BALLY ME NA BOROUGH COUNCIL 2013

A Great Place to Be…

A message from the Mayor Alderman P. J. McAvoy

It was a great privilege to be elected Mayor of Our local community and businesses are experiencing in June 2012. I have been touched by the warm welcome I tough economic times. Our newly launched Corporate have received whilst getting out and about representing the Strategy, focuses on developing and embedding an Borough in this busy period and I look forward to the approach of all sectors working together, to address the remainder of my term in office. current and future economic, social and environmental needs and priorities of our Borough, to achieve our vision The past year has certainly been an eventful one for of ‘Ballymena: Great People, Great Place’. Ballymena; with our Borough and Council having made great advances on many fronts and I envisage continued Finally, I wish to extend my thanks to Anne Donaghy, Chief progress throughout 2013. Executive, and all Council officers and employees for their hard work and dedication throughout the year. Their Across , the Local Government Reform commitment helps to ensure that this Council remains one Programme continues to proceed, with new Councils to be of the leaders in Local Government in Northern Ireland. formed in 2015. We are continuing to collaborate with our colleagues in Larne and Carrickfergus in preparation I wish you all God’s Blessing and a healthy and prosperous for the eventual amalgamation into the new Mid and East New Year! Antrim Council. Alderman P. J. McAvoy Mayor of Ballymena

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www.ballymena.gov.uk Councillors’ Who’s Who?

Ballymena North Ballymena South Ballymena North covers the following district electoral areas: Ballymena South covers the following district electoral areas: Academy, Ardeevin, Ballyloughan, Dunclug, Fair Green, Ballee, Ballykeel, Castle Demesne, Harryville, Kells, Moat and Galgorm and Park. Summerfield.

Cllr John Carson Cllr Mrs Elizabeth Adger DUP DUP Mob: 07891 338220 Tel: 028 2589 8180 Email: [email protected] Mob: 07976 533483 Email: [email protected]

Cllr Miss J A Dunlop Ald Martin Clarke Alliance DUP Tel: 07802 574887 Tel: 028 2564 2318 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ald James Henry Cllr James K F Currie, MBE Independent UUP Work: 028 2565 2456 Tel: 028 2589 8147 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ald P J McAvoy Cllr Hubert Nicholl SDLP DUP Tel: 028 2564 2256 Tel: 028 9447 2274 Mob: 07871 969173 Mob: 07803 235402 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr J McClean Cllr Declan O’Loan UUP SDLP Mob: 07826 336698 Mob: 07764 220533 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Ald Maurice T Mills Cllr D Robinson DUP DUP Tel: 028 2564 3924 Tel: 028 2565 3529 Mob: 07740 758551 Mob: 07597 554813 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr Mrs A Wales, MBE Cllr David Tweed DUP TUV Mob: 07899 985110 Mob: 07909 900264 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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Bannside Braid

Bannside covers the following district electoral areas: Braid covers the following district electoral areas: Ahoghill, , Dunminning, Grange and Portglenone. Broughshane, Craigywarren, Glenravel, Glenwhirry and Slemish.

Cllr Ms Monica Digney Ald Robin Cherry, MBE SF UUP Mob: 07817 068362 Work: 028 2568 5535 Email: [email protected] Mob: 07785 752712 Email: [email protected]

Cllr Roy Gillespie Cllr S E Clyde TUV DUP Tel: 028 2587 1580 Mob: 07724 906855 Mob: 07776 268859 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr Billy Henry Cllr Paul Frew MLA DUP DUP Mob: 0759 9940 0857 Tel: 028 2564 1421 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr William McNeilly Ald Sam Hanna UUP DUP Tel: 028 9447 2655 Tel: 028 2568 5571 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Cllr Tommy Nicholl, MBE Cllr P D Maguire DUP SF Mob: 07970 012520 Mob: 07857 912097 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

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Mayoral Duties

Invitations to the Mayor Mayor’s Gifts

In view of the Mayor’s busy schedule, it is vital that invitations 100th Birthday are sent to his Secretary well in advance of the date of the engagement, preferably in writing, with full background details, The Mayor will provide any resident of Ballymena who is such as what the Mayor will be expected to do, and what other approaching their 100th Birthday and subsequent birthdays dignitaries have been invited, how long the event is intended to thereafter with a special birthday card and gift. If you wish to last and who will meet the Mayor on arrival. The Mayor’s apply on behalf of someone, please contact the Mayor’s Office produces a form (Request for Attendance of Mayor at Secretary. Non-Civic Functions) which aims to cover the above subjects. A copy of this form can be obtained from the Mayor’s Diamond Wedding Anniversary Secretary or on the Council website.

The Mayor will provide any residents of Ballymena who are Mayor’s Receptions approaching their 60th Wedding Anniversary with a special congratulatory card and a gift. If you wish to apply on behalf Ballymena Borough Council provides civic recognition to of a couple, please contact the Mayor’s Secretary. citizens of the Borough on: achievements; special community service and special endeavours. Special visitors are also Mayor’s Secretary: recognised. This is normally carried out through a Mayor’s Tel: 028 2566 0359 Reception and presentation of a corporate gift. A copy of the form (Request for a Mayor’s Reception) can be obtained from Council Web Site: www.ballymena.gov.uk the Mayor’s Secretary or on the Council website.

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The Villages

AHOGHILL CULLYBACKEY Due west of Ballymena on the road to Portglenone is the large Cullybackey is a large satellite village to the north west of village of Ahoghill. Surrounded by pleasant rolling hills the village is Ballymena. There is much discussion as to the derivation of the a place of old cottages and new developments with a modern name including “The woodland of the birch trees”; “The corner of community centre and playing fields. There are numerous features the spades”; “The lame man’s nook”; or “The lame dog’s leap”. of interest in the Parish Church of St. Colmanell and the village also Take your pick; there is evidence to support them all. has three Presbyterian churches and a Gospel Hall. Drumraw House is within the parish which also includes the small villages of The village nestles in the valley of the River Maine and has a proud Hillhead and Carnearney. history of farming, corn milling, linen bleaching and finishing and iron working. It is served by a rail connection to and PORTGLENONE Londonderry and has a network of roads to service the local area. Portglenone is situated 10 miles west of Ballymena and is one of the The ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of ancient crossing points over the River Bann. From a ford, this has the United States, lies on the outskirts of the village and the cottage progressed through a series of bridges to the present one, which stands, as a visitors’ centre, to this day. The Cuningham Memorial was designed and constructed by Charles Lanyon in 1846-47. A Presbyterian Church perhaps dominates the village, but the swivel section was inserted in 1853. remaining churches are also worth visiting for their architectural One of the listed buildings is the Parish Church, which was built by detail and beauty. Bishop Hutchinson in the early seventeenth century – originally with The linen trade was dominant in the local area and names like a thatched roof. Young and Frazer & Houghton feature prominently in our history. A Cistercian Abbey now occupies what was once Portglenone The community can also boast of two first-rate schools, sporting and House, with a large abbey and church erected there in the 1960s. leisure clubs and youth organisations.

The river was used (up to the 1950s) for the importation of seeds A recent addition for the visitor is the most attractive Millennium and fertiliser and locally produced potatoes and grass seed. (Other Riverside Walk which stretches from the village right along to farm products were exported from the market held in the village Galgorm Manor providing beautiful river views and a variety of square – now a busy commercial area). wildlife and fishing.

Fishing on the River Bann, (north of the bridge), is mainly game GALGORM fishing, with some of the finest stretches of coarse fishing in Europe Ballymena’s nearest neighbour on the west side, Galgorm, stands found just to the south of the bridge. Fishing permits can be on the road to Portglenone. The area is now almost linked to purchased from: The Gun Shop, 51b Main Street, or R. McKnight Ballymena by the extensive modern housing estates that have been (Jewellers), 18 Main Street. built – and are still developing – along the Galgorm Road. In this area, too, stands Galgorm Castle, which was built between 1629 On the banks of the river is a modern marina, with playing fields, community centre and bowling green. and 1645. It stands in extensively wooded grounds surrounded by an 18-hole championship golf course. Just before the Battle of the Also, within a short walk of the village is one of the Province’s most Boyne (1690), the Williamite Duke of Wurtemburg had his attractive forest parks, with beautiful walks along the edge of the headquarters at the Castle and his soldiers were billeted in River Bann. The forest park is a place not to be missed in May, Galgorm Village and the town of Ballymena. The village stands on when the ‘forest-floor’ is awash with bluebells. the River Maine, which is an excellent angling river.

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GRACEHILL GLENRAVEL On the outskirts of Ballymena and on the road to Ahoghill lies the Located just inland from, and acting as a gateway to the famed village of Gracehill where you can step back over 200 years and Nine Glens of Antrim via the A43, Glenravel, known locally as instantly feel affected by the atmosphere of the place. the ‘Tenth Glen’, incorporates the three picturesque villages of In 1975, Gracehill was designated a Conservation Area, a first Cargan, Martinstown and Newtowncrommelin. Much of the for Northern Ireland. It was considered important by virtue of both area lies within the Antrim Coast and Glens Area of Outstanding its architectural and its historic interest. Natural Beauty.

Gracehill is a small village founded by the Moravians between the On either side of its lush green meadows the hills rise to over the years 1759 – 1765 and is the only Moravian settlement in one thousand feet contour with its highest points of Slievanee Ireland. The layout of the village and unique Georgian-style (1,702 feet) and Cairncormick (1,431 feet). The lonely beauty of architecture remains unchanged. The still active Moravian Church these contoured hills makes them attractive to walkers, climbers, remains central to the village and faces the square. In the burial and, especially in autumn when the heathers cloak them in ground – God’s Acre, men and women are laid to rest separately, colour, they have a charm and quality all of their own. a Moravian tradition still carried out to this day. Various buildings Newtowncrommelin, a small relatively untouched, agricultural of outstanding interest include communal houses for single sisters, village stands above the valley, on a cross roads with its inn brethren and widows. beside the main road. This is a lovely stretch of country, wild The influence of a Moravian education meant that in Ireland the and unfrequented and, towards Cushendall is dominated by the school in Gracehill was famous and pupils came from the highest 1,676 feet peak of Slievenorra. The Orra Scenic Route winds ranks of society. The Inn was built to provide accommodation for through the village towards Cushendun. parents conveying them to and from the boarding schools – The Boys’ Academy and the Girls’ Academy. Below this point is the winding course of Cargan Water that flows alongside the main road from Ballymena to Glenariff and Gracehill has featured in BBC’s Songs of Praise and, although beyond to Cushendall. Near the Borough’s north-east border the buildings of historic interest are now privately owned and village of Cargan lies deep in the valley. On the southern slopes therefore not open to the public, the Single Brethren’s House has of Slievenanee above Cargan village lies The Drum Woodland, featured on television programmes and opens each September as which has recently been planted with trees of native stock. A part of the European Heritage Open Day Scheme. path winding through the woodland has panoramic views of the glen and across to the Antrim hills and Glenariff Forest. Gracehill extends a warm welcome maintaining the Moravian Dungonnell Dam, located a few miles from the village is an ideal belief of equality to all, a principle that prevailed during the 1798 spot for angling with a plentiful supply of brown trout, as are Rebellion when insurgents and the forces of the Crown took refuge many of the local rivers. A walk is currently being constructed in the village. linking Dungonnell Dam with Glenariff Forest Park and opening up access to a 7-mile spectacular walking route around the glen. CLOUGH West from Cargan, and on the same road is Martinstown, a In the northern part of the Borough is the crossroads village (six growing village, and the smaller community of Rathkenny. A first roads meet here) of Clough, a surprisingly busy little place set on class community park containing a children's play park, high land between the winding Clough River and Glenravel. kickabout area, pond and local history feature has recently From its height of 600 feet above sea level, Clough has superb opened in Martinstown. A week-long summer festival runs in views out over the valleys and it is obvious why its strategic site Glenravel during the last full week in August. Action packed with led to the building of an early castle, ruins of which still stand events for all the family, highlights include a country fair, open air today. The River Maine flows near and is an excellent fishing ceili, mountain ramble and cross country challenge. stream at this point. At nearby Glarryford there is a quaint little thatched cottage which, with pointed windows, has all the At one period in its history, Glenravel was an important centre for appearance of a thatched chapel, but was in fact a shooting iron ore mining with the first commercial mines opening in 1866. lodge belonging to a nearby estate. A narrow gauge railway line from Ballymena was built to serve

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the iron ore mines. Although Cushendall was the original Mountain. The village is indeed the point from which to visit its destined terminus, the railway only reached as far as Parkmore. famous peak, the view from whose summit is superb. Slemish The iron was extremely difficult to work with the admixture of however, is noted for more than its view, for it was on its slopes other ores and the mines and works were eventually abandoned that St. Patrick, when a youth, tended herds. It was in the early and the railway, without its basic freight, was forced to close. years of the 5th century that a chief who had been raiding Both are now but a piece of history, but if you look closely as you overseas brought back a Christian boy named Patrick – most pass through Glenravel, it is still possible to see the scars of the probably from the Clyde Valley in Scotland. After tending herds on mining industry on the surrounding mountains. the slopes of Slemish, Patrick escaped but with a desire to convert his heathen captors to Christianity. He returned of his own accord Further information on local history, places of interest and wildlife and, through his preaching, rose to become the Apostle of Ireland. in the area can be found at Cargan Picnic Area, which is located During his life he studied in France under Martin of Tours and just before the village of Cargan along the main Ballymena – Germanus of Auxerre. There are now few reminders of St. Patrick Cushendall Road. but Slemish, the roof shaped mountain, is one of them. Its southern gable end rises high above the surrounding country and can be KELLS AND CONNOR seen from the hills around Belfast. At Broughshane village the River Braid is joined by the Quoile Water, a small and delightful tributary Standing on the stream known as Kells Water, this pleasant that has its sources near the Quoile reservoir which supplies village stands south of Ballymena on the Antrim Road. It is an Ballymena with water. The Braid itself is an ideal angling river and ancient place and there are the ruins of an early abbey – but one is well stocked with brown trout, pike, perch and salmon. not to be confused with the more famous Kells (of historic book fame), which is located in Southern Ireland. Just beyond Kells, MOORFIELDS lies its twin village of Connor, linked with it in history and the site of a fierce battle between the Scots army of Edward Bruce and This hamlet is situated on the Larne Road in the south-east Richard de Burgh, the Red Earl of Ulster’s troops in 1315. After corner of the Borough in proximity to the narrowing and receiving reinforcements, Bruce marched south and defeated beautiful valley of the Glenwhirry River, a valley that forms the Borough boundary for many miles. The hamlet is small and another large army led by Roger Mortimer on a site near Kells in attractive in its setting with the hills rising on either side of the Meath. Bruce, after more victories, was crowned King of Ireland valley to well over one thousand feet. The most noted hills are in 1316 at Dundalk. the Big Collin which rises to 1,163 feet and the Wee Collin, rather lower at 1,011 feet. To the north these hills rise steadily BROUGHSHANE to the Slemish Mountain the highest ‘peak’ of this group. To the east of Ballymena, the garden village of Ulster, Broughshane serves the Braid Valley with its quiet pastoral scenery. The village is very pleasant in aspect and has much interest. It was the ancestral home of Sir George White V.C. the hero of Ladysmith and to whom there is a memorial in the local village churchyard. Sir George was actually born in Portstewart but the White family lived at Broughshane for centuries.

Broughshane has modern amenities including playing fields and a much used community centre. Fully restored to its original state in the year 2000 to provide a facility for the local community, Houston’s Mill comprises two large meeting rooms, office accommodation and community office. To hire facilities at Houston’s Mill, telephone 028 2586 2777. A self-catering cottage, which sleeps up to five persons, is also available on site.

On either side of Broughshane and the Braid Valley rise the smoothly contoured hills that reach to 1,437 feet at Slemish

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www.ballymena.gov.uk

Northern Ireland Milk Cup 2012

From 21st to 26th July 2012, Ballymena Borough staged the Milk Cup Tournament for the 11th time, with this year marking the 30th anniversary of this prestigious tournament. Ballymena hosted a total of 23 matches, 15 at Ballymena Showgrounds and 8 in Broughshane and again this year Ballymena Showgrounds played host to all three finals. The Showgrounds Chile, Cruz Azul, Pachuca, Mexico and Denmark. Over the 5 proved a magnificent setting for the prestigious evening and a days, the 23 matches brought the average total number of crowd of 3,150 turned out to cheer on their favourite teams. spectators attending all matches at the Showgrounds and The honours in 2012 went to Brentford (Junior) who beat Broughshane to 7,500. The BBC continued to support the Everton 2-0, Mexico (Elite) who beat Denmark 3-0 and event by providing coverage throughout the week and full Desportivo Brazil (Premier) who beat Newcastle 3-0. coverage of the finals. The Broughshane community once again deserve recognition as they went out of their way to A number of teams stayed in the Ballymena Borough Council deliver a full programme of activities by offering entertainment area throughout the tournament, including Newcastle United, and hospitality prior to the matches.

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Mayor embraces busy diary…

Embracing his new position as Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ McAvoy undertook a full diary of engagements immediately upon taking up the post:

Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ McAvoy & Deputy Mayor Cllr Beth Adger with special guest Patricia Lewsley-Mooney NI Commissioner for Children and Young People and other guests/dignitaries at the launch of the Ballykeel Street Art Project Photograph supplied courtesy of Ballymena TIMES newspaper.

Mayor Welcomes NI Children’s & Young People Commissioner to Ballykeel!

In June 2012 the Mayor welcomed Patricia Lewsley-Mooney, sending out a strong message that Ballykeel is an inclusive Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, community where everyone is respected, valued and welcome. to the Ballykeel Youth Centre at the official launch of the Ballykeel Street Art Project which involved over 80 young The Mayor went on to thank project funders including Council’s people from the area. Good Relations Unit, NI Housing Executive, PSNI and Community Relations Council and concluded by saying Thanking and congratulating the young people and community “Projects like this are significant and recognised by Council. leaders for their commitment, work and enthusiasm, the Mayor Our Good Relations Vision is that Ballymena is seen as A acknowledged that it was inspiring to see communities working Shared Space – A Neighbourly place!” in partnership on projects with a shared vision such as this and

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www.ballymena.gov.uk

Mayor welcomes ‘Elvis’ to Shared Future Concert!

llr Beth Adger Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ McAvoy with Deputy Mayor C Members and and ‘Elvis’ aka CC Houlihan. Also included are Messines Group Council (from event organisers from Harryville, Dunclug & Ballymena Borough ise Reynolds. back left), Denver McMeekin, Colum Best, Jackie Patton and Den r. Photograph supplied courtesy of Ballymena Guardian newspape

Also in June 2012 the Mayor officially welcomed ‘Elvis’ aka Messines Group members participated in a Peace III CC Houlihan to the ‘Shared Future’ Concert at The Braid, Programme in 2010, facilitated through the International School Ballymena Town Hall, Museum and Arts Centre. for Peace Studies, which included a visit to the battle fields and cemeteries in Messines Belgium, and learned first hand about This concert was organised by Dunclug Partnership in the vast number of soldiers – catholic and protestant – who conjunction with a cross community group of representatives fought and died together during the First World War. from throughout the borough known as the Messines Group Ballymena and includes members from Dunclug, Harryville, Speaking at the event, Mayor McAvoy reiterated that through Ballykeel, Broughshane, Ballymena Town Centre and Ballymena its Good Relations Unit, Ballymena Borough Council continued Borough Council. to work in partnership with others to promote Good Relations in the Borough.

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Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ McAvoy with organisers and representatives of Ballymena Friendship Club at the celebration of The Club’s 1st Anniversary. Photograph is supplied courtesy of Ballymena Times newspaper. Mayor celebrates 1st Anniversary of Ballymena Friendship Club

During the summer of 2012, Mayor of Ballymena, Alderman PJ The work of this club is significant and recognised by Council McAvoy joined members of the Ballymena Friendship Club at under its Good Relations Strategy, whose Good Relations the Braid Café in The Braid, Ballymena Town Hall, Museum themes are to “Create a Climate for Change” and “Promote and Arts Centre, to celebrate the club’s 1st anniversary! Provision of Shared Space” for all citizens in Ballymena, so that everyone who lives, works, socialises or visits Ballymena feels Ballymena Friendship Club has been developed as a meeting welcome, safe and respected!” place open to individuals from all communities throughout the borough and provides a forum for facilitated dialogue, For more information about Ballymena Friendship Club, please discussion and interaction in an informal, safe and shared contact Ballymena Inter Ethnic Forum on (028) 2564 3605 or cultural space. email [email protected].

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