Loop Mag : East Belfast August 2017 by Loop Publications

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East Belfast Edition / #31 August 2017 42,000 COPIES EVERY MONTH

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HEADLINES | PAGE 4 Latest news and happenings in and around East Belfast and beyond

FINN’S WORLD | PAGE 16 Do what you love. Love what you eat. Sound advice in this month’s cookbook

ON THE SCENE | PAGE 24 Launches, exhibitions, special events and much more in this months update

ON TRACK | PAGE 26 Aidan is on track with a look at the Belfast & County Down Railway

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AUG 17

The Belfast Works LEMIS+ Project Wellbeing for Work service can be contacted at East Belfast Mission on 9045 8650.

•

NEW WELLBEING PROJECT AIMS TO FULFIL POTENTIAL IN THE EAST

The Wellbeing for Work service is part of the Belfast Works LEMIS+ Project which aims to help people across Belfast reach their potential. Participants, most of whom will be experiencing health and wellbeing issues, are allocated a dedicated coach, who will work with them to give them direction to move forward in their lives.

ellbeing for Work coach, Michelle Crothers while not a native of East Belfast, has a long working history with East Belfast Mission having being involved in the previous LEMIS employment programme and the introduction of the community family support team in the area several years ago. “I have a passion for working in the east, and I think I have a real affinity for the people here.” After a career running her own

personal development consultancy, Michelle was delighted to return to East Belfast Mission as Wellbeing for Work coach for the east of the city. “The service is particularly important at the minute because a lot of the people on health related benefits are going to find themselves pushed down the road towards work thanks to the welfare changes that are just starting to make themselves felt.” Michelle feels that the service bridges the gap between traditional

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employment services and health and wellbeing provision. “What I do is enable people to look at where they want to go and break down what they need to do get there.” A typical client of Michelle’s is a lady called Laura, who had been struggling with mental health issues and alcohol misuse. Over a few sessions, Michelle helped her to think in a more positive way and encouraged her to set small, manageable goals to help her move

forward. She is now able to volunteer one day a week, giving her the opportunity to make new friends and gain new experiences. Michelle said: “Overall clients have been responding extremely well, going on to do different things from volunteering, to various classes, to working with LEMIS+ mentors to go down the road towards work. With me, we look at what they need to hold on to, what they need to let go of and...” Continued on Page 4

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Contents

AUGUST 17

WELCOME TO LOOP

LOOP A FAMILY OWNED BUSINESS AT THE HEART OF THE COMMUNITY WITH THE COMMUNITY AT HEART AROUND THE CORNER FROM THE CS LEWIS SQUARE

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436 NEWTOWNARDS ROAD BT4 1HJ PUBLISHER • DESIGN • EDITORIAL Stuart Collins | stuart@loopmag.net SALES • ACCOUNTS Juanita Collins | juanita@loopmag.net BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT EXECUTIVE Robert Craig | robert@loopmag.net TELEPHONE 02890 200988

PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION WITH:

Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product, service or organisation does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Links and contacts are provided for reader convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

LOCAL NEWS

PARTNERSHIP

TITANIC EVENTS

News, headlines and views from in and around East Belfast and beyond

Knocknagoney Primary mark end of two year partnership with Titanic Belfast

A host of events and things to do in the Titanic Quarter this month

Headlines

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04 14

A Happy Ending

COOKBOOK

FOOD & DRINK

All the initiatives, events and fund raisers from the local community east side

Do what you love. Love what you eat. Wise words and recipes from an Irish star

A round up of all the food and drink news from around the city

Meet Finn

Best of Buds

HEALTH

HAIR ADVIC

THE ARTS

Our latest instalment on all things health with news and advice from local experts

With autumn in our sights, Sabrina Robinson sets out the latest trends ahead

There are a host of exhibitions happening this month. Check them out

All About You

Trend Alert

On the Scene

HISTORY

SPORT

WHAT’S ON

Aidan Campbell right on time with his piece on the Belfast and County Down Railway

A round up of all the local sport from across the east of the city and beyond

We have compiled all the regular groups and events in the east into one handy guide

On Track

Track Side

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AUG 17

Plan Ahead

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04 /// NEWS

Forestside Shopping centre confirmed as headline Walk Ten partner Iconic Stormont estate to host Walk Ten in September Walk Ten raises more than £750,000 since it was established

#31 AUG 17

LOOPMAG.NET

MARIE CURIE & FORESTSIDE TEAM UP FOR THIS YEAR’S WALK TEN EVENT

NI’s leading terminal illness care provider, Marie Curie has teamed up with premier, Forestside Shopping Centre, to launch its 2017 Walk Ten event which will take place on Friday 1 September in the grounds of the Stormont Estate – gates open at 6pm and the walk starts at 7pm.

alk Ten is now in its seventh year, during which time it has raised over £620,000. This money has had a huge impact on people, and their families, living with a terminal illness and has enabled Marie Curie to continue to deliver its nursing service in the community as well as its specialist hospice based in Belfast. In addition to its nursing service, Marie Curie has used this money to develop and deliver innovative services that can help support more people living with a terminal illness. The services include the creation of a dedicated information and support telephone line (0800 090 2309) that offers useful information about living with a terminal illness and how to access expert nursing care, as well as the Helper Service – which offers companionship and emotional support to those in most need. There are also day patient services in

Belfast, Newtownards, Lisburn and Downpatrick. Commenting on this year’s Walk Ten event, Anne Hannan, Partnership Manager, Marie Curie NI said, “Walk Ten is a fantastic event and one that is always tremendously well supported by the public. Walk Ten is a great excuse to get together with friends, family or colleagues for a beautiful 10K walk around Stormont. “The great thing about Walk Ten is that it’s a very sociable event. Participants take part at their own pace and we actively encourage walkers to bring a picnic, so they can relax and enjoy the live entertainment and firework finale after their walk Any money raised from the event will be used my Marie Curie to help more people living with any terminal illness.” This year’s event will be once again supported by retail outlet, Forestside Shopping Centre. This is the second time the Marie Curie Walk Ten

PICTURED Emer Haddigan (Staff Nurse), Christine Lindsay (Health Care Assistant),Gavin McGucken (Community Fundraiser) Lee Cutler (Forestside Manager), Anne Millar (HCA) & Rebekah Hamill (SN)

event will have a headline partner. Forestside has participated in the event over the years and having witnessed the impact the event has on the walkers the Centre took the decision to become more involved. Forestside Centre Manager, Lee Cutler said: “Marie Curie is a charity very close to the heart of Forestside. Geographically we are situated very close to the Belfast Hospice, but more so we feel that the charity is of significant importance to the local community, our customer base. We value the work the charity does, and see first-hand the difference that it

makes to those affected by cancer in Northern Ireland. “Walk Ten is an integral part of this. Some walk to remember loved ones lost, others participate to thank the charity for the services it provides. Regardless of the motivation behind taking part, each person does so with enthusiasm – supporting each other in a shared mission. Forestside are proud to be lending a hand to this worthy event again, and would like to encourage as many people as possible to join us on September 1st. With your help, we can make a difference for Marie Curie.”

• REGISTRATION FOR WALK TEN IS NOW OPEN • WALKERS CAN SIGN UP BY VISITING WWW.MARIECURIE.ORG.UK/WALKTEN OR FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL 028 9088 2060.

Asda Dundonald Colleagues Clock Up ‘90 Years’

PICTURED

Senior Director for Asda Northern Ireland, George Rankin, and Asda’s Senior Manager for People, Charlotte Elliott, join long-serving colleagues from across Asda Northern Ireland’s store network to celebrate a collective 1,385 years of service with the company.

A new Wellbeing for Work service has been rolled out across Belfast, with coaches based at the East Belfast Mission for people in the east of the city.

ith a total of 50 NI colleagues reaching a ‘Big Anniversary’ this year, the Asda Northern Ireland store network is marking a combined 1,385 years worked by Asda colleagues, section leaders and managers across the province. In recognition of their years of service, Asda’s Big Anniversary Awards will see over 1,090 employees from across the business come together at Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham – including colleagues from 11 of the

COLLEAGUES AT ASDA DUNDONALD ARE BEING CONGRATULATED ON A COLLECTIVE 90 YEARS OF SERVICE WITH THE COMPANY, AS 3 OF THE STORE’S LONGEST-SERVING COLLEAGUES CELEBRATE 30 YEARS AT ASDA. retailer’s 17 stores in NI. Senior Director for Asda Northern Ireland, George Rankin, said: “Congratulations to all the colleagues from Northern Ireland who are celebrating a ‘Big Anniversary’ with Asda this year! We are very proud of all our NI colleagues, and their ongoing commitment to the business. Our collective total of 1,385 years of long service is fantastic – with the wealth of experience from all our colleagues contributing to the top-rate customer service which our

shoppers recognise us for. A huge well done to everyone – and here’s to many more!” Karen Blair, who is celebrating 30 years with Asda Dundonald, added: “With a combined 90 years of experience, my Asda Dundonald long-serving colleagues and I are really looking forward to attending the Big Anniversary Awards this year. It will be a very special day for the group, and give us the chance to reminisce on all the good friends and memories we have made together over the years.”

FRONT PAGE STORY CONTINUED “....what they need... to take on to move on. It’s very individual and tailored for each person. I really enjoy working with the clients, particularly when I see the light bulb going on in their heads. Some ask me ‘why has no one ever said that before?’ because it seems so obvious once it’s out there. It’s lovely to see people realise that actually, they do have some control over their lives.” As far as the future goes, Michelle would like to see the service grow and become accepted as a trusted

place to refer people to. “We just need to keep proving ourselves by getting things done and making a difference for people.” The Belfast Works LEMIS+ project has been part financed through the Northern Ireland European Social Fund (ESF) Programme, the Department for the Economy and Belfast City Council. The Belfast Works LEMIS+ Project Wellbeing for Work service can be contacted at East Belfast Mission on 9045 8650.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council supports Macmillan Cancers ‘Move More’ Initiative Macmillan Cancer Support has teamed up with Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, and the South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust to launch Move More Lisburn & Castlereagh, a new and innovative physical activity project for people affected by cancer. Thanks to funding provided by Macmillan, the Council has recently recruited Kelly Irwin as the Macmillan Move More Coordinator who will be responsible for providing people affected by cancer with the support, motivation and opportunities that they may require to become and remain active. Kelly will meet with people affected by cancer on an individual basis at a time and place that suits them. She will provide personalised and tailored support for each individual, and will help them to become and remain active in a way which suits them and fits in with their lifestyle. Through the project, people affected by cancer will have the opportunity to try out a diverse range of activities, and to access incentives including free taster sessions, discounted membership rates, and access for family and friends. Contact Kelly Irwin on 028 9250 9566 or kelly.irwin@ lisburncastlereagh.gov.uk

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06 /// NEWS

Thirty members of the National Farm Attractions Network have visited Belfast on a fact finding mission organised by Chris Wilson of Streamvale Open Farm.

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AUG 17

FIRST VISIT TO BELFAST BY NATIONAL FARM ATTRACTIONS NETWORK This is the first visit to Belfast by the network, the trade association for open farms around the UK, which has been in existence for 20 years.

Cancer Fund for Children is calling on local people from across Belfast to get absolutely ‘boggin’ for local children with cancer this October.

“

I’ve already had a taster for the Bog Run and I can tell you I was covered in mud from head to toe! Its good old messy fun and I will be encouraging my friends and family to get stuck into something different.

“

Gail White CFFC Fundraising Team

“

This year more than 37 million people throughout the UK will visit a park, this is five million more than voted in June’s General Election

“

Dr Ian Humphreys, Chief Executive of Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful

Farm Attraction Network, said: “This was the first time in the association’s 20 year history we have visited Northern Ireland as a group and we could not have wished for a warmer welcome from the staff at all the venues we visited. We had a busy but fascinating three days visiting city centre attractions W5 and Titanic and spending a day touring around greater Belfast, visiting Streamvale Open Farm, The Ark Open Farm, McKees Farm Shop and We are Vertigo. We were impressed by the scale of investment, the very high standards of customer service and the innovative ways the attractions are marketing themselves. Group members certainly took away some good ideas that can be implemented back in their own attractions. For many of our group it was a first time visit to Belfast and we leave with a new found appreciation for this beautiful city and its friendly people.” Celebrating 30 years, Streamvale is Northern Ireland’s leading Farm attraction where children and parents can learn and play together.

East Belfast Encouraged To Get Boggin’ In Aid Of Cancer Charity Sunday 8th October 2017 will once again see Castlewellan Forest Park filled with charity runners, ready to stuck in for a great cause as the charity’s annual Bog Run returns with a 5K route over natural, muddy obstacles.

nd this year, the event promises to be even bigger and better, with participation now open to anyone over the age of 12. Cancer Fund for Children hopes that people of all ages and abilities will sign up for what is sure to be the boggiest 5K around. Gail Whyte from East Belfast, is part of Cancer Fund for Children’s Fundraising Team and is encouraging local people to get mucked to the eyeballs in aid of local families affected by cancer. She said: “I’ve already had a taster for the Bog Run and I can tell you I was covered in mud from head to toe! Its good old messy fun and I will be encouraging my friends and family to get stuck into something different. It’s an easy way

to do something fun that also helps support local children whose lives have been affected by cancer.” The Bog Run is a light hearted event, which requires no prior experience, and only a determination to have some good old mucky fun. Whilst the Run will be quite physically challenging, Cancer Fund for Children says that participants don’t have to be gym bunnies or marathon runners to give the run a go. Amanda Steele, Campaign and Events Officer, Cancer Fund for Children added: “This event is more dirty than dangerous. Whether you’re a diehard triathlon runner or you’ve never ran a mile in your life I would urge everyone to give it a go. It promises

• TO SIGN UP NOW, GO TO WWW.CANCERFUNDFORCHILDREN.COM

17 Belfast parks will be flying the Green Flag Award this year.

hris Wilson, Streamvale Open Farm, said: “I have been attending Farm Network best practice events across the UK for several years and members of the network have never before had an opportunity to visit Belfast. Now that our city is being awarded for having world class attractions I thought the time was right to extend the invitation to the network to visit Northern Ireland and the interest by the members was incredible.” The two day visit provided members with a packed itinerary showcasing some of Belfast’s best visitor attractions including a visit to Streamvale Open Farm which is celebrating its 30th birthday and to local visitor attractions including Titanic Belfast. Members were also treated to a bus tour of the city. A networking dinner offered delegates the opportunity to meet with local business leaders and share knowledge about the unprecedented growth in Belfast’s tourism industry. Speaking about the success of the visit, David Leon of the National

LOOPMAG.NET

RECORD NUMBER OF BELFAST PARKS TO FLY PRESTIGIOUS GREEN FLAG AWARD

Announced by environmental charity Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful, in association with Heyn Environmental Solutions, The Green Flag Award is an internationally recognised certification for environmental quality management of parks and open, green spaces. Only those parks and green spaces which exceed tough environmental and management standards are deemed worthy of a Green Flag.

• www.belfastcity.gov.uk/parks

PICTURED Gail Whyte from Belfast gets boggin’ ahead of Cancer Fund for Children’s Bog Run, which takes places in Castlewellan Forest Park on Sunday 8th October. Sign up now at cancerfundforchildren.com

to be an amazing day out filled with lots of fun, mud and memories that will last a lifetime.” Funds raised from the Bog Run will enable Cancer Fund for Children to provide a range of practical, emotional and financial support, as well as free therapeutic short breaks, to families, to help them cope with the devastating impact of cancer on their lives. The Bog Run will take place on Sunday 8TH October 2017 at

Castlewellan Forest Park, just a few miles away from Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short break facility, Daisy Lodge in Newcastle Co. Down. Registration for the event is £20 with minimum sponsorship of £80 for anyone aged 18+, and minimum sponsorship of £50 for age 12-17. Participants will receive a free fundraising pack when they register as well as a goody bag and Bog Run medal for finishing the challenge.

or the 2017/18 season, Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful saw a continued increase in public parks, gardens, country parks, cemeteries and green spaces meeting the demanding standards. Dunmurry Village and Tullycarnet Park are first time winners. And an impressive 15 Belfast parks have retained their Green Flag status: Barnett Demesne, Botanic Gardens, Belmont Park, Cavehill Country Park, Dunville Park, Falls Park, Grove Park, Knocknagoney Park, Lagan Meadows, Musgrave Park, Ormeau Park, Roselawn Cemetery, Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park, Waterworks Park and Woodvale Park. The Green Flag Awards are judged annually by green space experts, who volunteer their time to visit applicant sites and assess them against eight strict criteria, ranging from horticultural standards and cleanliness to sustainability and community involvement. Alderman Tommy Sandford, Chairperson of Belfast City Council’s People and Communities Committee said: “We’re absolutely delighted to be flying the Green Flag at 17 of our parks and green open spaces this year. It’s a real vote of confidence in the quality of our city’s parks and open green spaces and recognition of our parks team’s dedication, knowledge and professionalism on a daily basis. “Thanks to our staff’s commitment, Belfast’s parks offer wonderful havens for communities and visitors to enjoy exercising, free family events, learning more about the environment, or simply spending some quiet time in nature.”

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08 /// NEWS

A new M&S community-based initiative has seen over 15,000 people benefit from 50 projects completed across Northern Ireland, including garden transformations, charity shop renovations, employability schemes, and much more.

#31 AUG 17

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LOOPMAG.NET

THOUSANDS BENEFIT FROM M&S NI COMMUNITY PROJECTS

The ‘Making Every Moment Special in the Community’ initiative is part of the recently-launched M&S campaign ‘#SpenditWell’, which is about inspiring people to make every moment special by focusing on the experiences, people and things that really matter in life.

he M&S stores across Northern Ireland (20 in total) completed 50 different projects, each with the common goal of making a lasting difference in their local community. From helping renovate the common rooms of the Simon Community in Lisburn, to serving food at the Vineyard Compassion Soup Kitchen in Coleraine, to revamping the Remembrance Garden at Foyle Search & Rescue, and sewing over 200 blankets for the Neo-Natal Unit at Royal Victoria Hospital, almost 700 M&S staff took part in the scheme. Ryan Lemon, M&S Head of Region Northern Ireland, said: “When we began planning this initiative we knew it would be no easy feat

to complete 50 projects in just two weeks, but as it is M&S’ 50th anniversary in Northern Ireland, we were determined to make it happen. We know our staff, and their commitment to helping others is second-to-none – with their sheer determination and passion, nothing is impossible. To identify our 50 projects, we started by looking at what matters most in our local communities and where we could make a difference. We worked with schools, charity shops, homeless shelters, animal sanctuaries, and tackled issues like mental health, employability, and disabilities, in locations across the country. “We spent 3,987 hours volunteering,

PICTURED Hard at work in the alotments at the Vineyard Compassion Soup Kitchen in Coleraine

planted 2,282 trees and flowers, used 689 litres of paint, and got rid of 812 bags of rubbish. But the most significant number of all is that we helped over 15,000 people, and hopefully many more in the future. I am inherently proud of what the M&S staff have achieved through this initiative – the difference this has made to our local community is astounding.”

Now, M&S prepares to embark on the next stage of its new eco and ethical plan, Plan A 2025, which will be piloted in ten communities over the next two years, one of which is Derry~Londonderry. M&S will trial a range of initiatives and interventions designed to tackle the issues that matter most to communities – such as loneliness, poverty, mental health problems and skills shortages.

EastSide Learning Family Fun Literacy Day

Did you know that “The child who knows four nursery rhymes by the age of four will naturally be a better reader by the age of eight.”?

EastSide Learning is working with our partners including our local schools to try make sure all our children are better readers.

“

astSide Learning are hosting their first Family Fun Literacy Day at C.S. Lewis Square, 22nd August from 10.30am - 3pm. You can have a fun filled time with all the family, getting your children involved in storytelling, drama sessions, comic book fun, poetry activities, rhyme time sessions, using iPads, crafts, games and much more. Plenty of choice to entertain children of all ages! Parent’s can pick up ideas on interactive games

Scottish Book Trust

SAVE THE DATE 22nd August 10.30am - 3pm

Belfast Community Sports Development Network (BCSDN) has teamed up with the National Charity Partnership to deliver FREE Make, Move & Munch Clubs.

PICTURED Sewing Bees, Alex Florea who works at M&S Head Office in London and Co. Down girl, Angeline Murphy, joined the team in the M&S Belfast store to produce an amazing 150 blankets which will provide an added comfort to premature babies

and activities to do at home and get advice and information on how to make literacy fun for the family – you even get some books and other resources to take home for free. Remember, learning is easier than you think and more enjoyable for your children, when you can do it as a family. This free event is part of EastSide Learning’s Community Education Project, funded by the NI Executive Office’s Social Investment Fund.

MAKE, MOVE & MUNCH CLUBS : SMALL STEPS TO BETTER HEALTH These clubs are a series of eight free sessions held in Belfast as part of a major charity drive to help families in the area make small steps to better health, have fun and meet other local families.

he National Charity Partnership, a partnership between Diabetes UK, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) and Tesco, is funding the clubs as part of its two-year ‘Let’s Do This’ health campaign. The free activities, which are being are being delivered by Belfast Community Sports Development Network on behalf of the partnership and are designed to support thousands of families to eat better and move more. BCSDN have recently just delivered a Make Move Munch club with the ‘MOVING UP MOVING ON’ (MUMO) Project in the Springfield Road area.

This group of parents and children met up every Thursday afternoon for eight weeks at the Forth Spring Intercommunity Group which is an inclusive organisation based in a shared space at the Springfield/ Woodvale interface in Belfast. The particular part of Belfast was the site of much activity during the Troubles. Donna Mc Clean- a mother from the MUMO group said, “This programme is a great way to bring the two communities together and meet other parents, I would love to see more of this in the area. We can’t thank BCSDN for bringing all our families together,

INFO

For more information visit www.bcsdn.org or call Belfast Community Sports Development Network on 02890297661. commented: “We are delighted to we have made friends for life.” The Make, Move & Munch Clubs Belfast be working with the National Charity Partnership to bring these Make, provide fun, free activities for parents/ Move & Munch Clubs to Belfast. We’ve carers and kids, with a tasty meal developed a programme of activity included every time. Each session has that is tailored specifically for families a different activity, which can include and we’re looking forward to getting trying delicious new recipes through more local people involved in these food demonstrations and cooking clubs over the coming weeks. We or having a go at simple ways to believe it will help make real change to get active. John Hunter, Programme the health of our community and that of Coordinator at Belfast Community our future generations.” Sports Development Network

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10 /// NEWS

At the end of two years, Knocknagoney Primary School, Belfast, and Titanic Belfast celebrate their ‘Titanic’ education partnership.

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KNOCKNAGONEY PRIMARY CELEBRATES ‘TITANIC’ PARTNERSHIP Since 2015, Knocknagoney Primary School has been Titanic Belfast’s education partner and played a fundamental role defining the world-class education programme, trailing new and existing activities.

nocknagoney Primary School’s involvement with the development and trailing of Titanic Belfast’s latest programmes, My Friend Bear and New Beginnings was invaluable to the company. The pupils were also invited along to take part in special days at Titanic Belfast such as World Ocean’s Day and to celebrate its 5th Birthday in March 2017.To round off the partnership and thank Knocknagoney Primary school for being exemplary partners, Titanic Belfast visited the school and hosted a special assembly in partnership with the Survitec Group. The Survitec

Group is a leading manufacturer of marine, defense and aerospace survival technology which has been working with Titanic Belfast as its education partner since 2014. Siobhán McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach Manager, commented, “We are absolutely delighted to have had Knocknagoney Primary school as our partner for the last two years. The partnership has been a huge success thanks to the creativity and talent of the staff and the boundless enthusiasm of their pupils. Learning is at the heart of what we do and our education

PICTURED Pupils from Knocknagoney Primary School are pictured with Judith Marrs of The Survitec Group and Titanic Belfast’s Siobhan McCartney,

partnerships enable us to work with local schools to set the standard of excellence for education outside the classroom and Knocknagoney Primary was brilliant!” Titanic Belfast’s Learning Team was awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education in 2015, joining leading historic houses, museums, galleries, such as Hampton Court Palace, Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and Edinburgh Castle. This award

comes in addition to Titanic Belfast being named the World’s leading Tourist Attraction at the prestigious World Travel Awards, beating off stiff competition from the Las Vegas Strip and Ferrari World. Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic now offers a total of eight workshops and four guided tours as part of its programme which covers a variety of subjects and skills from maritime communication, marine science and exploration to five star customer service.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.TITANICBELFAST.COM/LEARNING

COMPETITION WIN A FAMILY PASS TO BELFAST MELA FESTIVAL! Belfast Mela, the city’s favourite annual global get-together, will be bringing an eclectic feast of arts, music, dance, food and fun to Botanic Gardens this Summer and here’s your chance to be right at the heart it all! Loop Magazine in partnership with ArtsEkta, is offering 10 lucky readers the chance to win a Family Pass (for 2 adults & 2 children under 16) to the magical world which is the Belfast Mela Festival, held in association with Turkish Airlines. The Mela, now in its eleventh year, will take place from 12noon-6pm on Sunday 27th August 2017, when it will transform Botanic Gardens into an exotic magical garden filled with enticing sights, sounds and smells from around the world, serving up a uniquely colourful celebration of diversity: a joyous, fun-filled day out for all the family. TO ENTER THE COMPETITION: Simply answer the following question and send your entry to us by 24th August. QUESTION: Where is this year’s Belfast Mela Festival being held? Send your answer along with your name, address and contact number to info@loopmag.net. For more info visit www.belfastmela.org.uk

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12 /// NEWS

The Arches Care Home in east Belfast, operated by the Four Seasons Group, has picked up two major UK prizes at the The National Learning Disabilities & Autism Awards which took place in Birmingham recently.

#31

AUG 17

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NATIONAL AWARDS FOR EAST BELFAST CARE HOME

Over 650 people from the learning disabilities and autism sector attended the event

t the event were people with learning disabilities, charities, private care providers, residential and nursing homes as well as local hospital trusts. The night amounts to a celebration of those individuals who have demonstrated outstanding excellence within their field of work. The Arches Nursing Team won the coveted ‘The Learning Disability Nurse Award’ in which a team of three nurses was nominated as Arches manager Judy Brown could not separate them.

“We entered Catherine McAllister, Paul Lundy and Suzanne Johnston as one nursing team which reflects the teamwork approach we take to looking after our residents at The Arches. We give all of our residents full attention and respect and we try to make their lives here as regular and as enjoyable as possible. That includes day trips, nights out and even foreign holidays. The Arches is a special care home and Paul, Catherine and Suzanne are an important part of our team.” The home also picked up an award

PICTURED Judy Brown, home manager Catherine McAllister & Suzanne Johnston with Sally Philips, actress and host of the event. Paul Lundy was the third nurse who won and is not pictured.

for Supporting Older People with Learning Disabilities. Judy was delighted with the prizes and paid tribute to her colleagues. “Everyone here was delighted to even be shortlisted and I was excited

travelling over to the awards. In the end though it was a special night and I was absolutely thrilled for our staff, our residents and their families that the level of care we provide has been recognised with these awards.”

Belfast Harbour Supports Creative Writing Workshops For Local Teenagers

Belfast Harbour is helping to fund a programme of after-school creative writing workshops for teenagers, which are being run by Fighting Words Belfast, a non-profit organisation based in Belfast.

The workshops, which started earlier this year, are taking place each week across north and east Belfast and will run until the end of the year.

he aim of the workshops is to encourage students aged 14 and over to write stories and to develop their creative writing skills. The teenagers will set out on a story-writing journey with trained volunteers who will help them to gain the confidence they need to write by themselves. At the end of the programme, all participants will leave as published writers with their own illustrated storybook. The workshops are taking place in community centres including Skainos in east Belfast and Duncairn Centre for Culture and Arts in north Belfast. Geraldine Wilkins, Development Officer of Fighting Words Belfast said: “The support from Belfast Harbour is enabling us to train more volunteers, which means we have more resources to help our young people develop their writing skills. We were inspired by our sister organisation Fighting Words Dublin, which has run similar workshops and which had a fantastic impact on the young participants.” Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour’s Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager said: “At Belfast Harbour, we are drawn to projects that develop the skills of young people and create a fun learning environment. “I visited the workshops and I could see how much these young people were benefiting from these creative spaces. We are delighted to support this project.”

PICTURED TOP (L-R): Robin McKay, Lauren Wright, Mairead Crinion, Jenny Barkley, Cara Reid, Hannah Armstrong, Vivienne Johnston. BELOW (L-R): Geraldine Wilkins, Fighting Words, Callisto Stephenson, Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour, Lily Williamson

An animal sanctuary in Newtownards has been treated to a make-over by a team of volunteers from Tesco stores

LOCAL TESCO VOLUNTEERS SHOW EVERY LITTLE HELPS

23 colleagues from Tesco Extra in Knocknagoney, Tesco Express in Belmont Road, Belfast and Tesco’s superstores in Bangor and Springhill donated time to Assisi Animal Sanctuary in Newtownards, and painted of one of the charity’s kennel blocks.

tephanie Boyd, Customer Experience Manager at Tesco in Knocknagoney said: “Like many of our customers, we at Tesco are big animal lovers and very much admire the work Assisi carries out, rescuing and rehoming Northern Ireland’s pets. “Sadly more and more animals require their care every year and we wanted to help them create the best environment they can for the animals who have found shelter with them. “Our volunteers were delighted to play their part in helping the sanctuary.” Founded in 1997, Assisi Animal Sanctuary is Northern Ireland’s largest

As a special surprise, the team also gifted a new washing machine to the sanctuary. The initiative was led by Tesco Extra in Knocknagoney, where £800 was raised for the charity earlier this year.

independent animal welfare charity. In 2016 alone it rescued over 2300 animals. It relies solely on donations to fund its work and in 2017 the charity needs to raise £800,000 to continue operating. Elaine McCrory, Trustee of Assisi Animal Sanctuary, added: “We were absolutely delighted when Tesco approached Assisi to say that they would like to support us. The team had heard that one of our washing machines had broken down and not only had they fundraised to buy the paint for the kennels but also for a new washing machine.We can’t thank them enough.”

PICTURED All the team together as they donate their time to help out a much loved local animal sanctuary. It relies solely on donations to fund its work and in 2017 the charity needs to raise £800,000 to continue operating.

#Explore Titanic Quarter..

Here’s some great ideas & inspiration for keeping the kids entertained in Titanic Quarter this August. PLUS we have prepared a few fun filled itineraries. The City Hall Visit Belfast Welcome Centre

Barge

AY QU NS EE QU

Lagan Weir Footbridge

RIVER LAGAN

Titanic Belfast SS Nomadic

SSE Arena & W5

The Arc Apartments

Abercorn Basin & Marina

Dock ilton Ham

Segway Tours Dock Café

way Slip ay nic Tita ic Slipw p m Oly

Wartime Woollens Workshop, HMS Caroline, 10 Aug. Summer Scheme Workshops, W5, all of August. BUILT Automotive Event, Titanic Exhibition Centre, 13 Aug. Higher Education Clearing Day, Belfast Met, 23 Aug. ROI Bank Holiday Weekend, Titanic Belfast, 26 - 28 Aug. Family Fun for everyone at the Odyssey Pavilion, everyday. The Wee Tram - runs every day, 12-5pm.

VICTORIA CHANNEL

Coming Winter 2017

The Great Light

Lagan Boat Tours

OLYMPIC WAY

Y UA LQ AL EG Belfast The N DO

RIDGE N’S B

Belfast Waterfront

QUEE

Big Fish

EVENTS

HMS Caroline

FAMILY FUN

Titanic’s Dock & Pumphouse

MORNING STOP Start your day at W5 & check out The Big Bang Theatre Show. LUNCH: The Dock Café. AFTERNOON STOP: Hop on the Belfast Bikes for a family cycle.

ock

Steam Cranes Titanic Hotel Belfast & the Drawing Offices

dra

xan Ale

Titanic Studios

nD pso

Catalyst Inc

QUEEN’S ROAD

ADVENTURE SEEKERS HERITAGE

PRONI

OAD

MR NHA SYDE

Belfast Met

TITANIC QUARTER HALT

Belfast’s Window on Wildlife AIRPORT ROAD

Samson & Goliath

Gateway to EastSide Sam Thompson Bridge

(2 MILES ALONG)

Check out the Wee Tram! uncover the amazing history of the shipyard. There are plenty of special discounts available on-board including 20% off Café 1404 plus discounted entry into Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House & HMS Caroline. Departing every day, every 30 minutes between 12 & 5pm. (theweetram.com)

MORNING STOP: Guided cycle tour of Titanic Quarter and Belfast City Centre with MicnBike (micnbike.com). LUNCH STOP: Cast & Crew. AFTERNOON STOP: Seafaring trip on the Lagan Boat Tours, daily sailings 12.30pm, 2pm, 3:30pm.

/TQEVENTSBELFAST

WIN some great prizes this Summer share your photos & videos using #ExploreTQ

For further information on events, activities & festivals in Titanic Quarter visit

/TQEventsBelfast

#Explore Titanic Quarter this August... Yo u d o n’ t h ave t o t ravel far to fin d m ore th an enough acti vi ti es to fi l l eve r y day of t h e Au g u st S u m m er h olidays. S o here’s s ome great i deas and i n sp irat i on f o r keepin g th e k ids en ter tained i n Ti tani c Quarter: THE WEE TRAM

HMS CAROLINE

BUILT

BELFAST BIKES

Explore Titanic Quarter in style on The Wee Tram! Rest yer wee legs and uncover the amazing history of the shipyard. PLUS this summer there are plenty of special discounts available on-board including 20% off Café 1404 plus discounted entry into Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House and HMS Caroline. Departing every day, every half hour between 12 & 5pm. For more info visit theweetram.com

Climb on board HMS Caroline this August for their Making Waves On Board! Learn how to weave using peg looms with artist Julie Greenlee. This is a free activates but booking is essential, visit nmrn.org.uk/ caroline-whats-on to check available dates.

Calling all car fans! Join Built at Titanic Exhibition Centre on the 13th Aug for a day full of entertainment! From race car livery demonstrations to remote control drifting, Built is sure to be an exciting event! titanicexhibitioncentre.com

Why not hop on Belfast Bikes and rediscover The Chronicles of Narnia with a cycle through the CS Lewis Square! For more info visit connswatergreenway.co.uk

RSPB - WOW

TITANIC DOCK & PUMP HOUSE

If you have never visited the RSPB’s nature reserve right in the heart of BRICKLIVE Belfast – prepare to be WOWed! It’s only Treat the family to the ultimate day for LEGO a few minutes from Holywood Exchange. fans at BRICKLIVE in the Titanic Exhibition For opening times visit rspb.org.uk/ Centre from the 3rd to 6th August! Fans will not belfastlough want to miss this ‘bricktastic’ features event! For more info titanicexhibitioncentre.com LAGAN BOAT COMPANY Fancy seeing Titanic Quarter from the FAMILY FUN @ TITANIC BELFAST water? Well here is your chance to do Join Titanic Belfast and SS Nomadic for some exactly that with Lagan Boats! Climb on free family fun from the 5th - 7th August to board the World’s only Titanic boat tour. For celebrate the ROI Bank Holiday Weekend, and sail times visit Laganboatcompany.com again from 26th to 28th! For further details visit titanicbelfast.com THE DOCK CAFE Drop into The Dock Café this August as they W5 BIG BANG THEATRE offer a different ‘Treat of the Day’ everyday Take your seats, cover your ears and prepare throughout summer. yourself for exciting, experimental and the-dock.org somewhat explosive family theatre as W5’s Big Bang Theatre Show returns! For information & show times w5online.co.uk

See Titanic’s physical footprint in history and learn about Belfast’s shipbuilding legacy at Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House. Don’t forget to call into Café 1404 for some delicious treats afterwards. titanicsdock.com / cafe1404.com

BELFAST MET Come along to Belfast Met’s Titanic Quarter Campus on the 23rd Aug for their Higher Education Clearing Day, and get on the right study or career path for you. For further info visit belfastmet.ac.uk

AFTERNOON TEA @ TITANIC BELFAST Step back in time to a period of luxury, and elegance with Titanic Belfast’s romantic Summer Sunday Afternoon Tea. Available every Sunday, to book visit: visit titanicbelfast.com

BELFAST BARGE Join Belfast Barge on the 26th August as they welcome Garry Jackson all the way from Canada for a night of great music and craic! Facebook.com/theBelfastBarge

ODYSSEY PAVILLION This summer the Odyssey Pavilion has family fun for everyone! With late openings all week and opening at 10am on Sundays, Why not call into Odyssey Bowl for a game, have a tasty lunch at The Streat or see the latest movies on at Odyssey Cinemas! odysseypavilion.co.uk

FINALLY... WIN some great prizes this August, all you have to do is share your photos & videos using #ExploreTQ on Facebook.com/TQEventsBelfast.

/// COMMUNITY

The Red Cross is this week launching a brand new team to tackle loneliness and social isolation in East Belfast.

#31 AUG 17

The East End group of Alcoholics Anonymous is marking 50 years of AA supporting the community in the East of the city

LOOPMAG.NET

NEW RED CROSS TEAM READY TO RESPOND AFTER IDENTIFYING EAST BELFAST AS ONE OF THE UK’S LONELIEST AREAS The charity is responding after finding that East Belfast is one of 39 areas of the UK where help is needed most.

upport at home services will be offered to people across the area who have been identified as being at risk of chronic loneliness. They will support existing Red Cross support at home services in Belfast which already provide short-term practical and emotional support at home, helping people regain their independence, for example, after a hospital stay. The new provision for East Belfast is one of 39 new schemes being introduced across the UK through the British Red Cross’ national partnership with the Co-op. The Red Cross is calling on local residents to support their community by giving a few hours a week to the new service, which over the next 18 months will provide vital support for around 200 adults of all ages who have no one to turn to. A recent study by the Co-op and Red Cross revealed epidemic levels of loneliness and social isolation in the UK, with over nine million adults of all ages feeling always or often lonely. Changes common in many people’s lives – such as becoming

a mother, getting divorced or separated, experiencing health and mobility issues, retiring or suffering bereavement – can be key triggers for loneliness. The impacts can be as damaging to health as smoking and obesity, and have been estimated to cost the NHS and other public services up to £12,000 per person over the next 15 years. In response, Co-op members and customers have now raised over £6 million to help tackle this serious and widespread issue. Lorna McBurney and Louise Murphy will be working on the ground in East Belfast and will form part of a national team of over 50 staff and 500 volunteers who will try to make a difference to lonely and isolated people in a wide range of different areas and communities. Lorna McBurney, who is from the East of the city, has a background in family support is looking forward to hearing from anyone in the community who would like to get involved. She says;

East End AA Marks 50 Years Of Support To East Belfast Community The first ever meeting took place on the 25th of August 1957 in the YMCA building on the Albertbridge Road with the second meeting taking place one week later. It is planned to mark the 50-year occasion with a public information meeting on Wednesday 6th September at 7pm in the Skainos Centre’s community hall (light refreshments will be served with the meeting starting at 7.30pm). This will offer information about the AA Recovery Programme to anyone concerned about their own drinking or that of a family member. Through the years AA has grown from strength to strength in supporting and helping others, and the East End group is no exception. Although moving premises many times - Templemore avenue, East Belfast Mission and Witham Street to name but a few - AA has always maintained its presence in the east. Together with our friends in the Arches Group (St Brendan’s Church Larkfield Road) and the other 26 groups in the Belfast area, the aim is to carry the positive message of recovery to the Alcoholic.

PICTURED Lorna McBurney (above) and Louise Murphy will be working on the ground in East Belfast

“I’m East Belfast born and bred and know the area very well. I’m well aware that there is a big push from local churches and community organisations to try and tackle the issue of loneliness, particularly among our ageing population. I’ve already been reaching out to groups within the community, but I had no idea there were 73 different churches in the area! I’d love to hear from anyone who’d like to support the project or get involved in any way.” Louise Murphy, who will be working with Lorna on the project is qualified in psychology and counselling and hopes that the project will help the community become more connected

and resilient; “East Belfast used to have a great community spirit and some of that is still there, despite huge demographic changes and economic challenges. I think this project has huge potential in terms of connecting people with their communities, which is so important for psychological wellbeing among all age groups.” Further volunteers from East Belfast are needed to support the new service. Requiring a commitment of just a couple of hours a week, volunteer support will be invaluable in helping local people affected by loneliness feel more confident and able to reconnect with their community.

Currently meetings take place twice a day in the Skainos Centre at 239 Newtownards Road. On the last Sunday of each month relatives and friends are welcome to attend Open Meetings. With around 10% of the population suffering from alcohol addiction and only 5% of those seeking help, it is vitally important to get this message across. Alcoholism is a family illness; it stresses families to breaking point, affects family unity, mental health, physical health, finances, and overall family dynamics. The Open Public Information meeting on 6th September will feature a talk by a member of the medical profession specializing in addiction and a representative from Alanon (the organization for relatives/friends of alcoholics). Two members of AA will also share their personal journeys. AA is a worldwide fellowship of men and women (over 2 million) who help each other attain and maintain sobriety, by sharing their recovery experience with others. Alcoholism has no religious or sectarian boundaries and neither has AA - anyone who thinks that he or she has a drinking problem is welcome at an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. For any further information, please contact our AA Central Service Office at 028 90351222

ASK THE ADVISER : CARER’S ALLOWANCE

Carlie Martin, Better Off Families Adviser at East Belfast Independent Advice Centre provides information about common advice queries.

55 TEMPLEMORE AVENUE BELFAST BT5 4NT TELEPHONE 028 90 735690

I suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis and had to give up work last week. I live in a Housing Executive property with my 22-year-old son who works fulltime. I am in receipt of Personal Independence Payment Standard care and Employment Support Allowance. However, I still struggle to make ends meet as due to my illness I have extra outgoings. My friend told me she claims Carers Allowance for herself. Could I apply for Carer’s Allowance?

You are unable to apply for Carers Allowance for yourself. Someone who looks after you claims Carer’s Allowance. However, this can have an impact on your benefits. It is always best to seek advice about what is the best option in each individual circumstances. If you want to phone us at the centre or call in we will complete a benefit check based on your individual circumstances and help you to

decide what is your best option. 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. 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 - Mon, Tues, Wed, 9.30-11.30 Thurs 2.00-3.30 Outreach Clinics Thursday 9.30-1pm Short Strand Community Centre, Friday 10.00-12.30 Tullycarnet Primary School. (Appointments required for Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance forms)

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, and Adviser. Please contact Gerard Morgan for further information.

LOOPMAG.NET

A BUSY YEAR AT ASHWOOD VETS

By Patrick McKee BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS Ashwood Veterinary Clinic

“It’s been a fantastic year so far at Ashwood, with some great additions to our team.”

n January, we were joined by Niall who has already made quite an impression with our clients. Niall has a particular interest in how we can best help our pets when surgery is required and is studying toward an advanced surgery certificate, something very few vets have to their name. Chloe joined our team of fully qualified professional registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) in June and has brought with her care, compassion and charm and with very high clinical standards of care has fitted right into our team. You may have met her already-very smiley with a county Tyrone lilt! And just in the last week or two, we have welcomed Ellen to our vet team. Ellen you have probably met as she spent time training with us during her vet college days. Ellen joins Sophie, Niall and me in our full time vet team and is especially interested in helping our patients with challenging medical issues. Ellen and I will be consulting on Monday and Tuesday evenings (amongst other times). The K laser patient treatments are really taking off with some great results in

arthritis cases and wound management. We offer K laser of all surgical wounds at a discounted rate and most of our clients take us up on this recommendationwe really see huge benefits in terms of speed of wound healing and pain management. Kathryn uses it on my sore shoulder and elbow on a regular basis too! With arguably the top ultrasound scanner in the Northern Ireland, Sophie and Niall have been able to really improve the diagnosis and treatment of bladder complaints, gut problems and heart murmurs and get answers for our patients and get them on the mend as quickly as possible. Look out soon for our After Eights club short meetings looking at ways of helping older pets. Let me know if there are particular issues you would like Anna and our team to address. Remember, if you would like an appointment with a particular vet or a particular time just mention it to Kelly at reception and she’ll make it happen. We want to offer you the service you want when you want it wherever possible.

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16COOKBOOK FINNS WORLD / #31 / AUGUST 2017

Finn’s World Do What You Love. Love What You Eat. Most of us start our day with coffee and a commute; Finn starts hers with surfing. With her twin passions of food and the sea, Finn’s philosophy is that as long as she is never far from either, it’s been a good day at the office!

AVAILABLE NOW PUBLISHED BY GILL BOOKS www.gillbooks.ie

Sunny Summer Quinoa Salad There are lots of little bits to this salad – but, oh my God, it’s so good. I use this quantity either as a main event at a summer lunch or I keep it portioned in the fridge to take out with me. SERVES 3 OR 2 RAVENOUS HUMANS 1 cup (185g) uncooked quinoa 2 cups (470ml) GF vegetable stock 1 fresh or 2 dried bay leaves ½ red onion, thinly sliced

When life is busy, it can be hard to find the time and money to feed yourself well. Enter Finn’s World, where you’ll discover delicious, healthy food that won’t break the bank, allowing you to spend more time following your dreams. Follow Finn’s tips on how to eat better to live a happier, more balanced life. All recipes are gluten-free and include Danish Breakfast Brød, Mother Hubbard’s Bare Cupboard Granola, Moroccan Surfer’s Breakfast, Disco Barbie Beetroot Soup, She Sells Seashells by the Seashore - Cockle Salsa Salad, I Can’t Believe It’s Not Cardboard - Thick Crust Pizza, Lime Cheesecake Cups and Elderflower and Redcurrant Muffins.

1 tbsp lemon juice – more if you like extra zip! 2 bell peppers, sliced – I use yellow mostly, for some reason I can’t stand the green ones 1 cup (170g) green seedless grapes 300g cooked tikka masala chicken – I get Green Farm as it uses certified GF seasoning! ½ cup (25g) fresh coriander leaves, chopped 3 tbsp craisins – dried cranberries, not crazy raisins 4 tbsp toasted seeds – I use sunflower and pumpkin 2 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper to taste Give the quinoa a good rinse with cold water to stop it getting a bitter taste as it cooks (due to a

coating on the outside of the grain). I do this in a sieve, since the quinoa grains are itty-bitty and they fall out of a colander. Add the quinoa, water, stock and bay leaf to a pot and bring to the boil. I don’t tend to add salt as I find the stock cube/pot is usually salty enough by itself. Lower the heat and simmer for 15 minutes with the lid on. I find my stove works best on a lower setting with the lid on – if it’s too high the quinoa can bubble over. After this, I take a teeny bit out and have a nibble. If it’s done (cooked through and no gritty feeling) I take the quinoa off the heat and let it stand for 5 minutes with the lid on to fluffy-ize itself. In theory, you would let this cool down, go off on your merry way and come back later when it was cool to complete the

salad. But I’m usually hungry, so that doesn’t tend to happen. Slice the onion in super-thin strips and soak them in the lemon juice. This takes the raw-onion-esque whack off them (and colours the lemon juice pink, which looks cool in the salad). Slice the peppers into long thin strips. Cut the grapes in half lengthways. Find a lovely big salad bowl – I love the turned wooden ones – and layer up the salad: quinoa first (don’t forget to take out the bay leaf), then chicken, grapes and veggies. Chuck the lemon juice on with the onions and sprinkle over the coriander, dried cranberries and toasted seeds. Follow with the olive oil and a little salt and pepper to taste.

17 Sunny Summer Quinoa Salad

Lime Cheesecake Cups

Irish Malaysian Noodle Soup

To start, finely slice the shallots. I tend to do a whole bag and then keep the crisp fried shallots to top other dishes. Shallots have a more delicate flavour than normal onions, which is why I prefer Though my family have always been fairly them here. Fry in coconut or sesame oil at a high multicultural in their dining tastes, this little heat, stirring all the time, until crispy. Personally number is inspired by one of my good friends I like them a bit burnt. Heap them on a kitchen from secondary school. Hailing from fairer towel and leave to one side. climes, he spent a good few years trying Try not to nibble on them – I always lose half of to educate us Paddys in the ways of Asian them to idle hands … cooking (I still can’t handle Bring 4 cups (960ml) of water to the boil in a noodles for breakfast). Many red faces, burnt medium saucepan, then add the noodles. mouths and desperatelysoughtUsing a steamer or a colander and the saucepan after pints of milk later, here is the result: lid, steam the broccoli above the noodles. a dish that can be made more or less ‘Irish’ Cut the fish balls in half and then, in a pan, stir-fry according to your tastes/bravery levels where the ginger, chopped fish balls, mushrooms and chillies are concerned. This makes a fantastic light summer dinner or, alternatively, a good pak choi, seasoning them with the Chinese five-spice powder. lunch to set you up for the rest of the day. When the broccoli is done, set it aside. Then, when the noodles are al dente, drain them and then pop them back in the pot with 3 cups SERVES 2 HUNGRY HUMANS (720ml) of fresh boiling water. This gives the 4 large or 6 small shallots soup a less starchy base. Add a dash of tamari coconut or sesame oil, for frying soy sauce and the Stock Pot or miso sachet and 2 portions rice noodles simmer for 3 minutes. handful Chinese broccoli

10 GF fish balls can be sour ced from any good A sian market 1tsp fresh ginger, finely chopped 5 thinly sliced mushrooms shiitake 4 large pak choi leaves, shredded 1 tsp Chinese five-spice powder splash GF tamari soy sauce ½ Knorr Vegetable Stock Pot or sachet (18g) 2 umami eggs hardboiled eggs that have been pe eled and soaked for 6 hours in 3 tbsp tamari soy and 3 tbsp water fresh coriander leaves To Serve beansprouts Chilli and Lime Sauce ½ lime, cut into 2 wedges

TO SERVE Place the noodles and broth in large soup or ramen bowls. Arrange the stir-fry mix, broccoli and umami egg slices as you like. Garnish with lots of crispy shallots, fresh coriander, some beansprouts, a dollop of chilli sauce and a lime wedge. The chilli sauce is hot – 1 tsp for the normal, 2 for the brave, 3 for the insane. Some folks like a bit more soy sauce so leave this on the table. For a veggie-friendly version, leave out fish balls and add another egg. For a less spicy version, leave out fresh ginger and chilli sauce. If you don’t have all these ingredients to hand, the recipe still works with the following left out: fish balls, pak choi and ginger. Carrot strips can be substituted for the broccoli.

Irish Malaysian Noodle Soup

LIME CHEESECAKE CUPS This recipe is awesome for students, since it doesn’t rely on a dodgy oven and all the ingredients can be picked up at supermarket. I always divide it up between little glasses and top them with piped mascarpone for a super-fancy finish – perfect for serving to guests.

MAKES 10ISH INDIVIDUAL CHEESECAKES For the Topping 600g low- or lowest-fat Philadelphia cream cheese i.e . damage control ½ cup (110g) honey 2 large or 3 small limes ½ tsp green food colouring (optional) For the Base 2 cups toasted (120g) ground almonds or 2 cups (150–200g) gluten-free biscuits ½ cup (100g) coconut oil or butter cup (110g) honey to sweeten, if using toasted almonds if not using biscuits In a large bowl, scoop in the Philadelphia and lash in the honey. Use the finest section of a grater to grate the zest off the limes (look for unwaxed ones) onto a plate. If you have a zester, you fancy thing you, use this instead to minimise the chances of grating off your finger. Pop the zest in on top of the cheese and honey. Now juice your baldy-looking limes and add this to the mix. Put in the food colouring if you’re using it. Blend it all up with a hand blender and taste test – add more honey or lime as you like. The mix may seem a bit runny at this point but don’t worry: it will firm up in the fridge later! If you’re using ground almonds for the base, put a big non-stick pan over a medium heat and throw the almonds in. . I’m a terrible person for

wandering away from pans on the stove. Don’t do this – if they burn your kitchen will stink! Stir them around till they go from beige to a pale brown. They will also start to smell quite lovely. Now chuck them in a bowl and add the coconut oil or butter, whichever you’re using. Butter is more traditional but coconut oil makes it feel a bit more tropical! Rub it in with your hands, then add the honey and mix it all together. If you’re using biscuits for the base, take them out of their packet, put them in a Ziploc bag (push the air out before you close it so it doesn’t just pop!) and bash the bejaysus out of them with a rolling pin. You can decide how fine you like your crumbs – I tend to bash mine to smithereens and consider it a workout. Put them in a bowl with the butter or coconut oil and mix. Press your chosen base mix into your pie dish or divide it between the glasses and press down. I tend to bend a teaspoon 90 degrees and use this to pat down the mix. Please excuse my abuse of cutlery. Spoon on the lime cheesecake topping and pop the lot in the fridge for at least an hour. TO SERVE If you’re serving it for a party, take the cheesecake out of the fridge after an hour and, using a piping bag – I have a wee one from the €2 shop – pipe on some chilled mascarpone in the same way you would cream or icing. I much prefer it to either, as it has a better texture than cream and stays perfectly set in the fridge if you make the dessert the night before, and it doesn’t have the sickly sweetness of icing so it won’t overpower the cheesecake. Before bringing to the guests, put a little something on top, e.g. physalis or a thin bit of biscuit.

• Features

Food & DRINK BEST OF BUDS / #31 / AUGUST 2017

LOOPMAG.NET

All the very latest food and drink news happening in and around the city and beyond

News on a BBQ graduate breaking all the records at the Hillmount BBQ Academy

Plus some favourite flavours and news on how your food recycling is making a difference already

LISBURN STUDENT IS YOUNGEST BBQ ENTHUSIAST TO GRADUATE FROM HILLMOUNT BBQ ACADEMY Finn Sinclair (12) is the youngest student to graduate from Hillmount BBQ Academy at Hillmount, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast.

F H

inn, from Lisburn, said he had a great time attending the academy with his dad and the team enjoyed teaching him all the tricks and tips for creating delicious dishes on the BBQ. Alan Mercer, Managing Director, Hillmount Garden Centre, said: “The Hillmount BBQ Academy is the only one of its kind in a garden centre in Ireland. We welcome all ages and all abilities to learn at the academy, from the novice BBQ enthusiast who has just bought their first BBQ to the expert who cooks on theirs every day of the year.” To book a place at Hillmount BBQ Academy, Tel 028 9044 8213. www.hillmount.co.uk

Honeycomb Scoops Gold as County Antrim’s Favourite Ice Cream Flavour T H

<<< Tiffany Brien, Dale Farm Ambassador scooping up Mullins Ice Cream

In celebration of National Ice Cream Month this July, Mullins Ice Cream took to the streets here to find out which flavours tickle Northern Ireland’s taste buds.

he results prove that County Antrim residents are a super sweet bunch, with a landslide victory for indulgent Mullins Honeycomb taking the top spot! The survey of ice-cream lovers from across Northern Ireland showed that favourite flavours varied from county to county. Counties Armagh and Derry~Londonderry have a taste for decadent chocolate, whilst County Antrim and County Down ice-cream lovers prefer to scoop up Honeycomb and Strawberry. The people of Tyrone fill up their freezers with Mint Chocolate Chip, as do those in County Fermanagh. Not so popular however was the cool classic Vanilla, which proved to be the least likely choice of flavour in Northern Ireland. Nigel Cairns, Commercial Director Dale Farm Ice Cream said: “We believe that your choice

of ice-cream says a lot about you. It’s clear from this research that Antrim are a county of Honeycombers, a sweet bunch, with a love for the finer things in life! “Honeycomb has certainly been one of Mullins Ice Cream’s most popular lines for many years, however we were surprised to see such a difference in preference across our counties. Whilst Mullins has a range of popular, classic flavours, innovation is always on the menu with exciting new flavours being whipped up every year to stay ahead of evolving trends. Some of our newest flavours include Lemon Meringue Pie and Blueberry Muffin Crumble – so it’s safe to say Honeycomb might meet some stiff competition in the future!” For the month of July, Mullins launched a Pop

Up Ice Cream Parlour in Belfast’s Victoria Square. The limited-edition menu allowed customers to enjoy their choice of Mullins ice-cream and toppings, served on top of a chunky chocolate cookie or sugar-dusted

doughnut. Limitless flavour combinations and tantalising toppings, from candy floss and caramel popcorn to sea salt fudge and a range of biscuit crumbles, topped off the indulgent ice cream experience.

BELFAST CITY COUNCIL Food waste RECYCLING feeds plants in YOUR LOCAL parks Belfast residents’ food waste is being transformed into compost which helps feed plants in local parks – while saving the council close to £65,000 on waste disposal costs.

I H >>> Mary Brady, Recycling Education Officer and Ricky Kane, Gardener at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park show how Belfast’s food waste is helping to feed roses and other plants in local parks.

t is also helping to support up to 40 local jobs. The amount of food and garden waste being recycled especially from the inner city has risen by 1,300 tonnes –almost 30 per cent in May and June after Belfast City Council announced its new policy on no food waste in black bins. Alderman Tommy Sandford, Chair of the People and Communities Committee thanked all residents using the food waste collection service. “We particularly want to thank people for their patience as this service is being established and are delighted to see so many households enthusiastically supporting food waste recycling. “You can recycle all food waste – peelings, scrapings, bones, meat, tea bags and coffee grinds- knowing that you are not only helping the environment, but creating beautiful parks and open spaces for everyone to enjoy, saving ratepayers cash, and creating jobs,” added the Alderman. Food and garden waste collected from households in Belfast is taken to a facility in the city and processed into compost which we use in parks and open spaces, including feeding the roses at Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park. “Since the recycling facility is in Belfast it means that any money saved by disposal is re-invested in our local economy – a win win situation for all of us,” said Alderman Sandford. Bags or brown food caddies can be ordered online at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/bins or by telephoning the Freephone number 0800 032 8100. Food waste bags may also be picked up from recycling centres.

Do you care for someone with dementia? Come along to our FREE Training for Informal Caregivers Programme

Training for Informal Caregivers is a series of FREE workshops provided by Alzheimer’s Society for people who provide unpaid care and support for a family member, neighbour or friend living with dementia.

East Belfast Network Centre 55 Templemore Avenue Belfast BT5 4FP

Wednesdays, 1pm-4.30pm 6th – 20th September 3 weeks Tuesdays, 10am-12.30pm 31st October – 21st November 4 weeks Tuesdays, 6pm-8.30pm 28th November – 12th December 3 weeks

To find out more about other programmes or book a place, please phone 028 9038 7480 or email NICaregiver.Training@alzheimers.org.uk Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, registered charity no. 296645

Inspire Business Centre

The Ideal Location For Your Business INSPIRING BUSINESS START UP & GROWTH PREMISES, SUPPORT & ADVICE Inspire Business Centre Ltd is a profit making but not profit taking Local Enterprise Agency in the heart of Dundonald, Northern Ireland. The convenience, infrastructure and business support provided by our facilities and location have helped many local businesses succeed over the years.

Mark Brotherston Chief Executive

Ian Petrie Property & Facilities Manager

Louise Davidson Business Advisor

that they only require a months’ notice in writing if you should ever choose to Inspire Business Centre, based on The Carrowreagh Road in Dundonald, leave. Tenants don’t leave too often which is why their occupancy levels is the ideal home for your business. always remain above 90%. Boasting 111,000 sq ft of workspace they are the single largest Enterprise As an Inspire tenant you can avail of: • Around the clock security Agency site in Northern Ireland. In • 24-hour access to your business 2016 they made an estimated £35m premises contribution to the Northern Ireland Economy. Situated only 7 miles from • Free parking for you, your employees and customers George Belfast City Airport, Inspire • Access to VOIP and superfast provides a unique mix of affordable, broadband via a unique plug and play high spec commercial property alongside the latest business support facility • Regular free networking business programmes which has attracted a diverse range of businesses ranging breakfast events • Access to a range of business from start-ups to long established support services offered by an onenterprises across all business site Business Advisory team sectors. What’s available? To enquire about availability • Co-Working space contact Ian Petrie, Inspire Property • Small incubation units and Facilities Manager, on 028 (ideal for sole traders) 90557557 or email • Offices ian@inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk • Industrial Units Choose workspace ranging from 80 ADVICE AND SUPPORT to 3000 sq ft. Business Consultancy Why move to Inspire? Utilising a team of award winning When you become an Inspire tenant you can avail of functional workspace Business Advisers, Inspire can assist both new and existing businesses in at an affordable cost with no long the formation of Business Plans and – term contract. Inspire operate on license agreements only which means Financial Forecasts which can then

INSPIRE BUSINESS CENTRE LTD

Shannon Woulahan Client Relationship Executive

be used as a Business Management Social Media Profiling tool or to access finance/investment. Inspire host a popular weekly twitter networking hour #CastlereaghHour (Tuesday Access to Finance Inspire are the only Business Centre evenings 9-10pm) where they profile tenants and clients. It in Northern Ireland to offer its own provides an opportunity to increase Business Angel Network. Any new business exposure and raise or existing business can apply for awareness of their brand. business funding in return for an equity stake in their business. Inspire Contact for above Shannon also work with clients to help them access Bank Loans and Government Woulahan call 028 90557557 or email shannon@ Grants. inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk Contact for above support : Inspire Academies Business Advisor Louise Davidson Do you need work ready on 02890 557557 or email louise@ employees? Inspire, as an ILM inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk Accreditation Centre, can design an Academy which will be tailored Inspire Digital NI and bespoke to your business (www.inspiredigitalni.co.uk) requirements. They can assist you Inspire provides a complete wrap in sourcing work ready employees, around service for new and existing upskill and accredit them, enabling businesses. They are a one stop them to hit the ground running. shop for all your business needs. This will lower your HR costs Inspire Digital NI can provide you with bespoke branding to enable you and improve your businesses productivity and efficiencies. to stand out from the crowd, They can provide you with logos, social media images, business cards, flyers, Contact for above academies Dr Mark Brotherston call 028 websites, vehicle livery, business signage, pop up banners and digital 90557557 or email mark@ inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk media training.

BUSINESS BREAKFAST NETWORK Sign up to the Inspire Business Centre Mailing List www.inspirebusinesscentre. co.uk to be the first to hear about their upcoming events. The next business breakfast will be Friday 25th August 8.00am – 9.30am. You can register for this free event by emailing shannon@inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk

Inspire Business Centre, Inspire Business Park, Carrowreagh Road, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1QT Tel: 028 9055 7557 Email: enquiries@inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk LEACASTLEREAGH @INSPIREBIZ

Salon M

Open Mon -Fri 6.30am – 5pm. Sat 9am-12

We are a locally owned electrical wholesaler based in Dundonald Province wide delivery service Domestic and commercial electrical & lighting supplies to trade and public Over 50 years experience Professional friendly service

Unit B4 Inspire Business Park • 16 Carrowreagh Road Dundonald • BT16 1QT Tel 028 9048 7868 Unit C/6 & C/7, Inspire Business Park, 16, Carrowreagh Rd, Dundonald, Belfast BT16 1QT Tel: 028 9521 5156 E: info@northernelectricalsupplies.co.uk Web: northernelectricalsupplies.co.uk

COLOUR EXPERTS

“Let It Be A Sweet Sweet Sound “

"let it be a sweet sweet sound " > > We are excited announce the opening of "Sweet Sound cafe" in Insp "let itsuper be a sweet sweettosound " Park. We plan to open the doors on Monday 14th August. > > Weand are super excited announce the opening of "Sweet Project Sound cafe" in Inspire Business Our ethos our aim astoRight Reasons Community is to train young a Park. We plan to open the doors on Monday 14th August. learning difficulties to set them up with the necessary knowledge and skills to pr Our ethos and our aim as Right Reasons Community Project is to train young adults with for independent living toinset the future. learning difficulties them up with the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them Previously at Level Ground cafe our trainees have already show cased their tal for independent living in the future. at Level Ground cafeSound our trainees already casedunder their talents and R wowedPreviously their customers! Sweet caféhave is the firstshow project the Right wowed their customers! Sweet Sound café is the first project under the Right Reasons’ umbrella to open its doors! The cafe will be a community based café and will of umbrella to open its doors! The cafe will be a community based café and will offer amazing Inspire Business Centre, Inspire Business home cooked food with a agreat atmosphere. Sweet Sound cafe a non profit o home cooked food with great atmosphere. Sweet Sound cafe isPark, a non is profit organisation working with with dedicated volunteers who's main is to mentor and encourage Carrowreagh Dundonald, BT16 1QT working dedicated volunteersRoad, who's main aim aim is to mentor and encourage our very multo talented trainees. talented trainees. T: 028 9055 7557 E: enquiries@inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk We have already had incredible support from sams grill at the lewis,The lewis,cordners We have already had incredible support from sams grill at the lewis,The lewis,c spar ,Pride of ballybeen flute band and inspire. spar ,Pride offorward ballybeen fluteto band andserve inspire. We look to getting know and all the units within the business park and reuniting withto ourgetting old family friends. We look forward toand know and serve all the units within the business pa reuniting with our old family and friends.

“

We look forward to getting to know and serve all the units within the business park and reuniting with our old family and friends.

“

We are super excited to announce the opening of “Sweet Sound cafe” in Inspire Business Park. We plan to open the doors on Monday 14th August. ur ethos and our aim as Right Reasons Community Project is to train young adults with learning difficulties to set them up with the necessary knowledge and skills to prepare them for independent living in the future. Previously at Level Ground cafe our trainees have already show cased their talents and wowed their customers! Sweet Sound café is the first project under the Right Reasons’ umbrella to open its doors! The cafe will be a community based café and will offer amazing home cooked food with a great atmosphere. Sweet Sound cafe is a non profit organisation working with dedicated volunteers who’s main aim is to mentor and encourage our very multi talented trainees. We have already had incredible support from sams grill at the lewis,The lewis,cordners spar ,Pride of ballybeen flute band and inspire. We look forward to getting to know and serve all the units within the business park and reuniting with our old family and friends.

• Features

LOOPMAG.NET

HEALTH

Top tips for performing the perfect squat ALL ABOUT YOU / #31 / AUGUST 2017

Tips on performing fitness perfection from our expert Stefanie McCluskey

MINI BANDS mini band squat : band just below the knee

Stefanie McCluskey: Personal trainer, fitness coach, model & blogger. WHY SQUAT? If you’re looking for a powerful way to boost your overall fitness and get some serious results from your workout routine then look no further. Squats are a fantastic multi purpose exercise to work not only your legs but also your bum, hips, back and core! Wether your goal is to lose fat, build muscle or to just become a fitter more shapely person then you should have some variation of a squat in your training programme.

rubber, they create resistance when pulled. This resistance in the band naturally pulls your knees in. But by deliberately resisting the pull by pushing the knees out, you are able to squat down with your knees in the correct position and effectively target the outer thigh muscles and strengthen your knees and hips.

HOW TO PERFORM A RESISTANCE BAND SQUAT: -Place a mini-band just below your knees and stand with your feet hip SQUAT FROM THE BEGINNING width apart. Before you add any load to your -Contract your abs, bend your knees, squats its very important to ensure that lower and push back your hips as your technique is correct and that you far as you can into a squat position are firing up the right muscles. with your thighs almost parallel to the floor. To aid in this process I use mini -If you extend your arms in front resistance bands. They help to ensure of you, you can sit back more your glutes, specifically your gluteus comfortably. medius which is the muscle responsible -Your weight should be in your heels for abducting the hip, is activated and and your chest should be up nice firing correctly. Adding resistance to and tall. a bodyweight squat is a great way to -While squatting, resist your knees learn how to squat correctly. In fact, from collapsing in by pushing your it helps you prevent the most common knees out and keeping the tension in squat mistake: caving knees. the band. As resistance bands are made of -Drive back up through your heels to

Advice from Rosemary McWatters on the importance of regualr eye appointments.

return to the starting position. -Beginners may want to perform the squat down to a bench and do a sit / stand variation to remind them to sit back in those heels as they squat. HOME HIIT: Warm up Mini band squat 3 sets 15 Over head lunge 3 sets 15 High knees / jog on the spot 30 seconds on 30 seconds of x 3 HIIT Beginners: 30 seconds on 30 seconds off / Intermediate 45 seconds on 15 seconds off. Super set each of these exercises so e.g. first round, 30 seconds squat 30 seconds rest followed by 30 seconds jump squat 30 seconds rest and then you repeat that 2 more times. Each round should last 6 minutes. Round 1: squats/Jump squats x3 Round 2: push ups/Planks x 3 Round 3: forward lunge/side lunge x 3 Round 4: burpees / star jumps x 3

over head lunge, band around wrists

Cool down with some static stretching.

Head over to my Instagram: Steffie_loves for a full video on how to preform this routine!

Regular Eye Tests are Important

LOCAL Slimmers HAVE BEEN shedding lbs and raising £s

The shocking incident of the woman who was found to have 27 contact lenses in her eye...

A Belfast slimming expert has shown that when it comes to keeping old ‘bigger’ clothes in your wardrobe, it’s a real weight off your mind to give them away.

DONT PUT IT OFF I

t was originally published in the British Medical Journal and told of the lady who was due to have a cataract operation when the discovery was made. The 67-year-old woman had been wearing monthly disposable soft contact lenses for 35 years but had not been attending for regular check-ups with her optician. While such an occurrence is extremely rare it may not be an isolated case. The current trend is for the cost conscious to source contact lenses and even spectacles online and in doing this I would be concerned that people are ignoring or even creating potential eye problems which would be detected by their optician. The moral of the story is simple - don’t put off going for your regular eye examination. This applies to everyone, - young and old, spectacle wearers, contact lens wearers or even if you do not wear spectacles at all. Those of us not so young may be tempted to say that everything feels fine even if it is not as good as we would like. The lady with the 27 contact lenses stuck in her eye thought her eyes were less comfortable just because of her age! Sometimes getting older can cause changes but there may be a solution and a regular eye test with an optician who takes time to listen to you, will make sure you are getting the right advice, whether young or old. Don’t put it off - make your appointment today.

Back to school reminder I often tell parents that regular check-ups from pre-school age, applies just as much to visiting the optician as going to see the dentist. Many parents just bring a child along when they say they cannot see, perhaps prompted by a classmate getting glasses. I have lost count of the number of times that the brother or sister, who had no complaints, is in fact the one who needs spectacles. Recent research suggests that one in five school age children has an undiagnosed vision problem. So, don’t wait for your child to tell you they think they need an eye test, make it part of your back to school routine. ROSEMARY MCWATTERS 41 Comber Road BT16 2AA. 028 9048 6222 mcwattersopticians.co.uk

EAST BELFAST SLIMMING CONSULTANT RAISES THOUSANDS S

limming World consultant Ashleigh Shaw rallied her members to donate their clothes in the Big Slimming World clothes Throw campaign where a massive 201 bags were collected over a two-week period, raising £6,030 for Cancer Research UK, as well as a further £2,000 for taking part in the Stormont Race for Life team event - a staggering £8030.00 raised for cancer research UK in just 4 weeks! She praised the members from her Gilnahirk and Braniel clubs in east Belfast for their big-hearted efforts to clear out their weighty wardrobes, as three times more bags were collected than last year. “My members really took this challenge to clear out their wardrobes to their hearts,” said Ashleigh. “Our club rooms literally turned into a sea of purple from all the purple clothes bags we had collected. I think it’s because so many of the members, their families and their friends have been touched by cancer in some ways that it was a very worthwhile cause for them to get behind.

“And when I think of all the pounds raised from the pounds lost from clothes that no longer fit, that’s the icing on the cake. My members continue to amaze me with their support, kindness & generosity - I’m so so proud of them, touching hearts and changing lives every single day” The Big Slimming World Clothes Throw runs across Slimming World’s nationally, 16,000 weekly groups over a two-week period, inviting members to donate the clothes they’ve successfully slimmed out of. This summer’s campaign raised more than £3.3 million in support of Cancer Research UK’s life-saving work. All the

Everyone will be made very welcome! facebook.com/slimwithashgilnahirkandbraniel

Slimming World consultant Ashleigh Shaw (centre) with members from her Gilnahirk and Braniel clubs clothes donated will be distributed to the charity’s 600 shops across the UK. Ashleigh’s members collected 62 charity bags last year, so has tripled the amount this year! Her club nights are every Wednesday night at 5.30pm and 7:30pm at Gilnahirk Baptist Church and on Thursdays, also at Braniel Church at 5.30pm and 7:30pm. Come along and join us, find out how to lose weight without feeeling hungry, guilty or deprived! Contact Ashleigh for more info or follow on Facebook - Slimming World - Gilnahirk & Braniel to keep up to date with latest offers, success stories & delicious recipes!

HAIR

Could YOU foster? “We’re looking for a home where we can stay together.” We need more foster carers in the Belfast area who could care for sibling groups.

ALL ABOUT YOU / #31 / AUGUST 2017

New Colour Trends For Autumn/ Winter

New Season, New Hair, New You! As every season there are a few new hair looks to be inspired by Here are three of my favourite for this Autumn / Winter 17

By Sabrina Robinson SR HAIRDRESSING

Call 028 9504 0057

www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net

CHOCOLATE OMBRE

BACK TO TO BACK SCHOOL SCHOOL DON’T FORGET TO BOOK A DON’T FORGET TO BOOK A

SIGHT TEST TEST SIGHT FREE TESTING FOR KIDS

The ombre hair colouring technique is defined as when your hair colour gradually blends from one colour to another. The ombre has been popular from 2010 and is still one of the hottest trends. When you here ombre you think blonde , well not this winter the new ombre is dark chocolate roots and blending into a seamless slightly lighter milk chocolate, this colour will not be as bright

or drastic but will create a noticeable difference.

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• Features

THE ARTS ON THE SCENE / #31 / AUGUST 2017

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Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hirst and more are presneted in an exlcusive exhibition

Barry Mulholland, a Belfast based Visual Artist presents his brand new exhibition

GORMLEY’S FINE ART BRINGS RARE INTERNATIONAL ARTWORK TO BELFAST

SINGIN IN THE RAIN @ THE MAC

23 Aug - 26 Aug 2017 Time: 2:30 pm / 7:30 pm Price: £14.50 - £18.50

Contemporary exhibition featuring Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hirst and more presented in association with Willis Insurance and Risk Management

he gallery is hosting the largest display of contemporary international editions ever held in Northern Ireland, in association with Belfastbased Willis Insurance and Risk Management. Taking place until the end of August, the exhibition will explore contemporary art from the 1950s to the present day, featuring important museum quality works by Andy Warhol, Banksy, Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, Jeff Koons, Robert Indiana, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Roy Lichtenstein. The works, rarely seen in Ireland, highlight a range of movements including Pop Art, Street

Art, Neo Pop, Young British Artists and Urban Art. More than 40 limited edition and unique original screen prints, including 10 Warhol pieces will be displayed in the gallery at 471 Lisburn Road. Gerard Gormley of Gormley’s Fine Art said: “We are genuinely excited to bring work by some of the world’s most highly renowned contemporary artists to Belfast. “Currently, many Irish art collectors would have to go to London or New York to purchase this type of work from artists like Banksy, one of the most sought-after stars of the art

PICTURED ROBERT WILLIS, EXECUTIVE CHAIRMAN OF WILLIS IRM AND OLIVER GORMLEY OF GORMLEY’S FINE ART

world. This is a fantastic opportunity to see the works up close in Belfast.” Robert Willis, Executive Chairman of Willis Insurance and Risk Management added: “We are delighted to be associated with this exhibition of contemporary artwork. It continues a long-standing relationship with Gormley’s Fine Art with whom we partner in the

valuation of artwork for a widerange of clients including high-net worth individuals from across Northern Ireland. The exhibition presents a rare opportunity to view the work of some of the world’s contemporary masters and we look forward to sharing the experience with hundreds of arts enthusiasts over the coming months.”

ENTRY TO THE EXHIBITION IS FREE AND ALL WORK IS AVAILABLE TO PURCHASE, WITH PRICES STARTING FROM £7,000 AND GOING UP TO £150,000 WWW.GORMLEYS.IE

WWW.BARRYMULHOLLANDVISUALARTIST.COM / OPENING 3RD AUGUST 6-8PM CREATIVE EXCHANGE PROJECT SPACE

‘SUBSTRATA’ Work by Barry Mulholland

he archetypal image of a building can be subtracted down to the basic shapes that make up the walls, roof and floor. In recognition of perspective Two Dimensional shapes & form can be simplified even further, to a geometric common denominator. Shapes emerge as non-structures but strangely recognisable as architectural forms. Utilizing construction & building materials SUBSTRATA attempts to extend the geometric into layered objects of interest. Aesthetic art objects, combining the veil of built walls and the veneer of material form.’ Barry Mulholland is a Belfast based Visual Artist and studio member at Creative Exchange Artist’s Studios. Postgrad MA in Visual Arts Practices at Institute of Art, Design & Technology (IADT) Dublin, 2015 and BA Fine Art in Ulster University, 2012. Previous co-director of Platform Arts and co-founder of South Studios, Belfast. Awards include, the recipient of the 2012 RDS Taylor Art Award, Dublin.

£1.5 MILLION ARTS COUNCIL NATIONAL LOTTERY FUNDING FOR LOCAL PROJECTS

GAME OF THRONES PROP MAKER HOSTS OPEN DAY

eramicist and Game of Thrones prop maker, Helen Faulkner hosted an open day in her new East Belfast studio, as part of August Craft Month. Supported by Arts Council National Lottery funding, August Craft Month is an annual celebration of craft which this year featured over 120 events across the region. Game of Thrones fans can also view a range of props recently created by Helen for the award-winning hit TV series Pictured with Helen is studio assistant, Sheva the dog. Visit www.artscouncil-ni.org

Plus some news on some crucial funding available for local arts projects in Belfast

50 arts organisations across NI including Strand Arts Centre are set to benefit from Arts Council of Northern Ireland National Lottery funding, to bring a series of high quality arts projects to people across the region

he funding will be used by groups to support the development and creation of events, exhibitions, performances and workshops across all areas of the arts, including community arts, literature, visual arts, music and theatre. Roisin McDonough, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said, “We are pleased to announce today that we are investing £1.5 million of National Lottery funding into local arts organisations who,

over the next year, will deliver a diverse programme of highquality activities and events to communities across Northern Ireland. Lottery funding has contributed vastly to the socioeconomic and cultural growth of Northern Ireland and allows the Arts Council to support organisations that are bringing arts programming to all. This year’s awardees are no exception and there will be much to look forward to over the coming months.”

Belfast School of Performing Arts is excited to bring you their Summer Youth project Singin’ in the Rain featuring some of Northern Ireland’s most talented young performers. Tap your toes and sing along in this splashy adaptation of the celebrated and beloved film. Singin’ In the Rain has all the makings of a Tinseltown tabloid headline - the starlet, the leading man and a love affair that could change lives and make or break careers. In silent movies, Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont are a hot item, but behind the scenes, things aren’t always as they appear on the big screen. Meanwhile, Lina’s squeaky voice might be the end of her career in “talking pictures” without the help of a talented young actress to do the talking and singing for her. Filled with every memorable moment from the film and a downpour of unforgettable songs, Singin’ In the Rain is guaranteed to thrill audiences. www.themaclive.com

BFI Film Academy Network Programme Delivered by Cinemagic! Cinemagic is delighted to announce the delivery of a BFI Film Academy Network Programme for 2017/18 and interested 16- 19 year olds are invited to apply. Over the last 4 years, 20 talented filmmakers per year, from Northern Ireland, were selected from a wide-pool of applicants and awarded places on the initiative. The programme equips young filmmakers, passionate about film, with the knowledge, skills, insight, confidence and practical training to help lay strong foundations for their pursuit of a career in the film industry. In addition to the industry and skills training and access to top professionals, the participants work in groups to make short films which they will showcase at Cinemagic. TO APPLY please download and complete the application on the news section of the Cinemagic website or email shauna@ cinemagic.org.uk to request one.

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HISTORY LOOKING BACK / #31 / AUGUST 2017

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By our incredible resident historian Aidan Campbell. What he doesn’t know about East Belfast isn’t worth knowing.

Check out his extraordinary volumes of work in his back catalogue of books. All the details are set out below.

EAST BELFAST HISTORY

Getting Up A Good Head Of Steam

BELFAST & COUNTY DOWN RAILWAY

MY GRANDFATHER WAS EMPLOYED BY THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY DURING HIS ENTIRE WORKING LIFE. MY GRANDPARENTS OFTEN TRAVELLED BY TRAIN AND I REMEMBER VISITING THEM AT THEIR RAILWAY HOUSE ON THE GROSVENOR ROAD IN BELFAST NEAR THE GOODS YARDS. THERE WERE MANY STEAM TRAINS IN THE BACKGROUND PUFFING AWAY AND SOUNDING THEIR WHISTLES. BUT WHAT ABOUT THE NOW CLOSED BELFAST & COUNTY DOWN RAILWAY IN EAST BELFAST?

02 ROBERT DOWLING

EASTBELFASTHISTORY.COM

COURTESY OF ROSEMARY WILLIAMSON

1. THE BELFAST & COUNTY DOWN RAILWAY Belfast years ago in the days before The Belfast & County Down Railway (BCDR) terminus was located at Queen’s Quay on a site now occupied by the Odyssey entertainment complex. The original terminus was opened in 1848 and greatly extended by 1913. There were two parts to the rail network with the original line through Holywood to Bangor (which survives) but the main route went through East Belfast to Donaghadee and also to Newcastle Co Down. The 7-mile section between Ballymacarrett and Comber is now occupied by the Comber Greenway footpath and cycle track. Notice the road transport in Station Street, horse drawn freight vehicles, open-topped electric trams and a single car which is probably a taxi outside the station.

2. ROBERT DOWLING Robert Dowling is the young man facing the camera. He was born in 1896 and joined the BCDR as an office junior in 1910 and became Assistant Cashier. An important part of his job was to undertake a weekly journey ‘down the line’ with the payroll. He passed out a leather satchel at each station containing the wages in cash – no standing orders to bank accounts back in those days! He is sitting with Mr H. Evans, Head Cashier who is making up the wages for BCDR staff in 1930. A very happy looking member of staff is standing in the background. The Dowling family home was on Sandown Road very close to Neill’s Hill Station which was the halt on the BCDR line after Bloomfield and before Knock Station. Robert Dowling was employed by the BCDR until its eventual incorporation in the 1940s along with the entire local rail and bus network into the Ulster Transport Authority (UTA). He subsequently became Head Cashier of the UTA, a post he retained until his retirement.

3. BLOOMFIELD STATION A busy scene at Bloomfield station in the early 1900s which was opened by the BCDR in 1879. It looks like cattle are being herded along the Beersbridge Road which was a common sight on the streets of East

refrigeration and milk had to be regularly delivered. The new station was designed by engineer Berkeley Dean Wise who lived nearby at Knock Road. This portion of the railway line was opened in 1850 with the aim of eventually providing a service to Donaghadee and the connecting mailpacket ship to Portpatrick in Scotland but the route from Larne to Stranraer was instead preferred.

BLOOMFIELD STATION COURTESY OF MICHAEL MCMULLAN

4. NEILL’S HILL STATION Mr Burnett was the stationmaster of Neill’s Hill BCDR station in 1910 and he can be seen standing to the far right. The large house to the far left ‘Sandown House’ was once the home of Mr Dennis Rebbeck head of Harland & Wolff. Neill’s Hill station was opened in 1890 and located on Sandown Road in the townland of Ballyhackamore in an area on the Upper Newtownards Road well-known these days for a wide range of eateries from pizza parlours and takeaway food to fine dining. It is known locally as ‘Bally-snack-amore’ Someone once remarked that years ago Ballyhackamore had a life and a character of its own when Belfast was only a collection of houses. With the coming of the BCDR line to Knock in 1850 and suburban development, Ballyhackamore provided a steady supply of working people and a range of retail outlets.

04 NEILL’S HILL STATION

COURTESY OF LOST RAILWAYS OF CO DOWN

KNOCK STATION COURTESY OF BETTY JACKSON

5. KNOCK STATION Knock station was originally known as Ballycloghan Halt (named after the surrounding townland) and opened in 1850 just facing what is now PSNI headquarters, Brooklyn on Knock Road. It seems that in May 1895 Knock Golf Club first played over a short 9-hole links course on land that lay between the BCDR at Knock railway Station to the north, Knock River as it borders Cherryvalley to the south and close to Gilnahirk in the east. The first Club secretary was Dr. James King Kerr who lived at 85 King’s Road. His home overlooked Knock River and the golf course. The Belfast News Letter of 2nd April 1895 carried a story entitled The Links at Knock, ‘The Golf Club lately

06 DUNDONALD STATION

COURTESY OF BELFAST TELEGRAPH

formed at Knock in which there is already a large membership have just had their links put in order. In addition to the grounds being immediately adjoining the Knock Station they present excellent hazards and cannot fail to prove a great attraction to city golfers.’

6. DUNDONALD STATION The BCDR main line through East Belfast

was closed in 1950 after 99 years of service. The platform at Dundonald station was one of the longest on the network at 646 feet long and it helped to accommodate the heavy commuter traffic on the route. By 1957 this rather sad photograph was included in an edition of the Belfast Telegraph with the caption ‘Children play at the run-down Dundonald

Railway Station.’ All the rolling stock, railway lines, buildings and fittings of the BCDR were eventually sold off for scrap. Last word on the subject. There has been some talk over the years about constructing a light railway similar to the ‘Luas’ in Dublin on the BCDR track bed and a local wit told me that the working title was the ‘C.S. Lewis’! Get it?

• Aidan Campbell has previously published 12 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont, East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2 and Ballymacarrett. Also Belfast Through Time and Newtownbreda. He regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice and Hamilton News Cregagh with profits donated to local charity. BOOK SALES ONLINE : EASTBELFASTHISTORY.COM

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SPORT

RESULT / #31 / AUGUST 2017

Dundonald’S Jamie Scott signs for Sheffield Steeldogs Ice Hockey team

LOOPMAG.NET

A local ice hockey player who who has just signed for a leading team in the UK

First cycling club in NI to gain the prestigious Clubmark award for good governance and practice

Plus news on a special golf day coming up next month for local businesses to get on board with

CHAMPION TO LIFT TROPHY AT NI CHAMBER & FORDE MAY ANNUAL GOLF DAY

19-year-old Jamie Scott, former Priory College pupil, originally from Dundonald, is commencing his second year of studies at Sheffield Hallam University.

hilst in Sheffield last year he secured a place on the Great Britain Men’s University Ice Hockey squad and he iced with the team in Kazakhstan earlier this year at the 28th Winter Universiade. The GB team have now qualified for the next games which are scheduled for March 2019 in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia. Jamie commenced his ice hockey career with the Junior Belfast Giants, representing Scotland at Under 17 level and icing with the Belfast Giants in a series of pre-season games last year. Earlier in his junior career he was a regular attender at training camps in Scotland and Sheffield hosted by the Best of British Ice Hockey camps. As a young teenager, Jamie was impressed by the ice hockey structure in Sheffield and his attention was drawn to the promotional board on display at Ice Sheffield relating to the semiprofessional team based there – the Sheffield Steeldogs. At the age of 13 it was only a dream that he would ever become a Steeldog. On arrival in Sheffield at the beginning of last season the Steeldogs had snapped the Dundonald teenager up as a prospect for the team and he attended regular training sessions.

Getting ice time was a priority for Jamie and he spent the season playing hockey with the Sheffield Bears university team, the Scimitars Under 20 team, Senators NIHL 2 and Sutton Sting NIHL 1. During his busy season he iced on two occasions with the Steeldogs who were then playing in the English Premier League. In the final game of the season he picked up the man of the match award which would bode well with this season’s new Steeldog’s coach – Ben Morgan. In a recent interview for the team’s press release about Jamie’s recent signing he remarked; “He impressed me massively in the final game of the season against Telford, it was no surprise that he got man of the match for his performance. He was composed on the puck and made simple, smart decisions and everything I would expect someone to do in his position. Jamie was always someone I thought about bringing on board for this season, not just for his own development but for the people around him. He will be pushing others on the defence to play well and work hard. He had an excellent attitude on the ice in training, listening closely to advice and paying attention to details in drills. He will add some depth to

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister visits Belfast City BMX Club (BCBC) at the Ormeau Park BMX track.

the team. I will be looking for him to be a stay at home D man, have good control and be comfortable on the puck and build on those fundamentals I have seen from him. Jamie will definitely be part of the D and I am hoping to roll three lines in defence, so there is plenty of ice time on offer”. The Dundonald teenager is delighted to have been given this opportunity; “I am looking forward to playing with the Steeldogs this season. I had a few opportunities to train with the team last season and was on the bench for a couple of games, also I played in the final game of the season in Telford. I really enjoyed that experience and felt I put in a good performance. “I have already spent some time in the NIHL with several clubs, playing mostly with Sutton Sting last season. I enjoyed my time and you could tell they were playing at a higher level. Playing more will help my game and bring on my development. It will be good to be with just one team this season so that I can bond well and learn to play on regular lines.

“I am a Sheffield Hallam student and the course fits well with my training, allowing me plenty of time to be on the ice as much as possible. Sheffield is a great city with lots of sports facilities, and in Northern Ireland there are only a couple of ice rinks so training is limited, but here I can be on the ice so much more. I am looking forward to September and the chance to play regularly for the Steeldogs”. Jamie will be joining the Sheffield Steeldogs in their pre-season games scheduled for the weekend of the 26th and 27th of August against Hull Pirates. This season the Steeldogs will play 36 games in the recently restructured National Ice Hockey League (North). Local County Antrim business Glenavy History Talks and Tours have kindly sponsored Jamie’s kit for the forthcoming season. There are other opportunities to own and loan his home, away and training jerseys. For further information contact Sheffield Steeldogs by email: contact@sheffieldsteeldogs.com

Belfast City BMX Club’S ClubmarkNI accreditation

It’s become the first cycling club in Northern Ireland to gain the prestigious Clubmark award for demonstrating good governance and practice in their junior club, with support and guidance from Belfast City Council.

Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Nuala McAllister presents the Clubmark award to Paul Manton (Belfast City BMX Club chairman) and Bill Mackness (BMX Ulster Chairman).

It’s also the 71st accredited sports club in the city. The ClubmarkNI accreditation scheme, delivered by Belfast City Council in association with SportNI and sports governing bodies, has produced a network of quality clubs across the city which provide safe environments for sports development. Belfast City BMX Club provides professional coaching and regular competitive opportunities in both the Irish and UK National Championships. Later this month, 10 of their members will travel to Bordeaux, France to compete in the 2017 European BMX Championships, representing Ireland. The championships are set to attract 50,000 visitors over six days to watch 2,800 riders from 27 countries pedalling for pole position. new Clubmark process is currently being developed which will allow Senior and Junior clubs - and clubs with both Senior and Junior sections to gain accreditation and the benefits of Clubmark. The new expanded awards will focus on the areas of Safeguarding, Creating a Safe Environment, Quality Coaching and Competition, Effective Management and Community Engagement. Belfast City Council hopes to offer this new process from September this year. For more information, go to www. belfastcity.gov.uk/clubmark or e-mail leisure@belfastcity.gov.uk

Situated on the beautiful North Down coastline, Royal Belfast is the oldest golf club in Ireland, boasting a challenging 18-hole course and unrivalled views. The Golf Day, which is held in partnership with Forde May Consulting, is aimed at providing NI Chamber members and their clients with an opportunity to make new business connections, whilst testing their golfing skills. Prizes to be won include the Forde May Perpetual Golf Challenge Trophy, in memory of the late Dr Forde May who founded his eponymous executive recruitment company in Belfast more than 20 years ago. It has grown to become Northern Ireland’s longest standing executive recruitment company. The trophy will be awarded to the player with the best individual score. Registrations can be made online at: northernirelandchamber.com

ONECOM IS ON THE BALL AT LAUNCH OF BUSINESS LEAGUE The UK’s largest independent telecommunications provider, Onecom, has partnered with the Irish Football Association to encourage local businesses to join the inaugural Onecom Business League. The five-aside football tournament will kick off on Tuesday 29th August at Playball, Stormont. Twenty four teams will compete for silverware and a training session with the Northern Ireland national team coaches. The new league follows a pilot tournament which was won by Belfast-based financial technology firm, FinTrU, in June. Entry is strictly limited to 24 teams and will be first come, first served. Teams can name a squad of up to ten players to compete in the 14-week league with small businesses encouraged to form teams from their business networks. The competition will culminate in the tournament final in early December which will include a celebration and business networking event hosted at the National Stadium at Windsor Park. To register please visit irishfa.com/ onecombusinessleague

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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 thisiscfc.com 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 Road 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 MOTHER & TODDLER 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654

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. 102-104 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 Church (My Lady’s Rd) ST 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

CLASSES & EVENTS MONDAY BADMINTON CLUB ST Moluas C.O.I , 645 Upp Newtownards Rd ,BT4 3LR. 8pm-10pm. New members welcome. 07882058198. BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. 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 John 07809 205579. 102-104 Cregagh Road 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. ORANGEFIELD BAPTIST Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd EAST 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) 6.308pm, 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) 6.15-7.15pm 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 10.30-12pm. Rang Comhra 7-9pm. GILNAHIRK LADIES GROUP Stye Brae Centre @ Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church 10.30am-12.00 MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Senior puppet club. 4.30pm. P4P7. 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) 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

Toddler’s Groups Kids Clubs

Local Classes & Groups

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. 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. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 upwards 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 6.307.30. 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, Held in 154 Comber Road. Contact - Stephen 02895084930 / 07904498502 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, chill. WOODSTOCK LIBRARY One to one beginners computer lessons. Booking required. 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

THURSDAY 1ST BALLYMACARRETT OUTDOOR BOWLING April - Sept . 6.30 onwards. Friendly Cub welcoming new members , Experience not necessary, bowls supplied , Ravenhill Green Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue . 028 9029 4249. ARDENLEE LADIES BOWLING CLUB Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue. 90 586446. BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential. 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. EBM homework club (P4-P6) 3.30 – 5.30pm. Bible Studies womens group 6.30-7.30 every fortnight. 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.6.30-8pm BB

CONTACT stuart@ loopmag.net

LOOPMAG.NET

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 Contact – Stephen –02895084930 / 07904498502 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. BELMONT TOWER Art Classes 10-1pm. COMBER LEISURE CENTRE Tennis Coaching Indoors 10am - 11am until March 2017 £5 per week , drop in basis. First visit free ! All ages welcome Adrian Armstrong 07890 162944 or email adrianarmstrong10987@gmail.com. EAST END BAPTIST CHILDRENS MEETING 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun each week. 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 11am-1pm. 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 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 & NI STARS 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 and 7pm EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche. Sunday school is available during the church service 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. Saturday Minors Film Club 12 noon 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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