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The latest news direct from the community delivered to your letterbox for free every month.
Food and cookery ranging from easy peasy inspiration to recipes to local restaurant reviews.
Issue 16: April 2013
What’s going on in your own neighbourhood, health, beauty, local legends and much more.
F R !
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Shop Local In East Belfast
Discover a kaleidoscope of goodies in East Belfast throughout this month... #backineastbelfast
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Contents
April 2013
4
Bloom : The local magazine for your community
Local News
Here’s are the headlines you will really need to know about
14
Food Special
Hosting a party or just wanting a culinary treat? Our local foodies have it sorted.
18
Welcome : So here we are in April already. Incredibly
this is issue 16 of Bloom East Belfast. Every month we meet more and more new people and see new businesses coming on board to advertise. It’s inspirational to see people undertaking new ventures and channelling their skills and attributes to launch or develop their particular project. We have news of a huge one in Dundonald this month. As a platform for East Belfast, we simply want to share these stories and inspire you to pay them a visit. But there are still stories of hardship out there. East Belfast had its own unique hangover to deal with after the festive period. There is still a lot of hard work to do but we can certainly make a difference together. At one point there were 22 regional stock exchanges in the UK. Eleven remained open until the 1970s, when they amalgamated with the London Stock Exchange. Recently there have been calls to bring back this localised function and encourage investment and economic development in the regions. This is just one example of a current change in mindset. People want to bring back the ‘old school’ way of doing things to a local level. And while not many of us will be bothering the FTSE 100, there are plenty of businesses and community initiatives out there to create the kind of foundation we need to turn things around. Thanks for the support of you and our advertisers. Enjoy!
Stuart, Angela, Juanita
Health & Beauty
The Secret Day Spa unveil their secrets for all the brides and bridal parties to be.
20
Competition!
24
Cookbook
Stand by brides! Win a wedding dress worth £1,000 from The Bridal Suite.
It’s good honest food with recipes from Belfast’s St George’s Bar & Grill.
26
What’s On
No matter what the weather, here’s what you can get up to this month.
32
Our Heritage
Take a historic journey through Sydenham with Emma Dunn.
36
Rising Star
The incredible work of local illustrator Peter Strain.
38
Local Legend
Taking centre stage this month it’s The Belvoir Players.
: Bloom Magazine Belfast @bloommag Bloom Magazine 308 Albertbridge Road Belfast BT5 4GX Tel: 07719 104862
Editorial: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Advertising: angela@bloommagazine.co.uk Accounts: info@bloommagazine.co.uk
Printed by Nicholson Bass www.nicholsonbass.com
Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Bloom Magazine or Newborn Media. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Links and contacts are provided for user convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Bloom Magazine. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.
East Belfast is in Bloom www.bloommagazine.co.uk 3
Bloom News Your local news & views Email: stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk Twitter: @bloommag Facebook: Bloom Magazine Belfast Web: bloommagazine.co.uk
IFA IFA Fundamentals Fundamentals in in East East Belfast Belfast A team of specialised coaches from the Irish FA recently hosted a Multi skills day at Playball Pavilion, in east Belfast. Over sixty kids aged between five and eight years of age, took part in the free event which was run over mid-term. The aim of the event was to keep kids active, and build on the skills that they have obtained throughout the school year whilst working with their IFA primary schools coach. Pupils from Greenwood Infants PS and St. Joesph’s PS where in attendance and took part in various coaching sessions hosted by the IFA Primary Schools coaches. The IFA Primary Schools coach for East Belfast, Michael McClements commented, ‘The day was a great success and fun was had by all involved. It was great to see so many kids in attendance and to work with the kids from the schools in a different setting. All the players involved represented their schools impeccably and their enthusiasm contributed to the success of the event.’
Castlereagh Borough Council wishes to inform local residents that the following alternative collection arrangements will operate from the 30th March 2013 until 31st March 2014: 1st April Grey Bin - No collection - Alternative collection Saturday 30th March / 12th July Grey Bin - No collection - Alternative collections taking place from 16th - 19th July Please leave your bin out for collection for the duration (+ 4 additional black bag*) / 15th July Recycling Bin - No collection - Alternative collection Saturday 20th July / 25th December Grey Bin - No collection - Alternative collection 21st December / 26th December Grey Bin - No collection - Alternative collection on the 28th December (+ 4 additional black bag*) / 1st January Recycling Bin - No collection - Alternative collection Saturday 4th January * Additional bags will only be accepted when stated above. East Belfast girl Rebekah Patterson, 25, is the first European to achieve top Miglio jewellery sales globally and with it the accolade of ‘International Consultant of the Year’. Rebekah received the award at an awards ceremony in, London, staving off competition from across the world. Roseann Kelly, Chief Executive of Women in Business NI, said: ‘Rebekah has enjoyed making real business connections through facilitated Women in Business NI networking and mentoring. We would congratulate her on this achievement.’ womeninbusinessni.com, facebook.com/ womeninbusinessni & you can follow on Twitter @wibni 4 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Belmont Presbyterian host their first ever art exhibition in conjunction with an exhibition of patchwork. To be held 27-30th November. Any artist can express their interest by exhibiting 2-3 paintings in any medium, for sale, by contacting Julie 028 9087 4480 or Maureen 028 9065 1391 before 30th April. Funds raised will go towards the church development fund.
New Child Care Facility Launched Bright Minds @ Braniel are delighted to announce an exciting development in child care which is the first of it’s kind in the Braniel area! ‘We can now offer quality child care in our After School Club for all children P1-P7 until 6pm, which operates every day that Braniel Primary School is open, with the aim to accommodate busy working parents in the area. During school holidays we can also provide care from 8am-6pm every day with the exception of Bank Holidays. Parents can rest assured that their children will be supervised by play work experts, enabling a fun environment featuring activities specially designed to promote the social, physical, intellectual, creative and emotional development of each individual child. We are also working on developing a dedicated facility to care for children from three months to Nursery age, which will include a full Braniel Nursery Unit wraparound service - watch this space for more information coming soon!’ For more details contact general manager Christine Kelly 07428 119320 or you can email brightmindsatbraniel@gmail.com
Willowfield Parish Community Association (WPCA) is working in partnership with Dreamscheme NI to deliver a pilot project in inner east Belfast. Dreamscheme is a community youth development programme which inspires and enables communities to release the potential of their young people based on a simple concept of Work = Points = Trips. ‘Young People can do Wonderful Things’ – the project is providing positive work activities enabling teenagers to impact their community, combat anti–social behaviour, alcohol/ drugs misuse, interface tension and fear of crime among the elderly.
DAVID S. McMULLAN QUALITY BUTCHER
• Beef • Chicken • Pork • Cooked Meats • Lamb • Sausages 281 Newtownards Road. BT4 1AG. Tel 028 9045 5662
www.bloommagazine.co.uk 5
Bloom News
Your local news & views New Life Counselling Opens In Skainos
A new counselling service has opened in east Belfast due to “massively increased demand”. One fifth of all the charity New Life Counselling’s referrals for counselling came from east Belfast, statistics for last year show. And Assembly figures show deprivation, mental health issues and suicide remain big problems in east Belfast. An Assembly Health Committee heard recently that Sammy Douglas, Karen Collins & Chris Lyttle 200 people died by suicide in Northern Ireland in a nine-month period in 2012. Karen Collins, Chief Executive of New Life Counselling, said growing deprivation and the recession are two of the issues that have contributed to a rise in the demand for services. ‘As with every inner city area, East Belfast has significant issues of poverty and unemployment, with the associated mental health issues being just as severe,’ she said. ‘Since July 2011 New Life Counselling has been delivering much needed services in East Belfast through the use of facilities in the Holywood Arches Practice and in the time we have seen a dramatic increase in the level of referrals for counselling support. ‘By 2012 20% of all the charity’s referrals for counselling came from East Belfast and New Life Counselling decided that the only way of keeping up with demand was to open new offices in the area. New Life Counselling will now operate from the iconic new Skainos building on the Newtownards Road, with 83 people currently on the organisation’s waiting list. The project is part funded by Big Lottery’s Awards For All scheme, the Public Health Agency and Bombardier’s Charitable Foundation. Visit www.newlifecounselling.net Some of NI’s emerging fashion and musical talent will showcase their skills at a fashion and music extravaganza in Parliament buildings at Stormont on Saturday 4th May. The chic black tie event organised by Unify Collective Fashion Studio and sponsored by Aston Martin, Belfast, will provide a unique platform for both graduate and student designers to showcase their collections whilst also introducing the NI audience to musical entertainment from local bands. All profits from the evening will go towards Cinemagic, a charity supporting young people wishing to enter the film industry. Unify Fashion Studio provides local designers with a professionally fitted design studio including the best equipment and materials available, enabling young Northern Irish designers to hone their talents. BBC Radio Ulster presenter Alan Simpson will host the evening. Lucky ladies who snap up a ticket will see six emerging fashion designers feature their covetable pieces for autumn/winter ‘13 throughout various rooms of the building. Guests can relax and unwind with live music, a DJ set, food and drink right through to midnight before taking home a fabulous goodie bag at the end of the evening. Tickets £30 through Unify and supporting shops david@ unifyni.com www.unifyni.com 028 9023 6452. 6 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
The Secret Garden Restaurant at Dundonald Nurseries
OPENING SATURDAY 20th APRIL 2013 The Secret Garden 78 Old Dundonald Road Dundonald, Belfast, BT16 1XS
The Secret Garden Restaurant is a stunning addition to the Dundonald Nurseries family. Local, simple, hearty food is prepared to perfection and complemented by the beautiful views towards Stormont and the Craigantlet Hills. Our brand new 120 seater restaurant and gift shop is cosy and full of character with vaulted ceilings, old beams and huge fireplaces using traditional Belfast brick. Using locally sourced products to give you that unforgettable local taste, we serve breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner and offer a wide range of homemade cakes and desserts that are too tempting to resist. All freshly prepared by our chef to suit all tastes! For a special treat why not try our sumptuous afternoon teas served on silver cake stands. Perfect to share with a friend on a day out! Outside you will find beautiful gardens and a two acre nursery full of plants, tubs and hanging baskets grown by ourselves so do not hesitate to ask for free plant advice from our knowledgeable horticulturists. So make a note in your diary for the 20th of April from 8.30am and discover the secret. We can also take bookings for parties and special events. We look forward to seeing you soon! facebook.com/secret. garden.dundonald Opening Hours: Mon - Sat 8.30am - 4.30pm Late Night Thurs 8.30am - 9pm
Email: secretgarden@dundonaldnurseries.co.uk Web: www.dundonaldnurseries.co.uk/secretgarden
Your local news & views
Bloom News
First Minister visits Tullycarnet Family Project
First Minister and local East Belfast MLA Peter Robinson recently visited Barnardo’s Tullycarnet Family Project in Dundonald. The project has been supporting local families for over 15 years and offers a range of parenting support classes including Cook It!, Active Dads and an after school club. It is also part of the Tullycarnet Neighbourhood Renewal Two year old Alesha Anderson from Tullycarnet in conversation Project working with local schools, youth groups and with First Minister Peter Robinson during a visit to Barnardo’s Tullycarnet Family Project community groups to improve education outcomes by offering family and individual parental support to improve literacy and numeracy levels and a range of other programmes aimed at tackling barriers to learning including adult education, confidence-building and engaging fathers in children’s learning. Barnardo’s Tullycarnet Family Project Manager, Claire Humphrey said: ‘We were delighted to welcome First Minister and local East Belfast MLA Peter Robinson to visit our work. The families we work with are dedicated to providing the best for their children and we are there to support them through education programmes and building a strong collaboration between schools and community.’ East Belfast MLA Peter Robinson said: ‘I was very impressed by my visit to Tullycarnet Family Project. There is a real need to address education achievement in East Belfast and programmes like this working from the bottom up and engaging on individual, family and community levels is how we will see real change.’ Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School Technologist Gareth Reid who secured a double success representing NI at the ‘Big Bang Science and Engineering Fair’ 2013. The event saw over 450 projects displayed by entrants from across the UK with over 40,000 visitors. Gareth’s ‘Write to Read’ project - an iphone app capable of photographing written text and presenting it on screen in a bespoke font, created by Gareth himself, which is more easily processed by dyslexic readers, helped him to achieve first place in both the Junior Engineering category and ‘CREST Creativity Award’.
It’s Great to be Adored Again adoredagain is a funky, stylish children’s recycling boutique selling pre-loved designer clothes, nursery equipment, prams, toys and more. The shop is run by a local mum of twins who wanted to create somewhere busy parents could recycle their no longer needed items and let them be ‘adored again’. Anybody can sell through the shop as long as the items are in great condition. So have that clear out and adoredagain will do all the hard work! Once your items are sold they will be in touch and you can choose how to take your commission. As a Seller you can take cash, shop credit or adoredagain will donate any unwanted commission to the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children (www.nicfc.com) The shop has built up a great reputation for excellent products and fantastic customer service. All products are in immaculate condition with some still new with labels but all at a fraction of the retail price. If they don’t have what you need they will take your details and contact you when the item comes in. So why not join the recycling revolution and make adoredagain your new shopping experience ! Open Monday to Saturday 10am -5pm in Newtownards Town centre. www. adoredagain.co.uk, 0r ring 028 9182 1441. Visit Facebook for up to date stock. 8 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Rite Price Carpets & Flooring
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Bloom News
Your local news & views East Belfast Mission commended for its environmental responsibility and social transformation
Since its opening in October 2012, East Belfast’s Skainos Project has been recognised not only for its work within the community, but also for its environmental credentials, most recently for the sustainable features of the building’s construction and daily operations at the Action Renewables Association Awards receiving a second place prize in the ‘Best Community Project’ category, sponsored by brites. Skainos and brites have an established relationship, with the centre using on a wood pellet boiler fuelled by brites to heat the premises. Manufactured in Co. Fermanagh brites are a premium quality wood pellet fuel and are helping the Skainos Project save on average 35% annually on their energy bills when compared to using conventional fossil fuels. The centre is also displacing approximately 33 tonnes of carbon and 120 tonnes of CO2 emissions each year. The Skainos Centre was constructed with sustainability in mind, with rubble from the demolition site being crushed and re-used on site, reducing the amount of building waste entering a local landfill. Other environmentally sensitive innovations include solar thermal panels which generate the hot water as well as lighting controls designed to reduce electrical consumption. We’ll have more information about the Skainos Building soon. www.skainos.org
McArthur Nursery School principal, Eithne Daly, has thanked parents who made sure every child at the nursery performed their own unique version of the poem, “Snowball” by Shel Silverstein at the Belfast Musical Festival of Music, Speech and Drama. 10 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
No.36
Fresh, Local, Homecooked Nosh LOOK OUT FOR OUR NEW SPRING/SUMMER MENU STARTING IN APRIL
New Salad Bar!
Get your 5 a day the easy way with No.36 Introducing our brand new, help yourself salad bar. Freshly made, mouth watering gourmet salads everyday. You can sit in and enjoy or just grab your own and go!
NOW OFFERING OUTSIDE CATERING
Christenings • Birthday Parties Office Parties • Board Room Meetings • Special Events • Open Days Call or email for our catering menu. New accounts welcome
36 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9065 7476 no.36belmontroad@hotmail.co.uk
Bloom News
Your local news & views
£700,000 EXTENSION AT DUNDONALD NURSERIES CREATES 20 NEW JOBS AND SECURES 15 STAFF A £700,000 extension at family run east Belfast business, Dundonald Nurseries has created 20 new jobs and transformed the business, securing a staff of 15 at the garden centre. The investment will create a brand new 120 seater restaurant and gift shop adjacent to the nurseries, aptly named The Secret Garden. Third generation Restaurant Manager, Emma McCully, granddaughter of the late Robert Hutchinson who established the nursery as a farm diversification in 1963 will work alongside her brother Andrew, mother Anne, father Malcolm and manage a dedicated team of 20 to provide a personalised restaurant and retail experience to the loyal, local customer base of Dundonald Nurseries. Emma who studied Graphic Design at the University of Ulster, Belfast and trained in restaurant chains in Northern Ireland is just 24 years old and this new business opportunity prevents her from joining the lost generation of undergraduates who are unable to secure work in their chosen expert field. Emma said: ‘The extension is in answer to customer demands. We have outgrown the existing space created by my grandfather. Our customers not only want to shop at Dundonald Nurseries but they want to take time with family and friends to enjoy the view over the Craigantlet hills over a nice coffee and a bite to eat. We very much see The Secret Garden as keeping up with retail trends and we are actively embracing the concept of retailtainment with our purpose built 120 seater restaurant. We have been delighted by the response from our customers and the local community to our plans and we believe this new restaurant will create a first class dining experience for our visitors - our room with a view already has a number of bookings secured for 2013 and into 2014!’ Set to open on 20th April 2013 The Secret Garden restaurant at Dundonald Nurseries will offer breakfast, lunch, dinner, deluxe afternoon tea treats and can cater for individuals and groups of up to 100. Simply log onto www.dundonaldnurseries.co.uk/secretgarden for more details. 12 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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Food Special Whether you use the smoke alarm as a timer or whether you smoke your own fish, there are suppliers and local businesses that can either provide you with all the best of ingredients or drinks to help you create a home made menu to die for or do absolutely everything from canapes to full on spreads for any number of peckish guests in style. Grubs up.
‘It’s all about the ingredients! 90% of good eating is good shopping. Foodie Folk is all about Proper Food. Well hung meat, just caught fish, Yellow Door bread & lovely deli stuff. Everything we do is about doing it right. Come in to our shop in Gilnahirk or if you are looking for something that bit different give us a call, the chances are we can get it. Local meat adheres to the highest standards in the world. Beef on our shelves can be traced from field to fork. It is well bred, well fed and well hung to bring out the best flavour and succulence possible. It is then butchered by craftsmen who are experts in their field. This is what we should be thinking about instead of using the convenience of supermarkets. The perception of being more expensive is the biggest hurdle local independent retailers come up against. The price difference is not as much as you think!’ 121 Gilnahirk Road, Belfast, BT5 7QL. Tel o28 9079 6761. foodiefolk.co.uk
You Could Let No.36 Do It All... ‘At No.36 we have extended our services to offer outside catering to our customers and local businesses. If you are having a dinner party, office meeting, christening, birthday celebrations or any other gathering, why not impress your guests with our fresh, local, home cooked nosh and take the stress out of the planning by letting our team cook for your guests, deliver it as well as serve and clear up after if needed! No.36 can design a menu to suit your tastes and fit it around your budget without compromising in taste. In addition to this, you can order desserts to finish off your perfect dinner, available to collect and share with your family and friends.’ If you are interested in this service, call 02890 657476 or you can email no.36belmontroad@hotmail.co.uk for a catering menu and more details. Billys Meat Centre - ‘We use grade a beef for our customers. In fact our beef, pork and chicken is all sourced locally. We use nothing but the best; local beef which come from Dungannon Meats, pork from Givans chicken from Dickeys and Rockvale. We like to give our customers the best of meat and the best of service. They’re happy, we’re happy.’ Orangefield Lane. Tel 028 9047 1700.
14 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
BOX SCHEME
Belfast’s Premier Food Store 38-40 Gilnahirk Road
Freshness guaranteed Seasonal Local produce in every box Save time shopping Cancel at any time
‘Finest quality produce is sourced daily we love local produce and support many local farms. Why buy from abroad when it’s available locally? Quality has always been our thing we just love fresh fruit & vegetables as we buy direct from the farm so freshness is always guaranteed. Our fruit is also bought fresh daily in the wholesale fruit market in Belfast. Again freshness gets top priority, if its not fresh we won’t buy it!
When you order a box of fruit & Veg during August or September
you can pick up in store or have it delivered to yourindoor • Either Our cheese counter has grown massively the last few years. We now stock over 70 cheeses. a Friday at no extraCashel cost (Local Area)Coolea, Cheddar with Guinness, Fine English Stilton, From Five on Mile Town Brie, Blue, TheCamembert, box value isSheeps £10 you paycheese.You only £9 will be spoilt for choice! 20 % DISCOUNT TBC French & Goats •Call Allinofstore ourtoColeslaws, rice and pasta salads are now made in store daily. Tasting is believing. discuss your requirements or phone the box hotline • Again our range spoils you for choice. Lasagne, soup, stew, Chicken & Broccoli Bakes, Chicken Curry & Chilli Con Carne. All available in micro- waveable trays for when you’re rushed or why not try our Catering size for entertaining at home. Again all made in store daily and with our 5 Star Food Hygiene rating you know what you are eating is safe. It really is home made taste and no preservatives are used.’ 38-40 Gilnahirk Rd 02890792701/07935688128 thefourseasonsni.co.uk
07935688128
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David S McMullan Butcher - ‘All of our meat can be traced to farms here in Northern Ireland. We specialise in beef, particularly our sirloins, T bones, rib eyes and fillets. In fact we have a great reputation for our T Bones.Valid The perfect cuts for entertaining at home. Call in and let us know Valid until 30th September 2010 until 30th September 2010 what you’re planning and we can help you out.’ 281 Newtownards Rd. Tel 9045 5662.
Grange Wines: Tips for the Season
‘Hopefully we will be leaving to cold and wet weather of winter behind us and embracing the sunnier days ahead. Not quite heavy Red weather nor is it warm enough to fully enjoy a wonderful glass of chilled Pinot Grigio, so what do we open? For a fresh crisp White Wine I recommend a Cheeky Italian Gavi de Gavi. This medium bodied elegant wine is made using the Cortese Grape from vineyards within the Piedmont region of Italy with its’ notes of Lime, Citrus Fruit and Greenage it is a perfect match for a wonderful seafood linguine. This is a wonderful time of the year for foodies as there is so much good food in season. I especially look forward to Roast Lamb dinners at this time of year. And what better way to enjoy Roast Lamb than with a beautiful Red Sancerre from the Loire Valley, produced using 100% Pinot Noir. This wine is the perfect accompaniment to a roast lamb dish. Elegant with soft blackcurrant and blackberry aromas and a hint of peppercorn spice, this wine also has soft tannin levels . There is no better way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon Bricco dei Giazzi Gavi di Gavi available at Grange Wine Merchants, Holywood for only £14.99 Ettienne Daulny, Domaine Daulny Sancerre Rouge available at Grange Wine Merchants, Holywood for only £15.99.’ 49 Bangor Road, Holywood, Torgrange Complex) Tel: 028 9039 7579 grangewine.co.uk www.bloommagazine.co.uk 15
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Preparing For Your Special Day... Here’s a timetable for in the run in to the best day you’ll ever have in your life! The Secret Day Spa, 30 Belmont Road, Belfast. Tel: 028 9067 1914.
6 months to go
Treat yourself to a facial. Skin cells renew themselves every 28 eight days, so this is a great once-a-month treat. Don’t worry if you get a few spots - they’re a good sign! This is your skin’s way of getting rid of impurities, and better now than on the day. Your therapist will advise you on what products to use at home. You don’t have to buy everything that is recommended but good skin care starts with a good daily routine.
3 months to go to have a facemapping (dermalogica facemapping is free at most good spas)
You will have transformed you at home skin care routine & now is a good time
to see has your skin changed over the last three month. You may need to change your products.
11 weeks to go
Your hands and nails will be on show on the wedding day. Get them ready for that ring-on-the-finger moment by rubbing sweet almond oil or cuticle cream into your cuticles every night to keep them moisturised and healthy. Treat yourself to a professional feel-good spa treatment, such as a wrap, to detox, distress and relax - you deserve it!
8 weeks to go
Get your body skin in tip top condition. Visit a spa for a really good professional exfoliation & get them to recommend a body lotion that will keep you skin hydrated. Continue to exfoliate at home. Your tan & make up will always look better on the day if you have taken the time to prepare. You can’t start soon enough!
6 weeks to go
Have your eyebrows professionally shaped at a beauty salon/spa. You’ll be amazed what a difference it makes to your appearance. If you ahven’t already book your appointments for nails, tan, make up, waxing & tinting the week of the wedding.
5 weeks to go
Keep up the good routine you have started. The big day is drawing closer!
4 weeks to go
Have a wedding make-up practice run, whether you’re doing your own or having a professional do it for you. Look at magazines for inspiration & bring a photo.
2 weeks to go
Ease tension and cleanse your skin all over by having a sauna. This is the perfect time to have a de-stress massage.
1 week to go
A busy week! Start the week with any facial waxing & tinting. Intimate waxing & leg waxing can be done three days before the wedding day. Your tan & nails can be left until two days before. Opt for a power polish for fingers & toes. This will cut down on the stress of having to be careful not to chip traditional polish.
After months of preparation your big day is finally here! Thoroughly cleanse tone and moisturise your face. Stick to the make-up routine you’ve rehearsed. Spur-of-the-moment changes don’t work and you won’t have time to rectify any mistakes. Wear a front-opening shirt when your make-up is being done so you don’t have to pull anything over your head. And remember this is your big day – enjoy! 18 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Freda’s Press & Mend 124a Castlereagh Road BT5 5FS Is your ironing piling up? Not enough hours in the day? IRONING SERVICES SPECIAL OFFER!
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St George’s Market Bar and Grill is renowned for exceptional cuisine, stunning interiors and an ambience that is second to none in the city. Head Chef Ray Malcolmson has created a dining experience based on traditional cooking and menus, using the freshest local produce from individually selected suppliers in partnership with St George’s Market’s fishmongers, amongst others, to guarantee the freshest seafood caught from the prime fishing waters surrounding Ireland.
Mackerel with Smoked Beetroot, Horseradish Creme Fraiche & Soda Bread. Beetroot
1 small fresh beetroot 3 tablespoon basmati rice 2 teaspoon earl tea 1 teaspoon brown sugar
Soda Bread
100g soda bread flour 100g self raising flour 10g melted butter 1 tablespoon sugar 200ml buttermilk
Crème Fraiche
50mls Crème Fraiche Half spoon grated horseradish Lemon juice Salt & pepper
Mackerel
1 mackerel fillet pin boned 24 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Ham Hock & Sweetcorn Risotto Croquette
Good Honest Food At St George’s Bar & Grill
Pre cook beetroot by baking whole, wrapped in foil for 1 hour in oven, when cooked peel whole. Prepare smoking ingredients in wok – cover bottom with tin foil and heat over a low heat. Place beetroot on wire tray on top and cover with tin foil. Allow to smoke for 20 minutes. Prepare soda bread by rubbing flours and butter together, add sugar and mix in buttermilk to form dough. Shape into round farlsand bake in oven 160 degrees for 20 mins. When cool slice into triangular slices. Pan fry Mackerel fillet skin side down in hot oil. Reduce heat and cook on both sides for 2 minutes. Place soda bread on serving plate, top with dressed rocket leaves, smoked beetroot, then mackerel fillet, place spoonful of crème Fraiche on top and serve.
Pan Roasted Chicken Breast, Ham Hock & Sweetcorn Risotto Croquette
4 x 200grams Chicken Breasts 100grams Shredded Ham Hock 100grams Sweetcorn 200grams Cooked Risotto 200g Diced Leeks 25gs Butter 100mls Double Cream Salt & Pepper to taste Prepare croquettes by mixing ham hock and sweetcorn into chilled, cooked risotto, season well and form into 4 cylindrical shapes. Flour, egg wash and dip into fine breadcrumbs. Then leave to chill in the refrigerator for 20 minutes Prepare leeks by cooking in butter until soft- add cream and season, cook until reduced. Pan Fry Chicken breasts skin side down until browned then turn over. Finish cooking in 160 degree oven for 10 minutes until fully cooked. Deep Fry the croquettes until they are golden, Assemble creamed leeks on serving plate, place chicken breast on top and risotto on side. To finish, spoon around red wine jus.
Loin of Venison with Celeriac Puree, Braised Cabbage and Redcurrant Jus Venison
120grams of Venison Loin
Celeriac Puree
200gs celeriac 1 tea spoon lemon juice 1 tablespoon double cream 10 grams butter
Cabbage
100grams red cabbage Half diced apple 1 tablespoon honey 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar 25mls red wine 50mls chicken stock
Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie with Toasted Pecan Crust
Jus
50mls veal stock 50mls port 3 juniper berries 1 diced shallot 2 teaspoon redcurrant jelly Braise red cabbage slowly over a low heat for 45 minutes until it has a syrup-like texture. Cook the celeriac in water and lemon juice until soft. Strain and puree in blender with butter, cream and salt & pepper. For jus, sweat shallot in butter and veal stock, port and juniper berry, reduce by half and add redcurrant jelly and pass through a sieve. Season venison and fry in olive oil and butter for 10 mins over a medium heat – turning once. Remove from pan, rest. Slice and assemble venison on plate with the red cabbage and a swipe of celeriac puree – spoon jus around the plate.
Lemon Meringue Ice Cream Pie with Toasted Pecan Crust
Loin of Venison with Celeriac Puree, Braised Cabbage and Redcurrant Jus
Lemon Curd
4oz finely chopped pecans 1oz icing sugar 1oz melted butter
in sugar, lemon juice and lemon peel. Whisk in eggs until thick and then chill. Mix crust ingredients together and then press into flat pie dish. Bake until crust is slightly toasted. Chill crust and spread ice cream over base. Spread curd on top. Whisk egg whites and sugar together until peaked, add cream of tartar. Pipe meringue onto pie. Freeze and before service finish the meringue with kitchen butane torch – if at home finish under a hot grill!
Melt butter for lemon curd in a bowl over hot water and whisk
stgeorgesmarketbarandgrill.com
2 large eggs 2 large egg yolks 6 tablespoon lemon juice 2oz sugar 2oz unsalted butter 2 teaspoon grated lemon peel
Meringue
4 large egg whites Teaspoon of cream of tartar 4oz caster sugar
Crust
www.bloommagazine.co.uk 25
Whats On
Pplan your time with our handy guidePPP
TODDLER GROUPS
Mondays Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Tea/coffee/juice/toast. Inverary CC BT4 1RN Tel: 028 9047 1456
St Finnians
10-11.30 Cregagh Park, BT6 9LF 028 9079 2793.
Wandsworth Mums & Chums
10-11.45am Wandsworth Community 26a Belmont Church Rd BT4 3FF £1 per family.
Calvary Baptist Mums & Toddlers.
10.30-12.00am. £1 per family. 100 Dee Street, BT4 028 9073 2331
Tuesdays Albertbridge Congregational
10.30-12.15 Woodstock Link Donation £1
CFC Mops & Tots
9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea, coffee, juice and snacks provided.
CFC Mops
9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3 per mum incl breakfast and crèche. 10 Belmont Rd, BT4 2AN Tel: 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com
Mersey Street Presb. Parents & Toddlers
10-11.45am term time Mersey St Pres BT1 1EX Tel: 028 90 657025 aburcombe@gmail.com www.merseystreet.org.uk 26 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
£1 donation
Tel: 028 9040 1444
St Donards Church
Knock Parent & Toddler Group
10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 www.stdonards.com £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice biscuits and homemade scone.
Strandtown Baptist Tots
10.15- 11.45am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court Belmont Road, BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult
10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian Church 53 Kings Road, BT5 6JH Tel: Pamela 07921 067927 or Gillian 07803 117619. www.knockpresbyterian.co.uk
Fridays Tots ‘R’ Us
Wednesdays
10.30am House of Worship 127a Orby Drive, BT5 6BB Tel: 07791 776307/07980 984506 www.houseofworshipireland.com
Busy Bees
St Columba’s Mums & Tots
10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road, BT5 6JA Tel: 07867 551366 jackie.blair@karrington.net
Orangefield Baptist Church
37 North Road, BT5 5NE Mothers & Toddlers 10.30-12
smallTALK @ orangefield
10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road BT5 Tel: 07745 076911 www.orangefield.org.uk
Willowfield Mother & Toddlers
10-12pm Woodstock Road, BT6 8PR Tel: 028 9045 7654 office@willowfieldchurch.co.uk
Thursdays Bloomfield Methodist Church 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade
Tel: 028 9065 8946.
Cregagh Mums & Tots
10-12pm Cregagh Community Centre Mount Merrion Avenue
9.45-11.45 (term time) St Columba’s Parish Church 29 Kings Road BT5 6JG Tel: 028 9065 1412
EVENTS ETC
Mondays Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 2.30-4pm Junior Ballet Classes PLUS Big Band Night 8th April. www.shortsrecreationclub.com
Strand Cinema & NI Stars
Holywood Road, BT4 Singling & dancing 7-8pm www.nistars.com
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668 Zumba 6-7pm Aerobics 7-8pm Yoga 8.15-9.30pm
Tuesdays Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Core fitness 9.30am-10.30am Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Zumba Classes 6-7.15pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm
Bright Minds @ Braniel to annou is please nce a n d ew priv operated ately Holiday Club & A School C fter lub in th e premis Braniel es of Primary School. A of child ll aspect care av s ailable a location t o n e outside s chool ho urs.
• Child care professionals employed by Bright Minds @ Braniel & fully approved by Access Ni and the Belfast Health & Social Care Trust. • Varied programme of fun and educational activities, both indoors and outdoors including homework supervision. • Ensuring that children feel relaxed and content in a secure and regulated environment. • Spaces on a first come first served basis & strictly limited to ensure child to staff ratios are not exceeded.
EASTER HOLIDAY CLUB OPEN NOW 28th MARCH - 9th APRIL 8am - 6pm After School Club starts Wednesday 10th April and operates all days when school is open. Mid-afternoon healthy snack provided for those attending full afternoon sessions.
Waiting Club: 2pm – 3pm Full afternoon: 2pm – 6pm Full afternoon: 3pm – 6pm Early Closure Days: 12pm – 6pm
Book b 17th J y for s une um holida mer y clu b!
£4 £10 £7.50 £15
10% reduction for those attending After School Club who book and pay for their place in advance by the 1st of every month. (Please bear in mind that if all spaces are booked up in advance there may not be availability for those who wish to attend on a day by day basis)
There will be a member of Bright Minds @ Braniel located in the Nursery Unit at the side of the school every morning from 8.30am-9am for registration (8am-9pm for Holiday Club) and payment for After School Club, in order to accommodate those who wish to pay on a day to day basis if there are any spaces still available. For those who wish to avail of the 10% reduction for pre payment and for any queries relating to Holiday Club or After School Club, sole point of contact is Christine Kelly. Please note: Bright Minds @ Braniel is a privately operated business independent of Braniel Primary School. All queries relating to Holiday Club or After School Club MUST be directed to : Christine Kelly - General Manager Tel: 07428 119320 / Email: brightmindsatbraniel@gmail.com
Whats On
Pplan your time with our handy guidePPP
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 Line dancing & bridge club www.shortsrecreationclub.com
Wandsworth Community
Kids Irish dancing 4-6.30pm, Aerobics 7.15-8.15pm Tai Chi 8.15-9.30pm
Wednesdays Bloomfield Methodist Church
12.30 Over 60’s Lunch Club 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9028 1446 to book.
La Mon www.lamon.co.uk 028 9044 9513
La Mon Tea Dance. Take a trip down memory lane. Afternoon of dancing, socialising, afternoon tea and music to spet back in time. For over 55’s. Wednesday 17th April. Buy your ticket now on 028 9044 8631 or email julie@lamon.co.uk
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 Mixed dance lessons 7-9pm Zumba 6-6.45pm www.shortsrecreationclub.com
Strand Cinema & NI Stars
Holywood Road, BT4 Drama 6-8pm www.nistars.com
Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Baby massage 10am-1pm Yoga with Eleanor 5.45-7.45pm 39th Old Boys 7-9pm
Newbridge Football Club
The club invite 5/6/7 year old boys and girl to play football. Training every Wednesday at Avoniel Leisure Centre 7-8pm. Everyone welcome.
Wandsworth Community
Sewing Group 10am-12noon Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm, Yoga 7-8.30pm 28 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
Thursdays
Musical Bumps. Music for babies & toddlers. www.muscialbumps.com
Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
37 North Road, BT5 5NE Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.
Art classes 10am-1pm Baby Sensory Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga with Sharon 6-8pm E Belfast Historical Society 11th Apr Townlands & Migration in East Belfast 7.30pm with Dr Brian Lambkin.
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 Mixed dance lesson & bridge club www.shortsrecreationclub.com
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668
LA Dance (kids Hip Hop) 5-6pm Aerobics 7-8pm Core Combat 8.30-10pm
Fridays Belmont Tower www.belmont-tower.co.uk
Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Orangefield Baptist Church Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Holywood Road, BT4 2nd Country & Western 9th Ultimate Frisbee Fundraiser 16th Alan Clarke Ballroom Dance 23rd Camera Club Lecture www.shortsrecreationclub.com
Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 Stage school 10-1pm www.nistars.com
Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668
Jump Jiggle & Jive 9.30-12.30, Childrens Art Class 10am-11am & Ignite teens dance 1.30-4.30pm
Sundays SD Bells - Java Jive Jazz Brunch
11am. Tel 028 9047 1774 14th Dan Forshaw Trip 21st Funk Foundation 28th Ronnie Greer Trio with Grainne Duffy.
Holywood Road, BT4 2 hour club special Country & Western (19th) 7-9pm www.shortsrecreationclub.com
Shorts Sports & Rec Club
Wandsworth Community
Strand Cinema & NI Stars
Busybees musictime for babies 9.45am-10.45am £3.95 per family. Computers for beginners 10am-12 and 1-3pm, Childrens Ju Jitsu 7-8pm Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm
Holywood Road, BT4 Super Sunday Special www.shortsrecreationclub.com Holywood Road, BT4 Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm www.nistars.com
Shiloh Hall 07725 914458
76 The Mount, BT5 4ND Coffee Morning 10:30-12 noon
Saturdays Cregagh Community Centre
Send your event details to stuart@bloommagazine.co.uk
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urses
Educational Co
77 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 3BA
Tel: 07595 830759
Creative Classes Quirky Artworks b.symington@jumpingclay.co.uk Parties
www.jumpingclay.co.uk
McK R e p t i l es • A huge range of animals available. • Wide range of vivariums pre set up/pre packed. • Units for under vivariums. • A range of live and frozen food.
Mck Reptiles
367 Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 1AJ Tel: 07545 990286 Opening Hours
Sun - Thurs 5pm - Midnight Fri - Sat 5pm - 2am
Lydias Pizzeria & Kebab House
Delivery Service
Tel: 028 9047 2544
Or ring to have your order ready for collection. Deliveries £1.20 for 3 mile radius.
MEAL FOR 1 10” Pizza (Margherita with 3 toppings) Chips Can
MEAL FOR 2 12” Pizza (3 toppings) Potato Wedges & dip Garlic Bread 2 Cans
£9.90
£4.50
FAMILY MEAL 12” Pizza (3 toppings) Garlic Bread Onion Rings Chicken Nuggets Chips & dip Large Drink
DONER KEBAB MEAL Doner kebab in pitta with salad & sauce Chips Can
PARTY DEAL 2x12’ Pizzas (2 toppings) 2 Garlic Breads Potato Wedges & dip Onion Rings Chips 2 Large Drinks
£6.50
£5.00
£12.90
BURGER MEALS
Chicken or steak burger with 3 toppings Chips Can
£25.00
FIND OUR FULL MENU ON:
38 Belmont Road, Belfast.
LASER
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AIRSOFT
tle more that like a lit it gets. Giving those as ). y le tt nr ba po rs ea close quarte ose to real w cl B( me as CQ so is in to ft s st so ie te ir bership appl irsoft is the la well as the odd sting, A pistols(mem d Battlefield Battlefield A as an en a g, ev in en d m ar an , g ga MP5 their gamin be of a thrill in ing G36C,M4, s the expertly designed position can ponry includ it’ where every hen a w en at ar th n Realistic wea the basis of realism but a A . en ar s eryone else work and an and es am iv te ct es je weapons) give ly sets us apart from ev ag ob a that encour have to fight to achieve real en at ay ar th pl g an in , am m te es ga gl ill at at least 3 an means you w gameplay to life, bring th ur hands. yo attacked from ilt in gaming technology in e is nc e ra om ea bu room cl apt The outc added to our all of Duty” emy hands. but we also ad . Bring that “C ect that objective from en ena and to the masses, gan ch by g to hold them ar ot an indoor games excitin staffing the world and pr ing Airsoft to To keep the by into the real the first to br challenging and varied. options and e g er in w m ld a break ga fie le le Batt with multip to life. So take the gaming a es ep en m ke ar ga to e an th ge g g tin in ea br cr to and chan by w , ho ly that know y constant ing weaponr rsoft players perienced ai come live the game. ex ith w a en d ar and XBOX an from the PS3 Battlefield have been the leading Laser Combat and Airsoft provider from 2005. We constantly change and adapt both weaponry and arena to keep games exciting and varied. We are always customer focused and in December we became the first business in the Castlereagh area to be certified under the World Host for excellence in customer service. We cater for 7yrs and over and whether its laser or airsoft and for birthdays, family, stag and hen, youth groups, school groups, team building or simply someone looking something to do at the weekend, we do it all and at all levels. Check out our website and facebook for exclusive offers and for information on our Outdoor site in Shaws Bridge where we take gaming to another level.
Dundonald International Icebowl - 111 Old Dundonald RD BT16 1XT TEl: 028 9048 5462 www. battlefieldsportsni.com
east belfast historical society
Sydenham As I drive along the Sydenham by-pass out to Holywood Exchange as I do most days I often try to imagine what the journey would have been like one hundred years ago when if I looked to the left I would have been looking at the shore of Belfast Lough which would have been furnished with bathing huts!
G Wolffs House The Den
©Emma Dunn. The East Belfast Historical Society meets in Belmont Tower on the second Thursday of each month. For further details please email secretary@ebhs.org.uk
T
he Belfast and County Down Railway line followed the shoreline out to Holywood and this area was known as the Long Strand as it followed on from the Short Strand, and it was a popular area for the Victorians to come and ‘take the air’ which is something they believed as being essential for good health. The old townland name for the area is Ballyminster although the first house to be built in the area was called Sydenham Lodge and this is where the name Sydenham hails from. It was built and occupied by a man called William Ewing who was a linen merchant and mill owner and he probably named his property after the area of London called Sydenham which was very fashionable in the late 19th century due to the Crystal Palace being located there. It is believed that there was a replica of the crystal palace on Queens (pleasure)Island where the present day Harland & Wolff shipyard is located, and if there was William Jennings would have been able to see it from his house so perhaps this is the connection. Indeed Gustav Wolff himself also owned a house at the top of Station Road, nicknamed ‘The Den’ (pictured). From Sydenham you could take a one penny ferry ride over to the Pleasure Island to take the fresh sea air at Sydenham or you could avail of one of the bathing huts which were built on the strand here. Once you were past Sydenham you were out into farmland and you could have got off the train at Tillys Farm (Tillysburn) and Gardners Farm (Garnerville). Tillys Farm was owned by William Tilly and the burn, or river, was the Avon Water which came down from the Holywood Hills. This area remained fairly rural containing mainly farmland and homes for the wealthy until the need for housing for those citizens of Belfast who lost their homes during the blitz led to the building of what were meant to be temporary bungalows over the garden plots on the Holywood road which had been used as part of the ‘Dig for Victory’ campaign during the second world war. These ‘temporary’ bungalows remained in use for over thirty years with the last one remaining until the early 1980s when it was demolished to make way for the Inverary Fold in Invernook Park. 32 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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fter Art College at Ulster University Belfast, I needed to focus on a self initiated project to help develop my style of working,’ says Peter, ‘and I just started doing these film illustrations as a way to do that. Throughout my time at college I started to get more into illustrators such as Paul Davis, David Shrigley, Steven Forbes, Oliver Jeffers and various street artists. I really loved the grubby yet elegant way these artists used lettering and humour in their work. I was also captivated by the the composition of their works - generally opting for great use of white space and juxtaposition between larger and smaller elements.’ The catalyst for the film direction came from the film Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. An incredible, dream like film of fragmented memories, surroundings and experiences but with a wonderful story of love at its heart. ‘It’s one of my favourites so it was the first film illustration design I did to try and kick start this project. Films are precious to people and most want to see new and exciting interpretations of their favourites, I know I do.’ Peter’s latest collection; Admit One looks to reinterpret classic and cult films and create artwork that reflects the skill, artistry 36 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
and importance of cinema. ‘There is a lot of movie ‘Artwork’ that has no soul - just depicts the main actors/actresses head shots over the past few years spliced together with little care. It appears that these movies have posters as an after thought, just as a necessary graphic to help advertise as opposed to actually trying to convey a sense of the film or excite the viewer.’ It was the launch of his collection in London that has been just one of the highlights of Peter’s career so far. ‘The opening night at the Coningsby Gallery for the show was amazing. But I think getting to work with great people and magazines and newspapers like The Guardian, Empire and Esquire is really fun and exciting. It would be great to work on a live film poster for an exciting project. I’ll continue to do this kind of work but I’m also trying to get more into doing animations and satirical drawings. There is a variety of work and themes in my portfolio so you can check them all out on the website.’ YOU CAN BUY PETER’S WORK FROM: peterstrain.co.uk ADMIT ONE PRINTS FROM: coningsbygallery.com/shop
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local legend : belvoir players Local Legend
Take a Bow ‘
Belvoir Players Amateur Dramatic Society was formed in 1968, fulfilling the need for a cultural & artistic outlet in the newly built housing estate
T
he new residents had arrived from various parts of Belfast and further afield,’ says Richard Mills - Artistic Director. ‘So a sense of identity was being created. The performances of the players provided a social as well as a cultural and entertainment focus. Soon the Belvoir Players were proving popular with audiences throughout the extensive drama festival circuit that still remains a significant part of the amateur theatre life in NI. ‘Our success in Drama Festivals spread our reputation beyond these shores,‘ says Richard. ‘In 1983 we were invited to perform in the British All-Winners Finals in Newport, Gwent. In 1986 and again in 1994 we had the honour of representing NI in the British One-Act Finals, on both occasions in Scotland and in The Isle of Man in 1998. Winning the Ulster Full-Length Play Festival with Frank McGuinness’ “Someone Who’ll Watch Over Me” and going on to win the British All-Winners Full-Length Finals in Surrey in July 2006 marked the acme of Belvoir Players dramatic success.’ As a result, the players were the recipients of a Civic Reception in their honour hosted by the Mayor, Aldermen and Councillors of Castlereagh Borough Council to mark their achievement. In 2000 Belvoir Players opened their new, purpose built rehearsal studio on Belvoir Drive with support from the Arts Council of NI, Lottery Fund and the Castlereagh Peace and Reconciliation Partnership Board. This unique facility provided many opportunities for expansion within the group and provided an innovative performance space. ‘It has hosted numerous performances by both professional and amateur companies and been home to many community based organisations. Our 1999 production of Sam Cree’s Widows’ Paradise was invited to appear at the Lake Worth Theater in Florida, USA in July 2000 making Belvoir Players a truly International Company.’ An exciting development was the expansion of the Youth Academy. Productions of Annie, The Wizard of Oz, Oliver, Bugsy Malone and My Fair Lady followed and in 2006 an entirely youth mounted production, directed by, stage managed and lit by members of the youth group of Have a Nice Day was staged. Productions of hits such as “Jesus Christ Superstar” and “Les Miserables – Schools version” provided vital experiences to the members. The Studio Theatre offers the opportunity to promote other theatre events and each year organise Spring and Autumn Theatre events. ‘Currently we have several of our graduates studying at professional drama schools in London & Liverpool and with a membership of over 200 young people from 5 years of age up to 16 so we are planning to stage not one youth production this year but three! Now approaching our fortyfifth anniversary we fully endorse our basic constitutional aim of ‘providing opportunities for participation in the performing arts to members of our community regardless of race, religion, colour, class or sexual orientation’. With the unique facility of the studio our future is secure, our membership continues to grow, our experience and expertise develops and all is reflected in our continuing success both in competitions and in our audience support at venues throughout NI and beyond.’
94 Belvoir Drive, BT8 7FR. Tel 028 9049 1210 belvoirplayers.org 38 www.bloommagazine.co.uk
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