Borough Life // July 2022

RESIDENTS’ MAGAZINE

//

July 2022

THE QUEEN’S PLATINUM JUBILEE Souvenir pull-out

SUMMER EVENT PROGRAMME Fun for everyone

ANBorough

Borough of

Opportunity...

Helping our residents gain the work ready skills, experience or qualifications needed to move into employment or a better job.

We can help you: Get into work, or gain new skills through a range of employability programmes: https://antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/skills

Find employment at Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council: https://antrimandnewtownabbey.getgotjobs.co.uk/home

Find local employment: https://www.facebook.com/ANBoroughjobs/

We can also help sign-post you to: Suitable training programmes • Work based placements • Volunteering opportunities Further information regarding the services can be accessed by contacting:

skills@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

There’s lots of other support to help you plan your future career, or get into employment through The Department for the Economy and The Department for Communities: Careers advice: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/careers

Careers A-Z tool - find out what careers are out there: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/services/career-z-list

Work experience opportunities to help you gain employment: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/work-experience-programme

Find employment across Northern Ireland https://www.jobapplyni.com/

Gain training and qualifications for your career through an apprenticeship https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/apprenticeships

Get the skills companies want on an Assured Skills Academy https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/assured-skills-academies

Access free accredited courses to re-train and re-skill through SKILL UP https://www.nrc.ac.uk/courses/free-courses

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:

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 & 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: • Access your leisure membership

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

• Check your bin collection date

• E. culture@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

• Pay your dog licence

• T. 0300 123 7788

• Request a bulky waste collection

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

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• Contact your local Councillor

• Submit a building control application • Report a complaint online Follow us on social media to keep up to date with Council news and events.

ANBorough For jobs in the Borough, visit

ANBoroughJobs

This 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.

If you have any comments on the magazine please contact us.

E. comms@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk T. 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

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Freedom of the Borough

8

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor

14

Summer Events Programme

15

Queen's Platinum Jubilee Souvenir

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Best Kept Garden Competition

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Mayor’s Message Welcome to the July edition of Borough Life, our residents’ magazine that keeps you up to date with what’s going on in the Borough.

I have had a very busy first month and it has been wonderful to meet so many of our residents and community groups. We had a fantastic long weekend full of events for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee and our 8 page pull-out inside shows just some of the highlights see if you can spot yourself.

There is a busy programme of events lined up for the remainder of the summer and a full guide can be found on pages 14 and 23.

If you are organising an event and would like a Mayoral visit, please contact me through the Mayor’s office E. mayorsoffice@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk Finally, I would like to encourage you to take a few minutes to complete the survey at the back of this magazine. We are constantly trying to improve our services and we would like to hear your feedback.

Enjoy the rest of the summer and I hope to see you out and about enjoying our wonderful Borough.

Alderman Stephen Ross Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey

School Uniform Re-use Scheme Mayor's Charities 2022-23

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Everyday Heroes at Northern Ireland Hospice Honoured With Freedom of the Borough Award The outstanding work carried out by the Northern Ireland Hospice has been recognised and celebrated by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.

At a very special ceremony at the Theatre at The Mill recently, the Hospice was awarded the Freedom of the Borough for its exceptional specialist palliative care for people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and for the support provided to their families.

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The civic honour is a symbolic gesture to pay homage to those who have contributed significantly to the Borough. Northern Ireland Hospice staff follow in the footsteps of sporting stars including six-time World Superbike champion Jonathan Rea, jockey Sir AP McCoy OBE and rugby legend Dr Willie John McBride CBE on the Council’s Roll of Honourable Freemen.

During the award ceremony, guests watched a video showcasing the Northern Ireland Hospice nurses, estates team, chaplain, volunteers, fundraisers and others who play an important role in enabling the organisation to continue providing its vital service.

Songs of Praise presenter, Claire McCollum facilitated a parents panel, allowing families to share uplifting and interesting stories of their times at the Hospice.

Music was also provided by the Northern Ireland Hospice Ukulele Band, with local group Bello Duo performing the finale.

Heather Weir, Northern Ireland Hospice Chief Executive, said they felt “tremendously honoured” to receive the prestigious Borough award.

She added, “It is a celebration of all the amazing work that happens at the Hospice every day by the incredible team involved in delivering our vital specialist palliative care services.”

For more photos of the Northern Ireland Hospice Freedom of the Borough event, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/eventsgallery

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Mayor, Alderman Stephen Ross

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Leah Smyth

New Mayor and Deputy Mayor At this year’s annual meeting on 1 June, Alderman Stephen Ross was elected Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey. Councillor Leah Smyth was elected Deputy Mayor. The Mayor is the First Citizen of the Borough and is elected by fellow Councillors.

Alderman Ross has lived in the Borough all his life and has faithfully served the Threemilewater area since first being elected to Council in 2014.

Chair of the Peace IV Partnership and former Chair of Council’s Community Planning Committee, Alderman Ross plays an active role in a number of local community groups.

Before getting involved in politics, Stephen was selfemployed and took a special interest in helping his local community, especially in interface areas.

Since taking up his role in Council he has worked closely with community-based organisations to help deliver a community plan for the Antrim and Newtownabbey Council area in partnership with a large range of statutory and stakeholder bodies.

Councillor Leah Smyth has lived in the Borough all her life and was newly elected to the Council in 2019. She is on the Board of Governors at Riverside School and is passionate about the provision of services for children with additional needs.

Mayor’s Charities One of the privileges of being Mayor is the opportunity to support local charities. This year the Mayor will be lending his support to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, Positive Life and the Men’s Advisory Project (MAP).

Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice provides specialist respite, symptom management and palliative care to over 370 infants, children and young people living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.

Positive Life aims to raise awareness and challenge negative perceptions of HIV across Northern Ireland and to promote a positive future for people living with or affected by the condition.

MAP (Men’s Advisory Project) provides counselling services for men experiencing domestic abuse and the issues they face.

If you would like to donate to any of these charities, please visit the websites below: nihospice.org/support-us/donate positivelifeni.com/donate mapni.co.uk/contact

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Community

What Are RADAR Keys?

You will find that some of our Accessible and Changing Places toilets both in our Borough and across Northern Ireland, are fitted with a specialised lock. If you have additional needs (medical or disability) and require the use of these facilities, you are entitled to a RADAR key which can open these locks. The RADAR keys are free of charge and can be collected from the below locations: Antrim Civic Centre Reception Antrim Castle Gardens Antrim Loughshore Caravan Park Crumlin Leisure Centre Gateway Centre Jordanstown Loughshore Café Mossley Mill Reception Sixmile Leisure Centre Valley Leisure Centre With your own key there’s no need to wait for a member of staff to unlock the door. You’re in control.

The RADAR keys are also required to use the wheelchair accessible swings in our play parks.

Serving the Community for 25 Years A special staff recognition lunch, hosted by the former Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb was held in April.

These particular staff members were recognised for their dedication and invaluable services having achieved their 25 years’ service to the Council and our local community.

As part of his legacy to plant one million trees throughout the Borough, Councillor Billy Webb presented each individual with something to last a lifetime, a plant representing the Council as a place to grow and thrive.

Shown in the picture above we have the former Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb, Chief Executive Jacqui Dixon with 25 year reciprocates Karen Nelson, Ian Cameron, Sharon McClay and Alan Napier.

The event not only celebrated long service, but also recognised individuals from a variety of teams across the Council (see below). These individuals have made a significant contribution to the success of the Council's recovery plans in the past few challenging years.

For any further information on accessibility please contact Ellen Boyd, Accessibility and Customer Services Officer at Antrim Civic Centre on T. 0300 123 4568 or E. ellen.boyd@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

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Community

The

T EStD 1756

Ballyclare May Fair Back With a Bang as Town Filled With Colour, Music and Fun Following a three year absence, the Ballyclare May Fair made its big comeback this year for a fantastic week of fun filled events.

Huge crowds flocked to the town to enjoy street entertainment, live music, artisan markets and much more.

Highlights of the event included the ever-popular Soap Box Derby, which once again proved to be a big hit! The colourful Mayor’s Parade was described as the ‘best in years’ by visitors.

Did you go? See if you can spot yourself in our May Fair Picture Gallery via the QR code below. Also, please take a few minutes to fill in our survey so we can make next year’s event even better. antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/mayfairsurvey A big thank you to all the sponsors who helped make this year’s May Fair a success including main sponsor, the Ulster Scots Agency. If you would be interested in sponsoring next year's event please contact us E. media@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Business & Jobs

Balmoral Show Acts as Perfect Platform to Promote Local Businesses Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recently hosted local businesses from the food, drink and tourism sectors at the Balmoral Show, providing an unparalleled opportunity to showcase their products and services.

Local hoteliers, The Rabbit and McKeever Group anchored the Council’s stand in the NI Food Pavilion and feedback on the event has been extremely upbeat. The other businesses attending the show on the Council stand included:

The McKeever Group said:

This was an amazing show and the stand was fabulous. It provided an unprecedented local opportunity to promote our business to over 100,000 people and it was a very positive experience.

Lough Neagh’s Stories said:

There was great footfall people stopped initially for food samples, but soon got more than they bargained for when they realised what all is on offer in the area.

• NI Survival School • Ten Watch Chocolates • Belfast Artisan Gin School • Mann’s Catering • Patterson’s Spade Mill (National Trust) • Get ‘Er Brewed • Belfast Mic Tours • Lough Neagh’s Stories / The Lock Keeper’s Cottage • ANBC Antrim Castle Gardens Ranger-Led Tours / Mindfulness At the Motte • Top of the Town

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Your Digital Transformation Journey Begins Here Newtownabbey based business Acksen Ltd have embarked on an exciting digital transformation journey thanks to the Digital Surge Programme.

Acksen Ltd has grown from a small locally based company set up in 1994 to one that is now respected on a number of continents. Acksen Ltd manufactures, assembles and distributes electrical recording devices.

Can Digital Surge Help Your Business?

Learn how the implementation of technologies can help transform your business with: • Two half day workshops to inform the fundamentals of digital transformation • Masterclasses to enhance your knowledge of transformative technologies • Six days of one-to-one mentoring support to equip and guide you to deliver transformational change that will support business growth • A tailored innovation roadmap and action plan that will detail how technologies can help improve your business.

TICKETS ON SALE

NOW 11 - 14 AUGUST 2022 GALGORM & MASSEREENE, N IRELAND

Tickets: ETG.Golf/TicketsNI

Richard Phillips, Acksen Ltd Principal Software Engineer said:

Through undertaking the Digital Surge Programme we hope to gain a deep knowledge around IoT (Internet of Things) and how this could be integrated costeffectively into our current and future processes.

For more information and to register your interest in the programme, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ digital-surge The programme is part funded by Invest Northern Ireland and the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth and Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme, as well as all 11 Councils in Northern Ireland.

Business & Jobs

Protector of the Lough Arrives The Protector of The Lough sculpture has found its new home on the shores of Lough Neagh, in Antrim. Specially commissioned by the Council, The Protector of the Lough, who stands at 8 metres tall, will be instantly recognisable from far across the water, celebrating the lough, the land, the folklore and the heritage.

The sculpture represents Finn McCool, a popular mythological giant who had an enemy called Benandonner, also known as Red Giant, who lived in Scotland. Legend has it that Red Giant came to Northern Ireland to fight Finn McCool but was tricked into thinking Finn McCool was much bigger and stronger than him. As the Red Giant ran back to Scotland, Finn scooped up a piece of earth from Antrim and threw it at his enemy.

The hole left in the earth filled up with water and is known today as Lough Neagh! The earth missed Red Giant and remains in the middle of the two countries which we now know as the Isle of Man! This impressive sculpture is an exciting attraction for our residents and visitors.

It is particularly breath-taking in the evening when it is lit up beautifully against the shoreline. This, along with our other digital plans for the area, including our augmented reality tours, will grow our tourism offering bringing more visitors and supporting our local businesses. The new Finn McCool sculpture is also attracting the attention of local photographers, one of which is Johnny McKee from Sixmile Images, who captured this beautiful image.

Scan the QR code to watch the installation video of the Protector of the Lough Image courtesy of Sixmile Images.

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Ready

FOR A

SUMMER Brighter Nights

OF FUN?

Fridays throughout July and August // Lilian Bland Community Park Brighter Nights return every Friday evening from 15 July to 26 August with a different theme each week. Join us for fun filled evenings for all the family.

Summer Sunday Music Sundays throughout July and August, 2–4pm Jordanstown Loughshore Park, Antrim Castle Gardens, The Gateway (Antrim) and V36 at the Valley Relax and enjoy free outdoor music concerts every Sunday throughout July and August (excluding 10 July).

Urban Markets Various dates and locations Join in the buzz of our urban markets this summer and enjoy live music, food, crafts, street entertainment and fun for all the family.

Summer Schemes Various dates and locations Our summer schemes provide an all-inclusive mix of sport and play, arts, crafts, drama and much more. Suitable for children aged 5–14 years old.

Book online antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/summer-schemes

Northern Ireland UEFA Euro Women’s Football 7 – 15 July Live screening of the following big games: • • •

Norway v N. Ireland, 7 July, 8pm, Civic Square, Mossley Mill Austria v N. Ireland, 11 July, 5pm, Antrim Castle Gardens England v N. Ireland, 15 July, 8pm, Civic Square, Mossley Mill

SuperCupNI 25 – 27 July Games in the under 13 section will be played on Monday 25 and Tuesday 26 July. It’s the first time this category has been included in the competition and a boost for younger players. The under 16 section games will be played across the Borough on Monday 25, Tuesday 26 and Wednesday 27 July and the Cup Final will be staged at Dixon Park, Ballyclare on Friday 29 July, 2pm. Antrim and Newtownabbey are proud to host this year’s girls’ tournament. www.supercupni.com

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70 Years

The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebration Souvenir

For more photos and videos of The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations, visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/eventsgallery

Beacon Lighting

Flag Raising

Jubilee Commemorative Coin Celebration

Queen’s Green Canopy

Platinum Party in the Parks

Community Celebrations Across the Borough

Big Thank You Lunches

The Jubilee Clockwork Garden The Jubilee Clockwork Garden is the only one of its kind in the UK, where the trees dance every 15 minutes and marks a lasting legacy to Her Majesty the Queen.

The garden was expertly designed by celebrity gardener and Garden Show Ireland ambassador, Diarmuid Gavin. It’s now open for everyone to enjoy.

Leisure & Lifestyle

Taste and Sea 30 July and 28 August // Whiteabbey Village Whiteabbey and Jordanstown Loughshore have lots on offer with this summer series of family events featuring artisan food markets, a kite festival, sand sculpture and much more!

Party in the Park 6 August, 1–5pm // Antrim Castle Gardens Bring your party to our Party at Antrim Castle Gardens, the perfect day out for both young and old alike. It’s a free event not to be missed, with hours of fabulous music, kid’s activities and a range of culinary delights.

ISPS HANDA World Invitational 11 – 14 August // Massereene Golf Club, Antrim & Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Ballymena The ISPS HANDA World Invitational brings together some of the best players in the men’s and women’s game with two tournaments – a DP World Tour event and a co-sanctioned LPGA Tour and Ladies European Tour event – played concurrently over two courses in Northern Ireland. Leona Maguire will play in front of her home fans for the first time since making history as the first ever Irish winner on the LPGA Tour.

Antrim Live 2 – 3 September // Antrim Town Antrim Town will be buzzing with activity during this weekend of cultural extravaganza. Antrim Live is a festival of fun with something for all ages to enjoy.

Spinning Yarns 4 September // Theatre at The Mill and the Mossley Mill Complex Come along to celebrate the wonderful world of all things associated with wool & linen.

Experience the creativity and craft associated with these homespun yarns in all their forms.

There will also be craft and gift stalls, displays, workshops and demonstrations for all to enjoy.

Elmer’s Big Belfast Trail 2 – 4 September // Antrim Castle Gardens To celebrate the Northern Ireland Hospice, Elmer will visit the Large Parterre Garden, Antrim Castle Gardens.

Come along to see the free, family-friendly art trail.

For all our event listings keep an eye on our social media pages or visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

Theatre a

t The Mill

For an ev ening of entertain ment, ch eck out o Summer ur Theatre P rogramm e.

All Shows at The Co urtyard Theatre st arting at 8pm theatreatt hemill.co m

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Get Your Skates on and Try Out the New V36 Urban Sports Park Roll on down to Skate 100 in Newtownabbey – it’s an awesome new addition to the busy shared space at V36 Valley Park.

Hailed as a haven for urban sports enthusiasts and deemed ‘as one of the best’ by a local experienced skateboarder, the 14,000 sq ft facility, is sure to be hiving with activity this summer.

Created by a team of passionate urban sports experts from all over the world, the design team worked together to create a state-of-the-art skate park that’s suitable for skateboards, scooters, inline skaters, parkour and BMX freestyle.

Designed for thrills, flips and fun, Skate 100 features a 10 foot deep bowl, ledges, stairs, banks, waterfalls and volcanos.

This project represents a key outcome of the Antrim and Newtownabbey Peace IV programme. It has been supported by the European Union’s PEACE IV Programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

Skate 100 is open from dawn to dusk.

Floodlights will switch off at 10pm.

Scan this QR code for a glimpse of the action and how to stay safe.

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Leisure & Lifestyle

Antrim Forum’s Multi Million Pound Improvement Plan Over the next 12 months, the Antrim Forum is set to receive a £2.4million boost to its facilities, under the Council’s capital investment scheme. Works will include:

Tee Off This Summer With Toptracer Visit your local driving range at Ballyearl this summer and play virtual golf at some of the world’s best courses including St Andrews and Pebble Beach. Or why not join the worldwide leaderboard and participate with fellow competitors across the globe with Toptracer.

Would you like to improve your game?

Fitness Suite & Studios – commencing Autumn 2022 MORE members will be walking into a state-of-the-art fitness space with the latest innovative equipment thanks to a £2.3million investment. The space will be completely transformed and made significantly bigger. A new purpose built indoor Cycle Studio and Fitness Studio will also be part of this investment.

Village Changing – Winter 2022 Up to £100,000 investment has been earmarked to improve the poolside toilets.

For MORE information or details on becoming a MORE member please contact 0300 123 1580 or E. more@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Toptracer gives golfers the chance to analyse their performance, in the same way world-class golfers can. It has truly redefined the whole driving range experience for all golfers!

Toptracer technology allows up and coming golfers to really improve their performance with better focused practice and immediate feedback on their distance, speed and apex.

This is a perfect activity for corporate teambuilding days, family fun days and other social events.

Give Toptracer a go today, to book and play visit or scan the QR code antrimandnewtownabbey. gov.uk/toptracer Borough Life July 2022

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Swim Safe This Summer With summer in full swing, many people flock to beaches, rivers and loughs to enjoy the good weather and often cool off in the water. Here are some tips to enjoy the water safely:

Plan your day • Check the weather forecast • Know your entry and exit points before you get in the water • Consider any currents, tidal flow and wind direction • Read any warning signs and guidance information

Have the right equipment • Wetsuits insulate your body when you’re in cold water • Wear a brightly coloured swimming hat • Have warm dry clothes and a warm drink ready • Wear a buoyancy aid or lifejacket

Avoid swimming alone • Take someone with you or swim in populated areas • If you are alone, make sure someone knows where you are

Know your limits • Reduce the impact of cold water shock – enter the water slowly and wear a wetsuit • Swim parallel to the shoreline and stay away from deeper water • Avoid drifting in currents • Stay within your own swimming capabilities • If you get into trouble or feel overwhelmed – lie back and float. Fight your instinct to thrash around • If you cannot get back to shore, float and shout for help

For more tips on open water swimming visit rnli.org/safety

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Leisure & Lifestyle

Best Kept Garden A Blooming Great Garden Competition!

So many of our residents take great pride in their gardens, and also our schools, community groups and businesses invest time into floral displays and planting.

Over the last few years, our gardens have become our outside rooms as we spend more time creating wonderful spaces to enjoy. As a result of your feedback we have created two brand new categories for 2022: Most Wildlife Friendly Garden and Most Sustainable Garden!

Categories include: Best Kept Garden Best Kept Front/Container Garden Best Kept Commercial Premises Best Kept School Grounds Best Kept Community Planting Most Wildlife Friendly Garden Most Sustainable Garden Why not nominate your garden in one (or more) of the categories and your garden could be one of our Borough’s Best Kept Gardens in 2022.

Entries close on Saturday 31 July 2022.

To enter visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/bestkeptgarden

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The Ulster in Bloom awards are back for 2022! The much-loved annual horticultural, environmental and community competition officially recognises the most beautiful plant and floral displays across local cities, towns and villages. We are hoping to build on the success of last year during which Randalstown, Ballynure, Whiteabbey and McConnells Bar were all award winners.

This year we have 16 entries in a variety of categories – Antrim, Glengormley, Ballyclare, Crumlin, Randalstown, Burnside, Doagh, Templepatrick, Whiteabbey, Ballyeaston, Merville Garden Village, Ballynure, Toome, Parkgate Straid and Killead.

The judging will begin this month and will last until August with the winners being announced later this year.

For those interested in helping out, there are plenty of ways you can play an important part in your local area. Whether it be working alone or connecting with an existing community group, there are many activities to take part in such as litter picking, watering flowers or dead heading plants. Any and all help will be appreciated.

Have a look on the next page to see last year's Ulster in Bloom winners, Randalstown, achieve success in the Royal Horticultural Society as one of the UK's Community Garden winners.

To find out more information or to get involved, contact E. ulsterinbloom@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

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Leisure & Lifestyle

Randalstown Viaduct Finds New Lease of Life as a Community Garden The former railway viaduct in Randalstown has been transformed into a magnificent community garden.

world-class attraction for locals and visitors alike, similar to the famous High Line in New York.

Spanning the River Maine in Randalstown, the designer took inspiration from the site’s history and used brass arches shaped in the scaled outline of an old railway carriage to create this one of a kind installation. It’s just one of four community gardens across the UK to be funded by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Garden Day 2022.

The unique setting offers a mix of sustainable pollinator-friendly planting, extended bee corridors, shelter for hibernating species, as well as seeds and berries for birds.

The initiative was spearheaded by community group Tidy Randalstown, who were the Northern Ireland recipients of the RHS Community Garden award. The group of dedicated volunteers collaborated with leading designer Johnny Knox to create a

Hundreds of visitors were wowed by the beautiful garden, christened ‘Elevation.’ It was officially opened in May by former Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and will be cherished by the local community.

For more information please visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/viaduct

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Back to School for Uniforms SCHOOL UNIFORM RE-USE SCHEME IS BACK!

Muckamore Parish Development Association

We all know that our children grow very quickly, and those uniforms that were oversized and too long just last September have very quickly become too short on their arms and legs!

These like-new uniforms then end up as landfill waste and it takes a vast amount of energy and environmental damage to make new ones. But it doesn’t have to be this way!

So think before you throw out your uniforms or buy new ones.

Do your bit for the environment by passing on these good uniforms, and let someone else pick up a uniform for the new school year.

School Uniform Re-Use Schemes accept donations of clean, washed, good-quality uniform items that are no longer required. While you are there why not pick up some essentials for the new school term.

There are eight schemes running across the Borough. Check out our website for details of opening hours, drop-off and collection points.

In addition to the individual schemes running, a Uniform Re-Use Event will take place in Mossley Pavilion on Tuesday 26 July.

Please note, individual schemes run their own hours across the summer period, check with them directly prior to drop-off or collection. Individual schemes may also apply a donation or small charge.

For more details visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/uniform

Queen's Park Women's Group

Pride of Place Two local groups from the Borough recently received awards at the annual Pride of Place Gala Awards Ceremony in Co. Kerry. Dubbed the ‘Oscars of the Community Sector’, the awards promote and celebrate the best in community development and recognises the selfless efforts of people in making their local neighborhoods better places to live, work and socialise.

Queen's Park Women’s Group were the winners in the Housing Estates category and Muckamore Parish Development Association were runners-up in the Population 2,000 – 5,000 category.

Three other groups from our Borough were nominated and should also be mentioned for the fantastic work they do – Community Relations Forum, Newtownabbey Arts & Cultural Network and Oasis Antrim.

Well done to everyone involved.

To find out more visit prideofplace.ie

Leisure & Lifestyle

Refillution Revolution Take the pledge and join the refill revolution to banish the bottles.

Everyone has a part to play in controlling climate change. By taking the NI Water pledge, supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, you’re reducing the 145 million single-use bottles that we use in Northern Ireland every year.

The pledge: • Refill from the tap • Reuse your bottle and don’t buy single-use plastics • Remind your friends to reduce plastic waste

Water refill stations When you’re out and about you can refill your bottles at one of our contactless water stations located at Antrim Loughshore, Antrim Castle Gardens, Jordanstown Loughshore Park and Hazelbank Park.

For more information visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/refillution

Climate Change Action Plan Council is committed to tackling the issue of climate change and we have been taking the following actions to do so:

Energy Council regularly monitor and audit our energy and water consumption, and we are committed to reducing our energy usage within 2022/23.

Fleet Council has developed a Fleet Strategy that focuses on decarbonising our vehicles and promotes sustainability.

EV Charing Council sit on the NI EV Consortium and we have submitted proposals for the provision of more accessible on street EV charging points within our Borough in the next year.

Trees Council has committed to a robust tree planting programme with our ‘One Million Trees’ initiative that aims to reduce our carbon emissions through council and community-led tree plantings, with an overall aim of planting one million native trees across the Borough over the next few years. To date there have been an additional 126,544 trees planted in the Borough. Have you planted a tree and want to include it towards our one million target? Let us know via antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/plantamilliontrees

Action and Adaptation Plans Council are in the final stages of developing our joint Climate Action and Adaptation Plan which focuses on proactive projects that include adjustment to the impacts of climate change and to take advantage of emerging opportunities.

For more information on climate change visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/climatechange Borough Life July 2022

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Your Councillors KEY ABBREVIATIONS DUP Democratic Unionist Party IND Independent SDLP Social Democratic and Labour Party UUP Ulster Unionist Party

Dunsilly

Ballyclare

Antrim Threemilewater Airport

Macedon Glengormley Urban

Airport District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS ALDERGROVE, CLADY, CRUMLIN, MALLUSK AND TEMPLEPATRICK.

ANNE MARIE LOGUE SINN FÉIN T. 07533 353610 E. annemarie.logue@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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

MATTHEW MAGILL DUP T. 07825 374019 E. matthew.magill@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ANDREW MCAULEY ALLIANCE T. 07775 756466 E. andrew.mcauley@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

PAUL MICHAEL bem UUP T. 07587 657120 E. paul.michael@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Antrim District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS ANTRIM CENTRE, FOUNTAIN HILL, GREYSTONE, SPRINGFARM, STEEPLE AND STILES. DEPUTY MAYOR

PAUL DUNLOP bem DUP T. 07771 554652 E. paul.dunlop@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

NEIL KELLY ALLIANCE T. 07545 992615 E. neil.kelly@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ROISIN LYNCH SDLP T. 07827 276840 E. roisin.lynch@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JIM MONTGOMERY UUP T. 07471 147666 E. jim.montgomery@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JOHN SMYTH DUP T. 07436 582180 E. john.smyth@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

LEAH SMYTH UUP T. 07984 030867 E. leah.smyth@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Ballyclare District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS BALLYCLARE EAST, BALLYCLARE WEST, BALLYNURE, BALLYROBERT AND DOAGH.

JEANNIE ARCHIBALD-BROWN DUP T. 07715 392229 E. jeannie.archibald@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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MANDY GIRVAN DUP T. 07912 028945 E. mandy.girvan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Borough Life July 2022

VERA MCWILLIAM UUP T. 07792 477050 E. vera.mcwilliam@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

NORRIE RAMSAY UUP T. 07342 064652 E. norrie.ramsay@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MICHAEL STEWART IND T. 07810 868522 E. michael.stewart@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Dunsilly District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS CRANFIELD, PARKGATE, RANDALSTOWN, SHILVODAN AND TOOME.

LINDA CLARKE DUP T. 07803 132601 E. linda.clarke@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

HENRY CUSHINAN SINN FÉIN T. 07871 229810 E. henry.cushinan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

GLENN FINLAY IND T. 07904 412040 E. glenn.finlay@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

RODERICK SWANN UUP T. 07423 457376 E. roderick.swann@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

RYAN WILSON SDLP T. 07733 453883 E. ryan.wilson@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Glengormley Urban Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS BALLYHENRY, BURNTHILL, CARNMONEY, COLLINBRIDGE, GLEBE, GLENGORMLEY AND HIGHTOWN.

ALISON BENNINGTON DUP T. 07741 241011 E. alison.bennington@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

PAULA BRADLEY DUP T. 07500 870323 E. paula.bradley@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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

MICHAEL GOODMAN SINN FÉIN T. 07827 818500 E. michael.goodman @antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ROSIE KINNEAR SINN FÉIN T. 07771 544248 E. rosie.kinnear @ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

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

JULIAN MCGRATH ALLIANCE T. 07920 029033 E. julian.mcgrath@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Macedon District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS ABBEY, CARNMONEY HILL, O’NEILL, RATHCOOLE, VALLEY AND WHITEHOUSE.

MATTHEW BRADY DUP T. 07833 105351 E. matthew.brady@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

ROBERT FOSTER UUP T. 07342 064510 E. robert.foster@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

BEN MALLON DUP T. 07719 652057 E. ben.mallon@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

TAYLOR MCGRANN SINN FÉIN T. 07436 548081 E taylor.mcgrann@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

VICTOR ROBINSON DUP T. 07557 752451 E victor.robinson@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

BILLY WEBB mbe jp ALLIANCE T. 07799 866876 E billy.webb@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Threemilewater District Electoral Area (DEA) COVERS BALLYDUFF, FAIRVIEW, JORDANSTOWN, MONKSTOWN, MOSSLEY AND ROSTULLA. MAYOR

FRASER AGNEW mbe UUP T. 07711 135267 E. fraser.agnew@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

TOM CAMPBELL ALLIANCE T. 07595 978690 E. tom.campbell@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

MARK COOPER bem DUP T. 07771 332108 E mark.cooper@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

SAM FLANAGAN DUP T. 07984 037509 E. sam.flanagan@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

JULIE GILMOUR ALLIANCE T. 07796 950825 E julie.gilmour@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

STEPHEN ROSS DUP T. 07713 946038 E stephen.ross@ antrimandnewtown abbey.gov.uk

Borough Life July 2022

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33

Holiday Arrangements Tues

Wed

Mon

12 July

13 July

29 August

Antrim Civic Centre

✗

✗

✗

Mossley Mill

✗

✗

✗

Theatre at The Mill

✗

✗

✗

Old Courthouse Theatre

✗

✗

✗

Antrim Castle Gardens*

✓

✓

✓

Clotworthy House*

✗

✓

✓

Ballyclare Town Hall

✗

✗

✗

Flax Gallery

✗

✗

✗

Pogues Entry

✗

✗

✗

Sentry Hill

✗

✗

✗

The Gateway

✗

✓

✓

Leisure Centres (Allen Park, Antrim Forum, Ballyearl, Crumlin, Sixmile, Valley)

✗

✓

✓

Sixmile Water Caravan Park

✓

✓

✓

Jordanstown Loughshore Park Caravan Park

✓

✓

✓

Recycling Centres (Craigmore, Crumlin, Newpark, Bruslee, O’Neill Road)

✗

✓

✓

✗ CLOSED

✓ OPEN

*Clotworthy car park closed 12 July

Contact Us

HOLIDAY BIN COLLECTION DATES

Customer Service Hub (Switchboard) 0300 123 4568

Antrim - Brown or Blue Bin

Arts & Culture Hub 0300 123 7788

Leisure Hub 0300 123 1580

Planning

See pa g for mor e 4 e hub informa tion

0300 123 6677

Normal collection day

Your bin will now be collected on

Tues 12 July

Fri 15 July

Newtownabbey - Brown and Black Bin

Caravan Parks

Tues 12 July

Wed 13 July

Sixmile Water: 028 9034 0137 Jordanstown Loughshore Park: 028 9034 0137

Wed 13 July

Thurs 14 July

Thurs 14 July

Fri 15 July

Fri 15 July

Sat 16 July

Recycling Centres & Waste Craigmore: 028 9034 0056 Crumlin: 028 9034 0056 Newpark: 028 9034 0056 Bruslee: 028 9034 0056 O’Neill Road: 028 9034 0056

Useful Council Contacts Park Warden: 028 9034 0275 Dog Warden: 028 9034 0160 Out of hours Dog Warden: 028 9034 0178 Contact details for Community Centres are available at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/communitycentres

Newtownabbey - Wheelie Box Tues 12 July *Please note earlier collection date

Sat 9 July*

We Asked, You Said, We Did

USEFUL NUMBERS

Animal Welfare

028 2563 3134

Earlier this year we invited you to give your comments on the draft version of our Corporate Recovery and Improvement Plan for 2022-23, which sets out a range of challenging corporate performance indicators, alongside performance improvement targets in four key service areas.

Bryson Energy

0800 142 2865

Bus and Rail queries (Translink)

028 9066 6630

Citizens Advice (Antrim & Newtownabbey)

028 9590 6505

Education Authority

028 2565 3333

Electricity Faults & Emergencies (24 hours)

03457 643 643

Fallen trees (Department for Infrastructure)

0300 200 7893

Gas Emergency Response (24 hours)

0800 002 001

Hospitals Antrim Area Hospital Whiteabbey Hospital

028 9442 4000 028 9086 5181

Thanks to all of you who took the time to give us some feedback.

The plan was approved by Council in June, and is now available to view online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/performance The Council is committed to improving our services and it is important that we listen to what the community have to say.

If you have any comments, or would like any further information please contact the Performance and Transformation Team:

Performance and Transformation Team T. 0300 123 4568 E. performance@ antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

PLEASE NOTE - The Council is NOT responsible for these services.

We've listed some useful contacts to help you.

Housing Executive Main Number (including grass cutting & graffiti) Repairs Line Housing Benefit

03448 920 900 03448 920 901 03448 920 902

Land Registry

0300 200 7803

Mapping (Land & Property Services)

0300 200 7804

Northern Health & Social Care Trust

028 9442 4000

Pest Control (Consult your phone directory) Rates (Property Rating & Valuation)

0300 200 7801

TransportNI (previously Roads Service) Bus shelter vandalism/graffiti Cut roadside trees and grass verges Fallen trees Flooding roadway, footpath and blocked road gullies (24 hours) Road repairs (including potholes) Street lighting Traffic Hotline Winter salting (24 hours)

028 9054 0540 028 9046 3250 028 9054 0540 0300 200 7891 028 9025 3000 0300 200 7893 0300 200 7899 0845 712 3321 0300 200 7893

Social Security Agency Antrim and Newtownabbey Offices: Benefits Freephone Employment Service

0800 022 4250 0300 200 7822

Telephone/Utility Boxes (BT fault)

0800 023 2023

Voting (Electoral Office)

0800 432 0712

Water (NI Water)

03457 440088

Flooding Incident Line (24 hours) Report your property is flooded or flooding

0300 200 0100

Flooding - Council owned property

028 9446 3113

Burst watermains and blocked sewers (Northern Ireland Water) (24 hours)

0345 744 0088

Overflowing rivers and watercourses (Rivers Agency)

028 9260 6100

Water pollution in watercourse (Northern Ireland Environment Agency)

0800 807 060

Consumerline (9.00 am to 4.00 pm)

0300 123 6262

Action Fraud

0300 123 2040

Borough Life July 2022

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35

We are keen to have your help to improve our communication about our service updates, events, special offers, leisure classes and courses, weather updates and news about council services in general. Please take a few minutes to complete this survey.

For competition rules visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/competitionrules or these can be posted on request T. 0300 123 4568

This survey can also be completed online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/surveys 1.

2.

✃

Survey - Council’s Digital Services Prize Draw All responses received will be entere d into a prize draw to win o ne month Family Leisure Centre Membership

How do you usually hear about Council Services, events, offers, leisure classes and courses, weather and news updates? (Please tick all that apply) Borough Life

Radio Advertisement

Newspapers

Council Website

TV Advertisement

Leaflet

Social Media

Posters

Online e.g. What’s On NI, Visit Belfast

Billboards

Banners

Just know about it/ go every year

Word of Mouth (Family or Friends)

ANBorough App

Other

Do you feel that you are well informed about what events are happening in the Borough?

Yes

No (please comment below)

Are you satisfied that you are well informed about what services the Council provides?

Yes

No (please comment below)

4.

✃

3.

Do you feel that you are well informed about what local councillors do?

Yes

No (please comment below)

5.

Have you used any of the Council’s digital platforms in the past 12 months?

Website Live Chat Online Council Bookings

6.

Yes Yes Yes

No No No

Apply/ Report/ Pay ANBorough App Twitter @ANBorough

Why did you visit these digital platforms?

(Please tick all that apply)

Website

Yes Yes Yes Live Chat

No No No

Facebook @ANBorough Instagram @ANBorough LinkedIn

ANBorough App

Twitter

Facebook

Yes Yes Yes

No No No Instagram

Report a problem - dog fouling, fly tipping Request a service - bulky collection, purchase a bin Pay for a service - dog license Get information on virtual events and classes Get information about Council Services Manage your Leisure Membership - book fitness classes, swimming Customer complaints/ compliments

Other (please state):

✃

Research

✃

7.

Very Easy

Easy

Neither

Difficult

Very Difficult

Extremely Satisfied

Very Satisfied

Satisfied

Unsatisfied

Very Unsatisfied

How easy was it to navigate our digital platforms?

Website Apply/ Report/ Pay Live Chat ANBorough App 8.

How satisfied are you with the Council's online communications?

Website Live Chat ANBorough App Twitter Facebook Instagram LinkedIn TikTok What else would you like to see on our digital platforms?

✃

9.

How satisfied are you with the Borough Life magazine?

Do you have any suggestions about articles you would like to see in Borough Life?

10. Overall, how satisfied are you with how the Council communicates with residents?

11. Overall, how satisfied are you with all services provided by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council?

12. Would you be interested in taking part in a discussion about how the Council informs residents about what it does?

Yes

No

PRIZE DRAW Simply complete the survey and your contact details below and return to: FREEPOST ANTRIM AND NEWTOWNABBEY BOROUGH COUNCIL – CIVIC CENTRE Or complete online at antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/surveys Closing date Sunday 31 July Contact name: Contact number:

Prize Draw All responses received will be entere d into a prize draw to win o ne month Family Leisure Centre Membership

Contact email: For competition rules visit antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/competitionrules For GDPR Statement antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/gdpr/communications-and-customer-services-gdpr

✃

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