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08/11/2023
Other News In Brief
Bursary Scheme For Playwrights And Directors Opens
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and c21 Theatre Company has opened a bursary scheme for early career Playwrights and Directors in the borough.
Applicants will have the opportunity to write or direct a new play under the expert teaching and mentorship of Dramaturg, Hanna Slattne and c21's Artistic Director, Stephen Kelly.
Two Writers will be selected to take part in a four month development process, from December 2023 to April 2024. Two Directors will also be selected to engage from February 2024 to April 2024 to develop their knowledge.
The scheme offers a bursary of £3,000 each to two writers and £1,500 each to two directors.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for all of the creative individuals in the Borough who are just starting their career in Playwriting or Directing. The workshops, training and tutorials will be exceptionally beneficial for those who are wanting to take their careers to the next level, with the added benefit of up to £3000 bursary. If this is something that would be of interest to you or if you know anyone who has an early career in either of these professions, then make sure you get them to apply."
Creative Director of c21 Theatre Company, Stephen Kelly stated: "This is a fantastic opportunity and one that the company is delighted to be involved in. c21 is based in the heart of the Borough and having just celebrated its 18th birthday, the timing is perfect to launch this programme. Nurturing local talent is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to start."
The project is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Ulster Rugby Appoints New Head Of Commercial
Ulster Rugby has appointed Keith Shorten as the new Head of Commercial.
Keith Shorten has gained experienced across the sports, leisure, tourism and entertainment industries over the past 20 years.
As part of the Senior Management set-up at the club, Mr Shorten will oversee all aspects of the commercial business for Ulster Rugby. His key responsibilities will include sponsor and partner relationship management, sustainable revenue generation, and driving commercial growth for the club to support both the professional and domestic game across the province.
Mr Keith Shorten said: "I look forward to joining the club, given its standing within the province, and beyond, built upon a sense of pride when the professional team take to the pitch, but equally given the important Governing Body role of Ulster Rugby in growing the grassroots game.
"From the long-standing sponsor relationships already in-place, many of which stretch back over a number of years, it is clear that Ulster Rugby is an incredibly strong proposition for businesses looking to bring their brand to a local and international audience, and I am keen to continue to build on this.
"At the start of a new season, it’s also important to emphasise that Ulster Rugby is very much open for business, and a key focus for myself and my team will be to grow commercial income in the time ahead to best support the ambitions of the club, both on and off the pitch."
DUP Presses SoS For Flood Payment Scheme
DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, have met with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to urge him to support flood victims.
Last week, Storm Ciarán caused widespread damage and devastation to communities across the country.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "This was a positive meeting and I remain hopeful that the Government will step up and provide this much needed additional funding. We will continue to engage with local businesses and homeowners in all areas affected by this flooding in order to identify their needs in terms of recovery.
"We will also take forward our discussions with the relevant Northern Ireland departments to ensure that there is a coordinated approach in designing a scheme that will deliver this additional support for both businesses and households here as quickly as possible."
Carla Lockhart stated: "Whilst homeowners will have their £1,000 emergency flood payment, this does not go far in restoring a home to its pre-flood condition or paying for alternative accommodation.
"It is vital that the UK Government steps in and provides the kind of assistance that is needed in our flood hit communities, similar to that offered in other parts of the UK. Jobs and livelihoods are on the line.
"We have underscored with the Secretary of State the need to secure Treasury funds to provide a substantial scheme in Northern Ireland which can help people and businesses through this crisis."
South Down MLA Diane Forsythe and Strangford MP Jim Shannon also attended the meeting in Westminster.
Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and c21 Theatre Company has opened a bursary scheme for early career Playwrights and Directors in the borough.
Applicants will have the opportunity to write or direct a new play under the expert teaching and mentorship of Dramaturg, Hanna Slattne and c21's Artistic Director, Stephen Kelly.
Two Writers will be selected to take part in a four month development process, from December 2023 to April 2024. Two Directors will also be selected to engage from February 2024 to April 2024 to develop their knowledge.
The scheme offers a bursary of £3,000 each to two writers and £1,500 each to two directors.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper, said: "This is a fantastic opportunity for all of the creative individuals in the Borough who are just starting their career in Playwriting or Directing. The workshops, training and tutorials will be exceptionally beneficial for those who are wanting to take their careers to the next level, with the added benefit of up to £3000 bursary. If this is something that would be of interest to you or if you know anyone who has an early career in either of these professions, then make sure you get them to apply."
Creative Director of c21 Theatre Company, Stephen Kelly stated: "This is a fantastic opportunity and one that the company is delighted to be involved in. c21 is based in the heart of the Borough and having just celebrated its 18th birthday, the timing is perfect to launch this programme. Nurturing local talent is at the heart of what we do, and we can’t wait to start."
The project is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.
Ulster Rugby Appoints New Head Of Commercial
Ulster Rugby has appointed Keith Shorten as the new Head of Commercial.
Keith Shorten has gained experienced across the sports, leisure, tourism and entertainment industries over the past 20 years.
As part of the Senior Management set-up at the club, Mr Shorten will oversee all aspects of the commercial business for Ulster Rugby. His key responsibilities will include sponsor and partner relationship management, sustainable revenue generation, and driving commercial growth for the club to support both the professional and domestic game across the province.
Mr Keith Shorten said: "I look forward to joining the club, given its standing within the province, and beyond, built upon a sense of pride when the professional team take to the pitch, but equally given the important Governing Body role of Ulster Rugby in growing the grassroots game.
"From the long-standing sponsor relationships already in-place, many of which stretch back over a number of years, it is clear that Ulster Rugby is an incredibly strong proposition for businesses looking to bring their brand to a local and international audience, and I am keen to continue to build on this.
"At the start of a new season, it’s also important to emphasise that Ulster Rugby is very much open for business, and a key focus for myself and my team will be to grow commercial income in the time ahead to best support the ambitions of the club, both on and off the pitch."
DUP Presses SoS For Flood Payment Scheme
DUP Leader, Sir Jeffrey Donaldson MP and Upper Bann MP, Carla Lockhart, have met with the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Chris Heaton-Harris, to urge him to support flood victims.
Last week, Storm Ciarán caused widespread damage and devastation to communities across the country.
Sir Jeffrey Donaldson said: "This was a positive meeting and I remain hopeful that the Government will step up and provide this much needed additional funding. We will continue to engage with local businesses and homeowners in all areas affected by this flooding in order to identify their needs in terms of recovery.
"We will also take forward our discussions with the relevant Northern Ireland departments to ensure that there is a coordinated approach in designing a scheme that will deliver this additional support for both businesses and households here as quickly as possible."
Carla Lockhart stated: "Whilst homeowners will have their £1,000 emergency flood payment, this does not go far in restoring a home to its pre-flood condition or paying for alternative accommodation.
"It is vital that the UK Government steps in and provides the kind of assistance that is needed in our flood hit communities, similar to that offered in other parts of the UK. Jobs and livelihoods are on the line.
"We have underscored with the Secretary of State the need to secure Treasury funds to provide a substantial scheme in Northern Ireland which can help people and businesses through this crisis."
South Down MLA Diane Forsythe and Strangford MP Jim Shannon also attended the meeting in Westminster.
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22 August 2023
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A new initiative to inspire lifelong participation in rugby across NI has been announced by Ulster Rugby. Set to have a lasting and positive impact on the lives of those involved in rugby in Ulster, the Ulster Rugby Foundation will drive forward a community game in the province which welcomes people of all ages and abilities.
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16 April 2018
Paddy Jackson's And Stuart Olding's Contracts Revoked
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The contracts of Paddy Jackson and Stuart Olding have been revoked with "immediate effect" by the Irish Rugby Football Union (IRFU) and Ulster Rugby. Last month, the two rugby players were unanimously acquitted of raping a woman at a house in south Belfast in June 2016.
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'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
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'Nevin Spence Centre' Planned For Ravenhill
A new education and heritage centre being built at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill stadium is to be named after the late Nevin Spence, who died in a farming accident along with his brother Graham and father Noel in September last year. The centre is part of a £14.7m redevelopment of the ground and will be called 'The Nevin Spence Centre'.
01 March 2024
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
Ulster Rugby Foundation Secures Official Charitable Status
The Ulster Rugby Foundation has secured official charitable status, which will allow it to raise vital funds needed to ensure that rugby is a sport open to all ages and abilities across the province.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A very mild, but mostly cloudy day, although with some bright or sunny spells. It will be mostly dry in the morning, but a little patchy light rain or drizzle at times in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 14 °C.Tonight:A band of heavier rain will move east during the evening before clearing eastwards after midnight. then mostly dry through the early hours, but a little rain towards dawn. Minimum temperature 8 °C.
