The Loop : East Belfast May 2015

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ISSUE : #4 DATE: May 2015 WEB: www.loopmag.net EMAIL: stuart@loopmag.net FACEBOOK: Loop Publications

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NEWS

COMMUNITY PROJECTS

JOE LINDSAY

NEW BUSINESS VENTURES

LOCAL HISTORY

IT’S BEEN A BUSY MONTH IN THE EAST. WE’VE GOT ALL THE LATEST NEWS ON EVERYTHING THAT’S BEEN GOING ON

FROM ARTS INITIATIVES TO SPORT TO CHARITY TO KIDS ADVENTURES, THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN FLAT OUT!

THE EAST BELFAST MAN OF MANY TALENTS HOSTS HIS FIRST SOLO ART EXHIBITION LATER THIS MONTH

ALL THE LATEST ON NEW LOCAL BUSINESSES INCLUDING A BRAND NEW STATE OF THE ART VETERINARY PRACTICE

WITH IT BEING ELECTION FEVER TIME OUR RESIDENT HISTORIAN AIDAN CAMPBELL TELLS THE STORY OF STORMONT

O

ver the past 18 months, the Council has invested £305,000 on enhancing 74 shop fronts and

two environmental improvement schemes on the stretch of the lower Newtownards Road between

Bridge End and Welland Street. The work at Tower Street has seen the removal of hard steel fencing

from around the corner site, which subsequently has been landscaped. Interpretative signage, featuring

information on the area’s industrial heritage, also has been added. The scheme is the latest stage of the

‘Renewing The Routes’ programme, which was set up ten years ago to address environmental degradation

on the city’s arterial routes and thus bolster economic and physical regeneration. Over the past ten years, the programme has seen the Council invest more

NEW COMMUNITY GARDEN BRINGS DERELICT SITE TO LIFE

than £7.5 million in regenerating 21 miles of the

city’s arterial routes. In that decade, the programme

AN ENVIRONMENTAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAMME HAS HELPED TO CLEAN UP A PREVIOUSLY DERELICT PLOT OF LAND ON ONE OF EAST BELFAST’S MAIN THOROUGHFARES, BY TRANSFORMING IT INTO A COMMUNITY GARDEN. THE SCHEME – AT THE JUNCTION OF THE NEWTOWNARDS ROAD AND TOWER STREET – IS PART OF BELFAST CITY COUNCIL’S ONGOING £150 MILLION INVESTMENT PROGRAMME OF WORK ACROSS THE CITY.

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has revitalized almost 800 commercial frontages

and delivered 135 arts, heritage and landscaping

projects. And the ‘Renewing The Routes’ programme is also helping to find new tenants for previously

vacant premises. Council worked in partnership with

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the Department for Social Development and the East Belfast Partnership to implement the project, which now forms a stepping stone up the road and links

into wider environmental improvements in the area.

Maggie Andrews from the East Belfast Partnership stated: “The East Belfast Partnership is delighted

that the first element of our ‘Making the Journey’

project, to develop meanwhile uses on derelict land

on the Newtownards Road has been completed. ​We are looking forward to the next stage. We are keen

to see more of these derelict sites developed across the area. They are relatively low cost solutions that can have a huge impact on the surrounding area.”

This scheme was made possible by the support of the Department for Social Development, who own the

land. A number of other projects in ‘Renewing the

Routes’ programme – on the Stewartstown, Oldpark, Lisburn and Castlereagh Roads – are currently

nearing completion. In the summer, work will begin on the Shankill Road, between Peter’s Hill to Agnes Street, and York Road, from Fife Street to York Park. belfastcity.gov.uk/renewingtheroutes

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Welcome

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

HELLO EAST BELFAST

WELCOME TO THE LOOP

Your Local Newspaper with a difference

What’s inside this month...

loopmag.net | facebook.com/looppublications | stuart@loopmag.net

W

ith arts funding cuts taking

many different aspects of life and a

reporting on more of the same. As well as

their toll right across the

prime example is our front page story

this we have a huge line up of more East

country it’s encouraging to

where a previously derelict plot of

Belfast arts, news, schools, sport, food

see there are still wonderful projects

land on a main thoroughfare has been

& drink, awards, job announcements,

and initiatives making waves despite

transformed into a community garden.

new businesses, events, advice and

the pressure. The community thrives

Joined up thinking from local groups

loads more besides. A huge thank you

on aspects like the arts and sport,

using low cost solutions that can have a

as always to all our advertisers on board

especially kids. In this month’s edition of

huge impact on the surrounding area.

this month. Again we have a diverse

The Loop you’ll see we have a number

These kinds of projects are all inclusive

and wide ranging array of them for you.

of encouraging and inspiring stories

and engage all ages with the aim for the

Remember to tell them where you heard

of participation and achievement

whole community to benefit from the

about them when you pay them a visit.

across so many age levels. Sport is

results. I don’t think there can be many

If you have something to share with the

ingrained in many from a young age

who would argue against the merits of

community, give us a shout and we’ll

but the arts makes its mark across so

such an ideal and we look forward to

keep the readers In The Loop! Enjoy.

BELFAST NATURE RESERVE HAS THE WOW FACTOR! Well-known naturalist, TV presenter and RSPB President Miranda Krestovnikoff was in Northern Ireland recently for the official launch of the charity’s Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW) nature reserve.

N

estled in the bustling Harbour Estate, this special place is a haven for birds and wildlife from all around the world. Guests at the event included representatives from local businesses, the environmental sector and funding bodies who made the refurbishment possible. They heard from RSPB NI staff about the rich history of the reserve, which was created back in the

1970s when material dredged from the Lough was pumped here to allow larger vessels to dock.

The area was quickly reclaimed by nature and more than 100 species have now been recorded at the site. RSPB NI began managing the nature reserve, which is designated as an Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), in 1998. Now a major refurbishment programme costing almost half

a million pounds has seen the site transformed, with the existing visitor centre extended to give even better views of the wildlife on the reserve.

The refurbishment also includes a new community room, which is available for hire, and two new hides, which have been constructed from shipping containers to tie in with their surroundings. Speaking at the official launch, Miranda said: “It was an absolute pleasure to be invited to launch Belfast’s Window on Wildlife.

When you step through the door it really does have the WOW factor! To have this little oasis of calm so close to the city is really special and it’s a unique place to see local wildlife and so many different types of birds as they pass through on migration. My family and I have been really overwhelmed by the warm welcome we’ve received in Northern Ireland and we’ll definitely be back to be WOWed again!”

Guests at the event were assisted by staff and volunteers to identify the myriad of bird-life on the lagoon, including black-tailed godwits and coots, and were delighted to spot the reserve’s two konik ponies, which act as ‘living lawnmowers’ and create ideal conditions for ground-nesting birds like lapwings.

Belfast WOW is open to the public from 10am to 5pm every day (except Tuesday) and entry is free for RSPB members. Call 028 9046 1458 or you can email belfast.lough@rspb.org.uk.

www.rspb.org.uk

LOOP Publications

Publisher, Editorial & Design Stuart Collins stuart@loopmag.net Sales & Accounts Juanita Collins juanita@loopmag.net www.loopmag.net

LOOP PUBLICATIONS Ltd PO BOX 2145 BELFAST BT5 9EZ Tel: 028 9070 1607 Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Links and contacts are provided for reader convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

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LONG WELCOMES NEW CONNSWATER ANNOUNCEMENT Bringing you all the latest local news & events

PAGE 2

Naomi Long has welcomed news of a retailer’s multi-million pound expansion at a local shopping centre. The East Belfast Alliance Westminster candidate was speaking after Lidl announced it would relocate to bigger premises within Connswater Retail Park.

The grocery retailer is increasing the store size significantly to occupy 23,000 sq ft on a 25-year lease. The move will create up to 15 new jobs for East Belfast if planning is approved. “This is great news for the local area, especially after a difficult period for Connswater,” said Mrs Long. “It is another significant step towards securing the future for the centre and surrounding retail park. It reiterates the confidence retailers have in Connswater and is an important building block. I would be hopeful further investment by other retailers will follow this news and I will continue to work with Connswater management to support their plans to secure the future of the centre.”

Josh is pictured receiving his Award and congratulations from Mrs Joan Christie OBE, Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County of Antrim.

Reach 42,000 homes & businesses • email stuart@loopmag.net or call 028 9070 1607 to get in The Loop!

Petty Officer Cadet Patrick Bingham with Mrs Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE, her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant for the County Borough of Belfast.

ACTION CANCER BRA WALK

women and children to show support of Action Cancer and raise money for our unique breast screening services.

“Walkers are encouraged to dress in

EAST BELFAST CADETS HONOURED AT HILLSBOROUGH CEREMONY Two East Belfast schoolboys have been honoured at a ceremony at Hillsborough Castle where they were formally appointed to serve as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenants’ Cadets.

P

etty Officer Cadet Patrick Bingham from Training Ship Eagle in East Belfast was appointed to serve as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the County Borough of Belfast, while Cadet Flight Sergeant Josh Catherall from Campbell College Combined Cadet Force, was named as Her Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant’s Cadet for the County of Antrim. The pair will join an exclusive band of just nine Lord Lieutenants’ Cadets across NI, taking on a largely ceremonial role, attending their respective Lord Lieutenants on major civic occasions. In recognition of the award, each will be entitled to wear a special insignia on his uniform throughout his year in office. The Citation which accompanies eighteen-year-old Josh’s award pays tribute to his many achievements earned as a member of the Campbell College Combined Cadet Force. The Citation commends

the ‘calm, confident leadership style’ which has earned Josh the trust of his CCF Instructors and fellow Cadets and concludes, “Flight Sergeant Catherall leads, develops and cares for all he comes into contact with … without doubt he is an ambassador for his school, the CCF and Northern Ireland.” Seventeen-year-old Patrick has gained an impressive twenty-eight qualifications since joining the Sea Cadets in 2011, in everything from First Aid and Drug Awareness to Royal Yachting Association Navigation and Day Skipper Awards. The Citation says of this talented young man; “His passion and enthusiasm inspire younger Cadets and staff to become actively involved in all that he strives to achieve…. His dress and bearing are impeccable … He is a reliable and dedicated Cadet, highly thought of by his peers and Cadets alike.

bras and in pink to walk in memory of a loved one or simply to have fun, keep fit and raise awareness. Everyone will receive a goody bag and a pink bra t-shirt which you can wear as provided or decorate as you wish! We are asking everyone to try their best to cover the cost of one breast screening, by raising £80 in sponsorship. In 2014/2015 we screened a record 10,000 ladies at Action Cancer House and onboard The Big Bus – can you help us do the same this year by signing up today and taking part in The Bra Walk?” Essential info... Date: 05 June 2015, 7pm Location: Belfast City Hall. Registration fee: £10 early bird (price will increase to £12 on 1st May 2015) £5 per child. Distance: 10K. Minimum sponsorship: suggested minimum sponsorship £80 (the cost of one mammogram) Contact: For more info contact thebrawalk@actioncancer. org or call 028 9080 3344 (option 2)

Bringing you all the latest local news & events

2015. This is an opportunity for men,

PAGE 3

UPCOMING TITANIC QUARTER ART & PHOTOGRAPHY TRAILS

Action Cancer’s first ever 10k, The Bra Walk, will take place on Friday 5th June

Local News

Titanic Taster Tour - Photography Date: 30th May Time: 11am to 2pm Venue: The tour covers a series of venues across Titanic Quarter.

Become a Titanic inspired photographer for the day and capture our Maritime Heritage through the camera. Plus an exclusive opportunity to walk through the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices. For further details on cost, venue stops, materials and booking please contact the TFL office on 028 9073 0490. titanic-foundation.org facebook.com/ tqeventsbelfast Titanic Taster Heritage Drawing Trail Date: Saturday 6th June Time: 10am – 2pm Venue: The tour covers a series of venues across Titanic Quarter.

An exciting opportunity to draw your way around our Maritime Heritage, with a fully tutored day of location drawing with local artist Julie Douglas. Includes lunch.

Contact the TFL Offices on 02890730490 or email maeve.curran@titanic-foundation. org for further details on cost, venue stops, materials and booking.

GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR STORY OR EVENT | stuart@loopmag.net

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

PAGE 4

Local News

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The three projects are being supported through the £900,000 Creative and Cultural Fund for Belfast, set-up by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland in 2014 to bring three years of exciting arts and heritage projects to the city of Belfast.

Reach 42,000 homes & businesses • email stuart@loopmag.net or call 028 9070 1607 to Get in The Loop!

A

ltogether, seven projects, inspired by Belfast’s rich culture and heritage, will bring together some of the city’s best arts practitioners with community groups all across the city and use a wide variety of arts and media to tell their stories. The three new ‘Creative Belfast’ projects are: Belfast Carnival Village - Beat Carnival will create a festive carnival village in Ormeau Park, which will be home to reproductions of famous Belfast landmarks, such as the Albert Clock and Harland and Wolff’s Samson and Goliath cranes, brought to life with a programme of samba, circus, drumming and other carnival arts. ‘Linenopolis: The Belfast Opera Project’ - Belfast Buildings Trust and NI Opera are developing Belfast’s first chamber opera themed around the city’s industrial heritage, with several performances across the city planned for summer 2016; and ‘The Tempest’ - coinciding with the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare’s death, next spring Terra Nova theatre company will use drama, music and magic to re-imagine The Bard’s last play, spanning more than 100 years of history, from the city’s 19th century shipping greatness through to modern time, exploring the influence of people from around the world who make up Belfast’s newest citizens. ‘Draw Down The Walls’ - taking the theme of ‘nothing about

us without us is us’, and aiming to provoke debate about ‘barriers in our society’, this project builds on previous award-winning projects from the Golden Thread Gallery and will end in October with a programme of art films, mainstream movies and communityauthored publications in new and surprising locations across north Belfast. ‘Baby Day’ – created by Replay Theatre Company for Belfast’s youngest citizens, this new one-day festival on September 27 is the first of its kind in the world, placing art at the heart from the very stared and making babies all over the city the stars of this unique celebration. ‘Nine Nights’ - a theatre experience taking place on October 24, which will see centuries-old Hindu folklore re-imagined as a mammoth contemporary outdoor spectacle with music, dance and pyrotechnics, brought to the city by multi-cultural arts organisation, ArtsEkta; and Farset Béal Feirste - a partnership between the Spectrum Centre on the Shankill and Cultúrlann on the Falls, which will use arts to celebrate the history of the river that gave Belfast its name, and explore the centrality of the river to the development of the city socially, economically and physically, discovering the origins of place names, traditions, language and industrial heritage and revive forgotten crafts, ending with a special ‘dawn’to-dusk’ festival next May.

LATIONS u!

L A T S N I M to yo HROO TOTAL BAT owroom that comes m sh o o r h t a b e Th

belfastcity.gov.uk/creativebelfast | facebook.com/creativebelfast

AFRICAN CULTURE NIGHT AT LAGAN VILLAGE COMMUNITY CENTRE

TITANIC MEMORIAL SERVICE HELD AT CITY HALL

An African Culture night is set to take place at the Lagan Village Community Centre, Ballarat Street, on Tuesday 12th May. Festivities kick off at 6pm and run until 9pm. There will be food, dance and music. Everyone is welcome. You can contact 9045 6993 for more information on what should be a great night for all.

A ceremony marking the 103rd anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Titanic was held in the Titanic Memorial Garden on 15th April. At noon Aidan McMichael, Chairman of the Belfast Titanic Society led a wreath laying ceremony and a minute’s silence for the 1,512 people who lost their lives.

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The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

Local News

PAGE 5

LOCAL FIRST TRUST BANK REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO LOCAL BUSINESSES

Aisling & Alison is Stephen Hill and Claire Geddis from S Hill & Co Investment Advisers LLP

with Aisling and Alison is Jonathan Dickson and Janet Booker from Ballyhackamore Business Association.

T

he event was held at the Park Avenue Hotel for local estate agents, solicitors, accountants and other KBIs.“The positive response of those who attended shows that our willingness to engage with business owners was pitched at the right time for local customers,“ said Alison Esler, branch manager. Aisling Press, (Regional Manager) gave a high level overview of the growth economic outlook for NI followed by Michelle Harbinson, (Business Manager) – who provided more detailed insight into what business products are available to support SMEs. Damien Whyte (Head of Mortgage Distribution) then talked about mortgages, highlighting the recently reviewed end to end process. Alison commented : “By hosting this breakfast we wanted to re-engage with our KBIs in East Belfast to reinforce our commitment to the area, unpinned by our expertise and appetite to support business, whilst still offering that personal touch’. One customer said “Local support has always been a great benefit to me as a client and First Trust are leading the way amongst their competitors to re-engage businesses for growth”.

TALL SHIPS RETURN FOR BIGGEST EVENT EVER STAGED IN BELFAST The biggest ever event to be staged in Belfast takes place this summer, when the magnificent Tall Ships Race sails back into the city.

T

he city will act as the home port before the start of the 2015 Race, with dozens of the world’s finest sailing vessels berthed in Belfast over the weekend of July 2 – 5. More than 500,000 people are expected to attend the event, bringing with them an economic windfall of at least £10 million for the city. This is the third time that Belfast has welcomed the Tall Ships Race, having previously staged the event in 1991 and 2009.

However, with the city acting as the staging post for the first leg of the race, even more ships will be taking part this year, with more than 50 vessels – including 17 massive Class A ships – making the port their home for four days before setting off on their annual challenge. The Tall Ships Race will be docked in Belfast from Thursday July 2 – Sunday July 5. Access to the event is free. For further information on the events taking place over the weekend, the ships and where they will be berthed, the ancillary entertainments’ programme, park and ride facilities and so on, visit :

tallshipsbelfast.com | facebook.com/tallshipsbelfast | twitter.com/tallships2015

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GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR STORY OR EVENT | stuart@loopmag.net

Aaron McKinney from AMPM NI along with Aisling Press (left) Regional Manager of First Trust Bank and Alison Esler (right) Branch Manager

To highlight their continued support for local SMEs First Trust Bank recently hosted a customer breakfast at the Park Avenue Hotel.

PAGE 6

Local News

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast Sharon Barlow (Right) pictured with 2nd NI finisher Teresa McCluskey

GOALKEEPING LEGEND PAT JENNINGS GIVES SURPRISE COACHING SESSION TO CIVIL SERVICE FC JUNIORS

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he outdoor session saw Pat give tips and coaching to young players on developing their footballing skills. Of course the Northern Ireland goalkeeping hero paid special attention to the Civil Service FC Juniors goalkeepers who were given specialist coaching on saving penalties and blocking shots.Following the coaching session, Pat joined with players and coaches to celebrate the success of the McDonald’s IFA Foundation Mark Scheme, which has seen over 2,100 kits distributed across Northern Ireland this year. Pat had the opportunity to present the club with their brand new adidas football kit. Speaking after the visit, Pat Jennings said: “I couldn’t believe the number of children training today on a blustery Wednesday evening in Belfast. It was clear to see the dedication the coaches and volunteers have towards providing these young people with a fun, safe and vibrant footballing experience. We cannot underestimate the importance of grassroots football for both the men’s and the women’s game. It is vital that we look to support and promote grassroots volunteers and clubs as much as possible.

That’s why I am calling on everyone involved in grassroots football across Northern Ireland to take a moment and think of a local footballing hero that they could nominate for a McDonald’s 2015 Community Award.”

mcdonalds.co.uk/BetterPlay

EAST BELFAST’S SHARON BARLOW FIRST NORTHERN IRELAND LADY ACROSS THE LINE IN BELFAST CITY MARATHON!

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n Monday 4th May 2015, tens of thousands of runners and spectators took to the streets for the 34th annual running of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon and the associated Relay event. In bright but breezy conditions, the field set off on the undulating course that would see them make their way from City Hall to the finish line in Ormeau Park, via East, North, West and South Belfast, as well as a section in Newtownabbey. And there was a huge local achievement from East Belfast’s very own Sharon Barlow who came a stunning fourth in the ladies race! Berhan Gebremichael secured the title in 2:41, Khadja Elaatiba took 2nd place in 2:51:01, Katalin Garami claimed the final place on the podium, after running 2:55:43. Then it was Northern Ireland international Sharon who hails from the Holywood Road who sealed fourth spot clocking 2:57:01 in what was her first ever marathon. A phenomenal achievement in what was a tough field. Despite claiming that this was “the first and last” attempt at the distance, the England based athlete was very happy to be the first Northern Ireland lady home. Congratulations to Sharon on a fantastic time and result. If you would like to follow in Sharon’s trainer steps, you have a year to prepare and can find out all the details on the marathon website for next years event.

belfastcitymarathon.com

JUNIOR ICE-HOCKEY JET SETTERS RETURN HOME Six local boys were selected this year to play for Scotland at Under 11, 13 and 17 levels.

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lmost a decade ago a group of junior ice-hockey players from NI were selected to represent Scotland National teams at Under 13, 15, 17, including reserve and Scottish National League level. Local names of Gibson, Walton, Reville, Wylie and Morrison were making the headlines. In April 1998 the local press enthused about Dundonald brothers Mark, David and William Morrison all making it onto the Scottish National teams in the various age groups. Recently two more brothers from the Dundonald area, twins Carter and Cameron Hamill, represented Scotland and played with the Under 11 team at Angers, France over the Easter period. Both boys have demonstrated their ability to put the puck firmly in the back of the net. They were also joined by Belfast player, Kell Beattie, who played his second season with the Scotland Under 11 team. He took his place in defence and proved himself to be a strong player. Carter, Cameron and Kell picked up their bronze medals when their team took third place in the tournament having been beaten in the semi-finals

by Annecy who went on to win the Under 11 tournament.

Dundonald’s Jamie Ferguson played for the Under 13 Scotland team and during the Easter break he joined the team in Fontenay, Paris to compete against teams from across Europe. He was positioned as a forward and put his name on the score sheets when he scored his first tournament goal for Scotland. The team made it to the semi-finals of the tournament but lost after a period of extra time and took third place. Holywood schoolboys, Ross Hancock and Jamie Scott, were selected to play for the Scotland Under 17 team and travelled to Melnik, Czech Republic to play in an Under 18 tournament where they faced teams from Czech, Canada, Austria and Germany. The team, made up of players from Dumfries, Fife, North Ayr, Moray and Dundee, played a series of five games and won two. Undoubtedly participating in these recent tournaments in France and Czech Republic has benefitted the Scotland teams greatly and the players and respective coaches are now looking forward to playing in Sheffield in this year’s English Ice Hockey Association conference tournament in May. Over 400 players from five conference areas participate in a weekend of games. Players in this tournament also come under the watchful eye of England and GB under 18 scouts. Having six local players selected to play at this level speaks volumes for the coaching standards within their parent club – the Junior Belfast Giants. Anyone wishing to take up the sport and participate in a learning to play programme should visit the website:

juniorbelfastgiants.com

loopmag.net | facebook.com/looppublications | stuart@loopmag.net

PERSONAL TRAINING STUDIO OPENS IN THE HEART OF EAST BELFAST FitSlimStrong, an appointment-based private fitness studio for personal training clients opens on Belmont Road The FitSlimStrong studio is ideally suited for those with a busy lifestyle who are seeking guidance from a qualified personal trainer in a private setting. Following seven years’ operating a successful home personal training business, the opening of FitSlimStrong’s new Belfast studio represents an expansion for the personal trainer, to cater for increasing demand for short, high intensity workouts. “There are no miracle diets or exercise fads involved; just a realistic approach to weight loss and fitness with the benefit of privacy and the personal attention that will help keep you focused on your goals,” says Chris Davidson, FitSlimStrong owner and personal trainer. “Clients approach me to help them lose body fat, build strength and fitness, and to implement sustainable lifestyle changes that will keep the weight off. Whether you are looking for a long-term coach for your fitness journey or simply need to get fit for a holiday or for your big wedding day, I will work closely with you to create a personalised training and diet plan that really suits your needs.” Training sessions combine functional resistance exercises along with fun, short-burst cardio activities. The holistic personal training approach includes dietary advice, as well as guidance and education on how to build your own training programmes. FitSlimStrong appointments are set in 30-minute slots following a free consultation and trial session and may be scheduled as one-on-one sessions or for couples. Tel : 07956 917 524 | fitslimstrong.com.

Local News

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

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Food & Drink

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THE WINEBAR AT FOUR WINDS LAUNCH THEIR BRAND NEW MENU! The Winebar at The Four Winds have just launched a new menu which features some brand new dishes lining up alongside house favourites.

We had the absolute pleasure of checking out the new selection… and it was a joy!

T

he Four Winds features four venues including a stunning outdoor heated courtyard which will come alive in the spring summer months with a fantastic line up of events. For our visit, we were heading to the Winebar to check out their new menu. An established restaurant for many years in the community, it has built up a solid batch of in house favourites that the regulars will be pleased to hear are staying put! However the new dishes could soon be giving them a run for their money. It’s a wide ranging menu and the great news is that for any of you who have the “pleasure” of dining out with a fussy eater, you won’t hear a peep out of them here as there is something for everyone from nibbles, snacks, lite bites, burgers, surf, turf, roasts, salads, to kids meals and desserts! Plus on top of that there are brand new daily specials too. We kicked things off sharing a couple of the small plate

www.thefourwinds.co.uk | facebook.com/fourwindsbelfast | twitter.com/the_fourwinds | Tel: 028 9070 7970 selections including the Popcorn Chicken and the Four Winds Salt and Chilli Squid.

The former, tender and succulent with tangy onions and pepper and a zingy chilli dip for a kick and the latter a crispy and perfectly cooked taste sensation served with a crunchy Asian slaw. From here there’s only one way to go, round two! Our party opted for the Baked Rosemary Salted salmon which was set on a bed of buttered leek mash. Perfectly cooked and sublimely partnered with the buttery mash. The Pork Belly came with Clonakilty fritters and bacon crushed potatoes. That black pudding combination with the pork is

always a winner and both here were done to perfection and the sweet twist came with the apple and cardamom puree. Jimmy’s Pulled Pork Stack was a melt in the mouth delight that had been marinated for 24 hours with a top secret rub then braised for 5 hours with apple cider! Finished off with beetroot slaw and skinny chips. Finally for the main dishes was a Salt and Chilli Chicken Burger, again perfectly cooked providing the perfect juicy insert for the soft brioche bun. With two of the party unable to commit to a dessert it was down to sharing again and the Baked Alaska was choice one, a Four Winds take on

the classic that hit all the right notes and a Peach Cheesecake with a perfect biscuit base and beautifully moreish top. A wonderful selection of food and the service of duty manager Jorge and his knowledgeable staff was impeccable. Don’t forget every Saturday night the Wine Bar hosts U105 DJ Carolyn Stewart with free admission before 10pm and £5 thereafter. Plus, every Sunday from 1pm-4pm in the Four Winds Winebar is Kids Klub! There’s an amazing line up of kids entertainers and activities for the little ones on the day and kids eat for a quid MondayThursday from 5pm-7pm. Enjoy!

WINES FOR SUMMER DRINKING | TIPS FROM YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS

loopmag.net | facebook.com/looppublications | stuart@loopmag.net

Summer will be here eventually, so get planning your summer soirees with Winemark’s handy guide to this season’s grape expectations! *PLUS THEY HAVE A 10% OFF VOUCHER FOR YOU <<<< CHEERS!

10% Off your next transaction at your local Winemark TERMS & CONDITIONS: 1. This voucher is for use in one transaction by persons aged 18 years and over.

2. This voucher entitles you to 10% off your next beer, wines and spirits purchase at Winemark stores.

3. This voucher is valid until 30th July 2015. 4. Not in conjunction with multi-buys.

Evans & Tate Breathing Space Sauvignon Blanc 2014 Our white selection is from the Margaret River region in Western Australia which produces a mere 3% of Australia’s total wine output. What it lacks in volume it more than makes up for in terms of quality. This zesty Sauvignon Blanc exudes luscious tropical flavours of passionfruit and mango. Consistently dry days throughout the 2013/2014 summer in the region has allowed this wine to retain a refreshing acidity which brings the full flavour and medium body into balance. This mouth-watering wine will go well with summer salads and seafood dishes but also has the body to handle chicken or pork straight from the barbie.

Alma de Casa Monastrell Cabernet Sauvignon 2012 Situated in the northeast corner of Murcia, the wine producing town of Secla has started to make some interesting wines from grape varieties not normally associated with Spain. It is from here that our third selection hails. Alma de Casa is a blend of hand selected Monastrell (Mourvèdre) with Cabernet and a splash of Syrah. The nose presents intense black cherry aromas, liquorice and sweet cinnamon spice.

Juicy dark fruit flavours come through on the palate and combine with the ripe medium tannins to provide a wine that pairs well with salty Spanish cured meats as well as strong cheeses.

Argento Malbec Rosė 2013 Originating in Bordeaux, Malbec has found its spiritual home in the foothills of the Argentinian Andes and is producing some of the finest wines to come from the area. Argento’s Head Winemaker, Silvia Corti strives to achieve fruit purity, vibrancy and elegance at every stage of the winemaking process and with this dry rosé she really succeeds in bringing the best out of the Malbec grape. A deep berry jam colour in the glass continues onto the palate where concentrated red berry and cherry flavours are generous in their intensity. This fruit-forward style of rosé packs enough punch to handle spicy sauces and strong meaty flavours, but has a delicacy which will pair equally well with sunshine and a good book.

winemark.com

www.loopmag.net

PAGE 10

Local News

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

2 COURSE SPECIAL

CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF FOSTERING Barnardo’s NI is celebrating 35 years of its Professional Fostering Service which is based in East Belfast.

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elebrations to mark the event have included a balloon release at Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Foster carers, children and staff were also invited to a reception at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour and Belfast City Hall was floodlit in Barnardo’s green to mark the occasion. Director of Barnardo’s NI Lynda Wilson started the Professional Fostering Service in 1980, she said: “I saw the need for a fostering service after working with one young man who was constantly running away from children’s homes. He was crying out for a stable long term foster home. We were eventually able to find a placement for him and help get his life back on track. It was from

there that the service really started. Fostering can be challenging the same as any job, but the rewards are immeasurable. We have had so many success stories over the years and so many children’s lives turned around, I am so proud that we are celebrating 35 years.”

Barnardo’s prides itself on placing the right people with the right child and is keen to promote the benefits of long term placements.

At any one time in NI there is a need for 200 foster carers and an urgent need to recruit more couples or single people who are able to offer a child a safe and nurturing home.

T: 028 9065 2288 or you can visit barnardos.org.uk/fosteringandadoption

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BECOME PART OF BELFAST’S STORY East Belfast Community Development Agency and Belfast Buildings Trust want you and the members of your community organisation to be involved in telling Belfast's Story.

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long with NI Opera and a range of community partners from across Belfast, they are asking Belfast's people to get involved in an exciting new arts project to tell the story of our city: “All will be revealed in a few weeks’ time. Belfast’s Story is about you and your city. The first step is to gather your memories of Belfast’s glories and your hopes for its future. Between April 2015 and June 2015 we'll host a series of workshops across the city. These will explore what Belfast's story is and what its people want it to be. We’ve been inspired by the city's ambitious industrial and maritime past.

But we want your inspiration, memories and hopes to make that relevant for today. We want you to tell the world what Belfast means in 2015. You are welcome to attend as many of the workshops as you like. Old photographs, newspapers, year­books, diaries etc are very welcome as inspiration for the workshops and stories.” Dates for East Belfast workshops are: Monday 11th May 10.00am – 12.00pm • Wednesday 13th May 2.00pm – 4.00pm • Thursday 14th May 7.00pm – 9.00pm • Saturday 30th May 2.00pm – 4.00pm. All of the East Belfast workshops will be held in East Belfast Network Centre, Fitzpatrick Assembly Hall, 55 Templemore Avenue, Belfast BT5 4FP. To register please email jean@ebcda.org or telephone Jean on 9045 1512.

EVENTS AT EAST BELFAST COMMUNITY GARDENS

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n Saturday May 23rd there is a Family Fun Day organised by Groundwork NI as part of the East Belfast Arts Festival with delicious and nutritious food available which has been grown in the gardens, live music from local Latinos Los Dramaticos, family friendly art activities and a chance to take the Grow it Yourself pledge; that is to take the first step on your food growing journey when you pledge to grow a little bit of your own food by sowing a seed. For more information on the gardens you can check out their Facebook page by searching In the Meanwhile Community Gardens www.groundwork.org.uk/sites/northernireland

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EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

Reach 42,000 homes & businesses • email stuart@loopmag.net or call 028 9070 1607 to get in The Loop!

Local News

PAGE 11

JOHN MINNIS ESTATE AGENTS SCOOP 5 AWARDs

ohn Minnis Estate Agents has scooped five awards at the highly coveted national awards, the ESTAs, and were crowned the ‘Best Local Lettings Agency in the UK’ and ‘Best Estate Agents in Northern Ireland’.

The ten-year-old agency with 25 staff, received full recognition in ‘Best Estate Agents in Northern Ireland’ category, with all three offices winning awards.

The Donaghadee office was also given additional recognition as it won Gold in the Best Lettings Agency in Northern Ireland.

John Minnis was one of just four agencies from NI to be shortlisted in the twelfth annual ‘ESTA awards, which are the ‘Oscars’ of the estate agency industry. Phil Spencer, the TV property expert, announced the award at a lavish luncheon and ceremony at the Hilton Park Lane London, attended by 800 of the UK’s top estate and letting agents in the UK property industry.

The ESTAS determine the best estate and letting agents in the UK through research carried out amongst customers who are asked a series of questions about the service they have received from their agent. Over 25,000

questionnaires were completed by customers.

Phil Spencer said: “The ESTAS are about making people happy, putting a smile on their face and making a genuine difference to peoples’ lives. An agent’s role is about guiding people through one of the most stressful times in their lives and that’s not an easy job. The ESTAS help agencies to focus on customer service levels and that’s why firms keep coming back year after year”.

Agents were shortlisted in 18 regions around the UK. National Grand Prix Awards were also announced for the Best Single Agent Office in sales and lettings.

John Minnis, director, John Minnis estate agents said: “This was a special event, and one of which we are thrilled to have been a part of and delighted to have been recognised at. The regional and national acknowledgment level is fantastic, and to come home with five awards is amazing. A special congratulations and thanks has to go to our excellent team who have made this possible. I also want to particularly thank our customers for taking the time to vote for us and provide such positive feedback.”

We offer a comprehensive range of property services: Residential Resales & Lettings • Property Management • Land Sales & Acquisitions • Property Auctions Valuations: Probate, Matrimonial, Tax & Insurance • New Developments • Financial Advice

www.johnminnis.co.uk

CHARITY EVENT AT SHARYN RANKIN HAIR Sharyn Rankin Hair are hosting a charity day for Men Only on 23rd May on behalf of Amanda Cook and her son Jacob pictured here who was born with a hole in his heart. Donations towards Children’s Heartbeat Trust.

Men are invited to come along to have their hair cut, have a beer and make a donation! Children’s Heartbeat Trust inc. Heartbeat. Supporting families of children with heart disease in Northern Ireland since 1984.

Sharyn Rankin Hair, 315 Woodstock Rd. Tel 028 9045 8123. www.childrensheartbeattrust.org

www.loopmag.net

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John Minnis Estate Agents scoop 5 national awards and are named ‘Best Estate Agents in Northern Ireland’ and ‘Best Local Lettings Agency in the UK’

PAGE 12

Local Advice

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

co habitation - THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS & HOW TO PREPARE Andrew Mairs of Keenan Solicitors with five stapes to arrange your financial affairs

Cincrease –the number of people choosing not to marry in the age group 19-39 has doubled ompared to the UK and Ireland we have the lowest level of co habitation but it is still on the

in the last 10 years. Many have called for cohabitees to be given increased legal protection, but the government has failed to act, with family law judges also deeply split over the issue. If you are cohabiting, but not keen to get married or enter a civil partnership, there are 5 steps you and your partner can take to arrange your financial affairs sensibly.

• CONSIDER WRITING UP A ‘LIVING TOGETHER AGREEMENT’ | An agreement that sets out exactly what assets each partner is bringing to the relationship and how they should be divided in the event of the relationship breaking down. This includes your property, its contents, your savings and debts and anything you wish to put in the agreement! It may save you a costly legal bill in the event of separation by clarifying areas of potential conflict, such as responsibility for bills, joint credit cards and bank accounts as well as how you intend to support any children you might have together.

• DRAW UP WILLS | Cohabitees do not automatically have rights to their partner’s estate if they die without leaving a Will. Writing a Will is quick and simple in most cases and should not cost more than £50 per Will at Keenan Solicitors. No Will makes administration of the deceased estate much more time consuming and complicated in many circumstances.

• CONSIDER YOUR PURCHASE | Decide whether to arrange the contract as joint tenants or tenants in common. Under joint tenancy, both partners own the whole property and when the first dies the survivor takes the house. As tenants in common you will own a percentage share- usually 50/50 each and can leave your share to some one other than your partner.

• CARRY OUT PENSION PLANNING | Unlike married couples, unmarried couples who live together are not entitled to receive the state pension or bereavement allowance for deceased partners. This can come as quite a shock. While most schemes deal with married couples, they will not necessarily deal with cohabiting partners. It is important to ask your provider if they can give you an ‘expression of wish’ form to make sure your other half is at least named in that.

• TAX | Married couples and same-sex couples in a civil partnership enjoy some tax advantages over cohabiting couples, so you need to be aware of these if you do not intend to marry. They can transfer assets between themselves without paying tax. Married couples can also pass assets to each other free from inheritance tax . If, however, a couple are not married, any assets passing from the deceased to the other partner would be potentially liable to inheritance tax formerly known as ‘death duties’ For more info : Andrew at Keenan Solicitors 2 South Parade Belfast. Tel 028 9049 3349

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WE HAVE SUCCESSFULLY OBTAINED DEAFNESS CLAIMS FROm: • Hughes Christensen • Harland & Wolff • Shorts • Allied Bakeries • Belfast Ropeworks & many others

YOU COULD BE ENTITLED TO A CLAIM TOO...

CALL US FOR FREE ADVICE AND TO BOOK YOUR FREE HEARING TEST : Keenan Solicitors | 2 South Parade | Ormeau Road | Belfast | BT7 2GR T: 028 90 493349 • E: enquiries@keenanlaw.co.uk • keenanlaw.co.uk

Before you blow your pension on a Lamborghini...

Make sure you have taken professional financial advice! Miskimmin Taylor Financial Advisers have some pointers:

Tgood news for all pension savers but could

he freedom of the recent pension changes is

lead to many people making bad decisions and paying unnecessary tax. That’s why it’s important to understand what the changes mean to you and why professional financial advice from Miskimmin Taylor Financial Advisers can help you make the right decisions with your pension.

Greater freedom over how you take tax free cash Most people can now take up to 25% tax-free cash from their pension, either by: • Taking Pension Commencement Lump Sum in full, with subsequent withdrawals taxed as income or • Making a series of withdrawals over time, receiving 25% of each withdrawal tax free.

Whilst 25% can be taken as tax-free cash you have to remember that 75% will be taxed.

Flexible access from age 55 People over the age of 55 will have greater power over how they invest their retirement savings and more choice in terms of the options available: • Take the whole fund as cash in one go • Take smaller lump sums as and when needed • Take a regular income – via income drawdown, or an annuity Choosing to take your pension in stages, rather than in one go, could help you manage your tax liability.

You should speak to Miskimmin Taylor Financial Advisers to help you to make the correct decision for

your individual circumstances.

Restrictions on how much you can contribute to pensions Pension contributions are subject to a £40,000 annual allowance and specific contribution rules.

This remains true under the new rules.

However, if after 6 April 2015 you make any withdrawals from your pension in addition to any tax-free cash, contributions to defined contribution plans will restricted to £10,000.

55% pension “death tax” to be abolished Up until April 2015, it was normally only possible to pass a pension on as a tax-free lump sum if you died before age 75 and you had not taken any taxfree cash or income. Otherwise, any lump sum paid from the fund was subject to a 55% tax charge.

From April 2015 this tax charge was abolished and the tax treatment of any pension you pass on will depend on your age when you die: • If you die before age 75, your beneficiaries can take the whole pension fund as a lump sum or draw an income from it tax free, when using income drawdown.

• If you die after age 75, your beneficiaries have choices and you should seek professional financial advice over which one would be the best for your circumstances and your tax position.

T: 028 9059 4600 Info@miskimmintaylor.com Or visit www.miskimmintaylor.com

Income drawdown carries significant investment risk as your future income remains totally dependent on your pension fund performance. HM Revenue & Customs practice and the law relating to taxation are complex and subject to individual circumstances & charges which cannot be foreseen.

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PRETTY IN INK BELFAST offers a range of semi permanent make-up procedures.

The salon is run by Alexis James, a fully qualified, and insured, semi permanent make-up artist and trainer, who has carried out over 5,000 PROCEDURES in the last five years. Alexis offers a pre-consultation and mineral test, and an example of what your new eyebrows will look like. The salon offers a number of permanent make up procedures plus beauty treatments: Eyebrows, Lip Liner & Blush, Eyeliner, Micropigmentation and Alexis works with cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and also alopecia sufferers.

City Council Registered 255 Woodstock Road Belfast BT6 8PQ Tel: 028 9045 5022 Mob: 07713 891 394 prettyininkbelfast.co.uk

Eyebrows Eyeliner Eyebrows & Liner Bottom Eyeliner Top & Bottom Lip Liner

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PAGE 14

Local News

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

HOMELESS WORLD CUP SQUAD 2015 LINE-UP IS REVEALED Group of young men, who have experienced homelessness, set to represent NI at the 2015 Homeless World Cup.

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group of young men, who have experienced homelessness/young homeless men are set to represent Northern Ireland at the 2015 Homeless World Cup. The squad’s line-up for the ten day tournament in Amsterdam was announced at an event at the Skainos Centre in East Belfast. The team kit, sponsored by the Housing Executive, was also unveiled at the event. The eight young men, who will represent Northern Ireland, have all been selected from 5-a-side leagues, run weekly by the charity, Street Soccer NI, across Northern Ireland. Street Soccer NI works with homeless people and other marginalised groups through the medium of football. Its principal partners are East Belfast Mission and

the IFA. The project is also supported by the Housing Executive, Sported and Lyods. After two days of trials the line-up selected are: Gift Dube, Hasson Benaddi, Darren Spiers, Gerard Turner, Ryan O’Neil, Tomasz Jarzynski, hailing from Belfast, and Derry men Ciaran Bradley and Brendan Beattie. They were announced by one of the world’s leading social entrepreneur, President and co-founder of the Homeless World Cup, Mel Young. The team will be accompanied by a dedicated support staff including coach Steven Weldon and last year’s captain, Brendan Kingsmore, who describes his participation in the 2014 World Cup as ‘life changing’. Teams from over 55 countries will compete in the international

football event, which has been running for the last 11 years. The organisers expect over 200,000 spectators at the event.

Anne Sweeney, Assistant Director of the Housing Executive’s Supporting People programme, said: “Initiatives such as the NI Street League provide a productive channel for those in need of help and encouragement.

The Housing Executive’s work is about much more than bricks and mortar and so we are delighted to support the 2015 team on its journey to the Homeless World Cup. We look forward to seeing their progress to Amsterdam this September.”

And, Aidan Byrne, Manager of the Hosford Homelessness service at East Belfast Mission, added:“It’s a real pleasure to be involved with this project. The outcomes we have seen have been fantastic. I’m very excited about our plans for the next few years and I want to say a big thank you to our players and supporters.”

Justin McMinn, Street Soccer NI manager, concluded: ‘’This is a once in a life time experience for the players, a dream come true. Some of the team have never been on a plane before. Now, they are representing their country at an international tournament in Amsterdam. This trip will not only be their best experience but it will also bring positive changes to their lives’’

CORRYMEELA FC UNVEIL KIT SPONSOR Corrymeela FC would like to thank Four Seasons Health Care for sponsoring two new team kits. Loraine Kirkpatrick Regional Manager for Central Belfast and Violet Graham Home Manager are pictured presenting the new kits to Committee Members Neil Mullan & Gerald Morris at Tudordale Care Home, Holywood Road. They train twice a week at Ashfield High School and their home ground is at Blanchflower. Four Season Health Care are an independent health and social care provider with 70 Homes operating in NI and are committed to providing personal centred care for each of their residents. Corrymeela FC is were founded by two volunteers from the Corrymeela Community which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. Corrymeela Community operates a residential centre in Ballycastle supporting peace and reconciliation work which various groups visit.

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The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

Local Business

PAGE 15

Sharyn Rankin | Hairdressing

SHARYN RANKIN HAIR - EXPANDING THEIR SERVICES

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Sharyn Rankin Hair have now been in business for over 14 years. And there are a number of reasons why they have earned their place as one of the most established salons in Belfast.

haryn herself has been in the industry for over 25 years and has a long list of loyal and returning customers. But she also has a loyal team behind her too all of whom have been with her since the salon opened its doors and who share the same goals - to constantly improve the salon and give her clients old and new the best service possible. Sharyn and fellow stylist Jasmin White’s progression continues as they have just begun offering beauty treatments in the salon. This suite of treatments includes tanning, waxing, relish nails and much more! With this new addition, Sharyn and her team are loving the opportunity to utilise these news skills and share them with the clients. They offer a full specialist wedding service for any bride and her party planning the style of their big day. They will be on hand

315 Woodstock Rd. Tel 028 9045 8123

to provide advice and inspiration from hard styles to nail design and all the while making sure it all comes together to make that special day even more special. The Bang Blow-dry Bar is now open using all professional products such as Schwarzkopf. And it’s proving extremely popular too with prices starting from just £9 and colours and upstyles also available. But let’s not forget the men who also deserve their place in Sharyn’s salon, because upstairs is the new male salon where there is a full selection of grooming options too! The team have evidently been hard at work bringing together all these new stands of the business and Sharyn is extremely proud of everyone involved. Check it out for yourself by ringing for an appointment and also keep an eye on the Facebook page where the team have regular competitions and offers.

Local sliding robes specialists Fusion Robes have a great offer on this month. You could receive a free £50 Marks & Spencer gift card when you recommend a friend! Not only that but your friend also receives £200 off their robe! It’s a win win. Terms and conditions apply. Order value must be over £1550 to receive £200 off. Gift card will be sent once deposit of friend is received.

See www.fusionrobes.com for more details. 6-8 Castlereagh Road, Belfast, 028 9008 0068

BLOW DRY BAR NOW OPEN!

No Appointment Necessary

Blowdry from £9 Cut & Blowdry £12 - £15 Colours from £30 Upstyles from £9 315 Woodstock Rd • Belfast • BT6 8PT Tel 028 9045 8123

14 Cedarhurst Rd, Belfast BT8 7RH T: 02890 693193 W: www.beechillinn.co.uk E: beechill.inns@btconnect.com

Hidden just off the Beechill Rd but right in the heart of residential South Belfast lies the Beechill Inn which, for many years, has been one of BT8’s best loved hostelries.

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t is a veritable oasis of calm right in the heart of a built –up suburban area and a perfect destination for a quiet drink or to have lunch or dinner in the Bistro and Conservatory. For those who have known and loved the Beechill for years it is a well-kept secret and for those new to the Newtownbreda/ Saintfield Road area it quickly becomes ‘the local’, the place to go for a quiet drink in the very striking but very friendly ‘Crofter’s’ bar. Lunch and dinner are served in the Bistro & Conservatory and when the weather permits in one of the several outdoor dining areas. The Cedar Room which can accommodate up to 120 persons is perfect for small weddings, conferences and functions. As an added bonus to the customers from the area and further afield a series of Tribute Acts have appeared. “So far these have really gone down well with the customers especially as we have been offering a joint meal deal whereby the customer starts the evening off with a fabulous steak dinner and all the trmmings with a glass of red or white followed by the show. Prices vary according to the acts but generally are well under the £25.00 mark” says Brenda Kavanagh a company Director. Lunch is available Monday – Friday from 12.00 – 2.00pm. A full menu is also available from 5.00-8.30pm Monday- Wednesday and 5.00 – 9.00pm Thursday and Friday, on Saturday from 12-9.00pm and on Sunday from 1.00 – 8.00pm. There is very popular quiz night every Thursday night and live music every Saturday night. For full details log on to www.beechillinn.co.uk | 14 Cedarhurst Road | Belfast BT8 7RH | Tel: 028 9069 3193 |

May Meal Deal Soup or Garlic Bread

2 Porterhouse Steaks served with onion rings and choice of sauce or potato

Plus a bottle of Red or White

£29.95 for 2!

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BEECHILL INN - A HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF SOUTH BELFAST

PAGE 16

NewVet in the Community

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

MEET THE TEAM Dr Lisa Simpson MVB MRCVS Owner & Veterinary Surgeon

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

“I currently live with two amazing cats, two fantastic dogs and a very cheeky baby boy!”

Dr Lauren Horton BVet Med MRCVS Owner & Veterinary Surgeon “Life is busy taking care of our two Persian cats, Chihuahua, a Shih Tzu and our son!”

Nichola RVN Registered Veterinary Nurse

VETS4PETS VETS IN BELFAST STORMONT - NOW OPEN! You may have driven past the old First Trust Bank building near Stormont lately wondering what would materialise from the renovations. Wonder no more - it’s your brand new local veterinary practice Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont!

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he new practice is led by practice owners Dr Lisa Simpson (who grew up in Dundonald) & Dr Lauren Horton. Both are committed to ensuring they and their team provide top class veterinary care for your pet. The team have a high level of experience after working in busy referral and emergency clinics in England and are dedicated to giving your pet the best possible care, whether they are ill, injured, just having a routine check up or preventative healthcare such as vaccinations. Vets4Pets is a veterinary concept committed to bringing you affordable, high quality care via a modern, well equipped practice, in a convenient location. The highly trained fully

TWO LITTLE VISITORS

qualified nursing team run regular nurse clinics which offer help and advice on everything from flea and worm treatment to advice on choosing a new pet. Plus they are a fully accredited rabbit friendly practice. The new practice is a bright and contemporary space which is fully equipped with a purpose-built operating theatre, along with blood testing facilities, digital x-ray, ultrasound and dental equipment. Also behind the scenes are separate dog and cat wards with fantastic, specially built cat condos to make their stay as enjoyable as possible. Above all else, the team are all pet owners who treat their patients like one of their own.

NEW Vet Surgery in Belfast Stormont

“Outside of work I have rehabilitated hedgehogs & birds. I have two cats; Dory & Stanley”

Lucy RVN Registered Veterinary Nurse “I have two beagles called Roxie and Peggy and I also love cats and guinea pigs!”

THE BRIGHT INTERIOR

Donna Receptionist “I love animals, cats are my favourite. I enjoy crafts, which usually end up featuring cats!”

Lorraine Receptionist “I have 3 cats at home and love my job as I get to meet new animals every day”

697 - 703 Upper Newtownards Road | Tel : 028 9048 3000

NOW OPEN

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c £15 Vaccination*

Ask us about our £99 Vac4Life Lifetime vaccination protection for your pet

Call:

028 9048 3000

or visit vets4pets.com/belfast-stormont Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont 697 - 703 Upper Newtonards Road, Belfast, BT4 3NT Opening Times: 8.30am - 7pm Mon - Fri, 9am - 12 noon Sat

Offer valid until 26th June 2015. Terms & conditions apply.

k We loo to d forwarg you meetinyour and pet

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PAGE 18

Health Advice

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

I SEE CLEARLY

SUMMER IS COMING – DON’T FORGET YOUR SUNGLASSES

By Rosemary McWatters, Optician : Here’s Rosemary’s crucial advice on protecting your eyes from the summer sun.

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unglasses might be considered by some to be just a style statement or something celebrities wear as part of their image but really they should be an essential part of our everyday sun protection.

You may think we don’t get too much sun in Northern Ireland but it is still very important to protect ourselves from the potentially damaging effects of the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. Too much UV can contribute to changes in and around the eyes including the development of cataracts and age-related macular degeneration. Research has shown that almost 80% of under-25s put fashion and price before safety standards when choosing sunglasses. Perhaps the over 25s think more about what they buy but then may fail to wear them as often as they should.

You should buy good quality, dark sunglasses – good sunglasses don’t need to be expensive but look out for glasses carrying the “CE” Mark and British Standard BS EN ISO 12312-1:2013,

which ensures that the sunglasses offer a safe level of UV protection.

A step up from tinted lenses would be polarised lenses which offer better contrast and also cut out the glare. This makes them especially useful for drivers as well as fishermen and sailors who have traditionally favoured the polarised versions. For all year round UV protection spectacle wearers may opt for transitions lenses which go darker in the sun and become clear indoors. You can ask your optician about the Eye-Sun Protection Factor E-SPF for your lenses. Lenses are graded in a similar way to suncream to show you the level of protection they provide. Have a chat about what would be most suitable for you and remember kids should wear sunglasses too. I hope you enjoy the summer, whatever the weather.

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DIABETES - THE FACTS AND HOW IT CAN BE CONTROLLED

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By Aimee Mackie, Castle Healthcare Local pharmacist Aimee has a run down on the symptoms and facts of Diabetes.

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ype 2 diabetes is a lifelong condition in which the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood is too high. This is controlled by a hormone called insulin, produced by the pancreas. When food is digested and enters your bloodstream, insulin moves glucose out of the blood and into cells, where it’s broken down to produce energy. However in people with diabetes, your body is unable to break down glucose into energy. This is because the body is not producing insulin or the insulin being produced is not working properly.

Symptoms of diabetes include:

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If you’ve been diagnosed with diabetes pop into McDonalds or Strandburn Pharmacy for a review of your medication today!

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The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

TAKE CARE OF YOUR SKIN IN THE SPRING SUNSHINE

* TIPS ON HOW TO STAY SAFE IN THE SUN:

• SEEK SHADE WHEN THE SUN IS AT ITS STRONGEST – GENERALLY 11AM TO 3PM • COVER UP IN THE SUN WITH A LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRT, SUNGLASSES AND A HAT • USE SUNSCREEN WITH A MINIMUM SPF OF 15 FOR UVB PROTECTION AND 4 STAR FOR UVA PROTECTION. APPLY LIBERALLY 30 MINS BEFORE GOING OUT IN THE SUN & RE-APPLY AT LEAST EVERY TWO HOURS

With the spring sunshine encouraging us to be more active outdoors, the Public Health Agency (PHA) and Cancer Focus Northern Ireland are reminding us to take care in the sun when out and about.

C

yclists, runners and walkers may not realise that while they are building up their heart, lungs and physical strength, they may also be building up their risk of skin damage from the sun. Dr Miriam McCarthy, Consultant in Public Health Medicine at the PHA, said: “Being active outdoors is good for our health, but despite our unpredictable weather, we are still exposed to significant levels of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) from the sun, even on cloudy or breezy days. The majority of our population has fair skin, which provides little protection against the sun, so even a small amount of sun can cause serious skin damage.” UVR from the sun can cause

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skin cancer, aging, wrinkling and eye damage, so it is vital to take the necessary measures to protect yourself to safely enjoy sport and outdoor activities.

Marbeth Ferguson, Skin Cancer Prevention Coordinator, Cancer Focus said: “It is vitally important that people who spend a lot of time outdoors take the necessary steps to protect their skin from harmful UV rays and actively reduce the risks of skin cancer.

If you are exercising outdoors this spring and summer, there are a number of simple steps you can take to protect yourself. By following these simple tips, we can all enjoy the benefits of healthier, more active and happier lifestyles in a safe way.”

• BE SURE TO COVER AREAS WHICH ARE SOMETIMES MISSED, SUCH AS THE LIPS, EARS, AROUND THE EYES, NECK, SCALP AND BACKS OF HANDS For further information on how to enjoy the sun safely visit www.careinthesun.org If you are concerned about skin cancer call the Cancer Focus NI free information and support helpline on 0800 783 3339 or email one of the charity’s nurses on helpline@cancerfocusni.org.

Health Advice

PAGE 19

THE HEALTH HUB

Local health programmes & services on your doorstep

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

The Health Hub is a place where you can find out about local health programmes and services, as well as information on healthy hearts, minds, bodies, relationships and neighbourhoods. ➢ Find out about services, health programmes and training in your local neighbourhood; ➢ Information leaflets on healthy hearts, minds, bodies, relationships and neighbourhoods ➢ Opportunity to weigh yourself and measure your waist. ➢ No appointment needed open Monday to Friday The Health Hub is located at East Belfast Network Centre, 55 Templemore Avenue. Groups, individuals and organisations are welcome to visit the Health Hub and to find out what the Health Hub has to offer. For more information and to organise a visit to the Health Hub please contact Alison Bryans, Health Connections Worker at EBCDA on 028 9045 1512 or email alison@ebcda.org.

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PAGE 20

Local News

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

LOCAL SLIMMER’S WEIGHT LOSS SEES THEM GAIN NEW CAREER! Your local Slimming World Consultant is one of the UK’s top slimmers – and she wants to share her weight loss secrets!

R

LOCAL BUSINESSES CELEBRATES 5th ANNIVERSARY WITH EXPANSION PLANS

L

ydias Kebab and Pizzeria owner Luigi (pic-

for 100% satisfaction from them. We are always

tured above left) and all his staff recently cel-

aiming to evolve and give them the very best

ebrated a fantastic 5 years on the Belmont Road.

food and service they deserve. If you do good

And with the plans for the future, there is set

food, people will come from everywhere. But

to be more celebrations very soon! Luigi plans

the key is high quality, affordable, good value

to open another branch so he can reach areas

food. The menu has something for everyone and

he’s not able to deliver to at the moment. “Due

we have customers of all ages so it’s important

to high demand we plan to expand to meet the

to have a diverse offering. We are very proud to

customers needs. I would like to thank every one

have celebrated our 5th anniversary and look

of the customers who have been a great support

forward to the new plans ahead!”

from day one. We always put them first and aim

38 Belmont Rd. Tel: 028 9047 2544

ebecca Ruth Morrison has lost an incredible 10 stone with Slimming World and was so impressed that in October she started running her own group to help others. Recently she attended Slimming World Consultant Slimmer of the Year Final with a chance to win the national competition. Rebecca Ruth joined in June 2013 and slimmed down from a size 26 to a size 10 in just over a year. She says: “My weight was affecting my health and my self-confidence and I knew I needed to make a change.

Joining Slimming World was the best decision I’ve ever made – not only did I lose weight but I got a brand new career that I love too.” The 24 year-old lost weight following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan, which encourages slimmers to lose weight without ever going hungry by filling up on healthy foods like fruit and veg, pasta, rice, potatoes, lean meat, fish and fat-free dairy. Rebecca Ruth also became more active, taking up walking, and is doing the Belfast 8 mile marathon walk. After losing weight, Rebecca Ruth opened her own group at Knocknagoney. She says: “I found people were always asking how I’d lost my weight and I loved telling them all about Slimming World, so it made sense to turn that into a career. The hours are flexible and there are great rewards for supporting others to achieve their weight loss goals, not to mention the huge satisfaction I get out of helping people to feel better about themselves. The training I’ve had from Slimming World is second to none and has given me a fantastic grounding in how to support members with care, compassion and understanding.

Before Slimming World I’d tried every which way to lose weight on my own and never really had much success. It’s a big thing to admit that you can’t do it by yourself and I was really nervous about joining the group, but there was no need to feel that way because everyone was so friendly. In the weekly group we all shared our experiences and advice and now I try to create that same atmosphere in my group.” Contact Rebecca Ruth on 07576 895195 or visit slimmingworld.com

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Join a warm and friendly group near you today…

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touching hearts, changing lives *More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.

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Local Business

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

PAGE 21

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Schools

PAGE 22

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

PRE-SCHOOL PROVISION AT LEADHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL

A FLYING SUCCESS FOR TOMORROW’S ENGINEERS

for busy modern families, in a familiar and

of our success in working alongside our

welcoming environment. Our competitive

families to provide a school community that

rates provide excellent childcare at an

meets their needs. In September 2015 we will

affordable price. As a smaller school in the

be opening our pre-school facility. This will

Castlereagh area, we offer an opportunity

provide places for children from the age of

for children to be nurtured and developed

2 years and 10 months up to primary school

in a school setting where every adult knows

age. Children will be given opportunities to

every child. Our school community works

develop socially, physically, emotionally and

cooperatively to provide an excellent

academically throughout these vital early

education for all our children, building

years, creating a firm foundation for the rest

up a strong partnership with our parents

of their school careers. This new initiative

and families. Our focus on the teaching of

is building on the provision of wrap-around

thinking skills, alongside our development of

care that we now offer at Leadhill. Children

new technologies, helps to develop greater

ver 700 young engineers from schools across Northern Ireland attended the ‘Sentinus Big Bang Ballymena’ exhibition held at the Braid Centre.

can relax and play in our Breakfast and After

independence and versatility in learning for

School Clubs which run from 8am to 6pm

A

our children. For information or to arrange

each school day. These clubs which are run

a visit to explore how we can help meet your

by our own school staff, provide flexibility

child’s needs, contact 028 9040 1101.”

O

major focus of the event was a Celebration Day for the Sentinus Team R&D programme, representing a culmination of six months’ research and development work alongside industry to deliver innovative and creative solutions to current problems. Throughout the day students displayed their projects and presented their findings to a panel of judges.

The science fair is a warm up to the main Young Innovators event in June and showcases the students’ innovative projects in science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM).

Sentinus is an educational charity working with over 60,000 young people a year in NI to deliver programmes that promote engagement in STEM and inspire students to consider a career

Reach 42,000 homes & businesses • email stuart@loopmag.net or call 028 9070 1607 to get in The Loop!

“At Leadhill Primary School we are proud

in the sectors. The Sentinus Team R&D projects is vital to the development of the Northern Ireland knowledge economy, partnering A-Level students at a pivotal stage in making their career decision, with engineers and scientists from local businesses. With support from local universities R&D departments, the aim is to inspire students to consider a career in STEM by giving them ownership of a current real world, industrial problem. Pictured (L-R): Bloomfield Collegiate students Georgia Hawkes, Bethany McGarvey, Aimee Millar, Shelley Crooks pictured with Donal McGuckin, NIE while showcasing their Sentinus Team R&D project, Domestic Renewable Demand Side Management which has been developed in partnership with NIE.

HOLYWOOD PRIMARY SCHOOL host their summer fair and BBQ next month on Thursday 4th June from 6-8.30pm. The evening with feature bouncy castle * inflatable disco dome * assault course * tombolas * games * bbq * face painting * fire engine * ice cream * pop corn * donuts * candy floss * & lots, lots more! www.holywoodprimary.org.uk

BIRDWATCHING AT KNOCKBREDA PS

k

nockbreda Primary School pupils took part in this years RSPB Birdwatch event and set about recording the birds that landed or hovered around the school grounds.

This year Mrs Hart’s class took part in the national RSPB Birdwatch. Every day for a week the children recorded the number and type of birds spotted in and around our school grounds. This information was forwarded to RSPB who compile national results. It was no surprise that the most common bird around school was the blackbird, they love to visit our playground after break time to search out any crumbs that our pupils may have left behind! Well done to the class who received a certificate to display in school.

MOVIE MATTERS

P

M

oving Image Arts students from Ashfield Girls’ High School recently participated in the East Side Urban Villages event in conjunction with the Strategic Investment Board.

upils had the opportunity to use iPad technology to create their own urban village stop motion animation and TV news programme about their hopes and dreams for East Belfast.

The girls also had the unique chance of meeting with a range of film and television industry professionals from Northern Ireland Screen and BBC NI including Catherine Geary – the Locations Manager for films such as Dracula Untold, Star Wars Vii and Philomena.

Head of Media Tracy Rossborough told us, “It was a great privilege for Ashfield Girls’ to be invited to be part of the project and the pupils gained so much from it. Not only were they involved in the film making but also participated in a ‘Talkaoke’ discussion on their views on redevelopment of the area, Fablab workshops which involved laser cutting and t-shirt printing and in a volunteering capacity. To gain such in depth information from the media professionals was also a fantastic experience for the GCSE pupils and will certainly benefit them in their futures.” PICTURED: Pupils from Ashfield Girls’ and Boys’ along with a range of professionals from the Film and TV industries and Nerve Centre, Belfast.

SCHOOLS PROVE THEIR EURO KNOWLEDGE IS TOP OF THE CLASS

P

upils from Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock (pictured above) and Methodist College Belfast have proven that they are top of the class when it comes to their knowledge of Europe and European affairs. Their teams of six Key Stage Three students - two each from years 8, 9 and 10 – beat off competition from ten other schools from Holywood, Bangor, Carrickfergus and Newcastle as well as Belfast to finish first and second respectively in the first ever ‘Opportunity Europe Euro Quiz’ at City Hall on 21st April. The quiz

tested pupils’ knowledge on European languages, geography, food and drink, music and much more.

The event was organised by Belfast City Council, the European Commission Office in Northern Ireland and NICILT (the Northern Ireland Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research) based at Queen’s University. Following the Belfast round, the Euro Quiz will now go out on the road.

The top two teams from each regional heat will then go forward to the Euro Quiz Final in Belfast at the end of May.

Local Business

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015

PAGE 23

Looking for a Primary School?

(for past pupils of McArthur Nursery School)

Leadhill Primary School is an urban school with a rural, family feel and an exciting focus on the teaching of thinking.

Our school community provides a nurturing environment where your child can grow and develop.

Breakfast and After School Clubs run each school day from 8am to 6pm, providing affordable childcare in familiar and secure surroundings.

Register now for a place in our new Pre-school facility for children from 2 years and 10 months.

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McArthur Nursery School

Susan Street, Belfast Phone School for further information: 028 90 451965

email: info@leadhillps.belfast.ni.sch.uk

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PAGE 24

The Arts

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

CREATIVE EXCHANGE INJECTING COLOUR INTO THE HEART OF EAST BELFAST Creative Exchange Studios, based in Portview Trade Centre, is home to 15 fine and digital contemporary artists, all working and experimenting in various fields of painting, ceramics, photography and sculpture.

C

reative Exchange also works extensively in the community on various socially engaged artistic projects such as this latest public art project Urban Meadows Community Garden. This was an environmental improvement programme that has helped to clean up a previously derelict plot of unused DSD land at the junction of the Newtownards Road and Tower Street, transforming it into a bright usable space. The scheme was funded by Belfast City Council ‘Renewing the Routes’ programme with Creative Exchange working in collaboration with the East Belfast Partnership in the visual arts development of the project. Studio artist Deirdre Robb created the uplifting backdrop titled ‘Urban Meadow’ to integrate with the landscaping and planting to help transform the site. Looking at East Belfast’s industrial heritage stimulated her inspiration for the Flax flower artwork. She considered it important to celebrate linen and the mills, as they are not well represented in the area as much of the focus is on the shipyard industry. Deirdre hopes that the artwork will have a positive impact on the area and that local people and visitors will enjoy the both artwork and garden.

JOE LINDSAY featured with his Rally Car Bonnet Piece: Death Valley 69’

SAY EVERYTHING

JOE LINDSAY FIRST SOLOEXHIBITION Joe is best known for his travel presenting skills on the BBC programme ‘Getaways’ and his ear for music and now his art career is set to scale new heights withis first solo exhibition; “Say Everything”

W

Thursday 7th May 2015 – 21st May @ Whalley Fine Art, 48c High Street, Holywood www.whalleyfineart.com

hen he’s not off on his travels, Joe is a Belfast based TV and radio presenter and broadcaster. Joe has presented Getaways for BBC Northern Ireland for several years. He also presented After Midnight on BBC Radio Ulster and Art Space on BBC NI.A well-known figure on the music scene in Belfast, Joe runs a popular monthly club night and is an ardent promoter of new music on the Irish scene. As Palookaville, Joe has done remixes for bands A Plastic Rose and Little Matador and is currently putting his first four-track EP together, to be released

in 2015. Joe was also one of the founder members of Skewiff Theatre Company, having performed the one-man show The Agony, And Ecstasy Of Steve Jobs and taken leading roles in Talk Radio and The Odd Couple.

Belfast has seen an increase in Street Art over the past few years with buildings becoming canvasses throughout the city and as Joe explains this has given him the urge to produce his latest collection of work.

Joe explains, “I have always drawn and painted.

When I was a kid, it was copying panels

C

reative Exchange are also delighted that two of our resident artists are featured in the renowned Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival based in Belfast. Paul Moore (right) will have his first solo exhibition Lorem Ipsum in the Arts & Disability Forum based in Royal Avenue (opposite Central Library). The exhibition features new artworks that explore the artist’s personal experience of dyslexia. Through the artworks he outlines the limits of language as a tool for communication. Paul intends to challenge how we process information, linking mind, memory and place to modern technology. Paul also recently won the prestigious IDF Award, which is a bursary funded by the Arts Council Northern Ireland.

A

lso in this year’s festival programme is Ciara O’Malley, who has been selected by Open Space to showcase her OmniSpace Project in the festival. The OmniSpace is a purpose built unit that is a creative space designed to act as a blank canvas for the public to interact with the artist and put forward their own ideas. The unit will be located on Garfield Street where the artist will engage the local community to

from American comics I got from Harry Halls in Gresham Street, as a teenager I became obsessed with graffiti art through my love of Hip Hop music. I couldn’t afford turntables to DJ and I was hopeless at break-dancing and rapping sounded weird with a Belfast accent.

But I loved the whole ethos of graffiti. Brightly coloured, vibrant, strange works of art turning up in subways and on dreary walls, done under cover of darkness and at risk of arrest. These paintings were planned out meticulously beforehand in sketch form and executed quickly.

Vandalism, some called it, but it would remain and infiltrate the art galleries and mainstream culture. This was a transient art form. The works were either erased or painted over and painted over again. And I quickly realised that that was the part about it that fascinated me. Seeing the layers of pieces and paint beneath and at the edges, as artist after artist made their mark in their own particular style. Recently I have been looking at mythical creatures. Minotaurs, Centaurs, Griffins. Beasts of mythology and enduring symbolism. But what if they had been real, we could see their skeletons in museums alongside T-Rex and Mammoths. A big spanner in the theory of evolution and indeed creationism. Mythical creatures, Superheroes, Rock Stars. Timeless pop cultural figures.”

The exhibition with be made up of a number of large canvasses, Ltd Edition hand finished pieces and prints with a rally car bonnet from the 1970’s, hand finished and sprayed being the highlight of the show.

help re-invent and redefine Garfield Street. She will hold a series of discussions and workshops in the hope to create new designs as well as concepts that could be used for the future development of the Garfield site.

028 9045 2299 | CREATIVEEXCHANGEARTISTS@GMAIL.COM TWITTER.COM/CREATIVEEXCHART | CREATIVEEXCHANGE.ORG.UK

THE MAC SHORTLISTED FOR THE PRESTIGIOUS ART FUND PRIZE FOR MUSEUM OF THE YEAR 2015 AWARD Six museums from across the UK made the final shortlist from the hundreds of museums and galleries surveyed.

The winner will receive a cash prize of £100,000. The news coincides with the 3rd birthday celebrations at the MAC. The Art Fund is the national fundraising charity for art, driven by the belief that everyone should have access to great art. In the past five years the Art Fund has given £34 million to help museums and galleries acquire works of art for their collections Anne McReynolds, Chief Executive said “It’s hard to believe that the MAC is only 3 years old. It has so quickly become a home for the arts in Northern Ireland, a shared and welcoming space that offers outstanding art for everyone. For us to receive this recognition from the Art Fund is hugely gratifying – it’s a real landmark for the arts in Belfast.”

Celebrating the announcement of the shortlist, renowned British photographer will judge the Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year National Photography competition which is invited members of the public to make and submit their own photographs of the shortlisted museums. Entries should be submitted to the Art Fund website no later than Sunday 31st May 2015.

The Art Fund Prize for Museum of the Year 2015 winner will be revealed at an awards dinner at Tate Modern on Wednesday 1 July 2015.

For further information please visit themaclive.com

Local Business

PAGE 25

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EAST BELFAST EDITION #4 / MAY 2015 Print It Flyer Side.pdf 1 11/24/2014 4:30:02 PM

PAGE 26

The History Man

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

Laying of the foundation stone at Parliament Buildings, Stormont 1928

Stormont Castle

Parliament Buildings, Stormont nears completion in the early 1930s

Edward, Prince of Wales opens Parliament Buildings 16th November 1932.

Field Marshall Montgomery visits Stormont September 1945.

ELECTION FEVER | BY AIDAN CAMPBELL By the time you read this article the excitement of the General Election of 7th May 2015 will have passed. The afterglow provides a timely enough moment to recall the origins of our Northern Ireland Parliament Buildings at Stormont.

loopmag.net | facebook.com/looppublications | stuart@loopmag.net

T

he name of Stormont originates at the present Stormont Estate which was established by the Rev. John Cleland in the early 19th century. By the 1830s a house called ‘Storm Mount’ was described as a ‘large plain house with very little planting about it’. In 1858 the Cleland family commissioned the local architect Thomas Turner to convert the existing plain dwelling into a flamboyant baronial castle. Stormont Castle was built complete with turrets, battlements, weather vanes and conical caps. Its exterior is said to have been inspired by Scotland’s Balmoral Castle. Between 1921 and 1972, it served as the official residence of the Prime Minister of Northern Ireland. In 1921 Stormont Castle and 235 acres of land was acquired as a site for the Parliament Buildings of the new Northern Ireland state. It was resolved that: ‘Stormont Castle demesne shall be the place where the new Parliament House and Buildings shall be erected and as the place to be determined as the seat of the Government of Northern Ireland as and when suitable provision has been made thereof.’

From 1921 the new Northern Ireland Parliament had been based firstly at Belfast City Hall and then Presbyterian Assembly’s College, Botanic Avenue, Belfast. The new

Parliament was seeking a permanent home and early front runners were Belfast Castle, Belvoir House and Orangefield House before the Stormont site was finally chosen.

Some interesting objections to the Stormont location at the time were, that it was felt to be too far outside Belfast, too heavily wooded and largely inaccessible. The Governor of Northern Ireland, the Duke of Abercorn (pictured) laid the foundation stone at a grand ceremonial occasion on 19th May 1928. Preparation work on the foundations for the new Parliament Building had been underway since 1922. Parliament Buildings, Stormont were beginning to take their familiar shape in this early 1930s photograph.

The original architect’s plans included a great dome on the roof, similar to the one at Belfast City Hall. However in the interests of economy the dome was sacrificed and a flat roof was provided instead. The layout of Parliament Buildings follows that of the UK Parliament at Westminster. It is designed in the Greek classical tradition and constructed from English Portland stone.

Parliament Buildings at Stormont was officially opened

by Edward, Prince of Wales (pictured), later King Edward VIII, on 16th November 1932 and celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2012. The curator of Kew Gardens was invited to

advise on the planting of trees at Processional Avenue and it was decided to use Red Twigged Lime rather than Elm. As well as being a major wooded park, Stormont Estate extends to some 400 acres, and includes playing fields and a pavilion, a children’s play area, several large office buildings, veterinary labs, a castle and of course Parliament Buildings.

Parliament Buildings has witnessed many fine occasions over the years and here is Field Marshall Montgomery meeting some members of the public at a Stormont Garden Party on 14th September 1945. Montgomery’s Ulster connection was that, although he was born in London and his father was an Anglican vicar and later a bishop, the family lived for a time at Moville in Co. Donegal. The Field Marshal Montgomery Pipe Band is named after him and was founded in 1945 in the townland of Drumalig, near Carryduff. A group wanted to form a band following World War II after one of the great heroes of the war, Bernard Law Montgomery. They wrote to Field Marshal Montgomery himself to ask for permission to use his name. Not only was permission granted, but their hero generously sent a ten shilling note as a personal contribution to the band’s funds. Montgomery Road is also named in his honour.

AIDAN CAMPBELL HAS PUBLISHED 11 LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS COVERING AREAS OF EAST BELFAST. ON SALE AT HILLMOUNT GARDEN CENTRE, MARIE CURIE HOSPICE AND ON HIS WEBSITE EASTBELFASTHISTORY.COM

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PAGE 28

Whats Happening?

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

YOUR AT A GLANCE MONTHLY GUIDE TO WHAT’S GOING ON IN YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD

MUMS & TOTS Etc

MONDAY Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.

100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 East End Baptist Tiny Tots (Westbourne street). Each Monday during term time 10:30-12noon. £1 donation. Tel: 07786 962220.

Little Stars The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466.

Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793.

Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698

TUESDAY Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15 Woodstock Link. Donation £1 CFC Mops & Tots 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more.

Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

CFC Mops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presbyterian.

10-11.45am term time. £1.

Mersey St Presbyterian 028 9065 7025 Mount Merrion Parish Church 10am Toddler Group. Tel 07905 144070 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

St Donards Church 10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Tots 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult Tots & Co 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Cregagh Methodist Church £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

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WEDNESDAY Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Orangefield Baptist Church 10.30-12. 37 North Road, BT5 5NE smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road 07745 076911 orangefield.org.uk St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome.

191a Upper Newtownards Rd Willowfield Mother & Toddler 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654

/// Send your event details to stuart@loopmag.net

Mount Merrion Parish Church Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Senior puppet club. 4.30pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Learn to dance. 7.30pm, Ballroom, sequence & Latin.

Bloomfield Methodist Church Tel 07547 801383. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

10-11.30am £1 per family Skainos Building skainos.org Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Cregagh Presbyterian Hannah Wilson. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm.

10am mothers & toddlers. Tel Josephine 028 9065 Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Women’s 4181. 102-104 Cregagh Road Group starts at 7pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher Cregagh Mums & Tots Book Group on the last Tuesday of each month from 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue.

2-3pm. In partnership with NI Libraries. Contact Mary Tel: 028 9040 1444 Campbell on 07912144906 Gilnahirk Presbyterian Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12.

Tel: Laura 07708 000025 Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

WEDNESDAY

29th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (3-7) 6:45-8:15pm.

Company Section (8-18) 6:45-10pm.

St Columba’s Mums & Tots Helen 07938 521823.

9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Baby massage 10am-1pm. Yoga with Eleanor 5.457.45pm. Body Rolling 7.30-8.30pm.

39th Old Boys 7-9pm Cregagh Presbyterian For seniors - “Evergreens’. 2.30pm.

Tel Barbara 028 9045 3829 Ballyhackamore Library Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of Squirrels. 6.30pm. Tel Laura 07597 684104 the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 102-104 Cregagh Road Over 60’s Lunch Club 7pm. Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of Girls Brigade the month) 7pm.

Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 Bean Blessed upwards 7.30pm Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Luncheon Club Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist.

Cregagh Presbyterian 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book on 028 9045 7564.

Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel John 07809 205579 Mount Merrion Parish Church 102-104 Cregagh Road Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Harding Memorial Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149. Mount Merrion Ave 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm.

Skainos Building skainos.org Contact Clare 07905 556825.

Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians Orangefield Baptist Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 From 10am-12pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher. Senior Friendship Club from 2pm-3.30pm. Contact Mark North Rd 028 9065 7876 Sweeney. Advanced Creative writing from 10amSkainos Building skainos.org 12noon. Led by John Wilson and Norman Meharry Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Going Green from 2-4pm. Gardening project with Hannah Wilson. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. practical sessions in the EBM community garden.

Contact Mary Campbell on 07912144906 Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906 Strand Cinema & NI Stars Strand Arts Centre Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day for £3.

Singing & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community Wandsworth Community Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Arranging 1.30028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama Academy 5-6pm.

Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. 3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

CLASSES & EVENTS

MONDAY

TUESDAY

Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members.

Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Thursdays.

Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm Pregnancy Yoga 7.30-8.30pm East Belfast Wine Makers

THURSDAY

Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members.

Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Tuesdays.

Cregagh Presbyterian Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Tel Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies. 6.30pm. Tel Vicki 028 9045 8208 Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Tel Claire 07598 866895 102-104 Cregagh Road

Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential on the morning of event.

Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am. 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga 6-8pm Mindfulness Courses 6.30-8.30pm Mount Merrion Parish Church Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829.

Senior Citizens Luncheon Club Midday @ Ballymac Centre. Hot lunch & social time. alison@ballymac.org Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Over’s Luncheon Club from 12.30-2pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912144906. Art Group from 11-2pm. Painting, crafts and marquetry. Contact Mary Campbell.

Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Needlework 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15-4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm.

FRIDAY

Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Relax & Read 1am-12pm.

Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm Mount Merrion Parish Church 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 Skainos Building skainos.org Friday Fusion - arts, crafts and play for P1-P7 from 6.30-8pm. Contact Christine Savage. Street Soccer NI from 1.30 – 4pm. Free 5 a-side football in Shaftesbury Recreation Centre. Contact Justin on 90463482 Wandsworth Community Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Childrens Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Fitness & Boxing Class 8.30-9.30pm Shiloh Hall 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12.

SATURDAY

Mount Merrion Parish Church SunshineFit Kids - keep fit. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

Orangefield Baptist Church 37 North Road, BT5 5NE Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.

Skainos Building skainos.org Walking Group on selected Saturdays at 10am.

Contact Britt Gilmore Strand Cinema & NI Stars Stage school. 10-1pm nistars.com Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am

SUNDAY

Mount Merrion Parish Church KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm. Tel 07926 638314 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

Skainos.org Sunday Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche and Sunday school available for children Strand Cinema & NI Stars Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm

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PAGE 30

Local Football

The BIGGEST publication in East Belfast

YOUR EAST BELFAST FOOTBALL ROUND UP Glentoran 1 | Portadown 0 Its two Irish Cups now in three years for Eddie Patterson’s Glentoran, although in years to come Saturday’s success over Portadown won’t be remembered for the wet, windy conditions; the controversy about ticket allocation – but a highly debatable decision on the 53rd minute when Willie Garrett’s undercooked back pass was gobbled up by Michael Gault who appeared to be impeded as he homed in on Elliott Morris.

I

t looked to be a clear foul, a free kick to Portadown and a red card for Garrett, but referee Ross Dunlop was

strangely unmoved. Granted, Gault has a reputation in Irish League circles for going to ground rather easily and the official may have considered it to be a ‘coming together’ amid the slippery conditions. TV replays, though, confirmed what most of us thought, that it was a foul by Garrett,

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something that should have been picked up by referee’s assistant Richard Storey on the line, and especially the extra official Raymond Crangle behind the goal. Through with just the keeper to beat, Gault going down made no sense, had he not been fouled! It was later claimed that Crangle’s headset wasn’t working and thus he couldn’t relay his thoughts to Dunlop – yet there was no attempt for the ‘extra official’ to attract the referee’s attention.

Maybe there was some element of doubt in keeper Elliott Morris’s mind – was he expecting the free kick to be given, as he picked the back pass up? It therefore should have been an indirect free kick to Portadown, but with Gault in particularly still debating the toss with the officials, after the two ‘non free kicks’, the Glens rubbed salt into the Ports wound, breaking with a telling sting, with David Scullion working a neat one-two with Jordan Stewart before drilling the ball low and hard into the bottom right hand corner of the net. Understandably the County Armagh side were livid – for instead, of a free kick and the prospect of playing the final 36 minutes against ten men, with the wind at their backs, they were one down and still 11 v 11.

Even so, there was still time for the Ports to turn things around, though their mood didn’t improve when, nine minutes later, Calum Birney’s handling of Gary Twigg’s header went undetected by the referee. Again it looked clear cut but there was no reaction from the well placed referee. So, the first Irish Cup Final at the Oval for 20 years – and quite a few empty seats by the look of things, despite

loopmag.net | facebook.com/looppublications | stuart@loopmag.net

the number of supporters who were unable to get tickets, due to the Health and Safety regulations.

Eddie Patterson went for the same 4-3-2-1 system that had worked so well against Crusaders in the semi final, and once more the tactics worked a treat.

Despite the wet and windy conditions, there was nothing wrong with the atmosphere at the Oval, with both sets of fans adding colour to the occasion.

It’s a pity, though, that the football was something of a damp squib, especially in the opening 45 minutes.

The first real attempt on goal came after four minutes when Curtis Allen nodded Jordan Stewart’s right wing cross over the bar.

Portadown’s first real meaningful attack came on 12 minutes when Peter McMahon’s cross just failed to find Gary Twigg. Three minutes later, Marcus Kane made an able break down the left but was closed down by Gault just when he was getting ready to pull the trigger.

On 16 minutes, Ports defender Gary Breen was fortunate not to see yellow for a scissors challenge on Stephen

McAlorum. Niall Henderson slipped the resultant free kick to Willie Garrett whose effort sailed well off target.

Portadown had a neat move five minutes later; Stewart tracking back to rob Sean Mackle. From the ensuing corner, swung over by Redman, Breen couldn’t quite dig the ball from under his feet, allowing Kane to make the required clearance. Best effort of the half came on 22 minutes; Henderson finding Scullion whose stirring long ranger just dipped the wrong side of the bar. Given the lack of creativity

Carrick Rangers 3 | H & W Welders 1

and neither keeper yet forced into action, two minutes later it was Barry Holland who tried his luck from distance but his shot was high and horribly well wide of the target.

On 27 minutes. Allen headed wide of the right hand upright after getting onto the end of Kane’s left wing delivery. Seven minutes later, Garrett had another free kick opportunity but his shot was easily gathered by keeper David Miskelly, after McAlorum had been upended outside the box. Three minutes from the break, Ports defender Breen did well to recover, after initially being robbed by Allen.

It was Portadown, however, who had the last real chance of an underwhelming half; Twigg claiming he had been impeded by Garrett as he tried to reach Redman’s left wing cross, the ball spinning out to Mark McAllister who was denied by Kane’s fine block, with McMahon screwing the rebound well wide of the right hand post.

And so into the second half, where it was Portadown’s turn to have the considerable breeze at their backs, going close after just three minutes when Elliott Morris was forced into action, diving to his left to comfortably deprive Mackle, who had been put through nicely by McMahon.

Then we had that action packed fundamental 53rd minute; the non-foul on Gault; the non free kick for Morris picking up Willie Garrett’s back pass, and of course, Scullion scoring at the other end. On the hour, there as the first booking of the final. Glentoran’s Stephen Gordon having his name rightly recorded in Mr Dunlop’s notebook after a crunching challenge on Robbie Garrett. Chris Casement’s free kick rebounded off the wall, but the Glens never really got the danger cleared, resulting in Casement’s corner, where Twigg’s header came off the arm of Birney.

A minute later, the Ports again went close; Gault finding Robbie Garrett who blasted over the bar, when he might have been better releasing the ball to the better placed Mackle. At the other end, Keith O’Hara was cautioned for stopping Allen in full flight; the colour of the card being yellow, given that fellow defender Breen was in a covering position. Allen threatened again on 67 minutes, hooking one wide of the right hand post. On 73 minutes, there was the save of the match (not that there was many to pick from)

by Morris, reacting well to paw the ball over the bar after Breen had got his head to a long throw in from substitute Darren Murray. It was a little more comfortable for Morris nine minutes later, getting down to foil Redman at his near post. Five minutes from time, there was something quick thinking by Kane, dragging team mate Garrett out of the way, following a hefty challenge by Breen on McAlorum.

You might have expected some sort of final fling from Portadown, but Glentoran held out comfortably, with Morris forced into that only one real save in defying Breen.

So a well deserved triumph for Eddie Patterson’s side, not to mention the financial windfall that goes along with it – but generally, it will be a final that will be remembered mostly for that controversial 53rd minute!

Glentoran: Morris – Holland, Garrett, Birney, Kane –

McAlorum, Henderson (Addis 89), Gordon – Stewart (Nelson 90), Scullion (McCaffrey 89) – Allen. Subs (unused) McKee, Hogg.

A

There was cup final disappointment for Harland and Wolff Welders as they once more came off second best to Carrick Rangers at Seaview, although at least Friday night’s Intermediate Final was an improvement on their defeat in the Steel and Sons at Christmas.

nd there’s probably no need to remind everyone of

Carrick afloat, clinging onto a Magennis free kick. Magennis

what happened the last time the Welders got to the

also teed one up nicely for Davidson whose shot careered

final of the Intermediate – they lost 1-0 in the final at Dixon

off Kelly and fizzed over the bar.

Park to Carrick Rangers, thanks to a last gasp goal from

The tie was certainly evenly poised, although the Welders

Paul Heatley, who has had a starring role this season for

suffered a serious blow on 78 minutes when their most

Crusaders in their Championship season.

creative spark Mark Magennis was red carded for swinging

It was Carrick who almost got off to a flyer when, after just

out at left back Aaron Traynor. There seemed to be little

two minutes, Welders keeper Michael Dougherty caught

need for it, as Magennis had already showed neat control

the ball at the second attempt, after pawing Ben Roy’s

in beating the defender right on the half way line, and it

right wing centre against the crossbar. Three minutes later,

did look more like a deliberate slap, rather than a matter of

Carrick’s Miguel Chines fired one just over the bar. Then on

momentum and his arm swinging back over. Perhaps on

10 minutes, Rangers skipper Aaron Harmon almost found

a normal match, he might have got away with it, as referee

a way through, but keeper Dougherty came off his line to

Evan Boyce appeared to have missed it, following the ball –

clear the danger. At the other end, a looping header from

although assistant Neill Gillespie had his flag raised.

Davy Rainey dropped harmlessly over the bar. Then Mark

However, in a normal game, you don’t have a fourth

Magennis and Scott Davidson linked up well to unearth an

official and the incident occurred right in front of Graham

opening for hotshot Mark McLellan who was crowded out by

McIlwrath who consulted with the referee before Mr Boyce

the Rangers rearguard.

brandished the red card. There was also a yellow for keeper

On 26 minutes, McLellan found Rainey out on the left

Dougherty who seemed to take umbrage with McCloskey

but the veteran striker, back on his old stomping ground,

in the ensuing discussion. A serious blow then for Gary

hooked his shot over the bar. Six minutes later, a speculative

Smyth’s side, yet they almost won it two minutes into

effort from Willie Armstrong sailed just the wrong side

stoppage time when Ryan Deans’ shot looked destined for

of the bar. Carrick, though, came closer on 37 minutes

the top left hand corner before it took a deflection off Aaron

when Welders keeper Dougherty showed his mettle with

Smyth. Deans, now with the Welders, was one of only two

a magnificent finger tip save to keep out Adam Dick’s

survivors from Carrick’s winning Intermediate side of four

close range header, from Conor McCloskey’s flighted left

years ago. Instead, it was Carrick who regained their lead

wing cross. It was the Shipyardmen, however, who had

one minute into extra time; McCloskey controlling the ball

the last offering of a distinctly ordinary opening half when

superbly before hammering a Kyle Cherry pass beyond the

Magennis cut in from the left but was robbed by defender

helpless Dougherty. McCloskey, too, ended the session just

Daniel Kelly. Rangers almost roared in front just two

as he had started, with an even better finish, delightfully

minutes into the second half when a fierce drive from ex

lofting the ball into the bottom left hand corner from the

Dundela man Roy was beaten down by Dougherty, who did

edge of the box. That third goal really killed the tie off.

well to recover, with Chines ready to pounce.

Carrick weren’t going to let this one slip now, especially

Two minutes later, Carrick claimed for a penalty when

with their man advantage, although it was perhaps a slight

Dougherty barged into Dick in the box. It might have

surprise when McLellan was withdrawn in favour of Mark

been harsh, but we’ve seen them given! On 54 minutes,

Armstrong – one soft goal and the Welders could have been

Davidson almost caught out Carrick custodian Brian Neeson

right back in it.

at the near post. Rangers hoofed the ball down the pitch,

So, cup final disappointment once more for the Welders,

Chines got round the wrong side of Dan McMurray but

although the consolation is they’ll avoid Carrick Rangers

Dougherty was alert, springing off his line to make a timely

next season, at least in the Intermediate and Steel and

block. Seconds later, McCloskey’s low shot was flicked

Sons. And it was still a good season for the Shipywardmen,

goalwards by Chines but it was blocked on the line.

reaching those two cup finals, as well as the quarter finals

On 59 minutes, the ball just rolled away from McLellan as

of the Irish Cup, not to mention a creditable fourth place in

he tried to seize onto a Ryan Deans cross. Carrick once again

Championship 1.

pumped the ball right down the pitch where Neeson’s long

So, the treble for Carrick Rangers, and plenty of talk that

punt was flicked on by Dick for Chines to make no mistake,

this was the first treble since Larne achieved it back in

beating Dougherty at his near post.

1970. However, some around Wilgar Park direction might

Two minutes later, the Welders almost levelled matters

think differently as Dundela won the Steel and Sons, the

but Neeson pulled off a vital save, as McMurray stole in

intermediate and the League back in 1999/2000, although

at the far post to get his head to a long raking free kick

‘their league title’ was Section 2, ie the third tier, whereas

from Magennis. That Carrick lead, however, lasted just four

the current Championship 1 is the second tier.

minutes, as McLellan fastened onto a neat pass from Paul

H&W WELDERS: Dougherty, Dickson (Middleton 96),

Dickson, steadying himself before rifling the ball in via the far post for his 48th goal of the season. The Shipyardmen almost went one better on 68 minutes but Neeson kept

McMurray, Simpson, Harris, W Armstrong, Deans

(Devine 100), Davidson, Magennis, Rainey, McLellan (M Armstrong 104). Subs (unused) Spence, Shiels,

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