Derry Now

A Foyle MLA has extended her best wishes to school teachers, staff and students returning to their schools after their well-deserved summer break.

Sinn Féin education spokesperson Karen Mullan was speaking as schools prepare to welcome students back for the new school year:“I want to wish everyone returning to school; teachers, staff and students the very best of luck for the year ahead.

“This is an exciting time of year and it offers our young people the chance to reunite with friends and get back into their routines. However, it can also be a daunting time of year for many families due to back to school costs.

“To this end I would urge anyone with children who are entitled to free school meals and uniform grants to apply for and avail of these benefits if you haven’t done so already.

“I want to offer best wishes to incoming GCSE and A-Level students. They have a particularly busy year ahead. With recent newspaper reports of increased mental health and well-being issues among our young people it is important they are aware of all the supports available to them.

“I also want to thank principals and teachers for their commitment and dedication to our young people. The work you do is hugely appreciated especially given the current climate of Tory cuts to public services.

“Lastly, I want to end on something Nelson Mandela famously said: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.’

“This is the message I implore our young people to listen to today as they return to their classrooms, be bold, be courageous and aim high.”

If you have a story or want to send a photo or video to us please contact the Derry Now editorial team on 028 7129 6600 for Derry City stories Or 028 7774 3970 for County Derry stories. Or you can email editor@derrynews.net at any time.

e in Derry are investigating a report of a theft from a food outlet on Beechwood Avenue in the city on Tuesday, August 28.

It was reported that at around 11pm on Tuesday night, a charity box was stolen from the premises by two young males.

The box was being used for collections in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue.

A police investigation into the incident is ongoing and police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the incident to contact officers in Strand Road.

Police are aware of some adverse social media comments in relation to this incident and would appeal to members of the public who have any information about the identity of those involved to bring it to police.

The number to call is 101 quoting reference 752 30/08/18.

Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

Clifton Villa v Culmore

(Clooney Park West No 2)

Saturday, 10:30am

When Clifton Villa envisaged the start of the new season, they would never have known that they would be starting on the back foot, having been eliminated from the Gilfillan Cup before their first league game had even started.

Paddy Tracey’s team memorably won the trophy last year by dominating Foyle Harps in the final on Boxing Day, but hopes of retaining are gone already after they lost to Creggan Swifts on Saturday.

That is a huge blow for Villa, but there is no point in overreacting as there is still plenty of silverware to challenge for. They did not have a bad league campaign by any means, it was just that Foyle Harps ran away with it and finished free and clear of everyone else.

With Harps now the team to catch, the bar has been raised, and it is up to teams such as Villa to play catch up. If there is any team who can do it, it is Villa. They have so much experience and plenty of talent in the team and if they can find just a bit more consistency, then they can be there or thereabouts come April and May.

They will be expected to beat newly promoted Culmore on day one, but it may not be that easy. Player-manager Sam McCorkell has developed a decent team at Culmore and they will not lie down easily this season. In the past teams have wilted under the spotlight of the Premier Division, but Culmore have cause to be optimistic. They have a decent young team with some really decent prospects and they will have their fair share of good moments this year.

Already they have shown that goals will not be a problem, as they have hit six in games against City Colts and Ballymoor. They have goal scorers all over the pitch, be it McCorkell himself, Ciaran Curran, Mickey Porter or Tom O’Doherty, although they have lost Bob Buchanan to a knee injury already. Nevertheless, they will be hoping to take advantage of Villa’s recent setback and start life in the top flight with a positive result.

Other Fixtures

Premier Division

Du Pont v Brandywell Celtic - The Brandywell

Foyle Harps v Tamnaherin Celtic - Templemore Central

Creggan Swifts v Rosemount - Prehen No 1

Championship

Sigma v Foyle FC - Prehen No 4

Sion Swifts v Trojans - Strabane

Maiden City v Phoenix Athletic Colts - Lisnagelvin No 4

Foreglen United v Ballymoor - Lisnagelvin No 2

Brewsters v City Colts Old Boys - Brooke Park

Some of the most ‘vulnerable’ people in need of social housing in Derry are being forced to wait six and seven months to have their applications processed by the Housing Executive.

A local councillor has explained how one woman living in the city has been waiting since March, during which time she suffered a ‘suspected heart attack’ due to fraught living conditions, and there is still no timeline in place for when points will be allocated.

Under the Housing Selection Scheme people are prioritised in terms of points, which are awarded for various reasons such as having dependent children or having an overcrowded house.
The final bracket of points is for those deemed to have ‘complex needs’.

This falls under the health and social wellbeing category and incorporates people experiencing domestic violence, those who have been threatened or have serious health difficulties.
These applications have to be regulated and verified by the PSNI or other statutory services.

Independent Councillor Darren O’Reilly said it is leaving the ‘most vulnerable’ people at risk.

“A lot of these people are going through intimidation in their homes.

“These are people who can’t stay in their own home due to intimidation and health implications, people I’ve dealt with who have come from Apex and Habinteg are having to wait six or seven months. One lady I’m dealing with who is looking for a house in the Waterside sent her application at the start of March.

“Since then her situation has gotten worse as she was taken into hospital with a suspected heart attack brought on by the pressures of living in the environment she’s in. More evidence has to be sent, and neither the first or second part of the application have been looked at.

“She has been told by NIHE that they don’t know when the points will be added and these points are the difference between her getting housed and not.”

He said the Housing Executive is in desperate need of more resources as two or three people are having to work through a ‘heavy case load’.

“There seems to be a backlog with all these cases lying on somebody’s desk and this has to be cleared. That is then impacting the most vulnerable people here in Derry.”

The NIHE website states in special circumstances applicants may have needs which mean they require intensive care and support.

“This need may be met in a specialist housing scheme,” it states. “Where additional support or care services are provided or in general housing where a tailored support and care package has been arranged.

“A detailed assessment of support and care needs will be carried out where necessary. Where a specialist scheme is considered appropriate, applicants will be placed on a separate, non-pointed waiting list.

“Where support and care can be provided within general housing, applicants may be awarded additional points under the health and social wellbeing category.”

However, there have been issues processing applications in a timely manner which occurs when the Housing Executive has to manage cases from other Housing Associations or referrals from a Health and Social Care Trust which have to be assessed at its Regional Office.

A spokesperson for the Housing Executive acknowledged that it has been experiencing ‘temporary’ delays in assessing complex needs cases.

She commented: “The Housing Executive manages applications for social housing under the Housing Selection Scheme.

“The vast majority of applications and transfer applications are assessed by our local office staff with no delay. However, there are a limited number of cases that require applicants with intense care and/or support needs – complex needs – to be assessed by Regional Office staff. This includes transfer applications from housing associations identified as requiring complex needs assessment, as well as direct referrals from the Health and Social Services Trusts.

“It is difficult to determine timescales as there may be several agencies or departments that we must consult during the assessment process.

“The Housing Executive can confirm that we are experiencing a temporary delay in assessing complex needs cases in our North Region office. We apologise this may be causing distress to some applicants, and are working to have this resolved as quickly as possible.”

A Derry primary school is objecting to the construction of 64 new homes at the site of a former care home run by the Sisters of Nazareth in the city due to concerns over the safety of its pupils.

Work was due to begin on the new social housing project earlier this year following the purchase of the building at 174 Bishop Street (pictured above) by Choice Housing Limited, which is the largest independent housing association in Northern Ireland.

The building had been placed on the market with a guide price of £750,000.

Choice Housing, which is based in Belfast, describes itself as being at the ‘forefront of in the provision of social housing’.

The scheme will see the demolition of existing buildings at land to provide the new social housing project.

The Nazareth House building, which is listed, which will remain intact.

However, an objection has now been lodged against the plans by Nazareth House Primary and Primary School, which is situated next door.

The letter, written by the Board of Governors of Nazareth House Primary School, outlines several aspects of the new development which they have ‘deep concerns’ over, including the impact the new development will have on child protection and the safeguarding of the pupils.

The objection states that while the school would welcome any new development which seeks to ‘regenerate’ the derelict site, given the incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour, they now wanted clarification from the developers on a number of issues of ‘serious concerns’.

This includes the construction phase itself, where the Board of Governors have asked how the developer can ensure the safety of both staff and pupils during the demolition phase, given that the buildings are ‘directly linked’ to the walkways and playground at the school.

The Board of Governors have also raised what it describes as ‘deep concerns’ over the layout of the new housing development, given that the windows will directly overlook the school playground.

“We express deep concern about the number of windows directly overlooking the playground together with a proposed balcony and fire escape, and their possible impact as regards child protection and safeguarding of our pupils,” the letter adds.

In addition, Nazareth House Primary School is also seeking assurances on the security of their site at a number of boundary points, adding that the developer would need to erect ‘adequate security fencing’ to comply with Department of Education (DE).

The Board of Governors have now called on the developers to now take their concerns into consideration.

The application, which was recently re-advertised for public consultation, is being considered by Derry City and Strabane District Council and will come before a future meeting of its Planning Committee.

Choice Housing had previously said work on the project, which it said is supported Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE), was expected to begin in March of this year subject to planning approval being issued.

It added that ‘employment opportunities’ would be created during its 24 month construction period.

Derry City’s shocking league form continued as they fell to a half-hearted defeat against Bohemians.

Derry City 0

Bohemians 2

The Dubliners had suffered ten successive defeats to the Candy Stripes but an eleventh was never on the cards last night as Keith Long’s side cruised to a comfortable win.

Kenny Shiels was serving a one match touchline suspension, and the manager had barely sat down before his team were behind. Bohemians, desperate to end their 10-game losing streak against the Candy Stripes, pounced with 52 seconds, Daniel Kelly blazing past Kevin McHattie into the area before he crossed or Dinny Corcoran, who could hardly miss from seven yards.

The visitors were determined to add to their lead before the half time break and they came close to doing so as they broke from a Derry attack with and Devaney went racing down the left, setting up Darragh Leahy whose low cross found Kelly, but his shot was crucially blocked by Rory Hale.

A great chance came and went for Derry just five minutes later however as Dan Seaborne escaped the attentions of his marker to meet a Ben Fisk corner, but the defender headed over from six yards when he really should have scored.

Derry were much brighter and much more positive in the early stages of the second half and they created a decent chance on 53 minutes when Seaborne’s pass found the run of substitute Dean Shiels in behind the Bohs defence, and his lay off was perfect for Delap, who drilled a low shot past Supple, but again it went the wrong side of the post.

It was a very positive opening from Derry, but they were sucker punched as Bohs doubled their lead with a goal against the run of play as Seaborne stood off Daniel Kelly in the area, and the Bohs man simply curled it beyond the defender and into the corner of the net despite the best efforts of Doherty.

Derry gave it a go in the final ten minutes and they came so close to pulling a goal back tice in quick succession, Kevin McHattie’s deflected effort coming off the post before Supple produced a brilliant save to deny Aaron McEneff a goal from 20 yards.

Bohs were not content to sit back themselves and they came so close to adding a third when Kevin Devaney’s effort took a deflection and looped over Gerard Doherty, coming off the crossbar before bouncing safely back into the goalkeeper’s hands.

Teams

Derry City: Gerard Doherty, Dan Seaborne, Aaron McEneff, Aaron Splaine (Shane McNamee 76’), Jamie McDonagh, Rory Hale, Ally Roy (Aidy Delap 45’), Ben Fisk (Dean Shiels 45’), Darren Cole, Ronan Hale, Kevin McHattie.

Bohemians: Shane Supple, Derek Pender, Darragh Leahy, Dan Casey, Dinny Corcoran (Ryan Masterson 88’), Keith Ward (Dan Byrne 75’), Kevin Devaney, Keith Buckley, Ian Morris, JJ Luney (Eoghan Stokes 84’), Daniel Kelly.

Referee: Damien McGraith.

Finn Harps are pushing hard for promotion back to the Premier Division of the SSE Airtricity League.

At Finn Park it finished:

Finn Harps 2, Galway United 0.'

Finn Harps are guaranteed a place in the play-offs as they deservedly beat Galway United at Finn Park - and they are looking good for second spot.

Ollie Horgan's side dominated the game but missed a bagful of chances before former Derry City player Mark Timlin added to Mikey Place's first half score with a tremendous second goal as he twisted and turned in side the Galway box before unleashing a thundering shot into the top left corner of the net on 65 minutes to ensure the victory.

Indeed, Harps are still actually in with an outside chance of winning the title.

Leaders UCD defeated Drogheda United 3-0 to move to 55 points while the Louth side are fourth on 43 points.

Harps remain second and are five points behind UCD on 50 points with two games left - and they travel to face the students in their next outing.

Shelbourne are third and surprisingly dropped two crucial points as they were held to a 2-2 draw by bottom club Athlone Town at Tolka Park. They now have 46 points.

Galway can now no longer get into the play-offs.

In a lively start, Mikey Place went close for Harps following a corner and Nathan Boyle thought he had scored on eight minutes with a deft touch to send the ball past Tadhg Ryan only to see the flag had been raised for off-side.

But Harps took the lead on 17 minutes as Place pounced to score after he connected with a Timlin cross from close range after Adam Rooney misjudged an attempted clearance.

Harps were well on top throughout the half and on 37 minutes a long range Timlin effort flashed wide of the target.

Moments later Timlin had a shot deflected for a corner after good work by Mark Coyle and John Kavanagh on the right flank.

And on 40 minutes Timlin was again in action, this time seeing a shot well saved at close range by an increasingly busy Ryan.

Timlin had yet another chance two minutes later as Harps piled on the pressure.

Galway's first chance of note came just after the break with a cracking shot from Conor Melody, but the pattern of the first half soon resumed with Kavanagh forcing Ryan to dive and save at the post.

Man of the match Timlin had two decent long range frees before Boyle had a shot saved after good approach play from Place on 62 minutes.

Tmlin then got the second goal to make the points safe after a weaving run that ended with him finding the target in style.

The game fizzled out in the closing stages, but Harps wre good value for this win as they extended their unbeaten league run to eight games.

Finn Harps: Ciaran Gallagher; Sam Todd, Keith Cowan, Niall Logue; John Kavanagh, Mark Coyle, Gareth Harkin, Mark Timlin, Ciaran Coll; Mikey Place, Nathan Boyle. Sub: Jessie Devers for Place (67 mins), Tommy McBride for Coyle (73 mins), John O'Flynn for Boyle (84 mins).

Galway United: Tadhg Ryan; Christopher Horgan, Adam Rooney, Robbie Williams, Sean Russell; Conor Melody, Aaron Conway, Ryan Connolly, Evan Coyne; Conor Barry, Carlton Ubaezuonu. Subs: Darragh Costelloe for Coyne ( 74 mins), Higgins for Connolly, Kelly for Ubaezuonu (both 77 mins).

Referee: Eoghan O’Shea.

Lavey booked their place in the Derry SHC semi-finals thanks to a rampant finish to the first-that saw them score 1-6 inside ten minutes to lead by eight points at half-time and on the way to a 2-16 to 0-16 victory.

Paul Cleary couldn’t have done much more in the Ballinascreen cause. He scored 0-13 over the hour but, as the scoreline suggests, it was the goals that did the trick for Lavey.

Paddy Henry’s long-range free evaded everyone before landing in the net during Lavey’s purple patch. And in the second-half, as ‘Screen staged a comeback, Fintan Bradley ended a fine move for their crucial second goal.

Manager Johnny McGarvey was a content man as he watched his Lavey side book their spot in the senior hurling championship semi-finals.

Report and photos in Tuesday's County Derry Post.

Sinn Féin Councillor Kevin Campbell has appealed for the return of money being collected for the Foyle Search and Rescue which was reportedly stolen from a fast food outlet on Beechwood Avenue in Creggan this week.

Foyle Search and Rescue was the chosen charity of Clr Kevin Campbell during his year as Mayor of Derry 2012-2013.

Local councillor Kevin Campbell said “I have been stopped by a number of people over the past few days angered at the news of this reported theft of money being collected for the Foyle Search and Rescue.

“I saw throughout my year as Mayor the hard work and dedication of the volunteers of Foyle Search and Rescue. They keep this essential service going in all weathers 365 days a year to keep people safe and save lives. We are indebted to them.

“I would urge anyone who has any information in relation to this incident to give it to the police.

Sinn Féin councillor Sandra Duffy has urged residents living in the Woodbrook, Woodbrook West and Pinetrees area of the city to be on the alert for creeper burglaries.

Councillor Duffy said: “I have received a number of reports of creeper burglaries taking place in the Woodbrook, Woodbrook West and Pinetrees areas over the past few days.

“It’s important to get warnings out there about these incidents through the local media to alert residents.

“As we head into the dark winter nights I would urge residents to be vigilant and to always lock doors ,windows and don’t leave any valuables in your car. Don’t make it easy for the criminals.

She went on to say: "Any burglary is always a very frightening experience and if anyone is unsure of how they can secure their home they can get in touch with either myself or Shantallow Teamworks who will carry out a home safety check.'

“If you see anything suspicious report to the police and let your neighbours know.

BROWN,
30th August 2018, peacefully at his home, 38 Garden City, JOE, beloved husband to Lily, loving father to Anne, Elizabeth, Joe, Teresa, John, Brendan and Paul, dear Grandfather to Natalie, Aóife, Adam, Nathan, Emmet, Christopher, Pearse, Ben, Annabel, Nina, Beth, Leon, Oisin, Ruby and Lily, son of the Late Ambrose and Agnes, brother to Noel, Brona, Mary, Hugo, Joan and John.
Funeral leaving his home on Sunday, 2nd September at 1:00PM for Interment in the City cemetery at 1:30PM.

Annie Christine McKenna (née Gallagher)
McKenna (Neé Gallagher) Maghera Annie Christine R.I.P. 30th August 2018 Peacefully at Antrim Area hospital, beloved wife of Harry and devoted mother of Michael, Patrick and Siobhan and the late Harry. 18 Sunnyside Park. Maghera. House strictly private.Funeral from J A Gormley’s funeral home on Sunday 2nd Sept 18 at 12.30pm for 1pm Mass in St Patrick’s church Glen. Interment afterwards in adjoining cemetery.Sacred heart of Jesus have mercy on her soul.Deeply regretted by sorrowing husband, sons, daughter, grandchildren, Great grandchild, son in law, daughter in law, sisters, nephews, nieces and family circle.

Police are appealing for information following a report of criminal damage at business premises in the Strand Road area of Derry.

At approximately 10.15am this morning, Saturday, 1 September, police were informed that 15 cars that had been parked in the forecourt of the premises had been damaged sometime overnight.

It was also reported that seven other cars had also been damaged on Wednesday, 25 August.

Police would ask anyone who noticed any suspicious activity in the area or anyone who has information that could assist police enquiries to contact police at Strand Road on the non-emergency number 101, quoting reference 496 01/09/18. Alternatively, information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, which is 100% anonymous and gives people the power to speak up and stop crime.

The SDLP leader Colum Eastwood has told Donald Trump that he's 'not welcome' in Ireland following speculation that the US President is planning a visit.

It comes after The Sun newspaper claimed the president received an invitation to come to the country from a 'major figure in the Northern Irish community'.

The report goes on to suggest the president is on his travels in June and he could land in Belfast.

During the St Patrick's Day celebrations Mr Trump told the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar he intended to visit Ireland before the end of his first term in office.

Following the speculation, the SDLP leader Colum Eastwood tweeted Donald Trump: "You're not welcome here".

However, North Antrim MP Ian Paisley, who met Mr Trump in Washington recently, tweeted him: "You will be very welcome in Northern Ireland."

Garrett Hargan
Reporter

Domestic abuse offences in Derry are at record high after a significant increase in the crimes over the past year.

Figures published by the PSNI have revealed that in the Derry and Strabane policing district there were 141 more domestic abuse crimes recorded between July 2017 to June 2018 in comparison to the same period in 2016/17.

During 2016/17 there were 1,277 crimes while 1,418 were recorded over the past year, representing an increase of 11 per cent.

Ten out of eleven policing districts in Northern Ireland showed increases in the amount of domestic abuse crimes committed, despite campaigns by both PSNI and Department of Justice (DoJ) aimed at tackling incidents of abuse.

Levels of domestic abuse for the whole of Northern Ireland have reached a record high during 2017/18, both in terms of reported incidents which may not be deemed a crime after investigation and those classified as crimes which resulted in charges.

There were 30,595 domestic abuse incidents recorded by the police in Northern Ireland, an increase of 1,404 on the previous 12 months and the highest of any 12-month period recorded since data began in 2004/05.

The number of domestic abuse crimes recorded by the police reached 15,049, an increase of 1,190 on the previous 12 months which was also the highest of any 12-month period.

Domestic abuse crimes represented 15% of all police recorded crime, increasing from 14% during the previous 12 months.

The largest volume increase in domestic abuse crimes was seen in offences of violence without injury which increased by 506 (ten per cent) followed by harassment with an increase of 309 (34.8 per cent).

The number of domestic abuse incidents and crimes was higher in each month when compared with the previous 12 months, with the exception of the number of incidents recorded in August 2017.

There are plans for massive new Lidl store at Crescent Link Retail Park in Waterside area of Derry.

The move comes after Lidl announced plans for a new outlet in the Springtown area in the cityside.

Lidl will now be holding two drop-in sessions in the Crescent Community and Cultural Centre, this Thursday, September 6 from 11am to 1pm and Thursday, September13 from 4pm to 7pm to allow people see the proposed plans for a new Lidl Supermarket on Crescent Link.

A road close to the Strand Road PSNI barracks has been sealed off due to a suspected security alert.

Police have sealed off Asylum Road to traffic and a PSNI helicopter is also assisting with the operation.

There are no further details at present.

Police in Derry have said 'nothing untoward' was found during a security alert in the Strand Road area of the city.

PSNI Chief Inspector Alan Hutton said: “As a result of information received, a number of cordons were put in place and a number of roads were closed. Following checks of the area, however, nothing untoward was found.

“All roads have now reopened.

“I want to take this opportunity to thank the public for their patience and co-operation while the area was checked, especially those who were inconvenienced.

“Keeping people safe is our priority and I would ask the public to remain vigilant. If anyone notices any suspicious objects they should not touch them, but contact police immediately.”

Following the successful launch in April of the Constance Markievicz Cumann in Culmore, Sinn Féin in Greater Shantallow continues to expand with the launch of another new Cumann dedicated to the late Volunteer Dale Moore, pictured above.

Speaking prior to the official launch of the Vol Dale Moore Cumann which will take place on September 8th in the Cosh Restaurant, Buncrana Road, at 7.30 pm Chairperson Martin Connolly said:

“It’s an honour and privilege to be part of the ever growing Sinn Féin organisation in the Greater Shantallow area.

“Less than six months ago we launched the Constance Markievicz Cumann in the Culmore end of our electoral district and now due to the continued growth of Sinn Féin in the Greater Shantallow area we look forward to the launch of the Vol. Dale Moore Cumann dedicated to our late comrade and friend who died on the 11th December 2016 at the young age of 52.

“Dale was a republican activist for practically all of his adult life, he knew from experience, the demands of political struggle. Although the recipient of a lung transplant nine years before his death, Dale played a full and active part in promoting the republican message up to the day he was admitted to hospital for the final time.

"Dale never shied away from any task asked of him no matter how difficult despite his personal health problems. He was a dedicated professional in his work in the Press office, always available when required to get a press release out or assist elected representatives in preparation for an interview or debate.

“Dale could have been forgiven for seeking to take a step back following his transplant but if the thought ever crossed his mind he obviously dismissed it. Whatever needed doing Dale was ready and willing.

“During the armed struggle Dale was a committed Volunteer and when required to build peace, Dale was there showing the same commitment and dedication.

“He knew, appreciated and articulated what our struggle was about, to achieve a United Ireland and aware that how that would be achieved would change depending on the political conditions. It is this same attitude of service and commitment that we endeavour to bring to the people of Derry.

“With the launch of the Vol. Dale Moore Cumann we will have increased capacity to enable us to better serve the growing population of Greater Shantallow.

“If you would like to be part of a growing, dynamic and vibrant political movement come join us at the Cosh 7.30 pm on 8th September or contact us at our constituency Office on Racecourse Road."

Brooke Park Gatelodge is the latest in a series of unique venues to play host to some fascinating pieces of contemporary public art as part of a visual arts programme with a difference.

New Spaces began in July this year with four exhibitions opening in unusual venues across Derry and Sion Mills, and this month the historic Gate Lodge provides a memorable backdrop for one of the programme highlights.

Margaret Salmon’s six-minute film Bird will be on view to the public every Saturday from the 1st to the 22^nd September, running from 10am to 5pm. The film is a work that can be appreciated by everyone with a particular focus on children, and in addition to the work in the Gate Lodge, there will be a number of worksheets available for children to colour in and fill out at Gwyn’s Café & Pavilion for the duration of the exhibition. These worksheets are designed to add to the experience of Bird and encourage children to look for many of the birds that feature in the film out in Brooke Park’s trees and shrubs afterwards.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle, said he was delighted the Gate Lodge at Brooke Park was being used to house the unique exhibition. “The Council is very pleased to be hosting the exhibition in this unique setting. We feel that the work is very fitting for the space and allows us to showcase not only the exhibition but the gate lodge building to a new audience.”

Film maker Margaret Salmon works between Kent and New York creating filmic portraits that weave together poetry and ethnography. She won the Max Mara Art Prize for Women in 2006 and her work was shown at the Venice Biennale in 2007 and the Berlin Biennale in 2010.

Her work Bird is based on the pioneering films of the Children’s Film Fund producer and director Mary Field - particularly her early ‘Secrets of Nature’ series. Bird is a moving image work that is as much about observation and environment as education and spectatorship. This exhibition also recognises the history of Brooke Park as the former site of an orphanage financed by John Gwyn.

Bird is curated by Alice Butler, a writer, film programmer and curator. She is co-director of aemi, a Dublin-based initiative that supports and regularly exhibits artist & experimental moving image work in cinema or event-based settings. Children's worksheets are designed by Ciaran Hickey.

New Spaces is coordinated by Visual Artists Ireland, Derry City and Strabane District Council with the support of Principal Funder the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, National Lottery Challenge Fund, Arts and Business Northern Ireland and our partner venues, The Walled City Brewery, Gwyn's Cafe and Pavilion, The Inner City Trust in Derry and Sion Stables in Sion Mills.

Pic: Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor John Boyle pictured with Grace, Emma Jayne and Amelia Hamilton, at the launch of Bird held in the Gate Lodge, Brooke Park. (Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

A man has admitted a charge of brothel keeping when he appeared at Derry Crown Court today.

Paul McGrory (54) of Ardfada, Ardmore in Derry, was charged with brothel keeping on dates between February 8, 2016 and November 16, 2016.

When the charge was put to him he pleaded guilty.

McGrory also admitted a charge of acquiring criminal property namely cash to the value of £17,375 on the same dates.

Defence counsel Mr Stephen Mooney said that he had not been expecting the guilty pleas but added he had issues to discuss with the prosecution.

The case was adjourned and McGrory was released on bail until September 25.

Derry MLA extends best wishes to school teachers, staff and students for new academic year

Police appeal after charity box in aid of Foyle Search and Rescue stolen from chip shop in Creggan area of Derry

League action returns in the Saturday Morning league this weekend with newly-promoted Culmore hoping to add to Clifton Villa's misery

'Most vulnerable' people in Derry facing lengthy delays for social housing

Derry primary school objects to new housing development due to fears over the safety of its children

A goal after just 52 seconds sets the tone for the rest of the night at the Brandywell as Derry City's record run against Bohs comes to an end

Former Derry player scores stunning goal as Finn Harps are guaranteed a promotion play-off spot

GAA: Goals the key for Lavey's win over Ballinascreen in the senior hurling championship

Appeal issued for return of Foyle Search and Rescue charity box which was stolen from chip shop in Creggan area of Derry

COMMUNITY ALERT: People living in the Woodbrook, Woodbrook West and Pinetrees area of Derry urged to be vigilant following spate of creeper burglaries

DEATH NOTICES: Saturday, September 1st, 2018

Police appeal after 22 cars damaged at forecourt of business in Strand Road area of Derry

SDLP leader Colum Eastwood Colum Eastwood tells Donald Trump he's 'not welcome' in Ireland

Domestic abuse offences in Derry are at a record high after significant increase over the past year

Plans for massive new Lidl store at Crescent Link Retail Park in the Waterside area of Derry

BREAKING: Road close to police station in Derry sealed off due to suspected security alert

Police in Derry say nothing suspicious found during security alert in the Strand Road area of the city last night

New Sinn Fein Cumann launched in Derry in memory of Dale Moore

Kids urged to ‘seek out the bird’ at interactive art installation in Derry park

54-year-old Derry man admits charges of running a brothel during court appearance this morning