Latest - 23/05/06. Rest in East launch the Glentoran Community Trust ... full report HERE
Latest - 22/03/06
A further update on how the Glentoran Community Trust is proceeding ... HERE
Latest - 19/01/06
How the Trust is proceeding ... HERE
Latest - 22/12/05
Although things may seem a little quiet on here, rest assured an awful lot of work is still going on behind the scenes. Despite the looming Christmas festivities, meetings continue on an almost daily basis with political, legal, and financial bodies. Filling out paperwork has also now become a full-time occupation as 'Rest in East' seek out possible funding streams for firstly the setting-up, then the day-to-day running of the new Glentoran Community Trust. Over 400 of you have now registered an interest in becoming a member of the new organisation, and with that we believe an opportunity to tap into a wealth of funding currently not available to a profit-making organisation such as Glentoran Football Club.
With a new corporate image also in the making (the introduction of a new logo (left), bank accounts, new website etc.) it is still hoped to have the Trust registered early in the new year. To that end metal pin badges of the new Trust logo will be going on sale (hopefully by Boxing Day) to help meet current legal costs of close on £1,000, so please dig deep if you're offered one for sale. The sooner we pay the man, the sooner you have your Supporters Trust!
Thank you all once again for your continued patience, a much more detailed report will appear her early in the New Year. In the meantime though ... HAVE A VERY MERRY GLENTORAN CHRISTMAS :-)
Latest - 12/11/05
Fans Forum - how it went ... HERE
Latest - 09/11/05
A message from Dave Boyle - Deputy Chief Executive of Supporters Direct:
Dear all,
Just a quick note to say thanks for your hospitality on Thursday. I thoroughly enjoyed the day and the meeting was something special. We couldn't have started the trust movement in Northern Ireland in better fashion, and the credit for that must go to all of you who worked so diligently and professionally to cover every possible problem and anticipate every need.
I thought there was such an energy in the room that it surely heralds a new future for the club. It may take time to bring about the outward signs of that change, but when that comes, I'm sure all will realise the importance of November 3rd 2005 in the history of the club. If there's anything we can do from here onwards, then please don't hesitate to get in touch.
-----------------
As for Rest in East, apologies for the delay in a report from the Park Avenue Hotel Fans Forum on November 3rd, needless to say one look at the photograph above will speak volumes as to how it went. Having been given a resounding mandate from you the fans to take the venture forward, we are at the moment in the process of finalising a draft constitution based on a working model from Supporters Direct. It will then need to be forwarded to Mainland UK based Solicitors with the relevant paperwork for their approval, before then being referred to Company House here in Northern Ireland to legally register the Trust. At the same time we have undertaken to compile a Database of parties interested in forming the Trust, and are presently gathering as many of the fans names and details as we can. Over 300 of you filed in registration forms at the Forum in the Park Avenue Hotel last week, but many many more have expressed an interest. To that end we are now providing a facility online whereby you can register an interest electronically, and would ask that ALL of you take a moment or so to complete the short questionaire ... Remember, without you it doesn't work ... HERE
Latest - 31/10/05
Alasdair McDonnell MLA, MP for South Belfast, and Deputy Leader of the SDLP, has indicated he will be attending Thursday nights Fans Forum at the Park Avenue Hotel.
The following groups have also now indicated that they will be sending representatives.
The Inner East Forum
The Community Workers Forum
The East Belfast Partnership
EBCHIP
Age Concern
Engage with Age
Belfast City Council Community Workers
South and East Belfast Trust
East Belfast Community Developement Agency
The Bridge Community Association
Oasis
Wise Men of the East network
East Belfast Sports Forum
Latest - 30/10/05
Latest - 21/10/05
The deal worth several thousand pounds will see 3rd Source Media install state of the art conference facilities for the event including plasma screens, radio and roving mic facilities, a 10’x7’ powerpoint and dvd screen, projector equiptment and personal monitors for top-table guests. As a result, the venue will be fitted out to the highest standards for the forum.
The package has been acquired with the assistance of Mark Gibson from “Forza Glentoran”
A representative of 3rd Source Media met with ‘Rest in East’ last Monday and as a result agreed to manage the event. A local company based on the Holywood Road, they are keen supporters of local community and sporting issues with years of experience in conference and PR eventing.
The tremendous offer follows other significant financial support from John Quinliven, The Park Avenue Hotel, Valley Cabs, Paul McCullough at Meadowvale Entertainments and other Glentoran supporters.
PROFILE
3rd Source Media is a small, specialised AV installation and hire company that has been trading within the Irish and UK market over the last 7 years. Our company policy is to deliver quality service and goods in a professional and cost effective manner. Having direct links with the world’s leading manufacturers we can advise our clients of the very latest developments within the technical field and use this knowledge to provide an effortless AV service regardless of the service that is asked.
With a staff body of 4 full time and 5 freelance staff we deliver projects of quality not quantity, reflective of our organisational size.
Our aim is to provide a high quality, friendly and professional service with our emphasis on delivering smooth technical solutions to each individual event. We work with a range of clients from different sectors that request a variety of technical services. From international medical conferences to important launches and award ceremonies we can do it all. We also have a busy installation team that continue to install cutting edge audio visual equipment in venues throughout Ireland.
Delivering Solutions Not Problems
Range of services include:
Plasma Screens / Large Screen Projection
PA Systems / Event Technical Support
Broadcast Cameras / Digital Voting Systems
Touch Screen Control Systems
Quality Museum & Exhibition Design & Installation
CONFERENCE SERVICES - HIRE - SALES - INSTALLATION
3rd Source Media are based at:
15 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT43BA Tel/ Fax: 028 90 671 742
info@thirdsourcemedia.co.uk
Latest - 19/10/05
Yesterday's announcement on a Glentoran FC bid for (Shorts FC) site on the Holywood Rd
The fact Glentoran say they have made a bid for Shorts (Bombardier) as a relocation option for GFC has to be welcomed, in as much as the focus 'appears' to once again have reverted back to the clubs East Belfast heartland. But we must remember - this is merely a 'bid' for a piece of land.
A Supporters Trust at GFC, as far as 'Rest in East' are concerned however, is absolutely crucial to the long-term survival of Glentoran Football Club in East Belfast - our declared aim.
Blanchflower, Laburnam (twice), and Billy Neill sites have all been touted in the past as preferred locations for a new Oval, ONE of which got WELL past an initial 'bid' for the land, but subsequently collapsed.
I think we can safely assume the ground move saga is set to run quite a while yet, and NO guarantees of a successful outcome.
We do however wish them well.
But regardless of where, when, or how this whole ground move story ends up, in two weeks time it'll be up to you the fans to decide if Glentoran FC should be the pioneers of the Irish League, and form the first ever Supporters Trust in Northern Ireland. It's not just about where the club will be tomorrow, but WHERE the club will be in 5, 10, or even 20 years! And you can help make it happen.
BE AT THE PARK AVENUE HOTEL ON NOVEMBER 3RD ...
ALL WE ASK IS THAT YOU COME ALONG AND LISTEN ... ASK WHATEVER YOU LIKE OF THE PANEL ON THE NIGHT. IT'LL THEN BE UP TO YOU THE FANS TO DECIDE WHAT SORT OF FUTURE YOU WANT FOR YOUR CLUB. AN OPEN VOTE WILL BE TAKEN AT THE CLOSE OF EVENTS.
BE UNDER NO ILLUSIONS - THE FUTURE OF GLENTORAN FC REALLY IS IN YOUR HANDS!
Latest - 15/10/05
Many thanks go to both Dundonald and Connsbrook Glentoran Supporters Clubs for their invitation to 'Rest in East' to address their members over the weekend. The group are greatly encouraged by the genuine concern evident among the grassroot support of Glentoran Football Club in advance of our Supporters Trust 'Fans Forum' Once again we would encourage ALL those with an interest in the future of our great club to attend the Park Avenue Hotel on November 3rd, and assurances we will do our utmost to brief as many of you as possible beforehand in what has become an hectic few months of meetings for Rest in East.
Keep the faith - Le Jeu Avant Tout.
Latest - 11/10/05
Rest in East would like to thank the officers and members of both the Stormont GSC and the Hillfoot GSC for their interest and hospitality during the group’s recent visits.
We would also like to acknowledge the time taken by John Cummings (Divisional Manager of the Belfast Planning Office) and his colleagues to speak to the group yesterday afternoon. The meeting was both informative and enlightening.
Peter Robinson Member of Parliament for East Belfast has now confirmed that he will be in attendance at the Glentoran Fans Forum on Supporters Trusts on November 3rd.
On Friday afternoon Rest in East also met with Sammy Douglas and Wendy Langham from the East Belfast Partnership. Sammy’s input and support for the campaign has proved invaluable and we again thank both he and Wendy for their time and expertise. Sammy Douglas has also confirmed that he will be in attendance on November 3rd and will indeed address the Forum on how he feels a Community Trust could benefit both Glentoran and East Belfast.
Latest - 04/10/05
Thanks go to the Glentoran Board of Directors for affording of their time to meet with Rest in East last night. We were delghted to have been given the opportunity to attend last night's Board meeting, to raise a few queries on the current state of play regarding the ground move, but also brief the Clubs' Directors on our 'Glentoran Community Trust' initiative.
Last night also saw representatives of the group address members of both the Raven and Longfellow Glentoran Supporters Clubs, where we were given the chance to answer questions to the best of our knowledge on both the ground move situation and the Supporters Trust concept. We look forward to meetings in the next 7 days with the City's Planning Office, the East Belfast Partnership, and Westbourne & Stormont GSC's.
Latest - 03/10/05
REST IN EAST ATTEND SUPPORTERS DIRECT 5th ANNUAL CONFERENCE
On Friday September 30th 2005 Rest in East sent two delegates to the 5th Annual conference of Supporters Direct held at the British Library London. The conference was attended by over 140 representatives of Supporters Trusts on the mainland, two members of parliament, the Chief Executive of the Premier League and members of Supporters Trusts from several European Clubs. Glentoran are the first to send supporters from the Irish League.
Rest in East had been invited to attend the conference by Supporter’s Direct Deputy Chief Executive Dave Boyle on his recent trip to the province to speak to the group. The conference allowed the group the opportunity to target representatives from successful Trusts on the mainland with a view to inviting them to speak at the forthcoming Glentoran fans forum. To this end Rest in East spoke at length with Norman Beverley, Vice chairman of Stockport County Trust.
Norman has been actively involved with the Stockport County Trust from day one and originally held the position of vice -chair on the steering committee that set up the trust. Since the formation of Supporters Direct he has played an active part, both promoting the concept of supporters representation at football clubs and helping other clubs to form their own trust. He has given workshops at both National and Regional conferences.
For a number of years Norman also served as chair of the Hatters Independent Supporters Club and only resigned that position to enable him to devote more time his own Trust.
Norman is vice-chair of the Northern Division of the Football Supporters Federation and last summer was elected onto the National Council of the Football Supporters Federation where he is the portfolio holder for Supporters rights and TV-Football league.
Norman has agreed, pending work commitments, to address the Glentoran fans forum on the 3rd of November along with Dave Boyle himself.
Dave joined Supporters Direct as a Development Officer in 2000 and has helped set up over a third of the Trusts in existence. He is a former local government press officer, and has also worked in the voluntary sector. He is an AFC Wimbledon supporter and is also a National Council Member of The Football Supporters' Federation.
Dave has represented Supporters Direct on Newsnight, News 24, Channel 5 News, Sky News, ITN and Radio 1, 4 and 5 as well as on regional media, and has also spoken at meetings at the Labour, Liberal Democrat and Co-operative Party Conferences. He has also written for 442 Magazine, When Saturday Comes and Tribune. He has given papers at International Academic Conferences and given guest lectures at Birkbeck College, Bath University and on Liverpool University prestigious Football MBA.
Rest in East during Freeform afternoon seminars made contact with Rick Keracher of Lincoln City Supporters Trust, Doctor David Treharne Club Chairman of Exeter City FC and Chris Pilkington and Jessica McQueen Chair and Vice Chair of Gravesend and Northfleet. It was apparent from the time spent talking to these delegates that the issues which pertain to Glentoran are uncannily similar to those at most clubs not at the top end of the footballing food chain. Each have shown remarkable ingenuity in tackling the stark reality of their football club going out of business.
Rest in East also talked to Brian Lomax the Chairman of Supporters Direct. He informed us that he had been in negotiations with Michael McGimpsey the then head of DCAL in the Northern Ireland Assembly with a view to Supporters Direct being launched and funded in Northern Ireland. These talks ceased with the end of devolved government, but Brian Lomax suggested that the time might now be right for some sort of resurrection of the strategy. To this end he has urged the group to make contact with him next week in an attempt to move that particular process forward.
In closing, as ordinary supporters we have done all we can to make sure the message of the benefit of a Supporters Trust is delivered to the Glentoran Fan Base. We will work over the next few weeks to bring as many supporters, community heads, and local political figures under the one roof in an attempt to create a new feeling of unity and progressive thinking towards OUR football club.
We urge you to come along and hear these people and in turn be heard with your ideas and aspirations for the future of Glentoran Football Club and it’s attempts to Rest in East.
Latest - 26/09/05
In light of Jim being unable to update the Rest in East site can I take this opportunity to update anyone who is following the campaign. Rest in East are pleased to announce that the Fans Forum on Supporters Trusts will be hosted by top local sports journalist Joel Taggart, familiar to listeners of BBC Radio Ulster.
The Forum will be addressed amongst others by Dave Boyle deputy Chief Executive of Supporters Direct and also a rep from a successful Trust operational on the mainland. Invitations have been sent to Peter Robinson MP and all Belfast City Councillors in Pottinger and Victoria wards. Many have already indicated that they will be in attendance. The Forum will also be addressed by Sammy Douglas from the East Belfast Partnership and by Wallace Browne Lord Mayor.
Invites have been sent to a wide variety of local community groups and in the next few weeks the Rest in East group will embark on a campaign to make sure that every Glentoran Supporter knows that they are welcome on the night. Details will appear in the press, through a flyer distribution and through the Internet.
To this end the group will make no less than thirteen visits to various Supporters Clubs affiliated to Glentoran over the next month.
Rest in East also look forward to a meeting with the Board of Directors of Glentoran Football Club on Monday 3rd October to discuss recent developements.
Rest in East will have two delegates present at the Supporters Direct annual conference in London next Friday.
Thank you for your continued interest and to those who have given of their time, services and finance to allow the event to take place .
Le jeu avant tout
Latest - 15/09/05
Representatives of the group now look forward to an up to date briefing with the Principal Planning Office for Department of Environment Northern Ireland (Planning Service) - The people responsible for the compilation of PPS8 - the new legislation governing the redevelopment of 'existing open space', such as the Oval.
Latest - 14/09/05
Rest in East would like to thank Mr Sammy Douglas of the East Belfast Partnership for his valuable time today. Sammy's role as a major player in the redevelopment of the former ESSO oil storage facility should not be underestimated, and Rest in East are extremely grateful for his assessment today on the current state of play.
Sammy is another who will be in attendance at our Glentoran Community Trust Forum on NOVEMBER 3rd.
Latest - 13/09/05
Members of the group have been invited to and will be attending the 'Supporters Direct' National Conference in London later this month.
We are delighted to be able to now add Ist Newtownards GSC, Cougars GSC, and Cookstown GSC to our list of clubs asking to be briefed on our Supporters Trust initiative.
Latest - 11/09/05
Add Stormont and Quarry GSC's to the list below
Latest - 08/09/05
The group are delighted to add two more Glentoran Supporters Clubs to our briefing list. Dates have now been agreed for representatives of Rest in East to address members of both the Westbourne and Hillfoot GSC's.
Latest - 05/09/05
GLENTORAN COMMUNITY TRUST
Each and every one of you are invited to the Park Avenue Hotel's Cambridge Rooms to debate the pros and cons of establishing the first ever Supporters Trust in Northern Ireland - COME AND HAVE YOUR SAY!
WE CANNOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH, Do NOT take the very existence of YOUR club, Glentoran Football Club for granted anymore. YOUR thoughts ARE important, this time YOUR voice will be heard, YOUR vote will count. YOU are the future of Glentoran FC, YOUR decison on the night will help ensure it remains that way!
Help keep Glentoran FC in East Belfast! A Supporters Trust, US, THE FANS could even buy our Oval back!
Make a note of the date, THURSDAY NOVEMBER 3rd - 7.45pm, it could be OUR last, and OUR one and only chance to save OUR football club! We've waited far too long, we think 128 years is long enough!
WE CAN CHANGE IT FOREVER! THE DECISION IS YOURS!
Latest - 04/09/05
A busy past 10 days for the campaign ...
Firstly may we thank Patron of Rest in East, the Lord Glentoran CBE for his time last week. Lord Glentoran, a Shadow Minister for Northern Ireland, Deputy Speaker in the House of Lords, Conservative spokesman on Northern Ireland in the House of Lords, and also a member of the British/Irish Parliamentary Body is very supportive to the Rest in East campaign. His very title speaks for itself, and we are assured of his full support in our aims to keep Glentoran Football Club in it's traditional heartland of East Belfast. Lord Glentoran is another who will be at the Park Avenue Hotel on November 3rd to support our push for a Supporters Trust at Glentoran.
Thanks to East Belfast MP Peter Robinson Rest in East have now entered into direct dialogue with newly appointed Minister of State for Northern Ireland Mr David Hanson MP. The Minister has confirmed the full support and guidance of the Government backed group 'Supporters Direct', and also facilitated direct correspondence with Sports Council for Northern Ireland Facilities Manager Mr Paul Scott.
Park Avenue Hotel's Cambridge Rooms was our venue on Thursday night. In advance of our forthcoming Fans Forum on NOVEMBER 3rd the group have now set about preparations. Many thanks go to all those who attended and are offering assistance, with a special mention to Glyn Roberts (NIGAG), Forza Glens, and Paul McCullough (Meadowvale Entertainments) who has offered to take care of accoustics on the night. Once again of course many thanks to Billy Stephens for making the rooms available to Rest in East free of charge.
We were grateful this week to Glentoran Chairman Stafford Reynolds. Stafford kindly afforded of his time to facilitate representatives of the group in the viewing the Sale of The Oval Contract in the Oval board room.
Rest in East would like to thank the Castlereagh Glentoran Supporters Club for the opportunity to attend their clubrooms at Friday night's meeting. We very much appreciated the chance to answer questions and update their members on what we consider the 'state of play' regarding the ground move situation, and of course our 'Supporters Trust' initiative. We can now also confirm that in addition to our forthcoming presentations to Raven GSC and Connsbrook GSC, we have now accepted invitations to attend and do likewise at Dundonald GSC, Victoria GSC and North Down GSC. Whether you be a supporters club, group, or just a few individual fans, we make this opportunity available to you all - please do get in touch.
Latest - 24/08/05
Rest in East would like to thank the Lord Laird of Artigarvin for his help and advice at yesterday's meeting, and can confirm that the Ulster Unionist Peer is another who will attend and lend his support at our upcoming 'Glentoran Community Trust' Fans Forum.
The group would also like to place on record our sincere thanks to Patron of Glentoran, Shareholder, and former Board Member Mr Billy Stephens. Billy's offer of the use of his Park Avenue Hotel's 400-seater 'Cambridge Rooms' for our forthcoming 'Glentoran Community Trust' Fans Forum is a tremendous gesture in support of the Rest in East campaign. Yet again evidence of commitment from some of the wider Glentoran Community, and is to be roundly commended.
Representatives of the group are delighted to have the opportunity later this week to once again brief Patron of 'Rest in East', the Lord Glentoran.
Latest - 23/08/05
Rest in East have now accepted invitations to attend, and look forward to addressing the following Glentoran Supporters Clubs: Castlereagh GSC, Raven GSC & Connsbrook GSC. We await suitable dates to add a host of others to our itinerary, please be patient. The group would take this opportunity to thank you all for your continued support.
Latest - 22/08/05
A busy day today on the campaign front saw representatives of the group hold circa 8 hours of meetings, including 2 visits to Belfast City Hall.
Consultation took place at the offices of 'Community Funding for Northern Ireland' (CFNI), on our application for PEACE II funding on the creation of a 'Glentoran Community Trust'. Our sincere thanks go to all those from the Public, Business and Political sectors who's advice and assistance thus far has been invaluable.
A date and venue for our proposed 'Fans Forum', to seek a mandate from you the fans on the setting up of a Trust at GFC is all but finalized. Among those who have confirmed they will be in attendance and address the Forum are representatives from Government-backed body 'Supporters Direct', including Deputy Chief Executive Dave Boyle. A selection of Chairpersons from well established Trusts on the mainland will also be there to answer queries from the hall.
Representation from accross the Political spectrum have also roundly endorsed our concept of a Glentoran Community Trust, and have committed to attending and offering their support on the night. Amongst others the Alliance Party NI, East Belfast MP Mr Peter Robinson and Belfast Lord Mayor Mr Wallace Browne. The local TV and press have also come on board.
With yet another extensive round of meetings earmarked for tomorrow, expect further announcements over the next few days.
Latest - 18/08/05
Representatives from the Alliance Party will be attending Rest in East's weekly meeting this Sunday, while next week now also sees the group meet with members of the Titanic Society.
Latest - 17/08/05
We are delighted to report that members of the group look forward to another meeting at Belfast City Hall next week with newly elected Lord Mayor Mr Wallace Browne.
Also next week Rest in East have secured a further opportunity to meet with Lord Laird.
Latest - 16/08/05
Rest in East have now embarked on a series of 'Q & A' sessions, aimed at 'clueing in' as many Glentoran supporters as possible on a Supporters Trust ahead of a proposed Fans Forum possibly in early November. To that end, over the next 4 - 6 weeks we are offering ALL interested parties (be they Supporters Clubs, a group of friends, or even individual fans) an equal opportunity for representatives of Rest in East to brief you on the mechanics and merits of forming such a Trust at Glentoran FC. We will be approaching Supporters Clubs initially as a matter of course, but we would ask that any non-affiliated fans with an interest or concerns on our aims, please contact Rest in East, either an individual member, or as a group by email or by phone.
However small your party may be, THIS MATTER IS OF GRAVE CONCERN TO YOU ALL.
We WILL do our utmost to meet with everyone who asks. We will try to direct individuals to a Q & A session on a date and at a venue to suit you, failing that we will try to meet with you otherwise - distance is no object!
But please do get in touch!
Thanks go to Ballymac GSC and the many non-affiliated supporters who attended Rest in East's first briefing on the matter at Ballymac GSC clubrooms on Monday night. The group are very grateful for your support.
Le jeu avant tout.
Latest - 04/08/05
Rest in East have received an invitation to a reception tomorrow night by the Lobbying organisation 'Northern Ireland Government Affairs Group' (NIGAG). Having already received invaluable assistance from NIGAG in advance of our visit to Westminster earlier this year, we are delighted to be given this opportunity to attend. Hosted by NIGAG Chairman Glyn Roberts, some noteworthy figures will also be in attendance. Amongst others will be UUP Leader Sir Reg Empey, SDLP Deputy Leader Dr Alasdair McDonnell MP MLA, and the DUP's Mr David Simpson MP. Rest in East representatives intend using the opportunity to make aware the situation at Glentoran FC to all those who are prepared to listen.
---------------
After further consultations earlier this week on the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and the possibility of a 'Supporters Trust' securing a PEACE II grant, members of the group will tonight re-visit Belfast City Hall. We intend proceeding with our application under the EU Programme for Peace and Reconcilliation in Northern Ireland, now into a 'PEACE II' extension period. Rest in East will pursue the matter further tonight with advise and assistance from contacts in Belfast City Council office, and thereafter with the funds' relevant 'Implementing Bodies' (IB's) - ie 'Community Funding for Northern Ireland' (CFNI) and the Belfast 'Local Strategy Partnership'.
Latest - 26/07/05
We now look forward to another opportunity to update Lord Laird of Artigarvan on the groups progress.
Latest - 25/07/05
Contact has now been re-established with Mr Andrew Hailey, of Esso site consultancy firm Paul Hogarth.
Latest - 24/07/05
Representatives from Rest in East will meet with Peter Robinson later this week. Amongst other things, we will be asking the East Belfast Member of Parliament to raise at Westminster the matter of Government funding for our proposed set-up of a Supporters Trust.
Latest - 23/07/05
Press Cuttings updated
Latest - 18/07/05
Meetings have recently taken place with the Government backed football body 'Supporters Direct', and potential financial backers for the proposed Supporters Trust. We also look forward to another meeting with East Belfast MP Mr Peter Robinson, while at the same have re-established contact with those who offered assistance on the recent Westminster trip. Be assured the campaign continues, but we would ask that you all please be patient for more detailed updates until the small matter of Glentoran FC's Champions League aspirations are at an end.
Latest - 30/06/05
Rest in East were last night in attendance at an EU Funding debate hosted by the DUP's Northern Ireland MEP Jim Allister and the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The EU Programme for Peace and Reconcilliation in Northern Ireland, now into a 'PEACE II' extension period, is managed by SEUPB, one of the six North/South bodies set up under the Good Friday agreement. Whilst there are no guarantees of securing a PEACE II grant, organisations that are encouraged to apply for funding include the 'private sector' and 'sporting and cultural organisations'. It is also worth noting that particular emphasis is now being given to 'Protestant working class areas', and the 'art and sport' sector in the context of those areas. With a 'Supporters Trust' in mind, and grants ranging £20,000 to £500,000+ available, Rest in East will be pursuing the matter further with the funds' relevant Implementing Bodies (IB's), ie 'Community Funding for Northern Ireland' (CFNI) and the Belfast 'Local Strategy Partnership' (LSP). Application deadlines expire end of June to late summer 2005.
We are unaware as to whether or not Glentoran Football Club were represented last night.
Latest - 27/06/05
Representatives of the group can now look forward to exploratory talks next week with a number of high-profile and influential individuals. Top of the agenda will be the prospect of possible 'offshore' fundraising opportunities for the proposed 'Supprters Trust'. A more detailed update will be posted here in due course.
Latest - 26/06/05
Press Cuttings page updated - Sunday Life
Latest - 25/06/05
We would take this opportunity to thank Mr David Chick for his valuable time on Friday morning. Mr Chick was able to update 'Rest in East' with yet another frank and honest assessment of where he sees the ground move situation at the moment. The group would be keen to point out that in our opinion it would be foolhardy at this stage to underestimate any role Mr Chick may yet have to play in the wider scheme of things. Rest in East are also delighted to report that the Glentoran President gave a ringing endorsement on our proposals to establish a 'Supporters Trust' at Glentoran FC.
Latest - 21/06/05
The group have now secured a further meeting with club President David Chick.
Latest - 17/06/05
Rest in East have now established contact with Mr John Linden, Principal Planning Officer for Department of Environment N. Ire. (Planning Service). Mr Linden was responsible for the compilation of PPS8 (the legislation protecting existing open space)
Representatives of the group are now set to meet with Mr Linden and Mr John Cummings, Divisional Manager of the Belfast planning office. Further details to follow.
Rest in East have now also approached Mr David Chick, seeking follow-up talks from our meeting with the Glentoran Football Club President back in April.
Latest - 16/06/05
Rest in East are delighted that the 'Supporters Trust' proposal in principle has been widely endorsed by Glentoran fans this week and we now look forward to taking the project forward. To that end we can confirm that we have since been in touch with the Government-backed body 'Supporters Direct' and a date, time and venue have now been confirmed for our meeting. Dave Boyle (Deputy Chief Executive) and Sean Hamil, both of whom have a wealth of experience in assisting supporters to successfully establish Supporters Trusts, will be visiting the province on Sunday, 10th July to meet with Rest In East representatives to discuss all aspects relating to the creation of a Football Supporters Trust.
Latest - 12/06/05
Latest - 11/06/05
New Belfast Lord Mayor backs the 'Rest in East' campaign ... HERE
Latest - 10/06/05
A lack of updates on the website lately has been unfortunate, but unavoidable. Recent developments both on and off the pitch, relating to the ground move and otherwise, have taken temporary precedence. 'Rest in East' however have continued the campaign to secure our future in our traditional East Belfast heartland unabated, and further to our promise to 'explore all avenues' in the bid to achieve our desired aims, the group will be releasing a detailed statement this weekend. Local newspaper Sunday Life will feature an extensive article on June 12th, with full coverage here at restineast.co.uk first thing Monday morning.
We thank you all once again for your continued patience and support, and assure you of our utmost endeavours in helping secure the long term future of our great club. Le Jeu Avant Tout.
Latest - 26/05/05
'Rest in East' would like to thank Glentoran Chairman Stafford Reynolds and Chief Executive Tom Dick for yesterday's open and cordial meeting, on amongst other things the state of play regarding the proposed ground move. You may be aware that after having met most of the major 'Players' during the month of April, the group then 'took a back seat' for the last month or so, during what was described as a 'delicate' period for the club. After 4 or 5 weeks we were now keen to hear of any positive developments, and on how we as a group may help move the situation forward. During almost 3 hours of discussions both parties put forward various ideas and aspirations on how we may best proceed, and agreed to brief each other further after developments later this week. A further and more detailed statement will appear here on the site after the 'Rest in East' group have met en bloc this weekend. Thank you once again for your patience. The campaign continues.
Latest - 22/05/05
Updates - Please don't take the recent lack of information on the site to mean a lack of activity on the campaign front, work has been continually ongoing behind the scenes, some of which is of a 'delicate' nature. We hope to explain and give a more comprehensive update following developments later this week. In the meantime please be patient. Le jeu avant tout
Latest - 04/05/05
ESSO SITE UPDATE - On Wednesday 3rd May 2005, members of the Rest in East group met for a second time with Andrew Hailey from the Paul Hogarth group. Mr Hailey is the consultant charged with the development of the former ESSO storage facility on Airport Road. As reported, this site has been highlighted, as an option for relocation of the Oval should acreage increase. This further consultation was on a private one-to-one basis in the wake of the recent public meeting at the Park Avenue Hotel. Mr Hailey further discussed the pros and cons of the site with Rest in East. Consultants will move in the near future to create a concept of how the site would look in various forms. As of yesterday no further approaches had been made by the Glentoran project team to meet with the consultants, however as a result of yesterday's meeting Mr Hailey will be seeking contact with Glentoran 'Project Team' Members Stafford Reynolds/Tom Dick.
Rest in East will remain updated by the consultants as developments progress at the end of the month.
With the small matter of winning a League Championship now out of the way, "Rest in East" will move in the next few weeks to request an update on progress made by the Project team in the last month.
Latest - 03/05/05
RIE on the Political agenda ... With less than 48 hours to go until the start of local council elections, it is interesting to note just how many candidates in the Pottinger and Victoria Wards recognise the "Rest in East" campaign as a local community issue ... HERE
