30/07/2024

Other News In Brief

Belfast Castle Marks 90th Anniversary Of Gift To Citizens Of Belfast

Belfast Castle has marked the 90th anniversary of the castle and its surrounding estate being gifted to the citizens of Belfast.

As part of the milestone year, Belfast Castle recently planted a Halesia Carolina, 'Silverbells' tree, an occasion that saw fellow volunteers from Cavehill Conservation and staff from the council joined by the Lord Mayor for Belfast, Councillor Micky Murray to honour 90 years since the then Earl of Shaftesbury, Anthony-Ashley Cooper gifted the entire estate to the city and its people in 1934.

The tree is a symbol of the Castles growth, and it’s fitting that this tree will now stand tall overlooking Belfast for the next 90 years and many more years to come after that.

The tree now resides in the heart of the estate, a living memorial that represents new beginnings and one that will continue to preserve the memories and legacies of the Castle and its estate over the last 90 years.

Belfast Castle has a number of signature events to celebrate the milestone year including yoga classes in the landscaped gardens, a Paint, Wine and Cheese evening in August, a night of Salsa and Sangria in the Chichester Ball room this September and a very special European Heritage Open Day (14 September) which will include special tours of the castle where history meets comedy, a vintage car display, live pen drawing demos from the garden, live music and street performer

SF Welcomes First Hearing Of Omagh Bombing Public Inquiry

Sinn Féin has welcomed the launch of the first hearing of the public inquiry into the Omagh bombing.

Expressing her supoort and solidarity with the families of those who lost loved ones in the bombing, West Tyrone MLA Nicola Brogan, said: "Today marks an important moment for the families who tragically lost loved ones in the Omagh bomb, and one which they have been fighting nearly 26 years for.

"I want to extend my full support and solidarity to the families in their efforts to achieve truth and justice. Your courage and determination has brought this day about.

"Grieving families deserve full transparency and full disclosure about the events which led to the killing of their loved ones.

"Sinn Féin will continue to stand with these families as they seek the full truth about the deaths of their loved ones."

New FinTech Foundation Academy Announced

A new Financial Technology (FinTech) Foundation Academy, offering 20 high quality training places, has been announced by Economy Minister Conor Murphy with First Derivative.

Fully funded by the Department for the Economy, the Academy will be delivered in partnership with Southern Regional College (SRC). Training will be delivered on-site at the college’s Newry Campus.

Encouraging all who are interested and eligible to apply to take advantage of the opportunity the Minister said: "This Academy is a fantastic opportunity to work with a globally leading Financial Services company. No previous experience is required so it is open to young people who have just completed their A-levels and are taking their first step in their career. It is also an option for more experienced people who want to change their career or come back into the workforce.

"During the Academy there is a weekly training allowance of £175 and allowance for travel expenses. There is also support with childcare costs. I would encourage anyone who is interested to apply."

Academy participants will receive industry-relevant training with SRC from 21 October to 13 December 2024 and learn skills in areas such as Introduction to Capital Markets, Introduction to Stakeholder Management, Risk Fundamentals. Excel, Project Management, Intro to Cloud, Intro to Cyber and Python programming. Participants who successfully complete the Academy will be guaranteed an interview with First Derivative for a Trainee Analyst position.

Experience is not required but you must:

• be at least 18 or over

• be eligible to work in the UK

• have 64 UCAS points and have GCSE English and Maths at grade C or above at the point of application. Proof of qualifications will be required in order to progress, if selected for interview.

Whilst not essential it is desirable that you hold at least one subject in a Business, ICT or STEM subject at Level 3.

Applications for the FinTech Foundation Academy with First Derivative are open until noon on 27 August 2024.

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