Loop Mag : East Belfast April 2018

ISSUE • #39 • APRIL 2018

EAST BELFAST EDITION • LOOPMAG.NET

LOOP Magazine YOUR LOCAL MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • 40,000 COPIES MONTHLY

Local News

Food & Drink

All the latest news and views from the East side and beyond

It’s all about the tipples and nibbles plus a brand new cafe

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The Arts

Local students heading to La La Land, exhibitions and listings

SUSTRANS

The local children who made it a no car zone last month

Home

It might be baltic but spring is in the air, time to take it outside

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#39 A new £120,000 all ability secret garden in east Belfast will be officially opened by the widow of the local solicitor, John Watts, for whom it is named

“

The benefits of bringing young and old together is immeasurable and everyone at Towell House Is looking forward to many happy and productive days immersed in the garden.

Jill Brooker General Manager Towell House

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The John Watts sensory garden at Towell House, east Belfast has been supported by Belfast City Council’s Local Investment Fund (Lif) which has committed £2.2million to projects in the east of the city

M

r Watts has been recognised for the support he gave to Towell House where the garden, part funded by Belfast City Council’s Local Investment Fund and the Towell House Fundraising Team, has transformed what was previously waste ground.

Alderman Tom Haire joined Mr Watt’s widow Joan at the official opening and said that in this instance in particular LIF lived up to it purpose to transform local lives and regenerate local areas.

He said: “Since 2012 Belfast City Council has invested £9 million in local area based schemes across the city, and here in east Belfast, over £2.2 million has been committed to such projects.People over 60 already make up one-fifth of our population, and as most of our residents are living longer, healthier lives, this is

forecast to increase dramatically by one-third by 2050. We are committed to continuing to improve our services and structure to meet the diverse needs of the ageing population. And investing in fantastic new facilities, such as the John Watt Garden, right in the heart of local communities, is a significant step towards making this happen,” added the Alderman. “I’ve no doubt that this beautiful garden will provide pleasure for the residents of Towell House for many years to come.”

The garden is open not just to residents of Towell House but also to the local community and offers three separate areas for visitors to enjoy. They include: o Woodland garden – where visitors can immerse themselves in nature in an outdoor classroom setting with tree seating, bird boxes and feeders o Glade garden – a space for

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reflection and contemplation with water feature, ornamental trees and planting o Growing garden – a social space with a potting shed, raised beds, mobile planters, seating and BBQ area Jill Brooker, General Manager talked briefly about the all ability aspect of the garden where every age group and all abilities will come together and share time and learning. “This is very much a cross community effort with schools both catholic and protestant committing to using the facility with the residents.

The benefits of bringing young and old together is immeasurable and everyone at Towell House Is looking forward to many happy and productive days immersed in the garden.”

It has been specifically designed so there are no barriers to any user group, irrespective of ability and addresses some of the challenges associated with frailty due to older age, dementia and disability including loss of memory, independence, initiative and ability to participate in social activities.

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#39 Welcome to the latest edition of Loop Magazine.

The biggest publication in East Belfast. Your monthly local with a difference

Contents

The biggest publication in the area

03

Welcome April 18

East Belfast Edition #39 / April 2018

What’s Inside?

04 News

4 LOCAL NEWS

WHERE WE GO TO BLOOMFIELD & BALLYHACKAMORE 4,930 BRANIEL, G’NAHIRK, TULLYCARNET 5,300 DUNDONALD 4,200 STRANDTOWN & BELMONT 5,300 LOWER CREGAGH 6,800 UPPER CREGAGH 6,300 BALLYMACARETT 3,000 LOWER N’ARDS ROAD & SYDENHAM 4,170

A family owned business based In East Belfast

12 Food & Drink

THE ARTS

News, headlines and the latest information from in and around East Belfast and beyond

Some of East Belfast’s top movie boffins head to LA, exhibition news plus listings from Strand Arts Centre

10

20

COMMUNITY

24 Home

18

LOCAL HISTORY

Crucial advice from East Belfast Independent Advice centre plus a host of community initiatives

With the weather turning, Aidan turns his attention to alfresco sporting activities in the East Belfast of old

12

22

FOOD & DRINK

SCHOOLS

News on a wonderful new coffee shop in East Belfast plus investment at an iconic gin distillery

Some fantastic Sustrans news plus a round of all things educational in our regular schools page

14

24

DEMENTIA

HOME

Part two of our special in the run up to Dementia Action Week which happens next month

Time to stop looking at it through a frosted window and give your outdoor space some much needed TLC

16

26

THE GREAT LIGHT Prepare to be dazzled by the Great Light and Titanic Walkway now open in Titanic Quarter

HEALTH This month Steff investigates fitness trackers and Rosemary has a solution to bright headlights

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04

News April 18

#39 The Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) has announced Connswater Community Greenway as one of the top 200 influential people and projects, past and present, which illustrate how civil engineering has shaped the world and transformed people’s lives for the better.

Headlines

A family owned business based In East Belfast

CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY NAMED IN TOP 200 INFLUENTIAL WORLD PROJECTS The £40 million Connswater Community Greenway and East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme selected in respected list.

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o mark the ICE’s 200th anniversary, and to support Government’s Year of Engineering, the Institution is highlighting 200 inspirational and world-changing projects from around the world throughout 2018.

Nominated by the ICE’s members and selected by an expert panel, the chosen projects illustrate the breadth and depth of civil engineering’s impact. The £40 million Connswater Community Greenway/East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme is a visionary urban regeneration project that has combined improved flood protection with the creation of new high-quality public spaces and pedestrian and cycle routes that connect communities. The project has transformed the quality and vibrancy of public space across a large area of East Belfast, providing attractive and accessible parkland for leisure and recreation as well as enhanced

river quality, increased wildlife diversity and a high level of flood protection to 1700 properties.

ICE Regional Director Richard Kirk said: “Our research has shown that the majority of both adults and young people don’t know what a civil engineer does and most can’t identify a single UK civil engineering project. We aim to change these perceptions with 200 People and Projects, explaining not just the importance of civil engineering but how it has directly transformed people’s lives.”

Carol Andrews of Arup, who was NEC 3 Supervisor for Connswater Community Greenway, said: “Arup are extremely proud that Connswater Community Greenway has been recognised in the standout engineering projects from the past two hundred years. This is a project that demonstrates the power of green infrastructure to contribute

PICTURED The Aslan sculpture in C.S. Lewis Square “This is a project that demonstrates the power of green infrastructure to contribute to Belfast’s wider community and economic development goals.”

Carol Andrews Arup

The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul in Northern Ireland (SVP) are celebrating the most successful Family Appeal ever with more 11,000 children receiving a gift to open on Christmas Day 2017

Sean O’Neill Family Appeal Co-ordinator for St Vincent de Paul

to Belfast’s wider community and economic development goals.”

Connswater Community Greenway joins the 200 projects which will be published throughout the year on the What Is Civil Engineering? pages of the ICE website. What is Civil Engineering? will not only host these projects but can also be

used as a career guidance tool for those hoping to pursue a career in civil engineering. This platform has been designed to help promote the career of civil engineering after it was revealed that only 45% of adults know what the career entails and only 35% of young people could tell you what a civil engineer does.

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Beating the Burglar in Ravenhill

A massive thank you to our customers and the public for making this the most successful family appeal ever. Our ‘Stuff A Bus’ campaign in partnership with U105 was a great way to raise awareness for families in need across NI and provide the public with more opportunities to make their fantastic and extremely generous gift donations

Ravenhill Residents’ Association (RRA) has held a highly-successful ‘Beat the Burglar’ event aimed at equipping the community with key information on how to protect their homes against burglary.

Ursula Henderson Translink

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We are extremely grateful to each and every person who took the time and spent the money to purchase something for children in need in our local communities this Christmas past.

Our supporting partners, including Translink and U105, have spread the news of the appeal to new audiences which has brought many more people on board in support

The biggest publication in the area

The Salvation Army and SVP Celebrate Most Successful Family Appeal In total, as part of the Family Appeal 2017 more than 50,000 gifts were distributed to families in need locally. something their families who are under severe financial pressure may not have been able to provide for them otherwise.

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hanks to the Stuff a Bus initiative with Translink and U105, who joined as supporting partners for the 2017 Family Appeal, more than 1,000 gifts were collected than in previous years. Additionally, the aim of stuffing one bus with 10,000 gifts was more than surpassed with two full Translink buses jam-packed full of presents delivered to SVP and Salvation Army to hand out families in poverty to ease the stress of the festive period.The Family Appeal, which is organised in the run up to

Christmas each year by The Salvation Army and St Vincent de Paul is wellsupported by people right across the province. Businesses, including Gordons Chemists, also regularly pledge support for the initiative and this year they opened up their stores as drop-off points for gifts.

Commenting on the overwhelming success of the 2017 Family Appeal, Sean O’Neill, Family Appeal Coordinator for St Vincent de Paul, said: “We are extremely grateful to each and every person who took the time and spent the money to purchase

PICTURED Pictured with just some of the toys and gifts donated to the ‘Stuff a Bus’ appeal are from left: Pauline Brown, SVP Regional Manager; Translink driver, Kevin Wallace; Paul Wright of the Salvation Army and U105’s Johnny Hero.

For more info salvationarmy. org.uk or svp.ie

something for children in need in our local communities this Christmas past.

“Our supporting partners, including Translink and U105, have spread the news of the appeal to new audiences which has brought many more people on board in support. As a result we have handed out more gifts than ever before to even more families, which in itself is great news, however; sadly the need these families have is not only at Christmas as they are living in desperate circumstances all year long.”

Major Paul Kingscott, the Salvation Army’s divisional leader, said: “As a church and charity, we are inspired by the Christmas message to reach out to people in need but we would not be able to meet that need without the incredible support we receive from communities around Northern Ireland. We are also grateful to the additional support this year from our partners Translink and U105.”

Translink’s Ursula Henderson said: “A massive thank you to our customers and the public for making this the most successful family appeal ever. Our ‘Stuff A Bus’ campaign in partnership with U105 was a great way to raise awareness for families in need across NI and provide the public with more opportunities to make their fantastic and extremely generous gift donations.”

The Family Appeal is one of the largest and longest running Christmas present appeals in Northern Ireland.

It was established by The Salvation Army in 1980 and later expanded to include the Society of St Vincent de Paul. Each child receives one large gift, two smaller gifts, a board game, a book and/or a cuddly toy.

PICTURED Michael Short (RRA), Robert McMurran (PSNI), Gary McKeown (RRA) and Colin Kee (RRA)

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he public information seminar took place at Kingspan Stadium and is part of a wider programme of work by the RRA aimed at increasing community safety.

Gary McKeown, Chair of the RRA, said: “Ravenhill Residents’ Association focuses strongly on dealing with issues of concern to our neighbours in the area. While we can’t avoid the risk of burglary altogether, there are some simple steps we can all take to make our homes less attractive to potential burglars, such as keeping doors and windows locked at night and improving the visibility of our houses from the street. Suspicious activity should also be reported to the police – it’s better safe than sorry. Over the past year we have also been working on addressing other issues such as traffic management and the impact of Kingspan Stadium, and our aim is to continue this work and deliver successful outcomes for the community.

However, it is important that people get involved, both to share information with us and to volunteer to work with us. Anyone living in the Ravenhill area who would like to find out more or join us can get in touch by e-mail or through Facebook. We are always looking for ideas and experience to help us drive forward our work and continue to enhance the great area we live in.”

The RRA can be contacted at ravenhillresidents@gmail.com facebook.com/ravenhillresidents ‘Beat the Burglar’ was run in conjunction with Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership and the PSNI.

A family owned business based In East Belfast

The biggest publication in the area

#39

Owner of La Bella Vita Hair & Beauty in Dundonald has scooped a top business award at the highly coveted Lisburn & Castlereagh City Business Awards 2018

Paula Cunningham, Store director at Specsavers Connswater

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“

Claire Richards of Steps

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05

News Apr 18

Award for ‘Rising Star’ Sarah Gallagher

This is a unique opportunity for our local customers to show-off their love of eyewear and confidently highlight why they enjoy wearing glasses. We encourage anyone to apply if they see their glasses as a way of reflecting their personality and are proud to be an ambassador for glasses wearers.

CALLING all stylish glasses wearers in East Belfast! Steps superstar Claire Richards has kicked off the search for the nation’s proudest specs wearers – with a £10,000 cash prize up for grabs.

I’ve been a glasses wearer for a few years now and I absolutely love it. I love to mix things up and try a geek-chic frame one day and then a sexy cat’s eye the next.

Headlines

SPECSAVERS CONNSWATER SEARCH FOR SPECTACLE WEARER OF THE YEAR 2018

o mark the launch of Specsavers’ annual search for the Spectacle Wearer of the Year 2018, Claire took part in a sensational new photoshoot, showcasing her own fabulous specs style. Glasses wearers from across East Belfast, aged 16 and over, can put themselves forward for the prestigious accolade. Finalists will attend the uber-glam awards ceremony in London, with one overall winner scooping the top award and cash prize.

Having picked up the Specs Appeal gong at last year’s awards, pop star Claire says: ‘I’ve been a glasses wearer for a few years now and I absolutely love it. I love to mix things up and try a geek-chic frame one day and then a sexy cat’s eye the next.

‘Winning the Specs Appeal award last year was incredibly flattering and it was an honour to share a room with so many proud and fabulous glasses wearers. I can’t wait to see all the nominees this year – I’m sure there’s going to be some real corkers!’

Paula Cunningham, store director at Specsavers Connswater, says ‘This is a unique opportunity for our local customers to show-off their love of eyewear and confidently highlight why they enjoy wearing glasses.

‘We encourage anyone to apply if they see their glasses as a way of

reflecting their personality and are proud to be an ambassador for glasses wearers.’

The competition has raised more than half a million pounds for anti-bullying charity Kidscape over the past nine years.

Claire adds: ‘Bullying is an issue that has always been close to my heart so I’m proud to be representing a competition that supports a charity like Kidscape. The work they do to support individuals and families affected by bullying is invaluable.’

The competition has five age categories – 16-24, 25-34, 35-44, 4559 and over 60s – plus a Facebook favourite voted for by the public. A winner from each category will win a VIP makeover and mingle with celebrities at the awards in London in October.

One pound will be donated to Kidscape for each entry made. The money raised will help to support the charity in providing practical support to children and families affected by bullying, including advice resources, phone support and workshops.

To be in with a chance of scooping the biggest accolade in the specs-wearing world, glasses wearers can enter the competition online at specsavers. co.uk/loveglassecomp. Deadline for entries is 1st July 2018.

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PICTURED Sarah Gallagher is pictured with William Greer from South Eastern Regional College

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amed as the council area’s Rising Star 2018, the 25-year-old won the Young Business Person of the Year award.

Sarah said: “I am so excited and totally overwhelmed to have won this award this evening. The last six months have seen some major changes in the business, from our complete rebrand, extensive refurbishment and extension where we have doubled the size of the premises and of course the buy-out of my business partner and good friend, Katie Stevenson.

We have also invested heavily in the Gold Class Hair Extension brand – meaning we are the only salon in Northern Ireland to offer this exclusive brand and we have extended our beauty offering to feature a full range of treatments from waxing to massage. It has been such hard work, but tonight is like the crowning glory of it all and it is so wonderful to share it with the team who I am so grateful to for the exceptional service they offer and their dedicated and loyalty to the La Bella Vita brand.” 767 Upper Newtownards Road. www.labellavitahairandbeauty.co.uk

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News Apr 18

#39 This year, Big Lunch organizers in Northern Ireland have the opportunity to win £50 of food vouchers to get their event off to a great start.

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Everyone brings something, but it takes one person to knock a neighbour’s door and get the ball rolling. It doesn’t need to cost a lot of money; it’s a lot of fun when everyone plays a part by bringing something to the table.

Grainne McCloskey, The Big Lunch and Eden Project Communities

Headlines

A family owned business based In East Belfast

THE BIG LUNCH OFFERS EARLY BIRD VOUCHERS The Big Lunch, made possible by the National Lottery, happens every year on the first Sunday in June. Cars stop, shyness stops, gloom lifts and the UK comes together in the street to meet, greet, share, swap, sing, play and laugh for no reason other than that we all need to...

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etween Commonwealth Day on the 12th March, and 22nd of Aril, people across six continents are getting their communities together to celebrate commonality and diversity with Commonwealth Big Lunches. Already 25 neighbourhoods in Belfast have registered and there are 115 already being planned across Northern Ireland, with more registrations coming in every day.

To get the planning kick-started, The Eden Project, the team behind The Big Lunch, is giving away £50 food vouchers to a limited number of people across Northern Ireland who are organizing Big Lunches or planning session between now and Sunday 22 April.

This initiative builds on The Eden Project’s annual Big Lunch, funded by the National Lottery, which launched in 2009 as a way for communities to connect over a shared meal. It has since seen millions of people

get involved. The Big Lunch will take place later on this year, on Sunday 3 June.

Grainne McCloskey, the main Northern Ireland contact for The Big Lunch and Eden Project Communities said: “The Big Lunch is simple.

Everyone brings something, but it takes one person to knock a neighbour’s door and get the ball rolling. It doesn’t need to cost a lot of money; it’s a lot of fun when everyone plays a part by bringing something to the table. But this year we want to reward those early birds who might inspire others, with £50 vouchers to kick off their Commonwealth Big Lunch.”

You can apply for a £50 food and materials voucher if: You live in Northern Ireland.

You are hosting a Commonwealth Big Lunch for more than 10 people, before the 22 April. OR, if you plan to have a Big Lunch in June and are using your Commonwealth Big

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John Grierson, Manager Cancer Focus NI shop in Ballyhackamore

Street Soccer is teaming up with East Belfast Mission and the IFA to bring an exclusive fundraising event to the Europa Hotel - An Evening with Michael O’Neill, manager of the NI football team.

For more information or to book contact Lianne on 028 9045 8560 or email fundraising@ ebm.org.uk. For more information about the work of Street Soccer NI visit http://www. streetsoccerni.org/

PICTURED Above; A Big Lunch in Holywood co.

Dow. Right; The Martinez Avenue Big Lunch tug of war in East Belfast.

Lunch as a community preparation session, with more than 10 people getting together to make decorations, bunting, welcome signs, etc.

You are happy to have a photographer visit your event and have your photos used in print and social media to inspire others across Northern Ireland to join The Big Lunch. To apply, register for a free Big Lunch pack of your choice

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Local charity Cancer Focus Northern Ireland need your help.

The income from our 12 Cancer Focus NI charity shops helps pay for counselling, a family support service, stop smoking clinics, bra-fitting service for women who’ve had breast surgery, and art and writing therapies.

The biggest publication in the area

Have a Spring Clean and Donate to Cancer Focus NI The charity has suffered a drop in donations to its charity shops due to the harsh weather during February and March. They is calling on local people to have a spring clean and donate their unwanted clothes, ornaments, books and bric-a-brac and help build up stocks.

STREET SOCCER NI HOST MICHAEL O’NEILL FOR FUNDRAISING EVENT WITH EAST BELFAST MISSION Taking place on 16th May, this is an event not to be missed by any football fans or local businesses

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uests will be treated to a luxurious 3 course meal, a range of fantastic auction prizes and of course a one off interview with the NI football legend himself- all hosted by wellknown sports and music radio and television presenter, Colin Murray.

All of the funds raised from this event will be used to support Street Soccer NI which uses football to transform the lives of people who are homeless or socially disadvantaged. Alongside football training the charity also offer their players support in

housing, employability, and other difficulties, helping them towards a brighter future.

Justin McMinn, Co-founder of Street Soccer NI, said ‘We are extremely proud to be hosting this exciting event with Michael O’Neill. Homelessness is such a serious issue in Northern Ireland and we are dedicated to playing our part to tackle it. That’s why we are calling out to local businesses and clubs to come together to support our work and celebrate Northern Irish football by attending this fantastic evening on 16th May- You won’t want to miss it!”

ohn Grierson, manager of the Cancer Focus NI charity shop in Ballyhackamore, said: “We noticed a big fall-off in donations during February because people haven’t been out and about during all the heavy snow and bad weather we’ve had lately. We badly need to replenish our stocks to help with these important services that provide a vital lifeline to many people. We welcome donations of quality clothing, accessories, books, CDs/DVDs, toys and knick-knacks with open arms. John added: “Spring is a good excuse to have a proper old weed out and get rid of the things you haven’t looked at in ages. Our shop is really popular with thrifty shoppers and stylish people who love a vintage look, so we need to continually re-stock our shelves with desirable bargains. We offer a full range of goods at a fraction of their original price but we need continued support from the local community to make donations to help meet the high demand. And if you’ve never been to our charity shop, drop in today and you’ll discover a high street gem. Whether you’re looking for vintage chic, retro trends, smart tailoring or a special gift – they have everything you need for your must-have collection.”

All the money raised by Cancer Focus NI stays in Northern Ireland. The charity also funds major research, carries out cancer prevention schemes in workplaces, schools and at community venues, and campaigns at Stormont for better health policies. If you have concerns about cancer call the Cancer Focus NI NurseLine on 0800 783 3339.

Join Street Soccer NI, East Belfast Mission and the Irish FA for an exclusive fundraising event.

An evening with

Michael O’Neill Wednesday 16 May Europa Hotel, Belfast A special Gala Evening that includes a Prosecco reception, luxurious three course meal, auction and an exclusive interview with the Northern Ireland International Manager.

Hosted by radio and television presenter Colin Murray.

For more information or to book your place at this special event please call 028 9045 8560 or email fundraising@ebm.org.uk.

Supported by

at www.thebiglunch.com or https:// www.edenprojectcommunities.com/ commonwealth-big-lunches and then email the Northern Ireland Country Manager Grainne McCloskey at gmccloskey@edenproject.com with your plans Follow on social media: Twitter @thebiglunchni Facebook @ TheBigLunchNorthern Ireland

French Village Bakery Clinch Second and Third @ Bakers Competition The IFEX show is the showpiece for Chefs and bakers to demonstrate their skills and knowledge under a timeframe and judges PICTURED In the Gold Medal place was Mr Craig Morrow

PICTURED Runner up in the Silver Medal was Mr Matthew Townsley

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n the Bakery Competition French Village claimed the Gold and Silver Award for Northern Ireland Professional Artisan Baker of the Year 2018. In the Gold Medal place was Mr Craig Morrow and runner up in the Silver Medal was Mr Matthew Townsley. A fantastic achievement for both the lads and indeed the French Village under the guidance of Mr Ashley French an accomplished baker himself who is passing on his skills and knowledge to his proud workforce. We worked with all local suppliers such as Mash Direct, Clonakilty Black Pudding Co to produce a Clonakilty Black Pudding Potato Bread. Hannan Meats and Farmview Diaries to produce a Guanciale and Blue Cheese Soda Farl, Abernethy Butter Company, and Yardsman Beer to produce a Yardsman Stout Wheaten Bread which help to win the Gold Medal. The Silver Medal won by Matthew had also local produce used; Garlic Focccasia, Clandeboye Yogurt and Honey Apple from Springmount Farm to produce a Wheaten Loaf, Kennedys Bacon and Hegartys Cheddar to produce a fantastic Soda Bread, Scallions from Mash Direct to produce a Champ Potato Bread.

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#39 Users of a community-run gym in east Belfast are taking fitness to the next level using state-of-theart equipment funded by the Housing Executive.

“

There are so many benefits to exercise, like maintaining a healthy weight and generally feeling good about yourself, but coming to the gym also opens up opportunities for interacting with people and widening your social circle.

Paul Millar, Chief Executive Hanwood Trust

Headlines

A family owned business based In East Belfast

HANWOOD’S GYM IS FIT FOR THE FUTURE The Hanwood Trust in Tullycarnet, east Belfast received £25,000 from the Housing Executive’s Social Housing Enterprise programme to upgrade its gym equipment so that it could attract more users and offer GP referral programmes and other fitness courses to benefit local residents, particularly older people.

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he Trust has been running the gym as part of a wider social enterprise since 2009. It’s a popular hub for local residents from areas like Tullycarnet, Ballybeen, Ardcarn and Coronation Park, who want to get fit, lose weight and socialise with friends.

Paul Millar, Chief Executive of the Hanwood Trust explained why they applied for funding: “Our gym has always been popular because it’s affordable, accessible and welcoming. However, we were particularly keen to attract more of the over 50s age group and we needed to upgrade our equipment so that users could track their progress, particularly useful for those who are using the gym as part of a GP Healthwise referral programme.

“The equipment we had simply wasn’t fit for purpose, so we applied for funding from the Social Housing Enterprise programme. We could see the benefits of the investment would

Cregagh girls Sophie (8) and Isla (9) put on an evening of entertainment, magic and gymnastics for their friends and family and asked for donations to be made to Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

be felt by our regular gym users and those who are new to exercise, including many local residents who are Housing Executive tenants.

“There are so many benefits to exercise, like maintaining a healthy weight and generally feeling good about yourself, but coming to the gym also opens up opportunities for interacting with people and widening your social circle. The funding has made it possible for us to help local residents get fitter, feel better and get out and about.

“Many of our users first come to the gym as part of a GP Healthwise referral programme. Our new equipment means those people can have a personal programme created according to their needs. When they come into the gym they can log in and record what exercise they’ve done and monitor their heartrate, weight, blood pressure and BMI. This can all be tracked by their GP who can see the progress being made.”

PICTURED East Belfast girls Sophie (8) and Isla (9) mark their incredible efforts in raising funds for Cancer Focus NI

Cregagh Girls Organise Cancer Focus Fundraiser Thanks to their generosity a fantastic £268 was raised to help local cancer patients and their families.

JAM Card allows people with a learning difficulty, autism or Asperger’s tell others they need ‘Just A Minute’ discreetly and easily.

PICTURED (L-R) is Richard Peat, W5, Adam Cowdrey, JAM Card user, Blair Riley, Stena Line Belfast Giants and Lisa McAnally, SSE Arena, Belfast.

The biggest publication in the area

ODYSSEY NOW A JAM CARD FRIENDLY SITE Over 500 businesses across Northern Ireland already recognise the JAM Card. Become a JAM Card Friendly business to ensure your staff are providing excellent customer service to all.

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he Odyssey Trust has demonstrated its commitment to customers by signing up to become a JAM Card friendly site. Over 150 staff from W5, Stena Line Belfast Giants and SSE Arena, Belfast have been equipped to provide excellent customer service to people with learning difficulties and communication barriers.

The JAM Card, which stands for Just A Minute, is a social innovation from NOW Group, an organisation that supports people with learning

difficulties and autism into employment. It was their service users who said they would like a discreet way of telling people that sometimes they need a little extra time and patience. The JAM Card was created first as a credit card sized card and has recently been developed into an app for smartphones.

You can find out more about the JAM Card at www.jamcard.org and NOW Group at www.nowgroup.org

“We encourage participants in GP Healthwise referral and other programmes to come back to the gym and we offer them reduced rates and free tea and coffee after their session. We’re delighted that many older people have chosen to come back regularly, because they’re feeling good about exercising and enjoying the social aspect of being here. When our gym is busy and has plenty of regular visitors, this ensures its long term success. A steady stream of income can be reinvested into the centre, as well as creating job prospects and training opportunities for local residents.”

Many projects across Northern Ireland have this year received grants totalling almost £500,000 for a range of social enterprise initiatives including remanufacturing, arts and crafts, and learning and development. Connor Smith from the Housing Executive’s Social Housing Enterprise progamme team said: “Social enterprises like the Hanwood Centre offer a range of much-needed health and wellbeing services to local residents, including Housing Executive tenants. We are pleased to have awarded the centre this funding as it’s clear they are fully committed to a long-term model of sustainability.”

PICTURED Left: Paul Millar, Chief Executive of the Hanwood Trust and Janet McDonnell of the Housing Executive with Karen Black trying out some of the new equipment funded by the Housing Executive’s Social Housing Enterprise programme Above: Bryan Thompson of the Housing Executive with Norman Kelly, Sports Manager at the Hanwood Trust with gym user Bertha Milne.

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atalie Vance, mum of Sophie said: “The girls took it upon themselves to organise this wee event from scratch. They wanted to fundraise and for the money to be kept locally. Sophie and Isla came up with the idea, they decided to hand-make and deliver invitations and worked for weeks practicing routines to entertain us all- I am so proud of them. We all know someone affected by cancer and they wanted to help in their own way.”

Community Fundraiser Suzie McFarland said: “We are so grateful to have such enthusiastic young supporters. Without the support of people like young Sophie and Isla and the generous donations from their friends and family we wouldn’t be able to continue our vital work supporting cancer patients and their families across Northern Ireland.”

Cancer Focus NI offers a wide range of services including counselling, support groups, a family service, bra and swimwear fitting for mastectomy patients, art therapy, counselling and stop smoking sessions.

Anyone who has concerns about cancer can speak to a specialist nurse on the Cancer Focus NI free Nurse Line, 0800 783 3339. If you’d like to organise a fundraising event and donate to Cancer Focus NI like Sophie and Isla, get in touch with the fundraising team at Cancer Focus NI at www.cancerfocusni.org, call us on 028 9066 3281 or email fundraising@cancerfocusni.org.

‘We have seen strides made in cancer research into new and better treatments and strong promotion of the early signs and symptoms of cancer leading to earlier diagnosis. Both of these activities have contributed to a much better prognosis for cancer patients in Northern Ireland with more people going on to live full lives after their treatment has ended. This has led to greater demand for the services provided by Cancer Focus NI and we thank all of you who support us in helping raise the money we need year on year to help people when they need us.’ Cancer Focus NI

New Kids on the Block, AB&C Insurance, Help Strandtown PTA Raise Over £1100 at Old-school disco Strandtown PTA organised an ‘old school disco’ in the H&W Staff Club on March 9th to raise much-needed funds for the school.

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ecent cuts to an already tight budget have been well publicised, but what often gets missed is the impact the lack of funding has on the pupils. The disco was a fun way to raise money and help lessen the negative effect.

Having opened a new office in Ballyhackamore last year, AB&C Insurance have quickly become active members of the local community and were pleased to offer £100 as a prize in the PTA raffle on the night.

Strandtown Mum, Glenda Nelson (pictured) got what she really wanted, what she really, really wanted by scooping the cash prize.

AB&C Insurance offer quality car, home and travel insurance with a friendly smile and local knowledge. You’ll find them at 394 Upper Newtownards Road or on the end of the phone on 028 9521 1555.

A family owned business based In East Belfast

Headlines

The biggest publication in the area

PICTURED Winners from across all of the Urban Village areas in Belfast and Derry~Londonderry celebrate success at the Urban Villages Community Awards at Parliament Buildings on Wednesday 21st March 2018.

#39 People and projects making a difference in the EastSide Urban Village area have been celebrated at the first ever Urban Villages Community Awards.

“

These awards are not just about highlighting the projects supported by the Urban Villages Initiative, but any project or activity that is making a difference in Urban Village areas. There is tremendous value in connecting groups and communities in this way to share learning on what works well in tackling common issues

Mark Browne Director of Strategic Policy, Equality & Good Relations at the Executive Office

Success for East Belfast Community Groups and Organisations at the Urban Villages Community Awards Thirty finalists from across Belfast and Derry-Londonderry joined families, supporters, community and elected representatives at an event held in the Great Hall at Parliament Buildings, Stormont on Wednesday 21 March 2018.

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he evening got underway with an outstanding opening from the inspirational Pink Ladies community choir from DerryLondonderry. The ladies form a support group for those who have been affected by cancer.

The standard was extremely high and the East Belfast winners on the night were Street Soccer NI - Homeless World Cup Women’s Team in the Sport and Physical Activity category and Eastside Visitor Centre & CS Lewis Square in the Thriving Places category.

The other worthy finalists from the area were the ProKick Community Gym (Celebrating Diversity), the Augmented Reality Story 2017 (Youth Achievement category) and EastSide Learning – Community Education Project (Education and Learning category).

Mark Browne, Director of Strategic

What is the Urban Villages Initiative?

The Urban Villages Initiative is a key action within Government’s ‘Together: Building a United Community’ Strategy.

Policy, Equality & Good Relations at the Executive Office, commented, “These awards are not just about highlighting the projects supported by the Urban Villages Initiative, but any project or activity that is making a difference in Urban Village areas. There is tremendous value in connecting groups and communities in this way to share learning on what works well in tackling common issues”.

The Urban Villages Community Awards celebrate the people, organisations and places making a difference across the five Urban Village areas in Belfast and Derry-Londonderry in six categories; Youth Achievement; Education and Learning; Sport and Physical Activity; Celebrating Diversity; Creativity and Innovation and Thriving Places. Each category had two joint winners.

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PICTURED Justin McMinn (2nd from right) on behalf of Street Soccer NI - Homeless World Cup Women’s Team received the Sport and Physical Activity Award along with joint winners Colin Valley FC (left). Coaching preparation and support from the Street Soccer team helped the players tackle issues that prevented them from having a better life; the project has shown great innovation and dedication to change the lives of some of the most hard to reach and excluded people.

PICTURED EastSide Visitor Centre & CS Lewis Square (right) received the Thriving Places Award along with joint winners Donegall Pass Community Garden (left). Now on the map as a tourism hub this inviting public space and buzzing visitors centre represents a significant investment in the EastSide Urban Village area and provides a gateway to East Belfast.

It is led by the Executive Office and designed to improve good relations outcomes and to help develop thriving places where there has previously been a history of deprivation and community tension. The programme aims are to foster positive community identities; build community capacity and improve the physical environment. The Urban Village areas include – The Bogside, Fountain and Bishop Street in Derry~Londonderry, Ardoyne and Greater Ballysillan (North Belfast), Colin (West Belfast), Newtownards Road, from Grampian Avenue to Bridge End (East Belfast) and Sandy Row, Donegall Pass and the Markets (South Belfast). To find out more contact the Urban Villages Initiative on info@urbanvillagesni.org or visit https://www.executiveoffice-ni.gov.uk/publications/urban-villages-initiative-strategic-frameworks

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News Mar 18

Community

#39 Efforts to end extreme poverty will be taken to a new level with the merger of two of the longest established international development charities in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

The biggest publication in the area

A family owned business based In East Belfast

PICTURED From the Ballyhackamore Shop - John Sloan, Dorothy Dunlop, Susan Baker, Pamela Noblet, May Macauley, Sheila Swan & Felicity Jones

An Exciting New Merger To Help Eradicate Global Poverty War on Want Northern Ireland, which has a shop locally in Banbridge, is to formally re-launch as ‘Self Help Africa’, following a merger with the Dublin-based development charity

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ar on Want NI has been active for close to 60 years and is linking up with Self Help Africa to extend the reach and the breath of its work in sub-Saharan Africa, where Self Help Africa is currently helping to improve the lives of close to four million people.

War on Want NI supports agricultural

development projects in Uganda and previously in Malawi, while Self Help Africa has projects in each of these countries, as well as farm and enterprise development activities in Kenya, Zambia, Ethiopia and across several countries in West Africa. Self Help Africa merged with Gorta, one of the Republic of Ireland’s longest established overseas agricultural

PICTURED From the Cregagh Road Shop - Elaine Gillespie, Rosemary Baird, Dace Delaney and Silvia Ramsey

“

By coming together with Self Help Africa, we can deliver far more in our efforts to end global poverty, a task that we undertake on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland who support our work

Siobhan Hanley, Director of War on Want NI

development organisations, in 2014.

The combined organisation will have a total budget of close to £25m in 2018 and will provide agricultural, nutrition and income development support to over four million people in sub-Saharan Africa. The merger of War on Want NI and Self Help Africa was launched at Belfast City Hall with Claire Hanna MLA, chairperson of the All Party Group on International Development, and former Irish Government Minister Tom Kitt, who is chairperson of Self Help Africa, in attendance.

Siobhan Hanley, Director of War on Want NI said that the merger would provide renewed impetus and new opportunities for the organisation to reach more

people, and make a more significant contribution to the work against hunger and poverty in one of the world’s poorest regions. “Both organisations share the same ‘self-help’ approach that provides marginalized farming communities with the resources they need to work their way out of poverty,” she said. “We have more than 200 fantastic volunteers who are the lifeblood of this charity, and who have been deeply committed down through the years. By coming together with Self Help Africa, we can deliver far more in our efforts to end global poverty, a task that we undertake on behalf of the people of Northern Ireland who support our work,” she added.

Local Man Celebrates Guide Dog ‘Anniversary’!

The 28th of March 2014 is a date forever etched in Leo Murphy’s mind. That was the he started training with his four-legged lifechanger, Mike.

Leo (61) from Holywood was born with cataracts but was determined not to let sight loss hold him back in life.

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eo enjoyed working and socialising, especially playing music, and used a long cane to navigate his way around. However, as his vision deteriorated in recent years, he was finding it more and more difficult to get out independently – particularly in bad weather or at night time. He applied for a guide dog and, after undergoing assessment, was placed on the waiting list. When he was eventually matched with black Labrador Mike, the connection was instant.

“It’s been life-changing,” he says. “As soon as he sees me lift the harness

he’s ready to go. He knows when he is working and is very focused but when he’s at home he’s so settled and lovely company.

“We walk about five miles a day together and everyone around here knows us! Before, my wife Josie would have worried about me going out on my own but now she knows I’m safe with Mike by my side.”

Their most recent adventure was a trip to IKEA – somewhere Leo says he would never have attempted to visit alone with his cane. He says other shoppers looked on in amazement as Leo guided him around various obstacles, like shopping trollies.

He adds: “People just love him and we get lots of compliments when we’re out. When he’s not working, I’m happy for people to talk to him and stroke him - I always tell them that it costs more than £50,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement which they’re usually very surprised about!”

Leo and Josie are had their annual celebration – dinner at the hotel in Belfast where Leo and Mike underwent their intensive training together.

Josie says: “The day he got Mike the old Leo walked out the door and the new Leo came back in. That dog is a lifesaver and worth his weight in gold.”

The Guide Dogs story started in 1931 with two British pioneers, Muriel Crooke and Rosamund Bond. These remarkable women organised the training of the first four British guide dogs from a humble lock up garage in Wallasey, Merseyside. It has come a long way and it now costs £5 per day to support each working guide dog partnership. There are around 5,000 guide dog owners in the UK. Guide Dogs are responsible for around 8,000 dogs.

To find out more and support the work of Guide Dogs, please visit www.guidedogs.org.uk.

Redcross : Tackling Loneliness The Co-Op that funds staff in Belfast that are part of the Redcross’s campaign against loneliness were delighted on the 8th March 2018 to welcome the Redcross to their Cregagh Road store, seeking to inform shoppers about the crucial service the Redcross offers, and also recruit volunteers.

Included in the photos (red fleece Lorna McBurney from the Redcross, Michael McKelvey Co-Op Community Pioneer for East Belfast, and Cregagh Road store manager Vicki Hutchinson.

Ask the advisor

State Pension and Works Pension but still finding it hard to make ends meet...

EBIAC, 55 Templemore Avenue, Belfast BT5 4NT, Tel 028 90 735690 Carlie Martin Better Off Families Adviser at East Belfast Independent Advice Centre provides information about common advice queries.

“I live with my husband and two children aged 12 and 14. I work part time and help to take care of my father, who is 73. He has arthritis, which means he can struggle to take care of himself. He is in receipt of a state pension and a small pension from work but over the winter, it was a struggle to pay his bills. He owns his own home and pays rates. His small amount of savings are disappearing quickly. We have been helping him but

this is becoming difficult as costs are rising for us too. Would he be entitled to any assistance? “ Despite having a works pension and savings, your father could still be entitled to Pension Credit. This benefit ensures that people over the age of 64.6 (increasing to 65 in November) have the minimum they need to live on. We can also check to see if he has any entitlement to help with the cost of rates. Another benefit that may

apply to him is Attendance Allowance.

This is a benefit for those over 65 who have health problems that cause them difficulties with their personal care.

Your father may also benefit from a referral to Occupational Therapy, as there may be aids that might help him around his home. We can also look at your situation as a carer for your father to assess if any financial help or other support is available. If you and your father would like to get in touch, we will

provide you with advice on your options and provide assistance to complete any relevant benefit applications. If you are worried or concerned about any of the changes to Social Security please get in touch. East Belfast Independent Advice Centre Offers advice on Welfare benefits, Tax Credits, Housing, Employment and Debt. The advice is free, independent and confidential. You can phone us or come into the centre to talk to an adviser.

Drop in Advice Clinics (appointments are required for Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance forms) Mon, Tues, Wed, 9.30-11.30 Thurs 2.00-3.30 (Appointments required for) Outreach Clinics Mondays, 9.30 to 12.30 Lagan Village Youth and Community Centre, Ballarat St. Call 90456993 for a PIP appointment. Drop-in from 11.00 to 12.30 Thursdays, 9.30 to 12.30 Short Strand Community Centre (Drop in) Fridays, 9.30 to 12.30 Tullycarnet Community Services, Tullycarent Primary School, Kings Road (Drop-in)

Would you like to Volunteer with EBIAC and make a real difference in your community?

We have opportunities to volunteer in the following roles, Receptionist, Administrator and Adviser.

Please contact Gerard Morgan.

Advice “I could stand the pain no longer. I asked for a below the knee amputation. It was the only way I could see that I would finally be out of pain...”

Karen

AMPUTATION AVERTED

M

“

Foot & Ankle Clinic

My name is Karen. I started having foot problems in my teens...

y foot became so painful that I was advised to have surgery. Over the years, I had multiple surgical procedures in an attempt to fix my foot, but none of these were successful. As a result of the operations my foot and ankle became more and more rigidly fused. Over the last 40 years the pain steadily got worse, forcing me to live on strong painkillers. I am now 60 years old and living with the pain has greatly reduced my quality of life.

I recently went to my surgeon and said that I could stand the pain no longer. I asked for a below the knee amputation. It was the only way I could see that I would finally be out of pain. My surgeon reluctantly agreed that he would carry out the procedure if I would agree to try one last conservative method of treatment.

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He referred me to Mr David Hallowell at the Northern Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic who I was told specialises in this type of difficulty. I somewhat sceptically agreed to go and made an appointment. After examining my foot, David said that he felt I might benefit from the use of what is known as a rocker insole.

He showed me the rocker device he had designed and explained how it works. I tried a sample rocker and the effect was almost immediate my pain was greatly reduced, and my walking became more fluent. I had a custom device fitted a few weeks later and the difference it’s made has been amazing. I’m not completely pain free, but the rocker has greatly reduced the pain and allowed me to have much greater mobility. At this point in time I am happy to say I am no longer considering amputation.

This is one of those cases that proves the real value of the “Ease Forward Rocker System”. While most supports and braces are designed to reduce movement and splint joints, the rocker is designed to create movement where the normal movement has been compromised either by surgical fusion or by arthritis or trauma. Although Karen was in extreme pain and had been for many years she was very determined that amputation was a last resort. She was therefore willing to try any conservative treatment. The willingness to try a new approach is often what makes the difference in that it makes our job much easier. I’m delighted with the outcome and very grateful to Karen for allowing us to share her story.

To see our testimonials visit www.glengormleyfootcare.co.uk

DO YOU SUFFER FROM FOOT OR ANKLE PAIN? 325 Antrim Road, Glengormley. BT36 5DY Tel:028 9083 3568 • www.glengormleyfootcare.co.uk

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Features Apr 18

Nook CHEERS A brand new coffee shop based on Castlereagh Road serving tea/coffee, premade wraps, sandwiches, ciabattas, panini & some sweet treats!

Food & Drink

Plus a big gin investment

A brand new coffee shop for East Belfast

A Warm Welcome Awaits At The Coffee Nook Husband and wife team Jonathan and Ashleigh have recently opened Coffee Nook on the Castlereagh Road. We caught up with them to get an insight into the business and to find what you can expect when you pay them a visit for a cuppa and a snack

“

We are currently serving Bailies Coffee which is a local coffee roasting company. We serve Suki Tea and some of our baked goods are from French Village Bakery.

We have a relaxing coffee shop playlist including some local artists.

We also serve a range of paninis, ciabattas, sandwiches and homemade soup.

We also have a range of sweet treats, some of which are baked in store.”

What inspired you to start Coffee Nook?

“We felt that there was room on this part of the Castlereagh Road for a coffee shop serving quick takeaway coffee or a place to sit in for a while. We thought that it could serve other local businesses, morning commuters into the city centre, users of the Greenway, cyclists, local residents and passing traffic throughout the day. There are a lot of coffee shops in areas like Ballyhackamore and Belmont but not so on the Castlereagh Road.”

Was it challenging to find the right place to set up?

“We never looked at any other units apart from where we currently are. We liked it immediately and thought as it was small, it would be easier to manage than a larger unit. We felt that we could put our own stamp on the place and the small size would make it unique. We liked the big window and could picture customers sitting there watching the world go by.”

How did you transform the interior?

“We always thought that if this business was to work that the shop would have to be inviting for people to want to come in and sit for a while. At first we thought that all the unit needed was a lick of paint but once we got going we ended up replacing the floors, painted everywhere, some electrical and plumbing work, tiling and a new kitchen. We installed our counter unit and hand made breakfast bar, tables and benches. As the unit is very small, hence our name “Nook” we tried a few different layouts of where the seating and counter should be to make the best use of the small space. Our friend Rachael who is an artist, helped us with our map of the world wall mural which shows customers where all our tea and coffee comes from.”

What can people expect when they come in to Coffee Nook?

“We hope that customers can expect a friendly welcome when they come in. We are really glad to see new and

return customers come through our door and people seem to enjoy the relaxing atmosphere and enjoying sitting in, when we originally thought most people would ‘grab and go.’

Three hours is the current record the longest someone has sat in! We try and focus on serving great coffee and tea. We are currently serving Bailies Coffee which is a local coffee roasting company. We serve Suki Tea and some of our baked goods are from French Village Bakery. We have a relaxing coffee shop playlist including some local artists. We also serve a range of paninis, ciabattas, sandwiches and homemade soup. We also have a range of sweet treats, some of which are baked in store.”

What are some of your specials people should come in and try?

“Apart from our coffee and tea, our “S’mores” Hot Chocolate is very popular. We use Nearynogs Chocolate which is handmade in N.Ireland. It is topped off with toasted marshmallows, cream and more chocolate. Our Cheesecake and Caramel Square is very popular, as is our Red Velvet and Cream Cheese Cupcakes.”

What are your opening hours?

“Currently we are open from 7:30am - 4pm Tuesday to Friday and 8:30am to 4pm on a Saturday. We open at 7:30am as our aim has always been to provide the early morning commuter with their coffee fix on the way into work. Whether they are waiting at the bus stops near by, walking past or just pull up outside the shop in their car and nip in quick, we have introduced a “£2 for any coffee deal from 7:309:30am” which will hopefully convert them into a regular in the mornings.

We would love to open maybe a few evenings a week especially now we have the longer days, if there was a demand. We would plan to serve coffee and some desserts and sweet things.”

PICTURED The beautiful, warm and welcoming interior plus a sneak peak at some of the treats on offer

You can also “Book The Nook” if you have a couple of friends or family who would like to meet up and use the coffee shop in the evenings. We can provide the coffee and cake! We would like to thank everyone who has came in so far, both local residents and the other nearby businesses that support us, the great reviews on social media and the encouraging feedback.

Coffee Nook • 255 Castlereagh Road • Belfast BT5 5FL • You can find them on Instagram & Facebook - “Coffee Nook Belfast” Gin CHEERS The makers of the award-winning Shortcross Gin have completed a significant £2.5million redevelopment of their Co. Down based distillery.

“

We are proud to take the next steps towards realising our vision for Rademon Estate Distillery. In addition to the increased production capacity, we are thrilled to be able to welcome people to the home of Shortcross, with the opening of our new Visitor Experience Centre.

Fiona BoydArmstrong, Managing Director of Rademon Estate Distillery

Makers of Shortcross Gin Triple Production Capacity Rademon Estate Distillery has been totally transformed with the addition of two new copper stills, which will increase the distillery’s production capacity to over 50,000 litres of alcohol per annum, marking the completion of a 20-month investment programme.

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orthern Ireland’s leading craft distillery and the producer of the multi award-winning Shortcross Gin, Rademon Estate Distillery has made a big impact in the burgeoning craft spirits market since its launch. Founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon Estate Distillery is located at the couple’s historic family estate just outside Crossgar, Co. Down. The company has unveiled its new Still House with the commissioning complete of its new Copper Pot Column stills. The new still is considered to be the most advanced gin still in use in Ireland. With a capacity of 1,071 litres, it utilises two ten-plate enrichment columns, which will allow the distillery to produce highly aromatic and flavoursome spirits. The increased capacity afforded by the new still will enable the distillery to treble its production volumes as demand for Shortcross Gin grows globally.

On the back of the ongoing growth within the Irish whiskey category, Rademon Estate Distillery has also

increased both its brewing and distilling capacity by over 500%, as it continues production of its Single Malt Irish Whiskey. This investment includes the installation of a 1,750L Copper Pot Still that is dedicated to whiskey production, while additional fermentation capacity has also been added within the still house.

The installation of the new equipment marks Rademon Estate Distillery out as one of the most technically advanced craft distilleries in Europe and reenforces its focus on crafting the spirits of the highest possible standards. In line with this focus on quality and standards, the company was recently accredited against the SALSA (Safe and Local Supplier Approval) Issue 4 standard for food hygiene and production.

The expanded capacity comes as the distillery seeks to significantly increase production of Shortcross Gin to meet growing demand for exports to the UK, France, Spain, Germany, Scandinavia, North America, the Middle East and Australia, and also to increase available

PICTURED Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong unveil one of two new state-of-theart new copper stills that have been installed at Rademon Estate Distillery in Crossgar, Co. Down shortcrossgin.com

volumes of Rademon’s new Single Malt Irish Whiskey, the first batch of which is expected to be released in late 2018/ early 2019. The significant investment also includes the addition of a contemporary new Visitor Experience Centre; a stylish, multipurpose space comprising a bar, gift shop and events space with stunning views across the estate. The completion of this phase of the development will open up new revenue streams through the provision of regular distillery tours and private

events. The new Visitors Experience Centre forms part of the Irish Whiskey Association’s Irish Whiskey Tourism Trail, which is seeking to increase visitor numbers to distillery across the island of Ireland from 653,000 visitors in 2015 to 1.94 million visitors by 2025. Shortcross Gin is available to purchase from bars, hotels and restaurants across NI, independent off licences, Tesco, Sainsbury’s, select Marks & Spencer stores and SuperValu, priced £36 (RRP).

Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont Now Open

Bailies Coffee • Suki Tea • Paninis Ciabattas • Bagels • Salads Locally Sourced & Home Baked Goods

OPENING OFFER BUY ONE HOT DRINK GET ONE FREE! ON PRESENTATION OF THIS AD

{ Coffee Nook Belfast }

255 Castlereagh Road Belfast BT5 5FL

Local Vets for Local Pets We’re Lauren and Lisa, the practice owners and veterinary surgeons at Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont.

Having been fascinated by animals from a young age we both knew we were destined to become vets. You could find Lisa operating on her teddies as a child and Lauren would be educating her family and friends about animal welfare.

After graduating from vet school over ten years ago we are currently working towards

further qualifications in specialist areas such as internal medicine.

We know how special your pet can be to your family, and we will work closely with you to provide the highest level of care to ensure your pets remain healthy and happy!

Lauren Horton BVet Med MRCVS Lisa Simpson MVB MRCVS Practice Owners and Veterinary Surgeons, Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont.

Book your appointment with us today Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont 697 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3NT Call: 028 9048 3000 or visit: vets4pets.com/belfast-stormont

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Alzheimer’s

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The latest instalment of our special features on dementia

Help is always at hand. Please visit alzheimers.org.uk

SMALL ACTIONS, BIG RESULTS

Dementia

Alzheimer’s Society calls on East Belfast to unite for Dementia Action Week 21-27 May Individual small actions unite to make the world a better place for people with dementia, so this May Alzheimer’s Society is calling on everyone in East Belfast to change society by taking action on dementia.

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Dementia is the 21st century killer, but of the top 10 causes of death, it’s the only one that we can’t cure, prevent or even slow down. Our £50m investment in the UK Dementia Research Institute will accelerate discoveries to prevent, treat and care for people with all types of dementia, as well as helping us to understand how to keep the brain healthy, but we need people to sign up to help us with research.

Bernadine McCrory Director of Alzheimer’s Society in NI Raymond, who is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, had taught Ian to play chess, and while the two may be fierce competitors, they have also become great pals, with much laughter to go with the rivalry.

The Society’s first Dementia Action Week runs from 21-27 May, replacing the Awareness Week of previous years.

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aising awareness of dementia will always be an important part of our work, but what people affected by dementia tell us they need is action,” said Bernadine McCrory, Director of Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland.

“A man with dementia said to me ‘people are already aware, everyone has heard the word dementia – it’s action we need.

It’s help, it’s support,’ and that sums up why we’ve made this change, and why we are asking everyone in East Belfast to get behind Dementia Action Week,” she said. “Actions can be as big or as small as you like. They can be one off, or ongoing. It might be visiting your granny, or a neighbour, or someone from church, or it could be taking a couple of hours to become a Dementia Friend. It might be taking that little bit of extra time to listen to a person with dementia tell their story, or to ask them questions about a time of their life that is vivid to them now. It might be putting a few quid in a fundraising box, or it could be holding your own fundraising event. Or you might want to look into ways of volunteering with Alzheimer’s Society, either as a one off or to take action all year round,” Bernadine said.

More than 20,000 people in Northern Ireland are living with dementia, including around 1,300 in East Belfast. “In the UK, one person develops dementia every three minutes and almost everyone knows someone whose life has been affected, yet too many people with dementia feel excluded and face the condition alone.

Everyday things like going to the shops, travelling and carrying on with social activities become impossible when people around you don’t know how to interact and aren’t aware of the small things they can do to help,” Bernadine said.

“Dementia Friendly East Belfast is working all the time to change this, and we hear all the time about the huge impact it is having with pharmacies, cafés, and shops both big and small training staff as Dementia Friends. So we would urge local businesses and organisations to think about the small changes they can make and to avail of our free Dementia Friend training for staff and our materials tailored for different sectors of the community.

Dementia Friendly East Belfast is also doing great free interactive training sessions at RADAR, where you can get a real sense of how a whole community can work together to be dementia friendly.

“By fundraising, or it could be by siging up to Join Dementia Research – you don’t have to have dementia, anyone over 18 can get involved in a variety of ways at www.joindementiarearch.nihr.ac.uk ,” Bernadine said.

Shelagh McCaughan, an East Belfast woman whose mother has dementia, says small actions can have a cumulative big impact. Shelagh takes action as a Dementia Friends Champion, training people as Dementia Friends to understand more about the condition and feel confident to support others in the community. “Dementia Friends training is transformational for people. I now do the training for others because I’m so grateful – when I did the training I thought ‘if I’d known then what I know now’. I did a training session and a girl came up to me afterwards and said ‘I didn’t know any of this, you’ve saved my mummy’s life,’” Shelagh said, adding that a little knowledge can help family to cope with caring for a person with dementia.

Sign up for Dementia Action Week and find out what is on at alzheimers.org.uk or email belfast@alzheimers.org.uk

Pick up the phone and call our National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or go to www. alzheimers. org.uk to find support in East Belfast Stay in touch with Alzheimer’s Society Join the Facebook page Alzheimers Society Northern Ireland or follow @ AlzSocNI on Twitter

Ian And Raymond Declare Check Mate On Dementia Retired police officer Ian McKee sets himself up for the week with a game of chess and banter with his friend Raymond Scott. It’s a routine he’s had for a couple of years now, and he finds his sessions as a Side by Side volunteer are just the boost he needs. “

I

’m not a Monday person, I hate Mondays, by I come down here and when I leave at a quarter to one I feel really brilliant. I get a lot out of it myself, but you’ve also contributed something as well, you’ve give something back,” Ian said. “I really look forward to coming down on a Monday, we have a cup of coffee and we chat about the world, put it all to rights, and then we play chess,” Ian said.

From Raymond’s perspective, Side by Side goes beyond companionship and gives him an opportunity to exercise his brain, with just one drawback. “I’ve taught him too well, he beats me now.

I know some real sneaky moves, and I showed him all the sneaky moves that I have,” he said. “One time he annihilated me and he took a photograph to show his wife, it’s not fair so it’s not,” he laughed. Raymond’s wife Maree also enjoys the chess matches – usually by leaving the house for an hour to have her own time. She has seen a huge difference in Raymond since the chess games started. “There a big change, a big change for the better and he looks forward to Monday. There’s a marked

improvement, I couldn’t have coped on my own the way he was before. Now we go places and do things.,” Maree said.

“When Raymond was diagnosed I contacted Alzheimer’s Society, because I didn’t know anything about it and I wanted to know what I could do. What they emphasised was stimulation, mental stimulation, because at that time he couldn’t have held a conversation with you. I just looked it up Alzheimer’s Society on my phone and then called the Helpline and they put me through to (a Dementia Support Worker) and he came out to our home. My family were very upset, but the doctor said to me it isn’t always the worst-case scenario, she said keep active and in his case it has made a world of difference.”

Side by Side is an Alzheimer’s Society befriending service with a difference – it pairs people with dementia with a volunteer to support them to keep doing something they’ve always loved. “In Raymond’s case, it was playing chess.

There are other pairings in East Belfast that might be as simple as taking a walk in a favourite spot, or listening to music.

But we’ve a waiting list in East Belfast

Ideas for action

Become a Dementia Friend –learn more about dementia and the small changes that can make a big difference. Join them by signing up, or if you are already a Dementia Friend get someone else to sign up – email belfast@alzheimers.org.uk or call 028 9038 7487 Spend time with a person with dementia – take a bit of time to visit that former neighbour, person from church or family member, and take time to really listen to what they have to say. Whether it’s reminiscing, listening to music together, looking at old photos or having a singalong, do something you can enjoy together.

Hold a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Society – get your heads together with friends and come up with ideas for fun ways to raise funds. Whether you quiz or quit – give up sugar or smoking; swim a Memory Mile or stay silent for 20 hours, shave your head or grow a beard; or just hold a coffee morning…. There are a myriad of ways to raise funds, Alzheimer’s Society’s community fundraising team will support you all the way. call 0330 333 0804 or email communityevents@alzheimers.org. uk Ask your local school to sign up for free, CCEA accredited Alzheimer’s Society Schools materials for Key Stages 1-4 and help create a Dementia Friendly generation. Or encourage your your local youth group, Scouts, Girls Brigade or Guides to hold a Dementia Friends session. There’s more information on our website.

Sign up for Cupcake Day on June 14 –

cupcakeday.alzheimers.org.uk – or get involved with Memory Walk. You could do the flagship walk in September to raise funds or sign up as a volunteer to give one day of your time, or make it Your Walk, Your Way and organise your own memorywalk.org.uk has loads of info on our major walks and how to run your own.

Join Dementia Research – add your name to more than 33,000 others by going to joindementiaresearch.nihr.ac.uk and help us learn more about prevention, treatment and cure as well as more about living with dementia.

Volunteer – Alzheimer’s Society has so many ways in which you can volunteer with us to beat dementia. Whether it’s helping out in an admin role, fundraising, helping us with events, or signing up to Side by Side, our volunteers find personal satisfaction, develop new skills and make great friends. Our Side by Side waiting list is longer than the number of volunteers we have in East Belfast. For more information on volunteering check out alzheimers.org. uk, call Ruth Woodfield on 02890387486 or email nir@alzheimers.org.uk Get help – worried about your own memory or that of someone else, or want to know where to find support? Pick up the phone and call our National Dementia Helpline on 0300 222 1122 or go to www.alzheimers.org.uk to find support in East Belfast Stay in touch with Alzheimer’s Society – join the Facebook page Alzheimers Society Northern Ireland or follow @ AlzSocNI on Twitter Sign up to take action at alzheimers. org.uk

and really need volunteers,” said David Moore, Belfast Side by Side Coordinator at Alzheimer’s Society.

“Too many people are facing dementia alone, and something as simple as a few hours doing something you love Side

by Side with a volunteer can make an enormous difference, not just in providing companionship, but also in providing stimulation and enjoyment,” he said.

Ian had no personal connection with dementia, but has received training and

has ongoing support as an Alzheimer’s Society volunteer. “I read an article that Alzheimer’s Society were looking for volunteers. I had retired from the police 12 years ago, but I’m one of these guys who have to give something back, you can’t just take. I was team up with Raymond and it’s been great ever since.

“I’d say to you, Raymond, you have added to my life as well, I get a lot out of it. And to anyone else, I’d say go for it,” he said.

To find out more about volunteering for Side by Side, get in touch with David Moore on 07860 182072 or email david.moore@ alzheimers. org.uk

Pet advice from your local vet

Patrick McKee BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS

“

Advice

Be on the look out for symptoms

Update on Alabama Rot: 29 Cases Already in 2018 Alabama rot is now sadly being confirmed in dogs across the country every single week.

The disease has been recorded throughout the UK and Ireland for about 6 years and cases seem to be increasing in number It is not known what the cause is, but there is a possible link to an environmental factor, perhaps in wet and muddy areas.

A

labama rot damages the blood vessels supplying areas of the skin and the internal parts of the kidney.

Multiple clots form, cutting off the blood supply to affected areas.

In the skin this causes unexplained ulcers and sores, particularly on the legs and feet. In the kidney, it leads to severe kidney failure. Although occasionally dogs survive, the risk of the disease proving fatal is very high.

Early detection and veterinary treatment is vital. The disease has been recorded throughout the UK and Ireland for about 6 years and cases seem to be increasing in number. In

the last few weeks, a case has been confirmed in Downpatrick.

It is not known what the cause is, but there is a possible link to an environmental factor, perhaps in wet and muddy areas. We recommend avoiding very wet muddy areas when walking dogs and washing dogs down after getting wet mud around their legs and feet.

If you see unexplained sores on your dog, please get in touch straight away by calling 02890419374 to book an urgent appointment. Alternatively, email urgent@ashwoodvets.com and we will get straight back to you within opening hours.

PICTURED Some cases of Alabama Rot. FACTS Alabama dog rot was first identified amongst greyhounds in the state of Alabama in the 1980s. After this first spike, the number of reported cases declined and as no clinical research was carried out, the disease was almost forgotten about. Because no one has been able to determine what causes the disease, it is now only recognisable by its collection of clinical symptoms.

Contact Ashwood Veterinary Clinic, 71 Comber Road, Dundonald, BT16 2AE, Tel: 028 9041 9374

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Features Apr 18

Fisher Body/European Components | Hughes Tools Harland & Wolff | Shorts Allied Bakeries | Belfast Ropeworks & many others

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16

Features Apr 18

Maritime

For further information visit titanic-foundation.org

A new addition to the city’s incredible maritime heritage

The Great Light One of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world.

It is a unique maritime heritage object with significance to Belfast’s economic, maritime and industrial past. It is totally irreplaceable and is an exceptionally rare maritime artefact, producing one of the strongest lighthouse beams ever to shine.

THE GREAT LIGHT AND TITANIC WALKWAY OPEN TO PUBLIC Open Explore Belfast’s offering as a maritime heritage destination has been given a major boost today as two iconic attractions – the Great Light and Titanic Walkway – officially opened to the public in Titanic Quarter.

The opening event was also selected to launch The European Year of Cultural Heritage 2018 in Northern Ireland.

T

h e Great Light gave Mew Island Lighthouse on the Copeland Islands its traditional revolving light and guided mariners to and from Belfast Lough until 2014. It is the world’s first and largest hyper-radial Fresnel lighthouse lens, installed in Tory Island Lighthouse in 1887 then reconfigured and moved to Mew Island in 1928. The optic was removed from Mew Island in 2014 as the lighthouse was modernised and converted to solar power. The Great Light project from Titanic Foundation, the charity committed to preserving Belfast’s maritime and industrial heritage, in partnership with the Commissioners of Irish Lights, will see the optic given a new role bringing to life the story of lighthouses, their technological developments, their light-keepers and their role in the maritime and industrial history of Belfast and beyond. From Friday, 9 March, visitors will be able to walk the new 500 metre Titanic Walkway on Victoria Wharf, which connects the Titanic Slipways to HMS Caroline and the Thompson Dock, learning about the maritime and industrial heritage

of the area on their way to the Great Light. This iconic waterfront walkway has been delivered by Titanic Quarter Limited. The projects have been funded by Tourism NI, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council, Ulster Garden Villages and the Commissioners of Irish Lights.

Kerrie Sweeney, Chief Executive of Titanic Foundation, said: “At around 130 years old, weighing 10 tonnes and standing seven meters tall, the Great Light is a unique heritage object of national and international importance with links to our maritime and industrial past. We are delighted to have played a role in saving this fantastic artefact and preserving it in Titanic Quarter for everyone to enjoy.”

James Eyre, Commercial Director of Titanic Quarter, said: “We are delighted to see the completion of the Titanic Walkway and the Great Light. They both add new and exciting aspects to our world class public realm to be enjoyed by those that live, work and visit Titanic Quarter. The Titanic Walkway now provides a seamless connection between our maritime heritage assets from the heart of the city centre to

HMS Caroline and the Thompson Dock. We are very grateful for the support and dedication from all of our partners, delivering these magnificent projects.”

The Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages, Dr Tony Hopkins CBE said: “We were pleased to be able to fund this project and to help to save this important piece of maritime history.

Lighthouses are among the most visible and interesting icons of our coastline. The “Great Light” located at Titanic Quarter will give citizens and tourists the opportunity to see the workings of a lighthouse up close and to learn about their history and importance as a navigational aid and a warning to shipping.”

Yvonne Shields, Chief Executive of the Commissioners of Irish Lights, the body which delivers an essential navigation service around the island of Ireland said: “Irish Lights has been serving the mariner around the island of Ireland, north and south, for over 200 years. Throughout the generations our engineers and lighthouse keepers have been at the forefront of continuous change and technological innovation. The

Great Light is a fantastic example of the ingenuity and talent of past and current members of our staff.

We are delighted to have had this opportunity to team up with designers, architects, historians and tourism interests to develop this amazing landmark project which brings the heritage and story of lighthouses right into the heart of Belfast, a community that has contributed so much to our maritime economy past and present. We are also delighted that today the Great Light not only becomes a stand-out attraction in its own right but also becomes part of the Great Lighthouses of Ireland network, promoting lighthouse tourism, north and south.” titanic-foundation.org

PICTURED Main image; The Great Light by Night. Above; L-R; Jessica Doherty, Seaview Primary School in Belfast, Katie O’Neill from St Kevin’s Primary School in Belfast and Maisie Morrow from Donaghadee Primary School.

Images courtesy of Titanic Foundation

Taster

Explore Fancy becoming a Titanic inspired photographer, well why not join us on one of our exciting tours, taking place over the next few months?

Maritime

For further information visit titanic-foundation.org

A new addition to the city’s incredible maritime heritage

17

Features Apr 18

Titanic Taster Photography Tours Become a Titanic inspired photographer and learn all about the science behind photography while exploring Titanic Quarter’s maritime heritage.

Titanic Taster Tour Sat 21 April at 10.30am

Find out all about the science behind photography while having the opportunity to explore Titanic Quarter’s industrial & maritime heritage. You will learn how to use light to create stunning images and the power of magnification at our very own giant optic lenses.

On this interactive tour, you will be transported around the quarter in style on the Wee Tram with various stops along the way including the Great Light, Titanic’s Dock & PumpHouse and the H&W cranes.

Meeting point: Titanic Sign next to Titanic Belfast Cost: £20pp and Includes refreshment stop at Cafe 1404.

Titanic Taster Tour, Sat 19 & Sun 20 May at 11am & 2pm

Sign up to one of our snappy 90 minute maritime photo walks. Learn lots of top tips & techniques, while capturing the colour of Belfast Titanic maritime festival. Learn how to highlight subjects in a busy setting

PICTURED See the light and explore the incredible maritime heritage on your doorstep with a Titanic Taster Tour stopping off at the likes of The Great Light, Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House and the H&W cranes.

and see the world in a different light, and find out all about Titanic Quarter’s Maritime Heritage along the way. Suitable for all levels, and you can even use your iPhone.

Please be prepared for our typical Northern Irish weather (as you all know how unpredictable it is)!

Meeting point: Titanic Sign next to Titanic Belfast Cost: £10pp.

Titanic Taster Tour, Sat 16 June at 10.30am

Get lots of top tips and learn new photography techniques, while having the opportunity to explore Titanic Quarter’s industrial & maritime heritage. On this interactive tour, you will be transported around the quarter in style on the Wee Tram with various stops along the way including the Great Light, Titanic Slipways and the H&W cranes.

Meeting point: Titanic Sign next to Titanic Belfast Cost: £20pp includes refreshment stop along the way.

For further information and to book any of the above tours visit facebook.com/TQEventsBelfast

The

Great Light

on the Maritime Mile

Visit the Great Light, located on the Titanic walkway. This is one of the largest optics of its kind ever built in the world, and it produced one of the strongest lighthouse beams ever to shine.

Just a note - if the blinds are down it is to protect the Great Light from the sunlight.

greatlighttq.org

18

Features Apr 18

The Arts

East Belfast movie boffins jetting off to LA

LAX

PICTURED l-r Joan BurneyKeatings, Chief Executive, Cinemagic, Krizzah Policarpio (17), Tanith MacLynn-Hill (20) and Carley Magee-Tollerton (19) from East Belfast.

Summit Nine young Cinemagic ambassadors from Northern Ireland have jetted off to take part in the Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People in Los Angeles

vimeo.com /205447644

Art The EastSide Visitor Centre Gallery hosts local artist Sam Fleming with dreamy references to his childhood in East Belfast The ArtisAnn Gallery in Belfast is delighted to be hosting a truly unique exhibition of animated digital paintings

CINEMAGIC AMBASSADORS FROM EAST BELFAST JET OFF TO LOS ANGELES The group of aspiring local young filmmakers will join forces with young people from Hamilton High School (Castle Heights), New Roads High School (Santa Monica) and Jordan High School (Watts) in Los Angeles.

Holes in the Floor of Heaven

An Exhibition by Sam Fleming

Paintings and poems by Sam Fleming @ East Belfast Visitors Centre Gallery, 402 Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 1HH (27th March – 6th May 2018) Many of the events in Sam’s paintings are played out in the housing estates of East Belfast where he was born and still lives. Some of the elements in the work make reference to his own childhood and the limitless dreams of the early ‘space age’ in which he grew up.

Chronoscapes 2

An exhibition by Philip Crean

Animated Digital Paintings and Drawings by Philip Crean @ ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast BT5 5AE (5th April - 28th April) Philip Crean is one of the foremost exponents of an exciting, emerging artform - Animated Digital Painting and Drawing. The images are made by combining traditional painted stop-frame animation with digital paint and compositing techniques and are designed to be viewed on a large screen monitor, television or projection. This is the first exhibition of digital art in a commercial art gallery in Belfast in over a decade.

Philip Crean’s exhibition is supported

by The National Lottery through The Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

Plan Once again there are a host of incredible films and events happening at your local arts centre. Here’s a run down on some highlights for you in April

WWW.STRANDARTSCENTRE.COM

To see an overview of what the local and international young people achieved at last year’s Cinemagic Festival in Los Angeles please check out the following link

T

New gallery exhibitions plus your arts listings

hey will participate in an exciting, jam-packed programme of masterclasses, studio tours, screenings, presentations and film camps with representatives from the world’s biggest film and television studios. These include FOX, HBO, Sony, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, CBS, Warner Bros. Studio Tour Hollywood, New York Film Academy, Jim Henson Company, Remote Control Studios, Ross King MBE (a Cinemagic LA board member), director James Foley, award-winning producer Francis O’Toole, American actor Robert Picardio (STAR TREK), Lance O’Connor, Cinemagic LA board member, and executive producer and CEO of Minted Content. Cinemagic, which is an award winning Northern Ireland-based charity, is the largest film and television festival designed for and by young people in the UK and Ireland. Each year over 40,000 young people (aged 4-25) in Belfast, Dublin, London, France (Castres), New York and Los Angeles participate in Cinemagic events. The young people from Northern Ireland and Los Angeles will also collaborate in a unique project to produce a piece of musical theatre. They will perform and showcase this to an audience of celebrities, film and music industry

executives at the annual Cinemagic Los Angeles Showcase event. The gala event to celebrate young filmmaking talent will be hosted by Ross King MBE, a Cinemagic LA board member. It will include a special preview screening of Cinemagic’s new short film SASHA OF THE SEA, an inspiring story of teenage bravery, love, growing up and friendship.

Audiences at the Cinemagic Festival in Los Angeles will also get a sneak preview screening of a behind the scenes short film documentary linked to Cinemagic’s second feature film, GRACE AND GOLIATH. Entitled TRAINEE FILMMAKERS, the short film has recently won a platinum award at the World Documentary Awards in Bali. Cinemagic’s GRACE AND GOLIATH film offered 48 aspiring young filmmakers, aged from 17 to 25 from Los Angeles and Northern Ireland, the unique opportunity to get involved in an invaluable six-week training programme across disciplines such as directing, production, costume and make-up, sound, lighting and music composition. It is the only project of its kind that brings together young people from LA and Northern Ireland to work with industry professionals to make a feature film.

HOUSE (1978) [15] THURS 12TH APRIL, 8.30PM Join your host, party animal Joe Lindsay, for the ultimate frat house comedy starring John Belushi. Animal House is 40 this year.

TICKETS £6 CINEMA PARADISO (1988) [15] FRI 20TH APRIL, 8.30PM Join Brian Henry Martin who will be introducing this Italian masterpiece 30 years on. TICKETS £5

Deftly blending folk textures and melodies with elements of electronica.

4TH MAY Rab Wishart & Tess McIlwaine Nashville inspired songs, from country to folk, plus original songs and covers from different genres.

11TH MAY Rebekah Fitch - Alternativepop, influenced by Florence + the Machine, Lana Del Rey, Lorde and Björk.

18TH MAY Dave Elliott Dave ponders parenthood 25TH MAY Emer Maguire UK’s best science communicator by FameLab in 2015.

Arts Listings STRAND ARTS CENTRE 152-156 HOLYWOOD ROAD BOX OFFICE: (028) 9065 5830 WWW.STRANDARTSCENTRE.COM NEW MOVIES IN APRIL & MAY Avengers: Infinity War | 27th April Iron Man, Thor, the Hulk and the rest of the Avengers unite to battle their most powerful enemy yet – the evil Thanos.

Sherlock Gnomes |11th May Gnomeo & Juliet look to legendary detective Sherlock Gnomes to solve the case of their missing friends and family.

Deadpool 2 | 16th MAY Wisecracking mercenary Deadpool (Ryan Reynolds) battles ninjas, the yakuza, and a pack of sexually aggressive canines.

Solo: A Star Wars Story | 25th May The follow-up to Rogue One. Through a series of daring escapades, young Han Solo (Alden Ehrenreich) meets his future co-pilot Chewbacca and encounters the notorious gambler Lando Calrissian.

THURSDAY CLASSICS 8.30PM, TICKETS £4 Withnail and I (1987) [15] 5TH & 26TH APRIL Fear & Loathing in Las Vegas (1998) [18] 3RD & 10TH MAY Top Gun (1986) [12] 17TH & 24TH MAY Moulin Rouge! Extravaganza (2001) [12a] 31ST MAY Tickets £7 / £5 concession STRAND SATURDAYS MOVIE FREE. WORKSHOP £2 PER CHILD. 14TH APRIL Shaun the Sheep + ‘make a clay character’ workshop 21ST APRIL Capture the Flag + ‘create star constellation’ workshop 28TH APRIL Mousehunt + ‘clowning around’ workshop 5TH MAY An American Tail + ‘poster print making’ workshop 12TH MAY The Princess and the Frog + ‘storytelling and folk lore’ workshop BELFAST FILM FESTIVAL 12TH – 21ST APRIL The Strand is hosting daily Belfast Film Festival screenings. See website for full listings and check out these two special events.

NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL

STRAND HERITAGE TOUR SAT 21ST APR, 19TH MAY & 30TH JUN, 12.30PM Monthly Heritage tour with expert projectionist and film enthusiast Alan McClurg. Only 10 places available, prebook to avoid disappointment.

SUNDAY SALON 8TH APR, 13TH MAY & 10TH JUNE, 11AM Second Sunday of every month – ease your way into Sunday mornings with the Strand’s new monthly literature salon for authors, poets and playwrights. In partnership with Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s. Admission free. Places limited.

Booking advised.

NASHVILLE IN BELFAST 28TH APRIL – 7TH MAY Rab Wishart & Tess McIlwaine FRI 4TH MAY, 8PM Nashville inspired songs, from country to folk, plus original songs and covers from different genres. TICKETS £6 An American Tail (1986) followed by poster print making workshop. SAT 5TH MAY, 12PM NORTHERN IRELAND & NASHVILLE SUN 6TH MAY, 4.15PM Two BBC documentaries looking at Northern Irish connections in Nashville, Tennessee. TICKETS £4 STRANDED! Friday night live in partnership with Seedhead Arts. OVER 18S - BYO TICKETS £6 13TH APR One of us is a Robot Comedy show with Robbie McShane and Mary Flanigan and one of them is a goddamn robot!

20TH APR Rory Jones: Return of the Wizword - Combining spoken word, comedy, music, Return of the Wizword is poetry Jim, but not as we know it.

27TH APR Joshua Burnside

LIVE AT THE STRAND THURS 3RD MAY, 8PM The Ultimate Sixties Tribute Ready…Steady…Go…!

Re-live the sounds of the Sixties with a superb tribute to the music of this unforgettable era when things were fab and groovy! TICKETS £12 One Man, Two Guvnors THURS 10TH & FRI 11TH MAY, 8PM Bart Players is delighted to present Richard Bean’s gloriously funny One Man, Two Guvnors. TICKETS £10 / £8 CONCESSION Hello Georgie, Goodbye Best TUES 22ND, WED 23RD & THURS 24TH MAY, 7PM A reimagining of the turbulent weekend footballing legend George Best spent in the Islington flat of Irish actress and intimate friend, Sinead Cusack, in 1971.

Starring Robbie Martin and Rafaela Elliston. TICKETS £12 / £10 CONCESSION Ages 13+ Contains some strong language and partial nudity SILVER SCREENINGS PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY SPECSAVERS CONNSWATER - CLASSIC FILMS FOR SENIORS (but open to everyone who loves classic movies!) THURS 2PM, £3 & SUNDAYS 6.15PM, £4 Funny Face (1957) [U] THURSDAY 12TH APRIL 2PM / SUNDAY 8TH 6.15PM True Grit (1969) [PG] THURSDAY 19TH & 26TH APRIL 2PM / SUNDAY 22ND & 29TH 6.15PM Some Like it Hot (1959) [12] THURSDAY 3RD & 10TH MAY 2PM / SUNDAY 6TH & 13TH 6.15PM Oklahoma! (1955) [U] THURSDAY 17TH, 24TH & 31ST MAY 2PM / SUNDAY 20TH MAY & 3RD JUNE 6.15PM

EE IVE FR DEL

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02/04/2018

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20

Features Apr 18

History 1. Courtesy of Ken Stanley

Aidan Campbell Our fantastic local historian. What he doesn’t know about East Belfast, simply isn’t worth knowing.

Aidan has previously published 13 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont, East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2, Ballymacarrett and Castlereagh Updated. Also on South Belfast, Newtownbreda and on Greater Belfast, Belfast Through Time. He regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies.

The books are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice, Hamilton News Cregagh and EastSide Visitor Centre, Connswater with profits donated to local charity.

There are more books in the pipeline including East Belfast Big Houses – The Families who lived in Them’ and ‘Ravenhill – from Lagan Village to Rosetta! Book sales online at eastbelfasthistory.com

2. Courtesy of David Gawley

“

I remember from my 1960s childhood the outdoor pools at Whitehead, Pickie Pool Bangor and Pirrie Park plus pools (or ‘baths’) at Peter’s Hill and the Grove

3. Courtesy of David Scott

5. Courtesy of ‘Yesterday’s Photos and Photographic Services’

It’s Not the Winning...

As the days get longer and the summer approaches I have started to think about sporting activities during my schooldays and all the fresh air I experienced years ago. As I have gotten older I like the heat now but I can’t remember feeling the cold in my youth when I played games in the great outdoors. What about some games played in East Belfast?

4. Courtesy of Fred Lemon

1. Orangefield Girls’ Secondary School Orangefield Girls’ Secondary School opened in 1960 and the hockey team are pictured in 1966 with Orangefield House in the background. The P.E. teachers are Paddy McGladdery (left) and Maureen Irwin (right). The 1960s were regarded as a ‘golden era’ for sport at Orangefield when the girls’ school dominated the McDowell Cup hockey competition and had success at the Ulster Badminton Finals and various tracks and field competitions.

Many of the girls went on to Northern Ireland representative honours. Not much foliage on the trees to the right which suggests that it is winter time. Later merged with

Orangefield Boys’ School, the coeducational Orangefield High School was closed in 2014 and demolished by 2017.

2. Ashfield Boys’ School Ashfield is a well-known school in East Belfast. This is a 1963 photograph of Ashfield Boys’ hockey team at a pitch in front of the school overlooking the Holywood Road. It includes a 12 year old David Beattie (2nd from right, front row) who lived at Ardgreenan Crescent – a short walk to the school. The head master is standing back left and he is Mr. A. J. Stanley. The other teacher is Mr Lewis Dick. The names of the hockey team are front right, Terry Davidson, David Beattie, Alan Elder, A. White,

Jim Magill, goal keeper? Back row from right, Michael Burnett, Raymond Anderson, Trevor Anderson, A. Galbraith, A.N Other, and Colin Crawford.

3. CIYMS Wesley Scott was 16 years old in 1934 when he was a member of the junior cricket team of CIYMS, which was based on Circular Road, and he later played for the 1st XI. Wesley is standing 2nd from right in the back row. The young lad, standing far right, adopts a playful pose with a hand over his eyes.

4. Sydenham Junior Infants’ Elizabeth Lemon, to the far left, is having lots of fun with her friends

playing a very popular playground game at Sydenham Junior Infants’ School, called hula hoop. A toy hoop is twirled around the waist, limbs or neck. The modern hula hoop was invented in the 1950s but children and adults around the world have played with hoops, twirling, rolling and throwing them throughout history. This picture of Sydenham Junior Infants School in 1952 was taken shortly after it opened. Victoria Park Primary School was formed in 2008 following the amalgamation of Mersey Street P.S., Strand Primary School and Sydenham Junior Infants’ School 5. Victoria Park It is July 22nd 1952 and the

photograph is captioned ‘Children keep cool at the fountain, Victoria Park swimming pool’. The outdoor swimming pool at Victoria Park was a popular attraction from Edwardian times with youngsters from the Sydenham area during the summer time. I remember from my 1960s childhood the outdoor pools at Whitehead, Pickie Pool Bangor and Pirrie Park plus pools (or ‘baths’) at Peter’s Hill and the Grove. The water in outdoor pools didn’t seem to be quite so cold when I was a youngster. We only made this amazing discovery in the 1970s when they built grand leisure centres with indoor heated pools and the outdoor pool at Victoria Park was subsequently closed.

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22

Features Apr 18

Schools

Kids

PICTURED Schoolgirls from Orangefield Primary School in east Belfast enjoyed travelling actively to school and transforming their car park into a fun play area in the Feet First Families Initiative run by Sustrans which took place across Northern Ireland on 9 March. Pictured left to right are Lilah (5), Georgia (6) and Lucy (6). Pic credit: Brian Morrison.

CAR FREE Imagine a place without traffic congestion and air pollution? The next generation are helping to make that a reality by travelling actively to school.

START THE DAY THE FEET FIRST FAMILIES WAY Pupils from across Northern Ireland made the most of the good weather by ma king their school a ‘car-free zone’, and encouraging families to use their feet first to walk, scoot or cycle to school.

W

ith school car parks closed for the day, pupils reclaimed the space in all kinds of creative and fun ways as part of Sustrans’ new

Safe

Yet again a busy month of achievements

Our round up of all the news from the local schools

initiative Feet First Families.

Did you know that most children in Northern Ireland want to walk, cycle or scoot to school but less than half actually do?

Despite the fact that fifty per cent of primary school-children live within a very walkable mile to school, almost two thirds (65%) are driven to/from the school-gates. In fact one in four cars during the rush hour are doing the school-run adding to air pollution and congestion which makes the school journey more hazardous.

Sustrans Active School Travel Manager, Beth Harding said: “Feet First Families was a great success.

It was an opportunity for schools to see what it would be like if we all travelled actively to school.

“So much of the space around our schools is dedicated to car parking and why should that be the case?

This is a fun way to re-use the space that becomes available when families and staff travel actively to school. Orangefield Primary School has come up with some creative ideas to make our Feet First Families a great way to start the school day, such as transforming the car park into a cycling obstacle course and fun play area. But it’s not just here in east Belfast, schools right across Northern Ireland, from Rosemount Primary in Derry to Bocombra Primary in Portadown, are enjoying transforming their school space and seeing what it can be like free of cars.”

Dr Penny Woods, Chief Executive of the British Lung Foundation, said: “Helping families to ditch the car in favour of walking or cycling is a great way of keeping children active and healthy. It’s also the best way to reduce the current dangerous levels

of air pollution.

“We know that toxic air is particularly damaging to children’s growing lungs. There are links to lung infections, underdeveloped lungs and emerging evidence of the impact on cognitive development.

Few things are as precious as our children’s health. Which is why we cannot allow toxic air from vehicle emissions, particularly diesel, to put their lungs at risk.”

The initiative was endorsed by former World Champion cyclist and Olympic Silver Medallist, Lizzie Deignan.

“My introduction to sport and fitness started when I began walking to school,” Lizzie said. “You can join in and be part of the campaign starting with Feet First Families on 9 March.”

The Feet First Families Initiative is a one-day event but with the longterm aim of changing travel habits.

It is part of our award-winning Active School Travel Programme, funded jointly by the Department for Infrastructure and the Public Health Agency, which encourages school-children to walk, scoot and cycle to school.

We are currently working with more than 280 schools, both primary and post-primary, across Northern Ireland to promote active travel on the school run and it has seen great results. In the schools where we have worked in 2016-17, the number of children walking and cycling to school rose from 36% to 46% with a corresponding fall in those driven to school – down from 56% to 47%.

Follow us on Twitter on the day #FeetFirstFamilies #ActiveTravel @SustransNI • www.sustrans.org.uk • facebook.com/SustransNI Grosvenor Grammar School plays host to Autoline’s ‘Respect the Road’ Campaign

Road Safety Campaign Drives Into East Belfast

PICTURED Tracey Doherty with some of the 200 pupils from Grosvenor Grammar School who took part in Autoline Insurance’s road safety initiative ‘Respect the Road’.

200 Year 14 students at Grosvenor Grammar School have taken part in one of Northern Ireland’s most engaging road safety initiatives delivered by Autoline Insurance.

T

he programme involves an interactive educational road safety workshop consisting of videos and harrowing first-hand accounts of real life incidents delivered by Tracey Doherty, a former PSNI Traffic Branch Officer of over 30-years’ experience. As a result of Autoline Insurance Group’s commitment to road safety, over 25,000 new and soon-to-be drivers have benefited from the ‘Respect the Road’ programme. Nick Lendrum,

For further information about how your school or organisation can participate in the ‘Respect The Road’ programme please contact Evanna Kieran at Autoline Insurance Group

Head of Year 14 at Grosvenor, said: ‘’Autoline’s ‘Respect the Road’ workshop proved extremely informative and worthwhile, and met with a very favourable reaction from the Senior School pupils in attendance.

Tracey Doherty’s mixture of anecdotal evidence, statistical information and hard-hitting facts helped to get her message across clearly and plainly, with pupils left in do doubt about the importance of displaying vigilance when behind the wheel.”

Eco

PICTURED Pictured are Translink’s Communications Officer, Astrid Conville and Ruth Van Ry Environmental Education Managers from Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful.

This Spring Translink and Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful are encouraging school children to make the “smart move” and use more ‘active travel’ modes to get to school for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle.

Aspiring Performing Artists Join Cinemagic’s ‘Devising Musical Theatre’ Residential Camp Forty aspiring performing artists, aged 11 to 18 recently participated in Cinemagic’s ‘Devising Musical Theatre’ residential camp.

T Pupils join Translink Eco Schools Travel Challenge The Translink Eco- Schools Travel Challenge promotes walking, cycling, bus and train travel for the school run instead of car use.

Schools that take part can also achieve the prestigious Eco-Schools Green Flag Award which recognises their environmental credentials.

he three-day camp focused on developing new skills and getting to know each other through workshops with industry professionals. Workshop topics included good relations, drama, devising, acting, singing and dancing. The young people, who all had varying levels of experience in performing arts, also took part in rehearsals with a public performance for friends and family at Belvoir Players Studio, Belfast. Cinemagic filmmakers filmed the camp and

behind-the-scenes footage documenting the journey will be given to the young people.

Cinemagic is a multi-award winning festival that embraces the magic of film and television to educate, motivate and inspire young people.

Established in 1989, Cinemagic has developed a worldwide reputation for excellence in children’s programming and now engages with 40,000 young people annually in Belfast, Dublin, London, New York and Los Angeles.

PICTURED Shauna Shivers, International Executive, Cinemagic with (Back Row) Natasha Reid, Jack Thompson, Shane McAlister, Natalya Ricketts, Nathan Adams & (Front Row) Ellie Montgomery, Ava Small, Isabella Grimsley, Ben Scourfield, Annie Heavern and Niamh Lawson from East Belfast.

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24

Features Apr 18

Home

Plus a new launch of epic proportions at IKEA

Jill gets you prepared to get outside for the season ahead

2.

Spring

DISCOVER Refound showroom is a unique interiors emporium that offers a range of up-cycled, redesigned and vintage homeware and gifts. We turn the ordinary into the extra-ordinary!

OnTheSquare Emporium (OTS for short), is a treasure trove for lovers of antiques, collectables, industrial furniture and salvage

Reclaim The Garden

.

Jill

3.

1.

It is that time of year we flock to modern garden centres looking to populate the garden with plants, flowers, herbs and veggies.

A

lthough the range of vegetation has become more diverse and exotic, the range of planters and pots on offer has not! Every garden centre seem to get their stock of containers from the same place, ceramics are all the same style and colour, wood is spanking new and there is too much plastic trying but failing to look like its not plastic. Its time to bring the interior reclamation ethos into the

garden! Be inventive in what can be a planter, rummage around in the garage or attic and get down to the salvage yards, as long as it has some drainage it can be used as a planter, as the toilet planter can testify. Reuse the old wooden ladder as a climber frame or a galvanised water tank as a pond.

Put your stamp on the garden, there are no rules to what is acceptable, if it pleases you, then its meant to be there!

1. Probably the original reclaimed garden item but still great, the half barrel planter. From £45 On the Square Emporium 2 & 3. A Belfast sink makes a great Pond for a small space or once again a classic planter. From £35 On the Square Emporium 4. A repurposed Cable Drum Table. £295 Refound 5. Tote Boxes are great as a window herb grower or to organise the greenhouse. £5 each On The Square Emporium 6. Toilet planter

view www.onthesquareemporium.com | www.refoundonline.com Unit A3, 17 Heron Road, BT3 9LE – Past B&Q, off Airport Road

Gaga

GLAM From Alice in Wonderland inspired large glass hats to Bea’s signature red lips transformed into a pillow, each product celebrates individuality and creativity.

Goth Meets Glamour The OMEDELBAR collection captures the essence of Bea’s own personal style; a hybrid between Goth and Hollywood glamour. The products create the feeling of an exclusive bedroom and dressing room, one you’ll want to linger in forever.

Bea’s personal mantra “B. who you are” moves like a red thread through the collection, together with her signature stamp, the red lipstick. And let’s not forget about the stripes! It’s a collection of products that celebrate individuality and creativity. “With a few pieces from the collection you can create a designer wardrobe or dress up your room in a new way.” Karin Gustavsson, Creative Leader for OMEDELBAR

INSIDE OUT Time to bring the interior reclamation ethos into the garden!

4.

6.

5.

“

It should speak to the many, but still be true to who I am.

Looking at OMEDELBAR I feel like we’ve really accomplished that, as it contains items I love and have been looking for myself.

I’ve always had a clear vision of what this collection should be, from start to finish.

And with it, I hope to inspire people to think outside the box, get them to take a risk and have fun, to purchase something they’d never expect to find at IKEA. Simply put – get people to live a little!

Bea Åkerlund

OMEDELBAR range is in store at IKEA Belfast and online starting from £1.25.

Go Gaga for OMEDELBAR IKEA has launched an exciting new range, OMEDELBAR, created in collaboration with Bea Åkerlund, one of the most sought-after stylists and costume designers in the fashion industry.

H

aving worked with some of the quirkiest names in pop - such as Madonna, Beyoncé and Lady Gaga – the new range is designed to bring that bold red carpet look into any home.

The 35-piece collection includes everything a fashionista needs to show off their finest clothes and accessories. And what’s more, OMEDELBAR is a limited-edition collection, making each product all the more exclusive and unique.

With a focus on breaking conventions and bringing more fun into the home, OMEDELBAR is a collection with a bold personality that can help anyone create the feeling of a boudoirinspired walk in closet. From Alice in Wonderland inspired large glass hats to Bea’s signature red lips transformed into a pillow and rock ‘n’ roll striped curtains, each product is about having fun with interiors and showing off individuality.

The launch of OMEDELBAR is part of a series of collaborations between the home interiors

retailer and leading fashion designers from across the globe, who bring their experience of colours, prints, patterns and shapes to the table. Through working with experts from different industries, IKEA is able to create ranges that respond directly to current trends and fuse various influences to give customers cutting-edge design at affordable prices.

Bea Åkerlund’s work has been coveted for more than 20 years in the fashion industry, but OMEDELBAR is her first venture into interior design, making this collaboration with IKEA truly unique. The collection captures the essence of Bea’s own personal style; a hybrid between Goth and Hollywood glamour and incorporates her mantra “B. who you are” throughout.

Bea also inspired IKEA to push the boundaries of innovation, resulting in IKEA manufacturing their first ever mass-produced 3D -printed product in the form of a mesh-inspired hand-shaped wall hook that is perfect for showcasing accessories.

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26

Features Apr 18

Fit

Personal Trainer Fitness Instructor teaching: HIIT FIT, BodyPump, Spinning, Rebounder, Legs Bums tums, Circuits, Box fit.

Health

Steffie on the case with some fitness tracker insight

Is Your Fitness Tracker Lying To You? Or is it not very accurate? I decided to test whether my Apple watch was telling me the truth about my active calorie expenditure or whether it was lying! So I attended mike Mccomish’s circuits class at Campbell college wearing both an Apple Watch and a wahoo chest heart rate monitor.

Published recipe writer Blogger: Steffie_loves Youtuber: Stefanie McCluskey Fitness Competitor

How they work : Apple watch / oximeter works by measuring the movement of your blood using light, and when you flex your wrist, you can momentarily change that circulation which leads to irregular readings. The wrist-based monitor can also get tripped up if you tend to do a lot of exercises involving wrist bending or quick movement e.g.

High intensity work. The Wahoo chest strap works by reading the electrical activity of the heart via a strap across your chest, the same way we get tested by cardiologists. So I wore both devices and recorded the data

throughout the class. The images show the breakdown.

Workout Overview Personal Stats End of Set 1 End of Set 2 End of Work Out As you can see there was a massive calorie expenditure difference of 300 calories. And an average heart rate difference of 6bpm!

Overall The more I looked into this via various

tests/experiments, I concluded that the chest strap monitor is in fact the most accurate by nearly matching an EKG with 99% accuracy. And as you can see from my example the chest strap showed a more accurate reading as well as more calories burned!

Both technologies capture electrical activity coming from the heart and out of the wrist wearables, The Apple Watch is said to be about 90% accurate, with all others dropping below 80%.

Accuracy also went down as exercise intensity increased. So the more you move the less accurate your results may be! Measuring heart rate from the wrist is convenient, but it comes with some disadvantages.

Conclusion Do you need to spend £370 for a heart rate tracking watch??? Probably not, a £40 chest strap is a hell of a lot cheaper and a lot more accurate!

Wrist monitors are great for the general population and they give you that extra push to stay active, but I wouldn’t say they have a place with sporting professionals hence why they use the chest straps.

Take away Trackers are great for setting goals and having some accountability but just don’t get too hung up on the data as it’s most likely incorrect. See them more as a tool to help monitor your progress!

Optical advice from Rosemary McWatters

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The programme was easy to follow, the workouts are very helpful in showing you how to do each exercise, it’s self explanatory and the timer for each one is really helpful. What I would like though is a bit more guidance on warm up and cool down. Loved the reminders as well each day as this is a motivator! Logging into myfitnesspal every day logging food has been a real eye opener as it makes you aware of how many calories you are actually consuming. I would eat a lot of bananas but they’re full of carbs, who knew?!

Louise

Taking Bookings >>> Instagram: steffie_loves / Facebook: stefanie mccluskey personal trainer Health

Eyes

This headline on the BBC website caught my eye as it is one of the commonest complaints I get from patient

Rosemary McWatters

41 Comber Rd Dundonald BT16 2AA Telephone 028 9048 6222

A startling statistic from the Health and Social Care Board WWW want2stop.info

SMOKERS FOUR TIMES MORE LIKELY TO LOSE EYESIGHT People who smoke are four times more likely to lose their eyesight than those who don’t, and twice as likely to develop eye disease.

New Headlights “Blinding Drivers” In fact, many of my patients tell me that they now avoid driving at night for just this reason.

T

he BBC report was quoting a survey by the RAC which found that two thirds of drivers are regularly dazzled by oncoming headlights even though they are dipped. The drivers reported this effect lasting anything from 5 to 10 seconds. In the dark our vision is reduced anyway so adding in the dazzle is a further reduction.

Before experiencing glare, the average obstacle detection time is less than 2.5 seconds, but after glare, it can be up to 7 seconds. This means that you potentially detect the obstacle 100 metres later. This was all particularly interesting to me as just this week Nikon Optical has launched a new SeeCoat Drive lens targeting those who don’t feel confident driving in the dark. The new product incorporates a glare filter to help with night time driving but is suitable to wear all day.

At night it has been found that our eyes are most sensitive to certain wavelengths of light and the technology behind this coating is to shift this peak to a less sensitive part of the

spectrum. In the past you may have seen yellow lenses advertised for night driving, although these are generally not recommended by opticians. A combination of the basic theory of light that came up with yellow lenses, united with a technical understanding of modern LED headlights, has resulted in the design of the SeeCoat Drive lens from Nikon having a slight amber bloom, yet the lenses are completely clear, not yellow.

Headlight glare is evidently a widespread concern as the BBC report noted that a UN working party is currently looking at the issue. Any changes they suggest are not going to happen overnight so since these bright headlights are on the increase we need to do what we can to make our driving vision both comfortable and safe.

By the time you read this I hope I will have my new pair of varifocals with SeeCoat Drive and I will be trying them out. So, if you are interested in finding out more, do come and see me I can tell you all about them.

R

aymond Curran, Head of Ophthalmic Services, Health and Social Care Board said, “People often say they fear losing their sight the most, of all their senses, yet few smokers realise that smoking can cause serious damage to the eye. Smokers also more than double their risk of developing macular (eye) disease, which is the most common cause of severe sight loss. This disease damages the light-sensing cells at the back of the eye and some forms of this disease cannot be treated.”

Research has shown that smokers are more likely to develop cataracts, which occur when the clear lens of the eye grows cloudy, leaving sufferers with hazy vision. It will lead to blindness if left untreated.

Smoking is also linked to eye complications in people living with diabetes, cardiovascular problems and

thyroid disease.

He continued, “There is hope for smokers though. Research has also shown that if a person quits smoking, they will be able to reduce their risk of developing eye disease.”

On National No Smoking Day this year, the Health and Social Care Board urged smokers to look at the range of options available to help them quit.

Increasing numbers of optometrists are now offering advice and more than 650 pharmacies, GP surgeries, hospitals, community centres and workplaces across Northern Ireland also offer free stop smoking services.

For smokers wishing to quit, they can also find information online and order a ‘Quit Kit’ free of charge from the Public Health Agency’s ‘Want 2 Stop’ website, which will help with planning their quit attempt. want2stop.info

Hair

17

Features Apr 18

The everyday lens with enhanced driving performance

Protect Your Hair Colour And Make It Last Longer !

By Sabrina Robinson | SR Hairdressing

Here are 5 tips on how to keep your hair healthy and make your colour last longer.

Every great new hair colour involves an investment of time and money , and smart women know you’ve got to protect your investments. That’s why any professional colourist will tell you how you care for your coloured or highlighted hair affects your results dramatically. Making

Conventional lens

sure you have a good, haircare routine at home is vital in maintaining hair colour, Regardless of if someone’s hair is lightened or coloured darker, professional haircare is essential for at-home hair-care .

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Take Care With Your Cleansing Routine Most hair dyes contain cuticle-lifting ingredients like ammonia and ethanolamine. Shampooing your hair also causes the cuticle to lift and that’s the moment when hair is most vulnerable to damage.

This is why it’s so important to be gentle with your cleansing routine. To start, try not to shampoo every day. I would recommend my clients try to only shampoo two to three times a week, Between washes, you can keep your hair looking clean and fresh with dry shampoo. Your shampoo of choice is also important. ALWAYS USE PROFESSIONAL PRODUCTS! ASK YOUR STYLIST! Sulfate-free shampoos for colour-treated hair are ideal because sulfates tend to dry hair and strip colour.

Most hair dyes contain moisture-sucking hydrogen peroxide, so a hydrating, sulfate-free shampoo can rebuild your hair’s water content. Achieve salon style results with the Serie Expert Vitamino Color Shampoo from L’Oréal Professionnel. Suitable for colour-treated hair, the luxurious liquid gently removes excess oil, dirt and impurities from your hair and scalp, whilst adding luminous shine to leave hair vibrant and healthy-looking, without weighing it down. Specially formulated with the brand’s A:OX technology to deliver a high sheen finish and enriched with panthenol to penetrate deeply into the hair shaft to maintain moisture

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levels. Available at SRHAIRDRESSING A toning shampoo designed for your specific hair colour is another genius addition to your routine. This product is good for red hair, which is notoriously quick to fade, and blond hair, which can become greenish or brassy due to the minerals in tap water.

Shine blonde shampoo for blonde highlighted hair Enhance the colour clarity of blonde hair with this brightening shampoo. It helps to brighten and strengthen blonde hair, enriched with cermides that work to bind and protect. The silky smooth shampoo is boosted with a neutralising violet pigment, leaving hair looking brighter.

2. Style Your Hair the Natural Way! Heat-styling devices like blow dryers, curling tongs and straightners literally crack hair’s cuticle, which is why heat-damaged hair often looks frizzy. Women with coloured or

bleached hair should cut back on using heat-styling tools.

Shampooing less frequently should help you limit heat-styling.

Getting more creative with your styling routine (braids, ponytails

and buns) which are on trend this year and will also help. If you heat-style your hair, use tools with ceramic, titanium or ion plates, which reduce damage to hair, and avoid using on highest heat setting.

3. Hydrate Your Hair Conditioner doesn’t just make colour-treated hair look and feel smoother; it actually closes the cuticle, counteracting the cuticle-opening effect of shampoo. A great conditioner also infuses moisturising ingredients beneath the cuticle, nourishing hair from the inside out.

4. Protect Your Colour When outside ,UV light is a coloursucker for hair. Sun exposure drains proteins and pigment from hair, making a UV-protecting product essential for coloured hair. Luckily, there are tons of sprays, serums, stylers and masks infused with sunscreen that make protecting your hair

from UV damage incredibly easy.

Another simple solution: Wear a hat when you’re outside. Chlorine and salt water are two other warm-weather culprits that hurt coloured and highlighted hair.

Salt water, of course, dehydrates hair. But chlorine is even more damaging than salt water: It

swells your hair’s cuticles, breaks its chemical bonds, deposits colourdistorting minerals and saps it of melanin. When you go swimming, limit the amount of salt water or chlorinated water that your hair absorbs by pre-wetting it with tap water and slicking on some conditioner.

5. Time Your Next Service Wisely 26 Sandown Road Ballyhackamore BT5 6GY • Free Parking TEL 028 9065 8579 • NEW ONLINE BLOG www.srhairdressing.com MON Closed • TUES 10-6 • WED 10-2 • THURS 10-9 • FRI 10-6 • SAT 9-4

You might be looking forward to your next hair-colouring , but don’t overdo it. Wait at least five or six weeks between colouring services to keep your hair healthy. When it’s time to colour again, you or your stylist can decide on which colour process is Better for your hair, and if you’re growing out your hair, getting a trim with each colour service is ideal.

NEW BLOG ONLINE SRHAIRDRESSING.COM 26 SANDOWN RD • BELFAST • 9065 8579 • SRHAIRDRESSING@HOTMAIL.COM

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30

Features Apr 18

What’s Happening?

Mums & Tots

Classes & Events

MONDAY

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, 028 9047 1456 ST FINNIANS 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793.

WANDSWORTH MUMS & CHUMS 10-11.30am. 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 Tues) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast & creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 GARNERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN 10.15-11.45. Child’s Play - Tea, coffee, juice, snack. £1 per family.

MERSEY STREET PRESBYTERIAN. 10-11.45am term time. £1. 028 9065 7025 MCQUISTON TODDLERS 10-11.30am. Toast, juice, tea, coffee & biscuits.

McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road.

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 (juice/snack & tea) 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

WEDNESDAY

BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN 10-11.30am Phone 028 9047 1103. 447 Beersbridge Rd BUSY BEES 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Rd MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30am Toddlers SMALLTALK @ ORANGEFIELD 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road. 02890 799391 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 LITTLE LAMBS TOTS GROUP 10-11.30am term time. Willowfield Church Hall, 290-296 Woodstock Rd.

THURSDAY

123 TOTS 10-11.45am Exchange Church, Albertbridge Road (opposite Keens in the old YMCA building) BLOOMFIELD METHODIST CHURCH 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN 10am mothers & toddlers. Tel Josephine 028 9065 4181. 102104 Cregagh Road CREGAGH MUMS & TOTS 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue. Tel: 028 9040 1444 GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Tel: Laura 07708 000025 GLENMACHAN TOTS & TODDLERS 10-12 term time. Church of God, Glenmachan Road. Tel 028 9076 1676 glenmachan.org KIRKPATRICK MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am. Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation KNOCK PARENT & TODDLER 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian. 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

STRAND PRESBYTERIAN MUMS & TOTS 10-11.30am term time Strand Presbyterian, Connsbrook Avenue. £1 per family. Tel Lila 02890 768890.

FRIDAY

ESL TODDLERS FOR PARENTS FROM ETHNIC MINORITIES 10-11.30. The Micah Centre. Willowfield Parish ChurchST COLUMBA’S MUMS & TOTS 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road WOODSTOCK LIBRARY RHYTHM & RHYME 10-10.30am. 0-4 years. 358 Woodstock Road.

Tel 028 9050 9239

BADMINTON CLUB ST Moluas C.O.I , 645 Upp Newtownards Rd ,BT4 3LR. 8pm10pm. New members welcome. 07882 058198.

BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Ballyhack Book Pack Adult reading group (1st Mon of month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Make with Mum – Do with Dad for pre-school children (0-4 year old) accompanied by an adult. Simple craft for parent and child. All materials provided. Page-turners Book Group for 9-11 year olds every third Monday September-June. Booking essential. 9:15-12 First Monday of month Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of the month) 7pm.

BEAN BLESSED Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 BELMONT TOWER The Programme 6.30-8.30pm. 028 9076 1172 CREGAGH CRICKET CLUB Gibson Park Avenue 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 9 & Under 11 cricket training.

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel 07809 205579. 102-104 Cregagh Rd DUNDONALD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE First Monday of month (excl Bank Holidays) Moat Park Pavilion, Dundonald, 7:30 pm. New members welcome.

HARDING MEMORIAL Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Clare 07905 556825.

EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG EBM Homework Club (P4-P6) 3.30–5.30pm. Contact Hannah Ferguson 028 9045 8560.

JUNIOR BOYS CLUB (FREE) 6pm-7pm @ St. Judes Parish, Ravenhill Rd P1-P6; Football, craft & games.

MENS BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 1.30pm-4pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GB Teenies & Explorers (3-8yrs) 6.30-7.30pm, Juniors (9-11yrs) 6.30-8pm, Seniors & Brigaders (12-18 yrs) 6.30-8.30 Contact Carol 07813 117453. Presbyterian Women’s Group (2nd & 4th Monday of month) 8pm TEL JEAN 02890 486492 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm.

Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Mindful Colouring for adults. 10.30-11.30am 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

TUESDAY

15TH NI GIRLS BRIGADE Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.157.15pm explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm juniors (8-10) 7.00-9.00pm company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm tel 07783 408609 ARDENLEE LADIES BOWLING CLUB Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue. 028 9058 6446.

Also meet on Thursdays.

BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. ART CLASSES - Book your place in Ballyhackamore Library’s monthly art class (Adult).

10-12. Classic Reading Group - share your love of the classics, pick up this months read. Last Tues of the month 11-12.

BELMONT TOWER Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 8pm-10pm.

Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm.

EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG EBM Women’s Group 7pm-9pm. EBM Homework Club (P4 – P6) 3.30–5.30pm. EBM Choir practice (age 17+) 5.45 – 6.45pm. Time Out 12.30-12.50. Mens Bible studies 10.3012pm. Rang Comhra 7-9pm.

GILNAHIRK LADIES GROUP Stye Brae Centre @ Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church 10.30-12 MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Senior puppet club.

4.30pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690. Learn to dance. 7.30pm, Ballroom, sequence & Latin. Tel 07547 801383.

MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30am Open Door. 2.30pm Senior Citizens (1st&3rd Tues of month). 6.30-7.45pm GB Explorers. 6.30-8pm GB Juniors.

7.30-9.30pm GB Seniors & Brigaders. 8.15pm -PW (2nd & 4th Tues) NI FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 4th Tuesday of the month. Sept-Jun. 7.30pm at Holywood Arches Library. www.nifhs.org ORANGEFIELD BAPTIST 3.00pm to 4.00pm “Friendship meeting” Come and enjoy cup of tea/coffee and a chat and some fellowship. Everyone warmly welcomed.

TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Mixed Bowling Club – 7.30 / Cell Group - 7.30 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm Yoga 10.30--11.30, Irish dancing for kids 5--6, Aerobics 7--8 and Boxing Fitness 8.15-9.30.

Email info@loopmag.net

WILLOWFIELD CHURCH HALLS Open House 10.00am – 1.00pm Free tea, coffee with sweet treats & chat for anyone and everyone. Also free gym open, internet access and monthly craft activities. Debt help, Job Club & food store.

WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Adult reading group (general). First Tuesday of the month.

Adult reading group (crime). Last Tuesday of the month.

6.45-7.45pm. 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

WEDNESDAY

29TH NI GIRLS BRIGADE Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (3-7) 6:45-8:15pm. Company Section (8-18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823.

AVONIEL COMMUNITY GARDEN Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 1pm - 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 BELMONT TOWER Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm-9. NI Orchid Society 6pm-8pm. Mindfullness 6.30pm-8.30 CREGAGH CRICKET CLUB Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 13 & Under 15 cricket training.

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN For seniors - “Evergreens’. 2.30pm. Tel Barbara 028 9045 3829. Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507. Squirrels.

6.30pm. Tel Laura 07597 684104 102-104 Cregagh Rd EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians 10am-12pm. Ladies Senior Friendship Club 2pm-3.30pm.

Street Soccer five-a-side Avoniel Leisure Centre 1-3pm. Bible Studies general group 7.30-8.30pm.

GILNAHIRK HORTICULTURAL & CIVIC SOCIETY 1st Wed of the month (Sep-May) 8-9.30pm Gilnahirk Presbyterian.

GILNAHIRK MENS GROUP 10.30am – cuppa,chat, visiting speaker. Jack Britton Hall, Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church (October-April) GIRLS BRIGADE Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3yrs-P4 6.15pm.P5+ 7.30pm KNIT & CHAT Dundonald Methodist Church (Rank Road) on alternate Wednesdays, 2-4 pm. Very friendly group who will make you very welcome. Come along and enjoy the fellowship.

Enquiries 02890 486247.

LUNCHEON CLUB For senior citizens. 12 noon. £1.50. Cregagh Methodist. Pre book on 028 9045 7564.

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690. Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149.

MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN 7.45pm Midweek Prayer.

ORMEAU TABLE TENNIS CLUB Kids beginners table tennis 6.30-7.30. Adults beginners table tennis 7.30-9. 113 The Mount.

OVER 60’S LUNCH CLUB Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3.

Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows £3.50 TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cell Group – 7.30 / House Group – 8pm. 154 Comber Rd WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm. Sewing 10am-12. Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm YOUTH DROP IN (FREE) 4-30-6pm @ St.Judes Parish Church Ormeau Rd. Secondary school youths. Pizza, snacks, chat.

WOODSTOCK LIBRARY One to one beginners computer lessons. Booking required.

358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

THURSDAY

BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential.

BALLYMACARRETT BOWLING CLUB If interested in bowling, your local club is looking for new members. If you have played before or want to try come along to Ravenhill road green on a Thursday night From 6:30 onwards, you will be made welcome. Contact John Armstrong 02890 294 249. First few fixtures are : 21/04/18 Donaghadee b v 1st Ballymacarrett (away) 28/04/18 1st Ballymacarrett v 58th old boys (Home) 05/ 05/18 Lagan Valley v 1st Ballymacarrett (Away) BELMONT TOWER Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm.

Yoga 6-9pm. East Belfast Historical Society (Every 2nd Thursday Sep-May) 7.30pm.

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies.

6.30pm. Vicki 028 9045 8208. Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Rebecca 07856 488594 EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Over’s Luncheon Club 12.30-2pm. Homework club (P4-P6) 3.30–5.30pm. Bible Studies, women 6.30-7.30 fortnightly.

MIXED BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 7-10pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829.

MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

10.30-Midday Open Door. 6.30-7.30pm BB Anchor Boys.6.308pm BB Junior Section. 7.30-10pm BB Company Section SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCHEON CLUB Midday @ Ballymac Centre.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE Weekly screening of classic film TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Parent and Toddler Group – 10.30-12 noon BB - 6.30 Contact – Irene Mornin - 02890 486475 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Boot Camp 7-8 and Core Combat 8.15-9.30.

Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm

FRIDAY

AIKIDO MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Belfast Aikido practice on Friday evenings 6:30-9pm and Saturday mornings 9-11am then 11-1pm in the Dojo at unit 9, 45 Ravenhill Road. Contact 07976 758908.

ALBERTBRIDGE CONGREGATIONAL 6 Woodstock Link. Friday Friendship. 10.30-12.30pm.

BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story.

3.30pm. Tea & Newspapers 9 am-12pm. Mindful Colouring, adult colouring 9am-12. Board Games - Come along and bring a friend for Chess, Scrabble, Draughts ….you decide.

BELMONT TOWER Art Classes 10-1pm.

EAST END BAPTIST CHILDRENS MEETING 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun.

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11am-2pm Mens Lunch Club. 7.30pm Mixed Fellowship bowls SHILOH HALL 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE Teenage Kicks Film Club 4.15 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club daily 2 - 6pm Painting for Pleasure 11am1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Boxing Fitness 8.15pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Knit and Natter 2.00-3.00pm.358 Woodstock Road.

Tel 028 9050 9239

SATURDAY

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Intervention for pre-school children with difficulty in communication and play skills. Parent & child intervention sessions. shootingstars@europe.com 07471 169685 AVONIEL COMMUNITY GARDEN 1-3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 ENGLISH CLASSES 10.30am to 12.15pm at Strand Church, 161 Connsbrook Avenue, Belfast. Free. All are welcome, including beginners.

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH SunshineFit Kids - keep fit.

SKAINOS BUILDING SKAINOS.ORG Walking Group on selected Saturdays at 10am. Contact Gary Allen on 028 9045 8560.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NISTARS Stage school. 10-1pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Storytime (4-8 years) 10.00-10.30am 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

SUNDAY

CONNSBROOK AVENUE CONGREGATIONAL 11am & 7pm EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche. Sunday school available for primary school kids.

KINGDOM HARVEST CHURCH, BELFAST Sunday Worship 11am. "Superchurch" for Children 6-12yrs @ Ballyoran Community Centre, Rosneath Ct, Dundonald MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11.30am Morning service. 6.30pm Evening service.

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Youth Club.

Yr 8 upwards. 7pm.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Singing & dancing 1.30-3.30. Sat Minors Film Club @ 12 THE SALVATION ARMY - BELFAST TEMPLE Family Worship 10.30am with band and choir and children’s activities from 11am. 110 Cregagh Rd. All Welcome!

TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.30pm Junior Church 11.10am

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Contact Ashleigh 07731 420680

Calling all past pupils and members of staff from Leadhill Primary School!

We would love you to join us for our Leadhill 50th Birthday Celebrations!

Come along to our Open Afternoon on Friday 20 April 2018, from 1pm to 3pm, followed by our celebration show at 3:30!

Join us at the Leadhill 50th Birthday Gala Dinner at the Stormont Hotel on Saturday 21 April. Drinks reception from 7pm. Music from ‘The Men on the Hill’.

Tickets £35 – available from school office Follow us on Twitter and Facebook – Leadhill50

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0344 897 8000

Casaeldona Park, Belfast, BT6 9RD Tel: 028 90401101 www.leadhillps.com

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