Sydenham Community Partnership are currently undertaking a study to assess the feasibility of the reinstating of Sydenham Youth Club. In order to provide a study which is reflective of the views and the needs of the local community, Sydenham Community Partnership has commissioned the production and distribution of this short survey. This survey will form a key aspect of the wider study and provide a clear picture of the benefits that the reinstating of the building would bring to the local community and also inform what facilities and activities should be offered.

We would appreciate it if you would visit the Links Section of this website and click on the first link on the list which will take you directly to the survey. It will only take a few minutes of your time to complete. Thank you for your cooperation and continued support on this important issue for our areas young people.

Members of the KNIGHTS senior citizens mens group pictured outside Exploris Aquarium on their recent trip in Feb 2009. Rogues Gallery lol!

Lewis!!!!!! Watch that Ray/Shark doesnt bite yee! Members of the KNIGHTS group enjoying a tour of Exploris Aquarium. Once again thanks to Neil Abbey from Sydenham Salvation Army for lending us the bus on the day and for all the other recent trips out!

James Ellis pictured above with his lovley wife Robina and Chris Deconink from EBCDA on their recent trip to Jame's former family home at Park Avenue in Sydenham. Jimmy unveiled the plaque shown in the picture above in his honour and for his dedication to the performing arts. The plaque was designed by local Sculptor Ross Wilson who is a personal fan of Jimmys work and was present on the day to meet Jimmy. A big thanks to Ross for this marvellous plaque and to the current residents of the house David and Maureen. They were extremely welcoming hosts and this project could not have been possible without their kindness and patience. Also thanks to East Belfast Partnerships Cailin Hardy and Elma Newberry who part funded this project in conjunction with EBCDA. Finally a word of thanks to all the local people who turned out on the day many of whom were old firends, fans or neighbours of Jimmy as I know Jimmy was delighted to see you all and this helped to make the day a memorable one for Jimmy and Robina, both of whom were extremely gracious as always. We look forward to seeing Jimmy and Robina back in the future as it is always nice to see one of Ulsters favourite sons back were he belongs!

One of Ulsters favourites sons and much loved acting legend James Ellis of TV Z-Cars fame paid a nostalgic trip down memory lane when visiting Victoria Park Primary School in Sydenham. Jimmy was a past pupil of the School under its former name Strand Primary School. The School Principal Andrea Gourley was delighted to greet Jimmy and welcome him back and was very proud to see Jimmy unveil a plaque in his honour. The plaque was mounted and unveiled by Jimmy immediately adjacent to the Primary School Assembly Hall on Friday 28th November 2008. Everyone is looking forward to Jimmys return at the end of February 2009, 1st week in march when he will be unveiling another plaque in his honour at his former family residence at Park Ave in Sydenham, formerly known to James and his family as Brookvale Terrace. A big thankyou to local Art Designer Ross Wilson for designing the plaque which Jimmy was very pleased with and for the portrait he gave to Jimmy as a personal gift. Many thanks to all the staff at Victoria Park Primary School for their support on the project and extra special thanks to Jimmy and Robina for coming to unveil this dedication to James. Also a big word of thanks to East Belfast Partnership who part funded the project in Partnership with Sydenham Community Partnership and East Belfast Community Development Agency.

Local people from Sydenham picking up some free advice and information on available Support Groups and Services for families or individuals with Addiction issues. Big thanks to EDACT, CODA, Action Cancer, Lifeline/Contact Youth, Northern ireland Community Addiction Service for supporting and facilitating the information sharing part of this event.

Alan Houston Health Connections Team worker from East Belfast Community Development Agency pictured above offering free advice, information and souvenirs at the Addiction Support Services event in Sydenham.

The cast from Finglas based "Men at Work" Drama Group along with Chris Deconink, Community Support Worker for Sydenham {at the back} and Alan Houston, Health Connection Team Worker far left who delivered and organised an exceptional performance of this play about families living with Addiction Issues. This play is based on real life accounts of the cast and is a must see for any families or individuals affected by drug addiction. The cast remained in charcter at the end of the play to take questions from the audience which opened up fantastic true to life discussion around issues faced by individuals and families trying to cope with Addiction. The conversations that ensued where obviously quite emotional but extremely worthwhile nontheless. A huge thankyou to the men from Finglas, a community from the outskirts of Dublin who travelled all the way to East Belfast to deliver this amazing piece of Drama to the people of Sydenham. They were a great bunch of lads and we look forward to seeing them again hopefully in the not too distant future.

Members of the "Men at Work" Drama Group from Finglas answering some hard hitting questions from the audience about what it is really like to live with a member of your family who is affected by drug addiction. Very interesting issues discussed and moving personal testimonies provided as a result of the powerful Drama. The event raised awareness around this difficult and sensitive issue with the Drama being the main highlight of the day.

Pictured above are members of the Senior Citizens "Knights Group" whose programme is supported by the Sydenham Community Partnership. The Group are pictured in the main entrance hall of Belfast Harbour Office, where the group were treated to a historical and heritage tour of the building in Decmber 2008. As you will see from a selection of the photos below the building has a long and rich history within the worldwide merchant shipping trade which belfast was famous for over many centuries.

Belfast Harbour Office Tour Guide informs the "Knights" Group of Belfast Harbours early significance as a major Trade Port through the scene depicted on this Art Piece showing the early construction of the port in centuries gone by. The group are pictured above in the original Belfast Dock Room, where early Trade Ships to Belfast in the bygone era would have docked immediately outside the window of this room. At this time the sea would have come up as far as corporation street which is now as we all know reclaimed land. The art works in the rooms gallery underlined Belfast's prestige, importance and contribution to the Maritime era. 

"The Captains Table" pictured above. This was the original table of the Captain of the Titanic James Smith. As you can see this piece of our heritage has been beautifully preserved and couldnt have a more appropriate resting place than Belfast Harbour Office. The table was mounted on rolling wheels so that it could move about in times of rough sees. You can also see clearly the high quality crystal drinking vessels and fine China and stainless steel cutlery which are also original pieces.

The beautiful Vienese Style Harbour Office Ballroom. The room was exceptionally ornate. Each individual stainglass window around the perimetre of the cornaced roof depicts a coat of arms from every major Country and Port that Belfast Port used to trade with. A timeless reminder of Belfast's greatness and another hidden gem from our proud past. Prince Charles and Camilla gave an address to the media and public in this very room on their last visit to Belfast such is its beauty, character and significance. 

Reverend Greg Alexander looking relaxed and comfortable in his newly refurbished Youth Hall. Greg was delighted to receive support from Sydenham Community Partnership towards buying some much needed furniture in line with the rfurbishment. The room has been transformed into an attractive area for young people to use and is now much more inviting than previously. The room is also available to hire for Community Groups on request at Sydenham Methodist Church 

Richard and Ria from Finglas Residents group trying to hide from camera during their stay at Park Ave Hotel on Remembrance weekend. Sydenham Community Partnership were delighted to welcome this party from Dublin to share in a celebration and remembrance of our shared history. The people from Finglas made the event all the more special and we wish to thank them warmly for their contribution to a great weekend. Thanks to you all for coming. Ps Nice hat Davy! Look forward to seeing you all soon xo! From Everyone in Sydenham.

David McCallion from War Years Remebered in full military atire addressing the audience with a moving and passionate account of his own ancestors sacrifice during the second World War. A Huge thankyou to Davy for his excellent War Museum Display and Military Vehicles which were enjoyed by hundreds of people throughout the weekend and provided the main showpiece for this epic event. You can visit Davys website. The address is contained on our links page on this website if you would like to check out the excellent work that Davy provides.

Big thanks to Ormeau Concert Band for their wonderful contribution to the Remebrance Evening Eevnt. Everyone present really enjoyed the rousing music and finale. This picture shows the band taking a well deserved ovation from audience.

Members of Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland who did a great job clearing and tidying the Plant Beds out at St. Brendan's Church Of Ireland on Sat 11th October 2008. Once again a big thanks Lindsay Melrose and her team and to everyone involved in this much needed piece of work.