Alison, Susan and Caroline (from left to right)
The BBC Bus has arrived in Northern Ireland, combining a mobile IT workshop with a state of the art broadcast studio. Onboard, the team is on hand to provide free advice on how to get started on computers, from the basics to searching the web. IT tutors from local colleges will also be there with information on courses available in your area. As well as providing IT taster sessions, the Bus Team will be broadcasting on a daily basis into Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle ..... and they want to hear your stories.
The Big Yellow Bus launched in Cookstown in October 2003 and will be travelling all over Northern Ireland, bringing the BBC right into the heart of the community. If you’re over 16, please come onboard to meet the team, have an introduction to IT or to tell the team your stories on the local area.
Timetable
The BBC Bus timetable for November/December is below. We’re now looking for locations for 2004, so if you have any suggestions or are a member of a local community group and think they might benefit from a visit from the Big Yellow Bus, please drop the team a line on yellowbus@bbc.co.uk , or give them a call on 028 90 338852.
January
22nd and 23rd Broughshane
(car park behind McNeill's supermarket
on the main street)
Limavady
February
Omagh
North Belfast
Lisnaskea
Planning a visit
The BBC Northern Ireland bus will be stopping off at all sorts of venues, from libraries to churches, from markets to community centres it will be calling in just about anywhere and everywhere. The following information should help you when planning a visit from the bus to your venue.
How big is the bus?
The bus is a single-decker and is 11.5 metres long, 2.5 m wide and weighs approximately 9 tonnes. As well as considering these dimensions we require enough space to allow people to get on and off safely and without in any way obstructing roads, pedestrian routes, or prevent access to residences or businesses. In some cases the bus also needs enough room to turn-around.
Where would it be difficult for the bus to park?
We cannot park on a slope or if the camber on the road is too severe. Large speed humps can also cause us difficulties.
What the bus needs from the venue?
As the Bus is fitted with computers and we will be broadcasting into Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle, we need access to a power point and an ISDN or phone line. We have 50 metres of cabling (though the nearer we can be to the phone and power points the better). The power source we need is a standard domestic or business socket (13amp, or preferably 16amp). The phone point needs to be one that isn’t part of a switchboard system or an extension, i.e. it can be kept free all day.
As there will be visitors coming to your venue for the Bus, the venue needs to have facilities and access for both the Bus team and the visiting public.
What time will the bus arrive and depart?
The Bus will usually arrive in location by 9am - in time to be ‘rigged -up’ for a day of IT taster sessions and radio broadcasting. We will stay in situ all day and leave between 4 and 5 pm. We tend to open to the general public from 10am to 4pm.
Is the bus a Radio Ulster or Radio Foyle roadshow?
No! The Bus will attend venues where we can meet different communities across Northern Ireland. We want to meet colourful characters, cover important issues and tell the stories important to your area. As well as giving you access to BBC Northern Ireland’s airwaves we are also a shop window bringing all BBC TV, Radio and online services right to your doorstep.
Alongside the broadcasting aspects of the Bus, we will also be offering learning opportunities on everything from basic IT skills to surfing the web and taking your own digital photographs.
Who can benefit from the learning opportunities available on the bus?
Any adult… Whatever your interests or skills level, as long as you’re over 16, we have something for everyone. In addition, tutors onboard can provide information on all the courses available in your local area if you would like to find out more.
How much publicity will be involved?
We will be trailing the Bus venues on-air on Radio Ulster and Radio Foyle. We will also be circulating posters and leaflets around the local area.
Whilst at the venue, via BBC Northern Ireland, we can highlight the work/activities of community groups or projects using the venue or based in the local vicinity.
How much will a bus visit cost?
The only cost implication for the venue is the use of their power and telephone point. The connection on the telephone will be local rate and will only be used for a matter of minutes each time for broadcasting inserts. The cost of power is minimal.
How can I arrange a bus visit?
Drop the BBC Bus Team a line at yellowbus@bbc.co.uk to discuss your ideas for a potential venue, local story or character to be covered.
© MMX