Northern Ireland Community Builders

Christmas Drink

2010-11-11T16:36:00.001Z

Hey Guys

Anyone fancy getting together for a drink? A few of us from across the years are meeting up in the Northern Whig on Wednesday 1st December from around 5pm.

If you're up for it why not drop in for a swift one (or two). You can stay a while and chat or just drift on. It'd be good to meet as many as can make it.

I don't know how many of the e-mail addresses are correct anymore so if you are in touch with any one else from any of the years please pass this on.

I hope to see you there

Get Well Soon

2008-07-28T14:02:00.003Z

Your thoughts and prayers are asked for the recovery of one of our 2007 graduates, Billy Johnston. Billy has had a heart attack and was submitted to the RVH. He is currently in ward 5D of the cardiac intensive care unit. Billy was on placement with the New York Parks department in 2007. He is currently placed with BCC as a liasion between PSNI and the council.

We wish him a speedy recovery. Cards only, can be sent to the ward, no flowers are allowed.

"Practical Future of the NICBP".

2008-04-23T15:35:00.002Z

NICB Conference
May 15th, 9.30am – 2.00pm

"Practical Future of the NICBP".

You are invited to attend the Northern Ireland Community Builders’ Conference called the Practical Future of the NICBP, has been organised for the 15th May 2008 at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast. The conference will open with registration at 9.30am and will begin at 9.45am

The conference sessions will finalise the structures of our Networking Groups and will be followed by a celebratory lunch and slideshow of pictures from over the last seven years.

Please forward any pictures you might have to clannardassociates@gmail.com

Conference itinerary;

9.30am Registration and refreshments

10.00am Welcome and Introductions (Frank Costello) Strategic future of NICBP - policy and financial developments - (Board advisors)

11.00am Networks - brief discussion on their structure and practical needs. Critical mass that requires self - governance. Website maintenance-central point of info dissemination (Phil and Kerry)

12 noon Speaker; Sir George Quigley & Celebratory lunch - toasting to success! Slide show of images over the 7 years

Please RSVP to mailto:u.monaghan@qub.ac.uk

Pre-Departure Meeting

2008-03-02T22:07:00.009Z

Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme2008 Programme

Pre-Departure Meeting
Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast
March 18th 2008

Congratulations to all the 2008 candidates. You should all have received your notification by now of your success.

A pre-departure meeting has been arranged for ALL 2008 candidates to be held in the Wellington Park Hotel on March 18th 2008.

The meeting will begin at 9.00am sharp. Candidates are asked to ensure that they bring with them all relevant information and documentation, including photographs if necessary.

The meeting will close with Lunch at approximately 1.00pm. It will be followed by the Northern Ireland Community Builders’ Spring Conference. All new candidates are asked to attend the conference also.

Spring Conference 2008

2008-03-02T22:07:00.004Z

Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme
Spring Conference - March 18th – 19th 2008
Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast

The Northern Ireland Community Builders’ Spring conference has been planned for the 18th – 19th March 2008 at the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast. The conference will begin with registration at 2.00pm and will follow on directly after the scheduled pre-departure session for 2008 Programme candidates.

The conference will convene structured sessions on Programme Networking followed by a working dinner to be addressed by a prominent speaker, followed by an informal social event. Dr Tom Ference of Colombia University NY will then address the conference on Wednesday 19th March on Organisational, Personal and Strategic Management. The conference will close after lunch at approx 2.30pm.

Shared accommodation has been arranged for those travelling from out of town. Contact Fergal at the latest by end of business on Thursday 13th March at clannardassociates@gmail.com to book a room. Strictly no bookings after this date.

NICB 2008 Programme Recruitment

2008-01-11T15:42:00.000Z

Northern Ireland Community
Builders Programme 2008©

The Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme, designed by Frank Costello Associates, is aimed specially at community workers in locally based community organizations working on the ground building peace and stability in their communities in Northern Ireland. Recruiting is now under way for the April 10 to May 10 2008 external Programme in New York and all related components.
The programme will involve community workers and other partners including the Police Service of Northern Ireland, the Probation Board of NI, and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. It is designed to provide a stimulating learning experience that combines both a period of specialised study at Columbia University and hands on practice in a relevant placement in New York City. This tailor made learning programme will allow for practical exposure to issues at the
centre of civil society – i.e. community development and community relations, gender and ethnic diversity and intersectoral co-operation through practical partnership working, with a view to building a greater understanding of the role that each has to play in building a more peaceful society.
Applicants to the Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme must be able to demonstrate:
• How they can make a difference to building the learning capacity of their community
• That they are in fact an active community worker at grass roots in a community organization and have the demonstrated support of a line manager to participate in the programme.
• How they can follow through in a meaningful way upon their return to Northern Ireland
• A commitment to fully engage in a long term process with previous participants
• The commitment of their respective organisation to support their participation on the programme in the long-term and to engage in a subsequent body of work

For a full information package and application form please contact by telephone or email: Stafford Reynolds for Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme
Telephone 07802-940407
Email: nicbprogramme@yahoo.com

or click here NICB APPLICATION PACK

Application deadline is 3pm Thursday 24 January 2008.

The success of this programme depends on the diversity of the participants and so applications are invited from all sections of the community, including women and members of ethnic
minority communities. Applications are particularly encouraged from those working in interface areas at ground level. A number of Belfast based places on this programme will be supported by the Peace II funding via Belfast Local Strategy Partnership in partnership with Queens University Belfast. This project is part financed by the European Union through the Peace 11 Programme implemented by the Belfast Local Strategy Partnership.

In Sympathy

2008-01-07T12:24:00.001Z

It is with great regret that I inform you of the death of another of our fellow graduates and friend, John Stevenson. Our sympathies go out to his family circle in their time of grief. May he Rest In Peace.

John was a member of the 2004 NICB graduates. He was taken into hospital on Thursday 3rd January 2008 suffering from headaches. In the space of a few hours he was in intensive care and died later that night (4th Jan 2008) from a brain tumor. A funeral mass has been arranged for 7.30pm on Tuesday 8th January at St Patrick's Church, Portaferry. His remains will be brought to Roselawn crematorium on Wednesday at 10am.

May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, rest in peace, Amen.

Happy New Year

2008-01-07T12:24:00.000Z

THE NORTHERN IRELAND COMMUNITY BUILDERS'

WISH YOU

A HAPPY NEW YEAR

2008

TO YOU ALL

Christmas 07 Invite

2007-12-11T20:45:00.000Z

Seasons Greetings
Hi Everyone
Happy Christmas to you all.!!

In the spirit of Christmas I had thought it would be a good idea for us to meet up for a coffee, or your preferred beverage. We suggest the Northern Whig corner of Bridge St, Belfast for a get-together on Thursday the 13th December commencing at 4pm. Car-Parking is available at the nearby 'High-Park' in High Street. The Whig is a nice bar/restaurant for those that might want to have something to eat too. This is an informal gathering, a chance to meet up before Christmas for a bit of craic and festive cheer. Everyone is invited.

I hope to see many of you there

Frank Costello

A Walk on the Mild Side (A Christmas Story)

2007-12-04T20:16:00.000Z

Rain stopped play on the annual NICB walk again this year with another poor turnout due to the bad weather. With only two of us turning out for the planned walk and amid driving rain and freezing temperatures a quick route change seemed to be the smartest course of action. So with only a short hesitation to sample the delights of the Christmas market in the grounds of the City Hall our two (un)-wise men set off in search of the crib of the John Hewitt. Alas like the travellers of Christmas past they could find no room at the Inn (it was closed). They tried another nearby establishment (The Duke of York) and were again disappointed. Following the signs left by travellers past they headed into the West but found no maddening crowd at Maddens either and sought strength in the Hercules where they at last basked in the golden glow of the dark liquid ... and a warm open fire. Their quest was met, a walk in the city was had, ale was drunk and stories told (alas all heard before), a Christmas tale had been unfurled. Then off to a nearby taxi-stand and a different story at home to be sold.

2008 Recruitment

2007-11-12T22:05:00.001Z

The Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme
(designed by Frank Costello Associates)

Will be recruiting from January 7th
for the 2008 Programme

The Programme will include an external component in New York from
April 10th to May 10th, 2008.

We are asking all past graduates for help in next year's recruitment by ensuring this information is visible andavailable to as many potential applicants as possible.For a full information package and application form

on or after January 7th 2008 ONLY

please contact by telephone or email:
Stafford Reynolds (for Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme)

Telephone 07802-940407

Email: nicbprogramme@btinternet.comor

or go to www.northernirelandcommunitybuilders.com

2007-11-12T22:05:00.000Z

Northern Ireland Community

Builders' Programme

2nd Annual Conference
'The Role of the Northern Ireland Community Builders' Network in Building a Shared Future'

The conference time-table is;

Thursday 9am – 5pm, with Lunch at 12.15pm and Dinner at 7pmFriday 9am – 1.30pm with Lunch at 12noon.
Please RSVP to; info@northernirelandcommunitybuilders.com

A Walk on the Mild Side

2007-11-12T11:22:00.000Z

Following the poor turn-out for our last walk it was decided to take our next one on more level ground. To that end I would like to invite all NICB Alumni, Board members, Family and Friends to A Walk on the Mild Side at 1pm on Sunday 2nd December 2007. The whole walk is on pavement and tarmac and is accessible for wheelchair users and parents with buggies. This is a city centre route beginning at City Hall and ending a short distance away from there at Writers Square in Donegall Street before retiring to the John Hewitt pub for refreshments. It is approximately 1.5 miles long and should last about 1hr 30 mins. The walk will be punctuated with a scripted commentary on local landmarks, trade tripe, historical titbits, political prattle and general backstreet gossip. Feel free to add to the yarns as you wish, its all about the craic.
Interested? Meet at the City Hall at 1pm on Sunday 2nd December 2007.
Telephone DaBig-Guy on 07716716647 or email DaBig-Guy for more info.

In Sympathy

2007-10-02T19:45:00.002Z

It is with great regret that I inform you of the death of our fellow graduate and friend, Gary King. Our sympathies go to his wife Sandra, his children and family in this time of grief. May he rest in Peace.

The following notice was placed in the Belfast Telegraph on the 2nd October 2007;

King, Gary, John. - September 30, 2007, (peacefully), at the Erne Hospital, Enniskillen .... beloved husband of Sandra, dearly-loved father of Gareth and Sarah, dear son of Audrey and the late Jack, and the much loved brother of Karl and Tara. Removal from the family home today (Tuesday) at 6.00pm to Enniskillen Presbyterian Church. Funeral tomorrow (Wednesday), at 1.30pm followed by burial in Cross Cemetery. House private please. Family flowers only. Donations in lieu if desired, to Cancer Research N.Ireland, payable to W.T. Morrison, Funeral Directors, 41 Darling Street, Enniskillen. BT4 7DP. Lovingly remembered by his family circle and his many friends.

"Trust in the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding."Proverbs Ch3 v5

Anyone wishing to express their condolences can do so by clicking the comments link below.

2007-09-26T14:17:00.000Z

Northern Ireland Community Builders' Programme
2nd Annual Conference

'The Role of the Northern Ireland Community Builders' Network in Building a Shared Future'

This year's conference will be held in the Wellington Park Hotel on Thursday 15th November to Friday 16th November. This is the 6th year of the programme and its second conference. It is important that as many as possible of the past graduates attend as we will be examining participant's potential role in a shared future in Northern Ireland. The conference will be addressed by Dr Bill Eimicke of Colombia University, New York.
The conference will include provision for shared overnight accommodation of 30 double occupancy rooms for those that intend to stay over. Please RSVP by October 25th 2007 to confirm your attendance and book your room. Please state if you have arranged to share a room with another graduate.
The conference time-table is;
Thursday 9am – 5pm, with Lunch at 12.15pm and Dinner at 7pm
Friday 9am – 1.30pm with Lunch at 12noon.

Please RSVP to;
nicbprogramme@btinternet.com or info@northernirelandcommunitybuilders.com

CONGRATULATIONS

2007-05-26T02:20:00.000Z

Congratulations to all of the new Northern Ireland Community Builders 2007. You should have all received notification of your success by now. An induction meeting has been arranged in the Wellington Park Hotel in Belfast on Monday 25th June, 9.30am to 2pm. Past graduates are also invited to attend. please contact Northern Ireland Community Builders or DaBig-Guy to confirm your attendance.

North Belfast NICB Steering Group

2007-05-21T22:01:00.000Z

A meeting has been planned to resurrect the North Belfast NICB Steering Group. Details have been e-mailed out to past graduates with an interest in this area. However if you would like to attend and require the details please e-mail me by clicking here, DaBig-Guy.

The agenda for the meeting is;

A review of the group's past successes.
An update on the ESCAPE Project.
Updates on other work being carried out
Discussion on whether the group will attempt a number of small projects or one large project.
Potential funding for projects

In Sympathy

2007-05-20T21:09:00.000Z

Our sympathies go to Frank and the Costello family on the death of their Mother. May She Rest in Peace.

The following notice was posted in the Boston Herald. Those wishing to post condolences can visit
http://www.legacy.com/BostonGlobe/GB/GuestbookView.aspx?PersonId=88083521 or post a comment on here.

Costello, Kathleen

Wednesday, May 16, 2007

Kathleen (Nee-Perrill) of South Boston, Native of County Galway, Ireland, May 15, 2007. Beloved wife of the late Francis J. Costello. Devoted mother of Francis Costello of Belfast and Thomas Costello of NY. Also lovingly survived by her 8 grandchildren. Family and friends are invited to attend visiting hours at the Casper Funeral Home, 187 Dorchester Street, SOUTH BOSTON, Thursday 2:00-4:00 & 7:00-9:00 P.M., followed by a Funeral Mass in St. Brigid's Church, Friday at 10:00 A.M. Interment Blue Hill Cemetery, Neponset. For information and directions www.casperfuneralhome.com

Black Mountain Walk, More Pics

2007-05-07T16:29:00.001Z

Roisin, Pete & Fergal

Roisin, Dermot and Pete

(Click on Pics for better view)

NI Community Builders Reach New Heights

2007-05-07T16:29:00.000Z

Despite desperate weather conditions a few NICB graduates braved the elements on Sunday and rose to the challenge of the 'ascent' on Black Mountain. Led by National Trust warden, Dermot McCann, the group availed of his wealth of knowledge on the history, terrain and bio-diversity of one of the diamonds (albeit rough) of the National Trust's Northern Irish treasures. The day started under a squall of rain but as clouds dispersed, soon brightened up, although the wind was unrelenting. We visited the remains of ancient settlements and learned about modern methods such GPS Satellite Tracking systems that are being used to uncover the secrets of bronze-age living conditions and burial sites. We saw the wonders of reptile reproduction as thousands of frogspawn scurried around in little pools and evidenced their future fate through the remains of little bones left by hungry birds after they had snatched whole frogs and eaten them on top of nearby tree stumps. We watched the Mourne mountains emerge from behind a dull misty skyline until the peaks and slopes were clearly visible to the naked eye. Dermot led us across the 'plastic road' laid over the blanket bog and explained that it had just recently been re-positioned by volunteers from the PSNI training college. He showed us the dangerous bog at the edge of the road by easily pushing a four foot walking stick into the mud like a hot knife through butter. Dermot pointed out the looming Divis Mountain with its now unmanned military communications post and told us of the fantastic views that can be see from its peak, right into Co. Donegal. Passing the 300 foot plus 'BBC' aerial we trekked on toward the peak of Black Mountain and were rewarded with an awesome panoramic view across Belfast City out toward the Ards penninsular and out into the Irish sea. We could make out many, many well known landmarks and were surprised to see that the city looked so small from up there. We wondered at the fact, and as to how, such a small city had held world news headlines for so many years. As we stood at the viewing platform overlooking five of the counties of Northern Ireland, as representatives from the NI Probation Board, Police and Community, the irony was not lost on us.

After a short break for tea, drinks and even sandwiches we made our 'descent' as Dermot enthralled us with even more historic and environmental snippets and with the sun now shining on us. All in all it was a great day out. Another walk has been suggested, this time along the tow-path and back into Belfast (ending at the John Hewitt). This has yet to be arranged. Details will be posted here for those interested. Many thanks to Dermot for his guided tour and congratulations to those that participated. Well Done!!

NICB 2007 Recruitment

2007-03-27T17:49:00.000Z

The Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme,

designed by Frank Costello Associates

Recruiting is now under way for 2007 programme
Which will include an external component in New York from

September 13th to October 13th, 2007.

We are asking all past graduates to help in this year's recruitment by ensuring this information is visible and
available to as many potential applicants as possible.

For a full information package and application form please contact by telephone or email:
Stafford Reynolds (for Northern Ireland Community Builders Programme)
Telephone 07802-940407
Email: nicbprogramme@btinternet.com
or
go to www.northernirelandcommunitybuilders.com

Deadline 3pm Thursday April 19, 2007 (Post mark or delivery)

The success of this programme depends on the diversity of the participants and so applications are invited from all sections of the community, including women and members of ethnic minorities. Applications are particularly encouraged from those living or working in interface areas. A number of Belfast based places on this programme will be supported by the Peace II funding via Belfast Local Strategy Partnership, in cooperation with Queens University's Urban Institute.

NICB Team Building Event

2007-03-21T13:44:00.000Z

A guided walk has been arranged for NICB Alumni, Board and friends, to be held on the 6th May 2007 starting at 12pm from the National Trust’s offices on Divis Road, Belfast. Weather permitting; the walk will afford participants the opportunity to view spectacular panoramic views of Belfast, the Ards peninsular, sight of five of the counties of Northern Ireland, the shores of the Isle of Wight and the English coastline. The terrain is dry and classed as a ‘moderate walk’. Participants are advised to bring warm clothes and adequate footwear. Bring a flask (your choice) and enjoy the stunning views from Black Mountain.
For information on the walk and the property at Divis and Black Mountain click this link Divis & Black Mountain . It is intended to follow this up with a quick drink in 'The Crown Bar' in Belfast. As seats can be reserved would anyone intending to go please e-mail me or leave a comment, to get an idea of numbers. Hope to see you all there. (PS Click on pic to get a better view)

2007-03-20T13:18:00.001Z