Friday 14th December 2007

R-Past, A Walk Into the Past at Milltown Cemetery - This innovative cross community project, telling the hidden personal stories behind famous historical events and locations, will host its first heritage walk on Saturday the 15th of December 2007 at 10.30am.
Three groups of young people from across the political and religious divide will be in attendance along with invited guests and the general public at this exciting event to remember the shared history of our past through poignant personal stories of some of the cemetery’s less famous graves.
The themes for this initial session will be the cemetery’s history, World War 1 and the Connaught Rangers, the Belfast Blitz, the Polish airmen’s contribution to the Second World War from an Irish perspective and modern history.
The young people, who have been funded under the National Lottery’s Young Roots programme, will be undertaking this session as part of a recognised qualification and their contribution will be recorded for up-linking to the projects website.
R-past is groundbreaking in concept as it tells the heroic stories of a range of men and women who fought, and sometimes died, for their beliefs regardless of their causes - and their stories highlight periods in our past (R-past) that changed the course of our history. These individual stories enable the participants to understand the overall historical themes whilst understanding the personal experiences felt by the families (and communities) of the research subjects.
Examples of this pathos include; Christopher Grimes, a Connaught Ranger who fought in the Boer War and survived the First World War, but who died at his fireside along with his wife in the 1941 Belfast Blitz. Elizabeth O’Farrell who fought in the Easter Rising, saving the lives of many volunteers and who was then literally ‘airbrushed’ out of history. Four generations of one family who have fought in every major campaign in this century and whose son has just returned from Iraq.
The initial subjects of the research include:

• Henry Joy McCracken (1798 Rebellion)
• Hugh McAnally (WW1 Connaught Rangers)
• Elizabeth O’Farrell (Easter Rising)
• John Glancy (Indian Mutiny 1857)
• Klemans Adamowitz (R.A.F. Polish Corps)
• W.A. Stirling (WW1)
• Christopher Grimes (Connaught Rangers, 1921 Mutiny, Belfast Blitz)
• Samuel Hoy (36th Ulster Division, WW2, Iraq 2006)

For further information, phone: 028 9033 1911; 07823 880528 (mobile); email: frankhiggins@transitiontraining.org. Dowload/view press release here (Word .doc, 1.58 Mb) or click here (.pdf format, 437 Kb).

Wednesday 5th December 2007

Springboard Opportunities Programme 2008 - Springboard Opportunities Ltd is currently recruiting for the following: MEDIA OVERSEAS, VANCOUVER, CANADA
Interested in working within the Media Sector - TV, Radio or Film?
Springboard Opportunities Limited is offering a 20-week Media programme. The programme includes an 8-week work placement in Vancouver, Canada and starts on the 28th January 2008.
You can gain OCN Level 1 in IT Training.
Acquire knowledge in Music production, Live Sound Recording and DJ Skills.
Gain an insight into film production and video editing.

YOUTH IN THE COMMUNITY BELFAST/GERMANY/POLAND
Interested in working within the Youth Sector?
Springboard Opportunities Limited is offering a 22-week Youth programme, starting 4th  February 2008. 
The programme will include 3 residentials plus trips to Germany and Poland.
You will achieve an OCN level 2/ 3 in Youth Work, Child Protection, First Aid and OCN in Programme Development level 3 or Youth Achievement Award.  You will also gain work experience and mentoring in youth work.

OPTIONS OVERSEAS, KITCHENER, CANADA
Gain work experience in an area of your choice!
Springboard Opportunities Limited is offering an 18-week programme.  The programme includes a 6-week work placement in Kitchener, Canada, and starts on the 11th February 2008.
We offer qualifications in Communication skills, IT, Good Relations and Civic Leadership, Conflict Management and First Aid.

CUSTOMER SERVICES OVERSEAS, TORONTO, CANADA
Interested in working within Customer Services - Retail, Hospitality or Admin?
Springboard Opportunities Limited is offering an 18-week Customer Service programme. The programme includes a 6-week work placement in Toronto, Canada and starts on the 18th February 2008.
You can gain an OCN level 1 in Introduction to Customer Services plus certificates in First Aid, Welcome All, Health and Safety, Front Desk Wonder and Telephone Techniques amongst others.

DIRECTIONS BELGIUM/GLENCREE 10TH March 2008
Unsure of what career path to take?  Want to meet new people?  Learn new skills? A Directions programme is just for you. Not only do you spend 1 week in Belgium and another in Dublin, you can gain qualifications in Adult literacy, Youth Achievement Award and an OCN in Good Relations and Civic Leadership.

If you would like further information regarding any of the above programmes, please contact Paula Quinn at Springboard Opportunities Limited as soon as possible.
Telephone: 028 9031 5111; E-mail: paula@springboard-opps.org

Thursday 29th November 2007

Blue Bear Appeal - NIICCA Christmas APPEAL - Doing a seasonal clear-out of your wardrobe? Sorting out your hot-press?  Then the NIICCA Christmas Appeal needs what you no longer want!
The Northern Ireland International Children’s Charity Appeal ‘Blue Bear Appeal’, in its efforts to bring aid and relief to the thousands of orphans at risk in the Crimea and in an attempt to redress the effects of poverty, needs:

Bedding, blankets, towels,
Soap, shampoo, costume jewellery,
Boots & shoes, bags & slippers,
Clothing: from dressing gowns to ball gowns - balaclavas to bonnets,
ALL CLEAN AND IN GOOD REPAIR
(Boots & Shoes polished and in pairs please)
Teds & Dolls, prams & trikes, simple toys (no batteries please),
Jigsaw puzzles (complete only), pens & pencils,
Exercise books (no text books please)

Some items of furniture - especially Wardrobes & Chest of Drawers
Kitchenware, Household linens, Hardware, brushes, brooms, saucepans & plates,
Computers (Pentium III minimum requirement - but NO software).

Please remember there are port and customs costs involved with sending your donation.  The costs of fuel - and war - have also increased the expense of container shipments.  Can you afford to give £1 per kg per item or bag of clothes?

Small Change Jar?  1p - 2p - 5p - 10p - 20p - 50p - £1 - any amount you choose.  As it’s been said elsewhere “every little helps”.

Contact: NIICCA, PO Box 82, Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, BT38 0AQ. Telephone: 07986 085070; e-mail: info@niicca.co.uk.  Website: www.niicca.co.uk.

Thursday 29th November 2007

Press Release: Chinese Welcome Traditional Parades - During a meeting at the offices of Donegall Pass Community Forum, today, Mr Charles Khang – speaking on behalf of the Chinese business community in Donegall Pass – said, “Over many years, the Chinese community has enjoyed a very close relationship with the local community and will continue, as it always has in the past, to welcome traditional parades in the area”.

Referring to press coverage that he had read during the past few weeks, Mr Khang further remarked that, “Contrary to impressions of the area that might be inferred from commentary in the press, there has existed in Donegall Pass, for a very long time, a mutual respect for each other’s culture, between the Chinese and the local communities.  The Chinese community in Donegall Pass has always enjoyed traditional parades and local people have always respected and enjoyed, for example, the traditional Chinese New Year celebrations”.

Elaine Mansfield, Donegall Pass Community Forum’s Development Manager, said, “The Forum regrets that Donegall Pass has, unfortunately, received some unwelcome, negative publicity concerning the recent controversy over parading issues”. She added, “The Forum continues to work in partnership with other communities, statutory agencies and government departments to improve the Donegall Pass area and make it a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone and to attract much-needed investment”.

Elaine Mansfield continued, “The members of our community who are Chinese and the Chinese business community representatives have been very supportive of our core aims including, identifying the key priorities for developing the area and preparing a strategy and action plan for addressing these priorities; developing the Forum as an effective network for community groups and others working for the benefit of the area; raising awareness of the needs of the community and attracting investment and resources to meet those needs. We are grateful for their support”.

Note to Editors:
Contacts (through Forum Office, 028 9032 6256):
Mr Charles Khang
Mrs Elaine Mansfield
Mr Terence Watson (Chairperson, Donegall Pass Community Forum).
Download Press Release: Word .doc (778 Kb.).

Tuesday 27th November 2007

Lyric Theatre Event - 3 Film Shorts on Cultural Diversity - From Denise Wright (South Belfast Roundtable on Racism).  On Sunday 9th December 2007, three short films will be presented, by Director Carol Moore, at 3pm in the Lyric Theatre, 55 Ridgeway Street, Belfast.  The theme of this free event is cultural diversity in Belfast/Northern Ireland. The event also includes an ‘open mic’ discussion on new lyric programming chaired by Dan Gordon.
Briefly, the three ‘shorts’, entitled ‘Are you seeing me?’, ‘This Belfast Thing’ and ‘The Farther, the Dearer’, respectively offer “...predictable footage of political murals, exactly because it reinforces a sense of distinctiveness that is Belfast”; “...a montage of visual and sound ethnicity associations, providing both subtle and stereotypical nuances of people, place and identity.”; “A 50 minute documentary about Aleksej Fedjukovs, a migrant worker from the village of Seda in Latvia.” - “The documentary is a personal insight into sacrifice, absence, patience and hope and follows Aleksej over a year and a half as he works to get his young family settled in Ireland.”
For more details, click this link.  To order your tickets, in advance, for this free event - click here.  Tickets will be made available for collection 30mins before the first film commences.

Friday 23rd November 2007

Traveller Focus Week December 3rd-7th December 2007 - The Northern Ireland launch of the all-Ireland Traveller Focus Week will take place on Monday, 3rd December 2007 at 11.00am in the Waterfront Hall, Belfast. There will be photographic displays, music and an original Barrel Top Wagon!
Some of the key seminars are:

Tuesday, 4th December 2007 11am Waterfront Hall, Belfast Launch of Traveller Cultural Awareness Training Pack Contact: lisamc@anmuniatober.org Tuesday, 4th December 2007 2pm Waterfront Hall, Belfast Best Practice in Traveller Accommodation Contact: lisamc@anmuniatober.org (Lunch will be available for those attending either seminar between 12.30pm and 1.30pm)     Wednesday, 5th December 2007 10.30am Park Avenue Hotel, Belfast Policing and the Traveller Community Contact: gavin.cairns@psni.pnn.police.uk Thursday, 6th December 2007 10.30am Market Place, Armagh Launch of education DVD by South Eastern Library Board (am) Contact: eugene.douglas@selb.org     Thursday, 6th December 2007 2pm Northern Ireland Commission for Children and Young people (NICCY), Belfast Launch of Review of Traveller Education Report Contact: chantal@niccy.org Friday, 7th December 2007 11am Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Travellers and Health Conference Contact: lesley.jamieson@belfasttrust.hscni.net

Many other events, such as plays, exhibitions, Arts Events, etc., will take place. For assistance or further information, contact: An Munia Tober on (028) 90438265.  To download/view the Calendar of Events, click here (.pdf format, 784 Kb.); to download/view the Poster, click here (.pdf format, 368 Kb.).

Friday 9th November 2007

Social Evening for the Polish Community - From Denise Wright (South Belfast Roundtable on Racism). A social evening of food and entertainment is being held in Londonderry - organised by the Polish Welfare Association and the North West Regional College to mark the contribution of the Polish Community in the North West.
The event is being held on Tuesday 20th November 2007 - at 7.30pm - in the Erin Room Restaurant, Level 1, Northland Building, Northland Road, Londonderry (food and entertainment will be available free of charge).
Those attending will have the opportunity to obtain an Emergency Contact Card - which will be officially launched on the evening for members of the Polish Community.
If you wish to attend, or require further information, please contact the Polish Welfare Association: ‘phone 07745 510785; email polishwelfare@hotmail.co.uk or contact Sheila Stewart (North West Regional College): ‘phone (028) 7127 6066; email sheila.stewart@nwrc.ac.uk.  Download/view information sheets (Polish) by clicking here (Word .doc, 720 Kb.) or here (.pdf format, 101 Kb.). English version click here (Word .doc, 728 Kb.) or here (.pdf format, 69.4 Kb.).

Thursday 1st November 2007

Public Lecture by Trevor Phillips - From Denise Wright (South Belfast Roundtable on Racism). Trevor Phillips, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, will deliver a public lecture entitled “The Role of Education in Promoting Equality and Social Cohesion” on Wednesday 21st November 2007 at W5, Odyssey, Belfast.  Registration and Coffee at 3.00pm.
Born in London in 1953, Trevor attended secondary school in Georgetown, Guyana, and then studied chemistry at Imperial College London. Between 1978 and 1980, he was president of The National Union of Students. He then went into broadcasting, becoming Head of Current Affairs at LWT in 1992.  From 1987 to 2000, he was alternately the editor or the presenter of The London Programme.  Trevor received awards from the Royal Television Society in 1988, 1993 and 1998.
In addition to many newspaper articles and comment pieces, Trevor has co-written Windrush: The Irresistible Rise of Multiracial Britain (with Mike Phillips), published in 1998, and Britain's Slave Trade (with S.I. Martin) published the following year.
To download/view the Invitation, click here (.pdf format, 789 Kb. ) - RSVP to Kyra Hunter on 028 9023 6200 or e-mail khunter@nicie.org.uk.  To download/view a ‘mini biography’ of Trevor Phillips (inluding the event’s programme), click here (Word.doc, 547 Kb.) or here (.pdf format, 50.3 Kb.).

Thursday 1st November 2007

Information Seminar - Anti-Racist Workplace Week - From Jill Hanna (Chinese Welfare Association).  As part of ‘Anti-Racist Workplace Week’ the Chinese Welfare Association has issued an invitation to employers and employees working in Northern Ireland to an Information Seminar about ‘knowing your rights in the workplace’ on Tuesday 6th November 2007 at the Holiday Inn, University Street, Belfast (opposite the Chinese Welfare Association) -  commencing 12.00pm and scheduled to finish at 2.00pm.  An interpreter will be available. Please reserve your place(s) by contacting Li Kirkpatrick (Secretary, CWA) on 028 90288277.  Jill Hanna (Community Relations Officer - Belfast) may be contacted at 02890 288277 or e-mail: jill@cwa-ni.org.  Download/View the Flyer (in English) by clicking here (Word .doc, 23.5 Kb.) or here (.pdf format, 11.3 Kb.); download/view Chinese version of Flyer by clicking here (Word .doc, 27.5 Kb.) or here (.pdf format, 54 Kb.).

Wednesday 31st October 2007

Anti-Racist Workplace Week, 5-11 November 2007 - From Denise Wright (South Belfast Roundtable on Racism).  The South Belfast Roundtable on Racism and Belfast City Council’s Good Relations Unit are offering free training as part of the ‘Anti-Racist Workplace Week.  Anti-racist workplace week is a social partnership initiative supported by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland, the Equality Authority, Equality in Ireland and other key social partners - North and South. The theme for this year is ‘Consolidating The Integrated Workplace’.  The initiative aims to help workplaces to achieve full equality in practice through the development of effective policies, practices and procedures.
A workshop, designated ‘Ending Hate in our Communities’, will be held on Tuesday 6th November 2007, from 1.30pm to 5.00pm, at the NI Equality Commission, 7-9 Shaftesbury Square, Belfast, BT2 7DP.  Lunch will be provided.
If you require more information or would like to book a place on a course, please contact: Denise Wright, Race Relations Co-ordinator, South Belfast Roundtable on Racism, 18 Mount Charles, Belfast, BT7 5LY.  Phone: 028 90244070; E-mail: denise.wright@sbrtr.org.uk.  Download/view the flyer here (Word .doc, 93.5 Kb.) or here (.pdf format, 719 Kb.).

Friday 26th October 2007

“Building a Better Future” - Draft Programme for Government 2008-2011 - Thursday 25th October 2007: the Northern Ireland Executive announced the publishing of its Draft Programme for Government, for the period 2008-2011, entitled “Building a Better Future”. This is available for download on our documents page (also see below).  According to the Executive’s press release, the “Draft Programme...sets out plans to create 6,500 new jobs by 2011 with 600 companies becoming exporters for the first time in the same period.”  It continues, “The Draft Investment Strategy for Northern Ireland will see £5.6 billion spent on infrastructure projects in the next three years...”; the Executive website also states that, by 2018, it intends to invest:

• “£3.1bn in our strategic road network and public transport”;
• “£1.4bn in our water and waste water and waste management infrastructure”;
• “£3.5bn in schools and youth services, with a further £632m for further education and libraries”;
• “£3.5bn in health and social care”;
• “£1.4bn in social and affordable housing along with over £600m for regeneration and £500m for Culture, Arts and Sport”.

Click here to view/download “Building a Better Future” Draft Programme for Government 2008-2011 (.pdf format, 1.03 Mb, 19 pages).
Click here to view/download “Building a Better Future” Draft Budget 2008-2011 (.pdf format, 3.96 Mb, 126 pages).
Click here to view/download “Building a Better Future” Draft Investment Strategy 2008-2011 (.pdf format, 1.91 Mb, 30 pages)

Thursday 25th October 2007

Good Relations Guidance for Public Authorities - Section 75 - Equality Commission - From Denise Wright (South Belfast Roundtable on Racism).  The Equality Commission has recently published 'Promoting Good Relations - A Guide for Public Authorities', which provides public authorities with information and advice on implementing their good relations duty under Section 75 (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998. It includes good practice recommendations, as well as a wide range of examples of where public authorities have been pro-active in addressing this duty. Download/view the Guide (82 pages) by clicking here (.pdf format, 2.01 Mb). (Also available for download from this website’s documents page.)  Alternatively, hard copies of the Guide are available from the Equality Commission (Contact email: emackey@equalityni.org).

Wednesday 24th October 2007

The Ulster People’s College Training Calendar (Nov. 2007 - Easter 2008) - The Ulster People’s College has announced its Training Calendar for the period November 2007 to Easter 2008. UPC Programmes focus on community development to enable social and economic regeneration and on political development to enable real democracy and expression of citizenship.
The courses will be held at the UPC (1 Lower Crescent, Belfast, BT7 1NR) but if there is substantial demand the college will run additional courses in other locations.  The courses, which are accredited by the Open College Network, are open to everyone and are delivered free of charge.
To register for a course, click here to download a pdf version (50.7 Kb) of the Student Registration Form, complete and return it to the college. Please note that places on each course are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Description of courses:

Community Publicity Skills
Accredited at OCN Level 2, this course provides participants with an understanding of the importance of developing an effective publicity strategy for an organisation.  It will enable participants to create publicity materials, write press releases and have a good understanding of key media outlets.

Course Dates Time 1 Wednesday 14, 21 & 28 November 10am – 4pm 2 Friday 18, 15 January & 1 February 10am – 4pm

Developing Facilitation Skills
Accredited at OCN Level 2, this course aims to introduce participants to the principles of facilitation and to give them the opportunity to acquire the necessary skills to effectively manage a group.

Course Dates Time 1 Friday 9, 16 & 23 November 10am – 4pm 2 Wednesday 16, 23 & 30 January 10am – 4pm

Introduction to Community Development
Accredited at OCN Level 1, this course aims to introduce participants to the key skills and concepts of community development.

Course Dates Time 1 Thursday 15, 22, 29 November & 6 December 7pm – 9.30pm 2 Saturday 2 & 9 February 10am – 4pm

Race & Ethnicity
Accredited at OCN Level 2, this course explores concepts of race and ethnicity to investigate current issues and implications of the future. The course is suitable for anyone with an interest in diversity issues and a shared future.

Course Dates Time 1 Wednesday 14, 21, 28 November & 5 December 6.30pm – 9.30pm 2 Friday 29 February & 7 March 10am – 4pm

Women & Leadership
Accredited at OCN Level 2, this course offers women the opportunity to explore their own leadership potential and feel more confident about taking on leadership roles. It also aims to help women explore the balance of power in our society in relation to gender.

Course Dates Time 1 Friday 30 November, 7 & 14 December 10am – 4pm 2 Wednesday 16, 23, 30 January, 6, 13, 20, 27 February & 5 March 7pm – 9pm

For further information on any of the courses please contact the College on (028) 9033 0131 or email info@upclearn.org. (To view/download the college’s prospectus, click here - pdf 1.4 Mb.)

Tuesday 23rd October 2007

Belfast Interface Project - Mobile Phone Network Seminar - Belfast Interface Project is holding a ‘Mobile Phone Network Seminar’ in Farset International (466 Springfield Road, Belfast BT12 7DW) on Thursday 29th November 2007, from 9.30am to 1.00pm (followed by lunch). The seminar will offer interface mobile phone network members the chance to exchange methods of effective practice in operating the network.  The seminar will also entail small group discussions of current issues and needs concerning the mobile phone network which will give feedback to the general seminar and inform a seminar report.
The report, following the event, will be sent to seminar participants, BIP members and key stakeholders - the aim being to increase the knowledge-base within interface communities, and other interested parties, regarding this important conflict-management tool.
For further information and/or to confirm attendance, contact Sam Askin or Marnie Kennedy at 90242828; email: info@belfastinterfaceproject.org.  Click here to view/download circular letter (.pdf format, 39.1 Kb).

Friday 19th October 2007

Local Works! Northern Ireland - A convention on regeneration, enterprise and jobs, ‘LOCAL WORKS! Convention Northern Ireland’, is being held on Monday/Tuesday, 29/30 October 2007 in the Europa Hotel, Belfast. The Keynote speakers are: Margaret Ritchie, Minister for Social Development, Department for Social Development and Greg Mcconnell, Deputy Secretary for Employment and Learning, Department for Employment and Learning.
The purpose of Local Works is to showcase what works, what works well and what we can learn from others involved in regeneration policy and initiatives. Local Works! Northern Ireland will include contributions on a number of topical areas including:

• Reform of local government – any further developments?
• Welfare reform – examples of the potential for welfare reform.
• Boosting skill levels – how do we increase training for the Northern Ireland workforce?
• Community Planning and Local Area Agreements – practice not policy!
• Future EU structural funds and Peace III programme – ready to deliver?
• Neighbourhood renewal – case studies from the UK.
• Rural development – challenges facing our rural communities.
• Successful examples of enterprise development – what we can learn from others?
• Integration of migrant labour – how do we promote cohesion?
• Employment and health – health matters for those on Incapacity Benefit and wanting work.

The convention will help anyone working in/involved with regeneration, welfare, skills and enterprise.  Click here to register online. Contact: Mintra Sadler, Event Manager, Direct tel: 020 7840 8338; email: mintra.sadler@cesi.org.uk
If you’ve got ‘pots of dough’ sloshing around - go for it (fees are in the £200 - £300 mark).  The Convention is endorsed, apparently, by the Northern Ireland Local Government Association (NILGA), the Department for Employment and Learning (DEL) and the Department for Social Development (DSD). Since virtually all community organisations are involved in the subject themes, it truly beggars belief that community representation has been effectively excluded by a ‘fee tariff’.  So, we say: shame on DEL, DSD and NILGA! Click here to view/download brochure (.pdf, 829 Kb). Click here to view/download (Word .doc, 36.5 Kb) or here (.pdf, 22.3 Kb).

Friday 19th October 2007

Ghosts of Abu Grhaib, HBO Documentary - The Irish School of Ecumenics is welcoming everyone to a public screening of the HBO documentary ‘Ghosts of Abu Ghraib’ at 683 Antrim Road, Belfast on Tuesday, 23 October 2007, 7.00pm - 9.00pm.  Coffee and tea will be available from 6.30pm and viewing of the film will commence at 7.00pm. - with a discussion following the showing. This film is being shown in conjunction with the National Religious Campaign Against Torture’s ‘Spotlight on Torture’ week (21-28 October 2007) and is for mature audiences only.  For more information, click this link: www.nrcat.org.
The familiar and disturbing pictures of torture at Iraq's Abu Ghraib prison raise many troubling questions: How did torture become an accepted practice at Abu Ghraib?  Did U.S. government policies make it possible? How much damage has the aftermath of Abu Ghraib had on America's credibility as a defender of freedom and human rights around the world?  Acclaimed filmmaker Rory Kennedy (HBO's "Indian Point: Imagining the Unimaginable") looks beyond the headlines to investigate the psychological and political context in which torture occurred.
For the first time, ‘Ghosts of Abu Ghraib’ features both the voices of Iraqi victims (interviewed in Turkey after arduous attempts to meet them) and guards directly involved in torture at the prison. Conducted by Kennedy, these remarkably candid, in-depth interviews shed light on the abuses in an unprecedented manner. Through these interviews, the film traces the events and the political and legal precedents that led to the scandal, beginning with the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon on 11 September 2001.
Contact: Arlene Poole, Irish School of Ecumenics, Trinity College, 683 Antrim Road, Belfast, BT15 4EG. Phone:(028) 90770061; email: poolea@tcd.ie

Wednesday 17th October 2007

Education for Pluralism, Research Project - The University of Ulster UNESCO Centre’s EU Peace and Reconciliation Programme-funded “Education for Pluralism, Human Rights and Democracy” project examines education and reconciliation issues in the Basque Country, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Northern Ireland.  Through interviewing children, young people, adults and consultations with educators to investigate

• awareness and understanding of the conflict in their region;
• concepts of reconciliation;
• implications for education in promoting the concept of reconciliation with different age groups in the three regions

- the project hopes to highlight the important role that education can play in dealing with the legacy of the conflict and contributing to reconciliation in Northern Ireland.

The UNESCO Centre is seeking to interview 24-25 year olds - at a time and in a place that suits them - from a variety of social, cultural and educational backgrounds. At the project’s current stage, the UNESCO Centre is especially interested in interviewing 24-25 year olds who identify themselves as being from the unionist or loyalist communities.  Interviews will last for approximately one hour - and confidentiality, privacy and anonymity are guaranteed.

For more information, view or download the relevant leaflet by clicking here (Word .doc, 672Kb) or here (.pdf format, 677Kb). Contact: Clare Magill, e-mail: cmagill@ulster.ac.uk - phone: 02870 323593.

Friday 12th October 2007

Wally and Wise Puppet Show - Botanic Primary School was the venue for the Wally and Wise Puppet Show, delivered by Action Cancer on 5th October 2007.  There were two shows, the first for the junior school and the second was for the senior school.

All the children who participated had a thoroughly good time and took on board the health messages that Wally and Wise were trying to get across. These included always eat healthy foods, take plenty of exercise, keep yourself safe in the sun and remember to never, ever smoke.

Some of the children received prizes for being so well behaved and others won prizes for their fantastic dancing skills.  Thank you to Action Cancer for making the day such good fun and thank you to all the pupils and staff for coming along, participating and having fun.  Click on the Wally & Wise picture to see a ‘Flash’ presentation of the event.

Friday 12th October 2007

Top to Toe Ladies’ Pamper Night - Thank you to all the ladies who came out to support the Pamper Night, on Thursday 27th September in the Forum offices. In all, 18 local women attended and availed of the free Complimentary Therapies that were on offer. Some of the therapies included Indian Head Massage, Aromatherapy Massage, Reflexology and Reiki. Thanks to the therapists: Lorraine Geddis, Angela Keys, Amy McShannock and Maureen Robinson.

On the night, some light refreshments were provided and the ladies came up with some really good ideas about how to take the group forward and we also discussed the issues that were affecting local people - in particular local women. Click on the picture for some images of the evening.

The group now comes together on a Wednesday evening, in the Forum, for a chat and they are currently in the process of organising trips to other women’s groups and events for the future.  Everyone is welcome to attend so just come along.  If you require further information you can contact the Forum (Elaine or Leeanne: 90326256) or speak to Angie McCurrie.

Thursday 11th October 2007

Polish Health Day - Supported by Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, a Polish Health Day is being held on Saturday 20th October 2007 at the City Church, 12-24 University Avenue, Belfast.  Everyone is welcome to attend - between 11am and 2pm.
As well as matters relating to health, the event will include information on Polish culture.
Visitors to the event will be able to attend health talks, have a health check up, browse health and information stands, enjoy cultural displays, experience complimentary therapy and tuck into a light lunch.
So - come along and have an informative and enjoyable time!
Download/view the flyer by clicking here (.pdf format, 40Kb).

Tuesday 9th October 2007

Enterprise Outreach Drop-in Clinic - Interested in starting your own business? Do you need some help, support or advice?  Henri Mohammed, Manager and CDW at Donegall Pass Community Centre, is hosting a business clinic - in the Community Centre, Apsley Street, on Thursday 29th November 2007, 11am-4pm.  If you have a business idea, or are in the throes of starting a business, you are more than welcome to drop in at this free clinic and speak to people who have already started a business or a social enterprise.
Find out: How to start a business; How to come up with a business idea; What support, grants and loans are available. All advice is free and confidential and you will have the opportunity to speak to Belfast City Council’s Enterprise Officer, Ruth Rea.
For more information, contact Henri Mohammed at (028) 9032 7661 or Ruth Rea at (028) 9050 0526 (email: rearuth@belfastcity.gov.uk).

Tuesday 9th October 2007

Millennium Volunteer Grant Funding 2008-11 - Following the success of the first nine years of the Millennium Volunteers programme (a UK wide initiative designed to promote and recognise sustained volunteering among young people aged 16 –24), the Volunteer Development Agency is seeking to fund Delivery Partners that share its vision of youth volunteering – i.e., building on existing, and developing new, opportunities for young people which enables them to get involved in their communities in the issues that matter to them – this should include supporting young people to develop youth led initiatives.
Approximately £750,000 has been made available in grant funding over the next 3 years to fund a range of organisations to deliver innovative and creative volunteering opportunities for young people. Applications for the new round of Millennium Volunteers grant funding, recently launched, must be submitted by the 14th November 2007.
Download the Guidance Notes by clicking here (Word.doc format, 379 Kb).  Download the Information Flyer by clicking here (.pdf format, 3.46 Mb). Download the Application Form by clicking here (Word.doc format, 543 Kb).  For more information, email: mvgrants@volunteering-ni.org or phone: (028) 9023 6100.  The Forum is grateful to Henri Mohammed (9032 7661), Donegall Pass Community Centre, for making it aware of this programme.

Monday 8th October 2007

Petrol Bomb Attack in Vernon Street - Two petrol bombs were thrown at a pensioner’s house in Vernon Street, Donegall Pass.  The explosive missiles were lobbed from McClure Street, across the railway line, at about 4.30pm. One of the two devices exploded and was doused by a local resident – the other failed to detonate. The fire brigade and the police attended the scene.
A police officer informed concerned Forum staff that a CID forensic team had been asked to attend -  the defenceless, innocent pensioner, although shaken, was, thankfully, physically unharmed.
The Forum utterly deplores this kind of sectarian hate incident and notes that it is only one of a number of attacks on Vernon Street residents and their property that has occurred during the course of this year. It is also noteworthy that, despite numerous reports and complaints to the relevant agencies from Vernon Street residents, virtually nothing has been done to halt these vicious assaults.
The cowardly, bigoted, sectarian louts who hurled the petrol bombs – at a lone pensioner – obviously intended to seriously injure her (or worse) and/or set fire to her home. Such incidents also have the potential to seriously threaten the safety and lives of rail passengers and staff.
It is, surely, time that, instead of the usual nauseating spectacle of ‘hand-wringing’ and whining about lack of resources that typifies the ineffectual and supine ‘response’ of the agencies statutorily charged to deal with such situations, determined and sustained action is taken to deal with and remove the cause of such murderous, hate-filled occurrences.  The long-suffering residents of Vernon Street are entitled - indeed it is their ‘human right’ - to live in peace and safety.
The time for empty promises and, patently, vacuous statements is over - the people of Vernon Street demand, and Donegall Pass Community Forum demands, that the statutory bodies ‘do their jobs’ and discharge their duties - for once!

Wednesday 3rd October 2007

Belfast City Council ‘Peace Plan’ - DPCF, today, received (from the South Belfast Partnership) a copy of the final draft of Belfast City Council’s Peace & Reconciliation Action Plan prepared with reference to the EU Peace III Programme, Priority 1.1: “building positive relations at the local level”. The ‘Peace Plan’ will have four (4) main objectives:

• securing shared city space
• transforming contested space
• developing shared cultural space
• building shared organisational space

The draft Peace Plan, based on the current Good Relations Plan for Belfast, is contingent upon a successful bid for a total of £12 million (the SEUPB may, however, decide to allocate a smaller amount to Belfast).  Belfast City Council will act as an intermediary funding body to provide funding to other agencies to enable delivery of the programme’s priority.  ‘Proposed mechanisms’ and ‘principles envisaged’, along with proposals for an ‘enhanced’ small grants programme are outlined in the Plan.  To download/view the Plan, click here (word .doc format, 1.31 Mb) or here (.pdf format, 836 Kb).
Belfast City Council intends to hold a series of ‘public consultations’ during late October/early November 2007 relevant to the four cardinal compass points of the city.  To download/view the venues, click here (word .doc format, 32 Kb) or here (.pdf format, 13.9 Kb).
For further information, contact Marie Craig - BCC Good Relations Unit - at 9032 0202 ext 6025 (or DDI 9027 0663); e-mail: craigm@belfastcity.gov.uk.

Monday 1st October 2007

Stepping Into Diversity Training - South Belfast Roundtable on Racism will be hosting the Stepping into Diversity course aimed at increasing cultural awareness.
It is delivered by TIDES and The Multi Cultural Resource Centre and will run on Monday 8th Oct from 10pm - 12.30pm at City Church, 12-24 University Ave, Belfast.  All places are free.
The free course is particularly recommended for those working in community settings.
To book a place or find out further details please contact: Denise Wright at (028) 90244070, Fax: (028) 90245565; email: denise.wright@sbrtr.org.uk.

Monday 1st October 2007

Shriver - Public lecture 16th October - Spires Centre - Donald W Shriver Jr, President Emeritus of Union Theological College, New York, will deliver a public lecture - entitled ‘An Ethic For Enemies - Acknowledgement, Apology And Remembrance After Conflict’ - at the Spires Conference Centre, Fisherwick Place, Belfast on Tuesday 16th October 2007. The lecture will commence at 7.30pm and finish at 9.00pm (tea and coffee available from 7.15pm).  Click here for further details (pdf, 20.6 Kb.).

Monday 1st October 2007

Interface Capacity Worker - Full-Time - The Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group is currently seeking to recruit a full-time Interface Capacity Worker - primarily working within the Suffolk community. The Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group (SLIG) brings together representatives from both communities on opposite sides of the Stewartstown Road interface in Outer West Belfast. The long-term vision of the group is to establish ‘two ordinary communities living side by side as good neighbours’.
To help it achieve this vision, the group, the group has developed a challenging, interesting and innovative strategy - working through a range of activities and programmes which will involve all sections of the community. The group is looking for people who understand the sensitivities and difficulties of life in an interface community and who have the commitment, resilience, energy and vision to work with it and assist it in developing its programme.
Applicants must meet the following criteria: a recognised qualification in either youth or community work and a minimum of 3 years paid experience gained in the last 5 years; or 5 years paid experience in either youth or community work.
The posts are funded through the Community Bridges Programme – International Fund for Ireland and the Community Relations Council - initially until March 2008 and thereafter will be subject to further funding being available. Completed applications must be returned by 12 noon on Friday 12th October.  Late applications will not be accepted. CVs cannot be accepted.
If you’re interested and wish to receive an application pack, please contact: Laura Brown, Suffolk Lenadoon Interface Group, 124 Stewartstown Road, Belfast, BT11 9JQ.  E-mail: laura@slig.co.uk

Wednesday 26th September 2007

Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise - The School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland has one place remaining for the Advanced Diploma in Social Enterprise. This popular course is specially tailored for the Voluntary and Community sector and is suited to individuals actively pursuing setting up or developing a “sustainable social enterprise”.  The fee for this course is normally £1,950 - but a limited number of bursaries are available at a reduced fee of £750.  (This reduced bursary fee, however, is still a substantial amount of money for community organisations located and working in deprived areas to afford.)  The bursaries, accessible through BLSP, are available to participants residing in, or working for organisations that target, the TSN areas of Belfast -  or those groups disadvantaged by “the conflict”. The tutorials are interactive, participative and will involve a London-based visit.  The course, which has been externally evaluated by Cambridge University, begins during October 2007 and ends in June 2008.
There are 2 bursaried places remaining and the closing date is Friday 28th September 2007 (rather short notice, to put it mildly!).  Contact: Danny Angus, Administrator, School for Social Entrepreneurs in Ireland, Interpoint, 20-24 York Street, Belfast BT15 1AQ - Phone: 028 9032 8918, email: entrepreneurs@btconnect.com.  Click here to view/download the application form (742 Kb, .doc - MS Word). Click on the University of Ulster logo, above, to download/view the brochure.

Thursday 20th September 2007

”Raising Awareness” (Anti-Racism) Training - Denise Wright (Race Relations Co-ordinator, South Belfast Roundtable on Racism) will be delivering a half-day (9am - 1pm) ‘anti-racism’ course at the Donegall Pass Community Centre, in Apsley Street, on Thursday, 27th September 2007. Denise will be delivering the course along with Henri Mohammed - everyone is most welcome. Please contact Denise at 028 90244070 (e-mail: denise.wright@sbrtr.org.uk) or Henri at 028 90327661 if you wish to attend.

Tuesday 11th September 2007

Lipstick & Money Programme - Glam up girls!  Put on your lipstick, learn how to make some money and enjoy yourselves! Self-employment has offered many women from local communities a way of making some money, getting  job satisfaction and improving their lifestyle. Even if you are not interested in self-employment, the programme will give you enterprising skills which can be important if you get a job, or can even be useful for everyday life.
The programme, co-ordinated by East Belfast Enterprise, is funded by Invest NI (under the ‘Renewing Communities’ programme) and is for women who want to enjoy life and make money. The programme includes:
Group Sessions -

• ‘Because I am worth it’
• ‘Back to the future’
• ‘A few Quid better off?’
• ‘Whose Idea is it Anyway?’
• ‘How to make money at things you enjoy!’
• ‘More on making money!’

Other activities include:

• ‘1-2-1 coaching’
• ‘Behind the Scenes’
• ‘Business Shadowing’
• ‘Who Wants to be a Millionaire?’
• ‘Local Women Making Money’
• ‘Self-employment - Your Questions Answered’

The programme will be delivered locally, in Donegall Pass, and we’re recruiting NOW! So, contact Ken at (028) 9032 6256 - soonest.  Click here for leaflet scan (pdf format, 1.22Mb.)

Monday 10th September 2007

INCORE and NCCRI - Race and the Media Conference - This conference will focus on the representation of minority ethnic groups and individuals in the media. The conference will be addressed by a guest speaker from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).  The event will take place on Wednesday 3rd October 2007, from 9.30am to 3.00pm, at the City Hotel, Londonderry/Derry. For further details, click here (Microsoft Word doc, 31Kb) or here (pdf format, 21.5Kb).

Friday 7th September 2007

Belfast Metropolitan College, under its ‘Renewing Communities Programme 2007-2008’, is offering vocational courses, commencing from September 2007 (subject to approval and required numbers).  Click here for further details and document download link.

Friday 7th September 2007

Community Dialogue: Training Education & Development, 2007/08 - Community Dialogue has announced its Training & Development Programme for 2007/08, offering a range of externally and internally-accredited courses. To view or download the relevant document, please click here (pdf format, 1.33Mb.).  Community Dialogue website link.

Monday 3rd September 2007

Donegall Pass Community Centre Committee AGM - Henri Mohammed, CDW, Belfast City Council, has advised the Forum that the Annual General Meeting of the Donegall Pass Community Centre Committee will take place on Tuesday 11th Septermber 2007 at 7.00pm (Community Centre, 25 Apsley Street).  The Forum urges everyone concerned about the future of the community centre to attend and to make their views and ideas (if they have any) known.  The agenda is as follows:

1. Chairperson’s welcome
2. Apologies
3. Minutes of previous AGM
4. Reports (Chairperson, Treasurer)
5. Committee stands down/election of new centre committee
6. Any other business

Contact: Henri Mohammed, Donegall Pass Community Centre, 25 Apsley Street, Belfast.  BT7 1BL. Telephone: 028 9032 7661

Friday 31st August 2007

Ulster People’s College Prospectus - The Ulster People’s College (UPC) has published its prospectus for the forthcoming academic year.  Click here to download or view the prospectus online (pdf format, 1.4Mb approx.).  The UPC adopts a distinct approach to learning.  Many people who enrol on UPC courses have left school much earlier in their lives - with a negative view of education and without qualifications.
The UPC puts considerable effort into enthusing participants about education and training - and increasing their vision, skills and building their confidence. This is achieved through designing courses that are practical and applicable, supported by user-friendly material relevant to life experiences and delivered in informal settings. Attention is also paid to training needs analysis, developmental assessment, developing progression routes for learners and to monitoring participant progress upon completion of training.
The UPC also offers other development services to organisations. These include evaluations, strategic planning, consultancies and economic appraisals. The UPC has also conducted research into education and training needs for community development.  Visit the Ulster People’s College website: www.ulsterpeoplescollege.org.uk.

Friday 24th August 2007

Islam for Service Providers Course - The Belfast Islamic Centre is introducing a full day course aimed at helping ‘service providers’ to develop greater competence when working with members of the Muslim community - leading to an increase in ‘service take up’ by Muslim individuals, groups and organisations.
The course is designed for those who currently offer services to Muslims - or who may do so in the future. The course aims to ♦Provide an overview of key concepts in Islam and Islamic behaviour ♦Give an understanding of the key demographic issues concerning the Muslim community in Northern Ireland ♦Demonstrate how these issues impact on service provision and within the workplace ♦Present good practice models of working with Muslim community members ♦Enable workers to develop greater competence, and confidence, in working with members of the Muslim community ♦Enable workers to provide services that are sensitive and appropriate to the needs of the Muslim community ♦Challenge misconceptions, negative stereotypes and Islamophobic attitudes and behaviour ♦Enable workers to create an environment, in their workplace, that is user-friendly - accessible and open - to Muslim community members ♦Understand anti-Muslim discrimination, how it impacts on service provision and how it can be effectively challenged.
The course, which includes a full Indian lunch, will be held at the Belfast Islamic Centre - 38 Wellington Park, Belfast, BT9 6DN - on Monday 10th September 2007 or Tuesday 11th September 2007, 9.30am to 4.00pm.  For further details, costs, etc., click here (pdf, 184Kb); download the booking form by clicking here (Word doc, 137Kb) or e-mail info@belfastislamiccentre.org.uk.

Friday 24th August 2007

Northern Ireland Polish Welfare Association - Katrina Kordula (Director, Polish Welfare Association) has announced that the organisation can now be contacted through the One World Centre, 7-12 Foyle Street, Londonderry - Telephone 07933 533453, e-mail: polishwelfare@hotmail.co.uk

Wednesday 8th August 2007

NvTv Youth Media School - Northern Visions is running a free 4-day intensive and practical school in television production - including interviewing, presenting, studio production, location filming and post-production - aimed at individuals interested in working, or volunteering, in a community media context. The course is suitable for people who work, or volunteer, in the community and who wish to produce regular television reports promoting an organisation’s activities.
To be considered for the NvTv Community Media Course: print off the form at www.northernvisions.org/courses, complete it and send off to Northern Visions/NvTv, 23 Donegall Street, Belfast, BT1 2FF.  Particpants must be aged 16-25 years and must be available, each day, from Monday - Thursday 20-23 August 2007, 10am - 5pm.

Wednesday 25th July 2007

Employability Outreach Support Service - After a hiatus due to staff changes, GEMS NI has restarted its employability outreach support service in Donegall Pass. Joe Carmichael is the worker assigned to Donegall Pass (‘phone 028 9049 1161 or email joe.carmichael@gemsni.org.uk).  Joe will be in attendance at Donegall Pass Community Forum’s offices (phone 028 9032 6256) every Wednesday, from 2.30pm onwards. Joe will, among other services and advice, offer help and support with job application forms, CVs, Career Guidance and Occupational Information. If you need help with getting a job, or other employment-related guidance, contact the Forum for an appointment.

Tuesday 24th July 2007

‘Creativitythirst’ Courses - Through sponsorship from Belfast City Council, the Workers’ Educational Association is offering courses for people who are considering setting up their own businesses in the Creative Industries.  The courses, which are free, short and accessible, will enable learners to develop a full business plan and a portfolio - including IT presentations and promotional material of their craft/skills.  The courses will take place in a creative environment and participants will be provided with the services of a mentor who will prompt and guide them through this experience.  The courses are for anyone holding qualifications in their particular skills/craft area of interest at Level 2, or above, and who wants to explore the possibilities of income generation, or self-employment, in the Creative Industries.
Courses will take place at WEA’s Head Office: 1-3 Fitzwilliam Street, Belfast. BT9 6AW. Applicants must attend a short interview, during August 2007, before beginning the programme.
Donegall Pass Community Forum has some leaflets available at its offices (‘phone: 028 9032 6256).  Further information, contact Carole Kane at 028 9032 9718.  Click here to view or download the leaflet (473Kb, pdf format).

Monday 16th July 2007

Bicentenary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act - Donegall Pass Community Forum was pleased to participate in the production of an exhibition to mark the 200th anniversary of the Abolition of the Slave Trade Act (the bill became law on 25th March 1807) - held in the Linenhall Library, Belfast on Monday 25th June 2007. The research and assembly of the exhibition was co-ordinated by the Ulster People’s College and the South Belfast Roundtable on Racism (in the persons of Karen McCartney and Denise Wright, respectively).  Please click here to read the text of an article published on 11th July 2007, in the South Belfast News. To view an online exhibition, entitled ‘Black Presence: Asian and Black History in Britain, 1500-1850’, please click here.
Disgracefully, slavery, in a variety of vile and shocking forms, still thrives in the 21st century - so, please quickly curb any tendency toward complacency. To acquaint yourself with what is meant by ‘modern slavery’, click here.

Monday 9th July 2007

GCSE Citizenship (Short Course), Belfast Metropolitan College - Belfast Metropolitan College has announced a short course entitled ‘GCSE Citizenship’, the contents of which cover three themes, viz., “Citizenship - Rights and responsibilities” (Theme 1), “Citizenship and government” (Theme 2) and “Citizenship and participation (Theme 3). At the end of the course, students will be presented with a question paper, accounting for a maximum of 60% of the total available marks. A maximum of 40%, of total marks, will be awarded for coursework.  Click here for link to scanned leaflet (pdf 1.81Mb).  Click on the BMC logo for a link to the Full-Time Prospectus - Sept 07 (pdf format, 4.26Mb). Click here for link to Belfast Metropolitan College. The  Belfast Metropolitan College is an amalgamation of Castlereagh College and BIFHE.

Saturday 9th June 2007

Strategic Planning Day - On a beautiful, sunlit day, the Forum’s committee members and staff assembled at the Holiday Inn Hotel, Ormeau Avenue, Belfast to re-assess its future strategy and identify priorities for the short to medium term.  The work was facilitated by Joe McVey of Blueprint Consultancy and funded by the Belfast Regeneration Office, South & East Team.  The participants were: Michelle Bostock, June Dougan, Derek Halligan, Elaine Mansfield, Anne McAllister, Debbie McCurrie, David McIlwaine, Jim McKinley, Leeanne Mills, Henri Mohammed, Ken Orr, Eddie Rainey, Michael Smyth, Thomas Spence, Harry Todd and Jean Todd.
A wide range of topics were discussed and the priorities decided upon emerged as housing (including the environment, Posnett Street site and planning issues), health, education and young people.  A short-term priority being the provision of a ‘welcome pack’ for all new and existing residents which would also explain the history of Donegall Pass.  Structural mechanisms required for the implementation of actions to achieve the prioritised outcomes were decided upon.  Joe McVey will present DPCF with a report and recommendations shortly.

Thursday 31st May 2007

Regeneration Strategy Study Trip - A study group from the Donegall Pass Community Development Company visited the St Michael’s Estate and Fatima Mansions in Dublin today. The delegation consisted of Gareth Graham (Developer), Matt Hill (Co-Chairperson - DPCF), Elaine Mansfield (Forum Development Manager - DPCF), Anne McAleese (Chief Executive, South Belfast Partnership), Jim McKinley (Physical Regeneration Officer - DPCF), Prof Ruth Morrow (University of Ulster), Dr Ken Sterritt (QUB) and Harry Todd (Treasurer - DPCF).
The purpose of the trip was to benefit from the experiences of the stakeholders in the revitalisation and regeneration of these two areas and absorb ideas for best practice, funding mechanisms (public and private), community involvement and consultation, economic and employment opportunities, sustainability - and many other issues - which could be applied to the regeneration of the Donegall Pass Community.
The trip was extremely fruitful and the group was most appreciative of their hosts’ hospitality, kindness and general willingness to be of help.

Tuesday 15th May 2007

NI Assembly Members Allowance Rise - Barely a week has elapsed since the re-establishment of devolved government, when we learn that MLAs are to be awarded an increase in their ‘office allowances’ - from £48,000 per annum to £70,000 per annum.  This represents an increase of 45.83% or £2,376,000 extra per annum!  The already grossly over-burdened tax payer is now expected to fork out £7,560,000 a year to provide cosseted, sybaritic MLAs with the accoutrements and trappings of office to which they, apparently, aspire. This expensive bounty has been vouchsafed to our illustrious representatives hard upon the heels of having their £41,000 salaries restored. Doubtless, the pensioners without heating, and, in some cases, electricity, living in the Village area, are mightily impressed and, indeed, heartened, at the adroit way in which our incorruptible politicians have ordered their priorities.

Tuesday 8th May 2007

‘Devolution Day’ - At last, after many wasted years, Northern Ireland has an accountable local administration.  Apart from the First and Deputy First Minister, who will have two junior ministers reporting to them, 10 other ministerial appointments have been made. Click here to view the appointments.

Wednesday 4th April 2007

Inner South Belfast Neighbourhood Partnership (ISBNP) - The ISBNP, today, submitted its final draft Neighbourhood Action Plan to representatives of DSD’s Belfast Regeneration Office.  The Inner South Belfast Neighbourhood Partnership’s delegation consisted of Elaine Mansfield, Seamus Flynn and Mark Finlay (Chairperson) -  respectively representing Donegall Pass Community Forum, the Markets Development Association and the private sector (Barnabas Ventures).

The processes leading to the final draft rendition have been facilitated by the South Belfast Partnership, in the person of Jonathan Hodge

Under Mark Finlay’s chairmanship, ISBNP is somewhat ‘ahead of the pack’ and the partnership does not expect a great deal of movement pending the presentation of all of the other partnerships’ submissions.

Saturday 9th December 2006

Lee Foods’ brand spanking new supermarket (98-108 Donegall Pass) was officially opened by Cllr Sammy Wilson, MP, MLA on a sunny December Saturday.   The event was attended by a large crowd of well-wishers, including residents of Donegall Pass and Donegall Pass Community Forum staff members.

After speeches by Mrs Lee and Sammy Wilson, the gathering was mesmerised and enthralled by a magnificent display of traditional Chinese dragon dancing to mark and celebrate the opening in the unique, and very special, way that is the Chinese custom.