City Matters
Belfast City Council residents’ magazine
September – November 2012
Members of Belfast City Council
Balmoral Electoral Area
Blackstaff, Finaghy, Malone, Musgrave, Upper Malone, Windsor
Alderman Tom Ekin ALL 028 9020 1714
Councillor Claire Hanna SDLP 07729 208258
Councillor Bernie Kelly SDLP 07710 931323
Councillor Máirtín Ó Muilleoir SF 028 9024 3194
Alderman Ruth Patterson DUP 07810 120553
Alderman Bob Stoker UUP 07876 358893
Castle Electoral Area
Bellevue, Castleview, Cavehill, Chichester Park, Duncairn, Fortwilliam
Alderman David Browne UUP 028 9077 1757
Councillor Mary Ellen Campbell SF 028 9074 0817
Councillor Patrick Convery SDLP 028 9028 9380
Councillor Tierna Cunningham SF 028 9074 0817
Councillor Lydia Patterson DUP 028 9071 7072
Councillor Guy Spence DUP 075 9030 9354
Court Electoral Area
Crumlin, Glencairn, Highfield, Shankill, Woodvale
Alderman William Humphrey DUP 028 9074 4008
Councillor Brian Kingston DUP 028 9077 4774
Alderman Frank McCoubrey IND 028 9032 0202
Alderman Hugh Smyth PUP 028 9032 6233
Councillor Naomi Thompson DUP 028 9074 4008
Laganbank Electoral Area
Ballynafeigh, Botanic, Rosetta, Shaftesbury, Stranmillis
Councillor Catherine Curran ALL 028 9033 0811
Councillor Deirdre Hargey SF 028 9024 3194
Councillor Pat McCarthy SDLP 07711 644275
Councillor Kate Mullan SDLP 07852 150167
Alderman Christopher Stalford DUP 07791 317310
Lower Falls Electoral Area
Beechmount, Clonard, Falls, Upper Springfield, Whiterock
Councillor Janice Austin SF 028 9062 6670
Councillor Steven Corr SF 028 9062 6670
Councillor Tom Hartley SF 028 9050 8989
Councillor Colin Keenan SDLP 028 9080 7808
Councillor Jim McVeigh SF 028 9050 8989
Oldpark Electoral Area
Ardoyne, Ballysillan, Cliftonville, Legoniel, New Lodge, Waterworks
Councillor Danny Lavery SF 028 9074 0817
Councillor Nichola Mallon SDLP 028 9032 0202
Councillor Conor Maskey SF 028 9074 0817
Councillor Gerard McCabe SF 028 9074 0817
Councillor Gareth McKee DUP 07917 353474
Councillor Lee Reynolds DUP 07879 065457
Pottinger Electoral Area
Ballymacarrett, Bloomfield, Orangefield, Ravenhill, The Mount, Woodstock
Alderman May Campbell DUP 028 9087 8587
Councillor Máire Hendron ALL 028 9065 0052
Councillor Dr John Kyle PUP 07515 409757
Councillor Adam Newton DUP 028 9045 9500
Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile SF 028 9024 3194
Councillor Gavin Robinson DUP 028 9032 0202
Upper Falls Electoral Area
Andersonstown, Falls Park, Glencolin, Glen Road, Ladybrook
Councillor Tim Attwood SDLP 028 9080 7808
Councillor Matt Garrett SF 028 9080 8404
Councillor Emma Groves SF 028 9080 8404
Councillor Caoimhín Mac Giolla Mhín SF 028 9080 8404
Councillor Gerard O’Neill SF 028 9080 8404
Victoria Electoral Area
Ballyhackamore, Belmont, Cherryvalley, Island, Knock, Stormont, Sydenham
Councillor Tom Haire DUP 028 9032 0202
Councillor John Hussey DUP 07889 838047
Councillor Mervyn Jones ALL 028 9047 3420
Councillor Laura McNamee ALL 028 9032 0202
Alderman Robin Newton DUP 028 9045 9500
Alderman Jim Rodgers UUP 07801 882478
Councillor Andrew Webb ALL 07976 018801
ALL – Alliance
DUP – Democratic Unionist Party
IND – Independent
PUP – Progressive Unionist Party
SDLP – Social, Democratic and Labour Party
SF – Sinn Féin
UUP – Ulster Unionist Party
In this edition
In this edition, we pay tribute local boxers Paddy Barnes and Michael Conlan who brought bronze medals back from the London 2012 Summer Olympics. Read our congratulatory message and to read more about the fantastic legacy of the Olympics.
We also celebrate the life of Olympic athlete, Dame Mary Peters in the 40th anniversary year of her historic gold medal win. Dame Mary is now a patron for next year’s World Police and Fire Games and you can find out how to get involved in volunteering at this momentous event.
This issue is packed full of information about more exciting events in 2012. Find out about our tantalising Belfast Restaurant Week and celebrated Belfast Music Week and we’ve included a schedule of events from now until November.
The Belfast Business Awards are also taking place in November. You can read all about the different categories and how you can get involved in the voting process!
Learn what happens to plastic bottles when you recycle them in our green section and get the latest news on our recycling centre refurbishments.
With the kids going back to school this month, we offer tips on packing a healthy lunch. There’s also information about free recycling and anti-litter workshops for schools.
And don’t miss your chance to win a luxury Clarins hamper for yourself or a special lady in your life. There’s also a fantastic free makeover offer courtesy of McKay Pharmacy!
Have any comments or queries about City Matters?
Call us on 9032 0202 ext 6280 or email
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Youtube www.youtube.com/belfastcitycoucil
Updating our cremators
This month sees the start of a programme to replace the cremators at the City of Belfast Crematorium.
The current cremators are over 10 years old and are nearing the end of their useful life span.
This £1.5 million investment means that our cremators will be the best modern equipment on the market.
We will also be installing special filters to remove mercury from crematorium emissions.
This will enable us to comply with environmental legislation which states that all UK crematoria must reduce emissions of mercury to the atmosphere by 50%.
Mercury can be found in most people’s fillings and when the body is cremated this mercury can cause harm to the atmosphere. We’ll be fitting all three of our new cremators with special filter equipment so that all of the mercury is removed.
We have decided to run both installation programmes together to reduce any disruption on the day-to-day running of the City of Belfast Crematorium. We plan to keep shut-down time to a minimum and give funeral directors plenty of notice about closure dates. And any noisy construction work will occur outside the cremation service times.
If you have any concerns or want to discuss this installation programme please contact Sharon McCloy, Cemeteries and Crematorium Manager on 9044 9398.
St George’s is the Real Deal!
We’re continually working to make sure that the items sold at St George’s Market are genuine and of high quality.
And now we’ve made our commitment to preventing the sale of counterfeit and illegal goods official by becoming the first market in Northern Ireland to sign up to a new charter, known as ‘Real Deal’.
The Real Deal Charter is a Department of Justice initiative. It brings brand owners and copyright holders together with local authorities, Trading Standards, police and market traders to help create a ‘fake-free’ market.
By signing the charter, we’ve committed to:
• continuing to work closely with Trading Standards;
• protecting shoppers and legitimate traders from illegal goods;
• remaining aware of who is trading at the markets; and
• communicating St George’s commitment to fair trading.
So the next time you visit St George’s Friday, Saturday or Sunday markets you can be sure that all of your purchases are the ‘real deal’!
Friday’s variety market runs from 6am to 2pm, selling a variety of products including fruit and vegetables, meat and fish, antiques, books and clothes.
Saturday’s city food and craft market runs from 9am to 3pm, offering a huge range of local, continental and specialty foods including meat and fish, cheese, coffee beans, tapas and vegetarian products. There’s also a wide selection of crafts including art, glassware and jewellery.
Sunday’s market runs from 10am to 4pm and is a mixture of the traditional Friday variety market and Saturday’s city food, garden and craft market. It also has a special emphasis on local arts and crafts.
For more information call 9043 5704 or go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/stgeorgesmarket
Avoniel pool
The swimming pool at Avoniel Leisure Centre is currently closed for repair work. At time of going to press, a reopening date had not been confirmed.
We will try to minimise disruption for centre users and you can use any of our other seven leisure centre pools.
If you are a Boost member, you have unlimited use of all our swimming pools as well as our fitness suites and council-run fitness classes.
For more information call 9072 6326 or to find your nearest alternative swimming pool visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/leisure
Belfast Restaurant Week
Get your taste buds salivating and take your place at the table for Belfast Restaurant Week!
Running from 6 to 13 October, Belfast Restaurant Week celebrates the wealth and diversity of local produce and our many talented, award-winning chefs.
During the week, a number of Belfast eateries will offer up special signature menus. There will also be special foodie nights, tasting sessions and ‘meet the producer’ evenings.
And don’t miss the ‘Battle of the Chefs’ competition at St George’s market on Saturday 6 October. Chefs will battle it out to search for the best family inspired, locally sourced dish.
Belfast is a great culinary hotspot with a wide range of eating out options, from high end dining and award-winning takeaways, to homely cafés and fashionable bistros. Many of these use fresh, local produce and support local suppliers.
The city is also home to a number of food heroes, and extremely talented chefs who are true ambassadors for our excellent food.
Belfast Restaurant Week is organised by Belfast City Council and supported by the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board.
To find out more about Belfast Restaurant Week call 9024 6609 or go to www.gotobelfast.com/belfastrestaurantweek
Belfast Music Week
4-11 November 2012
Don’t miss this year’s Belfast Music Week which takes place 4 to 11 November.
Inspired by last year’s award-winning event, foundations are firmly laid for another week-long celebration of everything this unique city has to offer the world of music. Events include:
• gigs and concerts in venues across Belfast,
• celebrations of our musical greats, and
• industry workshops and sessions.
Check out www.belfastmusic.org or download the free Belfast Music iPhone App for full programme details. For more information call our Tourism, Culture and Arts Development Unit on 9091 8734.
Only in Belfast
Belfast boasts a wealth of cultural heritage and talent, and hosts an impressive line-up of festivals and tours throughout the year. We catch up with those involved in some of the city’s unique culture and arts events and attractions.
East Belfast Arts Festival
5-9 September
Brian Houston, singer songwriter
“As well as an impressive line-up of well-known acts like headliner Van Morrison, this five-day festival promotes home-grown artistic talent from east Belfast, covering all aspects of the arts including music, comedy, visual arts, theatre, literature and magic.”
Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queens
19 October-4 November
Shan McAnena, Festival Director
“The 50th Ulster Bank Belfast Festival at Queen’s promises to be an amazing display of music, drama, theatre, talks, film, dance and comedy. A suitably wonderful collection of new experiences await our loyal festival-goers and a programme chock-full of both familiar and one-off unique events will entice people who have never been to a festival before.”
Culture Night Belfast
21 September
Adam Turkington, Programme Manager
“This unique evening of accessible, free, local arts and culture always generates a real street party feel. It attracts families and young people who might normally think the arts are stuffy, and exclusive. This year’s event coincides with World Peace Day, so Culture Night 2012 will have a ‘Love Belfast’ theme.”
Late Night Art
First Thursday of each month
Susan McKeever, Artist
“Late Night Art is a refreshingly way for locals and visitors to experience the best of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. The tours are a great way for people to enjoy what Belfast’s galleries have to offer, whilst hearing from some of the artists about what inspires them.”
For more information on events in Belfast throughout 2012, contact the Belfast Welcome Centre, 47 Donegall Place on 028 9024 6609 or visit www.gotobelfast.com
Opportunity Europe and beyond!
Plans are progressing well for the annual Opportunity Europe event, which takes place in St George’s Market on 16 and 17 October.
The two-day event is open to everyone but is mainly targeted at young people between the ages of 11 and 18. It promotes the many opportunities for volunteering, working and studying across Europe as well as general travelling.
Almost 50 workshops are scheduled and the vast majority are interactive. Activities include:
• music,
• drama,
• language tasters,
• film making,
• quizzes, and
• helping to make the Chinese dragon dance!
There are also workshops on how to have some fun, learn new skills and meet new people while volunteering in the community.
And this year, the Ocean Youth Trust’s boat will be on site so that you can find out what volunteering opportunities are available on the high seas.
The event usually attracts 60 schools and over 3,000 attendees and feedback is overwhelmingly positive. It is the only event of its kind and has picked up a number of awards for its fun method of connecting young people to Europe.
For more information call 9027 0224 or go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/europe
Join the youth forum
Young People make up a third of the population in Belfast, making our city one of the youngest in Europe!
That’s why we set up a Youth Forum to give young people a voice. It allows young people to have their say on things which affect them and their friends and gives them a chance to get involved in decision-making within the council.
The 36 members of the forum have been involved with the development of major council initiatives like:
• Bridges Urban Sports Park,
• the RISE sculpture,
• Titanic 100th anniversary,
• Cow Parade NI 2012, and
• Politics in Action roadshows.
The forum, which is made up from representatives from all over Belfast, serves for two years. The current term is coming to an end and we need new members for 2012–2014.
So if you can spare two evenings a month, would like to meet new people and want to make a difference in your community, please apply. You must be aged between 13 and 18 years and live in the Belfast area. To download the nomination form please go to www.belfastcity.gov.uk/youthforum
The deadline for applications is Friday 19 October 2012.
For more information call 9050 0521 or email
Have your say Belfast
Belfast Strategic Partnership is working to develop a plan on how to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of all those in Belfast and it is seeking your views on how to do this.
We are members of Belfast Strategic Partnership along with The Public Health Agency and The Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. Community, voluntary and other organisations are also involved.
We would encourage you to complete the emotional health and wellbeing survey that was posted out to many Belfast residents last month.
The deadline for survey completion has been extended to give you more time to fill it in. You can fill in your hard copy or give your views through an online survey at www.haveyoursaybelfast.com up until 21 September.
The partnership wants to hear from all members of the community, from those who have experienced mental health or emotional wellbeing issues themselves or through loved ones, to those with no personal experience in this area. It needs everyone’s views to assess the full picture of emotional health in the city.