Borough Life // October 2022

TICKETS

As the winter sun sets over LoughNeagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comesto life with a magical Christmasexperience for all the family.Visit the fairies in Wonderland Wood,meet the sprites who embody the spiritof Christmas in Pixieland, drop in onSanta and don’t forget the rides,attractions, and mouth-watering foodin the Festive Food Fayre.An unforgettable evening to startyour Christmas in style!

SALE ENCHANTEDWINTERGARDEN.COM

How to Contact Us

We provide lots of services and facilities for our residents and customers to enjoy and there are many reasons why you may want to contact us.

Whether you are booking a class, enquiring about an event, paying your dog licence or reporting a missed bin, we want your experience to be as easy as possible.

Arts & Culture

Want to book a theatre show or get tickets for an event? Simply book online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

Got a query? Contact our Arts & Culture Hub on:

• Live Chat (look for the purple chat icon on our webpage)

• E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

• T. 0300 123 7788

The team is available to help you

• Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am–5pm

This Customer Hub will also operate on the evenings of theatre shows and events.

Leisure

You can visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ leisure or use the ANBorough app to book your leisure class or activity.

If you have a query or want to enquire about membership packages, you can contact our Leisure Hub on:

• Live Chat (look for the purple chat icon on our webpage)

• E. more@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk (general enquiries)

• E. leisure.bookings@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk (extended bookings, pitch bookings)

• T. 0300 123 1580

The team is available to help you

• Monday to Thursday, 8am–8pm

• Friday, 8am–6pm

• Saturday and Sunday, 10am–4pm

Other ways to contact us

We now have a new telephone number for our Customer Service Team at both Antrim Civic Centre and Mossley Mill. You can call us on T. 0300 123 4568, Monday to Friday, 8.30am–5pm.

Our Planning section can be contacted on T. 0300 123 6677

Our Recycling Centres and Waste section can be contacted on T. 028 9034 0056

(Our telephone numbers are charged at local rate.)

Visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk or use the ANBorough app to:

your leisure membership

your bin collection date

your local Councillor

your dog licence

a bulky waste collection

a building control application

a complaint online

us on social media to keep up to date with Council news and events.

ANBorough

For jobs in the Borough, visit ANBoroughJobs

magazine is delivered to postal areas BT29, BT36, BT37, BT39, BT41 and our residents in BT38. If it is not delivered to any of your neighbours living in these areas, please let us know.

you have any comments on the magazine please contact us.

comms@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

0300 123 4568

Please contact us if you require this magazine in an alternative format.

Braille

Large print

Audio version

To order please E. ellen.boyd@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Mayor’s Message

Welcome to this edition of Borough Life, our residents' magazine that keeps you up to date with what is going on in the Borough.

It is hard to believe so much has happened since our last edition in July. Most significantly, the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. We had several special events to mark the Queen's passing and pay tribute to her lifetime of service, and also to welcome in our new Monarch, King Charles III. See pages 18 and 19 for details.

There is no doubt that as the weather gets colder, many are concerned about the increasing cost of living. We have a series of keeping safe, well and warm in winter events as well as important information, tips and advice on how you can save money on pages 28-31.

We hope you can wrap up warm and join us at our events for Halloween and Christmas! We have lots going on across the Borough for everyone to enjoy! Full details on pages 15-17.

I am particularly looking forward to the popular Enchanted Winter Garden which returns to our award winning Antrim Castle Gardens on Saturday 26 November until Tuesday 20 December.

I hope to see you when I am out and about, but if not, may I take this opportunity to wish you and your loved ones a very Happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

Alderman Stephen Ross Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

Council on Track to Hit Target of £1bn Investment and Create 2000 High-Quality Jobs by 2025

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is capitalising on its position as the number one planning authority in Northern Ireland to attract major investment and stimulate jobs throughout the Borough.

Nowhere is this more evident than in the high-quality portfolio of manufacturing projects being lined up at Global Point Business Park, Newtownabbey.

Among the standout strategic investments set to make this highly desirable site a hub of manufacturing excellence are:

• A £150m canning factory by manufacturing giant Ardagh Metal Packaging

• A £98m Advanced Manufacturing and Innovation Centre (AMIC) led by Queen’s University

• Sensata’s new £16.5m research and development centre

• A £4m investment by Steel Mac Distribution Ltd, who plan to move from their current site at Titanic Quarter in Belfast

• Mining equipment firm Tribe Tech setting up a new state of the art manufacturing facility in Mallusk

• Leading fitness equipment manufacturer BLKBOX relocating from Belfast to a new £1m facility at Monkstown

• Continued expansion of Jan Composites site in Antrim and plans to significantly grow its existing workforce

• A new £10m Dobbie’s Garden Centre flagship store at The Junction retail park, Antrim, creating 100 jobs

• The hospitality industry has also reaped the benefits of strategic investments, with continued redevelopment and expansion of the Hilton Hotel and the Rabbit Hotel, both in Templepatrick

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross said:

The complete package of support we provide to investors, coupled with the efficient performance of our Planning Service is the reason why this Council is set to attract over £1billion of investment to the Borough and create over 2000 well paid jobs in a multitude of sectors over the next few 2-3 years.

Other major investments that the Council has been involved in across the length and breadth of the Borough include:

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross with Ronan Hamill, Chief Executive, and Edel Doherty, Commercial Director, Jans Group during a recent visit to the Antrim site

Top Planning Performance!

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council’s reputation for its streamlined planning process for Major Planning Applications has been confirmed again by Department for Infrastructure (DfI) statistics.

The statistics issued in September highlighted:

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is the ONLY Council in Northern Ireland within the Major application target of 30 weeks, with an average processing time of 25.1 weeks

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council met the target of 15 weeks for local applications, with an average time of 13.2 weeks

• Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has attracted the largest increase in applications at 24.2%

The Council’s planning service continues to consistently outperform targets which is welcome news to any investor.

New Planning Portal!

A new Planning Portal for Northern Ireland will be launched this autumn for 10 of the 11 Councils, including Antrim and Newtownabbey.

This will allow residents to:

• Submit planning applications online

• View, comment and track live planning applications online

• Submit Tree Preservation Order requests online

• Report breaches of planning control online (enforcement complaints)

• Submit requests for regional property certificates online

To facilitate the switchover to the new portal, updates to the current system will stop approximately 3 weeks ahead of the launch. While we have arrangements in place to deal with business as usual, minor delays may occur for both new and existing applications during this time.

For further information visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/planning

Council Grant to Provide New Employment Opportunities for Woodsides

With the ongoing labour market shortages in the transport and logistics sector, businesses in the Borough have been availing of support through the Council’s Logistics Fund.

This grant scheme helps businesses to upskill existing employees and recruit new staff, providing opportunities in multiple roles such as warehousing, driving, mechanics, sales and marketing.

Recently, Woodsides Logistics Group secured funding to train two new staff and upskill an existing employee, helping to support continued growth in the business.

The scheme allowed employee Patrick Shortt, an assessor/estimator who has worked at Woodsides for the past six years, to take part in a training course to become a Class 2 driver.

If you have any queries about the Logistics Fund, please contact the Council’s Skills team T. 028 9034 0018 or E. skills@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Further information is available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/logisticsfund

Speaking of his experience, Patrick said:

This initiative allowed me to gain a better understanding of the role of a driver within the firm. When qualified, I will also be able to support the business further using my new skills. I would definitely recommend these upskilling courses to others, as they are great for your personal development and career opportunities.

Next Stage of Plans for Glengormley Town Centre gets Green Light

Ambitious plans to breathe new life into Glengormley town centre, due to an investment of £14m, have taken another major step forward.

Residents and visitors will already have noticed some of the benefits of this ongoing scheme, including the redevelopment of the former police station site which is set to become a new state of the art flagship building hosting 14,000sqft of lettable modern flexible offices/workspace.

The Council’s Planning Committee has given the go ahead for the next stage of the revitalisation plans, the renovation of the shop front facades on Glenwell Road from Creative Tiles to the Movie House Cinema, giving the area a modern facelift.

Over the next two years, other major aspects of this scheme will see the remodelling and upgrade of Farmley car park and a significant public realm scheme in the town to include

new pavements, street furniture, lighting and increased public pedestrian space.

Glengormley is one of two towns benefiting from a revitalisation scheme with work well underway in Antrim town centre.

Refurbishment of the boardwalk that runs along the Sixmile River is now complete and a new access has been opened at the rear of the former Wellworths building. This will help link the Boardwalk with the High Street and also support the new 11,000sqft office and workspace being developed on the first floor of the building.

Both projects have been supported by the UK Levelling Up Fund.

See page 15 fordetails on excitingHalloween events onthe former PoliceStation site!

Artist's impression

How to Reduce Waste This Christmas: Tips & Advice

Plan ahead

Check out what’s on the naughty and nice list by checking out what’s recyclable in your area antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/recycling

Shop smart

If you are heading out to the shops bring reusable shopping bags. After Christmas donate, sell or regift any unwanted gifts. Don’t let perfectly good items go to waste.

Wrap it up

Gift bags, boxes and wrapping paper are easy to reuse. Unwrap carefully, remove tape and tags and keep them for later use. And don’t forget about wrapping paper tubes, they can be recycled.

Food waste

From turkey bones, vegetable peelings and brussel sprouts trees to seafood shells and tails, tangerine peels and nutshells (and of course, tea bags and coffee grounds). Make sure all your unavoidable food waste and morsels that aren’t made into something else, go into the food caddy and not the bin.

Make the most of metal

Shiny things that you can recycle include that extra large foil to cover your turkey (just make sure it’s clean), foil trays from mince pies and chocolate coins, sweetie tins and metal bottle tops.

Gadgets galore

Whether you found a fancier phone wrapped under the tree, or the hand blender that became the ghost of Christmas past halfway through blitzing the gravy, remember broken gadgets must be recycled at a Household Recycling Centre to avoid contamination.

Batteries are better recycled

Many of us find ourselves replacing batteries over the festive period and, with 25% of households incorrectly placing batteries in the general rubbish bin, it is important they are recycled. Whether AA or rechargeable, all batteries can be recycled.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/recycling

We want to say a huge thank you for helping us to remain one of the top recycling councils in Northern Ireland.

European Week for Waste Reduction

Love Your Clothes This EWWR

Waste is out of fashion. Across the UK, including Northern Ireland, we throw away 1,000,000 tonnes of textile waste each year with 300,000 tonnes ending up in landfill. “Fast Fashion” has a negative effect on our environment creating carbon emissions, water, chemical and plastic pollution.

How can you help?

Repair – You don’t have to be an expert with a needle and thread, but learning to sew on a button, sew up a seam or hem some trousers could save a trusty wardrobe staple and give it a new lease of life.

Reuse - If something you love can’t be repaired, why not turn it into something new? There are lots of ideas online to inspire you and get started on a new project. Or why not take your clothes to a charity shop, give them away to family, friends or neighbours, or try to sell them online.

Recycle – If your textiles are beyond repair or reuse, you can take them to your local Household Recycling Centre. Clothes and shoes that still have some life left in them will be sorted and sent for reuse. Old, well-worn or torn textiles will be recycled for filler material or a range of cleaning cloths.

information

Artwork courtesy of EWWR

Brand new Fitness Suite and Studios for Antrim Forum

An exciting £2.4m investment at Antrim Forum will see the fitness suite space made significantly larger, completely refurbished and kitted out with state-of-the-art fitness equipment. Two new dedicated fitness studios with the poolside village toilets will also be refurbished.

Antrim Forum Improvement works will start in October 2022, with the appointment of a new building contractor. The brand new fitness suite is due to be completed next spring/early summer.

During the period when works are being carried out, customers will still be able to work-out at the Forum in our temporary fitness suite (opening December 2022) with all existing equipment lines available to use.

What’s coming?

• 120 station fitness space

• State-of-the-art equipment with Cardio zone with Technogym equipment and integrated entertainment

Weights zone with dedicated lifting platforms

Functional zone with bespoke rig and punch bags New Technogym skill range

Fresh and modern group cycle studio

Digital programming straight to your mobile

• Upgraded toilets at

Artist's impression

Ballyearl Arts and Leisure Centre £100k Fitness Upgrade!

Ballyearl Arts & Leisure centre recently underwent a makeover with £100k investment in new equipment and studio upgrade.

The work included the transformation of the existing studio into a bespoke interactive Group Cycle studio complete with Technogym bikes.

The Fitness Suite upgrade included the latest Technogym cardiovascular equipment range to help you meet your fitness goals.

You’ll now be able to:

✓ Enjoy your favourite entertainment channels featuring TV, Netflix, Spotify and YouTube on HD displays on a selection of cardiovascular equipment.

✓ Get the results you want with the virtual trainer at your fingertips.

✓ Log in on to see your training history, preferences and mostused entertainment choices.

Brendan Curran talks about the Live Long Programme

Tell us about yourself and what motivates you to exercise?

I’m 91 and three quarters and I’ve been using the Valley Leisure Centre for the past 15 years. I first started using the Valley when my wife passed away and my daughter suggested I give the Live Long Programme a go. I did, and it was the best thing I ever did!

What do you like about the Live Long Programme?

I was always active, I played football, cycled across the country and loved to dance.

Now, I’m at the Valley Leisure Centre three times a week and take part in aerobics, table tennis, boccia, bowls and badminton.

With the Live Long Programme, we have a great instructor, Mandy, who keeps everyone motivated and of course there’s great craic with the group, I’ve made some really good friends.

If the leisure centres were full of people every day exercising, the hospitals wouldn’t be full of people!

Would you encourage more people to get involved in the Live Long Programme?

Absolutely, you work at your own pace and I would encourage more men to come along, as I’m in the minority in the group! It keeps your mind and body in great shape and I would certainly encourage everyone to get into their local leisure centre, find something you enjoy to do and keep moving!

For more information visit

MORE Fun for Everyone

To ensure everyone in our Borough has the opportunity to use our leisure centres and stay active, we have launched a new inclusive programme.

MORE Swim School

Swimming lessons are available at Antrim Forum, Sixmile Leisure Centre and the Valley Leisure Centre.

Each lesson is 30 minutes and your child’s progress can be tracked via the home portal.

Book your child’s swimming lessons on antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/more-swim-school

Baby and Toddler

Advice Sessions

Improve your toddler’s water confidence and get free hints and tips from our expert swim instructor.

Parents and baby/toddler are invited to come along to the following sessions and there’s no need to book.

• Sixmile Leisure Centre, Monday and Friday, 9.30am - 10.30am

• Antrim Forum, Tuesday and Thursday, 9am - 9.30am

• Valley Leisure Centre, Friday, 9.30am - 10.30am

More Active Kids

MORE Active Kids is about having fun and learning through physical activities.

Your child can enjoy these sessions as part of their MORE membership or £2 per session for non-members.

• MORE Play, Age 1-3 years

• MORE Skills, Age 4-7 years

• MORE Dance, Age 4-12 years

• MORE Fitness, Age 6-12 years

• MORE Sport, Age 8-12 years

Get active, find out more antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk /more-active-kids

Stay active this winter, check out our MORE family and individual membership options antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/more

Sensory Gardens are available at Antrim Castle Gardens and Hazelbank Park. For further details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/accessibility

SCREAMS AND TRICKS FUNFAIR

• Friday 28 October

Sunday 30 October

Monday 31 October - Friday 4 November

Saturday 05 November

SPOOKED OUT

Friday 28 October - Saturday 5 November V36 at the Valley

6-9.30pm 4-9.30pm (inclusive session 2-4pm) 4-9.30pm 2-9.30pm

Saturday 29 October, 6-8pm V36 at the Valley Tickets: £1.25 donation to the Mayor’s Charity

Grab your best fancy dress and join us for a fantastic time at this year's Spooked Out at V36! We have lots of tricks and treats for you to enjoy!

Don't forget the fireworks start at 8pm!

FAMILY FUN DAYS!

Former Police Station Site, Glengormley

Friday 28 Oct: 1-4pm Pumpkin Decorating Saturday 29 October: 1-4pm Family Fun Day

The Junction, Antrim

The Junction from Friday 28 to Sunday 30 October Family Fun including live entertainment, markets, fire eaters, baby rave and much more!

More Antrim events including Interactive Workshops from Tuesday 1 - Saturday 5 November!

Fright Fest

Saturday 29 October - Monday 31 October Antrim Castle Gardens

Tickets: £2 donation to the Mayor’s Charity

• Monday 31 October 7-9pm (inclusive session 4-6pm) 4-6pm, 7-9.30pm

• Saturday 29 October - Sunday 30 October

For more information on all of our Halloween events visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/Halloween

For Christmas 2022 the Theatre at the Mill is proud to premiere the brand new musical play The Shop at the Top of the Town by Michael Cameron (writer of Ruby! and Carson and the Lady) promising audiences the most uplifting romantic and musical comedy of the holiday season!

Step back in time to Christmas in Belfast 1972, the heyday of the classic department stores of Robbs, Anderson & McAuley and Robinson & Cleaver. Crowds are flocking to see the magical window displays while children queue excitedly for their trip to Santa’s Winter Wonderland. Doesn’t every family have their own memories (and a Santa pic!) of those fabulous festive days?

As the bigger shops watch their sales booming, a smaller family store is finding that times are tough and festive goodwill is in short supply. The newly erected security barriers are affecting custom and inside the store, owner Felix Hoffman has a whole shopping list full of festive woes. His faithful staff have their minds on romance whilst he fears his wife Cilla might be hanging her tinsel on someone else’s tree! Meantime, will the store Santa stay sober long enough to deliver all the presents?

A wonderful blend of nostalgia, romance and music, The Shop at the Top of the Town is open from December 2-31 at the Theatre at the Mill. Written by Michael Cameron and directed by Colm G. Doran, this festive feast boasts a stellar cast alongside music by Garth McConaghie, costumes and design by Liz Cullinane and lighting by Ciaran Bagnall.

Tickets available online at theatreatthemill.com or by calling 0300

Christmas Light Switch Ons

Let us light up your night this Christmas

Wed 23 Nov, 6-7.30pm

The Diamond, Rathcoole

Mossley Mill, Newtownabbey

Thurs 24 Nov 6-7.30pm

Market Square, Antrim

Crumlin Leisure Centre, Crumlin

Fri 25 Nov, 6-7.30pm

Lilian Bland Park, Glengormley John Street, Randalstown

Sat 26 Nov, 4.30-6pm

The Square, Ballyclare

Theatre at The Mill // Fri 4 & Sat 5 Nov

Tickets: £18 (£16 Conession)

This holiday season, the curtain rises on Ballet Ireland's Nutcracker Sweeties.

Don’t miss this stunning seasonal ballet treat – perfect for the whole family.

The Old Courthouse // Wed 21 & Thurs 22 Dec

Tickets: £20

Sitting in her living room, having a wee feg and Bailey's; Sadie Devine, everyone's favourite Ma, tries to sort Christmas for the whole family. Watch as she makes the best Christmas for her long suffering neighbour Patricia, Big fat Maureen, her sister Theresa, husband John and of course her favourite nephew Stevie.

A hilarious comedy based on a Ma everyone knows, at Christmas time.

Courtyard Theatre // Sat 3 - Sun 18 Dec

Tickets: £11 (Schools £10)

Group Discount Available

Mr Hullabaloo presents a colourful cast of fairytale characters, live puppetry, dazzling sets and lavish costumes in this laugh-aminute family show featuring brand-new original music.

Guaranteed to keep audiences both young and old entertained Sleeping Beauty truly is the pantomime of your dreams!

antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

On 8 September 2022, we received the sad news that Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II had passed away peacefully at Balmoral. The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey paid tribute to Her Majesty and her lifetime of service on behalf of the Council and the Borough. Elected Members also had the opportunity to extend their condolences at a Special Council meeting held in Mossley Mill.

Book of Condolence

An online Book of Condolence was opened on the Council’s website and for those who wanted to pay their respects in person, Books of Condolence were available at Antrim Castle Gardens, Ballyclare War Memorial Park and Mossley Mill Civic Square. Floral tributes and personalised Union flags were also left at these sites by our residents and visitors.

County Antrim Accession Proclamation

The Accession Proclamation for County Antrim was held in Antrim Castle Gardens, on Sunday 11 September, announcing King Charles III as our new Monarch.

Despite inclement weather conditions hundreds of people attended to witness this historic event. Led by His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell KStJ, the High Sheriff of County Antrim Mr John Lockett OBE and Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross.

The Borough unites for a National Moment of Reflection

Thousands came together at Mossley Mill and Antrim Castle Gardens, for the National Moment of Reflection on Sunday 18 September, the eve of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II State Funeral.

It was fitting that music representing all four corners of the United Kingdom was played during the services by the Lowry string quartet; this included; Lord of the Church We Pray for our Renewing; Abide with Me, Guide Me O Thou Great Redeemer and Jerusalem.

A nationwide moment of silence was observed at 8pm joining millions across the United Kingdom to reflect and give thanks for the life of our late Queen Elizabeth II.

Best Kept Garden

The Best Kept Garden Awards was nothing short of blooming wonderful!

The two new categories for 2022, ‘Most Wildlife Friendly Garden’ and ‘Most Sustainable Garden’ boosted the number of entries 10% from 2021.

BBC Ulster’s Gardeners’ Corner Presenter, David Maxwell hosted this years awards ceremony and revealed this year’s Best Kept Garden winners and runners-up. Congratulations to all of the winners and runner-ups. Thank you to everyone who entered.

Best Kept Garden

Tom & Sheila Cunningham Winner Ballyclare

Colin Mitchell Runner Up Ballyclare

Best Kept Front / Container

Florence Faulkner Winner Crumlin

Elizabeth English-Wylie Runner Up Ballyclare

Best Kept School

Duneane Primary School Winner Toomebridge

Carnmoney Primary School Runner Up Glengormley

Best Kept Commercial Premises

McConnells Bar Doagh Winner Ballyclare

The Hill Tavern Runner Up Glengormley

Best Kept Community Planting

Neilsbrook Fold Tenants Association Winner Randalstown

Whiteabbey Village Business Association Runner Up Whiteabbey

Most Wildlife Friendly Planting

Eric Stewart Winner Newtownabbey

Will Hamilton Runner Up Crumlin

Most Sustainable Planting

John McGarry Winner Killead

Graham Seymour Runner Up Randalstown

Check

our

Explore 23 Green Flag Sites in the Borough

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council now has a magnificent 23 Green Flags for our parks and green spaces.

Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful is the environmental charity that runs the coveted awards locally and revealed that 18 of our Council sites and five community spaces scooped the prestigious accolade.

Green Flag Awards means a park or open space has surpassed the international standard of excellence. So when you see the Green Flag site, you can be sure the site has been rigorously judged across a range of standards including horticultural, cleanliness, biodiversity and safety.

Among the highlights was Clotworthy Courtyard Garden, managed by Friends of Antrim Castle Gardens, which picked up the inaugural Community Pollinator Award. They picked up this award for creating habitats for pollinating insects which will, in turn, benefit all wildlife.

Green Flag sites support our local communities by providing recreational space and zone safe zones to escape and unwind. This winter, be sure you grab your coat and explore your local Green Flag site.

full list of

in the Borough to

a Green Flag

is as follows:

A Million Trees in our Borough

The Council has made a commitment to plant one million trees as part of its commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. With a focus on native trees, over 126,000 trees have already been planted and this has been a mix of Council planting, trees planted through the Queen’s Green Canopy Initiative, recording the planting of trees by other organisations such as the Woodland Trust, the Department for Infrastructure, other public bodies and residents.

you are interested – please get in touch with us. We are keen to record single native trees that you may have planted or any planting by community groups.

Council in Running for Award for Combatting Climate Change

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council have been hard at work to reduce our carbon footprint, so we are delighted to have been shortlisted for a prestigious business award in recognition of our efforts.

Thanks to the leadership of an all-party working group of elected members, the Council has reached an important milestone in reducing its carbon footprint. The quality and quantity of work covered in a short period of time has seen the Council reaching the final of the Responsible Business Awards NI - Climate Action Award, for the organisation that best demonstrates a significant commitment and contribution to climate action in Northern Ireland, against a prestigious field.

Evidence of the scale and ambition of the Council’s commitment was seen in its participation in the seminal United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP 26) in Glasgow in 2021and plans are well underway to participate in COP 27 in Egypt later this year.

what does this commitment to climate change look like in reality?

• Reduction in energy consumption by 11%*

Reduction in water consumption by 36%*

Reduction in CO2 emissions by 17%*

The first Council in Northern Ireland to install EcoFill contactless water filling stations along the shorelines saving approximately 65,000 plastic bottles each year

Installation of solar bins and bin sensors to increase capacity and reduce litter

Adoption of a sustainable development approach to capital investment in infrastructure

Creation of a Capital Fund to facilitate energy efficiency improvements to Council building stock

A Second Chance For Pre-Loved Toys

Do you have some pre-loved toys in need of a new home?

Christmas is a costly time for everyone and so often families have many unwanted toys and gifts that are no longer used. Our Christmas Community Toy Scheme is the perfect opportunity to donate these items so they can be enjoyed by other children.

For the third year running, we are working with a number of community organisations who are providing drop-off points and will arrange for the toys to be distributed to those in need. Last year, 3850 toys were donated, providing toys for children in many families across the Borough and diverting over 2.5 tonnes of waste from landfill.

For those unwanted toys in good condition, you can drop them off in the Christmas Toy Collection

containers at any of our five Household Recycling Centres. These items will then be collected by Habitat for Humanity who sort, clean and sell them on at low prices in their ReStore shops.

Not only does our Christmas Community Toy Scheme ensure more families have an enjoyable Christmas but it also helps to reduce waste, keeping more items away from landfill.

PEACEPLUS - Give us Your Views on Life in Antrim and Newtownabbey

With four successive Peace Programmes having been delivered across Northern Ireland and the Border Counties since 1995, almost €2.3billion has been allocated to fund approximately 22,500 peace building initiatives and projects. This has developed not only the strength, skills and resilience of our communities, but also the infrastructure within them.

We are now embarking on the fifth and final instalment in the journey of the Peace Programmes, with the European Union’s new PEACEPLUS programme currently in development.

PEACEPLUS is a €1billion social, economic and environmental investment programme designed to support peace and prosperity and leave a lasting and tangible legacy across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland.

The Council has established a new PEACEPLUS Partnership, and received initial indication that the allocation for our Borough will be in the region of €5.1 million.

This new Partnership will develop a co-designed Action Plan for our Borough. In order for this to be a truly co-designed plan, reflective of the needs of the local community, and to ensure it contributes positively to peace in our communities for generations to come, the Partnership will need input from residents and those with an interest, in Antrim and Newtownabbey.

We will shortly be organising public consultation events and workshops where you can express your views, ideas and hopes for an impactful peace programme.

The Partnership hopes that as many of you as possible will engage in this process to ensure a vibrant programme, reflective of the local community needs within Antrim and Newtownabbey.

For up and coming dates of consultation events visit antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/peaceplus

Looking Back on our Events

The Mayors Charity Launch

Commonwealth Athletes Officials and Members of the Commonwealth Games Council

James enjoying the Inclusive Summer Scheme at the Valley Leisure Centre

Enjoying the music, entertainment and activities at Party in the Park, Antrim Castle Gardens

You never know who you'll meet at our events

Mayor and Chief Executive of the NI Hospice with the Antrim and Newtownabbey sponsored Elmer trail

Trying something new at the Grange Community fun day in Ballyclare

Zara McMullen with Mayor and Bubbles at Crumlin Urban Market

Whiteabbey Village Fair

Fun and games at Lilian Bland

Two groups from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough have received the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services (QAVS) – Whiteabbey Community Group and River Bann and Lough Neagh Association.

The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to volunteer groups across the UK, it was created in 2002 to celebrate The Queen’s Golden Jubilee and is known as the MBE for voluntary groups. These awards held extra significance on this occasion as they will be amongst the last certificates signed by ‘Elizabeth R’.

Whiteabbey Community Group received the prestigious award for 32 years of community work and projects. River Bann and Lough Neagh Association were awarded for their conservation and preservation work on Rams Island.

A special presentation ceremony took place for Whiteabbey in Mossley Mill and the Old Courthouse in Antrim hosted River Bann and Lough Neagh. Both awards were presented by His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell.

River Bann and Lough Neagh Association

Whiteabbey Community Group

GROW South Antrim Reflects on Achievements

Members of GROW South Antrim gathered for a celebratory lunch recently to mark the successful completion of its latest programme and its closure.

The most recent funding scheme – spanning the period 2014-2020 - has benefitted 76 diverse projects including rural businesses, community organisations and village renewal projects. Over £2.2m of funding was invested across the Borough and this has helped to create 65 new full-time equivalent jobs.

GROW has delivered funding under three Northern Ireland Rural Development Programmes since it was established in 2002. The funding comes from the European Union and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs.

Total grant aid paid in the rural areas of South Antrim (which included Carrickfergus Borough up to 2014) across the three programmes was £10.9m, resulting in a total investment in the area of £18.7m.

GROW allocates funding to businesses and communities using the LEADER approach, which ensures bottomup decision making – where local funding decisions are made by local people. The Board of GROW includes local Councillors and social partners, who represent local businesses, community organisations and farmers.

Councillor Vera McWilliam, chair of GROW South Antrim Local Action Group said: “I am very proud of what we have achieved. The funding we have administered across the three Rural Development programmes has providing a much needed financial boost to our rural communities.”

GIFT CARD

Shop Local and Save Local This Christmas

When out and about shopping this Christmas, think local when it comes to buying special gifts and all your festive fayre. With a wide variety of independent shops and great service right on your doorstep, our towns have lots to offer.

If you can’t decide what to buy for that special someone, take the decision out of gifting and pick up the Antrim Town gift card, a great present for any occasion. This card can be used in over 40 Antrim Town businesses including cafes, restaurants, shops and service providers.

For more information visit antrimtowngiftcard.co.uk

100 Years Since the Fire in Antrim Castle

The beautiful Antrim Castle that stood so majestically when built by Sir Hugh Clotworthy in 1613, was damaged beyond repair in a terrible fire on 28 October 1922. The fire took place when Lord and Lady Massereene and their family were hosting a grand ball in the castle. It was thought it was arson but this could never be proved so no insurance money was ever paid.

To pay tribute to this beautiful castle and the historic items that both perished and were recovered, we will be hosting a number of activities for our residents and visitors to enjoy.

• Son et Lumiere shows, Market Square Antrim at dusk

• Historical Walking Tours

• Exhibition in Garden Heritage Space Featuring Original Castle Salvaged Stonework

• Large tribute on display in Town Centre at Ulster Bar Corner in memory of Lady Jean Massereene

For further information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/antrimcastlefire

Antrim’s Historic Steeple Site to be Given New Lease of Life

Plans to breathe new life into Antrim’s historic Steeple site are continuing at pace.

Once the location of a former medieval monastery, the 17-acre parkland includes the famous Antrim Round Tower, a scheduled monument which served as a bell-tower and place of refuge from raiders.

The Council is working closely with the Heritage Lottery Fund on plans to redevelop this important location, with the aim of attracting visitors and generating interest in the fascinating history of the area. Proposals include new interpretive signage and pathways to promote greater access to the site, showcasing the Round Tower as a unique feature.

The site is also home to the once grand Steeple House, the former headquarters of Antrim Borough Council.

The property, which dates back almost 200 years, was extensively damaged by a fire in 2019. The improvement works will see the derelict building restored to its former glory and brought back to life, with potential for the venue to be used as a meeting space, wedding venue or office accommodation.

Whilst the Round Tower, one of only two still existing in Northern Ireland, is a well-known landmark, most people outside the Borough are unaware of the history of the surrounding the area. These long-awaited improvement works will help address this by creating a unique tourist attraction, while still preserving and protecting the historic nature of the site.

It is anticipated that works will commence in autumn 2023 – please look out for updates on this scheme as it progresses.

Frozen Pipes

To help avoid frozen pipes there are some simple measures you can put in place:

• Ensure pipes are well insulated

• Locate your stop valve and make sure everyone in the property knows where it is and how to turn it off

• Consider what you would do if you did lose your water supply for a prolonged period of time. You need to have a contingency plan

• If you own a business and are shutting for a holiday period, you should make plans in the event of cold weather i.e. set your heating timer, have someone check the premises regularly

• Have the number of a plumber who knows where your property is and who is prepared to attend at night if needed

• Make sure you have insurance to cover your property in the event of a burst pipe

Flooding

To report flooding call the 24 hour Flood Incident Line on T. 0300 200 0100

Due to the change in our climate, the likelihood of flooding is an increasing concern for many residents across the Borough.

It is important to have home and contents insurance to protect you in the event that anything may happen your home and/ or contents. Following flooding, insurance companies can increase their prices.

Flood Re is a flood re-insurance scheme set up by the Association of British Insurers to help households in a flood risk area or those who have been affected by flooding to find affordable Home Insurance at a fair price.

For more information visit www.floodre.co.uk/homeowner

Preparing for Severe Weather Residents are encouraged to be proactive and make arrangements to protect themselves and their properties in anticipation of flooding.

Help and advice is available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk /extremeweather or to request a copy T. 028 9034 0160

Oil Stamps

Save for your oil heating costs through the Council’s Oil Stamp Saving Scheme.

Residents can pick up an oil stamp saving card at any of the participating retail outlets and purchase stamps at a cost of £5 each.

placed on a savings card

used as payment or part payment

participating oil

Keeping Safe, Well and Warm in Winter

Winter is going to be a challenging time for everybody with the increased cost of living and in particular, the soaring costs of cost of fuel and electric.

Over the next few months the Council will be rolling out a number of programmes that will hopefully not only give some relief from the costs, but also will help keep you active, warm, well and feeling connected.

Coming Soon New Winter Programme of Activity

A new programme will be launched in late October 2022 providing residents with an opportunity get active, learn new skills, socialise and gain some valuable knowledge by attending our information sessions.

This new winter programme is open to everyone and will feature a range of activities for all ages and take place across the Borough in Council and other community facilities. To give you a taster of what’s to come, you could get involved in:

Exercise Activities

Healthy Eating Programmes

Tea Dances

Arts & Crafts

Music Lessons

Family Movies

Young People’s Activities

Interactive Learning Workshops

‘Winter Woollies’ Knitting Challenge

Look out for the launch of the programme through social media and our website and we’ll provide an update in January’s Borough Life.

Meanwhile, if you have any queries or want to know more about how to get involved contact the Community Planning team. T. 028 9034 0100 or E. communityplanning@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Advice Roadshows

Why not stop by one of our roadshows where you can get one-to-one advice and support on:

Household Energy Efficiency

Domestic Energy Efficiency Grants

Benefit entitlement

Home Security and Crime Reduction

Home Safety and Accident Prevention (especially for those under 5 and over 65).

These Roadshows are free to attend, just pop along and have a chat with one of the team. These events have been running for a few weeks with some upcoming dates and more to follow in November and December:

Mossley Pavillion, Newtownabbey Tues 18 October 10am-2pm

The Junction, Antrim Fri 21 October. 10am-4pm

Randalstown Library Wed 26 October 3.30-5pm

Don’t worry if you can’t get to one of our events, contact the Environmental Health team anytime for advice. T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

These events are run in partnership

Safety

Save up to £200 per year!

recent study by British Gas

as 23% of our electrical usage

down to so-called

a national cost of around

that

• Add electronics (computer, gaming console, Sky box, TV) to an appropriate extension lead and switch the whole thing off at night. This saves the effort of turning them off individually.

The main culprits are TVs and games consoles

and laptops and phones

Turn your TV off at the wall.

The same goes for the dishwasher or washing machine — if a light is on, a small amount of energy is still being used.

• A smart meter's in-home display can help identify how much energy is used at different times of the day.

• Timing is everything; don't leave chargers plugged into your devices once they're fully charged. Other items that can also be overcharged are electric toothbrushes and cordless vacuum cleaners.

Winter Woollies Campaign

If you love to knit or crochet we need your help! We are inviting our crafters out there to take part in our Winter Woollies Campaign. We would love you to knit a blanket, scarf, hat or similar, suitable for all ages, to help those in our Borough who may struggle to keep warm this winter. These items will be distributed through a range of charities who will make sure they reach those most in need. The Mayor will also have a look at the items before they go, and award a prize to the best in each category! Visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/winterwoollies for more information, and thank you!

If you are struggling to heat your home, perhaps insulation or boiler trouble, or you just want to talk and get some advice to get you through the winter months, please call our Environmental Health Team who have a range of schemes and advice available to help you.

Keep Warm in Your Home

By keeping warm over the winter months you can help prevent colds, flu or more serious health problems like pneumonia.

You can keep the heat in your home and costs down with insulation by doing the following:

• fitting draught-proofing to seal any gaps around windows and doors

• insulating lofts, cavity walls, hot water cylinders and pipes. Did you know that what you eat can also help to keep you warm! The usual stews and soups are a favourite but did you know that foods that take longer to digest can help raise your body temperature and make you feel warmer? Bananas, oats, red meat, ginger tea, sweet potato and butternut squash are great examples.

For further advice T. 028 9034 0160 or E. envhealth@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Stay Safe this Winter!

winter creeps in, electric blankets, candles,

heaters may be used.

is important that you use these

home

to

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winter.

your electric blanket regularly

candles

should also:

smoke alarm

carbon

can find more information at

Your

THOMAS BURNS

SDLP

T. 07803 535094 E. thomas.burns@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Airport District Electoral Area (DEA)

MATTHEW MAGILL DUP

T. 07825

matthew.magill@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ANDREW MCAULEY

ALLIANCE

T. 07775 756466

andrew.mcauley@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Antrim District Electoral Area (DEA)

JIM

Ballyclare District Electoral Area (DEA)

E. paul.michael@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JEANNIE ARCHIBALD-BROWN

NORRIE RAMSAY

T. 07984 030867

leah.smyth@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

abbey.gov.uk

DEPUTY

JAY BURBANK ALLIANCE

T. 07826 513279

E. jay.burbank@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Dunsilly District Electoral Area (DEA)

COVERS CRANFIELD, PARKGATE, RANDALSTOWN, SHILVODAN AND TOOME.

ALISON BENNINGTON

E. alison.bennington@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

LINDA CLARKE

DUP

T. 07803 132601

E. linda.clarke@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

T. 07871 229810 E. henry.cushinan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

E. roderick.swann@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Glengormley Urban Electoral Area (DEA)

COVERS BALLYHENRY, BURNTHILL, CARNMONEY, COLLINBRIDGE, GLEBE, GLENGORMLEY AND HIGHTOWN.

E. ryan.wilson@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MARK COSGROVE

UUP

T. 07555 650015 E. mark.cosgrove@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MICHAEL GOODMAN E. michael.goodman@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

T. 07771 544248 E. rosie.kinnear@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

NOREEN MCCLELLAND

T. 07789 208157 E. noreen.mcclelland@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Macedon District Electoral Area (DEA)

COVERS ABBEY, CARNMONEY HILL, O’NEILL, RATHCOOLE, VALLEY

JULIAN MCGRATH ALLIANCE

T. 07920 029033

E. julian.mcgrath@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ROBERT FOSTER

BEN

taylor.mcgrann@

VICTOR

BILLY WEBB mbe jp ALLIANCE

07799

billy.webb@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Threemilewater District Electoral Area (DEA)

COVERS

SAM

USEFUL

Animal

Hospitals

Antrim

Housing

9054

and

trees

Flooding roadway, footpath and blocked road gullies (24 hours)

repairs (including potholes)

lighting

Hotline

salting (24 hours)

Social Security Agency

and Newtownabbey

Survey - Feeling Safe in Our Borough

We

have

For

be

Prize Draw

All

received

Antisocial

Paramilitary

PRIZE DRAW

Prize Draw