Other News In Brief

DAERA Announces Return Of Introduction To Gamekeeping Course

DAERA has announced that the Introduction to Gamekeeping course is back and open for applications to begin in September 2023.

The College of Agriculture, Food and Rural Enterprise (CAFRE) along with the Irish Grouse Conservation Trust (IGCT) and supported by the British Association for Shooting and Conservation (BASC) run the Introduction to Gamekeeping course.

Nicola Warden, a CAFRE Biodiversity Technologist organises the course and comments: "I am delighted that this course is open again for applications. If you have an interest in country sports or gamekeeping then this course is for you but be quick to secure your place to avoid any disappointment!"

Nicola added: "The course will cover both the theory and practical elements of a wide range of game-related topics including the role of gundogs, methods and best practice in predator control, habitat management, game and rough shooting and wildfowling. The cost of the course includes BASC student membership, BASC Shotgun Safe Shot and Rifle Safe Shot assessments and certificates, along with a Level 2 certificate in Principles of Live Quarry Shooting which is accredited by City and Guilds."

This part-time course is held over eleven days, predominantly on Fridays spread across seven months, and starting in late September 2023. The course will be mainly based at CAFRE’s Glenwherry Hill Farm Centre. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age to be eligible. A sample timetable can be found on the CAFRE website.

Nicola concluded that: "The number of places on the course are limited and applications can be made via the CAFRE training courses website.

"For more details, please refer to the website above or contact Nicola Warden on 028 9442 6939 or nicola.warden@daera-ni.gov.uk."

Cinemagic And NI Connections To Host Special LA Gala Event

Cinemagic has announced a partnership with NI Connections for their special Los Angeles Gala event on 28 June.

The Gala, sponsored by NI Connections, marks the culmination of a week-long programme for young people from Northern Ireland and Los Angeles who will benefit from talks, tours and masterclasses with top talent in film and television production.

The 20 teenagers representing Belfast at Cinemagic LA are participants of IGNITE, an innovative youth leadership initiative established and spearheaded by George Best Belfast City Airport, in partnership with Cinemagic which aims to provide young people from all backgrounds with life-changing opportunities.

Each young person on trip will have graduated from the IGNITE programme, achieving both academic accolades and building significant personal growth that will help them fulfil their aspirations.

The Gala sponsored by NI Connections, hosted by presenters Jenn McGuirk and Darren Kennedy, will showcase the young people's work, talent and achievements, empowering them to unlock their creativity and build industry connections in the USA.

The teenagers will hear from a host of professionals in the field of film, tv, broadcasting, arts, entrepreneurship and musical theatre including Kevin Huvane (CAA), one of Hollywood's most sought-after talent agents, cinematographer Sarah Brandes (Ad Astra, The Morning Show), producer James Longman (Late Late Show with James Corden), screenwriters Ryan Rowe and Adam Lorenzo, and four-time Emmy® Award-winning producer, Shane Farley (Rachael Ray).

Alliance Condemns Anti-Asylum Seeker Protest In Portrush

The Alliance Party has condemned those behind a protest against asylum seekers in Portrush.

It is understood that during a protest at the war memorial in the town, a National Front flag was erected on a fence, with a former leader of the organisation arrested during the protest.

Councillor Richard Stewart said: "This protest was organised on social media, complete with horrifying racist, transphobic, xenophobic and homophobic posts, along with posts inciting violence.

"The vast majority of people in Portrush and on the north coast utterly condemn this rhetoric and protest, which saw many people hiding behind balaclavas while scaring passers-by and displaying far-right imagery. They represent nobody except an extremely small minority."

Councillor Peter McCully added: "All political representatives need to unite to call for an ending to such protests.

"The north coast is an open and welcoming place, where those seeking asylum have made their home, showcasing diversity as a strength and rejecting racism, fascism and violence. It is deeply disappointing to see many of the usual tropes about refugees bandied about by some.

"Protests such as these do nothing but cause intimidation and fear to those seeking to make Northern Ireland their home and create a better life for themselves after going through horrors in order to come here in the first place."