Loop Mag : East Belfast January 2018

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#36 JANUARY 2018

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LOCAL NEWS

THE ARTS

FOOD & DRINK

SCHOOLS

A comprehensive round up of all your latest local news and views in East Belfast

An intercultural arts programme exploring the theme of food has been launched

News on an incredible food innovation breakthrough that affects your fry up

Our regular round up from the extremely busy classrooms of East Belfast

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EastSide Learning has been working alongside Save the Children to develop their work in east Belfast and have been sharing their experiences on a local visit with Kevin Watkins, Chief Executive of Save the Children and Tom Rahilly, Director of UK Programmes.

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evin Watkins and Tom Rahilly visited a local Inner East SureStart Centre on Friday 1 December to meet with the staff working directly with locally families and joined the EastSide Learning Team at CS Lewis Square to hear about the exciting new opportunities being developed for schools, parents and children in east Belfast.

Maggie Andrews, Programme Manager for EastSide Learning said, ‘We have built a really good Partnership with Save the Children and this is an opportunity to explore how we can take this even further to benefit families in this area. ‘ ‘It is great that Kevin and Tom have taken time out of their busy schedule to come and see the

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(BACK L-R) Anne Moore Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns Manager; Tom Rahilly, UK Programmes Director; Reema Malhotra CEO Communications Manager; Peter Bryson, Head of Country and Kevin Watkins, Chief Executive from Save the Children. (FRONT L-R) Laura Feeney, Senior Programmes Manager Save the Children; Maggie Andrews, Programme Manager EastSide Learning and Annette McCann, Programme Manager from Save the Children meet to talk about their partnership working and support for local families in East Belfast. Photo: Neil Harrison

impact of our partnership work in east Belfast and the enthusiasm we have for making lives better for families in the area.’

Save the Children is supporting parents and children to learn together in East Belfast through their latest school’s programme.

Families Connect helps parents to support their children’s learning in three key areas: social and emotional development, literacy and numeracy development.

The eight-week programme provides a series of activities, techniques and games that

parents and carers can do with their children at home that supports their development and learning in school.

Each activity encourages parents and children to spend quality time together by talking about specific topics and reflecting on what they already do to support their children’s learning.

Parents also discuss the science behind the programme’s activities.

These informal workshops invite parents to explore new games and approaches that might help them to support their child’s learning at school and in the home.

Annette McCann, Programme Manager for Save the Children in the area said: “For families, creating a good learning environment at home – and crucially, increasing parents’ skills and confidence to support their child’s learning – can make a real impact on their child’s future.

Only a small fraction of children’s learning takes place at school, so the better the home learning environment, the better the child’s learning can be. “We are looking for more schools in East Belfast to sign up to take part in the Families Connect programme.”

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CONTENTS

03

EAST BELFAST EDITION #36 • JANUARY 2018

04

16

Headlines

Giddy Up

18

HISTORY

THE ARTS

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

Aidan Campbell is at the starting line with a look back at horses in East Belfast

All the latest arts news, exhibitions plus some awards news from Cinemagic

20

22

24

New Arts Funding

Class Act

LOCAL NEWS

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

News & Exhibitions

SCHOOLS

FOOD & DRINK

A four month programme for artists to engage with four local community groups

Our schools pages are packed to the gills with news, views and achievements of the little ones

This month we talk about fry ups and gin. A tasty combo to kick start any new year in style.

26

27

30

All Good

By Sabrina Robinson

HEALTH Fitness guru Steff’s advice, Rosemary talks 2018 and Medicare helps smokers stop

A Gut Feeling

HAIR & BEAUTY

EVENTS

Sabrina looks at the haircut everyone is asking for plus a new beauty tip

This month’s listings of events happening in and around East Belfast

Planner

If you're in crisis or despair or know someone who is, call Lifeline 24/7 on 0808 808 8000.

Calls to Lifeline are answered by qualified crisis counsellors who can provide immediate support.

Calls are free from landlines and mobiles.

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LOOP

WHERE WE GO TO

04 LIFELINE

Dundonald Sea Cadets, a local youth organisation open to young people aged 12 to 18 from diverse backgrounds, has quite literally been kept afloat thanks to a much needed grant from Hope For Youth Northern Ireland, allowing them to purchase a reliable safety boat for the cadets.

“ The grant award was the last bit of funding we needed to be able to buy a safety boat that suited our needs and allowed us to provide reliable safety cover for many years to come HECTOR WANLISS COMMANDING OFFICER

Dundonald Sea Cadets Kept Afloat By Hope For Youth Grant GRANT

PART OF THE NATIONAL SEA CADET CORPS WHICH CONSISTS OF 14,000 CADETS ACROSS THE UK AND 10 UNITS ACROSS NI, DUNDONALD SEA CADETS IS ONE OF MANY YOUTH-FOCUSED ORGANISATIONS TO HAVE LARGELY BENEFITTED FROM HOPE FOR YOUTH NI’S GRANT SCHEME.

S

ea Cadets is the UK’s biggest maritime uniformed youth charity which began in 1856.

Like many other Sea Cadets across the UK, Dundonald Sea Cadets follow the customs and traditions of the Royal Navy and their wide range of adventure activities, mostly involving water, all have a nautical theme. In addition to weekly meetings on Thursdays, there are many weekend and week-long activities throughout the year for members to get involved in including seven National Competitions where local cadets compete against cadets from across the UK. As an independent charity, Dundonald Sea Cadets largely relies on goodwill from the local community and businesses for financial support. Lacking a

reliable safety boat and unable to provide the funds to purchase one, the organisation was losing cadets by having to limit the numbers they could safely allow on the water at one time. The local community rallied together to fundraise for this essential yet expensive piece of equipment but the activity was incredibly slow and time-consuming, taking away from the primary goal of providing opportunities for young people.

Speaking about how the grant from Hope For Youth provided Dundonald Sea Cadets with the crucial funds it needed the Commanding Officer, Hector Wanliss, said, “Hope For Youth Northern Ireland quite literally provided a lifeline for our unit; the grant award was the last bit of funding we needed to be able to buy a safety boat that suited our

“ With over 450 bears gifted, we ensured that all the children receiving treatment, at the Cancer Unit or at home, and children throughout the hospital received a special little present JACQUELINE SPENCE CHILDREN’S CANCER UNIT

Dundonald Sea Cadets is of one a number of youth-focused organisations in Northern Ireland which has benefitted from the Hope For Youth grant scheme. For more information on Dundonald Sea Cadets visit www.sea-cadets.org/Dundonald/home.aspx

needs and allowed us to provide reliable safety cover for many years to come.”

In addition to the safety boat purchase, the funding received by Dundonald Sea Cadets from Hope For Youth, which raises money to fund cross-community, youthoriented programmes through special events including its biennial charity House of Lords v House of Commons Swim and other special events, has also allowed the cadets to participate in various activities including the Mourne Mountain Adventure, Easter Unit Camp in Weymouth and District Summer Camp in Gibraltar. In addition their

grant enabled some of the cadets to complete their RYA Sea Survival Certificate and RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Qualification.

Sea Cadet Sophie, aged 16, commented on the impact of the generous grant from Hope For Youth, which provided her with an externally recognized qualification which could be beneficial in future employment. “Without the grant from Hope for Youth I would not have had the same opportunities that the scheme has given me,” said Sophie. I was able to participate in so many different activities throughout the

City Airport Passengers And World Duty Free Support Local Children’s Cancer Unit

TEAMWORK

For the second year in a row, holiday-makers and commuters travelling through George Best Belfast City Airport have supported World Duty Free’s festive ‘Buy a Bear’ initiative for the Children’s Cancer Unit Charity.

HEADLINES

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

year and I am especially fortunate to have been able to complete my RYA Essential Navigation and Seamanship Qualification, as this has opened up a lot of opportunities both in the Cadets and in my future career, making my CV more attractive to a prospective employer.”

Hope For Youth NI has been making a difference to young peoples’ lives for over 40 years.

The non-profit organisation raises money to support crosscommunity projects just like Heart of Belfast that enable young people to work together, gain new skills, and build friendships.

Bright Lights Dance Group Prize Giving Ceremony WITH SPECIAL GUEST...

CHARITY Joanne Deighan, Commercial Manager at George Best Belfast City Airport & Ciara Hamill from the airport’s World Duty Free Store met with Naomi Spence, Play Specialist Nurse to hand out some of the bears. Zara Salme and Seanin Kelly were delighted to get an early Christmas surprise.

D

onations of the bears far exceeded expectations, meaning all 470 children in the hospital will receive a Red Kay or a Green Lancelot bear, complete with a Christmas jumper. The generosity of passengers means there were plenty of teddies to spare, which have now been donated to other local charities to spread some Christmas cheer.

Ciara Hamill from World Duty Free at Belfast City Airport and Joanne Deighan, Commercial Manager at Belfast City Airport, delivered the bears to the Children’s Cancer Unit last week. Ciara said: “After the wonderful response we received from passengers last

year, we thought it would be a fantastic idea to promote the bears to the Children’s Cancer Unit again in 2017. We wanted to do something nice for the kids, and though it is only a small gesture, we hope the bears will bring some festive cheer.”

Joanne said: “Our passengers, once again, showed their incredible kindness and we have been able to not only give a little bear to all children in the Royal Victoria Hospital, but we were also able to give them to more local charities. Thank you to all of our passengers who have taken part in this year’s charity gift.”

Jacqueline Wilkinson, from the Children’s Cancer Unit

THE PLUSH, CUDDLY TEDDY BEARS WERE SOLD AT WORLD DUTY FREE IN THE AIRPORT WITH VISITORS TO THE STORE PURCHASING OVER 600 BEARS, WHICH HAVE NOW BEEN DONATED TO CHILDREN OF THE ROYAL VICTORIA HOSPITAL’S CHILDREN’S CANCER UNIT.

Charity and Naomi Spence, Play Specialist Nurse, accompanied Ciara and Joanne at the hospital.

Jacqueline said: “The generosity of the public never fails to amaze me, and this year the kindness from World Duty Free customers in Belfast City Airport has been wonderful. With over 450 bears gifted, we ensured that all the children receiving treatment, at the Cancer Unit or at home, and children throughout the hospital received a special little present.

“Donations to the Children’s Cancer Unit come in a variety of forms and we are very

grateful that World Duty Free could organise this initiative for a second year. For a small donation, passengers from Belfast City Airport have helped bring a smile to children living with cancer this Christmas.”

The Children’s Cancer Unit Charity supports the work of the Children’s Cancer and Haematology Unit at the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children and their families, in providing care for children with cancer and blood disorders. The Unit is the only place in Northern Ireland where children with cancer can be treated.

Mr Keith Gamble Chairperson of the UlsterScots Agency was the invited guest at Bright Lights Dance Group prize giving ceremony on 16th December 2017. On this occasion Mr Gamble presented the dancers with their certificates and had the honour of presenting James Blackwood with his United Kingdom Alliance Teachers of Dancing Associates Certificate in Highland Dancing, James is the first male Highland Dancing Teacher in Northern Ireland, many thanks to the Ulster Scots Agency for their support in providing funding for these professional exams.

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THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

HEADLINES

FUNDING

The achievements and contributions of 44 older volunteers from day centres, arts organisations, churches and charities across the city were celebrated over lunch today at Belfast City Council’s AgeFriendly Belfast Older Volunteer Awards.

“ Elizabeth knows every aspect of the Agapé Centre from how the boiler works, to where to find a cable for our video projector!

She maintains meticulous records and also recruits other volunteers to help out when the centre is particularly busy. Thanks to Elizabeth’s commitment, the Agapé Centre can offer a great service to clients JO-ANNE CROSSLEY

Belfast’s Older Volunteers Enjoy The Limelight HEROES

EAST BELFAST HAD A STRONG REPRESENTATION IN THE WINNING LINE UP. BELFAST WOMAN ELIZABETH SILLERY WAS NAMED OLDER VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2017 AT BELFAST CITY HALL, FOR HER VOLUNTARY MANAGEMENT OF THE AGAPÉ CENTRE IN SOUTH BELFAST.

O

lder Volunteer of the Year Elizabeth Sillery has volunteered at the Agapé Centre for several decades and has been instrumental in managing the Lisburn Road centre on a completely voluntary basis since it opened five years ago. Jo-Anne Crossley, who made the nomination said: “Elizabeth knows every aspect of the Agapé Centre from how the boiler works, to where to find a cable for our video projector!

She maintains meticulous records and also recruits other volunteers to help out when the centre is particularly busy. Thanks to Elizabeth’s commitment, the Agapé Centre can offer a great service to clients. Nothing is too much trouble – she’s the Rolls Royce of Volunteers!”

Belfast Lord Mayor, Councillor Nuala McAllister who hosted

We are always looking for ways to support the local community and the Little Wing Little Stars bursary is a great way to give back to our customers.

today’s event said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure and privilege to meet these wonderful volunteers today – along with the people VOLUNTEERS WERE RECOGNISED ACROSS AN ADDITIONAL FOUR CATEGORIES: who nominated them to show how much they value their contribution Marie Mathews Participation: were nominated by TinyLife including clients with learning to their organisations. for their practical, social and Albert McIntyre was nominated disabilities and acts as the link

by Mount Merrion Parish Church between the community gardeners emotional support to families of for his dedication and support and the council who own the site. premature and sick babies and “Volunteers are an integral part helping to raise the profile of of Belfast’s social fabric. Reading for the community space. Albert TinyLife within the community. has volunteered with the church Arts and Culture: the nominations, and listening for the last 40 years, making Nora Greer was nominated by to the personal stories today, Susan Neilly was also recognised preparations for the Toddler Fighting Words Belfast, based what I’m hearing time and time with a special award for her tireless group, the evening dance class, at the Skainos Centre in east again is that these volunteers are volunteering in her role as Chair which he attends himself and a Belfast, for her mentoring work reliable, loyal, good humoured, of the Greater Shankill Senior weekly community drop-in. to unleash the creative writing welcoming, patient and selfless.

Citizens’ Forum. Susan sadly talents of children and young They’re providing such positive people, including those who have passed away after the nomination role models to those much younger Take 5 Active Ageing: period, so her award was accepted additional educational needs. in age – and reminding us all that Joan Nicholson was nominated by her daughter Sarah.

by Grove Community Garden for our society is so much richer if her work to make the garden Team or group: we give time to, and help those For more info on the Age part of the local community. In Family Support volunteers Anne around us.”

Friendly Belfast Older Volunteer her role as Chairperson, Joan Mulholland, Roseanne Monroe, Awards, go to www.belfastcity. organises activities, the induction Mary Campbell, Maureen Kirk, NUALA MCALLISTER gov.uk/volunteering and befriending of new members Jenny Baxter and Norah McGrath BELFAST LORD MAYOR

Festive Fortune For Local Kids’ Clubs

FUNDING

Little Wing Pizzeria dished out funds as part of its Little Wing Little Stars bursary scheme.

“

PICTURED CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT 1. Albert McIntyre received the Marie Mathews Participation Award for his dedication to volunteering for Mount Merrion Parish Church.

2. Nora Greer received the Arts and Culture Award for her volunteer work with Fighting Words Belfast, based at the Skainos Centre in east Belfast.

3. Family Support volunteers Anne Mulholland, Roseanne Monroe, Mary Campbell, Maureen Kirk, Jenny Baxter and Norah McGrath were nominated by TinyLife for their practical, social and emotional support to families of premature and sick babies and helping to raise the profile of TinyLife within the community.

4. Elizabeth Sillery was named Older Volunteer of the Year 2017

CONGRATS

RETURNING FOR THE FOURTH YEAR, THE PROGRAMME WAS OPEN TO CHILDREN’S CLUBS LOCATED NEAR ANY OF LITTLE WING’S EIGHT BRANCHES ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND. the scheme to clubs in Newtownards to mark the pizzeria’s expansion into the area with a new restaurant opening in the town in early 2018.

Scott McCrory, Sujay Korada, Rebecca Mitchell, Alainn Henderson, Fiona Henderson, Commenting on the Little Wing Emilee Edgar from Templemore Swimming Club Little Stars bursary winners, Luke Rugby Minis in Bangor, Bright ight lucky clubs were Wolsey, Managing Director of Young Things drama school in awarded a £500 bursary; Little Wing Pizzeria said: Holywood, Splitz Gymnastics Clarkes Dance Studio in “We are always looking for ways Club in Enniskillen, Lisburn’s Belfast’s Donegal Street, to support the local community Community Circus and East Coast and the Little Wing Little Stars Templemore Swimming Club in Strikers FC in Newtownards.

Ballyhackamore, Belfast BMX bursary is a great way to give Club located on the Lisburn Road, This year, Little Wing extended back to our customers. As Little

E

Wing has recently expanded and will be opening another branch in Newtownards in the New Year, we were pleased to be able to offer an additional bursary this year. We received a record number of entries this year, so it was challenging to choose the winning clubs, however we are delighted to be able to present the bursaries to the chosen winners. A number of the winning clubs from last year were able to put the money to

good use, supporting a range of activities for children and we hope this year’s winners will find the financial support offered as beneficial.”

Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

For further information, visit littlewingpizzeria.com/Kids

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08 SCREEN STAR

The Strand on East Belfast’s Holywood Road may be fast approaching five years as a busy arts centre, but film is still very much at the heart of Northern Ireland’s oldest cinema building..

The only remaining cinema in Northern Ireland from that golden era when, at one time, Belfast boasted over 40 picture palaces.

Opened on 7th December 1935, built for and operated by the English Union Cinemas Group.

It had one screen with stage and 1170 seats. The first film shown was Bright Eyes starring Shirley Temple.

It was built on the site of Strandtown House, the home of Gustav Heyn, founder of the Headline Shipping and Belfast Steamship Companies.

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Local Arts Centre Reveals ‘Strandtastic’ Winter/Spring Line-Up AND WITH AWARDS SEASON LOOMING, JANUARY PROMISES A BONANZA OF QUALITY FILMS.

T

he line up includes: New Movies: Martin McDonagh (In Bruges) directs Frances McDormand and Woody Harrelson in darkly comic, Oscar-tipped drama Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Gary Oldman gives a Golden Globe-nominated performance as Winston Churchill in Darkest Hour about the government power struggles back home during the Dunkirk saga.

And it’s a dream team of Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep and director Steven Spielberg for Washington political thriller The Post.

Thursday Classics: Catch up with some of your favouritse on Thursday nights at the Strand.

Films include Cary Grant at his best in North by Northwest, John Boorman’s endurance thriller Deliverance, Christian Slater in True Romance, Oscar winner One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s

Nest, and Terrence Malick’s war epic The Thin Red Line. On the first Thursday of the month, stay discuss the movie with members of the Bigger Boat Film Club, open to all like-minded film enthusiasts!

Stranded: A new strand to the programme is a regular live club night, with top artists and performers cherry-picked for an intimate gig and guaranteed to put more fun into your Friday nights.

Acts include master of surreal nonsense Paul Currie, dangerous harpist Ursula Burns, comedy sketch troupe Those Who Can’t, improv comedy group Wonder Frog, and George Firehorse with The Complete History of the Beatles… Sort Of. Silver Screenings: Strand Arts Centre’s weekly Silver Screenings, proudly supported by Specsavers Connswater, give older audiences the chance to reminisce about previous trips to the cinema before watching a classic film.

Check out the full line-up www.strandartscentre.com Forthcoming titles include Gentlemen Prefer Blondes, The Apartment, Agatha Christie’s Evil Under the Sun, and Doris Day musical Calamity Jane.

Minors Club: Generations of families have been through the doors of the Strand and it has kept this link with its past with the Saturday morning Minors Club.

These free film screenings are followed by creative workshops in arts and crafts, music, dance and storytelling. In March; My Father’s Chair, a performance by Stephen Beggs about the nature of fatherhood, a relaxed Belfast Children’s Festival screening of Babies (with babes in arms welcome!) and a CineCycle event encouraging

families to bike their way to the Strand to watch The Goonies.

Live on Stage: Once a variety theatre, the Strand still presents events live on stage.

The perennially popular Elvis Spectacular returns with Ciaran Houlihan, his band and the Sweet Sensations. Rosemary Jenkinson’s new play May the Road Rise Up is a comedy rollercoaster about a woman who resolves to live life to the full. Polish drama company Abroad Way Theatre presents a modern day adaptation of The Little Prince for ages 15 plus.

And there will be a live dance performance on stage prior to a party night screening of 80s classic Footloose.

Festivals and Special Events: To mark Holocaust Memorial Day, the Strand will screen acclaimed drama Denial starring Timothy Spall and Rachel Weisz.

And NI Science Festival will enlighten moviegoers with two documentaries – The Last Man on the Moon about Apollo astronaut Eugene Cernan, and Bodysong, a BAFTA-winning representation of the human experience. Plus lots more! If all of this doesn’t make for a busy enough programme, there are also weekly chess, yoga and performing arts classes, plus monthly literature events and heritage tours of the building. And you can hire the Strand for your very own private screening.

East Belfast Cadets Have Honoured A Local Hero Of WWI

FUNDING

RESPECT

BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE STUDENTS ELIA MORROW AND AIMEE SMITH JOINED FORCES WITH FELLOW MEMBERS OF THE CAMPBELL COLLEGE COMBINED CADET FORCE, TOBY HOPKINSON AND JACK GAULT, TO TACKLE THE EXERCISE … AND WHAT THEY DISCOVERED MOVED, EDUCATED AND INSPIRED THEM.

“

JACK GAULT CADET CORPORAL

A Strandtastic line-up of movies and more have unveiled for the upcoming season at your local arts centre.

GET INVOLVED

A challenge to find out more about the history of World War I by researching stories of ‘local heroes’ has proved an inspiration to four East Belfast teenagers.

Robert must have been thrown into unimaginable situations.

Trench warfare was grim and, on many occasions, he would have been fighting battles while surrounded by dead and dying men. All that when he was just 20 – not much older than we are.

HEADLINES

T

Pictured showing off the certificates marking their participation in the research challenge & holding the sword which once belonged to their ‘Local Hero’ - are, from left, Cadet Elia Morrow (14), Cadet Petty Officer Toby Hopkinson (16) , Cadet Aimee Smith (14) and Cadet Corporal Jack Gault (15).

hey chose as their ‘Local Hero’ 2nd Lieutenant Robert Wallace McConnell, a Campbell College ‘old boy’ who served and died in the Great War. The son of Rev James McConnell and Annie Duffield-McConnell, Robert was born and grew up at Mont Royal at Bloomfield in East Belfast, attending Campbell College where he proved himself to be an able and popular student before moving on to study English at Queen’s University. Robert, known as ‘Bob’ to friends and family, joined the Queen’s Training Corps and, on 21 February 1915, became a Lieutenant of the 10th Battalion The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment. Much of his life was

closely connected with the Megain Memorial Church of the Nazarene on the Newtownards Road – indeed, as the Cadets were to discover, Robert brought his sword there, to ceremoniously dedicate it, and his military service, to God. What Robert could not have known was that, a short time later, his name would be added to the Scroll of Honour in that church, following his death under machine-gun fire at Suniyet in Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq). Today his name is also recorded on the memorial at Basra, Iraq and he is remembered at Campbell College.

Cadet Corporal Jack Gault says, “Bob’s military career was short and dramatic. From his arrival in Gallipoli in 1915, and his service there and in Egypt, to his death in Mesopotamia in 1916, Robert must have been thrown into unimaginable situations. Trench

warfare was grim and, on many occasions, he would have been fighting battles while surrounded by dead and dying men. All that when he was just 20 – not much older than we are.”

Cadet Chief Petty Officer Toby Hopkinson adds, “Many of the officers, like Bob, were young and inexperienced, so they really had to draw on their inner strength and courage and prove their leadership qualities in the most difficult of circumstances. Research gave me a real admiration for them and a much better understanding of what it really meant to serve in The Great War.” Cadet Elia Morrow says “We had studied World War 1 in school, plus we do some military history in the Cadets, so we already knew a bit about the war and about some of Northern Ireland’s famous World War 1 heroes. Looking more closely at Bob’s life and death

however, made us really think about the real people behind all the facts and figures.”

Cadet Aimee Smith agrees, “Bob grew up on the Newtownards Road and went to Campbell, then on to study at Queen’s … he probably had the same sort of dreams and ambitions that we do … those facts alone helped us to identify with him, but the more we discovered, the more we liked and admired him. He felt like a friend. His story was just one of the many tragedies of World War 1, but it gave us insight into what the huge losses from that dreadful war actually meant in personal terms. We will never take history for granted again, for this has taught us to look behind the statistics.”

The information accumulated in the research will now become an important learning resource for others in the Cadet movement.

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10 TEAMWORK

ASG & Partners has announced a new partnership with Dublin-based PR and social media agency, Elevate PR.

“ We have worked alongside Emma and the team at Elevate on a number of PR projects over the past 10 years, and have found their values and ambitions similar to ours VICKI CADDY DIRECTOR OF PR AT ASG & PARTNERS

FUNDRAISING

East Belfast Mission (EBM) is reflecting on the success of its recent fundraising concert with Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC).

“ BCGC brought a lot of joy to the Mission through their performance.

It was heartwarming to see young and old alike getting involved ANDREW IRVINE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER OF EBM, TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE WORK OF EAST BELFAST MISSION, INCLUDING THE HOSFORD HOMELESSNESS SERVICE, VISIT WWW.EBM.ORG.UK/ OR CALL INTO THE SKAINOS CENTRE (213 NEWTOWNARDS ROAD) TO SPEAK TO A MEMBER OF THE TEAM.

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

HEADLINES

East Belfast Advertising And Marketing Agency’s New Partnership STRATEGY

THIS DEVELOPMENT COMES AS PART OF ASG’S ONGOING STRATEGY TO ESTABLISH A UNIQUE SET OF PARTNERSHIPS WITH A RANGE OF SPECIALISTS IN MARKETING SERVICES, TO OFFER CLIENTS OF BOTH COMPANIES AN ENHANCED AND COMPREHENSIVE SERVICE.

A

SG, a leading player in the Northern Ireland marketing and communications business for over 35 years, has established partnerships with a number of other specialists in digital marketing, app development, website user experience and digital advertising.

Elevate PR, founded in 2001 by Emma Kelly, is one of Dublin’s leading independent agencies specialising in consumer PR,

influencer marketing, social media and event management with an impressive stable of brands in sectors including retail, design, fashion, technology, food, drinks, hospitality and personal care.

Director of PR at ASG & Partners, Vicki Caddy said: “In a world where communications is constantly changing, we are working hard to offer our clients an unrivalled and tightknit network of best-in-class specialists, and with Brexit on the horizon, and the obvious impact it

(l-r), Sasha McKnight (Deputy Head of PR) and Vicki Caddy (Director of PR) from ASG & Partners and Claire Feely (Director of Client Services) and Emma Kelly (Managing Director) at Elevate PR.

will have on business across the Island of Ireland, our partnership with Elevate will further strengthen our offering, both here and in the Republic.

“We have worked alongside Emma and the team at Elevate on a number of PR projects over the past 10 years, and have found their values and ambitions similar to ours. They are fresh and forward-thinking and, led by

their in-depth consumer insights, they excel at developing clever strategies and thoughtful executions that deliver first-class results on behalf of their clients.” Emma Kelly, Manager Director of Elevate PR said: “We see a big opportunity with an all-island approach for brands and organisations going forward, especially with the uncertainty of Brexit. There is great synergy between the approach of both

East Belfast Mission ‘Raise The Roof’ At The Skainos Centre

Knit & Chat @ DUNDONA LD METHODIST CHURCH

COMMUNITY

HOSTED AT THE SKAINOS CENTRE ON THE NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, THE HOME OF EAST BELFAST MISSION, THE PERFORMANCE FEATURED OVER 50 SINGERS FROM NORTHERN IRELAND’S FIRST AND ONLY MULTICULTURAL GOSPEL CHOIR – WITH AUDIENCE MEMBERS ENCOURAGED TO TAKE PART THROUGHOUT THE EVENING.

C

hief Executive Officer of EBM, Andrew Irvine, said: “BCGC brought a lot of joy to the Mission through their performance. It was heart-warming to see young and old alike getting involved – and I would like to say a special thank-you to Marie and the singers for their hard work and dedication both ahead and during the concert. At EBM, we aim to lift people in need out of homelessness or unemployment through our wide range of support services, which extend far beyond a safe place to sleep for the night. After the concert seems an apt time to reflect on the importance of the work of our Hosford Homelessness Service, which will be supported by ticket sales. For over 20 years, the Hosford team have helped service users to develop social networks, improve their

confidence and self-esteem through new skills, and increase their independence and ability to maintain a home. This would not be possible without support from The House Executive and the local community.”

EBM, which is part of the Methodist Church, also funds its work though a number of social economy businesses.

From 12 Restore charity shops, the Refresh Café, and Bright Sparks day care nursery to East Belfast Social Enterprise. Of the evening, Director of BCGC, Marie Lacey said: “As I grew up on the Newtownards Road, the performance at the Skainos Centre was very close to my heart.

The team at East Belfast Mission carry out life-saving work in our community – and it was an honour to be able to support the charity by bringing the message of love, joy and peace through our music.”

agencies and we collaborate well.

Belfast and Dublin are two dynamic, inspiring cities and the time is right for us to work in partnership with ASG. As we increasingly focus on an influencer first model of communication, we are excited to work with ASG to build relationships with trailblazers and thought leaders both north and south.” www.asgandpartners.com www.elevate.ie

Top: Belfast Community Gospel Choir. Middle: Gary Robb (Skainos Centre & Development Manager), Marie Lacey (Director of Belfast Community Gospel Choir), The Revd. Robin Waugh (East Belfast Mission Superintendent) and Andrew Irvine (Chief Executive Officer at East Belfast Mission). Bottom: Back Row, L-R: The Revd. Andrew Boucher (Methodist Minister at East Belfast Mission), Marcus Campbell (BCGC Choir Member), Nathan Donnell (BCGC Choir Member), Daniel Diffin (BCGC Choir Member), Marie Lacey (Director of Belfast Community Gospel Choir), Paula Hamilton (BCGC Choir Member) and Anna Callan (BCGC Choir Member). Front Row, L-R: Kathryn Willis (BCGC Choir Member), Gary Robb (Skainos Centre & Development Manager), Joanne McClelland (BCGC Choir Member), The Revd. Robin Waugh (East Belfast Mission Superintendent) and Andrew Irvine (Chief Executive Officer at East Belfast Mission).

'KNIT & CHAT' at Dundonald Methodist Church is continuing to knit for Premature Babies for various hospitals including Altnagelvin, Antrim, Daisy Hill, Royal Victoria, Ulster and, have added to their list, knee blankets for Care Homes (by request).

As well as Knitting, just as the title suggests, there is a great deal of 'Chat' too and not forgetting the usual 'Cuppa'. Last September we increased our membership considerably and all are enjoying the fellowship.

If you would like to give a few hours alternate Wednesdays to Knit for worthy causes or just to enjoy the 'Chat' come along to Dundonald Merthodist Church(Rank Road) on Wednesday, 17th January, 2018, 2pm-4pm and you will be sure of a warm welcome.

Wool and needles are provided.

11

YOUR LOCAL SLIMMING WORLD GROUP

A FANTASTIC SUCCESS STORY FROM YOUR LOCAL EAST BELFAST SLIMMING WORLD GROUP

TEAMWORK

Clare Sheridan does not know what she weighs, only that she is now four stone lighter than she was this time last year and is feeling better about herself than she has done for a long time.

“ I couldn’t have managed it with the fantastic support of Ashleigh, as she really does care, and the social aspect, support and the friendliness of the other members.

CLARE SHERIDAN

W

hen the mum of a 10-year-old son took the brave step to lose weight by joining her local Braniel Slimming World club last May, she couldn’t face to learn exactly how much her weight had spiralled out of control. Throughout last year with Ashleigh’s Slimming World club, she was weighed ‘blind’ in that she was never told her actual weight, just the amount she had lost that week.

A self-confessed comfort eater, Clare found that the extra pounds

that by wearing bigger clothes, it would help hide my size, but it doesn’t,” stresses Clare.

“I just feel absolutely brilliant again, inside and out, and the difference in my self-confidence is amazing as there were days when I didn’t want to be seen by the public.

“Perhaps by February, I will want to know what I weigh to set my final target but being weighed SUCCESS blind has really worked for me.

ASHLEIGH SHAW RUNS HER GILNAHIRK AND BRANIEL SLIMMING WORLD CLUBS FROM EVERY “And for me, I couldn’t have WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY RESPECTIVELY. SHE SHARES WITH THE LOOP THE SUCCESS STORY OF managed it with the fantastic HER MEMBER WHO MANAGED TO ACHIEVE A FOUR-STONE LOSS JUST BEFORE THE START OF 2018. support of Ashleigh, as she really does care, and the social aspect, Ashleigh Shaw who runs the Gilnahirk and Braniel support and the friendliness of the Slimming World clubs is pictured with Claire other members.”

Sheridan as she shares her amazing story Ashleigh congratulated Clare on her weight loss, and added: “I’m always bowled over by my steadily piled on as she helped of the window for me. I could see that I needed to spend the extra members’ success and clare care for her father Sam McMillan time I know had getting myself the weight was piling on, but I looks absolutely fabulous, through his last days of living with couldn’t have dealt with it at that sorted out. but importantly is healthier Alzheimer’s. time as I couldn’t have coped with “I decided that I needed to face “If anything goes wrong at all, or the music and join Slimming World and happier. Clare is always anything else at that time.

I feel emotional, I look to food, “After my father died at the age of and I was never so anxious about supporting, motivating and encouraging other members in rather than turning away from it,” 79, I was not feeling well from the walking through those doors to group - this is great to see! says Clare. pressure of looking after him, my start the journey.”

“You are very welcome to come “I had been looking after my busy full-time job and looking after Clare, who works as a deputy along to one of our groups! Learn father at home with my mother my family. I went to the doctor and registrar with Ards and North how to lose weight the extra easy Margaret until he passed away found that my blood pressure was Down Council, has gone from a last March, and I was just on such through the roof. size 22 to fitting into size 14 jeans way, while being encouraged, motivated and supported every a rollercoaster of emotions with now and recently won the Miss “My family history with heart single step of the way! There are everything that was going on. attacks and strokes is not so good Slinky award for weight loss at no strangers here, only friends you “Thinking sensibly about food, or so the doctor was concerned her club. have yet to meet” planning what I ate, was just out about me. After Dad died, I knew “Like many people, I thought

Next month Dundonald mum Natalie Gordon, winner of the Miss Slinky award from Ashleigh Shaw’s Gilnahirk Slimming World Club, tells how she lost six stone in just eight months. To join Ashleigh’s Gilnahirk club at Gilnahirk Baptist Church (Wednesdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm) or at Braniel Church (Thursdays at 5.30pm and 7.30pm). For more information, ring Ashleigh Shaw on 07731 420680.

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12

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

ashwoodvets.com

WARNING : RECENT CASES OF DOG LUNGWORM IN EAST BELFAST BEWARE

Ashwood Vets have seen cases of the deadly parasite of dogs. Here is some crucial info.

“ O

By Patrick McKee

Dogs become infected with lungworm by ingesting slugs, snails or frogs, or even by licking up the slimy trail they leave behind them.

ur furry canine friends are great at investigating - their amazing sense of smell is 40 times greater than ours.

But this means that they spend much of the day sniffing and licking things, including things they shouldn’t. When dogs lick or eat objects, leaves or food which a slug or snail has contacted, they are unknowingly dicing with a potentially deadly bleeding disease known as lungworm.

Lungworm, (Angiostrongylus vasorum) is a deadly parasite of dogs which

occurs in Northern Ireland. In fact at Ashwood Dundonald, we have seen a local lungworm case as recently as December 2017.

Dogs become infected with lungworm by ingesting slugs, snails or frogs, or even by licking up the slimy trail they leave behind them. The lungworm larvae hatch in the dog’s guts and chew their way wreaking silent havoc through the organs until they reach the heart and lungs, causing breathing difficulty and uncontrolled bleeding into the chest and abdomen.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: A Corgi sniffing a slug / Lungworm in Foxes / Lungworm heart /Llungworm lung patology

If left untreated these internal parasites can cause serious illness and even death. If you notice your four legged friend coughing, becoming lethargic, going off their food, or any sign of bleeding anywhere, get in touch with us straight away. Please note that none of the dog worming treatments in supermarkets or pet shops are effective against lungworm. You need

treatment for lungworm, and we’d love to advise you too, or check out any concerns you have with your pet.

Just give me a shout on Patrick@ ashwoodvets.com Or give Kelly a call at reception on 028 90 419374. Or swing by the clinic to say Hi, we love folks calling in for a chat. With warm regards, Patrick

a veterinary treatment containing the ingredients milbemycin or moxidectin.

If we or you are suspicious of lungworm in your pet, a new blood test has become available. It quickly and reliably determines if your pet has active lungworm infection, in which case urgent treatment would be important. All members of our Ashwood family are advised regular

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14 EBIAC

East Belfast Independent Advice Centre offers advice on Welfare benefits, Tax Credits, Housing, Employment and Debt

“ In EBIAC, we are trained in Social Security and can advise you of any entitlements that you might have.

We can help you to make the claim by helping you to complete forms.

HEADLINES

THE LATEST HEADLINES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY AND BEYOND

Four Million Families Miss Out On £12.4 Billion In Unclaimed Social Security...

you of any entitlements that you might have. We can help you to make the claim by helping you to complete forms. If you are housebound, we can do a home visit to help you. The service is free, confidential and fully independent. If you have applied for Social Security in the past and been unsuccessful, it is still worth discussing your case INCOME with a member of our staff. If IN THE UK IN 2015-16, AN ESTIMATED £12.4 BILLION IN SOCIAL SECURITY WENT UNCLAIMED BY 4 you have had a letter about your MILLION FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS. benefits or received a form and you do not know where to turn benefits due to TV programmes ocial Security is part of meet. Another reason why people to, then please get in touch. such as, “Benefits Street,” and the Welfare State that do not claim is that they are EBIAC Advisers are also aware of negative stories about people the British Government unaware that they might have an other services in the community on benefits in the newspapers. introduced in the 1940s entitlement. Many pensioners, that you might benefit from. We The right to Social Security is a and also includes free families and individuals may understand that some people are human right. Working and nonhealthcare. It exists to provide be suffering financial hardship really struggling in our community working people have the right to and are not claiming what they a safety net and to ensure that and we would like to help you. claim Social Security. Wages in people have sufficient income. are entitled to; let us help you Just get in touch, it does not cost Northern Ireland have not been Research shows that one of the by providing you with a benefit anything. reasons why people do not claim rising as fast as living costs with check.

East Belfast Independent Advice Social Security is because of the the result that many people are In EBIAC, we are trained in Centre offers advice on Welfare finding it harder to make ends stigma associated with claiming Social Security and can advise benefits, Tax Credits, Housing,

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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 (Appointments required for Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment and Attendance Allowance forms) Outreach Clinics Mondays, 9.30 to 12.30 Lagan Village Youth and Community Centre, Ballarat St. Call 90456993 to make an appointment.

Wednesdays, 9.30 to 12.30 Short Strand Community Centre (Drop in) Would you like to Volunteer as an Adviser with EBIAC and make a real difference in your community? We provide full training including externally accredited training. Please contact Gerard Morgan for info.

East Belfast Independent Advice Centre, 55 Templemore Avenue, Belfast BT5 4NT, Telephone 028 90 735690

Castlecourt Opens New Facilities For Disabled People In NI

“ We’re delighted to be able to offer this new facility and hope it will have a positive impact on many people with disabilities, their family and carers.”

PAUL MCMAHON CENTRE DIRECTOR FOR CASTLECOURT

IN BRIEF

A round up of some local community news and initiatives

SUPPORT

THE CHANGING PLACES CONSORTIUM HAS WELCOMED NEW, FULLY ACCESSIBLE TOILET FACILITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH PROFOUND DISABILITIES THAT HAVE BEEN INSTALLED AT CASTLECOURT SHOPPING CENTRE.

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astleCourt is the first shopping centre in Northern Ireland to have a Changing Places facility installed with most others located in public buildings such as leisure centres and town halls. The new toilets, which represent a significant investment by the owners are

wheelchair accessible and offer a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling track hoist, and plenty of space for carers. It is hoped the addition will significantly help people with disabilities and their carers to be able to get out more with the confidence that there are

adequate toilet facilities nearby.

According to Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Changing Places Consortium, over a quarter of a million people with severe disabilities need access to Changing Places facilities. These toilets provide a safe and clean environment for users to use the toilet in a safe, clean and dignified manner.

Without Changing Places toilets, many thousands of disabled people, their families and carers, are denied equal

access to the services that most people take for granted. Paul McMahon, Centre Director for CastleCourt said: “The new Changing Places facilities are an important addition to CastleCourt and is part of our centre’s commitment to being accessible to everyone. We have listened to feedback from customers and fully understand that standard disabled toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability. We’re delighted to be able to offer this new facility and

hope it will have a positive impact on many people with disabilities, their family and carers.”

To be registered as a Changing Places toilet it must include the right equipment; offer enough space; and provide a safe and clean environment. It is estimated that there are around 250,000 people in the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

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DOG FRIENDLY BELFAST PLANS MOVE TO OPEN UP LOCATIONS IN THE CITY

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£30,000 WORTH OF SUPPORT IS UP FOR GRABS FOR CHARITIES WHO WANT TO USE DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY TO HELP THE PEOPLE THEY SUPPORT.

uilding Change Trust is offering £30,000 worth of support through their Techies in Residence to charities and social enterprises who need technical expertise, training and support to help them develop new digital technology platforms and products to address social problems. Previous recipients of the scheme have included the NOW Project, who worked with Creative Metrics to develop a digital prototype of their JAM (Just a Minute) card which is used by people with a learning disability to help them communicate that they need a bit more time in daily transactions. Paul Braithwaite from Building Change Trust said: “There are so many great charities and social enterprises across Northern Ireland who would love the time and support to think creatively about how they can have even greater impact on the lives of their service users. Meanwhile the digital technology sector in Northern Ireland is thriving, but the two rarely come together. Techies in Residence is about to combining the creative energy and technical knowledge of digital technology professionals with the social know-how and values of the community and voluntary sector to create tangible benefits for people and communities facing a whole range of challenges.”www.socialinnovationni.org

PLANS TO MAKE BELFAST A MORE DOG FRIENDLY CITY HAVE MOVED A STEP CLOSER, THANKS TO ALLIANCE COUNCILLOR EMMET MCDONOUGH BROWN. etails of an opt-in badge scheme – supported by hospitality Ulster were recently revealed.

Councillor Emmet McDonough Brown said: “I’m delighted to see the backing I have received, for an idea that came to the fore when I made one of my better decisions and became a dog owner. It’s fantastic to see how far this report has progressed already and ultimately I want to see a badging scheme fully implemented at the end of this process. Taking this project to the next stage will allow the Council to have more engagement on this issue, ahead of rolling out the opt in badge scheme, including educating local businesses on how they can avail of the scheme and the methods they have at their disposal to promote it. There is a real community that exists amongst dog owners – something Seb and I have enjoyed exploring - and coupled with the physical benefits to a more active lifestyle and mental wellbeing, it’s clear this move will have a major impact on the daily interaction many dog owners experience.

I want to thank hospitality Ulster for backing the scheme and for the work they will put in to promoting it alongside the Council. Dogs bring companionship, comfort and joy to many; let’s make it easier for owners to enjoy everything Belfast has to offer.”

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HISTORY

16

JAN 18•#36

Looking Back

BY OUR INCREDIBLE LOCAL HISTORIAN AIDAN CAMPBELL. WHAT HE DOESN’T KNOW ABOUT EAST BELFAST, SIMPLY ISN’T WORTH KNOWING.

“

2. COURTESY OF SHEILA HUNTER

1. COURTESY OF BRIAN WILSON

3. COURTESY OF MAUREEN DIBBLE

6. COURTESY OF BETTY JACKSON 4. COURTESY OF JOHN THOMSON

I think of the words of the old Roy Rogers song: ‘A four-legged friend, he’ll never let you down, he’s honest and faithful right up to the end, that wonderful one-twothree-four-legged friend

Aidan Campbell

GI D DY UP!

5. COURTESY OF VICTOR CORRIE

In my childhood days at Woodvale in the early 1960s there was still the odd horse-drawn (or donkey-drawn) vehicle on the roads. Most of the delivery men that visited our house such as the milkman, breadman and coalman were all mechanised but I can recall the rag and bone man who continued to make use of a horse to pull his cart. I remember it standing quietly chomping with its nose in a bag. But what about horses in East Belfast?

1. MICKEY MARLEY’S ROUNDABOUT It is a sunny day at Gibson Park in 1970. Mickey Marley’s roundabout is the centre piece of this view and the main attraction at the Northern Dairies staff sports day and family open day. There was plenty to entertain the crowd including a fancy dress parade, sideshows and of course free Dale Farm ice-cream.

A common sight in Belfast for many years, Mickey Marley would tour the streets of Belfast with his horse Joey which is in the foreground. When he retired he sold the roundabout to the Ulster Folk and Transport Museum.

Mickey Marley is the figure to the right wearing a white jacket and dark hat. He died in 2005.

2. ALFIE GORMAN Alfie Gorman, left with Tommy Rutherford centre and Lady the mare. Alfie was well-known where

he lived at Gilnahirk and this picture was taken in 1960 at stables on Sammy Davidson’s lane, Gilnahirk (now the site of St. Patrick’s College).

Billy Morrison and Rosie Woods are on the trailer and Kim is the dog to the front. Alfie had two Clydesdale horses called Darky and Foley and one of them is in the stable in the background.

3. CHERRYVALLEY ARP ‘Man-power’ and not a horse in sight as Cherryvalley ARP (Air Raid Precaution) wardens, front left James Dibble and right Leslie Jagoe pull a Slingsby handcart in 1940 as they collect scrap metal for the war effort. Cherryvalley ARP Post 457 was located at 3 Cherryvalley Gardens during the Second World War. Previously the ARP Post had been located at 28 Gilnahirk Road in retail premises (now occupied by Cherryvalley Home Bakery) before

moving to Cherryvalley Gardens on 4th December 1940. As World War 2 entered its final stages the ARP Post was closed on 7th November 1944 and made available for use as a private dwelling once again.

4. DONKEY & CART This old photograph of the Belmont Road looks out of town from Gelston’s Corner. Notice the wee donkey pulling the cart in the middle of the scene and the man alongside posing for the camera. The electric tram traction poles in sight indicate a time after 1906 and the absence of mechanised road traffic suggests preWW1. Not many shops at Strandtown in those days as most of the buildings seem to be of a residential type. The wall and hedges to the immediate left belong to a large dwelling called ‘Sydenham House’ which disappears in the Belfast Street Directory after 1907.

5. AGNES CAMPBELL Agnes Campbell and her father John Campbell (pictured) lived at Ballymagarrick townland near Carryduff. The location of this 1920s photograph is on the Saintfield Road heading out of Belfast at ‘The Inns’, Newtownbreda. The road in the background, then called The Inns Hill is now known as Newton Park and the metal structure on the corner is a horse watering trough which was still there in the 1950s. On the side it had the letters printed ‘U.S.P.C.A.’ and a man on his way from Belfast market with his horse and cart stopped here every Friday so that his thirsty horse could get a drink. Agnes later married Robert Bamford (whose family would later own a bakery near here) and

they ran a dairy farm in the locality.

The cattle were kept in fields, now built over at Newton Park.

6. ONE HORSE POWER Ernie Camlin published this photo of Billy McCrea in 1965. He explained that milkman Billy loved horses and kept his horse and cart long after it was uneconomic to do so although he did eventually change to a motor van. For years he cycled a couple of miles each morning from home (Sandown Road) to the pastures on Barnett’s Road where he kept his mare ‘June’ until she died of old age.

They were a familiar sight in the area.

A newspaper article published shortly after June’s death described her as ‘a wise, friendly and lovable animal’.

Aidan Campbell has previously published 13 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont, East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2, Ballymacarrett and Castlereagh Updated. Also on South Belfast, Newtownbreda and on Greater Belfast, Belfast Through Time. He regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice, Hamilton News Cregagh and EastSide Visitor Centre, Connswater with profits donated to local charity. There are more books in the pipeline! Book sales online at: www.eastbelfasthistory.com

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THE ARTS

18

JAN 18•#36

On The Scene

YOUNG PEOPLE FROM ACROSS NORTHERN IRELAND HAVE BEEN ENCOURAGED TO GET MORE INVOLVED IN MUSIC WITH THE HELP OF BELFAST HARBOUR AND THEIR SUPPORT OF OH YEAH MUSIC CENTRE’S URBAN AFFINITY PROGRAMME.

A

lmost 70 young people, aged from 16-24 years old, attended the oneday Urban Affinity event which included a series of interactive taster sessions and workshops. From DJing, podcasting, radio presenting, studio recording and music production through to music related work like photography as well as advice on pathways into music. The youthfocused day, which was targeted at young people in need of employment, education or training, culminated in a session with guest speaker, Robyn Steward, an inspiring young woman living with Autism and making music, writing books, speaking at conferences and working with young people.Jenni Barkley, Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager at Belfast Harbour, said: “Supporting young people to become more involved in community outreach is extremely important to Belfast

R E -V I S I O N I N G MARNIE Pictured with Charlotte Dryden, CEO of the Oh Yeah Centre and Charlene Hegarty, Talent Development and Projects Coordinator are attendees from youth groups across Northern Ireland.

“Are you still in the mood for killing?”

Marnie Edgar

BELFAST HARBOUR SUPPORTS YOUNG PEOPLE WITH URBAN MUSIC EVENT

HANDS ON : DJing, podcasting, radio presenting, studio recording, music production & photography Harbour, and music is an excellent method of achieving this. Oh Yeah Music Centre has been delivering fantastic events and programmes in Belfast for ten years and we are delighted to be able to support them in the work they do with young people in the community.

“The Urban Affinity event was another positive programme of workshops and sessions which focused on working with hard to reach young people who

are often excluded for a range of reasons or are in need of employment, training or education opportunities, and we are proud to have been part of this outreach activity.”

Charlotte Dryden, Chief Executive at Oh Yeah Music Centre, commented on the importance of Belfast Harbour’s support: “Sponsorship and funding is vital to the future of events such as Urban Affinity and we simply wouldn’t be able to deliver them without the

( l-r) Lia Ca mp bell (19); Jacob Ashby -Glynne (19); Lisa Howe Film Ma nager, Crea tive Skillset, a Cinemagic funder; Alderma n Jim Rodgers OB E, B elfas t City Counc il; D eputy Lord Mayor of B elfas t, Counc illor Sonia Cop ela nd; Ma rc Mallet, awa rds hos t a nd Cinemagic pa tron; Joa n Burney -Kea tings , Ch ief executive, Cinemagic ; Krizzah Polica rp io (18); Lauren Dallas (20); Cinemagic volunteer Ma rlene Croc kett from Finaghy, South B elfas t.

CINEMAGIC SPIRIT AWARD WINNERS ANNOUNCED ENCORE: Well done to all the local winners of these fantastic awards

WINNERS INCLUDE LAUREN DALLAS (20) FROM EAST BELFAST (ATTENDS FALMOUTH UNIVERSITY IN ENGLAND) AND KRIZZAH POLICARPIO (18) FROM EAST BELFAST (A STUDENT AT ASHFIELD GIRLS’ HIGH SCHOOL, EAST BELFAST)

T

he inaugural Cinemagic Spirit Awards Showcase took place recently at Odyssey Cinemas Belfast. It celebrated the work that has taken place through a series of trainee programmes that Cinemagic, a film festival for young people, has delivered in Northern Ireland throughout 2016 and 2017.

An exhibition by Rachel Lawell Inspired by the Alfred Hitchcock film Thursday 11th January to Sat 3rd February

Speaking at the showcase event Joan Burney-Keatings, Chief Executive, Cinemagic said: “There is such a wealth of talent and innovation in our young people and it’s important that we take time out to reflect on and acknowledge their achievements.

Positive encouragement is critical in any career path and knowing that

people believe in you and that they want you to be the best that you can be, helps break through barriers. The Cinemagic Spirit Awards Showcase event is all about the young people and their talent. I feel so very honoured and proud when I see what they have achieved.”

Mrs Burney-Keatings adds: “This year

support of organisations such as Belfast Harbour who have been committed to investing in building and developing communities. We are thrilled Belfast Harbour has been able to support us in this latest programme and we are confident it has had a positive impact on the young people involved.”

Urban Affinity was part of the Sound of Belfast Festival which included live gigs, music industry, awards, learning & community.

Cinemagic celebrated its 28th Festival, hosting workshops, film screenings from around the world and industry talent labs with BAFTA and Oscarwinning hosts. It’s been a really busy six weeks of fantastic activity.

“Cinemagic is grateful for the support of their funders and sponsors but also the young people who come through their doors. Forever inspired by their enthusiasm, commitment, spirit and overall ‘can do’ attitude we wanted to recognise this with the Cinemagic Spirit Awards “ The winners are: Lauren Dallas (20) from east Belfast and attends Falmouth University in England. · Krizzah Policarpio (18) from east Belfast and a student at Ashfield Girls’ High School, Belfast. · Lia Campbell (19) from Newtownards, and attends IADT in Dun Laoighaire, Dublin. · Jacob Ashby-Glynne from Bangor (19) and attends SERC (South Eastern Regional College) · And volunteer Marlene Crockett from Finaghy, South Belfast.

For more information visit www.cinemagic.org.uk

H

itchcock’s 1964 masterpiece ‘Marnie’ comes off the silver screen in this dynamic new exhibition

by Rachel Lawell. Rachel is highly intrigued with the Hollywood film scene of the 1960s era; her inspiration for this exhibition derives from Alfred Hitchcock’s production of Marnie (1964). Here, she has selected a colour palette that works in relation to the time frame she is observing, and that coincides with the film production quality of that particular era.

Rachel graduated in fine art from Ulster University in 2016 and in September 2017, she gained an MA at Queens University Belfast in Film and Visual Studies to further develop her practice as a painter and an artist.

The exhibition runs at the ArtisAnn Gallery in Belfast from Thursday 11th January to Saturday 3rd February 2018 Admission is free. All art is available to buy, and may be collected/delivered after the exhibition ends.

ArtisAnn Gallery 70 Bloomfield Avenue, BT5 5AE mail@artisann.org www.artisann.org Gallery Opening Hours Tue – Fri: 11am to 6pm Saturday: Noon to 5pm

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THE ARTS

20

JAN 18•#36

On The Scene

EASTSIDE ARTS EastSide Arts’ mission is to “Inspire EastSide residents and visitors by celebrating east Belfast, nurturing creative talent and delivering excellent programmes and events.”

They do this through the delivery of the EastSide Arts Festival, C.S. Lewis Festival and year-round programme of creative engagement in the east Belfast community. eastsidearts.net

An intercultural arts programme exploring the theme of food and its role in different communities has been launched in east Belfast.

“

The success and sell-out of The HOME project created an opportunity for a range of indigenous and new communities living and working in east Belfast to express their culture and heritage through arts as well as develop skills to help break down barriers and engage in a creative way.

Jacqueline O’Hagan,

Community Arts Co-ordinator from EastSide Arts

EastSideArtsBel

Holly Ann Korkis emerging artist, Andrea Montgomery from Terra Nova Productions, Clinton Kirkpatrick artist mentor, Robert Ireson emerging artist and Jacqueline O’Hagan from EastSide Arts.

FOOD FOR THOUGHT AS NEW EASTSIDE ARTS PROGRAMME IS LAUNCHED

TERRA NOVA PRODUCTIONS Based in East Belfast, and currently celebrating their tenth birthday, Terra Nova Productions is Northern Ireland’s only professional theatre company to place intercultural work at their core. Their mission is “to create excellent theatre where different cultures meet, people explore and the world is changed.” terranovaproductions.net

THE HOME PR OJEC T 2: FOOD FOR THOUGHT A collaboration between EastSide Arts and intercultural theatre company Terra Nova Productions, follows the successful HOME project which, earlier this year, featured sold out theatre, music and dance performances at the Crescent Arts Centre based around the question “What does home mean to you?”

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Raissa Magne emerging artist, Andrea Montgomery from Terra Nova Productions and Jacqueline O’Hagan from EastSide Arts.

he HOME Project 2: Food for Thought is a four month programme which will give four emerging artists involved in performance and visual art the opportunity to engage with four local community groups to develop new art work based on the theme of food. This project is funded by Belfast City Council Good Relations unit and the Executive Office Central Good Relations. Through mentoring, masterclasses and workshops the artists will create or display a new piece of intercultural art, inspired by the stories, lives and experiences of the community groups. The performances will be showcased in March 2018 to an invited audience and will include homemade food and

a post-show discussion.

Jacqueline O’Hagan, Community Arts Co-ordinator from EastSide Arts said: “ We are delighted to launch The HOME Project 2: Food For Thought in collaboration with Terra Nova Productions. The success and sell-out of The HOME project created an opportunity for a range of indigenous and new communities living and working in east Belfast to express their culture and heritage through arts as well as develop skills to help break down barriers and engage in a creative way. The HOME Project 2: Food For Thought will very much continue with this ethos. We look forward to watching the journey of the 4 artists as they work with the community groups to develop their performances for the showcase in March.”

Director of Terra Nova Productions, Andrea Montgomery added: “ The HOME Project 2: Food For Thought is a very exciting collaboration with EastSide Arts.

Building on The HOME project we have yet another fantastic opportunity to provide discussion and debate issues affecting everyone within the diverse and intercultural communities living and working in east Belfast.

Through mentoring, workshops and masterclasses each artist will have the opportunity to create engaging and accessible platforms to explore the theme of food with each of the local community groups. We envision that the outcomes will be fascinating, thought provoking and utterly engrossing.”

/// For further info on EastSide Arts and The HOME Project 2: Food for Thought visit www.eastsidearts.net

Foot & Ankle Clinic | www.glengormleyfootcare.co.uk 12

RELIEF AT LAST AFTER TWENTY YEARS OF PAIN

M

My MY name STORYis Mary. My pain started 27 years ago when I was involved My name is Mary. My pain started in a road traffic accident. My left leg 27 years ago I was was so severelywhen injured thatinvolved it had to in aamputated road traffic be at accident... the knee. My right foot was also very badly injured in what is known as a degloving injury.

The pain was unbearable, and this resulted in me having to use high levels of strong pain killers. My mobility was also greatly reduced as my right ankle kept rolling over and locking. My concentration was affected and my confidence when walking was also reduced. Most of my walking was done with a single crutch to give me stability.

I tried different medications which just left me drowsy, I tried physiotherapy and surgery but all were unsuccessful.

I was referred by an Orthopaedic consultant to the Northern Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic who I was told specialised in this type of problem.

David Hallowell the Podiatrist

y left leg was so severely injured that it had to be amputated at the knee. My right foot was also very badly injured in what is known as a degloving injury.

The pain was unbearable, and this resulted in me having to use high levels of strong pain killers. My mobility was also greatly reduced as my right ankle kept rolling over and locking. My concentration was affected and my confidence when examined footMost and ofankle walking was my alsoright reduced. and mapped out what he felt was my walking was done with a single the best way forward. This included crutch stability. havingto give my me shoes modified and Iusing tried different medications a rocker orthotic device

which just left me drowsy, I tried physiotherapy and surgery but all were unsuccessful.

I was referred by an Orthopaedic consultant to the Northern Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic who I was told specialised in this type of problem.

David Hallowell the Podiatrist examined my right foot and ankle and mapped out what he felt was the best way forward. This included having my shoes modified and using a rocker orthotic device for my right shoe to replace the movement that I had lost. He was very positive and for the first time in years I felt there was some hope

Mindfulness Corner

for my right shoe to replace the movement that I had lost. He was very positive and for the first time in years I felt there was some hope of getting an improvement.

Two weeks later my shoes had been modified and I got them fitted. My new shoes and rocker have been very successful. I can now walk much greater distances and have greatly reduced pain. I have been able to stop using the strong pain killers and I no longer use my crutch. My ankle feels really supported and this gives me much greater confidence when walking.

My quality of life has improved immeasurably. The standard of care and expertise at the Foot and Ankle Clinic has been excellent.

Thank you

Rite Price

CARPET & FLOORING SPECIALISTS

Foot and Ankle Clinic’s David Hallowell says: Mary was one of those patients that just wouldn’t give up on her road to recovery. I was really delighted when she arrived for review without her crutch and clearly in a lot less pain than when I had previously seen her. The rocker she uses was originally designed for a patient who had stepped on an IED. The device works well but in Marys case her shoes where not providing enough stability to allow the rocker to work at its optimum and had to be modified.

The shoe modification helped maximise the potential of the rocker as well as providing the increased stability she badly needed. I am very grateful to Mary for allowing us to publish her testimonial.

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Foot and Ankle Clinic’s David Hallowell says: Mary was one of those patients that just wouldn’t give up on her road to recovery. I was really delighted when she arrived for review without her crutch and clearly in a lot less pain than when I had previously seen her.

The rocker she uses was originally designed for a patient who had stepped on an IED. The device works well but in Marys case her shoes where not providing enough stability to allow the rocker to work at its optimum and had to be modified. The shoe modification helped maximise the potential of the rocker as well as providing the increased stability she badly needed. I am very grateful to Mary for allowing us to publish her testimonial.

Those new to mindfulness might ask, “what is mindfulness?”

“Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience.

It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it.”

What does that mean, you may ask in relation to our everyday life.

Let me explain, Mindfulness brings us into the present,right here right now.

Sometimes we find ourselves time travelling, off into the future or ruminating about the past.

Unfortunately our interpretation of the future can be catastrophic and anxiety provoking and we might find ourselves caught up in our story of what might happen.

taste and most of all to be in our gut.

We now know through neuroscien that mindfulness helps us to f awake from our story. The benefits mindfulness practice our as follows: • Reduces stress • Increased immune system • Focus • Attention • Changes the brain in a protecti way.

• Improves our sleep.

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My name is Frank Liddy and I’ve been a student of Mindfulness for some 30 years plus and I’ve been delivering Mindfulness for the last 25 years throughout Northern Ireland across a very wide spectrum.

I hope you enjoy and benefit from City mindfulness and most of all are able to ON 100testimonials SQUARE YARDSfrom • T&C’S APPLY ToBASED read more Foot & Ankle Clinic PER SQUARE YARD integrate Mindfulness into your daily patients visit www.glengormelyfootcare.co.uk life.

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of getting an improvement.

Two weeks later my shoes had been modified and I got them fitted. My new shoes and rocker have been very successful. I can now walk much greater distances and have greatly reduced pain. I have been able to stop using the strong pain killers and I no longer use my crutch. My ankle feels really supported and this gives me much greater confidence when walking.

My quality of life has improved immeasurably. The standard of care and expertise at the Foot and Ankle Clinic has been excellent.

Thank you

21

Mindfulness enables and empowers us to be present to experience this moment for the first time. To come to our senses sight sound smell touch

I wish to leave you with a sho mindfulness practice.

• Take a moment to pause • Notice what’s happening now.

• Where’s your attention right now • Gently bring your attention to yo breath Notice how you breathe N right way No wrong way Notice th quality of your breath this breath • No effort no adjustment.

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SCHOOLS

22

JAN 18•#36

Top Class

Students from Strathearn were among 200 from across Belfast given the opportunity to explore local literature and delve into the story behind a book by Irish author Nicola Pierce, Spirit of the Titanic.

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trathearn School, Malone College, Hazelwood Integrated College and Abbey Community College students all attended the event at the Belfast Harbour Commissioners Office, where they met the author to discuss the novel and the stories of Belfast’s most famous ship which inspired it. Pupils also had the chance to get their own copy of the book signed by the author and ask her about her experience as a writer.

Jenni Barkley, Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager at Belfast Harbour, spoke about the importance of developing young readers; “This is one of many fantastic events we have been able to host alongside BookTrust Northern Ireland

YO U N G R E AD E R S D I V E IN TO TITAN IC B O O K E VE N T

Pictured are students Lucie Maskey, Maddie Twamley and Kathryn Finlay along with Jenni Barkley from Belfast Harbour, author Nicola Pierce, Liz Canning BookTrust NI Manager and Kathy Dunseath from Schools Library Service.

INSIDE TRACK : DELVING INTO THE STORY BEHIND NICOLA PIERCE’S BOOK and it is always so rewarding to see young people engage in literature and find enjoyment from books.

Regular reading helps children of all ages in many aspects of their development and we are committed to helping encourage this as much as possible through our work with local communities and organisations such as BookTrust NI.”

Since Belfast Harbour and BookTrust’s partnership began in 2015, together they have gifted books to 1,300 families with young children as part of ‘Babies Need Books’, as well as giving a custom book to over 1,000 children across Northern Ireland for National BookStart Week, and engaged with 600 post primary school pupils through the ‘Teenage Author Project’.

Liz Canning, Head of BookTrust Northern Ireland said; “We’re delighted to be working with Belfast Harbour and the award-winning author Nichola Pierce. Encouraging children to read for pleasure by sharing stories helps to make reading fun as well as aiding educational development, social skills and emotional growth. Author events such as these go a long way

to inspiring a generation of readers.

Following the success of last year’s campaign, we wanted to continue to encourage children from across Belfast to read, write and engage with their creative side while enjoying the benefits that come from literature.”

The event was the culmination of an exciting literacy project developed

by BookTrust and the Educational Library Service, and supported by Belfast Harbour, to encourage teenagers to engage with books and develop a reading for pleasure habit.

Nicola Pierce, Author, added; “I was so excited to meet the students who have been reading my novel ‘Spirit of the Titanic’, thanks to Belfast Harbour and Book Trust. Of course, it is a Belfast story through and through, narrated by the spirit of fifteen-year-old Samuel Scott who worked and died in Harland & Wolff shipyard. It means a great deal to me that I get the opportunity to hear what the students thought of the book and, also, explain to them how I wrote the book.”

BookTrust is the UK’s leading reading charity, specialising in the provision of impactful literacy interventions at crucial stages of a child’s life and enhancing their educational benefits by encouraging reading from an early age.

Tallaght-born Nicola Pierce is a writer, living in Drogheda. Her novel, Spirit of the Titanic, tells the story of the ghost of fifteen-year-old Samuel Scott, who moves restlessly aboard the Titanic as she sails to her doom in 1912.

Jamie Gordon (centre) receives his award from Dr Darryl Cummins, watched

by Course Director, Alison Hampton.

LOCAL STUDENT CELEBRATES SUCCESS THE WINNER : A PROUD STUDENT, JAMIE COLLECTS HIS AWARD FOR A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT

A local student has scooped a prestigious award at the Ulster University Business School’s Student Awards

J

amie, who is a former pupil at RBAI and is in the second year of a BSc (Hons) degree in Marketing, won the Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing Award for Excellence for achieving the highest overall mark in year one.

Dr Darryl Cummins, Acting Head of the Department of Management, Leadership and Marketing said,

“These Awards recognise the top performers across the range of marketing, entrepreneurship and strategy related programmes. The Ulster University Business School prides itself on delivering courses which enable students to not only reach their academic potential but also allow them to experience the subjects through practical application, developing skills and raising ambition.

The fact that so many of our leading private sector companies and professional bodies are engaged with both the Awards and the learning experience at the Ulster University Business School is testament to the importance of the integrated approach towards preparing students for careers across the business sector.”

A total of 16 sponsored awards were presented. Sponsors include Belfast Telegraph, CIMA (Ireland), Henderson Technology, Pure Running, Moy Park, Hastings Hotels, First Trust Bank, CIM, Shredbank, Marketing Institute of Ireland, Envision Management Consultants, Chartered Accountants Ireland, Wrightbus and Whale.

ASHFIELD GIRLS RAISE £1,000

SPONSORED WALK : THE WALK BENEFITTED THE CHILD BRAIN INJURY TRUST

The fundraising was due to the success of their annual sponsored walk

M

adison Tate, Alisha Stitt, Jodie Rainey and Megan Neill, Year 9 pupils from Ashfield Girls’ High School, were delighted to present a cheque for £1000 to Gayle Baird from the Child Brain Injury Trust. Having been given the opportunity to research, discuss and choose charities they wished to support this year, Student Council representatives elected to donate the funds raised through the Sponsored

Walk to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice, Child Brian Injury Trust, East Belfast Community Counselling and Cancer Research UK. P ic tu re d le f t to righ t: M r P M c C lin toc k (V ic e P rin c ipal), M adis on Tate, A lis h a Stitt, Jodie Rain e y, M rs J D on alds on (C h arity C o- ordin ator), M e gan N e ill an d Gayle B aird (C h ild B rain I n ju ry Tru s t).

SCHOOLS

JAN 18•#36

23

Top Class

Support from airport’s community fund helps charity’s ‘chester’s challenge’ project teach schoolchildren importance of living healthily

“

The NI Chest Heart and Stroke Schools Programme is based on the belief that prevention is better than a cure, and that it is important to educate children early so they can make healthy choices to avoid future illness as they get older.

Jessica Perry, Health Promotion Co-ordinator at NICHS

NICHS SCHOOLS PROGRAMME SOARS WITH BELFAST CITY AIRPORT THE WINNER : JAMIE COLLECTS HIS AWARD FOR A FANTASTIC ACHIEVEMENT Stephen Patton, HR and Corporate Responsibility Manager at Belfast City Airport visited Londonderry Primary School in Newtownards, with Jessica Perry, Health Promotion Co-ordinator at NICHS. Pictured with Pupils Ryan Hawkins and Regan Armstrong.

L

ocal charity Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke (NICHS) has received financial support from the George Best Belfast City Airport Community Fund for a project that teaches schoolchildren about the importance of living healthy.

The charity facilitates a number of

projects and awareness initiatives to fulfil its mission of preventing chest, heart and stroke illnesses in Northern Ireland.

With over 200,000 people in the country living with long term conditions, the NICHS ‘Chester’s Challenge’ programme targets primary and secondary school-aged

CAMPBELL COLLEGE HIGHEST FUNDRAISING SCHOOL IN NI

The evening of Tuesday 12th December saw Grosvenor Grammar School stage its annual service of nine lessons and carols at st.

Anne’s Cathedral, attended by hundreds of pupils, parents, past pupils and associates

A R

For more information on the Community Fund, and guidance on how to apply, please visit: www. belfastcityairport.com/community

G ROSVE NOR’S SERV IC E OF NINE LE SSON S A ND CA R OL S

FESTIVE CELEBRATION : IT JUST WOULDN’T BE A PROPER CHRISTMAS WITHOUT IT

ecently the Campbell College Charity Team, and parent Laura Delaney, presented a cheque for £7,000 to Macmillan Cancer support for money raised during their annual Macmillan Coffee Morning. Laura, who has been nominated for a Macmillan Volunteer Award, has helped the College organise a Coffee Morning for the last four years. Campbell College and the whole team were delighted to learn that Campbell College’s 2017 Coffee Morning raised the most money when compared to other schools across Northern Ireland.

provided over £350,000 of funding to local community groups, projects, schools and charities since its inception eight years ago.

Stephen Patton, HR and Corporate Responsibility Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “Belfast City Airport is a proud supporter of the Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke’s Schools Programme. Chester’s Challenge is a fantastic initiative that aims to educate, empower and encourage young people to live a healthy life.

“At the airport, we have an awardwinning Corporate Responsibility strategy, focused on four key areas – People, Community, Education and Environment. Through our Community Fund, we endeavour to support a variety of projects, schools, initiatives and charities with numerous campaigns to support these core ideas - and the NICHS Schools Programme fulfils a number of these.”

In 2017, the airport’s Corporate Responsibility strategy has won numerous awards, with the airport crowned Business in the Community’s Responsible Company of the Year, among other industry accolades.

From left to right: Rachel McConkey; Sam McClintock; Head of Music Miss Rosemary Foster; Principal Dr. Frances Vasey; The Bishop of Connor, The Right Reverend Alan Abernethy; Stephen Wright and Abby Stanex prior to this year’s Service of Nine Lessons and Carols at St. Anne’s Cathedral.

CHARITABLE ENDEAVOURS: WELL DONE TO ALL FOR A SUPERB ACHIEVEMENT

Campbell College were the highest fundraising school in Northern Ireland for Macmillan Cancer support when compared to other schools across the country.

children to try and modify their behaviour before long-term damage can occur.

The funding provided by the airport will help support the delivery of the programme to over 1,000 pupils in 26 schools across Northern Ireland.

Jessica Perry, Health Promotion Coordinator at NICHS, said: “The Northern Ireland Chest Heart and Stroke Schools Programme is based on the belief that prevention is better than a cure, and that it is important to educate children early so they can make healthy choices to avoid future illness as they get older. Recent results from the latest NI Health and Wellbeing survey revealed that 25% of children in Northern Ireland aged two-15 years are either overweight or obese. In addition, statistics also show that only 43.4% of children meet the recommendations of doing more than 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per day.

“Through delivering the Chester’s Challenge programme, we can tackle these issues with young people to educate them before any serious illnesses occur. We are very grateful for the support provided by Belfast City Airport.”

The charity is the latest organisation to receive support from Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund, which has

s always those present were treated to a selection of impressive performances from the School’s choristers, including renditions of such festive favourites as ‘O Holy Night’, featuring soloist Amy Cullen, as well as, amongst others, ‘Once in Royal David’s City’, ‘Candlelight Carol’, ‘Silent Night’, ‘The Angel Gabriel’ and ‘In the Bleak Widwinter’, featuring solos by Ruth Milligan, Gordon Kelly, Sarah Myles

and Eva Wardlow respectively.

The music provided by the Choir, conducted by Head of Music Miss Rosemary Foster and accompanied by fellow Music teacher Mr Jonathan Arnold, provided the perfect backdrop to an evening of worship which also saw pupils in years eight - twelve, as well as Head Girl Amy Cullen, Head Boy Aaron Harrison, the School’s Principal Dr. Frances Vasey and The Bishop of Connor, The Right

Reverend Alan Abernethy a former pupil of the School - deliver the Nine Lessons telling of Jesus’ birth. In addition refreshments were kindly provided at the rear of the Cathedral by the School’s Head of Home Economics Mrs Kate Buchanan, along with her colleague Mrs Jane Caulfield, following the conclusion of the Service. The School’s Carol Service is undoubtedly one of the highlights of an extremely busy festive season for its much in-demand Music department; congratulations to everybody within and associated with Grosvenor who helped to make Tuesday’s event such an enjoyable, entertaining and festive occasion and we hope it marks just the beginning of an enjoyable preChristmas period within the School.

FOOD & DRINK

24

JAN 18•#36

Gut Feeling

“ THE CANCER RISK IN THE BELOVED FRY-UP WILL BE SLASHED THIS MONTH WITH A HUGE TECHNOLOGICAL BREAKTHROUGH THAT ELIMINATES DANGEROUS NITRITES FROM BACON.

I

n a major development that has been hailed by the UK’s top food scientist, Naked Bacon will be the first of its kind to be made without the cancer-causing chemicals.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has said bacon cured with nitrites is as dangerous as asbestos and smoking, as nitrites produce carcinogenic nitrosamines when ingested. They have estimated that 34,000 bowel and colon cancer deaths per year worldwide are directly attributable to diets high in processed meats – and warned that eating two rashers of nitrite cured bacon per day increases the risk of contracting bowel cancer by 18 per cent. But with British-made Naked Bacon hitting supermarket shelves in January, all that is set to change in the biggest revolution to the British breakfast for a generation.

Naked Bacon has been developed by the Northern Irish artisan food manufacturer, Finnebrogue. It will be the UK’s only bacon to be completely free from nitrites, preservatives, E numbers and all allergens.

Finnebrogue, currently a leading sausage and venison supplier to top

Our Naked Bacon is not only safer than any other bacon on the market, it also tops the charts in blind taste tests.

This really is the biggest revolution to the British breakfast for a generation.”

SHORTCROSS GIN NOW IN ALL UK WORLD DUTY FREE OUTLETS

Denis Lynn, Finnebrogue chairman

Craft gin expands presence after arriving on shelves at Belfast City Airport

N I F O O D M A N U FA C T U R E R LAUNCHES NITRITE-FREE BACON IN MA JOR BREAKTHROUGH FOR FOOD SAFETY BREAKTHROUGH : Cancer risk from eating bacon slashed in biggest revolution to breakfast for a generation UK supermarkets, has worked with a Spanish chemist to develop a new way of flavouring traditional British bacon without nitrites – something that has never been done before.

The natural flavour is produced from natural Mediterranean fruit and spice extracts, following ten years of research and development.

The flavour is currently being used in continental style hams in the European Union, but this will be the first time the technology has been applied to British bacon and available to UK consumers, following a £14 million initial investment from Finnebrogue.

Denis Lynn, Finnebrogue chairman, commented: “The problem with bacon is dead simple. Bacon contains nitrites, nitrites produce nitrosamines in your gut and nitrosamines are carcinogenic. Nitrites should not be in food. I’ve been all over the world

M U S G R AV E I N V E S T S £ 1 7 m IN OWN BRAND RANGE LAUNCH : Fresh For You range is winning on taste and awards!

LEADING RETAILER, MUSGRAVE ANNOUNCED A £100 MILLION COMMITMENT TO THE LOCAL FOOD AND DRINK INDUSTRY LAST YEAR AND TO DATE, THEY HAVE SPENT £17M DEVELOPING THEIR OWN-BRAND RANGE, FRESH FOR YOU.

to figure out a way to make bacon without nitrites – and up to now we’d never made a single rasher of bacon because we couldn’t work out how to do it. For more than a decade I have insisted we not touch bacon until such time as we can make it better and safer – and now we have.

“Our Naked Bacon is not only safer than any other bacon on the market, it also tops the charts in blind taste tests. This really is the biggest revolution to the British breakfast for a generation.”

As well as Naked Bacon, Finnebrogue will be bringing Naked Ham to market.

The first packets of Naked Bacon will be in supermarkets on January 10th 2018, while Naked Ham launches on January 15th 2018.

Finnebrogue is producing nitrite-free bacon for Marks and Spencer who will be packaging the product in its own brand, to go on sale in early January.

T

Professor Chris Elliott, who ran the Government’s investigation into the 2013 horsemeat scandal and now chairs the Institute for Global Food Security at Queen’s University Belfast, commented: “Many forms of processed foods have come under the spotlight over recent years for their unhealthy attributes. Processed red meat in particular has been a focal point. Finnebrogue have used a combination of innovation and natural fruit and spice extracts to come up with a bacon that is made without the need for added nitrites.

Nitro containing compounds, used in the manufacture of traditional bacons, are known to cause the formation of chemicals that have negative health impacts. To have a bacon produced naturally, that doesn’t require such chemicals to be added or formed during processing, is a very welcome development.”

he Fresh For You range is available in leading convenience retailers, SuperValu, Centra and Mace, explained Desi Derby, Marketing Director, Musgrave. “We said we would commit a huge sum of money to Northern Ireland’s food and drink sector and nowhere is that investment more evident than in the production of our Fresh For You range. This entire range, comprising over 100 individual products, is made by local producers from right across the province that are as passionate about quality local food and drink as we are.

Through this range we’re able to make a positive impact on the economy too by supporting jobs across the food and agri sectors, particularly in the farming community, so it’s a win, win for Northern Ireland,” said Desi. www.centra.co.uk, www.supervalu.co.uk or www.maceni.co.uk.

S

hortcross Gin, produced in Northern Ireland, is now being stocked in all World Duty Free stores across the UK, a year after first becoming available in a select number of the airport retailer’s outlets. It means the craft gin is now available at 21 airports across the UK including London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester, showcasing the product to well over 100 million passengers each year. The success comes just a year after the awardingwinning gin first arrived on the shelves of World Duty Free at George Best Belfast City Airport.

The gin is produced at Rademon Estate Distillery, founded in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong at their historic family estate just outside Downpatrick, Co Down.

Shortcross Gin was first stocked at World Duty Free in Belfast City Airport in late 2016.

Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Director at Belfast City Airport, commented: “This is a fantastic success story for one of the most exciting new brands to come out of Northern Ireland in recent years. Belfast City Airport was proud to help facilitate Shortcross Gin’s entry to World Duty Free in 2016 and we are delighted to see how the relationship has developed.

“The gin has been extremely popular with passengers at Belfast City Airport, across our domestic routes and direct European services to Amsterdam and Iceland. We wish them every success in the future as they add new products to their portfolio.”

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H E A LT H

26

JAN 18•#36

All Good

“ St e f a n i e

Believe it or not, having a poor body image can have quite the negative impact on your life and general wellbeing.

In everyones’ desire for the “perfect body”, we often set out with unrealistic goals and expectations. What we forget is that the most important body type isn’t the shape, size, or even how big our bums are…

The real important factor is how healthy we are! Without your health you have nothing!

ARE YOU A CONFIDENT PERSON? ARE YOU BODY CONFIDENT? WHAT IS INNER CONFIDENCE AND WHERE DO YOU FIND IT?

NEW YEAR NEW YOU?

I

DO YOU WANT TO:

FITNESS ADVICE : INSPIRATION FROM OUR RESIDENT EXPERT

believe that there are only 3 things that you need to workon in life- your happiness, your inner health and your confidence (if you have health and happiness confidence will follow).

Body confidence does not come from your figure or from what the scales tell you, body confidence comes from your mind-set, and we have to exercise our minds, not just our bodies.

SO HERE ARE MY TOP TIPS: 1: WATCH YOUR SELF-TALK: When your inner diva starts to bad mouth the way you look, stop and ask yourself - would you speak to a friend like that? Or how would you feel if you heard someone else talking to them like that? A lot of the time, we don’t give ourselves the respect we

deserve. Negativity breeds negativity!

So, the next time you catch yourself having a negative thought, catch yourself on, and try and focus on the positives.

2: SOCIAL COMPARISON: Yep you guessed it comparing yourself to others is never going to help, ever! You don’t know them, (and even if you do…) you don’t know their situation, you don’t know the rubbish they had to swim through to get “there”, and you don’t know if they are actually happy with themselves or their position! Focus on you, your goals, and your aspirations!

3: KNOW WHAT YOU DESERVE: NEVER (and I mean NEVER) let anyone tell you what you’re worth.

You are unique, you are amazing, and never forget that!

4: REMOVE THE SELF DOUBT: If I doubted everything that I was going to do, I would never leave the house!

Yeah, it might not work out as you intended, yeah, it might not be perfect but you know what I can say at the end of the day? I can say I’ve tried my very best. I did not give up, I did not give in (as tempting as it may be sometimes), and I will continue on!

5: WISHING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE IS TO WASTE THE PERSON YOU ARE…: To compare, is to despair and we all do it at times. You are never going to be that person you keep looking at, they are them, and you are you! Why not focus on yourself and see what you can achieve!

6: REMEMBER A BEAUTIFUL THING IS NEVER PERFECT! No one is, and no one ever will ever be!

NOPE NOT HERE! Just new year, let’s start working on what we already got.

• Improve Your Eating Habits • Build Your Motivation • Work on Your Confidence • Feel Healthier • Improve your fitness Or just generally work on being a more Happy, Healthy, Confident person? Then contact me for the low down on my new training programme which is NOT solely based on just losing weight. I want you to feel better in every aspect of your life, it’s not just about what the scales tell you!

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Looking Back, Looking Ahead

Make “Stop Smoking” your New Year’s resolution with MediCare

OPTICAL ADVICE : WITH ROSEMARY MCWATTERS

HEALTH ADVICE : WITH MEDICARE

When you look back at 2017 I wonder what are your highlights?

Around 7 million of us in the UK will make a New Year’s resolution to improve an aspect of our health - and stop smoking is one of the most common.

S

ignificant world events of 2017 include the inauguration of President Trump, the UK’s triggering of Article 50 and the resignation of Robert Mugabe. So then what will 2018 be remembered for?

LOOKING BACK Spectacles celebrate their 750th anniversary this year with what is considered to be the first glasses recorded in 1268. While they were not as we understand spectacles today, some form of mounted single lens to assist with vision was in use. Building on that legacy of Venetian glass makers and the same principles of visual optics, aided by computer design, we now use a range of polymers to make thin, nonreflective, multifocal spectacle lenses. In 750 years there has been a lot of change.

LOOKING AHEAD You may now have an Alexa, or some similar electronic device in your home, that works on voice commands. It is all part of the AI – artificial intelligence revolution that is underway and there are interesting ways it is being used in the world of optics. This

includes machines analysing hospital scans for diabetes, as well as wearable devices which identify and automatically read text, such as menus or supermarket shelf labels, for those who are visually impaired.

Technology is certainly changing the role of the optician and there is talk of virtual appointments one day. For now, as I see it, my patients visit me for more than an eye test.

We have a conversation about their eyes and many other things, including what they are looking forward to. That may be the move to big school and wanting new spectacles that have the right look, or a family wedding which prompts an interest in trying contact lenses, or maybe a holiday which means a new pair of sunglasses is required. Whatever your plans, I do hope 2018 will be a memorable year for you, for all the right reasons.

ROSEMARY MCWATTERS OPTICIANS 41 Comber Rd BT16 2AA. 028 9048 6222 mcwattersopticians.co.uk

WHY SHOULD STOP SMOKING BE MY RESOLUTION? ‘I ONLY SMOKE SIX-A-DAY?’ You’ve probably already heard the statistics that 1 in every 2 smokers will die of tobacco-related disease, and smoking is the cause of 90% of all lung cancers. We know a lot of the facts, we’ve seen the publicity and yet often these seem irrelevant and distant. Many of us are still of the opinion that just one cigarette ‘can’t hurt’. Yet scientists have determined that for every cigarette you smoke, you shorten your life by an average of 11 minutes. Now, in one day, those six cigarettes have just taken one hour off your life. Thus, a new year’s resolution to stop smoking is beneficial to everyone, whether you smoke six or sixty a day.

NEXT STAGE, WHEN I’VE DECIDED TO QUIT… Quitting requires a lot of will power, and while some can go ‘cold-turkey’ and quit by themselves, you’re more likely to be successful at quitting if you ask for help. In every Medicare Pharmacy branch, we have staff specifically trained to guide you through the process after you decide to quit. It’s beneficial to have

somewhere to go to for advice, and have a listening ear for when you are struggling against your cravings! You can sign up to our 12 week ‘Stop Smoking’ programme at your local branch to have one-to-one advice and support provided weekly, free-of-charge, without needing to make an appointment. At your first meeting, we will talk about why you smoke, how long you have smoked for, and why you want to quit. Many choose to use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) as a way of helping them quit using cigarettes. Under the Stop Smoking scheme, Pharmacists are able to write prescriptions for all Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) which includes Nicorette and Niquitin products such as patches, inhalator, nasal spray, chewing gum and lozenges. Your stop smoking advisor will help you decide which treatment is right for you. Initially we aim to get you off cigarettes by swapping you onto a NRT product that still gives you the nicotine your body craves, but without the other dangerous chemicals that would be contained in cigarettes.

Then gradually over time, we try to reduce the amount of nicotine going into your body, with the aim of getting you to the point where you do not require any nicotine replacement products. This process can take as long as you need, and should you find you slip up and give into the cravings by having a cigarette, we understand and will help get you back on track.

MediCare, Caring for your Health medicare-group.com

HAIR

27

Advice

The Haircut Everyone Wants!

THE NEW YOU FOR A NEW YEARS RESOLUTION THAT WILL LAST!

BY SABRINA ROBINSON | SR HAIRDRESSING As we know, the lob haircut is here to stay as it’s so universally flattering to every face shape, so why would you change something that looks so good on you...

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or those who are that bit more daring cutting a few inches off the length off your lob and creating that new amazing look of the French 1920’s inspired short chin skimming bob, this is the cut for 2108.

As seen on numerous celebrities such as Caroline Flack and Victoria Beckham, Beyonce, Jennifer Lawrence and Lauren Conrad, this cut can be very flattering and can be versatile on how to wear it. You can wear it face framing

waves, mermaid waves, you can add a few layers around the face and neck to add extra thickness, middle or deep side parting creates more a edgy look to the bob combined with a tousled look and the textured ends give it that modern twist.

You can wear the bob super straight which is edgy chic or add a single wave for softness.

This look also works well with a fringe as it frames the face.

Beauty

A

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W H AT’ S HAPPE NING • R EG UL A R EV EN T G UID E MUMS & TOTS FR IDAY MO NDAY CALVARY MUMS & TODDLERS. 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 EAST END BAPTIST TINY TOTS (Westbourne street). Each Monday during term time 10:30-12noon. £1 donation. Tel: 07786 962220.

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

SYDENHAM PARENT & TODDLER Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family. Inverary CC, 028 9047 1456 ST FINNIANS 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793.

WANDSWORTH MUMS & CHUMS 10-11.30am. Wandsworth CC. £1 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698

T U ES DAY ALBERTBRIDGE CONGREGATIONAL 10.30-12.15. Woodstock Link. Donation £1 CFC MOPS & TOTS 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks.

CFC MOPS 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tues) £3.50 per mum.

Breakfast & creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 GARNERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN 10.15-11.45. Child’s Play - Tea, coffee, juice, snack. £1 per family.

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

McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road.

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH 10am Toddler Group. Tel 07905 144070. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

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

W E D NE S DAY BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN 10-11.30am Phone 028 9047 1103. 447 Beersbridge Rd BUSY BEES 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Rd MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30am Toddlers SMALLTALK @ ORANGEFIELD 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road. 02890 799391 orangefield.org.uk ST COLMCILLE’S PARENT & TODDLER 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd WILLOWFIELD LITTLE LAMBS TOTS GROUP 10-11.30am term time. Willowfield Church Hall, 290-296 Woodstock Rd.

T H U R S DAY 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.

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

Tel 028 9050 9239

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

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

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

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel 07809 205579. 102-104 Cregagh Rd HARDING MEMORIAL Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Clare 07905 556825.

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

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

MENS BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 1.30pm-4pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GB Teenies & Explorers (3-8yrs) 6.30-7.30pm, Juniors (911yrs) 6.30-8pm, Seniors & Brigaders (12-18 yrs) 6.30-8.30 Contact Carol 07813 117453. Presbyterian Women’s Group (2nd & 4th Monday of month) 8pm TEL JEAN 02890 486492 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm.

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

TUES DAY 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) 7.009.00pm 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 8pm10pm. Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm.

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

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

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

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

7.30-9.30pm GB Seniors & Brigaders. 8.15pm -PW (2nd &

send your community event to info@loopmag.net

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

AVONIEL COMMUNITY GARDEN Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 1pm - 3pm.

T: 028 9046 7925 BELMONT TOWER Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm-9.

NI Orchid Society 6pm-8pm. Mindfullness 6.30pm-8.30 CREGAGH CRICKET CLUB Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 13 & Under 15 cricket training.

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

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

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

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

GILNAHIRK MENS GROUP 10.30am – cuppa,chat, visiting speaker. Jack Britton Hall, Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church (October-April) GIRLS BRIGADE Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 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 6.30-7.30. Adults beginners table tennis 7.30-9. 113 The Mount.

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

Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows £3.50 TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cell Group – 7.30 / House Group – 8pm. 154 Comber Road.

WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm. Sewing 10am-12.

Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm YOUTH DROP IN (FREE) 4-30-6pm @ St.Judes Parish Church Ormeau Rd. Secondary school youths. Pizza, snacks, chat.

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

358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

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

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. Rebec-

ca 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.

MIXED BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 7-10pm. Learners or just sit and chat.

All welcome tea & coffee provided MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BELMONT TOWER Art Classes 10-1pm.

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

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

STRAND ARTS CENTRE Teenage Kicks Film Club 4.15 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club daily 2 - 6pm Painting for Pleasure 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

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

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH SunshineFit Kids - keep fit.

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

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

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

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

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm.

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

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

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