February 2010
Belfast Computer Clubhouse Members Win A Trip to Tayto Factory
Members from both clubhouses were selected in January 2010 for the February, mid-term break trip to Tayto Castle in Tandragee, www.tayto.com home of Northern Ireland’s most popular potato crisp manufacturer.
After a drive through the fog the members were taken on a tour of the Tayto Factory, where they were shown the process of making crisps from the raw, soil covered potato to the finished bagged product. Along the way they witnessed the cleaning, slicing and flavouring of the potatoes, and had the opportunity to taste the warm, unflavoured crisps fresh from the conveyor belt. After the tour, the group received goodie bags and were treated to a VIP lunch in the castle itself before being dropped off at the Spectrum Centre and Springvale Clubhouses.
Belfast Computer Clubhouse would like to thank the BIG lottery Fund for their financial support, Jilly Beattie from the Daily Mirror http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2008/10/09/daily-mirror-s-stormont-party-for-young-achievers-115875-20787904/ and Robert Brown from Tayto www.tayto.com who even organised transport. Thank you cards complete with the members’ recollection of events have been sent to Tayto for such a wonderful day out.
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World Community Arts Day @ Ulster Hall, Belfast
SECOND YEAR OF SUPPORT FOR COMMUNITY ARTS FORUMS WORLD ARTS DAY
http://www.caf.ie/view_events.asp?ID=1331
Belfast Computer Clubhouse supported the CAF World Arts Day for a second year due to the success of 2009.
Anne Marie Canavan and Martin Dodds witnessed flamenco dancing, drum circle and drama workshops alongside Northern Visions http://www.northernvisions.org/index/home.html, Homely Planet http://www.homelyplanet.co.uk/ and many other representatives of various community arts groups. Vital networking took place amongst the wider arts community in Northern Ireland, and staff got to meet a number of interested volunteers willing to facilitate or join Clubhouse workshops in the future.
Belfast Computer Clubhouse flew their multi-media flag in celebrating with the Community Arts Forum , and to showcase our members’ work and efforts.
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Clubhouse Mentor Opportunities on offer at Queen's Volunteer Fair
During the event over 60 students visited the stall to learn about what opportunities the Clubhouse could offer them to help their careers get up and running, and also to see if they wished to help in the ongoing creative programme. Out of the 60, nearly 40 students wanted to know more and get involved, and will be invited to the next Volunteers/Work Experience evening in March. The event was certainly a success, with the eager students reflecting a wide variety of cultures, backgrounds and skills bases, all of whom would add to the member's experiences.
The Belfast Computer Clubhouse shared the Queen's Whitla Hall with organizations like the Volunteer Development Agency, Mencap, QUB Student's Union, USIT, and 34 other public and private organisations. By attending the fair, the Belfast Computer Clubhouse feels that it is engaging with the wider international student population, and tapping into their potential regarding furthering our member's enjoyment and learning in the future.
The Belfast Computer Clubhouse has a successful Adult Mentorship program which offers students the chance to develop their professional practice and make a difference to the lives of local young people. For more information aboutbecoming a Mentor at the Clubhouse click here.
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January 2010
Highlights from my work experience
I brought in Zelda Manga books so members could choose characters that theyliked best, then draw in their own style. I enjoyed the chance to share my skills and to help others believe in themselves and their creations.
I backed up clips from both clubhouse camcorders using Movie maker. I sped them up using the video effects options. I will need to do something about theaudio as it sounds like chipmonks killing themselves in the background!
Giants visit Clubhouse Members
Sean towers at a 6ft 4ins, weighs over 16st and plays forward for the team. Clubhouse members and staff welcomed Sean, his gorgeous girlfriend Pricilla and lovely Belfast Giants Co-ordinator Louise to the Springfield Road, Clubhouse. Forty Spectrum and Springfield members clamoured for autographs waiting patiently on their question time slot. Many young photographers grabbed their opportunity by capturing photos on their own cameras, printing them, then having their pictures with Sean autographed right away as their keepsakes.
Ruth Gorman from UTV live interviewed Sean and this can be viewed again on UTV Iplayer "Sean McMorrow's Interview".
Once interview was over, Sean slid his way to a good Clubhouse space to allow him to address all our children and young people then answer their questions. He told his life story as a Youth growing up in Vancouver, what it was like to be different, coming from a mixed cultural background, and how his life turned around when he joined the Giants. Clubhouse members were enthralled as they listened; not once had staff to caution, as all members were so well behaved.
"…………Welcoming the Belfast Giants to the Clubhouse is very important as the Giant's Club represents a sport, ice hockey, that does not attach itself to a particular faith or community, instead the Team wish to represent Belfast as a whole, simply what the Belfast Computer Clubhouse dedicate themselves to."
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View UTV Interview
Clubhouse Music Workshops
William Artt is a Graphic/Web Designer and a lecturer in Multi-Media at Belfast Metropolitan College. He is also a practising Visual Artist and has exhibited his work widely throughout Ireland and the UK. He has also exhibited his work throughout the world taking part in exhibitions in New York, Tokyo, Berlin, Barcelona, Madrid and Valencia.
William is also a keen musician and is particularly interested in making music using electronic and digital processes. He is currently facilitating a series of music workshops at both the Springfield Road and Shankill, Belfast Computer Clubhouses which allow participants to make music using computer software and electronic instruments.
You can find out more about William's work at www.deadflatmatt.com and www.williamartt.com.
Members, contact Martin Dodds if you want to become more involved!
Clubhouse Member tells the story of Wartime Britain
The storytelling skills of Clubhouse member Chelsea Mullan were showcased at the opening of a Wartime Education for Families event at the Spectrum Centre, Shankill Road today. Chelsea, told the story from the viewpoint of a child living during the war which featured realistic sound effects from the era. Local primary children got the chance to see wartime memorabilia, take part in wartime games and storytelling workshops and find out more about what it was like to be a child during the Belfast Blitz.
Event organiser David Crawford, Coordinator for Integrated Services for Children and Young People, GPSB thanked the staff and members for their contribution in his opening speech.
New Steps To Work Worker
Hi I'm Annemarie Canavan,
I've just started my new job at the Computer Clubhouse Belfast, Springvale as an Admin/Support Worker on the Springvale Training "Steps To Work" programme. I am enjoying every minute I have here. It's a real pleasure to be working as part of the Clubhouse Team. I'm meeting new people all the time which I love. My Experience here at the minute has been fantastic & very rewarding at the end of every day. I'm enjoying helping the Club Members; it's good to see the young people of Belfast enjoying themselves as there are loads for them to do here. The Clubhouse has just got a new Music Room which is Amazing & the Members love getting into it & showing us what they can do. There is also a new interactive white board which has been installed; they are all really excited about. It is so good to see the young people of Belfast smiling & enjoying themselves when they come here. Having the clubhouse to come to everyday & learn is amazing for our young people.
2009 News
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Blackie Community Group Association
The Blackie Centre Youth Club group joined the Belfast Computer Clubhouse for the first time early November 2009 as a four week pilot.
The group were introduced to the Avatar software and scanning. Avatar is face animation software; the members took photographs of each other which were then animated and given different voices. The group found this fascinating, the idea of virtual worlds and graphic representation of people within them, were discussed. Further Photoshop and Microsoft Publisher sessions followed.
Come January, the Blackie Centre will return to complete a six week project on Sonic Art.
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87 Hours of Mentoring in Nine weeks
Mentorship in our Clubhouses comes in a number of guises. The trust tweaked gradually out is truly amazing to view, with relationships developing over time. Our PMs learn to navigate some superb software from our clubhouse members whilst the PMs guide our members through offering friendship in addition to providing support.
One of our guiding Principles "When people collaborate with others of diverse ages, cultures, genders, and backgrounds, they gain new perspectives for understanding the world – and understanding themselves."
Another Clubhouse Principle, "..in places where everyone's ideas and opinions are respected, people are more likely to take risks and experiment with our software and equipment – thus more likely to learn and innovate."
We strive to encourage, appreciate and support our Peer Mentors. Staff and/or adult mentors are in attendance at all times to monitor or to offer assistance.
Michael, Paul, Christopher and other PMs will continue mentoring until April 2010 but then, they will need to take time out to concentrate on their own exams...
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Welcome Martin!
Martin has just completed his sixth week in post and has been working closely with members to develop a series of Mixed Media workshops.
Martin has a strong arts and digital media background and a keen interest in experimental, performance and sonic arts. In his professional practice he worked with Paul Burwell, a well known experimental performance artist based in Hull, who creatively, was a great inspiration to Martin.
With a BA Degree in Film Studies and journalism training, Martin has sound knowledge of film based software and technology. The verbal Arts are also an area of inspiration for Martin, who has a lot of creative expertise to be shared with members and staff.
Martin hopes to "bring his experience of the arts to work with young people at the Clubhouse, helping them develop their creative potential."
So far, Martin has been a big hit with the Clubhouse members and a welcome addition to the creative team.
Cross Community Music Workshop
On the 19th November members from our Shankill location visited Springvale for an introduction to the newly revamped music room.
On the day, members were guided through the state-of-the-art digital music software, sampler and digital drumkit by Volunteer Mentor Martin, who helped set up the new music studio and share his expertise with staff and other Volunteer Mentors.
This installation of the music room has been very popular with members, motivating and helping them develop skills in digital music production and become tech savvy musicians. During the workshop we found a few budding pop stars who are looking forward to developing their talents. Watch this space!!
Buzz of the Shankill
Members of the Clubhouse traipsed down the Shankill with cameras to commemorate the 20th death anniversary of Buzz Logan, famous for his photographs of the Shankill in the 70's and 80's.
Facilitated by Mervyn Smith and Janice from Belfast Exposed, Clubhouse members mastered photographic techniques and captured the sights and smiles of the Shankill community. The 6-week Photography Workshop reflects Buzz Logan's commitment to introduce young people to Photography and making photography relevant to the working class.
The photographs will be exhibited by the Greater Shankill Partnership and a photo-montage will be displayed on the Peace Wall. You will all be invited to view the fantastic photographs members have taken which will sit side-by-side with photographs taken by Buzz Logan himself – so watch this space!
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Volunteer/Mentor Event
The Event is designed to combine an introduction to the work of the Clubhouse, some training, networking, and diary planning for those of you that may wish to become a mentor. (Many of you have expressed a desire to volunteer evenings only, this may now be more manageable).
In return for a mentoring commitment at the Computer Clubhouse, exceptional training opportunities are offered, complete with a signed certificate for hours committed. This is an ideal opportunity for the CV.
The ""Volunteer/Mentor Evening" promises to be a great way to spend an hour.
Queen's University, Clubhouse Trip
Queen's University, Belfast opened its doors to 12 young people from the Belfast Clubhouse and 12 young people from the Clubhouses in Dublin and Blanchardstown on Tuesday, 27 October 2009.
Arriving fresh-faced and full of energy, the members had a glimpse of university life.
The Widening Participation Unit delivered the benefits of a university education and the varied fields that our young people can venture into. (Queen's Widening Participation Group seeks to introduce the possibility of attending the University to groups who usually would not participate in third level education). A trip to the School of Electronics, Electrical Engineering, and Computer Science allowed our young members to have a closer look at the field of electronic design, engineering and computing.
The Queen's Wider Participation group hosted a short audio visual presentation for the members, during which they were encouraged to ask plenty of questions about University life, and many seemed impressed by the range of subjects on offer, and certainly about the possibility of an international placement when studying language. Whilst some of the members have a few years before considering whether to go to University, the discussion certainly opened them to possibilities within life that they had not yet thought of.
The Welcome Centre set Sarah Melville-Watson, a 3rd year Drama student, on the mission of taking our huge group around on a tour of Queen's. A visit to the Student Union building involved lunch and members saw how university students can release the stresses of university life by participating in social clubs, social nights, or just lounging about in big sofas in front of flat screen TVs.
The visit ended with a demonstration of a Segway, and the braver members had the chance to use one within the corridors of the Queen's Maths department.
To everybody at Queen's who made this exciting visit possible and gave us such a big welcome, "THANK YOU"!
The visit to Queen's allowed Clubhouse members the opportunity to meet new friends and enjoy themselves, and possibilities of digital video collaborations were suggested between Clubhouses. This visit has formed the foundation of Clubhouse members visiting Queens. The next trip for February 2010 is already being planned!
Comments from the Members
"I feel happy. I learned about what I can do when I leave school."
"I learned about all the different courses you can do at Queen's."
"I made new friends and I enjoyed myself."
"I feel happy and I learned about Queen's. It was a good day."
"I enjoyed taking pictures and I learned how dear uni is."
"I feel happy because it was LOL."
Widening Participation Unit
http://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/sgc/wpu/
Clubhouse Members have a Ball at Stormont
The magnificent black tie event, hosted by local MLA Basil McCrea, showcased the achievements of Northern Ireland's Youth through the presentation of awards such as Young Innovator and Young Mentor.
For one night only, the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings was transformed into a fire-juggling, stilt-walking, party-jumping rave, complete with local DJ and his dance troop.
The night was a great success for the Clubhouse which is celebrating the achievement of their young mentor, Christina, who was thrilled to receive a Special Recognition Award for her work at the Clubhouse with the Disability Action Group. A trip to Tayto Towers was awarded to the Clubhouse and Gerard picked up tickets for the Belfast Giants for his enthusiastic dance moves.
The night came to a close as the Stormont Estate was illuminated with a grand finale of a fireworks display.
The Belfast Computer Clubhouse would like to extend its sincere thanks to Basil McCrea MLA. Much appreciation to our Kate McKenna, Big Lottery Fund and Jilly Beattie, Daily Mirror for their warm welcome at the event.
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Glenavy Youth Project Visit Belfast Computer Clubhouse
Though ASCERT's work is primarily around drugs and alcohol, as a community support worker, Alison is well aware that our youth can explore more positive images in their transition to Adulthood, so together, the Belfast Computer Clubhouse and ASCERT arranged a visit for September 22nd.
The Glenavy Youth Project members were collected by Springvale's new minibus and driver along with John Farr, GYP Community Outreach Worker and Maynard Porter, GYP Treasurer. GYP joined Springvale Clubhouse Jardim, 12 to 14 year old group and the Shankill's Mexico City group in the Springfield Road Clubhouse. As one may imagine, there was quite a hive of activity.
Clara Riveria, Clubhouse Assistant Coordinator (clara@belfastclubhouse.org) our CS4 expert, delivered a good sound introduction to our newly acquired CS4 Premier Suite. Our members used Graffiti Creator, scribed their own names, imported into Adobe Photoshop. Members then took their own photographs to import into their work.
Commonly, at the end of each Clubhouse workshop, all members are invited/encouraged to join everyone around the green table to share/view each others' work.Members seriously looked toward their peers' work as Clara wrapped the workshop up to applause from all the members for her great work.
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NICCY Clubhouse Visit
Clubhouse Coordinator and members from both Clubhouses, were invited to the NICCY offices at Millennium House Great Victoria Street Belfast last week.
Members presented Patricia Lewsley, The Commissioner for Children and Young People, a specially prepared copy of their "No Limits" Summer Festival artwork. The Commissioner intends to hang our "No Limits" on her office wall, along with other treasured artifacts from younger people.
NICCY is running, across Northern Ireland, an opportunity for children and young people to snap what is good and bad about where they live. To be in with a chance of winning an 8GB iPod Touch, hurry and submit your snaps. This is part of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People (NICCY), Patricia Lewsley's, ‘Play, Leisure and Things to do' priority the ‘Here we are… nowhere' campaign.
NICCY Photo's
Budding Belfast Computer Clubhouse photographers submitted entries, hopeful of winning. Clubhouse member Gerard tells his story of how he planned his snap and how his brother posed in a skateboard action shot.
NICCY Here We Are
Belfast Computer Clubhouse Children's Photography Competition 2009
The Belfast Computer Clubhouse is pleased to open it's first Children's Photography Competition in partnership with Community Arts' Forum, Belfast.
As part of the BCCH Arts and Digital Media Festival, children aged 16 and under are asked to express their ideas on the ‘No Limits' theme, through the camera lens.
"Get snapping and go wild with your camera!"
Kudos Award
Gail Breslow, Director of the Intel Computer Clubhouse Network in Boston presented the award and said - "Staff and youth from our Belfast and Dublin Clubhouses are drawing on their common mission to foster ground-breaking cross border collaborations that would have been inconceivable not many years ago. They have embraced a unique opportunity to transform the communities in which their members and their families live, and in doing do inspire us all."
Shane Watts, Elizabeth Donaldson, Gavin Bryne, Janice Feighery picked up ICCN Kudos Award for "Giving back significantly to the community where the Clubhouse is located"
News from 2008
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The Clubhouse and its members have been busy all summer. Our most recent newsletter covers:
- At the Teen Summit '08 in Boston, USA
- Belfast and Dublin Clubhouse members on the I-Trek Mission
- The World Mural Project, a Worldwide Clubhouse Collaboration
- Summer Trips to Intel, BBC, and Féile FM
- Meet James, a Clubhouse Volunteer Mentor
Clubhouse Newsletters are available to download from the left. You can also view some of our Press Releaseses and Newspaper Articles.
