C ITY INSIDE THE
Issue 01, December 2009
MIND OF A BABE
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2 < NEWS
December 2009
CONTENTS WHAT’S INSIDE . . . CITY CAUSE - Unite Against Hate Campaign THE BODY TELLS ALL - Body language expert Des Fitz analyses our local celebs
MONEY - Supplementary incomes, special report ENTERTAINMENT - Everything from rock and dance to arts and culture
FASHION ON A BUDGET - Miss Earth Northern Ireland urging people to consider recycled fashion this Christmas party season
TRAVEL - An easy way to warm up this winter WEDDING - Westend star and Belfast girl Rachel Tucker’s wedding
HOMES - Win a Terry Bradley print MOTORS - Win tickets to TOP GEAR CITY news@fameinc.co.uk 028 9020 1405 Ormeau Road, Belfast EDITOR: Tina Calder | tina@fameinc.co.uk PICTURE EDITOR: Fabrizio Belluschi | fab@fameinc.co.uk BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT: Steve Petrie | steve@fameinc.co.uk SUB-EDITOR: Jayde Mulvenna FASHION & BEAUTY CONSULTANT: Gemma Garrett | news@fameinc.co.uk BUSINESS CONSULTANT: David Meade | info@davidmeade.co.uk DESIGN: Eugene Murray | Genie Murray Graphics | geniemurray@mac.com PRINT LIAISON: Eugene Murray | Genie Murray Graphics | geniemurray@mac.com PRINTED BY: Independent News & Media, Northern Ireland CITY is published by FAME Inc. All content is copyright of FAME Inc. All rights reserved. All information correct at time of going to print. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited. Views expressed in CITY are contributors own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher. YOUR COMMENTS & COMPETITION ENTRIES TERMS & CONDITIONS All entrants to competitions within CITY may have their details kept on file for future use unless otherwise stated on entry. Your comments may be reproduced in whole or in part by the editor and attributed to your name. A winners list is available on written request to the editor. Texts to the CITY text line cost 50p per text plus your standard network rate.
Colin Conn of BOX Architects, Anne Quinn from Sun Explorer and project manager Paul Durnien from Durnien.com.
High hopes for City centre streets PLANNING permission has been sought for a £50 million development project that will bring new life to the Castle Street/King Street area near Belfast city centre.
BY DAVID GORDON The project is led by developer Sun Explorer and consists of a landmark 26-storey building, 98 metres high. Designed specifically for an International hotelier, the striking glass façade will bring an exciting addition to the architectural landscape of the city centre’s previously neglected western gateway. The building will be called The Vetro - the Italian word for glass – and will provide much needed
construction jobs and around 300 full-time and part-time jobs. There will be 170 hotel bedrooms, 144 serviced apartments, and substantial leisure and conference facilities. The development could be completed within two years of planning approval being given. A planning application has recently been lodged with the Department of the Environment for this key corner/landmark site. Other partners in the project team include project manager Paul Durnien, of chartered surveyors Durnien.com and award-winning architect Colin Conn of BOX Architects. Paul Durnien, managing director of Durnien.com, said: “The development
will be a tremendous asset to a part of Belfast that has lacked inward investment in recent years. “The regeneration of this part of the city is a natural follow-on from the successful regeneration of the Laganside and
Cathedral Quarter areas. The building will be an iconic landmark and the presence of a prestigious hotel represents a significant long-term investment for the local area and city centre economy.”
Population to increase to 1.8m THE population of Northern Ireland is set to rise to 1.8 million by 2010 according to new statistics. Currently there are estimated to be 1.775 million people and the rise is set to continue at a healthy rate reaching as much as 1.9 million by 2019 with longer-term projections indicating that the population will reach two million by the early 2030s. The Annual Report of the Registrar General published by the Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA) also showed that divorce statistics slowed, with 2,773 divorces granted in 2008 - a decrease of 140 divorces or five per cent from the 2007 figure of 2,913 divorces. The 2008 figure is the second highest on record after the 2007 figure which was the highest number of divorces ever recorded in Northern Ireland.
NEWS > 3
December 2009
Girls Aloud beauty Nadine jets in for charity work
BY TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk
Also set to appear on the album is a disco tune written by former American Idol judge Paula Abdul. Nadine is also getting involved with the writing process and has already given a number of ideas to music genius Chambers. And the hit-maker is said to be impressed by her song-writing talents as well as her vocals. Nadine said: "I’m so happy to be in London, seeing friends between studio sessions. I’m writing again with Guy Chambers, I love his work." MEANWHILE Nadine jets into Northern Ireland this week for two charity events. On Thursday December 3 she will attend a Christmas Charity Lunch in Newry where she will
represent the Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice. The lunch is the largest business charity event of its kind in Northern Ireland attracting over 1200 guests. Then on Saturday December 5 the singer will be swapping her high heels for wellies as she attempts to break a tree planting world record in Derry. She will be joining the Conservation Volunteers Northern Ireland to try and break the Guinness World Record for the most trees planted on one site, in one hour. Nadine is taking part in the event as part of RIZIO BELLUSC HI
have the weight of Simon Cowell and the X-Factor behind her to promote it so she will have to come up with just the right sound in order to conquer the charts on her own merit. “Nadine’s been working with a lot of people over the last year and she doesn’t want to rush the album because she believes it has to be just right.” Recently and right up until Christmas Nadine has had and will have a hectic schedule traveling everywhere from Los Angeles, San Francisco and Northern Ireland to New York and London She’s currently recording with Matchbox 20 guitarist and producer Kyle Cook and has already recorded a duet with Boys II Men for her debut album.
Picture by FAB
DERRY beauty Nadine Coyle has recruited the big guns in an attempt to rival bandmate Cheryl Coyle. The Girls Aloud star has teamed up with legendary songwriter Guy Chambers famed for his work with Robbie Williams, Kylie, Delta Goodrem, INXS, Brian McFadden, Jamie Cullum, Will Young and Tina Turner to name a few. According to pals, Nadine is hoping to recreate the success former Take That star Robbie Williams had with the music maestro over the last decade. One source close to the star said: “Since the recent success of Cheryl’s debut solo album and single there has been a lot of pressure on Nadine to come up with something just as good. “However, Nadine won’t
National Tree Week and the BBC's Breathing Places Tree O'Clock Campaign. The Derry girl will be trying to help 100 people reach a target of planting
23,000 trees in just one hour. If you fancy getting involved simply call 028 7126 2664 for more details.
£611 close shave for Children in Need IS NEXT SUPERMAN FROM CO. DOWN MALE staff members of the Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People team faced the razor to raise funds for Children in Need recently. The Magnificent Seven hirsute heroes, some of whom had been growing beards in preparation for the event, faced defoliation of follicles BEFORE on the face and some colleagues even lost the hair on their heads. Pictured is Media & Public Affairs Office Jonathan Traynor who had the most to come off. According to friends Jonathan said: “It’s a bit cold now but it was worth it for a good cause.” The combined effort raised the hair-raising sum of £611 for Children in Need and helped raise awareness of the 20th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child. AFTER
COUNTY Down model Jamie Dornan has revealed he wants to be Superman. The singer and actor, who was recently confirmed to remain the face of Calvin Klein with superstar Eva Mendes right through until next year, also says he doesn’t understand what other male models do all day. Jamie sings in the band Sons Of Jim and has appeared in movies such as Marie Antoinette. He said: “Modeling is not really a profession if you’re a guy. You get these guys who are just
models and I always ask them ‘but what else do you do?’ “They tell me ‘just modeling’ but I always want to know what else because it takes up so little time. “I’m very realistic, modeling has given me the opportunity to do some really great stuff. “In acting I’d really love to play Superman, or Stanley in A Street Car Named Desire although I think Brando nailed that and they should never remake it.”
NEW ROLE FOR COLIN MORGAN MERLIN star Colin Morgan has been cast in a new movie out next year. The Armagh actor, who plays the title role in the BBC drama, will make his film debut in Island, an adaptation of Jane Rogers' novel Island. According to producers of the flick it is “a brooding tale of the murderous ties that bind a mother and daughter”. Colin plays a monstrous brother who’s dangerous love and strange way of seeing the world transform Nikki’s life in ways that she could never expect.
4 < CAUSE
Cause
December 2009 EACH M A REG ONTH WE WI ULAR FEATU LL HAVE RE CITY C AUSE A CALLED THIS M ND ON AGAIN TH IT’S THE ST HAT UNITE E CAM PAIGN
Anti-hate campaign is no joke says top comedian Irish FA and GAA proud to support
UNITE AGAINST HATE
BY TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk
B
elfast’s actor and comedian Tim McGarry is the latest personality to join a host of Northern Ireland celebrities in backing an anti-hate campaign. Unite Against Hate is a multi-agency driven initiative seeking to challenge notions of prejudice and hate highlights all six forms of hate crime including homophobia, racism, sectarianism and transphobia as well as prejudices based around a persons faith or disability. Tim who recorded the voiceover for the campaign call is urging everyone to keep bigotry and hatred out of here and to recognise and respect difference. Speaking during the recording at Belfast’s Citybeat studios, Tim McGarry said: “I am delighted to be part of this campaign. Our image has taken a few knocks over recent times and this does not reflect the vast majority of those who live here. This campaign is something that we should all embrace and ROBIN ELLIOTT endorse. And I hope the
TIM McGARRY
anthem will inspire us all to Unite against Hate. Recently model and TV presenter Katie Larmour, Northern Ireland’s sexiest man Eamon McCrory, Citybeat star Robin Elliott, glamour model Laura Lacole and drag artist Lady Portia Diamonte all put their name to the Unite Against Hate campaign by wearing the official T-Shirt.
K ATIE LARM
December 2009
EAMON McCRORY
PETER CORRY
and MICKY M
ODELLE
If you would like to join the Unite Against Hate Campaign log onto www.uniteagainsthate.org where you can sign the petition or download the campaign anthem The Man In The Mirror
MISS Earth Northern Ireland KAYLEIGH O’REILLY has taken her support for the Unite Against Hate campaign all the way to the Phillipines as she takes part in the Miss Earth pageant. Before she left Kayleigh said: “Being Miss Earth Northern Ireland is about standing up for things you believe in, it’s a pageant looking for beauties with a cause. The Unite Against Hate campaign is a fantastic way of highlighting issues such as racism, homophobia and other sorts of hate crime. “I particularly like their campaign anthem the Michael Jackson song Man In the Mirror which was recorded by Peter Corry and Micky Modelle.”
Photos by FABRIZIO BELLUSCHI
Katie said she was only too pleased to get involved: “This is the type of campaign I am really happy to support I hope everyone in Northern Ireland joins us in highlighting the cause. “By wearing the bands, badges or TShirts and signing the petition you are stating firmly you won’t accept hate crime in our society.” Katie, Eamon and Robin join a range of stars such as Miss Northern Ireland Cherie Gardiner, Zoe Salmon, Alex Best and Cool FM’s Pete Snodden who have all pledged their support to the new initiative. Singer Peter Corry and international DJ and music producer Micky Modelle were so keen to support the cause they have recorded the Michael Jackson hit Man In The Mirror as the campaign anthem. Peter said: “We’ve come so far in the last decade, if we want to continue this journey we need to keep making those steps forward, and this campaign is yet another step towards a better future for all people here in Northern Ireland.” Micky, who produced the remake of the iconic song with James Everett, added that he was delighted to be involved in such a worthy initiative. “I am passionate about music and I see it as a universal language which can bridge differences of all kinds” he said.
CAUSE > 5
OUR
who was recently crowned Northern Ireland’s Sexiest Man by Pepsi and Northern Woman magazine, is backing the campaign both as a sportsman and as one of the country’s newest celebs. Eamon plays football for Boca Seniors in the Belfast Sunday Premier League (First Division). “It’s important that as many people as possible join this cause and I am signing the petition because I want to see a difference being made” he said, adding: “The ethos of our football team has always been about football - religion, race or creed does not come into it, we also have a guy from West Africa in the team as well as many players from all areas of the city such as Poleglass, Twinbrook and the Shankill.” And Eamon isn’t the only sportsman to join the campaign. Recently the Belfast Giants pledged their support by posing for pictures with Converse Model Rachel Murphy at Dundonald Ice Bowl. Giants forward Sean McMorrow said: “In order for us all to stand together we must unite against hate crime. “The Unite Against Hate campaign is a very important cause for the Belfast Giants. There are no boundaries on our team, everyone works together and is an equal member of the team.” Rachel added: “As a young person I feel the Unite Against Hate initiative is extremely important for Northern Ireland.” “Any form of discrimination is wrong and it should not be tolerated. We must come together and stop hate crime.” The Belfast Giants were following in the footsteps of the Irish Football Association and the Gaelic Athletics Association who joined the campaign in its early days. Players Paul Lehman (Glentoran FC), Jamie Mulgrew (Linfield FC), Sinead McLaughlin (Tyrone Ladies GAA) and Joe McMahon (Tyrone GAA) even took part in a photoshoot together to prove their support.
6 < NEWS
December 2009
City Centre Convenience Stores go MOVIE mad BY ANDREA CLARKE news@fameinc.co.uk
To mark the launch of Good to Go – their new range of freshly prepared foods, fruits, smoothies and coffee – Centra is running a promotion offering customers cinema tickets.
On Wicked Wednesdays, customers buying the Good to Go weekly special, priced £2.99, will also receive a 2 for 1 Movie House Cinema pass.
In honour of this fantastic offer, CITY hit the streets and quizzed Centra staff and customers about their favourite Hollywood hits.
Centra Ormeau Road sales supervisor Colette Floyd revealed she loves Tom Cruise movies. She said: “He is my favourite film actor, he gorgeous.” The 24-year-old from Antrim prefers watching
musical films and says 1980s hits Grease and Dirty Dancing are her favourite flicks. “I’d love to play Sandy in Grease. My favourite actress is Kate Winslet, I just love the roles she plays.
COLETTE FLOYD
“If I had to choose anyone I’d love her to play me in a movie of my life.” Queen’s PHD student Alex Schwartz is a fan of foreign films. Speaking at the Centra on Stranmillis Road, the 31-year-old said: “It’s a bit of cliché but I really like Rashomon by Akira Kurosawa, it’s really good.
ALEX SCHWARTZ
2 e
e r F
“I like the director David Lynch a lot, especially the stuff he’s done recently. I really love his recent movie Inland Empire.” Alex, who hails from St. John’s in Newfoundland, is a big fan of the late actor Marlon Brando. “Marlon Brando, around the time he made A Streetcar Named Desire, was just brilliant, especially in that movie. “I really like Julia Louis-Dreyfus from Seinfield as well, she’s very funny.” But if he could ask any Hollywood superstar to play him in a film, the student would pick Denzel Washington. “People often say we look alike,” he said. Mark Corken, sales assistant at Centra in Botanic Avenue, would love Scottish star Ewan McGregor to play him in a movie – because he could grow a decent beard.
1 r fo
ith w s as al P i a ay c d m e s e in ot Sp edne C use go H n a W o e H od to ore o i v Mo y Go in-st r eve hased c pur
Good to go is Centra’s range of freshly prepared food and coffee for when you’re on the go. Whether you’re looking for breakfast, lunch or tasty snack, we’ve a tempting choice of hot food, healthy salads and filling sandwiches.
“If I couldn’t play myself it would have to be Ewan McGregor,” said the 24-year-old. “Ewan McGregor is one of my favourite actors, I mean he played Obi-Wan Kenobi. I’d love Scarlett Johannson to play my love interest, she looks good.” And while Mark thinks Terminator 2 is one of
MARK CORKEN
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s best films, he prefers Danny Boyle’s Sunshine.
But sci-fi isn’t the only movie genre Mark likes. “The last film I watched was 17 Again with Zac Efron, it was brilliant. I do like High School Musical and 17 Again is funny, I didn’t like the start or the end but the middle was pretty good.” Lucas Swerhun, sales assistant at Donegall Square West’s Centra, is a big fan of action heroes. “I love films with Harrison Ford and Robert De Niro,” said the 23year-old from Poland. “Ronin with De Niro is one of my all time favourite films. I’d love to be in a movie with him especially Casino. I love Sharon Stone too. She’s a great actress and she’s beautiful.”
“I’d love to be in the film Sunshine, playing Cillian Murphy’s role. Actually Sunshine is my favourite film, it’s one of the greatest films ever made.”
In association with
www.moviehouse.co.uk
LUCAS SWERHUN
Movie House Cinemas: Dublin Road, Yorkgate/Cityside, Glengormley, Maghera & Coleraine Terms & conditions apply Movie House cinema passes are only redeemable on Wednesdays.
,
et Stre ria o t d ic Roa at V Gre alone s , e t r s e M to gS qW e& atin gall S n Plac p i ne tic to Par et, Do elling W re t , S ad er est illis Ro ich h m C n , ra nue , St Ave Road c i an au Bot Orme
COLUMNIST > 7
December 2009 couldn’t write an opinion column without talking about the one thing that has sent everyone I know into a spin. I don’t understand why the nation have got their knickers in a twist about Jedward…ok they can’t sing a note but are we all forgetting who put them on that stage in the first place? Simon Cowell is not stupid in fact he is an incredible mind game player he wanted the twins in as long as possible for the following reasons: 1. Votes, votes, votes = money, money, money. 2. Publicity – everyone is talking about the X-Factor even though they’ve been kicked out. 3. Strictly Come What? I’m A Who, Get Me Out Of Where?
I
Gemma Garrett STRAIGHT TALKING WITH
To get in touch with Gemma email her to news@fameinc.co.uk putting GEMMA in the subject line, log onto Facebook.com/thecitypaper or text your comments to 82727 and put CITY GEMMA before your message. Texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate. Full T&C’s on page 2.
The man is a genius. I’ll give it to Jedward though they have my full respect for getting back out there everyweek. And hats off to their parents – no tears, no cheeky comments, no arrogance they are well brought up boys with just a pure ambition to do well. One thing I did think was quite unnerving and very worrying was the fact that people forgot they were two 17-year-old boys (now 18), they are kids….and yet adults all over the country and in the X-Factor studio thought it was ok to boo them….what did you people want these two boys to do? Say “sorry Simon Cowell and the public you’re right we can’t sing we won’t milk this opportunity because there are better more talented singers in the contest". If I was Jedward’s manager I’d throw two fingers up at the audience and laugh all the way to the bank. Come on my sons, even though you’ve been kicked out Gemma is backing you all the way to stardom……you guys can be the new Ant & Dec, Dick & Dom or Keenan & Kel. problem with the I HAVE a major Listen up people stigma of botox. le have sex and it’s 2009... peop ers and men stay women have care after the kids at home and look people get botox. and guess what hen we have a What do we do w . spot? Cover it up t on weight? pu ve When we ha We go on a diet. ? We go to the When we go grey hair-dresser. et botox (if its Get wrinkles? G your thing). took a lot of Dannii Minogue e year because sh flack earlier this botox. admitted to having is the hottest Well, I think she nd I’m going to female on TV.....a eek in tribute to get botox this w one. her ... leave her al
. . . and my World
RECENTLY I had my first DJ gig at Club Inferno in Derry and it was amazing. But before it I was sooo nervous. I didn’t know what to expect at all. It ended up going really well and the crowd seemed pleased and the venue have booked me again. Watch this space for details of my next gig and big big thank-you to the fabulous Micky Modelle who has helped me so much throughout this whole process.
WHY can’t Jordan, Katie Price and Peter just BORE OFF….? I feel like I have lived their whole lives from their first jungle snog until now and while I’m actually fond of them both and have met Katie a couple of times and admire her I’m just bored of the whole thing.
I don’t care if he cheated or she cheated or he killed her horses (most likely not true) or Alex is a woman (also most likely not true).....who cares...its dragged on enough. My advice is to just go away for a few years re-invent yourselves and then maybe just maybe we will be ready to be infatuated with you again.
. . . PS
I KNOW this isn’t the time or the place for a blatant plug but I want to say a big big thank you to the lovely people at La Senza. Recently they sent me the most amazing underwear and gift set and I just wanted to let them know I love it. And while we’re on the subject of thank-yous a big shout out to Tempest for my Mischa Barton bag….I love it !
I LOVE Deal Or No Deal but I swear I want to scream every time I watch it. What is with the kissing people who open boxes which contain a blue and blaming the ones who have red for your bad luck. I hate the way when someone opens a box containing a red they start saying things like “I’m so so sorry…” and the contestant replies with “it’s ok, don’t worry”. Am I missing something? At the start of the show each contestant picks a box at random – don’t they? And then they pray this box contains a big chunky red sticker worth loads of cash. Therefore why would you apologise for being pretty good at guessing which box has the most money in it. And anyway what’s the big deal, surely the £250,000 is in the heaviest box ?
8 < FEATURE
December 2009
THE BODY WHAT DO YOU THINK? Now that you know what celebrity mindreader David Meade thinks why don’t you and your friends and colleagues try analysing these pictures. Tell us what you came up with by either logging onto Facebook.com/thecitypaper or texting your views to 82727 making sure you put CITY BODY before your message, texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate - full T&C’s on page 2.
DES Fitz is the chief body language expert at Northern Ireland based company - Mindful Corporate Entertainment. MCE are Ireland’s premier experts and speakers in the art of combining skills of suggestion, psychology, neuro-linguistic programming and body language. Clients of the company include everyone from the Office of the First & Deputy First Minister, University of Ulster, Department of Finance & Personnel, Dupont
Hotel Group (USA) and Marriott Hotels & Resorts (USA) to name a few. Des and the team at MCE have joined CITY to commentate and analyse human behaviour and interaction by assessing situations or merely looking at a photograph. This month Des is looking at body language and how when our celebs least expect it, their body is telling us much more than they think.
The race to win a top celebrity endorsement deal I HATE to be a spoil sport, but oh what a pantomime. In the history of celeb-dom, there has never been a better example of pap-lens bating to sell some gear. This time it’s an energy drink, and the brand’s whipping boy is Jenson Button. They know they’re be-
ing watched, they love being watched, and their nauseating display of affection are more hammed up than a pig in a bacon factory (unless the pig had some sort of sponsorship deal - then that’d be alright, right?). Don’t get me wrong, there’s nothing wrong with public displays of affection, but the only
people in love here are this pair with themselves. Far from a private moment caught of film, I can’t help but remember Anthea Turner’s “Flake-Gate”. Pass the bucket please (this bucket was brought to you in association with DIY Depot - your one stop bucket shop).
How does guitarist Brian May (Queen) feel on the red carpet of the Classic Rock Roll Of Honour Awards. What is Justin Lee Collins thinking about our gorgeous Katie at the GO Belfast Awards.
Models turn TV presenters Zoe and Katie analysed
How does singer Pixie Lott feel as she begins her set at the Northern Bank Freedom Live concert In Spring & Airbrake? What is going through X-Factor star Laura White’s head as she takes to the red carpet of the GO Belfast Awards ? CITY paper and the author, Des Fitz make no claims as to the scientific reliability or accuracy of the statements made in this feature. The interpretation of body language is inherently subjective and as such any analysis or interpretation reflects the professional opinion of the image as supplied to author by the publisher.
IF the Northern Ireland glitterati were commissioned to make an adaptation of the Alien Vs Predator movie franchise, Zoe Salmon and Katie Larmour wouldnt’ even need an audition. “Waiter, waiter - my salmon is cold as ice”. There’s no way of knowing why, but Zoe just looks five seconds away from politely closing
things down with a “You know what I think I left the Iron on at home” at the IN! Magazine Glamour Awards recently. Playing with the back of the neck while in conversation is often a sign someone is passing time until they can make a quick exit - it’s the primate version of playing with your blackberry while pretending to listen to that
irritating person in the office in the hope that they’ll assume you’re busy and just stop bothering you. I’d bet they didn’t exchange numbers - and if they did, then there’s more chance the numbers will come up on saturday night’s lottery draw than there is of this pair keeping in touch.
FEATURE > 9
December 2009
TELLS ALL 1
2
Beauty queen and superstar DJ Gemma proves hard work definitely pays off
Our Jimmy shows WAVE he’s a true man of the people
NORTHERN Ireland’s own ‘everyman’, Nesbitt’s never been afraid of lending his time and name to a good cause. A natural entertainer, the Coleraine man is clearly at home with Joe Public in these images where he’s working to drum up a few column inches for Wave Trauma Centres - an organisation was formed to support people bereaved as a result of violence in Northern Ireland. Nesbitt’s assured self confidence and gift of the gab is warm, affectionate, and is an intrinsic skill that made millions of cold feet viewers feel like they had been his best buddy for years. Individuals with this skill has generally developed it over decades, and in many cases it’s been crafted to account for adolescent insecurity. Whether or not this is the case with Nesbitt is immaterial - his performing prowess have well and truly sealed his reputation as this generation’s “Our Jimmy”.
3
BELFAST’S foremost fashionista, Gemma Garrett, is at her best before the baying masses, but these pictures reveal a side that you may never have seen before. A staple of Ireland’s and London’s social scene, Garret’s no stranger to the pressures that come from
Who has the clever, ruthless business mind in this picture of Ben and Noirin? BEN - you might have managed to keep Sir Alan on side for nine weeks before he got the finger (insert punchline here, readers), but this Big Brother dragon is no match for Daddy Sugar. Noirin Kelly pulls fewer punches than she does men, but it seems luckily for him Clarke won’t be one of them as they recently stepped out together at the IN! Magazine Glamour Awards. Clarke, who as far as I’m concerned got a rough deal in the apprentice editing suite, has an open, approachable and welcoming stance here, naturally leaning in to generate rapport and accord - this is unrehearsed and indicative of both a warm character and a natural born communicator. Kelly strikes an uncomfortable pose standing oddly with a clear level of apprehensive discomfort. The most telling sign of disinterest is that tell tale arm wedged fixed and firm between the two. This entirely incongruous image reeks of a woman that’s just dying to recycle the old “I’m just popping to the loo, I’ll be RIGHT back, honest”, and frankly I’d say she’s doing you a massive favour Ben - she’d bite your bloody teeth out.
attention, but these images reveal an honesty and vulnerability never before captured on film. At the beginning of this, her Dance DJ Debut, Garrett’s clearly decidedly apprehensive. A far cry from the gregarious party animal we’ve seen dodging the paparazzi lens with former beau, Russel Brand. Likely spurred by a fear of failure, Gemma seems to check every detail of her prepared set again and again - as if it might have changed in the last five minutes since she first looked over it. Image 2 reveals a detail orientated, exacting attitude to maintaining “Brand Garrett” - a sign of an individual with a jaw dropping level of drive, never afraid to grab a challenge with both hands. There’s also a lot of evidence to support the assertion that she feels her skills are all too often underestimated - and clearly that’s true, given the extraordinary success of her performance. As she settles into the gig we see her confidence gaining momentum, likely bolstered by the fruits of her eye for detail and a personality that demands the best from herself, and those around her. If I had to describe her personality in a sentence, she’s the best example of an ‘obsessive compulsive achiever’ that I’ve ever seen - seizing every opportunity, taking chances, and ultimately steering her own path often regardless of the risks. This risk paid off, and the images above and reviews indicate yet another win for “Brand Garrett”.
10 < HEALTH
Health
BELFAST entrepreneur Gillian Killiner is taking her private nutritional consultancy business global with the help of new technology. Having spent 12 years in the Health service, Gillian found that more and more, clients were requesting one to one consultations to suit their busy lifestyles whether at home or in the office.
BY DAVID GORDON david@fameinc.co.uk
Gillian, who owns website, which is 121dietitian.com now uses the internet to consult with clients face to face via a webcam across the world. The nutritionist revealed that one of the most commonly requested treatments is
A LEADING Asthma Care Practitioner is on the hu nt for six volunteers to take pa rt in an eight-hour breathing programme to show ho w effective the drug-free treatment of asthma ca n be. Tyrone therapist Tom He rron, who has worked with ma ny dietary analysis, she added that after practicioners including getting this clients usually require Dr Paul McKenna, specialises in healthy eating advice or information on a breathing technique called how to protect against heart disease and the Buteyko Method, which has been used successfully Cancer. for the treatment of asthma sin ce 1953 “Also on the increase is infertility and is recog nised by many and allergy and this has been reflected countries aro und the world. in increasing enquiries on assisting Tom says that by retrainin g these health concerns” she said. people with asthma to breathe Now Gillian hopes her new properly, coughing, wheezin g approach to business will help her and breathlessness can be cope with her client’s ever-increasing reduced by 50 per cent with in two weeks. demands. “Up until about 100 years Gillian said: “I wanted to offer ag o, death by asthma was clients the flexibility of a 24/7 approach to give them advice on their unknown,” he explained, health on their terms at a time of the adding: “Then we started to eat day and in a location that suited more processed food, became mouth breathers and them. introduced medication – until it “I decided to embrace technology at a soon be came a killer disease. practical level and added a web cam For more information on feature to my consultancy.” Asthma Care and nasa l For more information log onto 121 breath ing call 0800 376 8361 dietitian.com, join Gillian on Facebook or log onto or follow her on Twitter to receive free tomherronexperience .com up dates and special seasonal offers.
MINDFUL CORPORATE ENTERTAINMENT psychology | persuasion | nlp | suggestion | motivation | inspiration | verbal contro | body language | subliminal influence
David Meade Professional Speaker
0770 875 9999 info@davidmeade.co.uk The team at Mindful Corporate Entertainment combine skills of suggestion, psychology, neuro-linguistic programming and body language interpretation, they have been invited to perform, speak and entertain at professional engagements throughout the world. Audiences have included: • Office First & Deputy First Minister (NI) • University of Ulster • Department of Finance & Personnel (NI) • Oxford Brookes University (UK & EU) • Bi-National Tourism Alliance (CA) • Dupont Hotel Group (USA) • Jurys Doyle Hotel Group (USA) • Marriott Hotels & Resorts (USA) • Foremost Hospitality (USA) David and his team’s bespoke training and entertainment programs receive continued acclaim from clients whose teams and customers have been captivated and inspired by the ‘seemingly impossible’ demonstrations of lie-detection, suggestion and verbal influence.
MONEY > 11
December 2009
Money SAVING money is always a priority for many of my clients and in my opinion the best way to do this, other than making sure you’re getting the best deals on your mortgage, insurance, pensions and investments, is to save what you can on a daily basis. One great way to do this is by going online and finding the best discounts before you hit the shops. Here are my top websites:
sendmediscounts.co.uk SendMeDiscounts.co.uk is widely recognised as being one of the leading websites for shopping discounts and voucher codes in the UK. It features shops including Argos, The Body Shop, Currys, Debenhams, Dell, Dixons, Laura Ashley, Littlewoods, Screwfix and Thorntons.
discountvouchers.co.uk Publishing exclusive discounts unavailable elsewhere, DiscountVouchers.co.uk offer fantastic bargains for major online stores. This site has thousands of promotional money off coupons and bargains at any one time, ranging from Clothing & Accessories to Homes and
Garden, supplied by 500 UK retailers including Currys, Argos, John Lewis and Game.
freebielist.com Freebielist.com is a UK-based website listing a great mixture of free stuff, product samples, software, Webmaster services and competitions. Companies are literally queuing up to give away samples of their products and if you're willing to invest some time requesting these freebies, products will begin dropping through your letterbox on a regular basis.
myvouchercodes.co.uk The My Voucher Codes UK community is based around its established base of loyal visitors who take the time each day to find any voucher codes, gift codes, discounts, claim codes, promotional offers or coupon codes they come across, whether online, or in offline media such as magazines and newspapers. At the moment, the site has in excess of 1500 different valid codes, which are added and updated every day. Retailers include M&S, Tesco, Pizza Hut Delivery, Littlewoods, Dixon and Dell.
hotukdeals.com HotUKDeals.com aims to escape from the marketing messages and ads that
surround us and get genuine advice from other people about hot deals. The basis of the site is that it is for honest tips from other people who don't stand to gain. DID YOU KNOW that buying in a pound shop is not always the most cost effective way to spend your money. For example, a five pack of dish sponges (you know the ones with the green scorer on one side) can cost you up to £1 in a pound shop but just 14p and 15p in Tesco and Asda for the same type of thing. DO YOU have a money saving tip you would like Brian to share with our readers? Email him on news@fameinco.uk or leave us a message on Facebook.com/thecitypaper. BRIAN Boyd is the owner of The Financial Factory in Belfast who specialise in helping people make the most of their money by bringing you the best offerings in the personal finance market available. He said: “Our service is bespoke and tailored to your specific needs. “In a financial world that has changed beyond recognition over the last two years it is essential all households make the most out of their ever-stretched budgets and cash-flow. “Our team of advisors work with you, one-on-one, to make sure that you
BRIAN BOYD Northern Ireland’s answer to money saving expert Martin Lewis maximise your existing investments and make the right choices and decisions that will suit your future financial life. “We are at your service, whenever and whereever you need us, to protect and enhance your wealth.” FINANCIAL FACTORY provides services in the following areas: Mortgages, Re-mortgages, Buy To Let, Insurance, First Time Buyer Experts, Pensions, ISAs, Investments, Loans, Tax Saving Schemes 028 9043 1000 www.financialfactory.co.uk info@financialfactory.co.uk
5 Caribbean Luxury from £1,000 The Financial Factory is proud to be the sole broker in Ireland/Northern Ireland for Harlequin Hotels and Resorts, a world leader in hotel design and build. By making their unique investment opportunities available to a wider variety of people, Harlequin - through The Financial Factory - are giving you access to a world of investment you may have previously thought was unattainable. For a small initial outlay you will become one of a group of owners in a luxury 5 star spa resort in the Caribbean or other luxury tourist destinations worldwide, all guaranteed* to deliver excellent long term returns for their investors. Current investment opportunities exist in destinations such as St Lucia, Dominican Republic, Barbados and St Vincent. From just £1000 deposit down and nothing to pay for at least two years the smart money is going on holidays.
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Unit 2, Kennedy Way, Belfast BT11 9AP :: TEL: 028 9043 1000 www.financialfactory.co.uk :: info@financialfactory.co.uk
12 < MONEY
K
nowing that we’re not the only ones trying to make the money stretch out to cover parties, nights out, food and presents in the Christmas season doesn’t help us deal with the problem. Infact you may have already realised that it could stand to ruin your holiday. There is one way round the Christmas financial blues some people are planning on doing coming into the new year or have already tried in a bid to make their festive holiday a better one. Working 9-5 for many just doesn’t make enough to cover the bills and living expenses, so in a bid to become budding Richard Bransons seeking other ways of earning some extra cash has become a fun way to top up the bank account each month. How often you see adverts for Jamie Oliver nights, Ann Summers nights, Tupperware parties or find brochures for Betterware, Kleeneze and the like in your letterbox? These are all operated by people who, like you, have found the need to earn a little extra money and, in a growing number of cases, have taken these on as their full time job because you can work when you want to. A quick search on the internet reveals hundreds of home-working opportunities so we have come up with the definitive list of some available to you:
KLEENEZE & BETTERWARE Kleeneze and Betterware catalogues contain various products aimed at making life easier. The companies say anyone can become a distributor for their brochures. The distributors deliver catalogues, take orders and generally manage the relationship with their customers and can operate their business on a full or part time basis. The primary way you earn money is through selling products using the catalogues. When you have delivered the catalogues to your customer base (including
T R O P E R L A I C E P S
Money
December 2009
BY DAVID GORDON
As the Christmas season gears up most of us are tightening our belts in the hope of making it through to 2010 unscathed by mounting debts and bills. While the cost of living increases and jobs become scarce thousands of people throughout Northern Ireland are turning to working from home or making their talents pay in an attempt to keep their heads above water. family, friends, neighbours) you earn money on all the products you sell to them including those for personal use. For more information log onto kleeneze.co.uk or betterware.co.uk
AVON & VIRGIN VIE Probably one of the most famous ‘home-working’ schemes, is with Avon. I’m sure we have all leafed through a catalogue given to us by a work colleague or family member. There are over five million Avon Ladies worldwide drawn to the company by the product and it’s strong customer base. Virgin Vie at Home is a similar company, however, in this case the consultant hosts themed make-up nights in customers homes and their client history shows the potential for a large amount of repeat business as the relationship with the customer grows. For more information log onto avon.uk.com or vieathome.co.uk
ANN SUMMERS These women only events allow you to meet up with friends and have a laugh while earning some extra cash. The company say there are no frighteningly formal interviews, no prejudices about age, background or
experience and no waiting on the books for a vacancy. They will give you all the training you need and you will instantly be part of a close-knit team in your area. For more information log onto annsummers.com
MONEY > 13
December 2009
Turning Talent into £££’s
AMAZON & EBAY If face-to-face selling is not for you another way to make money is on the things you already own. Websites like Ebay and Amazon are not just for shop or business owners to sell their wares, the sites allow anyone to make money on their own second-hand goods, from clothes, books and CDs to cameras and everything else in between, including the kitchen sink – and yes, I just checked, somebody is selling one. For more information log onto amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
JAMIE OLIVER AT HOME One of the newest parties on the scene at the moment is Jamie at Home, created by chef Jamie Oliver. As a Jamie at Home Consultant, you’ll go to parties and help noncooks choose great kit while introducing those who already
ENHANCE YOUR SKILLS With over thirty years experience within the nail and beauty industry, The Beauty And Nails Company, based in the North City Business Park in Duncairn Gardens, provide comprehensive, affordable nail courses for all abilities. From foundation and advanced courses in gel, liquid and powder, to one day conversion, manicure and pedicure courses as well as the fifteen week Journey. The Journey is a comprehensive nail education programme designed for the student who wishes to obtain the necessary skills, knowledge and attributes to perform efficient and effective manicure and liquid and powder (or gel) extension treatments. Students will find that the knowledge, expertise and experience in knowing what makes employable nail technicians will be invaluable to them as they pursue their career.
know their stuff to a range of beautiful things for their home. According to the company people from all walks of life, from policewomen to nurses, scientists to lawyers and stay at home mums have joined the scheme. For more information log onto jamieathome.com
THERE is a growing trend to make and sell crafts and other homemade goods at the local market or around your circle of friends. If you’re going to seriously invest in your craft as a money making tool it requires time and good planning to make it work. The perfect craft for you to try your hand at making and selling depends on a number of things – your skills and abilities, the market you’re trying to sell to, the cost of making the item and, more importantly, the ability to make money! To get you started, here are some tips to help you identify what you can do: • Look around – what’s selling at your local market, what’s popular at the best market in town, what’s selling on eBay. Get some ideas of what seems to work in the real market place. • What is your strongest skill when it comes to making craft? You may really enjoy baking, but if the end result isn’t palatable then you’re going to struggle to make sales. • Don’t choose a craft to sell if you just have no interest in making it. Pick a craft that you are good at and passionate about. For more top tips and ideas log onto craftbusinesshome.com or visit the Craft Works Shop and Tea Room on Wellington Place in Belfast where local artists sell their wares.
We offer comprehensive, affordable, industry recognised Nail Courses from our Belfast Training College.
Beauty and Nails Company Ltd Educator Andrea said: “In the busy and growing beauty industry, which employs thousands of people here, there is a real dearth of good nail technicians. “And in fact, the number of nail salons and nail bars has increased recently so taking a course definitely makes you more employable. “There are very few unemployed qualified nail technicians - if any.” The company also acts as the distributors for Entity and China Glaze in Ireland. Entity is a nail system that guarantees purity, resilience and workability and China Glaze is a longwearing, economically priced professional nail lacquer which is nonthickening and provides great coverage. For further information on payment plans and training schemes contact Andrea on 028 90 746744, log onto thebeautyandnailscompany.com or email info@thebeautyandnailscompany.com
100% Student Completion Rate and excellent employment opportunities available. Whether it's a career move, or extra income, we have the Nail Courses and 20 years industry experience to help you achieve it. We also offer our students Payment Plans, to help spread the cost of our courses. Refer a friend and we will enroll you onto a Nail Art Course for FREE. Telephone: 02890 90 746 744 email: info@thebeautyandnailscompany.com www.thebeautyandnailscompany.com
14 < COLUMNIST
The Player December 2009
… in search of the Holy Grail
H
ave you been on many dates in your life? Good, bad, blind, indifferent or down-right terrible. I’m only counting dates with different women. There’s something exciting about a date. The rush of not knowing what she’s really like and whether you’ll make a connection – or on a more base level, whether you will score. Ultimately that’s why we do it. Dates are not about making new friends – they’re about making new lovers or finding that elusive life partner. Fact. The thing is, I’m single. I’ve been single pretty much my entire life. Started life as a shy boy around girls at a single sex school and progressed to slightly more confident social drinker at Uni with a tendency to deify particular random girls and then be unable to even look at them. Moving on to adult working life where transience and intransigence meant stability was never there. Ok, there have been periods of a few weeks at a time where I have been seeing someone but there has only been one genuine occasion where I said “she’s my girlfriend”, and I only did this because I’d never done it before. The relationship lasted 10 months, and hand on heart, I can honestly say that I was an awful boyfriend. Presumably I had enough charm to make it last that long but we split up at least three times in that period and I
did cheat on her many times. The problem is I believe I’m a chronic commitment-phobe and don’t believe in “settling” down. The very word gives me convulsions and conjures up for me the idea of “settling” for second best – your heart is set on someone or something else but you will settle for what you have. I abhor that concept and so am on the constant look out for the Holy Grail of women. September this year I had a date. We had met only once before when I was virtually blind drunk but we bonded in a shared taxi home, numbers were exchanged and the date was arranged. Off to the cinema… which clearly does not lend itself to chat but we began with a drink before the show for me to get to know her. Miss laugh-alot is what I’ll call her and she did exactly what it says on the tin. On the one hand this is very flattering – it makes a guy (in this case me) feel like a comedian but on the other hand when everything you say brings forth a titter it makes me think what does she really find funny? Is it in fact nervous laughter? I know I can be amusing but I’m not Michael ‘bloody’ McIntyre. The film was
forgettable and no physical contact was initiated. Our night came to a conclusion without a hint of a spark that suggested fresh sheets would be needed on my bed. Part of me wanted another date to see if it was possible to make her frown. Until now nothing has been arranged and I don’t think either of us care that much. Next was Miss Porcelain Doll – a term I would not think is terribly flattering but apparently she did and referred to her skin tone as porcelain throughout. Huge mass of blonde curls, pleasant smile and healthy body. She made a fatal flaw in being far too forthcoming about the outcome of previous dates. Now it’s always nice to get a little back story – provided that story doesn’t involve killing anyone or being married multiple times, but this comes close in my opinion. Living in London she didn’t have much money so relied on regular dates to feed herself – now this in itself can be seen as admirable. She clearly was able to charm sufficient men into taking her out and presumably giving little back in return for being fed and watered. Kind of like food prostitution. The trouble with relaying this behaviour to
me is that I have just bought her a drink and am in the process of offering her another – I don’t need to wait to hear whether she will offer to pay as I trudge off to the bar. Ironically I don’t remotely fancy her as it’s her friend I had been in contact with and only met her through said pal, and she has enough of an ‘edge’ to make her dateworthy. Defining an ‘edge’ is difficult but it’s sort of like when you watch X Factor and think a contestant looks cool, funky or hip. The date was just a short one and I wasn’t prepared to suggest a club to take things further. So as I continue my dating odyssey and begin to evaluate girls I have decided to branch out and widen the net. Using my good friend Mr Face Book I am reaching out to those I have met before or even haven’t in a bid to broaden the search and therefore improve the quality of my dates and improve my chances of success. So what is success? For me it is ultimately about love happiness and now I’m ready to go out into the world, or Ireland at least, to discover if there is one true love waiting for me, or if the years of rejection, dejection and over-picky selection are set to continue.
Do you think The Player should reveal himself? What do you think of his dating odyssey . . . tell him by logging onto facebook.com/thecitypaper or text your comments to 82727 and put CITYPLAYER before your message texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate - full T&C’s on Page 2
ENTERTAINMENT > 15
December 2009
Entertainment Belfast is becoming the city of rock ‘n’ roll BY TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk
AS the band culture explodes on the Northern Ireland music scene and rock is given a much-anticipated revival, metal gods Metallica have finally agreed to play Belfast. The American four-piece will take to the Odyssey Arena stage on May 11, 2010 just two months after Machinehead bring their UK and Irish tour to a close by being the first ever heavy rock band to play St Georges Market on March 1. These gigs are two of the biggest forthcoming events in the rock calendar but between now and then there is a wealth of smaller local and international bands taking to the stages all over the city. On a regular basis bars such as Katy Daly’s, The Limelight, Spring & Airbrake, The Empire, The Venue and The Rosetta all cater for varying degrees of the rock spectrum. By far the most successful local gigs to date is The Distortion Project’s regular Saturday afternoon showcase. Over the coming weeks bands
such as Fleshgod Apocalypse, Hades Lab, Lesshelp, Sadisture, Two Tales of Woe, Eyesclosed, Sinocence and Devilmakesthree will all appear on stage from 5pm. Looking to next year locally a new rock night is set to explode onto the rock scene. With a venue still to be confirmed Paradise City is already promoting itself as “Belfast’s new classic rock club”. It launches at the end of January 2010 and sees rock duo DJ Monk and PR sidekick Phil Allely make a huge comeback after a 15-year sabbatical. A few other gigs to keep your eyes peeled for include the Hayseed Dixies at The Empire on February 27, Skindred at The Limelight on March 21, Airbourne at the Mandela Hall on April 13 and And So I Watch You From Afar at the Ulster Hall on December 18. For more information on gigs and the metal scene log onto myspace.com/distortionproject, myspace.com/piedpiperbelfast, belfastmetalheadsreunited. blogspot.com, belfastempire. com, cdcleisure.com or ticketmaster.ie.
www.the belfastempire.com 42 botanic avenue, belfast 028 9024 9276
METALLICA: headed for Belfast
The Answer to all your metal needs
IT’S hard to believe one of the hottest new acts on the international rock scene is County Down band The Answer. Rarely do classic metal inspired bands from Northern Ireland make an impact outside of the UK. However, having already supported rock legends AC/DC and Areosmith this local four-piece are going from strength to strength. But unlike other bands who hit it off in the UK or the US The Answer haven’t deserted their loyal local fanbase. Currently promoting their latest single Comfort Zone Cormac Neeson, Paul Mahon, Michael Waters and James Heatley are headed home to complete their headline UK and Irish tour at Belfast’s Ulster Hall on December 14. Having already played in front of two million people worldwide this year, Belfast fans are sure to get the “best gig of the year” according to Cormac. More information log onto theanswer.ie / ticketmaster.ie
Belfast’s Original Music Venue
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ENTERTAINMENT > 17
December 2009
Killer Queen tribute act BY TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk
NORTHERN Ireland is fast becoming a tribute band mecca with acts such as Billy Connolly Tribute The Big Yin scooping in excess of five figure sums each year for playing throughout the country. Gary Moir (AKA The Big Yin) spent five weeks in a row gigging in clubs around Northern Ireland recently. William Caulfield, who’s Our Jimmy tribute show to James Young sold out at the Ulster Hall has even taken his act to TV with BBC NI. One of the biggest promoters of tribute acts in the country is Meadowvale Entertainments and owner Paul McCullough revealed in credit crunch times it’s these acts who are raking in the cash. He added: “Tribute artists have always been popular because more often than not they give people who wouldn’t normally get access to the original band the opportunity to experience the music live.” One of Northern Ireland’s best known tribute bands is Flash Harry’s tribute to Queen who have spent 17 years perfecting their act. After a string of gigs in Cookstown, Carrickfergus, Ballymena, Strabane, Enniskillen, Omagh, Armagh and Derry the band are hoping the smaller performances have encouraged fans to go and see their Odyssey Arena show with the Ulster Orchestra The Music Of Queen- Rocked Up and Classical On January 23. Lead singer Harry Hamilton (AKA Freddy Mercury) said: “As Christmas approaches tickets to our January gig is the perfect Christmas gift for any Queen fan”. While 95 per cent of CDC Leisure’s work in the industry is promoting original international and local touring bands they still recognise the importance of tribute acts in their portfolio. Dino Cafolla, promoter for CDC said: “People enjoy going to see tribute shows mainly because of nostalgia, more often than not the band is someone they adored in their teens. “Tribute acts are affordable ways of experiencing the music. Some people may like AC/DC but might not be prepared to spend the money to go to Slane to see them. “You are paying a fraction of what you would pay to see the real thing, there’s never any B-sides at a tribute show – you get what you go in for a
Harry Hamilton as legend Freddy Mercury
ROBIN ELLIOTT’S NOSTALGIA Citybeat star Robin Elliott has been tracking down our favourite 80’s icons for his top weekend shows on Belfast’s favourite radio station.
Nik Kershaw
Real Name: Nicholas David Kershaw Age: 51 Before he was famous: Worked as a shop assistant then worked for the Department Of Employment and then joined a band called Fusion. Famous for: Having hit records Wouldn’t It Be Good, I Won’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me and The Riddle, all back in 1984. 80’s memories: Nik Said: “Live good night with all the greatest hits.” Other acts playing throughout Northern Ireland Aid was such a fantastic day. include everyone from The Bon Jovi Experience, “I did a 20 minute solo set and Pearl Jem (Pearl Jam), The Bootleg Beatles (The was absolutely petrified. Beatles) and The Rolling Clones (Rolling Stones). “It all went very quickly and is a bit of a blur.” WHO’S PLAYING WHERE The Empire Music Hall, Belfast December 6, Michael Buble Show with James Huish (Michael Buble) December 12, The Bon Jovi Experience December 19, The Rolling Clones (The Rolling Stones)
David Van Day (Dollar)
The Odyssey Arena, Belfast January 23 (2010), Flash Harry (Queen) with Ulster Orchestra The Waterfront Hall, Belfast December 13, Frank, Dean & Sammy’s Christmas Special (The Rat Pack) The Ulster Hall, Belfast December 5, Elvis on Tour with Lee King Spring & Airbrake, Belfast February 5 (2010), Pearl Jem (Pearl Jam) Ticketmaster 0870 243 4455, ticketmaster.ie, geturticket.com
BEAT POETS NEW EP The Beat Poets’ are back a new four track EP The Making which shows a band at the peak of their form. Described by NME as “Blistering, Frenzied, blood-stirring, rock that weaves its way through U2, the Foos and The Vines” The Beat Poets are one of the most exciting new acts to emerge from Northern Ireland in recent years. For more infomation log onto myspace.com/beatpoets, thebeatpoets.com.
Where is he now? In 1991 he wrote the hit The One And Only for Chesney Hawks and since then has been writing for Ronan Keating, Cliff Richard, Lulu, Gary Barlow and Bonnie Tyler. His latest album is called You’ve Got To Laugh.
Real Name: David Paul Day Age: 53 Before he was famous: Studied at Italia Conti and appeared in TV commercials for Coca Cola and Clarkes Shoes before landing a part in cult horror movie Do You Believe In Fairies? Famous for: Being one half of 80’s pop duo Dollar. David and his music partner Thereza Bazar had hits with Shooting Star, Mirror Mirror
and Oh Lamour. 80’s Memories: David said: “The 80’s had to be one of the best times for working in the industry – it was very excessive with limousines driving us everywhere and nothing like it is today. “In those day we could sell over a quarter of a million records and only get to number 14 in charts, nowadays that amount of sales could get you to number one for six weeks.” Where is he now: David has appeared on reality TV shows Reborn In The USA, Pop Goes The Band and I’m A Celebrity. Has a new single out called Big Ship On The Mersey and will be releasing his autobiography Another Day Another Dollar in 2010 and has a new show for Wedding TV called Brides On A Bus.
EVERY week I track down some of our legendary 80’s icons for my Saturday Rewind Show (10am-2pm) and Easy Sunday (10am-1pm), if there’s a forgotten star you want to hear about email me at news@fameinc.co.uk, leave me a message at Facebook.com/thecitypaper or text your comments to 82727 and put CITY ROBIN before your message. Texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate. Full T&C’s on page 2. Robin.......
18 < ENTERTAINMENT
December 2009
DJ’s in a spin for King’s Hall party BY CATHY BLACK news@fameinc.co.uk
AFTER one of their most successful years ever Planetlove WKD have lined up some of the hottest names in dance for their end of year party. Their annual Boxing Night Winter Party – Into The Light – will see thousands of dance fanatics transform the venue into a parallel universe of UV lighting and glow. Seven megastars of vibrant stature and ability form the nucleus of this world; Eddie Halliwell, Marco V, John O’Callaghan, Lisa Lashes, Zany, DJ Mog and very special guest Sander van Doorn are lined up for what organisers are calling “the biggest
winter party ever”. Judith Farrell-Rowan from PLM said: “We have a fantastic Winter Party in store this year. As if our clubbers needed any excuse, this year’s Into The Light theme is an open invitation to wear anything neon or white, or that glows or flashes, so the crowd becomes part of the vivid illuminations planned for the show.”
SANDER VAN DOORN - the special guest - and is on the verge of global domination as he continues his climb to the summit of electronic music stardom. Loved by his fans, feared by his rivals, the Dutchman’s set at Planetlove’s Winter Party is one of the most hotly anticipated of the year. Belfast hero DJ MOG completes the mightily impressive line-up.
EDDIE HALLIWELL is the majestic English spinner whose technical wizardry To get tickets for the Planetlove WKD astonishes crowds across the planet. Into The Light Winter Party on DecemMARCO V is the Dutch legend who has ber 26 log onto ticketmaster.ie or planetdestroyed dancefloors from Europe and lovemusic.com. Tickets cost £32.50. Australia to South America, Asia and the USA. He has not only shaped dance music history, but continues to redefine it at incredible pace. JOHN O’CALLAGHAN is Ireland’s very own superstar DJ/producer. The first Irish artist to break into DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ Poll, O’Callaghan has gone on to become a worldwide leader in trance. His 2009 artist album Never Fade Away is well on its way to becoming one of the biggestselling dance music albums ever created. LISA LASHES is the globe’s leading female DJ and hardstyle fans across the country will relish the opportunity to catch one of the genre’s most influential stars.
Top left - EDDIE HALLIWELL, above SANDER VAN DOORN and below LISA LASHES
ENTERTAINMENT > 19
December 2009
Singer Corry opens The Music Box BY TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk
BELFAST singer Peter Corry has revealed he doesn’t like the X-Factor despite coming from a reality talent show background himself. The star, who is starring in his own production of The Music Box with the Ulster Operatic Company at Ulster Folk & Transport Museum in December, said he was watching the programme and couldn’t work out what he didn’t like about it. He added: “In these shows now people are commodities for such a short space of time. Some do shoot out of it like Leona Lewis and Will Young but the rest of the time the audience are directed to thinking ‘who’s next’ as soon as it’s over. “I wondered what it was I didn’t like about it and it’s the fact that because it isn’t just a talent show where you are singing and people win for their singing and performing, it’s everything in the background – how it’s manipulated by the producers. “They know who they want to win and steer it in that direction, they take a few detours along the way but they pretty much know, it’s all about who they can make the most money out of.” Later this month Peter will be too busy for TV as he takes to the stage in The Music Box.
NIAMH PERRY’S MUSIC Westend star and singer Niamh gives CITY her verdict on the hottest music around.
Finding my Archangel band”, playing every instrument (guitar, piano, electric keyboard, synth-bass and percussion) on his amazing debut album How To Lose Your Best Friend. Nick Webber - a great friend of mine (who also co-wrote and produced a few tracks with yours truly) locked himself in a cottage in the middle of Wiltshire for 18 months and produced what can only be described as an absolute masterpiece. The title track from the album- How To Lose Your Best Friend and his cover of the Steely Dan, 1972 hit Do It Again are both accompanied by awesome, edgy videos which definitely show how abstract and individual this band are. Archangel’s debut album How To Lose Your Best Frien is available to download on itunes now.
I’M one of those people that likes a band even more if I am one of the first people to discover them. Unfortunately people usually beat me to it. I find watching a band progress from their small, intimate gigs to releasing their first single and hitting the “big time” an amazing thing to witness. Archangel is a prime example. The band actually consists of Anticipated to be the ultimate seamless transition from an up- just one man. Christmas musical experience beat dance routine to a choral He is the definitive “one man the show will see a blend of rendition of a Christmas carol magical festive entertainment and the dancing choreographed including Christmas songs, daz- to perfection, instilling excitezling dancers, beautiful costumes ment and touching the hearts of and outstanding music from the boys and girls, young and old I HAVE to start by saying that I was gutted I couldn’t attend the talented cast. alike.” gig recently, but I hear it was Speaking of the show Peter, amazing. who is also producing and directTo see Peter and his team My sister introduced me to ing, said: “I believe in creating a appear in The Music Box from ASH when I was a teenager and magical Christmas of yesteryear December 15-19 I saw them play at Tennents Vital – a time of love, hope and givTickets available from in ‘04 and have loved them ever ing. Ticketmaster (0844 277 44 55 / since. Although we haven’t “To illustrate this effectively, ticketmaster.co.uk) each show is a pageant of spec- or call the Odyssey Box Office heard much from them in the past two years, they released This began on the October 12 tacle and colour – the music a (028 9073 9074). their first single from their new this year and will run into 2010. ‘series’ in May this year. I think this is an amazing way Their new work The A-Z Se- to release a band’s music and ries will consist of 26 singles it shows just how far the music SHE’S played Fairy Godmother, Dame Trot, Mother Goose, Nurse released through digital down- industry has moved in the past May, Sarah the Cook and Mrs Smee.....now Northern Ireland’s very loads and vinyl every fortnight. decade. own panto Dame, May McFettridge, celebrates 20 years in pantomime at Belfast’s Grand Opera House with an evening of entertain- THAT’S all from me - I’m in my final weeks playing Sophie in Mamma Mia in London and then its Christmas . This year I get ment and great craic. May will be appearing at the theatre on Sunday December 13, to be to come home so I’ll definitely be taking in some Belfast gigs. filmed by BBC Northern Ireland for an hour-long Christmas special. Watch this space because there are lots of exciting plans ahead You can also catch May, as Widow Twankey in this year’s panto- for me in 2010.... If you want to get in touch with Niamh email news@fameinc.co.uk or log onto Facebook.com/thecitypaper and mime Aladdin which runs until Saturday January 16, 2010. Niamh xx For tickets call 028 9024 1919 or log onto goh.co.uk. leave a message.
An audience with May
Homegrown talent
20 < ENTERTAINMENT
December 2009
Groovy Train relaunches
Howl! at the Lyric CONOR Grimes & Alan McKee have premiered a brand new show at Elmwood Hall for fun-loving grown-ups. When a maniacal recovering addict director, a vain minor soap star, a predatory former TV weather girl, a composer who can’t read music and a rookie actress straight out of drama school get together to adapt Little Red Riding Hood for their Christmas show, what could possibly go wrong? Howl! runs until January 2, 2010 for tickets call the Lyric Box Office on 028 9038 5673, or log onto lyrictheatre.co.uk.
THE Groovy Train at the MClub recently relaunched after a 12-year stint. The 70s themed Friday night event has been so successful over the years management at the club decided it was time to say thank-you to the regulars. A VIP, champagne and cocktail relaunch took place last month and already the club’s owners are reporting an encouraging increase in numbers in the run up to the party season despite the credit crunch.
At A Glance Stompin’ SATURDAY 21ST NOVEMBER
£9
SATURDAY 28TH NOVEMBER
£8.50
WEDNESDAY 2ND DECEMBER
£5
SATURDAY 5TH DECEMBER
JAMES HUISH
BAP
& THE MICHAEL BUBLE TRIBUTE BAND PERFORM THE SONGS OF
MICHAEL BUBLÉ SUNDAY 6TH DECEMBER
£12
£6.50
SATURDAY 12TH DECEMBER
Booking Information
£11
SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER
£9
KENNEDY
TUESDAY 29TH DECEMBER
£13.50
Tickets available from all Ticketmaster outlets • www.ticketmaster.ie • 24 hr booking line 0844 277 4455
www.thebelfastempire.com
COMEDY > 21
December 2009
THE EMPIRE
on that is to the instituti n ee b y ad re al p If you haven't really should, to u yo b lu C y ed m m all over the The Empire Co hed names fro lis b ta es d an day nights local acts e stage on Tues th to ke ta d UK and Irelan venue. ring the in the Botanic y Club runs du ed m o C e ir p dience are The Em ajority of the au m e th as , ar ye academic e event, JAKE O'K ANE students. ane compere th 'K O ke Ja d an in their Colin Murphy oth completely b ks ee w e at to sit in on altern foolish enough se o th n o g n ki al element pic ylan Moran, Ard ow the stage. D el e b d s u at cl in se t e n ir o p e Em the fr have played Th the Previous acts to . nervous before McIntyre l as ae n h ee ic b M er d ev an the first O'Hanlon yself, I've n in 1998- failing Empire twice m st e te Th d cy ye en la ci p fi d e ro p I'v veer off track an t of the cycling to e ea p m re g n y si m u ce ca n gigs si classmate averick fellow time due to a m gan & ), Colum O Re 1 c e into a hedge. (D e g g Le ec 15). ael ary Bourke (D Barrie & Mich M ir & a e st li rk A u : B O n H W renda (Dec 8) and B r 9pm show Diarmuid Corr om 8.30pm fo fr t h ig n ay sd Tue WHEN: Every r students) fo 6 ADM: £7 (£ e.com ebelfastempir MORE INFO: th
WATERFRONT HALL
THERE are a fe w acts worth ch ecking out coming to the Waterfront Hal l. Jason Manford , Dara O'Brien and em.... Freddie Starr ar e all playing in th e next few months. I’m not joking about Freddie Starr being an act worth "chec king out", I don’ t want people to start to thin k I'm a fan and b uying me his DVD for Christ mas - I do wan t beaten up military boots though so I'd p refer them if yo were undecided u about what to get me. Anyway, my p ick is Lee Mack. He's stormed Live At The Ap ollo a few times and is a real charismatic en tertainer. WHO: Lee Ma ck WHEN: Feb 27 , 2009 TICKETS: £18 .50 MORE INFO: w aterfront.co.u k
SHANE’S WORLD
The low-down on comedy with Shane Todd Catch up with Shane on YouTube.com/shanestodd or on Facebook.com/thecitypaper
. . . MORE COMEDY WHO: Whose Line Is It Anyway? With Steve Frost and Richard Vranch WHERE: Grand Opera House, Belfast WHEN: December 4 TICKETS: £12-18 MORE INFO: goh.co.uk | 028 9024 1919 WHO: Neil Dougan & guests WHERE: The Laughter Lounge, Belfast WHEN: December 4 & 5 TICKETS: £16 MORE INFO: laughterlounge.com WHO: Neil Dougan, Colum McDonnell, Andrew Stanley WHERE: The Laughter Lounge, Belfast WHEN: December 4 & 5 TICKETS: £16 MORE INFO: laughterlounge.com WHO: Jake O'Kane's show TEAR GAS WHERE: Grand Opera House, Belfast WHEN: December 11 TICKETS: £12-18 MORE INFO: goh.co.uk | 028 9024 1919 WHO: John Colleary, Robbie Bonham WHERE: The Laughter Lounge, Belfast WHEN: December 10, 11, 12 TICKETS: £14 (Dec 10), £16 (Dec 11 & 12) MORE INFO: laughterlounge.com WHO: Eddie Izzard Stripped Tour WHERE: Odyssey Arena WHEN: December 12 TICKETS: £33 MORE INFO: odysseyarena.com
LEE MACK
YOU can't accuse me of not giving you advance warning, I'm playing The International (Capital Comedy) in Dublin on Wednesday May 5, 2010. The International is a huge gig, and a really prestigious club. I've played Dublin a few times before, didn't go brilliantly so I intend to put plenty of work into this one.
. . . AND I SEE Rory McIlroy is doing quite well in some golf thing, I say this with a bitter tone because me and Rory are the two most famous young people in Holywood, not in that order. He has five cars, four houses and unlimited media attention. So if anyone from the North Down Borough Council is reading this and Rory is off golfing somewhere I just wanted to let you know I’m free to switch on the Christmas lights this year, and next year. In fact if anyone has any lights of any kind that need switching either on, or indeed off, I'm available…news@fameinc.co.uk.
WHO: Willie White, John Lynn, Gar Murran WHERE: The Laughter Lounge, Belfast WHEN: December 17, 18, 19 TICKETS: £14 (Dec 17) £16 (Dec 18, 19) MORE INFO: laughterlounge.com
EDDIE LZZARD
WHO: Best of The International Comedy Festivals 2009 with Tim McGarry, Kevin Bridges, Miles Jupp, Paul Currie WHERE: Grand Opera House, Belfast WHEN: December 18 TICKETS: £12-18 MORE INFO: goh.co.uk WHO: Russell Howard WHERE: Odyssey Arena WHEN: December 20, 8pm TICKETS: £22.00 / £20.00 MORE INFO: odysseyarena.com
22 < MOVIES
THIS month you can go movie mad whether it’s catching up with friends at the cinema or sitting by the fire with your family watching a DVD.
Here’s our picks for the Festive Season.
BY ROBIN ELLIOTT news@fameinc.co.uk
RELEASED: DEC. 4 The Box - Cert: 12A
When a mysterious stranger deposits a box at the door of married couple Arthur and Norma, they are presented with a stark choice. Do they press the button and receive $1 million, in the knowledge that doing so, someone, somewhere will die? Stars James Marsden and Cameron Diaz.
December 2009
The Descent: Part 2 - Cert: 18 Bruised and bloodied, Sarah is found wandering in the woods with no memory of a calamitous caving trip. Keen to find survivors, the local sheriff insists she leads a rescue party back into the caverns... Stars Shauna Macdonald. RELEASED: DEC. 11 Carriers - Cert: 15 Four survivors of a fleshdissolving plague, led by hothead Brian, are driving to the coast on an empty freeway. When they’re flagged down by a man asking for help, the encounter brings them an unwanted passenger and an unwelcome detour... Stars Chris Pine. RELEASED: DEC. 18 Avatar - Cert: TBC The future. Paraplegic war
hero, Jake, is taken against his will to the planet of Pandora - a world inhabited by a race of humanoids called The Na'vi. Forced to exploit the valuable resources of the local population, Jake decides to turn against his human companions, and join the planet's people in an epic fight for survival. Stars Sam Worthington and Sigourney Weaver. RELEASED: DEC. 26
When In Rome
- Cert: TBC A New York estate agent who's unsuccessful in love flies to Rome for her sister's wedding. While she's there she picks coins from a fountain of love and returns home to find a new abundance of suitors. Cast Josh Duhamel, Dax Shepard, Anjelica Huston and Danny DeVito.
DVD RELEASES OUT NOW Transformers: Revenge Of The Fallen - Cert:12A Autobots and the US military have united to form NEST, an elite unit dedicated to wiping out Decepticons. But when they catch a rogue in Shanghai, it warns that something very bad is heading for Earth: a diabolical entity known as ‘The Fallen’. Stars Shia LaBeouf and Megan Fox. The Proposal - Cert: 12A Canadian book agent Margaret Tate cajoles her assistant Andrew into marrying her in order to maintain her visa status and sidestep deportation from the US. In order to fool the authorities, the pair take off to Alaska to
MOVIES/DVDs get to know each other better. Stars Sandra Bullock. RELEASED: DEC. 7 Inglorious Basterds - Cert: 18 A group of hardened Nazi killers stalk their prey in Nazioccupied France as a Jewish cinema owner plots to take down top-ranking SS officers during the official premiere of a highprofile German propaganda film. Stars Brad Pitt. Harry Potter And The Half-Blood Prince - Cert 12A Death Eaters are on the rampage, Dumbledore has a task for Harry, Draco Malfoy has a secret
mission for Voldemort, adolescent hormones are raging and Harry inherits an old school text with notes in the margins from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. Stars Daniel Radcliffe. Bandslam - Cert: PG A new girl in town forms a rock band. Cue much drama as they prepare themselves to compete in the heralded local battle of the bands competition. Stars Vanessa Hudgens, Lisa Kudrow and David Bowie.
December 2009
A
fter an exciting summer of cultural delights, I’ve been looking forward to stepping out of the cold and into the city’s cultural venues this autumn for some more visual treats. First on my list was the RUA annual show held this year in the former Northern Bank Building. Featuring an impressive mix of stunning work by both Academicians and amateurs alike, the exhibition also provided a fantastic platform for young emerging artists and I was delighted to see some of my former classmates work beside the big names of Irish art. It was also a great chance to pick up some original artwork and support the arts! The Curators at IMMA, in Dublin, invited a group of artists, including Michael Craig-Martin, composer Gerald Barry and writer Colm Toibin to pick a piece from their permanent collection to be used in the exhibition, positioning them in a sequence designed to make us think differently about them. My favourite was Megaceros Hibernicus (the big elk) by Barrie Cooke. With all this grey, wet weather we’re having, it’s hard to imagine a White Christmas in store, but luckily the Naughton Gallery at Queen’s University are on hand to offer a sophisticated touch of festive cheer in their delightfully curated group show featuring ‘white works by Irish artists’. In this treasure trove of fine and applied art you’ll find anything from ceramic shoes, to sugar cube sculptures; stacks of folded porcelain to exquisite silver and ebony teapots; and plenty of opportunities to pick up an affordable and original Christmas gift, an ‘investment piece’, or simply enjoy looking at the work in this wintery wonderland. Naughton Gallery, Lanyon Building, Queen’s University Belfast, 02890 973580 naughtongallery.org Tues-Sun 11am-4pm, until 9pm, Until December 20. Late night Art first Thursday of every month.
Arts Culture
&
with KATIE LARMOUR
Do you have an exhibition or culture event you want Katie to attend? Email her at news@fameinc.co.uk putting KATIE’S ART in your subject line. Or alternatively log onto Facebook.com/thecitypaper and leave her a message. PRINT ARE THE PRESENT ANNUAL SHOW 2009, BELFAST PRINT WORKSHOP GALLERY Billed as This Years Christmas Extravaganza, the BPW Annual Christmas Show promises to be an art exhibition not to be missed. If the opportunity to invest in a few original artworks by some of Northern Ireland’s finest print artists isn’t enough to tempt you – word on the street is that free prizes are to be given away on the opening night including original work by Helen Paisley, dinner for two at Cayenne and 100 free copies of the BPW publication '25/25'. Belfast Print Workshop Gallery, Waring st. Open Mon-Fri 10am5.30pm; Sat 12-4pm. Runs until Dec 24, for more information log onto belfastprintworkshop.org.uk.
PRIMARY COLOURS BY RAYMOND HENSHAW The first Northern Ireland showing of Primary Colours was at the Townhouse Gallery, Belfast. Based on the artists experiences of living in South Africa, these screen-prints were inspired by ophthalmologist’s colour-blind tests, with messages and drawings hidden in vibrantly coloured, spotted and drawn images. For more information on this exhibition log onto raymondhenshaw.com
ARTS & CULTURE > 23 TITANTIC QUARTER WELCOMES NEW PUBLIC ART
A major new public artwork for Belfast entitled Kit was recently unveiled in the Titanic Quarter as part of Belfast Festival at Queen’s. The high profile contemporary artwork, which is 13.5 metres tall and cast in bronze, is by Essex-based artist Tony Stallard. ‘Kit’ is a dramatic site specific light sculpture. The artwork depicts recognisable Titanic elements on an outer frame and the overall sculpture suggests toy kits or air fix models.
ULSTER MUSEUM I was very excited to be invited to the much anticipated re-opening of the Ulster Museum in October. Having undergone a dramatic refurbishment it is fantastic to have it open again – complete with Peter the polar bear. Have a coffee in the new restaurant overlooking the Botanic gardens before seeing the impressive retrospective exhibition of Irish artist Sean Scully, showing until February 2010 – next month I will tell you all about my meeting with Sean. Ulster Museum Permanent Collections, now re-opened to the public. Open Tues-Sun 10am-5pm, for more information log onto nmni.org
LATE NIGHT ART After a successful summer of events Late Night Art Tours continues in to the autumn. On the first Thursday of every month, art venues around the city keep their doors open until 9pm. Don’t miss the monthly Late Night Art party afterwards at the Black Box from 9pm – see you there for a drink. For tickets and more information log onto belfastgalleries.com
Public Artwork Kit at Titanic Quarter
Belfast City Council is investing £250,000 in a range of ten large scale creative projects which aim to help the city become a shared cultural space and one that is peaceful and welcoming to everyone. As part of the council’s Creative Legacies programme, ten projects, bringing together arts and community groups from across the city, have been awarded funding to develop a range of long-term creative and cultural activities.
CATALYST ARTS ANNUAL STUDENT SHOW 2009
RUA Royal Ulster Accademy Annual Show
I’m looking forward to getting along to the Catalyst Arts Annual Student show currently running. Watch out for Catalysts Thursday Film Club – recent showings include Delicatessen and Dr Strangelove, so if that sounds like it’s up your street log onto catalystarts.org.uk
Katie at the Ormeau Baths Gallery
24 < ART EXHIBITION
TERRY BRADLEY Celebrities turn out for the launch of new collection Exclusive by TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk Pictures by FABRIZIO BELLUSCHI
TERRY BRADLEY with WIFE ASHLEY
KATIE LARMOUR
TERRY BRADLEY with GARY McCAUSLAND
ROCK ‘n’ roll artist Terry Bradley launched his most recent collection of paintings recently. The exhibition Dockers & Dolls in the Old Northern Bank Building in Belfast saw a whole host of local celebs including TV property developer Gary McCausland, Radio Ulster’s Alan Simpson, former Miss UK Gayle Williamson, Citybeat’s Robin Elliott, model and TV presenter Katie Larmour, UTV’s Alison Fleming, NI’s Sexiest man Eamon McCrory, football legend Gerry Armstrong among many others. Also among the guests Northern Ireland motorbike club The Ancestors turned up in force to catch a glimpse of the artist’s new works. Terry said: “It was fantastic to see such a great turnout and what I really enjoyed was getting the opportunity to speak to so many people.” Terry’s exhibition was inspired by his recent trips to New York and also Las Vegas for a tattoo convention. He said: “I’ve taken inspiration from my recent trip to Las Vegas as well as my usual surroundings. “There is a heavier emphasis on tattoo art after I attended a tattoo conference in Vegas which I found really inspiring.” The exhibition also sees Terry diversify by incorporating other materials such as watercolours and charcoal into his images. Terry’s work has already been bought by celebrities such as Madonna and Boyzone’s Ronan Keating. The exhibition continues at The Eakin Gallery in Belfast.
JOE MULLAN Joker Tattoo
TATTOO artist Joe Mullan brought Terry Bradley’s work to life at the Dockers & Dolls exhibition when he tattooed local rock model Sabrina Egerton with designs from the show. Joe, who owns Joker Tattoo parlours in Belfast and Ballycastle, collaborated with model Sabrina to take her favourite elements of Terry’s work and create a one-off Bradley tattoo. Speaking at the exhibition Sabrina said: “I have always loved Terry’s work, I think that each painting tells a story and that intrigues me. “When I got offered the chance to have his work tattooed on me I jumped at the chance. “It’s not every day that one of Irelands most sought after artists are offering you the chance to become a walking piece of art. “Everything happened so quickly from the moment I received the phone call, to meeting Terry and Joe, deciding on a design to the moment I was lying in the art gallery with a needle repeatedly piercing my skin, it was all very over whelming. “It was very difficult to decide what to get tattooed, I went through the Dockers and Doll booklet and circled everything that I liked in each picture (there was a lot), once put together the final outcome was my tattoo. I was so excited about the entire situation but at the same time was completely terrified, four and a half hours of getting tattooed was never going to be a walk in the park. “I had visions of me crying, being violently sick or fainting, but I managed to hold it together and only had to stop once. “I think this is mostly to do with Joe, he is a fantastic tattooist and artist. Joe made me feel so comfortable and was continuously making sure I was ok. “Once my tattoo is completely coloured it will really come to life and will really look like a real life Terry Bradley piece of art.”
TERRY BRADLEY with SABRINA
FANS of all ages mobbed artist Terry Bradley at his latest exhibition proving that his art not only spans generations but also genres. People are attracted to the artwork for different reasons, everything from the vibrancy of the colours and interpretations of the characters to the strong lines, sultry but strong women or strength of the male dockers. Some fans queued to have Bradley designed merchandise such as shopping bags released earlier this year. Others simply wanted to shake the artist’s hand and have their invitations and brochures signed. Also in the queue were students who had chosen to study Terry for school, college or university. Speaking of the fans Terry said: “We had a great mix of people from all walks of life and who are interested in the art for many different reasons. “I get great inspiration from talking to all the different people who come to my shows.”
ART EXHIBITION > 25
TERRY BRADLEY with YOUNG FAN
TERRY BRADLEY with TEENAGE FAN
TERRY BRADLEY SIGNING BAGS
TERRY BRADLEY has joined the CITY team to be one of our regular contributors each month. If you would like to ask him anything or hear his views on something you are interested in email him to news@fameinc.co.uk putting BRADLEY in your subject line or log onto Facebook.com/thecitypaper and leave your message BELFAST beauties Katie Larmour and Laura Lacole teamed up with motorcycle club The Ancestors to launch their Christmas Toy Run. TV presenter Katie and glamour model Laura joined Ancestor motorcycle fanatic Maurice Knocker outside Terry’s exhibvitionto encourage people to donate whatever they could to the charity run in aid of the Children’s Ward at the Ulster Hospital Dundonald. The Belfast based club was established in 1989 and draws its members from across Northern Ireland. The run takes place on Sunday December 6, meeting in Ballygowan from 12 o’clock and leaving at 1pm. A hot food bar will be open for participants to purchase hot food or drinks before setting off on the run that will take them through Saintfield to the Temple then on to the M1 at Lisburn and to the first stop at Sainsburys trailer park at Sprucefield. The run then continues down the M1 to the Westlink and into Belfast City Centre passing in front of the City Hall to the second stop at Customs House Square before heading to the Sydenham Bypass and taking the Newtownards Road route to the Ulster Hospital where soup, sandwiches, tea and coffee await the cold, and probably wet, riders and their passengers. The Clubs Chairman Gavin Knocker said: “going past the City Hall with both sides of the road packed with Christmas shoppers, and the welcome we get, is fantastic.” The Ancestors Christmas Toy Run has always had very strong support from bikers around the province. Each rider is asked to make a donation of £5 and if possible a small gift for a sick child (for hygiene reasons the club is unable to accept soft toys). Last year around 300 bikers took part raising thousands of pounds over the years, so if you are free, help The Ancestors help the children LAURA LACOLE by getting the wet gear on and supporting a very special cause.
MISS Earth Northern Ireland Kayleigh O’Reilly is urging fashion conscious trend setters to consider recycling their wears this season. The Derry model, who has just returned from the Philippines after getting into the top 16 of the Miss Earth pageant, gives CITY readers her guide to making the best of your cash and creativity: SPECIAL REPORT BY KAYLEIGH O’REILLY news@fameinc.co.uk
SECOND HAND SHOPPING
1 Shop Around for a Good Second-Hand Shop Not every second hand charity shop will have the gems and treasures you hope for so don’t give up after the first one, keep looking. 2 Find Clothes to Match Your Style – Don’t Change Your Style to Match Your Clothes A common mistake of second-hand newbies is buying something that doesn’t suit them because it fits or it’s cheap. Don’t feel guilted into buying anything that you’re not completely crazy about. 3 Learn the basics of altering It’s hard to find perfectly fitting clothes at the best of times so finding perfectly fitting secondhand clothes is even more of a challenge. But when you find something you totally love and don’t want to give it up because it’s a bit long or a bit big – learn to take in a hem or tighten a waistband, you’ll be glad you did. 4 Check Garments for Unusual Details It’s the little things, like fancy buttons or unusual stitching, that make people look twice. Finding clothes with eye-catching details will more likely happen among the racks of vintage clothing stores than in your everyday, mass-produced shop. Adding an unusual item or two to your wardrobe will automatically make your piece look higher-end. 5 Look out for quality pieces Invest in at least one high-quality item into your outfit to give it an edge, it could be a pair of label shoes, or a suit jacket made out of amazing fabric. Try to buy something striking, but not over-the-top. You want to be able to wear it with a great many outfits. 6 Shop Often to Spot Your Next Wearable Masterpiece Believe it or not shopping takes practice. When you are new to second-hand shopping you’ll probably be overwhelmed at the endless amount of racks containing clothes. But the more you shop the better you’ll be able to spot great pieces. Kayleigh O’Reilly was styled by FAME Inc. Photography by Fabrizio Belluschi. Dress from Pronuptia, Belfast. Jewellery by Tina Calder. Hair by Rogue. Bedford Street. Nails by New York City Nails, Chichester Street. Makeup by Mac, Belfast. Special thanks to the IBIS hotel in University Street.
Fashion on a budget
TURN YOUR OLD CLOTHES INTO CASH MARKS & SPENCER have teamed up with Oxfam to encourage consumers to recycle their clothes. As part of the M&S and Oxfam Clothes Exchange, customers making a donation of M&S clothes to Oxfam receive a voucher worth £5, valid for one month, to use with their next purchase of £35 or more on clothing, homeware or beauty products at M&S. The vouchers are given out in exchange for M&S clothes in Oxfam’s 790 stores across the UK and Republic of Ireland.
STITCH & STYLE RECENTLY the Belfast City Council held their second Stitch & Style event at Ten Square Hotel. The festive themed workshop, created by Alyson McElroy Jones of The Changing Room, coincided with European Week for Waste Reduction (November 21-29) and kicked off with a fashion show promoting the message of reduce, reuse and recycle. Alyson said: “Christmas is a great time of year to get creative with your clothes. We all have at least one dress hanging in the back of our wardrobes that could be brought right up to date. “If you missed this fantastic event look out for The Changing Room’s Eco-Fashionista event at Blick Studios on December 10.”
REVAMP THAT LITTLE BLACK DRESS NOT-FOR-PROFIT organisation The Changing Room has joined forces with local designer Catherine B to host the Eco-Fashionista Workshop on December 10. The three-hour workshop will embellish last year's Little Black Dress with statement shoulders, DIY belts, extravagant corsages & signature beading. The Changing Room founder Alison McElroy Jones said: “The Changing Room promotes ideals that every single one of us need to take on board if we are to make our lifestyles and communities more sustainable and fashion fairer. “I am also convinced that by changing our mindset and investing in locally sourced and made fashion, being aware of our choices, 99.9 per cent of us will look and feel so much better.” Tickets are available through Alison McElroy Jones Catherine B and The Changing Room there are just 30 places and only a few remaining. Tickets cost £15 in advance or £20 on the night. The Christmas Eco-Fashionista's Girl's Night In - Thurs December 10, Blick Studios, Belfast. For more information log onto thechangingroomni.com
FASHION & BEAUTY > 27
December 2009
CURIOUS ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN DO? LOCAL designer and boutique Curious Tales creates and sells outrageous upcycled designer jackets, corsets and accessories for those with an individual sense of style, as well as a range of quirky organic T-shirts. Influenced by Victorian silhouettes the label combines a passion for vintage clothing, twisted tailoring and storytelling. Using an eclectic mix of colour, pattern and texture, garments are recycled into new pieces, blending pinstripe suits with vintage dresses, ties, jewellery, blazers, shirts and kilts.
Julie Anne-Graham, owner of Curious Tales, has given us her top tips on how to “upcycle” your tired old jackets and including a unique corset making templates for you try it at home. 1. Revamp a jacket and a jumper You can give a boring jacket an injection of colour and pattern just by changing the sleeves. One of my favourite things to do is chop the sleeve off at the elbow. Just cut straight across and then pin the lining to the outer fabric of the jacket, then zig zag along the edge on the sewing machine. Then cut part of a sleeve the same length off a jumper and swap. You will then have two new revamped pieces for the price of one. The jumper looks more interesting and so does the jacket. 2. Tie belts Turn your dad's old tie into a belt. All you need is a buckle, an eyelet gun and some buttons. You can get all these things from craft shops. Pick a buckle which is the right size by measuring the width of the thin end of the tie. Sew the buckle onto the large end of the tie and decorate this area by sewing on odd buttons. Measure your waist. Measure the tie and mark your waist measurement on it. Use the eyelet gun to make eyelets up and down from this point. Voila! You have transformed your old tie. 3. Make a corsage out of scraps of fabric (right) Get scraps of fabric in different colours and patterns. Decide on how big you want your corsage to be. Cut out a square of fabric this size. Then cut out smaller squares of fabric which gradually descend in size. Four or five squares altogether should do the trick. Check out the worksheet attached for exactly how to make it. A corsage will always brighten up a dull looking jacket and give it a new lease of life. For more top tips and great ideas or to buy one of Julie Anne’s creations log onto curioustales.com
GETTING CRAFTY IN THE CITY CENTRE LAST month Belfast’s newest craft haven launched in the city centre. The Craft Workshop and Crafty Manor tearooms is the brainchild of craftswoman, artist and hairdresser Emma Gilles. Situated in the elegant old Parsons Emma G and Parsons building on Wellington Place, Craft illes Workshop offers customers innovative art, gloriously old-fashioned tea-drinking and cutting-edge hair and make-up. Filled with affordable design and hip craft, vintage items and customised furniture and clothes by local designers, Craft Workshop represents an exciting new departure for Belfast. For more information call into The Craft Workshop, Wellington Place, Belfast or log onto craft-workshop.com
YELLOW teeth are ageing and unflattering. That’s why Pearl Drops are a lifesaver for party goers – you just paint a thin layer on your teeth and voila – you’ve got a smile at least two shades whiter than before, enough to make Simon Cowell jealous. Available from Boots and Superdrug, priced £2.99.
FASHION God Tom Ford’s range of perfumes for women are already a huge hit this season. Available at Victoria Square in Belfast, the former Creative Director of Gucci is famous for his sexy signature scents and the new Tom Ford White Patchouli is a classic in the making. An inspired reworking of one of perfumery’s most distinctive scents. Patchouli is synonymous with earthy beauty and non-conventional glamour. Available in House of Fraser, prices start at £30 for a touch point.
RITUALS has fast become one of the most coveted brands in Victoria Square at the minute. The first brand in the world to combine home and body cosmetics, the inspiring products are of the highest quality. Their cosmetic range the Pure Colour Duo eyeshadow features timeless colours and are sure to become an instant staple in your make-up bag. Prices start a £6.75.
MAKEUP brand Clinique has launched its latest colour collection Black Tie Violets. From violet berries to rich plums, purple is this season's new red. This range features a range of girly violet tones with the Full Potential Lips Plump & Shine, a multi-purpose, high-shine lip gloss which instantly and over time makes even the most modest lips appear fuller, softer and more contoured. Shimmering Stripes Blusher leaves a pearly, luminous look in rich plum shades. Also available is the High Impact Mascara which gives an intense, glamorous, dressed-up lashes in a flash. For more information or to buy log onto www.clinique.co.uk
28 < FASHION & BEAUTY
December 2009 THE Winter months can be harsh on your hair so it’s important to restore its condition. Why not treat yourself this Christmas and indulge your locks in Schwarzkof Professional’s Fango Mud Masque. Made of mineral rich volcano mud it gently absorbs excess oil and pollution particles that can damage hair. Available from Hair Traffic Academy, Rosemary Street Belfast, priced £16.25.
IF you have make-up stashed in every pocket and drawer in your house you should invest in a beauty box. With compartments for everything including brushes you can store all your essentials compactly together. Available in various sizes and patterns starting from £10.95 from beauty-boxes.com
SOS for your hands! Prevent your hands from cracking and chapping this winter with Rose Centfolia Hand Treatment Cream. The rich formula is easily absorbed and the vitamin E it contains means cells can repair and regenerate. It’s the essential TLC for hands – containing a wealth of natural active ingredients to protect the skin from signs of ageing and environmental damage. Priced £10, for stockists and mail order 0845 7023239 or log onto florislondon.com.
WITH the harsh weather taking it’s toll on our skin one thing many of us forget is our lips. Blistex have launched a new Lip Massage which protects your lips from dryness, by giving them a moisturising exfoliation treatment that leaves them feeling hydrated and silky smooth. Lip Massage has a uniquely designed tip, with soft pliable ridges that first massages away the rough spots on the lips, removing dryness to make moisturising more effective. Blistex Lip Massage is priced from £2.49 and is available in Boots, Sainsbury’s and all good chemists.
TV presenter Lisa Snowdon has launched a new range of fruity shampoos and conditioners with Schwarzkopf. And she’s also recorded a this step-by-step video guide giving top tips on how to get perfect silky smooth hair. Search for them on YouTube and see how the Supersoft Smoothies range gently cleanses, moisturises and nourishes hair making it softer and stronger. Supersoft Smoothies are priced around £1.95. For stockists, call Schwarzkopf on 0800 328 9214.
GEMMA’S HOT TRENDS FAUX Fur is all the rage on the high street with an emphasis on the vintage looks. Miss Selfridge Dalmation Print Faux Fur Coat (£80)
ELEGANT and sophisticated, leather is no longer just for bikers. The cuts for this season are feminine and sexy with sleek lines and figure-hugging tailoring. Dorothy Perkins studded biker jacket (£120)
WINTER is one of my favourite seasons which means it’s time for chunky knits. Long chunky cardigans and jumpers are popular this season especially teamed with skinny TWEED has made another comeback. It’s the trend jeans and boots. that will always return to the catwalks and high street. Freemans dress Sainsbury grey jacket (£30) (£20)
MEN’S FASHION & BEAUTY > 29
December 2009
Get suited and booted for less Top tips for male grooming by STEPHEN HOLLYWOOD news@fameinc.co.uk
BEFORE buying an expensive suit, always shop around in well known bargain stores. It’s amazing how much u can save by doing this. Shops like Primark and TK Maxx can save you a fortune and the quality of the cloth is surprisingly good. And once you do decide where you’re going to get yours here are a few tips to consider:
reach your shoes and have a slight break. Cuffed or uncuffed is your choice, but keep in mind that cuffless makes you look taller if you happen to be a little shorter.
Make sure the waistline is comfortable and you can stick two fingers into the waist while wearing them. As far as pleats are concerned, it’s usually a personal preference. However, as a general rule, pleats are better for those with larger tummies and not a good idea for those who are thin.
SLEEVE LENGTH Make sure your sleeve length is right on, otherwise you will look like you borrowed someone else’s suit. If the sleeve covers your shirt cuff, it’s too long. It should just reach the base of your thumb, revealing a half inch to an inch of your shirt cuff. The jacket should fit easily across your stomach. No matter whether you go for a two, three or four button it’s important to ensure you don’t look like you’re bursting out. Citybeat star ROBIN ELLIOTT is known for his sharp suits.
GENERAL FIT
You should be able to stretch and bend easily in your suit. Make sure you have free movement of your arms. As TROUSER HEM a test, bring your arms out Nothing says sloppy more straight in front of you and try than a pile of fabric at your sitting in a chair and pretend ankle. Your trouser leg should you are working.
EARLIER this year Eamon McCrory (right) was crowned Northern Ireland’s Sexiest Man by Pepsi and Northern Woman magazine. CITY caught up with him to see just what it takes to be a male beauty king.
What does your typical daily regime consist of? “Trimming or shaving my beard, jumping in the shower washing all my bits and bobs especialy behind my ears. “Once I’m nice and clean and dried and have brushed my teeth, its Nivea body spray followed by a little moisturiser - usually only when needed. Then once the hair Is skincare important to you ? is done, its a the key to it all... “Yes of course skincare is imporaftershave, got to smell nice for tant to me but at the same time I the ladies.” like to work hard and play hard Do you use products like mois- er.”
JACKET WAIST TROUSER FIT
Sexiest Man reveals his beauty secrets
turiser or exfoliator ? “I do, however I would not be the biggest user of a lot of different products, I stick to the same few that I have used for a while.”
What aftershave do you use? “I used to wear 212 by Carolina Herrera and now I’m wearing D&G - The One.”
What shaving products do you use? “I tend to trim my beard rather then shaving it so I use the Remington Barba Professional Beard Trimmer.”
What you ever get a manicure or beauty treatment? “Well if a massage is regarded as a beauty treatment than, yes I definitely would.” Compiled by Andrea Clarke
ROBIN IS WEARING Black Remus Uomo suit - £180 Black shirt from Next - £25 Swarovski tie by Maxi - £250 Vintage diamonte pin - £48 Photograph by Fabrizio Belluschi
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30 < TRAVEL
A
irline easyJet is set to launch a schedule of flights from George Best Belfast City Airport twice a day to London next year. From January 7 the company will move its operation between London Luton and Belfast International Airport to the east Belfast airport. The move is a result of easyJet’s plans to assess if passengers find a benefit in flying through an airport closer to Belfast when travelling on shorter routes.
December 2009
Travel NOTICE
Passengers who have already booked to travel between Luton and Belfast International from 7 January onwards will be contacted and advised they can either transfer free of charge to the Belfast City route or claim a full refund But the airline’s commitment to maintaining marketleading services for the Northern Ireland market overall remains unaltered
and the bulk of its operations here will remain at Belfast International. easyJet will continue to offer its flights to Gatwick and Stansted from Belfast International. Trevor Spinks, easyJet’s Northern Ireland marketing manager, said: “easyJet is committed to Northern Ireland. We are No1 in the region, but we are not complacent. “That is why we want to see if our passengers flying on selected shorter routes would prefer to fly
via Belfast City Airport. The only way to actually do this properly is to run a route from there. “We will take our time in assessing the passenger feedback and then decide how best to configure our operations between the two airports in the longer term.” Brian Ambrose, chief executive of George Best Belfast City Airport, said: "We are delighted that easyJet has selected Luton as its first destination from Belfast City - a route we
LONDO N
Tower B ridg
e
currently do not offer and one I am sure will be popular. “I am certain that the continuing private investment by our owners in the airport’s infrastructure, aimed at
enhancing the customer experience, will appeal to easyJet’s passengers. “The arrival of another premier airline to Belfast City will be welcome news for our growing customer base.”
Seats for the new route are on sale at www.easyjet.com with fares from £21.99 one way (£45.98 return inc taxes). Prices correct at time of print
An easy way to warm up this Winter BY
NICKY PETRIE As the days get shorter and the weather colder it’s no surprise most of us spend our time dreaming of somewhere warmer. For many people a winter holiday is the answer. To give you an idea of some well-priced options CITY have teamed up with Northern Ireland’s favourite airline easyJet.
Alicante
T
he city of Alicante is probably one of the Costa Blanca's best kept secrets, for many tourists simply use the airport and fail to visit this wonderful city.
Its original name "Lucentum” translates as "City of Light”. You can't fail to notice the impressive Santa Barbara Castle overlooking Alicante City. It's one of the largest medieval fortresses in
Alicante is located on Spain's eastern coast, about halfway down the Costa Blanca to the south of Valencia and Benidorm. Alicante is one of Spain's oldest cities, tracing its history back to the Romans more than 2,000 years ago.
Europe and covers the complete summit of the Benacantil Mountain. This castle has everything you would expect, cannons, a palace, dungeons, a moat, the ruins of a small church and the famous lookout tower. From all around the walls you get the most fantastic views: a definite photo opportunity. With many historical buildings around the entire city, Alicante offers countless sightseeing attractions, from cathedrals to churches. and for a touch of luxury, meander down to the marina where you can have a taste of the finer things in life! Alicante has great shopping areas and you can easily spend all day long walking around the city centre shops: or you can visit the popular street markets, where you will find just about everything… such as antiques and the region’s fresh fruit and vegetable produce. easyJet flies from Belfast International Airport to Alicante four times per week, with fares from £35.99 (one way including taxes)
Belfast City to
Luton £21.99 from
single inc. taxes
Price correct as at 21 October 2009. Book and travel between 07 January and 30 September 2010. Variable charges for hold baggage apply and some payment methods attract a handling fee. See website for details.
TRAVEL > 31
December 2009
I Malaga
A
s one of the most popular year-round holiday destinations, the Costa del Sol has over 100 miles of coastline and a variety of resorts to select from. The tranquil resort of Nerja is a peaceful haven along a busy coastline. It’s relatively unspoilt, so you'll find no concrete highrises here, just breathtaking views and pretty coves hugging the sparkling Mediterranean waters. Benalmadena Costa is the main tourist area with its nine kilometres of golden sandy beaches and beautiful marina, which is one of the most "happening" places on the Spanish coastline. The chic, cosmopolitan marina is overflowing with everything from small fishing boats to multi-million pound yachts. Benalmadena is also ideally placed for visiting the many delights of Andalucia, including the beautiful "white villages" of the hinterland and the historic cities of Granada, Seville, Jerez and Cadiz. You can even pop over to Africa for the day - it's only a 20-minute ferry ride from Algeciras to Tangier where you can visit the Kasbah, take in the incredible views of the Straits of Gibraltar and neighbouring Spain, before haggling over a carpet at the Grand Socco (large market). Next stop along the coast is Fuengirola; another favorite choice
for families because of its fabulous beaches and great shopping…and a trip to Fuengirola Zoo is an absolute must. Further south still you'll come across the affluent resorts of Puerto Banus and Marbella, playgrounds of the rich and famous and the ideal places to do some star spotting around the restaurants and bars at the prosperous marinas.
easyJet operates four flights per week to Malaga from Belfast International Airport from £23.99 (one way including taxes)
I Faro
T
he city of Faro in southern Portugal is the gateway to the Algarve and the main entry point for the millions of visitors who visit the country’s beautiful southern coast every year. With a coastline that runs the length of its Mediterranean coast, the Algarve has a sunny climate and mild winter temperatures, making it a popular year-round holiday destination. The coast stretches to the west through the resorts of Vilamoura, Albufeira, Lagos and Sagres, among many others.
Faro offers stunning beaches, fantastic weather throughout the year, and is a superb place to go for a family beach holiday or a romantic short break. Dubbed a playground for the rich and famous, it's easy to see why this fashionable region attracts visitors from all over the world. There are lovely sandy beaches, rocky coves, marinas, cobbled streets, gypsy markets, water sports and world-famous golf courses. Many of the Algarve's seaside resorts started life as sleepy little fishing villages and, while a lot have retained their traditional charm and tranquillity despite the increase in tourist traffic, others have expanded into busy holiday destinations with superb water sports, varied family entertainment and vibrant nightlife. The Algarve is popular with golfers at any time of the year, but especially during the winter when the sun is not so hot and a stroll around the course is extremely pleasant. The rocky coastline, mild winter temperatures and fantastic golf courses ensure that the Algarve will continue to be one of the most popular winter sun destinations easyJet flies from Belfast International Airport to Faro for many years to come. twice a week, with fares from £30.99 (one way including taxes)
8 out of 10
LATEST figures produced by th e Civil Aviation Autho rity have confi rmed that airline easy Jet flies to eigh t out of the top ten inte rnational dest inations from Belfast. The top ten are : Palma, Malag a, Faro, Paris, Barcelon a, New York, A licante, Amsterdam, A rrecife (Lanzaro te), Nice
Belfast City to
Luton £21.99 from
single inc. taxes
Price correct as at 21 October 2009. Book and travel between 07 January and 30 September 2010. Variable charges for hold baggage apply and some payment methods attract a handling fee. See website for details.
it im e* t l ag gh gg a ei w db o n N ha r fo
Wake up to our new, time-saving route!
You can fly with easyJet to Luton from the heart of Belfast City, saving you valuable time on every business trip.
Northern Ireland’s favourite airline
Better for Business
Price correct as at 21 October 2009. Book and travel between 07 January and 30 September 2010. “Northern Ireland’s favourite airline” claim based on OAG data for Winter 2009. *One piece of hand luggage per passenger. Size restrictions apply, maximum dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20 cm. Variable charges for hold baggage apply and some payment methods attract a handling fee. See website for details.
TRAVEL > 33
December 2009
Winter St$r Spott IF you want to try a bit of star spotting this winter then why not head off to one of easyJet’s favourite celebrity destinations. One of the best celebrity hotspots is right on your doorstep…and with a choice of flying from Belfast International Airport or George Best Belfast City Airport into London – it’s a quick hop to one of the world’s most famous cities. Here’s our top three cities: London
Paris
With regular film premieres, concerts, fashion shows and football matches, London is a hotbed for celebrities and a great place to catch a glimpse of the rich and famous. SPOT THE STARS: What a great excuse to go shopping…..the cheapest way to catch a glimpse of the great and the good is to join them at the shops. Department stores such as Harvey Nichols, Selfridges and, of course, Harrods are favourites with A-listers. The beautiful boutiques of Bond Street are a big draw to the stars of stage and screen and you’re likely to spot a number of stars relaxing around Covent Garden, Carnaby Street and the market at Camden Lock.
Where better to fan the flames of love and do a bit of celebrity spotting than the City of Love. For many years Paris has been the ultimate getaway for couples, celebrities and non-celebrities alike. WHO’S BEEN THERE? Gwyneth Paltrow is a huge fan of Paris, since she was taken there as a child by her late father and, of course, this is where Tom Cruise proposed to Katie Holmes. Spot the stars: To spot celebrities in Paris, hang out at one of the many trendy restaurants. One top celebrity hangout, an Italian restaurant called Le Stresa, is said to be a favorite among the European A-listers.
easyJet has a great schedule into London with 12 flights per day from Belfast International Airport to London Gatwick, Stansted and Luton with fares from £24.99 (one way including taxes). Flights from Belfast City Airport to London Luton commence from January 7, 2010.
easyJet operates daily flights from Belfast International Airport to Paris, with fares from £21.99 (one way including taxes).
KATHERINE JENKINS in Bond Street, London
Marbella, Spain WHO’S BEEN THERE? Katie Price (and her “good friend”, cage fighter Alex Reid), Piers Morgan, Sean Connery and Simon Cowell are among this celebrity playground’s fans. SPOT THE STARS: Hang out at the marina at Puerto Banus, just west of the main town: this is where the rich and famous moor their yachts while they hit the designer stores and nightclubs. easyJet flies from Belfast International Airport to Malaga 4 times per week, with fares from £23.99 (one way including taxes).
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34 < TRAVEL/SHOPPING
Continental Market returns to Belfast
December 2009
Christmas Markets
BY DAVID GORDON
I
t used to be the huge tree in the grounds of City Hall that encapsulated the spirit of Christmas in Belfast, however, in recent years the Continental Market has brought that extra sparkle to the festive season. More than 750,000 people visited the Market last year - and obviously news of its popularity has spread - as this year it promises to be even bigger and better than ever. exotic meats from around the world, With many new traders coming to crepes from Brittany, gorgeous Greek Belfast for the first time, not only from dips, garlic soup from Switzerland and Europe, but from as far afield as the the ever popular giant bratwurst from North Pole, Asia, Africa and the United Germany, sizzling hot from the giant States the market is now confirmed as a Schwenkegrille. foodie’s paradise. A new arrival this year is Indian chef Visitors can tantalize their tastebuds Jaz Bansil, who will be cooking up tasty with Julian Jimenez’ Spanish paella, takeaway treats to suit all palettes. Local wonderful fresh filled toasted baguettes,
produce will also be on offer, including delicious ‘Rocket and Relish’ burgers and Foster’s handmade chocolates For those with a sweet tooth, there are waffles dripping in melted chocolate, Dutch pancakes, Italian nougat and biscotti, and two brand new chocolate experiences. And if it’s the liquid refreshment you’re after, why not sample a glass of warming gluhwein or liqueur coffee as you wander around. Visitors may wish to watch the Christmas rush go by and relax in Lavery’s International Marquee, or sample the great German and Continental beers from the newly remodelled Franzisskaaner German bar. Also returning this year will be our own Hilden Brewery, with their special brews. For wine connoisseurs, a visit
Markus Kochem’s wine stand is a must: his father is known as the ‘Jewel of the Moselle’ and his family grow the grapes and produce the wine from their own vineyards along the Moselle Valley. If you’re seeking inspiration for that unusual Christmas gift you’ll be spoilt for choice in the array of stalls including hand-painted Russian dolls, leather handbags purses and wallets from France, a fantastic selection of candles, eco-friendly bags, jewellery, or ‘smellies’ from Provence. There are also some very unusual items on offer, including natural carved wooden furniture, statues, figurines from Kenya and unique metal wall art from Thailand. Kids aren’t forgotten in the celebrations, a fabulous new children’s carousel will be on site - and Santa will be in residence inside a magical forest.
The Market will be open from 9am - 8pm on Monday – Wednesday, 9am – 10pm Thursday - Saturday and 1pm - 6pm on Sundays, from Tuesday 17 November until Saturday 19 December. Santa will be at the market every day between 3pm and 6pm Monday –Friday, 10am – 7pm on Saturdays and 1pm – 6pm on Sundays.
TRAVEL/SHOPPING > 35
December 2009
. . . and if you want to head off somewhere different for
your Christmas shopping this year
A
. . . why not turn it into a mini-break or holiday
irline easyJet have a series of destinations that for just a little of your Christmas budget can take all the stresses and strains of shopping at home away. Trevor Spinks, easyJet’s Northern Ireland marketing manager, said: “Christmas can be one of the busiest and most stressful times of the year. In addition to the pressures of finding the ‘perfect gift’, there are friends to meet, parties to attend and family to keep happy. “Heading off to another city is a great experience. People can combine a relaxing break with shopping in a less-crowded environment, and in many of the Christmas markets they’ll find attractive presents that aren’t available at home
Shoes fashion in Paris
the market creates an extra special atmosphere. Dates: 26 November – 6 December
Glasgow Glasgow is the second largest shopping centre in the UK, making it an ideal destination for a festive retail expedition! There is a fantastic choice on offer from major UK high street stores, smaller boutiques, department stores and a wide variety of specialty shops, including craft and antique outlets. Glasgow will be welcoming a traditional Christmas market into St. Enoch’s Square. With numerous traders from all over Europe and, of course, highly-qualified Scottish craftspeople, visitors can enjoy the festive atmosphere of the Yuletide. Dates: 27 November – 24 December
Christmas in Paris is truly spectacular. Over 250 Christmas trees are planted at the Champs-Elysees roundabout. The two most impressive and traditional markets are La Defense and Les Halles. La Defense is in the west of the city and is one of the most impressive markets –
it even has an ice rink. Les Halles is in the city centre and offers wonderfully decorated streets and stalls packed with festive fare. Free concerts are held in the city’s churches during the Festival d’Art Sacré, in the weeks up to Christmas. Dates: 25 November to 27 December
Krakow
Bath (fly to Bristol)
The wintry weather usually makes Krakow a White Christmas city. Its splendid architecture is highlighted and Yuletide – complete with Christmas trees and carols – continues until the end of January. The main Christmas market is in the city's massive Rynek (Market Square), and perhaps the best thing about it is all the hearty Polish food and drink: steaming mulled wine (Grzaniec galicyjski), hot sausages and interesting specialities such as fried oscypek cheese. Follow your nose and you'll sniff out all the best treats. Apart from that, the market is packed with all sorts of crafts and potential Christmas presents, from cheap and cheerful to classy and relatively expensive. Dates: 1 December – 31 December
Each year, the beautiful area between the stunning Bath Abbey and the internationally renowned visitor attraction, the Roman Baths, is transformed into a Christmas shopper's haven - the Bath Christmas market. In the heart of Bath's main shopping district, 123 traditional wooden chalets adorn the streets, each one offering unique, handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and food items - everything you will need for the perfect Christmas celebration… even for those family members who are normally impossible to buy for! Bath Abbey provides a stunning backdrop to the market site and hosts a full programme of Christmas services, including special, shorter ‘shoppers services’. The sound of carols echoing around the Abbey and drifting through
Paris
Barcelona Barcelona has a lot to offer at this time of year. The old buildings, narrow streets of the old town and friendly atmosphere make it a great winter destination. The beautiful and plentiful squares are also generally filled with various markets, offering a great place to stroll around as well as buy great gifts. Fira de Santa Llúcia is probably Barcelona’s best-known and classic Christmas market. There is an undeniably Christmassy feel to the market particularly in the evening, when the lights of the market glisten against the backdrop of the impressive cathedral that it sits in front of. Dates: 29 November - 23 December
Christmas Market in Bath
ROUTE Belfast – Barcelona Belfast – Krakow Belfast – Paris Belfast –Bristol Belfast – Glasgow
*FARES from £ £23.99 £26.99 £21.99 £17.99 £21.99
*Fares from Belfast International Airport - one way including taxes Book on www.easyJet.com Prices correct at time of print
36 < FOOD & DRINK
December 2009
A flavour of down under in Belfast
BY DAVID GORDON news@fameinc.co.uk
“Espresso Elements is a place totally devoted to coffee. “The focus will be on providing the very best in fresh quality-driven espresso with the aim of expanding the concept across Northern Ireland opening five new units over the next three years” said Kevin. “We will be very hands on in the business ensuring that we are producing the best coffee there is.” Espresso Elements is the brainchild of Jade and Callum Power who flew to Belfast ahead of the first
opening outside Australia. Callum said: “Over the past number of years, we have been actively looking for a suitable location to establish the Espresso Elements brand outside of Australia.” In addition to a wide range of premium single origin blends fair-trade, organic and decaf will also be served alongside loose leaf teas and twenty-one unique flavours of drinking chocolate that include mint, coconut, tiramisu and proving to be a big hit with kids in Australia, chilli.
£29.95 per person with live band and music.
ESPRESSO Elements, an Australian inspired coffee house, has opened it’s doors on Belfast’s Lisburn Road, boosting the local economy with the creation of ten jobs and an initial investment in excess of £200,000. The Espresso Elements franchise has been brought to Northern Ireland by former-accountants and coffee enthusiasts Kevin and Frances Johnston following on from a period of traveling across Australia a number of years ago.
Entertainment in RGB:
RBG recipe of the month
Christmas Dinner: from £30.00 per person with live entertainment each night during December
Special offer: Book a dinner Monday - Wednesday in December and organiser goes free (min. 8 pax per booking)*
New Years Eve Dinner:
Thursday night - Guitarist Mark Graham Friday & Saturday night - DJ Tessa Greer Sunday - Kyle Suckling
Madras Vegetable Curry with Basmati rice and mint yoghurt
Park Inn Belfast 4 Clarence Street West Belfast BT2 7GP Northern Ireland Tel +44 (0) 28 90677700 info.belfast@rezidorparkinn.com www.rbgbelfast.co.uk
*Terms and conditions apply
RGB Bar & Grill
2 pc. Onion, 1 pc. Carrot 1 pc. Leek, 1/2 bg. Spinach 1 pc. Hot chili, 6 cloves Garlic 3 tbs. Tomato paste 2 tbs. Mango chutney 3 tbs. Madras curry paste 2 tbs. Vegetable boullion mixed with 1 1/2 litre water 150 ml. Plain natural yogurt 300 gr. Roast vegetables - carrot, butternut squash, onion, zucchini. Add cooked chick peas and spinach leaves. Yogurt raita 125 gr. Natural yogurt mixed with sweat for a few minutes. Add boullion julienne of cucumber and corriander. and simmer for 1/2 hour. Puree with stick 100 gr. Rice blender. Simmer with 25 gr. Poppadomes to garnish yogurt and season with salt. Roast the vegPreparation: etables in oven. Mix each order with the Sweat onions, garlic and hot chili in 50 ml roasted vegetables. oil. Add tomato and curry paste. Add veg- Add cooked chick peas and spinach leaves etable and continue to at the end. Garnish with corriander.
FOOD & DRINK > 37
December 2009
Less than 20 per cent of people will cut Christmas food budget despite gloomy recession ture on Christmas Dinner Food Miles. Asda, Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s and Tesco all stock key Christmas dinner ingredients from local farms. The 4Food survey also found that:
When it comes to trying to save money 50 per cent would opt for a cheaper version of their Christmas dinner as a whole rather than sacrifice just one part of it. Despite the credit crunch, some consumers are making ethical choices when purchasing ingredients for Christmas dinner. Shopping for locally sourced foods. Supermarkets are responding to consumer demand for local food according to 4Food’s fea-
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THE gloom of recession hasn’t stopped people wanting a traditional Christmas dinner. Only 17 per cent who said they’d be involved in cooking and shopping for a Christmas dinner will be cutting their food budget this year, with three out of five people planning to spend the same amount of money as they did last year, according to the exclusive Big Christmas Dinner survey by 4Food Channel 4’s food website.
More info - channel4.com/food
THE British Turkey industry says buying a whole turkey complete with legs, wings and a carcass for the stockpot makes sense in a year when, still shocked by the credit crisis, we all need the reassurance of value for money. Find full recipes on www.britishturkey.co.uk or try this one
Leftover Turkey with Spicy Coconut Sauce Serves 4 Preparation Time: 20 minutes Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients 2tbsp sunflower oil 500g/1lb 2oz leftover turkey, cut into bite size pieces 3 shallots, peeled and sliced 2 courgettes, trimmed and sliced 1 red pepper, deseeded and sliced 2tsp ground turmeric 1tsp chilli powder, 2tsp cornflour 200ml/7fl oz turkey stock 200ml/7fl oz coconut milk 2 pineapple rings, chopped, 50g cashew nuts, lightly toasted 1 bunch of leaf coriander, chopped
Method
Heat oil in a large pan and add the shallots, courgettes and red pepper. Gently fry for 5 mins, stirring occasionally. Add turmeric and chilli powder, cook for 1 minute. Mix the cornflour with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth and stir into the pan with the stock. Stir until boiling, lower the heat and add the turkey to the pan. Cover and cook gently for 15 minutes. Stir in the coconut milk and season to taste. Add the pineapple and simmer for a further 5 minutes. Serve with the cashews and coriander scattered over, alongside boiled rice, chutneys and naan bread.
O w p e o n
N
• 80 per cent would not consider going veggie on Christmas Day to reduce their carbon footprint. • More than half of the 35-54 year olds surveyed will use leftovers and vegetable peelings to make compost. • 46 per cent of people will be cooking the entire meal from scratch. • 40 per cent of people expect to spend between three and six hours cooking their Christmas feast. • 1/3 of people will have polished off the entire Christmas dinner in under an hour.
Leftover turkey recipe idea
Be part of the market experience... St George’s Market Bar & Grill brings a new and exciting focus to dining out in Belfast. Located 1st floor of St George’s Market, Belfast, this new venue provides the perfect atmosphere for drinks, dining and group bookings/events.
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38 < LIFESTYLE
WEDDING OF I’D DO ANYTHING STAR
RACHEL TUCKER Exclusive by TINA CALDER tina@fameinc.co.uk Pictures by FABRIZIO BELLUSCHI
I’D Do Anything star Rachel Tucker finally said “I do” to theatre director Guy Retallack on Thursday at a star-studded ceremony in Belfast earlier this year. And CITY were given full exclusive access by the West End star who has just completed a run in the hit musical We Will Rock You. Speaking before her evening reception Rachel said: “My favourite part of the day was walking up the aisle with my dad and looking at everybody – all my friends and family in the church, then seeing my husband-to-be at the top of the aisle. “When it was all over I can remember the first words Guy said ‘I love you, I’m so proud of you’. “There’s been so much work put into this day that I just can’t thank people enough from Wedding Planners Ant & Dick who helped me with everything from stationery to suits and to all my friends and family who helped make this day so fantastic.” And Guy was just as pleased with how the day went but was more focussed on his new bride, saying: “With Rachel what you see is what you get, she is absolutely the same with everybody. She is the happiest, most energetic person I have ever met and the only person I want to travel with – and I mean that in the metaphorical sense – she is just a great person to enjoy life with.”
LIFESTYLE > 39
2.20pm
For the first time ever in her life Rachel was in danger of missing curtain up as she arrived at the church a little later than expected. Her dad Tommy made it an entrance to remember singing the old-fashioned variety tune I Want A Girl (Just Like The Girl Who Married Dear Old Dad). Speaking on the steps of the Cathedral Rachel said: “When we first got together I was only 23 and Guy was 40. “But I didn’t care, I knew I had very strong feelings for him. Once my family met him they understood why I had fallen in love with him and since then he’s been one of the family.”
2.30pm
Rachel posed at the entrance to the historic St Anne’s Cathedral in Belfast for photographers before making the journey up the aisle to husband-to-be Guy. Rachel told CITY before she went through the doors: “Some people thought it wouldn’t last but he’s my soul mate. He gives me something extra I could never get from a younger man. I can’t wait to marry him.”
2.35pm
Bridesmaids Margaret and Christine Kelly (dressed in beautiful full-length coral Dessy dresses from Perfect Day Bridal), flower-girl Kellyann O’Kane and page-boy Ryan Kelly lead the procession down the aisle to the live sounds of trumpet voluntary and the Cathedral’s organist. Rachel followed looking radiant in a classically styled ivory gown from London bridal house Bellice.
2.40pm
A smiling Guy beamed with joy as his stunning bride-to-be raced down the aisle to be with him. After a few hymns and readings, the marriage ceremony - including the giving and receiving of rings – was underway. And as Reverend Tim Close declared the couple man and wife the congregation – or audience as Rachel would be used to – erupted into rapturous applause.
3.10pm 3.20pm 3.40pm
The happy couple finally sit together and while the rest of the church is engrossed in the final minutes of the ceremony, Rachel and Guy steal a long-awaited kiss away from the crowd. As Rachel & Guy go to sign the marriage register, fellow I’d Do Anything contestants Niamh Perry and Jessie Buckley treat guests by singing Bach/Gonoud’s Ave Maria.
Newly weds emerge from the Cathedral greeted by friends, family and onlookers they release traditional white doves symbolising peace, love and serenity. Then a surprise, organised by Rachel’s sister Margaret, a lucky chimney sweep turned up to be the first to greet the bride singing his traditional lucky poem.
3.50pm
As the official photography begins and video-graphers Captured Images take record of the day, Rachel and Guy spend time talking to guests and on-lookers on the steps of St Anne’s. Guy said: “I’m feeling absolutely fantastic, it has been amazing, it’s just been a joy from the beginning to the end. “All I can say to her is ‘thank you for agreeing to be my wife’.”
Lavender Cupcakes has rapidly become the sought after supplier of Cupcakes for Weddings, Parties and Corporate Events in Northern Ireland.
4.00pm
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The couple are back on the road to The Dunadry in Templepatrick where 150 guests wait for their arrival. Guests are welcomed red-carpet style at the hotel with a personalised carpet with “R & G, September 24, 2009” from weddingrunner.com guiding them into the main ballroom. CITY editor Tina Calder meets Rachel & Guy in the gardens to talk about how they’re feeling before the reception. Rachel revealed: “I’m on top of the world. Everybody says it’s going to be the best day of your life but this has well and truly outshone anything I thought it was going to be”.
6.00pm
Giant Christmas Cupcake Find us at St George's Food and Garden Market, call 07897 630941
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Rachel and Guy spend time talking to their guests including Hollyoaks actor Gerard McCarthy as well as I’d Do Anything stars Ashley Russell, Samantha Barks, Jessie Buckley and Niamh Perry. The happy couple even took time to have a dance to swing singer James Huish singing in the background.
6.30pm 7.30pm
Guests sit down to a meal of roasted vegetable soup, chicken, ham, wild mushrooms and seasonal vegetables. Groom Guy and best man John Retallack make their speeches to the room. Guy said: “The day I met Rachel for the first time I was transfixed and did everything I could to make sure I met her again.”
8.00pm
After cutting the cake the new Mr and Mrs Retallack retired to their room to freshen up. As the evening reception guests begin to arrive Rachel’s dad Tommy prepares for a performance. As the night gets underway, Tommy, Rachel and sister Margaret all take to the floor to perform a range of musical and cabaret classics. Want a wedding like Rachel? Then why not use some of her suppliers: St Anne’s Cathedral, Marriage venue. www.belfastcathedral.org; The Dunadry, Reception. www.dunadry.com; Holywood Brides, Bride’s wedding dress. www.holywoodbrides.co.uk | 028 9042 8114; Youngs Hire, Best man and grooms men suits. www.youngs-hire.co.uk | 0289 4469179; Perfect Day, Bridesmaid dresses. www.perfectdayni.com | 028 38 321607; Ant & Dick, Wedding Planners . www.antanddick.com; Wedding Runner, Reception carpet. www.weddingrunner.com | 00 353 42 942 0122; Lighthouse Drawing Rooms, Wedding stationery. www.lighthousecards.co.uk | 028 9064 3114 Captured Images, Videographer. www.capturedimagesni.co.uk | 02892660673; Also a big thank you from Rachel goes to: Little Flower School, girls choir, Chambers Coach Hire. 4everphotos, Cancer life Line-North Belfast, Pam at the Patchwork Goose, Maureens flourist, Paddy McGurgan
hand painted in northern ireland specialising in Wedding Stationery Greetings Cards Personalised Cards & Corporate Christmas commissions welcome!
www.lighthousecards.co.uk telephone: 028 9064 3114
40 < HOMES & FAMILY
December 2009
Bag yourself a BRADLEY INTERNATIONALLY acclaimed Belfast artist Terry Bradley is offering one lucky CITY reader the opportunity to get a limited edition signed print from his latest collection. All you have to do to enter is answer this simple question: Where was Terry’s recent Belfast exhibition held ?
(Tip - see page 24 & 25)
(a) The Old Bank Building, Donegall Street (b) The Merchant Hotel, Waring Street (c) The Linenhall Library, Belfast Text CITY BRADLEY plus your answer to 82727, texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate - full T&C’s on page 2.
terrybradley.com Let’s go out for the day!
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MOTORS > 41 Laura Lacole w as styled by Andrea Clark e. Photography by Fabrizio Bellu schi. Dress from DV8, High Stre et. Hair by Rog ue, Bedford Street . Nails by New York City Nai ls, Chichester Street. Makeu p by Ilamasqu a
•••
MEN, MOTORS & MUSIC with LAURA LACOLE MOTORS MEN - EVERYBODY’S been talking about Robbie William’s comeback. Speculating about what made him so rubbish during his appearance on the X Factor. I say SO WHAT! Robbie William’s is a smasher. I love him. His down to earth and not caring what people think attitude is brilliant. He’s ballsy, sometimes cocky, but yet still adorable and has that winning cheeky grin. I’d have him as my best mate if I could, who I slightly and not so secretly anymore, fancy! Reality Killed The Video Star by Robbie Williams is out now.
WHO IS SHE? AS Northern Ireland’s only glamour model 20-year-old Laura Lacole has joined the CITY team to bring her passion for men, motors and music to you. The sexy model has become the country’s only topless glamour model. She said: “I love cars. I’m totally obsessed with cars, motors, anything fast. “My big break came when I landed a cover photoshoot and inside spread of Modified Motors about a year and a half ago and then I toured around Europe with the Fuel Girls and also the Modified Gumball teams.” If you want Laura to attend your event or review your car or music simply drop her an email to news@fameinc.co.uk putting MMM in your subject line. Tell Laura what you think of her column, text 82727 and put CITY MMM before your message, texts cost 50p plus your standard network rate – full T&C’s on page 2. Alternatively you can leave a message for her on Facebook.com/thecitypaper.
ACCESSORISE
- NOTHING gets me more excited than a modified Jap car. Behold this Toyota Celica. It’s sleek, tidy and looks nice ‘n’ mean just how the Japanese like to build them. This well kept car has a 1.8 Litre new engine, which owner David Coates bought for £1500 has the power of approximately 145 Horsey’s, David revealed his purchase was more than just getting something that would take him from A to B: “I bought the car in 2007 as I wanted something a little posey”. So far David has: * Lowered the car by 120mm * Fitted an Injen induction kit * Added 18” Rota Alloys with polished lip * Added D2 Coilovers
SAVVY tech brand Cygnett has launched its newGrooveTransmit iPod and iPhone FM Transmitter, which allows users to play their iPod or iPhone through their car’s FM stereo. The GrooveTransmit combines easy auto-tuning technology, which enables the device to find the best FM frequency for the greatest possible sound and a wide transmission range of 88.1 –107.9 MHz. The new Groove Transmit is available immediately at SRP £49.99 inc VAT from Amazon and iWorld.
YOUR CAR STEREO
MUSIC
- I like my dance music. Not that cheesy nonsense genre Happy Hardcore that releases so called tunes by poorly named DJ’s such as DJ Danny D I Need A Wee or whatever they’re called. Ok so I made that up, but you know what I mean. I like head banging, jumping
around Hardstyle, Trance, Hard Trance, and Techno. But don’t categorize me just yet as I have a massive collection of music from the Madchester bands, like The Stone Roses, Happy Mondays, The Charlatans and Oasis to name a few. But if I’m out cruising as it were, I like my dance music. And this month my
* Added a Light weight Front Splitter * Given it a Carbon Fibre Bonnet No modified car looks out of place with a bit of carbon fibre on it if you ask me.
David has also added a music system, which in my opinion is a must for any modified car, infact it’s probably the first thing you should start with. And it doesn’t stop there, David plans to make more modifications to his Celica. He explained: “Next I’ll be getting a Carbon fibre boot lid and roof, full new exhaust system and maybe go a crazy colour, if I have the balls.” Recently David and his beloved broom broom won The Show & Shine prize at Eddie Ervine’s Sports show, and with his sights set on plenty more modifying to come I’m sure he’ll snap up plenty more prizes.
favourite tune to drive to is… the classic and fairly obvious Cruising by Nalin and Kane. I know what you are thinking, not very original, but come on! It’s a feel good chillout classic. So fire it on your CD player and keep it kickin’.
42 < MOTORS
December 2009
Paddy Rally on course for 2010 BY DAVID GORDON david@fameinc.co.uk
R E T N E O T W O H 95 Entry fee iser£ca9r)
(per person p ber re 31st Decem fo e b e u d t si o osit) £200 dep 010 - £500 dep 2 ry a u n Ja st 1 (after te of ths prior to da n o m 3 e u d ce Balan event. n to You must logo lly.com www.paddyra the downloading y b r te is g re d n a from the application form . members area
D
riving Enthusiasts looking for something a little different to satisfy their hobby, and raise money for charity at the same time, will be all revved up and excited to go by the launch of the PaddyRally 2010. Organisers of the event which will take place in May, between locations in Belfast and Dublin, have teamed up with BBC Children in Need and the Marie Keating Foundation. They promise three days to remember as the entry fee includes all meals, 5 star accommodation & entertainment each night as well as an opportunity to meet celebrities and experience the Mondello Park International Race Track. The important information to point out is that the PaddyRally is NOT a race and is open to anyone with a full driving licence and enjoys taking part in organised events for good causes. All types of cars can be entered, whether they be vintage, classic, sports or supercars. Whilst the event is predominately based around cars; there will be other events available for participants, including Golf, Clay Pigeon Shooting, Archery, OffRoad 4x4 and Tennis to name a few. The route from the starting point at Parliament Buildings in Belfast will take in some of the most stunning scenery in the country, as the rally makes its way to the Slieve Donard Hotel in Newcastle before taking the coastal route to the Carton House Hotel in Maynooth. There’ll be an optional drive in the Wicklow Mountains on the second day before a full track day at the world famous Mondello Racing Circuit in Dublin and the return drive to Belfast for a celebratory party at the Culloden Hotel. The event is expected to attract extensive media coverage, and negotiations have already begun with the BBC Top Gear production team about ways they could be involved. The entry fee includes donations to the charities concerned, as well as accommodation for two people, full catering (excluding beverages), the track day and admission to the entertainment. To get involved with The Paddy Rally from May 22 to 24, 2010 and all registration details can be found on www.paddyrally.com.
THE CELEBRITIES . . . COOL FM Breakfast Show presenter Pete Snodden (above) will be hosting the event and artist Terry Bradley (bottom) has also been signed up take part. A number of other stars are in negotiations with organisers and will be announced closer to the event.
www.PaddyRally.com
MOTORS > 43
December 2009
THE CARS . . .
THE SCHEDULE . . .
WHETHER your car is a classic or a modern sports car you won’t feel out of place. But at the top end of the market here are two cars already signed up for the rally:
DAY 1 – 22ND MAY 7am – Briefing and Breakfast at Stormont Hotel 10am – Rally starts from Parliament Buildings Lunchtime – stop at Slieve Donard Hotel, Newcastle Evening – arrival and check-in at Carton House Hotel, Maynooth for dinner and entertainment
PORSCHE PANAMERA TURBO: The Porsche Panamera offers a unique symbiosis of sporting performance and sheer luxury. Every model offers a full leather interior, Porsche Active Suspension Management (PASM), Bi-Xenon headlights, rear ParkAssist, tyre pressure monitoring, automatic dimming rear view mirrors, Porsche Communication Management with touch-screen satellite navigation and audio controls, and a Bluetooth telephone module – complete with cordless handset for use by rear seat passengers.
DAY 2 – 23RD MAY Activities on offer include Golf, Archery, Fishing or some luxury in the spa Afternoon activities include a drive in the Wicklow Mountains There will be a Gala Dinner and Charity Auction in the evening DAY 3 – 24TH MAY A full days driving at Mondello Park, Dublin, with the chance to win trophies and prizes Evening entertainment will be provided at the Culloden Hotel in Belfast
JAGUAR XKR: The 420bhp (SAE) Jaguar XKR is a sensational car to drive. With 120bhp (SAE) more power than the normally aspirated 4.2-litre XK, the same strong and stiff aluminium body structure that ensures superb ride and handling, and a six-speed automatic transmission with Jaguar Sequential Shift that is regarded as class-leading in terms of gearchange speed as well as refinement, Jaguar’s blend of performance and dynamics reaches new heights with the XKR.
... ARTIES
THE CreHtwo charities being
s
MONDELLO PARK . . .
addy ed by P uppor t
Rally
CARTON HOUSE . . .
Mondello is Irelands only international motorsport venue and is home to the Irish round of the British Superbike Championship, Pickup Truck Racing and international GT and rallycross events. The main circuit at the facility is the 3,035 metre International Circuit, which has received race approval from the FIA. For more information on the circuit log onto modello.ie
y al charit ch a u E n R n E a H n T h is a s laun ED whic million since it E N 2010. N I 0 ILDREN ver £50 BBC CH at has raised o ed is th n in Ne en in the UK e r appeal d il h to C hildr . tributed s supporting c al or sensory in 1980 n o c y e ic n n The mo to organisatio e mental, phys rders; are hav ted l diso distribu nd under who psychologica n; or suffering a or tio aged 18 s; behavioural depriva f o s n io ie t onan disabilit overty or situa e or neglect. singer R e n s p o u z in b y a living , sex by Bo er of distress ity was set up is moth h h g f u o o r h r t h t a the dea ond ch men The sec 998 following e all wo 1 id in v o g r p in t to Kea ed to rmation ancer. ommitt breast c le family are c necessary info ges. o a The wh milies with the t its earliest st righten". a a f it o ir f t n tf and the ncer or detec to "enlighten sation o li a e r e a h c t as t preven llective aim w UNDATION is o O c F ir G the The KEATIN action. ges for n E I e R ll a A d h THE M dedication in ber of c land twice an m u n a e 's a family as undertaken he length of Ir ther events to t h o Ronan walking ll and various g d. in d lu a the roa inc n rity B o a s h it C n charity a u mobile ar hosts each ye s to keep their nd If you can’t make raise fu the rally you can still support our chosen charities by purchasing a ticket to our final party at the Culloden Hotel on May 24, 2010 for just £50.
www.PaddyRally.com
THE Kildare Carton House Hotel in Ireland is a beautifully restored historic mansion that has been discreetly converted in to a modern luxury destination. Twenty minutes from Dublin, the 1,100-acre private parkland estate is an all-encompassing playground for leisure and corporate guests alike, featuring - two Championship Golf Courses, a Pool, Spa, Training Pitches, Tennis Courts, Purpose Built Events Centre, and Ireland's Premier Corporate Event Company Ireland Xtreme, on its front doorstep. Celebrity guests of the hotel include Cristiano Ronaldo with the Real Madrid football team as well as Boyzone star Ronan Keating and Northern Ireland golfing sensation Rory McIlroy. For more information log onto cartonhouse.com
44 < MOTORS
December 2009
O YOU… T E IS M O R P R OU ills so that you
ng sk elop your drivi ea • We will dev t test bu becom e th s as p ly n o is will save not mic driver – th o n o ec d an t re your confiden e and help ensu m co to s ar ye money in . rity on the road safety and secu routes you st te e u som yo w o sh ll e’ w • While ound test d by driving ar ass will not be bore on, once you p ss le g n vi ri d y a test route routes ever never drive on ay m u yo st te r you eed to again. nfidence you n co e th u yo e experience • We will giv from home to ay aw er h rt fu go e you most areas where ar in s ad ro t en differ . after your test likely to drive g the syllabus in w llo u by fo yo p el h ill w e ds Agency • W Driving Standar e th y b ed p o PT and devel s the theory, H as p u yo p el h ple (DSA) to SA are the peo D e Th . st te al the practic riving test, so ducting your d n co e b ill w o wh tuition e best driving it pays to get th possible. ng instructors ools of Motori h Sc ed at ci o ss nd out about • A ll us today to fi ca – t rs fi u yo put s. our latest offer
A LESSON IN DRIVING ASSOCIATED Schools of Motoring NI Ltd is looking for new independent driving schools to join its Co-operative. The association, which is run by approved driving instructors for the benefit of approved driving instructor, is perhaps the most exciting opportunity to emerge in the driving school industry for years. Unlike a union or similar representative body, ASM NI is a network of independent, like-minded approved driving instructors who work together to improve their individual businesses while enjoying a reduction in running costs, access to
further training (CPD), quality discounts from major suppliers and business-building opportunities, ASM NI also holds group seminars with experienced trainers to increase skills and knowledge, which can then be passed on to the clients. Ken Adams, MD of ASM NI, said: “Apart from the undisputed clout of being part of an organised body with a voice, you can benefit from fuel savings, and substantial discounts on products and services that are not normally available to the independent ADI. “We have already
secured substantial savings for our members and are actively persuing others. We also have a professionally produced and maintained web-site featuring all of our member’s schools.” ASM NI trainers offer a range of training options for learning to drive including single lessons per week, semi intensive courses and intensive courses, designed to suit you and your commitments. As well as learner driver training, ASM NI offers HGV training, Institute of
Advanced Motorist training, fleet and minibus training, and the recently added a2om BTEC in Driving Science. ASM NI promises each member is an equal partner in the Co-operative and with their voice independent driving instructors can work together to compete with and surpass the major schools. For less than the cost of a driving lesson you could become a member of the Associated Schools of Motoring.
To find out more about ASM and our instructors visit www.associatedschoolsofmotoring.com or call 07501067558
Members:
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ASM is a group of Independent Driving Schools who together provide a quality service All instructors are fully qualified by the DOE
ASM also offer the
driving course, providing you with a BTEC qualification
Ken’s School of Motoring Tel: 0800 955 6886 www.kensdrivingschoolbelfast.co.uk
Jet School of Motoring Daniel Boyle. Tel: 0779516 1639
The Driving Academy Andy Morrow. Tel: 07980 188078 www.drivingacademynewtownabbey.co.uk
Jordanstown School of Motoring Tel: 07855 089 512 www.jordanstownschoolofmotoring.co.uk
Castle School of Motoring John Johnston. Tel: 07811 396 733 www.passyourtestfirsttime.com
Approved Driving School John Milligan. Tel: 07808 959 249 www.approvedni.com
Trevor’s School of Motoring Trevor Waring. Tel: 07771963961
Ray’s Driving School Tel: 07759 403 269 Cookstown & Dungannon Areas
Abbey Driving School
Supported by : 028 9045 6333
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Stephen. Tel: 07515 160 108 www.abbeydriving.com
MOTORS > 45
December 2009
In Gear for a top show THE infamous Stig jetted into Dublin earlier this month to launch the Top Gear Live show at the RDS in December. Driving up Grafton Street in a top of the range Masereti GT, the Stig brought the city to a stand still as he parked outside department store Brown Thomas to announce the spectacular live show. Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, James May and the Stig will bring the hit BBC show, sponsored by Brown Thomas, to Dublin from
play to over 340,000 fans on four continents; and 135 trucks, three ships, one freight plane and 94 cars, and 150 sets of tyres will be required to keep this high-octane show on the road. The audience will witness an eyepopping 92,160 sq ft of fireballs and have their senses assaulted by decibel levels that reach 104d.Not only will the event return with a spectacular new live Theatre Show, but Top Gear Live is thrilled to announce a number of
STIG
Thursday December 3 to Sunday December 6. Top Gear Live 2009 promises to be an edge-ofyour-seat experience for guests, with flaming rally cars, extreme underground street racers, and cars which change colour in the blink of an eye. In addition to this the audience will experience the world’s first attempt at an indoor loop the loop and exciting sequences featuring the Stig, who will be leading the troop of international stunt drivers via a mix of hand gestures, sonic pulses and Morse code, showing audiences the ultimate in precision driving. This year, the Top Gear Live World Tour it will
new and exciting additions to this year’s Motor Arena.The Hall of Fame in association with Autoglass celebrates some
WITH Top Gear back on the telly and the show’s iconic ‘I am the Stig’ Tshirt charting at No.1 on Amazon recently Captain Slow is hoping to take on the mystery driver this Christmas. In honour of Top Gear's not-so-fast presenter, James May, a new t-shirt design has been created to celebrate the careful driving attributes of his show nickname, Captain Slow. The much anticipated t-shirt will rival a brand new design called Stig Standing for the nation’s favourite mystery driver. Both t-shirts cost £16.95 and are available in men’s sizes small through to XXL. Children’s sizes are also available for the Stig Standing t-shirts at £12.75. Available at officialproducts.co.uk. of the fastest and coolest cars on the planet. A collection of the most iconic and breathtaking prestige and performance classics in Ireland will be on display in the Iconic Classics Area, including veteran, vintage, classic and the modern and future classics. New to Top Gear Live this year are a number of interactive zones, including Dream Rides, which offers visitors a chance to take a ride in one of the world’s hottest super cars. Alternatively, why not try the Dunlop Tyre Challenge, where visitors can beat the experts and test their skills under the watchful eye of the Dunlop Motorsport Crew. Visitors can test their driving skills at the GT5 Prologue fastest lap
challenge to be in with a chance to win some great prizes. The Paddock Tour offers Diamond and Corporate ticket holders the unique opportunity to see behind the scenes and get up close and personal with the line-up of cars from
the Top Gear Live Theatre Show. Check out the mechanics fixing, tweaking and repairing all the damage inflicted during the Theatre Show. Tickets are available from €49. For ticket information visit www.topgearlive.ie or www.ticketmaster.ie or call 0818 300 800. Brown Thomas Limited Edition Diamond Tickets offer premier access to the Top Gear Live Show, an exclusive Paddock Tour plus access to the VIP Suite and extensive Motor Arena.
Tickets are limited and available through the dedicated hotline: 0818 300 800, while stocks last.
READER COMPETITION CITY has teamed up with Top Gear to offer readers tickets to the event in Dublin this week. We’ve got one pair of Gold tickets for the winner and five runners up will receive a pair of Bronze tickets. Simply answer this question: What car did the Stig drive up Grafton Street in Dublin? A: Bentley B: Masereti GT C: Ferrari Text CITY TOP GEAR plus your answer along with your name and telephone number to 82727 texts cost 50p plus standard network rate – full T&C’s on page 2
TICKETS ON SALE NOW Call 0818 300 800 Visit www.topgearlive.ie or Ticketmaster outlets nationwide
RICHARD HAMMOND, JEREMY CLARKSON and JAMES MAY
46 < ADRENALINE JUNKIE
December 2009
Adrenaline Junkie or Adrenaline Junkies, Northern Ireland provides many opportunities for you to get wet and wild, down and dirty or even take to the skies. Adventure activities are becoming very popular in the region with numerous interest groups and companies offering opportunities to canoe, abseil, paintball, drive 4x4 jeeps and enjoy sea safaris, to name a few. In the coming months I’m going to be taking you through a journey of adrenaline sports throughout Northern Ireland and I’m looking for you to set the challenges. To give you a few ideas and to get me started here are a few options on the menu:
WIND-SURFING
F
ORIENTEERING Starting with an activity that is not overly strenuous, Orienteering is a great way to get at one with nature but also put your outdoor skills to the test. Clearsky, based near Strangford, lets you try their permanent on-site orienteering course that stretches throughout Castle Ward Estate, following the markers and using a map to find your way home perhaps with some hidden treasure along the way. To find out more, call 028 4372 3933
4X4 DRIVING Whilst we are more used to seeing large 4x4 vehicles on the school run, they are, of course, built to be used off-road and
Our monthly Adrenaline Fix with EAMON McCRORY
Climbing muddy inclines, negotiating hills, descents, ditches, banks and waterholes. Off road driving provides a chance to participate in an activity that is outside the norm and which provides an adrenalin boost and excitement. Todds Leap is a 100 acre off-road activity centre based near Ballygawley, Co Tyrone. Call 028 8556 7170 for further information.
Making the most of the coastline and the weather conditions, Windsurfing is a popular sport in the province. The Share Centre, near Lisnaskea is an excellent venue to learn or practice the sport. The centre provide taster sessions, as well as Royal Yachting Association approved courses on the waters of Lough Erne. The more adventurous can, of course, windsurf in the open sea and the waters around the North Antrim coast and the Ards Peninsula are favourites amongst the windsurfing fraternity. The Share Centre can be contacted on 028 6772 2122
Information on all the activities available in Northern Ireland can be found online at outdoorni.com Additional research by David Gordon
PARACHUTE If taking to the air is how you get a buzz, the Wild Geese centre in Garvagh is open seven days a week and there are no restrictions on the jump time and height. The centre offers facilities for training courses, tandem jumps as well as visiting professionals. The centre is also the base for its famous Parachute Display Team that is seen at events around the province. For further information, call 028 2955 8609.
ZORBING One of new sports to hit the scene is Zorbing, during which you can feel the adrenaline rush as you roll down a hill, inside a giant PVC ball, at speeds of up to 30mph. There are two adrenaline-packed rides to choose from. Hydro Zorbing is when the ball is filled with about 10 gallons of water and up to three riders can float un-harnessed down the hill while the ball spins, bounces and rolls. Harnessed Zorbing is the more daring of the two. Riders are strapped in at the shoulders, hips and feet while the ball revolves down the hill, gaining speed all the way. Zorbing is offered by Jungle NI, near Magherafelt. Contact 028 8674 8881
DO you have an activity you want to see Eamon, who was crowned Northern Ireland’s Sexiest Man earlier this year do? If so email your suggestions to news@fameinc.co.uk and include CITY ADRENALINE in your subject line. Alternatively you can log onto Facebook.com/thecitypaper and leave Eamon a message there
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