NWCN E-bulletin 09 May 2018

 

1 Celebrate Rural Inclusion with NWCN @ Learmount

2 BBC Children in Need - Waterside theatre funding information session 

3 Hovis® 'Live Good Local Challenge' 

4 Boardroom Apprentice 2018 - Recruitment closes at noon, 15th May 2018

5 Free Leadership & Civic Representation Programme: She believed she could, so she did

6 Resilience and Forgiveness

7 Steps to Freedom Training - Escaping Intimate Control

8 Upcoming Course with HURT

9 First Aid Training 

10 Upcoming with RCN

11 Latest Offers from Salto Youth

12 Board Members Wanted - NW Play Resource Centre (The Playhouse)

13 AWARE seeks Chief Executive

14 Public Appointments with the Charities Advisory Committee

15 Tea & Tour Open Day at Islamic Centre, Sunday, 13th May 2018 (1-5pm)

16 Gathering of Environmental Campaigners

17 Upcoming with Focus on Family

18 Upcoming “Derry Girls” Disc Golf Tournament

19 Wildflower Walk hosted by Friends of the Park

20 Celebrate the Irish Language 

21 Shake off the winter blues in search of spring blues

 

 

 

 

 

1 Celebrate Rural Inclusion with NWCN @ Learmount

 

Date: Wednesday 23rd May 2018
Time: 10am – 1pm
Venue: Learmount Community Development Group,
192 Learmount Road
Park Village
BT47 4BA
 
This event will begin at 10am with a light breakfast and will finish with a hearty lunch at 12:30pm.
 
You will have the opportunity to hear from successful and inspirational initiatives, the journey’s they have come through and the difference they have made:

  • Learmount Community Development Group
  • RAPID (Rural Area Partnership in Derry)
  • DC&SDC Community Safety Wardens will also be on hand to give information and advice 

You will also have the chance to network and make some new connections as well as discuss the current needs of the sector.
 
If you need help with transport to attend this event, please let us know and we can assist with this.
 
To register for this celebration please contact NWCN on:
info@nwcn.org / 028 7127 9090

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2 BBC Children in Need - Waterside theatre funding information session 

 

BBC Children in Need is hosting a funding information session in the Waterside Theatre to explain our current funding opportunities and to give interested parties a chance to talk specifically about a project to one of our staff. 

Right now BBC Children in Need is funding over 200 projects in towns and villages all over Northern Ireland with grants totalling over £11m. These are projects working with children and young people who need a bit of support in order to get the best out of life. They may be sick or living in poverty; they may have been abused or neglected, have a disability or be dealing with other challenges that the groups we fund can help them to overcome.

This year because of the generosity of everyone who donates to the charity, over £3.5 million will be spent on projects working with disadvantaged children and young people here in Northern Ireland.

If you would like to attend the funding information session on 22nd May in the Waterside Theatre, Glendermott Rd, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6BG from 10.30am-12.30pm please get in touch with Siobhán McKenna – Siobhan.McKenna@bbc.co.uk / 028 9033 8221

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3   Hovis® 'Live Good Local Challenge' 

 

Calling local groups, clubs and non-profit organisations in the north west to enter the Hovis® Live Good Local Challenge – the closing date for applications is 25th May 2018. 

Would you like to see your local club, group or non-profit organisation win £3,000 and in the process continue to help your local community to ‘Live Good’? Then why not nominate your favourite group or organisation for the Hovis Live Good Local Challenge 2018 by logging on to hovislivegood.com to submit your entry and find out more about the terms and conditions. 

Trevor McCrum, Commercial Director, Hovis® Ireland, explains what the challenge is all about and importantly how people can get involved:

 

“We’re asking authorised members to nominate a group, club or non-profit organisation. The judging panel will review each application and judge it on three key areas: inclusivity, community and ‘Live Good’Ness’.  It is a simple application process that can be completed online at hovislivegood.com.  There are a few conditions around entry.  The group, club or non-profit organisation must be based in Northern Ireland. Applicants must be over 18 and a member of the club. Entry forms must be received before the closing date of 25th May 2018”. 

Once the Hovis® team has received the applications, a panel which includes an external independent judge will assess and rank every entry according to the following criteria: inclusivity, community and Live Good’Ness. 

The judging panel will then select the three highest scoring entries.  These three finalists will automatically win £1,000 each, to spend on the projects they have highlighted in their application.  The finalists will then make a short video explaining what they want to spend the £3,000 prize money on.  At that point, the general public will be invited to vote for their favourite video online.  The winning entry will be announced in July and the winning group will receive an additional £2,000.”

The Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge is supported by a dynamic marketing programme including radio, outdoor, digital and in store activity.

 

HOW TO ENTER
You need to fill out an application form available online at
hovislivegood.com before 25th May 2018 where you can find full terms and conditions.

 

Terms & Conditions (Hovis® Live Good™ Local Challenge 2018)

  • Must be NI resident age 18 + & authorised member of club or group to nominate.
  • Club or group must be not for profit  & based in NI.
  • Nomination form at hovislivegood.com.
  • Closing date for nominations: 25.05.18.
  • Only first nomination for a club or group will be considered.  
  • 3 X finalists will be selected on basis of inclusivity, community and "LIVE GOOD'ness with 1 X winner selected by public vote.
  • Finalists will be required to submit a short video.
  • Finalists will win £1, 000 and the winner will win an extra £2000 to be used for purposes set out in the nomination form.
  • T& C's apply - see hovislivegood.com
  • * Vitamin D contributes to the maintenance of normal bones and teeth.

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4 Boardroom Apprentice 2018 - Recruitment closes at noon, 15th May 2018

  • The programme is built on three core pillars: experience, training and support. You can read more about the programme, the training, the 34 hosts boards and how people can apply at www.strictlyboardroom.com/apprentice/
  • The programme is for people who have not held a public appointment and/or have no or little third sector board experience; but who have an aspiration to serve and with support from this programme they can bridge the gap between that aspiration and reality.

The overarching vision is:

  • To move the Board Member role from aspiration to reality

Its aim is to:

  • To create a diverse pool of capable board ready Board Members
  • To provide a sustainable pool of capable board ready Board Members
  • To enable practical boardroom experience for aspiring Board Members
  • To provide the transfer of knowledge, skills and experience to aspiring Board Members
  • To increase the knowledge and awareness of the role of Board Members

What it expected for the Boardroom Apprentice:

  • Gaining Board Experience over the 12 months - 01st September 2018 – 31st August 2019
  • Attendance at all Board and Committee meetings during the placement
  • Attendance at other events and activities as required by their host board
  • Undertake a suite of training modules delivered over five days to enhance knowledge, understanding and skills.
  • Meeting regularly with a Board Buddy to support learning and development – outside of the realms of board meetings
  • Participate in events and activities to share their boardroom journey to others.

www.strictlyboardroom.com/apprentice/

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5 Free Leadership & Civic Representation Programme: She believed she could, so she did

 

Please note deadline to make contact is TODAY

 

Your chance to nominate young women aged 18-25 from your charity for a free leadership and Civic Representation Programme

 

To mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918, the Department for Communities in Northern Ireland is holding a series of events throughout 2018 to mark this momentous change in voting rights.  it has been 100 years since women first got the vote and there can be no doubt that female representation has come a long way since the Suffragettes.  However, there is still a long way to go in balancing the numbers of men and women leading the way in politics, business and communities.

 

To reach out to young women, a bespoke two-day leadership and civic representation programme 'She believed she could, so she did' has been designed, with specialist input from the William J Clinton Leadership Institute, to mark the centenary of the Representation of the People Act 1918 and National Democracy Week 2018.

 

This programme will be delivered on 30-31 May 2018 in Derry/Londonderry and 6-7 June 2018 in Belfast and is primarily designed for young women working or volunteering within the Third sector/ community and voluntary sector.

 

The programme will build an impressive set of skills that will open up opportunities, encourage change and growth in participants' own lives and build capacity for support amongst their networks.  It develops skills that pave the way to more leadership and representation roles for women in the future.

 

What happens next?

There are only a very limited number of spaces available. If you have five young women aged 18-25 working or volunteering in your organisation that you would like to nominate for this programme, you should:

  • Register your organisation’s interest in either the Derry~Londonderry or Belfast programme to pamela.carson@politicplus.com by Wednesday 9 May 2018
  • Successful organisations will be drawn and notified by Friday 11 May 2018
  • The organisations must then provide the names of five attendees aged 18-25 by Wednesday 16 May 2018
  • Due to the cost and limited numbers, participants must be committed to attend the full two days of the course.

If your organisation is interested but concerned that you may not be able to fulfil the criteria outlined, please contact us to discuss on 02890 521021 or 02890 521541 before Wednesday 9 May.

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6 Resilience and Forgiveness

 

A Valued Voices/Towards Understanding and Healing event: Resilience and Forgiveness
 
Stephen Travers, survivor of the Miami Showband Massacre and founding member of the Truth and Reconciliation Platform (TARP), in conversation with Archdeacon Robert Miller (co-author, with Father Paul Farren of: "Forgiveness Remembers" and co-mediator with Michael Doherty MBE in Peacebuilding across Northern Ireland)
Chaired by journalist Paul McFadden 
 
Thursday 17th May 2018,  7.30 pm @ Holywell DiverseCity Community Partnership.
 
To book a place, please contact Amanda Clarke at 028 7126 1941

 

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 7 Steps to Freedom Training - Escaping Intimate Control

 

Specialist Training

25th May 2018 Ashleywood House, Ardmore

9am - 5pm
£80 per person plus a sandwich lunch

This unique training focuses on helping any woman who is the target of an abusive partner.

It helps the woman to recognize the tactics of targeting, setting-up and grooming which are now recognized as the essential first steps that all sex offenders employ.

 

These tactics are hidden from all abused women and allow men to manipulate the woman’s thinking.  Don's training identifies how a man develops and maintains his control by quieting the woman’s intuition. He also demonstrates how to restore her instincts and encourage her to live without fear of him.

 

Contact: claire.mclaughlin@averttraining.com for more information.

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8 Upcoming Course with HURT

 

Level 3 Award in Education and Training

Why Take the AET Certificate???

• Want to start teaching or training adults

• Want to train people in their workplace eg. induction training, staff training days, updates etc.

• Want to teach people to pass recognised qualifications including NVQs (National Vocational Qualifications)

• Teach on a one-to-one or group basis or

• Give private tuition

• Need a nationally recognised qualification in teaching

• Are existing trainers or teachers and want to get qualified

• Intend to be trainers in industry, commerce or the post-16 sector

Nearly everybody teaching adults will be required to have this qualification.

 

For further information or to book a place contact:

hurttraining@outlook.com or Phone: 02871369696

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 First Aid Training 

 

Did you know that at least 59% of pre hospital deaths could potentially be prevented with Basic First Aid training.

Spend 2 hours learning First Aid and you will have no regrets.

 

At present in the Red Cross we are trying to promote self-care. I come out to your club or group and you learn practical methods of dealing with bleeding, burns, harmful substances, recognise signs of a heart attack, stroke, hypothermia etc. We use everyday items to deal with emergencies. It is reassurance and confidence building. It is available to all ages from 10 to 96 years old. Available now for bookings for Summer Camps.

 

If you have any questions please contact me on gfitzpatrick@redcross.org.uk or 07808243707

 

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10 Upcoming with RCN

 

Introduction to Social Media Workshop

Thursday 24th May 2018  10am to 12.30pm at RCN.

***FREE for RCN members - £20 for non-members***

• Don’t know where to start about developing a Facebook page or Twitter account for your group?
• Unsure as to what the potential social media has for your organisation?
• Does your group have a Facebook page or Twitter account that is never used?

If you have answered yes to any of the above questions register now for our workshop to find out more about how to use Social Media to help promote your group’s work and activities to reach new audiences.

To register contact Teresa at RCN on 028 8676 6670 or email teresa@ruralcommunitynetwork.org

 

Avoiding Blunders with Funders

Thursday 31st May 2018 10am to 1pm. At RCN

***FREE for RCN members - £20 for non-members***

The Avoiding Blunders with Funders session will offer practical support with identifying appropriate funders and writing more effective funding applications!

This will be of interest to small charities and community groups which may be thinking of making applications to funders to support their work or wanting to improve their chances of funding!

To register contact Teresa at RCN on 028 8676 6670 or email teresa@ruralcommunitynetwork.org

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11  Latest Offers from Salto Youth

 

TC: YOUTHIFICATION of Group Facilitation 2018 in Switzerland

20 - 29 August 2018 | Leysin, Switzerland

The training course "YOUTHIFICATION of Group Facilitation 2018" organized by Subkult, is the third edition of the set of training courses for youth workers happening in Switzerland with aim to improve quality of youth work on European level.

Organizer: SUBKULT - Association for Mobility & Exchange (NGO/Others)

This activity is for participants from: Austria, Czech Republic, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom

Application deadline (24h CET): 31 May 2018

See details

 

International Youth Reporter Training

1 - 5 September 2018 | Vienna, Austria

Training for young journalists and youth reporters to gain relevant journalism skills and meet peers from other countries.

Organizer: Interkulturelles Zentrum (National Agency)

This activity is for participants from:

Erasmus+: Youth in Action Programme countries

Application deadline (24h CET): 4 July 2018

See details

 

Sports as a tool for education and inclusion

24 - 29 September 2018 | Navarra, Spain

Sport plays a very important role in our societies. It can be a very powerful tool for education and inclusion when working with young. This TC will explore the different possibilities of Sport as a tool for education and inclusion.

Organizer: Spanish National Agency (National Agency)

This activity is for participants from: Erasmus+: Youth in Action Programme countries

Application deadline (24h CET): 31 July 2018

See details

 

Call for Trainers

Seminar about Youth Work against Violent Radicalisation

 

Salto-Youth SEE is looking for 2 trainers

Application deadline: 30/05/2018

 

Online version.

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12 Board Members Wanted - NW Play Resource Centre (The Playhouse)

 

The Playhouse is one of Ireland’s most creative and dynamic arts centres in Ireland.

From ground-breaking theatre production to engaging and innovative community arts, the Playhouse’s iconic red doors are open to all.

 

Located by Derry’s historic Walls, the Playhouse, comprises a 175-seat theatre, an extensive education and outreach department, a dance studio, a galley and is home to many cultural or arts based groups.

 

Our vision is to create community, celebrate diversity and empower people through the arts.

It is our mission to deliver creative, innovative and accessible arts, education and peace-building programmes that enrich the lives of the people we serve.

 

We place community, creativity, quality and sustainability at the heart of everything we do.

If you share our passion for the arts and want to make a demonstrable commitment to your community then you might want to consider joining our board.

 

We are especially interested in hearing from people with skills in the following areas:

  • Fundraising
  • Law
  • Social/Digital Media
  • Education

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community, and we particularly welcome applicants from young people.

 

Further information is available from http://www.derryplayhouse.co.uk/content/vacancies/27

If you would like to apply to join our board, please email info@derryplayhouse.co.uk with a copy of your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability.

Board members are expected to attend bi-monthly meetings and play an active role in at least one sub-committee. Places on the board are voluntary positions.

 

Deadline for applications: 12 noon Tuesday 22 May 2018

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13   AWARE seeks Chief Executive

 

Chief Executive

Salary – Scale P09 Point 54 – 57 (£48,603- £51,641 – pro-rata)

36 hours per week

Location: Belfast/Derry-Londonderry

 

AWARE is the depression charity for Northern Ireland and is the only one focused exclusively for people with depression and bi-polar disorder. It began in Derry just over 20 years ago when the first support group was established and now has two offices; one in Londonderry and a second office in Belfast. From that original support group there is now an established network of 24 groups in rural and urban areas across the country. They are run by trained volunteers, who will have had their own personal experience of depression, and welcome people with depression and bipolar disorder as well as carers for people with the illness.

                                                                                                        

AWARE deliver Information Outreach sessions and attend community events to give more information about depression. It also delivers mental health and wellbeing programmes into communities, schools, colleges, universities and workplaces. These programmes include their suite of Mood Matters programmes, Living Life to the FullMental Health First Aid and Mindfulness. In addition AWARE has a number of energetic fundraising and public relations staff who, with staff and volunteer trainers, have furthered a significant increase in AWARE’s public profile over the last number of years.

 

AWARE is now seeking a new Chief Executive to lead the organisation and further develop the range and impact of its services.  The successful candidate will be responsible for delivering the strategic plan and vision as set out by the Board of Trustees.  It is expected that the post holder will be an experienced and determined senior manager who will have strong leadership and people skills, will be a strategic thinker and have a record of successful service delivery in the voluntary, public or private sector.

 

Strong income generating and networking skills are required for the position as well as a commitment to the ethos and philosophy of AWARE.

 

Download an application pack from www.aware-ni.org.uk or contact Head of Corporate Services (Tel: 02871 260602, Email: patricia@aware-ni.org). We do not accept CVs

 

Closing Date: Tuesday 29th May 2018 @ 4pm         

           

We are an equal opportunities employer

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14  Public Appointments with the Charities Advisory Committee

 

The Department for Communities will shortly be seeking applications from people interested in the following appointments – Chair and / or Member to the Charities Advisory Committee.

Applications are welcome from a wide range of people who have an interest in public service. The Department wishes to recognise less traditional career patterns and experiences such as community involvement or voluntary work, as well as those experiences found within the employment field.

 

We would particularly welcome applications from women, people with a disability, young people and people from minority ethnic groups for these positions.

 

Details are available on the NI Direct & Department for Communities websites from 3 May - www.communities-ni.gov.uk/dfc-public-appointments or www.nidirect.gov.uk/public-appointment-vacancies

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15 Tea & Tour Open Day at Islamic Centre, Sunday, 13th May 2018 (1-5pm)

 

"The Muslim community in the city is going to mark the arrival of the month of fasting (Ramadan), with an open day at the North West Islamic Centre (8 Hyde Business Park, Pennyburn Industrial Estate, BT48 0LU), on Sunday 13th May 2018 between 1-5pm.    

In the spirit of friendship and conversation, we hope to give members of the local community an engaging insight into the life of the Muslim community and to promote greater understanding of Islam. We anticipate welcoming local people from all walks of life to visit the centre and meet with its diverse Muslim members. Last year, the Tea and Tour open day event has attracted more than 200 local people to visit the centre.

 

The open attitude of the Islamic centre and its people hope to make a major contribution in fostering interfaith and intercultural understanding within the city.

 

During the course of the afternoon visitors will be given the opportunity to talk with members of the Muslim community, observe their religious practices (including live mid-day prayer at 2:00pm), receive some information through an exhibition about Islam, and get the chance to ask questions at the "Ask A Muslim Q & A" session (at 4:00 pm). In addition to this, we will have a Hijab and Henna desk, Arabic Calligraphy and provide some local and ethnic snacks with tea.

We would be honored to have your presence on the day at our Islamic centre.

 

Please reply at info@nwia.org.uk to confirm your attendance or for further information. Please feel free to extend the invite to your family, friends and colleagues."

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16 Gathering of Environmental Campaigners

 

May 19th, 1-5pm at St Columb's Park House

People from all over the country are uniting as one voice to call for a revolution in N.Ireland's Environmental Governance. Dean Blackwood and James Orr speak on their vision for the future. Join us to create the future we want to leave to our children. All campaigns and individuals welcome, whatever stage of the journey you are on!

 

https://www.facebook.com/events/838715422993865/

 

**Please note: Environmental Rally that was due to take place on June 30th has been postponed until September due to Huge NHS Rally in Belfast on same date**

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17 Upcoming with Focus on Family

 

New Complementary Therapy Classes starting at Focus on Family – Monday 14th May 6.30pm


The classes taught are Reflexology, Indian Head Massage, Massage, and Facial Massage with Lymphatic Drainage.
Our fully qualified tutor, Catherine, supervises each class and she says hardly a session goes by without someone telling her about the amazing benefits they are gaining from the experience of learning and receiving the treatments. People are reporting how much it has enhanced their mental and physical health and Catherine says that over the years she has found the best way for everyone to enjoy the class. 

The classes cover all age groups, from people who want time away from everyday routines and busy work and home life, to people who just want to meet others, or older people who want to learn and enjoy something new - whatever the reason it is a wonderful, enjoyable and relaxing evening.
The Lymphatic Drainage and Facial class which has been running for the past twelve weeks is coming to an end shortly but we are happy to announce that we are running new classes starting on Monday 14th May and this time the focus will be on Indian Head Massage.

The classes are on Monday evenings starting at 6.30pm and finishing at 8.30pm, and are a mere £3.00 per class, but you need to book your place early as these fill up very quickly. Contact Catherine to book your place and if you have any questions, she will very happy to answer and help. You can contact Catherine on 0779 313 1094.

 

Special Event for Local Primary School Teaching Staff
 
On Friday 8th June from 9.30am-12.30pm The Cornfield Project, Coleraine, BT52 2JW is hosting a special free event for local primary schools. Up to two members of all local school staff teams are invited to attend. Those interested in booking a free space, should contact the Cornfield Project Manager, Brendan Patterson, at
managerfof@btconnect.com or 028 7032 9550.
 
The Cornfield Project is an amazing new concept that brings colour, life, energy and fun to the Coleraine area. The project won the Grow Wild NI Flagship award and was formally launched in 2016. Located directly between the two local housing estates of Ballysally & Millburn, it features beautiful wildflower meadows, woodland development, outdoor classrooms, community gardens, sensory areas, youth hang-outs, nature zones, Men’s Shed, outdoor gym equipment and a whole range of activities for people of all ages and backgrounds to enjoy. The project has transformed a run-down site, covered with litter and attracting much anti-social behaviour into a beautiful environmental and nature zone.
 
The 8th June event is aimed at publicising the new Educational Resources for Schools package that will be available soon and is aimed at teachers, principals and other school staff. The event will feature an interactive tour of the Cornfield site utilising the bespoke educational resources. These are being developed in line with the World Around Us Curriculum and will be available for participating primary school pupil visits in the near future. 
 
The event is a great opportunity for local schools to find out more about what the site has to offer and is free, also featuring a BBQ, talks from schools currently using the site and a Q&A session. All the team at The Cornfield really hope to see your local primary school on the 8th June so please get in touch!

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18 Upcoming “Derry Girls” Disc Golf Tournament

“Derry Girls” Disc Golf Tournament is happening on May 12, 2018 at St. Columb’s Park House!

Join us, as women across the world get out onto disc golf courses to play in friendly competition. Hosted at St. Columb’s Park, the only permanent course in NI, this event wants to encourage women of all ages to get out and try this great sport, competing against peers in a fun competition. Many will be playing for their first time!

Day starts with registration, with play scheduled to commence at 10:30. It is free to enter. Before competition starts, you will get some instruction on how to play and learn some easy rules. Then you play 2 rounds of 9 holes, with a break for a FREE BBQ! (first come, first served).

The day ends with an award ceremony at around 3:30pm.

Where: St. Columb’s Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6JY

When: Registration starts at 9:30, tournament starts at 10:30.

Cost: Free!

 

For more information, contact eliza at: eliza@stcolumbsparkhouse.org, or call 028 7134 3080. St. Columb’s Park House,

Hosted by Peace in the Park, funded by The Executive Office

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19 Wildflower Walk hosted by Friends of the Park.

 

Friends of the Park are hosting a Wildflower Walk.

Join us as we take a moment to appreciate the coming of Spring, by taking a relaxing walk around the park, enjoying the wildflowers and other signs of Springtime! Suitable for all ages. Dogs are welcome if on a lead. Light refreshments provided. 

Time: 10:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.
Date: May 12, 2018
Location: St. Columb’s Park House, 4 Limavady Road, Derry/Londonderry BT47 6JY

This is a Friends of the Park event, and is supported by St. Columb's Park House and Peace in the Park, funded by The Executive Office.

For more information, contact
eliza@stcolumbsparkhouse.org, or call 028 7134 3080.

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20  Celebrate the Irish Language 

 

12 May 2018, 10am-14:30

Come along and join our huge celebration of the Irish language in Derry City as part of Bliain na Gaeilge 2018. Learn about the revival of the Irish language in the city since 1893 & the excellent work started by the Seán Dolan branch of Conradh na Gaeilge. You will also get the chance to attend workshops on Irish Placenames, Surnames & Folklore as well attend a talk by Aindrias Ó Cathasaigh. Saor & Gaelach: Athbheochan & Athmhachnamh! 

Simultaneous translation will be provided at this event and some workshops will be provided in both Irish & English. 

This is a free event funded by Bliain na Gaeilge 2018. 

Register now Cláraigh anois! 
Youth sessions for kids aged 5-11yrs 
10.00-12.30/ 12.30-14.30
Bí i dteagmháil linn anois! Contact us now! 

sara@culturlann.org / carolmc@culturlann-doire.ie 
(028)71 264132 

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21  Shake off the winter blues in search of spring blues

Guided bluebell walk at Prehen Wood, Sunday 13 May

Native bluebells are bouncing back – a quintessential sign of spring and a natural remedy to shake off the winter blues.  They’ve been delayed by the cold weather but, according to the Woodland Trust, reports are now suggesting a glimmer of blue.

The Trust wants members of the public to enjoy some flower power this month and recommends a visit to one of its precious urban woods.  From Throne Wood in Belfast to Prehen Wood in Derry-Londonderry, our urban gems are brightening landscapes and improving wellbeing1.
Prehen Wood, a Woodland Trust-owned bluebell wood right on the doorstep of the city, ticks all the boxes. 

This is one of Northern Ireland’s rare and irreplaceable ancient woods, dating back as far as 1600. It rustles with history and wildlife, with birds including the sparrowhawk and long-eared owl.  And the visiting chiffchaffs and willow warblers are currently singing their little hearts out.
Spring brings a vibrant array of woodland flowers, including lesser celandines and wood anemones.  But the most spectacular treat is the sea of shimmering bluebells decorating the woodland floor each May.

Walkers are invited to see the show for themselves thanks to a guided walk on Sunday 13 May at 2.30pm.  This popular annual outing is led by members of Prehen Historical & Environmental Society and local wildlife expert Christine Cassidy.  To find out more call 0330 333 5302 or visit
www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/events

 

The UK is home to half the world’s population of bluebells.  The Woodland Trust wants people across the country to take part in its Big Bluebell Watch – a nationwide survey to monitor the status of native bluebells.  Find out more and add your sightings (up until the end of May) at woodlandtrust.org.uk/bluebellwatch

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