Loop Mag : East Belfast March 2018

ISSUE • #38 • MARCH 2018

EAST BELFAST EDITION • LOOPMAG.NET

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

Local News

Cookbook

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

Paul Rankin’s recipes featuring his Irwin’s Bakery collaboration

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Schools

We have all the news direct from the classrooms of the East

History

Aidan has a full tank of stories from the forecourts of old

Home

How to bring old chairs back to life plus botanical beauty

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#38 Two east Belfast building projects have been shortlisted in the prestigious RICS Northern Ireland Awards 2018.

Michael Hannaway Chair of RICS Awards NI judging panel

T’s & C’s apply

East Belfast Projects Shortlisted for Awards

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The annual awards recognise exemplary built projects, and the teams behind them, that contribute positively to NI and this year the awards have seen the highest number of entries in their 28 year history.

“ T Despite the uncertainty in the current climate, Northern Ireland’s property professionals continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact

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he Connswater Community Greenway, which was completed in 2017, has been shortlisted in both the Community Benefit and Infrastructure categories, while the new £28m Titanic Hotel is in the running for awards in both the Building Conservation and Tourism and Leisure categories.

The £33m Connswater Community Greenway and East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme has made a massive contribution to the lives of residents and visitors to the area, improving life chances and biodiversity and creating healthier communities while catalysing regeneration and community cohesion. Those which worked on the Greenway project included surveyors from Belfast City Council, architectural firm Paul Hogarth and Farrans Construction.

The Titanic Hotel, which opened last

September, saw the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices and headquarters building restored to the highest standards. As the jewel in the crown of the heritage assets on Queen’s Island, it is the centrepiece for a heritage areas which attracts tourists from around the world.

The hotel is aiming to attract 35,000 staying visitors a year and employs 75 full time equivalent staff.

Sammon Surveyors and RMI Architects carried out the project with Abercorn Construction.

The local projects join 33 other building projects from across Northern Ireland at the RICS Awards 2018, which will be held at The La Mon Hotel & Spa, Belfast on 24 May. A wide variety of projects have been shortlisted across the eight categories of the awards scheme – Building Conservation, Commercial sponsored

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The local projects join 33 other building projects from across Northern Ireland at the RICS Awards 2018, which will be held at The La Mon Hotel & Spa, Belfast on 24th May.

Forbo, Infrastructure, Regeneration, Residential and Tourism and Leisure.

All category winners will go on to compete against other regional winners at the national RICS Awards Grand Final in London in November 2018. The winners of each category will also be in with a chance of winning the top prize, the highly esteemed Project of the Year title, presented to the scheme which demonstrates overall outstanding best practice and an exemplary commitment to adding value to its local area.

Michael Hannaway, Chair of the RICS Awards Northern Ireland judging panel, said: “Despite the uncertainty

in the current climate, Northern Ireland’s property professionals continue to deliver exemplary, and in many cases, world-class built projects that are having a profoundly positive impact. I am delighted to see so many of these remarkable built initiatives on this year’s shortlist for the 2018 RICS Awards, Northern Ireland. The exceptional talent and skills of the teams and surveyors behind these schemes is nothing short of remarkable, and I wish them all the best of luck in gaining the recognition they deserve for ensuring their local communities remain fantastic places to live, work, and visit.”

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PICTURED Above left; Connswater Community Greenway Top right; Titanic Hotel Belfast. Bottom right; Marshwiggle Way, Connswater Community Greenyway

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436 NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, BELFAST BT4 1HJ PUBLISHER Stuart Collins stuart@loopmag.net SALES • ACCOUNTS Juanita Collins juanita@loopmag.net TELEPHONE 02890 200988 WEB www.loopmag.net

PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION:

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

#38 Welcome to the latest edition of Loop Magazine.

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

Contents

A family owned business based In East Belfast

16 Paul Rankin

4 LOCAL NEWS

10

22 SCHOOLS

Info from the East Belfast Independent Advice centre plus the latest community initiatives

The kids and students have been as busy as ever and luckily we have everything they’ve been up to

14

24 HOME

Another instalment of our dementia specials, this time focusing on keeping children informed

Breathe life back into a chair you thought was ready for the scrapper plus a mossy installation

16

26

COOKBOOK 24 Home

LOCAL HISTORY Aidan Campbell looks around the archives at some of East Belfast’s most iconic filling stations

ALZHEIMER’S 14 Dementia Special

20

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

COMMUNITY

22 Schools

HEALTH

Paul Rankin is with us to share a selection of his recipes featuring his bread range with Irwin’s Bakery

Fitness from Steff, optical advice from Rosemary and help with quitting smoking from Medicare

18

30

THE ARTS The latest news and exhibitions plus we have the March listings from the Strand Arts Centre

WHATS ON? Use our planner which tell you everything that’s happening in East Belfast every month

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Welcome Mar 18

What’s Inside?

East Belfast Edition #38 / March 2018

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04

News Mar 18

#38 A second Perk ‘n’ Ride is being held on Friday 9th March from 7.30am – 9.30am.

Headlines

Pamela Grove-White

Active Travel Officer; Sustrans

The Perk, for cycling or walking to work, for the first 50 people, is a free coffee, or tea at Jack Coffee Bar on CS Lewis Square. his is an opportunity for those thinking about cycling to work to get more information, maybe book onto the free cycle training or a led cycle ride along the Greenway which Sustrans are offering through this project to people living or working in the area.

On Friday 2nd February Pamela and Martha from Sustrans, now based in the Sustrans Active Travel Hub on CS Lewis Square, invited commuters who were walking or cycling in the area to drop in for a free coffee. A perk for leaving the car behind and getting a little more active on the journey to work. Thirty five commuters took time to for a coffee and chat – others just waved as they cycled by - it was great to see so many people enjoying the exercise on the way to work, research has found, said Pamela, Active Travel Officer for Sustrans, that “Regular cycling is as good as going to the gym for losing weight

and it’s fun and quick!”

Pamela and Martha are working on a project based in East Belfast, encouraging use of the Comber and Connswater Greenways especially for commuting. “Working at the hub means that we can offer cycle training, bike maintenance, led rides and information to help people to cycle, or walk, more.” said Martha, Active Travel Officer for Sustrans.

For more information about Perk ‘n’ ride or the Sustrans’ Project in East Belfast contact Pamela.grovewhite@sustrans.org.uk or Martha. robb@sustrans.org.uk or check out the page on our website – this has information about our training, events and our Pedal Perk scheme – www.sustrans.org.uk/chips and www.sustrans.org.uk/pedalperks A Charity Making It Easier For Everyone To Walk And Cycle In The UK!

PICTURED Clockwise from top left; Claire McLernon, Anne Madden, Gordon Clarke – Sustrans’ NI Director, Pamela Grove-White and Janet Armstrong. A group of commuters queuing up on the day. Two cyclists with their coffee.

A commuter with a bike made for carrying loads

An East Belfast-based organisation that supports visually impaired children was one two groups awarded £15,000 in a new pilot scheme run by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland.

“

It is going to make a tangible difference both to the parents we support and the healthcare professionals who will benefit from the technology we are creating.

We would like to thank the Foundation for their support in enabling us to take this project forward Sara McCracken, CEO, Angel Eyes NI

The biggest publication in the area

Sustrans’ Perk n Ride at Jack Coffee Bar

“ T A perk for leaving the car behind and getting a little more active on the journey to work. Thirty five commuters took time to for a coffee and chat – others just waved as they cycled by - it was great to see so many people enjoying the exercise on the way to work

A family owned business based In East Belfast

East Belfast Group Awarded £15,000 After Pitching For New Project Angel Eyes NI, which is based at City East Business Centre on the Newtownards Road, pitched the idea of new technology supporting parents and professionals to change the support that is currently delivered to visually impaired children.

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he £15,000 will be used to develop this technology to help parents to understand their child’s world. Sara McCracken, CEO of Angel Eyes NI, who has two visually impaired children, said the new technology would help give an insight to parents, health professionals and classroom assistants on each child’s daily routines at home,

in the classroom and playground in order to give the appropriate level of support for each child. She added: “It is going to make a tangible difference both to the parents we support and the healthcare professionals who will benefit from the technology we are creating. We would like to thank the Foundation for their support in enabling us to take this project forward.”

PICTURED Imelda McMullan (centre) chair of the judging panel congratulates Sara McCracken and David Trainor from Angel Eyes NI on their successful pitch.

The organisation will receive £15,000 from the Halifax Foundation for NI in its Pitching for Pounds pilot project.

For more info about the work of the Foundation go to www. halifaxfoundationni. org

Dr David Trainor an IT expert helping Angel Eyes NI to develop the new technology said the grant would be invaluable: “Most technology supports the visually impaired person so to use it to support parents and professionals to understand a visually impaired world is a new concept.”

Angel Eyes NI and the other winning group Portadown Cares were among eight organisations given the opportunity to take part in ‘Pitching for Pounds’ - a new pilot project run by the Halifax Foundation for Northern Ireland.

They pitched their new ideas in front of a judging panel of Halifax Foundation trustees and Imelda McMillan, chair of the judging panel, hoped the programme would be even bigger next year. “We were very impressed by the standard of pitching and the quality of the ideas put forward by all eight organisations, each of which was more than deserving of grants but we had to pick two winners. The judging panel found that Angel Eyes NI and Portadown Cares stood out and we are delighted to allocate £15,000 to each organisation to make their exciting ideas a reality.

We can’t wait to see their projects up and running soon.”

The remaining six charities each received grants of £400 to help with their projects. The eight organisations were chosen from 133 applicants from across Northern Ireland. The other groups pitching for pounds included Assistance Dogs, the Buddy Bear Trust, PEAT, the LCC Community Trust, GenderJam NI and the Eating Disorders Association. Before the pitching session took place, all eight charities were given some tips for their presentations by Matthew Teague of Entrepreneurial Spark, who said: “What an amazing programme and opportunity for Northern Ireland’s social entrepreneurs to put forward creative and innovative ways of delivering positive social impact in local communities.”

East Belfast Girl Wins Her Grandparents A Sweet Treat Phoenix Natural Gas asked children who recently visited the MAC to nominate someone who has made their life a little sweeter at the Phoenix Sweetie Shop.

PICTURED (L-R) Claire Murray, Marketing Manager at The MAC, Granny Burns, Heidi Burns, Granda Burns & Cathy Magovern, Marketing Manager at Phoenix Gas.

O

ver 1000 submissions were received; some funny, some imaginative and some especially heartfelt. Having reviewed all the entries, it became apparent that the grandparents of Northern Ireland are helping to sweeten up the lives of local children. The little sweetheart, Heidi Burns (6) from East Belfast, nominated her Granny and Granda saying, “They take care of me and have taught me to cook, bake and do jigsaws. I love them lots.”

Heidi and her Grandparents are one of five winners from across Northern Ireland. Cathy Magovern, Marketing & Events Manager at Phoenix Natural Gas said: “We were overwhelmed by the number of children who praised their grandparents for making their lives sweeter at our Sweetie Shop at the MAC. It is evident through the nominations that children in Northern Ireland truly value the warmth and love from their grandparents. We are delighted to offer the children an opportunity to warm the hearts of their grandparents by treating them to a sweet day out. ”

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06

News Mar 18

#38 Geri Wright of awards sponsor Phoenix Gas and Jonathan McAlpin, Eastside Awards committee chair, congratulate Jamie Mendez on Little Wing Pizzeria winning Eastside Awards Business Contribution to the Community.

“

These awards are a fitting way to celebrate all that is great about East Belfast and in this second year, the awards have again proven to be a magnificent success.

Jonathan McAlpin Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise and Chair of Eastside Awards Committe

Headlines

The biggest publication in the area

A family owned business based In East Belfast

EASTSIDE AWARDS WIN FOR LITTLE WING

Beauty Culture Receive Guinot Crown Salon Status This is the second year they have received the status

The fantastic event was held recently at The Stormont Hotel

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aroline, Debbie and Rachel had the pleasure of attending the Guinot conference and award ceremony in London last weekend. “Debbie being the NI regional winner of therapist of the year was also entered into the national therapist competition, though she didn’t attain it this year there is always next year and we thoroughly enjoyed the award ceremony and we are immensly proud of her!” 1A Bloomfield Rd. 028 9046 0100

S

ponsor Geri Wright, Communications Manager, Phoenix Natural Gas Ltd, said: “Phoenix Natural Gas is delighted to sponsor the Eastside Awards to recognise and reward talent within the East Belfast community in which we are based. The success of the awards last year is testament to the talent of the local community and the contributions made through business, voluntary and community work. We are delighted to once again support these awards which showcase the best of the East as a hub for creativity, culture and innovation and we congratulate

Little Wing on winning this award.”

Eastside Awards judges said of Little Wing Pizzeria winner - their work in supporting local schools and children’s sporting clubs is impressive. It is clear that Little Wing Pizzeria is committed to making a positive impact in their local area and that their ethos of a family is at the heart of all they do.

Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise and Chair of Eastside Awards Committee, said: “These awards are a fitting way to celebrate all that is great about East Belfast and in this second year, the awards have again proven to be a magnificent success.”

www.eastsideawards.org • www.facebook.com/eastsideawards

Royal British Legion Cregagh ,Wandsworth, Ormeau Branch Poppy Appeal Certificates A fantastic series of fundraising was achieved by all involved.

L-R Certificate presentation to Tesco Castlereagh road. They raised £8,247.05 for the Poppy appeal.

Pictured left to right; Norman Scott, Chairman, Arnette Martin, Community Champion, Manager Simon McNeill, Michelle McGarry, Customer Service Manager and Joe Scott p.a.o 2nd photo is Tesco Newtownbreda who raised £6,659.55 for the Poppy appeal. Pictured is Norman Scott, Chairman, Simon McNeill, Manager, Gillian Huton,community champion and Joe Scott p.a.o.

3rd photo is of certificate presentation to row & row they raised £2,823.49. In photo is Norman Scott chairman, The Reverend Mervyn Gibson, Mrs Rachel Davidson both representing row and row, Roy McVeigh vice chairman.

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Step into a Land of Make Believe in Bangor this Easter

storytelling | mystical maze | favourite book characters | chocolate factory music | children’s crafts | book clubs and more family fun!

Monday 2 April | 12noon-5pm Bangor Town Centre There is a small charge for some activities

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08

News Mar 18

#38 While many teenagers have been spending their half term breaks catching up on sleep and computer games, 17-year-old Mark Woods has been tackling something altogether more memorable.

“

They were actually going to let Cadets tinker with thousands of pounds worth of aircraft and we’d actually make it fly in the end! How good is that?

Mark Woods

Headlines

A family owned business based In East Belfast

East Belfast Cadet Mark Woods Builds Airplane!

Grosvenor Grammar School student, Mark who is a Cadet Flight Sergeant with 1137 (East Belfast) Squadron is amongst sixty Air Cadets from across Northern Ireland working together to build a Sting S4 plane at Ulster Aviation Society’s Lisburn hangar.

T

he year-long project ‘Centennial Wings’, supported by funding from Boeing and the Air League, is giving the talented teens the opportunity to build a plane from scratch. The completed, twoseater aircraft will be capable of a maximum speed of 177 miles per hour. To add to the challenge, the plane must be ready to fly over to The Royal International Air Tattoo, the world’s largest military air show, this July. As that all-important Summer deadline approaches, the pace of work is hotting up and so, too, is the Cadets’ enthusiasm for the task.

Taking a break from the work, Mark says, “I couldn’t believe my ears when we were told about the project … that they were actually going to let Cadets tinker with thousands of pounds worth of aircraft and we’d actually make it fly in the end! How good is that? To be able to come down here and not only see the

aircraft up close, but actually to put a plane together … there’s just nothing I can compare that to!”

Wing Commander Mike Miskimmin, Officer Commanding Northern Ireland Wing RAF Air Cadets, is delighted to see local Air Cadets involved in a key project to mark the 100th anniversary of the formation of the Royal Air Force and he is impressed at the skill and enthusiasm which the teenagers have brought to the demanding task, guided and supported by the Ulster Aviation Society and engineers from Boeing UK. He says, “No matter what we throw at them, our Cadets always rise to the challenge, combining a great sense of fun with an incredible appetite for learning. I have watched with admiration as these young people have put their STEM subjects to use in the most dramatic way possible, plus they have taken on a wide range of new, practical skills.

Dockside Festival Hosts Family Fun at HMS Caroline The Dockside Festival, running from March 24 to April 19, will give visitors a first look at the newly restored Pump House - adjacent to HMS Caroline - which houses exhibition spaces and interactive activities complementing the ship itself.

A fantastic community project which provides training to young people with learning difficulties, enabling them to integrate into the community & workplace

PICTURED Cadet Flight Sergeant Mark Woods of 1137 (East Belfast) Squadron just chilling out building a plane!

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A fun-filled festival marking the opening of the new visitor centre at HMS Caroline is set to launch next month at Alexandra Dock & Wharf in the Titanic Quarter.

To find out more www. hmscaroline. co.uk

The biggest publication in the area

The Sweet Sound Cafe In Dundonald Has Great Start A Dundonald cafe run entirely by volunteers has got off to a great start thanks to funding from the Housing Executive.

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he café, which is based in the Inspire Business Park, Carrowreagh Road, received £1,000 from the Housing Executive’s Social Housing Enterprise programme to buy equipment and pay for training courses. Julie Graham, Chairperson of Right Reasons welcomed the funding and explained how it has helped: “The Housing Executive funding means our trainees and volunteers can gain valuable work experience, meet new

people and grow in confidence.

Many young people with learning difficulties can complete training courses at schools or in further education but then they can’t go any further because of a lack of opportunities. We wanted to change that. Working in the café means they can gain practical work experience, interact with customers and other volunteers, and generally become more confident. For many of our volunteers and trainees, this cafe has been a lifeline.”

“The Cadets have also sharpened up their team and leadership skills and can look forward to their hard work and determination paying off in fine style when their plane is on display at the world-famous RIAT show. As they build their plane, they are also laying down firm foundations for their next steps in education … and stocking up some priceless memories into the bargain!”

oinciding with the Easter holidays, children can enjoy activity trails, arts and crafts, film screenings, educational family events and an exciting chance to handle replica objects and artefacts on board the ship.The Festival will also celebrate the completion of Alexandra Dock & Wharf, now comprising the Pump House visitor centre and HMS Caroline, which are connected by a 25-metre steel and timber footbridge installed across the mouth of Alexandra Dock. The bridge, and a newly installed gangway welcoming visitors onto the vessel, further improves access to what is one of the UK’s most accessible historic ships. Family events during the festival will also have nautical themed activities for everyone to try their hand at, including knot tying and trails with Blucher the Bunny, one of the ship’s mascots. Activities throughout the Easter Weekend (March 30 – April 3) include: make your own pom-pom bunny with Woolly Workshops, create a Blucher the Rabbit headdress with artist Bobbi Purdy as well as Punch and Judy shows. Visitors will also get the opportunity to listen to storytelling sessions by Captain the Puppet and enjoy singing along to sea shanties with Sailor Dan. HMS Caroline is operated by The National Museum of the Royal Navy and is the world’s last remaining floating survivor from the Battle of Jutland in 1916. Moored in Belfast since 1924, over the past four years HMS Caroline has been fully restored and fitted out thanks to support from the Heritage Lottery Fund in NI.

Mark’s detachment - 1137 (East Belfast) Squadron, which meets at 7pm on Tuesday evenings at the Clonaver Park Army Reserve Centre – is currently on a membership drive.

It may be too late for newcomers to sign up for the build-a-plane project, but the Squadron promises no shortage of high-flying adventure, camaraderie and achievements for new members.

£1.3 Million Benefit Uptake Success For Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Area People in Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council area are £1.3 million better off due to work by the Department for Communities to help people to claim the social security benefits they are entitled to.

I

n total, across NI, household income of 4810 people increased by £21.3 million - an average £85 per week.

The £21.3million additional benefits represents the largest ever amount generated in a single year since this work began in 2005. The findings form part of the 2016/17 report on the Department’s ‘Benefit Uptake Programme’, which aims to reach people in our society who have been missing out on the benefits they were entitled to and should have been receiving. In one case in the local council area, a claimant who had their benefits reviewed was found to be entitled to Attendance Allowance and State Pension Credit. They are now £134 better off each week.

The Department provides a dedicated telephone line providing free and confidential advice about benefits and other Government supports such as the Blue Badge scheme and help with dental treatment and eye tests.

The service is promoted through mailings, advertising, information events, and working in partnership with a range of statutory and voluntary & community sector partners. In addition Community Outreach workers are located across Northern Ireland to provide face to face advice and assistance to vulnerable customers through home visits.

Call the ‘Make the Call’ Advice Line number on 0800 232 1271, or online at https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/makethecall

Kayaking #38

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Presently we have 70 members of the club who enjoy learning new skills, working towards training awards as well as representing and competing in canoe polo competitions in Northern Ireland, Ireland, England and France.

BOOK ONLINE belfastkayakacademy.com

Belfast Kayak Academy is a small kayaking club formed in 2009 and is affiliated to CANI (Canoe Association of Northern Ireland).

The aim of our club is to provide all children with the opportunity to learn how to kayak and with continued development of those skills, learn play and compete in canoe polo competitions.

09

Welcome Mar 18

Belfast Kayak Academy Kayaking Club The club is supported by a group of coaches and leaders who deliver the club’s annual programme of trips, paddlesport awards, pool sessions, come and try events, club trips, after school clubs and holiday scheme camps.

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here are currently 3 BKA members with coaching qualifications ranging from BCU (UKCC) L1 to BCU L3 Trainee. The Club is currently run by a Committee 12 members elected from the membership at the AGM each year. Presently the Club run kayaking sessions Monday to Friday in the evenings and Saturday and Sunday during the day. The club also run many competitions and trips throughout the year. To provide support and increase opportunities for children to participate in our club we have developed a relationship with several schools in our area. This has enabled children from all areas including areas of high

social need and cross community to be able to participate in a sport in conjunction with their school. Belfast Kayak Academy provides opportunities to children from high social need areas that they would not otherwise have.

Belfast Kayak Academy provides all equipment for the sport that these children need and that their families might otherwise not be able to afford.

Presently we have six schools participating in after school clubs: • Carryduff Primary School • Strandtown Primary School • Orangefield Primary School • Cairnshill Primary School • Campbell College • Strathearn Girls Grammar

“

To provide support and increase opportunities for children to participate in our club we have developed a relationship with several schools in our area.

There are also several children who come along and enjoy kayaking through their scout, guide groups and church organisations from both sides of the community.Presently we have several children who have learning and attention issues as well as children on the Autism spectrum who benefit greatly from their weekly kayaking

sessions. The club is highly supported by the wider local community, many local schools and the local political representatives. It promotes and encourages sport, health and wellbeing from a young age in a skill that can be carried on right into later life.

It is also supported by Belfast Activity Centre. belfastkayakacademy.com

10

News Mar 18

Community

A family owned business based In East Belfast

ASK THE ADVISOR

Advice

IS THERE ANY POINT IN APPLYING FOR PERSONAL INDEPENDENCE PAYMENT?

EBIAC, 55 Templemore Avenue, Belfast BT5 4NT, Tel 028 90 735690

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

East Belfast Independent Advice Centre Offers advice on Welfare benefits, Tax Credits, Housing, Employment and Debt. The advice is free, independent and confidential. You can phone us or come into the centre to talk to an adviser.

“I suffer from depression and anxiety, which effects my life in many ways. I cannot go out on my own due to having panic attacks. One of my children always accompanies me. I receive Disability Living Allowance. Yesterday, I received a letter to say that this benefit is ending and that I have to claim Personal Independence Payment. I have seen TV programmes and read stories in the newspapers that say it is difficult to get this benefit. Is there any point in applying for Personal Independence Payment?”

Y

es, we would advise you to apply for Personal Independence Payment.

We help many people on a daily basis to apply for this benefit.

We can help you complete the forms and advise you with regard to the assessment for this benefit. We would encourage everyone who is currently on Disability Living Allowance to make a claim for Personal Independence Payment when you receive your invitation to claim it. We would also encourage everyone to contact their local advice centre for assistance to complete the forms. If you are turned down for this benefit or if you receive a decision you are not happy with we can provide all the support you need to appeal the decision.

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Payment or who receive a lesser award it is important that you appeal, as when you appeal you will receive a Supplementary Payment.

Supplementary Payments are paid for one year or until you have had an outcome of your appeal. If you have a chronic illness or disability and are thinking about applying for Personal Independence Payment, please also get in touch with us for advice and assistance. Not everyone who applies for Personal Independence Payment is unsuccessful. Some people we have helped have found that they are financially better off on Personal Independence Payment. We also find that two thirds of the people we help with Personal Independence Payments Appeals are successful.

Get in touch and let us support you with your claim for Personal Independence Payment.

Would you like to Volunteer with EBIAC and make a real difference in your community? We have opportunities to volunteer in the following roles, Receptionist, Administrator and Adviser. Please contact Gerard Morgan.

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News Mar 18

Patrick McKee BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS Don’t you find our furry canine friends spend much of every day sniffing and licking things they probably shouldn’t?

“

The most common signs of lungworm are ‘coughing’, dullness and not eating well. Further problems include internal bleeding

Pet Advice

Advice from your local veterinary expert

Canine Lungworm Strikes Again!

WORMING

Here at Ashwood we have diagnosed lungworm as recently as December 2017. With the owner’s permission, we want to share the story of ‘Bear’with you so you know what to look for!

Who is Bear and what happened?

Bear is a 6 year old Alaskan Malamute and certainly lives up to his name! He arrived at the clinic very dull, coughing and had had ‘fainting’ episodes the day before.

Bear was dangerously ill. We were very concerned and urgently investigated to determine the cause.

We monitored him very closely because his blood counts were falling and when Lungworm was diagnosed, we instigated treatment immediately.

Bear is thankfully recovering well now, because his owners were so quick to spot that something serious was wrong. It’ll be wonderful to see him back to his usual boisterous self!

How did Bear become so ill?

Bear became infected with lungworms by ingesting slugs, snails or possibly their slimey trail. Slugs and snails are impossible to keep away from our back gardens or pathways. This means that every dog is susceptible to becoming infected with lungworm.

Does it really matter if my dog is infected?

Yes! Lungworm is an aggressive parasite that is potentially lifethreatening!

What should I look out for?

The most common signs of lungworm are ‘coughing’, dullness and not eating well. Further problems include internal bleeding (which is why Bear had those fainting episodes).

How can I prevent this disease?

It used to be uncommon, but there have been 13 locally reported cases in the last year and numerous unreported cases. But the good news is Lungworm is completely preventable. In response to the ever increasing number of local dogs becoming infected, we now recommend a specific monthly worming treatment.

When used at correct intervals this will stop the worm life cycle and prevent lungworm infection.

If you have any questions or are concerned your dog may have been exposed to lungworm, don’t hesitate to call Kelly on our reception (028 9041 9374) or email (hello@ ashwoodvets.com) for advice or to book a check-up appointment. If we are suspicious of lungworm infection, there is a quick and simple blood test that tells us if your dog is infected.

Patrick.

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News Mar 18

Alzheimer’s

The latest instalment of our special features on dementia

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

Dementia

A third of children in Northern Ireland know a person with dementia, and with more than 20,000 people here living with dementia - including over 1,250 in East Belfast alone - more and more of them have someone in the family living with dementia.

But with adults often uncomfortable talking about it, it can be hard to know how to explain it to children.

PICTURED Gilnahirk Primary children taking part in Cupcake Day / Beavers visiting people with dementia at Sydenham Court nursing home / Memory Walk / Natasha Gilliland and Lenny the Lion.

Don’t Leave Kids In The Dark On Dementia

Natasha Gilliland, Belfast Information Worker for Alzheimer’s Society, explained that having those conversations can seem daunting, but it’s important to explain to children what is happening....

“

We know that one day we will find a cure for dementia and we work all the time to achieve that, but in the mean time we want people with dementia to live as well as possible, and that means making the community we live in as accepting, understanding and accommodating as possible.

Natasha Gilliland Information Worker for Alzheimer’s Society in Belfast

A

“

t Alzheimer’s Society we believe passionately that life doesn’t end when dementia begins.

We are here for anyone affected by dementia, and we do everything we can to keep people with dementia connected to their lives and the people who matter most to them – and that includes grandchildren, or nieces and nephews or even just young friends and neighbours,” Natasha said.

“Grandparents and grandchildren often share a very special bond, and as strange as it may seem, this can be strengthened by dementia. And that can also be true for other young people visiting.

“For a person living with dementia, memories of their own childhood may be particularly vivid, and sharing stories about schooldays, favourite toys and games and activities can be a way to find common ground. Children may find it fascinating to hear about how grandparents entertained themselves in the days before television and X boxes. It’s astonishing to them that grandparents not only didn’t have mobile phones and tablets, they often didn’t have a home telephone until

they were older. But despite all those differences, they still have games and toys in common, whether it’s riding a bike, or playing cards or tag or climbing trees. Or even remembering baking with grandma or learning to fix something with grandpa,” she said. Children can also be more accepting of change and open to asking questions, but sometimes it can be hard for adults to answer those questions. But Natasha says that Alzheimer’s Society resources can help.

“Alzheimer’s Society has a whole range of advice and prompts for starting conversations with children,” Natasha said. “I go out to a lot of schools and youth groups to do talks or run a special assembly, and I find the kids are keen to know more.

Even the children that have no direct link with dementia seem eager to understand more.

“When I do talks for younger children, I take a giant Lenny the Lion with me. He’s the hero in the story ‘Lovely Old Lion’, has been really effective in teaching children how they can help someone with dementia. We talk about how our grandparents still love us, even if they sometimes forget our names. The stories the children

have shared and their excitement at getting to hug Lenny really makes awareness raising come alive.

That’s just one of the books that we recommend on our website, and it’s available in our online store or through usual outlets.

“We also have videos that can help even very young people understand dementia, as well as animations about how the brain works and what is happening in dementia for older kids,” she said. Alzheimer’s Society has a YouTube channel, including an animation ‘Grandma and Me’ that Natasha recommends as a way into talking to children about dementia.

Natasha said Alzheimer’s Society is working to create a Dementia Friendly Generation. “We know that one day we will find a cure for dementia and we work all the time to achieve that, but in the mean time we want people with dementia to live as well as possible, and that means making the community we live in as accepting, understanding and accommodating as possible.

“Dementia Friendly East Belfast is doing fantastic work at all levels in East Belfast, and that includes work with young people. Whether it’s the Beavers going in to Sydenham Court

or the links between Gilnahirk Primary and Our Lady of St Patrick’s schools and Kirk House – just two examples amid a myriad of others – making those intergenerational connections and normalizing dementia doesn’t just help the older people involved in the projects, it lays foundations for these kids to understand dementia all their lives. And who knows, one of those children might decide to make it their life goal to find a cure for dementia, and we’ll have another East Belfast person to celebrate in generations to come!” she said.

Natasha encouraged schools and youth groups in East Belfast to participate in helping children to understand dementia.

“Alzheimer’s Society has materials for schools – endorsed by CCEA – for all levels from Key Stage 1 – Key Stage 4, and these are really easy to incorporate into the school curriculum,” she said. These materials are free and schools can register online at www.alzheimers.org.uk/ And there are fun events that can back this up – Cupcake Day in June can get kids baking to raise funds for dementia, or you can organize a school Memory Walk or take part in Elf Day in December.

Natasha Gilliland, Information Worker for Alzheimer’s Society in Belfast, can come to schools or youth groups to run assemblies or awareness sessions for specific age groups – contact her on 07738 854477 or Natasha.gilliland@alzheimers.org.uk

Life doesn’t end when dementia begins, but sometimes people can need some extra support to keep doing the things they enjoy. That’s where Alzheimer’s Society’s new Side by Side programme comes in.

Do Something You Love Side By Side A Person With Dementia “Side by Side is a really innovative new way of befriending, because instead of just visiting a person in their home, we match people with dementia and volunteers to do something they both have a common interest in.” David Moore, Side by Side coordinator for Belfast, said.

“We’ve recently rolled the service out in East Belfast, and we are finding a really high level of demand for the service, so we need more volunteers,” said David. “The feedback we get from volunteers I that they love taking part. Some feel they get more out of it even than the person they support, but then the people with dementia tend to

contest that and say they are the ones getting the benefit! It’s so satisfying to see both volunteers and people with dementia enjoying the partnerships and building relationships. It’s amazing how just an hour or two of doing something you enjoy can help. We really need volunteers, and particularly men. It’s not a big

commitment, an hour a week or even a month, and we provide training and support. Even if you’re not sure Side by Side is for you but want to know more, give me a call and we can chat about options,” David said.

Contact David on 028 9038 7787 or 07860 182 072 or email David.

Moore@alzheimers.org.uk

Activities for people with dementia and their carers!

For people with dementia and their carers

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Will you join the thousands of volunteers already taking on dementia?

Find out more about volunteering with Alzheimer’s Society

Our exciting opportunities across Northern Ireland include:

-

Side by Side Volunteers Befriending Volunteers Awareness Raising Volunteers Fundraising Volunteers User Involvement Volunteers

We provide induction, out of pocket expenses and ongoing training and support for all volunteers.

To find out more about our opportunities, please contact our Volunteering Officer Email: VolsNorthEastNI@alzheimers.org.uk Phone: 028 9038 7486

@AlzSocNI @alzheimerssoc Alzheimer’s Society – Northern Ireland

Alzheimer’s Society operates in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, registered charity no. 296645

16

Features Mar 18

Cookbook

Food

Baked Just in time for St Patrick’s Day, top Irish Chef Paul Rankin has created a selection of delicious recipes, so you can join in on the celebration.

The dishes all feature Paul’s ‘Rankin Selection’ award-winning traditional Irish bread range, made in collaboration with Northern Irish bakery Irwin’s, which give the recipes an authentic taste of Ireland.

Paul Rankin Rankin Selection Recipes for 2018

The Rankin Selection range includes Brown Soda Bread (£1.20), Stoneground Wheaten (£1.20), Potato Slims (£1.20) and Barmbrack (£1.80) - and is available in major retailers across the UK including Tesco, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s. For further information on Rankin Selection, plus more recipes, visit www.rankinselection.com.

Quick Breakfast Fruit Loaf Crumble With Coconut I love crumble and often eat it for breakfast with some natural yoghurt. This one is meant to be simple healthy, fast and tasty.

Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS: 4 Golden Delicious or Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped 12 pitted prunes, chopped 3-4 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp melted raw coconut oil 1 tbsp water 2 ripe bananas, peeled and sliced FRUIT LOAF TOPPING 2 tbsp melted raw coconut oil 1 large free-range egg white 5 slices Rankin Selection Fruit Loaf, crusts removed and torn into 3cm (1 1/2in) pieces 3 tbsp sugar 1 packet seed shot with goji berries (about 2 tbsp) Icing sugar, to dust Handful of lightly toasted coconut flakes (optional) Natural yoghurt, to serve METHOD: Preheat the oven to 190C (375F), Gas mark 5. Place the apples in a bowl with the prunes, sugar, coconut oil and water and toss until evenly combined. Transfer to a baking dish and bake for 12 minutes. Remove from the oven and scatter over the bananas.

Meanwhile, make the topping.

Brekkie Quick Breakfast Fruit Loaf Crumble With Coconut

Whisk together the coconut oil and egg white in a large bowl until frothy. Fold in the fruit loaf and scatter over the baked fruit and banana mixture. Sprinkle over half of the sugar and then scatter over the seed shot with goji berries.

Finish with an even sprinkling of the rest of the sugar and bake for 12-15 minutes until caramelised and crisp. Dust with icing sugar and scatter over the coconut flakes, if using. Serve at once straight to the table with a bowl of yoghurt.

Brown Soda Bread With Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Salmon & Avocado One of the great breakfast, lunch, brunch dishes - the bonus is that it is healthy and super tasty.

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 8 large free-range eggs 40g (1 1/2oz) butter, diced and well chilled 8 slices Rankin Selection Brown Soda Bread 200g (7oz) smoked salmon slices 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, stoned and diced ½ red onion, finely sliced Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper METHOD: Break the eggs into a jug and season with salt and pepper, then lightly whisk. Melt a knob of the butter in a medium non-stick

saucepan and add the eggs.

Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula but not whisk. Once they are cooked, remove from the heat and stir in the rest of the butter to prevent them from cooking further.

This will also keep them creamy.

Lightly toast the brown soda bread in a toaster or under the grill.

Arrange on warmed plates and top with the scrambled eggs.

Scatter over the avocado and red onion and give each one a light dusting of black pepper to serve.

Blue Cheese, Pear & Pecan Nut Salad With Barmbrack Croutons This is a pretty classic salad but the Barmbrack croutons take it to another level. You can substitute other blue cheese to finish, but none has the creamy saltiness of Roquefort.

Serves 4 INGREDIENTS: 1 small head frisee lettuce 1 small head radicchio 1 bunch of watercress 2 Little Gem lettuces 2 pears, quartered lengthways, cored and cut into thin slices 50g (2oz) pecan nuts, toasted 125g (4 1/2oz) Roquefort, cubed BARMBRACK CROUTONS 2 thin slices Rankin Selection Barmbrack 1 tbsp softened butter Icing sugar, to dust VINAIGRETTE ½ tsp salt ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper ½ tsp Dijon mustard 2-4 tbsp white wine vinegar 225ml (8fl oz) olive or sunflower oil METHOD: Trim, wash and dry all the salad leaves and mix them together.

To make the vinaigrette, mix the salt, pepper and mustard into the vinegar and, when the salt has dissolved, whisk in the oil, slowly at first to allow it to be incorporated.

Cookbook

17

Features Mar 18

Brunch Brown Soda Bread With Scrambled Eggs, Smoked Salmon & Avocado

Salad Blue Cheese, Pear & Pecan Nut Salad With Barmbrack Croutons

For the barmbrack croutons, preheat the grill to medium.

Trim the crusts off the slices of barmbrack and cut each slice into 2 on the diagonal. Spread one side with the butter and dust with the icing sugar then toast until crisp.

Use enough of the vinaigrette to lightly dress the salad leaves and arrange on plates. Peel the pears and cut into quarters, then remove the cores and thinly slice. Arrange on the salad with the pecan nuts and Roquefort cheese.

St Patrick’s Day Potato Slims This is just a bit of St Patrick’s Day fun but is delicious and a great way to celebrate all things Irish!

Serves 4-6 INGREDIENTS: 6 Rankin Selection Potato Slims SPICED AVOCADO & SOYA BEANS 50g (2oz) frozen soya beans 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onion

“

Tasting new flavours, seeing how they combine together to create new food experiences has always been my greatest passion. For Rankin Selection, I’ve searched the island of Ireland to find food producers who share my philosophy of elevating simple but wonderful ingredients to something extra special, on the palate and the plate

Paul Rankin

(green part only) 1 green chilli, seeded and finely chopped 1 tbsp chopped fresh mint 1 large ripe avocado, peeled, stoned and diced ½ lime FLAKED COD WITH MAYONNAISE 4 tbsp dry white wine 125g (4 1/2oz) skinless and boneless cod fillet, cut into 3cm (1 1/2in) pieces) 2 tbsp finely chopped spring onion (white part only) 3 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tsp chopped fresh dill Squeeze of lemon SMOKED SALMON AND CAPER CREAM CHEESE 100g (4oz) cream cheese 1 ½ tsp capers, drained and rinsed 1 tbsp snipped fresh chives 100g (4oz) smoked salmon, finely diced Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper METHOD: To prepare the spiced avocado and soya beans. Cook the soya beans in a saucepan according to packet instructions and drain.

Refresh under cold running water and put in a bowl. Fold in the

spring onion, chilli, mint, avocado and lime juice.

To prepare the flaked cod with mayonnaise. Place the white wine and cod into a medium sized saucepan with the spring onions and bring to a simmer. Remove from the heat and then set aside to cool and allow it to finish cooking.

Once the cod is completely cool drain off any excess liquid and fold in the mayonnaise with the dill, season and a squeeze of lemon.

Preheat the grill to medium and arrange the potato slims on the grill rack. Toast on both sides.

Prepare the caper cream cheese.

Put the cream cheese into a bowl Celebrate - St Patrick’s Day Potato Slims and beat in the capers and chives, then season. Spread thickly on to 2 of the potato slims and add an even layer of the smoked salmon on top.

Cut each one into 4 and arrange on a long flat platter or board.

Spread the spiced avocado and soy beans on to another 2 of the potato slims and again cut each one into quarters and put at the other end of the platter. Finally spread the flaked cod on to the remaining 2 potato slims and cut into quarters and put in the middle of the platter to serve.

18

Features Mar 18

The Arts

Strand Arts Centre CEO takes part in crucial funding event

£500k Summit Demand for loans from an innovative community fund has exceeded all expectations.

In just over six months the ‘Building Better Futures Fund’ has committed over £500K to almost 30 groups across Northern Ireland.

PICTURED Nigel McKinney, CEO, Building Change Trust,Harry McDaid, CEO, UCIT and Paula Reynolds, CEO, Belfast Charitable Society with fund recipients Mimi Turtle, CEO, Strand Arts Centre and Dermot O’Hara, Manager, Destined Enterprises.

Strand Arts Centre CEO Keynote Speaker At Funding Event Created by a partnership between Belfast Charitable Society, Building Change Trust and Ulster Community Investment Trust (UCIT), the £1M fund provides unsecured loans of up to £25,000 to voluntary groups, charities and social enterprises.

Art

Six Colours of Black

Plan

An Exhibition by Sam McCready

S

ix Colours of Black, refers to a Chinese tradition that in black and white painting, through the use of ink, water and brush, the painter can create five shades or colours of black but not six. Six is unattainable but the Chinese painter spends a lifetime trying to achieve it. Sam McCready trained, however, in painting at Stranmillis College and the Belfast College of Art, under such master teachers as Romeo Toogood and Kenneth Webb. He has had a number of solo shows in the US and his work is in private collections in Europe, the Far East and the US. In recent years, he has had the opportunity to visit Hong Kong and to study with Chinese Masters.

His connection with these eminent painters has had a profound influence on his work. Sam McCready’s recent paintings are influenced by a style of traditional Chinese painting that dates from the 5th Century AD. Known as shan shui, the style depicts natural landscapes using brush and ink. The style refutes colour, light and shadow; there is an absence of brush strokes and the personal style of the painter must not intrude. When Chinese painters work in the shan shui style, they make no attempt to represent an image of what they have seen but what they have thought about nature; it is a medium not for the viewer’s eye but for the mind.

Thus the style has strong associations with Taoist imagery and motifs.

1st - 31st March.

ArtisAnn Gallery 70 Bloomfield Avenue, BT5 5AE

WWW.STRANDARTSCENTRE.COM

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

The ArtisAnn Gallery in Belfast is delighted to be hosting a solo exhibition by one of Belfast’s most famous sons: the actor, director and artist Sam McCready.

A

A new gallery exhibition plus your arts listings

mong the groups supported by the ‘Building Better Futures Fund’ are the Strand Arts Centre in Belfast and Destined Enterprises in Derry-Londonderry. The Strand Arts Centre secured finance to acquire a new digital projector to help grow both its artistic programme and income. Destined Enterprises, which empowers people with learning disabilities, applied to the Fund to buy new equipment for its social enterprise taxi service.

Dermot O’Hara, Destined Enterprises Director, said: “This loan has enabled us to provide much needed disabledfriendly transport in the city. In going to the Fund we had to think about our business model and how and when we can pay it back. We take the whole idea of ‘enterprise’ very seriously and we also use this to help our members learn more about managing their finances as well as those of the organisation.”

Paula Reynolds, CEO of the Belfast Charitable Society, added: “Our partnership approach with UCIT and Building Change Trust is unique within Northern Ireland. We have achieved much more together than we could separately. The Fund

not only supports much needed work that tackles disadvantage, but it also gives organisations another opportunity to source income and to think about the viability and sustainability of their projects.”

Also speaking at the celebration event in Clifton House was Cliff Prior, CEO of Big Society Capital, the body responsible for investing over £300M from dormant bank accounts in England in support of good causes there. Mr. Prior said: “Since the UK Government decided in 2010 to release dormant bank account funds we’ve invested in over 40 social investment intermediaries which have reached 600 charities and social enterprises. The funds have made a substantial impact, from tackling poverty, unemployment and homelessness, to supporting people who live with disabilities.”

Up to £20M might be made available locally from Northern Ireland dormant bank accounts. The Department of Finance, however, has indicated that the use of these funds remains a decision for the Executive.

Sunday 18th March, 4.30pm Duck Soup Widely considered among critics to be a masterpiece of comedy, and the Marx Brothers’ finest film. This special newly digitised screening will be introduced by Ciáran Hanna.

Friday 23rd March, 8pm; Joel From predicting your exact behaviour weeks in advance to deducing your pin code, Joel can crack into anyone’s head.

Further information is available by contacting UCIT on 028 9031 5003 or visiting www.ucitltd.com

Arts Listings STRAND ARTS CENTRE 152-156 HOLYWOOD ROAD BOX OFFICE: (028) 9065 5830 WWW.STRANDARTSCENTRE.COM NEW MOVIES IN MARCH Peter Rabbit Feature adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s classic tale of a rebellious rabbit trying to sneak into a farmer’s vegetable garden.

Ready Player One When the creator of a virtual reality world called the OASIS dies, he releases a video in which he challenges all OASIS users to find his Easter Egg, which will give the finder his fortune. Wade Watts finds the first clue and starts a race for the Egg. Isle of Dogs Directed by Wes Anderson. Set in Japan, Isle of Dogs follows a boy’s odyssey in search of his dog. With the voices of Scarlett Johansson, Greta Gerwig, Bryan Cranston.

You Were Never Really Here A missing teenage girl. A brutal and tormented enforcer on a rescue mission. Corrupt power and vengeance unleash a storm of violence that may lead to his awakening. Critics have been hailing Lynne Ramsay’s noir-tinged New York thriller as a modern day Taxi Driver.

SPECIAL FILM EVENTS IMAGINE BELFAST FESTIVAL OF IDEAS & POLITICS 2018 Wednesday 14th March, 8.30pm Banterflix presents All the President’s Men “The Washington Post” reporters Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein uncover the details of the Watergate scandal that leads to President Richard Nixon’s resignation.

Thursday 15th March, 8.30pm Resurrection Man Celebrating the 20 year anniversary of the film, novelist and screenwriter Eoin McNamee will be in conversation before the film.

FAMILY EVENTS Saturday 3rd March, 3.30pm My Father’s Chair Performed by Stephen Beggs A performance for young audiences and their families about the nature of fatherhood. What makes the relationship between Dads and children unique and special? 6+ Sunday 11th March, 4.00pm Babies (2010 [PG] A relaxed screening as part of Belfast Children’s Festival. Babes in arm welcome. This documentary plunges us into the heart of four different cultures and seizes the most touching, funny, unique and universal of the first months of life for Ponijao from Namibia, Bayarjargal from Mongolia, Mari from Japan & Hattie from the US Sunday 25th March CineCycle: The Goonies At 3pm Sustrans (the National Cycle Network) will lead a guided family cycle from Victoria Park to the Strand.

Or, make your own way for the 4.30pm screening SUNDAY SALON Sunday 11th March, 11am Monthly literature salon on second Sunday of every month.

STRAND HERITAGE TOUR Saturday 24th March, 12.30pm A walking tour going behind the scenes with Alan McClurg.

STRANDED! Over 18s Friday night live club in partnership with Seedhead Arts.

Friday 16th March, 8pm Tony Wright: Chapter & Verse (Chorusverse) On the eve of St Patrick’s Day, songs will be sung and stories will be spun.

THURSDAY CLASSICS Another chance to see some of your favourite classics on the big screen.

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975) [15] 1st, 8th & 15th March, 8.30pm The Thin Red Line (1998) [15] 20 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 22nd & 29th March, 8.30pm SILVER SCREENINGS A selection of classic movies chosen with older audiences in mind but open to all.

The Ladykillers (1955) [U] Thursday 1st & 8th March, 2pm and Sunday 4th & 11th March, 6.15pm Calamity Jane (1953) [U] Thursday 15th, 22nd & 29th March, 2pm and Sunday 18th & 25th March & 1st April, 6.15pm STRAND SATURDAYS FREE weekly Saturday Minors Club followed by creative workshops (children £2, adults free) 17th March – Dumbo (1941) [U] followed by juggling workshop 24th March – The Great Muppet Caper (1981) [U] followed by ‘On Yer Bike!’ workshop LIVE ON STAGE Friday 23rd March, 8pm Abroad Way Theatre presents The Little Prince For ages 15+ The Little Prince is many different things to many different people. Where young audiences might see a galactic, fantasy adventure, this modern day adaptation looks at the story from an adult’s perspective. Some embrace The Little Prince as a meditation on friendship and responsibility, while others see it as a war story. In the era of fake news and Donald Trump, how do we know what’s real anyway?

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20

Features Mar 18

History 1. Courtesy of Belfast Telegraph

By our fantastic local historian Aidan Campbell.

What he doesn’t know about East Belfast, isn’t worth knowing.

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: eastbelfasthistory.com

2. Courtesy of Philip McAlpine

3. Courtesy of Philip McAlpine 5. Courtesy of Patricia Jordan

4. Courtesy of Philip McAlpine

Fill Her Up!

HedgeHoncho_DL_Leaflet_HiRes.pdf

Often this instruction was given to the pump attendant years ago from the driver when he pulled the car into the petrol station. Attended service was a common feature in my younger years during the 1960s and 1970s along with loyalty stamps, football badges, crockery or drinking tumblers (yes really) until somebody had the bright idea of self-service. But what about some familiar petrol stations in East Belfast?

1. CARRYDUFF This is the junction at Carryduff (Irish: townland of ‘Black-haired Hugh’s Quarter’) on the outskirts of S.E. Belfast with Saintfield Road, left and Ballynahinch Road, right. In 1933 during the early days of car ownership there was a petrol station beside the site of the present roundabout.

The business was owned by George Johnston and included pumps for well-known petrol brands B.P., Shell, M.S. and Crown. The man standing to the left in the white coat is providing ‘attended service.’ The petrol station was demolished in 1968 and a chiropodist recently occupied this highly visible retail location.

2. CASTLEREAGH ROAD A fine view on the Castlereagh Road from Loopland in 1984. This shows how quickly our built heritage can change. Until the 1970s there was a confectionery shop owned by Mrs. Rainey near here and to the far left the tall building is the McCaw, Stevenson and Orr Printworks which is now a Tesco store. Next is the Executive Offices of Stewart’s Supermarkets. J.L. Stewart had opened his first store

on 30th September 1911 at 334 Beersbridge Road and the entire business was acquired by Tesco in 1998. The Courtyard apartment complex now occupies the site of Stewart’s headquarters and a tyre depot is based to the right on the site of Edenvale Shell Garage at 226 Castlereagh Road close to the site of what was once a large house called Edenvale.

3. ORANGEFIELD CRESCENT Another small garage based on the Castlereagh Road located at 1a Orangefield Crescent was the ‘Crescent Garage Limited’, as in this 1980 scene, and there continues be an auto-business on the site. That looks like a Datsun Cherry (my first car!) behind the petrol pump. According to the 1932 Belfast Street Directory Orangefield Crescent was still under construction and houses only as far as no.22 were built and occupied.

The professions of some residents tells us something about industrial jobs years ago: ‘miller, moulder, pattern maker, blacksmith, coach builder, traveller’.

4. CHERRYVALLEY There has been a service station or garage at 32 Gilnahirk Road, Cherryvalley since R.J. Havard first established a business on this site in the 1930s. The Belfast city boundary marker remains at the front of the forecourt. Originally there were handoperated pumps and about 20 lock-up garages here although ESSO and all the buildings in this August 1980 scene have been replaced by Maxol and a modern Spar convenience store.

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CASTLEREAGH ROAD

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Next is the Executive Offices of Stewart’s Supermarkets.

J.L. Stewart had opened his first store on 30th September 1911 at 334 Beersbridge Road and the entire business was acquired by Tesco in 1998.

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5. ALBERTBRIDGE ROAD There were many small car maintenance garages with petrol pumps dotted around Belfast when Fred Jordan established his garage repair business at 333-337 Albertbridge Road in 1924. A car servicing business continues to operate on this site. Fred Jordan died suddenly in 1941 and his son Stanley, who had been on firewatching duties during the 1941 Blitz at the Water Commissioner’s office in Donegall Square, took over the running of the business which remained in family ownership for many years.

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22

Features Mar 18

Tech Summit The innovative teen tech event of the season returns to Titanic Belfast on 10 March, bringing together the future of technology under one roof.

Schools

Yet again a busy month of achievements

Our round up of all the news from the local schools

Tech Teens Take Over Titanic Belfast For Future18 Event

>>>>> Strathearn’s Georgia Gallen & Tavisha Sood

‘Future’ is the first established tech summit and hackathon event provider in Nexclusively for teenagers and organised by teenagers, to practice and discover coding, brainstorm inventions, and design apps to improve their community.

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uring the event 13-18 year old hackathon attendees or ‘hackers’ will be grouped into teams with a mix of abilities and experience to get to grips with coding in a fun and relaxed environment. Each team is tasked with designing an app around a key theme and at the end of the day teams will pitch their ideas with the most innovative projects receiving spot prizes worth £2,000. Coding experience isn’t essential, just a passion for code, as expert coding mentors will be on hand to assist participants to help people learn as they go. Not to be confused with the cybercrime ‘hacking’, hackathons have become an increasingly popular opportunity for tech professionals to get together to share ideas and

develop coding for software, which will enhance their business, start-up or social enterprise.

The Future Summits Founder, 16-year-old tech entrepreneur, Adam Flanagan developed the annual event to inspire teenagers to get more involved in the tech industry and to encourage young people to learn how to design apps, take part in hackathons and be inspired by the latest founders and influencers in the IT industry, Adam comments “Future Summits was created out of frustration at the lack of teen tech events in Belfast. As someone who is keen to learn more about coding and app design, it was difficult to find opportunities to meet up with others that also wanted to invent and design new ideas as a group, or even to

Aced Jacques Hill from East Belfast is a second-year BSc Accounting student at the Ulster University Business School.

East Belfast Business School Student Aces Interview Test Jacques is a former pupil at Campbell College and is one of three students to out-score over 120 of his peers to win a valuable BDO Interview Award.

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rganised by the Business School and the University’s Careers / Employability Unit with support from BDO Northern Ireland, the Award process comprised interview skill training provided by BDO senior staff as well as a series of mock interviews undertaken by senior staff from both organisations over a fourday period. Danielle McWall, BSc Accounting Course Director and Associate Head of Department explains, “Building tangible and practical links between our students and local businesses is a vital part of delivering invaluable work-based

learning. By working in partnership with BDO we have been able to provide interview experience and the opportunity to practice those skills so essential for successful future recruitment.”

The participating students are all undertaking an innovative module on Career Entrepreneurship as part of the BSc (Hons) Accounting and the BSc Finance and Investment Management programmes within the Business School. As one of the top performing students Ciara received a four-week placement and mentoring in the BDO Northern Ireland offices in Belfast.

help others develop their skills.

“In 2016 I reached out to tech companies to see if they could help me search for young people interested in computer developing, graphic design, app design and game design, and change the perspective that code is just for tech geniuses creating lines and squiggles

“

Jacques impressed our judges with his ability to keep cool under pressure and adapt quickly to each challenge.

He is a worthy winner of the BDO Interview Award and deserves our congratulations.

Across our firm, we believe strongly in developing talent and providing meaningful experiences that help people to excel in the workplace. This initiative with Ulster University Business School supports our strategy and has helped deliver positive outcomes for students over the last three years.

We are proud to support this work-focused competition and to back to the local educational institutions Claire McFall Director at BDO Northern Ireland

on a screen, but instead appreciate it for the magic that it is! With the help of the generous support and sponsorship from Kainos, MCS Group, Liberty IT, All State and Bank of Ireland I have been able to develop Future Summits, Northern Ireland’s first youth hackathon.” www.future18.co

Finalist in Pramerica Spirit Of Community Awards 2018...

PICTURED L-R: Adam Flanagan (16), Niamh McCreight (17), Marcus Mairs (17), Zoraiz Kashif (17), Georgia Gallen (16), Tavisha Sood (17).

Bravo

Rebecca McKersie from East Belfast has been recognised for the exemplary volunteer work carried out in her local community as Pramerica announced 20 finalists for 2018 Spirit of Community Awards.

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sixth-year student at Ashfield Girls’ High School, Rebecca was driven to volunteer for Kidney Research UK when a family member was diagnosed with a rare kidney disease in 2012. Whether it’s the Cystic Fibrosis Trust, Children’s Kidney Fund NI or the NI Hospice and Children’s Hospice Rebecca is relentless in her volunteering and fundraising efforts over the last five years. Her desire to impact change developed into a more localised endeavour when in 2016 she participated in the Ulster Project, a cross-community initiative where Rebecca and other young people from across the political divide travelled to the United States.

There they engaged in numerous social projects including elderly care homes, homeless shelters and general community work for the betterment of others. Rebecca’s interest and care for international issues was further enhanced during the 2016-2017 migrant crisis in Europe. Rebecca volunteered with the National Citizen Service where she planned events to raise money and awareness on the plight of migrants. Her principal Alison Mungavin highlighted the work done by Rebecca internally

by volunteering her for a peer mentor scheme “Squirrels” and how even after securing her Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award, Rebecca continued to assist with the running of the scheme. “I am very proud of Rebecca: always thoughtful and considerate of others despite facing personal difficulties in her family, her first thought is never of herself and always of others.”

The programme which is run in partnership with the National Association of Principals and Deputy Principals (NAPD) and the General Teaching Council for Northern Ireland (GTCNI), rewards post-primary students for outstanding acts of volunteerism and the positive contribution they make in their local communities and further afield.

For more info on the awards, which is supported by Volunteer Now, Volunteer Ireland, Scouting Ireland and Foróige, follow the Pramerica Spirit of Community Snapchat (Pramerica.soc) Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter feed @ Pramerica_SOC, or visit spirit.pramerica.ie

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24

Features Mar 18

Refurb

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

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

Home

Jill is on hand to help save your old chairs from the brink

Don’t Re-Buy, But Re-Cover

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Jill

ROOTS MANOEUVRED A moss tapestry has recently been unveiled at Portview Kitchen on the Newtownards Road.

The imstallation is the work of Karen McCullough who is at the helm of Wild Thing Wild Thing style, consult and install botanics for living spaces, work places and people who value design and wholesome living.

Tadah A Parker Knoll was on its way out now it has pride of place

In today’s disposable world we are all too fast in throwing out a good piece of furniture and often replacing it with something inferior!

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his is especially true with upholstered furniture, as vintage and antique chairs more often than not, have better frames and springs and are more comfortable than modern mass produced chairs.

Some chairs and stools are very easy to recover and a meter of fabric and an hours work will transform them and create something unique. For a larger wingback chair a professional upholsterer may be required. At

first the cost of material and the upholstery may seem like the same as buying a new wingback from a department store, but the comfort of the old chair and the fact that it is tailored to your style and whim, makes it so much better.

If you fancy taking a course, On the square Emporium and Nicola Parkes upholstery will be starting basic and intermediate upholstery courses from April.

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

Mossy

Plus a green installation in East Belfast

Revived A new lease of life to this occasional chair with a simple recovering

Recovery Something picked up for a couple of pounds at a charity shop can become striking with new fabric

JOB DONE The installation at Portview Kitchen

“

We wanted to breathe life back into this amazing light soaked, historic building

HQ The Wild Thing store plus a workshop in full flow inside

WELCOME To The Jungle A fantastic new installation breathes life into a cafe/ kitchen in the heart of East Belfast. We uncover who is behind this striking botanical beauty...

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aving built an extensive portfolio of work with, interior architects, restaurants, international stores and offices Karen from Wild Thing’s latest collaboration with Sam Spain of Portview Kitchen Belfast has been one of the most instagrammed posts in recent months. Three giant moss tapestry walls were designed and installed to draw in the lofty ceilings and breathe life into the airy space in this cafe/kitchen. This has created the wow factor to a vertical space using a variety of natural textures.

Five types of moss were used on each tapestry to ensure a vivid green soft tactile finish.

This recent collab celebrates the beauty and perfection of the natural world.

Wild Things mission is pretty simple; To create a more wholesome way of living.

The first of it’s kind in Ireland, this botanical and lifestyle store opened its doors in the picturesque seaside town of Donaghadee in October 2017.

The calming, bohemian store space allows the customer to envision their own indoor jungle and personalised paradise.

Inside you will find a diverse and ever evolving selection of unique indoor plants and local wares.

Wild Thing strongly believes in the value of supporting local producers, makers and service providers which in turn provides a vibrant, creative community with positive local relationships.

Workshops are a passion that drive Karen who is at the helm of Wild Thing.

“When you learn a new skill you are making an investment.

A new skill has quite a different value to a purchased product.

Learning to create something, slows us down encouraging a more mindful way of living.”

In addition to the stunning store which was built in 1926 and restored in 2016, Wild Thing specialises in consulting, styling, installing and maintaining botanics for living spaces and work places.

Store: Wild Thing, 4A High Street, Donaghadee Telephone : 07837 688729 Open: Tue-Sat 10-4 instagram.com/wearewildthing • facebook.com/wearewildthing

We specialize in Urban Salvage and Antiques Services we provide: Buy & sell Prop hire Bespoke furniture Interior projects COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL

Tel. 02890 434290 W. www.onthesquareEmporium.com E. info@onthesquareEmporium.com Visit. A3, 17 Heron ROAd, Belfast, BT3 9LE (Holywood Exchange, 1st left after B&Q)

Call us today on 028 9034 7731 to find out how we can help you

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26

Features Mar 18

Fit

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

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

Health

How To Get More Protein Into Your Diet One problem I see over and over again is clients not being able to get more protein into their diet. But what is the best way to make sure your body is getting the protein that it needs?

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ell the most simple way is to make sure you have adequate amounts at each meal, around 20-30g depending on body type and size. So here are some great protein sources that you can add to your diet.

Greek yogurt: Add this to your breakfast or have as a snack during the day to bump up those protein levels a portion contains around 18g protein.

Compared to a normal fruit yogurt, Greek yogurt is lower is calories, lower in carbohydrates and higher in protein.

Making it a perfect swap.

Snack on lean meats: Feeling peckish during the day and want to avoid that sugar crash why not opt for a packet of chicken, ham or roast beef? There easy to carry about, cost effective and will keep you fuller for longer rather than tucking into that packets of biscuits.

Keep nuts handy: Nuts like almonds and walnuts are a great snack to have around, but make sure to weigh out your serving so you don’t get into a high calorie habit of eating handful after handful. Great on their own, added to your Greek yogurt or as a

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crunchy topping to your salads.

Add beans to your meals: Beans are full of fibre and contain around 15g protein per portion so why not try adding them to your soups, salads or swap beans for potatoes or pasta as part of your main meal. There are lots to try like kidney beans, black beans, lentils, white beans or garbanzo beans.

Your bound to find one that you like.

Choose quinoa as carbohydrate instead of rice or pasta: Quinoa is considered a complete protein because it contains all the essential amino acids we need. The seed is packed with about 8g of protein per portion. Swap quinoa for rice or pasta, or, add it to soups and salads for some extra bulk.

Fight off that sweet tooth with a protein shake or protein bar: An easy way to curb that sweet tooth craving is to simply make up a protein shake or have a protein bar. Both will satisfy your craving as well as keeping you fuller for longer. Always make sure to have a protein bar or snack in your bag as this helps avoid other temptations. And they both come in at around 20grams of protein per portion.

Event A ladies only afternoon of Fashion, Fitness and Beauty. The aim is to help you feel like the happy, healthy, confident women that you truly are.

An afternoon of motivation, encouragement and a chance to meet some like minded people.

Everyone who attends will be entered into a free prize draw to win a £100 voucher courtesy of podium4sport to select an outfit of your choice and on leaving everyone will get a goody bag of healthy treats provided by our very kind sponsors.

Fulfil_Nutrition, Whites Oats, Linwoods Health Foods, Good4unutrition, Vitcoffee, Podium 4 Sport, Goodness Rocks, Pop Chips and Peter Mark Hair.

THE STEFFIE LOVES FASHION, FITNESS AND BEAUTY EVENT

Hello my lovelies this is the first ever Steffie Loves event and I am super excited to share it all with you. Tickets can be purchased via eventbrite or the link to buy is on my Instagram page below.

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o start of we will be having a Fashion chat and show around Podium 4 sport where we will be browsing around the top sports wear brands and discussing what you can wear to suit your body type, how to feel comfortable in your gym gear and how to piece together that perfect gym outfit. You will also be educated on what footwear you should be wearing for your type of exercise or sport and you will be able to have your feet analysed on the treadmill to see exactly how you walk or run and what trainer would best suit you and your feet.

For the next stop we will be heading back round to Flex Gym NI for a little talk on skin care brought to you by Professional make up artist Nicole Mcnaughten. @ makeupbynicolemcn will be talking all things beauty with a live make up demo on how to create that picture, perfect flawless skin for your everyday life. After that you will be taking on Stefanie’s full body circuit class brought to you by Stefanie herself where you will definitely be working up a sweat this will be tailored to all fitness levels so no need to panic. Then last but not least we have a Live Q an A where you can ask any questions that you might have in relation to fitness, fashion, beauty, lifestyle or motivation and mindset. Some post workout refreshments and treats will be provided by goodnessrocks.

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

When you have a painful eye it can be difficult to know whether to go to the GP or to the optician.

Health

Eye problem

Where should I go?

Doctor?

Hospital?

Optician? ...If it is extremely red and sore or if the vision has suddenly gone blurred, you may even think the best place to go would be straight to the hospital.

Rosemary McWatters

41 Comber Rd Dundonald BT16 2AA Telephone 028 9048 6222

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hen you have a painful eye it can be difficult to know whether to go to the GP or to the optician. If it is extremely red and sore or if the vision has suddenly gone blurred, you may even think the best place to go would be straight to the hospital. On Monday 5th March a new scheme commenced in Belfast for accredited optometrists to see minor eye conditions under the NHS. This means there is free treatment available for anyone presenting at an optician’s practice with an acute, recent onset eye problem. Anything that has just happened and needs medical attention, be it a red eye, a painful eye, a sticky eye, a blurred eye or even flashing lights should first be seen by your local optician.

The aim of this scheme is for optometrists to manage in practice non-sight threatening conditions to reduce pressure on GP practices and the hospital. Your optician may even be a quicker route as all practices on the scheme guarantee an appointment within 48 hours, although often you will be seen on the same day. The

examination by the optometrist will also ensure that if you do need to be referred to the hospital you are sent to the appropriate clinic with the suitable urgency. For the past two months optometrists in the Belfast area and also in the Western area have been undergoing training run by the Ulster University at Coleraine. This involved completing weekly units followed by a final practical assessment. For some of us who have not been in the habit of regular study or sitting exams since university, over 20 years ago, it was a very challenging but ultimately rewarding experience. At the conclusion over 100 optometrists were successful (myself included!) and we are now part of the NI PEARS Scheme - Northern Ireland Primary Eyecare Assessment and Referral Scheme.

So remember your optician is not just the person to see for an eye test but also has the training to assess and treat a wide range of minor eye conditions.

In future, make your optician your first port of call for any emergency eye appointments. We will be happy to see you. mcwattersopticians.co.uk

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.

MediCare Caring for your Health.

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Stop Smoking With MediCare Pharmacy Group!

The next stage when I’ve decided to quit…

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uitting 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.

But don’t just take our word for it Sharon Redshaw has recently stopping smoking, receiving support from her local Medicare branch.

She reports: “I smoked around 20 cigarettes a day, but wanted to quit for health benefits and to improve my finances. I had tried to quit by myself a few years ago but wasn’t fully motivated and only managed a couple of months. In August this year I signed up to the Stop Smoking programme in Medicare King’s Square. By joining the stop smoking programme there was someone in the store I was accountable to, and I felt a sense of having to ‘prove myself’ to them. By wearing a nicotine patch daily and using nicotine lozenges for cravings I was able to stop smoking immediately. Now, five months on, I feel cleaner and healthier.”

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Hair

17

Features Mar 18

Aging Effects On Your Hair

By Sabrina Robinson | SR Hairdressing

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The maturing woman should style their hair to their advantage and recognise that hair changes with age.

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s we age our hair begins to produce less melanin, the same melanin that gives our skin its colour. This is the reason behind our hair turning grey. This is not always a sign of aging it can appear at any age and is caused by reduction of pigment (grey hair) or complete loss of pigment (white hair),

W

and the reason it happens is not fully understood.

Aging also affects hair in other ways. As we age our hair is prone to becoming drier, so requires more moisture than before. I recommend a deep protein moisture mask once a week to replace lost moisture.

When the hair is ageing it also loses some of its

elasticity and the texture of the hair deteriorates.

Some women notice their hair becomes thinner and lacks vitality, others appear dry and coarse. Because as we age, the size of the hair follicles shrinks and hair growth slows down. As a result there is not enough new growth to replace what we lose.

Colour For Ageing Hair

hen choosing your specific hair colour to help disguise your grey hair it is important not to go more than two shades darker or lighter than your natural hair colour.

If you are contemplating an even darker or lighter colour be careful as it can produce a dull skin complexion. As we age, we lose definition in our face, and hair color can add that back in, if you’ve gone too blonde in an attempt to cover grey (a common mistake), add in some deeper, warm or natural lowlights. Equally, if you’re on to that jet-black shade, applying a few soft tones throughout can be effective. This creates a contrast that can make the hair appear more natural. If you like your grey or white hair and want to keep it, it is best to use a hair shampoo and conditioner that is designed specifically

for grey hair. And the violet coloured base in the products help neutralise any yellow or greenish tones found on some grey hair. You can also add some highlights to lighten the hair look which blends into a softer natural tone.

Highlights or lowlights can disguise any grey by blending them into the rest of your hair. The same as with hair colour, avoid going more than two shades lighter than your natural hair colour to avoid looking older than you really are. With aging your hair loses its elasticity and this creates problems when styling the hair, by using a weekly deep conditioning treatment recommended for aging hair, this will help to maintain the moisture levels in your hair which makes it easier to style. Thinning hair can be given a thicker appearance by using volumizing products such as shampoos and mousses

Finding the Perfect Length

Y

ou don’t have to resign yourself to a short hair style. Contemplate on a length anywhere between your collarbone and chin area (the perfect length).

Hair within those three inches can be highly flattering. A classic soft layered bob works perfectly for fine hair and

softens facial lines. If hair is thinning avoid an overly layered cut, many women get lots of layers because they believe this adds volume, but if the hair isn’t there the layers won’t help. As an alternative, consider a cut with long layers and subtle graduation, rather than

shorter layers throughout. A sweeping side fringe can add a fun youthfulness to the look, and instantly creates fullness toward the front of your head, where women tend to lose hair. Go for a thicker fringe with softened ends as a blunt fringe can be too harsh.

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30

Features Mar 18

What’s Happening?

Mums & Tots MONDAY CALVARY MUMS & TODDLERS. 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 EAST END BAPTIST TINY TOTS (Westbourne street). Each Monday during term time 10:30-12noon. £1 donation. Tel: 07786 962220.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road.

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

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

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

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

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN 10am mothers & toddlers. Tel Josephine 028 9065 4181.

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.

ESL TODDLERS FOR PARENTS FROM ETHNIC MINORITIES

FRIDAY 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 DUNDONALD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE First Monday of month (excl Bank Holidays) Moat Park Pavilion, Dundonald, 7:30 pm. New members welcome.

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

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

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

MENS BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 1.30pm-4pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GB Teenies & Explorers (3-8yrs) 6.30-7.30pm, Juniors (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

TUESDAY 15TH NI GIRLS BRIGADE Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.15-7.15pm explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm juniors (8-10) 7.009.00pm 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

Email info@loopmag.net

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Enquiries 02890 486247.

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

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7.

Tel 07443 334690. Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149.

MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN 7.45pm Midweek Prayer.

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

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

Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows £3.50 TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cell Group – 7.30 / House Group – 8pm. 154 Comber Rd WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm. Sewing 10am-12.

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

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

358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

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

BELMONT TOWER Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm.

Yoga 6-9pm. East Belfast Historical Society (Every 2nd Thurs-

day Sep-May) 7.30pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BELMONT TOWER Art Classes 10-1pm.

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

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

STRAND ARTS CENTRE Teenage Kicks Film Club 4.15 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club daily 2 - 6pm Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Boxing Fitness 8.15pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Knit and Natter 2.00-3.00pm.358 Woodstock Road.

Tel 028 9050 9239

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

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH SunshineFit Kids - keep fit.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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BASED ON 100 SQUARE YARDS • T&C’S APPLY

PER SQUARE YARD

STRIPED

LAMINATE FLOOR

CARPET

ONLY

LIVING ROOM

£98

£3.99 PER SQUARE YARD

BASED ON 17 SQUARE YARDS • T&C’S APPLY

FREE MEASURING & FREE ESTIMATES 220-258 York Street, Belfast BT15 1GZ Tel: 028 9075 2777 208 - 210 Castlereagh Road, Belfast BT5 Tel 028 9045 2790 www.riteprice.co.uk

Serves best Indian Curries, Delicious Kebab, Pizzas & Burgers.

We open 7 days a week and do delivery to your door from 4.30pm to 11.30 pm.

To see our full menu please visit www.indiancuisinebt4.co.uk OR contact (028) 9065 3135 301, Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 2EX *We do not add artifical colour to our foods *If you have a food allergy or a special requirement please inform us.

Happy Birthday Leadhill!

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

PSV DRIVERS URGENTLY REQUIRED FOR ALL SHIFTS

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

GET IN TOUCH FOR DETAILS 271 Newtownards Road • Belfast BT4 1AF

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

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

Tickets £35 – available from school office Follow us on Twitter and Facebook – Leadhill50 Casaeldona Park, Belfast, BT6 9RD Tel: 028 90401101 www.leadhillps.com

028 9073 2211

FREE PROPERTY REGISTRATION

PACKAGE SAVE

£300 OFFER FOR ALL LOOP READERS PACKAGE INCLUDES

PHOTOGRAPHS, BOARDS, BROCHURES AND WEB ADVERTS

SIMPLY QUOTE : LOOP1

54 Belmont Road, Belfast, BT4 2AN

SALES 028 9067 3777

LETTINGS 028 9047 4660

WEBSITE ampmni.com