Loop Mag : Holywood May 2018

OOP LMag

#65 MAY 2018 loopmag.net

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Contents

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04

Welcome May 18

Holywood Edition #65 / May 2018

What’s Inside?

10 LOAF POTTERY

06 | ARDMORE AWARD A fantastic award for a legendary Holywood business

08 | MARITIME The Titanic Maritime festival is back and we have the info

10 | LOAF POTTERY Local renovated pottery creates jobs and opportunities

12 | CITY AIPORT 04 NEWS

14 GUIDE DOGS NI

Work has now beguns on a huge £15m upgrade

14 | GUIDE DOGS A special feature on the work of Guide Dogs NI

18 | EDDIE IRVINE Sports centre partners with children’s charity for 2018

22 | IN HONOUR A group of North Down friends honour a former colleague

LOOP

PUBLISHER • DESIGN • EDITORIAL STUART COLLINS STUART@LOOPMAG.NET SALES • ACCOUNTS JUANITA COLLINS | JUANITA@LOOPMAG.NET TEL: 02890 200988

Loop Mag was formerly known as Bloom before rebranding in Jan 2015. Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product or service does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Links and contacts are provided for reader convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

26 | DEBORAH HARPER Deborah with her always wonderful words of wisdom

28 | BIG & BOLD Don’t hold back when it comes to adorning your walls

04

Headlines May 18

News

New Play Shines Light On Turbulent Weekend In Life Of George Best A new play about George Best at the Strand Arts Centre in East Belfast will give audiences a reimagining of the turbulent weekend footballing legend George Best spent in the Islington flat of Irish actress and intimate friend, Sinead Cusack, in 1971.

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ello Georgie, Goodbye Best was co-written by and stars 27 year old actor Robbie Martin from Greenisland and 23 year old Rafaela Elliston from North London. The pair met at drama school and came up with the idea for the play together. George, who was dropped from the Manchester United team for missing training, unbeknownst to anyone journeyed to London regardless and paid a visit to Sinead Cusack. The play looks at the time spent in her flat and their relationship that was put under great strain after George’s whereabouts were discovered.

Hordes of press and adoring fans mobbed the flat, entrapping them both there for three days. Although a great deal is known about Best, ‘the footballer with magic in his boots but a self-destruct button in his soul’, people can only guess at what really happened inside the flat. For George, who was football’s first ever major icon – known as

PICTURED

Robbie Martin stars in Hello Georgie, Goodbye Best at Strand Arts Centre from 22nd to 24th May. Tickets for Hello Georgie, Goodbye Best can be booked online at www.strandartscentre.com or by phoning (028) 9065 5830.

The Fifth Beatle – we see an insight into his ‘fish-bowl’ lifestyle, only one year before he quit professional football as it all became too much.

Through Sinead, we realise the tragedy of George’s life; while she is an actress on her way up, he is a footballer on his way out far too long before his time. Hello Georgie, Goodbye Best offers us a candid lens depicting what happens when you take two young adults out of Ireland and violently expose them to publicity. as we’ve made some changes based on audience feedback.

Robbie Martin said; “The interesting thing about George is that he is a flawed genius. His life is like a Shakespearean tragedy and for me it’s finding out why the

likes of George and many other Irishmen have that self-destruct button – are we wired differently in Northern Ireland? A lot of people think they know Besty – alcoholic, womaniser – but I think this play illustrates the issues he was dealing with at the time and why he made so many bad choices.

We preview in a fringe theatre in Camden in April then open at the Strand Arts Centre on 22nd May for three nights before taking the show to Edinburgh. We’re donating ticket sales from the first performance at the Strand to charity. Three years ago my dad John died of pancreatic cancer and since then my family have raised money for the Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s.”

News

05

Headlines May 18

ONCE UPON A RIVERSIDE Dylan McCartney, age 6, from North Down angles for creative inspiration as he prepares to enter the all-new search to find Northern Ireland’s Young Country Sports Writer of the Year.

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he competition which is open to children from 5-15 is organized by the Irish Game Fair which takes place this year at Shanes Castle, Antrim, over the weekend of 23 and 24 June. A full prize package is on offer, with countryside books from Cochy-Bonddu, a day’s fishing at the Birchwood Fishery, Omagh, and a family day out at the Fair, plus the chance to see your story in print! For full details visit irishgamefair.com, then send your story plus photos or drawings to countrysportsandcountrylife@btinternet. com on or before May 21st. The Irish Game Fair is supported by TourismNI and Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council.

LET’S HAVE A SHOW Let’s Have A Show is a group art exhibition showcasing work by artists with different skills and abilities. A celebration of the value of art in the lives of those living with disability.

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rtists from Camphill Community Glencraig, In Other Words (L’Arche Belfast), Edgcumbe training and Resource Centre, Ravenhill Day Opportunities, Positive Futures, Fallswater Day Centre, Mica Drive Day Centre and other individual artists are exhibiting in Let’s Have A Show. letshaveashow.co.uk

Holywood Ladies Bowling Club are holding a “good as new clothing & bric a brac sale” in the Non-Subscribing Church hall, High Street, Holywood - on Friday 1st June 10am-12noon. No reasonable cash offer refused on any item.

Admission £1.00 includes tea/ coffee & biscuits

Aly Harte is Holywood Bound Aly’s work has been accepted in Holywood for the first time by The Yard. Aly is passionate about placing importance on everyday moments, objects and places in her oil paintings and pastel work. www.alyharte.com

06

Features May 18

Awards

WIN

Ardmore Advertising, the leading UK and Ireland integrated communications specialist, has scooped GOLD at the 2018 Media Awards, taking home the coveted ‘Media Agency of the Year NI’ award.

Ardmore Media Director Mark Thompson.

Ardmore Advertising Scoops Gold At Media Awards Ireland

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Now in its eighth year, the annual Media Awards are seen as a key industry benchmark he awards recognizin excellence and best practice in media buying, planning and research across the Island of Ireland, as well as celebrating the media brands and people who make up the industry.

The 2018 Awards attracted over 300 category submissions, and some 850 representatives of the Irish media and advertising industry came out in force to attend the glittering prize-giving event in Dublin’s Clayton Burlington Hotel.

Ardmore Advertising’s commitment to providing strategic, seamless and innovative integrated campaigns for its clients saw it clinch the’ Media Agency of the Year NI’ accolade.

Ardmore Media Director, Mark Thompson said: “We are delighted to win Media Agency of the Year NI. To be recognised by our peers as a

stand-out agency is a very proud moment for the company and a credit to our entire team.

“We work extremely hard for our clients and pride ourselves on delivering the best integrated marketing and communications services. It’s terrific for this hard work and dedication to be recognized by the Irish media industry.”

Established in 1988, Holywood-based Ardmore Advertising provides integrated marketing communications to some of the biggest brands across the UK and Ireland including Belfast Harbour, Dale Farm, I Feel Slovenia, InterTradeIreland, Irwin’s Bakery, Lunn’s, MCS Group, Phoenix Natural Gas, Progressive Building Society, Rushmere Shopping Centre, Saudia, Stena Line, Subway, Translink, Visit Belfast and We Are Woking.

Ardmore House Pavilions, Kinnegar Drive, Holywood, BT18 9JQ www.ardmore.co.uk

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08

Features May 18

Maritime

BELFAST TITANIC MARITIME FESTIVAL TITANIC QUARTER ENTERTAINMENT 19 & 20 MAY, 10AM TO 6PM DAILY

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hoy there land lovers and seafarers! Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival returns once again to Queen’s Quay, Donegall Quay and Titanic Quarter to bring you a bumper-packed weekend full of maritime-themed family fun and frolics! Climb aboard magnificent visiting tall ships or take part in a bounty of activity taking place including live music, Q Radio roadshow, spectacular street theatre, exhilarating fly board Jet Ski displays, pirate classes, fairground rides, arts and crafts and much more. Here’s a list of just some of the maritime magic that’s taking place across Titanic Quarter. The ‘BIG Titanic Picnic’ will be popping up next to SS Nomadic from 10am-6pm each day. Relax enjoy a delicious picnic whilst watching a mix of maritime activity including live music, Titanic games, mascots & roving performers. Our ‘Pop-up Titanic Street Food Market’ is returning to Hamilton Dock, 10am 6pm daily, with lots of quirky food vans & vintage trucks, showcasing the very best of our world class food culture.

MUSIC 10am-6pm Enjoy live music at the popup picnic, there’s something for everyone including drummers, acoustics, brass bands & guitar. Hickson’s Point for more live music or soak up the sounds of the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra in Titanic Hotel Belfast, Drawing Office 1.

INTERACTIVE DEMOS, EXHIBITIONS & MARITIME MADNESS 11am -5pm Drawing Office 1 & the heritage rooms in Titanic Hotel Belfast will be open to the public during the festival, showcasing the restoration work & exhibition “The Heart of the Yard” TITANIC MARITIME PHOTO & DISCOVERY TOURS (booking is essential) • Maritime Photo Walking Tour 11am & 2pm daily, (£) • Titanic Belfast Discovery Tours - 11.30am & 1.30pm • The Great Light Tours – 3pm daily , Free Join us during the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival on our interactive tour of the Great Light, which is one of the largest lighthouse optics of its kind ever built. New to this year’s event will be the Maritime Mile, which includes an animated waterfront trail running from 11am – 3pm that festival goers can follow to explore the area’s maritime and industrial history.

For more information, go to /tqeventsbelfast or visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/maritime

The Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival is proudly supported by Tourism Northern Ireland.

Rockport School Open Day Saturday 2nd June 10:30 - Noon www.rockportschool.com

10

Features May 18

Skills

NOW

Renovated Pottery Opens Creating Jobs And Opportunities For People With Learning Difficulties In Crawfordsburn A new art centre and cafe has opened in Crawfordsburn that will secure jobs and opportunities for people with learning difficulties.

Loaf Pottery - run by social enterprise NOW Group - will hold art classes, offer space to community groups and operate a cafe.

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ive new jobs have been created in the Pottery, with two of these roles going to people with learning difficulties. The pottery will see artists work alongside people with disabilities to develop skills that will increase their employability; local artists will also be able to use the space to promote their products and support economic development in the coastal area.

Loaf Pottery is located on Main Street in Crawfordsburn on the site of the former Pinewood Pottery. NOW Group secured funding from Ards and North Down Borough Council, Ulster Garden Villages, the Coastal Communities Fund and George Best Belfast City Airport to renovate the space after being

contacted by local residents who were keen to see the pottery restored and open to the community again.

NOW is an award winning social enterprise that supports people with learning difficulties and autism into employment; the organisation has been operating in Belfast for eighteen years and in recent years has expanded its service across Northern Ireland, working in 6 council areas with a view to cover the whole province in the near future.

Speaking at the opening of the Pottery, CEO of NOW Group Maeve Monaghan said, “The Pottery has been in the pipeline for a number of years and it would have been easy to let it pass but the passion and determination of the local residents have supported NOW to make this happen. Using

a model that has worked for us elsewhere we have taken a disused building and created a vibrant, safe space for our participants to engage with their community and develop new skills and experiences.

This is our first focus on the arts and we think we’ve hit on the perfect location as the area begins to invest in its tourism and arts sector.

“At NOW we are committed to seeing people with learning difficulties, disabilities and health conditions feel included in their community. Using the model of safe spaces Loaf Pottery will facilitate and support people with barriers to learning from the local communities and also introduce people from urban areas into the coastal area. Our cafe will be a welcoming space for the public to come and see what is

Skills

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Features May 18

PICTURED Maeve Monaghan, CEO of NOW Group, along with Cafe Hosts James Roberts and Nicole Ritchie and funders Valerie Ingram from Ulster Garden Villages, Jerome Grace from the Coastal Communities Fund, Mayor of Ards and North Down Borough Council Councillor Robert Adair and Stephen Patton from George Best Belfast City Airport.

PICTURED Lisa Faulkner, Community Support Officer at NOW Group, is pictured at the official opening of Loaf Pottery with participant Amanda Jones

going on in the Pottery.

“Three years ago we breathed new life into a burnt out bar in West Belfast by converting it into a thriving social enterprise cafe and we’re delighted to have the opportunity to take on another ‘vacant to vibrant’ project that will have a positive impact on the local community.

We are very grateful to the funders who have supported our vision and provided the means for us to carry out this renovation – the Ards and North Down Borough Council, Ulster Garden Villages, the Coastal Communities Fund and George Best Belfast City Airport. I would also like to thank the local residents including Robin

Masefield who kept the project at the forefront of NOW’s mind.”

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, is delighted that Loaf Pottery is opening in Crawfordsburn, “It is great to see investment in the village especially when it provides such an opportunity for people with disabilities.

Loaf Pottery will enable them to explore their artistic side, hone their skills, giving them tools to become that bit more independent, in a safe and social setting. I wish all those involved much success in this new venture.”

The Chairman of Ulster Garden Villages Dr Tony Hopkins CBE said: “Individuals with learning

difficulties may face long-term disadvantage including social isolation and lack of access to employment. The NOW Group’s latest venture will build the skills and confidence needed to make independent decisions.

So many of us take this for granted and it was a pleasure to be able to provide early funding toward the new Loaf Pottery art centre and café.” n its opening weeks Loaf Pottery will be hosting private art classes and the cafe will open to the public on Monday 21st May. For further information visit www.loafcatering.com or follow NOW Group and Loaf Catering on social media.

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Features May 18

Airport RE VAMP

H&J Martin Fit Out delivering major infrastructure investment project to significantly enhance overall passenger journey

Work Begins on £15 Million Upgrade at Belfast City Airport Work as part of a £15 million upgrade project to improve the passenger experience at George Best Belfast City Airport is now underway.

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he major infrastructure investment includes an upgrade of the airport’s departure lounge, incorporating its retail, food and beverage offering This element of the works is being delivered by leading construction company H&J Martin Fit Out, which is now on site at the airport. Work is now progressing on the first phase of the project which involves demolition works and preparation of areas for the new retail fit-out and is on schedule. Upcoming works will include additional food and beverage outlets, new and enlarged toilet facilities in Departures, as well as more seating areas. Announced earlier this year, the entire works will be contained within the current terminal building and will be completed by October 2018.

Chris Horner, Capital Projects and Engineering Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “Continually enhancing the overall passenger journey for our passengers is a major objective for Belfast City Airport and our £15m investment programme will be a key factor in delivering

www.belfastcityairport.com

on this commitment. H&J Martin Fit Out is carrying out the main elements of the refit to the highest possible specifications and we have been working closely with the team throughout. Completing the preparation of the existing areas for work to begin on the refurbishment of the retail areas is a significant milestone in the project and we look forward to work progressing further as the new terminal reconfiguration takes shape.”

The capital expenditure will further enrich and enhance the overall passenger journey through the airport.

There will be in excess of a 30% increase in retail space, with an expanded offering from World Duty Free and WH Smith. Food and beverage facilities will be expanded by 25%, with broader choice for customers being introduced along with partner HMS Host, which operates existing facilities including the Bushmills Bar. Additionally, customer seating will be more than doubled, as will airside customer washroom facilities, which will also be fully refurbished.

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“

Getting my guide dog Mike been life-changing. As soon as he sees me lift the harness he’s ready to go.

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

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

Leo from Holywood

GUIDE DOGS NI Around 30,000 children and adults are living with sight loss in Northern Ireland.

Guide Dogs NI has a very clear mission – to help those people

live the lives they choose. The charity, which is based in east Belfast, has around 30 staff and 300 volunteers who work to provide a range of services.

The most well-known is the famous guide dog. There are currently more than 100 active guide dog partnerships across Northern Ireland

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Features May 18

Guide Dogs

FREEDOM

GUIDE DOGS NI: Changing Lives

Guide Dogs NI Help people living with sight loss to live the lives they choose

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ll the dogs are bred at Guide Dogs’ National Breeding Centre in Leamington Spa in England.

At around eight weeks old they are placed with volunteer ‘puppy walkers’ who raise them for approximately one year.They then go to the Guide Dog Training School in Forfar, Scotland, where they undergo 16 weeks of ‘early training’. The most suitable dogs for local clients are then sent to Belfast and undergo a further 10 weeks of ‘advanced training’, which includes refining skills like sitting at kerbs and waiting at doors.

Once ‘matched’ with an owner, the dogs and their new handlers undergo an intense two-week ‘class’ at a local hotel before being qualified as a partnership.The charity offers other services for clients who don’t want or are not suitable for a guide dog. Orientation and Mobility Specialists provide long cane training and the My Guide service trains volunteers to become sighted guides.

These volunteers help people get out of their homes and back into the community - whether it’s a weekly trip to the shops, a walk around a local park or a visit to the theatre. My Guide partnerships help service users develop confidence and independence, boosting physical and mental health.

Guide Dogs’ NI also has six Habilitation Specialists working with children and young people across the country. Habilitation helps children reach their expected developmental milestones and learn about the world around them. It helps them develop confidence and teaches movement skills such as reach, balance, grasp and posture through games and activities. Other aspects include teaching spatial concepts, like left and right, and important life skills like road safety and

food preparation. The team also works with partner charities Angel Eyes NI and Sense to run the unique ‘Family Focus’ project.

The Lottery-funded initiative is aimed at 0-4s and includes specialist playgroups across NI which are designed to support the whole family unit. Meanwhile Guide Dogs NI’s Engagement Team works with government and other stakeholders to ensure the needs and rights of people with visual impairments are catered for. Current campaigns include challenging irresponsible pavement parking.

For more than 30 years, Guide Dogs NI has been working tirelessly to ensure that people with sight loss can enjoy the same freedoms and independence as everyone else.

To get involved, visit guidedogs.org.uk/how-youcan-help.

Guide Dogs

Top Facts...

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Features May 18

PICTURED Clockwise from top left; Street collection fundraising in Belfast / Ulric learns basic obedience at puppy class / My Guide volunteer Orrlene and client Olga enjoy a trip into Belfast / Guide dog puppy Blue, named by Blue Watch at Knock Fire Station / Guide dog in training Jay (a Retriever x German Shepherd) enjoying playtime

1. You don’t have to be totally blind to have a guide dog. In fact, most clients have some level of remaining vision.

2. It costs around £56,000 to support a guide dog from birth to retirement.

3. Not all guide dogs are Labradors. Most are crosses between Labs and Retrievers, with a small number of German Shepherds and other breeds like Poodles.

4. A guide dog is not a sat nav! It’s up to the handler to lead the route and decide when it’s safe to cross the road.

5. Around 80% of a child’s learning happens through vison. Imagine how much more challenging reaching development

milestones is for a child with no sight.

6. Currently, the youngest guide dog owner in Northern Ireland is aged 15.

7. You can volunteer to be a sighted guide with the My Guide scheme as long as you can spare a minimum of two hours per week.

8. There a lots of different types of canes.

The best known are probably the symbol cane and the long cane. The symbol cane is just that – a small white stick which is carried in the hand to alert other people to your visual impairment. The long cane is the only type used as a mobility aid. It’s swept in an arc in front of the person to detect obstacles in their path.

18

Features May 18

Charity

PART NERS

A local indoor sports centre has announced a new charity partnership, which will benefit children diagnosed with cancer, and their families in Northern Ireland.

Cancer Fund for Children Chief Executive Gillian Creevy with Eddie Irvine Sports Sales and Marketing Manager, Andy Neill and Centre Director Thomas Fegan

Eddie Irvine Sports Partner With Local Children’s Cancer Charity Eddie Irvine Sports, which is owned by Formula 1 racing legend Eddie Irvine, has nominated local children’s cancer charity, Cancer Fund for Children as its charity partner for 2018.

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he family-run sports centre in Bangor has committed to getting involved in a range of fundraising events and activities to support the charity, who provide practical, emotional and financial support to children aged 0-24 living with cancer, and their families. As well as planning a Golf Day on 25th May, the team at Eddie Irvine Sports have already put pedal to the metal, by holding a Spinathon earlier this month in aid of the charity. Plans are also underway to decorate the go-kart track in honour of the charity’s brand colours, including their very own ‘Daisy Corner’.

Speaking about the new partnership, Thomas Fegan, Centre Director, Eddie Irvine Sports said: “Eddie Irvine Sports are delighted to have partnered with Cancer Fund for Children as our 2018 charity of the year. We welcome hundreds of thousands of children to enjoy our activities each and every year, so it is a real pleasure and honour to support a charity that offers so much support to children going through a difficult time, to help them cope with the impact of their cancer diagnosis. We

are genuinely committed do whatever we can to support such a worthwhile cause.”

Matthew Allen, Corporate Fundraiser, Cancer Fund for Children added: “It’s fantastic that Eddie Irvine Sports have pledged their support for Cancer Fund for Children. As a local charity, we receive less than 0.5% of our funding from the government, so really rely on the support of local businesses like this to help fund our vital services for children with cancer.

I’m looking forward to working with Eddie Irvine Sports over the next year, and wish them all the best of luck with their fundraising.”

Every week in Northern Ireland, three families get the devastating news their child has cancer. Cancer Fund for Children understands the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and treatment can have on the whole family and that beyond the essential clinical care there is a family life that needs to be rebuilt at home and in the community. Their team of experienced Specialists help families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives, supporting them through life during and after treatment and, in some cases, bereavement.

For more about the work of Cancer Fund for Children, go to www.cancerfundforchildren.com.

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20

Features May 18

Home

STYLE

IKEA REVEALS NI AS THE MOST CONFIDENT REGION IN THE UK TO STYLE OUR HOMES WITH PERSONALITY News comes as IKEA partners with Savile Row tailor to create suits using IKEA textiles and fabric to encourage interior style and personality.

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1% of those recently surveyed by IKEA said they feel confident enough to express their personality within their home. However, those who were not so confident when it comes to decorating gave reasons such as not knowing how to include colour and patterns in the home that suit their style (64%) and not knowing what is on trend (10%). This comes as IKEA sees continued popularity of white and beige products and textiles throughout the UK, with 70% of NI homes using such muted tones to decorate.

IKEA is now helping those who

are curious about colour and particular about patterns to find out their personal every day style and bring it into their home, simply and affordably, using textiles.

Carol McSeveny, Textiles Leader, IKEA UK & Ireland who started her career in IKEA Belfast said: “We’re seeing an increasing number of people playing it safe when it comes to decorating and furnishing their home. But, when the home can act as a canvas for self-expression, why keep things beige and boring?

People use fabric in fashion to show off their personality and we want people to replicate this in their home through textiles.”

www.ikea.com/gb/en/ikea/threepiecesuit

IKEA has partnered with Savile Row tailor William Hunt to bring these ideas to life, creating a number of unique, stunning suits using IKEA textiles and fabrics.

The suits have been created using SOFIA, ROSENRIPS, NEDJA and KUNGSLILJA which mirror existing products by the retailer including POANG chairs, STOCKSUNDT sofas and bedding.

Carol continued; “We are excited to be working with William Hunt as he is the ultimate “maverick with fabric” and has demonstrated, through the IKEA suits, how textiles can be used to express yourself and your home”.

A limited number of the stunning IKEA X WILLIAM HUNT suits will be available for the public to get their hands via an online competition on the IKEA UK website: www.ikea.com/gb/en/ ikea/threepiecesuit.

Entrants must simply answer a question about how they express their personality in the home to be in with a chance of winning. #wonderfuleveryday.

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22

Features May 18

Charity

Memory Of Former Colleague Honoured By North Down Staff For Macmillan Cancer Support

Bangor man, the late Dave McCoy, has been honoured by his colleagues in Newtownards and his home town through a fundraiser in his name. Staff from EUROSPAR Hardford Link, EUROSPAR Carrowdore in Newtownards, as well as EUROSPAR Rathgael in Bangor represented the SPAR and EUROSPAR stores throughout Ards and North Down including Holywood to present Macmillan Cancer Support with a cheque for £1,500.

FUNDS

PICTURED (L-R) Jo Orr from EUROSPAR Rathgael, Bangor; Nigel Walker from EUROSPAR Hardford Link, Newtownards with Joanne Young, Macmillan Cancer Support and Joanne Walker, EUROSPAR Carrowdore.

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ave McCoy worked for Henderson Retail for over 10 years throughout stores in the area and was store manager at SPAR Abbeyhill in Bangor before he passed away in 2017. Joanne Walker, store manager at EUROSPAR Carrowdore commented; “We wanted to honour Dave as he was a huge part of our lives for so long, and so loved throughout the teams he worked with over the years.

“Our shoppers throughout North Down & Ards will have

known his face and had a great relationship with him. We held an 80s disco night at the local Bryansburn Inn, and we’d like to extend a huge thank you to Ian Carmichael who provided the room and supper for us. The soundtrack to the night was provided by Sarah from The Party Deejay NI who also donated her time for the event. It was a brilliant night organised by all teams from the stores in the area. Dave would’ve loved it.”

The £1,500 will go towards Macmillan Cancer Support

providing invaluable services right here in Northern Ireland.

Joanne Young from the organisation added; “Dave utilised the support services of Macmillan during his illness, so it is a great honour for his colleagues to remember him in this way and raise such vital funds for our services in Northern Ireland.

“The organisation provides practical, emotional and financial support to cancer patients here and none of it would be possible without initiatives like this.”

www.macmillan.org.uk • www.eurosparni.co.uk • www.spar-ni.co.uk

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24

Features May 18

Cadets PICTURED L-R Cadet Sergeant Reece McAllister (17) from Gransha Detachment; from Bangor Detachment ACF, Madison Thomson (14) and Lewis Graham (14) from Bangor Detachment; and Connor McCausland (12) from Gransha Detachment / Logan McAllister (13) Gransha Detachment / Ciara Herron (12) of Ballyhalbert / Ruby Shivers (12) from Gransha Detachment (left) and Baillie Macrory (13) from Bangor Detachment

North Down Cadets Spring Into Action North Down Cadets recently enjoyed adventure, sport and camaraderie at the Spring Cadet Camp held at Ballykinler Cadet Centre.

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longside Cadets drawn from across the Province, the teenagers tackled everything from orienteering to open air cooking, gaining new skills and making new friendships along the way.

Colonel Keith Dowell, Commandant of 2nd (Northern Ireland) Battalion Army Cadet Force, said, “Our Cadets are always up for an escape from routine and it’s so much the better when the programme on offer includes plenty of fun, adventure and sports. For the kids, it’s a great break from the pressures of study, but Cadet Camp is also very much a learning experience, packed with both mental and physical challenges.

Understandably, Cadet Camps

have huge appeal for mums and dads who are delighted to see their teenagers abandon the computer screen and mobile phone in favour of fun with reallife rather than virtual friends.

Parents can be confident that, at Cadet Camp, their kids will be professionally taught and supervised by adults who will encourage them to achieve more than they might ever have thought possible, all within an inclusive and friendly set up.

“We’re strongly focused on helping our Cadets build great memories as well as new skills and, at a time when most families are feeling the financial pinch, we’re happy to do that without breaking the hardpressed Bank of Mum & Dad! All the activities which make up the Cadet experience are either

visit www.reservesandcadetsni.org.uk.

totally free or very low in cost; with the exception of footwear, we even provide our members with free uniforms.”

Although they have only just returned from their Spring Camp, North Down Cadets are already looking forward to a two week Summer Camp adventure in England.

To find out how your children might benefit from membership of the Army, Sea or Air Cadets in your area, call 0800 730 730.

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Deborah Harper

Inspired Who or What Inspires You?

Instagram Competition!

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hen it comes to writing my Loop article I need that moment where the inspiration just hits me. On this occasion, I was painting my nails…I chose a glitter gold that normally would only be reserved for the festive season.

Why? Well on Instagram I follow a jewellery designer @Chupi and I love that in her posts she is always sporting a guilted gold sparkle on her nails all year round. So I wanted a little bit of that luxury and decadence in my life too. I’ve recently also met local guy James Meqaw who runs Bayburn Fitness. All the massaging at Deborah Harper Makeup & Beauty means us therapists need good stamina and strength and mine was in need of some rebuilding! James, is a guy who not only has a passion for his profession but for

I would totally love to know what inspires you! Get onto Instagram and tag @dhmb_ helensbay in your #dhmbinspire posts and you will get a £10 voucher to use in the salon! his community. The classes, indoor at Helen’s Bay and Bangor and outdoor at Seapark have created a greater sense of togetherness, people who have been neighbours for years have built new friendships…so more than just fitness! Even after my initial few sessions I knew that my head felt better (mental health and fitness often go hand in hand) and also physically I was so much stronger.

Go check out Bayburn Fitness on Instagram and at bayburnfitness. com! (Not a paid partnership but if you see James tell him he is in the Loop!) And if you read my usual musings you will know my biggest inspiration…nature points me to the joy found in the beauty of creation. This time I have a new route for you, get the walking shoes on and head from Ballyholme to Groomsport (and if you have it in you keep going

to Donaghadee where the best vanilla ice-cream awaits you at The Cabin!). This week I did this very route, I got the head clear, the lungs filled with good fresh air and the sky put on a lovely sunset performance. Good for the soul. Be the inspiration. Now, this is a challenge. When I think of the people that make a difference in my life I think of their positive nature, their resilience, their openness, their willingness to be vulnerable and tell their story. I surround myself with those sort of people both in the ‘real world’ and the virtual. I am constantly working on developing those traits within myself. I don’t always get it right but this is what life is all about for me, learning, not resting on yesterdays successes but discovering new ways to grow, as my friends in Lekker Beauty would say ‘Be your best self’.

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WHEN YOU MENTION LOOP

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Features May 18

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mmon up all your courage and buy that crazy talking piece you always thought would be the wow factor; because big wall statement pieces are in. Old advertising tin signs, oversized pictures or mirrors in guilt frames, large sign letters, taxidermy deer’s head or half a Volkswagen beetle bolted to the wall. Be brave and a statement piece will give your room the

look people pay an interior designer thousands for. A sensational piece needs to be framed by a clear wall, pick the focal wall and clear it of all other pictures, make sure the wall colour contrasts or enhances your piece and depending what it is make sure it can hold it! The view of you object should ideally be unobstructed so bear in mind chandeliers or large floor lights.

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Features May 18

What’s On?

HOLYWOOD REDBURN COMMUNITY CENTRE LIBRARY

HOLYWOOD FAMILY TRUST

Tel: 028 9042 4232.

Contact 028 9042 7842

Monday 55+ Group 2-4pm.

55+ Lunch Club 12.30-2pm Art Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 | £1 Girl’s Group 7-9pm | P7 - Year 12 | £1

Tuesday After School Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 | £1 Parent & Toddler 10am-12pm | Pre School | £1.50

Wednesday Patchwork Club 2-4pm | Any Age | £2 per week

Thursday Cookery Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P7 Parent & Toddlers Group 10am-12 | Pre school | £1.50 Redburn Youth Group 7-9pm | P7 - Form 5 | £1

Friday Holywood Men’s Sheds 11am-1pm. Any age. £15 p/a

QUEEN’S HALL SULLIVAN PLACE Tuesday 55+ Group 2-4pm.

55+ Lunch Club 12.30-2pm After School Club 3.30-5.30pm | P1 - P4 | £1

Monday

Friday

Magic Kidz 3.15-4pm Age 6-8 years 4.00-4.45pm Age 9-11 years The weekly Magic Class for Kids: Learn Cool Tricks, Make New Friends, Grow in Confidence, WOW your friends and family with your skills and have fun!

Sign Up at www.magickidz.co.uk Tel: 07853214420 info@magickidz.co.uk

Junior Youth Club 6.30-8.30pm. Free. P7 - Year 9.

Youth Drop In 6.15-10.15pm. Free. Year 8+ Youth Drop In 2.30-4.30pm / 6.15-10.15pm Free.

Year 8 & over

Tuesday Rhythm & Rhyme 10.30am. Introduce children aged 0 - 4 years to the wonder of rhymes, songs and stories.

Wednesday

HOLYWOOD DISTRICT U3A Annual membership £20.

Reading, coffee, chat, gardening, history, bowls, creative writing, painting for pleasure, walking... www.u3asites.org.uk/holywood

Do you have an event you want to tell people about?

Knit & Knatter 10.30am -12. Knitting, crochet, Email info@loopmag.net cross stitch and other crafts.

Adult Reading Group 10.30am -12. Last Wednesday of the month. Share and enjoy.

Thursday Junior Reading Group 15.45-16.30 Second Thursday of the month. Children aged 9-11 Visually Impaired Group 14.30pm-16.00. Last Thursday of the month.

Bedtime Story Time 18.00 -18.30. Last Thursday of the month. Children aged 4-8

Friday

Junior Reading Group 14.15 - 15.00 Third Saturday of the month. Children aged 7-9.

Summer

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THE BAY TREE | 118 HIGH STREET | HOLYWOOD, BT18 9HW | 028 9042 1419 | BAYTREEHOLYWOOD.CO.UK