Recycling Week 2020
I want to begin by looking back to Recycle Week, and the news that during the lockdown period our residents recycled almost 20% more waste in their blue bins.
Overall, our recycling levels have increased in the last year and I want to reiterate my thanks to all those who have helped to make this happen. It shows we can continue to do more, and collectively we can make a big difference.
I hope these positive statistics inspire us all to realise that our actions are important and we should do everything we can to make full use of our blue and brown bin service. As always, my thanks go to our refuse collection staff as well, who maintain this essential service for all of us.
Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Operations employee George Elliott pictured with scones and tray bakes which were delivered to Limavady Depot by Roe Rover Football Club as a token of thanks for frontline workers earlier this year.
Mayor’s charity
As some of you may already be aware, I have chosen Alzheimer's Society as my official charity for the year ahead and I recently met with a local Dementia Support Worker here at Cloonavin to mark the start of this partnership.
Alderman Fielding and his wife Phyllis pictured at Cloonavin with local Dementia Support Worker Aoife McMaster.
My father had dementia in the last two years of his life, and this experience helped to inspire my choice and I’m looking forward to offering my support to the charity throughout the year.
Like many organisations, its services and fundraising have been greatly affected by the pandemic but those living with the condition along with their families still need vital help and assistance. It’s a sad reality that people with dementia have been worst hit by coronavirus, accounting for over a quarter of deaths in the UK according to Alzheimer’s Society so they have never been so deserving of our help.
Support for Macmillan
I would like to take a minute to mention the recent fundraiser for Macmillan Cancer Support organised by Council’s More More Co-ordinator.
With restrictions affecting the World’s Biggest Coffee Morning fundraisers normally held in September, Catherine encouraged people to Move 5k On The Day instead, including myself, and then make a donation which proved to be very successful and I would like to thank all those who took part.
Alderman Mark Fielding joins Macmillan Move More Co-Ordinator Catherine Bell-Allen at Cloonavin ahead of the annual World’s Biggest Coffee Morning fundraising day on September 25th.
Peace IV Finale Video
For the past number of years, the Peace IV programme has been delivered across the Borough, bringing our children and young people together, promoting shared space and working towards positive relations.
A short finale video has now been produced as the programme comes to an end, which captures some of its activity and how it has impacted on participants.
Well done to everyone who helped to make Peace IV so successful and if you haven’t already done so I would encourage you all to watch the short film below.
A consultation is currently open on Council’s Disability Action Plan and we really want people to share their views and suggestions with us.
This is a key plan to ensure everyone receives the service they need equally, and the public’s input is vital if we are to succeed in making our community and services the best that they can be.
The plan is available to read now on Council’s website here and I would encourage as many people as possible to participate in this.
Ballycastle and Harry Potter
Finally, I was in Ballycastle recently for a rather unusual photo call as the town was recognised for its unique place in Harry Potter.
One of JK Rowling’s fictional Quidditch teams is called the Ballycastle Bats, and we were presented with a decorative banner by her publishing company in recognition of this ahead of the release of a new book.
Ballycastle is the only town in Northern Ireland included within it, so it’s a bit of a coup for the area and I was delighted to be asked to take part.
Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Mark Fielding accepts the decorative banner in an official ceremony at Ballycastle beach, honouring the town's role in the Harry Potter companion book. He is pictured with Aine Franey (11) and her brother Oisin (9)