June 2020 from 31/05/2020 to 29/06/2020 Ballymena Guardian | 02/07/2020

Media Revie June 2020 from 31/05/2020 to 29/06/2020 Ballymena Guardian | 02/07/2020

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Pa g e 10 Ballymena Rotary Club plan for year ahead BALLYMENA Rotarians gathered on Zoom for a Club Assembly meeting to discuss plans for the next 12 m o n t h s. Meeting also included a ‘v i rt u a l ’handing over of the chains from current President Jim Briggs to new President Lynda Bell who takes over in July. President Jim Briggs began the meeting by providing an overview of the achievements of the Club and went on to say that the key things that stood out throughout the year were as follows:- - Wine tasting event which took place in October last year –this attracted fantastic support and resulting in raising almost £5000 for Alzheimers and The Koshish Mental Health Project in Nepal. - Castle Tower winning the Technology Challenge which took place in March this ye a r - The success of the now commonplace Zoom meetings in order to continue to keep in contact and continue to plan ahead. Rotary continue to sponsor 15-year-old Emmanuel, who is- President Jim went on to say Ballymena Rotarians who gathered on Zoom for a Club Assembly meeting to discuss from Kenya. “I would like to thank everyone for their plans for the next 12 months. support throughout the year. This has been a challenging one for a number of reasons but it the themes mentioned. has been great to see everyone coming Christmas Memories Tree project –h av i n g number of ways including social media, together, without which none of the above done this, very successfully, for two years website and projects, which in turn will would have happened. The new President running, Rotary will hope to continue with hopefully attract new potential members. will take over from the start of July and I look this project albeit in a different format. Fundraising –with our changed climate it forward to continuing to work with everyone Rotary will continue to work with the local will prove a challenge moving forward to in the future”. community groups and the four main organise and plan fundraising activities, In Ballymena Rotary Club there are a Ballymena Cluster groups to help encourage which typically have been in the form of an number of sub groups including membership, smaller community groups as well as help to event involving large gatherings. Current youth, foundation, raise awareness of Rotary. ideas are to hold ‘v i rt u a l ’challenges until such community/communication, International, Just One Life Young Driver Awareness times that gatherings can take place. systems and roles of Treasurer and Project –Rotary are considering a project International –Rotary continue to sponsor Secretary/Fundraiser. Due to the current working with young people in schools in a young man called Emmanuel who is aged 15 Covid conditions it has been more difficult to partnership with other organisations such as from Kenya. We receive regular reports of his plan ahead and all plans may have to be PSNI to raise awareness before young people progress and it has been fantastic to be part of adapted to suit. Key points from these reports take to the roads. his journey so far and look forward to seeing are as follows:- Youth Leadership Programme –this long what the future holds for Emmanuel. Technology Challenge –it will be hoped to running project which helps to encourage This is just a snapshot of plans and ideas work with NRC next year on this project young leaders in schools will hope to continue moving forward for the Rotarians of which works with local schools and encourage later this year although due to current Ballymena Rotary Club and if you might be pupils to keep on STEM (Science, conditions will be reviewed at a later date. interested in hearing more about how you can Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) help, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Membership –Rotary will continue to raise Newly installed President, Lynda Bell. subjects. This involves lots of fun activities on its profile within the community through a Jim on 07592500379 or Joanne on 07866408092

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BALLYMONEY STUDENTTURNS HOBBYINTO BUSINESS ‘It’s my way of sharing a smile’ says Savannah

ness venture. by Community Reporter “I have always loved mak [email protected] [email protected] ing bows and other acces sories for myself, but when A Ballymoney student's pas I started getting more and more requests to make them sion for arts and crafts has de for other people, I realised that veloped into a thriving social this could be a viable business media business during the idea,” said Savannah. Covid-19 pandemic. “I started selling at local markets and car boot sales but Savannah Corbett, who stud then moved to selling them ies ICT at Northern Regional online on Instagram under College’s Coleraine campus, the name Buddy’s Boutique. has been keeping herself busy I wanted to create something One of Savannah’s designs during lockdown by creating that would suit both adults rainbow-themed bows and and children alike and allow other hair accessories to show them to show support for “It’s just my little way of everyone has for NHS and oth her support for NHS staff. frontline workers in their own sharing a smile. I hope they er frontline workers,” she said. Having always had a keen way. There are also plenty of continue to bring people a Having completed her interest in arts and crafts, she people who wouldn’t wear a sense of happiness and hope, Level 3 course at the College, explained how a hobby has bow, so I diversified into mak and demonstrate the huge Savannah now plans to take now turned into a small busi ing NHS themed keyrings. amount of appreciation that a degree at Ulster University. Savannah Corbett

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Also published in BUSINESSFIRST

Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses.

...develop the skills, attributes and behaviours required to enter and succeed in the world of work. The Essential Skills courses on offer include Level 1 and Level 2 certificates in ICT which are designed to help...

BUSINESSFIRST | 28/06/2020

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Student Art and Design showcase to be broadcast online

With lockdown restrictions in place, Art, Design and Media Practice students at Northern Regional College have been unable to host their traditional end of year show. However, a digital alternative has...

Antrim Guardian | 25/06/2020

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End of the road for former Tech?

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. ...was left a skeletal ruin, ravaged by vandals, the bones picked over by enterprising thieves. The Northern Regional College had lost control of the property. The seclusion may have made for quiet classrooms,...

Ballymena Daily | 25/06/2020

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Also published in Ballymena Daily [+ 3 more]

Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses

Northern Regional College is offering a range of free fully accredited short online courses for people who want to upskill or retrain. The courses will focus on improving digital skills, essential skills...

syncni.com | 25/06/2020

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Northern Regional College is running free online upskilling courses

Jun 25, 2020 Posted by Niamh Campbell Northern Regional College (NRC) is offering a range of free, fully accredited short online courses for people who want to upskill or retrain. The courses will...

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northernirelandchamber.com | 23/06/2020

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Student Art and Design showcase to be broadcast online

Image: ‘Emma Watson’ by Vicki Turton, Art, Design and Media Practice student at Northern Regional College With lockdown restrictions in place, Art, Design and Media Practice students at Northern Regional...

Strabane Chronicle | 23/06/2020

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McSorley is looking to the future despite Covid concerns

...into coaching, there’s things you get a wee bit frustrated with, and it’s no-one’s fault," added the Northern Regional College sports lecturer. "We never had proper governance, we’ve never had a proper oval...

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Also published in Radius Housing

no-one was injured. Police search the area after the attack Public views sought on major housing plan at old barracks Radius Housing is preparing to commence a consultation process for the creation of a new social and affordable housing development at the former St. Patrick's Barracks site in Ballymena. Radius is proposing the creation of approximately 140 new homes on the site; along with associated roads infrastructure, landscaping, children's play park and other ancillary works. The housing led regeneration of the former St Patrick’s Barracks site is being taken forward by the Department for Communities, with Radius Housing leading with the housing element which forms a key part of the wider St Patrick’s Barracks masterplan. The scheme is part of the NI E xe c u t ive ’s draft Programme for Government Shared Housing Prog ramme ‘Housing for All’. The housing phase of the regeneration marks an investment of approximately £20million, 50% of which is funded by the Department The former St. Patrick’s Barracks site in Ballymena for Communities and 50% through private finance raised by Radius. Communities Minister Carál Ni eve ryo n e . ” homes every year. Speaking about the project, Anita Chulín said: “We are aiming with the The on-line consultation will be Radius recently secured a private Conway, Director of Development at regeneration of the former St launched in the coming weeks via a finance investment of £105m, which Radius Housing, said “Radius Pa t r i c k ’s Barracks site in Ballymena dedicated website, details of this will will support these ambitious plans to Housing is delighted to be involved in to create a place which is truly be made available to the public deliver new homes and communities this large housing led strategic people-orientated and can generate through the local press and leaflet across Northern Ireland. project which we believe will economic and social benefits for the distribution. On the overall masterplan for the positively benefit the Ballymena wider area. Following the completion of the regeneration of the former St community and beyond. “The creation of new social and consultation process Radius hope to Pa t r i c k ’s Barrack’s site, the “We are pleased that recently affordable homes is a significant and submit a full planning application in Department for Communities and introduced regulations will allow key part of our plans. I would late summer 2020. Radius Housing are collaboratively major planning applications to be encourage everyone to give their This is the latest development working across many parties progressed and determined during views on the proposed plans. project for Radius Housing, a leading including the Northern Ireland the COVID-19 pandemic and are “By creating homes where people housing association which manages Housing Executive, Northern embracing a new online digital are able to thrive we will breathe new more than 13,000 homes in Northern Regional College, Department for consultation process for our exciting life into the area for the benefit of Ireland and aims to construct more Infrastructure, PSNI and Mid and rejuvenation proposals.” than 400 new social and affordable East Antrim Borough Council.

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End of the road

for former Tech?

IT is now almost a decade since a once enterprising thieves. The Northern Regional thieves who stripped the lead flashing from the respected college descended into a College had lost control of the property. p ro p e rt y. playground for anti-social vandals, but it The seclusion may have made for quiet In April 2012 a dumper truck was used to ‘attack’ appears that the end may finally be in sight classrooms, but after the shutters came down chaos the building, damaging the fencing, the garage and for the former Antrim Tech complex. reigned - and from the road passers-by could hardly the rear doors. A 12-week consultation process is now underway tell. Then it was open season, with intruders that could see the derelict site transformed into a Within months of the closure the vultures were systematically destroying anything to hand in the luxury housing development. circling over the carcass. First to strike were the classrooms. More than 40 windows were smashed in The developer has unveiled plans to invest £10 a single evening. million building approximately 56 dwellings - a mix The criminal gangs soon returned, gaining of two, three and four bedroom houses, apartments entrance to the buildings and stripping metal and bungalows scattered around a landscaped wiring. Shielding to the boiler house and its doors g reen. were also removed. It is understood that 50 jobs could be created In January 2014 a blaze tore through parts of the during the construction phase of what has been complex. It was eventually brought under control dubbed ‘Hamley Hall’. and the main building was saved. But for what? Many locals will undoubtedly welcome the site Since then there have been a string of serious fires being put to productive use again, after years of and more break-ins. After one particularly serious and sustained vandalism. destructive incursion, NRC reported widespread The educational dream came finally came to an evidence of vandalism. And they found pots of end finally in the summer of 2011 despite a spirited petrol in the hallway. campaign to keep it open. It was clear that the Tech’s days were numbered. The once gleaming new campus was left a skeletal * To take part in the consultation visit the Antrim ruin, ravaged by vandals, the bones picked over by An artist’s impression of Hamley Hall. Guardian website.

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‘It’s never too late for a career change’

AMID the current “I really enjoy my work and it’s home’and wants to play,”said uncertainty over the impact very different from anything I’ve Liam. done before,”he explained. “She doesn't understand that I on COVID-19 will have on the “Although I have good business need to study but, on the other hand, jobs market, a Randalstown knowledge and experience, I felt I it’s nice to able to spend more time man has stressed that ‘it’s needed to improve my practical skills with my wife and daughter.” never too late for career and specialist knowledge for this line Ian Thomson, Liam’s lecturer at ch a n g e ’. of work. the College, said that Liam was ‘an Indeed Liam McCarthy, who has “I researched what was available exemplary student’. just completed the first year of his and decided that the “His dedication and commitment four-year Electrical Installation Electrotechnical programme at were inspirational, and this had a programme at Northern Regional Northern Regional College’s Farm positive influence on his class,”he College in Ballymena, is living proof Lodge campus was my best said. of that. option.” “Attending College as an adult Liam is in his late thirties, married As a part time student, Liam returner can be challenging but with a young daughter and has works four days a week in the family Liam has fitted in really well. degree in Business Management business and - until the start of the “He has had a positive influence on from the Open University. lockdown at least - one day in college the class and the other students are Originally from Durham, by the working towards becoming a all benefiting from his mature and time he moved to Northern Ireland qualified electrician. conscientious approach to his work,” to live in his wife’s hometown of “The course has been very added Ian. Randalstown, he had travelled the beneficial and although it is early Northern Regional College offers a world and was ready to settle days, I now have a much better range of work-based learning d ow n . understanding of the theory and programmes across all six campuses Work was hard to come by so when Health and Safety regulations and covering vocational areas including: his father-in-law, a local electrical other legislation which has really Barbering; Beauty Therapy; contractor, offered him work with helped build my confidence.” Brickwork; Carpentry & Joinery; Cotton Electrical Controls Ltd, Liam Like students everywhere, Liam Catering and Professional Chefs; jumped at the opportunity. has had to adapt to online learning as Civil Engineering; Electrical In September 2019, having worked a result of the lockdown but Installation; Engineering; Food and with the family business for two although this presented challenges, Beverage Service; Hairdressing; years, he decided train as an he says ‘every cloud has a silver Motor Vehicle; and Plumbing. HLAs electrician as an ‘adult returner’to lining’. include Accountancy, Computing, education. “My daughter just thinks ‘d a d dy ' s Construction and Engineering. Liam McCarthy: ‘a positive influence on his class’

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Also published in Tyrone Courier

Places Local Further Education Colleges combine talents & skills in support of pandemic fight In recent weeks, thousands frontline healthcare workers of students and staff from and domiciliary assistants in Northern Ireland’s Further hospitals, care homes and in Education (FE) colleges - communities across including three in Northern Ireland. Dungannon, Cookstown Northern Regional and Magherafelt - have Colle gelecturer Jacqui combined their time, talents McAllister is volunteering as and skills gained through a healthcare assistant on the their college courses to COVID-19 wards at Antrim support frontline efforts to Area Hospital during her fight the COVID-19 weekends off, choosing to pandemic. donate her pay for this work More than 61,000 students to Ulster University’s are currently studying COVID-19 testing further and higher education fundraising appeal. courses at South West Others are turning to College, with campuses in music as a source of support Dungannon and Cookstown and encouragement. South and Magherafelt's Northern West College Media lecturer Regional College,Belf ast Larry Lowe is encouraging Metropolitan College, people to listen to messages North West Regional of hope in his song, ‘Not College, Southern Regional Fo reve r ’and donate what College and South East South West College on song during the pandemic lockdown. Northern Regional College's 3D masks. SC202012 they can to Omagh Regional College. Foodbank and Support Speaking on behalf of the Northern Ireland and this is by the tremendous study and teach remotely All six colleges have been using to make face masks 2 ge t h e r. heads of the six Colleges, reflected in the demonstrations of solidarity from home, we have seen involved in the production of and ear savers for staff in Music students at North Professor Terri Scott, outward-looking culture and support from thousands them really pull together to PPE equipment hand local hospitals and care West Regional Colle ge, Principal and Chief and strong sense of of our students and staff in make what is, collectively, a sewing hundreds of pairs of homes. meanwhile, produced two Executive at Northern community spirit that proactively giving their skill, very tangible and even scrubs and face masks. Hundreds of current and recorded online performances Regional College explained: underpins every one of our talent and time to support lifesaving contribution to South West College former students and staff as a special tribute to the NHS, “As a network of six regional campuses. others during these the frontline efforts to fight Community Lecturer Nicola from across the six colleges’ receiving unprecedented levels FE colleges, we are at the “As College Principals, we unprecedent times. Coronavirus in Northern Birnie has created craft kits Health and Social Care of social media reach and heart of every community in have been greatly inspired “Alongside their efforts to I re l a n d . ” for students, which they are courses are working as eng a gement.

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Mid Ulster Courier | 24/06/2020

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Also published in Tyrone Courier

r efforts to I re l a n d . ” for students, which they are courses are working as eng a gement. Colleges show support for industry

Further and higher learning and progressing education colleges across on the job. I became Northern Ireland are aware of turning my urging local businesses skills and experience to avail of the wealth of into a professional resources and new recognised qualification approaches to accredited and achieved City & training and upskilling Guilds Level 7 opportunities quickly P ro fe s s i o n a l adapted by the colleges Re c o g n i t i o n to meet current qualification which c i rc u m s t a n c e s . recognises the The online provision, knowledge, experience, mentoring and bespoke and strategic role I have offerings will be essential accumulated working in to meeting the needs of the industry. the business community, He added, “I would learners in employment encourage anyone and those returning to working in industry, who employment in the drive maybe didn’t take the to revive the economy. traditional degree route, The six colleges of but who have been further and higher working their way up education - inclluding their company to gather the South West College the evidence they need in Dungannon and to achieve professional Neil McCauley, who is employed by Northern Ireland-based McQuillan Cookstown and the Environmental. SC202137 recognition with support Northern Regional from their local College in Magherafelt - remotely during further education. diverse range of activities colle ge.” continue to offer a range lockdown. Colleges can Neil worked in various including civil Skills Focus of facilitated also create bespoke roles early in his career engineering, demolition, programmes, which are programmes designed to courses to meet the needs including in a bank, in quarrying, hazardous fully funded by the upskill individuals and of individual businesses construction and ended and non-hazardous Department for the work teams in a range of and work with up securing a post with waste management, Economy (DfE) and industry sectors individuals to upskill. Almac which propelled outdoor cleaning usually delivered in the including business, Neil McCauley, turned him into the high- tech services and analytical workplace or college leadership and his career experience industry of chemical ch e m i s t ry. facilities, have been mana gement, into Professional processing. His role He told the Courier, “I adapted for online construction, healthcare Recognition achieving there led to supervising have learnt many things delivery. This means that and hospitality along the equivalent to a and management of staff. about the industry and employees who are with digital vocational masters with a He worked there for 7 picked up skills and currently working transformation skills. Level 7 City & Guilds years before progressing experience over the remotely can join The colleges have helped P ro fe s s i o n a l to McQuillan years which has allowed programmes, available many small businesses Re c o g n i t i o n Environmental, a me to progress in my now, to upskill whilst move to an online Engineering Northern Ireland based career to Technical they are furloughed or presence so they can Management through family run business Manager. Essentially, I continue to work from continue their business support from a college of which incorporates a took a different route by home.

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FORMERSTJOSEPH’SCOLLEGEPREMISESTOBEUSED NRC campus move on schedule

timescale. The college’s Es to relocate to Beresford Av in our new Coleraine campus. by Community Reporter tates Team and the contractor enue remain very much on “Our college Estates Team [email protected] [email protected] have agreed a handover sched track. will be working closely over ule, with 85% of the class “This temporary reloca the summer months with the rooms and IT suites ready for tion marks an important appointed contractor to en Northern Regional College furniture and IT installations milestone in what is a tremen sure that necessary arrange has confirmed that the reloca in mid-July. dously exciting project that ments are in place for our tion of its Coleraine campus The phased opening of the will significantly benefit the students to return to class to Beresford Avenue in the remainder of the building will local economy and open up based learning when it is safe allow access for enrolments in exciting new career opportu to do so, in line with govern town later this year remains mid-August and ensure that nities for students of all ages ment guidance.” on schedule. Beresford Avenue is ready to The college is to move to the accommodate staff and stu former St Joseph’s College dents for the start of the new premises while its new Union academic year. Street campus is built. The new purpose-built Col The move is part of an £84 eraine campus with state-of- million capital investment the-art facilities will be on an programme, funded by the De extended site which includes partment for the Economy, to the former Church of Ireland develop new campuses on its buildings on Brook Street. The current sites in Union Street, existing college buildings at Coleraine and Farm Lodge, Union Street will be demol Ballymena. ished. Following an enforced six- Professor Terri Scott, Prin week layoff because of COV- cipal and Chief Executive of ID-19, the contractor is back Northern Regional College on site, operating safely and said: “I am delighted that, de is committed to completing spite challenges posed by the the work within the planned ongoing pandemic, our plans Professor Teri Scott; Left: NRC's Coleraine campus

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Also published in Northwest Telegraph

DADDY COOL Some well-known NI faces on that very special bond

'After dad's accident it's been his fami- "Both my parents were brilliant when it "He'd be there for every rugby game, foot- ly and business that's kept him going' Miss came to Miss Northern Ireland. I'd said for ball match or cricket game I played right Northern Ireland Lauren Leckey is a self- a long time I wanted to do it, and I think from when I was five years old. If it was a confessed daddy's girl and says she's been they maybe didn't think too much of it. Wednesday afternoon and I'd be playing close to her dad Trevor all her life. With But when I entered and the first heat was for the under-13s, or a Tuesday afternoon, Father's Day coming up, the 21-year-old at a restaurant in Templepatrick, my dad he'd be there on the touchline. plans to make her dad a trifle for the big drove me there and about 17 members of "I think he invented flexible working back day Me and my dad are really close. Right my family turned up to support me I'm not then in the early Eighties. It was great for from when I was a child I've been a real sure that did much to help my nerves! me because it meant he was always there. daddy's girl. My dad had an accident when "When I won Miss NI, my dad was over It was a huge encouragement. "I wasn't a I was eight, and in P5, which meant he the moon. particularly good sportsman, but I was was paralysed from the waist down. "It was an incredible experience, and even keen and I played a lot of sport and I think "When we were small we used to go every though I might not have put myself for- my dad was like me, a bit of journeyman. Sunday to the races, and we loved as a fam- ward for modelling shoots and things like He played a bit of rugby and football and ily. The whole family was into motorbikes that before I did it, now that I've done it he still plays golf. And, like me, he likes and it was a really good day out for all of and I'm working with ACA Models, I real- nothing better than watching sport. us. ly want to keep on doing it. "That's the thing about us, we share the "Even when he had an accident that day "Miss NI opened a lot of doors for me and same interests. Our two obsessions in life and was taken to hospital, we didn't know my dad actually went with me to pick up are sport and the news, and while it's been just how serious it was. He'd had accidents my final dress, so along with my mum, he tough the last few months with no live before, with things like a broken leg, so I was a big support through it all. sport to watch, I suppose we've had lot of remember me and my older sister Kori, "And even though he's not a particularly news to keep us busy. who's 23 now, just chatting in the car on sentimental person, at Christmas there he "Growing up, we always had three papers the way home. gave me a lovely present which was a pho- a day in the house. Two morning papers, "He ended up in a coma for a few weeks, to album packed with all the newspaper and the Belfast Telegraph was delivered and obviously then it became clearer as cuttings he'd gathered up from me winning every night. time went on that the accident had been the competition. "My dad wasn't a journalist, there were no very serious. "I really wasn't expecting something as journalists in the family, but having the pa- "But my dad's a very strong person. I think nice as that, so it was amazing. Mind you, pers in the house as such a constant meant it's really us, our family, and the business the other half of the present was some car I really hooked on to the news. that keeps him going and getting up and washing stuff, so it was a pretty strong "I went on to work for all three of the lo- out to work every single day. combination! cal papers at different times before I "My dad runs his own business, Stoney- "For Father's Day, we'll all be together this moved to the BBC. ford Concrete, and I work with him. He's year because everyone's at home, and I'll "My dad wasn't strict when I was growing the MD, and throughout the lockdown it's be making my dad a trifle. up. He'd let me stay up until 11pm every basically been just me and him in the of- "That's something he's always got, and al- Wednesday night to watch Sportsnight, fice working flat out. I'm living at home ways will get otherwise he'd be asking me which was great. too in fact we all are. We're all real home- where it was." "And he did what any sports-mad young- birds, which has meant throughout lock- 'Our obsessions are sport and news, and ster would want back then he took me to down all seven of us have been together. while it's been tough with no live sport, Windsor Park where I was able to see "There's my mum Lisa and my dad, me, we've had a lot of news to keep us busy' y George Best. Kori and my brothers Jamie (20), Zak (19) dad is John Simpson. "And while my dad was big into the news, and 15-year-old Lance. So it's a full house, MHe's not the economist, although every- I remember back in 2012 when I was cov- but it means we're all kept busy. one always thinks he is. He used to work ering a lot of stuff for the centenary of the "We live right beside the business in Stone- in insurance but the big joke among my sinking of the Titanic, another journalist in yford, outside Lisburn, and I think the fact mates was that no-one knew how he could Belfast mentioned to me this remarkable the construction industry has carried on have a job because he was at practically ev- story." has given us some routine," she adds. ery single sporting thing I ever did.

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. Mark continues: "He said he hadn't real- lives in east Belfast with my mum, and that we were able to give our dads their ised that a relative of mine, a man named we've been up to visit quite a lot over the cards. Dr John Edward Simpson, had died on the last two or three months to check they're "This year, I've not been able to see my Titanic. both okay and that they have everything kids for most of the lockdown, but this "Well I said, 'Sorry, that sounds very inter- they need. week I got to see my daughter for the first esting, but I'm afraid you've got your facts "We're doing the same as everyone else, time, and we're hopeful that if there's nice wrong, if one of our relatives had died on really, dropping stuff off at the gate and weather on Sunday we'll be able to sit out- Titanic my dad would have told me'. Well, talking over the garden fence. It's just a side and eat together in the garden. of course, I phoned my dad up straight very surreal time. "My sons aren't here, but one out of three away and said to him, 'Is this true, that one "But this week we actually ventured a bit isn't bad. It's a strange time for everyone, of our relatives died on the Titanic?' And closer and sat in the garden for a while. but we're getting through it." he said 'Yes, it is true'. Well, I couldn't be- That's progress. My dad is musical, too, 'I think it'll be a card in the garden and a lieve it. and I had that all around me growing up. new home brewing kit. You've always got "There's me growing up surrounded by pa- "He worked in different jobs, he was in to think of these things when you're giving pers, talking constantly about politics and Shorts for a while and he sold cars. But he a present' NI weatherman Barra Best says the news, covering stories flat out about was big into brass bands, right up until re- he's taken up home brewing during lock- the Titanic at the time the Titanic Centre cently. down, a hobby his dad Aidan started a few was being built, and no one ever men- "He played in a brass band that my brother years ago Me and my dad are quite pally. tioned it. conducts, and while he played loads of in- He lives just around the corner from me in "I said, 'You never told me this?' And he struments, the one he played there and un- north Belfast so we're usually able to see said, 'You never asked'. I suppose he was til recently was the cornet. quite a lot of each other. In normal times, right," he adds. "He was very encouraging when it came to if I haven't been doing much, I'll pop over "Unfortunately, it doesn't look like we'll music," Peter adds. on a Sunday and I usually manage to coin- get to see my dad for Father's Day this "I remember the first time I really saw the cidentally time it for when they're having year. Our family is shielding at the minute power of music was when my dad was up their lunch. That usually works out quite because my wife Catherine has lupus and playing a solo in church and I saw a wom- well for me. rheumatoid arthritis, so it's really impor- an beside me crying. That's when I real- "For the last few years my dad has been tant that we don't go too far. ised just how emotionally powerful music getting better and better at doing his own "I've haven't seen dad or my mum, Bar- could be, and that had a big effect on me. home brews, and I've started giving it a go bara, but we talk a lot on the phone. "My mum sang in the church choir, and myself during the lockdown. "We have all our girls at home in Holy- while my dad didn't sing a lot, I had a con- "I've brewed some lagers, and most recent- wood at the minute Grace, who's 23; Hol- cert in the Opera House five years ago and ly I did some Irish red ale. ly, who's 21; and 15-year-old Joy. he came up with me and sang a duet. "My lagers went down a treat, but the red "We have a bit of a tradition that on my "We sang Edelweiss together, and that was ale was either more of an acquired taste, I birthday and Father's Day, I get them to a lovely moment. My dad was 85 at the did it wrong. come along for a sea swim with me, al- time. "My dad's a dab hand at the beers and he's though we'll probably just all jump in the "He's a lovely grandfather, too. He has just started making his own ciders. haven't paddling pool in the garden this year. It'll eight grandkids altogether, as well as eight had any yet, which I think means he likes be just as cold, I imagine. great-grandchildren. He's very loving and it so much he hasn't been willing to share "And while we'll probably not get to see caring, and he always has a joke to tell it with me. my dad on Father's Day, he's 80 later this whether it's an appropriate joke, that's a It's a great hobby actually, and you can get year so we're hoping by that time things different thing. about 40 pints made for £10, so it's worth will be different and we'll be able to have "I think he's quite proud of me and the a go. proper celebration." work I've done, but he's equally proud of "My dad's a social worker, and he's still Continued on page 8 'He's a lovely grand- my brother who conducts the brass band, working away. I'm not sure if he's plan- father, very loving and caring, and he al- and of my sister as well," Peter says. ning his retirement any time soon and ways has a joke to tell whether it's appro- "Growing up, Mother's Day was always even if he was I'm not sure my step-mum priate is a different thing' Continued from more of a thing, it always seemed that would be up for that. I think he'll carry on page 7 Peter Corry, himself a dad of three, more was made of it, but Father's Day has for a while yet. says his father Norman, who turned 90 ear- come to the fore much more, which is a "Lockdown has been strange for us, like it lier this year, helped encourage him into great thing. Us dads need our recognition, has been for everyone. At the beginning I the world of music. Preparing for the Ti- too! would see him if I was taking the dog out tanic Drive-in Concerts in Belfast from Ju- "The last couple of Father's Days, we've for a walk, and he'd stand out at the door ly 3-5, the singer says lockdown hasn't been away, and myself and my wife Fleur to say hello. But that was it for ages," Bar- been easy but, like everyone else, his fami- got married on the weekend of Father's ra adds. ly is getting through it My dad turned 90 Day two years ago, so it was out in Italy "Gradually as things have eased a bit, and in April, and he's doing really well. He with six people able to meet outside, I've

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. been able to get around a bit more. He's wey, outside Coleraine and Ballymoney, pose they had their work cut out with a got a big back garden and you don't have and my dad was the headmaster at Magher- feisty, spirited teenager," Paula says. to go through the house to get there, you afelt High School. "Normally for Father's Day, between me just go around the side. I"I think he'd have been quite strict at and my brother, we'd either go out or some- "At first it was weird, with me on one side school, but he wasn't like that at home. I one would cook, but this year everything's of the garden and him on the other, but it's think like most daughters you figure out a different, like it is for everyone. the same experience everyone has had to way to wrap them round your wee finger," "But there's a Chinese restaurant in Coler- get used to. It's better than it was, though, she says. aine that my dad loves, and he really en- and hopefully things will carry on moving "I started working in restaurants when I joys one of their duck dishes, so I think I'll in this direction. was a teenager and I always wanted to go try to do him something similar and drop it "We've been able to have a couple of beers down that route into cooking, but back in off at the house. together, too, but it was funny because I those days it wasn't considered a serious "Throughout the lockdown I've gone down brought my own glass around to the gar- profession in the way it is now, particular- a couple of times a week from where I live den, and my own home brews, too, and he ly in the kitchens which were still a very in Portstewart, staying out in the garden, had his own glass from the house and his male place to be. and I've made them Sunday lunches and own beers. There wasn't any sharing. "My parents both wanted me to go down dropped them round. "My dad's always been good craic. I was the academic route, with my mum working "This week it'll be a bit special with a kept in my place when I needed to be, but as a teacher, too, and I totally saw the val- duck salad and some sort of beef for their there wasn't too much strict discipline and ue in it. main. we always had something to do. "I got a scholarship then to go to America, "My dad loves chocolate, too, so I'll do "I remember when I was a kid, we went so I got a lot out of my studying and I something like a chocolate whiskey fishing quite a bit to the coast and if it was ended up teaching catering myself for 20 mousse for them. Hopefully it'll be a nice raining he'd happily just cut out a hole for years, mostly at the Northern Regional Col- way to mark the day, even in such strange the head and two arm holes from a bin bag lege, alongside all my other work. It must times." for our waterproofs. That was obviously be in the blood. We're hoping when he turns 80 this year the fashion back then! "Growing up, there was lots of laughter in we'll have a proper celebration "We had lots of good times, like family our house. They'd be serious when they I was quite the wee rebel so I suppose they holidays, and I have great memories of go- had to be, but my dad has always been had their work cut out ing over to Blackpool. But when I was a good craic with a great sense of humour," BEAUTY QUEEN: Miss Northern Ireland kid I don't remember doing all that much she says. Lauren Leckey for Father's Day. I'd get him a card, and "I stopped teaching in June 2019 as given THEN AND NOW: Lauren Leckey as a lit- maybe my mum would buy a few beers for all my other work it gradually had wound tle girl with her dad Trevor and,right, Lau- me to give him, but I think it's become down to one day a week, and when I ended ren after she was crowned Miss NI last more of a thing for families to celebrate in up making my way into the public eye a year recent years. bit more with my cooking, my parents PROUD DAD: Lauren Leckey with her "I wouldn't say I'm much of a cook, unless have been very proud, of course. dad Trevor it's something for the microwave, so me of- They're very proud as a family, but there Dad-of-three Mark Simpson, one of BBC fering to make him lunch wouldn't be that wouldn't be much over-praising going on. NI's most familiar faces (above), shares a great. We'd normally go out in town to cel- "My brother, who's also called David, has serious passion for sport and the news ebrate. always taken the mick out of me. It started with his dad John, who turns 80 later this "But this year, obviously that won't be pos- from when he was born and it's been non- year sible. I think it'll be a card in the garden stop since. It's great in that there's no way SPECIAL TIMES: Mark Simpson with his and maybe a new home brewing kit. that anybody would let you get above your dad John and (below) with wife Catherine You've always got to think of these things station. and daughters Grace, Holly and Joy when you're giving someone a present "I know my parents are proud, though, and BIG PALS: BBC NI weatherman Barra that he'll make it all up and in the end I'll when I got my MBE a couple of years ago Best and dad Aidan take a selfie at a game hopefully get half." that was a big deal. and (left) at home 'My dad loves chocolate so I'll whip up "They came to London with me and it was THEN AND NOW: Peter with dad Nor- something like a mousse. It'll be a nice a great day although I think if you'd asked man and mum Audrey and (right) as a way to mark the day in strange times' Chef them when I was younger would some- young boy with his dad and (inset) with and broadcaster Paula McIntyre (above) thing like that happen, they wouldn't have his wife Fleur Natacha Mellor will be delivering a special meal for her pa- predicted it, not with the way I behaved. HAPPY FAMILY: Paula McIntyre, as a ba- rents, David and Rae, tomorrow as a way "Let's just say I'd have been quite bold. I by with her dad and grandmother and (be- to mark Father's Day grew up in Aghado- was quite the wee rebel back then so I sup- low) cooking in her kitchen at home

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Antrim and Newtownabbey Council gives green light for 90 new homes project

...Park. In a further development for Antrim, a proposal for 56 dwellings on the site of the former Northern Regional College at Fountain Street has been received by the borough council. Michelle Weir, Local...

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AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL SPECIAL FEATURE

AFL Ireland president, Kevin McSorley, right, in action. McSorley is looking to the future despite Covid concerns ast November, Kevin McSor- pletely different!’ You can actually tions for the sport. ley was driven by the desire Cookstown man keen to see play the game right and in Australia “We put out a poll among our to further the sport of Aus- you have ovals dotted all around like players [at the Belfast Redbacks, All- Ltralian Rules Football on this parks here. Ireland champions for the last two island after being appointed AFL Ire- Australia’s national sport “And the other thing that is seasons] and only 12 were keen for land president. spurring me on is that GB have over- the league to go ahead this season Fast forward seven months and grow in popularity at home taken Ireland in the rankings and at because some of the lads had just his hopes for progress have been re- tournaments over the last few years. had kids and some are expecting, so placed with a drive to ensure the There are a few reasons for that - understandably they are a bit con- sport’s survival in this country as writes Chris Caldwell they have a lot of Australian ex-pats cerned,” he explained. Covid-19 and the subsequent restric- there, they have a really strong “[Lockdown] has had a big impact tions impacting upon sport, particu- had been previously and finally he or 16 years and then getting into league with three or four divisions, because this is the first year we’ve larly those that involve physical con- aimed to protect and grow the sport coaching, there’s things you get a but they also have ovals everywhere. had a strategic plan in place and tact, take their toll. through professional promotion. wee bit frustrated with, and it’s no- They are playing proper football so we’re left kind of sitting on it at the Because Aussie Rules isn’t a major “One of the things I wanted to do one’s fault,” added the Northern Re- when it comes to the World or Euro- moment and if the league doesn’t game in Ireland, with a relatively was to develop accountability by giv- gional College sports lecturer. pean tournaments, which are played run this year, which will result in a small number of participants, many ing people specific roles with jobs “We never had proper governance, on proper sized ovals, we get found break in insurance which we’re find- of whom are forced to balance their that needed done by a certain time we’ve never had a proper oval and out because our version is a ing difficult to get at the minute, so it rugby and/or Gaelic Football com- and setting up teams of people who when you get to go to Australia, GAA version of Aussie Rules, will be very hard and unless we get mitments, the absence of any league are accountable,” explained the New- which a couple of us have been it’s very narrow, while they funding it’s going to be hard because action and even training so far this townstewart native. fortunate enough to have done, are using the wings and at the minute we are exclusively year means there are concerns that “It’s about organising a structure and you play on ovals, you play playing it properly because funded by the clubs. participation levels may fall to an un- and doing what every other sport is at the MCG, we’ve played on the they are used to it.” “And on the pitch, in years gone by sustainable level. doing because it’s never going to go Kew Oval in London, when you The drive to develop a we had some exceptional players At the beginning of his tenure as anywhere, it’s never going to go any- get to experience that and more professional or- who couldn’t go to international president of AFL Ireland, McSorley where if it doesn’t get organised. then you have to ganisation, which tournaments because they couldn’t had set out his plans for the future in “One of the big things was gover- come back and in turn will en- afford it. If we could get a grant to an ambitious and eye-catching nance and I’ve had a fair few meet- play 12-a-side sure and im- support them, then it would make a strategic plan. ings with Sport NI and Sport Ireland on a rugby provement of big difference. The Cookstown man was keen to and we’ve climbed a good bit up the or GAA on-field facili- “We’re always there or there address participation levels by intro- ladder there. But until we get gover- pitch, ties to en- abouts but when I first started we ducing regional competitions, rather nance from either or both we don’t it’s just courage par- held everything, the World, 9-a-side, relying on just the All-Ireland qualify for grants from either.” not the ticipation European’s but bit by bit that was League; he wanted to develop and It’s the lack of financial support same levels to in- eroded and we don’t hold any of bring a greater level of professional- that is particularly frustrating for game. crease is them and we’ve gone from rank two, ism to the administrative side of the McSorley, who knows that without “The what is just behind Australia, to about third game, while also improving coaching additional monetary support, his first time we spurring or fourth. and umpiring; he aimed to gain ac- hopes of even getting access to an got to go to McSorley “There’s lots to do but I’m very op- cess to funding streams by gaining oval on which to play the sport prop- London, we (pictured) timistic because there are some very governance with Sport NI and Sport erly will do nothing but hamper the played on the Sur- on, but he is good people on the committee, Ireland; he hoped to improve Ire- development of Australian Rules rey oval and I was fearful of the damage there’s lots of energy. It’s all up in land’s international standing in the Football on this island. like ‘this is a differ- Covid-19 and lockdown the air but it's the same with every game, to bring it back to the level it “As a player, having played for 15 ent game! It’s com- is doing to his aspira- sport at the minute.”

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Also published in Strabane Chronicle

AUSSIE RULES FOOTBALL SPECIAL FEATURE

AFL Ireland president, Kevin McSorley, right, in action. McSorley is looking to the future despite Covid concerns ast November, Kevin McSor- pletely different!’ You can actually his aspirations for the sport. ley was driven by the desire Tyrone man keen to see play the game right and in Australia “We put out a poll among our to further the sport of Aus- you have ovals dotted all around like players [at the Belfast Redbacks, All- Ltralian Rules Football on this Australia’s national sport parks here. Ireland champions for the last two island after being appointed AFL Ire- “And the other thing that is seasons] and only 12 were keen for land president. spurring me on is that GB have over- the league to go ahead this season Fast forward seven months and grow in popularity at home taken Ireland in the rankings and at because some of the lads had just his hopes for progress have been re- tournaments over the last few years. had kids and some are expecting, so placed with a drive to ensure the writes Chris Caldwell There are a few reasons for that - understandably they are a bit con- sport’s survival in this country as they have a lot of Australian ex-pats cerned,” he explained. Covid-19 and the subsequent restric- there, they have a really strong “[Lockdown] has had a big impact tions impacting upon sport, particu- had been previously and finally he or 16 years and then getting into league with three or four divisions, because this is the first year we’ve larly those that involve physical con- aimed to protect and grow the sport coaching, there’s things you get a but they also have ovals everywhere. had a strategic plan in place and tact, take their toll. through professional promotion. wee bit frustrated with, and it’s no- They are playing proper football so we’re left kind of sitting on it at the Because Aussie Rules isn’t a major “One of the things I wanted to do one’s fault,” added the Northern Re- when it comes to the World or Euro- moment and if the league doesn’t game in Ireland, with a relatively was to develop accountability by giv- gional College sports lecturer. pean tournaments, which are played run this year, which will result in a small number of participants, many ing people specific roles with jobs “We never had proper governance, on proper sized ovals, we get found break in insurance which we’re find- of whom are forced to balance their that needed done by a certain time we’ve never had a proper oval and out because our version is a ing difficult to get at the minute, so it rugby and/or Gaelic Football com- and setting up teams of people who when you get to go to Australia, GAA version of Aussie Rules, will be very hard and unless we get mitments, the absence of any league are accountable,” explained the New- which a couple of us have been it’s very narrow, while they funding it’s going to be hard because action and even training so far this townstewart native. fortunate enough to have done, are using the wings and at the minute we are exclusively year means there are concerns that “It’s about organising a structure and you play on ovals, you play playing it properly because funded by the clubs. participation levels may fall to an un- and doing what every other sport is at the MCG, we’ve played on the they are used to it.” “And on the pitch, in years gone by sustainable level. doing because it’s never going to go Kew Oval in London, when you The drive to develop a we had some exceptional players At the beginning of his tenure as anywhere, it’s never going to go any- get to experience that and more professional or- who couldn’t go to international president of AFL Ireland, McSorley where if it doesn’t get organised. then you have to ganisation, tournaments because they couldn’t had set out his plans for the future in “One of the big things was gover- come back and which in turn afford it. If we could get a grant to an ambitious and eye-catching nance and I’ve had a fair few meet- play 12-a-side will ensure support them, then it would make a strategic plan. ings with Sport NI and Sport Ireland on a rugby and improve- big difference. The Cookstown man was keen to and we’ve climbed a good bit up the or GAA ment of on- “We’re always there or there address participation levels by intro- ladder there. But until we get gover- pitch, field facilities abouts but when I first started we ducing regional competitions, rather nance from either or both we don’t it’s just to encour- held everything, the World, 9-a-side, relying on just the All-Ireland qualify for grants from either.” not the age partici- European’s but bit by bit that was League; he wanted to develop and It’s the lack of financial support same pation lev- eroded and we don’t hold any of bring a greater level of professional- that is particularly frustrating for game. els to in- them and we’ve gone from rank two, ism to the administrative side of the McSorley, who knows that without “The crease is just behind Australia, to about third game, while also improving coaching additional monetary support, his first time we what is or fourth. and umpiring; he aimed to gain ac- hopes of even getting access to an got to go to spurring “There’s lots to do but I’m very op- cess to funding streams by gaining oval on which to play the sport prop- London, we McSorley timistic because there are some very governance with Sport NI and Sport erly will do nothing but hamper the played on the Sur- (pictured) on, good people on the committee, Ireland; he hoped to improve Ire- development of Australian Rules rey oval and I was but he is fearful of the there’s lots of energy. It’s all up in land’s international standing in the Football on this island. like ‘this is a differ- damage Covid-19 and the air but it's the same with every game, to bring it back to the level it “As a player, having played for 15 ent game! It’s com- lockdown is doing to sport at the minute.”

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NI's FE colleges promote business recovery through part-time learning

...Eastern Regional College, South West College, Southern Regional College, North West Regional College, Northern Regional College or Belfast Metropolitan College. About the author An article that is attributed...

Northern Regional College | 16/06/2020

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Also published in southantrimvox.co.uk

Never too late for career change

...McCarthy, who has just completed the first year of his four-year Electrical Installation programme at Northern Regional College in Ballymena, is proof that it is never too late for a career change. Liam is in...

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Page 5 College relocation ‘on schedule’ despite pandemic challenges NORTHERN Regional The phased opening of the ages in our new Coleraine College has confirmed that remainder of the building will campus. NRC’s new campus in Union Street. allow access for enrolments in “Our College Estates Team the relocation of its mid-August and ensure that will be working closely over the Coleraine campus to Beresford Avenue is ready to summer months with the Beresford Avenue later this accommodate staff and students appointed contractor to ensure year remains “on for the start of the new academic that necessary arrangements are s ch e d u l e ”. ye a r. in place for our students to return The College is to move to the The new purpose-built to class-based learning when it is former St Joseph’s College Coleraine campus with safe to do so, in line with premises while its new Union state-of-the-art facilities will be government guidance.” Street campus is built. on an extended site which The move is part of an £84m includes the former Church of capital investment programme, Ireland buildings on Brook funded by the Department for Street. The existing College the Economy, to develop new buildings at Union Street will be campuses on its current sites in demolished. Union Street, Coleraine and Professor Terri Scott, Principal Farm Lodge, Ballymena. and Chief Executive of Northern Following an enforced Regional College said: “I am six-week layoff because of delighted that, despite challenges COVID-19, the contractor is posed by the ongoing pandemic, back on site, operating safely and our plans to relocate to Beresford is committed to completing the Avenue remain very much on work within the planned track. timescale. “This temporary relocation The College’s Estates Team marks an important milestone in and the contractor have agreed a what is a tremendously exciting handover schedule, with 85% of project that will significantly the classrooms and IT suites benefit the local economy and Professor Terri Scott, Prin- ready for furniture and IT open up exciting new career cipal and Chief Executive of installations in mid-July. opportunities for students of all Northern Regional College.

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Ballymoney Chronicle | 18/06/2020

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Also published in Ballycastle Chronicle

The new water treatment facility at Rathlin Island. Student turns passion into Instagram business

A Ballymoney student’s passion for arts show support for frontline workers in their own and crafts has developed into a thriving way. There are also plenty of people who wouldn’t wear a bow, so I diversified into making NHS social media business during the themed keyrings. COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s just my little way of sharing a smile. I hope Savannah Corbett, who studies ICT at Northern they continue to bring people a sense of happiness Regional College’s Coleraine campus, has been and hope, and demonstrate the huge amount of keeping herself busy during lockdown by creating appreciation that everyone has for NHS and other rainbow-themed bows and other hair accessories to frontline workers,”she said. show her support for NHS staff. Having completed her Level 3 course at the Having always had a keen interest in arts and College, Savannah now plans to continue crafts, the former Loreto College pupil explained developing her creative skills by undertaking a how what started out as a hobby has now turned degree in Interactive Media or Art and Design at into a small business venture. Ulster University. “I have always loved making bows and other “My ICT course at the College has given me a accessories for myself, but when I started getting fantastic platform for further study. What I’ve more and more requests to make them for other learned has been of great help and benefit, at both people, I realised that this could be a viable business an educational and personal level, giving me with idea,”said Savannah. the skills and confidence to pursue further study at “I started selling at local markets and car boot university. I’m looking forward to taking the next sales but then moved to selling them online on steps in my career,”she said. Instagram under the name Buddy’s Boutique. Applications are now open for all courses at “I wanted to create something that would suit Northern Regional College. For more information, both adults and children alike and allow them to go to www.nrc.ac.uk

A selection of Savannah Corbett’s rainbow-themed accessories.

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College relocation ‘on schedule’ despite pandemic challenges

NRC’s new campus in Union Street. Tuesday 16 June 2020 10:31 NORTHERN Regional College has confirmed that the relocation of its Coleraine campus to Beresford Avenue later this year remains "on schedule"....

Coleraine Times | 15/06/2020

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Savannah: "It’s my way of sharing a smile"

Savannah Corbett, who studies ICT at Northern Regional College’s Coleraine campus, has been keeping herself busy during lockdown by creating rainbow-themed bows and other hair accessories to show her support...

Ballymoney Moyle Times | 15/06/2020

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Savannah: "It’s my way of sharing a smile"

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. Savannah Corbett, who studies ICT at Northern Regional College’s Coleraine campus, has been keeping herself busy during lockdown by creating rainbow-themed bows and other hair accessories to show her support...

Department for the Economy NI | 10/06/2020

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Department for the Economy public appointment extensions

...John McGrillen, have been further extended for nine months from 1 May 2020 to 31 January 2021. Northern Regional College The tenure of one GB member, David Lennox, has been further extended for two months...

Causeway Chamber of Commerce | 09/06/2020

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Also published in Causeway Coast Community [+ 1 more]

College move to Beresford Avenue remains "on schedule"

Northern Regional College has confirmed that the relocation of its Coleraine campus to Beresford Avenue in the town later this year remains "on schedule". The College is to move to the former St Joseph’s...

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Causeway Chamber of Commerce | 09/06/2020

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Also published in Ballymena Guardian

"Hospitality is part of the heart and soul of Northern Ireland," says local chef

Two local chefs are partnering with Northern Regional College to promote hospitality as an attractive and rewarding career choice in Northern Ireland. Michael Caulfield is a part-time lecturer in Professional...

Coleraine Times | 09/06/2020

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Also published in Ballymoney Moyle Times

NRC campus move on schedule

...summer months with the appointed contractor to ensure that necessary arrangements are in place for our students to return to class-based learning when it is safe to do so, in line with government guidance."

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Coleraine college campus move on schedule

Northern Regional College’s Coleraine campus is to relocate to the former St Joseph’s College premises while its new Union Street campus is built. The Beresford Avenue move later this year remains ‘on...

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Pa g e 20 THE CHRONICLE , 11th Ju n e 2020 LOCAL FURTHER EDUCTION COLLEGES COPING WITH CORONAVIRUS Top marks for college staff’s charity challenge STAFF across Northern Regional and treadmill linked to the Zwift platform. Colle ge’s six campuses have clocked up “In the spirit of social distancing and limited outside exercise time, I decided to complete an hundreds of miles and raised thousands indoor challenge at home in Portrush –opting to of pounds for a range of charities in substitute the swim element with indoor rowing, Northern Ireland. rather than swimming thousands of lengths of the With fundraising activities and services of most bath,”Aaron explained. charities severely disrupted by COVID-19 “I received a huge amount of support and pandemic, staff came out in force to support the encouragement from colleagues and students at the Colle ge’s first ever dedicated Volunteer Day on College, as well as friends and family, which really Thursday, May 7 and over the Bank Holiday spurred me on and helped me to complete the we e ke n d . Ironman faster than I expected.” The initiative saw employees across the Other College staff remained grounded and Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, Magherafelt reached out to help local communities by doing and Newtownabbey campuses channel their litter collections, DIY and gardening chores for Northern Regional College Head of Science and Service Industries, Aaron Ballantyne, who energy, enthusiasm and athleticism into a wide neighbours and delivering food parcels. range of fitness activities, including sponsored took part in an alternative Ironman challenge in his Portrush garage, pictured with his two Cheryl McNeill, Business Engagement Officer at c h i l d re n . walks, runs, cycles and even Portrush’s first ever Newtownabbey campus, delivered virtual alternative Ironman challenge. armchair exercise and dance classes for residents in and/or talents to support the initiative and this is To date, thousands of pounds have been raised local care homes. Alongside her role at Northern testament to the strong sense of community spirit for Extern’s Coronavirus Hardship Appeal via Regional College, Cheryl is the founder of ‘D eb u t that underpins Northern Regional College. JustGiving and donations have also gone to Dance Company’–a Newtownabbey based social “Fundraising was important component of this several other charities, including Cancer enterprise which offers dance classes that are fully initiative and, with many charities now facing research, Cardiomyopathy, Foyle Hospice, Cystic accessible to all ages and abilities. serious financial hardship as a result of the Fibrosis and COVID-19 research. She explained: “With the restrictions in place, pandemic, I know that all donations received will One of the major events was co-ordinated by we couldn’t have our usual classes so we launched be most welcome. We are looking at ways to build Health & Social Care and Access lecturer Kate ‘The Daily Debut’via our Facebook page to on the success of our inaugural Volunteer Day so Pegram who invited colleagues to form virtual provide free tutorials or short routines every day at we can plan to help address community needs in teams to walk, run or cycle a combined total of 79 1pm. These have proved to be hugely popular with the longer term.” miles –the distance between the College’s younger people, but I also wanted to do something So far, over £3,000 has been raised for Extern – campuses –as part of their daily exercise for those unable to be as fit and active. a charity offering a unique continuum of specialist ro u t i n e . “Having taught seated and armchair based and dedicated services for families with new-born Kate said: “Throughout the lockdown period exercise and dance classes for the past 10 years, I children right through to older people, covering a people have relished the opportunity to get out decided to extend ‘The Daily Debut’to older wide range of areas including: young people and and about for their daily dose of exercise and members of the community or those with less families; housing and homelessness; mental health fresh air, so we decided to capitalise on this and mobility who cannot stand for long periods of and suicide; alcohol and drugs; minority do some fundraising at the same time by time.” communities; justice services and organising the ‘Around the Campuses’ s k i l l s / e m p l oy a b i l i t y. C h a l l e n ge . T U TO R I A L S Grace O’Neill, Corporate and Community “We were blown away by the level of interest in Cheryl provided the 30-minute tutorials – Relationship Officer at Extern said: “Extern wants this challenge, with over 140 staff participating dubbed ‘The Seated Sessions’ –to 15 individual to thank everyone from Northern Regional College and between them they covered a combined total and care home groups in the Newtownabbey area, involved in the tremendous fundraising activities of 1,115 miles.” enabling residents to engage in some gentle that have raised over £3,000.00 for our Hardship movement in their communal areas during the Ap p e a l . IR ONMAN lockdown period, when their usual activity “The Coronavirus crisis is our greatest public The College’s Head of Science and Service providers are unable to enter care homes. health emergency in living memory and means the Industries embarked upon his own ‘Hell Professor Terri Scott, Principal and Chief families and individuals supported by Extern need Freezes Over Tour (For a Good Cause)’ Executive of Northern Regional College, has our help now more than ever. Your support will Challenge, developing and completing an commended staff for their combined efforts: “I am ensure Extern can reach many more vulnerable alternative Ironman Challenge in his garage in delighted, but not surprised, by the exceptionally members of the community who may need our Portr ush. positive response to our Volunteer Day, which has help. Thank you for caring!” Aaron Ballantyne took just 10 hours and 28 helped to reinforce a sense of solidarity and Donations can still be made via JustGiving: minutes to complete a 12,000m indoor row, collegiality across the College community. https://www.justgiving.com/fundr aising Cheryl McNeill, Business Engagement Of- 112-mile-cycle and a 26.2-mile run with his bike “So many committed to volunteering their time / a ro u n d - t h e - c a m p u s e s ficer at Newtownabbey campus.

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THE CHRONICLE, 11th Ju n e 2020 Page 21 LOCAL FURTHER EDUCTION COLLEGES COPING WITH CORONAVIRUS Colleges playing their part on front line of Covid-19 battle THOUSANDS of students and staff from scrubs and face masks. care homes and in communities across Northern Northern Ireland’s Further Education South West College Community Lecturer Nicola I re l a n d . Birnie has created craft kits for students, which Northern Regional College lecturer Jacqui colleges have combined their time, they are using to make face masks and ear savers McAllister is volunteering as a healthcare assistant talents and skills gained through their for staff in local hospitals and care homes. on the COVID-19 wards at Antrim Area Hospital college courses to support frontline Belfast Met Level 3 City and Guilds Textiles during her weekends off, choosing to donate her pay efforts to fight the COVID-19 student Maria O’Prey has also sewn dozens of for this work to Ulster University’s COVID-19 p a n d e m i c. cotton face masks for local care homes, as well as testing fundraising appeal. More than 61,000 students are currently for colleagues in her part-time job at Tesco. Former Southern Regional College Access and studying further and higher education courses at At South East Regional College, Level 3 Health and Social Care student Louise Graham is Belfast Metropolitan College, Northern Regional Foundation Diploma in Art & Design student now a nurse working on the COVID-19 ward in College, North West Regional College, Southern Tetiana Nestorenko and Science lecturer Linda Craigavon Area Hospital, with former student Regional College, South East Regional College and Lytle have also handsewn dozens of masks for staff Emma Hamilton also covering nursing shifts across South West College. at Ards Community Hospital. Craigavon, Daisy Hill and the Royal Victoria Speaking on behalf of the heads of the six Hospitals. Colleges, Professor Terri Scott, Principal and HOSPITAL FIT OUTS Thousands of students are also considered key Chief Executive at Northern Regional College Students from a range of courses across the workers at this time, serving in a range of roles in explained: “As a network of six regional FE colleges have also been involved in the fit out of local supermarkets, community pharmacies and colleges, we are at the heart of every community in COVID-19 facilities at a number of hospitals. agri-food factories and production lines. Northern Ireland and this is reflected in the Stanley Chapman, a Level 3 Electrical Others are turning to music as a source of support outward-looking culture and strong sense of Apprentice from South East Regional College, has and encouragement. South West College Media community spirit that underpins every one of our been working 12-hour shifts as part of the team lecturer Larry Lowe is encouraging people to listen campuses. installing the lighting system in a new part of the to messages of hope in his song, ‘Not Forever’and “As College Principals, we have been greatly Ulster Hospital, working around the clock to get it donate what they can to Omagh Foodbank and inspired by the tremendous demonstrations of ready for wards that will be required in the coming Support 2gether. solidarity and support from thousands of our we e k s . Music students at North West Regional College, students and staff in proactively giving their skill, Hundreds of current and former students and meanwhile, produced two recorded online talent and time to support others during these staff from across the six colleges’Health and Social performances as a special tribute to the NHS, Students at North West Regional College unprecedent times. Care courses are working as frontline healthcare receiving unprecedented levels of social media produced two recorded online perform- “Alongside their efforts to study and teach workers and domiciliary assistants in hospitals, reach and engagement. ances as a special tribute to the NHS. remotely from home, we have seen them really pull together to make what is, collectively, a very tangible and even lifesaving contribution to the frontline efforts to fight Coronavirus in Northern I re l a n d . ”

PPE All six colleges have been involved in the production of PPE equipment, with North West Regional College and Southern Regional College arranging the production and delivery of hundreds of PPE face shields for frontline workers in hospitals and care homes across local health trusts. Engineering staff at Northern Regional College have also used 3D printers to produce over 250 face shields, with Belfast Met supporting local medical firm Axial 3D in its production of hundreds of face shields by loaning the firm eight 3D printers. Other students and staff have used more traditional methods to support the cry for PPE An example of a 3D printer used by the Colleges to produce PPE face equipment, hand sewing hundreds of pairs of shields. Northern Regional College –PPE face shields 3D printed by NRC

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“So many committed to volunteering their time / a ro u n d - t h e - c a m p u s e s Student support services continue despite college closures STAFF and developed new ways Learning and “Thankfully my Student Services students across to support their support services are tutors and learning Manager at a college students and have continuing online mentor got in touch of further and higher further and adapted to technology through a series of with me. Through a education said: higher education to help maintain workshops, and there Teams Meeting we “Students are facing colleges in quality education has been constant talked about the steps an incredibly Norther n s t a n d a rd s . promotion of external we could take to start challenging time – Ireland have A fundamental part support services. The learning from home. some students and been exploring of a fulfilling college counselling provision We agreed that I their families may life for many students across all colleges, would receive the class contract the new ways to is the delivery of available through notes beforehand to Coronavirus, some ensure that support services, Inspire, has also been help me prepare for have caring teaching and including pastoral open for business. the lesson and to get responsibilities, some student support care, counselling, A Level 3 BTEC IT more from it. students may struggle services health and well-being Practitioner student to study from home c o n t i nu e and learning support. with dyslexia, shared M E N TO R due to lack of his experience of “My learning equipment or internet remotely while MENTAL HEALTH receiving continued support mentor has access and others may under lockdown As such, student virtual, one-to-one also been able to be contributing to the re gulations support, particularly support, from a continue providing frontline effort. caused by the with regards to mental learning mentor who virtual support “Whatever the case Coronavir us health and well-being specialises in assisting through e-portfolios may be, colleges have p a n d e m i c. throughout this with literacy, and discussion boards, dedicated staff who Across the six challenging time, has p ro c e s s i n g to help with literacy, are working colleges of further been paramount in all information and terminology and work immensely hard to and higher education actions taken by planning assignments. plans, as we would ensure that students - Belfast further and higher The student said: “I have done in the have the support and M e t ro p o l i t a n education colleges. d i d n’t get off to a college before the resources they need to College, North West The colleges have flying start with online lockdown. This keep up with their Regional College, moved quickly to learning. At the support has really studies and also to Northern Regional implement alternative beginning I was boosted my keep a healthy frame College, South support arrangements finding it hard to take confidence to take part of mind in these Eastern Regional for all students, whose part in the classes in the online lessons uncertain times.” College, South West Caitriona Cullen, a learning mentor at a further and higher educa- day-to-day lives have through the online and I’m back up to Contact your local College and tion college, is continuing to offer virtual, one-to-one support to stu- been drastically learning platform and speed with my college of further and Southern Regional dents while under lockdown regulations caused by the Coronavirus changed by the I was quickly falling assignments.” higher education for College - staff have pandemic. pandemic. behind. Sharon Pritchard, d e t a i l s.

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Colleges continue support for industry FURTHER and digital transformation processing. His role p ro fe s s i o n a l who are currently higher education skills. there led to re c o g n i s e d working remotely can colleges across The colleges have supervising and qualification and join programmes, Northern Ireland helped many small management of staff. achieved City & Guilds available now, to are urging local businesses move to an He worked there for Level 7 Professional upskill whilst they are online presence so seven years before Re c o g n i t i o n furloughed or businesses to avail they can continue their progressing to qualification which continue to work from of the wealth of business remotely McQuillan recognises the home. resources and new during lockdown. Environmental, a k n ow l e d ge, In addition, the approaches to Colleges can also Northern Ireland experience, and I n n ova t e U s accredited training create bespoke courses based family run strategic role I have programme, which is and upskilling to meet the needs of business which accumulated working offered across individual businesses incorporates a diverse in the industry.” Northern Ireland opportunities and work with range of activities He added, “I would through the six further quickly adapted by individuals to upskill. including civil encourage anyone and higher education the colleges to Neil McCauley, e n g i n e e r i n g, working in industry, colleges, is a fully meet current turned his career demolition, quarrying, who maybe didn’t take funded skills pandemic experience into hazardous and the traditional degree d eve l o p m e n t c i rc u m s t a n c e s. P ro fe s s i o n a l non-hazardous waste route, but who have programme from DfE The online Recognition achieving management, outdoor been working their which provides small provision, mentoring the equivalent to a cleaning services and way up their company business with less than and bespoke offerings vocational masters analytical chemistry. to gather the evidence 50 employees with the will be essential to with a Level 7 City & He said, “I have they need to achieve capacity to innovate meeting the needs of Guilds Professional learnt many things p ro fe s s i o n a l across a range of the business Re c o g n i t i o n about the industry and recognition with business development community, learners in Engineering picked up skills and support from their activities, providing employment and those Neil McCauley, who is employed by Northern Ireland based Mc- Management through experience over the local college.” up to 60 hours of fully returning to Quillan Environmental, turned his career experience into Profes- support from a college years which has Skills Focus funded mentoring in a employment in the sional Recognition achieving the equivalent to a vocational masters of further education. allowed me to progress programmes, which number of key areas drive to revive the with a Level 7 City & Guilds Professional Recognition Engineering Neil worked in in my career to are fully funded by the including engineering, e c o n o my. Management at a college of further education. various roles early in Technical Manager. Department for the product design and his career including in “Essentially, I took a Economy (DfE) and development and The six colleges of Regional College, offer a range of including business, further and higher a bank, in construction different route by usually delivered in digital North West Regional facilitated programmes leadership and and ended up securing learning and the workplace or transfor mation. education - South College, Northern designed to upskill mana gement, Eastern Regional a post with Almac progressing on the job. college facilities, have Contact your local Regional College and individuals and work construction, which propelled him I became aware of been adapted for college of further and College, South West Belfast Metropolitan teams in a range of healthcare and College, Southern into the high-tech turning my skills and online delivery. This higher education for College - continue to industry sectors hospitality along with industry of chemical experience into a means that employees details.

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Welcoming a new dawn of learning

As Zoom, Microsoft Teams and other apps become the new (temporary) norm for many, companies, colleges, schools and universities across Northern Ireland are turning their attention to teaching on]ine, with remote learning - in some cases using their own technologies to help other countries train staff Ulster Business looks at learning in a new environment

CCLD Level 3 Bridgeen Mac Manus• AB

Foundation Degree - Year 2 Anti Discriminatory... Bridgeen Mac. Manus • All

:Manu'. MortjWVest Regional College

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. ll of Northern Ireland's further construction learning platform is now being education colleges are now used by a Croatian vocational school for its continuing study for around three- online training, as schools in country are Aquarters of students through the prismhaving of to shut to help curb the spread of virtual learning. coronavirus.

It's something which has come out of necessity, The Croatian Agency for Vocational Education rather than choice. And while we're all and Training appealed for help in securing yearning for the days when we can return to additional specific online training. a social, educational or working environment, we're having to deal the problem that's now in The pan-European action to help offer up the front of us. schemes is being taken by the Belfast Met-led project, along with the full support of the "There have been around 50,000 online BIMcert programme manager, Mr Paul Me engagements with students, and learning Cormack. continues in subject areas as diverse as software development, engineering, hair and "We want our training offering to benefit the beauty, plumbing and languages," Economy European construction industry but we are also Minister Diane Dodds said. conscious of delivering real societal benefit to countries at this time of need," he said. "Our further education colleges play a crucial and significant role in the success of Northern "Due to the ongoing global crisis we are all Ireland. Their response to the pandemic, dealing with currently we are all now looking ensuring that learners can continue their at the way we live and indeed the way we studies and providing crucial support networks work." to make that possible, demonstrates their commitment to the people who study with Our universities have also branched out and them. I commend and thank all the staff for flexed their digital muscles amid the crisis.

Q Messages their efforts in adapting to the challenges Queen's University has just launched a free posed by Covid-19." online part-time postgraduate certificate in software development, to upskill and retrain In one particular case towards the start of UK individuals in programming, testing and Upcoming oundation Degree - Year 1 and Ireland-wide lockdown, a Belfast college computing foundations. (X) Slender! Leaning Week 9 cquisition of Language began to help train students in Croatia within idgeen Mac Manus • All • Foundas®?! the construction sector through after offering The Department for the Economy will be up access to its online portal as nations make funding 100 places on the course, offering the switch to remote learning. upskilling for those who have either been furloughed or lost their job due to the ND Twlight tdgeen Mac Manus • All Belfast Metropolitan College's BIMcert digital pandemic. >

IND Year 2 klgee" Mac Manus • All

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Meanwhile, in recent weeks, thousands of using Zoom and Skype to carry out online But for our best and brightest already students and staff from Northern Ireland's assessments to ensure that students can through the system, the final step has been further education colleges have combined their complete their studies". irreparably damaged due to the crisis. time, talents and skills gained through their college courses to support frontline efforts to And South Eastern Regional College has The rite of passage of all university students fight coronavirus. launched a comprehensive programme of saw many forgoing the traditional grand online support designed to upskill individuals graduation ceremony for something with a All six colleges have been involved in the and work teams in a range of industry sectors. few more ones and zeros. production of PPE equipment, while students from a range of courses across the colleges For those of a younger age, a Belfast Among them was Dr Abbie Harte (24), who have also been involved in the fit out of the educational technology company has also studied for six years to achieve her medicine new facilities at a number of hospitals. seen a fourfold increase in global demand for degree, which she was awarded on her its maths learning tools as parents look for laptop screen in a virtual celebration last Northern Regional College is one of those resources to help their children keep learning amid the Covid-19 lockdown restrictions. to embrace a wide range of technology and during the coronavirus lockdown. digital platforms to deliver online learning to its The university has committed to holding students. Thanks to the power of technology, Komodo Learning is a maths learning system further celebrations in the future to allow around 4,000 of the college's students who for children aged five to 11 which is designed graduates to reflect on their achievements normally attend classes at its campuses in to supplement primary school maths at home. with family and friends. Newtownabbey, Magherafelt, Ballymena, It provides animated video guidance and short Ballymoney and Coleraine are now learning practice exercises that can be accessed on "Although a traditional ceremony would from home. smartphones, tablets and computers, with be nice to mark the end of our medical learning individually tailored to each child's degree and a lovely way to celebrate with Figures released by the college show that needs by a maths teacher. close family and friends, I think that we are during the past few weeks its Canvas all extremely understanding of the current e-learning platform, currently being used Founder Gerard McBreen said the lockdown situation and why we weren't able to have by students at home, has received around in many countries has resulted in increased a traditional ceremony," she told the Belfast 700,000 views, while students have logged interest from parents looking for resources they Telegraph. into the college's learning assistant platform can trust. "Komodo has been helping parents almost 13,000 times, uploading 5,775 pieces to support their children's maths learning for "It wasn't the celebration we were all hoping of work, and have viewed 1,912 videos, years but since schools have closed, we've to have, but it was a lovely day and I was through Linkedln Learning. been called upon by even more parents who able to celebrate with my close family to have had to become their children's sole acknowledge the end of a challenging six The college says "lecturing staff have also educators. It is not how we expected to grow years. It's definitely a small sacrifice to make, embraced technology and are staying in the business but we are responding to the rise especially when you see how hard all key touch with their students by email and phone in demand." workers are working at the moment." ■

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remember how everyone said how much it had their class. and still missing them," added Sharon.

Magherafelt College staff clocking up

miles to support charities in COVID fight

Staff across Northern Regional fundraising at the same time by organising ‘Debut Dance Company’–aNorthern Regional College. Colle ge’s six campuses, including the ‘Around the Campuses’C h a l l e n ge . Newtownabbey based social enterprise “Fundraising was important Magherafelt, have clocked up hundreds of “We were blown away by the level of which offers dance classes that are fully component of this initiative and, with miles and raised thousands of pounds for a interest in this challenge, with over 140 accessible to all ages and abilities. many charities now facing serious range of charities in Northern Ireland. staff participating and between them they She explained: “With the restrictions in financial hardship as a result of the With fundraising activities and services covered a combined total of 1,115 miles.” place, we couldn’t have our usual classes so pandemic, I know that all donations of most charities severely disrupted by The College’s Head of Science and we launched ‘The Daily Debut’via our received will be most welcome. We are COVID-19 pandemic, staff came out in Service Industriesembarked upon his own Facebook page to provide free tutorials or looking at ways to build on the success of force to support the College’s first ever ‘Hell Freezes Over Tour (For a Good short routines every day at 1pm. These our inaugural Volunteer Day so we can dedicated Volunteer Day on Thursday 07 Cause)’Challenge, developing and have proved to be hugely popular with plan to help address community needs in May and over the Bank Holiday completing an alternative Ironman younger people, but I also wanted to do the longer term.” we e ke n d . Challenge in his garage in Portrush. Aaron something for those unable to be as fit and So far, over £3,000 has been raised for The initiative saw employees across the Ballantyne took just 10 hours and 28 a c t ive . Extern –a charity offering a unique Ballymena, Ballymoney, Coleraine, minutes to complete a 12,000m indoor “Having taught seated and armchair continuum of specialist and dedicated Magherafelt and Newtownabbey row, 112-mile-cycle and a 26.2-mile run based exercise and dance classes for the services for families with new-born campuses channel their energy, with his bike and treadmill linked to the past 10 years, I decided to extend ‘The children right through to older people, enthusiasm and athleticism into a wide Zwift platform. Daily Debut’to older members of the covering a wide range of areas including: range of fitness activities, including “In the spirit of social distancing and community or those with less mobility young people and families; housing and sponsored walks, runs, cycles and even limited outside exercise time, I decided to who cannot stand for long periods of homelessness; mental health and suicide; Po rt r u s h ’s first ever alternative Ironman complete an indoor challenge at home in time.” alcohol and drugs; minority communities; ch a l l e n ge . Portrush –opting to substitute the swim Cheryl provided the 30-minute tutorials justice services and skills/employability. Todate, thousands of pounds have been element with indoor rowing, rather than –dubbed ‘The Seated Sessions’ –to 15 Grace O’Neill, Corporate and raised for Extern’s Coronavirus Hardship swimming thousands of lengths of the individual and care home groups in the Community Relationship Officer at Appeal viaJustGiving and donations have bath!”Aaron explained. Newtownabbey area, enabling residents Exter nsaid: “Extern wants to thank also gone to several other charities, “I received a huge amount of support to engage in some gentle movement in everyone from Northern Regional College including Cancer research, and encouragement from colleagues and their communal areas during the involved in the tremendous fundraising Cardiomyopathy, Foyle Hospice, Cystic students at the College, as well as friends lockdown period, when their usual activities that have raised over £3,000.00 Fibrosis and COVID-19 research. and family, which really spurred me on activity providers are unable to enter care for our Hardship Appeal. The One of the major events was and helped me to complete the Ironman homes. Professor Terri Scott, Principal Coronavirus crisis is our greatest public co-ordinated by Health & Social Care and faster than I expected.” and Chief Executive of Northern Regional health emergency in living memory and Access lecturer Kate Pegram who invited Other College staff remained grounded Colle ge,has commended staff for their means the families and individuals colleagues to form virtual teams to walk, and reached out to help local communities combined efforts: “I am delighted, but not supported by Extern need our help now run or cycle a combined total of 79 miles – by doing litter collections, DIY and surprised, by the exceptionally positive more than ever. Your support will ensure the distance between the College’s gardening chores for neighbours and response to our Volunteer Day, which has Extern can reach many more vulnerable campuses –as part of their daily exercise delivering food parcels. helped to reinforce a sense of solidarity members of the community who may ro u t i n e . Cheryl McNeill, Business Engagement and collegiality across the College need our help. Thank you for caring!” Kate said: “Throughout the lockdown Officer at Newtownabbey campus, c o m mu n i t y. Donations can still be made via period people have relished the delivered virtual armchair exercise and “So many committed to volunteering Ju s t G iv i n g : opportunity to get out and about for their dance classes for residents in local care their time and/or talents to support the h t t p s : / / w w w. j u s t g iv i n g. c o m / daily dose of exercise and fresh air, so we homes. Alongside her role at Northern initiative and this is testament to the strong fundraising/ decided to capitalise on this and do some Regional College, Cheryl is the founder of sense of community spirit that underpins a ro u n d - t h e - c a m p u s e s

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Northern Constitution - Limavady Chronicle | 11/06/2020

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College applications down by 40% in some areas

Applications to Northern Ireland's six further education colleges are down by 40% in some areas.

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Welcoming a new dawn of learning

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Welcoming a new dawn of learning

CCLD Level 3 Bridgeen Mac Manus• AB

Foundation Degree - Year 2 Anti Discriminatory... Bridgeen Mac. Manus • All

:Manu'. MortjWVest Regional College

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. ll of Northern Ireland's further construction learning platform is now being education colleges are now used by a Croatian vocational school for its continuing study for around three- online training, as schools in country are Aquarters of students through the prismhaving of to shut to help curb the spread of virtual learning. coronavirus.

IND Year 2 klgee" Mac Manus • All

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SUPPORT FOR GROUPS HELPING OTHERS DURING PANDEMIC Lottery funding for Mid Ulster projects

Lodge, based outside Magher Association, based in Cooks- First Steps Women’s Cen By Staff Reporter afelt, is using a £10,000 grant town Orange Hall, is using a tre, based in Dungannon, is [email protected] @midumail to support the local communi £9,600 grant to improve ac getting a £10,000 grant to run ty through the Covid-19 crisis' cess to the first floor of their health and well-being pro by providing food and heating building, which is currently grammes for women across Eight organisations in the Mid essentials along with books preventing older people and the Mid Ulster council area, Ulster District Council area and crafts to vulnerable peo those with mobility issues providing them with the tools are to benefit from £277,990 ple in the area. from making full use of the and skills to cope and recover in support from the National The project helps build a building and services avail from the trauma of the Cov network of connections to able. id-19 pandemic. Lottery Community Fund. help reach those most affect Courses include confi The funding will help projects ed by the pandemic. dence building assertiveness, tackling issues affecting fami Maghera Orange Lodge is living life to the full and man lies and communities during receiving a £2,040 grant to Support for aging stress. the Covid-19 pandemic. purchase and distribute food difficult times Syerla Orange Lodge, based It is part of a roll-out parcels and leaflets to elderly in Moygashel, is using a £6,150 of £i.8m to more than 100 and vulnerable people in the Kate Beggs, Northern Ireland grant to continue ongoing ren projects across Northern Ire area in response to the Cov director of The National Lottery ovations at Syerla Hall, and are land. id-19 crisis. Community Fund commented: using the money for wall insu Dyslexia & Dyspraxia TABBDA Company is us “Thanks to National Lottery lation to prevent dampness Support is using a grant of ing a £9,625 grant to provide a funding, these groups are able to and for new security window £200,000 to extend their food and prescription delivery step up to help people and com panels. ‘Empower’ project which of service to households across munities through these difficult And the Royal British Le fers children with a learning Ballyronan and the Loup ar times. gion Fivemiletown Welfare disability and their families eas, to ensure those who are “We are here to support them to Community Group is using support, information and isolating, those with underly overcome obstacles in bringing a £10,000 grant to purchase activities to increase their ing mental and physical health people together and get help to and deliver food and PPE to confidence and skills in the conditions or low incomes those in need, as well as to think older and vulnerable people Magherafelt area. have access to essential items. about recovery and longer-term isolated due to the pandemic Annaghmore Orange Fairhill Hall Development needs.” outbreak.

Copyright Material - reproduced under license by TruehawkMedia. No further copying (including printing, digital reproduction and forwarding) is permitted except under License. Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses. Published in: BUSINESSFIRST Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

150,599 125.5 €

Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses Published in: Ballymena Daily, Causeway Coast Community, Northern Regional College, northernirelandchamber.com Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

116,235 96.86 €

Student Art and Design showcase to be broadcast online Published in: Ballymena Daily, Northern Regional College Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

77,963 64.97 €

Public views sought on major housing plan at old barracks Published in: Radius Housing Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

17,229 13,725 5,000 1,044.37 €

Local Further Education Colleges combine talents & skills in support of pandemic fight Published in: Tyrone Courier Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

31,084 24,762 2,201.52 €

Colleges show support for industry Published in: Tyrone Courier Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

31,084 24,762 1,545.64 €

DADDY COOL Some well-known NI faces on that very special bond Published in: Northwest Telegraph Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

63,328 35,594 5,834.73 €

McSorley is looking to the future despite Covid concerns Published in: Strabane Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

18,849 15,015 2,269.33 €

Never too late for career change Published in: southantrimvox.co.uk Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

57,556 47.97 €

59 Student turns passion into Instagram business Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

34,458 27,450 1,562.82 €

College move to Beresford Avenue remains "on schedule" Published in: Causeway Coast Community, Northern Regional College Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

77,442 64.54 €

"Hospitality is part of the heart and soul of Northern Ireland," says local chef Published in: Ballymena Guardian Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

17,229 13,725 5,000 913.12 €

NRC campus move on schedule Published in: Ballymoney Moyle Times Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

47,285 39.41 €

Student support services continue despite college closures Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

51,687 41,175 3,927.85 €

Colleges continue support for industry Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle, Coleraine Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

68,916 54,900 4,255.89 €

Top marks for college staff’s charity challenge Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

51,687 41,175 4,954.47 €

‘Hospitality is part of the heart and soul of Northern Ireland,’ says chef Published in: Causeway Coast Community, Northern Regional College, northernirelandchamber.com Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

104,316 86.93 €

Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses. Published in: BUSINESSFIRST Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

150,599 125.5 €

60 Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses Published in: Ballymena Daily, Causeway Coast Community, Northern Regional College, northernirelandchamber.com Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

116,235 96.86 €

Student Art and Design showcase to be broadcast online Published in: Ballymena Daily, Northern Regional College Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

77,963 64.97 €

Local Further Education Colleges combine talents & skills in support of pandemic fight Published in: Tyrone Courier Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

31,084 24,762 2,201.52 €

Colleges show support for industry Published in: Tyrone Courier Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

31,084 24,762 1,545.64 €

Student support services continue despite college closures Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

51,687 41,175 3,927.85 €

Colleges continue support for industry Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle, Coleraine Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

68,916 54,900 4,255.89 €

Northern Regional College offers a helping hand with free virtual learning courses. Published in: BUSINESSFIRST Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

150,599 125.5 €

116,235 96.86 €

Local Further Education Colleges combine talents & skills in support of pandemic fight Published in: Tyrone Courier Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

31,084 24,762 2,201.52 €

61 Colleges show support for industry Published in: Tyrone Courier Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

31,084 24,762 1,545.64 €

Colleges continue support for industry Published in: Ballycastle Chronicle, Ballymoney Chronicle, Coleraine Chronicle Total Printrun: Total Circulation Total Visits Sum of AVE:

68,916 54,900 4,255.89 €