The Loop : East Belfast November 2015 by Loop Publications

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PICTURED: Wendy Langham Festival Organiser & Deputy Lord Mayor Guy Spence with, front left, Lucy Murray & Abigail Totton from Ashfield Girls &, back left, Owen Mounsey & Gary Hunt from Campbell College.

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FESTIVAL OPENS WARDROBE INTO MAGICAL WORLD OF C.S. LEWIS THE EASTSIDE of the City is getting ready to celebrate the life and works of one of its literary greats – C.S. Lewis. From 19th – 22nd November, EastSide Arts and Connswater Community Greenway will present the 3rd C.S. Lewis Festival.

hrough a series of events and activities including talks, film, theatre, arts, crafts, readings, music, workshops, exhibitions, tours and literature - everyone is invited to open the wardrobe door to the world of C.S. Lewis. Clive Lewis Staples, known to his friends as Jack, was ‘born and bred’ in east Belfast; a place he would often return to throughout his life. His works have

inspired a huge number of adults, through his books on theology and literary criticism, and millions of children through his most well-known works The Chronicles of Narnia. A World War I solider, a lecturer at Oxford and Cambridge, an expert in medieval and renaissance literature, poet, sci-fi writer and friend to another literary great - J.R.R. Tolkien - the festival will explore these facets of C.S. Lewis and especially his fond, life-long relationship with his childhood city.Highlights include the premiere of The Inklings at Belvoir Players Studio written by Roger Courtney and performed by The Clarence Players. The play will explore C.S. Lewis’ relationship and

FULL PR0GRAMME & BOOKINGS: www.eastsidearts.net FOLLOW ONLINE:

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meetings with J.R.R. Tolkien, and other literary companions, as they shared and discussed each other works. A range of tours (by bus, on foot or bike) enable you to visit the places that inspired and influenced the young Jack. Join the Nearly True walking tour with a difference at Lewis’ old school, Campbell College or find out more about the new art planned for the C.S. Lewis Civic Square (Holywood Arches) by taking a bus trip to Burt, Co Donegal, where artist Maurice Harron will showcase and discuss the art pieces being developed.Through performance, talks and workshops the Festival will explore the spiritual side of C.S. Lewis’ works including; SearchLight

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Theatre Company’s Questioning Aslan at Willowfield Church and C.S. Lewis & Spirituality with Sharon Jebb Smith at St Mark’s Dundela – a place of huge significance for Lewis as he was baptised there and his Grandfather was the first Rector. There are lots of events for children too including; readings, arts, crafts and films. Join Tales for Toddlers at Campbell College; take your kids to help illustrator Paul Howard write and illustrate a special book featuring Narnian characters at Holywood Arches Library; or the Aslan Clay Workshop at Strand Arts Centre where you can also watch FREE screenings of The Chronicles of Narnia – The Lion, Witch and The Wardrobe, Prince Caspian and The Voyage of the Dawn Treader. Step aboard the Dawn Treader at the themed Craft Fair at St Mark’s Heyn Hall or the Fine and Dandy Narnia themed craft fair at Crescent Arts Centre. Stuart Bailie will review music inspired by the literary great at Boundary Brewery and Sandy Smith will talk about Lewis the poet at a FREE lunchtime talk at Ulster Hall. East Belfast poet Alice McCullough at Holywood Arches Library. Words and music by lamplight with poet Frank Ormsby and songwriter Anthony Toner at Campbell College. Look out for FREE Lewis exhibitions including an Ulster Scots Agency exhibition on the impact of the heritage on Lewis’ life and writings.

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A Free Family Fun Event Comes To Holywood Arches

Holywood Arches Business Association is delighted to announce it will be hosting a family fun day on Saturday 5 December from 11am‐3pm outside the Holywood Arches Library. This is a free public event, part funded and sponsored by Belfast City Council. Set up to coincide with Small Business Saturday, the family event aims to bring the community together and encourage the surrounding community to support local businesses, as well as enjoying some festive fun for all ages.

FOR THE FULL RUNDOWN ON THE DAYS ACTIVTIES GO TO PAGE 16 >>>>>

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The Loop | November 2015 | What’s Inside

Contents

NOVEMBER 2015

Your local community newspaper delivered to you for free every month

Keep us in the loop so we can keep everyone else in The Loop too!

04 CHARITY RECEPTION 06 LOCAL GROUPS CELEBRATED

The work of many East Belfast based community organisations has been recognised at an event

FAMILY FUN DAY PUT IT IN THE DIARY

Sales | Accounts Juanita Collins juanita@loopmag.net www.loopmag.net

TITANIC PARTNERS LOCAL SCHOOL TIE UP

Knocknagoney Primary School will get to experience the worldclass education programme

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

PARTY TIME EAST SIDE

Miss Zerna Pake reached an impressive milestone when she turned one-hundred-and-five

14 THE GREENWAY LATEST PROJECT NEWS

Continuing to connect up open spaces and parks right across east Belfast. Here’s an update

BE WELL

EXPERT ADVICE

24 FOOD & DRINK

26 LOCAL SCHOOLS

GRUBS UP!

TOP OF THE CLASS

The latest health, beauty and wellbeing advice from your local experts in their field

This month we have recipes from Slim’s Kitchen’s upcoming book plus turkey news too!

Once again the pupils have been scooping awards, raising money and of course learning loads!

From world music to a campaign from Belmont Tower, check out this month’ s page

FILL ‘ER UP

EAST BELFAST PUMPS

Aidan Campbell looks back at the iconic petrol stations of East Belfast from days gone by

THE STRAND

80 YEARS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

The Strand are set to celebrate their 80th birthday. We look back at this local legend

Your property

In Safe Hands

Leading property specialist in the heart of East Belfast, we provide Letting, Sales and Property Management Solutions to Landlord and Investor Clients.

SPORT

NEWS & VIEWS

Two pages of the latest sports news from your local teams and young achievers

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

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The Holywood Arches Business Association has lined up a fantastic day of events

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

New Open ly ed!

lloydsbankfoundationni.org

Lloyds Bank Foundation Celebrates 30th Anniversary as it Marks Achievements of East Belfast-Based Groups FUNDING LOCAL PROJECTS

The work of East Belfast-based community organisations has been recognised at a special 30th anniversary reception at Stormont organised by the Lloyd’s Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland

mong those who attended the reception were Anne McDonnell and Neil Wilson from the Junction Club for adults with learning disabilities, which received a grant of £3,000 from the foundation to support its Mosaic programme. Also attending was Christina Cushnahan and Mariano Bisso from Acqua-Psychotherapy, which received £544 to help deliver its Water Therapy/ Psychology Programme and Beverley Ferguson and Donna Godfrey from Links Women’s Group, which received £3,981 to help support core costs.Also present was Ellen Vance from Bandanas For The Brave in Dundonald, which received £2,500 towards the cost of bandanas which are distributed to children with cancer. Other groups to receive funding included East Belfast Community Counselling Centre, which received £5,000 towards its Chief Executive’s salary and East Belfast Community Development Agency, which received £2,890 to deliver a suicide prevention training project for teachers in East Belfast. The Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland has distributed £32.5m grant aid to more than 8,000 charities since it formed 30 years ago. The figures were revealed at a special 30th anniversary event at Stormont on October 6 to recognise and celebrate all of the organisations it has helped to improve the lives

of disadvantaged people. Since it was formed in 1985, the formerly named Lloyds TSB Foundation for Northern Ireland has funded a wide variety of groups dedicated to supporting deprived communities. Through its five grant programmes in 2014 the Foundation released funding of £1.48 million, amounting to 549 separate grants for charity and community and voluntary groups from every corner of Northern Ireland. Sandara Kelso-Robb, Executive Director of the Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland said the organisation would continue its vital role in funding valuable projects. “The Foundation is proud to have been part of the life of Northern Ireland for the past 30 years and it will continue to provide support to the thousands of people and organisations that make a huge difference to deprived communities. The cuts in public sector spending mean that our work is more important than ever.” The Lloyds Banking Group Ambassador for Northern Ireland, Mr Jim McCooe said: “I would like to pay tribute to the incredible work of the groups that the Foundation has supported this year and throughout its 30 year history. We are proud of our relationship with the Foundation and look forward to many more years of working with them to support charities across Northern Ireland.”

PICTURED LEFT: L-R Beverley Ferguson and Donna Godfrey (Links Women’s Group) with Aine McCoy (Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland), and Anne McDonnell and Neil Wilson (Junction Club) at the Foundation’s special anniversary reception at Stormont to celebrate distributing £32.5m in grants to more than 8,000 charities and community and voluntary organisations since 1985. PICTURED RIGHT: L-R Ellen Vance (Bandanas For The Brave) with Janine Donnelly (Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland), at the Foundation’s special anniversary reception at Stormont to celebrate distributing £32.5m in grants to more than 8,000 charities and community and voluntary organisations since 1985.

Have you Been Affected By Cancer? I f s o w e wa n t to h e a r yo u r v i e w S THE COORDINATED COMMUNITY CARE PROGRAMME is hosting a series of involvement events for people affected by cancer in local communities across Belfast. Come along and have your say on how we can improve services and better support everyone affected by Cancer on Wednesday 25 November 2015 - 12.00 to 2.00pm - East Belfast Network Centre; and Wednesday 25 November 2015 - 4.30 to 6.30pm Dee Street Community Centre. To attend an event in your local area and for more information contact: Stephanie McCann 02895 043890 or stephaniea.mccann@belfasttrust.hscni.net.

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With a 30% growth in two years, parents are proactively choosing Leadhill. Our children are valued as individuals within our community setting, developing their confidence and independent learning skills. Christmas Fun Day Saturday 5 December 2015@ 10:30 to 12:30 Come along for an event full of Christmas cheer where you can meet Santa , eat mince pies, enjoy Arts and Crafts and browse festive stalls while listening to our school choir.

Open Days Tuesday 8 December 2015 –8am to 6pm Thursday 7 January 2016 - 10am to 6pm See Leadhill at work and play and find out all about our fantastic school. Leadhill provides solutions for families, with Wrap-Around Care, operating from 8am to 6pm each school day. Our new Pre-School Playgroup is available for children from 2 years and 10 months.

Come along and find out for yourself. We would love to welcome you to our school! Casaeldona Park, Belfast, BT6 9RD Tel: 028 90401101 www.leadhillps.com

The Loop | November 2015 | News

Asda Celebrates TEN years of Tickled Pink in N IRELAND

* NEWS IN BRIEF

Asda is celebrating not only 10 years of business in Northern Ireland in 2015, but also raising over £300,000 for Tickled Pink to date. sda is celebrating not only 10 Dundonald added, “Our colleagues years of business in Northern and customers in Dundonald have Ireland in 2015, but also raising been incredibly supportive of our over £300,000 for Tickled Pink fundraising activities - and we can’t to date. Asda launched its national believe how much has been raised Tickled Pink campaign in 1996 to as a result. The money generated raise money to help improve the through the Tickled Pink campaign lives of people with breast cancer. makes a real difference to people’s It supports two charities; Breast lives and as part of the local Cancer Now and Breast Cancer community it’s been a pleasure – and Care. The local fundraising effort great fun – to help such a worthy has been driven by Asda’s 17-strong cause.” Breast Cancer Care provides team of Community Life Champions, expert information and professional who have hosted parties, events support for people with breast and organised collections in aid of cancer and their families; and Breast Tickled Pink. Sharon McBratney, Cancer Now helps fund research into Community Life Champion at Asda fighting the disease.

PICTURED:

Sharon McBratney, Community Life Champion, Asda Dundonald with Asda’s Community Life Champions in NI

#GivingTuesday signs up 1,000 partners for global day of giving INCLUDING EAST BELFAST MISSION East Belfast Mission has joined more than 1,000 UK charities and businesses as an official partner of #GivingTuesday, a global day of giving at the start of the festive season. The day, led in the UK by the Charities Aid Foundation, takes place on Tuesday 1st December and follows Black Friday and Cyber Monday - two of the UK’s biggest shopping days. It is an opportunity for charities, families, businesses,

community centres and students to come together to do something good for a cause they care about. East Belfast Mission has signed up again this year and is planning on providing those who attend with a deeper insight into the work of EBM. The plan is to showcase how the work of EBM impacts and enhances the lives of those they touch every day On the night you will hear client testimonials and will be entertained

by EBM’s own Community Choir, guests, and some poetry reading. There will be an opportunity for some general networking and a look around the fabulous Skainos building followed up with a light supper from Refresh. Director of Operations, Anne Walsh said: “The #GivingTuesday event gives us a chance to connect with the local community and share and celebrate all the great work our staff and volunteers do, as well as giving us a chance to thank donors and raise awareness. This year we are focusing on “the friends of EBM”. We want to raise the profile of EBM

and encourage people to support us by volunteering or donating either on a regular basis or as a one-off. Donations aren’t always monetary; we need donations of furniture and clothes to keep our shops well stocked throughout the year. We were astounded to see the emotion people felt last year when they heard real life stories and we have an even better evening in store this year”. For more info contact Hugh Roarty, Project Worker with Action Mental Health on 07740 403724 / 028 9027 8283 or hroarty@amh.org.uk.

Greenway Women’s Centre Health Day Greenway Women’s Centre will be hosting a Health Day event on Wednesday 25 November 2015, 11am-2pm The theme of the event will be ‘Protecting Your Home’ and there will be a variety of information stands, including: Belfast City Council; Belfast Trust; Connswater Community Greenway; Consumer Council; East Belfast Mission; EBCDA; Employers for Childcare; Inner East Youth Project; Life Housing; Crime Stoppers; Volunteer Now. Cost £1 (includes buffet lunch)If you would like to attend this event please contact Helen Smyth. T: 028 9079 9912 E: training@ greenwaywomenscentre.org Greenway Women’s Centre 19 Greenway Cregagh Estate Belfast BT6 0DT

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

PICTURED: Pupils from Knocknagoney Primary School, Sikiti (aged 7) Tyresese (8), Emma (9) and Ryan (9) are pictured with Principal Mrs Burton and Titanic Belfast’s Siobhan McCartney

titanicbelfast.com/learning

Knocknagoney Primary School Chosen As Titanic Belfast’s Education Partner LEADING LEARNING RESOURCE

As Titanic Belfast’s education partner, Knocknagoney Primary School, will get to experience the world-class education programme, trialing new and existing activities at no cost to themselves for a two year period.

he education programme is recognised as a leading learning resource and has welcomed over 70,000 participants since its opening in 2012. Knocknagoney Primary School, alongside the three other partner schools, St Teresa’s Primary School, Cedar Lodge and Lagan College, will play a vital part in developing its offering and

receive preferential booking for any special learning events hosted by the organisation. Titanic Belfast visited Knocknagoney Primary School to kick-start the partnership and give the children an insight into what type of activities they will be doing throughout the partnership. Siobhán McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning and Outreach

Manger, commented, “We thoroughly enjoyed visiting Knocknagoney Primary School today and look forward to sharing our passion and enthusiasm for RMS Titanic, Belfast and its maritime, industrial and social history with the children over the next two years! Learning is at the heart of what we do at Titanic Belfast, we can’t wait to work with Knocknagoney Primary School to maintain the standard of excellence for learning outside the classroom in which we pride ourselves.” Knocknagoney Primary School Principal, Mrs Burton, said, “We are delighted to be Titanic Belfast’s new partner school! Titanic Belfast is a unique learning resource, right on our doorstep. The whole school is really looking forward to learning more, going back in history and exploring the oceans with Titanic Belfast!” Titanic Belfast’s Learning Team was recently awarded the prestigious Sandford Award for Heritage Education 2015, joining leading historic houses, museums, galleries, such as Hampton Court Palace,

Brunel’s SS Great Britain in Bristol and Edinburgh Castle. Having recently taken over operations of the SS Nomadic, Titanic Belfast has a growing menu of education workshops. The Learning Team has developed a ‘New Beginnings’ workshop for Key Stage 2 pupils on board Nomadic which focuses on European emigration in the early 20th century. This workshop compliments Titanic Belfast’s new Brave New World guided experience for schools. Titanic Belfast now offers a total of eight workshops and two guided tours as part of its programme which covers a variety of subjects and skills, ranging from maritime communication, marine science and exploration to 5 star customer service. The Learning Programme is supported by the Survitec Group, a leading manufacturer of marine, defense and aerospace survival technology. It has been working with Titanic Belfast as its education partner since 2014. For more information, visit www.titanicbelfast.com/learning.

The McCamley Family from East Belfast recently held a Night at The Races in aid of Children’s Heartbeat Trust, a local charity who has supported the family. The Night at the Races was a huge success and family members also took part in the Belfast Marathon Fun Run and Half Marathon to raise over £1,000 for the charity. Children’s Heartbeat Trust is a local charity that provides emotional and practical support to babies, children and young people with heart disease, and their families. cope with this illness. As a small, local charity, Children’s Heartbeat Trust rely solely on public donations to fund their services and are extremely grateful to local people, organisations and businesses for support to their services. For further info or to fundraise please contact 028 9031 2228; email lynn@ childrensheartbeattrust.org or visit www.childrensheartbeattrust.org

BRANIEL NURSERY &PRIMARY SCHOOL Nursery and Year One Fun Day

Saturday 5th December, 2015 10:00 am -12:00 noon

For pupils starting Nursery and/or Y1 in September 2016. This is for all parents and pupils who are interested in applying for a Nursery or Y1 place and are keen to see what Braniel Primary School has to offer from Nursery to Y7. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a morning of fun with all the staff of Braniel PS—all events free on the morning. Private Crèche facility for Nursery children on site. For more information please contact: Miss Diane Dawson (Principal) 02890 401234 email: ddawson461@c2kni.net website: www.branielps.com

Open Night

Wednesday 9th December 7:00pm - 8:30pm. Principal’s Address at 7:00pm

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

Mr Emerson’s Boards Clock In At Titanic Belfast Replica ‘Clock In Boards’, handcrafted by long serving Harland and Wolff exemployee, Mr Emerson, are to go on show at Titanic Belfast, the world’s largest Titanic visitor experience.

PICTURED: Mr Emerson pictured with Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning & Outreach Manager

“I took my grandchildren to Titanic Belfast and they were thrilled to see what I did! They loved the galleries about Belfast, specifically the Shipyard ride. I was very proud to share it with them”

he ‘Clock In Boards’, or ‘bourds’, as they were known in East Belfast, were collected by the 15,000 shipyard workers when they arrived at work at 8:00am. The boards were retuned at 5:30pm, in an act commonly referred to as ‘launching yer bourd’ – when they were literally hurled through the open office window, of what is now known as Titanic House, in a rush to leave. Mr Emerson, who started work in the shipyard as a boy helper heating rivets at the age of 15, reproduced the ‘Clock In Boards’, including one with his

own number, 123, specifically for Titanic Belfast. With over 22 years of experience in the Harland and Wolff shipyard, Mr Emerson was very familiar with the clock in system. To recreate them, the inventive and ever-resourceful Mr Emerson turned to the internet for guidance. The set will be used by Titanic Belfast Crew in the Shipyard gallery to keep the unique story alive for generations to come. It will also be used for one of Titanic Belfast’s Learning Workshops, My Granda’s Piece Tin, which looks at life for young apprentices at Harland and Wolff

EAST BELFAST RESIDENT CELEBRATES LANDMARK 105th BIRTHDAY! Miss Zerna Pake reached an impressive milestone when she turned one-hundred-and-five on Sunday 25th October, and she celebrated her birthday in style on surrounded by family and friends Staff and fellow residents of Mount Lens Care Home threw her a party to mark the special occasion, including birthday cake and afternoon tea, gifts and even a live accordion performance from Valerie Carroll, daughter of fellow resident Norah Stewart. The guests also extended a warm welcome to Professor Dame Judith Hill DBE DL, a former Chief Nursing Officer for Northern Ireland and former Chief

during the 1940 to 1970 era. Mr Emerson, commented, “I took my grandchildren to Titanic Belfast and they were thrilled to see what I did! They loved the galleries about Belfast, specifically the Shipyard ride. I was very proud to share it with them! Now, I’m delighted that I will not only be sharing but adding to other people’s experience at Titanic Belfast! Everyone knows about the impeccably high standards of Harland and Wolff from our workmanship to time keeping. Our industrial heritage and Belfast’s shipbuilding standards is something

I’m very proud of and I’m really pleased to add to Titanic Belfast’s award-winning galleries!” Siobhan McCartney, Titanic Belfast’s Learning & Outreach Manager , said “Mr Emerson and his memories, along with other previous Harland & Wolff Shipyard workers have played a key role in developing our Learning Offering, particularly our ‘Granda’s Piece Tin’ workshop. We are really pleased that he kindly offered to make us ‘Clocking In Boards’. There is no doubt the boards will help bring the story of the ship to life; from her conception in Belfast in the early

Executive of the Northern Ireland Hospice. Zerna has been a resident of Mount Lens Care Home for five years, but has always been a citizen of East Belfast and continues to maintain her strong connections with Knock and Stormont Presbyterian Church. Sharing the family home with two brothers and two sisters helped Zerna to develop an early passion for good housekeeping, and to earn a fine reputation for baking traditional and Christmas cakes! Holidays every summer to the seaside resort of Eastbourne on the south coast of England are a source of fond childhood memories, and later in life Zerna remained at home in order to take care of her mother and brother. Being well-dressed has always been of utmost importance, of course, and nowadays Zerna enjoys teaming her pearls with pale colours and florals to create the perfect outfit. Paulo Morais, Home Manager of Mount Lens Care Home, added: “Nursing plays such a large part in my life that a day like this is a source of great pride. I consider it a privilege to have Zerna with us at Mount Lens Care Home, because she

1900s, through her construction and launch, as well as the City and people which made her, for many generations!” Titanic Belfast was recently included in Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Travelist of 500 of the world’s most striking locations, featuring everything from imposing temples to hidden gems, after only three years in operation and was named the ninth best rated museum in the UK Travellers’ Choice™ awards, announced by TripAdvisor. For more information, www.titanicbelfast.com.

brings out the best in all of us with her wonderful sense of humour, and for that I offer her my sincere thanks.” Mount Lens Care Home has been hosting events and activities for its residents, their families and surrounding neighbours since it first opened its doors twenty-two years ago in the King’s Road area of East Belfast. It is one of more than 350 care homes belonging to Four Seasons Health Care across the UK, and provides care and support to meet a range of needs from nursing and palliative to shorter term respite care. In addition, the Care Home is about to extend its services to include dementia nursing care. For more information, please contact Paulo Morais, Home Manager on 02890 485483, or email mount.lens@fshc.co.uk

PICTURED L-R: Cake & Card; L-R neice Doris, Zerna and Dame Judith Hill; Mount Lens staff join the celebrations; With family members, Dame Judith, FSHC Managing Director Carol Cousins and Regional Manager Janice Smith

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

Local Business * NEWS IN BRIEF Five East Belfast Businesswomen Shortlisted for Women in Business Awards

East Belfast trio graduate from EY Data & Analytics Academy Christopher Johnston from Braniel, Luke Walsh from Dundonald and Stephanie Gwynne from Orangefeld were among 20 local people to graduate from EY’s Data & Analytic Academy.

mployment and Learning Minister Dr Stephen Farry has hosted an awards ceremony for those graduating from the Academy. The nine week Academy trained 20 graduates to provide them with the skills and accredited qualifications identified by EY to be considered for data and analytics roles with the company. The Academy is the first of several that will be delivered by the Department for Employment and Learning in partnership with EY and Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) following the announcement in April 2014 that EY were creating 486 jobs in Northern Ireland. At the ceremony in the Long Gallery, Parliament Buildings, Minister Farry congratulated the graduates and said: “I wish to congratulate all

the Academy graduates. Through the Assured Skills programme my Department will ensure that EY has the necessary support for training initiatives to develop the skills they require for their new opportunities.” The EY Data & Analytics Academy provides an excellent example of how my Department, through its Assured Skills initiative, supports graduates in finding employment by working closely with further education colleges and employers, providing expanding companies with a skilled and job ready pool of potential employees through bespoke training programmes. We are delighted to be able to assist EY to expand its current workforce in the Northern Ireland and provide quality well paid jobs that will help to grow the local economy.

A WINNING CULTURe

northernirelandchamber.com

Spoon Street co-owner scoops top NI Business Award The co-owner of an innovative new frozen yogurt bar is celebrating after being crowned a winner at the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s 2015 Chamber Awards. Katie (right) is pictured with NI Chamber Chief Executive Ann McGregor (centre) and NI Chamber Communications Manager Chris Morrow (left)

261 Upper Newtownards Road 028 9543 5255 | www.spoonstreet.com

Mike McKerr, Managing Partner, EY Ireland commented:”We are delighted to have partnered with the Department for Employment and Learning and Belfast Met to successfully deliver the inaugural EY Data & Analytics Academy training programme, which will deliver exceptional career paths for graduates. This comes at a crucial time as today’s organisations are becoming increasingly data driven and are looking to harness data and analytics to make better decisions and accelerate their business performance. I would like to congratulate all of our graduates today.” Marie-Thérèse McGivern, Principal and Chief Executive of Belfast Met said: “It has been a privilege to attend the EY Data & Analytics

PICTURED Receiving their certificates from Minister Farry L-R: Christopher Johnston Luke Walsh; Stephanie Gwynne.

Academy graduation and meet the learners who have worked diligently towards achieving their academy qualification. They have achieved skills that will benefit them in the Data Analytics industry and they have demonstrated motivation, creativity and lateral thinking within the academy.” The ceremony was attended by Academy trainees, their guests, along with representatives from Belfast Met and EY.

atie Waddell, of ‘Spoon Street’ has been awarded the ‘Young Person in Business’ honour for Northern Ireland, having launched the thriving East Belfast yogurt bar in November 2014. The young entrepreneur, who originates from Darragh Cross, will now go forward to represent Northern Ireland in the national finals, which take place in London in November. Commenting on the award, Katie said: “I am delighted to win the Northern Ireland Chamber’s ‘Young Person in Business’ award, and also delighted that Spoon Street has been recognised for its impact on the Northern Ireland business scene. With Spoon Street my Partner and I wanted to create a fun factor and atmosphere around the product and business – something which has been embraced by people from all ages and backgrounds right across the Province”. Spoon Street was the first self-serve frozen yogurt bar in Northern Ireland and is enjoying great success and popularity amongst both young and old customers. The company has also recently expanded their already successful US-inspired yoghurt concept into Belfast City Centre’s Ann Street. Ann McGregor, Chief Executive of Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said: “The Chamber Awards are the perfect opportunity to take stock of the outstanding performances of businesses over the past year – something made all the more impressive by the continuing global economic headwinds they are facing. The creativity and determination that has been shown by each year’s entrants never ceases to impress us, and is a source of encouragement knowing that the Northern Ireland economy is being driven by such hard-working and talented professionals such as Katie. It’s important that we recognise and celebrate these businesses, and ensure that we can provide the support and assistance they need to help them realise their growth ambitions. I wish Katie well as she goes into the UK finals with a sense of pride in what she has achieved to date.”

BUSINESSWOMEN from five East Belfast firms are amongst those shortlisted for the 2015 Women in Business Awards amidst unprecedented competition from across Northern Ireland. Lynsey Redpath, marketing and e-commerce manager at Argento is a finalist in the Best Marketing Campaign category. Dr Erin Byrd of Rebound Physio has been shortlisted for a Best in Professional Services award. Michelle Hatfield, director of human resources and corporate responsibility at George Best City Airport is a finalist in the Outstanding Leadership and Management category. Patricia Burns, service director at Fujitsu Services has been shortlisted for the Best in Customer Services award and Katie Waddell, co-owner of Spoon Street is a finalist in the Young Business Woman of the Year category. The ceremony, which will be held on Thursday November 19 at the five-star Culloden Estate & Spa, aims to honour and celebrate the achievements of the many business women who make a valuable contribution to economic life in Northern Ireland. The six-strong judging panel included Roseann Kelly, Ellvena Graham, chair of the NI Economic Advisory Group, Evelyn Collins, chief executive of the Equality Commission for NI, Kate Marshall, chair of Vistage, Maureen Murphy, managing director of Aurion Learning, and Gary McDonald, business editor of the Irish News.

Job Club at Oasis OASIS is currently delivering a new employment programme,Step Into Employment which is a voluntary programme delivering a range of services to those aged 25-59 years. The programme now offers aJob Club to those in need of help with CVs, Application Forms, Job Searching etc. A placement opportunity exist for those wishing to get work experience and a weekly allowance and travel costs are paid to help with expenses incurred. Contact Craig Wilson or Barbara Smith at Oasis Caring in Action – phone 90872277 or email craig.wilson@oasis-ni.org or barbara.smith@oasis-ni.org.

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

titanic-quarter.com

£360m INVESTED AS TITANIC QUARTER CELEBRATES 10TH ANNIVERSARY Titanic Quarter is celebrating ten-years since it was officially launched in the Titanic’s Drawing Office (October 18th, 2005). With Phase I of the development now complete, £358m has been invested, 1.5m sq ft has been developed and the area is home to over 100 companies.

lans for Phase II, due to be completed by 2020, have also been revealed, including a further investment of £395m to develop three million sq ft of mixed use space. This will include one million sq ft of office space and four hotels, among them a boutique hotel in the former Harland & Wolff headquarters building due to open next year. Major developments already located in the 185-acre Titanic Quarter include Titanic Belfast, the Titanic Studios, the NI

Science Park and most recently, the Titanic Exhibition Centre. Pat Doherty, Titanic Quarter Ltd’s Chairman, said: “Ten years ago when the master-plan for Titanic Quarter was unveiled in the historic Drawing Offices, Titanic Quarter was a very different place. The area, which once thronged to the sound of 35,000 shipyard workers and was the epicentre of Northern Ireland’s industry, had largely fallen silent. Today Titanic Quarter is Northern Ireland’s stand-out global

investment project, a transformative development acting as a bridgehead for new investors and new industries such as film and TV production. It’s also a space for major leisure, entertainment and outdoor events, fulfilling its ambition to be a vibrant new, shared urban quarter for Belfast. This is, however, just the beginning. Over the course of the next five years Titanic Quarter aims to complete Phase II, investing a further £395m, creating three million sq ft and attracting a further 9,000 jobs to the area.” The official 2005 launch of Titanic Quarter was attended by the then Secretary of State, Peter Hain, the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Cllr. Wallace Browne (now Lord Browne of Belmont) and the development’s lead architect, Eric Kuhne, from Civic Arts. At the event in 2005 Mr Kuhne said: “In the past, this part of Belfast was a world leader in engineering

and technological innovation. The new vision for Titanic Quarter creates that opportunity again through the building of a new community that restores the prestige of urban living in Belfast and establishes an environment for the new entrepreneurial class in the city to emerge.” Conal Harvey, Titanic Quarter Ltd’s Executive Vice-Chairman said: “Titanic Quarter’s strength is the diversity of its components - offices, tourism, creative media, technology, residential and education. As the economy has evolved since 2005, so too has Titanic Quarter. The original master-plan, for example, didn’t include film studios, but the opportunity to redevelop a former industrial paint hall into the Titanic Studios became the catalyst for Northern Ireland’s burgeoning production industry. No doubt plans for Phase II will also evolve, but we’re confident that Titanic Quarter will continue to be a major driver of jobs and wealth for the wider Northern Ireland economy.” Tenants in Titanic Quarter include Citi, Microsoft, IBM and SAP. Plus Titanic Campus of Belfast Metropolitan College, NI Public Record Office and a Premier Inn Hotel. Titanic Belfast has attracted over two million visitors since 2012, generating an £105m in additional tourist revenue for the NI ecnomy.

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

Connswater Community Greenway continues to develop in east Belfast…

THE GREAT OUTDOORS

The Connswater Community Greenway will eventually become a 16km (nearly 10mile) cycle/walkway that will connect up open spaces and parks within east Belfast. The Greenway is currently under construction across most of east Belfast.

PICTURED L-R:

Mr Tumnus sculpture; Pathway now complete from Orangefield Park to Knock Dual Carriageway; C.S. Lewis Civic Square develops; Installation of the reinforced flood wall along Black Path

nce complete the Connswater Community Greenway will follow the Connswater, Knock and Loop Rivers in east Belfast. It will run from Victoria Park linking up places along the way including, Mersey Street, Holywood Arches, Orangefield Park, Clarawood, Laburnum, Braniel, Elmgrove, Cregagh and on to the hills of the Cregagh Glen. The entire Greenway should be complete by the end of 2016. Our contractor, Farrans Construction is focusing on all work fronts including; • Along the Black Path (Sydenham Bypass to Mersey Street) construction continues to complete the piling works on both sides of the Connswater River and have begun the installation of a reinforced flood wall. • The construction of the C.S. Lewis Civic Square continues at Holywood Arches with focus on what will become the performance area with the placement of large granite tiles. • Further along the scheme from Beersbridge Road to Elmgrove the contractor has continued to make good progress with the continued construction of a flood retaining wall and the beginning of concreting works on the Connswater Community Greenway pathway. • The extension of Orangefield Park to the Knock Dual Carriageway continues. The pathway is now complete and andscaping works have begun. • Elsewhere, Farrans have begun works from Ladas Drive to Montgomery Road with the installation of a Readyrock Wall at the Belfast Metropolitan College. On the road sections of the Connswater Community Greenway Farrans continue to progress well on the Cregagh Road and Orby Road to Orby Link installing granite kerbing and resurfacing footpaths. Farrans plan to start construction at Montgomery Road soon to continue the kerbing and resurfacing works for the scheme. If you have any questions, queries or comments on our construction works please telephone Farrans Free Customer Care Line on 0800 0838 160.

Connswater Community Greenway C.S. Lewis Festival Event – Bus Trip to see the C.S. Lewis Square Art Sculptures before anyone else… This year the Connswater Community Greenway is part of the C.S. Lewis Festival 2015. As part of the Connswater Community Greenway the C.S. Lewis Square is being developed at Holywood Arches, east Belfast. Within this Square there will be seven C.S. Lewis sculptures inspired by the Narnia Books including Mr Tumnus, the White Witch, Maugrim, a Robin, Mr and Mrs Beaver, a broken stone table and not forgetting debatably one of the most famous characters the lion, Aslan. The art pieces are being developed by local artist Maurice Harron. You can take the bus trip to his studio in Burt, Donegal at the base of the Inishowen Peninsula, where the new C. S. Lewis inspired public art installations are being developed. Meet artist Maurice Harron at his foundry see and hear about his art followed by a walk with Maurice up to the Grainan of Aileach stone fort that dates back to 1700BC. On a clear day

rspb.org.uk

Photos from top left clock wise: Black guillemot. Photo credit Andy Hay (rspb-images.com); Common tern. Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com); Lagoon view. Credit RSPB; Lapwing - Credit Chris Gomersall (rspb-images.com)

it is possible to see the hills of seven counties of Ireland from this view. Legend states that the giants of Inishowen (Princes of Aileach) are lying sleeping but when the sacred sword is removed they will spring to life reclaiming their ancient lands. Once the sculptures are complete they will be installed within the new C. S. Lewis Square at Holywood Arches. Please wear comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing. The walk is approx. 1km. A sandwich lunch will be provided. Bus departs from the carpark adjacent to Connswater Community Centre, off Connswater Street Belfast BT4, at 9.00am and returns at approx. 4.00pm. Cost £12 and booking essential. To book: Visit www.eastsidearts.net Telephone Strand Arts Centre on 028 9065 5830 (Open MonSun 1.30pm- 8.30pm) Telephone Visit Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9064 6609. (Open Mon- Sat 9.00am- 5.30pm, Sun 11.00am- 4.00pm)

Bumper breeding season at Belfast Lough It’s been another successful breeding season for threatened birds at RSPB Northern Ireland’s Belfast Harbour nature reserve, according to new figures. This summer the charity carried out surveys across all three sites it manages in the bustling Belfast Harbour Estate, including the recently refurbished Window on Wildlife (WOW). These revealed that breeding wader species, including lapwings, redshanks and snipe, were all present on the reserve – indicating that the hungry konik ponies, who munch the landscape into ideal habitat for these birds, are continuing to do an excellent job! Meanwhile terns and gulls flocked to the man-made rafts on the lagoon. Up to 500 pairs of black-headed gulls were recorded alongside 344 pairs of common terns and 83 pairs of arctic terns. It was good news too for black guillemots, as more than 20 birds were spotted on Belfast Lough adjacent to the lagoon at Belfast WOW. Sadly, black guillemot numbers have declined in recent years and they are now amber-listed (of medium conservation concern) in the UK and Ireland, making their presence at Belfast Lough all the more important. Other species recorded during the comprehensive surveys included duck species like teal and shoveler, as well as ‘garden birds’ like goldfinch and robins. The findings are the icing on the cake for a busy year at the reserve, which re-opened in spring after major refurbishment. The project involved an extension to the existing visitor centre, a new community room and viewing hides and lots of homes for nature - including a sand martin bank and swift tower. Funding for the project came from the European Regional Development Fund administered by the Northern Ireland Tourist Board, the Heritage Lottery Fund, Belfast Harbour Commissioners and the Alpha Programme administered by Groundwork NI. Peter Harper, RSPB NI’s Sea Loughs and Islands area manager, commented: “I’m delighted to see that Belfast Lough continues to be a great place for birds from all over the world to make their homes. “Now, thanks to the major refurbishment that has taken place, Belfast’s Window on Wildlife is an even better place for people to get close to wildlife.”

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The Loop | November 2015 | News

facebook.com/HolywoodArchesBusinessAssociation

A free family fun event comes to Holywood Arches! Get your diaries at the ready as the Holywood Arches Business Association has lined up a fantastic family fun day next month.

olywood Arches Business Association is delighted to announce it will be hosting a family fun day on Saturday 5 December from 11am-3pm outside the Holywood Arches Library. This is a free public event, part funded and sponsored by Belfast City Council. Set up to coincide with Small Business Saturday, the family event aims to bring the community together and encourage the surrounding community to support local businesses, as well as enjoying some festive fun for all ages. With free car parking available, Holywood Arches is set to come alive with street entertainment, live music, goodie bags and lots more. The U105 team will also be on hand in their jingle jeep to host the event with special prize giveaways and live music - so be sure to stop by for your chance to win. As the day is all about shopping local and supporting local businesses, there will be special oneoff discounts available on the day throughout

selected stores, which will enable you to pick up any last minute Christmas gifts. This event will have something for the whole family to enjoy, with activities to suit all ages including face painting and a meet and greet with some muchloved Frozen characters. All the excitement of the day will no doubt work up an appetite enabling you to indulge in some of the local eateries, where children will be able to eat free at participating venues. So why not pop down and take advantage of the discounts on offer while your little ones experience the magic of Christmas at this truly festive family fun day out? For further information on this event please visit the Holywood Arches Business Association Facebook page at facebook. com/HolywoodArchesBusinessAssociation For more information on Belfast City Council’s support for local businesses, visit the council website at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ business.

Double Award Win for East Belfast PR agency Holywood Road based marketing communications agency, ASG, has taken home two prominent awards at the 2015 Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) NI Awards. The PRide Awards recognise and reward outstanding creativity and best practice across a range of sectors and industries. ASG PR was presented with a Gold Award in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) category for its work with the Northern Ireland Science Park’s ‘INVENT’ competition, searching for the newest innovations with the greatest commercial potential. The team was recognised for having increased awareness of the competition considerably, with entries in 2015 up 300% on 2013. ASG PR was also named the Silver winner in the Healthcare category for its work with Safefood, the all-island healthy eating and food safety promotion body. The team implemented and oversaw the hugely successful obesity campaign, “Childhood ObesityLet’s beat it, one small step at a time.” The Safefood website averaged 4-5K visits per day- a 200% increase on the daily pre-campaign average of 2,500 visits. asgireland.com

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21. Bombay King Prawns £7.50 King prawn sprinkled with garlic and spices, stir fried with peppers and potatoes All starters served with a choice of sauce £6.00 1. Chicken Pakora £3.50 22. Curry 2. Vegetable Pakora £3.00 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A traditional Indian 3. Onion Bhaji £2.80 curry, medium or hot £6.00 4. Meat/Vegetable Samosa £2.80 23. Bhuna 5. Chicken Tikka Puri £3.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Spring chicken cooked 6. Prawn Puri £3.50 in fresh tomatoes, chopped onion and fresh 7. Mixed Vegetable £3.50 herbs in a medium curry sauce 24. Korma £6.00 Veg samosa, veg pakora & onion bhaji 8. Sheesh Kebab £3.00 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A very mild & sweet dish cooked in coconut powder, almond Beef mince mixed with herb & spices 9. Tandoori Mix £3.50 powder & fresh cream with mild curry sauce 25. Kashmiri Korma £6.50 Chicken, tandoori chicken & sheesh kebab (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A very mild & sweet 10. Chicken Tikka £3.50 dish as korma with fresh fruits 26. Rogan Josh £6.00 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A mildly spiced thick sauce cooked in spices and garnished with All served with either pilau rice, plain naan fried onions, green peppers & tomatoes or chips and a poppadom 27. Dopiaza £6.00 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A medium dish cooked 11. Tikka Massala £6.80 with spices, onion cubes and fresh coriander (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) An exotic dish topped with fresh onions marinated in yoghurt & spices, cooked in 28. Dansak £6.00 cream, spices and almond powder 12. Panjabi Massala £6.80 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Sweet & sour dish cooked with Lentils, a touch of sugar, chillies, (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Cooked with onion & lemon & pineapple green pepper with a mild blend of spice in a 29. Madras £6.00 smooth creamy sauce 13. Chilli Massala £6.80 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A hot dish prepared in a hot sauce, well spiced, cooked with fresh (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Cooked with tomato, green peppers, onions and tomatoes fresh green chillies & onion £6.00 14. Chilli Garlic £6.80 30. Vindaloo (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A hot dish cooked with (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A very hot dish, spiced fresh ginger, garlic, green chillies & coriander and cooked with fresh onions, tomatoes, potatoes and ﬂavoured with lemon in a medium to hot sauce £6.00 15. Jalfrezi £6.80 31. Pathia (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A special blend of herbs (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Cooked with onion and lemon juice in a sweet and sour thick sauce cooked in a spicy sauce with chunky green 32. Karahi £6.00 peppers, onions & tomatoes 15a. Jal Jal £6.80 (Chicken/Lamb) Prepared with onion, green pepper, garlic, ginger & chef’s own spices (Chicken/Lamb) Cooked with fresh garlic, 33. Indian Cuisine Special Curry £6.50 ginger, onion, green peppers, green chilli, Chicken & lamb mix curry (mild/medium/hot) coriander & yoghurt 16. Balti £6.80 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A medium spicy dish ALL MAIN DISHES WITH cooked with garlic, tomatoes, onion, green PRAWN OR KING PRAWN £1.50 EXTRA peppers, fresh coriander and a special blend WITH LAMB £1.oo EXTRA of balti spice 17. Saag £6.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A medium dish cooked with garlic, ginger, fenugreek & selected spices enriched with spinach, peppers, spring All served with either pilau rice, plain naan onions & coriander or chips a mix of veg curry sauce & salad 18. Methi £6.80 (Chicken/Lamb) Fresh Methi leaf, chefs own 34. Tandoori Chicken (boneless) £7.50 style, medium to hot dish Half chicken marinated in yoghurt with a 19. Chicken Makani £6.80 special mild blend of herbs and spices Roasted spicy chicken in mild creamy mango 35. Tandoori Mix £8.50 20. Pasanda £6.80 Chicken & lamb tikka, tandoori chicken & (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Mild, creamy & buttery sheesh kebab

MAIN DISHES (SPECIALS)

TANDOORI SPECIALS

KEBABS Doner Kebab Chicken Tikka Chicken Pakora Vegetable Pakora Sheesh Kebab Mixed Kebab (Chicken Tikka & Kebab Meat)

Indian Cuisine Special

Chicken Goujons (6) pitta nan/chips Chicken Goujons with chips £4.00 £4.50 Chicken Dippers (8) £4.50 £5.00 Chicken Dippers (8) with chips £4.50 £5.00 £4.50 £5.00 £4.50 £5.00 Chicken Wings (6) £5.00 £6.00 With chips & Salad

SPICY & TASTY

£5.00

£6.50

(Chicken Tikka, Chicken Pakora & Doner Meat)

Doner Kebab Meat Mix Meat

CHICKEN

BURGERS

Small Burger Plain Burger Sml Box Large box Cheese Burger £2.50 £3.50 Double Cheese Burger £3.50 £4.50 Hawaiian Burger Chicken Fillet Burger

Chicken Pakora Chicken Nuggets (10) Chicken Nuggets with chips Chicken Fillet Burger with chips

£3.50 £3.20 £4.60 £4.60

Chips

Chips (Regular) Chips (Small)

£3.50 £4.60 £3.00 £4.60 £3.50 £4.60

36. Chicken Tikka £7.50 Pieces cooked in tandoori oven 37. Chicken Tikka Shaslik £8.50 Pieces cooked in tandoori oven with fresh tomato, pepper & onion

BIRYANI DISHES 38. Chicken Biryani 39. Lamb Biryani 40. Kebab (Turkish) Biryani 41. Vegetetable Biryani 42. King Prawn Biryani 43. Indian Cuisine Special Biryani

SIDE DISHES 44. Aloo Gobi £3.20 Potatoes with cauliﬂower cooked with light spice & herbs 45. Saag Aloo £3.20 Spinach with potatoes cooked in butter, onion & tomato 46. Bombay Aloo £3.20 Potato cooked with light Indian spices 47. Saag Bhaji £3.20 Spinach cooked with spices 48. Mushroom Bhaji £3.20 Sliced mushroom cooked with spices 49. Ghana Bhaji £3.20 Chick peas cooked in light Indian spices 50. Ghana Saag £3.20 Chick peas and spinach cooked in light Indian spices 51. Tarka Dhal £3.20 Lentils cooked in light Indian spices

SUNDRIES RICE 52. Pilau/Boiled Rice

£2.00

53. Fried Rice

£2.50

54. Egg Fried Rice

£2.80

55. Mushroom Pilau Rice

£2.80

56. Chana Pilau Rice (+ chick peas)

£2.80

57. Keema Pilau Rice (+ mince)

£2.80

BREADS 58. Plain Naan

£2.00

59. Spicy Naan

£2.20

60. Garlic/Cheesy/Peshwari Naan

£2.50

61. Keema Naan

£2.80

Gravy/curry/cheesy chips Garlic/chilli/house/Mayo chips Chips, Fried Onions & Mushrooms Chips, Peas, Onions, Curry or Gravy

£2.50 £2.50 £3.00 £3.50

FISH & CHIPS Cod Cod Supper

(Cod, Chips, Drink & Mushy Peas)

£1.80 £2.50 £2.80 £3.50 £2.90 £3.50 £2.00 £1.50

£6.50 £7.50 £6.00 £6.00 £8.50 £7.50

Fish Cake Fish Cake Supper

SUNDRIES

Spicy Potato Wedges Pastie Pastie Bap Pastie Supper Sausage Sausage (2) Supper Kebab Buttie

62. Chilli Coriander Naan

£2.50

63. Roti/Chapati

£1.50

64. Parata

£2.00

SIDE ORDER 65. Plain Poppadoms

£0.50

65. Spicy Poppadoms

£0.80

67. Spicy Onions

£2.00

68. Mango Chutney

£0.80

69. Ryt a

£1.50

70. Mixed Pickle

£1.00

MEAL DEALS King Prawn Dishes Lamb Dishes

MEAL FOR ONE £12.50 Any 1 starter Any 1 main dish & any 1 side dish 1 pilau rice, 1 plain naan 1 poppadom and 1 sauce

MEAL FOR TWO £21.00 Any 2 starters Any 2 main dishes & any 1 side dish 2 pilau rice, 1 plain naan 2 poppadoms and 2 sauce, 500ml drink

FREE

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KIDS CORNER (All served with Chips & Drink)

£3.90 £6.50

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The Loop | November 2015 | Animal Kingdom

Autumn Fundraiser Dog Walk Responsible Pet Awareness Event

* PET SAFETY ADVICE

KEEP YOUR PETS SAFE THIS WINTER Vets4Pets Stormont Belfast have all the advice you need to keep them safe & sound when the cold hits

Sunday 15th November | 2pm Shaws Bridge | Milltown Road, Belfast Walk along the Lagan Towpath with your dog for approx 3 to 5 miles. All donations on day in aid of Dogs Trust & Cats Protection will be very much appreciated. Sponsorship form available on Cedar Grove Vets website for those who wish to use www.cedargrovevets.com. Both charities will be taking part on the day giving advice and support to pet owners along with Dogs Trust providing neutering vouchers and microchipping. Refreshments provided at end.

Get ready for the Big Garden Birdwatch! RSPB Northern Ireland is encouraging local people to start preparing their gardens for the 2016 Big Garden Birdwatch! The world’s largest garden wildlife survey will celebrate its 37th year on Saturday 30 and Sunday 31 January. The Big Garden Birdwatch is a chance for everyone to actively help nature by donating just one hour to count the birds and other wildlife in their gardens. The data gathered from this survey provides a vital health-check of the wildlife that we share our homes with. Last year almost half a million people across the UK, including more than 12,000 in Northern Ireland, took part in the Big Garden Birdwatch.Of the 127,700 birds counted in NI, house sparrows were the most commonly seen. The Big Garden Birdwatch also asks participants to record other garden wildlife,

including hedgehogs and squirrels. As temperatures start to drop, the natural food available for wildlife becomes scarcer and so our feathered and spiky friends are more likely to visit our gardens in the hope of supplementing their diets. Birds need calorie-rich food at this time of year, to help them maintain their fat reserves. Opt for peanuts, sunflower hearts, suet balls, finely chopped bacon rind and even a little bit of grated cheese in your feeders and on bird tables. For a balanced diet, still provide your normal seed mix, as well as these fattier foods. For hedgehogs, it’s best to avoid bread and milk and instead opt for dog or cat food. Visit www.rspb.org.uk/birdwatch. Teachers and pupils are also urged to take part in Big Schools’ Birdwatch between 4 January and 12 February. www.rspb.org.uk/schoolswatch.

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When the weather outside is frightful there’s nothing nicer than curling up on the sofa in front of a warm fire, even better if you have a furry friend to cuddle with! Pets feel the cold too and elderly, thin or small pets can be very vulnerable in winter. Exercise dogs during daylight hours if possible. If you are out in the dark then use a reflective or flashing collar so they are easily visible. Put a coat on thin, small or elderly dogs, such as greyhounds and Chihuahuas. Do not let dogs off lead near frozen lakes or ponds to prevent them wandering onto the ice and falling through. As soon as you get home wash your dog’s paws as snow, ice, grit and salt can become trapped between their paw pads causing irritation. If your dog is wet then dry them off as soon as you can. Try to keep cats indoors on cold winter nights. If your cat still wants to venture out then make sure they have a warm, dry and windproof place to shelter if they cannot get back indoors. A reflective collar may help them stay visible in the dark but ensure it is a safety collar with a snap release. Antifreeze poisoning is unfortunately something that all vets see during the winter months. If you have any at home keep it safely away from pets. It is extremely toxic, one lick of antifreeze can be fatal. If you suspect your pet may have licked some antifreeze you must get them to a vet as soon as possible. Small pets and rabbits need some extra care over the winter months too. Bring outdoor rabbits inside or into a shed or car-free garage. Keep hutches dry with lots of extra bedding. Wrap water bottles in bubble wrap or a thermal sock to prevent freezing. Check your pets at least 3 times a day to ensure they are warm, dry and have access to food and water. All pets will enjoy a Snugglesafe® heat pad in their bed for extra warmth. There are also heated beds available which are great for elderly or arthritic pets.

If you have any concerns on keeping your pet happy and safe this winter please contact us at Belfast Stormont Vets4Pets on 02890483000.

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The Loop | November 2015 | Health / Beauty / Wellbeing

Health/Beauty/Wellbeing EYE CARE - YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

nichs.org.uk

“

Heart Problems “ Could Be Spotted At Optician’s

A WINDOW INTO YOUR HEALTH

Heart disease and stroke risk could soon be detected with a simple eye test, if research in Belfast proves successful.

usband and wife team Professors Tara and Johnny Moore are working to develop the test at Ulster University and the Cathedral Eye Clinic in Belfast, with the help of over £50,000 funding from Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke. The research aims to show that blood vessels in the eye are a “window” to the condition of blood vessels in

other parts of the body. Prof Tara Moore said: “The research stems from observations in animal studies we carried out many years ago in Harvard Medical School and also recently my husband, consultant ophthalmologist Johnny Moore, noted similar trends whilst carrying out routine eye examination on patients. He observed blood flow in tiny blood

vessels in the eye was different between patients. The rate or pulsatile nature of blood flow through the vessels may differ, or the diameter and angle of branching of the vessels may vary between patients- perhaps reflective of cardiovascular health. After discussing these observations with close friend, Dr Mark Spence, a consultant cardiologist in RVH Belfast, together we came up with this study funded by Chest Heart and Stroke NI.” NI Chest Heart & Stroke is showcasing the research to coincide with World Heart Day on September 29. The charity is the only local cause that funds research in relation to chest, heart and stroke conditions

locally through Queen’s University Belfast and Ulster University. It has had remarkable success in the past, funding studies that helped to develop the now commonly used dye test for detecting heart disease, as well as identifying heart disease genes that are unique to Co Tyrone. Said Prof Moore: “Our research could mean that a future trip to the optician could identify cardiovascular disease at an early stage. It really has the potential to save lives, so I would urge people to support NICHS so they can fund further ground-breaking research like this.” To make a donation to NI Chest Heart & Stroke, text Heart to 70660 or call 028 9032 0184.

Every year, 39 million prescription items are issued in Northern Ireland. About 72 tonnes of these medicines, with an estimated value of £6.46m, are returned to community pharmacies as waste. These medicines then cost the Health Service a further £400,000 to dispose of.

hscboard.hscni.net

Wasted Medicines a burden to the Health Service

t the launch of a campaign to reduce medicine waste, Chairman of the Health and Social Care Board, Dr Ian Clements said, “Over-ordering and over-prescribing of medicines leads to an estimated £18m* of wasted medicines each year. If we - patients, members of the public and professionals, all worked together and tried to reduce the amount of wasted medicines, the money saved could be used to fund other vital health services such as more doctors and nurses, or new treatments.” The campaign will encourage people to only order medicines which they need, review their existing prescriptions with their doctors or pharmacists and not to stockpile medication. David McCrea, Pharmacist, Dundela Pharmacy, Belfast said, “For patient safety reasons, unused medicines which are returned to pharmacies have to be destroyed and cannot

be reused. Community pharmacists can help breakdown any barriers which might prevent a patient from taking their medicines and aid their compliance. We can help patients improve their understanding of their medicines, explain how they work and discuss any concerns they may have such as side-effects.” In the last year, over 27,000 patients in Northern Ireland had their medication reviewed in community pharmacies and received advice on how to use their medicine more effectively and reduce waste. Medication-related issues were identified in 60% of these reviews and 11% of these patients were referred to their GP or other healthcare professional as a result. There is also a social cost to unnecessary medicines being prescribed. Media reports have documented the rise in the number of drugs such as diazepam being

sold on the streets of Northern Ireland. Some of these drugs have been legitimately prescribed for patients, and are then misused and abused.Brenda Bradley, Pharmacy Lead, Medicines Governance and Public Health, HSCB said, “We have evidence that some of the drugs found on the streets are unused prescriptions which have been sold or shared with others. This is not only illegal, it is exceptionally dangerous. Taking prescription drugs without proper advice from a health professional can lead to dangerous side effects and fatal consequences.” The Health and Social Care Board has been working with GPs and pharmacists to tackle this issue. A long-term project in Belfast has helped to reduce the number of benzodiazepines (tranquilisers) prescribed by over 40% in a ten year period.

NEW £1.7M HOSPITAL AT HOME SERVICE FOR OLDER PEOPLE IN BELFAST An innovative new service providing older people with expert medical and social care in their own home has been launched in Belfast today. The ‘Acute Care at Home’ team involves a range of healthcare professionals working together to help older people manage conditions such as chest infections, urinary tract infections, cellulitis and dehydration without the need for attending the emergency department, or being admitted to hospital. The 40-strong team is led by a Consultant Geriatrician who specialises in the care and treatment of older people, includes specialist doctors and nurses, and has input from pharmacy, social work, occupational therapy, physiotherapy and community psychiatric nursing. £1.74m funding has been provided by the Belfast Local Commissioning Group and the initiative has been established by the Belfast Integrated Care Partnerships (ICPs) which have brought together the healthcare professionals, voluntary and community representatives and service users and carers who have been involved in designing the new service.

Rosemattary McW ers DRY EYE - PART TWO ABC OF TREATMENTS A – Artificial tears

There are many drops, gels, sprays and ointments on the market. Usually the well- known brands are the most expensive but often not the best. Look out for active ingredients like sodium hyaluronate and polyethylene glycol. Generally preservative free options are preferable for very sensitive patients. Liposomal sprays may be helpful for patients with a lack of oil in their tears.

B – Blink

Don’t forget to blink regularly. Staring at a computer or tablet is a common culprit and so remembering to blink and looking away every so often is a wise habit. Even when watching TV your blink rate can go down and the eyes can become dry, especially if the central heating is on and the atmosphere is dry. A similar problem can be encountered in the car.

C – Clean

Keep around the eyes clean with cool boiled water but don’t be tempted to wash them out if they feel dry and gritty as this will wash all the natural oils and lubrication away too. D – Diet – a diet rich in Omega 3 oils has been found to help to ease the symptoms of dry eye. Good sources of Omega 3 are oily fish and also seeds and nuts, especially linseed or flaxseed oil.

E – Expert help

Occasionally more intervention is required. Punctum plugs can be placed in the drainage holes in the lower eye lids to keep the tears in the eye for longer. A few patients may require eyelid surgery by an ophthalmologist to help with more efficient blinking. Dry eye is a chronic long-term condition and often it never goes completely away. It therefore needs an on-going regime of habits and lubricants to manage the symptoms. Visit your optometrist for the advice best suited to your eyes.

(L-R) Dr Ian Clements, Chairman of the Health and Social Care Board; Dr Alan Stout, GP lead and Chairman of the East Belfast Integrated Care Partnership; and Jan Ritchie, Consultant Geriatrician at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The Acute Care at Home team, including the hospital consultant, will drive to an older person’s home to assess and provide treatment during periods of acute illness.

41 COMBER ROAD DUNDONALD | BT16 2AA 02890 486222 mcwattersopticians.co.uk

The Loop | November 2015 | Health / Beauty / Wellbeing

The Effects of Aging on Your Hair SALON NOW OPEN

FOR APPOINTMENTS TEL 07756 464579 EMAIL srhairdressing@hotmail.com Facebook Page : SR Hairdressing

By a Sabrin on Robins HAIR COLOUR FOR AGING HAIR When choosing your specific hair colour to help disguise your grey hair it is vital 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 ap-

The maturing woman should style their hair to their advantage and recognise that hair changes with age. As 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. Grey hair is not always a sign of aging it can appear at any age and is it’s caused by a reduction of pigment (grey hair) or complete loss of pigment (white hair), and the reason it happens is not fully understood. Aging also affects our hair in other ways. As we age our hair is prone to becoming drier, and so requires more moisture than ever before. I would 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 will notice that their hair becomes thinner and lacks vitality, for others it can appear dry and coarse. This happens 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.

pear 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 appear-

These are three of my favourite hairstyles that epitomise fashionable looks for the mature woman

ance by using volumizing products such as shampoos and mousses

create younger looking hair & find the perfect Length You 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.

Loreal professional sliver shampoo Adds clarity and shine for grey and white hair and creates a natural sheen which gives the hair a healthy look and feel.

Loreal tecni art full volume mousse Perfect for creating overall volume without weighing the hair down.

Bed Head epic volume shampoo A sulfate free shampoo that lends strength for damaged hair and adds luscious body and volume.

I SEE CLEARLY

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The Loop | November 2015 | Food & Drink

Food & Drink WINES OF THE MONTH FROM KELLY’s PATCH

www.slimskitchen.com

Kelly’s Patch Sauvignon Blanc

SLIM’S HEALTHY KITCHEN

Every street corner has a junk food option and there lies an opportunity to be a glutton. Food should be delicious and make us feel good but all too often we eat with short term goals in mind, opting for a quick fix of comfort foods, quite often sugary foods. At Slim’s Healthy Kitchen we aim to bring a fresh approach to food, by quite simply making healthier food more accessible and more exciting. The Slim’s Healthy Kitchen Choose Balance Cookbook will be available from the Slim’s restaurants from the end of November. For more info go to www.slimskitchen.com

Super Green Quinoa Salad

Warming Fish Curry

* Serves 2

* Serves 2-3

2 cups kale, thinly torn 1 cup basil leaves, chopped 1/3 cup pistachios, chopped 1 avocado, pitted and the inside cubed 2 tbsp. olive oil Juice of ½ a lemon 1 ½ cups cooked quinoa ½ red onion finely sliced Pinch of salt and pepper In a large bowl mix together kale, basil, olive oil, lemon juice and seasoning, making sure all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Add in quinoa, red onion and avocado and continue to gently combine all the ingredients. Immediately serve and sprinkle with pistachios.

23rd July The little poults arrive on the farm

2 tbsp. coconut oil 600g cod fillets, diced to 2cm cubes 1 onion, diced 1 inch piece of ginger grated 2 garlic cloves mashed 2 tsp curry powder 2 cups chopped tomatoes 1 tbsp. tomato puree ¾ cup fish stock Pinch salt and pepper ¼ cup fat free Greek yogurt Rice to serve Melt the coconut oil in a large frying pan over a medium heat and add the onion. Cook until lightly browned and soft then add in the garlic and ginger. Stir until the 3 ingredients are combined then add in the curry powder.

13th August The turkeys are now 4 weeks old

7th September Seven weeks old & soon able to roam outside!

CRAIGAVAD FREE RANGE TURKEYS

OPEN PASTURE BY DAY | STRAW FILLED BARN BY NIGHT THE GALBRAITH FAMILY have been farming at Craigavad, Holywood since 1935. Initially a dairy farm, their focus now is to grow a number of free range bronze turkeys for the Christmas trade. They have chosen to grow the multi award winning Kelly bronze turkeys which are slowly matured over a 22 week period to provide a succulent bird of high quality flavour and texture.

Add in the chopped tomatoes, fish stock and tomato puree and gently stir together. Allow to simmer over a low heat for 20 minutes. Finally add in the cod and mix through. Cover with a lid and allow to cook on a low heat for 15 minutes. Making sure the fish is thoroughly cooked. Serve immediately onto a bed of rice. Or refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze in an air tight container for later use. This recipe works with a variety of fish types.

Creamy Blackberry Bars

* Makes 12

1 cup pitted Medjool dates 2 cups walnuts Pinch of Himalayan salt 1 ½ cups blackberries 2 cups cashew nuts (cashews must be soaked overnight in water to help

form the smooth creamy texture) 1/3 cup agave ½ cup melted coconut oil 15 blackberries, for decoration For the base add dates, walnuts and salt into a food processor and mix until a smooth but sticky dough like texture forms. Using a 14 x 11 inch deep sided baking tray lined with baking paper, press out your mixture evenly to form the base. Place baking tray into the freezer to set as you make the top layer. For the top layer place cashew nuts, agave, coconut oil, blackberries and pinch of salt into a food processor and blend until smooth and creamy. Remove baking tray from the freezer and pour mixture onto the base evening out with a spatula. Place tray into the fridge and chill for 3 hours. Gently remove from baking tray and cut into squares, decorate with blackberries and enjoy. Store in fridge for 2 to 3 days.

he turkeys are fed a wholesome cereal based diet including locally grown oats and wheat, without any antibiotics or growth promoters. They are full of flavour as they are slowly grown and have the best of living conditions, enjoying open pasture by day and the shelter of a deep straw filled barn by night. “Traditional processing is carried out on the farm,” says Jeremy, “thus reducing the stress of transport and starts mid December. Once the birds have been hand plucked, they are then hung for a minimum of 10 days. This helps to tenderise the meat and develop its full flavour.” Turkey crowns can also be provided on request. Jeremy continues, “As well as the crowns we will have boneless turkey roasts and free range hams available too. Also we have the full range of vegetables and potatoes, all again from a local farm.” Christmas wouldn’t be the same without a traditional turkey dinner so why not treat your family and friends to a bronze Craigavad turkey? Whether you are catering for a large or small group of people, they offer a range of different sized birds to suit all parties. Christmas is a very busy time of year and so to allow you to make the most of your festive season, you can collect when suits you or the family will deliver your turkey at a time convenient for you! Phone Jeremy 077 1955 3750 or Jana 078 8752 8545 or you can email orders@craigavadturkeys.com For more info visit www.craigavadturkeys.com

Kelly’s Patch Sauvignon Blanc grape is grown in the region of South East Australia and has a varietal of 100% Sauvignon Blanc and an alcohol percentage of 12.5%. This wine is made from a blend of fruit grown in the Goulburn Valley Eastern Australia from the Kelly’s Patch vineyards. The resulting wine is fresh and vibrant showing lovely tropical fruit flavours with a hint of typical herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc characters. RRP £6.99

Kelly’s Patch Shiraz Grown in the region of South East Australia and has a varietal of 100% Shiraz and an alcohol percentage of 13.5%. The grapes for this Shiraz were picked and crushed during the cool of night, thus ensuring the retention of varietal character, while modern winemaking techniques were employed throughout. This wine was aged on American oak for approximately 8 months, giving the wine a noticeable, but not an excessive oak influence. The inclusion of some central Victorian fruit into the blend has boosted both the colour and the intensity of flavour. RRP £6.99

This Christmas why not treat yo family your t a quality to Northern Irish Bronze Turkey?

Wellington College Empowering Pupils Through Education

/// Empowering young people to achieve the best results /// A well deserved reputation as a caring school with a strong pastoral and academic ethos /// High expectations of pupils in every aspect of their school work /// Accommodated in first class buildings with superior facilities /// A full, rich and diverse range of extra curricular activities and college trips

OPEN EVENINGS

Thursday 7th January 2016 & Monday 11th January 2016 7.00-9.00pm Principal’s Talks at 7.00pm and 8.00pm 7.30pm talk for prospective entrants to 6th form WELLINGTON COLLEGE BELFAST Co-educational Grammar School 18 Carolan Road, Belfast, BT7 3HE | Tel : 028 9064 2539 www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org

· Free Range

• Free Range

· Fully Matured • Fully Matured • Dry AgedAged · Dry

• Hand Plucked Crowns &

· Hand Plucked

Boneless Turkey Roasts

· Good Value Also Available • Delivery or Collection · Delivered to you

Craigavad

Free range hams and vegetables g also available

Free range bronze turkeys brought to you by

TURKEY’S

Q Holywood, l b BT18 h 0JR Craigavad Turkeys, 19 Carney Hill, Craigavad, 07719 553 750 / 028 9042 2813 (9am - 5pm) / www.craigavadturkeys.com

Could YOU give me love, fun and security . . .

’til I grow up?

Across Belfast there are children of all ages who may never be able to live with their birth parents – they need a permanent home for the rest of their childhood. If you are resilient, flexible and have the energy and time to care for the demands of a child come along to our

Information evening

Wednesday 18 November 2015 from 7 – 9pm Wellington Park Hotel, BT9 6RU Talk to experienced social workers, meet people already providing a home for life, learn more about the children, ask as many questions as you need to. Foster carers receive financial allowances; in some cases a fee may also be available. Call 028 9504 0057 to register your interest or email DianeN.Wilson@belfasttrust.hscni.net

adoption &

fostercare

www.adoptionandfostering.hscni.net

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

The Loop | November 2015 | Schools

Local Schools bloomfieldcollegiate.org.uk

2 FIRSTS FOR BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE PUPILS East Belfast’s Bloomfield Collegiate School is celebrating the success of its pupils who have topped the Northern Ireland performance tables with 3 first places in GCSE and A-level examinations.

PICTURED: Lauren Perry (centre) with her sisters Lucy and Naomi. Press 2: Joy McClean, a Year 13 Pupil at East Belfast’s Bloomfield Collegiate School.

he school recently received notification that its now former pupil Lauren Perry achieved first place in Northern Ireland for two A-levels. Lauren gained the top mark in CCEA A-level Government and Politics and was also joint first in A-level Religious Studies. She is now reading History at Clare College Cambridge and has recently received the news that she has been awarded the prestigious J. P. McManus All Ireland Scholarship. Dr Darrin Barr, Principal of Bloomfield Collegiate School said: “This is a remarkable achievement for Lauren and for the School, she worked hard and deserves this success.” Another pupil of the school, Joy McClean, was also delighted to learn that she was placed first in

Northern Ireland in GCSE German. Joy has also been selected as a UK-German Youth Ambassador for Northern Ireland, bringing young people from the UK and Germany together whilst helping to create contacts and connections. Having faced competition from language students across the UK, the year 13 pupil who is from East Belfast, has been selected as one of 17 Ambassadors as part of a UK-wide competition. The UK-German Youth Ambassadors are a network of enthusiastic young people in the UK and Germany who have a genuine interest in the other country and are keen to help promote UKGerman activities and encourage other young people to get involved. They do this through engaging with younger pupils in their own school

and local area, and by planning and running their own projects and activities. Commenting on her selection, Joy said: “I am very excited about this opportunity to work with students from Germany and to promote the study of languages.” Dr Barr added: “Joy is a dedicated and enthusiastic pupil and is a credit to the School. I hope that her achievements will encourage younger pupils to consider studying a modern language at A-level and beyond.” Dr Barr also commented that the Modern Language Department at Bloomfield Collegiate is working hard to promote language learning during what he described as “a worrying time” following the recent decision by Ulster University to close its modern languages school.

10 NEW JOBS CREATED AS PURPOSE BUILT NURSERY OPENS IN SEAHILL Tiger Tots Day Nursery has today opened the doors to its first purpose-built nursery in Holywood, creating 10 new jobs. Part of the £300,000 investment was funded by Danske Bank. The nursery is the first in Seahill, Co Down, filling a gap in the market and has the capacity for 37 children. This is the first Tiger Tots Day Nursery to be opened. Adele Moore, Owner at Tiger Tots Day Nursery, said: “Opening my own nursery is something I have always wanted to do. I had a vision of the type of nursery I would want to send my own children to and with the support of Danske Bank this is now a reality. “We purchased an old scout hall that had laid derelict for the past eight years and carried out extensive building work to transform it into a suitable location for the nursery, replacing the entire roof and carrying out major refurbishments to the interior.” The nursery is divided into age specific rooms with a soft play area and a large lawn outside for the children to play on. Mrs Moore continued: “Every child learns and develops at a different pace, we have a dedicated team who use their knowledge to inspire and engage the children to learn in their own unique way. We are also considering the possibility of an after schools club which means we would be recruiting more staff.” www.wearetigertots.com

* NEWS IN BRIEF Grosvenor Grammar School Grosvenor Grammar School is a multi-cultural, nondenominational and coeducational school situated in the Castlereagh area of East Belfast. The school provides a high quality education to all pupils enabling them to participate in a wide range of curricular, extra and cocurricular activities. The school is characterised by a pleasant atmosphere in which pupils are encouraged to develop all of their capabilities. The curriculum gives emphasis to academic, social, moral and physical development and the pupils are encouraged to grow in self confidence throughout their years in the school. The welfare and progress of each pupil and constructive home school links are encouraged and maintained through the counselling team, Form Teachers and Heads of Year. The school is highly involved in cross community work and has strong European and International links. Notable achievements and successes in recent years include top places in the Northern Ireland and UK public examinations; Investor in People (Silver) Award; ICT Mark Accreditation; British Council International School Award and the European Environmental Green Flag Award. Grosvenor’s prime position and extensive grounds have made the school attractive to pupils from many urban, sub-urban and rural Primary Schools, mainly in East & South Belfast and North & Mid-Down areas.

ROAD SAFETY MESSAGE DRIVEN HOME TO KNOCK PUPILS

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL HOCKEY CLUB CHARITY BOOST

The ‘2 Young 2 Die’ workshops are being delivered by Autoline Insurance Group as part of its road safety initiative. 160 Upper Sixth pupils at Our Lady and St Patrick’s College, Knock have attended the most recent workshop which helps young people become more aware of the dangers they face on our roads and how to be better prepared as young drivers. Pictured at the event are Suzanne Curtis, Autoline, students Nadia Swords, Liam O’Connor, Louis Cafolla, and Erin McGinn, Tracey Doherty, Workshop Facilitator. For further information about how your school or organisation can participate in the programme please contact Suzanne Curtis at Autoline Insurance Group on 028 302 59178.

Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School’s female hockey club which recently helped to raise an impressive £770 for ‘MacMillan Cancer Support’. Many thanks to all members of the School’s hockey club, from the Under 13Bs to the 1st XI, as well as to many members of staff, whose kind and generous donations of cakes and buns helped to make the morning such a huge success. Gratitude is due to the many parents who supported the initiative so strongly on the day. The success of the event, planned to run alongside MacMillan’s global ‘World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ initiative and coordinated diligently by Grosvenor’s own Head of Girls’ P.E, Mrs Linda McIlvenny. Well done to all staff members, pupils and parents who helped to make this year’s coffee morning such an overwhelming triumph.

At Grosvenor the pupils consistently achieve outstanding examination results at GCSE and ‘A’ Level. However, we pride ourselves on providing a caring school with a supportive learning environment in which all are inspired to achieve high standards and to become tolerant and confident adults.

Grosvenorgrammarschool.org.uk

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The Loop | November 2015 | Schools

Local Schools D

CITY AIRPORT HELPS CREGAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS CATCH THE READING BUG Pupils and parents at Cregagh Primary School have been benefitting from a fun, new interactive reading scheme thanks to funding from George Best Belfast City Airport

esigned to complement the school’s curriculum and provide a help for both pupils and parents, the ‘Bug Club’ is enabling Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils to enhance their literacy skills at home through interactive quizzes, fun games and challenges both online and offline. The funding was delivered by the Airport Community Fund, which has donated nearly £200,000 to a number of schools and charitable causes throughout Northern Ireland that aim to support and grow the local community and environment. The programme includes a range of platforms, initially focusing on phonics and progressing to quizzes and challenges which encourage pupils to think more carefully about what they are reading. In

addition to learning about their favourite books, the pupils are also incentivised by the awarding of certificates at various stages. David Heggarty, Acting Principal at Cregagh Primary School, said: “We are extremely grateful for the Airport’s support for our newest addition to the school’s curriculum. Young children absorb new information and technology at a remarkable rate and this scheme offers them the opportunity to enhance their learning in ways that they really enjoy. The Bug Club offers parents and pupils a convenient and easy-to-use resource for learning outside of the school gates as the pupils can access their online books, games and quizzes from iPads, laptops and even mobile phones. The scheme has enabled us to

FLUTTERBIES PRE SCHOOL BEGINS NEW CHAPTER IN THEIR 30 YEAR HISTORY

WHAT FLUTTERBIES CAN PROVIDE

lutterbies is located at Cregagh Methodist Church in the heart of the local Community. Established more than 30 years as a Playgroup for young children, they are now welcoming children who originally attended, back as parents with children of their own. Due to lack of preschool provision in the area, Flutterbies sought and secured Department of Education Funding to provide free places to children in their immediate preschool year. This has become so popular they had to make the decision, in 2014, to cease providing Playgroup Places for younger children and provide the much needed free Pre-school Places that our children and their parents were missing out on. Run by a volunteer Membership Committee made up of a wide range of caring and dedicated members, providing resources, supporting staff and ensuring Flutterbies complies with all the necessary legislation. Flutterbies is registered with and monitored by Social Services and The Department of Education. They are also members of the Early Years Organisation. Situated in a large hall, the

/// We provide free funded places for 24 children and our opening hours are Monday to Friday 9.15am - 12.15pm during term time (Sept to June). /// At Flutterbies we are committed to inclusion and welcome all children including those with additional needs. We believe all children should have equal opportunities to benefit from the education we provide. Therefore resources and activities are planned depending on the age and stage of the children, whatever their ability. /// We respect and support diversity of all children and their families promoting positive values and attitudes ensuring that they feel included, safe and valued /// We value and cherish children’s learning and development by providing each child with a rich and stimulating play experience based on their own interests. /// Aim to fully develop the children’s learning potential during their time with us and ensure they become resilient, capable and self-assured in a stimulating child centred environment.

Playroom is set out in different areas, to encourage children in the 6 areas of learning. (Personal, Social & Emotional, Language Development, Early Maths, Physical Development. The Arts, The World Around Us).

purchase over 250 new books, both hard copy and online, for our pupils, ranging from short novels to poetry and comics. This would not have been possible without such fantastic support from the Airport’s Community Fund. So far, all teaching and learning staff have been trained in the use of the Bug Club scheme, and parents have also attended training seminars hosted in school. It’s bigger than a school initiative. It’s a community initiative, really, involving children, parents, educators and our partners from Belfast City Airport. It has the potential to make a real and lasting difference.” For more information about how your school, group or project can apply to the Belfast City Airport Community Fund, please visit www.belfastcityairport.com

/// 4 qualified staff trained in Early Years Education, Child Protection and Paediatric First-Aid. Staff Development is ongoing and staff regularly attend relevant training. /// High staff ratio (l adult to 8 children), ensure all children get the individual care and attention they need to make this a happy and lasting first experience of learning in a formal environment. /// Children are inspired to play and learn by staff committed to providing equal opportunities to find new interests and extend their experiences. /// We work in partnership with parents to give opportunities to help children grow in confidence and develop at their own rate, communicate thoughts and ideas and share in the wonder created by books and rhymes. All our parents are invited to take an active part in the Pre-school and we have a monthly Drop-In where parents can stay for coffee and a chat and be kept up to date with what is happening in the Pre-school as well as healthcare issues or anything else they may need more information on. /// Our aim is to prepare children for school and life in general in a happy, safe and friendly environment. Telephone 07784 098139 | Cregagh Methodist Church 28-30 Cregagh Road Belfast BT6 9EQ

Mac Makes his Mark on Ashfield Girls’ Award winning film maker pays a vist to inspire local school

students are Pitch Perfect at Cinemagic events

BELFAST MET hosted a series of events on Tuesday and today to help young people develop skills essential in making their mark in the film and TV industry. Events were organised by Cinemagic as part of their annual Cinemagic Festival. See below details of the event and photos of students from Newtownards who took part in the event. The participants featured in the photo are from Belfast Met’s Castlereagh Campus. Caption L-R: Chloe Langton (Cinemagic), Brian Henry Martin (Doubleband), Anna French (Belfast Met), Heather McAllister, Matthew Wiggins (Belfast Met)

Ashfield Girls’ High School and entrepreneurship skills charity Young Enterprise joined forces to host to Emmy award winning commercial film maker, Mac Premo, on Thursday 8th October where Mr Premo and Adrianna Dufay held a Creative Masterclass, inspiring Year 10 Business students to realise that creativity is both a skill and a useful tool to get their message across. The students focused on how to use this skill to pitch their ideas and engage others to buy in and support their ideas. The guest speakers, Mac & Adrianna from New York, who are visiting Belfast as part of the Homecoming 2015 event, shared their ‘BucketBoard’ project with the students

and the process involved in getting the wider community to buy into this global project. The students went on to explore these concepts and were inspired to design their own creative pitch. The students then embraced their love of technology by using iPads to create adverts for their products. Head of Business, Cheryl Hoey said, “The girls were really inspired by Mac’s innovative use of buckets to make

skateboards and their business ideas benefited from his involvement in the project. It was a great pleasure and privilege to have come and share his experiences with the girls’’ Visit YENI.co.uk to see how you can get involved with Young Enterprise, empowering young people with the skills and confidence to succeed in life and work. www.yeni.co.uk

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Cregagh Primary School A Family of Learning at the Heart of the Community

Cregagh Primary School - Putting Children First! Cregagh Primary School has been serving the greater Cregagh community for over 75 years. Our school is unique in that we share a large campus with Cregagh Community Centre & Cregagh Pre-School. Consequently, we can provide a safe, secure & stimulating learning environment in which your child can flourish, succeed & reach their full potential. With 172 pupils currently enrolled, our average teacher-to-pupil ratio is 1 to 23. Our state-of-the-art buildings, built in 2002, are bright & spacious. Our pupils benefit from access to Interactive Whiteboards & Smart-Touch Screens throughout the school, a fully equipped ICT Suite, iPads, large indoor resource areas, twin playgrounds, large sports hall & a wildlife garden. Our own facilities are further enhanced by those of our neighbouring community centre complex that include a further multi-purpose sports hall & a flood-lit 3G soccer pitch. The welfare of our pupils is our top priority. Visitors, including School Inspectors, comment on the warm & family-like atmosphere of our school. Cregagh Primary has two very proactive School & Eco Councils. We are proud to have as part of our school community, a Hearing Impaired Unit comprising of two classes. Many of these pupils come to us from the greater Belfast area; attracted by the Unit’s excellent reputation. We ensure a common high quality experience for all our children to help maximise each individual's potential, while supporting creativity & individuality within teaching & learning. Spanish is taught to all pupils from P1 through to P7. We offer a variety of after-school activities including soccer, netball, choir, rugby coaching, Monkeynastix, Movie Club, a homework club & 2-3 Waiting Club for P1-3 children. Put simply: children come first at Cregagh Primary School!

Mount Merrion Avenue, Belfast, BT6 0FL Telephone: 028 90401246 www.cregaghprimary.org.uk

• Register now for Free Department of Education Funded Places Why not come along and see us at Flutterbies, an opportunity to chat with staff and discover for yourself our safe, happy and secure child-centred environment Unable to make it on 3rd ? Just give us a call and arrange a visit when best suit you.

Telephone 07784 098139 Cregagh Methodist Church 28-30 Cregagh Road Belfast BT6 9EQ

CREGAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL INVITES YOU TO ITS UPCOMING OPEN DAYS & EVENTS

Thursday 3rd December School Open Day & Community Winterfe st | 2pm-7:30pm FRIDAY 4TH DECEMBER Pre-School Open Morning | 9:30am-12 noo n Saturday 5th December Christmas Crafts Morning | 10am-12noon Wednesday 6th January Principal’s illustrated talk for prospective parents | 9:20am

Come along & find out for yourself all abou t our fantastic school. We would love to welcome you & your fam ily!

The Loop | November 2015 | The Arts

The Arts beyondskin.net

NETTLEFIELD PS AND ASHFIELD BOYS FEATURE AT WORLD MUSIC EXPO A music and social media project involving pupils from Nettlefield PS, Ashfield Boys’ and Sri Lanka recently featured at the World Music Expo (WOMEX) in Budapest.

PICTURED: With pupils from Nettlefield PS are Shalini

Wickramasuriya, CEO of The Music Project (Sri Lanka), and Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour’s Communications & Corporate Responsibility Manager.

he East Belfast schools joined classrooms 3,000 miles away in Sri Lanka to create music and videos exploring post-conflict issues such as community relations and equality. Sri Lanka’s civil war ended in 2009 after 25-years and a death toll approaching 100,000. Developed by Belfast-based ‘Beyond Skin’ and supported by Belfast Harbour, the project aims to tackle racism and sectarianism through the arts. The work completed by the East Belfast schools will be showcased to delegates at WOMEX by conference speaker Darren Ferguson from Beyond Skin with Shalini Wickramasuriya, CEO of The Music Project (Sri Lanka). Mr Ferguson said: “The legacy of conflict in Northern Ireland presents many challenges and sharing these with people who have faced similar challenges, but within a very different cultural context, provides opportunities for growth and learning. Social media and the Internet often offer a superficial door to the wider world, but this initiative brings realness to the pupils’

connections with their global neighbours. We are delighted that Belfast Harbour has invested in this project and are thrilled to showcase the work of local schools to an international audience at WOMEX. The young people involved have combined innovation and creativity to produce music with each other 3,000 miles apart, turning the classroom into an exciting global shared learning space.” In addition to creating joint music and audio clips, the pupils also exchanged handmade gifts, letters and information about their respective cultures. Shalini Wickramasuriya, CEO of The Music Project (Sri Lanka), added: “We are grateful that through our partnership with Beyond Skin and Belfast Harbour that the youth of tomorrow will recognize that they are global citizens who are empowered to harness their creativity, their identity and shared sense of community to participate on shared platform of digital creativity. We look forward to this collaborative partnership of discovery, different musical genres and harmony.”

Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour’s Communications & Corporate Responsibility Manager, said: “This is a great example of a global education project that gives local young people the chance to partner and build friendships with their peers in Sri Lanka. It also gives participants a different perspective on their own circumstances as they work with the Sri Lankan young people through digital media, Internet, music and art. Belfast Harbour supports a wide range of initiatives for young people and we’re excited that this project will be showcased to a global audience.” The concept behind the scheme is that young people, regardless of ability, position in society, or socio-economic status, have an inborn creative capacity. Themes within the project will include Community Relations, Diversity, Equality, Self-Confidence and Language & Communication skills. Such has been its success, the project is now being extended to include two youth clubs, Lagan Village in East Belfast and John Paul in North Belfast.

facebook.com/BelmontTower

TOWERING TALES CREATIVE WRITING BELMONT COMPETITION IS LAUNCHED TOWER Have you a passion for writing? Ever dreamed of getting your stories recognised? It is time to unleash your creative writing skills, put pen to paper or get tapping on those keyboards and get involved in an exciting new competition.

“

Towering Tales is an enchanting creative writing competition inspired by the historic Belmont Tower and its authentic ‘Spirit of Place.’

erbert Smith Freehills in association with National Trust, Young at Art and Arts & Business Northern Ireland, are thrilled to announce that the Towering Tales Creative Writing Competition 2015 is open for entries. Towering Tales is an enchanting creative writing competition inspired by the historic Belmont Tower and its authentic ‘Spirit of Place’. This unique exciting competition is a great opportunity to raise awareness about Belmont Tower, a landmark building in East Belfast for over 100 years. Many iconic buildings and historical landmarks like Belmont Tower have inspired writers’ imaginations, influencing the creation of well-known fairytales, stories and poems. Belmont Tower, formerly the

Ferguson Memorial Primary School was acquired from the Old Belmont School Preservation Trust by the National Trust in 2013, and is regarded as a creative hub, the spirit of our local community. It may be on our doorstep; however it could be a world away if we let our imagination run wild. What does Belmont Tower mean to you, and where could it take you? If you have never visited, it’s time to go and find out for yourself! The competition is free to enter, and is open to writers of all experience and age groups. Entries must be no longer than 1,000 words, using Belmont Tower as the muse for a short story or poem. It is a chance to explore creativity, imagination, have fun, fulfill a dream and reignite a passion for writing. Entries must be submitted before

Friday 4th December 2015. For information about the competition, including how to enter, please visit facebook. com/BelmontTower, email ToweringTales@hsf.com, or phone Steven Woolfson on 028 9025 8296. Resource and inspiration packs are available to get your creative juices flowing. Alternatively you can call into Belmont Tower, 82 Belmont Church Road, Belfast BT4 3FG and speak to Barry Grey. The winning entries will be reproduced on postcards by the National Trust with a bespoke illustration by local artist Patrick Sanders. All shortlisted entries will be showcased by rehearsed readings and live illustrations at a Gala Event in Belmont Tower planned to take place in the New Year.

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www.ashfieldgirls.org 22/10/2015 14:02

The Loop | November 2015 | Local History

Local History 2.

Old Petrol Stations of East Belfast

FILL ‘ER UP

By Aidan Campbell

A recent newspaper report included the words: ‘average petrol prices in Northern Ireland have dipped to their lowest level for five years’ The price of petrol is now a major concern for motorists and it got me thinking about many of the petrol brands from my childhood and how the local garage was once a feature of the landscape.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT 1. Here is Stewart Johnston, aged 19, outside his father’s garage at 203 Belmont Road in 1929. The business was a familiar site here for many years, from the 1920s until the site was sold for redevelopment in 1986, which has been the fate of many independent retailers in recent years. It is now the site of a modern development called ‘Kingsley Court’. 2. Here Stewart Johnston converses with a customer. The subject could well be the shiny new car, which is a Ford Popular with a Republic of Ireland registration and on the market during the 1950s. The petrol pump branding is for the now defunct ‘Lobitos’ brand. Lobitos is the name of an area in Peru from where oil was extracted. Burmah Oil acquired the company in the 1960s. Notice Park Drive cigarettes advertising on display in the shop window. 3. A late 1930s picture of Havard’s garage and shop at Cherryvalley, now the site of Cherryvalley filling station which is operated by Spar and supplies Maxol petrol. Notice the hand-operated pumps in the foreground which supply Essolene and Shell brands. There were 20 lockup garages to let to the rear of the shop. 4. This is a 1950s view looking down Gilnahirk Road towards King’s Road with Cherryvalley Post Office (to the right) on the corner of Kingsway Avenue. The post box is a ‘GR’ vintage, which denotes that King George V was the monarch. It has been relocated and is currently in front of the shops at Cheryvalley. 5. Not much traffic in this 1950s photograph of the ‘Orchard Garage’. It was located at 214-216 Holywood Road

roughly opposite St Mark’s Church and on the left hand corner entering Palmerston Road. The advertising of the day includes Coca-Cola and Avon tyres and although the large sign at the front of the forecourt is for M.S. (Munster Simms) petrol there is also evidence of Esso pumps too. Notice the several caravans on the forecourt, the gas street lighting, the concrete road surface and the café sign advertising ‘tea and ices’. 6. This is a slightly earlier view of the Orchard Garage in 1937. Davy Redpath is on the left with a smiling Billy Moore on the right. They are hard at work giving the petrol pumps a fresh coat of paint. The happy painter would probably generate some apoplexy with the modern Health and Safety Executive, as he seems to be smoking a cigarette whilst painting the petrol pump! The ROP sign on the petrol pump stands for Russian Oil Products, which was bought by Regent Oil in 1948 and later became part of Texaco. 7. The Esso Red & White service station in the early 1950s. It was located at 484 Upper Newtownards Road on the corner of Ormiston Park across the road from Gillespie & Wilson’s furniture store near Knock crossroads. The site was later a trolleybus turning circle and a Texaco garage but is now vacant. There are plenty of vehicles on the forecourt. They are a 1939 Morris 8 E Saloon, centre and behind at the back is a 1939 Vauxhall. A 1936 Riley Falcon is to the right being filled with petrol. The grand white car far left seems to be a Jaguar. The petrol pumps were serviced by attendants in the early 1950s as the photo shows. The attendant is wearing a uniform including a smart military style peaked cap.

THE STORY CONTINUES • Aidan Campbell has previously published 11 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont and East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2. • Newtownbreda is Aidan’s latest local history book which was published on 9th October 2015. • Aidan regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books retail at £10.00 each and most are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice, Hamilton News Cregagh and The Wingrove Ballyhackamore with profits donated to local charity. Book sales online at: www.eastbelfasthistory.com

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The Loop | November 2015 | Golden Era 80 Years In the Spotlight!

THE STRAND CELEBRATING THE GOLDEN ERA OF CINEMA AS IT LAUNCHES 80TH ANNIVERSARY PROGRAMME Celebrating a milestone 80th anniversary in December, the Strand Arts Centre is Northern Ireland’s oldest cinema, enjoying a new lease of life as a busy arts centre, showing the latest blockbusters in three digital screens with surround sound, as well as classic and cultural cinema, live music and theatre, performing arts classes and creative workshops.

he Strand has been providing entertainment, creating employment and boosting the economy since 1935. A jewel of art deco design, it is the only remaining cinema in Northern Ireland from that golden era when, at one time, Belfast boasted over 40 picture palaces. The Strand is something of a survivor. When cinema admissions were declining in the 1980s, the Strand operated as a variety theatre for several years attracting top acts of the day such as The Drifters, The Nolans and Little and Large. In 1988 the Strand converted to a four-screen multiplex. More recently, the building’s shortterm survival was secured when Strand Arts Centre was established as a not-for-profit charity in 2013 to create a community hub that enhances the arts and cultural offer for all communities in East Belfast. Strand Arts Centre Chief Executive Mimi Turtle said: “Just two years established, we are very much in our infancy but believe we have achieved a lot – attracting an audience of over 90,000 people during this period, from young children at our Saturday Minors’ Club to older audiences at our Silver Screenings. The Strand has been an integral part of East Belfast for 80 years. To our regulars, thank you for being part of the Strand’s story. Please continue to support your coolest and classiest cinema. If you’ve never been to the Strand before, why not pay us a visit?” The Strand has just refreshed its entrance foyer with a 1930s twist

inspired by the heyday of Northern Ireland’s pre-war picture palaces, including black and white tiles and block pattern wallpapers. Mimi Turtle said: “Our dramatic foyer refurbishment is a nod to the glamorous Art Deco period in which it was built, and a glimpse of what the Strand could look like in a couple of years if we successfully raise the funds to completely renovate the building. And we’re now offering patrons the chance to enjoy a relaxed coffee before or after their film screenings or live events. Sadly George Clooney won’t be on hand to pour the coffee, but you can’t have everything!” There are plenty of opportunities to get behind the scenes of the Strand’s historic building during its 80th anniversary programme including a Family Open Day on 5th December with free screenings, face painting, balloons and lots of birthday cake. Why not go on one of the Strand Hertitage Tours (21st November & 19th December) when expert projectionist and film enthusiast Alan McClurg will take you on a guided tour of this original picture palace, and East Belfast Historical Society archivist Oscar Ross will give an illustrated talk on Sunday 6th December about the Strand’s glorious past, and its future plans. If you have any stories or memories from the Strand over the last 80 years, take to social media to share them or e-mail intern@ strandartscentre.com

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE STRAND CINEMA

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT Strand exterior in the 1930s | Strand exterior in the 1950s | The Strand’s original 1930s foyer | The Strand’s original front stalls and view of the curtains in front of the screen | Screen 1, the original balcony, stills retains that original 1930s picture palace glamour | Mimi Turtle outside Strand | Strand Arts Centre dusk shot | The Strand when it was a one screen auditorium | The Strand’s monthly heritage tour shows you different aspects of the building, including a working demonstration of its 35mm projector

• The Strand was opened on 7th December 1935, built for and operated by the English Union Cinemas Group. It had one screen with stage and 1170 seats. The first film shown was “Bright Eyes” starring Shirley Temple. • It was built on the site of Strandtown House, the home of Gustav Heyn, founder of the Headline Shipping and Belfast Steamship Companies. It is the last

decoration inside the auditorium was three rows of port-holes on the splay walls on each side of the proscenium (The rectangular frame “arch” around the stage is the proscenium). These were back-lit and gave the feel of being inside an ocean liner. The proscenium had a wide plain border surrounding all four sides and had rounded corners. Seating was provided in stalls and circle levels. A cafe was

of the pre-war Belfast cinemas still in existence. • It was designed by John McBride Neill who also designed the Curzon (Ormeau Road), the Majestic (South Belfast), The Tonic (Bangor). • The cinema’s design was influenced by its proximity to the nearby shipyard of Harland and Wolff, featuring curved walls and a port- holed foyer. • One of the features of the

located on the first floor. • In October 1937, Union Cinemas were taken over by Associated British Cinemas (ABC) and they continued to operate it until it was closed in 1983. • The cinema was Reopened in 1984 by Ronnie Rutherford it operated as a concert and live performance venue on its 14 feet deep stage from 1984-1986. Performers included Little and

Large and The Drifters. • Converted into a 4 screen cinema In April 1988, it reopened for films seating Screen 1: 276, Screen 2: 196, Screen 3: 90 and Screen 4: 80. The most popular film was on “3 Men & a Baby” which ran for 26 weeks! • The building’s façade was restored emphasising its Art Deco style in 1999, winning an RIBA Architecture Award.

The Loop | November 2015 | Golden Era

THE CINEMAS OF EAST BELFAST THE GOLDEN AGE

Local Author Tom Hughes wrote the book; How Belfast Saw The Light - A Cinematic History. Here Tom takes you on a guided tour of the golden age with a fascinating insight into the local cinemas of the time

mid the poverty, the shortages, the unemployment, the wars and the gloom of Belfast’s 20th century history there shone a bright welcoming light, that of the cinema. The cinemas were portals to a world of the imagination, and within their doors young and old forgot the stresses of everyday living. Most people of that generation can recall noisy but fun filled children’s matinees and evenings spent with their friends enjoying the adventures of their favourite stars. Some even have special memories of romantic trysts in the back rows where they met their future wives or husbands. The cinema was integrated into their lives on an equal footing with family, school and Church, and life without the local cinema was unimaginable. The first cinema to be opened east of the river Lagan, in March 1910, was the Princess Picture Palace, on the upper Newtownards Road at Campbell’s Row. It was a large undistinguished looking building. Its facilities were basic with wooden benches but its lack of comfort proved no barrier to it becoming very popular with the local population and it remained in operation until the end of 1926. It was followed by the

Mountpottinger Picturedrome, managed by Ferris Pounds, which opened in February 1911 near the junction of the Mountpottinger and Albertbridge Roads. The Drome, as it was called locally, was rebuilt in a more luxurious style in 1934, and continued to attract patrons until it closed in 1970. In 1911 the Princess found itself facing what became fierce competition when Pounds built and opened the New Princess Picture Palace with its distinctive windmill frontage across the road from it. The new venue proved its stamina by outlasting its rival into the sound era, closing in 1960. The Willowfield ( the Winkie) opened on the Woodstock Road at Cherryville Street in December 1915 within the Willowfield Unionist Club. It flourished well into the sound era before closing in 1973. The lower Newtownards Road hosted another cinema in 1917 when the Popular Picture House (the Pop), opened its doors at number 49, near Young’s Row. A source today of local myth it finally closed in 1962. The Thirties saw the appearance of Picture Palaces with top quality projection, sound and comfortable tip-up seats as standard. The Castle with its distinctive Old Gold decorations, led

Clockwise from top left: The former Castle; Wyse Byse the former Ambassador; The New Princess; The Curzon; The Curzon Closes. Centre pic: The Book Cover

the way in October1934. It was erected at 84, Castlereagh Road at the junction with Clara Street, followed two months later by the Curran theatre, the Astoria on the Upper Newtownards Road. The Astoria was a downtown style cinema transported to the suburbs with all the quality facilities one would expect from the more expensive city centre venues. The same could be said of the Strand Cinema which opened on the Holywood Road in December1935, and the Curzon which was opened by the Gaston brothers at 300, Ormeau Road in December 1936. D.D.Young opened

the Ambassador (the Ambo) a few days later at 135, Cregagh Road. By the end of 1936 East Belfast had nine official full time cinemas dispersed along the main roads. They were crowded every evening except Sundays. Today they are just memories, though the outlines of their former cinematic architecture can still be detected in Wyse Byse ( the former Ambassador ) and the S. and L. Furniture Centre ( the Castle). There is one lone survivor, the elegant Strand, eighty years old, which still gives modern audiences a glimpse of a functioning Picture Palace from the 30s.

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR CUSTOMERS!

NORTHERN IRELAND’S OLDEST ORIGINAL PICTURE PALACE TURNS 80 IN DECEMBER AND IS STILL GOING STRONG! NEWLY REFURBISHED ART DECO FOYER NOW SERVING NESPRESSO AND PUNJANA

3 DIGITAL SCREENS WITH SURROUND SOUND

FAMILY ACTIVITIES INCLUDING HANDS-ON WORKSHOPS

LATEST BLOCKBUSTERS, PLUS CLASSIC AND CULTURAL CINEMA

BEHIND-THE-SCENES HERITAGE TOURS

LIVE THEATRE AND MUSIC EVENTS

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All this and more is detailed in a new book HOW BELFAST SAW THE LIGHT, by local retired teacher Tom Hughes, from Knockbreda. He has recreated those heady days from the arrival of the first one minute long film snippets in a small Kinetoscope Parlour in Royal Avenue up to the Multiplexes of today. It is a nostalgic trip through the cinemas of the city based on years of research and personal interviews. It is available in Waterstones, Easons, on Amazon or from Colour Point in Newtownards.

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YEARS 2015

EAST BELFAST’S COMMUNITY HUB CHECK OUT WHAT’S ON AT WWW.STRANDARTSCENTRE.COM

FESTIVALS

CINEMA

THEATRE

KIDS CLUBS

LOCAL FAIRS

Local family fun days out, food, music and much more

From the very latest releases to the classics we all know and love

Local Thespians take to the stage in this months productions

Keep the little ones busy with a cracking line up of activities

Autumn is upon us which means the seasonal fairs are go!

Nov EVENTS 2015 ETC

The month ahead!

All Aboard the Dawn Treader at St Marks As part of the annual C.S. Lewis Festival, the church of St Marks Dundela is getting ready to host its second Narnia Craft Fair, and this year they are using Lewis’ novel ‘The Voyage of the Dawn Treader’ as their theme. Visitors to the fair on Saturday 21st November, 10 am to 5 pm, will enter through the famous wardrobe, and then make their way up the gangplank and through the magic painting, to find the church halls filled with nautical decorations and more than 30 craft stalls showcasing locally produced art, crafts and gifts. On offer will be a range of ceramics and wooden items, handmade jewellery, beading, embroidery, knitted and crocheted gifts, photography and many culinary delights including homemade preserves, cakes and Christmas goodies. This unique Christmas shopping opportunity will include musical entertainment from local school choirs and music groups, and a chance to view a number of beautifully crafted wall hangings, and the stunning painted wall mural of Aslan overlooking Narnia. St Marks has important links with the author, who was baptised in the Church where his grandfather was Rector, and the organisers welcome the chance to celebrate those links, and bring Narnia to life for a new generation of readers. With visits from some of the characters from the book, facepainting and delicious refreshments throughout the day, this is sure to be a fantastic event for all the family. Tickets £5 for adults (kids under 16 free) available from St Marks Parish Office 9065 4090 or online at eastsidearts.net or at the door on the day – Heyn Hall, 2 Sydenham Avenue, Belfast BT4 2DP.

BELFAST BIG SWING BAND THE BIG BAND CHRISTMAS SPECIAL Friday 18 December 2015 20 piece ‘Big Swing Band’ The Belfast Jazz and Swing Orchestra is dedicated to the performance of Big Band swing and the jazz music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Glen Millar etc. (3 course Christmas Fayre - Dancing & Big Band) £25 per person. Dinner 7pm for 7.30pm. Ticket only – Contact Jackie 07711 428480 OR come just for the Band & dancing £8 (pay at the door) 9pm.

Cats Protection, Belfast Adoption CentrE CHRISTMAS CRAFT FAIR Saturday 21st November The Belfast Adoption Centre’s ever popular Christmas Craft Fair returns in 2015 with a whole host of festive crafts, presents and edible goodies for sale. Stalls include handcrafted jewellery, homemade festive cakes and desserts, unique Christmas decorations, handmade knitted and crocheted items and lots of feline themed crafts. Bring the whole family along to get into the Christmas spirit and find inspiration for those hard to buy for friends and family! Or just soak up the atmosphere with a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. Entry is only £2 per adult (kids are FREE!). The fair runs from 1pm - 3.30pm and all profits from the day will be used to provide the centre’s current feline residents with food, shelter and veterinary care. www.belfast.cats.org.uk

WILLOWFIELD CHRISTMAS MARKET Friday 4 December 2015 6.30pm – 9.00pm VENUE: Willowfield Church car park (indoors if wet). Stalls include all things Christmasy, cakes, sweets (including pick ‘n’ mix), toiletries, plants, homemade food & drinks, new gifts at price, handmade crafts & cards plus independent craft retailers ALSO: Live Christmas music, hotdogs & burgers, hot drinks, crepes, mulled wine, entertainment and Santa’s Grotto

WILGAR COMMUNITY FORUM EVENTS

Christmas Craft Fayre @ Cregagh Presbyterian

Wednesday 18th November 7.30-9.30 The Wilgar Community forum are hosting a Christmas Avon Fair @ the Dundela Social club, Wilgar street. Bargains for every one. Saturday 14th November 9pm-late The Wilgar Community forum Festival fundraiser with The Electric Vultures Playing 9pm-late £5. Dundela Social club, Wilgar St. Saturday 5th December 9pm-late The Wilgar community forum are having a festival fundraiser with Soul Foundation £10. Tickets available from The Dundela Club.

Saturday 21st November 10am to 3pm. From jewellery and cards, to woodwork, glass art and handbags, and even shortbread and mulled wine, to mention just a few. There will be puppet shows and face painting for the children, as well as ‘make and take’ workshops for adults with all materials supplied. Take a break from browsing with morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea available during the day. This craft fayre will be the perfect start to the festive season. Contact Maureen on 07730435377 for more information or to book a place on a workshop.

BIG BAND NIGHT CHRISTMAS SPECIAL!

NOVEMBER & DECEMBER AT THE STRAND ARTS CENTRE 152-154 Holywood Road | Belfast | 028 9065 5830 | strandartscentre.com

BFI LOVE Strand Arts Centre is one of the venues taking part in the BFI LOVE Season that will re-kindle audience passions for film and television’s most enduring love stories. You can enjoy Oliver Stone’s Natural Born Killers on 35mm (12th November), the enchanting romantic comedy Amelie (26th November), and Takeover Film Festival’s special screening of Gregory’s Girl (6th December) starring John Gordon Sinclair who it is hoped will attend the event.

MOVIE PICKS The pick of the latest movie releases includes Brooklyn (now showing), based on the novel by Colm Toibin, about a young Irish immigrant (played by Saoirse Ronin) who navigates her way through 1950s America. In The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (from 20th November), Katniss Everdeen teams up with her closest friends to liberate the citizens of war-torn Panem and assassinate President Snow. And the Strand is already taking bookings for the film event of the year, Star Wars Episode VII – The Force Awakens, that opens on 17th December.

PICK OF THE LIVE STAGE SHOWS FRI 13TH NOV | 8.00PM | CLAIRE ZIRITT – PSYCHIC MEDIUM Claire Ziritt returns for another night of psychic mediumship live on stage.

TUES 1ST DEC, 8.00PM | DAVID HULL PROMOTIONS PRESENTS | A KIRWIN FAMILY CHRISTMAS

Dominic will be joined by his sons Barry and Colm this Christmas for a special festive musical journey.

THUR 10TH DEC, 8.00PM | THE BJORN IDENTITY – CELEBRATING ABBA

The finest Abba tribute show this side of Sweden with an authentic, live Abba in concert experience.

CS LEWIS FESTIVAL Strand Arts Centre will once again be a key venue, and box office, for EastSide Art’s CS Lewis Festival. The Strand’s programme includes Tyrone Power 1947 film noir Nightmare Alley (19th November), documentary The Life And Faith Of C.S. Lewis – The Magic Never Ends (20th November), The Chronicles of Narnia trilogy (20th – 22nd November), and an Aslan claymaking children’s workshop (21st November).

CHRISTMAS CLASSICS The Strand has a popular line-up of Christmas classics over the festive period – It’s a Wonderful Life, Elf, Edward Scissorhands and Home Alone. Check out www.strandartscentre.com for showtimes. You can also book out Screen 4 for a private screening of one of these, or another classic title.

FAMILY EVENTS SAT 19TH DEC, 3.00PM | STAR WARS – CLAYRAZY YODA WORKSHOP The Clayrazy instructors teaching you how to create your own model of Yoda that you get to take home!

MON 28TH DEC, 12.30PM | FROZEN SING-A-LONG SPECIAL

Activities start at 12.30pm with a meet and greet with Elsa & Anna! Film starts at 2pm. Live songs performed by Elsa & Anna, face painting and colouring-in… Dressing up encouraged!

WED 30TH DEC, 2.00PM | MINECRAFT WORKSHOP

2 hour workshop. Clay, Brick, and free-play stations. Kids encouraged to bring their devices to play MineCRAFT.

SPECIAL EVENTS SAT 21ST NOV & SAT 19TH DEC, 12.30PM | STRAND HERITAGE TOUR Taking you behind-the-scenes of the Strand with expert projectionist Alan McClurg.

TUES 24TH NOV 8PM + SUN 29TH NOV 4.15PM | LAUREL & HARDY - THE MUSIC BOX & BLOCK-HEADS Two classics from the legends of the screen.

EastSide Arts presents THUR 3RD DEC, 8.30PM | TASTE – WHAT’S GOING ON? – LIVE AT THE ISLE OF WIGHT FESTIVAL With LIVE Q&A from Donal Gallagher. 2015 Restored Version telling the story of Ireland’s seminal rock band Taste, formed in Cork in 1966 by Rory Gallagher. SAT 5TH DEC, FROM 12.00-4.00PM | STRAND 80TH BIRTHDAY BASH

A family friendly fun day with FREE face painting, balloons, pop-up performances and movies all day in Screen 4 – and cake, lots of cake!

SUN 6TH DEC, 3.00PM | THE ORIGINAL PICTURE PALACE

A free illustrated talk by East Belfast Historical Society archivist and film fan Oscar Ross about how the Strand was built and plenty of movie trivia from its 80 years. Advance booking advised.

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The Loop | November 2015 | What’s Happening?

What’s Happening in East Belfast? 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 BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793. Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. 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 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com 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 (incl juice/snack & tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

WEDNESDAY Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Orangefield Baptist Church 10.30-12. 37 North Road, BT5 5NE smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road. 07745 076911 orangefield.org.uk St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd Willowfield Mother & Toddler 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 Bloomfield Methodist Church 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

THURSDAY 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 Presb Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

FRIDAY St Columba’s Mums & Tots 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road

Classes & Events MONDAY Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of the month) 7pm. Bean Blessed Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower The Programme 6.30-8.30pm. Tel Helen 028 9076 1172 Cregagh Cricket Club Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 9 & Under 11 cricket training. Cregagh Presbyterian Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel John 07809 205579 102-104 Cregagh Road Harding Memorial Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Clare 07905 556825. Orangefield Baptist Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Skainos Building skainos.org Turas Irish Language Upper Intermediate Class 10 -12. Irish Language Singing Class from 6 – 7pm. Contact Linda Ervine. EBM Homework Club (P7 only) f3.30–5.30pm. Contact Hannah Ferguson028 9045 8560. Female Bodycamp from 7-8pm. FREE Trial. Sara Eaches on 07919146434 Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

TUESDAY 15th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.15-7.15pm Explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm Juniors (8-10) 7.00-9.00pm Company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm Telephone 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 All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Thursdays. Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 8pm10pm. Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm. Mount Merrion Parish Church Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Senior puppet club. 4.30pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Learn to dance. 7.30pm, Ballroom, sequence & Latin. Tel 07547 801383. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

Skainos Building skainos.org EBM Women’s Group 7pm. Sandie Gallagher 028 9045 8560. EBM Homework Club (P4 – P6) from 3.30–5.30pm. Hannah Ferguson 028 9045 8560. EBM Choir practice (age 17+) from 5.45 – 6.45pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher on 028 9045 8560. Turas Irish Language Total Beginners Classes 7-9pm at EBM and also at Dundonald High School Turas Irish Language Upper Intermediate class from 7-9pm Turas set dancing class from 7-8.30pm. For all Turas classes contact Linda Ervine on 028 9045 8560 Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm. Belfast Boxing Fitness. Male & female 18+ 8.15pm.

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 - 4pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm9. 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 Road Gilnahirk Mens Group For retired men. 10.30am-12. Runs until 4th May 2016. Tea/ Coffee/Chat/Fellowship & an interesting Speaker Gilnahirk Horticultural & Civic Group Stye Brae Centre - Gilnahirk Presbyterian. Gardening talk, tea & biscuits. 1st Weds of the month until April. 8pm. Girls Brigade Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 upwards 7.30pm Luncheon Club For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book on 028 9045 7564. Mount Merrion Parish Church Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149. Mount Merrion Ave Over 60’s Lunch Club Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book. Skainos Building skainos.org Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians 10am-12pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher on 028 9045 8560. Senior Friendship Club from 2pm-3.30pm. Contact EBM on 028 9045 8560. Street Soccer five-a-side in the EBM community hall from 1-3pm. Contact Justin on 028 9046 3482. Turas Irish Language Family Class form 5.30 – 7pm. Turas Irish Language Post Beginners class from 7-9pm. Turas Irish Language Intermediate exam class from 7-9pm. Strand Arts Centre “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day for £3. Wandsworth Community Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Arranging 1.303.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm

THURSDAY Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Tuesdays. Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential on the morning of event.

Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm. Yoga 6-9pm. E Belfast Historical Society 7.15pm-10.15. Cregagh Presbyterian Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Tel Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies. 6.30pm. Tel Vicki 028 9045 8208 Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Tel Claire 07598 866895 102-104 Cregagh Road Mount Merrion Parish Church Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829. Senior Citizens Luncheon Club Midday @ Ballymac Centre. Hot lunch & social time. alison@ballymac.org Skainos Building skainos.org Over’s Luncheon Club from 12.30-2pm. Sandie Gallagher 028 9045 8560. Art Group from 1-2pm for Over 50’s. Painting, crafts and marquetry. Arlene Megaw 028 9045 8560. EBM homework club (P4-P6) 3.30 – 5.30pm. Contact Hannah Ferguson on 028 9045 8560. Turas Tin Whistle beginners class form 2-3pm. Linda Ervine on 028 9045 8560 Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Needlework 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15-4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm.

FRIDAY Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Relax & Read 1am-12pm. Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art Classes 10-1pm. East End Baptist Children’s Meeting (Westbourne street). Every Friday night. 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun each week. Mount Merrion Parish Church 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 Skainos Building skainos.org Turas Irish Language Intermediate class 10-12noon. Linda Ervine 028 9045 8560. Friday Fusion - arts, crafts, play for P1-P7 6:30pm-8pm. Mark Savage 028 9045 8560. Street Soccer NI 1.30 – 4pm. Free 5 a-side football in Shaftesbury Recreation Centre. Justin on 90463482. Wandsworth Community Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Shiloh Hall 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12.

SATURDAY Avoniel Community Garden Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 12noon to 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Mount Merrion Parish Church SunshineFit Kids - keep fit. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. Orangefield Baptist Church 37 North Road, Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12. Skainos Building skainos.org Walking Group on selected Saturdays at 10am. Contact Gary Allen on 028 9045 8560. Strand Cinema & NI Stars Stage school. 10-1pm nistars.com Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am

SUNDAY Kingdom Harvest Church, Belfast Sunday Worship 11am / Tea & Coffee. Plus "Superchurch" for Children 6-12yrs @ the Inverary Community Centre For more info: www.kingdomharvest.co.uk Mount Merrion Parish Church KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm. Tel 07926 6383 Skainos.org Sunday Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche and Sunday school available for children Strand Cinema & NI Stars Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm

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The Loop | November 2015 | Local Sport

Local Sport & Clubs East Belfast locals enjoy thrill of Drumbo Park’s final of the Tennent’s Gold Cup The final of the Tennent’s Gold Cup, a flagship event at Drumbo Park Greyhound Stadium, had people from far and near gathered under the stars for a night out filled with intense and dramatic racing at the conclusion of the three-week long festival of racing. Quietly took first place on the track in the big race of the night winning £5,000. Brian Beattie, Marketing Director for Tennent’s NI, said, “The finale of the Tennent’s Gold Cup is a highlight of the social as well as the sporting calendar at Drumbo Park. So we were delighted that Tennent’s Lager was at the heart of that sociability and that race-goers enjoyed themselves and got into the party atmosphere; all part of the craic that makes greyhound racing at Drumbo Park such an exhilarating night out.” Pictured at the 2015 final of the Tennent’s Gold Cup at Drumbo Park are Tommy McMinn, Kathleen McMinn, Tommy McMinn and Laura McMinn from East Belfast Constitutional Club.

Local athletes race to the finish with Flahavan’s! Young athletes were out in force for the first round of the Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League. Joel Chambers from Comber PS and Emmy Thornton from Holywood PS crossed the line first in the girls’ and boys’ races respectively, with Scott Rolleston, Kilmaine PS, Bangor (3rd), Emmy Thornton, Holywood PS (1st) and Lily Moore, Loughview PS, East Belfast (3rd) finishing in the Top 3 of their respective races. The League, which is committed to encouraging young people to have an active and healthy lifestyle and was recently launched by reigning NI Cross

Country Champion Declan Reed, will attract 5,200 young athletes across three rounds this season. Following the final the top 20 girls and boys will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Junior Cross Country Squad. For further information on Flahavan’s Porridge Junior Cross Country League and Squad please contact Heather Ardis or info@ athleticsni.org. For more information and to view Flahavan’s full product range please visit the Flahavan’s UK Facebook page or www.flahavans.co.uk.

LEFT: County Down Girls. Pictured L-R: Lily Moore, Loughview PS (3rd), Aoife Dunlop, St Jospeh’s PS (2nd) and Emmy Thornton, Holywood PS (1st). RIGHT: County Down Boys Pictured L-R: Scott Rolleston, Kilmaine PS, Bangor (3rd), Nathan Semple, St Joseph’s PS (2nd) and Joel Chambers, Comber PS (1st)

* NEWS IN BRIEF

Lyttle Welcomes Cycling Report Alliance Chair of the Assembly Group on Cycling, Chris Lyttle MLA, has welcomed the launch of a report saying three-quarters of people want to see more investment on bike use.Speaking after the unveiling of the Belfast Bike Life report, East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle said it was the latest positive move promoting the activity. It showed 78 per cent of local people want more to be spent by the Government on cycling, with 79 per cent of the public saying they want improved safety and nearly half the people surveyed living in a household with at least one adult bike. “Alliance has long campaigned for greater investment in sustainable forms of transport such as cycling,” said Mr Lyttle. “It has grown in popularity in recent years, particularly following the Giro d’Italia and Gran Fondo events, and the launch of the Belfast bike hire scheme. Today’s launch is the latest boost to cycling and will encourage those who wish to take the activity up. The survey is a result of good work carried out by Sustrans and the Department for Regional Development (DRD)’s cycling unit, and praise goes to them for that. Now the Executive once again has a DRD Minister, it is essential she gets down to work quickly on this important issue, and makes moves to help further increase the prevalence of cycling in society.”

CYCLISTS FROM TITANIC QUARTER HELP RAISE OVER £4,500 FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY

SPECSAVERS HOST GUINNESS PRO12 TROPHY TOUR Campbell 1st XV rugby captain James Boyle (2nd left) and Connswater Specsavers store director Lynsey Caldwell join Ulster players Roger Wilson (left) and Nick Williams (right) on the final leg of the Specsavers hosted Guinness PRO12 Trophy Tour. As an official sponsor of the Guinness PRO12 match officials and referees, Specsavers is also the official optician and hearing services partner of the Guinness PRO12, providing expert eye care for players and officials, ensuring no ‘should’ve gone to Specsavers’ moments on the pitch. The partnership also highlights the importance of eye and hearing care in sport, especially playing a contact sport like rugby. Store director Lynsey Caldwell, Specsavers Connswater says: ‘We were delighted to be able to bring the trophy to schools, stores and rugby clubs throughout Northern Ireland to enjoy some of the buzz created by both the PRO12 and the Rugby World Cup. The trophy tour has also given us a chance to get out and meet schools, clubs and specialist facilities in our local community, reminding them of how important eye and hear care is when playing sports, and that we’re here to ensure they can be future stars on the pitch with a healthy eyesight!’

Titanic Quarter cyclists joined hundreds of other likeminded enthusiasts across Northern Ireland to raise funds for local charity, Action Mental Health (AMH), by taking part in the charity’s annual 55 mile cycle ‘The Granite Challenge’. A total sum of £4,579.30 was raised for Action Mental Health, which will help provide life-changing services to those living with mental ill health. Pictured at the event are participants from local cycling group Titanic Quarter Cycling Club. To find out more about Action Mental Health, please visit www.amh.org.uk

Castlereagh Hills Golf Club Celebrates Competition Success

Castlereagh Hills Golf Club is celebrating competition success after winning the prestigious Veterans League and the 2015 PGA Tankard. The 10 match Veterans competition was played over a period of 5 months between 6 local golf clubs in an intense home and away fixtures list. Despite tough competition, Castlereagh Hills Golf Club secured a fantastic home victory with a winning score of 62, three points ahead of Mahee Island in second place. The winning streak continued with lady member, Karen Skelton winning the PGA Tankard only a few weeks later. The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett congratulates Castlereagh Hills Golf Club on winning the prestigious Veteran’s League

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The Loop | November 2015 | Local Sport

Local Football By Alan Hall EARLY FIREWORKS FIZZLE OUT FOR A DRAW AT THE OVAL

THERE were indeed early Halloween fireworks at the Oval but in the end, this tussle with Coleraine turned out to be something of a damp squib; both sides having to settle for a point a piece.

GLENTORAN 1 | COLERAINE 1

he Glens were on the back of three straight wins, albeit two at home to Carrick Rangers and a one goal success at Warrenpoint Town in their least outing – but Coleraine were expected to pose a different sort of a test. It was the Bannsiders, too, who were fastest out of the blocks with dead ball specialist Neil McCafferty forcing a fine save out of Elliott Morris, with a 25 yard free kick that looked destined for the bottom corner of the net. However, it was only a temporary respite for Glentoran as, from the

resultant corner; McCafferty swung the ball over for the onrushing Rodney Brown t powerfully head past the helpless Morris. Just four minutes gone and one down. Certainly not the start caretaker manager Roy Coyle would have wanted. The home side, too, were looking decidedly shaky at the back, with their only meaningful attempt on goal being Willie Garrett’s 30 yard free kick which was easily gathered by keeper Michael Doherty. However, on 12 minutes, Glentoran levelled matters, against the run of play; Johnny Smith opening the door for Conor McMenamin whose penetrating run was ended by Coleraine’s Lyndon Kane. While keeper Doherty guessed right and dived right, Curtis Allen’s penalty zipped into the bottom corner of the net. It was McMenamin’s last real contribution as he was injured soon afterwards and was replaced by Jim O’Hanlon. Coyle had to make another change on 38 minutes when Ciaran Caldwell, back from suspension, came on for the injured David Scullion. The Bannsiders were still threatening, with Morris distinguishing himself to keep out an effort from Darren McCauley, while Ian Parkhill clipped one against the angle of post and bar. At the other end, just before the break, Allen, with outstretched boot, just failed to direct the ball into the net. One-each then at the half way mark, but with Coleraine

SIROCCO MISS OUT ON ESCPAPING BOTTOM TWO

obligingly into the keeper’s arms. Burrows’ running in behind the Queen’s defence was impressive and he was unlucky to be halted by an offside flag, after rounding Brown in the home goal. Dundela continued to look the more threatening, but Gary Irwin’s long distance half volley hurtled over the bar and Ethan Knipe’s low drive was comfortably saved by Brown. Queen’s almost snatched the lead, forcing a majestic save from James Taylor, clawing away a princely header from McGonigle, while Patrick Stuart might have done better than to fizz one wide when handily placed. The half ended as it had started, with Dundela going close; Matty Kerr’s cross just clearing the crossbar. On the changearound, initially it was Queen’s who reigned supreme, with Taylor doing well to keep out a curling effort from home captain Lavery. Dundela, however, weathered the

undoubtedly having the better of things However, the Glens came more into the picture after the changearound with Smith just failing to reach a Marcus Kane cross. Kane almost marked his 125th appearance for Glentoran with a back post header that was blocked on the line. Meanwhile, James McLaughlin, Coleraine’s match winner when the two sides met back on match day one, had a half chance, but was crowded out by the home defence. On 80 minutes, Caldwell failed to connect with the ball, when handily placed inside the box. Then just before the close, Coleraine could have sneaked it had Morris not came out on top with a one on one against Brown. In the end, though, a point a piece was just about right. Glentoran; Morris, Gibson, Kane, Holland, Garrett, Addis, Smith (McCullough 82 mins), McAlorum, Allen, McMenamin (O’Hanlon 20 mins), Scullion (Caldwell 38 mins). Subs (unused) Henderson, Hogg. Forthcoming Fixtures; Sat 7th November – Ballymena United (a) Sat 14th November – Crusaders (a) Wed 18th November – Cliftonville (a) – League Cup Sat 21st November – Dungannon Swifts (h) Sat 28th November – Glenavon (h)

brief university challenge but were still struggling to seriously test the keeper; Knipe firing into the side netting and Jordan West volleying wide, while Burrows swirled one just the wrong side of the far upright. The game started to open up as both sides pushed for a late winner and Dornan managed to break through and press Brown into a save at his near post with Burrows screaming for the ball to be played across the box. Neale, too, could have won it right at the death but on his less favoured left boot, he blazed his shot high and wide. Dundela’s poacher turned gamekeeper, Mark McClelland was again outstanding in his defensive role, making one vital block before the equally impressive Taylor made one final save with his legs. Dundela: Taylor, Thompson, Gourley (c), McClelland, Kerr, Knipe, Lenaghan, West (Dornan), Irwin (Edgar), Neale, Burrows. Subs (unused) Fox, Bickerstaff, Foster.

It was Welders who took control, especially after Michael McLellan set them on their way, heading in a right wing cross on 25 minutes. While there was an early scare on the turnaround when St Pat’s rattled the crossbar, the Welders widened the gap when McLellan burst through the offside trap, giving the keeper no chance. The East Belfast side should have killed it off when Davy Rainey, having done all the hard work, brushing through the middle, shrugging off a couple of defenders only to plonk his shot wide of the target, with just the keeper in front of him. The Welders meet Crusaders Reserves, in the semi final at Seaview on Monday 30th November. H&W Welders; Dougherty, McMurray, Armstrong, Harris, Spence (Devine), McMillan, Deans (Dickson), Davidson, Cahoon, McLellan, Rainey. Subs (unused) Bowers, Shields.

BLOOMFIELD 1 | NEWCASTLE 2

SHORTS

COMBER REC 1 | EAST BELFAST 4

BLOOMFIELD hover just a couple of places above the 1b drop zone, after frittering away another valuable three points in Saturday’s defeat by Newcastle at Houston Park. Joint manager Clinton McCreery, however, isn’t too worried, insisting “We’re playing really well; we’re just not taking our chances. It’s just a matter of time. Our fitness is good, our football is good, we just need that extra bit of luck in front of goal and I think it will come. A run of three or four games could put us right up there. This was one we definitely should have won, we played them off the park, we’re playing all the football, playing as a good team, nice passing etc – we’re just lacking the end product. It was Newcastle, though, who opened the scoring, only for Bloomfield to bounce back – Lewis Irwin bravely hurling himself to head in the loose ball, taking a thump from the keeper for his pains, after Michael Bowers’ initial effort had careered down off the crossbar. That was the least Bloomfield deserved, as, with Michael Gerry causing havoc down the left, they were the better side in that opening half. While Newcastle tightened things up in the second session, most of the chances were falling to Bloomfield, but Getty headed one against the bar, while Irwin fired one against the upright. Instead, it was Newcastle who landed the sucker punch, with a breakaway winner 13 minutes from time. From there on in, it was a Bloomfield bombardment, with defender Gary Lamont pitched into the firing line, but somehow the Mourne side held on for a hard earned three points. Bloomfield; McCormick – Pollock (Woods), Lamont, Douglas, Montgomery – M Bowers, McVeigh, Cowden, Getty – Irwin, McMillan (Jeffers). Sub (unused) Lemon.

Shorts had a friendly on Saturday between the Firsts and Seconds, but the firsts were due back in action on 7th in a crucial clash against leaders Mossley FC at Aircraft Park who were 4-1 winners when the sides met a month ago, but know fine well that this one could be a lot closer. Shorts boss Alan McClelland told the Loop, “I’m looking forward to it. Mossley are doing well, they’ve had a very consistent start to the season. At the minute, they’re in pole position. They’re the ones to beat. It should be a good game, it normally is a good contest between the two clubs, I just hope we perform a bit better than we did the last time, and it’s a chance for us to claw back a few points! It’s always competitive between the two teams, but hopefully we’ll get a wee run together and get competing at the right end of the table!”

The EastEnders opened the scoring on ten minutes when Garrett broke down the left crossing for Dee Wright to do the needful from six yards. Ten minutes later, Garrett made his mark himself, after chasing down an attempted clearance by the Rec keeper. Comber could have pegged one back just after the half hour, but Jake Halliday sprang to the rescue with an excellent penalty save. Rec started the second half on the offensive but failed to take their chances, and the three points were effectively in the proverbial bag once East notched a third, courtesy of a superb solo goal from Warren Pinkerton William Gill put the icing on the cake, opening his East Belfast account by nodding in a Pinkerton cross, and thus it was of little consequence when Comber grabbed a late consolation.

SIROCCO Works remain at the bottom of 1b, after this disappointing defeat by Ballynahinch United at Ballyskeagh.

Jordan West has a pot on goal

SIROCCO WORKS 1 | BALLYNAHINCH UNITED 2

QUEENS 0 | DUNDELA 0

With UUJ idle and Donard beaten at Rathfern Rangers, it was a chance for Sirocco to move out of the bottom two, although there is no real cause for concern yet, given that they’ve only five league games under their belts. Third bottom Donard, for example, are only two points better off – with an extra six matches played! And Sirocco are still at Ballyskeagh, as the Dixon Park saga rumbles on, though the club home to be back on ‘home ground’ by mid November. Unfortunately, it was Ballynahinch who wasted no time making themselves at home, racing to a two goal lead inside the opening ten minutes. Sirocco, however, gave themselves a lifeline with a goal in first half stoppage time – Carl McConville scrambling the ball home, after Johnny Kane’s initial header had cannoned off the crossbar. Works could have gone one better after the interval, with Fergus Forsyth and Kurtis Hanna both squandering presentable offerings, and it was Ballynahinch who held on for the three points. Sirocco Works; Dawson - Fleming, Kane, McConville, Neill (Graham) – Mannus, Stitt, Wilson (Ashe) – Hanna, Spiers, Forsyth. Sub (unused) Bridgenhall.

DUNDELA ended a sorry sequence of four defeats on the spin in Championship 2 with this well deserved point away to Queen’s at the Dub Playing Fields. It was the Duns who made the early running, with Matty Burrows cutting in from the left, only to be crowded out by the home defence. Adam Neale came closer but his attempted lob fell

Photo by Andy Gray

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EVERYTHING YOU NEED FROM YOUR LOCAL SALES AND LETTINGS AGENT AVAILABLE UNDER ONE ROOF

ARMSTRONG ANDERSON ESTATE AGENTS & LETTING SPECIALISTS

SALES | LETTINGS | MORTGAGES | HOME INSURANCE | FINANCIAL SERVICES Armstrong Anderson - The only two names you need to know for property sales, lettings, management and ямБnance. For your convenience we extend beyond conventional sales and lettings to provide a one stop service for all your property related matters...

392 Upper Newtownards Road Belfast BT4 3EY Telephone : 028 9065 9574 Email : info@armstronganderson.com WWW.ARMSTRONGANDERSON.COM