Compass Newsletter- Issue 20 (Autumn/Winter 2011) - Carrickfergus ...

COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 54 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011Going for GoldEXCITING PLANS AHEADFOR WHITEHEADFollowing public consultation and months ofhard work from local people and stakeholders,the Village Masterplan for Whitehead isnow complete.The Masterplan was commissioned by Carrickfergus BoroughCouncil and funded by Grow South Antrim under the NI RuralDevelopment Programme and presents an exciting vision forthe future.It seeks to identify a range of initiatives to improve the villageover the next 5-15 years, maximising their contributionto help make Whitehead a better place in which to live,work, play, invest and visit.A steering group has been established to drive projects forwardand further funding to implement projects is available under PhaseII of GROW’s Village Renewal Programme. The Whitehead VillageMasterplan is available to download at www.carrickfergus.orgThe GROW scheme was set up to manage and deliver fundingunder the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme2007-2013. Funding is available for a wide range of projectsincluding: farm diversification, business creation anddevelopment, rural tourism, basic services and rural heritage.Maximum grants available to not-for-profitorganisations of up to £250,000 at a 75% grant rate.Maximum grants available for private businesses andfarmers of up to £50,000 at a 50% grant rate.If you are a rural dweller, business owner, farmer or communitygroup interested in finding out more on the Rural DevelopmentProgramme, get in touch with the GROW office on 028 9448 1311or visit www.growsouthantrim.comGROW will reopen for applications as follows:Farm Diversification 5 September - 3 October 2011 13 March - 30 April 2012Business Creation & Development 5 September - 3 October 2011 13 March - 30 April 2012Rural Tourism 5 September - 3 October 2011 13 March - 30 April 2012Basic Services 15 August - 19 September 2011 16 January - 27 February 2012Village Renewal 20 June - 12 September 2011 31 October 2011 - 16 January 2012Rural Heritage 15 August - 19 September 2011 16 January - 27 February 2012Carrickfergus Marina has recently gone for gold in thepursuit of 5 Gold AnchorsCarrickfergus Marina was recently judged by the YachtHarbour Association as successfully meeting the highstandards set for the prestigious 5 Gold Anchor Award- the highest standard achievable. The Gold AnchorAward Scheme operates on an international level,with marinas worldwide competing for Gold Anchoraccreditation. This endorsement identifies CarrickfergusMarina as an officially recognised “world-class” facilityand ranks it on an even footing with many of the leadingmarinas around the world. The judging criteria includednot only infrastructure investment and facilities butalso quality of customer care, contribution of majorinternational events and youth training, all in a safeand healthy environment. The Gold Anchor AwardScheme has been established to improve thestandards of facilities available to all boat owners.COUNTY ANTRIM YACHT CLUBREFURBISHED BOATHOUSEwww.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.orgCounty Antrim Yacht Club celebrated the launchof their newly refurbished boathouse in May,with kayaker Elaine Alexander* openingthe facility.The boathouse, originally built in 1870 to house the local lifeboatand the Yacht Club, received GROW funding of over £51,000 tobreathe new life into the building and to provide a storage facilityfor canoes and kayaks. It is expected that the new top class facilitywill increase local interest in kayaking and canoeing, whilst thesecure storage will encourage more watersport enthusiasts to stopoff in Whitehead, stay in the area and increase the tourist potentialof the village, making use of the new East Coast Canoe Trail.*After setting off on 3 May 2011, Elaine became the first womanfrom Northern Ireland to complete the 1,000-mile circuit paddlearound Ireland when she returned to Whitehead on 13 July 2011.Pre-Olympic Training SiteBelfast Lough Sailability andCarrickfergus Marina securea Pre-Olympic Training Site.Belfast Lough Sailability has been selectedto host the Irish Paralympic Sailing Team fortheir pre-event training, from 20 June- 9 July 2012. This most definitely putsCarrickfergus Marina and the Boroughof Carrickfergus on an internationalplatform with regard to elite sailing.Whilst the Irish Paralympic Team as a wholewill train at Antrim Forum, CarrickfergusMarina in conjunction with Belfast LoughSailability have now been recognised ashaving a unique partnership in the area ofsailing for people with disability. Carrickfergus’reputation will be enhanced for offeringaccess training at the highest level ofsailing competition for the disabled,the Paralympic Games.www.carrickfergus.org

6 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 7SMALL GRANTS2012/2013CARRICKFERGUS BOROUGHCOUNCIL GRANTSCarrickfergus Borough Council administers a number of grant programmeson an annual basis. The Community Support Grants Programme will openfor applications on 1 November 2011.There are two grant schemes under this programme:LARGE GRANTS 2012/2013• Maximum grant – £5,000• Closing date for applications is 12pm onWednesday 30 November 2011• Grant must be spent between1 April 2012 - 31 March 2013.SMALL GRANTS 2012/2013• Maximum grant of £1,000 can be applied for at anytimeduring the year• Grant must be spent by 31 March 2013LARGE GRANTS2012/2013Other funding may be available under the Council’sRolling Grants Programme:ROLLING GRANTS PROGRAMMESCarrickfergus Borough Council administers a number of rollinggrants programmes that can be applied for at anytime ofthe year:Sports Grants – Grants for individuals, existing and newsports clubsParks & Countryside – Grants for community groupsGood Relations – Small grants for community groupsStart-up Grant – £150 grant for new community/voluntarygroupsArts & Events - Large and small grantsCivic GrantsROLLINGGRANTSWhat’s happeningat your local community centreOakfield, Sunnylands, Woodburn, Greenisland & Castleview Community CentresMONDAY Where WhenSing & Sign with Lisa (baby signing class) Oakfield 10am - 11amEnglish Literacy Oakfield 1.30pm - 3.30pmDizzy Rascals with Jo Oakfield 3.30pm - 4.15pmLittle Pop Stars with Jo Oakfield 4.30pm - 5.30pmLearn Crochet with CNDG Oakfield 2pm - 4pmUnisex Fitness with Joyce Oakfield 7pm - 8pmPatchwork Oakfield 7pm - 9pmJu-Jitsu with Alison greenisland 6.15pm - 8.15pmBentra School of Irish Dance Castleview Pavillion, Whitehead 7pm - 9pmTUESDAYMother & Toddler Drop In Oakfield 9.30pm - 1.30pmTextiles with Lorna Oakfield 12pm - 7pmSewing with CNDG Oakfield 10am - 12pmCrafts and Textiles with Brenda Oakfield 7pm - 9pmYoga with Jane Oakfield 7.30pm - 9pmMum & Toddler Drop In woodburn 9am - 11amSlimming World woodburn 5.30pm - 9.30pmYoga with Roshan Castleview Pavillion, Whitehead 10am - 12pmSlimming World Castleview Pavillion, Whitehead 5.30pm - 9.30pmAerobics with Lisa greenisland 7.30pm - 8.30pmWEDNESDAYPainting Class (not tutored/bring own paints) Oakfield 10am - 12pmDress Making with Beryl Oakfield 7pm - 9pmZUMBA with Natasha Oakfield 6pm - 7pmSPICE OF LIFE Ballroom & Sequence Dancing Oakfield 8pm - 10.30pmKnockagh School of Irish Dance greenisland 9.30am - 12.30pmKnockagh School of Irish Dance greenisland 5pm - 9pmRoyal Tara School of Irish Dance Sunnylands 6.30pm - 9.30pmBoth grant programmes seek to support communityand voluntary organisations in the Borough that candemonstrate the following:• Increase participation in community life.• Promote initiatives that will build capacity withincommunities.• Strengthen community organisations in disadvantagedareas.• Increase the level of volunteering opportunities.• Target resources in areas of greatest deprivation.• Promote greater partnership working with statutory agencies.Carrickfergus Borough Council particularly invites applicationsthat will target areas of social need, as per Noble Indicators,and promote social inclusion.If you wish to apply for a Community Support grant, pleasecontact Jackie Sherriff, Grants Officer, for an application form atCarrickfergus Borough Council, Museum & Civic Centre, AntrimStreet, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DG or T: 028 9335 8052.Applications under the large grant programme mustbe submitted to the above address no later than12pm on Wednesday 30 November 2011 withall supporting documentation.NO APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED AFTERTHIS DEADLINE.Please contact Jackie Sherriff on T: 028 9335 8052if you have any queries or need any assistancewith completing an application form.Katie Wilson and Rae McGeown from Greenisland Primary School who joined forceswith Greenisland Environmental Group and were the recipients of a HorticulturalMaterials Grant from the Parks & Countryside Section of CarrickfergusBorough Council.THURSDAYMother & Toddler Drop In Oakfield 9am - 1.30pmKeep Fit For Seniors with Sue Oakfield 10.30am - 11.30amBentra School of Irish Dance for Adults Oakfield 8.15pm - 9.15pmPro-Kick Gym Oakfield 7pm - 8pmLoving Hands Knitting Class Oakfield 7pm - 9pmAerobics with Leanne woodburn 6pm - 7pmChum Sut Fighting Academy woodburn 7pm - 9pmTop Star Kick Boxing greenisland 7pm - 9pmFRIDAYMother & Toddler Drop In Oakfield 9am - 1.30pmDance Academy with Lisa woodburn 4pm - 5pmSATURDAYUnisex Fitness with Joyce Oakfield 10am - 11amHelen O’Grady Drama Academy Oakfield 11am - 1pmKnockagh School of Irish Dance greenisland 10am - 4pmRoyal Tara School of Irish Dance Sunnylands 10am - 2pmOAKFIELD CAFÉCome in and sample Jacqui’s tasty food. A range of hot and cold food available. Open from 9am - 3pm daily; Saturday 10am - 1pm.Take-away menu available. Please contact T: 079 8806 6631.There will be seasonal additions to the programme so keep a look out!We are currently seeking interest for Basic Maths and Basic IT classes so please register your interest for this and any other coursesyou would like to see on our programme at the number or email below.Please enquire at Oakfield for contact numbers for classes T: 028 9336 4747 or E: sonia.mccrory@carrickfergus.orgor visit www.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org

8 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 9CarrickfergusTown Centre Public Realm SchemeWhat is Public Realm?Public realm is defined as any publicly-ownedstreets, pathways, right of ways, parks, publiclyaccessible open spaces and any public andcivic building and facilities.Scheme ProgrammeContact DetailsIf you would like any further informationor additional copies of this leaflet,please contact:Roads Service Section Office148 - 158 Corporation StreetBelfast BT1 3DHT: 028 9025 4057W: www.drdni.gov.ukProposals for an upgradeof the public realm inCarrickfergus town centrehave been developed overa number of years andplanning permission wasgranted in July 2011. Afunding package for thescheme of £2.5m hasbeen secured betweenthe Department for SocialDevelopment, DRD RoadsService and CarrickfergusBorough Council.THE SCHEME FEATURES• Paving the town centre withhigh quality, durable naturalstone materials (granite andCaithness stone)• Providing co-ordinated andconsistent street furnitureand street lighting that isboth aesthetically pleasing andsympathetic to the historicalcontext of the area• Upgrading Market Place toprovide a greater sense ofopen public space (See Fig. A)• Improving the pedestrianlinkage from the Castle tothe commercial town centre• Alteration to the existing trafficand parking arrangements• Stopping of right turntraffic movements fromMarine Highway intoCastle Street• One-way system on High Street(towards Town Hall)• Provision of contra-flowcycleway on High StreetPreliminary design & consultationsPlanning application submittedDetailed design, contractprocurement & processingof traffic regulation ordersPlanning permission granted(Current stage of programme)Public information dayA leaflet is available detailing the TownCentre Public Realm Scheme - should yourequire the leaflet in an accessible format i.e.Braille, audio-cassette, large, minority ethniclanguage etc, please contact Roads Serviceas above.Supported by the NorthernIreland Executive deliveredthrough the Departmentfor Social DevelopmentVarious consultations andpresentations have been made toCouncil, Carrickfergus Chamberof Commerce, the CarrickfergusMasterplan advisory group andother statutory and advisoryagencies, in developing the schemeto this point. A public informationevent scheduled in October 2011 willprovide more illustrations and detailsabout the scheme, with constructionwork anticipated to commence inJanuary 2012 for a period of upto 11 months. DRD Roads Servicewill be responsible for managingand delivering the scheme.Construction worksJanuary - November 2012www.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org

10 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 11The key priorities for the CommunitySafety Partnership as detailed in itsaction plan for 2011/12 are:• Anti-social behaviour• Violent crime (including hatecrime, knife crime, alcoholrelatedviolence anddomestic violence)• Fear of crime.Also detailed in the plan are a numberof ongoing and new projects thatinclude:Carrickfergus Community Drugsand Alcohol Advisory Group whowill lead on a project entitled:Drugs and Alcohol - The Real StoryThis will include a study to identify anti-socialbehaviour and underage drinking hotspotsthroughout the Borough, followed by ninemonths of youth focused activity for youngpeople resident in the hotspot areas. Theaim of the project is to raise awarenessof alcohol issues among young people.Interact will deliver a number ofprojects aimed at changing thebehaviours of those involvedin anti-social behaviour.CommunitySafety PartnershipCarrickfergus Community Safety Partnership is focused onidentifying social issues and working to improve life in the Borough.The Carrickfergus 4 Tier SecurityScheme is a multi-agencyconfidential service that offerssupport to victims of crime whilstaiming to reduce fear of crimein the Borough and in turnrepeat offending.The Detached Youth Workersproject targets vulnerable youngpeople in their own territory andaims to build upon their personaland social development.The projects help by:• Empowering young people to makepositive decisions in their lives• Showing young people the potentialconsequences of their actions• Helping them explore healthand social issues• Assisting young people in planningfor their future• Encouraging young peopleto take ownership of their lives.Good Morning Carrickfergus is avoluntary, free telephone contactservice for older people in theCarrickfergus area, facilitatedand based in the Church ofthe Nazarene.A pre-arranged twice weekly phone call willcheck how our older and most vulnerableresidents are doing.Residents can be referred to theservice by any of the following:• Health and social care staff (socialworker, community worker or GP)• Police• Relative/friend• Local church• Community or voluntary group.Women’s Aid Educationand Prevention WorkerIt is believed that young peopleand children who are taught abouthealthy relationships at a youngage are more likely to develophealthy adolescent and adultrelationships.The Community Safety Partnershippart-funds a Women’s Aid worker to leadprogrammes including Helping Hands forChildren (targeting primary school agechildren), STIG (Supporting Teenagers inGroups) and Bullybusters for older children,each with the aim of building healthyrelationship knowledge in our youngergenerations.For further information onany of these projects or thework of the Community SafetyPartnership, please contactAlison Kane, Community SafetyManager on T: 028 9335 8036or E: alisonk@carrickfergus.orgKERBSIDE RECYCLING -TONNAGE COMPARISON2010-20112009-20102008-2009RECYCLING/COMPOSTINGWITHIN CARRICKFERGUSBOROUGH1,1581,4551,560REDUCING, REUSINGAND RECYCLING INCARRICKFERGUSBOROUGH815712784215206226Paper/ Glass Plastics Textiles Cans Green/CardFoodwasteIn the year 1 April 2010 – 31 March 2011,household waste in Carrickfergus Borough hadan annual tonnage of 19,492 tonnes. Of thistotal amount, just over 8,000 tonnes (41.15%)were dry recyclables or green garden/foodwaste. This impressive figure would not bepossible without the help of all our residents.However if you look at the comparisons detailedin the table (above), there has been a drop in theamount of some of the materials, such as paper,being collected. This could be because of thetrend of less papers being purchased or lesspackaging on items being sold.222226HelpCarrickfergus BoroughCouncil reach its target of50% composting andrecycling by 2013129971083,5422,3802,242Currently Borough residents may recycle:paper, card, glass, plastic bottles, cans (metaland aluminium), aluminium foil, batteries, textilesand aerosols. Brown bins can be used for gardenand food waste. Council is investigating additionalmethods of collecting other plastic packagingand tetra packs.Recycling Needs You!We are asking all householders to look at whatthey are disposing of in their domestic black binto see if there is anything that could be recycledin their Kerbie boxes. If you need newor replacement boxes, please contactSullatober Depot on T: 028 9335 1192.www.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org

12 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 13KEEP WARM THIS WINTERWITH CARRICKFERGUS BOROUGH COUNCIL AND CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAUThis autumn Carrickfergus Borough Council will belaunching a new initiative encouraging vulnerablecitizens of the Borough to ‘keep warm’ this winter.This initiative will be organised in partnership with thestaff and volunteers at the Citizens Advice Bureau(CAB), located at North Street, Carrickfergus.• Energy efficiency information (oil stamp savings scheme, boilerreplacement scheme and information regarding referral servicesfor roof and cavity wall insulation, etc)• Energy efficient light bulbs• Thermal flask• Blanket• Thermal garments (hats, gloves, socks and under garments).Through this initiative the staff and volunteers at CAB will be distributing‘Keep Warm’ packs to vulnerable clients presenting themselves to CABfor advice and assistance.For more information on any of the above schemes you can contact:Paul Miles, Energy Efficiency Advisor, Carrickfergus Borough Council,Museum & Civic Centre, 11 Antrim Street, Carrickfergus BT38 7DGEnvironmental Services T: 028 9335 8000E: paul.miles@carrickfergus.orgDue to limited quantities, the packs will be distributed on a first-come, firstservedbasis and packs will be made up of a combination of the following:HOME SAFETY CHECKS,ELECTRIC BLANKETTESTING, WARM HOMESAND OIL STAMPSCalling all residents, landlords and letting agentswithin the Carrickfergus Borough Council area.Do you know the services that are available toyou? Here, Paul Miles, the Council’s part-timeEnergy Efficiency Advisor, gives an overviewof how we can be of help.Paul’s role is to help eradicate fuel poverty within the Borough by enablingpeople to access funding to have their homes insulated and new heatingsystems installed. Qualification criteria apply to each of the schemes soplease contact Paul on the telephone number below or check www.carrickfergus.org/environment/health-and-well-being/warm-homes/for further information. By applying to one of these schemes, youcould make significant savings on your energy bills each year.Paul regularly delivers talks and presentations to raise awareness onhelp with energy efficiency to various landlords, agents, church andcommunity groups throughout the Borough to generate referralsto energy saving schemes and signposts to other organisationsand projects.HEATING UP FOR WINTERCarrickfergus Borough Council recently piloted an oil stamp savingsscheme in the Whitehead area in partnership with the Saint Vincentde Paul charity. The aim of the scheme is to help occupants budget fortheir home heating oil. The pilot has been a great success and due to berolled out across the remainder of the Borough this autumn. Soon allpeople using oil to heat their homes will be able to budget for fills of oilby purchasing stamps at £5 each and using a saving stamps book, whichthey can then use to pay in full or use as part payment to their localoil suppliers.BOILER REPLACEMENTthere are various boiler replacement schemescurrently in operation.Some are designed for those who donot qualify for benefits and some offercash-back options of up to £1,500.What Carrickfergus CommunityForum provides for its membergroups?Carrickfergus Community Forum offers practical helpand support to enable groups to have the confidenceto deliver effective and efficient community projects.• We offer use of meeting space, and office back-up servicessuch as administrative support.• We offer networking opportunities within and throughoutthe Borough.• We provide signposting, interpreting and disseminationof information.• We offer training opportunities.• We offer good practice visits.• We offer research, consultation and audits on issues affectingthe community.• We offer advocacy and support for issues affectingthe community.• We offer support for community activities(fun days, health fairs, etc).• We offer a monthly newsletter (to promote your group).• We offer liaison with statutory bodies.For further information on how to become a memberof Carrickfergus Community Forum, contact Billy AsheT: 028 9335 9777 or E: billyashe@btconnect.comwww.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org

14 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 15DIAMONDS AREFOREVER:CARRICKFERGUSBOROUGH COUNCILAND THE WOODLANDTRUST TO CREATE ALIVING, LASTING LEGACYCarrickfergus Borough Council andthe Woodland Trust are to create aliving, lasting legacy in Whitehead tocommemorate the 2012 Diamond Jubilee,marking Queen Elizabeth’s 60th year asmonarch. The 60 acre woodland nearBentra Golf Course (to the north ofWhitehead) will open in June 2012.The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman JimMcClurg, says: “The creation of this DiamondWood brings a special opportunity foreveryone to make a personal and lastingcontribution to the landscape, whilemarking an historic event.Within as little as 10 years, the trees will betowering over the tallest of walkers and we’llhave a flourishing woodland, rich in wildlife.We envisage a fantastic natural resource forthe benefit of local people and, of course,visitors en route to the Antrim coast.”The woodland in Whitehead is one of 60new Diamond Woods - each 60 acres in size -that are being created across the UK as partof the Woodland Trust’s ambitious JubileeWoods project. The aim is to plant six milliontrees and to involve millions of people inthe planting.Visit the council websitewww.carrickfergus.org/parks forfurther information and event details.In Carrickfergus BoroughThe annual festival to mark the start ofthe tree-planting season, National TreeWeek, takes place from 26 November- 4 December 2011.Tree Week is a nationwide celebration of treesand woods affording lots of opportunities toplant trees! Carrickfergus Borough Councilis inviting everyone to help make trees matterby planting and celebrating trees duringthat week.To find out how to get involved,contact the Parks & CountrysideSection T: 028 9335 8000or alternatively, go towww.carrickfergus.org/parksFACT: Carrickfergus Borough Councilhas planted a massive 100,000 treessince January 2000.The horticultural talents of our Boroughwere recognised at the Translink Ulsterin Bloom Competition ceremony inBallymena recently with awards forCarrickfergus Town and WhiteheadRailway Station. Carrickfergus received asecond place in the Large Town categorywith Whitehead receiving third place inthe Community Rail Halt category.For further information go towww.carrickfergus.org/parksNew Permanent OrienteeringCourse in CarrickfergusPeople in Carrickfergus Borough are being offered a new way to stretch theirlegs and their minds, with the launch of a new permanent orienteering courseat Bashfordsland Wood and Oakfield Glen.The Mayor of Carrickfergus, Alderman JimMcClurg, officially opened the new courseand its accompanying map this summer.At the launch, local secondary schoolpupils took part in a competitionorganised by NI Orienteering.Alderman McClurg said: “We want toencourage as many people as possible toexplore this beautiful woodland area and getfit at the same time. Orienteering is a fun wayto exercise both your leg and brainpower. It’salso been proven that exercising in woodlandand other green spaces boosts both yourphysical health as well as your mental health.I would like to thank NI Orienteering for alltheir help and advice to make this project areality and a big thank you to the WoodlandTrust who manage Oakfield Glen.”If you would like to try orienteering, visit theCouncil’s website www.carrickfergus.org/parks for events or to download the coursemap. The map is also available at OakfieldCommunity Centre. The NI Orienteeringwebsite www.niorienteering.org.uk haslots of events and advice on orienteeringthroughout Northern Ireland.Winners Announcedin Community GardenCompetitionAlderman May Beattie, Chairperson ofthe Parks, Countryside and AmenitiesSub-Committee, has announced theCarrickfergus in Bloom competitionwinners and runners-up for theBorough-wide Best Kept awards.Alderman Beattie said: “We are thrilled with theresponse from those taking part and impressedwith the quality and diversity of the entrants.It has been an opportunity for us to see thewealth and variety of horticultural talent inour community.”Stephen Daye, Parks & CountrysideDevelopment Officer with CarrickfergusBorough Council and one of the judgescommented: “We were very impressedMarine Gardens Set for a FaceliftIn 2012, Carrickfergus Borough Council is embarking on a£1 million redevelopment of Marine Gardens as part of theCarrickfergus Masterplan. We have created some excitingideas to improve this important open space in the heart ofCarrickfergus. An important objective for us is to providebetter play facilities for young people but also to improvethe overall appearance of the park for everyone. At allstages of the process, we will continue to recognise thevalue of Marine Gardens as a vitally important focalpoint for promoting recreation and play as well asfor staging events.by the number of high quality entries this year,the time and dedication many entrants spendin their gardens is a credit to them.”Winners and runners-up will be invited toa prize-giving ceremony at Carrickfergus TownHall to receive their certificates and prizes.Pictured above: Sheila Johnston, winnerof the Best Kept Front Garden competition.Massive TreePlanting DayOn Saturday 25 February 2012 from10.30am-3.30pm, we will be holdingat Whitehead Diamond Jubilee Wood amassive tree planting day. This is a greatopportunity to visit our new woodland anddo your bit for trees in the Borough!For further information telephonethe Parks & Countryside DevelopmentOfficer T: 028 9335 8039www.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org

16 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011CANINESUCCESSIn our Autumn/Winter edition of Compass last year, webrought you a feature about Carrickfergus Dog Pound. Init, readers learned how to select a dog, care for it correctly,ensuring it has a long, happy and healthy life.4 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2010 AUTUMN/WINTER 2010 COMPASS 5GIVE A D G A HOMEA l the dogs pictured above have b en su ce sfu ly re-homed.The team at Ca rickfergus Dog PoundAre you thinking of purchasing a new family pet?If so, why not visit Carrickfergus Dog Pound!We’re located at Su latober, Marsha lstown Road,Carrickfergus and we have a large selectionof dogs for you to choose from.You’ l find a l sorts of breeds and dogs of a l ages, shapes and sizes,so we’re sure to have a pooch to suit you or your family’s needs. What’smore, the Pound receives new dogs every day (especia ly now that weare receiving dogs from Belfast City Council), so if you don’t see yourideal dog today, you can always try again tomo row.You can visi the Dog Pound a the fo lowing times:Monday to Friday: 1am – 12.30pm and 2pm – 4pmSaturday: 1am – 12pm• Sunday: ClosedIt only costs £30 to adopt a dog from the Pound, plus £5 for a license.A l our dogs are micro-chipped free of charge by trained staff beforethey leave. Also, when you home a dog from the Pound, you wi l receivea voucher, redeemable at veterinary surgeries, towards the cost of havingyour new pet neutered. This means you wi l only have to pay the first £15of the vet’s costs for neutering.Maybe you’ve lost your dog and you’re coming to the Pound to reclaimit – the cost is £20 if claimed on the first day, plus £5 per day thereafter.We take every precaution to ensure that a l dogs leaving the Pound arein a healthy condition; however, we strongly recommend you take yourdog to a local veterinary surgeon for a health check and vaccinationsas soon as po sible.We hope you find this information useful. If you require any moreinformation on the topics covered here, please contact the Dog Poundon T: 028 9335 1639 or E: dog.pound@ca rickfergus.org. You mayalso find some useful advice on our Dog Pound pages on the Council’swebsite at www.ca rickfergus.org/environment/dog-control/A DOG IS FOR LIFE!Before you buy or adopt a new dog, please be sure that you havethe time, money and energy to look after it. Also make sure you haveselected a dog that wi l fit in with your lifestyle. Dogs can take up a lotof your time and commitment, they impact upon the lifestyle of youand your family, coming with both a financial and an emotional cost.If you have decided you want a pet dog, here are some generalareas you should consider.TIME:You wi l be responsible for your dog for the next 10-15 years.• Puppies require more time than adult dogs. You wi l have tohouse it, provide obedience training and play time. Adopteddogs may require more training and lots of patience.• In their first year, dogs need three to four 20-minute playse sions a day.• Adult dogs require lots of exercise - about 30 minutes per day.Large breeds, te riers, herding and sporting dogs require twoto four times as much exercise.• A l dogs require grooming. Long haired dogs wi l require groomingonce a day. Short and medium haired dogs need to be groomedat least once a week.COSTS:• Buying a dog - pedigree dogs can cost anything from£200 to £1,000. Mixed breed dog costs vary. Most animalsanctuaries also charge adopters for a dog.• Health care - a l puppies need to be vaccinated at eight and12 weeks. They wi l also need annual booster vaccinations.Your dog wi l also have to be wormed regularly.• Dogs have accidents and i lnesses as they get older - get yourdog a veterinary pet insurance plan to help with these costs.Neutering - dogs not kept for breeding should be neutered.• Food - some pedigree dogs may require special food due to fooda lergies. Food costs increase as your dog gets bigger. A large dogmay require six times as much food as a sma l dog. Older dogs wi lrequire special diets and medications.• Grooming - there may also be grooming fees - coat cu ting, toenailclipping and ear cleaning for long-eared dogs.Holidays - you may incur pet sitting/boarding fee costs.• Equipment - you wi l need a dog crate, bowls, co lar and lead, toysand grooming equipment. You may also need a dog bed or dog run.LIFESTYLE:• Dogs are pack animals and genera ly like the company of humansand other dogs. Do not leave your dog for long periods of time.They need to play and exercise.• Do not get a large or working dog if there are no open spacesto exercise it near your home.• If you have a demanding job you may be too tired to exercisea dog twice a day.• You wi l need lots of patience with a new puppy or an adopteddog for house and obedience training. Find out if any of yourfamily are allergic to dog hair before getting a dog.• If you are fu sy about your home and do not have timeto clean away dog hair, do not get a long haired breed.SELECTING A DOG:• When viewing a potential new dog, don’t make an instant decision.Think about how the dog wi l fit in with your family, your lifestyleand other pets.• Get to know the general breed traits of dogs before you makea selection.• Do not buy a dog as a surprise for someone else as they maynot like your choice.• If you are adopting a dog find out about its background. If youare selecting a new puppy find out about the parents’ temperaments.• Before you bring a new dog/puppy home, make sure you have a lthe required food and equipment.• Put expensive items in safe place so the dog cannot break themin play.• Identify household poisons and lock them away.EVERY ANIMAL HAS FIVE BASIC RIGHTSWHICH MUST BE UPHELD BY ITSOWNER. THESE ARE:1 Freedom of movement - dog should not be curtailed for prolongedperiods of time in a kennel, outhouse or chained up a the bo tomof the garden.2 Food and water - dog should have constant access to clean, freshwater and should be fed at least twice per day. Puppie shouldbe fed three to four times per day until they are six months old.3 Shelter - dog should have a clean, draught free building or kennelwhich protects them from the elements. Kennel should be cleanedout every other day to ensure the dog’s continued good health.4 Exercise - depending on breed, dog should receive anywherebetween 30 minutes to one hour of exercise every day.5 Psychological freedom - like humans, dogs become stre sed ifunable to expre s their frustration. A stre sed dog behaves in a waythat wi l a tract human attention. Barking, biting and chewingfurniture, chasing, digging, and forge ting its house training area l behavioural signs that the dog is not at ease with its environment.OTHER CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDE:• Grooming - some dogs require regular grooming and should bebrough to a profe sional groomer if they have long, difficult coats.In summer, be on the lookout for fleas and ticks on your dog’ scalp.• Insurance - taking out insurance means that should your dogdamage property or injure someone, the insurance company maybe liable for costs. Insurance also covers the prohibitive costs ofsome veterinary treatment. Always check your policy beforehand.• Neutering - prevents the misery of unwanted li ters and promotesthe health and well being of your pet.• Vaccinations - disease prevention by vaccination must be startedin puppyhood and maintained by annual booster doses throughoutthe animal’s life. Older dogs that are re-homed from shelter arenorma ly vaccinated and the new owner wi l receive a certificateof vaccination.• Cars are death traps for dogs - never leave your dog in a car inwarm weather. A dog is incapable of dealing with high temperaturesinside a car, and wi l quickly su fer from heatstroke and eventuallyheart failure.DOGS AND FIREWORKSFireworks are something that a lot of people loveto see this time of year, unfortunately for somedogs and their owners it’s a time that causes alot of stress and in extreme cases can cause aninjury or even the death of a much loved pet.Many of these injuries are self inflicted as the animal i so stre sedit wi l bite and claw its way out of almost anything including jumpingover high walls and fences they norma ly wouldn’t be able to getover and jumping at windows etc. If the dog isn’t already injuredby then it is now at great risk of a road traffic accident as we l asinjuring othe road users and members of the public.In the past fireworks were only heard on a few nights but now theycan continue for weeks on end making it impo sible for pet ownersto predict and prepare their dog. A l dogs are di ferent and whatworks for one won’t nece sarily work for another.There are some things you can do to prepare; firstly if you alreadyknow your dog is frightened of fireworks you can try using adesensitising CD in the weeks building up to the fireworks. The CDplays random noises to mimic the fireworks and gradua ly desensitisethe dog to the fireworks. It’s also very important not to try andcomfort your dog while it’ stre sed as this is actua ly rewarding it forbeing afraid and enforcing the behaviour because you are praisingand pe ting the dog. Your dog wi l look to you fo rea surance butit is bes to ignore it, if your dog sees that you are relaxed it wi l seethere is nothing to stre s about. Having a crate or hiding place tomimic a den can make your dog feel safe and secure that’s why youwi l see some dogs go in below tables etc. Try jus to le them settleand you could also cover the sides with blankets to create a moresecure environment. You could also try turning the TV up or theradio but bear in mind that not all dogs like music played too loudly.There is a lot of very useful information online these days if you haveacce s to the internet and if none of the above things work you canalso speak to your ve to see if he can prescribe some sedatives.www.ca rickfergus.org www.carrickfergus.orgapply). Each dog is micro-chipped free of charge by trained staff beforethey leave the pound. As well as your new friend you will also take withyou a voucher redeemable at veterinary surgeries towards having yourpet neutered, reducing your cost to just £15. For further informationT: 028 9335 8000.AUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 17CHRISTMASin Carrickfergus BoroughLocated at Sullatober, Marshallstown Road, Carrickfergus, the poundhas a variety of breeds and dogs of all ages, shapes and sizes with newdogs on a daily basis, each one looking for a loving home. The cost ofadopting a dog is only £30 plus a £12.50 license fee (concessionsDear Editor,We have an 8 yr old border collie called Molly who wasrescued from Carrickfergus Dog Pound at approx 9months old after being picked up by the dog wardenrunning loose on the streets. After being in our homefor 2 months, Molly became very ill and was foundto have pancreatic insufficiency, a life threateningillness that requires her to be on medication for life.Her recovery however was rapid and she soon becamea boisterous and very inquisitive collie who needed alot of exercise and stimulation. When she was about1 1 /2 yrs old a friend suggested some kind of trainingthat would use up some energy and so we joined atraining club to try our hand at agility. Molly took tothis well and progressed through the grades winningup to grade 6 last year (there are 7 grades in total).Approximately 2 yrs ago I began to think of obediencetraining as something that Molly could do when shebecame too old for agility. She quickly obtained herwww.carrickfergus.orgIn recent months, we received this great good news story abouta much-loved border collie named Molly. We were so movedby the letter, we thought we’d share it with you.bronze, silver and gold good citizens awards and wewere thrilled last year to qualify for the special prebeginnersobedience stakes semi-finals in Scotland.Imagine our delight when we won a place in the finalthat was held at Crufts in March of this year! Molly’scareer isn’t over yet and she continues to shine inboth agility and obedience and who knows what thefuture might hold. I think this goes to show there arereally fantastic dogs out there just needing a goodand loving home to enable them to achieve their fullpotential and that doesn’t always mean spendinglots of money on a ‘pure bred’ dog. Yours EileenMolly is the familypet of Eileen andIan Stewart“I wish I was in Carrickfergus...”When one considers the manifold attractions that giveCarrickfergus its natural beauty, it’s little wonder whyour balladeer yearned for home:• a superb coastline setting along Belfast Lough with views to Scotland• an imposing and renowned 12th Century Norman Castle thatovershadows an ancient Harbour• an historic town centre, enclosed within 16th century stone walls• smart public promenades, walkways, parks and piazzas with publicart and stunning civic floral displays• an impressive and vibrant new Marina and Waterfront developmentTo find out more about the wealth of attractions on our doorstepcontact the Carrickfergus Tourist Information Centre (TIC),located in the Museum & Civic Centre, the heart of the town.To contact the Tourist Information Centre T: 028 9335 8049.For a truly magical time this festiveseason, why not come along to oneof Carrickfergus Borough Council’sspecial Christmas events. Fireworks,glittering lights, carols, Santa,pantomime, silver bands andmore! There’s something foreveryone this festive timein Carrickfergus Borough!CarolsThe traditional Civic Carol Servicesreturn for 2011 with the help of localschool choirs.CarrickfergusFriday 18 November, 7pmSt Nicholas ChurchWhiteheadSaturday 26 November, 6.30pmWhitehead Presbyterian ChurchGreenislandThursday 1 December, 7pmGreenisland Community CentreChristmas Lights Switch-OnsCome along to the official Christmas lightsswitching on ceremonies across the Borough.Don’t miss the special guests assisting theMayor in Carrickfergus.CarrickfergusFriday 18 November, from 7.30pm(crowd warm-up from 7pm)WhiteheadSaturday 26 November,from 7pm approx.GreenislandThursday 1 December,from 7.45pm approx.EdenWednesday 14 DecemberFrom 7.30pm approx.Christmas FireworksDon’t miss the fabulous festive fireworksdisplays following the switching on ofthe Christmas lights across the Borough.(Please note that these are weather dependent.)CarrickfergusFriday 18 November, 8.30pm approx.WhiteheadSaturday 26 November, 8pm approx.GreenislandThursday 1 December, 8pm approx.The Bethlehem Experience& Christmas FairThe beautiful Christmas fair full of festivecharm featuring a real life nativity.Saturday 3 December, 11am-3pmCarrickfergus Town Centre.Live Street EntertainmentThe streets of Carrickfergus will be ringingto some seasonal silver band sounds everySaturday afternoon in the month beforeChristmas. Come along and experiencea true Carrick Christmas.VenueCarrickfergus Town CentreDatesSaturday 3, 10 & 17 December, 2pm-3pm(NB: In the case of wet weather the location shall bechanged to Carrickfergus Museum & Civic Centre)Pantomime“Santa’s Sooty Christmas”Don’t miss the annual pantomime presentedby Centre Stage, featuring a new adaptationby Roma Tomelty of “Santa’s Sooty Christmas”.With all the usual audience interaction, thisis a traditional Christmas treat not to bemissed. Early booking is advisable toavoid disappointment!VenueJubilee Hall, Carrickfergus Town HallDatesFriday 2 December, 7pmSaturday 3 December, 2.30pm & 5pmMonday 5 December, 9.30amTuesday 6 December, 9.30amWednesday 7 December, 9.30amThursday 8 December, 9.30am & 7pmFriday 9 December, 9.30am & 7pmSaturday 10 December, 2.30pm & 5pmAdmission is free but places must be bookedin advance by contacting Carrickfergus TouristInformation Centre on 028 9335 8049.Tea DanceThe ever-popular Christmas Tea Dancethis year features Mervyn Dickson as MC.Admission is free, all welcome!VenueJubilee Hall, Carrickfergus Town HallDatesMonday 12 December, 2pm-4pmContactFor further information T: 028 9335 8040All details correct at time of going to press.Carrickfergus Borough Council reservesthe right to alter without notice.For further information contact CarrickfergusTourist Information Centre on T: 028 93358049. Alternatively, keep up to date with allof the latest events information by visitingwww.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org

18 COMPASS AUTUMN/WINTER 2011A-Z of Council ServicesAUTUMN/WINTER 2011 COMPASS 19Shape upwith AmphitheatreIn August 2011, AmphitheatreWellness Centre celebrated itssecond anniversary, serving thecommunity of Carrickfergusand further afield in one of themost sophisticated, modernand green fitness and wellbeingcentres in the United Kingdom.In order to celebrate, Amphitheatre WellnessCentre is offering a reduced joining fee of£10 per person on production of the coupon(below). That’s a saving of £15 per person!To avail of this offer, cut out the coupon andbring it along to Amphitheatre before theexpiry date of 31 January 2012.Membership packages include:Full use of the centre with a selectionof free classes and priority bookingAccess to the Fitness SuiteKinesis SuiteSwimming pool and Therma Spa whichencompasses a sauna, steam roomand Jacuzzi.In addition, members also avail of theprivate and tranquil membership-onlychanging areas.Special Offer£10Joining FeeThat’s a saving of £15per person!Please produce this voucher at timeof joining. Expires 31 January 2012Amphitheatre Wellness Centre aims to offera full array of activities for all the family, forusers of all ages and abilities. It offers a vastprogramme of children’s activities includingswimming lessons, martial arts, badminton,gymnastics and many more. The 25mswimming pool is joined by a themed juniorpool and kids will also love the Ludo room, acolourful indoor, three-storey soft play area.A GIFT OF HEALTHAND FITNESSWith Christmas on the horizon (a timewhen many of us overindulge), now is theideal time to think about the health andwellbeing of that someone special. Whynot give the gift of Amphitheatrethis Christmas with a membershipgift voucher?Membership gift vouchers are available fromAmphitheatre Wellness Centre between1 November and 24 December and canbe purchased for three, six or nine monthscommencing on Monday 2 January 2012.The class timetable offers an exciting andexhilarating abundance of fitness classes forall levels and abilities that build on strengthand agility to both energise and stabilisebody and balance. Classes can be bookedseven days in advance and are payableat the time of booking.Membership gift vouchers are pricedaccording to membership category (standard,corporate and concession).For the latest activities and offers takingplace at Amphitheatre Wellness Centre visitwww.carrickfergus.org/amphitheatre or callin to the centre.AAccess to Countryside 028 9335 8053Air Pollution 028 9335 8071Alcohol Free Zones 028 9335 8071Allotments 028 9335 8053Amusement Permits 028 9335 8071Arts Development 028 9335 8053BBusiness Improvement 028 9335 8003Bins Collection (wheeled) 028 9335 1192Births, Deaths & Marriages 028 9335 8047Building Services 028 9335 8061Booking Bowling Green 028 9335 8888Booking Sports Pitches 028 9335 8888Bye-Laws 028 9335 8053CCemeteries Maintenance 028 9335 1192Civic Events 028 9335 8012Collection of BulkyHousehold Waste 028 9335 1192Community Centre Bookings 028 9335 8040Community Relations 028 9335 8053Community Safety 028 9335 8053Community Services 028 9335 8053Consumer Safety 028 9335 8071Council Members 028 9335 8014Council & Committee Services 028 9335 8014Customer Services, General 028 9335 8000DDangerous Structures 028 9335 8061District Policing Partnership 028 9335 8053Dog Fouling 028 9335 8071Dog Licensing 028 9335 8000Dogs/Lost/Found/Dangerous 028 9335 8071Dog Warden 028 9335 8071EEconomic Development 028 9335 8053Election Services 028 9335 8002Entertainment Licences 028 9335 8069Environmental Health 028 9335 8071Equality Scheme 028 9335 8003Events 028 9335 8053FFinance 028 9335 8011Food Safety(food complaints, premises) 028 9335 8071GGolf Course (Bentra) 028 9337 8996Grave Purchase 028 9335 8024HHealth & Safety 028 9335 8071Human Resources 028 9335 8012IIllegal Dumping 028 9335 8071Information Technology 028 9335 8019LLegal Services 028 9335 8002Leisure Development 028 9335 8053Litter Removal 028 9335 1192Lottery Registration/Renewal 028 9335 8071MMaritime Area Development 028 9336 6666Marketing & Public Relations 028 9335 8053Marriages 028 9335 8047Mayor’s Office 028 9335 8002Museums & Heritage 028 9335 8053NNoise Nuisance 028 9335 8071PParks Management 028 9335 8053Pest Control 028 9335 8071Petroleum Licences 028 9335 8069Planning Schedules 028 9335 8014Playground Maintenance 028 9335 1192Playing Fields Bookings 028 9335 8888Policy 028 9335 8003Property Certificates 028 9335 8066Public Toilets 028 9335 1192RRecycling 028 9335 1192Refuse Collection 028 9335 1192Registrar’s Office 028 9335 8047SSports Development 028 9335 8053Street Cleansing 028 9335 1192Street Naming 028 9335 8062TTennis Court Bookings 028 9335 8888Tourism Development 028 9335 8053Town Centre Management 028 9335 8053Tourist Information 028 9335 8049Town Twinning 028 9335 8012UUnauthorised Building Works 028 9335 8062WWaste Collection (bulky,commercial, wheeled bins) 028 9335 1192COUNCIL FACILITIES/VENUESAmphitheatre 028 9335 8888Andrew Jackson Centre 028 9335 8049Bentra Golf Club 028 9337 8996Bowling Green 028 9335 1513Castleview Pavilion 028 9336 4747Childrens’ Play Areas 028 9335 1192Dog Pound 028 9335 1639Harbour 028 9336 6666Greenisland Social Centre 028 9336 4747Marina & Waterfront 028 9336 6666Museum & Civic Centre 028 9335 8000Oakfield CommunityDevelopment Centre 028 9336 4747Sunnylands Community Centre 028 9336 4747Town Hall 028 9335 8000Whitehead Boat Park 028 9336 6666www.carrickfergus.orgSERVICES WHICH ARE NOT THECOUNCIL’S RESPONSIBILITYCarrickfergus Castle(Environment andHeritage Service) 028 9335 1273Crimestoppers (PSNI) 0800 555 111Education and Libraries 028 2565 3333Electoral Office 0800 4320 712Emergency Pollution (DOE) 0800 807 060Flame Gasworks Museum 028 9336 9575Flooding (24 hour) 0300 2000 100Land Registry 028 9025 1555NI Housing Executive 0344 8920 900NI Water Limited 0845 7440 088Ordnance Survey 028 9025 5755Planning (DOE) 028 2565 3333PSNI (Exchange) 028 9065 0222Rates 028 9025 2525Roads (DRD) 028 9054 0540Septic Tanks 08457 440 088Street Lighting(fault reporting) (DRD) 028 9025 3051Water Pollution (DOE) 0800 807 060www.carrickfergus.orgwww.carrickfergus.org