Mid & East Antrim Connections - Winter 2018

Mid and East Antrim Borough Residents’ Magazine

Winter wrapped up #MEAdventures Page 11 Inside: 06 Growing the economy

09 Holiday bin collections

18 Village renewal

Winter 2018

Useful Numbers

Get in touch

To contact Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, telephone

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

Tourism

Bentra Golf Course 028 9337 8996

We welcome your queries, comments and suggestions.

You can contact us directly by telephone on 0300 124 5000

Leisure Centres

You can visit or write to us at any of the offices below:

Arthur Cottage 028 2563 5010 Carrickfergus Marina 028 9336 6666 Glenarm Marina 028 2884 1285 Newferry Tourism Facility 028 2563 5010 Portglenone Marina 028 2563 5010 The Gobbins Visitor Centre 028 9337 2318 Visitor Information Centres Ballymena Visitor Information Centre 028 2563 5077 Carrickfergus Visitor Information Centre 028 9335 8222 Larne Visitor Information Centre 028 2826 2495 Cemetery Enquiries Ballymena 028 2563 3213 Carrickfergus 028 9335 8220 Larne 028 2826 2384 Parks & Open Spaces Carnfunnock Country Park 028 2826 2471

Amphitheatre Carrickfergus 028 9335 8342 Larne Leisure Centre 028 2826 2497 Seven Towers Leisure Centre, Ballymena 028 2563 3382 Ballymena Showgrounds 028 2563 3290 Planning Area Planning Office 0300 200 7830 Waste, Street Cleansing and Recycling For all areas: Call 0300 124 5000 and choose option 0 Environmental Health Animal Welfare 028 2563 3134 (or on weekends and holidays, call 07824 994490) Grants Community and volunteer grants – Ballymena 028 2563 3148 Community and volunteer grants – Carrickfergus and Larne 028 9335 8240

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

Keep up-to-date You can keep up-to-date with us on social media. We use Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to share the latest news, events and information from Council.

MEA Borough Council twitter.com/mea_bc instagram.com/meaboroughcouncil If you have any comments on the magazine, please contact: Communications Mid and East Antrim Borough Council The Braid 1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena BT43 5EJ If you would like this publication in an alternative format, such as large print, please contact us on communications@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or call 0300 124 5000.

This magazine is delivered to houses and businesses in the Borough. This includes BT43 7, BT43 6, BT38 7, BT38 9, BT38 8, BT43 5, BT42 4, BT42 3, BT42 2, BT42 1, BT40 3, BT40 2, BT40 1 as well as a large number of split postcode areas. If you live in the Borough and have not received a copy of this magazine in your post, please contact the Communications department.

CUT OUT AND KEEP

0300 124 5000

The People’s Park 028 2563 3342

Connections is approved by the Plain English campaign.

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Connections magazine is packed with news and information about how we are working together to create a better future for everyone who lives, works and invests here. Read on if you want to:

04

Find out more about where you live

05

09

Get your holiday bins collected

10

Recycle more

06–08

11

Get active indoors and get blown away by our outdoors

12

Fill your days with arts and culture

15

22

Help us improve

Keep updated on our progress

23

Contact your councillor

24

Explore business opportunites

Get into nature

19

Be part of the community

Feel festive on our high streets

Welcome to the new Mayor Since the last edition of this magazine, Cllr Lindsay Millar has been elected to serve as the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for the 2018/19 period. Speaking about the appointment, the Ulster Unionist said: “I want to make the Mayor’s Office more accessible to everyone, encourage more young people and more women into politics.”

Tourism, boosting the economy and animal welfare are also important issues to her. She has chosen Air Ambulance Northern Ireland as her official charity. Cllr Cheryl Johnston, DUP, will remain in the position of Deputy Mayor for a second term.

The Mayor’s Office can be contacted on 028 2563 3398 or email mayors.office@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

You can also read this online at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/connections Front cover: Niamh and Nina McCann enjoying a winter’s day at Glenarm Castle.

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Council News

Award-winning services Congratulations to two of our council teams who have received national recognition for their hard work.

Our waste services team were top finalists in the APSE Annual Service Awards for Best Service Team in Waste Management and Recycling. The UK-wide competition recognised their campaign to increase recycling rates, which resulted in Mid and East Antrim recording the highest recycling rate in Northern Ireland during July to September 2017, reaching 57.5%. This success is not only good for the environment, but it saves money as less waste is sent to landfill, for which council is charged.

Our Parks and Open Spaces team have won the Best Urban Parks Team at this year’s Horticulture Week Custodian Awards. The UK-wide awards honour the achievements of the

Christmas closures Council offices will be closed from Monday 24 December to Wednesday 26 December, and on

STOP PRESS Our Energy Detectives schools programme, which featured in the last issue of Connections, has been shortlisted for 4

Tuesday 1 January. For bin collection arrangements, please see Page 9.

the Best Environmental Health Project in the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health Awards 2018. Good luck for the awards ceremony at the end of November!

Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

professionals that make our parks and gardens the vibrant, vital places they are today. Our team manages over 300 sites, from parks and woodlands to sports pitches and cemeteries –

as well as over 62 miles of coastline. Strengths noted by the judges were community engagement and our commitment to biodiversity. See page 15 for more.

Freedom of the Borough Sir William Wright CBE will be conferred the Freedom of the Borough in January 2019. The motion was passed in recognition of his contribution to global business and the local economy. Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Anne Donaghy said: “Sir William has provided employment to tens of thousands of our citizens over the years, showcased

our area around the world, promoted and supported the education of our young people and provided a lifeline for many organisations and groups within Mid and East Antrim.

“This honour is our opportunity to recognise all of that fantastic work and, more importantly, to say ‘thank you’ to Sir William, from the people of Mid and East Antrim.”

Council News

From transition to transformation Since the creation of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council from its three legacy councils of Ballymena, Larne and Carrickfergus Borough Councils in 2015, we have been working to deliver against our very first Corporate Plan.

The Corporate Plan sets out our vision, our strategic priorities and how we are to achieve against these until 2019.

It also commits us to continually reviewing our progress. The most recent Progress Report outlining work done in 2017-18 is available to read in full online at www. midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ performance. Here are just some of the highlights of the last financial year: Growing the economy - Launching Amplify, our integrated Economic Development Strategy.

- Refurbishing the Ecos Centre into office space and conference facilities, with a focus on innovation, in partnership with Catalyst Inc. - Establishment of a Manufacturing Task Force.

- Being the top performing council in Northern Ireland in respect of processing planning applications.

Developing our tourism potential - Refurbishment of the US Rangers Museum and reopening of The Gobbins after extensive regeneration work during the winter period.

- Carrickfergus Castle’s opening hours extended in a pilot project with the Department for Communities.

- A Borough-wide tourism and travel trade industry database developed.

Building stronger, safe and healthy communities - Approval of the Community Development Strategy, which is now being delivered.

- Green Dog Walkers initiative launched with the aim of reducing dog fouling.

- 3,500 participants took part in the Every Body Active programme, which targeted women and girls, people with a disability and those living in areas of high social need.

- 602 grant applications were processed, with ÂŁ646,426 of grant funding awarded.

- 18 village plans submitted through our Village Renewal programme.

- 8 Green Flag Awards were achieved in our Parks and Open Spaces.

Delivering excellent services - 1,356 requests for support from our home safety and energy efficiency advisors.

- Food waste recycling resulted in black bin waste falling by 22%, saving over ÂŁ150,000 (April to December figures).

- A new Emergency Plan was implemented along with key resources for Elected Members. Recognised as an example of best practice and rolled out across all councils in Northern Ireland.

- A new appointments system launched for Registration of Births, Deaths and Marriages.

- There has been a 25% increase in website users with over 1.7million page views. Social media engagement more than doubled across our key platforms.

Developing a high performing Council - Signed up to the APSE (Association of Public Sector Excellence) NI Benchmarking Project to allow our performance to be monitored and compared with other councils.

- Developed a Business Improvement and Efficiency Strategy and a Digital Transformation Strategy with the aim to improve efficiency and effectiveness.

- We continue to engage on strategic issues at Westminster, with the Secretary of State, and with Northern Ireland Departments on issues relevant to the Borough such as Brexit and the electricity sector.

The Progress Report also provides a budget summary and looks at the capital projects that have been delivered within the time frame.

You can read the full report at: www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/performance

Help us shape the Corporate Plan for 2019-2023 by participating in the survey on Pages 21-22.

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SPOTLIGHT ON: Michelin Development Limited Reigniting the engine room of the economy One of the most important priorities as your council is to grow the economy. Our Economic Development team works to support the sustainability and development of businesses in the area – from business start-up support to assisting established businesses with growth. At a strategic level, we believe in working closely with the private sector to support and enable them in the shared aims of creating and delivering wealth and employment.

On the ground, this looks like real opportunity: • We are one of the bids for a Heathrow Logistics Hub, which could deliver an economic boost of £5billion, create 5,000 jobs and be a gamechanger for the region.

• We are developing our position within the Belfast Region City Deal.

• We are rolling out Amplify, our economic development strategy for the region.

• We are supporting Michelin Development Limited, a key stakeholder of the Amplify Business Escalator programme.

We are also backing key economic assets within our borough. From village renewal to town centre regeneration, supporting our tourism industry and moving forward with ambitious plans for the former St Patrick’s Barracks in Ballymena – we are working on projects, investments and opportunities that will help shape the future economic success of our Borough. Mid and East Antrim is brimming with talent and infrastructure, and as a Council we are ideally placed to deliver on our blueprint to breathe new life into our economy at a local and regional level.

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Working in conjunction with regional development, local government and business support agencies, Michelin Development in Ballymena aims to: • Generate sustainable quality employment within existing and new businesses.

• Stimulate employment creation through attracting inward investment.

• Assist in the shaping and development of projects in conjunction with local business support agencies.

• Encourage skills and entrepreneurship able to support the long term future of the local region.

To support this, Michelin Development Limited offers unsecured loans from £5,000 to £50,000 at base interest rate. These are arranged through its associate bank with a repayment period of three to five years. They are available to small and medium sized enterprises with up to 250 employees. To qualify for a loan, the business must be based in the Co. Antrim area (excluding Belfast), and operate in the manufacturing or business to business service sector, with a viable growth plan that will create sustainable jobs.

For further information and how to apply please visit www.michelindevelopment.co.uk or call 0800 056 2007

Enterprise fortnight We will be celebrating entrepreneurship in Mid and East Antrim with a series of events and workshops between 12-24 November. Check out www.amplifymidandeast antrim.co.uk for more information.

Supporting local businesses with training and skills Through Amplify, our integrated economic development strategy, we offer a range of business support programmes. Could one of them help shape your future?

Got an idea for a business?

Looking for ways to grow your existing business?

The Amplify Business Escalator programme is dedicated to providing business growth support to existing businesses and social enterprises, through a bespoke, free, one-to-one mentoring service. To access support from the programme, your business must be:

The Go For It programme is designed to support and provide one-to-one mentoring services to anyone wishing to start a new business. As part of your journey towards self-employment, we will help you to develop a business plan which will drive your business forward.

• Based within the area of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

“My dream was to have my own fitness space and it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of the Go For It programme. My business advisor was really supportive and helped me compile a personalised business plan that mapped out exactly what I needed to do.”

• In a position to create at least one sustainable job before 2020.

Christine Surgenor, Bel-Tonz Studio, Carrickfergus.

To find out more, visit www.goforitni.com or call 0800 027 0639.

• Trading more than six months.

• Have less than 50 employees.

• Unable to access existing business support.

“Our mentor challenged us to plan for growth. In the past, we would have perhaps been curtailed in our efforts, but as a result of the programme, we now have a clear plan of where we want the business to be and are confident that we will get there.”

Sean McVeigh, director of Embroid Me Print.

Part funded by the European Regional Development Fund under the Investment for Growth & Jobs Northern Ireland (2014-2020) Programme and Invest Northern Ireland.

Are you a business trading for less than one year?

The Kickstart programme offers specialist mentoring support to businesses in the start-up phase of trading.

As part of the programme, you will benefit from: • 13 hours of specialist one-to-one business mentoring and advice.

• Interactive workshops and networking.

• Future planning and goal setting.

“The decision to go self-employed was an exciting but daunting one. However, the top class support I received from the Kickstart Programme was invaluable. The workshops combined with mentoring gave me the practical and informative advice and help I needed to get things moving in the right direction.”

Rachael Agnew, owner of Walk This Way dog training and walking services.

Ready to explore business or employment?

Get insight into starting a business or take the first steps to gaining employment. The Exploring Enterprise Programme offers mentoring and you will have the opportunity to work towards achieving a CCEA Level 1 Qualification in Understanding Business Enterprise.

“The course introduced me to the language, context and structures of business. It reminded me that I’m not on my own and there are those who will help and support me in planting a seed and working to see a shoot of life appear.”

Barry Reid, Larne. www.trouttoursni.com EEP is an Enterprise Northern Ireland initiative part funded through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund 2014-2020 Investment for Jobs and Growth Programme, the Department for the Economy and Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

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Rural development funding helps businesses reach new heights Two local businesses have been awarded grants from the Rural Development Fund. IPC Mouldings, based in Carrickfergus, has secured an offer of more than £80k. The company specialises in injection moulding and has worked in the aircraft interiors industry for 24 years. Joanne Liddle, Managing Director, said: “IPC is continually investing in new equipment, processes and technology to ensure a sustainable future. We extend our thanks to the Mid and East Antrim Local Action Group (LAG) board and would encourage other rural businesses to avail of the financial support on offer.”

The Rural Business Investment Scheme offers financial support of up to 50% to eligible rural businesses. Grants range from £5,000 to £90,000 and can support capital works, equipment, technical support and marketing.

Mid and East Antrim Local Action Group is funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020 by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, and the European Union.

To find out more, telephone: 028 2563 3266 or email: rdp@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

In another successful bid, Ballymena-based SRJ Davison Ltd received £55k from the Mid and East Antrim LAG to assist with the purchase of key machinery. The company designs and manufactures egg-handling equipment. Stephen Davison, Managing Director, said the grant had boosted the growth of the firm. He said: “The RDP grant assisted us in purchasing a new state of the art machine which has improved efficiencies as well as increasing the manufacturing capacity of our company. It has helped us to grow our workforce with the creation of two new skilled jobs.”

Spaces worth sharing Over £1.1million of funding has been granted to Mid and East Antrim to help us deliver shared usage of our public spaces and buildings. The European Union PEACE IV funding is already making a positive contribution in our communities – with plans in development for much more.

St.Art This street art project is all about communities coming together to reimagine and reanimate places in Carrickfergus, Larne and Ballymena.

Now rebranded as St.Art, we are working to identify unloved and underused spaces and then bring them to life with activities, performance, open-air cinema and spectacular lumiere events. Over the winter, we will be holding a series of community workshops to move forward with plans. For more information, call 028 2563 3575 or email St.Art@midand eastantrim.gov.uk

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Your Place Our Space The Your Place Our Space programme has already delivered a packed itinerary of events in our Parks and Open Spaces. From a pop-up street velodrome to sun drenched beach bonanzas, activities have included bushcraft, canoeing, stand up paddleboarding and Sofa to Saddle cycling programmes. Over the coming months, we are making plans for a Wild Winter Festival, circus skills workshops, urban street skills, music and arts festivals and more.

For more information, call 028 9335 8274 or email yourplaceourspace@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Waste & recycling

Public holiday waste and recycling collections Alternative collection days for black/brown/blue bins Bank Holiday

Ballymena

Carrickfergus

Larne

Alternative collection days for kerbside boxes Bank Holiday

Ballymena

Carrickfergus

Larne

Tuesday Saturday 25 December 22 December

Saturday Saturday 22 December 22 December

Tuesday Saturday 25 December 22 December

Saturday 22 December

N/A

Wednesday 26 December

As normal

Saturday Monday 29 December 24 December

Wednesday Saturday 26 December 29 December

Saturday 29 December

N/A

Tuesday 1 January

Saturday 29 December

Saturday 5 January

N/A

Saturday 5 January

Saturday 29 December

Tuesday 1 January

Saturday 5 January

Please note that normal collection arrangements are in place for Monday 24 December.

Festive frenzy Will your bin be bursting with leftover turkey and mountains of wrapping paper? Do a seasonal good deed and sort out what can be recycled. Here are some top tips:

Trees

Food

Recycle what’s left of your fir trees at any of our Household Recycling Centres.

Feed your kitchen caddies and brown bins with any leftovers that haven’t been gobbled up.

Large cardboard boxes

Christmas cards

If they don’t fit into your blue bin/red kerbie, bring them down to a Household Recycling Centre.

Plastic/metal Plastic or metal sweet tins can go into your blue bin/ red kerbie.

Wrapping paper Crunch it into a ball in your hands. If it springs back, it contains plastics or other materials which aren’t recyclable. If it stays in a ball, throw it in your black kerbie/blue bin for recycling.

Most Christmas cards can be recycled, as they’re made from paper. However if it contains plastic or glitter, it can’t be recycled.

Tin foil You can recycle this in your blue bin/red kerbie box.

Recycling rate rises How are we doing in Mid and East Antrim with our recycling goals? Well it is good news, with the latest figures showing our 2017/18 recycling rate is up 7.5% from the previous year, meaning 52.69% of all our waste is being recycled. This puts us second out of 11 councils when it comes to household recycling.

Thanks for helping us achieve this great rate, but maybe we could all take a minute to think about the other 47% of

waste that is still going to landfill. If every one of our 59,000 households took the time to recycle just one more item, here’s what energy could be generated*: • 1 plastic bottle each = 9 School energy days or 4 hospital energy days.

• 1 magazine each = 40 school energy days or 20 hospital energy days.

• 1 tin can each = 58 School energy days or 30.5 hospital energy days.

*Figures calculated using the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) recycle converter.

Too much?

If your kerbside box is full, you can use an overflow bag. Please put only one type of material per bag.

Never put glass in an overflow bag. Additional glass can be brought to your local bring bank/Household Recycling Centre.

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Waste & recycling

App to make recycling easier

Small projects that make a big difference

Do you need help remembering what bin goes out when, or what items go into which bin? Sign up to the Binovation app, which can be downloaded onto your mobile phone and personalised to your location. This free app provides users with:

Congratulations to the 12 community groups who secured funding from this year’s Live Here Love Here Small Grants Scheme for delivering environmental projects.

This grant fund takes a fresh approach to improving our local environment and building a sense of pride in our local communities.

Grants are available from £500 to £5,000 and are open to volunteer and community groups, school and third level education organisations, youth groups and sports clubs undertaking civic pride projects. The successful groups are:

• A bin collection calendar showing your collections.

• A search engine for over 250 household items, letting you know what items go in which bin.

• News and information on recycling initiatives.

• A reminder function to set up handy bin collection alerts.

• A Tips section on how to reduce, re-use and recycle.

• G PS locations of all recycling centres and bring banks.

• A ‘Contact Council’ facility for all your waste queries.

We hope the Bin-ovation app will make it easier for you to navigate the sometimes complicated world of recycling, as we try to reduce the amount of waste we send to landfill in Mid and East Antrim. To download the free app, go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android).

To find out more, visit www.bin-ovation.com All our waste and recycling news and information will continue to be promoted on our website at www. midandeastantrim.gov. uk/recycling. Or you can call our Waste Operations Office on 0300 124 5000 and select option 0.

• Ahoghill Traders’ Association • Ballymena Base

Keeping it clean in Mid and East Antrim Our borough is spectacularly beautiful and discarded rubbish is a real blight on our landscape, for residents, visitors and wildlife alike.

Throughout this year we have been working closely with community groups to tackle fly-tipping and clean up problem spots – over 52 community clean ups have already happened since March 2018.

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We always encourage litter louts to clean up their act and help keep our borough clean and tidy. But for those who continue to flout the law, remember littering is an offence which can result in an £80 fixed penalty notice. To report any fly-tipping or littered areas you can go to: www. midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ report

Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

If you are interested in organising a local clean up and would like our support, please contact: waste.helpdesk@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

• Brighter Whitehead • Cairndhu Rowing Club • Carrickfergus Central Primary School • Connect Ministries • Cullybackey Community Partnership • Friends of Bashfordsland and Oakfield Glen LNR • Grange Cross Community Association • Islandmagee Community Development Association • Larne Renovation Generation • Woodburn Cultural and Community Group If you are interested in applying for funding in next year’s round, please visit www.liveherelovehere.org

#MEAdventures

MEAdventures

Winter all wrapped up!

Don’t let the weather put you off having some #MEAdventures.

Here’s our list of things to do in the Borough during the long winter months.

Go outdoors • Forest bathe in crunchy Autumn leaves at Portglenone, Glenarm, Gleno, or Diamond Jubilee Woods • Get blown away on the Causeway Coastal Route from Larne through to Garron Point.

• Get a higher perspective on top of Slemish, Knockagh or Shane’s Hill.

Feed the soul • Discover locally made produce that can fill stomachs and Santa stockings alike. Visit www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/foodanddrink.

• Hunker down in a pub, cafe or restaurant with a fireside seat and a warming brew.

Get festive • Get in the mood at one of our Christmas lights switch on events. See back cover.

• Challenge yourself to do your Christmas shopping locally – make a day of it with a lunch break in one of the many eateries in our town centres.

• Make one of our locally-inspired Christmas recipes, created by Jenny Bristow for our Food and Drink Network, www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/christmas

• Do a random act of kindness. Over 137,000 people live here – can you make just one person’s day?

Creative spells • Be inspired at one of our concerts, comedy nights, clubs or classes, pages 12-13.

• Learn from the past. Our Museum network will take you from homemade aeroplanes to WW1 trenches and more. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/museums • Dig into the rural poets known as the Rhyming Weavers, part of our Robert Burns exhibition, page 13.

Cosy up to nature • Hug a tree. It’s Tree Week from November 24 to December 2, page 15.

• Lay a hedge, weave a wreath and discover how to forage at our Wild Winter Festival, page 15.

• Find a red squirrel in Glenarm forest or a black guillemot at Carrickfergus marina, both part of our local creature calendar www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/ creaturecalendar.

Get active • Give the gift of leisure centre membership for access to a year of gym, swim and fitness classes. www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/leisure • Need a New Year’s Resolution? Make this the year you learn to swim. Classes available for all ages and levels.

• Burn off the Christmas cake in a local 5km park run.

Visit www.parkrun.org.uk for information.

Wherever your #MEAdventures take you, share with us on social media using this hashtag. We’re showcasing the hidden treasures and local favourites that are right here on our doorstep. Already our shared stories have had more than half a million views. Keep up the conversation!

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Events

What’s On in MEA November Larne Naval Base and the U-boat War 1914-1918 Monday 15 October to Friday 30 November.

Larne Museum and Arts Centre This exhibition, in association with local historian and author Guy Warner, will explore the role of Larne Naval Base during World War 1.

The Great War: 1918 Death, Disease and Decisions 29 September–2 January Mid-Antrim Museum, Ballymena, FREE The exhibition charts the impact of Armistice and chronicles the final battles of The Great War; telling the stories of local men who fought in them.

Ships and Airships: Coastal defence during the First World War.

Hidden Gems and Forgotten People 10 November–8 December Carrickfergus Museum Launch Event Friday 9 November, 7pm From scientists to poets and playwrights and from ancient churches to industrial heritage sites, this exhibition is the result of a joint endeavour of the Federation for Ulster Local Studies and the Federation of Local History Societies.

Jingle All the Way Saturday 24 November Ballymena Town Centre Family fun hosted by the Northern Ireland Hospice.

Including on-street entertainment, children’s party and more.

Jimmy Buckley Live in Concert 14 November, 8pm The Braid Arts Centre, £20 One of the country’s best loved performers. Expect country, big ballads and tribute medleys.

Shane Todd – Hero, stand up tour of Ireland 2018 17 November, 8pm The Braid Arts Centre Ages 16+. £14 With a massive online following and a BBC radio series under his belt, watch this comic in his natural environment – live on stage.

20 October–5 January Carrickfergus Museum

Ballymena BID will be putting on a programme of music and entertainment each Saturday in December to get shoppers into the festive spirit, including at the new Harmony Hub! Check out their website and Facebook page for more info.

December

Explore the war at sea around our shores. A particular focus of the exhibition will be the Bentra Aerodrome station at Whitehead, which was home to the first military aviation facility in Ireland.

SPECIAL EVENT

It’s Panto time!

Larne between the Wars – a talk

by John Ritchie 17 November, 3pm–4pm Larne Museum and Arts Centre, FREE 12

Local historian John Ritchie presents a talk entitled ‘Larne between the Wars’ with a focus on Larne between 1918 and 1940. Booking essential contact Larne Museum & Arts Centre.

Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Cinderella, Saturday 1 December, 2pm and 7pm, Carrickfergus Town Hall. Tickets £6.

School shows available on Thursday 29 and Friday 30 November.

Cinderella, Saturday 8 December, 2pm and 7pm, McNeill Theatre, Larne. Tickets £6.

School shows available on Thursday 06 and Friday 07 December.

Puss ‘n Boots, presented by Cre:8 Theatre, The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena.

Friday 7 December to Saturday 22 December.

Evening and matinee performances available.

Adults £10, Concessions £8, family ticket £34 (2 adults+2 children or 1 adult+3 children).

Cinderella, presented

by Alternative Medicine Theatre. Thursday 29 November to Saturday 1 December, The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena.

Adults £8, concessions £5. A donation from this production will be made to Tiny Life.

MINECRAFT SPECIAL Christmas Carrickfergus: Past, present and future Saturday 8 December, Carrickfergus Museum.

Ages 8-12, £10 for 1hr 45min Ages 6-8, £7.50 for 1hr.

Join us for some block shaped fun, with prizes to be won! Booking essential.

028 9335 8241 or carrickfergusmuseums@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Events

Lilian Bland – A talk by Guy Warner Friday 7 December, 7.30pm – 8.30pm Larne Museum and Arts Centre, FREE Historian and author Guy Warner will present a talk on Lilian Bland, the first woman in the world to design, construct and fly her own aircraft. Booking essential - contact Larne Museum and Arts Centre.

January Frances Black and Kieran Goss Friday 4 January, 8pm McNeill Theatre, Larne, £24 Both Frances and Kieran have enjoyed huge international success in their respective solo careers, catching the public’s imagination.

Derek Ryan in concert 11 January, 8pm The Braid Arts Centre, £25 Watch one of Irish country music’s elite perform his brand of original music and country classics.

February Anthony Toner Live 7 February, 7.30pm Larne Town Hall, £12

School choirs at Broadway

Belfast-based songwriter Anthony Toner returns to Larne with a new collection of music.

18 and 19 December Broadway, Larne 10am–2.30pm each day One of the highlights of Christmas in Larne.

Christmas artisan markets

The Ulster Orchestra: Vienna

Larne @Broadway Thursday 13 December 12–8pm

5 January, 7.30pm The Braid Arts Centre £18.50

Carrickfergus @Marketplace Saturday 15 December 12–6pm

Let the Ulster Orchestra dance you into the New Year and the waltzing world of Strauss.

Ballymena @Broadway Thursday 20 December, 12–5pm Friday 21 December, 11am-8pm Saturday 22 December, 11am-4pm.

Hand to the Plough – The Impact and Influence of Robert Burns in Mid-Antrim 10 January – 13 February Carrickfergus Museum

Christmas Country Music Showtime

18 February – 5 March Larne Museum and Arts Centre

Saturday 29 December The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena, £16.50

The exhibition looks at the impact and legacy of Scottish poet Robert Burns on literary life in the mid-Antrim area.

This is a touring exhibition by the Mid-Antrim Heritage Partnership.

Featuring Kathy Durkin, Stephen Smyth, Owen Mac, Barry Doyle aka Farmer Dan and Boxcar Brian.

Jake O’Kane Nobody Shouted Stop Thursday 10 January, 8pm, McNeill Theatre, Larne, £22.50 In his new show, Jake will be casting his caustic, comedy eye on the good, the bad and the very, very ugly.

Show contains adult reference for 16+ only.

Dan Gordon’s Rebel Without A Pause Wednesday 13 February, 8pm, McNeill Theatre, Larne, £17.50 In this whirlwind comedy drama, award-winning actor Dan Gordon celebrates the man, the myth and the mouth that was Frank Carson.

The Trials of Oscar Wilde Thursday 28 February, 7.30pm, McNeill Theatre, Larne, £12 14 February 1895 marked the height of Oscar Wilde’s career, with the opening of The Importance of Being Earnest. Less than 100 days later, he found himself a common prisoner sentenced to two years’ hard labour.

So what happened during the trials? Using the actual words spoken in court, we can feel what it was like to be in the company of a literary genius.

March Give My Head Peace 6 March, 8pm McNeill Theatre, Larne £22.50 The gang are hitting the road again with their unmissable and hilarious brand new stage show, Give My Head Peace – Live!

We have made every effort to ensure information is correct at the time of going to print. However arrangements and details may change, so please check with the organiser closer to the time. You can also find out more in our What’s On guide, available in our Visitor Information Centres or online at www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/events.

Mid and East Antrim

What’s On Guide March – June 2018

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

/events

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Armistice Day

Remembering The Fallen 100 years on A series of poignant commemorative events are taking place throughout Mid and East Antrim to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War. The sombre events on Sunday 11 November will pay tribute to the millions killed or wounded in battle, and those on the home front who struggled amidst pain and loss to help ensure freedom.

Beacons of light We will be participating in the WW1 Beacons of Light at 7pm when over 1,000 Beacons of Light will be lit across the UK, Channel Islands, Isle of Man and UK Overseas Territories, symbolising an end to the darkness of war and a return to the light of peace.

We are among more than 800 councils, communities and organisations to confirm their involvement in what will be a very touching commemoration.

James Bell Crichton was bestowed the British Army’s most prestigious military accolade for his incredible courage during the conflict, including facing a barrage of enemy gun fire and snipers to remove explosives from a vital bridge, and swimming across a river while under attack to deliver key messages.

In another act of commemoration, a number of ‘Ghost Tommies’ have been erected at locations across the Borough.

The striking sculptures are in memory of all those who lost their lives in the conflict.

VC hero In a separate tribute, a permanent memorial stone to a Carrickfergusborn Victoria Cross hero was installed in the town’s War Memorial Gardens in September in honour of his remarkable bravery during the Great War.

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Memorial update In October, we held a special re-dedication ceremony in Ballymena to add the names of those who had been omitted from the town’s original memorial engraving, unveiled in 1924. Through professional researchers and with help from the public, an additional 172 names were inscribed into the town’s memorial.

Exhibitions We are also proud to be hosting three exhibitions across our museums as part of our centenary programme.

The exhibition at The Braid chronicle the final battles of The Great War, telling the stories of local men who fought in them. At Carrickfergus Museum, the role of the airdrome at Bentra is explored. And at Larne Museum, the focus is on the role of the naval port in the town during the First World War.

Bentra airfield Carrickfergus Museum has also been working with the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) to unveil a permanent memorial marker at the Bentra Airfield site at Diamond Jubilee Wood, Whitehead. From 1915-1918, the site was home to the first military aviation facility in Ireland. Royal Naval Air Service airships based at Bentra patrolled the waters between Ireland and Scotland, combating the German U-Boats.

It is our honour to continue to keep in our memory the sacrifice made by the brave citizens of our local area during WW1. For more details on events and exhibitions, see pages 12-13.

Parks and Open Spaces

Our environmental pledge At the very first meeting of this financial year, Council unanimously passed a motion that reaffirmed our commitment to the natural environment and biodiversity. We will continue to support and improve our parks and open spaces, creating opportunities for health and wellbeing that increase social, environmental and economic benefits for our residents. We have a full programme of activities, with opportunities for everyone to get involved in conservation, workshops, activity days and volunteering. To find out more about how we are protecting our biodiversity, read our Local Action Plan at www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/biodiversity.

This link will also take you to lots of information about what is on each month.

What is Biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the variety of life on earth, the multitude of different plans, animals, microorganisms and the ecosystems within which they live and interact. It encompasses the whole of the natural world. In Mid and East Antrim, this means our coast, grasslands, forests, waterways and bogs as well as in our urban and rural spaces. The biggest threats to our biodiversity is degradation and the loss of habitats, as well as the spread of non-native species.

Make it a wild winter Tree Week Join us in celebrating the UK’s biggest festival of trees from 24 November to 2 December. We have hedge-laying, wreathmaking, tree planting and more planned; with a Wild Winter Festival to kick it all off on Saturday 24 November at Ecos Nature Park. Featuring willow weaving, lantern making, storytelling, music, art and more. This event is supported by the EU PEACE IV programme, managed by the Special EU Programmes Body.

Mighty oaks from little acorns grow!

Did you know that Council funds a boroughwide Forest Schools programme? Delivered by Northern Ireland Forest Schools, three schools are chosen annually to take part in wooded workshops from January to June. To ensure the sustainability of the programme, one teacher from each school can become an accredited Forest School leader.

The 2019 programme will close for applications in early November, and we are looking forward to teaching more young people about native species, survival skills, teamwork and more.

For information, contact parks@midandeast antrim.gov.uk.

“I enjoyed building a fire and roasting marshmallows. I learned that wild garlic grows in the glen.” Victoria Primary School pupil, Carrickfergus.

“When we were in groups we made wee huts with tarp and bamboo!”

Millquarter Primary School pupil, Portglenone.

“I enjoyed making picture frames from wood and string. I learned what a thistle is. We saw lots of birds!” Moyle Primary School pupil, Larne.

Creature Calendar Our animal of the month for November is the Black Guillemot.

These charismatic birds like to nest in rock crevices and under boulders but many nest in manmade structures like harbour walls.

You can see them at Carrickfergus Marina and Glenarm Harbour.

Spot them by their striking black and white plumage and bright red feet!

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Parks and Open Spaces

In Bloom winners Congratulations to everyone who took part in our Mid and East Antrim In Bloom competition – everyone’s efforts brightened up the Borough and helped encourage wildlife and biodiversity from Glenarm to Greenisland!

Best Kept Front Garden Winner: Janet Ashington, Gracehill

Best Kept Front Container Garden Winner: Brett Harris, Larne

Runners-Up: Hilary Reid, Carrickfergus; Chris Hamil, Whitehead

Runners-Up: Jackie Wilson, Glenarm; Brice Rea, Larne

Best Allotment Garden Winner: Robert McComb, Eden Allotment Gardens Runners-Up: Barry Shaw, Greenisland Allotment Gardens; Christine Gibson, Larne Allotment Gardens

Best Kept Community Planting Scheme Winner: Glenarm in Bloom Runners-Up: Brighter Whitehead; Larne Renovation Generation

In Mid and East Antrim, we have ‘Friends of’ groups in Ballymena (Ecos), Carrickfergus and Larne.

These groups meet once a month to complete practical tasks including wildflower sowing, tree management and site surveys. We also have village improvement groups throughout the Borough who help keep their local areas blooming all year 16

round. It doesn’t matter what age you are, or your fitness levels, you are more than welcome to muck in.

“I like volunteering because it helps the environment.

It’s important that people look after the environment so we all can enjoy it. I’ve made great new friends with the other volunteers, we have lots of fun doing the tasks and I learn from them about hedgehogs, frogs, eating nettles, encouraging bees to the garden and planting. My favourite task so far has been planting the wildflower seeds. And I also enjoyed planting trees and foraging for food! We walk our dog at Ecos Nature Park all the time, and always pick up litter when we go.”

Regan Loughran (pictured top right), Friends of Ecos Nature Park Volunteer, age 6.

Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Runners-Up: The Diamond Bar, Ahoghill Gillaroo Lodge, Larne

Gardening for Wildlife Award Winner: The Garden Across the Road, Kells Runners-Up: Friends of Ecos Nature Park, Ballymena; Phil Allen, Carrickfergus

Muck in with our volunteers!

It’s International Volunteer Day on December Wednesday 5 and we want to thank all our volunteers who help us keep our spaces spectacular.

Volunteering can be a great way to get outside and to socialise with like-minded people. It has health benefits (both mental and physical) and gives people practical experience.

Best Kept Commercial Premises Winner: Castello Italia, Carrickfergus

Tourism

Tourism awards for MEA’s finest Congratulations to the Mid and East Antrim businesses who were recognised for their excellence at this year’s Tourism NI awards.

At a reception in The Braid, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Councillor Lindsay Millar said: “Our tourism and hospitality industry continues to be a real success story with visitors flocking from around the world to take in our renowned attractions.

“We have the magnificent Carrickfergus Castle – the gateway to the Causeway Coastal Route, the stunning Gobbins cliff path, a world-class spa resort in Galgorm, the UK Village of the Year in Broughshane, key sites from the iconic Game of Thrones, and, of course, St Patrick’s connections with Slemish.

“Our role as a Council is to go out and make sure we spread the word of how great Northern Ireland, and in particular Mid and East Antrim, really is, and to support businesses investing in our wonderful borough. Huge congratulations to those who were rightly awarded for their incredible work.”

Those recognised by the awards are: • Water’s Edge Bed and Breakfast in Glenarm who won NI’s Best Stay in a Guesthouse or B&B, having renovated the former police station in Glenarm and in doing so received the Borough’s first 5-star graded B&B. • Galgorm Resort and Spa, commended as NI’s Best Stay in a Hotel after already winning the 2017 Global Spa of the Year award at the World Luxury Hotel Awards.

Season’s greetings from The Gobbins The Gobbins had its best ever summer season this year, welcoming over 20,000 visitors from as far away as the USA, China, India, Australia and from throughout Europe. In fact, over half of the visitors came from outside the region to visit the attraction. With the tourist attraction receiving top class feedback on

TripAdvisor and social media, the reimagined Victorian walkway with its stunning coastal backdrop continues to leave a lasting impression on those who venture on to its winding route. The attraction will close for the winter season, opening again in 2019 for what is expected to be another record-breaking year.

• Ballygally Holiday Apartments, commended as NI’s Best Stay for Self-Catering.

• Galgorm Castle and Golf Club, highly commended as the best Northern Ireland Event or Festival Experience for international visitors.

• Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust’s ‘Artisans at Work’ initiative was commended as Authentic NI Experience of the Year. Two of these Economusees are within Mid and East Antrim, Steenson’s Jewellery and Hillstown Brewery.

Glenarm retains Worldhost status Congratulations to the coastal village of Glenarm for retaining its WorldHost Destination status in recognition of the area’s spectacular beauty, excellent customer service and unbeatable visitor experience.

Awarded by Tourism NI, the accolade was the result of a collaboration between Glenarm Tourism, council and Carrickfergus Enterprise, who offered a wide range of training courses to businesses in the area.

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Village renewal

Working together for village renewal A major £1.27million programme of village renewal is set to transform 18 of our villages in Mid and East Antrim from 2019 onwards.

From feature clocks to MUGA pitches, play areas to greenways, a diverse range of community driven projects are about to enter into the construction phase which will strike a difference in the heart of our villages.

Since 2016, we have been working with 18 community groups to shape a vision for their villages which could attract funding from the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) Rural Development Fund.

Originally the aim was for 10 of these projects to advance, but when the proposals were presented to Council, elected members were impressed with the quality of every one of them. They tasked Council Chief Executive Anne Donaghy with securing additional funding to allow all 18 villages to go ahead with their Village Renewal plans.

An additional £370,000 was allocated and we are delighted to be able to

apply for these funds on behalf of the community groups we worked so closely with in the project development phase.

Final applications are being made by council to the Mid and East Antrim Local Action Group (LAG) who administer the funds locally. It is anticipated that the following schemes will begin soon: • A new community garden in the centre of Gleno.

• An outdoor fitness zone and increased berthing on the banks of the Bann in Portglenone.

• A new floodlit Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in Ballycarry.

• Enhanced children’s play facilities at Knockan Road, Broughshane.

• A community greenway in Glenravel to improve local connectivity.

• A walking loop within the Moravian village of Gracehill.

• A transformation of the central Diamond area in Ahoghill to include new feature clock, seating and planting.

• Community allotments in Millbrook.

• Outdoor fitness stations and signage on the Maine Riverside path in Cullybackey.

Gracehill

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Whitehead. Photo by boutyeh.com

Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Gleno. Photo by boutyeh.com

As more of the renewal plans move forward, it is expected that all 18 villages will have work completed by March 2020. This will be the end of a four-year process that has involved a lot of community consultations and meetings right across the Borough. For all the work that has already gone into shaping these projects into successful bids, and for all the work that is to come as we set about delivering their visions, we would like to thank everyone involved.

This project was part funded under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020

by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs and the European Union, with Council providing a twentyfive percent match funding contribution. In addition to this, Council has also been able to commit capital funding to several of the initiatives as the projects under development also tie in with our Capital Plan.

It is our aim for 2019 to move all these projects into construction and to continue to engage with and respond to the needs of our villages, to make sure the Village Renewal programme is everything that they have worked so hard for it to be.

Community planning

What is community planning?

Community planning is a statutory duty that requires us to work together with a wide range of partners and local communities to deliver a shared vision for the area. Our vision is that “Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive

community, where people work together to improve the quality of life for all”. Our priorities focus on sustainable jobs and tourism, good health and wellbeing, progress in education, improving community safety and cohesion, and

our environment. The Plan runs until 2032, and already we are seeing real difference in people’s lives – as seen in the articles on this page.

To find out more, visit www.midandeastantrim. gov.ukcommunityplanning

The Mid and East Antrim Community April 2017 Plan

www.midandeasta ntrim.gov.uk/ communityplanni ng

Almost 100 lives changed by Mid and East Antrim Support Hub Mid and East Antrim’s ‘Support Hub’ has helped change almost 100 lives for the better since it launched a year ago.

The initiative sees Mid and East Antrim Borough Council working together with other agencies to help vulnerable individuals get the right support.

The framework involves representatives from these agencies meeting regularly to discuss local individuals who may require support, and working out how those agencies work together to provide help.

The idea has helped 96 people through referrals to the right support services or the passing on of information to direct them to different ways to get help.

Chief Executive of Mid and East Antrim Borough

Council, Anne Donaghy said: “We are delighted to see this initiative across the borough working and changing the lives of families and individuals here. It truly is Community Planning in action by doing what it says and putting people first. This is further evidence that a joined up approach benefits us all and we are actively improving services for people in Mid and East Antrim.”

people’s quality of life, but it can also often steer them away from the justice system.”

The hub meets regularly to help refer people and deals with a number of issues including addiction, hate crime, mental health, physical health, housing and more. Our partners in the Support Hub are are the Policing and Community Safety

Partnership (PCSP), Police Service Northern Ireland (PSNI), Health and Social Care Trust, Northern Ireland Housing Executive, Youth Justice Agency, Education Authority, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and the Probation Board.

To find out more go to www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/SupportHubs

The Department of Justice’s Head of Community Safety Division Steven McCourt said: “At the heart of this scheme are individuals. Many of them are the most vulnerable people in our communities, men and women who need support.

The right help from the appropriate agencies not only helps improve

Becoming a dementia-friendly Borough On the back of Dementia Friendly Larne’s success, we are asking businesses in Carrickfergus to help make their town more dementiafriendly. Service providers are being urged to sign up for training that we are running alongside the Alzheimer’s Society.

The training gives an idea of what it is like to live with dementia. It encourages simple changes like being more patient, what signs to look out for and how different physical surroundings can trigger someone with dementia.

As a council, we have also

rolled out training to Elected Members and Council staff, making us better equipped to help and respond to people with dementia as they access our services.

For more information go to www.midandeastantrim .gov.uk/communityplanning 19

News / Good Relations

Universal credit begins in Mid and East Antrim Welfare payments are changing in Mid and East Antrim with the roll out of Universal Credit. The single payment system will replace multiple claims for multiple benefits, making it simpler and more flexible. Claims are made online, with digital support available for those who may need it. Universal Credit is for people of working age, over 18 years and under

State Pension age. Initially, these changes are for new claimants in the area. If you are already claiming existing benefits, you will not be affected until 2019 at the earliest, unless your circumstances change.

Universal Credit was rolled out in Carrickfergus and Larne in October, and it will be introduced in the Ballymena area on 5 December 2018.

More information can be found at www.nidirect. gov.uk/universalcredit If you need independent help and advice on Universal Credit or any of the other welfare changes, you can visit any independent advice office or contact the Welfare Changes Helpline on 0808 802 0020, 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday, free from any mobile or landline within the UK.

Save the date #embRACE We will be hosting a series of events to raise awareness of the diverse cultures across our borough as part of week-long celebrations titled #embRACE from 16-23 February 2019.

This programme will continue to develop mutual understanding, respect for cultural traditions, the principle of interdependence and positive cross-community and race relations.

HMD2019 The theme for Holocaust Memorial Day on 27 January 2019 is ‘Torn From Home’. Our programme will encourage audiences to reflect on how the loss of a safe place to call ‘home’ is part of the trauma faced by anyone experiencing persecution and genocide, as well as the difficulties survivors face as they try to find and build new homes when the genocide is over.

Visit our website and social media channels for more information nearer the time. Or contact our Good Relations team at goodrelations@midandeastantrim. gov.uk or on 028 2563 5036.

Good Relations Grants Scheme

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Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

Did you know that up to £2500 is available for constituted groups in Mid and East Antrim who are planning to host a good relations project or activity before 31 March 2019?

is strengthened by its diversity, and where cultural expression is celebrated and embraced.

This 100% funding is available through Council’s Good Relations Programme. Projects must clearly link to the Together Building a United Community (TBUC) Theme: Our Cultural Expression which aims to create a community which promotes mutual respect and understanding,

• Increased sense of community belonging (widens contribution beyond community background).

Groups must demonstrate one of the following outcomes in their projects:

• Cultural diversity is celebrated.

To find out more, visit www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/goodrelations or call 028 2563 5036

Corporate news

Tributes paid to Councillor James Brown MBE Tributes have been paid by elected members and staff at Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to Councillor James Brown MBE, who died in August.

Cllr ‘Jimmy’ Brown served as an elected member in the Carrickfergus area for more than 30 years.

He sat on Mid and

East Antrim Borough Council since 2014 as an independent councillor for Carrick Castle. Before that, he served on Carrickfergus Borough Council, where he twice served as Mayor.

Mr Brown sat as a member of the UUP before leaving the party in the 1990s.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Lindsay Millar said: “We were saddened to hear of the death of our colleague Mr Brown.

Our thoughts are with his wife and family.

“He had been ill for some time and we extend our sympathy to his family and friends.”

Help us shape the future We are working to prepare the Corporate Plan for the second term of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

This plan will shape the direction of our work and the services we provide from April 2019 to March 2023. It will also set out our vision, highlight our strategic priorities, and show you what we want to achieve during this period.

It is our belief that this Corporate Plan should be ambitious. We want to set ourselves challenging targets that provide the best value public services for our citizens. We also want to bring this in line with the vision and priorities of the existing Community Plan, which was developed by council alongside key partners such as the Department for Communities, Invest NI and the Northern Health and Social Care Trust.

delivering this through five strategic priority themes:

The Community Plan’s vision for the Borough is that: “Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community, where people work together to improve quality of life for all.” It is already

• Sustainable Jobs and Tourism.

• Good Health and Wellbeing.

• Progress in Education.

• Community Safety and Cohesion.

• Our Environment.

Now it is your opportunity to get involved in the Corporate Planning process. On the next page, you will find a survey that you can fill out. You can either return this by post or answer it online at www.surveymonkey. co.uk/r/MEA-CPSurvey 21

Survey

Corporate Plan 2019-2023: Have your say 1. Should we adopt the Community Plan vision as our Corporate vision “Mid and East Antrim will be a strong, vibrant, safe and inclusive community, where people work together to improve quality of life for all”.

If no, please explain why.

Yes

No

Reason

2. T he Community Plan priorities are: Sustainable Jobs and Tourism, Our Environment, Community Safety and Cohesion, Good Health and Wellbeing, Progress in Education.

Do you agree that these are appropriate strategic priorities for our new Corporate Plan? If no, please explain why.

Yes

No

Reason

3. From 2019-2023, we will invest significantly in the Borough in order to improve the economy and quality of life for local communities. Can you tell us how you feel about the different types of investment being made?

1 - Very important 2 - Fairly important 3 - Neither important or unimportant 4 - Fairly unimportant 5 - Very unimportant 6 - Don’t know

Investment to grow the economy, create jobs and attract tourists Investment to improve health and wellbeing (e.g. leisure centres) Investment in local community projects such as parks, play parks and pitches Investment to create shared space and bring communities together

4. Of the investments listed above, please tick the one which would you consider to be the most important.

Investment to grow the economy, create jobs and attract tourists Investment to improve health and wellbeing (e.g. leisure centres) Investment in local community projects such as parks, play parks and pitches Investment to create shared space and bring communities together 5. In general, which of the following needs to improve most in order to make Mid and East Antrim a good place to live? Numbering them 1 - 5, please rank your top 5 in order of importance.

Accessible leisure centres

Improving public transport

Supporting local businesses, attracting investment and jobs

Improving skills, employability and job prospects Improving walking and cycling routes

Accessible arts centres / theatres and museums Attracting more tourists

Making the Council area cleaner and more attractive Managing waste, reducing climate change, investing in renewable energy etc.

Educational provision Improving community relations (Good Relations) and safety, reducing crime and anti-social behaviour Improving our parks and green spaces and protecting our natural and built environment

More activities for teenagers More affordable, good quality housing Opportunities for volunteering Reducing poverty

Improving our roads infrastructure Improving people’s health and wellbeing (and reducing health inequalities) Improving opportunities for people to participate in culture, arts and heritage activities

Regenerating the local area Supporting children and young people Supporting communities Supporting our older and most vulnerable residents

Please send your completed response to: Corporate Performance and Improvement, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, Ardeevin, 80 Galgorm Road, Ballymena, BT42 1AB. 22

Mid and East Antrim Connections Winter 2018

We welcome ongoing feedback.

If you would like to make any comments please contact performance@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

Elected Members

Your Council Ballymena Cllr Donna Anderson Independent cllr.anderson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07541 830 589 Ald John Carson DUP ald.carson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07891 338 220

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

Ald William McNeilly UUP ald.mcneilly@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07746 157 674

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

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

Ald Tommy Nicholl MBE DUP ald.tnicholl@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07970 012 520

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

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

Braid

Cllr Robin Stewart UUP cllr.rstewart@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07391 863 571

Larne Lough

Cllr Reuben Glover DUP cllr.glover@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07733 100 803

Cllr Beth Adger MBE DUP cllr.adger@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07976 533 483

Cllr James Henry Independent cllr.jhenry@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 028 2565 2456

Coast Road

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

Ald Robin Cherry MBE UUP ald.cherry@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07785 752 712

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

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

Cllr Stephen Nicholl UUP cllr.snicholl@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07967 621 603

Cllr Beth Clyde DUP cllr.clyde@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07724 906 855

Ald Maureen Morrow UUP ald.morrow@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07765 146 013

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

Cllr Declan O’Loan SDLP cllr.oloan@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07764 220 533

Cllr Brian Collins TUV cllr.collins@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07745 220 564

Ald Gerardine Mulvenna Alliance ald.mulvenna@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07970 896 367

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

Cllr Audrey Wales MBE DUP cllr.wales@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07899 985 110

Ald Sam Hanna DUP ald.hanna@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07710 402 693

Cllr Ruth Wilson TUV cllr.rwilson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07771 965 206

Cllr Andy P Wilson UUP cllr.apwilson@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk 07754 963 615

Bannside

Cllr Paul Maguire Independent cllr.maguire@ midandeastantrim.org 07857 912 097

Cllr Angela Smyth DUP cllr.smyth@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk ​07896 657 723

Find out more about your local councillors at www.midandeastantrim. gov.uk/councillors

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

Knockagh

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

Carrick Castle

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

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

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

TO BE CONFIRMED

Did you know?

Meetings of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are recorded, and the audio is available on our website: www.midandeast antrim.gov.uk/audio

Cllr Lindsay Millar UUP cllr.millar@ midandeastantrim.gov.uk

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If undelivered, please return to: Communications Mid and East Antrim Borough Council The Braid,1-29 Bridge Street Ballymena, BT43 5EJ

Christmas Lights Switch On events in Mid and East Antrim Ballymena town centre 15 November

Annual switch on ceremony at the all new Harmony Hub. With entertainment, parade, carnival atmosphere and more.

Larne town centre

16 November Annual switch on ceremony and festive parade.

Carrickfergus town centre 17 November Annual switch on ceremony, carol service and fireworks display.

Whitehead Christmas Lights Switch On

24 November Lights switch on, carol service.

Greenisland Christmas Lights Switch On 6 December Annual switch on ceremony and carol service.

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/events