced from 72 to 26. By 2011 today’s figure will have changed to 11, with Newtownabbey joining with Antrim Borough Council to create a new council area with new challenges and opportunities. It is a reminder that change is always with us and emphasises the importance of forward planning if we are to meet the needs of future generations of new

50 years of progress I FEEL especially privileged to be Mayor of Newtownabbey during this 50th anniversary year, and to play my part in the various exciting and innovative activities and events that our council officers have been working hard to provide. Over the past 50 years Newtownabbey as a borough has changed considerably. In 1958, the historic villages of Carnmoney, Glengormley, Whitehouse, Whitewell, Jordanstown, Monkstown and Whiteabbey made up the Newtownabbey Urban District Council. Then in 1973, Ballyclare and its rural hinterland were added to form the new Newtownabbey District Council, which was later awarded the status of borough. Since then the borough has become known for several great features. We are host to Abbeycentre - one of the finest retail outlets in the province - and to one of the leading universities in the United Kingdom, the University of Ulster with its main campus based at Jordanstown. In addition, an industrial

base with many small and medium sized engineering companies has been developed at Mallusk, Monkstown and Carnmoney. Newtownabbey also has a very strong voluntary sector, which together with the council, schools, youth service and churches, makes for a very caring community. I would thank all those who have worked and continue to work to contribute to the very positive development of the borough. The government has proposed new council structures for all of Northern Ireland, due to be in place by 2011. The number of councils will be reduced from 26 to 11. As a result, Newtownabbey Borough Council will be joined with Antrim Borough Council to form a new super council. Logistically this is quite a challenge; however I know that we are very well placed to meet these new challenges, and will continue to provide the same high standard of service to our ratepayers. The Mayor, Alderman Victor Robinson

Front row (l-r): Hilary Brady, Deputy Chief Executive; Norman Dunn, Chief Executive; Jacqui Dixon, Director of Development Services. Middle row (l-r): Hugh Kelly, Director of Environmental Services; Peter McCabe, Director of Financial Services. Back row (l-r): Michael Lipsett, Director of Leisure Services; Neal Willis, Director of Corporate Services

citizens. I am confident that we will meet these challenges and continue to develop a local government system which meets the needs of and has the confidence and support of all who live or work in or visit the borough. Norman Dunn, Chief Executive


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Seven villages become a unit ‘SEVEN villages become a unit’ was a headline in the special supplement published by the Belfast NewsLetter on April 1, 1958 to mark the historic creation of Newtownabbey. The town emerged from a 1953 decision by Belfast Rural District Council to give urban status to Whitehouse, Whiteabbey, Jordanstown, Glengormley, Whitewell, Monkstown and Carnmoney. The new entity needed a name and many suggestions were considered before the name ‘Newtownabbey’ was agreed. It merged the past, with the reference to the abbey (Whiteabbey), with the future ‘new town’. A coat of arms was drawn up that included the motto ‘septem in uno surgent’ meaning ‘seven shall rise as one’. Following years of planning, an Act of Parliament was

passed in July 1957 and Newtownabbey came into being on April 1 1958. The 21 members of Newtownabbey Urban District Council met for the first time on May 19, 1958 at Hazelbank House. The first chairman was councillor Herbert Robinson who had previously been chairman of Belfast Rural District Council which met in Merville House. The council led the development of the area as people moved into new housing estates and the town began to find its identity. Local government in Northern Ireland was reorganised in 1973. Newtownabbey Urban District Council became Newtownabbey District Council and took charge of a greatly enlarged area, with the addition of the former Ballyclare Urban District and

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parts of Larne and Antrim Rural Districts. Just five years later a Royal Charter established the District of Newtownabbey as a Borough and Newtownabbey Borough Council was created at a formal ceremony on March 1, 1977. New armorial bearings bore the motto ‘multi in uno resurgent’ or ‘many re-arise as one’. A 50th anniversary publica-

tion is currently being produced and we would be happy to hear from anyone who has memories, photographs or stories they would like to share about Newtownabbey. Please contact Samantha Curry, Museums and Heritage Officer with details on 028 9034 0064 or email scurry@newtownabbey.gov.uk

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Building for the future

Mayor Victor Robinson with Beijing Paralympic Gold medal winner Michael McKillop at the opening of Mossley recreation ground

Mayor Victor Robinson, Rachel Houston and Biodiversity Officer Lindsay Matthews with food to feed the birds during the opening of the all new Mossley Park

THE Project Development Section is responsible for the planning, design and implementation of most of the council’s major construction related projects. It acts as council representative in dealing with contractors, consultants, statutory agencies and funding bodies. Feasibility studies and initial designs are carried out in conjunction with the various operational departments within the council. Project teams, comprising Project Development and operational staff ensure, as the design develops and is eventually constructed, that the functional requirements of the project are met. In addition, the section is responsible for dealing with the purchase and sale of land on behalf of the council and the enforcement of Rights of Way legislation. In the past twelve months a number of projects have been completed in partnership with local communities and voluntary bodies. April saw the opening of a replacement playground at Anderson Park, Doagh, which incorporated

equipment not seen before in the Province. At Rathfern, a partnership with the Woodland Trust resulted in a two-acre derelict site being turned into a wildlife area, including a pond, forming an entrance to Carnmoney Hill. We continue to work closely with the Woodland Trust who manage the 100 acres of Woodland on the hill owned by the council. In Ballyeaston the local community group, Church of Ireland and council worked together to preserve and provide access to St. Augustine’s Church ruin in the village. The project was funded jointly by the council and Heritage Lottery Fund. Before the end of 2008 a major project to construct a cycling and walking route from the Loughshore to Monkstown will be completed. By the middle of 2009 the path will be extended to provide a safe route to Corr’s Corner, via the council’s headquarters at Mossley Mill.

Grocery Department

SPECIAL OFFERS ACROSS THE STORE EVERY WEEK Award Winning Butchery Department

Non Food Department

Toys, Stationery, Household, Gifts, Kitchenware, Gardening, Christmas

Clothes Department

Ladies, Children’s & Gents’ NEW RANGE OF PLUS SIZE FASHIONS NOW IN STOCK

BALLYCLARE POST OFFICE INSTORE All Foreign Currency Passport/Photos Award Winning Travel Insurance Home Phone All Insurances Instant Saver Account

SERVING THE COMMUNITY FOR 35 YEARS 15 Granges Street Ballyclare Tel:028 9335 2854 30 Joymount Carrickfergus Tel: 028 9335 5455

An artist’s impression of how the next phase at the Mill will look

Mossley Mill update WORK on Phase Two of the Mossley Mill Civic and Cultural development is continuing. The £13 million project includes the refurbishing of remaining Mill buildings and a new state-of-the-art Community Arts and Cultural Centre, capable of conferences, exhibitions, functions and arts and cultural events.

The former flax spinning mill closed in 1996 and was saved from demolition when the council bought it the following year and a major restoration and conversion project was begun. Part one of the mill site was converted for Civic Headquarters and was officially opened by Prince Charles on June 13 2000.


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress This £1.3m project has received significant funding from Sustrans, the sustainable transport charity, following the success of their Connect2 Big Lottery bid in December 2007. Additional funding has been secured from the Northern Ireland Environment Agency. The Housing Executive have allowed their land to be used to construct links to the main route from adjacent residential areas. The route also traverses the Woodland Trust’s wood at Monkstown. In Mossley, the Recreation Grounds have been completely refurbished at a cost of £1.6m. In addition to the existing indoor halls, new changing rooms, kitchen and meeting room have been added. Solar panels and comprehensive controls have been incorporated into the heating system to reduce running costs. The installation of a grey water recovery system will reduce the water intake to the facility. Externally, two football pitches have been constructed, along with refurbishment of the tennis courts and replacement of

the playground. At the Valley Leisure Centre, eight outdoor 5-a-side pitches were opened in January. These floodlit 3rd generation synthetic pitches have proved extremely popular with the footballing community in the Borough. Inside the Centre, a new children’s play zone will be completed by March 2009. This will provide activity for children along with dedicated rooms and spaces for parties and a rest area for parents! August saw the opening of the replacement playground at Jordanstown Loughshore Park. This facility is approximately 50 per cent bigger than its predecessor and has drawn people from around the borough and beyond. The playground represents the first of a number of improvements which will be made to the park. A new bandstand is due to be erected early in 2009, with improvements to the car park, toilet block, caravan park and sea defences anticipated over the next two years.

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Eight outdoor 5-a-side pitches were opened at the Valley Leisure Centre in January

Newtownabbey Mayor Victor Robinson at the opening of Anderson Park play area in Doagh

BALLYCLARE LOCAL MARKET First Saturday of Month At Town Hall From 9.30am - 4.00pm New stall-holders welcome

Comments / Enquiries to ntcm@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Tel: 028 9034 0039


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Newtownabbey Councillors University area

UUP

Cllr. Barbara Gilliland

ALL

5 Church Avenue Jordanstown Newtownabbey BT37 0PJ Phone (Home): 028 9086 3875 Phone (Business): 028 9145 9576 bgilliland@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Cllr. Lynn Frazer 3 Ravelston Avenue Carnmoney Newtownabbey BT36 6PF Phone (Home): 028 9084 3855 Phone (Business): 07789 208149 lfrazer@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Ballyclare area DUP

DUP

Cllr. Etta Mann

Cllr. John Mann

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07917 543660 emann@newtownabbey.gov.uk

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07789 208155 jmann@newtownabbey.gov.uk

DUP

DUP

Cllr. Pamela Barr

Cllr. Robert Hill

4 Abbeycroft Drive Whiteabbey Newtownabbey BT37 0YJ Phone (Home): 028 9086 5766 Phone (Business): 07974 826165 pbarr@newtownabbey.gov.uk

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07917 543675 rhill@newtownabbey.gov.uk

DUP

DUP

Alderman Paul Girvan

Alderman Billy Ball

30 Lismenary Road Ballynure Newtownabbey BT39 9UE Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 028 9334 2727 pgirvan@newtownabbey.gov.uk

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07917 543674 wball@newtownabbey.gov.uk

UUC

UUP

Cllr. Fraser Agnew

Cllr. Vera McWilliam

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): 028 9089 3333 Phone (Business): 028 9052 1466 fagnew@newtownabbey.gov.uk

UUP

Cleenish, 122 Hillhead Road Ballyclare BT39 9LN Phone (Home): 028 9334 0106 Phone (Business): 07775 687357 vmcwilliam@newtownabbey.gov.uk

UUP

Cllr. Ken Robinson MLA

Cllr. Jim Bingham

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): 028 9086 6056 Phone (Business): 07917 543999 krobinson@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Glendale, 158 Monkstown Road Newtownabbey BT37 0LF Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): n/a jbingham@newtownabbey.gov.uk


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

Antrim Line area

UUP

ALL

Macedon area ALL

DUP

DUP

DUP

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07917 543661 mgirvan@newtownabbey.gov.uk

DUP

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07917 543663 pbradley@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Independent

Cllr. Tommy Kirkham

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): 028 94 478237 Phone (Business): n/a nmcclelland@newtownabbey.gov.uk

SF

Alderman William DeCourcy c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): 028 9050 6260 Phone (Business): 07789 208144 wdecourcy@newtownabbey.gov.uk

SDLP

Cllr. Noreen McClelland

Alderman Victor Robinson (Mayor) 41 Ballyfore Gardens Newtownabbey BT36 6XY Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 028 9083 8280 vrobinson@newtownabbey.gov.uk

DUP

Cllr. Paula Bradley

Cllr. Dineen Walker 18 Old Irish Highway Newtownabbey BT37 9LG Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07789 208164 dwalker@newtownabbey.gov.uk

DUP

Cllr. Mandy Girvan

Cllr. Billy Webb c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): 028 9096 7167 Phone (Business): 07799 866876 wjwebb@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Alderman Nigel Hamilton 6 Hamlet Court Victoria Road Ballyclare BT39 9GE Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 07789 208148 nhamilton@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Cllr. Janet Crilly 28 Dalewood Newtownabbey BT36 5WR Phone (Home): 028 9083 6166 Phone (Business): 07789 208143 jcrilly@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Cllr. Tom Campbell c/o Mossley Mill NewtownabbeyBT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 028 9023 0808 tcampbell@newtownabbey.gov.uk

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c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 028 9071 5599 tkirkham@newtownabbey.gov.uk

UUP

Cllr. Briege Meehan

Alderman John Scott (Deputy Mayor)

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 028 9074 0817 bmeehan@newtownabbey.gov.uk

c/o Mossley Mill Newtownabbey BT36 5QA Phone (Home): n/a Phone (Business): 028 9083 8971 jscott@newtownabbey.gov.uk


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Public art in the borough

AS PART of the 50th anniversary celebrations several new public artworks have been unveiled around the borough. The Endeavour sculpture at the entrance to the Valley Leisure Centre is designed to capture a sense of sporting movement and personal endeavour. Its designer, Stephen Todd, wanted to create a form that was both eyecatching and inspiring to all those who use the newly refurbished Valley Leisure Centre. Illuminated at night by bright up-lighters, the brushed stainless steel sculpture is a bold landmark for the local community. The council also went threedimensional with a living Wallace and Gromit floral display. The display started life outside Mossley Mill and attracted a lot of interest. From there it was moved to

Wallace and Gromit proved a big hit at Coleman’s Corner

Coleman’s Corner roundabout, which was home to the fun duo for several months. Due to popular demand they have since gone on tour around the borough, taking in parks, schools and leisure centres. The council’s Parks Development Manager,

The Restaurant @ Mossley Mill . . .

Margaret Lindsay commented: “Wallace and Gromit are much loved animated characters, instantly recognisable to all age groups. The council wanted to choose something exciting and fun which the community would enjoy seeing during the area's 50th anniversary celebrations.” Those passing the Manse/Carnmoney Road roundabout in recent months will have noticed the addition of a new three-dimensional floral display, which represents Newtownabbey Borough Council's corporate logo. The 3D ‘bud’ logo was designed in-house by Skelton Rainey, and is a unique selfwatering floral sculpture which is being maintained by the council’s Parks Team. The new ‘sail sculpture’ on Whiteabbey Roundabout at the bottom of Station Road has become a real talking point for passing motorists and local residents. The sculpture’s sailing theme celebrates Whiteabbey’s strong links to the nautical trade, ships and maritime passage and has been put in place as a result of the council

taking part in the cross border EU Interreg coastal towns and villages’ regeneration project. The coastal towns and villages’ project has provided European funding for 14 towns and villages, including Whiteabbey, to carry out environmental improvement schemes. In Whiteabbey consultation was carried out with local residents and traders and a village plan was developed. The sculpture forms part of the overall village plan.

Talking point: The ‘sail’ sculpture

Roundabout sponsorship

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC: 9.30 - 3.30 Mon - Fri ENJOY MORNING COFFEE OR LUNCH 12.00 - 1.45PM

BE......AT THE MILL

PLANS to both beautify the borough and satisfy the demand to provide opportunities for sponsorship came to a head at an Information Day held during April for those who had expressed an interest in sponsoring roundabouts. Interesting and innovative designs and concepts were displayed by Stephen Todd Design and the council’s inhouse team. By July the council was pleased to have secured sponsorship for eight roundabouts and the signage was put in place for the following: Ashom Projects Excellence at Abbeycentre and Whiteabbey; Ashers Bakers

Co. Ltd at Houston’s Corner and Cloughfern Corner; Brackenwood Property Management Services at Coleman’s Corner; Woodside Haulage at Ballynure; The Railway Fryer at Manse Road/Carnmoney Road. Following a series of negotiations, many horticultural and sculptural improvements were made to the roundabouts, but look out for new designs to the roundabouts in coming months! This sponsorship helps to cover the cost of the development of the roundabouts and they will continue to be maintained by the council’s expert horticultural staff.


BUSINESS AND PLEASURE IN MID AND EAST ANTRIM 2008

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In 2008, your Ballyclare store raised over £7100 with £5800 being donated to local charities.

Remaining £1300 was distributed among National charities.

ASDA, PARK STREET, BALLYCLARE. HOME SHOPPING IS AVAILABLE AT YOUR ASDA BALLYCLARE - SEE OUR WEBSITE OR ASK IN-STORE FOR MORE DETAILS.


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Ensuring your voice is heard FORMED in March 2003 in response to recommendations included in the report of the Independent Commission on Policing for Northern Ireland 2000, the Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership (DPP) has now been in existence for just over five years. Essentially, the thrust behind the introduction of DPPs is the notion of developing a closer working relationship between local police and the local community.

Campbell Dixon, Newtownabbey District Policing Partnership Manager

Newtownabbey DPP chairman Councillor Tom Campbell (right) with Chief Inspector Paula Hilman and DPP member John Blair

Membership Newtownabbey DPP has a membership of 19 people. Ten are members of Newtownabbey Borough Council and represent the various political parties pro rata. They are appointed by the council. Nine are people from the borough who have demonstrated an interest in and commitment to the well being of the borough and are appointed to the DPP by the Northern Ireland Policing Board following a selection process. Voice So, you might ask, what exactly does the DPP do?

The DPP serves to give local people a voice in relation to the issues that concern them about local policing and community safety. Newtownabbey DPP also monitors the performance of the local police to give confidence to the community that agreed standards are being met and that targets are being achieved. In the final analysis, the work of the DPP is simply to try to create a safer community for everyone in the borough, by not only working with the police service, but with other agencies and community groups that may help resolve problems. Help So if you have a problem or difficulty relating to local policing or personal safety, get in touch with the DPP. The Manager can be contacted by either, writing to the DPP Manager at Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey, BT36 5Q, or by telephoning the DPP office 02890 340011, or by email, cdixon@newtownabbey.gov.uk. You may also wish to contact members directly at the contact numbers provided.

(028) 9034 2353 or

07769 664780 or email chris.weir@sjpp.co.uk Christopher Weir, Associate Partner of the St. James’s Place Partnership • INVESTMENTS • PENSIONS • PROTECTION • INHERITANCE TAX PLANNING • MORTGAGES

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

NEWTOWNABBEY DISTRICT POLICING PARTNERSHIP AT YOUR SERVICE....

If you have any questions regarding Policing in Your Area Then You Are Welcome To Attend Any of Our Future Public Meetings:

• 28th January 2009 (Venue to be advised in Local Press)

• 25th March 2009

(Venue to be advised in Local Press)

Let's hear YOUR concerns of policing in YOUR area. For further details on how to ask a question contact the DPP manager: Campbell Dixon, DPP Manager, Mossley Hill, Newtownabbey BT36 5QA

Tel: (028) 9034 0011

Email: cdixon@newtownabbey.gov.uk www.districtpolicing.com/newtownabbey

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Waste and recycling

The borough’s distinctive bin lorries advertise Alternative Weekly Collections, and (left) one of the many recycling points across Newtownabbey

Have you got the balls to talk? Because we've the skills to listen

We’re here to listen in complete confidence 24 hours a day No matter what you’re going through, you’re not alone. We’re here to listen to your worries and anxieties, any time, day or night. We won’t judge you, we won’t tell you what to do. What we will do is give you the time to think things through. We’ll listen with an open mind, and in complete confidence, for as long as you need.

08457 90 90 90 or ! jo@samaritans.org

YOU will have noticed over the past years that the way we deal with your waste has changed. Long gone are the days when the crew would lift your steel bin over the shoulder and empty it into a bin lorry. The first wheeled bins were introduced to Newtownabbey in 1982. For many years, people have simply thrown away their waste without much thought of where it goes and that valuable resources are being sent to landfill sites. The amount of legislation and regulation in relation to waste management has hugely increased and developed. This together with growing environmental awareness, has placed waste and how it is managed as a priority. Three waste management groups have been set up to deal with our waste in a more efficient way. Arc21 is a group of 11 councils of which Newtownabbey is part. We are working together to improve and develop waste facilities and to raise awareness of the need to change the way we deal with waste. Each local authority has been given strict allowances that can be sent to landfill. These strict targets decrease year on year, and failure to meet these could potentially result in heavy fines for the council. For every tonne we exceed the target we will be fined £150. To meet these targets the council has introduced a range of recycling schemes to make it easier for residents to recycle more waste. Blue bins NBC first introduced blue bins in 1999 for recycling of paper. These bins are for newspapers, magazines, brochures, catalogues, directories and office paper. Items such as envelopes, plastic, tissues etc are not suitable for recycling. This scheme has gone from strength to

strength and we recycle approximately 2,000 tonnes of paper every year. This paper is sent to England where it is recycled back into newsprint and comes back to us as local newspapers. Brown bins The council has been phasing in brown bins since 2003. Every household with a garden can now recycle their biodegradeable garden waste such as grass, hedge clippings, leaves twigs and plants in the brown bin. This material is then composted. NBC also provides home composting bins at a reduced price of £5 to Newtownabbey residents. For flats and apartments we have recently introduced a collection of food waste which is heat treated and sterilized and recycled into a biofuel. It is hoped that food waste will be added to the brown bin next year. Red Box Every household in the borough also has a red kerbie box. These are for dry recyclables - eg. glass, plastic bottles, tins and cans, cardboard, aerosols, foil and old hand tools. The materials are sorted at the kerbside and bulked up and sent off to be reprocessed. Bryson Recycling operate the scheme on behalf of the council. Alternative Weekly Collections The most recent change to the way your bins are collected is the alternate weekly collections which started in April 2008. The black landfill bin and the brown garden waste bins are collected on the same day but on alternate weeks. The red box has also changed to a weekly collection. Newtownabbey Borough Council is delighted to announce a huge increase in the amount of waste diverted from landfill and sent for recycling in the past few months.


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress The new alternate weekly collection scheme, coupled with the weekly kerbie box collection has seen many residents take on the new scheme for the first time and many others recycling more than they did previously. The results of this show a massive 78 per cent increase in the amount of recyclables in the red box since April ’08, when the schemes were introduced. Hugh Kelly, Director of Environment Services for the Council said: “Newtownabbey has more than doubled its recycling rate in the past six years. We all need to keep up the good work if we are to meet our government targets in the near future. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone in Newtownabbey for making a special effort to recycle during the transition to alternate weekly collections and to keep up the good work!”

It is important to remember that recycling is just one way we can deal with our waste and keep as much of it out of landfill as possible. Here are a few simple ideas for reducing and reusing our waste: ● Avoid over-packaged goods, eg. opt for loose fruit and vegetables. ● Avoid disposable items, eg. picnic cutlery and plates and cups - go for the durable kind that can be washed and used again. ● Bring your own shopping bags from home and reuse them as many times as possible. It is reassuring to know that our waste can be made into something new after we are finished with it, and this helps reduce the need for raw materials, and so it great news for the environment. For more information call NBC business support services on: 028 9034 0056/7

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Using the split recycling bins in Glengormley

Arthur McCune,Waste Mamanagment Manager; Mary McGinn, Waste Recycling Assistant, and Lisa Mayne, Recycling Manager


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Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

Almost 90 years on, Eugene McKeever reveals the new look Corr’s Corner Hotel after £4million investment… As Newtownabbey celebrates it’s 50 year anniversary, one place has remained a constant beacon within the community, Corr’s Corner Hotel. Unique within the hospitality industry Corr’s Corner has always successfully combined the personality of a family owned property with the dedication and efficiency of an experienced staff and management team. Corr’s Corner came to the Newtownabbey area in 1919, when John Corr’s father, who was also called John, purchased a local pub. The original pub was demolished in 1964 to make way for the new road network and rebuilt in the position it stands today. The family-run property has now been transformed beyond recognition from the former roadhouse Eugene McKeever purchased from the Corr family in 1993. “When I originally bought Corr’s Corner I felt that it had huge scope for development. The change from roadhouse to hotel with restaurant and conference centre has opened up totally new markets to

us. I think it’s important to consider the past and to keep the charm of the original roadhouse, however it is also vital to always look to the future to see what we can do not only to keep our guests happy but to add to the hospitality industry in Northern Ireland,” said Eugene, who is currently the Vice President of the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation. Following almost £4 million of investment, the Newtownabbey hotel now boasts 68 bedrooms, a new extended grill bar and restaurant, a function suite and eight conference rooms. “We knew there was demand for the additional bedroom space as well as conference and banqueting facilities in the area, giving us the confidence to proceed with the project,” said Eugene. The property has always had a special place in the heart of many within the community as well as for Eugene McKeever, himself.

In his younger years he and his brother worked in the rose fields beside Corr’s Corner. Eugene remembers; “John Corr used to bring us sandwiches and always said if we needed a job to come and see him.” So Eugene started working parttime at Corr’s Corner at the tender age of 12 and three years later when he left school, he became a full-time chef. “Whilst working as a chef, John Corr

(the previous owner) kindly sent me to the college to do my catering exams. I then did my HCIMA and went on to do a post graduate in business studies at the University of Ulster,” explained Eugene. For 17 years Eugene worked as a chef, 11 of which as head chef, whilst studying for his exams at Corr’s Corner before leaving in 1986 to open his own business - an ambition he had long harboured.

It was an emotional day when he left Corr’s Corner, the place where he had grown up, to set up Granagh House in Randalstown. Laughing Eugene recalled: “The night I left as head chef I told John I would be back in 10 years to buy the place but that was basically a throw away statement. I never believed I could achieve that.” Eugene threw himself into his new business, but just seven years after his parting quip to John Corr in 1986, he was given the opportunity to purchase Corr’s Corner and in 1993 he returned once again, this time as the owner. He recalled: “I remember the first day when I sat in John’s chair, which for years I use to sit on the other side looking at! It was surreal but also quite daunting sitting there thinking that I had taken over the reins of such a successful roadhouse. I was nervous wondering if I would be good enough to retain the successful image of Corr’s Corner as all major decisions now stopped with me.” A major decision that the businessman made was to add accommodation onto the roadhouse. In 1997 30 bedrooms were built onto Corr’s Corner and in July 2006, Eugene felt it was time to transform and expand the property, once again, to open up new markets and service the growing demand. “The project was finally completed in September 2008 and I am delighted with the end result and the feedback from the customers has been very supportive and extremely positive,” explained Eugene. Today Corr’s Corner Hotel has transformed itself from a well loved local roadhouse into a very successful hotel, servicing the local, national and international markets.

From its origins in 1919, the tempo of Corr’s Corner Hotel is still created by it’s busy bars and restaurants. There are few pleasures in life more enjoyable than an evening of friendly banter in comfortable surroundings and now with the mix of locals and overseas visitors, it provides the perfect cocktail that still makes Corr’s Corner Hotel the hive of activity and a fantastic place for a bite to eat, to catch up for a drink with friends and soak up the warmth of local hospitality. The new 38 guestrooms have been beautifully designed and crafted to keep the sense of warmth and comfort synonymous with the rest of the property, whilst still remaining functional, offering visitors to the area both lavishness and convenience. Corr’s Corner Hotel is now one of the largest business venues in the Northern Ireland with 8 state of the art conference suites offering delegates a central location with complimentary WiFi access as well as complimentary parking. The new Mulberry Suite is capable of hosting weddings and banquets for up to 200 guests. This new development and Eugene’s dedication to his businesses has earned him a variety of awards. Corr’s Corner Hotel recently won the hospitality venue of the year award 2008, with Eugene also been accredited for the second time as the Business Person of the Year 2004 & 2008. Although Eugene is pleased with the awards he accredits the success to the people around him, including all members of staff and management, as well as the support from the local community as he recognises without everyone’s commitment and hard work, Corr’s Corner Hotel’s success would not be possible.

Having grown up in Corr’s Corner, Eugene recognises the achievements and strides Newtownabbey has made over the years. Eugene’s has a huge dedication to the increased success of the Newtownabbey area, supporting the council and local charities on a regular basis. He insists on heavy involvement from his marketing team into the area, with them as the chairperson of the Tourism Forum, a member of the Glengormley Chamber of Commerce and a Director of Town Management.

Eugene hopes that the developments at Corr’s Corner Hotel will continue to service the local community needs as well as contribute towards efforts to increase tourism to the area.

Corr’s Corner Hotel

315 Ballyclare Road. Newtownabbey. BT36 4TQ Telephone 028 9084 9221 www.corrscorner.com

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

Developing our towns NEWTOWNABBEY Town Centre Management Company was established in 2002 to implement the following key objectives: 1. To facilitate the long-term planned development of Glengormley and Ballyclare; 2. To address all issues affecting those towns; 3. To introduce the concept of Town Centre Management as the strategic focus of development. All of the projects and all of the activity of the Town Centre Manager and the Board of Directors are targeted towards the company’s published aims and objectives. These are: • Promoting the Town Centre positively as a place to live, work and play • Attracting new retail and business to the Town Centre • Developing existing retail • Filling vacant property • Improving safety/tackling crime • Improving evening entertainment, tourism, events • Improved car parking/less congestion

• Assisting with street maintenance • Developing visits to Town Centre • Advancing facilities for special needs. The Company is managed by a board of directors comprising elected representatives from the Newtownabbey Borough Council area and members of the local business communities in Glengormley and Ballyclare. We are always glad to listen to suggestions and recommendations for new projects and partnerships from local businesses, community agencies, schools and individuals. Contact Town Centre Management on 02890 340039 or ntcm@newtownabbey.gov.uk

Christmas festivities in Glengormley

19 Welcome, Witajci, Vitajte THE Welcome to Newtownabbey pack is an innovative and exciting new resource, aimed primarily at newcomers to the borough. It contains information on local services and is an ideal guide to the area. The information in the pack is divided into 11 helpful sections: Council Services; Education and Learning; Employment and Training; Faith Communities and Minority Ethnic Groups; Health and Social Services; Housing; Leisure and Shopping; Personal and Community Safety; Travel and Transport; Voluntary Organisations and Community Groups; Useful contacts. At present the pack is published in English; Polish; Slovakian and Cantonese. Nowi w Newtownabbey? Mozesz u nas otrzymac pakiety "Witajcie w Newtownabbey", zawierajace przydatne informacje na temat lokalnych uslug. Aby otrzymac bezplatna kopie pakietu, skontaktuj sie z Rada Okregu Newtownabbey pod numerem telefonu 028 9034 0000 lub wyslij email na adres info@newtownabbey.gov.uk. Pakiety dostepne se w jezyku angielskim, polskim, slowackim oraz kantonskim.

Historic House & Visitor Centre

A rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Open to the public: April to September Open to pre-booked groups and schools: October to March 40, Ballycraigy Road, Newtownabbey Tel: 028 9083 2363 or click on www.newtownabbey.gov.uk


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Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

Be a tourist at home

HOLIDAY and business visitors enjoy the semi-rural location of Newtownabbey whilst being handy to the buzz and nightlife of Belfast City Centre. The world famous Glens of Antrim and the spectacular Giants Causeway as well as more of Northern Ireland's top tourist attractions are within easy travelling distance of Newtownabbey. However, have you ever explored what is on offer for tourists in Newtownabbey? The natural landscape makes it an ideal location for all sorts of sporting activities and outdoor pursuits: you can golf, fish, horse ride or enjoy a walk in many of the area’s open spaces and parks. Jordanstown’s Loughshore and Hazelbank parks provide some of the best shoreline

walks and cycles around Belfast Lough. Those who enjoy the great outdoors will find plenty to see and do in Newtownabbey. Birdwatching is popular as spectacular numbers of birds feed along the coast between Belfast and Whiteabbey, many on the mudflats and others immediately offshore. Walkers and cyclists will find routes throughout the borough to test their abilities and get to see more of our beautiful landscape. Fishing experts agree that Newtownabbey is a great place to fish. Coarse fishing is available on the Sixmilewater River, while Straid Fishery and Tildarg Fishery both offer trout fishing. There are a number of other attractions in Newtownabbey which are well worth a visit.

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Our team from left to right: Herbie Wray, Jenny Craig, Sandra Pyper, Heather Haggan, Anne Burke & Gareth Williamson

Sandra Pyper Property Management Tower House, 33-35 High Street Carrickfergus. BT38 7AN Tel: 028 9335 1232 Fax: 028 9335 5757 Email: propertymanagement@sandrapyper.com

Learn all about the traditional art of spade-making at the National Trust Patterson’s Spade Mill on the Antrim Road near Templepatrick

Patterson’s Spade Mill is the last surviving water-driven spade mill in Ireland. Completely restored by the National Trust, it is now back in production employing two spade makers. The Patterson family handed down the art of spade-making from generation to generation. John Patterson was the fourth successive oldest son to be engaged in spademaking when he moved to County Antrim from County Tyrone just after the First World War - attracted there by the good water supply for powering the turbine. Patterson’s Spade Mill recreates the living atmosphere of part of the industrial revolution with the noise of hammers, turbines and presses and the smell of oil, metal and wood shavings. Through guided tours, the fascinating process of spade-making is demonstrated. There is an excellent exhibition in the reception area, which explains the traditional process and reveals some of the history and culture of the humble spade. A visit to Patterson’s Spade Mill is a fascinating experience for all the family to enjoy. Visit Patterson’s and find out what it takes to call a spade a spade! Sentry Hill is a 19th century farmhouse in the Parish of

Carnmoney, County Antrim. The house and its contents provide a rare insight into life in rural Ulster during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Sentry Hill was the home of the McKinney family, who came to Ireland from Scotland in the early 1700s. Remarkably, the contents of the house have survived almost intact. This is largely due to William Fee McKinney who was born in 1832 and lived at Sentry Hill for most of his life. William built up a remarkable collection of diaries, family letters and an extensive library of books and pamphlets. Along with souvenirs from family travels abroad, William collected natural history specimens and items of local historical interest. Over the years many guests have been warmly received at Sentry Hill by the McKinney family. The last of the family may now be gone, but their welcome remains and the door is now open for you. You can dander down the path through the sheltering trees and step inside the snug old farmhouse. As you cross this threshold you will stand where the past shakes hands with the present. So go on, explore what many travel from across the world to come and see, and be a tourist at home.


Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

22

Keeping the borough healthy for 50 years

FROM Public Health Inspectors to Environmental Health Officers, Newtownabbey Borough Council staff have been ensuring the health of all those who live, work or visit the borough for half a century. The priorities over the last 50 years may have changed, but the commitment from the council to improve the health status of the borough continues. All facets of health are protected - from food safety to workplace safety, dog control to litter control, and air quality to water quality. Once the domain of a small

group of Public Health Inspectors, today the council’s Environmental Health staff is made up of a multidisciplinary team that not only ensures compliance with the raft of legislation for which they are responsible but also provide advice and training for both businesses and members of the public. With the emergence over the last five years of the Northern Ireland Executive’s Investing for Health programme, Newtownabbey Borough Council’s departments are working not only together, but in partnership with government agencies as well as community and voluntary

groups to ensure that the health needs of the local community are identified and addressed. Last year saw the introduction of the single most important piece of public health legislation for a generation controlling the smoking of tobacco. The impact of this on the public’s health will become evident in the coming years. With the increase in levels of obesity, nutrition remains high on the agenda too and the council’s ‘Eat Clever’ programme is helping to raise the level of knowledge and skills in the community. The increasing price of oil

and the impact on income continues to put pressure on household’s ability to keep their homes warm and free from damp. The council continues to work with its partners to provide assistance and advice on keeping homes in the borough warm and their occupants healthy. The last 50 years has seen many developments in securing the health of the borough. As we look to the future and the new council structure for Northern Ireland, one thing is certain - health will remain at the heart of the council’s agenda.

Sewing the seeds of change

NEWTOWNABBEY residents have been taking part in an exciting initiative which improves their health by working outdoors and helping establish a community garden. This community garden is managed by ‘Sewing Seeds’, a Social Economy enterprise established by the community sector in Newtownabbey to provide a wide and innovative range of programmes and activities which will benefit the groups and individuals involved with all proceeds being reinvested for the benefit of the community business. Sewing Seeds secured £24,100 from Newtownabbey Local Strategy Partnership and acquired land at Sentry Hill, Newtownabbey Borough Council’s history house. It is this land that has been developed into a market/community garden to facilitate the production of home grown flowers fruit and vegetables. Any individual or group interested in horticulture, gardening or working in the community garden should get involved with this initiative by contacting Jo Colville, Community Development Assistant, by

Brian Simpson and Ryan Ritchie lend a helping hand to the Sewing Seeds community garden project at Sentry Hill

emailing jcolville@newtownabbey.gov.uk or by telephone on 028 9034 0209. Community Festivals Fund The Community Festivals Fund (CFF) was established in 2006 in recognition of the contribution that festivals make to the communities within which they are held and also to the local economy. The

primary purpose of the CFF is to improve the capacity of community festivals and make them less reliant on public funding by providing support and training in addition to funding towards the cost of events. The Fund enables Community Organisations to celebrate their cultural identity and to strengthen community relations. The Community Festivals Fund for Newtownabbey for the period 2008/2009 was £40,800. A public call for applications was made at the start of May, with a closing date of May 31 2008. Funding recommendations under this call totalled £24,250, across 20 community groups and organisations. A further call for applications was made in September 2008 to distribute the remaining budget, and in preparation for this, workshops for interested parties were organised to help improve the quality of the applications. As a result of the first round of funding, there were 12 Community Festivals held over the July period, with a further five events taking place between July and October.


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Fabulous festivals

NEWTOWNABBEY Borough Council hosts two main family friendly festivals throughout the year. With 2008 the 50th anniversary year, the Council was keen to excel at these events. In May, the Ballyclare May Fair had the theme of the Magnificent Seven and featured special guest appearances from horse riders from Newtownabbey’s sister city, Gilbert, in Arizona. The cowboys and cowgirls wowed the crowds with their rodeo style tricks and their presence certainly made a memorable May Fair. Alongside the annual fireworks extravaganza, table quiz, music concerts and sporting events, Sixmile Leisure Centre’s family fun day turned the centre into a hive of activity with face painters, a magic show, a bouncy assault course, trampolining, balloon modelling and an outside climbing wall. The popular continental market added to the international flavour of the fair. For the first time ever, the local public elected a May Fair King as well as the traditional May Fair Queen, proving that Ballyclare is keen to ensure the fair moves with the times.

In August, the Shoreline Festival took place at Loughshore Park, Jordanstown. Dog lovers came in droves to show off their pets at the Dog Show held in the marquee, and over 600 people enjoyed seeing their favourite television characters on stage, including Barney, Fireman Sam and Dora, while the teddy bears’ picnic offered little ones the chance to show off their precious teddies. Music lovers were also catered for over the festival weekend. Flash Harry - the Queen tribute band, had the park rocking to the band’s famous anthems while Belfast artist Brian Houston entertained the crowds with his unique blend of folk rock. The Opera in the Park was a fantastic success, dazzling the 2000-strong crowds. Paul O’Neill’s performance of Nessun Dorma brought the crowd to their feet before a striking and colourful fireworks extravaganza erupted from the Loughshore. For more information on the Ballyclare May Fair and Shoreline Festival, contact the Council’s Economic Development Section on 028 9034 0071.

Trading in horses at Ballyclare May Fair

Opera at the Shoreline Festival, Jordanstown

American visitors at this year’s May Fair

Programme October/March 2008-2009


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Sport and Play development – 50 years and beyond

NEWTOWNABBEY has long been linked with high quality sport and the list of sporting greats to have an association with the borough is virtually endless. The Sporting Hall of Fame best illustrates the illustrious past of our sportsmen and women, and the eclectic mix of sports at which they have excelled includes football, hockey, rugby, boxing, bowls and motorsports. They have taken part in World Cups, Olympic Games and enjoyed major triumphs on the international stage. Those on the following list are all true sporting greats and Newtownabbey is proud to call them our own. • The Lord Glentoran CBE DL (Robin Dixon)

• Catherine L Hoey MP • Ronnie Lamont MBE • Willie-John McBride MBE • Steve McCooke • Jimmy Todd MBE • Tommy Wright • Victor Catling • Tommy Jackson • Morris Foster • Walter McFarland • Henry Turkington • Jim Baker • Paddy Hopkirk • Jimmy Nicholl • Hilary Brady

But Newtownabbey Borough Council certainly isn’t resting on its laurels and is playing a key role in helping the next generations reach the top of their sport - up and coming sporting stars such as Conor Leaney and Michael McKillop

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• Swedish Body Massage • La Stone Therapy • Facials/Tinting/Waxing • Makeup • Relaxation Evenings • On site Massage Available

Rugby legend: Willie-John McBride MBE

are fantastic examples of this! The Sport and Play development team are also going the next step and helping create the sporting stars of tomorrow. The innovative Wildcats Multi-Skills Club is now in full swing at the Valley Leisure centre. This five year programme allows children the opportunity to have fun and develop a love of all sport. In struc-

tured classes the boys and girls learn vital skills and work on different elements of sport such as agility, balance, co-ordination and teamwork. This novel approach is there to replace the games console with a piece of sports equipment and will no doubt develop and equip local children with the skills to enjoy their sport. Wildcats has also been shown to develop the confidence of youngsters and leave them with a sense of achievement and accomplishment. These are qualities that they will take through their sporting lives and allow them to enjoy their sport for a long time. There is a Wildcats level for all ages and abilities and you will always be welcomed into the Wildcats pack with a smile. From competing at the Olympics to competing with friends, Sport and Play development will help you reach the top of your sport!

Roll of Freemen of the Borough BERTRAM Bickerstaff, JP May 11, 1996 June 1, 1982 Dr Willie John McBride, MBE Doris E Robb, JP April 24, 1997 June 1, 1982 George L Herron, JP The Royal Ulster May 28, 1998 Constabulary and the Royal The Northern Ireland Fire Ulster Constabulary Reserve Brigade - May 24, 2000 June 1, 1984 James J Rooney, The Ulster Defence MBE Regiment May 26, 2001 March 11, 1989 Northern Ireland The Royal Irish Burma Star Rangers Association - April (27th (Inniskilling), 6, 2002 83rd & 87th) - May The Royal Navy, 5, 1990 Royal Marines, Sidney R Cameron their Reserves and October 31, 1992 Associations - May The Royal Air Force 18, 2002 Wolf Rienäcker April 17, 1993 Tommy McTeague 321 Explosive Ordnance November 24, 2005 Disposal Squadron Councillor Fraser Agnew The Royal Logistics Corps March 9, 2007 October 30, 1993 Wolf-Dietrich Albert The Royal British Legion Rienäcker - October 9, 2008


Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

Bruslee Recycling Centre Bruslee Recycling and Civic Amenity Site is at 95 Belfast Road, Newtownabbey, BT39 9LS. Here are the items that can be recycled at Bruslee Recycling Centre.

OPENING HOURS April to September: Monday - Friday 8.30am - 8.30pm Saturday and Sunday 8.30am - 5.30pm October to March: Monday - Sunday 8.30am - 5.30pm Have your say - if you would like to be part of the Bruslee User group call Lisa Mayne 028 9034 0077 or email lmayne@newtownabbey.gov.uk

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Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

26

Built on firm foundations THE Building Control section is responsible for enforcing building regulations relating to the construction of a building/extension or works. Issues considered include fire safety, thermal insulation, structural stability, stairs, drainage, and facilities for those with disabilities. Other services include: • Street Naming and Numbering • Dangerous Structures • Pre-Submission Consultation • Property Certificates - for the conveyancing of buildings being sold. If you wish to alter or change a use of a building you will have to complete a Building Control application. Building Control is customer focused and will provide you with help and guidance on how to comply with Building Regulations. Examples of work requiring a Building Control application are • Erecting a new building. • Extending an existing building. • Converting a roof space or garage. If you are unsure whether or not you need to complete a Building Control application, please check with us on 028

9034 0140. If you are required to complete a Building Control application there are two main routes: 1.Full Plans: A full plan application can be used for any type of work, and has two main stages - vetting and approval of drawings, followed by inspection on work on site. 2.Building Notice: The Building Notice is a fast track application suitable for domestic work only. Working drawings are not normally required for minor works and the construction details are agreed on site as work progresses. You can make a Building Notice application by completing the appropriate form and submitting this to Newtownabbey Borough Council with a site map sufficient to clearly identify the site. Forms can be obtained by contacting Building Control on 028 9034 0141 or downloading a pdf application form from the Northern Ireland Building Control website: www.buildingcontrolni.com

Working in partnership to tackle crime

NEWTOWNABBEY Community Safety Partnership was established in 2003 and consists of members from the statutory, community/voluntary and private sectors. It is concerned with tackling crime, the fear of crime and anti-social behaviour at a local level. The Partnership has finalised a new Action Plan for 2008/2009 which is now being implemented. The Action Plan consists of 10 projects, all designed to meet local need and tackle local issues. Among these is a LIFE scheme that targets young people at risk of becoming involved in crime and anti-social behaviour. And the ‘Where is Your Child Tonight?’ campaign which encourages parents to take more responsibility for where their children are and the activities they are involved in. For further information contact: Elaine Manson, Newtownabbey Community Safety Partnership, Tel: 028 9034 0070.

Agnew Corporate established in 1995 provides a dedicated and specialist service to business car users throughout the UK. Our aim is to reduce your fleet costs by selecting the correct vehicle for your needs while choosing the appropriate funding method for your business. We pride ourselves in providing our customers with the best possible advice.

For further information: tel: 02890 380 300 or visit our new website. www.agnewcorporate.com


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

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Newtownabbey – an economic profile

NEWTOWNABBEY Borough Council covers an area of approximately 54 square miles and is situated on the shore of Belfast Lough, reaching North from the City of Belfast and stretching up towards the Glens of Antrim. There is a clear physical distinction between the developed urban area stretching out from Glengormley to include Whiteabbey, Mossley, Monkstown and Mallusk, and the rural hinterland extending towards Ballynure, Doagh and Ballyclare. Newtownabbey is the tourist gateway to Belfast City and the beautiful Glens of Antrim, situated as it is on the shore of Belfast Lough reaching North from the City of Belfast and stretching up towards the Glens of Antrim. Motorway access to the nearby ferry ports and airports makes Newtownabbey an ideal choice for tourists. It is made up of the following towns and villages Ballyclare, Whitehouse, Whiteabbey, Rathcoole, Monkstown, Jordanstown, Ballyhenry, Hightown and Glengormley. The local economy in Newtownabbey is made up of a diverse and wide-ranging group of companies spanning various industries. It has several major international companies which sit comfortably alongside small and medium-sized businesses. There is also a strong agricultural base, mainly in Ballyclare and surrounding area. The following statistics give a detailed breakdown of the socio-economic aspects of the area, including population, labour market, industry sectors, and social exclusion. These statistics not only illustrate Newtownabbey's strength amongst its core employment sectors, but also show great expansion within traditionally noncore sectors like real estate, renting and business activities. The borough is making positive steps in creating and maintaining quality employment opportunities

Nortel is one of several international companies operating in Newtownabbey

for local residents. On Census Day in 2001, the total population in the Newtownabbey Borough Council area was 79,995 representing 5% of the total population of Northern Ireland. The population is divided 48.3% male and 51.7% female, and rose by 7.5% since 1991, compared to a rise of 6.4% in Northern Ireland as a whole. In 2005, there were 30,325 employee jobs in Newtownabbey. 23.7% of jobs in Newtownabbey are within the wholesale and retail sector (17.4% in N.I), and the transport, storage and communications sector account for 9.1% of employment (4.2% at N.I. level). Education remains a large employment sector in the borough (15%) In August 2008 the claimant count for unemployment in Newtownabbey was 1.9% which is an increase of 0.1% on the previous year. Those in the 18-24 year-old bracket account for 36.8% of unemployment; 49.3% of the unemployed are aged 25-49 and 13.9% are over 50 years old. These figures mirror the Northern Ireland averages. Median gross weekly earnings in Newtownabbey District Council in April 2006 were £442.4 per week. This was a median average of £446.4 for men and £388.8 for women. Median gross weekly

earnings were 9.2 per cent higher than those for Northern Ireland as a whole and ranked 1 out of the 24 Councils for which data was available On Census Day in 2001, in Newtownabbey, looking at the population aged 16-74: • 16.3% had degree level or higher qualifications; • 66.0% were economically active, 34.0% were economically inactive; • 3.0% were unemployed, of these 35.7% were long-term unemployed. In terms of agriculture, there are a total of 241 farms in the Newtownabbey area, representing 10% of all farms in Northern Ireland. In terms of agricultural labour force, 73% of individuals working on farms are full or part-time farmers and their spouses. There are projected to be 35,800 households in Newtownabbey in the year 2015, with an average household size of 2.25 persons. The 2001 House Conditions Survey showed that 5.3% of all non decent homes were in Newtownabbey. In 2004, 38,729 cars were licensed to addresses in Newtownabbey 7.3% of which were cars registered to a disabled driver or for transporting disabled people.

Providing advice to businesses and the community THE Council's role in Economic Development is to act as a First Stop Shop - a gateway for local assistance, providing advice to businesses and the community in general as well as supporting the main government economic support agencies. The Economic Development Section provides the following services: • Responds to local issues and provides local solutions to local problems • Accesses European Union funds under the Local Economic Development Measure of the European Union’s

Competitiveness Programme • Promotes the Borough as an attractive location to visit, work and invest in • Promotes training and employment opportunities to local people • Promotes enterprise at all levels • Prepares the Borough for the Information Age • Provides training and business development support to companies wishing to develop their business • Co-operates with other Councils to secure funding for rural development in the South Antrim area

• Works in Partnership with and complements the work of other economic development organisations and agencies in the Borough • Provides support to the Newtownabbey Town Centre Management Company • Facilitating the links between Newtownabbey and its international partners - Dorsten, Gilbert and Rybnik For more information on economic development in Newtownabbey, contact the Council's Economic Development Section on 028 9034 0072.


28

Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

Excellence

Ballyhenry Primary School Achieving Potential 45 Ballyhenry Avenue, Newtownabbey, BT36 5AZ Principal Mr. L. McGuckin B.E.d (Hons)., M.Ed., P.Q.H. (N.I.) Have you a child starting P1 in September? Why not come and visit us at a school where the children in our care develop knowledge and understanding in all areas of the curriculum, as well as a love of learning. You are welcome to visit Ballyhenry for a chat with the Principal and a tour of our facilities.

NEWTOWNABBEY is home to many nursery, primary, secondary and special needs schools, each offering children and young people the best in educational opportunities. There have been many changes in the field of education over the past five decades, making schools a very different place today than they were in the 1950s. The phasing out of O Levels

in 1988 in favour of new GCSE exams, the abolition of corporal punishment in 1986 and the massive increase in Information Technology subjects in recent years are among the biggest changes to take place in education over the past few decades. Pending changes to the 11-plus transfer test also point to major challenges ahead for both primary and post-primary schools.

MONKSTOWN COMMUNITY SCHOOL Headmaster: D Harvey B.Ed., M.Ed.

For an appointment Please contact the school at Tel: 028 9084 1316

Bridge Road Newtownabbey, Co Antrim BT37 0EA N. Ireland

Email: info@ballyhenryps.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk

028 9086 7431 Fax: 028 9085 4945 Tel:

email: info@monkstown.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk

Ashgrove Primary School Ashgrove Road, Newtownabbey, BT36 6LJ Principal: Peter B. Waddell

GLENGORMLEY INTEGRATED PRIMARY SCHOOL (Incorporating Playgroup, Breakfast Club & Extended School Child Care)

Mr. N. R. Arnold, Principal Glengormley Integrated Primary School 166 Church Road Glengormley, Newtownabbey, BT366HJ Email: narnold418@c2kni.net

Tel: 028 90832786 www.glengormleyips.co.uk

If so, you are welcome to visit Ashgrove for a tour of the school and to have a chat with the Principal. To make an appointment, please contact the school at 028 9084 8734 or info@ashgroveps.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk

DOAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL 20 Main Street, Doagh, County Antrim BT39 0QL Telephone: 028 9334 0779 E-mail: rthompson320@doaghps.ballyclare.ni.sch.uk Principal: ROBERT J.THOMPSON MA, BA, BEd, DASE, Cert Ed


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

in education

Subjects, teaching techniques and exams may have changed over the years, but local schools continue to offer excellent academic, vocational and extra-curricular opportunities. ■ The North Eastern Education and Library Board is the local education and library authority for Newtownabbey. The NEELB’S Schools Branch

Officers are involved in the strategic management and planning of nursery, primary and post-primary school provision across the Board’s area. Information about local schools and the subjects and facilities they offer can be accessed by telephoning the NEELB on 028 2565 3333 or 028 9448 2200, or by logging on to: www.neelb.org.uk

Ballyclare Primary School 1880 – 2008

Principal: Miss .K. Cowden B’Ed(Hons)., M’Ed., P.Q.H

29

Times NEWTOWNABBEY

and East Antrim Times

CARRICK

275 Carnmoney Road, Newtownabbey BT36 6JS

Tel:028 9083 3619

Email: bduff282@c2kni.net www.carnmoneyps.com

OPEN NIGHT

Monday 12th January 2009 7.00pm - 8.30pm

Raising standards and the enjoyment of learning everyday

Enrolling now for September 2009

2 Doagh Road, Whitehouse, Newtownabbey, Co. Antrim BT37 9NZ Principal: MR. S. D. McCONKEY

Tel: 028 9086 9252 - Fax: 028 9086 7737 E-mail: info@whitehouseps.newtownabbey.ni.sch.uk

STRAID

PRIMARY SCHOOL • Providing a Caring Enviroment • Gosvenors, Staff & Parents Working in Harmony • Pupils Achieving Success

3 Irish Hill Road, Ballyclare BT39 Tel: 028 9335 2686

Earlview Primary School 2 Manse Drive, New Mossley Tel: 9034 2203 (Beside Hillcroft School and Mossley Methodist Church) www.earlviewprimary.ik.org


Newtownabbey - 50 Years of Progress

30

On Location at the Valley!

Past Mayor Nigel Hamilton with pupils from Ballyhenry Primary at the launch of the Council’s 50th Anniversary celebrations

IN JULY 2008, The Valley Leisure Centre enjoyed a temporary transformation into the ‘Titanic Leisureplex’ as filming for the new indie movie ‘Cherry Bomb’ took place. Local actor James Nesbitt, and Harry Potter star Rupert Grint both feature in the film which is scheduled for release next year. ‘Cherry Bomb’ featuring James Nesbitt as Manager of the Titanic Leisureplex, fol-

lows best friends Malachy (Grint) and Luke (Robert Sheehan), who embark on a wild weekend with a beautiful but troubled stranger (Kimberley Nixon). However, what starts out as a game soon becomes deadly serious when the trio find themselves unable to stop the wild ride they have set in motion. Look out for the release of ‘Cherry Bomb’ in 2009!

understand the role of emergency services, and foster good citizenship and relations with various authorities. In 2004 a Bee Safe Regional Project Officer was appointed by Newtownabbey Borough Council, based at Mossley Mill. A Regional Management Board was also established to support the Project and bring together key organisations involved

in Bee Safe. In 2004 when the Regional Project was established, local safety events ran autonomously under a variety of titles in 12 Council areas across Northern Ireland. The aim of the post was therefore to extend Bee Safe to the Council areas where it did not yet exist, to support ongoing events and to create and promote a ‘Bee Safe Brand’. The development of the Regional Project has resulted in many benefits for Bee Safe including: Bee Safe events delivered in 25 of the 26 Council areas; 72% of Primary Schools in Northern Ireland participated in 2007/2008; Improved Coordination of events, and Better communication between partner organisations.

A safer option

BEE Safe is an exciting initiative that brings together statutory, voluntary and private organisations from across Northern Ireland to deliver a safety education programme aimed at children in the Key Stage 7 age group. Bee Safe seeks to provide children with opportunities to develop their life-skills by promoting a safety message through events presented via a range of scenarios. Bee Safe allows pupils to: become more aware of personal and home safety; learn how to react to dangerous situations; make a contribution to crime prevention; avoid becoming the victims of crime;

Anniversary supplement designed by Newtownabbey Times editorial staff

www.newtownabbeytoday.co.uk

ASHERS....... renowned for high quality delicious bakery goods, made from fresh locally sourced ingredients, carefully handcrafted by our dedicated bakers!

• • • •

22 Ballyeaston Road, Ballyclare ............................................Tel: 028 34 Ballymoney Street, Ballymena ........................................Tel: 028 22 Belfast Road, Millbrook, Larne ......................................Tel: 028 unit 9, Monkstown Village, Newtownabbey ........................Tel: 028 www.ashersbakingco.com

9332 2563 2827 9036

4600 8484 0170 5540


Newtownabbey - 50 Years Progress

31

Ostick & Williams provide a comprehensive range of services covering areas: • • • • •

Architecture Planning Planning Supervision Project Management Value Management

Ostick & Williams 14 Edgewater Road, Belfast BT3 9JQ Tel: +44(0)2890 778810 email: admin@ostickandwilliams.com website: www.ostickandwilliams.com

• No minimums • Personal service • Made to measure • Full in-house embroidery service • Complete contract management

Tailored Image, 8a The Linen Green Moygashel, Co Tyrone BT71 7HB

SDLP SOUTH ANTRIM OFFICES

Room321 Parliament Buildings Stormont, Belfast BT4 3XX

17 Main Street Crumlin, Co. Antrim BT29 4 UP

Dr.William McCrea M.P. MLA

Tel; 028 9445 3807 Fax. 028 9447 0661 Web. www.thomasburns.org Email t.burns@sdlp.ie

Nigel Hamilton Alderman

186 Ballyclare Road, Glengormley BT36 5JR Tel:028 9034 2525

Constituancy Surgery in Glengormley Pavillion 1st & Last Saturday of each Month 10.00am - 12.00 noon

4-6 School Street, Ballyclare BT39 9BE Tel; 028 9334 2729

Tel: 07789 208 148 Email:nigelphamilton@yahoo.co.uk

opening Hours Mon- Thurs. 9.00am -5.00pm

www.dup.org.uk/williammccrea.asp



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