Rathlin News
FESTIVAL WEEK MODEL YACHT RACE
Friday 23 July 2010
There was a tremendous turnout for the postponed Kinramer Trophy model yacht race yesterday evening, with nine boats competing - the largest number of racers in many years. On a beautiful summer's evening, there was also a great turnout of spectators, to watch Fergus McFaul (racing single-handed) take first place, with Brian Teggart and Aoife O'Broin Molloy coming second and Conor and Cathal McCurdy coming in third. Congratulations to them all. The next race will be the Guesthouse Shield which will be held in mid-August.
FESTIVAL WEEK MODEL YACHT RACE POSTPONEMENT
Monday 19 July 2010
The Kinramer Trophy model yacht race was postponed on Sunday because of lack of wind, and will now be held on Thursday 22nd July at 6.30 at Ushet Lough.
FESTIVAL WEEK RAFT RACE POSTPONEMENT
Thursday 15 July 2010
The Festival Week raft race has been postponed, and will now be held next Tuesday 20th July at 2.00.
FESTIVAL WEEK RAFT RACE
Wednesday 14 July 2010
This year's raft race will now be held this Thursday, 15th July at 3.00 from the Station Pier. Four crew per raft, and the junior category is for 16 year olds and younger. Good luck to all the competitors!
FESTIVAL WEEK NEWS
Wednesday 14 July 2010
Many thanks to those who were able to make the Manor House Cup model yacht race last Sunday 11th July, which kicked off this year's Festival Week, and congratulations to the three placed crews. First place went to Brian Teggart and Becky Wilson, second place to Stephen Ryan and Jessica Bates, and third place went to Douglas Cecil and Barbara Henderson. Interestingly, all three of these boats were built over the winter with Loughie McQuilkin, so thanks again to Loughie for all his expertise and hard work with us.
Last night's Scrabble championship was well attended, with a final round played between Babs Connor, Jessica Bates and Teresa McFaul. Many congratulations to Teresa on winning this year's championship.
If anyone has any more Festival Week news or photos, please email us.
ARPILLERA MEETING
Thursday 8 July 2010
There were sixteen people in the Richard Branson Centre this morning to hear Roberta Bacic speak about the Latin American tradition of arpilleras - story-telling quilts. The group was inspired by Roberta's enthusiasm and experience, and will be working towards an exhibition of quilts on the Island, and continuing quilt-making with Island residents this Autumn. Many thanks to all who came along, and to Roberta for coming over to the Island.
NEW DOCTOR ON CALL PHONE NUMBER
Wednesday 7 July 2010
There is a new number for the doctor on call scheme - in future when needed, please call 028 2566 3500.
AN APPEAL TO CAMPERS
Monday 5 July 2010
While many campers are respectful of the Island’s beautiful environment, unfortunately many are not. Campers on Rathlin this weekend left a serious mess in the area between Church Bay and Mill Bay. We are appealing to campers to clear away and properly dispose of their rubbish in the many bins provided. Also, the lighting of camp fires can cause serious damage. The Island’s volunteer Fire Service was called out on Saturday night to deal with such an incident. The picture above shows the scene on one of the most popular and scenic walks, which obviously spoils the experience for other visitors and of course for the Island’s residents. Rathlin is a beautiful island, please keep it that way!
COMMISSION OF PUBLIC ART AT BALLYCASTLE SEAFRONT AND RATHLIN ISLAND FORESHORE
Monday 5 July 2010
Moyle District Council wishes to commission an outstanding artist to design and arrange the production, delivery and installation of two pieces of public art to be located at Ballycastle Seafront and Rathlin Island Foreshore as part of the Causeway Coastal Route Interpretation which aims to market the route as a ‘world class experience’.
Moyle District Council is delighted to be part of this project to share the great significance of Rathlin Island and Ballycastle with the area’s population and visitors to the region and to develop two significant and appropriate pieces of artwork.
This project has been part funded through the Northern Ireland Tourist Board’s Tourist Development Scheme and by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
In August, five shortlisted artists will be invited to prepare concept sketch designs for consideration.
A representative from the Rathlin community has been invited to be on the selection panel and local people will have the opportunity to meet the artist, who will be appointed by autumn 2010, and view concept designs.
For application forms please telephone the Development Office, at Moyle District Council (028) 2076 2225 or email dev@moyle-council.org, or write to Development Office, Ballycastle & Rathlin Public Art, Moyle District Council, Sheskburn House, 7 Mary Street, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim, BT54 6QH. Applications must be returned on or before Friday 23rd July 2010 by 3pm.
For any further information regarding this project please contact Elaine Gaston, Arts Officer, Moyle District Council, on 028 207 62225.
NEW RATHLIN BOOK IN PREPARATION
Monday 5 July 2010
Philip Watson has been visiting Rathlin for 50 years. Since 1960 he has worked on the island on bird migration, fisheries research, wildlife and conservation, seabird censuses, with RSPB and the National Trust and was, for a period with NI 2000, slightly involved with the Manor House restoration. Free of all these now, he is pulling together all his work and consulting with islanders and various off-island bodies and individuals, to write what he hopes will be a book that is up-to-date, easily read and of interest to those who enjoy islands, nature and folklore. History will only be included where relevant, as Rathlin’s history has already been published in several books. Folklore has also been studied, but its relation to nature (e.g. seals, birds, other animals, kelp and other plants, mythical creatures etc.) is worthy of telling. He will be on the island regularly until the end of October, after which the book has to be finished and sent to the publisher.
'FIRST RESPONDER' TRAINING
Monday 5 July 2010
Dalriada Urgent Care facilitators gave the first day of training to volunteer 'First Responders' from Rathlin last week. Nine people received initial training in emergency CPR and the use of defibrillators, with two more to be trained on a second date.
The role of a First Responder is to attend, when possible, a patient who has collapsed and administer CPR and / or defibrillation while waiting for medical professionals to attend. When an appropriate 999 call is received from the area covered by the First Responder Scheme, the volunteers are notified and try to attend to provide whatever care is reasonable. Application has been made for defibrillators for Rathlin and the new volunteers trained will work on a duty rota system. The second stage of training will be on the Island within the next few weeks.
MUSIC LESSONS
Wednesday 30 June 2010
Many thanks to Michael and Catherine Sands who have been giving very useful music lessons since April, and to all who have been availing of them. The lessons have now stopped for the Summer season, and will resume in September when everybody has more time to devote to the lessons and practicing!
QUILT & 'ARPILLERA' MAKING
Wednesday 30 June 2010
On Thursday 8th July in the Richard Branson Centre at 11.00, Chilean curator Roberta Bacic will be talking about making 'arpilleras' - story-telling quilts. There will be plenty of examples, some short films, and most importantly, a discussion of how the Rathlin community can proceed with an arpilleras project. All very welcome.
TRISTAN DA CUNHA PUBLIC TALK
Tuesday 29 June 2010
The Richard Branson Centre was full last night for a public talk by Brad Robson, Fermanagh Area Manager for the RSPB about the year he and his family spent on Tristan da Cunha, the small and extremely remote group of islands in the South Atlantic, working on conservation issues. The talk gave a fascinating insight into the life of the island community, as well as the spectacular scenery and wildlife, and featured a series of excellent photographs. Many thanks to Brad for coming to Rathlin to share his experiences.
VOLUNTEER VISITORS
Friday 25 June 2010
A group of five students and two faculty members from West Virginia University visited the Island on Tuesday, along with two Corrymeela volunteers, to work on a beach clean by the harbour, as well as weeding around the Boathouse Visitor Centre, some of the roadside and a number of gardens. The group were also brought up to the RSPB Seabird Centre by the RDCA, as part of a tour of the island. Their academic focus, while in Ireland (North & South), was on literature and identity, as well as their involvement with direct service. They came to us through Corrymeela and are the second group to come to us through the Amizade volunteer programme of global service and learning. Amizade is the Portuguese word for friendship. Many thanks to all of them for their hard work on the day.
DRAMA GROUP PLAY
Wednesday 23 June 2010
The Rathlin Drama Group will be presenting the one act play "Belle of Boolavogue" on Thursday 15th and Saturday 17th July, at 8.30 in the Parochial Hall as part of Festival Week. The Thursday performance will be followed by entertainment by The Black Family, and Saturday's performance will also be followed by entertainment by The Black Family and a disco later in the pub. Tickets are £5 for adults and £3 for children. The entry for the disco in the bar is £2. For tickets, please contact Teresa McFaul as soon as possible on 207 63960 or 078 9582 6300.
DESIGN CONTEST
Monday 21 June 2010
The design contest for a piece of public art for Rathlin harbour has been re-opened. The new deadline is Friday 23rd July 2010. Any previous applicants must reapply to be considered. Further information available here.
MUSIC LESSONS
Saturday 19 June 2010
Unfortunately, tomorrow's tin whistle lesson with Catherine Sands has been cancelled. Also, in view of the busy Summer period for everyone, it has been decided that both sets of lessons will be suspended until the Autumn. Next weekend, there will be Michael's lesson as normal on Saturday at 1.00, and Catherine will be in the Richard Branson Centre at 2.00 on Sunday, and the Summer break will start after that. The lessons have been going very well, but in order that as many people as possible can make it along, it is best to take a break until everyone has more time in the Autumn. The exact restart time will be announced later.
VOLUNTEER VISIT
Tuesday 15 June 2010
A group of students from Susquehanna University, Pennsylvania visited the island today as part of their volunteering programme with Corrymeela. The group did gardening work for some of the older island residents, as well as improving the area around the entrance to the Richard Branson Centre. The group were also brought up to the RSPB Seabird Centre by the RDCA, as part of a tour of the island. Many thanks to all of them and the Corrymeela staff and volunteers for all their hard work, and for the continuing relationship between the island community and Corrymeela.
KEEP FIT CLASSES/JOGGING GROUP
Tuesday 15 June 2010
Following the popular Keep Fit Classes run by Matthew Watterson, the RDCA are considering how the classes may continue and have also invited Matthew to start and facilitate a Jogging Group for the community. A date for this will be confirmed soon.
EXTENSION OF DONEGAL DEW EXHIBITION
Friday 11 June 2010
The exhibition of work by the Donegal Dew artists in the Manor House has been extended, and will now continue until Wednesday 30th June.
CO-OP AGM
Friday 11 June 2010
The 2010 AGM of the Rathlin Island Co-Op will be held in the Parochial Hall on Wednesday 23rd June at 8.00. The main business will be to elect a new management committee for the coming year. All Co-Op members welcome.
ROYAL VISIT
Wednesday 9 June 2010
The Rathlin Development and Community Association Committee, on behalf of the Island residents, would like to acknowledge today’s visit to the Island of the Earl and Countess of Wessex, Prince Edward and Sophie.
They were warmly welcomed onto the Island by RDCA Committee Chair, Noel McCurdy, who along with Committee member Marianne Green escorted the couple to McCuaig’s Bar. Along the way the Royal couple were met and welcomed by many Islanders.
At the Rathlin Bar they were met by Peter and Catherine McCurdy who then escorted the Royal couple to a ‘welcome lunch’ and to meet invited guests from the public and voluntary sector.
After lunch the party visited the local Primary School, the RSPB Seabird Centre and the Island’s Boathouse Visitor Centre.
An opportunity was then available for the Royal couple to meet more of the Island’s population.
This visit enabled the Islanders to show the Royal couple the beauty of Rathlin and the couple were then waved off in traditional Rathlin fashion as they left on the Rathlin Express.
The RDCA Committee would like to express thanks to the staff of Moyle District Council who liaised with the Northern Ireland Office in organising this visit, and also to all those on the Island who helped make this visit such a positive and welcomed occasion.
COURSES
Friday 4 June 2010
Two courses in storytelling and dialogue, and in fair trade have places available. The 'Towards Understanding and Healing' five day OCN Level 2 accredited programme is running in Derry city on 15, 22 and 29 June, 6 and 13 July. The fair trade courses will be held on 15 and 16 June in Belfast. For further information please contact David Quinney Mee in the Resource Centre.
COLERAINE CUP MODEL YACHT RACE
Monday 31 May 2010
Congratulations to everyone who turned out for the Coleraine Cup on Sunday, with seven boats competing this time. Coming first were Johnny Mitchell and Marianne Green, with Brian Teggart and Becky Wilson coming second, and Conor and Cathal McCurdy coming third. The next race will be the Manor House Cup at the start of Festival Week on Sunday 11th July.
POSTPONEMENT OF TAIZÉ SINGING EVENT
Thursday 27 May 2010
Unfortunately due to illness, Frank Nealis will be unable to attend the Taizé singing event in St. Thomas's tonight. The event will be re-arranged as soon as possible.
RDCA CONSTITUTION MEETING
Thursday 20 May 2010
Last night's meeting on the proposed new constitution and charitable status for the RDCA was well attended, with twenty four residents taking the time to discuss the draft constitution. There was an engaged debate, lead ably by Phil Nicholls, the RDCA's constitution advisor. A number of issues were highlighted by the meeting, and the revised constitution will be returned by Phil shortly and distributed to all island residents. There will be another meeting after that to vote on the new constitution (details will be posted later), and then Phil will apply for charitable status on our behalf. One of the key proposals put forward at the meeting was to expand the maximum number of places on the Committee to nine, meaning that once accepted, new elections for a further two places on the Committee will be held. Thanks to all those who participated in the meeting, and we look forward to the next stage of the process.
HOUSING EXECUTIVE LIST
Thursday 20 May 2010
If anyone needs to renew their application or fill in a new housing application, please do so as soon as possible as this helps give clear figures of social housing needs on Rathlin. Forms are available in the Resource Centre.
COASTGUARD 4O YEARS LONG SERVICE PRESENTATION
Friday 14 May 2010
Many congratulations to Jim McFaul who was presented with a second clasp to his Coastguard long service medal, representing forty years of service, by Brett Cunningham, the Coastal Safety Manager for South West Scotland and Northern Ireland in the Station yesterday. There was a large group of well wishers from the island community present as well as Sector Manager, Belfast North, Gordon Munro, and a strong turnout from Jim's colleagues in the island's Coastguard team. Everyone present were keen to show their appreciation for Jim's record of service to the island, and also to express their thanks to Brett Cunningham who retired from the Coastguard earlier this month.
MARCONI SHIELD MODEL YACHT RACE
Wednesday 5 May 2010
There was another very successful model yacht race on Ushet on the Mayday Bank Holiday Sunday. A large crowd gathered to watch five boats - including three made during the winter workshops - compete for the Marconi Shield. Congratulations to Conor and Cathal McCurdy who won, making it two victories in a row for Conor. Brian Teggart came second racing on his own, and in only his second race. Marianne Green and Johnny Mitchell came third, continuing Johnny's strong start to his first season. Douglas Cecil - also racing on his own - came in fourth, and Stephen Ryan and Jessica Bates brought up the rear, but were just happy to actually finish this time! Many thanks again to Loughie McQuilkin for all this work with the new boats over the last few months, and of course to Marina McMullan for all her hard work organising the races. The next race will be on the next Bank Holiday Sunday, 30th May.
MUSIC LESSONS
Thursday 29 April 2010
The initial meeting to discuss music lessons on the island was well attended with both adults and children keen to learn a variety of instruments. Michael and Catherine Sands will be giving lessons on alternating Saturdays in the Richard Branson Centre, 1.00-3.00, starting from this Saturday 1st May. Michael will start off with lessons in guitar, mandolin and Irish tenor banjo, with Catherine offering lessons in tin whistle and flute from Saturday 8th May. The RDCA are subsidising the lessons by waiving the rent for the use of the Richard Branson Centre, and covering the travel expenses of Michael and Catherine. The fee for the lessons is £10, and anyone who couldn't make the first meeting is very welcome to come along this Saturday or next, with all levels of expertise catered for.
PROPOSED NEW RDCA CONSTITUTION
Thursday 22 April 2010
At the RDCA AGM on Wednesday 14th April, the draft proposal for the new constitution was distributed to people in the Parochial Hall. Further copies are available in the Resource Centre, Post Office and the shop. There will be a meeting to discuss this proposed constitution on Wednesday 19th May at 7.30pm in the Parochial Hall. Phil Nicholls, an expert advisor in the formation of constitutions, will be in attendance to assist with any queries.
PLAY PARK OFFICIAL RE-OPENING
Thursday 22 April 2010
On Friday 16th April, the Play Park in Church Bay was officially re-opened by Cllr Cara McShane, Chairperson of Moyle District Council. There was a great turn out, with Helen O'Halloran and all the school children attending, as well as many other island children and parents. The Play Park has been extensively refurbished with a lot of new features and enhanced safety measures, and is already proving to be hugely popular with island and visiting children alike.
RATHLIN CO-OP MEETING
Tuesday 13 April 2010
The Resource Centre was packed out with 22 people - including eight new members - attending last Friday's meeting of the Rathlin Island Co-op. Three members of the Committee - Damien McFaul, Gusty and Judy McCurdy - wished to stand down, and replacement members were nominated by the meeting. Benji McFaul, Aoife O'Broin Molloy, Barbara Henderson, and Fergus McFaul were put forward to join Paddy Burns, Penny Sewell, Imelda McFaul and Mary Hannahan. Benji was susequently elected Chair by the Committee, alongside Aoife as Secretary, and Imelda as Treasurer. The new Co-op Committee would like to express its gratitude to the outgoing members for their long service and hard work for the Co-op. The Co-op membership is keen to rejuvenate interest in arts and crafts projects on the island, and is looking into other new projects for the future.
RDCA AGM DETAILS
Friday 9 April 2010
The start time of the 2010 AGM has been put back from 7.00pm to 7.30pm to facilitate anyone coming from the last boat. The meeting will go ahead as announced in the Parochial Hall on Wednesday 14th April. There have been three nominations for a place on the Committee: Douglas Cecil, Marianne Green and Alison McFaul. The vote will take place in the hall during the meeting. The AGM is open to all fulltime residents of the island.
RATHLIN ISLAND CO-OP PUBLIC MEETING
Thursday 8 April 2010
There will be a public meeting of the Rathlin Island Co-op, tomorrow evening, Friday 9th April at 8.oo in the Resource Centre. All are welcome to come along.
NATIONAL TRUST PLANS FOR RENOVATION OF TITHE BARN
Tuesday 6 April 2010
The National Trust has provided the RDCA with plans for the proposed renovation of the Tithe Barn. It is intended to provide 'affordable accommodation for local people, and to support local business'. There will also be a new centre for the island's nurses. The plans are available for public viewing in the Resource Centre, and the National Trust are looking for comments from island residents.
ALLEY CUP MODEL YACHT RACE
Tuesday 6 April 2010
The first model yacht race of the season was held on Sunday, with a huge turnout attending. This was the first chance to see some of the new boats built over the winter with Loughie McQuilkin. In all, six boats were in the water, three of them newly-built. Congratulations to Conor and Noel McCurdy who won, Johnny and Bea who took second place, and Douglas and Barbara who came third. Brian and Aoife, whose boat was finished only minutes before the race, came fourth. Loughie's boat and Stephen and Jessica's new boat unfortunately did not finish. The next race, the Marconi Shield will be held on the May Day bank holiday Sunday 2nd May at 2.30, when there will hopefully be even more new boats competing.
ALLEY CUP MODEL YACHT RACE
Wednesday 31 March 2010
The first race of the new season will be on Easter Sunday, 4th April at 2.00, Ushet Lough. This will be the first try-out for the new generation of boats built under Loughie McQuilkin's supervision over the winter (see the series of galleries for more information), so come along and see how they fare!.
MAY DAY GALA BALL
Wednesday 31 March 2010
The Moyle District Council Chairperson and Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce are hosting a May Day Gala Ball in the Marine Hotel, Ballycastle in aid of the RISE Foundation.
Cllr Cara McShane, Chairperson of MDC said that: “Given the growing culture of addiction within Irish society, I wanted to do something to raise awareness and show my support for an organisation which helps families of people with addiction. The RISE (Recovery in a Safe Environment) Foundation, set-up by well-known singer and song-writer, Frances Black, was a fitting and most appropriate charity. Frances has a particular love and passion for this part of the world, especially Rathlin Island.”
The Chairperson of Ballycastle Chamber of Commerce, Paul Cochrane, added: “In continued support with Moyle District Council, the Chamber of Commerce is delighted to work together in supporting this project. As part of the Chamber’s Action Plan, community and social support is extremely important within our organisation. “Many businesses support local charities, and we are very excited to get behind this worthwhile cause. Everyone will know someone who has an addiction and we know the impact that addiction has on families. The Gala Evening will be a great social occasion while raising money for a much-needed charity. It also shows that positive partnership benefits the entire community.” Tickets for the event cost £30, on Saturday 1st May 2010, 7.30 pm in the Marine Hotel.
CHIMNEY SWEEP
Wednesday 31 March 2010
A chimney sweep will be working on the island on Wednesday 7th April. If anyone is interested in getting their chimney swept, please contact Margaret or Shauna.
FERRY SUMMER TIMETABLE
Tuesday 30 March 2010
The new summer ferry timetable will start from this Thursday, 1st April.
FAREWELL TO NURSE MCGLINCHEY
Monday 29 March 2010
There was a huge turnout in Bruce's Kitchen on Friday to bid a fond farewell to Nicola McGlinchey, who has ably served the island community for the last few years. Nicola is moving on to new professional challenges, but will continue to work on Rathlin from time to time as cover. The RDCA Committee presented Nicola with a painting of Church Bay, and the pupils of St. Mary's presented her with a handmade card.
2010 RDCA AGM
Wednesday 24 March 2010
The 2010 RDCA AGM will be held in the Parochial Hall on Wednesday 14th April At 7.00 p.m. Any nominations for Committee membership must be submitted to the RDCA Secretary by 5.00 p.m. on Wednesday 7th April.
IRISH CLASSES
Wednesday 24 March 2010
The Irish classes provided by Pobal an Chaistil will start today, and will continue on Wednesdays, 2.00-3.45 in the Richard Branson Centre.
MEETING WITH ENVIRONMENT MINISTER
Wednesday 24 March 2010
The RDCA Committee met with the Environment Minister, Edwin Poots MLA on his visit to Rathlin on Thursday 18th March. Among the topics of discussion were:
Planning: the Minister was sympathetic to the problems encountered on the island by people trying to get permission for new dwellings, or renovations etc. He has suggested bringing the Planning Department over for a day and hopefully with them he could provide more flexibility on this issue. Further information will be posted on the website when we get confirmation of this happening.
Wind Turbine Project: This project was outlined to the Minister who was impressed with the work done so far. The problem of costs for the survey, etc. were highlighted but until the application is given the go ahead by the EU, he suggested we approach the Office of the First Minister and Deputy First Minister for assistance.
NT, RSPB, and NIEA: Minister Poots was shown the policy document that the RDCA received in February that outlined the three organisation's policies for the island. The Minister voiced some concerns about it. He felt that these bodies must be aware of the importance of keeping the island community in the loop of what was happening and that they must co-operate with the RDCA and the community.
Local Council/Super Council: With the introduction of the super council, the RDCA Committee made the Minister aware that whilst they had a good relations with Moyle District Council, when powers were transferred to a new council, it would be a new challenge to the island to make sure our voice was heard. Aidan McPeake of Moyle's Technical Services Department has informed the RDCA that the bin lorry will be staying on the island for the summer, and David Hannaway will be provided with extra assistance at times to cover the work needed for the summer season.
REMOVAL OF SCRAP CARS
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd is offering to remove free of charge scrap cars from the island, when there is space on the Canna before Easter. Owners must be able to get the cars down to the harbour. Please contact the ferry office if you have a car to be taken off the island.
HOLIDAY FAIR EXHIBITION
Tuesday 23 March 2010
Rathlin Island Ferry Ltd is organising a Holiday Fair Exhibition in the Hall on Wednesday 28th April. This will provide a platform for island businesses to showcase their goods and services. Anyone interested in availing of this opportunity should contact the ferry office.
PUB QUIZ
Thursday 18 March 2010
Last night's St. Patrick's Day pub quiz in McCuaig's was very successful, with ten teams competing. The winners were 'Cleggan Band': Douglas Cecil, Barbara Henderson, Davy McGill and Dermot Wilson. Second place went to 'Three Hens and a Rooster': Patricia McCurdy, Marina McMullan, Seamus McMullan and Mary O'Drisceoil. Third place went to 'Spaceballs': Patricia Currie, Julie-Ann McMullan and Eileen Winter. Congratulations to them all, and many thanks to George and Liz Withers for all their hard work on the quizzes, and to the bar for providing the food for all the hungry quizzers.
CELEBRATING CELTIC COASTAL CULTURE
Thursday 18 March 2010
Donegal artist Kim Sharkey is working on a project called 'Where Waves Roll In (Celebrating Celtic Coastal Culture)'. The project will explore and promote the cultural and artistic life of Donegal, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales. As part of this project, Kim Sharkey is 'collecting quotes in English, Gaelic, Scots Gaelic or Welsh, maybe a few words or a sentence about your relationship with the sea... you can either include your name and residence or choose to stay anonymous. I hope you can help me with this'. Kim can be contacted at: poearthpots@gmail.com, or at: Mullaghderg, Kincasslagh, Co. Donegal.
FERRY RESIDENTS' PASSES
Wednesday 17 March 2010
The Department for Regional Development has informed the RDCA that not all residents have applied yet for the new residents' 'swipe card' ferry passes. To avoid disappointment, anyone who has not done so already should return immediately the forms that were sent out by the DRD to residents in February.
MOYLE DISTRICT COUNCIL PUBLIC ART TENDER
Thursday 11 March 2010
Moyle District Council has anounced an artist will be appointed to produce a piece of public art for the Rathlin harbour. It is anticipated that the project will be completed by January 2011. 'Pre-Qualification Response' documents must be submitted to the Council by Friday 16th April. More information is available here.
IRISH ISLANDS FEDERATION AGM
Thursday 11 March 2010
The RDCA Committee are pleased to announce that the 2010 AGM of the Irish Islands Federation will be held on Rathlin on Friday 14th and Saturday 15th May. More details will be announced shortly.
RDCA COMMITTEE STATEMENT ON THE RATHLIN ISLAND POLICY
Thursday 11 March 2010
RDCA welcomes endorsement of Rathlin Policy by Stormont Executive:
"We are delighted with the news that the Stormont Executive has endorsed the Policy for Rathlin Island.
This is a great tribute to the hard work of Rathlin’s residential community and the efforts of those in Stormont who have taken this important initiative forward.
We are particularly pleased to recognise the support of the Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy, and his team who have offered invaluable commitment to the project.
Many of the basic services that are taken for granted by other rural communities on the mainland have only been made available on Rathlin within the last 20 years, through the determination and perseverance of Rathlin residents. There is still much to be done.
This Policy helps to strengthen working relationships with our elected representatives and regional government. It offers an exciting model that will help make joined-up work more of a reality between the different government departments, other agencies and Rathlin residents.
We have started working with the Department for Regional Development on a detailed Action Plan for the Policy and look forward to using this key stepping-stone to support the sustainable development of our island and of our community."
The full text of the policy is available here.
WIND TURBINE PROJECT
Monday 8 March 2010
The RDCA Committee is inviting expressions of interest from landowners on the island with possible sites for a new wind turbine project. Detailed discussions on this commercial opportunity will be subject to site feasability and will be held on file until the new community company is formed. Please send expressions of interest (in writing) to the Resource Centre. For further information, contact RDCA Committee members, or the Resouce Centre.
IRISH CLASSES
Thursday 4 March 2010
The Irish class registration took place yesterday, and the classes will take place on Wednesdays from 2.00 to 3.45 in the Richard Branson Centre. Classes will run until June, and then recommence in September. The classes will be based on the book 'Now You're Talking' by Eamon O'Donnell and Deirbhile Ní Churraighin. All welcome.
RATHLIN SNOW
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Loughie McCuaig sent in several fantastic photos of the snowfall on Rathlin on Sunday 21 February - above is one of the best of the lot.
FITNESS CLASSES
Wednesday 3 March 2010
Fitness instructor Matthew Waterson will be taking fitness classes in the hall, starting Thursday 11 March at 8.00. Admission is £5. The classes will consist of a warm up, with a main session of strengthening of muscles and some cardio (working heart and lungs), with stretches and cool down. Matthew says: 'I always start slow and it will entail some yoga, pilates, and a wee bit of boxing drills. All very relaxed and easy going stuff. It will not be hardcore shouting (I'm not that kinda person). Lots of laughs and a good work out. I'm not gonna kill folks. lol.'
STATEMENT BY MINISTER FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Tuesday 2 March 2010
The Minister for Regional Development, Conor Murphy has issued a statement about the DRD's policy for Rathlin Island. The statement is reproduced in full below:
DEPARTMENT FOR REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Written Ministerial Statement by Conor Murphy MP, MLA
Minister for Regional Development
Final Rathlin Island Policy
Published at 11am on Tuesday 2 March 2010
I am pleased to inform Assembly members that the Executive has endorsed its Policy for Rathlin Island on 25 February 2010. Public consultation on the draft Policy concluded on 18 September 2009 with a total of 14 responses received from organisations and individuals, including a combined response from the Islanders. The responses were supportive of the overall policy and its aims and objectives and also the proposed Forum and Action Plan. Officials from my department held a very productive and successful consultation event on Rathlin Island on 7 October 2009. The event was attended by around two thirds of the Islanders who among other things expressed a desire for a healthy community with affordable housing and education all playing their part; better roads; help for farming and fishing industry; nursing cover and efforts to keep young people on the Island. There was also the suggestion that a Rathlin brand should be created, i.e. a green island with a neutral carbon footprint; to expand the use of renewable energy and recyclables; to maximise the use of local produce; to extend the attractions beyond the puffin season; and to establish an island of festivals.
The issue of post primary education provision was identified as an additional strategic objective and has been subsequently incorporated into the policy.
Copies of the final policy are available in the Assembly Library Work has now commenced on the development of an Action Plan designed to implement the policy and officials from my Department are continuing to engage and work closely with the islanders, other government departments and bodies who are all participating in its development.
I am very conscious that we will be developing the Action Plan at a time of increasing pressure on our finances. The purpose of the Action Plan is to identify priorities for the island, to make progress in addressing the needs of the islanders but also to manage their expectations. A Forum will be established to monitor progress chaired by myself and will include island representatives and senior officials from relevant government Departments and local bodies. I intend to make a further statement when the draft action plan has been prepared.
ST BONAVENTURE UNIVERSITY BEACH CLEAN
Tuesday 2 March 2010
Students and staff of New York State's St. Bonaventure University have been visiting the island today and have been working hard on a beach clean from Mill Bay up to Church Bay, with help from a number of island residents and volunteers from Corrymeela. Pictured above are the group with Frances Gage and David Quinney Mee. Many thanks to everyone who gave their time and energy.
SHACKLETON RESCUE 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Monday 1 March 2010
The Shackleton 80th anniversary celebration event held in the hall on Saturday was a great success with over sixty people attending. The packed hall listened to Douglas Cecil set the scene, and introduce the other speakers. Loughie McQuilkin gave a very evocative account of his childhood memories of the night the Shackleton ran aground. Eoin, Ryan and Orla recited poetry, Gordon Munro, representing the Coastguard, spoke about the continuing tradition of voluntary search and rescue on the island, and Cllr Cara McShane, Chairperson of Moyle District Council remarked on the sense of community evident on the island, and in the event itself. The crew of the RNLI Red Bay Lifeboat also took the trouble to cross over for the event. Ian Wilson, author of 'Shipwrecks of the Ulster Coast' was unfortunately unable to attend. The attendance enjoyed the artwork of the schoolchildren, including a papier mâché model of the East Light, as well as the exhibition of photographs, documents and artefacts relating to the rescue of the Shackleton eighty years ago today. The exhibits will be in the Resource Centre shortly if anyone would like to see them, or look at them again. It is also hoped to exhibit the material in Ballycastle. There is a new gallery on the website featuring photos of the event.
SHACKLETON RESCUE 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Friday 26 February 2010
The RNLI Red Bay Lifeboat will be coming to Rathlin on Saturday (weather permitting) to support the Shackleton 80th anniversary celebration event. The boat is expected to arrive in the harbour at 12.45, and the crew will be attending the event in the hall at 1.00. All welcome to come and welcome the crew at the harbour.
SHACKLETON RESCUE 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Tuesday 23 February 2010
The 80th anniversary celebration of the rescue of the Steam Trawler Shackleton on 1st March 1930 will be held in the Parochial Hall on Saturday 27th February at 1.00, featuring contributions from Loughie McQuilkin who remembers the rescue, the Tuesday Club, the school children, the island's Coastguard team, the RNLI, and Ian Wilson, author of 'Shipwrecks of the Ulster Coast'. The event will include an exhibition of pictures and artefacts, and refreshments will be provided.
FITNESS CLASSES
Tuesday 23 February 2010
Fitness instructor Mathew Watterson is willing to come to Rathlin to start fitness classes for men and women. If you are interested in joining these classes please contact Teresa McFaul as soon as possible.
PRINCE'S TRUST BUSINESS PROGRAMME MEETING
Monday 22 February 2010
The meeting organised by the RDCA with the Prince's Trust Business Programme was very successful, with seven young island residents attending to find out more about how the Trust might support business ideas. Marian Lewis of the Prince's Trust led an engaging conversation, stimulating and discussing young people's business opportunities on the island.
SHACKLETON RESCUE 80th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
Wednesday 17 February 2010
The RDCA is helping to organise a celebration event to mark the 80th anniversary of the rescue of the crew of the Fleetwood steam trawler Shackleton on Saturday 1st March 1930. The event will be held in the Parochial Hall on Saturday 27th February at 1.00, with talks, photographs and artefacts on display. All welcome. Much more detail to follow very soon.
IRISH CLASSES
Wednesday 17 February 2010
New Irish classes for adult learners - a chance to learn Rathlin's native tongue. Where? The Richard Branson Centre.
When? Wednesday evenings - time to be confirmed.
First registration: Wednesday 24th February, 5.30, Richard Branson Centre.
Classes run by Pobal an Chaistil, Ballycastle.
For further information contact Andrew (207 68583/077 1636 9439)
or email pobalanchaistil@googlemail.com
COMMUNITY GROUP TRAINING
Wednesday 17 February 2010
Moyle District Council has announced a programme of free training for members of community groups. The training is aimed at five key areas that were identified as part of a survey of community and voluntary groups in the Moyle area. The five areas are:
- Emergency First Aid (Saturday 20th March, 9.30-4.30)
- Child Protection (Tuesdays 11th, 18th & 25th May, 7.00-10.00)
- Fundraising (Tuesday 23rd March, 7.30-9.30)
- Applying for Funding (Tuesday 30th March, 7.30-9.30)
- Managing Finances (Tuesday 16th March, 7.00-9.00)
All the training will take place in Sheskburn House in Ballycastle. Anyone interested in attending must book by Friday 5th March. Please contact the Resource Centre for further information.
HAITI COLLECTION: THANK YOU
Tuesday 16 February 2010
One of the Habitat for Humanity Northern Ireland team has written to the RDCA to thank all the island residents who contributed to their Haiti Appeal during their visit to the island for the public meeting on Saturday 6th February. Below is the text of the letter:
Haiti Appeal: Thank You
Thank you very much for your urgent gift of £153 in support of our Haiti appeal.
Habitat for Humanity's humanitarian response has begun and your gift will enable us to help quickly and effectively.
Already one of the world's poorest countries, last month's earthquake has left Haiti facing a catastrophe of almost unimaginable scale. Habitat has been serving people in need in Haiti for 26 years and is well equipped to continue to respond to this latest emergency.
Please continue to check www.habitatni.co.uk for regular updates.
Thank you again for your gift which will help build hope and homes in Haiti.
Yours sincerely, Tom O'Dowd, Family and Community Officer.
SINGING FOR ALL
Tuesday 16 February 2010
The RDCA has organised an evening of Taizé songs with Frank Nealis, in
St. Thomas's Church on Thursday 18th February, 7.30-9.00pm. Taizé is an international ecumenical community in France renowned for simple, beautiful songs. All welcome, no singing experience necessary!
PRINCE'S TRUST BUSINESS PROGRAMME MEETING
Tuesday 9 February 2010
The RDCA has arranged a public meeting with the Prince's Trust Business Programme, to be held in the Richard Branson Centre, 2.00-4.00 on Saturday 20th February. The meeting is designed to provide information on how the Trust can support 18-30 year olds explore business ideas. For further information, please contact the Resource Centre.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MEETING
Monday 8 February 2010
The public meeting with Habitat for Humanity and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive was very well attended, with seventeen island residents coming to the Richard Branson Centre on Saturday afternoon to get information and to discuss affordable and social housing on Rathlin. The Housing Executive are currently looking at land purchase options on the island, and if opportunities arise, will liaise with housing associations about possible new builds. More information should be available within the next two months. Habitat for Humanity remain committed to exploring affordable housing support for the island community, and conversations will continue with the Housing Executive and other interested parties. A sum of £109 was donated to Habitat for Humanity for their work in Haiti after Francis Mc Ginn's bus company returned payment for transporting island residents to Fr Mc Ateer's funeral, and further amounts were donated at the meeting.
Rev. Fr GERARD Mc ATEER: 2nd JUNE 1918 – 16th JANUARY 2010
Wednesday 3 February 2010
It was with great sadness that the residents of Rathlin learned of the death of Fr Mc Ateer last month. Fr Mc Ateer came to Rathlin in 1987 and was our priest and friend for 12 years. During that time Father Mc Ateer was not only our spiritual leader, but quickly assumed the mantle of a community leader. He soon got to know all the islanders and formed good relationships as he identified not only the needs of individuals but the island in general. He re-introduced many of the traditions that used to take place on Rathlin, such as drama, model yacht racing, and ceilidhs, with great gusto and enthusiasm that encouraged all the islanders to get involved. Father Mc Ateer was a firm believer that a good ceilidh was better than a long winded sermon every Sunday!
Reunion week in 1989 was one of his first ventures in getting the people of the island and further afield together for the start of what was to become festival week. This encouraged many families to get reacquainted with each other and keep the links with the island alive. It is a testament to this initial reunion week that our festival week is still going strong 21 years down the line.
Father Mc Ateer was at his happiest when he was in the school surrounding himself with the children as he taught music and formed Rathlin’s very own band, with accordions and tin whistles and their distinctive uniforms that graced many of our events. He was very involved in the life of the school not only in teaching music but ensuring that it was central to island life.
Along with the music Father Mc Ateer shared his love of the Irish language through lessons on the island, mass in Irish and in turn St. Patrick’s Day became a big event on the island.
On his retirement from Rathlin in 1999 a huge void was left in the life of the islanders, not only with his leaving but as he was also the last resident priest on the island.
Father Mc Ateer retired to his beloved cottage, and he began to compile his memoirs and this resulted in the publication of his book “Better Late Than Never”, which was first published in Irish and then translated to English and proved to be a popular read.
It is a testament to the affection that Father Mc Ateer was held in, that on the day of his funeral a third of the island population were able to attend.
RDCA Committee
RDCA TRIP TO GIGHA
Wednesday 3 February 2010
Michael Cecil and Margaret McQuilkin of the RDCA Committee, accompanied by Community Development Worker David Quinney Mee and social enterprise advisor Nigel Flynn travelled to the island of Gigha in Argyll yesterday to examine how the island runs its social enterprise renewable energy scheme. The visit was very worthwhile, with important contacts made, and valuable insights and information gained. The group visited Gigha's 'Dancing Ladies' - their wind turbines, and the trip will contribute to the development of Rathlin's own renewable energy project.
RDCA & RATHLIN ISLAND POLICY
Wednesday 3 February 2010
On Wednesday, 27th January, members of the RDCA Committee met with a team from the Department for Regional Development to continue work on the Rathlin Island Policy.
The draft Rathlin Policy has now been taken around the various NI Government departments for comments and one further strategic objective was added: 'To ensure Islanders have equitable access to post Primary education'. The Policy will now be put to the Executive for endorsement. We trust this last stage will be successful and hope to hear more news by the end of February.
In anticipation of such an endorsement DRD and RDCA have begun to work on the development of the Action Plan for the Policy. This will include further consultations between DRD and the Rathlin community over the next few months. DRD staff Alison McQueen and Jenny Graham now join the Policy team and we look forward tom working more with them.
About 15 of the DRD staff have signed up to spend a day on Rathlin Island as volunteers through the Volunteer Service Bureau and Business in the Community on Volunteer Day, 19th March. We look forward to meeting them all on the Island - more information soon!
RESIDENTS' FERRY PASSES
Thursday 28 January 2010
The Department for Regional Development has announced that they will be issuing application forms for a new 'credit card size' 5 year pass. The cards will be electronically read by a swipe machine onboard or in the terminal building. In order to produce these cards for residents by the planned implementation date of April 2010 each resident will have to complete their application by the end of February 2010. The DRD are issuing letters to island residents giving more information on this transition, and inviting renewals of passes.
NORTHERN IRELAND TOURISM AWARDS 2010
Thursday 28 January 2010
The Northern Ireland Tourist Board has announced the 2010 Tourism Awards, with a closing date for entries of 4 March 2010. The Awards are designed to 'reinforce Northern Ireland's brand and stimulate innovation, competitivenss and shared best practice.
HARBOUR BYE LAWS
Monday 25 January 2010
Members of the RDCA Committee met at the end of November with Richard Lewis (Chief Executive of Moyle District Council) Aidan McPeake (Head of Technical Services, MDC) and Mike Thompson (Department of Regional Development) regarding the proposed bye-laws for Rathlin Harbour.
MDC stressed that the bye-laws are not intended to limit residents’ use of the harbour area.
Swimming from the beach will not be restricted. MDC propose to erect signs at the end of the Quay to warn boat users to be aware of swimmers in this area.
Other signs would draw attention to speed limits in the harbour area as well as making a general disclaimer, requesting careful pedestrian movement in, and respect for, a working harbour.
The working nature of the harbour is recognised and there is no intention to impede or curtail current use as long as piers are kept in a practical and tidy order.
Boat maintenance is not restricted and ‘hot work’ on the harbour side can be granted a ‘one-off’ permission through a written format that the Council will produce. It would not be necessary to renew this permission once on file.
MDC may request assurance that boats left on slipways are the sole responsibility of the owners and have suitable insurance cover.
The bye-laws and their implementation, if approved, will be reviewed with RDCA in six months, or before if necessary. These proposals were presented to Council on 14th December 2009 and have since been sent to the Department for Regional Development for approval.
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY MEETING
Thursday 21 January 2010
The public meeting with Jude McCann and David Blake of Habitat for Humanity will be held in the Richard Branson Centre on Saturday 6th February at 2.00. For further information see the RDCA mailshot that went out this week to island residents.
'HIDDEN HERITAGE' PROGRAMME ON UTV
Thursday 21 January 2010
The new series of 'Hidden Heritage', which starts on UTV on Monday 1st February will feature Rathlin Island in one of the programmes.
NEW YEAR'S DAY CHARITY SWIM
Tuesday 19 January 2010
Congratulations to Julie-Ann McMullan and all the swimmers, and many thanks to all those who gave so generously to the charity collection for the New Year's Day sea swim, which raised £297.12 for the Children's Hospice.
NEW YEAR'S DAY CHARITY SWIM
Monday 4 January 2010
Congratulations to the six swimmers who braved the Arctic conditions on New Year's Day to raise money for the Children's Hospice. Swimming this year were Julie-Ann & Peter Gerard McMullan, Michael Anderson, Jessica Bates, Sarah McCormack, and Sam McIlroy. A lot of money has already been donated, and more is still coming in, and a final amount will be posted here shortly.
PUB QUIZ
Monday 4 January 2010
Congatulations to the winners of the Pub Quiz held in the bar on Tuesday 29 December. Eight teams participated, and the winning team in a very tight contest was 'Mistletoe & Guinness': Imelda McFaul, Jessica Bates, Stephen Ryan & David Darcy. Second place went to 'Hannaway's Heroes': David Hannaway, Davy McGill, Seamus McMullan, and Dermot Wilson. Three teams tied for third place. Congratulations to them all, and many thanks once again to George and Liz Withers for all their work organising the quizzes.
SCHOOL CHRISTMAS PLAY
Monday 21 December 2009
The children of St. Mary's Primary School once again rose to the occasion of performing their annual Christmas plays. This year's cast of Eoin, Orla, Ryan, Millie, Jack and Pablo were joined by Sórin, who made her acting debut, in 'Santa the Mechanic Fanatic', and 'The Nativity Scene'. The Hall was packed to capacity as the children performed to their usual high standard. Of course no Christmas party would be complete without a visit from Santa, who took the time to give each child a gift.
VISIT BY EDUCATION MINISTER
Thursday 17 December 2009
The Education Minister, Caitríona Ruane visited St. Mary's Primary School on the island yesterday. In her statement, the Minister said that the school 'provides a vital service to help sustain the Rathlin community and provide a well rounded education for the children'.
NEW ITEMS FOR THE RECYCLING BLUE BIN
Tuesday 15 December 2009
Moyle District Council has announced that from now on, aerosols, cartons (including tetra paks), plastic yoghurt pots & butter tubs, plastic food trays and containers can be recycled in the blue bins. These are in addition to mixed paper and card, plastic bottles, food tins and drinks cans. Please ensure that all items are empty and clean. For further information, contact MDC Technical Services on 207 62225. The 2010/2011 Collection Calendar is available in the Shop, and more information is available here about Moyle's use of blue bins.
CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON
Monday 14 December 2009
On Friday 11th December the RDCA organised the annual switching on of the Christmas lights. The community gathered in the Parochial Hall and Pound Garden for hymns, mince pies and wine as the lights were duly turned on. Thanks to Gerry McFall and the ferry crews for all their help.
BIRDWATCH IRELAND/RSPB NORTHERN IRELAND ANNUAL CONFERENCE
Friday 4 December 2009
Lorraine Chivers will be presenting a paper entitled "Rathlin Island: Tracking the Fortunes of Northern Ireland's Seabirds" at the 43rd All Ireland Bird Conservation Conference in Sligo Park Hotel, 26-28 March 2010.
THE ONE SHOW
Thursday 3 December 2009
Congratulations to Peter Campbell who contributed to a fascinating One Show report on BBC 1 last night about Nazi U-boats. The item focused on the surrender of U-boats at the end of the war, their arrival at Lisahally, and their subsequent scuttling, mostly off the Donegal coast. The programme is available to view until next Wednesday 9th December (U-boat item starts at 22 minutes 49 seconds in). Interestingly, it appears that some of these U-boats were sunk off the Rathlin coast.
FERRY CHRISTMAS TIMETABLE
Thursday 3 December 2009
The Ferry will be running a reduced service between 25th December and 2nd January. Apart from the normally reduced services on Christmas Day and New Year's Day, there will be three return services a day on the other affected dates. If demand is high, the Ferry are happy to run the Canna instead of the St. Sorney on Christmas Day and New Year's Day.
RADON GAS WARNING
Thursday 3 December 2009
According to a report in this week's Ballymoney Times, "potentially dangerous" levels of radon gas have been detected in the "western half of Rathlin Island".
The article stated that "a naturally occurring gas, radon is formed as a result of the radioactive decay of uranium and is present in all rocks and soils. NIEA published a report last week into the level of radon and the first probability map which highlights areas where levels are raised. It identified 1,200 homes in areas in Northern Ireland where levels are above the Action Level."
"The NIEA report confirms that for the majority of the country's population radon levels in homes are generally low and not a cause for concern. It also found the probability of high radon concentrations was low in most of the north and north-east of Northern Ireland with the exception of a moderate risk between Ballycastle and Ballintoy."
Any residents who are concerned are advised to contact the Health Protection Agency on 01235 822622.
2010 CALENDAR
Tuesday 1 December 2009
The RDCA are pleased to announce that the winning and commended entries to the Photographic Competition have been compiled into a 2010 Calendar, which is for sale from Teresa McFaul, the editor of Island News. Teresa can be contacted at: 028 207 63960, or at: mcfault1960@yahoo.co.uk. The calendars cost £6 each, or £7.50 including postage. A copy of the calendar is on view in the shop and in Island Treasures. Teresa will also be selling the calendars at the Christmas Fair in the Rathlin Island Ferry office in Ballycastle on Saturday 12th December, 10.30-4.00.
NEW YEAR'S DAY CHARITY SWIM
Monday 30 November 2009
Julie-Ann McMullan is again organising her annual charity swim for New Year's Day, Friday 1st January, 1.00pm at the Station Pier. This year, all money raised will be donated to the Children's Hospice.
The swim has been running since 2002, and has raised large amounts of money for various charities. Last New Year £156.80 was raised for the Women for Women charity. In 2008 enough money was raised for Oxfam to purchase among other things, a goat, a cow, a bicycle and safe drinking water for communities in the developing world. In previous years, money was donated to the RNLI, the 2004 Tsunami Appeal by the 'Black Santa', and for a breast scanner for the Antrim Area Hospital.
Julie-Ann explained the origins and development of the annual swim: "this event first started in 2002, when I came to Rathlin for Christmas and the New Year. I had taken part in a swim for 10 years at home before this. This is how I met my husband, he was the only islander who volunteered to swim with me. Then each year for four years we re-visited old memories. Other people started joining in from 2006 on, and slowly the numbers have increased".
If anyone thinks they are brave enough to face the icy waters of the Atlantic Ocean, and have a unique Rathlin Island experience, then please contact Julie-Ann at:
(h) 028 207 60040
(m) 077 1762 7216
(e) jamrathlin@aol.com
HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Friday 27 November 2009
Following conversations with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive, the RDCA met yesterday with Habitat for Humanity, a cross-community non-profit organisation dedicated to community-based self-build housing programmes. The meeting was about how the group might be able to help with housing issues on the island. The Habitat for Humanity team will return to the island in January to meet with any island residents interested in knowing more about the organisation and their work, and what possibilities there might be of building housing on Rathlin. The RDCA will help organise the January meeting, and will notify residents.
CONSULTATIONS WITH MOYLE DC AND THE DRD
Monday 23 November 2009
The RDCA will be holding meetings with the Department of Regional Development (DRD) this Friday 27th November about the ferry service, and with Moyle District Council and the DRD on Monday 30th November about the proposed harbour bye-laws. If you have any points or questions that you would like the RDCA to raise with these bodies, then please contact us before the meetings.
RYAN TUBRIDY SHOW
Wednesday 18 November 2009
Congratulations to Marianne Green who was interviewed on this morning's Ryan Tubridy Show on RTÉ Radio 1. The show had an item about life on Irish islands which featured Rathlin, Inis Meáin and Inishturk. Marianne came across very well, and promoted the island very effectively. The islands item starts at 22 minutes 30 seconds into the programme.
REMOVAL OF SCRAP CARS
Wednesday 18 November 2009
The Ferry have offered to take scrap cars to the mainland without charge. It is essential that the car owners make their own arrangements to have the cars removed from the slipway in Ballycastle. The scrap cars will be fitted on the Canna space and weather permitting. Many thanks to Mary O'Driscoll for arranging this. Any queries please contact the Ferry.
FERRY BOOKINGS
Tuesday 17 November 2009
The Ferry are asking passengers to please book in advance as passenger places are limited to 12 on the MV St. Sorney, and 27 on the MV Canna, and both vessels are very busy at the moment, particularly the first and last sailings of the St. Sorney.
GERMAN TELEVISION PROGRAMME
Thursday 12 November 2009
The NDR television crew that visited the island at the end of October were very pleased with the footage they recorded, and are expanding the segment of the programme about the island. The finished programme will be broadcast in Germany on Christmas Eve, and the RDCA will be sent a DVD copy, which will be available for viewing. Many thanks to all those who took part in the recording, and to those who were prepared to give their time.
HARBOUR BYE LAWS
Wednesday 11 November 2009
The RDCA welcomes the decision taken at the 9th November meeting of Moyle District Council that discussion of the Rathlin Harbour Bye Laws would be deferred until the December Council meeting, to allow for a fuller consultation process. Below is the text of the RDCA's statement on the Bye Laws.
RDCA STATEMENT ON MOYLE DISTRICT COUNCIL’S PROPOSED BYE-LAWS FOR RATHLIN HARBOUR:
Rathlin Development and Community Association Committee, following a meeting on Wednesday 4th November 2009, understands the need for a set of bye-laws to cover the use of the Harbour area on Rathlin Island.
The Committee is in general support of the bye-laws proposed and welcomes some of the laws as timely, necessary and important for the safe use of this developing harbour area.
However, the Committee is concerned with the lack of notice given to Rathlin residents regarding the preparation of the bye-laws, and with the very short period of time between the response from the Council Department to RDCA’s itemised concerns on and the intended re-presentation of the proposals to Council for signing and sealing.
The Committee is also concerned about the day to day implementation of the proposed bye-laws and the daily effects on the development of the harbour area. The harbour, as well as being a working harbour with traditional and commercial use, is also the only safe recreational area for bathers and other pleasure activities.
The Committee respectfully requests that these, and other specific concerns be fully and carefully considered in consultation with Rathlin residents and would like to work closely with Moyle District Council on the process of agreeing and implementing the bye-laws so as to maintain and strengthen the good relationship between Rathlin Island, our local elected representatives and the Council staff.
9.11.09
HALLOWEEN FESTIVAL
Wednesday 4 November 2009
On Saturday 31st October, a Halloween festival was organised and funded by the Rathlin Development & Community Association, supported by the BIG Lottery Fund. With spooky story telling in the Manor House, a firework display in the harbour, and music and craic in the Bar until late - a great night was had by all. Prizes of family cinema tickets were awarded for the best child and adult costumes. Ryan Cecil as the Incredible Hulk won the children’s prize, and Aoife Molloy won the adult prize as Spongebob Squarepants. Many thanks to Ksenia McFaul in the Manor House for facilitating the story telling, and Loughie McQuilkin for his spooky tales, Dawn Curry for continuing her Halloween decorating of the bar, and Kathy McCurdy for preparing the delicious food. The island Fire Service and Coastguard volunteers ensured everybody’s safety, and John McCurdy worked hard organising the fantastic fireworks display. Thanks to everybody else who volunteered, and to all those who dressed up for the occasion. A new image gallery has been added to the website with a selection of Halloween photographs. If you have any other photos from the night that you would like us to add, please email them to us.
PUB QUIZ
Monday 2 November 2009
Congatulations to the winners of the Pub Quiz held in the bar on Friday 30 October. Fourteen teams participated, and the winning team was 'Spaceballs': Patricia Curry, Julie-Ann McMullan, Eileen Winter & Tom McDonnell. Second place went to 'Curry½N½Wits': David Hannaway, Dawn Curry, Norman & Clyde. In third place was 'Rock Bottom': Peggy McFaul, Babs Connors, Teresa McFaul & Jonathan Mitchell. Congratulations to them all, and many thanks once again to Liz and George Withers for all their work organising the quizzes.
MODEL YACHT RACE
Friday 23 October 2009
Congratulations to Margaret McQuilkin who won the Paddy O'Donnell Cup on Saturday 17 October. Second place went to Noel & Eoin McCurdy, and third place also went to Margaret! This was the last race of the season, so further congratulations to Margaret who won the overall championship, and to Conor McCurdy who won the junior championship.
Thanks to everyone who took part and attended over the course of the season, and especially to Marina McMullan for all her hard work organising the races. Also, many thanks to Liz Withers and everyone who helped for all their work on the delicious post-race barbeques. Everyone is looking forward to the start of the new season next Easter, and hopefully to seeing some more newly-built boats taking part. The website will be featuring the model races closely over the course of the next season.
WATER SERVICES
Thursday 22 October 2009
The RDCA wrote to NI Water in September requesting clarification over concerns with the Island’s water supply. An initial response was received in September. The following response was received in October.
CMS Reference: 9080909/42108
Ref: Rathlin Island
We refer to our email dated 18 September 2009, regarding ongoing work to the water pumps and boreholes on Rathlin Island. We apologise for the delay in providing you with a full response.
We can advise that Northern Ireland Water continually monitors water usage on Rathlin Island. Due to seasonal variations in demand arising from the large number of visitors water usage had risen over the summer months. We had put in place contingency arrangements in order to deal with periods of exceptional usage. These contingencies were implemented over the recent Bank Holiday, when we, as a precaution measure, transported a small amount of water to the island by tanker.
As you are aware, operations has been carrying out several pieces of work over the last few weeks and these along with the decrease in the number of tourists have contributed to a significant reduction in demand. With this reduction in demand, coupled with the seasonal winter recharge of the water levels, we anticipate that the water levels in the boreholes will fully recover over the winter months. In addition, we have instigated extra logging of the water levels over the next year in order to closely manage the water resource and ensure that the long term water supply to our customers on Rathlin Island remains secure.
Should you need any further assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us on 08457 440088 or by emailing waterline@cs.niwater.com, quoting your CMS Reference Number.
Yours sincerely
Customer Relations Centre
DOCTORS’ VISITS
Wednesday 21 October 2009
The two medical practices in Ballycastle are scheduled to carry out a number of sessions on the Island between now and March 2010. Dr Fergal Hasson visited in September and returned in October to give flu vaccinations. Dr. Hegarty’s and Dr Hasson’s practise is due to make two more scheduled visits, one in January and another in March.
The Dalriada Family Practice (Drs McLister, Burns and O’Kane) are only due to make one visit this year (financial year ending March 2010). This is a reduction from the three visits provided last year and is due to the Health Board deeming that the Dalriada Practice does not have enough patients on Rathlin Island to warrant funding three visits. This practice will also be offering the flu vaccinations to all their patients who wish to avail of the vaccine. Both practices recognise the importance of the visits and the personal contact it allows.
The RDCA is in communication with both Practices, exploring what appropriate support we can give to reinstate the two visits lost from the Dalriada Family Practice and to encourage continuous medical support for the Island’s residents.
TELEVISION INTERVIEWS
Tuesday 20 October 2009
A German television crew from the NDR station are visiting the island at the end of October, and want to interview island residents about life on Rathlin for a travel programme. Anyone interested in taking part, or looking for more information, please contact David or Stephen in the Resource Centre.
DRAFT POLICY CONSULTATION
Wednesday 7 October 2009
On Wednesday 7 October 2009, representatives of the Department of Regional Development, working with the RDCA held a public consultation event in Bruce's Kitchen about the DRD's proposed policy for the island. Over sixty people attended, and participated in a lively series of discussions based around the policy themes of sustainability, services & the environment. Also discussed were Moyle District Council's proposed set of bye-laws for Rathlin harbour, and a draft 'Rathlin Code' for visitors to the island. The resulting ideas and suggestions will be posted on the website.
MENU OF MOYLE PRIZE
Monday 28 September 2009
Congratulations to Ksenia McFaul, chef Willie Campbell and all the team at the Manor House on winning the restaurant category of the 2009 Menu of Moyle competition.
WINTER FERRY TIMETABLE
Monday 28 September 2009
The Winter ferry timetable has come into operation, as of Monday 28 September 2009.
AMATEUR PHOTOGRAPHIC COMPETITION 2009
Monday 28 September 2009
The photo competition was a great success: 47 individuals entered, with a total of 103 entries. The standard of the entries was very high, and the judging panel of Tom McDonnell, Marina McMullan & Ann Henderson had to make some very difficult decisions. Viewing all the pictures anonymously, the panel looked in particular for images that reflected life on Rathlin, or the distinctive look and beauty of the island.
The judging panel felt that for 3rd place it would be fairest to award £10 each to three entries instead of £25 for the overall 3rd place prize. Also, it was decided that because of the high standard of entries, an overall shortlist of fifteen instead of twelve would be selected. All fifteen winning and commended entries are now posted on the site under 'Image Galleries'. Congratulations to all the winners and commended entrants, and thanks to all who entered!
1st Place (£75) Nuala Simpson, Suffolk: 'Rue Point stormy weather, No. 1'
2nd Place (£50) Nicky Hainey, Rathlin: 'C'on Rathlin'
3rd Place (£10) Cathy McCurdy, Rathlin: 'I need a longer tongue!'
3rd Place (£10) Linda Neely, Coleraine: 'Rathlin by the sea'
3rd Place (£10) Margaret O'Brien, Manchester: 'View from the East'
Commended
Jackie Codd, Hillsborough: 'Untitled'
Leah Mitchell, Ballygowan: 'Rue lighthouse from Roonivoolin walk'
Anne Ford, Kells: 'Garden vista'
Bridie Rollins, Bath: 'Rathlin rocks'
Heather Neely, Coleraine: 'Rathlin calling'
John McKee, Ballyclare: 'Look what got washed up'
Jason Coyle, Ballyclare: 'Time stands still'
Fiona McCurdy, Rathlin: 'Gone fishing!'
Eamon Green, Rathlin: 'Looking up to Dun an Rua'
Victor Reijs, Dublin: 'Silverweed overtaking the Coolnagrock road'
COASTGUARD LONG SERVICE MEDAL PRESENTATION
Friday 25 September 2009
Many congratulations to David Hannaway and Seamus McMullan who received 20 year long service medals from Coastguard Sector Manager Gordon Munro in McCuaig's Bar on Thursday 24 September.