‘North Belfast Talks Back’

In partnership with the Greater New Lodge Community Festival Intercomm organised ‘North Belfast Talks Back’, hosted in the 174 Trust on Tuesday 2 August 2005.

A cross party panel of politicians and representatives of the media took part in a political debate titled ‘What can politicians and the media do to instil hope for the future?’

The panel consisted of Alex Attwood (SDLP), Fred Cobain (UUP), Alex Maskey (SF), Anne Caldwalleder (independent journalist) and was chaired by Martina Purdy (BBC).

174 Trust/Intercomm Community
Relations Partnership Event

Facilitated by Reverend Patricia McBride from the Loughbrickland Presbyterian Church, this event, organised as part of the McCracken Summer School, took place on Friday 29 July 2005.

Reverend McBride spoke of the richness of cultural diversity (in both English and as Gaelige) and read a piece of Gospel script (also in English and as Gaelige) that gave expression to the richness of cultural diversity.

Fuad Kokali of the Palestinian Authority (on a week-long visit to Intercomm) was also present and, on invitation, gave an impromptu oration on his own views on cultural diversity in a Palestinian context. The event was held in the 174 Trust.

McCracken Summer School B Feeney & Alex Kane Political Debate

Intercomm’s Peace Building Programme delivered an evening lecture, in partnership with and as part of, the McCracken Summer School.

Dr Brian Feeney and Alex Kane of the Ulster Unionist Party delivered lectures on the UUP and Sinn Fein’s 100 years anniversaries.

The event then opened up into questions and answers, chaired by the Reverend John Dunlop.

Personal development through creativity training with youth at New Lodge interface

Toura Artoura of the Progressive Outreach Programme provided a skills development through creativity programme for young people in the New Lodge area over the summer months. This provided a diversionary activity for the young people whilst adding to personal development.

Fifteen young people from the area took part in the programme, culminating in the young people creating and recording a song titled ‘Celebration of Life’.