Intercom April 2016

comThe magazine for Belfast City Council employees April 2016, Issue 62 OSWdtparieepnyna1pam6FafasvarsammlteoilyThe Active Belfastchallenge is back! p5 www.interlink/intercom

Message from the comChief Executive In this editionMany of you will have already attended yourdepartment’s briefings over the past few months. I hope On the coveryou found it useful to hear about our corporate prioritiesfor the year ahead, the latest on change programme and Andrew Steenson and Anne Ross fromthe financial context in which we’re operating; and how the Belfast Health Development Unit arethese issues directly impact your department. gearing up for the Active Belfast Challenge in May.Turn to page 5 to find out more. Look out for Cataloguing our artwork 3 The Active Belfast challenge is back! 5 Inspiring growth 6The final briefing will bring It’s also a great chance for you to Creating a Local Development Plan 7together the Chief Executive’s, see the venue before it opens,Finance and Resources, and City so if you’re based in one of these Tobacco retailers register 8and Neighbourhood Services three departments, there’s stillDepartments for a corporate time to book your place at the Getting to know… Nigel Grimshaw 9overview before splitting into briefing - you’ll find more detailsdepartmental sessions.This event on interlink and the Getting New cleansing depot for area east 10takes place on Monday 18 April People Connected screens.in the new Belfast Waterfront With over 20,000 people Walk on the wild side 11Conference and Exhibition Centre. expected through the WF doors in the first six months of opening, Growing together 12 and more than 30 national and international events already Memorial safety 13 booked for the first three years, we’re confident of creating a Ahoy there! 14 fantastic experience for our customers which really sells Belfast Back by popular demand! 15 internationally and helps reaffirm the Waterfront as a key driver in Win a family day pass to Streamvale the city’s economic growth. Open Farm 16 Belfast Waterfront and Ulster Contact intercom Hall Ltd, the new council owned company, took over the daily Send your feedback, article suggestions, photos running of the venue (and the and letters to: Ulster Hall) at the start of this month before the official opening Email: [email protected] later this month.The Waterfront Call: 9050 0525 team are gearing up to host the Post: intercom, Corporate Communications, first major conference on 11- 13 May so we’re using this staff Room 204, briefing event, not only to update City Hall, BT1 5GS. you on council progress, but also to help the WF team to test the new Suzanne Wylie spaces, equipment, food service Chief Executive and crowd management. This magazine is printed on 75%2 intercom consumer waste paper. April 2016

Cataloguing our artwork Accommodation update Since our last edition, decisions have been made on where departments and functions will be located in the new building and Cecil Ward Building - you can find out more about this on interlink. While these moves won’t start until the very end of 2016, into 2017, there have already been a number of moves for staff from City Hall to 21 Linenhall Street. The table below sets out where staff will be located in 21 Linenhall Street until the moves to the new building begin: Fifth floor Vacant Fourth floor Procurement / Property and Projects HR / Good Relations Third floor HR/OD Second floor HR/OD including Learning and Development CentreChristopher and Michael. First floor Legal Services (from May) / City Centre Development TeamOur Tour Guides show visitors around the sights of Ground floor Chief Executive’s Department BusinessCity Hall, but did you know they’re also responsible for Support / Procurement / SMART Citiescataloguing paintings and artworks owned by the council? (from 15 April) New building layoutAnd with the current staff decants, in City Hall - nothing valuableChristopher Burns, Michael unfortunately! We’re also askingLivingstone and Cindy Hanna have anyone to get in touch if therebeen busy visiting offices across our are any problems with frames orcity centre buildings to audit and broken glass.”record pieces, to make sure they’rein good condition and to discussfuture locations.Christopher told us,“We record Moves within City Hall will also continue into theevery piece on a database.We have summer. Staff remaining in the building fall intoover 2,000 database entries including the following functions:paintings, silver, gold, chains and robes. ● Chief Executive and support staff;Our oldest pieces are maces from ● Director of Finance and Resources and1600s and paintings from 1849. support staff;“The most important and valuable ● Director of Organisational Development andartworks are in the main publicspaces and function rooms for staff support staff;and visitors to enjoy. Everyone thinks ● Town Solicitor and support staff;we have a vault in the basement with ● Facilities Management;hidden treasures, but it’s not true!” ● Democratic Services; ● Lord Mayor’s Unit;Michael continued,“We want In between tours and office ● Corporate Communications; andpeople to know that we’re the visits, the team also takes time to ● Corporate Policy, Community Planning,office to go for all things artwork research the history of each piece-related, as people often move if you’ve been in City Hall recently, Performance and Programme Management.paintings and don’t think to tell us. you’ll have seen new informationWe recently found a painting long panels on each artwork.forgotten, in a vacated office's storeFor more information or to discuss artwork in your office contact Keep up to date with our work aroundthe team at [email protected] accommodation at www.interlink/accommodation intercom 3 April 2016

Staff golf societyThe first 2016 staff golf society also be prizes for the ‘longest drive’ and When: Monday 23 May, 1pmouting will be held at Shandon ‘nearest the pin’. Where: Shandon Park Golf CoursePark next month. Cost: £35 (includes golf and refreshments) Everyone is welcome to play. Even ifThe group hopes to build on last year’s you're not part of a 'fourball', we’ll pair If you can’t make Shandon Park in May,outing and is encouraging everyone to you up, so come along for some golf, don’t forget the Dunmurry outing oncome along, especially new golfers.As food, a bit of craic and a chance to get to Thursday 8 September.well as individual competitions, there’ll know other staff members. To book your place contact Conor Wills on [email protected] or ext 4367.Conor Wills (Digital Services), Paula McAtamney A deposit of £20 per golfer is required and early payment(Environmental Health), Jenny Young (Parks Outreach) would be much appreciated. If you’d like to pay by cheque,and David Cuthbert (Community Planning). please make it payable to ‘Belfast City Council Golf Society’.Health and wellbeing - highlights for April• We held an employee health fair in • Another eight week mindfulness course Keep checking our updated health City Hall on 6 April to coincide with kicks off on 27 April with more planned and wellbeing calendar on interlink for World Health Day and this year’s throughout 2016. initiatives, upcoming awareness days, focus was on diabetes. Colleagues charity events and signposting for useful were offered health checks including • The first of our mini employee health local and national information. blood pressure, blood sugars, fairs commence this month. Health cholesterol levels, diabetes risk checks, mindful movement sessions For more information contact assessment and allergy testing.The and healthy food demos will be held Norman Neill on ext 4790 or go to Action Cancer bus was also outside in Woodvale Community Centre on www.interlink/healthandwellbeing for health checks and mammograms. Wednesday 13 April and Glen• A number of Mindful Movement Community sessions were delivered in the run Centre on up to Easter where employees were Wednesday 20 shown how to take simple preventative April. Everyone measures to help their mind and body. is welcome.4 intercom April 2016

Staff benefit from Belfast Bikes As our Belfast Bikes scheme approaches its one year anniversary, we’re encouraging staff to sign up and cycle! We spoke to a few employees who use the scheme to see how they’re finding it.The Active Belfast “Belfast Bikes make travellingchallenge is back! to and from meetings across the city an absolute pleasure.This May we’ll be taking part colleagues and exploring the quiet The journey is much quickerin the sustainable journey areas of Belfast such as the Lagan than walking and when a spitcompetition run by Sustrans Towpath on the Belfast Bikes was of rain comes on you can whizzwith other organisations my highlight. I can’t wait until this through it! You can even cyclefrom across the city. Last challenge begins. Bring it on!\" in a skirt and heels thanks toyear we came second, so we the ‘step over’ design.”need you to join Team BCC As part of the competition, Sustransand help us win! is offering you the chance to win Christine O’Toole, Tourism Culture weekly prizes, including a bicycle and Arts Development OfficerAndrew Steenson, Project commuter package worth £150 orDevelopment Senior Officer at the a £100 Cotswold voucher. “I use them to cycle fromBHDU is our Challenge Champion. Central Station to the City HallHe told us,“How it works is very The competition runs from 2-29 in the morning and vice versasimple - you get points based on May.You can register now at in the evenings. It’s great valuethe number of sustainable journeys www.abc.getmeactive.org.uk for money as after the initialyou make.This could include subscription fee, journeys underreplacing your usual car journey If you travel to work by car why 30 minutes are free. You can also rent outwith walking, cycling, taking public not consider car sharing? multiple bikes on one subscription so myselftransport or car sharing. Email [email protected] and a few colleagues do a 4.5 mile cycle at and we’ll advertise for you on lunchtime - it’s a great way to de-stress!”“You can log your journeys every interlink.day or all in one go. Or if you have a Tom McIlvenny, Business Support Assistantsmart phone you can download the Maybe you already usesupporting app and use your phone's public transport for your “I use the Belfast Bikes app toGPS to track your journey for you.” daily journeys - you can still quickly release a bike when participate by logging the going to meetings with partnerAnne Ross, Project Support Officer journeys you make. organisations. It’s great on wet(Healthy Ageing) and last year's days, when I’d prefer a 3-5challenge winner told us, \"I loved Got a meeting that’s too far minute cycle rather than a taking part in the Active Belfast to walk to? Why not make it a 10-15 minute walk.”Challenge last year. Nothing beats teleconference? It’ll save you Cormac McCann, Leisure Development Managera little bit of competitiveness, taking time and earn you points!note of how active you are and Sign up for Belfast Bikes at realising that any amount of physical Get out and about at www.belfastbikes.co.uk or call 034 3357 1551.activity is good for you. lunchtime. Get away from your desk, hire a Belfast Bike\"Getting away from the desk or even take a walk aroundat lunch time with some work the shops!For more information contact Andrew Steenson on ext 3540 [email protected] competition is part of the Public Health Agency funded Leading theway with Active Travel and contributes to the Belfast Active Travel ActionPlan (which we support through the Belfast Strategic Partnership). intercom 5 April 2016

Top marks for student Inspiringenterprise initiative growthSkills development and enterprise Our Economic Development Unit is running two newhave become key priorities for us in programmes aimed at supporting growth in start up anddelivering the Belfast Agenda, so existing high growth film, television, digital content,we’re delighted that the European music and design businesses.Training Foundation (ETF) hasrecognised our Belfast Enterprise The 140 second club runs in equipped with a forward work planAcademy (BEA) as an example of conjunction with Innovation to support the development of theirbest practice in entrepreneurship Ulster. Brendan McGoran, Creative new business.and enterprise skills. Industries Officer explains,“The 140 second club offers an exciting 10by20 is tailored for companiesThe EuropeanTraining Foundation is an EU opportunity for someone with a who are gearing up to expand theiragency that helps transition and developing business idea in the creative digital reach outside of Northern Ireland.countries to harness their people’s potential industries including film,TV, digitalthrough the reform of education, training and media, music or design to take There are currently 20 Belfast-labour market systems. advantage of mentoring and support based creative digital companies from leading creative professionals participating on this programme,BEA is a pre-enterprise support programme specializing in animation, with 10 of these preparing to enterdesigned to help third level students explore games development, new markets for the first time.ideas and creativity, and gain best practice television productionand skills from existing innovative businesses. and music licensing and Brendan says,“We want to supportIt was selected following an application distribution.” these creative business people toprocess, peer review and a site visit from develop new skills to help themETF representatives. 30 participants will receive advice identify and enter new marketsCathy Keenan, Economic Development and guidance on successfully. In turn, weOfficer who manages the programme says, pitching, selling hope to extend the reach“This is the seventh year that we’ve delivered and preparing of our local creativeBEA and since its initial set up, it really has business plans. digital companies beyondgone from strength to strength. Each year They’ll then be Northern Ireland andBEA supports a minimum of 20 student support growth in theseentrepreneurs from Belfast to develop their very promising industries”.business ideas, and more than 40 student-ledstart ups have emerged over the last six years”.Cathy was invited to Turin to attendthe ETF Good Practice Policy Forumwhere she shared her experiences withentrepreneurship training providers fromcountries such as Italy, Jordan, Germany andIsrael. While she was there, Cathy also pickedup some innovative ideas to enhance thedelivery of BEA over the coming years. For further information please contact Cathy on 9027 0483 or email [email protected] Keenan For more information on any of these projects please contact Brendanwith Helen Keys. McGoran on 9027 0453 or email [email protected] intercom April 2016

Creating a Local Development PlanAs a result of our new planning powers, we’re creating a Local We’ve formed a new multi-disciplinaryDevelopment Plan (LDP) to provide a 15 year framework to team under the guidance of Keithsupport the city’s economic, social and environmental needs. Sutherland, Development Planning and Policy Manager to take this work forward. In line with sustainable regional development strategies, the LDP They’re currently gathering evidence provides the vision for how communities will grow in the future. and developing preferred options It’ll also: around key areas such as population and • build confidence in communities and with investors about where and housing, economic growth and retail and environment, waste and infrastructure. what type of development should take place; • set in place the framework for how we make planning decisions in It’s really important for us to consult and engage with people who’ll be the future and will replace the Belfast Metropolitan Area Plan (BMAP); affected by the LDP, so in the coming • allocate sufficient land to meet our needs; and months the team plans to reach out • provide an opportunity for all stakeholders to have a say about where to stakeholders both internally and externally to get their feedback. and how development within their local area will take place.Providing technical support in Planning Jan and Lucy.In October last year, LucyDavison and Jan Dziabajoined our Planning Serviceas Technical SupportOfficers. Lucy moved fromthe Urban Development Unit,while Jan had previouslyworked in Agnes Street CivicAmenity Centre.TheTechnical Support Officer role is Jan continued,“If any of the information is and advertising consents. Our work alsonew to the Planning Service and wascreated to support Planning Officers. outstanding we contact the applicant or means that we deal with people from allThe role was created following itseffective use in Building Control.We their agent and request it - this means that walks of life - from architects, developersasked Lucy and Jan about their job andhow it fits in with the council’s work. when an application is passed to one of our and consultants to residents andLucy told us,“Our job is to check that planning colleagues in the Development neighbours with queries or objections toall planning applications are valid beforepassing to a planner - typically we check ManagementTeam they can make a start planning applications.”that applicants have submitted thecorrect application form with all details on the application immediately. Since Jan and Lucy have been in post, thecompleted fully, that the correct fee hasbeen paid, and all the correct drawings “It’s very interesting and varied work - we turnaround time for planning applicationsand any other additional informationrequired has also been submitted.” check all applications - from the major, city has reduced and this has really helped centre and harbour applications, some assist planning officers with their work of which make the news and all other to progress planning applications to a applications including house extensions decision as quickly as possible. intercom 7 April 2016

City and Neighbourhood Services' focus groups. April’s engagement calendarOrganisational Departmental briefings for:Development City and Neighbourhood Services Departmentengagement Chief Executive’s Departmentround-up Finance and Resources DepartmentOver the past six weeks we've Monday 18 April, 9.30am - 12.30pm, Belfast Waterfront*held 10 focus groups witharea based staff from City and Staff will come together for corporate briefings from the Chief Executive, DirectorNeighbourhood Services. The of Organisational Development and Director of Finance and Resources beforesessions aimed to find out more splitting up for department specific sessions, led by their director. Representativesabout on the ground issues in the from City and Neighbourhood Services will also showcase their work in aareas that staff work in every day. mini exhibition to familiarise colleagues with the wide range of functions and responsibilities that sit within the department.The feedback from the groups willbe reviewed, along with the feedback Corporate Business Support Workshopsfrom February’s manager and officerworkshops, and used as part of the Monday 25 April, 10am – 12noon and 2pm - 4pm, City Halldepartment’s first staff briefing eventlater this month. Independent Facilitator, Ricky O’Rawe will lead discussions around the role of business support and our Organisational Development programme. *Look out for more information on interlink and your depot screens on the corporate issues discussed at the departmental briefings after 18 April. Read more about our change programme at www.interlink/changeTobaccoretailers registerThe Department of Health has Karen Trainor, Carmel Mulholland and Diane Herron.introduced new legislationforcing all shops which sell the register, build the website, map “The register is now available onlinetobacco to register their administrative processes and ensure for anyone to look up to see whichbusiness on a NI wide register. compliance with both the tobacco businesses can sell tobacco. The aim legislation, and Data Protection Act. of it is to make it more difficult forLast year, they asked us to be the shops to sell tobacco illegally andregistration authority for this legislation, “Staff from Digital Services, anyone not registered can face a fineand to build and develop the register. Environmental Health, Legal and of up to £500 or prosecution.” Communications all came together toEnvironmental Health will act as the do this. A lot of hard work has gone in If you’d like more informationregistration authority, managing the to this over the past year to make sure visit www.tobaccoregisterni.comadministration associated with the that the register is easily accessible for or contact the Health and Safetyregister, and our Tobacco Control Team the public and fit for purpose. Unit on 9027 0428.will enforce the legislation locally.Diane Herron, Senior EnvironmentalHealth Officer based in Health andSafety told us,“To manage this project,we set up a working group to develop8 intercom April 2016

Getting to know…Nigel Grimshaw Nigel with his MBE medal.Our new Director of City and How do you see the department How will City andNeighbourhood Services, Nigel coming together and developing?Grimshaw, recently made the Neighbourhood Servicestrip to Buckingham Palace There’s a diverse range of really goodwhere he received his MBE for work taking place throughout the support the wider ambitions services to policing and the department at the minute. And our staffcommunity in Northern Ireland. have in depth knowledge and experience of the council? of local needs and priorities in the areasintercom met up with Nigel to find they work in on a daily basis. We need At first glance it may seem thatout a bit more about what made him to build on this to develop a more there isn’t a clear link between ourwant to make the move to BCC and integrated way of delivering services to all daily work in local communitieshis vision for the new department. of our communities, while offering value and our wider ambitions to attract for money and providing consistently high more investment to the city, but inWhy did you want to work for levels of customer service. reality, they’re fundamentally linked.Belfast City Council? We need to promote Belfast as a But to do this, all C&NS staff need to be clean, attractive, safe city in orderI’ve worked in Belfast all my life, having involved - I will lead the change, but it has to attract investment here. Andjoined the police as a cadet at 16. to be a joint effort to make it successful. the more successful we becomeThroughout all of that time I worked at attracting investment, the moredirectly with communities, responding We’ve held workshops and focus groups money we’ll have from the resultingto localised priorities and needs. with staff from right across the department business rates to plough back into which have already provided great our city and further improve ourMore recently, during my last 14 feedback in areas such as how we can best local areas. So, every member ofmonths with the police, I oversaw organise the department to meet citizens’ staff, from the frontline to the verymajor internal restructuring as two expectations. And over the coming months top of the organisation, is playingBelfast policing districts merged into we’ll start to roll out regular departmental a vital role both in improving ourone. With this in mind, after serving lunchtime briefing sessions, giving staff an city for ratepayers and selling it toover 30 years with the police, I felt it opportunity to get to know more about international investors.was the right time to take up a new the breadth of work we’re responsible for,challenge where I could draw on my as well as giving us all a chance to get to Read more about our internalexperience to lead change and work know each other better - something which change programme atright in the heart of local communities I know from the feedback is important to www.interlink/change and youthroughout the city. staff in the department. can read more about our work to attract investment at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/invest intercom 9 April 2016

New cleansingdepot for area eastAfter 36 years the Cleansing “Medway Street depot was opened Colin and Paul.crew in Medway Street are on as a muster station and amenity sitethe move. The relocation will serving the public since 1980. Before Street depot. Since then all of thesee staff move to brand new then Clara Street, Belmont Church Rd east Cleansing team to date havepurpose built facilities just off and Stranmillis Embankment were the been working from this one smallerPrince Regent Road. depots for East Division. depot.We’re looking forward to having more space in our new depot.”Colin Willetts,Area Cleansing Manager for “About 2007 or there about Claraeast Belfast said,“The new facilities will be Street depot was put up for sale and all Work is due to begin in April withmore than twice the size of the current the staff moved again back to Medway completion expected in the autumn.depot and will include a larger canteen, Look out in future editions for updates.better changing facilities as well as aconference room, team leader room and atrade union room.All cleansing vehicles canbe housed within the facility, making it moresecure.”Paul Miskelly, East Belfast Area AssistantManager, told us a bit of the historybehind the site they’re leaving.Keeping in Smokers - get yourtouch free pocket ashtrayAn old friend Smoking-related litter, such as Don’t get caught out popped into cigarette butts, continues to be with an £80 fine, call the Cecil one of the most common types of now to receive your Ward Building litter we see on our streets. Even FREE pocket ashtray.recently. with our high-profile anti-litter campaign ‘Stop throwing yourOur former money away!’ some smokers stillcolleague Clem don't dispose of their cigaretteShaw, who is 94 butts responsibly.years old, attendedthe recent retirement party for Heather This problem also exists outside our ownMiskelly and David Weston. properties and as a council it's important that we lead by example. If you’re aClem joined the Belfast Corporation (as smoker we can provide you with a freethe council was then known) in 1940. He pocket ashtray to dispose of your cigarettestarted out in theTown Clerk’s office, taking butts responsibly.The pouches holdcare of street trading and taxi licensing around six to eight butts and they can bebefore moving to Environmental Health re-used many times.in the smoke control section until hisretirement in 1984. Call ext 5377 or email [email protected] still keeps in touch through his workwith his local residents’ association.10 intercom April 2016

Volunteers join in the‘monkey business’On Wednesday 16 March, zoo, planting willow onsite andBelfast Zoo welcomed more also a number of projects inthan 80 volunteers to carry animal enclosures including the Walk on the wild side meerkats, warty pigs, red riverout a range of tasks around hogs and monkeys!” Ever fancied feeding a penguin or gettingthe Cave Hill site. up close to a herd of giraffes?The volunteer day was organised Julie continues,“Not only did our Belfast Zoo’s new animal experiences give you theby community Parks Outreach team enjoy working with Paula and chance to get closer than ever before to wildlife.Manager, Paula Irvine and her team. Volunteer Now, but we also had You can choose from a ring-tailed lemur, giraffe orPaula worked withVolunteer Now great fun working with and getting penguin experience.who, in partnership with Business to know all of the volunteers.in the Community, organise a day All of the volunteer teams were Each animal experience lasts for 30 minutes and includes:of voluntary action known as ‘Be certainly ‘saints’ and everyone • admission to the zoo;a saint' volunteer day. This annual worked very hard to get some • behind the scenes access;event encourages employers to great results for the zoo!” • the chance to feed the animal; • the chance to meet the keeper and learn morerelease their employees in teams about these incredible species; andto undertake projects within • an experience certificate, fact sheet and animalthe community. photograph to take home with you.Zoo curator Julie Mansell Zoo curator Julie Mansell said,“We’re delighted thatsaid,“We were delighted visitors can now ‘walk on the wild side’ with our newwith the results of the animal experiences. Not only will these experiencesvolunteer day. Volunteers provide an unforgettable day out but they will alsotook part in a range of support the vital conservation work that we carryprojects including painting out at Belfast Zoo.”the shelters around the For more information visit www.belfastzoo.co.ukAndrew provides ‘hope’for primate species A BIG step for SMALL carnivore conservation!In February, Belfast Zoo celebrated the arrival of aFrançois langur baby named Xiwang (which means Belfast Zoo keeper, Allan Galway, recently‘hope’ in Chinese). His arrival was not only a significant jetted off to the Global Joint Taxon Advisoryachievement for Belfast Zoo, the breeding programme and Group (TAG) meeting in Omaha.the conservation of the species, but was also a particularcause for celebration for zoo curator Andrew Hope. Allan is the vice-chair of the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) Small CarnivoreTAG.The François langur is a species Andrew explained,“François Within this role,Allan attended the meeting to presentclose to Andrew’s heart. Andrew langurs are facing increasing about the small carnivore conservation efforts whichnot only manages Belfast Zoo’s threats and are endangered in are taking place in Europe.group of François langurs, but is their natural habitat. Researchalso the studbook keeper for this even suggests that the species During his time in Omaha,Allan was also instrumental inprimate. This means that he is has declined by at least 50% over helping to develop and implement a global conservation the past 36 years, due to habitat plan for small carnivore species in zoos around the responsible for loss and hunting. I play an active world and to support relevant projects in the wild. co-ordinating the genetic role in the conservation of the and reproductive species on a day-to-day basis but, Allan told us,“I was very proud to represent Belfast Zoo in recent years, I have felt driven at the global meeting. I’m extremely passionate about the management of to help even further. I raise conservation of all wildlife, but small carnivores are my the overall captive awareness and funds in any way particular interest. From marbled polecats to wolverines, population, living in possible and even trekked Mount they’re such a fascinating and diverse group of mammals. seven European zoos. Kilimanjaro in 2014.” “Attending the meeting gave me the opportunity to play You can support Andrew’s a key role in shaping conservation efforts on a worldwide fundraising efforts at scale, both in zoos and in the wild. My trip was funded by www.justgiving.com/ a grant from the World Association of Zoos and Aquaria Andrew-Hope9 and I would like to thank them for their support.” 11intercom April 2016

Building An artist's impression of the new Broadcasting, Training,successful Recording, Archiving and Media Support Centre andcommunities Raidio Failte/Lionra studio.During March and April stafffrom across the council havebeen working hard to helpthe Department for SocialDevelopment deliver projectsunder its Building SuccessfulCommunities fund.One such project is to produce is changing, we’re becoming more Services Lead Communicator (Karensignage and visuals for a previously involved in projects that need the skills Treanor) have all been working togetherused bonfire site in Lower Divis, to of individuals from various different to make this happen.illustrate the positive work currently departments to work together, and thishappening in the area and the future project is a prime example. Our Chief Executive Suzanne Wylieplans for the site. says,“This type of project shows how It has involved gathering images, developing working together across departmentsA new Broadcasting,Training, Recording, the right artwork, community engagement, makes the best use of staff skills, howArchiving and Media Support Centre wider stakeholder management, securing our expertise and experience can comeand Raidio Failte/Lionra studio will legal permissions, installation works and together to deliver quality projects thatbe housed on the site, and our staff contracts management. benefit our residents. Moving forward,are working together make sure the as we deliver more challenging projectssite is secure, yet attractive during the Staff from Property and Projects and initiatives I expect we will continueconstruction phase. (Michelle Bagnall), Community Safety to use a cross-departmental approach (Denise Smith), Building Control (Ray to working.”As staff have heard over recent Mathews) and City and Neighbourhoodbriefings the nature of our workGrowing togetherChildren in our northBelfast Concorde andLigoniel Community Centresare getting ready to givetheir outdoor spaces somemuch needed tender lovingcare, while learning toappreciate and care for thenatural environment.Ulrike Letzner, Community The children will get help from older plants, supported by the Creative PathsDevelopment Officer tells us,“As gardeners from the community, as well as project.They’ll be mounted alongsidepart of our centres’ after-schools’ Groundwork NI and the North Belfast the little gardens, where seating willand girls’ group programmes, the Women’s Initiative and Support Project. invite centre users to take some timechildren are going to transform And they’ll harvest the resulting produce out from their busy lives to enjoy thelargely neglected spaces into little to cook a lunch for their mentors. peace and quiet - and nature!”garden havens with an artistictwist. Over the next couple of Ulrike continues,“The children will For further information, pleasemonths, they’ll build, decorate and also create mural boards and mosaics contact Ulrike on seed raised beds, trellises, hanging depicting the seasons and indigenous [email protected] and planters to grow wildflowers, fruit and vegetables.”12 intercom April 2016

Memorial safety in our cemeteriesCemeteries staff are “Over the past 30 years, eightundertaking a memorial safety people in the UK have been killedprogramme to make sure that in a cemetery when a memorialour cemeteries are safe places has fallen on them.The teamfor all those who work in and will undergo training on how tovisit them. Inspections will undertake visual inspections andstart in Balmoral Cemetery in arrange specialist assessments ofthe coming months. headstone and memorials found toSharon McCloy, Cemeteries and be at risk of falling.Crematorium Manager is heading “But while we’reup the project team. She told responsible for overallus,“It’s a very sensitive issue safety in our cemeteries,so we have taken professional including risks from unstableguidance when developing our memorials, we don't actuallyMemorial Safe Working Practice own the memorials. It’sManagement Policy. the grave owner who is“The policy outlines the responsible for maintaininghistorical problems we’ve faced the memorial so that itin managing memorials and doesn’t become a hazard.ways of dealing with unstable, Any headstone or memorialhazardous and unauthorised that we find in a potentiallymemorials. It also contains dangerous condition willinformation about the be clearly marked while weinstallation of and standards contact owners to ask them tofor new memorials so that take action.”they are safe.Sharon with William Fletcher in Balmoral Cemetery. For more information go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cemeteries or call into our Bereavement Administration Office on the ground floor of Cecil Ward Building or phone 9027 0296. 13intercom April 2016

Be part of Creative Belfast: volunteers wanted! Now’s your chance to be part of Creative Belfast! Get a glimpse behind the scenes of large scale event management, learn new skills, meet new people and have a lot of fun!Ahoy there! The Living River Farset If you’re interested, please contact 9096 4180 or emailOur City Events Team is busy This project is aimed at connecting our [email protected] the Belfast Titanic communities to the rich local heritage ofMaritime Festival which will the River Farset that once ran throughtake place over the Bank the heart of Belfast. Celebrations takeHoliday weekend from 28 - 30 place on Bank Holiday, 30 May atMay at Queen’s Quay, The Arc Customs House Square and variousand Titanic Quarter. other Belfast locations. Cultúrlann areCelebrating the city’s unique maritime looking for volunteers to assist withheritage, there’ll be lots of entertainment transport, crowd control, production,for all ages. For three days from 11am - media liaison and photography.6pm you can enjoy visiting ships,Titanicactivities, live music, arts and crafts, street The Belfast Tempest If you’re up for the challenge, theatre and displays. send an email to All that sea air is sure to give you a healthy The BelfastTempest will be the largest [email protected]! So you’ll really enjoy sampling the Shakespeare event ever organised in with your name, address and delightful tastes and traditions of local and Belfast, as part of the global celebrations phone number.European providers at the Continental marking the 400th anniversary ofMarket on Queen’s Quay. Shakespeare’s death from 20 -23 April.And with a free Maritime Festival shuttle Community rehearsals are up andbus running throughout the event - it’s running and Terra Nova are lookingso easy to get around! for volunteers to help build the set (atT13 around three weeks prior to For more information about the the show starts); make costumes and Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival, props; and to be part of the backstage contact the Visit Belfast Welcome and front of house team. Centre on 9024 6609 or go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime To be or not to be…part of this memorable event, that is the question!14 intercom April 2016 The Belfast Opera Belfast Carnival Village Themed around the city’s industrial A festive carnival village will light up heritage, this is the first ever opera Ormeau Park on Saturday 25 June to tell the Belfast along with a programme of samba, Story. You could circus, drumming and other carnival arts. join the Belfast Chorus, help build If you’d like to volunteer at this the set, make event, complete the form at costumes, or help www.beatcarnival.com/contact organise the three performances 17 - 19 June. To sign up, go to www.thebelfastopera.com/ sign-up-here

Back by popular demand! Young people leading positiveSt George's Market will host of the city’s top restaurants and changea two day Twilight at St award-winning producers to takeGeorge’s Market summer fest a stand in the popular market. Our Belfast Youth Forum (BYF) has beento tantalise the taste buds on busy leading number of projects that aimTuesday 24 May (5.30pm to As well as sumptuous and to change the lives of children and young11pm) and Wednesday 25 May spectacular food and drink, there’ll people in the city. Here’s a snapshot offrom 12noon to 11pm. be a two day programme of local what they’ve been up to recently. entertainment from live music toOurTourism, Culture, Heritage and DJ sessions, comedy and much Poverty CampaignArts Unit will team up with the Markets more. The chefs of the city willUnit to roll out the event which hit the add their own performance to Youth Forum members have hosted aheadlines last November 2015 due to the evening as they’re challenged number of focus groups to find out youngits staggering popularity. to cook up a storm of delights at people’s views on: the St George’s Twilight Kitchen • poverty in the cityClodagh Cassin, Markets Manager hub. So make it a date with your • what it means to be living in povertyexplains,“We were overwhelmed friends and family and make sure • how poverty impacts children and youngby the positive response to the first you don’t miss out!Twilight Market.This unique and special people, families and their communitiesevent will once again celebrate our For more information go • actions that our government could takefantastic local produce and Belfast’s own to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/restaurant scene. It’s sure to be another twilightbelfast to end povertyNorthern IrelandYear of Food andDrink 2016 highlight and we’re really They’ll be publishing a final research reportlooking forward to showing off our and presenting their findings to CommitteeGorgeous St George’s in its best light”. in October 2016 to help inform Members.Dressing the venue with a special ‘Youth Hub’summer theme, we’ll be inviting some shared spaceWelcome to Noel Munnis The Belfast Youth Forum ran a number of Partnership Manager trial shared youth spaces across the cityCiara McHenry Leo Andrade centre where young people aged 12 - 18Communications/Network Project Officer (Building Control) could try out a range of activities includingController Siobhan O'Connor a BMX course, Parkour, Urban Art,Sinead O'Connor Reception Administrator Fashion Design, DJ Skills, Chill Out ZoneConsumer Advisor Ryan Kennedy and Scooters.Connor Jackson Recycling OperativeEnvironmental Health Officer Áine Hargey, Children andYoung People’s Co-ordinator explains, “Our ‘Youth Hub’ Project was based in an activity bus at a variety of city centre sites over fiveThursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. We also used the opportunity to conduct a survey on sports, culture, education, support services and the arts for young people in Belfast city centre.” The survey findings will be presented to committee in June and fed into the Belfast Agenda and City Centre Regeneration and Investment strategy. For more information, contact Áine on [email protected] or call her on ext 3595. 15intercom April 2016

Win a family day pass toStreamvale Open FarmStreamvale Open Farm is here The prize Simply answer this questionfor families to enjoy and learn Q? How many dairy cows are thereabout the countryside; to You could win a family day pass at Streamvale Open Farm?experience the sights and smells which allows up to six people toof a real farmyard; to have the visit the farm for a day. There is no a) 250 b) 300 c) 350opportunity to get up close to expiry date and the farm is openthe traditional farm animals this year until 31 October. Email your answer, alongwhich have been part of our with your contact details, toheritage for centuries. [email protected] or call 9050 0525.There's a full spectrum of farm animals -from chicks to dairy cows, baby bunnies The closingto massive pigs and lots of fun thrown date for entriesin as well. The mini farmer areas givechildren lots of space to burn off energy is Fridaypedalling around on toy tractors and 20 May.all the family love to cuddle the smallanimals. And of course feeding times Previous competition winnerhave been a firm favourite for decades!Streamvale Farm is alsoa commercial dairy farmwhere you can watch the300 dairy cows being milkedevery afternoon.Find out more at Congratulations to Catherine Hardy from Ligoniel Communitywww.streamvale.com Centre who won the ultimate family Titanic Experience. Catherine correctly answered that Titanic Belfast has nine interactive galleries.16 intercom April 2016