Author: MIL OSI Publisher

Source: City of Portsmouth

Cllr Horton, Cabinet Member for Children, Families and Education, said: “Demographic data is not taken into consideration when determining what makes a good foster carer. There are a lot of misconceptions around the eligibility criteria for fostering, so I encourage you to learn more about the requirements before talking yourself out of applying. You can become a foster carer no matter your age, gender, relationship status, work status or sexual orientation.

“Sadly, there are a lot of you who would make wonderful foster parents in the future but are deterred by the numerous myths and misconceptions you’ve heard or don’t recognise that you have the abilities, experience, and character to positively impact multiple lives.

“We encourage people with the following qualities to step up and foster: a calm demeanour; the capacity to control one’s emotions; communication skills; a great deal of love, patience, and resilience; and the ability to handle disagreements. If this sounds like you, please come forward and apply to foster. There are many children in Portsmouth that require a safe and loving home.”

The top three myths surrounding who can foster are:  

• Myth #1: Single people can’t foster
  • You can be married, single, living together, in a civil partnership or divorced to foster.
• Myth #2: You need children of your own to be able to foster
  • Whilst experience of raising children into adulthood is valuable, it’s not necessary to become a foster carer.
• Myth #3: You must be a certain age to foster
  • You can apply to be a foster carer from the age of 21, we welcome applicants of all ages.

Emma and Chris, foster carers in Portsmouth, became foster carers at a young age. Emma says: “My husband and I were approved 13 years ago when we were 23 and 25 years old. Some of the first young people we cared for were teenagers who were going through difficult times in their lives and were finding it difficult to open up.

Being younger helped us relate to them a little better and make a connection quickly through similar interests, such as the type of music they listened to or films they’d recently seen as we were interested ourselves.”

Visit Foster Portsmouth to learn more about other fostering myths.

Source: City of York

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Alley Theatre hosts tribute evening for local artist Eddie O’Kane

11 October 2023

The Alley Threatre has hosted an evening of song, stories and interviews in memory of the renound local artist Eddie O’Kane.

Mr O’Kane, who passed away last year, cultivated a lifelong interest in the social, historical, and literary past of Strabane and neighbouring Lifford.

The event coincides with an exhibition in the gallery curated by his son, David O’Kane and included contributions from Eddie’s children, grandchildren, relations, friends and collaborators.

Alley Theatre Manager Louise Boyce described the event as a fitting tribute.

“We are delighted to have facilitated the celebration of Eddie O Kane and his contribution to arts, culture and heritage here in Strabane

“Eddie, working alongside the Strabane History Society, was instrumental in the planning of the Flann O’Brien product that is under development for the Strabane Visitor Information Centre for 2024.

“It was a very fitting tribute and recognition organised by his daughter Marianne and son David.”

Eddie’s daughter Marianne said she appreciated the chance to sing some of her father’s favourite songs at the event: “We are grateful to Louise and all the staff at the Alley for the opportunity to celebrate the life and work of my father at the tribute evening on 5th October.

“It was wonderful to have films made by Eamon and David, short talks by Helen Meehan, Bridgeen Rutherford, Maurice McGrath and Margaret Simms with live music by Cathal Gallagher.

“I also loved singing some of Daddy’s favourite songs with Amy and Bronwen.

“It has been a journey for us as a family to deal with our loss but the evening demonstrated the support of our friends, relations, neighbours and Eddie’s colleagues from Donegal Historical Society, the Federation for Ulster Local Studies, Strabane Historical Society and ATU Donegal.”

Eddie O’Kane served as president of the Donegal Historical Society (1999-2001) and on the Executive for many years.

He was passionately involved in history, art and education and promoted the Schools’ Essay Competition and represented the Donegal Historical Society on the Federation of Ulster Local Studies, where he served as Vice-Chairman from 2002 -2004 Chairman from 2004 -2005.

Actively involved in the Donegal Archaeological Survey Group, he helped saved Lifford Courthouse from demolition and was a committee member for the updated publication of the Donegal Book of Honour for which he was treasurer from 2001 -2006.

He lectured at LYIT (now ATU Donegal) from 1975-2009 and his teaching in fine art, computing and multimedia was inspirational for several generations of students.

Eddie also conducted several surveys of Historical Heritage Assets for Northern Ireland Environment Link along with his daughter Marianne.

He conducted extensive research on Cavanacor House where along with his wife Joanna he established a museum and gallery which was open from 1990-2020.

The exhibition in the Alley curated by Eddie’s son David continues until Friday October 20^th.

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth City Council want to hear your views on whether Canal Walk should remain permanently closed to motor vehicles.

This follows on from the successful consultation held in June 2021 when feedback from the public prompted the decision to put the existing temporary vehicle free zone in place.

Since then, walking and cycling in and around this area connecting Fratton to the city centre has been further complemented through the improvements to walking and cycling under the South East Hampshire Rapid Transit (SEHRT) scheme.

This proposal is an important part of Portsmouth’s Transport Strategy, which aims to encourage more people to walk, cycle and use public transport to make Portsmouth cleaner, greener and better connected.

Whether you live in the area or travel through, have your say and help shape this space to work for everyone.

The survey should only take you around five minutes to complete.

Click here to complete the survey 

The survey closes at midnight on Sunday 22 October.

Source: City of Portsmouth

The city of Portsmouth is gearing up for an electrifying change of scenery as its beloved annual fireworks tradition moves to new locations. This year, the event will find its exciting new home in both Alexandra Park and Southsea Common on Wednesday, November 1st. The relocation is necessitated by the construction of a new football hub at King George V Playing Fields, the traditional venue for this cherished event.

On Wednesday 1 November, both Alexandra Park and Southsea Common will serve as the canvas for a breath taking fireworks extravaganza. Festivities will kick off at 5pm, providing ample time for families and friends to converge, soak in the atmosphere, and celebrate together.

To tantalise taste buds, a variety of hot food and refreshments will be available for all attendees. Wave 105 radio will be on-site, adding an extra layer of entertainment and engagement, ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. In the interest of safety, attendees are kindly requested not to bring their own fireworks or sparklers to the event.

Prepare for fun musical entertainment at both locations. Southsea Common will come alive with an ultimate live disco experience brought to you by ‘Lee and the Freaks,’ complemented by ‘South Coast Ghosts,’ a dynamic collective of rappers, singers, musicians, and producers. Meanwhile, Alexandra Park will host ’19 Forever,’ offering a nostalgic playlist of the best Brit Pop and Indie hits, along with the rockin’ sounds of ‘The Straights,’ a Fareham-based rock band.

With the event’s change of location, careful planning for your journey is advised. Given the expected high levels of attendance, attendees are encouraged to plan their journey and allow extra time. Consider taking the bus, renting an e-scooter, cycling, or simply walking to the event site for a hassle-free experience. The Portsmouth Park and Ride facility offers a convenient 10-minute walk to Mountbatten.

Cllr Steve Pitt, Leader of Portsmouth City Council, with portfolio responsibility for Culture, Leisure & Economic Development, said:

“Our annual firework event is cherished by the people of Portsmouth, and this year, we’re thrilled to bring it to both the north and south of the city. This move is a result of the construction work at King George V playing fields, and we’re eager to explore whether this can become a new tradition for the city. As always, we’ll have spectacular fireworks, great entertainment, live music, and delectable food and refreshments for everyone to enjoy.”

Pains Fireworks, a long-standing supplier of spectacular displays, will continue to dazzle the audience with their breath taking pyrotechnics.

Stay updated on event details and any further announcements on the visitportsmouth website.

Source: City of Portsmouth

Portsmouth is set to welcome the south’s leading running event, the Great South Run to the city on the 14 and 15 October. Portsmouth’s residents and visitors are being encouraged to plan their journey and consider alternative ways to travel to make the most of the weekend and avoid disruption.

The popular run attracts 25,000 runners to Portsmouth, and the 10-mile route journeys from Clarence Esplanade through Old Portsmouth and the Historic Dockyard, returning to Southsea via Canoe Lake.

Those travelling to the event are encouraged to use the Park & Ride PR3 bus, which will be running a shuttle service to and from Clarence Pier before and after the run. During the run, on Saturday the bus will go to Pembroke Road and on Sunday it will go to the city centre. One ticket is needed per parked vehicle, allowing up to five passengers shuttle bus access all day for £4. For timetable information visit https://parkandride.portsmouth.gov.uk/news.shtml.

Marshalls will be assisting in diverting traffic at the road closure points. If you are using the bus services over the weekend, please note there will be significant diversions which may affect your journey. Please visit First Bus or Stagecoach respectively for service updates.

Cllr Gerald Vernon Jackson, Cabinet Member for Traffic and Transportation, said:

“The Great South Run is a fabulous event, and always means a busy weekend in Portsmouth. We are looking forward to welcoming runners and spectators to our seaside city and are asking people to consider alternative ways of travelling including making the most of the Portsmouth Park and Ride, and walking, cycling or renting an e-scooter where possible.”

Anyone looking to travel in the city can take advantage of these top tips for an easier journey:

• Use a Voi rental e-scooter (over 18s only), – visit voi.com
• Rent a Beryl electric or push bike (over 16s only) – visit beryl.cc
• Catch a first or stagecoach bus
• Hovertravel is also an option, operating every 30 minutes throughout the day between Ryde and Southsea.
• Consider the Portsmouth Park and Ride, which is found at junction 1 on the M275
• Take a train where you can – be sure to check with operators for the latest timetables

For general information about visiting Portsmouth visit visitportsmouth.co.uk. For more information about the Great South Run, visit greatrun.org/events/great-south-run. For live Portsmouth travel updates, follow Twitter @portsmouthroads.

Source: London Assembly

• A family of 5 beavers have been released back into west London for the first time in 400 years.
• The project is part of the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund to help local authorities, civil society organisations and community groups create new green spaces & encourage wildlife. 
• Mayor has committed a further £710,000 to his Rewild London fund to support new rewilding projects in the capital and applications are now open
• The recent ‘State of Nature’ report classified the UK as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries. 

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, today joined, project partners Ealing Wildlife Group, Citizen Zoo, Ealing Council, Friends of Horsenden Hill and Groundwork London to release a family of 5 beavers into the wild at Paradise Fields in Ealing – the first beavers to be seen in west London for 400 years.

By reintroducing beavers to the site, the project, which is supported by the Mayor’s Rewild London Fund and Amazon’s Right Now Climate Fund, aims to transform the area into a flourishing wetland, help combat the impact of the climate crisis and create an improved ecosystem for plant and animal life.

Beavers were hunted to extinction in England around 400 years ago but are now being reintroduced across the country, including last year in Enfield. This is part of a wider trend of reintroductions across England in recent years, with beaver colonies now established in Kent, Cornwall, Devon, Derbyshire and Oxfordshire.  Beavers are vital to helping other species to thrive, as they build dams, dig canals and create dead wood, creating and maintaining a habitat for other life to flourish such water voles, dragonflies, amphibians, birds, reptiles and fish.

Project partners will study the beavers in their new environment and monitor the effects on water and flood levels and increased biodiversity in the area.

To date, the Mayor’s Rewild London fund, delivered in partnership with London Wildlife Trust has provided £2.3 million to projects across the capital and has helped to create or restore around 350 hectares of wildlife habitat – the equivalent of nearly 310 football pitches – bringing nature back into the city for all to enjoy. The latest round of Rewild London funding of £710,000 is now open for bids from community groups, boroughs and charities for schemes that will increase biodiversity and create more habitats for wildlife and plants to thrive in, making the city more resilient to the impacts climate change. 

A new interactive map London is Wild and Free  is now available for Londoners to find out more about the improved spaces in the capital. It’s part of the Mayor’s ‘Green, Wild & Free’ campaign to encourage more Londoners to connect with nature and environmentally focused activities, making nature more accessible to all.

The Mayor believes that the need for rewilding has never been greater: the UK is in the bottom 10 per cent of countries in terms of remaining native biodiversity, and the recent ‘State of Nature’ report classified the UK as one of the world’s most nature-depleted countries – with these national declines projected to worsen*. Sadiq is committed to ensuring London leads the way in tackling the climate and biodiversity crisis by taking action to halt and reverse declines in local areas and support rewilding across the capital. 

Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “I am delighted to welcome back beavers to West London for the first time in 400 years, with the support of my Rewild London Fund. We are facing climate and ecological emergencies worldwide, but we have the power to make a difference, and I am committed to ensuring that London is at the forefront of reversing the trends of declining biodiversity and the destruction of nature. 

“I’m proud that we are turning London into a wildlife haven, as well as making the city more resilient to the effects of climate change, as we work to clean up our city, re-establish lost species and reconnect people and nature, building a greener, fairer city for all Londoners. I encourage groups to apply to the fund now.” 

David Mooney, CEO at London Wildlife Trust, said: “London Wildlife Trust is proud to be supporting this wonderful project to bring beavers back to Ealing. The reintroduction of this keystone species, absent in Ealing for centuries, really is going to help make London one step wilder. In the face of a climate and ecological emergency it is partnerships like this one that will give hope for nature’s recovery. At the same it will help us all recover our lost connection with the natural world.”

Actor and WWF Ambassador Miranda Richardson said “Who knew this was happening in West London? I am thrilled to have had a close encounter with beavers today – nature’s extraordinary environmental engineers – in a setting so close to my home in central London. And I am excited to learn more about this project, which furthers our understanding of how we can live together with nature.”

Dr Sean McCormack, vet and Chair of Ealing Wildlife Group commented: “It’s unbelievably exciting that after a lot of hard work and volunteer effort to make this happen, we’re welcoming beavers back to Ealing. We’re excited to show they can have benefits in the urban landscape, not only for wildlife but for people too. Their activities here over the coming years should provide some serious nature based solutions to urban problems such as flooding. We’re also excited to see the wildlife that shows up on site and the effects that having nature on your doorstep can have for urban communities.” 

Elliot Newton, cofounder of Citizen Zoo, said: “We are incredibly proud to be part of this pioneering project, which will help to challenge perceptions about what is possible in urban settings. Beavers can be found in urban environments across Europe and North America, and here we will help to demonstrate how we can embrace nature-rich and functional landscapes even in built-up landscapes such as Ealing”.

Beaver Trust spokesperson, Eva Bishop, said: “It’s an important move in the species’ restoration; “Projects like these offer an ideal opportunity to relocate beavers and continue to stabilise populations while we await a national policy framework for wild releases. It’s incredibly rewarding to see community-driven action to reconnect more people with nature and welcome beavers back into this urban landscape.

The Ealing Beaver Project will offer a blueprint for other community restoration projects driven by passionate people looking to build local landscape resilience. Beaver Trust is looking forward to working with the team here to facilitate education on beavers and the importance of giving nature more space, and to help build better understanding of this dynamic ecosystem engineer.”

Zak Watts, Director of Europe Sustainability, Amazon, said: “Bringing nature back to the communities where we live and work is a core purpose of our Right Now Climate Fund. Reintroducing a family of beavers to the capital will not only help Londoners discover and reconnect with nature, but also help improve our city’s biodiversity challenge.”

Martin Petry, Grants Manager at Groundwork London said: “This event shows the power of combining community projects with public sector funding to support species and habitats in London. In addition to beavers, other projects have restored wetland grazing marsh,  harvest mice and water voles to name just a few! The Rewild London fund has enabled community focused biodiversity projects throughout the capital over the past two years, and we are really excited to see more innovative and vital projects through the third round.”

Ends 

Source: London Assembly

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Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

Councillors approve Derry and Strabane’s Christmas events programming for 2023

11 October 2023

Christmas Processions to turn on the lights in Derry and Strabane on the final weekend of November are among the highlights of a comprehensive festive programme approved by members of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Business and Culture Committee this week.

The schedule begins on the weekend of Friday November 17^th with the Guildhall Craft Fair and will continue through the month of December with key events including the Mayor’s Christmas programming and Tea Dances in Derry and Strabane.

The Christmas Procession events will take place in Derry on Friday November 24^th and Strabane on Friday November 25^th.

Members attending the monthly meeting of the Committee in Council’s Derry Road offices in Strabane heard that the programming aims to enhance the visitor and shopper experience and complement the existing calendar of events at this time of year.

A mix of quality programming and a strong marketing campaign aims to maximise the economic opportunities during this period and will focus on the theme of shopping, gifting and supporting local.

The Procession format for the lights switch-ons originated in 2021 as a safer way for crowds to gather during the Covid pandemic, however Council’s Head of Culture, Aeidin McCarter, said that they have been retained following a positive response from the public.

“In the last two years the format of the Christmas light switch on has changed to multiple streets across a wider area of the city and town centres,” she explained. “Santa and his festive companions travelled through the streets in procession with the Christmas lights switching on in their wake.

“Due to the success in the change of format which allowed more people to get an up close look at the characters, it is proposed that the Switch On events will proceed this way again in 2023.

“Santa’s Switch On Procession will consist of festive characters, NI Fire and Rescue Service, Panto Characters and beautiful bespoke Christmas themed mobile installations. 

“Members of the public attending the Switch On events will be able to view Santa switching on the Christmas Lights from a series of City and Town Centre streets which will allow for the maximum number of people to safely line the routes.”

Members were also told that Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Patricia Logue, will be hosting a weekend of fun and festive delight in Derry and Strabane with all kinds of Christmas characters spreading yuletide cheer.  

The Mayor’s Christmas Tea Dances are scheduled for December 6th in the Guildhall and 12^th December in St Patrick’s Hall in Strabane.                                                                                  

A wide range of other Christmas events have also been identified from choral events to Christmas movies around the district. 

Members also heard that while a decision had been taken earlier as part of the rates process to not go ahead with a council Christmas market, officers have identified other community and city markets that are being planned and these will be profiled as part of the Christmas events schedule. 

From a marketing perspective, campaign activity will consist of extensive digital and social media strategies along with prime outdoor, radio and press features in order to reach target audiences.

The existing festive Christmas brand will be maintained and developed to fit with the 2023 theme and visual storytelling will be applied throughout the campaign to motivate, engage and excite.

The What’s On Derry Strabane social media platforms have a combined online community size of 99,000 followers and will therefore be a key platform used to promote the range of Christmas activity.

In addition, the newly developed What’s On Derry Strabane app will be incorporated into the campaign to provide event listings and useful visitor information. 

Marketing officers will work closely to engage and collaborate with key stakeholders such as Visit Derry, CCI and the BID in Strabane on promoting bespoke offers, deals, packages and competition prizes.  

Campaign activity will commence in November.

For updates and the latest information on Council’s Festival and Events programming visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/services/festival-events

Source: Northern Ireland – City of Derry

June dates confirmed for 2024 Foyle Maritime Festival

11 October 2023

Derry City and Strabane District Council have announced that the Foyle Maritime Festival will return to Derry’s riverfront from Thursday 27^th until Sunday June 30^th 2024.

The confirmation came in a report to Members of Council’s Business and Culture Committee who were updated this week about the planning and programme development of the award winning biennial festival.

For the first time since 2012, the event will not feature the Clipper Around the World Yacht Race fleet, however Members were told that Council officers are confident that the event’s programming can attract over 100,000 visitors during its four days.

The Festival will feature all the other elements of previous years including entertainment, interactive activities, festival bars, markets and a festival showcase on Saturday June 29^th featuring a bespoke lighting extravaganza on and alongside the river with guest ships and boats, lighting installations, lasers and interactive crowd experiences.

A range of ships and boats are being procured to attend the festival with the pontoon that previously berthed the Clipper Yachts instead hosting a fleet of tall ships.

Head of Culture at Derry City and Strabane District Council, Aeidin McCarter, explained that the dates have been selected to maximise the benefits of the summer season for the local economy.

“The 2024 Foyle Maritime Festival will take place over four days and we are confident it can attract over 100,000 visitors from a wide geographical remit,” she said. “The dates will not clash with any other major events in the city thereby enabling the local tourism and hospitality sectors to full avail of additional footfall into the city and region.

“The theme for the festival is Beyond Blue and will inspire a range of street animation, themed workshops, screenings and events with an important environmental focus.

“A climactic festival showcase event will take place late on the Saturday night and will celebrate the festival theme with a spectacular display of activity and light on and along the river.”

Earlier this year Members of the Business and Culture Committee approved terms for Council to enter into negotiations with Clipper Ventures to return to the City effectively on a no fee basis as part of the 2024 Foyle Maritime Festival.

In August Clipper Ventures announced they had negotiated a more financially viable stopover for the race at Oban, Scotland and the race would therefore not stop in Derry City.

The Beyond Blue theme of the 2024 Festival aims to look beyond the beautiful aesthetics of our oceans and seas to explore the power and possibilities that these natural resources offer today’s society within the context of sustainability and the environment.

Members were also told that a range of revenue streams will feature at the event such as a Fun Fair, Big Wheel, Festival Bars and both the Maritime and Merchant Markets.

Council Officers will work alongside the key stakeholder the Loughs Agency to deliver a programme of events on the water with taster sessions, displays and races.

For updates and the latest information on Council’s Festival and Events programming visit https://www.derrystrabane.com/services/festival-events