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06/12/2023
Other News In Brief
PRONI Announces 'Cantiunculae' Celebration Event
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast has announced an evening of music, history and festive celebration on Thursday, 07 December.
PRONI is currently celebrating its centenary and this special event will feature music inspired by PRONI's one hundred years of collecting and preserving the history of Northern Ireland, as well as readings by staff and volunteers from some of the fascinating documents held in the archives.
Belfast based chamber choir, Cantiunculae will perform a series of carols, including the debut of an original piece 'One Hundred Years' written by Jim Johnston and composed by David McCann.
David Huddleston, Acting Director, PRONI encourages anyone interested to register for the evening, which will be held in the iconic PRONI building in the Titanic Quarter.
David said: "The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland's centenary year has been celebrated with several historic firsts. I am delighted that we are about to witness another one, with an original piece of music inspired by PRONI's 100th birthday. It has been created by local musician David McCann and writer Jim Johnston and will form part of a festive evening of music, history and celebration that will see carols interspersed with readings from fascinating documents held in the PRONI archives.
"This is a novel twist on the traditional nine lessons and carols and I am looking forward to this special premiere to mark the 100th anniversary of PRONI."
Local composer David McCann said: "My co-writer, Jim Johnston and I wanted to write a song around 'One Hundred Years', thinking of all the records that PRONI has kept since 1923, and all that might come to pass in the next century.
"We wondered if people in 2123 would remember our actions and our words, and would they have solved the issues we face? The composition also asks if we ourselves could not make the changes we need now. The choral part of the new song will be sung by Cantiunculae and with a spoken word section over the final chorus."
Belfast Lord Mayor Signs White Ribbon Charter
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has signed the White Ribbon Charter, which is a pledge to never condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The signing of the pledge forms part of Belfast City Council's wider commitment to support anyone who has been a victim of, or affected by, domestic violence and abuse, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Through ongoing work within council and with community partners in local neighbourhoods throughout the city, Belfast has also been re-accredited as a Safe City by Onus for the fourth year.
Safe City status recognises cities that have taken a partnership approach to ensure that individuals who have experienced domestic abuse can access the right support whenever it is needed.
Belfast City Council also holds platinum status in Onus' workplace charter on domestic violence, in recognition of ongoing support and guidance for council staff experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Councillor Murphy was joined by Belfast City Council Chief Executive John Walsh and Christine Sheridan, Director of Human Resources, to sign the charter.
UUP 'Alarmed' At Cost Of Childcare In NI
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have expressed their "alarm" at the growing childcare costs in Northern Ireland.
Responding to the Employers for Childcare Northern Ireland Childcare Survey 2023 report, the party's spokesperson for young people, Robbie Butler MLA, said: "Employers for Childcare go above and beyond to report and highlight the concerns around childcare in Northern Ireland, and whilst the report is welcomed, there are some staggering statistics that cannot be ignored. This includes families with a child under the age of 5 who use formal childcare only, pay an average of over £14k per year for their childcare. This is deeply concerning as the median salary in Northern Ireland is roughly £25k.
"Another concern in the survey was that 15% of parents explained that they were using unregistered childminders, meaning their children could be at risk. Consequently, it disadvantages those registered childminders. The Ulster Unionist Party would want all those offering childminding services to be subject to a robust registration process and inspections.
"It is evident that childcare providers are struggling with their own rising costs which they, in the absence of investment in the sector, have no choice but to pass these costs on to the parents to cover. The survey reported that 84% of providers are at breaking point or even making a loss. However, this is only set to worsen with the uplift to the National Living Wage, which will drive costs up further and increase prices for parents. Quality childcare is in everyone’s interests, but additional support is needed for the sector and the workforce.
"The lack of a Childcare Strategy in Northern Ireland has not gone unnoticed. The lack of an Executive has not gone unnoticed. However, the lack of an Executive means we cannot address the growing concerns around the financial impact of childcare fees on families. When an Executive returns, implementing a Childcare Strategy needs to be a day-one commitment that finally addresses and implements the help and support families need across Northern Ireland."
The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) in Belfast has announced an evening of music, history and festive celebration on Thursday, 07 December.
PRONI is currently celebrating its centenary and this special event will feature music inspired by PRONI's one hundred years of collecting and preserving the history of Northern Ireland, as well as readings by staff and volunteers from some of the fascinating documents held in the archives.
Belfast based chamber choir, Cantiunculae will perform a series of carols, including the debut of an original piece 'One Hundred Years' written by Jim Johnston and composed by David McCann.
David Huddleston, Acting Director, PRONI encourages anyone interested to register for the evening, which will be held in the iconic PRONI building in the Titanic Quarter.
David said: "The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland's centenary year has been celebrated with several historic firsts. I am delighted that we are about to witness another one, with an original piece of music inspired by PRONI's 100th birthday. It has been created by local musician David McCann and writer Jim Johnston and will form part of a festive evening of music, history and celebration that will see carols interspersed with readings from fascinating documents held in the PRONI archives.
"This is a novel twist on the traditional nine lessons and carols and I am looking forward to this special premiere to mark the 100th anniversary of PRONI."
Local composer David McCann said: "My co-writer, Jim Johnston and I wanted to write a song around 'One Hundred Years', thinking of all the records that PRONI has kept since 1923, and all that might come to pass in the next century.
"We wondered if people in 2123 would remember our actions and our words, and would they have solved the issues we face? The composition also asks if we ourselves could not make the changes we need now. The choral part of the new song will be sung by Cantiunculae and with a spoken word section over the final chorus."
Belfast Lord Mayor Signs White Ribbon Charter
The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Ryan Murphy, has signed the White Ribbon Charter, which is a pledge to never condone or remain silent about violence against women.
The signing of the pledge forms part of Belfast City Council's wider commitment to support anyone who has been a victim of, or affected by, domestic violence and abuse, regardless of gender or sexual orientation.
Through ongoing work within council and with community partners in local neighbourhoods throughout the city, Belfast has also been re-accredited as a Safe City by Onus for the fourth year.
Safe City status recognises cities that have taken a partnership approach to ensure that individuals who have experienced domestic abuse can access the right support whenever it is needed.
Belfast City Council also holds platinum status in Onus' workplace charter on domestic violence, in recognition of ongoing support and guidance for council staff experiencing domestic violence and abuse.
Councillor Murphy was joined by Belfast City Council Chief Executive John Walsh and Christine Sheridan, Director of Human Resources, to sign the charter.
UUP 'Alarmed' At Cost Of Childcare In NI
The Ulster Unionist Party (UUP) have expressed their "alarm" at the growing childcare costs in Northern Ireland.
Responding to the Employers for Childcare Northern Ireland Childcare Survey 2023 report, the party's spokesperson for young people, Robbie Butler MLA, said: "Employers for Childcare go above and beyond to report and highlight the concerns around childcare in Northern Ireland, and whilst the report is welcomed, there are some staggering statistics that cannot be ignored. This includes families with a child under the age of 5 who use formal childcare only, pay an average of over £14k per year for their childcare. This is deeply concerning as the median salary in Northern Ireland is roughly £25k.
"Another concern in the survey was that 15% of parents explained that they were using unregistered childminders, meaning their children could be at risk. Consequently, it disadvantages those registered childminders. The Ulster Unionist Party would want all those offering childminding services to be subject to a robust registration process and inspections.
"It is evident that childcare providers are struggling with their own rising costs which they, in the absence of investment in the sector, have no choice but to pass these costs on to the parents to cover. The survey reported that 84% of providers are at breaking point or even making a loss. However, this is only set to worsen with the uplift to the National Living Wage, which will drive costs up further and increase prices for parents. Quality childcare is in everyone’s interests, but additional support is needed for the sector and the workforce.
"The lack of a Childcare Strategy in Northern Ireland has not gone unnoticed. The lack of an Executive has not gone unnoticed. However, the lack of an Executive means we cannot address the growing concerns around the financial impact of childcare fees on families. When an Executive returns, implementing a Childcare Strategy needs to be a day-one commitment that finally addresses and implements the help and support families need across Northern Ireland."
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
