Previous Study Visits
The following include a short summary of study visits and events delivered by The Rural Centre from 2012 – 2015. All current projects and events are on The Rural Centre website.
Strabane District Council
Belfast 1798 Tour 17 February 2012 & 1916 Dublin Tour 16 March 2012
Following participation in previous Belfast and Dublin Tours as part of the Western Forum Programme, the GRO, Strabane District Council requested similar visits specifically for Strabane District Council. The Historical Tour of Georgian and Victorian Belfast took place on the 17 February 2012 and included St George’s Church and the Plantation town Crown Entry-birthplace of the United Irishmen, High Street –Henry Joy McCracken, Rosemary St Presbyterian Church (1783), Old St Mary’s (1784), St Anne’s Cathedral- Carson’s tomb, St Patrick’s Church and National School- links with Sir John Lavery, Clifton House-Belfast’s oldest public building (1774), Clifton St Graveyard- graves of united Irishmen.
The visit to Dublin on the 16 March 2012 included sites related to the Easter Rising: Kilmainham Jai, the scene of executions, Arbour Hill 1916 Graves and Memorial, Mount Street Bridge (scene of worst fighting)’ Stephen’s Green and College of Surgeons, Liberty Hall and James Connolly and the GPO and O’Connell Street.
Italian Directors receive English Language Training
12 May 2012 Europe Direct NI facilitated training for a number of Italian Directors. The training was delivered over the course of a week. One to one tuition was provided in the morning and the afternoon was spent sightseeing and practicing spoken English.
The training was delivered on behalf of an Italian language school who provide English language training to companies across Italy.
100 Years of History Decade of Commemorations
This series of four lectures was developed for the Western Forum of Councils with the aim to provide a broad historical context to the Decade of Commemorations. The purpose was to inform policy and initiatives in local Council to include understanding of our shared history.
Éamon Phoenix and Dr Johnston McMaster delivered a series of lectures beginning with the Historical background to the Twentieth Century events and the recent Troubles; The revolutionary events/anniversaries of 1912-16; The Rise of Sectarian Violence in Northern Ireland and Sectarian Violence and the Peace Process.
The programme ran throughout 2012 and included visits to important sites the 1916 Great War tour of Dublin including Kilmainham Jail, Arbour Hill (graves of executed leaders), Mount St Bridge (worst fighting), GPO and the Garden of Remembrance and Irish National War Memorial at Islandbridge. Other visits included the Boyne, 1798 tour of central Belfast and Clifton St Graveyard (resting-place of United lrishmen, eg McCracken, Drennan etc), Friar’s Bush Famine Mass Grave (1847) and at tour of Stormont.
Good Relations Dialogue & Tour Decade of Commemorations
17 – 19 September 2012 This Study Visit was a joint initiative between the Good Relations Officers of Coleraine, Ballymoney, Moyle, Limavady and Derry City Councils. The programme was arranged and managed by Heather McLaughlin. The aim of the visit was to provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about how key events in local British and Irish History shape how we commemorate and reflect on issues today and how to use EU funding to enable a shared commemoration of historical events over the next decade.
The study visit included 50 participants from the five local Council areas who enjoyed an historical tour to sites associated with World War I, Easter 1916 and the Battle of the Boyne. Sites visited included the War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge, Kilmainham Gaol, Arbour Hill, the Boyne Heritage Centre, the Somme Heritage Centre and Schomberg House. Dr Eamon Phoenix, political historian, facilitated an end of session discussion in Belfast. He began by providing a summary of the historical events explored over the three day programme before leading a discussion on the way forward for sharing future commemorations.
Feedback and Comments:
‘This has increased my knowledge and put things into perspective’
‘Events like this encourage me to actually listen to other people’s points of views and ideas’
‘The tour provided a safe platform to discuss the issues’
‘It was good to engage with people from different backgrounds, to listen and respect their opinion’
‘This tour has increased my knowledge of historical events. Previously I had only heard one side of the story’
‘Although I may not agree to everything, I certainly respect and have listened to these issues through meeting new people’
‘The increased knowledge of historical events will give a better understanding of our past and the problems faced by each situation of our community’
Conference for NGO Sector 9 & 10 Oct 2012
Europe Direct NI exhibited at this 2 day event in the Ramada Hotel, Belfast. The event was targeted at the community / voluntary sector in Northern Ireland to offer practical help and encouragement through a series of Seminars and Presentations.
The Conference programme was launced by by Yorkshireman Steve McDermott with an inspirational Key Note address ‘When The Going Gets Tough!’. Steve has been voted UK Motivational Speaker of the Year in 2006, 2007 and 2009. A wide range of relevant resources were avaiable at over 80 stands in the Exhibition Halls.
Sweden Visits N Ireland
Europe Direct NI was delighted to host a visit from Georg Gyllenfjell who is Creative Director, Isle of Design,Visbyslätt, Gotlands Län, Sweden.
Gotland is Sweden’s largest island. The island of Gotland has an area of 2,994 km² with a population is 57,221,of which about 22,200 live in Visby, the main town. The island’s main sources of income are tourism, agriculture and concrete production from locally mined limestone.
Georg visted Fermanagh to look at opportunities for activity holidays for Swedish clients and visted a number of Estates and hotels in the area.
Border Region Co-operation: Belgium, Netherlands, Germany
19 – 22 November 2012 Europe Direct NI was delighted to develop and facilitate a study visit for the Western Forum, for Councillors from the Council areas of Dungannon, Strabane and Cookstown. The purpose of the visit was to meet Councils in this Belgian, Germany and Netherlands border area to understand how they manage the complex needs of a border region with a cultural mix of language, religions and different historical perceptions in a way that reflects the cultural diversity of the population. It also aimed to provide an understanding of how this border region impacts on political structures and the challenges of including and respecting cultural differences to prosper on a socio-economic basis.
Visits and meetings took place with the Mayors and Councillors of Maastrich in the Netherlands, Gent in Belgium and Aachen in Germany which provided valuable insights into the way these local authorities manage co-operation and deal with the challenges of including and respecting cultural, language and land borders
The programme of meetings explored the EU model of conflict resolution following World Wars I and II where which the EU model is one based on inclusion, accommodation and respecting diversity. The programme enabled participants to make comparisons between the local and regional journey of Northern Ireland as it emerges out of conflict looking for comparators and aids to peace from the Belgium experience.
Study Visit: Orange & White Lilies
This Study Visit was arranged for elected representative from Ballymoney Borough Council. The programme was developed and arranged by Heather McLaughlin, Europe Direct NI with the aim to provide participants with an opportunity to learn more about the key events from 1912 – 1923 which shaped and influenced British and Irish History. This enabled the elected representatives to reflect on how best to enable a shared commemoration of historical events over the next decade.
The study visit included 10 participants who visited the sites associated with World War I, Easter 1916 and the Battle of the Boyne. Sites visited included the War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge, Kilmainham Gaol, Arbour Hill and the Boyne Heritage Centre.
Portuguese Hospitality Students Develop their English Skills
7 – 10 April 2013 Europe Direct NI was delighted to develop and facilitate a study visit for hospitality students from Escola Secundária de Oliveira do Bairro working with their Prof. Alberto Manuel Cardoso. It was a very full 4 day programme which took in all the major sites in London. As the group arrived on Sunday they took the opportunity to visit the famous Petticoat Lane and Brick Lane markets before walking to see Tower Bridge and The Tower of London in the Evening.
The 13 students aged 15 – 25 took the initiative in agreeing what sites to visit each day and planning the route. The students had researched the sites and explained the history and importance to the group in English. At Hyde Park Speakers Corner some took the opportunity to share their views on the visit in English.
Consultation to Identify Events in the Dungannon District Council Area
17 April 2013 The “Decade of Commemorations” marks the 100th anniversary of events which shaped and influenced British & Irish History. The SW PEACE III Cluster, Magherafelt District Council are seeking the views on what events should be included in a programme for the Dungannon Borough Council Area which which will engage and involve residents of the Dungannon Council Area. The Rural Centre facilitated a seminar with Dr Eamon Phoenix in Parkanaur Manor on the 17 April 2013 as part of the consultation process. Dr Phoenix outlined the key events of the Decade ad make local links to the Dungannon Area before Chris McCarney. Peace III Programme Manager outlined the funding available and what could be supported
9 May Celebrating the European Union
On 9 May 1950, Robert Schuman, the first President of the European Parliamentary Assembly, presented his proposal on the creation of an organised Europe, indispensable to the maintenance of peaceful relations. The European Commission Representation office in Northern Ireland celebrated Europe Day with a reception in the Titanic Centre with a welcome address by the Colette Fitzgerald, Head of the Commission Representation Office.
Portuguese Student Placements
Following a successful study visit for hospitality students from Escola Secundária de Oliveira do Bairro, Portugal to London in April 2013
http://europedirectni.wordpress.com/2013/04/07/study-visit-portuguese-students-visit-london/
Europe Direct NI was delighted to host a visit for Prof. Alberto Manuel Cardoso to look at the possibility of work placements for hospitality students from Oliveira do Bairro in N Ireland.
View Interviews with Portuguese Placements & Hosts
Study Visit: Portugal to N Ireland
After a successful study visit of hospitality students from Escola Secundária de Oliveira do Bairro to London in April 2013 and a follow up visit by Prof. Alberto Manuel Cardoso to N Ireland in May 2013 to find work experience placements for hospitality students the co-operation between the regions continues. The Vice Director, Head of Teachers Learning Centre and teachers from the Agrupamento de Escolas de Oliveira do Bairro participated in a study visit to N Ireland from the 2 – 5 July 2013.
The purpose of the visit was to meet organisations who could help develop links with schools to develop partnerships and to meet organisations who could help place students for work experience in hospitality.
Report Study Visit Portugal – N Ireland 2 – 5 july 2013
Peace Funding in the Clogher Valley Area
Representatives from 26 community/ voluntary groups met Peace III Funders from Dungannon District Council to discuss the low uptake of funding in the area and consider ideas for the next round of funding. Oct 2013
Somme Heritage Centre & Kilmainham Gaol
Fifty members of the Moygashel Community and Culture Association took part in a study visit to the Somme Heritage Centre to look at the history of the Battle of the Somme and to Kilmainham Jail and historical sites in Dublin to look at the history of the Easter Rising. The visit took place during the 5th and 6th October 2013 and included a visit to Helen’s Tower a replica of the tower built to commemorate the soldiers of the 36th Ulster Division on the Somme battlefield.
Decade of Commemorations: Dr Johnston McMaster
October 16, 2013 The “Decade of Commemorations” marks the 100th anniversary of events which shaped and influenced British & Irish History. The programme is managed by Heather McLaughlin and includes projects which cover a range of activities including study visits to the Somme Heritage Centre and Kilmainhma Gaol for community and youth groups development of databases, publications and website listing details of local people who fought in WWI, exhibitions and publications.
Europe Direct AGM
Annual General Meeting, Sofia, 20 – 22 October 2013
The meeting included a representative from each of the Europe Direct offices which provided the opportunity to network and link with colleagues throughout Europe.
Study Visit: Youth Visit to Somme Heritage Centre
October 30, 2013
Youth Action NI are a regional, voluntary youth organisation and charity based in Belfast, Armagh, Enniskillen, South Tyrone, Newry and the North West who work with young people to tackle inequalities in their lives, contribute to communities and take action to contribute to a peaceful society, through community based project, workshops and events.
Study Visit: Community Development in Poland
Krakow, Poland 24 – 28 November 2013 Heather McLaughlin, developed this study visit programme for a Community Network to look at community development in Poland. A number of visits followed over the next few days to Communes in Wadowice to look at the projects they had developed in their area and to hear about local development and inter-regional co-operation; Raciechowice to discuss major projects, ecology projects, community transport; Jodlownik to discuss major health, rural community development and cultural activity programmes and local development and Czorsztyn to explore major projects, rural tourism, environmental protection. Some of the projects visited included a power station and a salt mine.
The group also took time to visit the Concentration Camp Auschwitz-Birkenau which was an overwhelming experience.
Portuguese Tourism & Hospitality Visit to Edinburgh
April 23, 2014 This meeting was to explore the possibility of hospitality placements for students from Portugal to provide them with some practical experience in the area of hospitality. After gaining theoretical and some practical experience at vocational school the aim is to develop their skills further through a short term placement. They benefit through working in the industry as well as developing their English language skills and cultural experience working in another region of Europe.
The group met with Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT) who’s mission is “Assisting people to achieve their potential within Scottish hospitality”. HIT Scotland aims to inspire individuals to be the best they can be through scholarships and bursaries.
Network for Enterprising Women
April 23, 2014 The Network for Enterprising Women (NEW) hosted their networking event for business in the Lemon Tree Coffee Shop in Belleek, Co Fermanagh. Women from across Fermanagh gathered together to talk about their business, current business news and in addition were presented with opportunities to swap ideas and discuss business issues.
The meetings are very informal, however out of these events some great business contacts can be made and developed. Teresa O’Loughlin, chair of the Network commented. “Our network has been running now for over ten years with a voluntary committee who are all self employed women.
One of most exciting developments in 2014 will be our involvement in a European project managed by Europe Direct NI that will bring 8 European regions together in Fermanagh on a knowledge sharing trip. This is our 2014 G8! Essentially this project is looking at women who are living and working rurally in Northern Ireland, Spain, Germany, Cyprus, Turkey, Poland and Hungary.
Portuguese Student Placements in Hospitality and Marketing: Edinburgh
June 30, 2014 With the support and collaboration of Hospitality Industry Trust Scotland (HIT) and the Apex Hotels I was delighted to facilitate hospitality and marketing placements for students from Portugal. The students participated in a week long placement in the wonderful Apex Hotels in Edinburgh. Each of the students was hosted in one of the four hotels, Apex International, Apex City, Apex European and Apex Waterloo Place. They began their placement with orientation training before receiving details of their rota for the week. They were supervised by the Head Chef and the Marketing Managers and undertook a range of duties in each of the departments.
EU at the Castle
Stronger in Diversity
November 13, 2014 The “Decade of Commemorations” marks the 100th anniversary of events which shaped and influenced British & Irish History such as The Ulster Covenant, First World War, Easter Rising, Battle of the Somme and Act of Partition
Last night Éamon presented a talk on Stronger in Diversity linking the Decade to Dungannon in Ranfurly House and used clips from the DVD to highlight some of the local stores and links to key events in history. The DVD has been made available free to local groups and organisations and a copy is available at Ranfurly House. The DVD includes:
Castle Hill: Remains of towers that belonged to Knox Hannyngton House on the site of the Castle of Hugh O’Neill
Castlecaufield: Birthplace of Joseph Johnston author of ‘Civil war in Ulster’ 1913, Protestant Home Ruler
Northland Row: Home to Thomas Clarke, Irish revolutionary leader in 1916 Easter Rising
St Patrick’s Hall, Coalisland: The rendezvous point for the Irish Volunteers, the only Ulster action in the 1916 Easter rising
Dungannon War Memorial: Commemorating the Cumberland Brothers and their engagement in the Battle of the Somme
War memorial, New Mills: Pt Robert Morrow, awarded the VC for his actions on the 12 April 1915 near Missines, Belgium
The Market Square: Scene of the stoning of Countess Markievicz.
Killymoon Castle, Cookstown: immobilisation of 850 UVF in 1914
The DVD also includes artefacts brought by the public to the ‘Memorabilia Roadshow’ held in Dungannon Library in 2013 where Dr Éamon Phoenix, Dr Johnston McMaster and Dr Gavin Hughes helped identify and date the items.
Memorabilia includes an Orange Order poster from 1886 declaring ‘Nay’ No Surrender; A group photographs from the 2nd Btn RIF taken in India; a post card from a Dungannon actress who was entertaining the troops in France; a 1915 War Service brooch; WWI medals and scroll; UVF Gunrunning instructions for drivers and old song books for soldiers.
Portuguese Students Visit London
From the 2 – 5 December 2014 a group of 21 students from Escola Secundária de Oliveira do Bairro visited London. The students represented three professional courses in Travel Marketing; Laboratory Analysis and industrial Maintenance and proved to be model guests to the UK who were respectful, thoughtful and interested in everything they saw.
Before arriving in London the students had prepared for their visit by researching all the key sites and had produced their own guide to the city. At the beginning of each day the students helped to plan and agree the sites to be visited. Students were appointed to take it in turn to plan the route using the London underground and lead the group using the various colour coded tube lines. At each site the students were responsible for explaining the history and interesting facts to their peers in English.
Portuguese High School Visit London
European Environmental Funding: Parliament Buildings, Stormont, Belfast 1 May 2015
The purpose of this briefing was to provide an overview of European Funding Programmes that include environmental measures. The event in Stormont was sponsored by MLA Anna Lo, who is chair of the Assembly Environment Committee. Heather McLaughlin opened the event by providing an overview of funding terms before speakers for each of the programmes: Horizon 2020, LIFE, INTERREG VA, VB & VC, URBACT etc. were invited to give a brief presentation on their specific programme including, environmental measures, actions supported, funding rate, match funding requirements and options, number of partners required, calls etc.
Europe Direct Information Network AGM
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The AGM for the Europe Direct Information Network took place from the 4 – 6 June 2018 in Brussels. The theme for the AGM was ‘Meet, Ask, Discuss’ and included managers from each of the 435 offices across the 27 member states.The meeting took place in the European Parliament with discussions on the EU Budget 2021 – 2027, the strategy for the European elections in 2019, how to address fake news, shaping the approach to migration, and towards a European Education area.
Europe Day!
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Europe Day is the name of an annual observance by the European Union (EU), held on the 9 May each year.
It is also known as Schuman Day, in commemoration of the 1950 Schuman Declaration. It is the EU’s “equivalent of a national day”
This year the European Commission Representation celebreated Europe Day in the new Titanic Hotel in the Titanic quater with past and present Heads of representation reflecting on their time in office and the changes that had taken place over almost 30 yrs.
Enterprising Women
The Network for Enterprising Women (NEW) hosted their Spring conference in Enniskillen on the 26 April 2018. Speakers included femal entrepreneurs sharing their motivation stories ovecoming all types of obstacles to build their businesses.
A workshop was delivered on The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) is a regulation by which the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission intend to strengthen and unify data protection for all individuals within the European Union (EU).
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will apply from 25 May 2018.
