Loop Mag : East Belfast October 2018

ISSUE • #44 • October 2018

East Belfast Edition • loopmag.net

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We had the pleasure of sampling the new menu at Cultra Inn

The huge festival is back in town and we have the info

Changing seasons means changing temps. Rug time.

A brand new football team has just been launched

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#44 Jamie Dornan popped into his childhood cinema, now Strand Arts Centre, to show his support for the venue’s urgently needed refurbishment.

“

We are so fortunate to still have this jewel in East Belfast. It is such an iconic building and has a special place in my heart Jamie Dornan

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The 83-year-old building is physically deteriorating, has limited disabled access, and inadequate facilities to meet the demand for its activities

E

xciting plans have been developed by architects Hall Black Douglas which will provide East Belfast with a dedicated arts venue, with arts and community facilities to match those available across the rest of the city. The work will also preserve the building and highlight its distinctive art deco style.

Belfast City Council has allocated £1.8m towards the project from its Belfast Investment Fund. The Strand is also looking to the Department for Communities and various trusts and

foundations to support this landmark project, which marries heritage, arts, creative skills and community development.

Almost 60,000 people currently enjoy the Strand’s busy programme of live theatre and music, workshops, classes and film screenings. The Strand hosted 25 festivals last year and welcomed 90 local community groups, schools, charities and business to enjoy cultural activity.

Jamie Dornan said: “We are so fortunate to still have this jewel in East Belfast. It is such an iconic

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You can share your Strand story at www.strandartscentre.com or on social media.

PICTURED Cllr Sharon Skillen, Strand CEO Mimi Turtle, Cllr George Dorrian, Lord Mayor Deirdre Hargey, Gilly Campbell from Arts Council NI and Strand Champion Jamie Dornan

building and has a special place in my heart. I have fond memories of coming here as a child and I’m delighted to see it has evolved to provide even more. It is vital to have somewhere like this that encourages people to engage in all types of arts and culture, especially in the East. There is so much creativity and skill here, and we must do everything to encourage and develop that, as well as allowing people to

continue to enjoy theatre, music, and cinema throughout their lives.”

Lord Mayor Councillor Deirdre Hargey said: “We’re delighted to be investing £1.8m in the regeneration of this much loved, iconic building and venue. Our funding is part of the £28.2 million Belfast Investment Programme to develop or regenerate facilities citywide for people who (CONTINUED ON PAGE 8)

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#44

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Welcome to the latest edition of Loop Magazine.

The biggest publication in East Belfast.

SALES • ACCOUNTS Juanita Collins juanita@loopmag.net TELEPHONE 02890 200988 WEB www.loopmag.net

PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION:

Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed

by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product, service or organisation does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Links and contacts are provided for reader convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation

by Loop Publications Ltd. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Contents

Welcome to Loop A family owned business based In East Belfast

The Run Down

03

Welcome Oct 18

EAST BELFAST EDITION #44 • OCT 2018 • Do You Have A Story To Share? Get In Touch Via Email Info@Loopmag.net Or Call Us On 028 9020 0988

What’s Inside?

16 Cinemagic

04

Local News

News headlines and the latest information from the east side

Your monthly local, with a difference

10

Sport

WHERE WE GO TO BLOOMFIELD & BALLYHACKAMORE 4,930 BRANIEL, G’NAHIRK, TULLYCARNET 5,300 DUNDONALD 4,200 STRANDTOWN & BELMONT 5,300 LOWER CREGAGH 6,800 UPPER CREGAGH 6,300 BALLYMACARETT 3,000 LOWER N’ARDS ROAD & SYDENHAM 4,170

We Deliver The biggest publication in the area

A fantastic brand new football team has just been launched

12

20 History

Food & Drink

We sample the fantastic new menu at The Cultra Inn

18 Arts

14

Film Festival

A huge youth film festival is coming to East Belfast

16 06 News

Cinemagic

Their line up never disappoints and this year is no exception

18

The Arts

A round up of all the latest arts news exhibitions and festivals

20

Local History

Aidan keeps us on track with a new train of thought for October

22

Schools

They’re all back in class so we have the first news of the term

24

Home

Winter is coming and Jill has some advice for floor layering in style

26

Health

Our resident experts are on hand to share their insights

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04

News Oct 18

#44 The Asda Foundation has presented a cheque for over £9k to the Helping Hands Autism Centre in East Belfast.

“

As a direct result of the donation from the Asda Foundation we can now install a muchneeded IT suite in the centre Caroline Birch Chairperson

Headlines

Welcome to Loop A family owned business based In East Belfast

OVER £9K FOR NI’S ONLY DEDICATED AUTISM RESOURCE CENTRE

PICTURED Sharon Mc Bratney, Asda Dundonald Community Champion, pictured with Farrah Morton and Anna Jordan

Formed by a group of parents in 2008, Helping Hands opened the first Autism Resource Centre in Northern Ireland in 2017.

T

he centre, which offers a sensory games room, cooking facilities and counselling sessions is a safe and stimulating environment for children and young people with autism and their families.

Caroline Birch, Chairperson, said: “As the only dedicated Autism Resource Centre in NI, we are there to support children and young people of all ages. The centre has presented opportunities for young people diagnosed with ASD and their

families to access a range of new services under one roof, which are crucial to enhancing their quality of life.

“As a direct result of the donation from the Asda Foundation we can now install a much-needed IT suite in the centre, a decision that comes after much consultation with the members themselves.

“Not only will the new IT suite benefit members of our centre, but it will be open to the whole community providing training in

PICTURED Asda Dundonald Community Champion, Sharon Mc Bratney presents a cheque for over £9K to members and representatives of Helping Hands.

Sick of the same old dry turkey and cheesy tunes at your Christmas do?

Fancy something with a little more adrenaline?

“

The money you raise through the Grand Prix challenge will change the lives of those who are most vulnerable in our East Belfast Community.

Through your donations we can support individuals to make positive changes in their lives, overcome the difficulties they have experienced and help them to build a better and brighter future no matter what their circumstances Lianne Mulholland, Fundraising Officer for East Belfast Mission

We Deliver 42,000 copies. The biggest publication in the area

Add Adrenaline to your Christmas Party with East Belfast Mission

essential skills and IT – and allow people access to services they may not have at home.

“We would like to say a special thankyou to the Asda Foundation for its generous donation, which will result in such a significant and positive change within our local community.”

Asda Dundonald Community Champion, Sharon Mc Bratney,

EAST BELFAST’S EOIN MCMAHON AMONG ELITE GROUP TO COMPLETE KAINOS A.I.CAMP Queen’s University, Belfast undergraduate Eoin McMahon was among a select group of 20 who successfully completed Northern Ireland’s most prestigious A.I. summer camp.

PICTURED Kainos A.I.Camp Hacakathon winners Ben Andrew, Queen’s University, Belfast Computer Sciences student with Eoin McMahon, University of Glasgow Computer Sciences student with Kristina Geddis, Queen’s University, Belfast Computer Sciences student

Or maybe you are looking for a ‘Christmas Party with a conscience’?

Why not try East Belfast Mission’s Grand Prix at Eddie Irvine Sports!

D

o something different with your Christmas party this year by taking on the first East Belfast Mission Grand Prix! See if your team or club has what it takes to win our Grand Prix challenge while enjoying a fabulous finger buffet at a Christmas party you will never forget, all while raising funds to change lives in East Belfast!

All sponsorship raised by the challenge will be used to fund the vital projects which East Belfast Mission delivers within inner East Belfast. With a mission to renew and transform the East Belfast Community, the charity provides a wide range of services, offering counselling, community projects, and services designed to lift people out of homelessness or unemployment.

Lianne Mulholland, Fundraising Officer for East Belfast Mission, said ‘We are extremely excited to launch this brand new and unique Christmas Party! What better way to raise funds to support those in need of help in our community than to get out with a group of colleagues, friends or family and get sponsored to take part in a thrilling evening of high speed kart racing!

“The money you raise through the Grand Prix challenge will change the lives of those who are most vulnerable in our East Belfast Community. Through your donations we can support individuals to make positive changes in their lives, overcome the difficulties they have experienced and help them to build a better and brighter future no matter what their circumstances “This is an event not to be missed by local businesses, clubs and adventure seekers alike! Spaces are limited so what are you waiting for?

Sign up now for a Christmas party you’ll never forget!”

Suggested team size is 5 membersalthough individuals are welcome!

Participants will be asked to pay a sign-up fee of £30 per person or £150 per team of 5. Minimum fundraising is £60 per person or £300 per team of 5. Finger buffet provided and competitive fun guaranteed!

For more information or to sign up for this exciting event please contact Lianne on 028 9045 8560 or email fundraising@ebm.org.uk. For more information about the work of East Belfast Mission please visit http://www.ebm.org.uk

added: “It was a real honour to present the donation to Helping Hands. It is a fantastic organisation, and I really enjoy working with all the members and volunteers.

“The support they offer to the local community is invaluable – and I am delighted to be able to help invest in such a worthwhile project within the centre.”

T

he 2018 Kainos A.I.Camp run in partnership with Queen’s University Belfast – took place at the world-class Computer Science hub on the Malone Road, Belfast. First year Computer Science student Eoin joined Kristina Geddis and Ben West, to beat off stiff competition to become the ultimate Hackathon Competition winners, at the end of the two-week long camp.

The students were challenged in groups to improve upon or build a new software program and the winning team’s ‘StuckOverflow’ developer tool, was chosen by the judges because of its innovative method of harnessing A.I. learning to provide timesaving solutions to programming problems, in an efficient way.

The unique, two-week summer camp, was free to all undergraduates interested in machine learning and artificial intelligence and was facilitated by Kainos mentors, local A.I. leaders from Analytics Engines, Minoro and Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Lecturers at Queen’s University.

Twenty places in total were provided for students keen to develop their own machine learning models, create chatbots, hear about the latest industry developments from local leaders in A.I. and develop their business skills. This year, the company doubled the size of A.I.Camp and is currently running a sister camp in Birmingham.

CTO Tom Gray said: “A.I., as a technology, is already reshaping our daily lives and the world as we know it, so we need to inspire and guide tomorrow’s technology leaders in how to develop and apply Artificial Intelligence in a meaningful and ethical way.

“We had 20 undergraduates taking part in the the A.I.Camp this summer and were truly impressed by their skill and ability to pick up theory and put it into practice so quickly.”

A.I.Camp is part of Kainos’ wider aim to inspire, educate and train the next generation of IT talent.

Kainos A.I.Camp is set to return in summer 2019 and students can register their interest for a place at kainos.com/aicamp

SAVINGS ACROSS ALL SHOWROOMS BELFAST · BANGOR LISBURN · PORTADOWN NEWRY · COLERAINE

06

News Oct 18

#44 Hearing healthcare provider, Hidden Hearing, has re-opened its flagship Northern Ireland clinic at 54 High Street in Belfast City this week, after extensive refurbishment.

Over the past 30 years, Hidden Hearing has evolved to become Northern Ireland’s premier professional provider of hearing healthcare in the private sector, with a network of over 14 clinics.

Hidden Hearing is committed to providing the most professional hearing healthcare service to their patients

Headlines

Welcome to Loop A family owned business based In East Belfast

We Deliver 42,000 copies. The biggest publication in the area

Hear Ye, Hear Ye! Free Testing and More at New-Look Hearing Clinic in Belfast City Centre The new state-of-the art hearing centre is equipped with the latest digital technology to diagnose and treat hearing problems. Opening offers include free one-to-one hearing tests for all, free sample hearing aids, and a free professional earwax removal service for those over 50, valued at £60.

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arren McKeown, a specialist hearing aid audiologist with Hidden Hearing in Belfast, claims one in four people in Northern Ireland suffer from hearing loss, and that a significant number unwisely choose to ignore their symptoms.

“Of all the senses, hearing fundamentally affects our quality of life and has important health and safety implications. Hearing loss is a simple fact of life, as we age, and needs treatment like any other health condition.

Good hearing facilitates communication, social interaction, relationships and day to day activities. It also means we are alerted to danger and more conscious of it”, Darren McKeown explains.

The newly refurbished Hidden Hearing clinic in Belfast offers the best professional hearing care available, and the very latest technology worldwide.

For example, a range of Bluetooth enabled hearing devices allow wearers to wirelessly link directly to a TV or stereo. Discreet new hearing aids use innovative technology to help the brain hear and understand better, and processes sound data 50 times faster than before. Wearers can deal with multiple speech and noise sources, and can hear better

with less effort, even in challenging listening situations like restaurants or social gatherings.

According to Dolores Madden, Marketing Director with Hidden Hearing, over half the population aged between 60 and 80 are likely to have measurable hearing loss, but the majority of hearing loss is untreated, for various reasons.

“The sooner a problem is diagnosed, the more effective treatment can be. Just like teeth or eyes, a hearing check-up every year or two, as we age, will help prevent the knock-on ill effects of hearing loss that can include social isolation and depression, as well as, significantly, dementia, poor heart health and stroke”, the hearing specialist says.

ONLINE HEARING TEST For those worried about their hearing, the Hidden Hearing website, https://www. hiddenhearing.org/, has an online hearing test that gives a clear indication of how well an individual is hearing, using background noise and self-evaluation questions.

In general, GPs and audiologists find that when people answer ‘Yes’ to a number of the following questions they do need to have a hearing check-up:

“

Hearing loss is a simple fact of life as we age, and needs treatment like any other health condition Darren McKeown Specialist hearing aid audiologist @ Hidden Hearing

• Do you often feel that people are mumbling or not speaking clearly?

• Do you find it difficult to follow a conversation in a crowded room or restaurant?

• Do you frequently ask people to speak up or repeat themselves?

• Do you have difficulty hearing the telephone or the doorbell?

• Do you have to turn the television or radio up loud to hear better?

Hidden Hearing supports the international ‘Campaign for Better Hearing’, which aims to educate the public on taking care of their hearing, just as they would look after their teeth, blood pressure or cholesterol. The campaign is promoted by Daniel and Majella O’Donnell in Ireland and encourages everyone over the age of 50 to have a free hearing test.

With early detection, the impacts of hearing loss can be mitigated,

and the lives of hearing impaired individuals, and those around them, greatly improved, Majella O’Donnell explains.

“I know from personal experience that it is important to look after your hearing, because, if untreated, the problem only becomes worse, and sooner. Life is very much worth hearing, so do book a free check-up”, the TV personality says.

Majella O’Donnell wears a hearing aid in one ear and still lives her jam-packed life to the full, which is the message the Campaign for Better Hearing wants to convey.

Hidden Hearing Belfast also supports the Bridging the Gap programme by the National Deaf Children’s Society (NDCS), which aims to empower and encourage deaf children and their families to contribute meaningfully to their community in Northern Ireland.

To book a free hearing consultation with Hidden Hearing at 54 High Street Belfast, call: 028 9031 3940 or visit www.hiddenhearing.org The employability team at East Belfast Mission celebrate their clients who are all on their journey to get back to work, some of whom have already been successful

East Belfast Mission An Evening of Celebration

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he Evening was funded by George Best Belfast City Airport as a Celebration evening for all clients who have been involved in our employability programme. The employability team within East Belfast Mission work on two projects both funded by European Social Fund and the Department of Economy, LEMIS+ an employability programme, and the Community and Family Support programme working with families helping them to make positive changes in their lives and to support them seek employment. Both of these programmes are part of a Belfast citywide consortium called Belfast Works.

The evening was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate our clients who are all on their journey to get back to work, some of whom have already been successful! The growth both professionally and personally for our clients is incredible and something East Belfast Mission are extremely proud of, as they should be too!

For more information contact The Mentor Team 028 9045 8560.

EBM Employability Mentors Robert Martin, Carla Bowyer, Hazel Jones, Kay Irvine, Lisa Toan, Charmaine Newell, David Jervis, Michele Leitch and Richard Maguire join to celebrate their clients successes

Did you HEAR? We’re home!

Your hearing care experts are now back in our newly refurbished branch location at

54 High Street, Belfast Hidden Hearing is Northern Ireland’s premier provider of hearing healthcare in the private sector, with over 30 years experience. We help tens of thousands of people each year and our aim is always to ensure complete satisfaction with our hearing solutions by providing a lifetime hearing healthcare service.

Darren McKeown HCPC Reg

Hearing Aid Audiologist

Hidden Hearing is delighted to announce the re-opening of its new hearing centre in Belfast.

And to celebrate the reopening, we would like to offer you

£200 off*

the price of a pair of hearing aids with this advert *Offer valid at point of sale only & is limited to one voucher per person, not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. £200 discount applies to a binaural set of instruments / £100 monaural. Offer valid until June 2019.

Call 028 9031 3940 today to book your Free Hearing Test in our Belfast Branch Please reference campaign code BELO9000 to avail of this offer.

08

News Oct 18

Headlines

The darker days of autumn doesn’t mean you have to put away your bike, with a little help from walking and cycling charity Sustrans you can ‘Keep ‘er Lit’ for longer!

ustrans will be partnering with the PSNI and Kinning Cycles, among others, to offer advice, free lights and other reflective goodies. The campaign will culminate at the end of the month with a Hallow E’en Twilight cycle along east Belfast’s fantastic trafficfree greenways. Check our website (www.sustrans.org.uk/chips) and social media for more details.

Dianne Whyte, Sustrans Active Travel Officer said: “We have a packed programme of events in October that will encourage everyone to ‘light up’ their bikes and stay cycling.”

The EU-funded CHIPS project, delivered by Sustrans, encourages commuters in east Belfast to try alternatives to the car such as public transport, cycling and walking in order to tackle air pollution.

Based at the Active Travel Hub in C.S. Lewis Square, the Sustrans team have planned a range of activities over the next few months to promote active travel.

The project will also be tackling the topical issue of encouraging more women to get on their bikes. Did you know that 80% of women in Belfast never cycle?

Sustrans ‘Keep ‘er Lit’ campaign this October will see a series of events both in the community and workplaces to encourage cyclists to stay safe by using lights and reflective gear so they can continue into the darker days.

Sustrans is launching a ‘Women into Cycling’ six-week programme this autumn aimed at female commuters in the east Belfast area.

The programme will deal with the barriers to women cycling and offer on-road cycle training and bike maintenance skills. There will be group cycle rides, route planning and tips on choosing a bike and equipment, including lights, locks, panniers and clothing.

A special debate about women and cycling will be held ahead of the programme focusing on the issues highlighted by Sustrans’ Bike Life: Women reducing the Gender Gap report. Go to www.sustrans.org.uk/ bikelifebelfast for more details.

Sustrans is particularly keen to support any commuters or workplaces in the east Belfast area to travel actively either on foot or by bike.

To this end, the project is developing ‘Personal Challenges’ including a ‘Couch to Cycle’ programme to enable those who don’t think they are fit enough to try cycling.

To find out more about these bespoke courses contact Pamela Grove-White at the Active Travel Hub on 028 90738513 or email pamela. grove-white@sustrans.org.uk

New Cycle of Life Even In Retirement

Betty (64) from east Belfast has found a new lease of life after learning to ride a bike.

Her husband suggested she go to someone with experience of cycle training, so she came knocking at Sustrans Active Travel Hub on CS Lewis Square.

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KEEP ‘ER LIT AND GET ACTIVE WITH SUSTRANS THIS AUTUMN

#44

Her husband and three grown-up sons can all cycle so she thought maybe it was time she learned.

Welcome to Loop A family owned business based In East Belfast

Betty had never learned to ride a bike. She didn’t have a bike as a child but when she reached retirement she started to think about learning to cycle.

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ustrans has a variety of cycle training and activities is on offer at the Hub, including for adult beginners. Betty signed up for a session and borrowed one of the bikes. Excited and nervous Betty quickly got the hang of cycling, amazing herself and impressing her instructor, she feels that “cycling has come at the right time, offering me a new challenge, one I can cope with.”

Betty quickly followed up her new found skills with Adult Levels 1 and 2 National Standard cycle training. She learned more about controlling the bike, thinking about looking back, turning, stopping and use of gears, followed up by

on-road practice looking at positioning and junctions. A lot of this was not new as she is a car driver, but she found it invaluable for her cycling confidence. The instructors helped by making it good fun and relaxed.

Betty’s first journey after training was a bike ride to Victoria Park, she then continued along the Lagan towpath (NCN Route 9) as far as the popular Lockkeeper’s Inn. “I was amazed to find I’d cycled about 16 miles. I surprised myself. It is wonderful the freedom of just cycling along.”

What has Betty found are the benefits of learning to ride a bike? Three proud

children and a new lease of life, oh and a new bike for her birthday! Betty cycles mainly for exercise and fun.

Cycling has enlarged her horizons. Walking had been her main form of exercise, but with cycling the distance covered is greater. It’s also something to share with her husband, incorporating travel and exercise, enjoying the greenways and quieter on-road sections. There are also the perks of a cup of coffee and a bun at stops along the way.

Betty definitely recommends cycling, even if they’ve never tried it before, and for long distances invest in some padded shorts!

What about you? At CS Lewis Square we have training for Adult Beginners; opportunities to refresh your basic cycling skills; or just to gain confidence cycling on-road in traffic – all small groups, with experienced instructors. There are also opportunities to join group led rides along the greenways, as well as Ditch the Stabilisers training for children. Find out more visit www.sustrans.org.uk/chips or tel: 028 90738513.

Jamie Dornan Champions Strand Arts Centre’s Refurbishment Plans Continued from front page live in, invest in or visit Belfast – and we’re encouraging private and public sector partners to co-invest. It’s so important that we cherish, celebrate, use and enjoy The Strand, as NI’s last remaining art deco cinema. Our investment will help to make the arts centre more accessible, create flexible spaces for live arts performances, cinema, educational and skills development, heritage tours and a café bar area. I’m hoping that many more children and young people will be inspired to follow in Jamie Dornan’s footsteps at drama and creative classes here – and that we’ll be

watching lots more local faces like his on the silver screen in years to come.”

Mimi Turtle, Chief Executive of Strand Arts Centre, said: “The Strand has enjoyed tremendous support from the people of East Belfast and beyond since we opened our doors. The not-for-profit charity took over in 2013 with the aim of securing both the venue’s short-term survival by adding arts activities to its cinema programme, and its long-term survival through refurbishment of the building. We’ve demonstrated an overwhelming appetite in the area for more live entertainment

and community engagement for all ages, from our Saturday Minors Club for families to Silver Screenings for older audiences, proudly supported by Specsavers Connswater. All of this, however, has been delivered in a building that is clearlyno longer fit for purpose. The Strand is full of character and we want to preserve its heritage. But it urgently needs renovated and in doing so we can provide so much more for our audiences and the local community.”

Strand Arts Centre is encouraging its audiences, past and present, to share their memories and future

aspirations for the building. “I know there are many people who have fond memories of the Strand,” continued Mimi. “Many went through the life cycle of attending the Minors Club as children, progressing to courting in the back row and subsequently bringing their own children, and sometimes grandchildren too! And let’s not forget the dozens of projectionists, usherettes and concierges over the years.”

You can share your Strand story at www.strandartscentre.com or on social media.

KEENAN SOLICITORS

2 South Parade • Ormeau Road • Belfast • BT7 2GR

HEARING LOSS COMPENSATION

We have recovered compensation for employees from lots of workplaces including

Fisher Body/European Components | Hughes Tools Harland & Wolff | Shorts Allied Bakeries | Belfast Ropeworks & many others

Call now to book your free hearing test and see if you are entitled to compensation T: 028 90 493349 • E: enquiries@keenanlaw.co.uk www.keenanlaw.co.uk

Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont Local Vets for Local Pets We’re Lauren and Lisa, the practice owners and veterinary surgeons at Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont.

Having been fascinated by animals from a young age we both knew we were destined to become vets. You could find Lisa operating on her teddies as a child and Lauren would be educating her family and friends about animal welfare.

After graduating from vet school over ten years ago we are currently working towards

further qualifications in specialist areas such as internal medicine.

We know how special your pet can be to your family, and we will work closely with you to provide the highest level of care to ensure your pets remain healthy and happy!

Lauren Horton BVet Med MRCVS Lisa Simpson MVB MRCVS Practice Owners and Veterinary Surgeons, Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont.

Book your appointment with us today Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont 697 Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3NT Call: 028 9048 3000 or visit: vets4pets.com/belfast-stormont

10

Features #44 • Oct 2018

Orchardville DFC (Disability Football Club), the first ever football team of local charity Orchardville, will be playing in this year’s 2018/19 IFA Disability league.

Sponsored by Diageo NI, the team is made up of Orchardville service users from Belfast, Bangor and Lisburn, who are aged 18 or over.

Sport

On Side Orchardville DFC (Disability Football Club), the first ever football team of local charity Orchardville.

Fair Play

Support Orchardville charity supports a number of people with learning disabilities and/or autism

loopmag.net

ORCHARDVILLE DFC (DISABILITY FOOTBALL CLUB) KICKS OFF! Winning Orchardville charity, which supports people with learning disabilities and/ or autism, were encouraged to create a team after a group of service users competed in last year’s George Best Community Cup and came third.

J

oan McGinn, chief executive, Orchardville discusses: “We are thrilled to be playing in the 2018/19 IFA Disability league. Involvement in the league will bring so many benefits to our service users – increased physical and mental wellbeing, an opportunity to develop team working skills, increased confidence, competitiveness and of course fun! I would like to thank our staff, especially Michael McShane, our team manager, who is being ably assisted by Graham Rankin and of course those volunteering at training and matches – we couldn’t do this without them. Also, a special word of thanks to our charity partner, Diageo, for sponsoring our team kit and to the IFA for all their support. Finally, thanks to our team for their dedication and enthusiasm – we wish you every success in the league.”

Matches will be held once a month and football training will take place once a week.

Michael McShane, Orchardville DFC Team Manager, explains how football is set to enhance service users experiences; “Orchardville DFC is a wonderful opportunity for our service users to get involved in and experience the benefits of football. Our newly formed football programme will complement Orchardville’s other available services in enriching the lives of those involved. We will be proudly competing in the 2018-19 disability football pathway where we will challenge ourselves against established sports teams from across Northern Ireland.”

Explaining the importance of developing football networks for everyone Alan Crooks, IFA Development Manager, Disability Football says: “The Irish Football Association are delighted to support Orchardville in the creation and development of a football programme for their clients. Such programmes are vitally important for those with

www.orchardville.com Twitter: @OrchardvilleNI Facebook www.facebook.com/OrchardvilleNI PICTURED Pictured at the launch of Orchardville DFC (Disability Football Club) are (back row l-r) Michael McShane, Orchardville DFC Team Manager; players Connor Robinson, Bangor; Shane McConnell, Bangor; Chris Davis, Bangor; Bobby McAllister, Bangor; Rory Cowan, Diageo NI; and (front row l-r) Mal Donaghy, Schools Officer, IFA; Nathan Cheng, East Belfast; Gary Ackerman, Bangor; Craig Cook, Bangor (team captain); Joan McGinn, chief executive, Orchardville; and Graham Rankin, Orchardville DFC Head Coach.

a learning disability. Football opens up positive avenues for fitness, development, comradery and ultimately enjoyment.”

For any football team, their kit is vital and for Orchardville DFC their team kit has been sponsored by Diageo NI. Jorge Lopes, Country Director at Diageo NI, ; “Orchardville is the dedicated charity partner of Diageo Northern Ireland and we are now very proud sponsors of the charity’s football team. This is just one of the many ways that we lend our support to Orchardville and, in doing so, make a tangible difference to all involved. We wish Orchardville DFC the very best of luck in all their future matches.”

Orchardville is also seeking to recruit volunteers to help with the football

training. To find out more about Orchardville or to enquire about becoming a volunteer please check out www.orchardville.com Orchardville is a charity which supports people with learning disabilities and/or autism, promoting empowerment and independence. It enables the development of life skills that are transferable into employment and life in general. The charity, which has offices in East Belfast, Bangor, Lisburn and Derry, provides accredited training and skills development.

These include occupational and vocational skills, wellbeing support, skills for life and work, OCN (Open College Network) accredited training, school transitions services and work placements.

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12

Features #44 • Oct 2018

Food & Drink Best of Buds

New Menu We were very lucky to be given the opportunity to sample some of the new menu at Hastings Cultra Inn

Local Produce Successfully memorable dishes showcase the best of local talent and seasonal produce

#44 The Cutra Inn have just unveiled their brand new menu.

We were delighted to be give thre opportunity to check it out Here’s our review of what was a wonderful autumnal evening

CULTRA INN UNVEIL BRAND NEW MENU Review With a brand new menu just launched featuring a host of local produce at its core, we had the pleasure of sampling some of the dishes. New menu, new dishes and a new experience, we had a wonderful evening in the company of the legendarily effortless Hastings service.

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his County Down bar and restaurant has been a local culinary staple for generations. And throughout this time it has not lost its charm. The rich wooden interior and that dramatic roof with exposed beams are still centre stage providing

the backdrop for what feels like a cosy, rural eaterie. However just minutes from Belfast and located in the lush green grounds of the Culloden Estate and Spa, this is a beautiful location for all seasons.

On our particularly Baltic night, the log fire signalled the imminent arrival of autumn and so we were warmly welcomed by Helen who was a fantastic host for the evening and who talked us through the new elements of the menu along with her recommendations. Drinks on order, we took in the new dishes and began to whittle.

To start we opted for the Whipped Fivemiletown Goats Cheese with Comber Beetroot and Candied Walnuts. Wonderfully presented with

PICTURED Hannan’s Glenarm Shorthorn Beef, Irish chicken, Hannan’s Northern Irish Himalayan Salt Aged Sirloin Steak, Irish Dry Cure Bacon and Gracehill Black Pudding Sausages all feature throughout them menu

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three generous portions of cheese, perfect in its consistency, the classic combo with the walnuts worked beautifully with the accompanying shoots, salad and vegetables, all perfect in size and texture surrounded by the sweet dressing.

A triumph. We also had the Cultra Spicy Buffalo Chicken Wings Served with Kearney Blue Cheese Dip and Celery. The crispy coating was sublime and perfectly cooked plus the seasoning and heat were bang on. An excellent dip that combined very well with the flavours and the palette cleansing celery was a great addition.

To follow we took Helen’s recommendation and went with the Pan Fried Fillet of North Coast Hake which sounded incredible. It came with a Spicy Crab Cake, Crispy Pancetta, Pea Purée, Samphire and Burnt Cucumber Oil. Again, knock out presentation and sensational flavours. The hake, perfectly cooked and kept company by that crab cake which was a particularly notable addition to the dish and the salty crispy pancetta was a superb layer to add to the mix. Proud of their sourcing of local produce, Hastings have excelled themselves with their run down of local meat; Hannan’s Glenarm Shorthorn Beef, Irish chicken, Hannan’s Northern Irish Himalayan Salt Aged Sirloin Steak, Irish Dry Cure Bacon and Gracehill Black Pudding Sausages all feature throughout the menu. We opted for the sirloin served with Onion Rings, Flat Mushroom, Tomato, Hand Cut Chips and sauce. A joy to behold,

the meat was tender, medium and each of the sides was a classic accompaniment and tastefully cooked and presented with as much care as the star of the dish. For any meat lovers, this is an experience.

The end was regrettably in sight with just one more course to try. A heated summit followed whether to take the sweet route or indulge in yet more cheese. The Irish cheese slate to share sounded almost too good to ignore but lost out in the final deliberations to a Honey and Lemon Crème Brûlée and a Maple, Pecan and Bailey’s Cheesecake. And they did not let us down. The Brûlée was served with an Orange Sablé Breton and topped with a sprinkling of blueberries and raspberries for a zingy angle to proceedings. The cheese cake, soft texture levels perfected, and the ultimate biscuit base as a contrast was a marvel.

And so we were done. An autumnal evening of pure quality in warm surroundings and fantastic staff, presenting the hard work from the kitchen creating this stunning new menu. It’s easy for any establishment to say they use only the freshest locally sourced ingredients. But it’s how they are used and how they are presented to you. Successfully memorable dishes showcase the best of local talent as well as the seasonal produce and ingredients and it is this combination that the Cultra Inn has perfected. See for yourself.

For more information visit hastingshotels.com/cultrainn or call 028 9042 5840

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Features #44 • Oct 2018

The Arts On the Scene

Book It Bookings open for the sixth Into Film Festival 2018, for schools, colleges, youth leaders and home educators.

Get Involved Over 2 million pupils and teachers have walked through cinema doors across the UK since 2013.

East Belfast is one of the locations as the world’s biggest youth film festival visits Northern Ireland on November 7-23, with 21,677 free places available for film screenings and events for 5-19 year-olds.

Over 2 million pupils and teachers have walked through cinema doors across the UK since the first Festival in 2013, and we’d love you to join in the fun this November!

Boasting everything from specialist films to exclusive previews of upcoming blockbusters - as well as inclusive SEN and autism-friendly screenings - the Into Film Festival has something to offer everyone.

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There are 21,677 free places available for young people in Northern Ireland at this year’s Into Film Festival. The festival takes place at 34 venues from November 7-23 and bookings are now open for schools, colleges, youth leaders and home educators. This year, the Ark Farm will be one of the location

World’s Biggest Youth Film Festival Comes To East Belfast Bookings Now Open Bookings are now open for the sixth Into Film Festival 2018, which is open to schools, colleges, youth leaders and home educators.

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his year Dundonald Omniplex is showing The Greatest Showman, Journeys End and Peter Rabbit, the Strand Cinema features the Rape of Recy Taylor, Mary and the Witches Flower and Phantom Boy, while the Odyssey is showing Peter Rabbit and Wonder. The Festival uses the magic of film to engage young minds in a broad range of topics. This year it will host 98 events in 34 different venues all over Northern Ireland; for programme details and to book free tickets visit www.intofilm.org/festival.

Held right across the UK, the festival will welcome an estimated audience of almost half a million young people and their educators offering a packed and varied programme, many linked to subjects in the curriculum. The annual celebration of film and education is made possible through a wide collaboration with the UK cinema industry and funding from Northern Ireland Screen, Cinemagic, Nerve Centre and support from the BFI through Lottery funding and Cinema First. The Festival takes place throughout the UK as part of an on-going initiative to place film at the heart of young people’s learning and personal development. With support from all the major UK cinema chains and a variety of other venues the Festival provides access to the big screen at its best.

The Festival opens on November 7 with simultaneous pupil premieres of Illumination’s The Grinch, starring Benedict Cumberbatch in Edinburgh, Belfast, Cardiff, London and Manchester. Additional pupil premieres in Northern Ireland include Cannes Palme D’Or winner Shoplifters and lovable, Christmas caper, Nativity Rocks.

The programme ranges from indie titles to popular classics to engage young minds in a broad range of topics from foreign language films, documentaries, animation, classics and hidden gems from the archive.

Screenings will be held across Northern Ireland including: Belfast, Antrim, Armagh, Derry, Bangor, Lisburn, Banbridge, Coleraine, Carrickfergus, Glengormley, Larne, Maghera, Dungannon and Portstewart.

Highlights from this year’s programme in Northern Ireland include: • The Ark Farm will show The Zoo • Cartoon Saloon’s award-winning The • Breadwinner with a talk from director Nora Twomey • The Greatest Showman with jugglers and stilt walkers performing • Tying in with Digital Cities Festival (BBC) there will be a VR event with Ready Player One in Queen’s University Sonic Arts Lab with a talk about virtual reality

• Talks by a journalist from Empire Magazine on film reviewing • Love Movies will give a piracy talk • A Prosthetics workshop • A screening of Wonder with a talk about bullying and mental health The programme supports educator and student needs and interests and has been curated in six strands: 1. Mental Wellbeing: Moving Minds This is our wellbeing strand that aims to open-up discussion around young people’s mental health.

2. Year of the Woman: Empowered Voices Titles in this strand are ‘F’ rated – this standard refers only to films that have either been directed or written by a woman, or in some cases both. If the films feature strong female characters at the centre, they are considered to represent the gold standard of the F-rating.

3. Visions of Europe Celebrating our relationship with continental Europe, their respective film industries and film culture, with key titles from the past and present.

4. Saving the World: Eco Warriors, Superheroes and Revolutionaries

From environmental issues to superheroes, international politics and dystopian futures, saving the world is never straightforward.

5. Anim 18 Connections: An Animated World In support of the BFI’s FAN-led (Film Audience Network) year-long celebration of British animation – Anim18. This strand will feature new and archive animated content from across the globe.

6. Comedy Genius: Slapstick to Subversive Complimenting the BFI’s blockbuster Autumn season, ‘Comedy Genius’ will give a platform to the stand-out comedians from film history. The strand is compiled with the help of young programmers from Into Film’s Youth Advisory Council and the BFI’s Film Audience Network (FAN), programming groups who have provided their view on what constitutes comic genius.

The Into Film Festival is supported by Into Film’s various educational resources and hosts an annual review writing competition providing an added opportunity for using the Into Film Festival to support literacy and critical thinking. Accessibility and inclusivity are key aims of the Festival with over half of the programme offered as audio-described, subtitled or autismfriendly.

For programme information, to book tickets and download resources www.intofilm.org/festivalopen to schools, colleges, youth leaders and home educators

Welcome to Loop A family owned business based In East Belfast

#44 Hunt Solicitors is a modern law firm in the heart of Holywood advising clients on a wide range of legal issues including house purchases, family issues, wills claims and general court matters

Advice

We Deliver 42,000 copies. The biggest publication in the area

Wills Month is Back this October!

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Keeping your Will up to date is a vital part of keeping your affairs in order. Whether you are in need of your first Will or it’s time to change an existing Will here are some answers to frequently asked questions we would get from clients.

Q. Should my Will try to cover every eventuality?

A. It can be tempting to try and make your Will cover a wide range of hypothetical scenarios, however you shouldn’t attempt to fit every possibility in to it. Your Will should be updated every few years. However particular attention should be given to your Will following certain life events such as marriage, divorce, death of a beneficiary, death of an Executor or a change in your assets.

However a Will should reflect your circumstances now and not what they could be in the future.

Q. I want someone to have control over my affairs if I ever lost the ability to do it myself, can I do this in my Will?

A. By writing a Will you get to choose who will deal with your affairs after your death. This person is known as your Executor and you may select more than one if you wish. These appointments will only come into effect on your death and your chosen Executor has no control over your affairs whilst you are still alive. If you wish to appoint someone to control your affairs when you are alive then you will need an Enduring Power of Attorney. This is a relatively straightforward document that we can discuss with you during your appointment. To put this in place we will need to meet with your chosen Attorney or Attorneys as they will need to accept their appointment by signing the document.

Q. What happens if I die and don’t have a Will?

“

If you die without a Will the law decides how your property is divided. This is known as dying ‘Intestate’.

Dying without a Will takes away your control to decide who inherits from your Estate

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A. If you die without a Will the law decides how your property is divided. This is known as dying ‘Intestate’. Dying without a Will takes away your control to decide who inherits from your Estate. It could be that someone who you wouldn’t want to inherit could take all or part of your Estate. It can also make the administration process more costly and take more time to be finalised. Leaving a valid Will is the only way to make your wishes on death known.

These are just a small number of queries we are asked on a regular

basis and we would always advise that having a professionally drafted Will is the best course of action.

Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation. We can discuss your personal circumstances and draft a Will that suits your needs.

Hunt Solicitors can be contacted on 028 90 428 600 and are located at 77 High Street, Holywood, BT18 9AQ Or you can find us at www.huntsolicitors.com we are also on Facebook and Twitter.

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16

Features #44 • Oct 2018

The Arts

Screen Stars The immense Cinemagic Film festival is with us again. Here is the huge line up ahead

On the Scene

The 29th Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People, in association with Hagan Homes, returns to Belfast this October and November 2018, jam-packed with over 200 events and creative opportunities to inspire and motivate young people.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Deirdre Hargey

loopmag.net

CINEMAGIC FILM FESTIVAL SET TO ILLUMINATE BELFAST THIS AUTUMN!

“

Cinemagic Film Festival is always a highlight on the annual calendar for children and young people, and families across the city.

It’s a fantastic initiative offering training and skills for young people entering the world of work, and with our creative industries going from strength to strength, there’s never been a better time for young people to get involved in this area of work. Council is delighted to support Cinemagic - a fantastic ambassador for the city on a global stage via its internationally acclaimed film projects - and I hope this year’s festival is another huge success

New Book Including GRACE AND GOLIATH, an epic family feel-good film that will make you proud to come from NI

Supa Modo

Pictured at the launch of this year’s Cinemagic Film and Television Festival for Young People, in association with Hagan Homes, are Evie Scarlett (10) and Seth Scarlett (8) from Ballyclare.

Screen Stars The award-winning Festival, which is the largest film and television festival designed for, and by, young people in the UK and Ireland, boasts an ambitious and exciting programme of film screenings, world cinema, masterclasses with film and television industry professionals, school workshops, Q&As, and young critics panels.

Smallfoot Festival Preview

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his year’s Festival kicks off (2 October 18) with the world premiere of Cinemagic’s second feature film, GRACE AND GOLIATH, a giant of a movie! It is an epic gem of a family feel-good film that is both hilarious and touching and will make you proud to come from Northern Ireland. As a Hollywood movie star is forced to stay with a Belfast family, his giant ego comes crashing down and a city unites. With a superb home grown cast and cameos from Ciarán Hinds, Suranne Jones, Sally Lindsay and Bronagh Waugh, GRACE AND GOLIATH is set to be the family film of the year! The film has already received fantastic international reviews.

The opening weekend of the Cinemagic Festival will also be marked with a special preview of Smallfoot, the much-anticipated animated adventure from Warner Bros. Pictures (5 Oct 18).

Inside), Gerry Gregg (Condemned to Remember),Toby Macdonald (Old Boys), Jamie Jones (Obey) and Kasper Jancis (Captain Morten and the Spider Queen); and awardwinning Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon.

Films:

Industry Guests: Guests from the world of film and television include Nora Twomey and Paul Young - the creatives behind Oscar nominated animation studio, Cartoon Saloon (The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, The Breadwinner); Oscar nominated music composer, George Fenton, (Groundhog Day, Gandhi, Cry Freedom, You’ve Got Mail); film critic supremo, Mark Kermode, returning for his 14th visit to Cinemagic with his festival pick The Breadwinner; Aardman Animations’ George Watson (Early Man); Emmy award-winning Casting Director, Carla Stronge (Game of Thrones, The Fall, The Secret, Derry Girls); Prosthetics Artist Jon Moore (Guardians of The Galaxy, The Huntsman, Captain America); SFX Producer, Kate Walshe (Doctor Who, The Wolfman, Ex-Machina); Directors David Caffrey (Divorcing Jack, Line of Duty, Love/Hate, Lucky Man); Frank Berry (Michael

Film and television charity Cinemagic started working with young people in 1989, and has since run festivals, workshops and masterclasses in Belfast, London, Castres (France), New York and Los Angeles to encourage involvement in the industry. Cinemagic patrons include Liam Neeson, Pierce Brosnan, Saoirse Ronan, Paula Malcomson, Julian Fellowes, and Suranne Jones to name a few.

Audiences can travel the world from their cinema seats and celebrate stories, peoples and cultures from around the globe with a diverse film programme for all ages to enjoy at Movie House Cinemas. As part of the Movies for Kids strand and New World Cinema strand Cinemagic is looking for enthusiastic ‘CineSeekers’ and ‘CineFocus’ film reviewers, to watch and judge the in-competition films of the festival! Highlights of the children’s features include Captain Morten and the Spider Queen, Next Door Spy, Jim Button and Luke the Engine Driver, Harvie and the Magic Museum and Cats and Peachtopia.

New World Cinema presents twelve fascinating and thought-provoking features from countries such as Germany, France, Canada, Italy and Sweden. Highlights include the intelligently crafted Godless Youth; graphic novel adaptation, Virus Tropical; the gripping and tender Cross My Heart; and ZOOks, a

contemporary fairytale about people and nature.

The Documentary Forum presents four superb films, Cyborgs Among Us, Complicit, The Carnivore’s Dilemma and Hobbyhorse Revolution. Fans of animation shouldn’t miss the Super Dark Tales thread of the programme with screenings of amusing and macabre, Zombellenium; The Last Fiction, based on the classic thousandyear-old Persian poem; Tito and the Birds, a thrilling adventure; and Hoffmaniada, a stunning stop motion fantasy from Russia based on three of E.T.A Hoffmann’s tales.

CineFocus Film Reviewers are also being sought for the Documentary and Animation strands. Working in partnership with QFT 50 Cinemagic will be celebrating the films of Irish animation studio Cartoon Saloon in a special retrospective season that includes all three of their Oscar nominated features – The Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea and The Breadwinner will all be screened as part of this exciting programme strand. The Festival is delighted to welcome Cartoon Saloon’s Paul Young (Co-Founder & CEO) and Nora Twomey (CoFounder & Creative Director) to Belfast for the celebrations.

The Arts

On the Scene

17

Features #44 • Oct 2018

I Am William

Grace & Goliath

Gordon & Paddy

Mark Kermode

How to Book All public events (screenings, workshops, masterclasses) can be booked through the main festival box office www.wegottickets.com unless otherwise stated. Alternatively, tickets can also be purchased via a number of our venue partners: Screenings @ Queen’s Film Theatre To book tickets online please visit www.queensfilmtheatre.com Screenings @ Odyssey CinemasTo book tickets online please visit www.odysseycinemas.co.uk Screenings @ Strand Arts Centre To book tickets online please visit www.strandartscentre.com *Please note: Events @ Movie House Cinemas, Crescent Arts Centre, Ulster Museum, Ormeau Baths and No Alibis can only be booked through the main box office www. wegottickets.com To find out more about the Cinemagic Festival 2018 programme check out www.cinemagic.org.uk

Mark Kermode: Returning for his 14th visit to the Festival is film critic Mark Kermode.

Mark will be taking part in two exciting events - his annual Cinemagic Film Night including a screening of The Breadwinner, and the Festival will host the Belfast leg of Mark’s UK Book Tour Mark Kermode: How Does it Feel? A guaranteed laugh-out-loud evening in which the film critic will recall falling in love with Slade as a teenager, forming his first proper band, and recording an album at Sun Studio as an ageing old ted. The Mark Kermode events are produced in partnership with QFT 50.

Masterclasses: Talent Labs give 16-25 year olds an invaluable insight to working in film and television and the festival is offering masterclasses in Music Video Production with critically acclaimed DJ and producer, Corin Douieb; Acting with award-winning Coronation Street actress Lucy Fallon; Directing with Peaky Blinders director David Caffrey; Casting with double Emmy award winning Carla Stronge, Directing with multi-award winning film & television professional, Brian Kirk; and Production with Terry Bamber, whose career has taken him to the

James Bond series of films including Casino Royale and Quantum of Solace. Career Crafts masterclasses are designed to introduce young people to the different roles and jobs in film, and this year feature sessions in Prosthetics and SFX Make-Up and Creature Effects.

Master Storytellers, Dinosaur Roars/Bites, Activity Screenings, Creativity Corner: The Ulster Museum will host an eclectic series of films and special events for all the family. The Master Storytellers focus is on E.B. White and films based on the novels Charlotte’s Web and Stuart Little are on offer accompanied with arts & crafts workshops! Celebrating the Dippy on Tour exhibition, dinosaur fans will have a roaring time at a programme of special themed events including movies Ice Age: Dawn of The Dinosaurs, The Land Before Time, Early Man and Music from the Movies, Dino Drama, Dino Comic Book Making and Dinosaur Lego Building! The annual Cinemagic Pyjama Party, with storytelling and a screening of Sleeping Beauty, Basil the Great Mouse Detective and Mr Hullaboloo’s Happy Halloween make up the activity screenings. Creativity Corner workshops offer practical

opportunities with Aardman Model Making and Special Effects Make-Up with Sophie Knox.

Family Classics: All generations can participate in the Cinemagic family classic films at Strand Arts Centre where movie showings of Doctor Dolittle and Bedknobs and Broomsticks feature as part of Belfast City Council’s Positive Ageing Month programme.

No Alibis Bookstore will host Shorts for Shorties and Ted Sieger’s Molly Monster, and the ever-popular Tales at Twilight returns with introductions to films from local authors Sheena Wilkinson, Kelly McCaughrain and Pauline Burgess who will introduce The Sword in the Stone, The NeverEnding Story and The Little Vampire respectively.

Young Filmmaker: Young filmmaking talent will be celebrated at a weekend of short film showcases, Q&As and awards presentation for the culmination of the 2018 Cinemagic Young Filmmaker Competition.

Education Programme: Teachers and educators from nursery to primary, post-primary and colleges can support learning

through film & television with the comprehensive Cinemagic education programme featuring short film packages, BBFC Film Classification, BAFTA Kids TV Presenting, drama with Debutots, programme making with JAM Media, Book to Screen workshops, The Space Show with Simon Watt, screenings of Cinemagic’s feature film Grace and Goliath, developing a TV show with Paper Owl Films, Photojournalism with Belfast Photo Festival, TV Presenting with UTV, Politics and Journalism with Mark Devenport, Game Design with Blackstaff Games, Game Concept workshops with BAFTA Young Game Designers, Scripting & Producing for Radio, and Costume Making with Breege Fahy.

Discussing this year’s programme, Cinemagic’s Chief Executive, Joan Burney Keatings MBE, says: “We are delighted to unveil such an ambitious and exciting programme of film and television events for children, families, teenagers, young filmmakers and school groups. With the support of our valued funders and partners, we are able to present an eclectic range of opportunities to educate, motivate and inspire young people under the age of 25, offering them an invaluable insight into the magic of film, television and

digital technologies.”

This year’s Cinemagic Festival in Belfast is in association with Hagan Homes, one of Northern Ireland’s largest homebuilders. James Hagan, Chairman, Hagan Homes comments: “As a local home-grown business that is committed to building affordable, quality, stylish homes, we are thrilled to support this year’s Cinemagic International Film and Television Festival for Young People in Belfast. Cinemagic has an exciting programme lined up and we are really looking forward to being part of it!”

The Cinemagic Festival is funded

by Northern Ireland Screen supported by the Department for Communities, Belfast City Council and Tourism Northern Ireland.

Richard Williams, CEO, Northern Ireland Screen said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to see the extensive programme of screenings and educational events at the Cinemagic Film Festival in Belfast this year. The Cinemagic Film Festival is a key component in helping young people in Northern Ireland connect with the joy of watching film and with the screen industry. We send our sincerest good wishes to Joan and her team for another successful festival.”

18

Features #44 • Oct 2018

The Arts On the Scene

Get Involved A series of fascinating lectures are taking place hosted by HMS Caroline this month and next

Calling all performance and visual artists Visit www. eastsidearts.net to find out more

Plus CS Lewis Festival, a new exhibition in the heart of East Belfast plus an annual craft fair in Gilnahirk

HMS Caroline Set To Commemorate Armistice Centenary With Lectures Get on Board Building up to the 100th anniversary of the Armistice, HMS Caroline will be hosting a series of history lectures throughout October and November. · Weary Waiting is Hard Indeed: the Royal Navy’s Final Year of War. On this night, Nick Hewitt will discuss how the Grand Fleet, probably the most powerful assembly of manpower and technology in the world at the time, continued to contribute to the war effort through 1917-1918 (15th November, 7pm) · From Peace to War – Experiences of the Ulster Division RNVR in World War II. During this talk, Victoria Miller will chart the experiences of a selection of the

East Belfast artist has a new exhibition in his own community Visit www. artisann.org for more info

men from the Ulster Division of the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve who were called upon the outbreak of World War II. (22nd November, 7pm) The lectures will take place in HMS Caroline’s new Dockside Museum in the Pump House which is adjacent to the ship. Tickets for each lecture cost £5 per adult and £3 per concession. A discount bundle ticket offers access to all four lectures for the price of three.

To find out more & to book tickets, please visit hmscaroline.co.uk

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CHRISTMAS FAYRE IN KNOCKBREDA METHODIST CHURCH Fayre Play 66 Rosetta Road, Belfast on Friday evening 16th November at 6.30 p.m.

There will a variety of stalls including crochet/knitting, cakes and home-baked goods, jams and chutneys, patchwork, bric-a-brac and Santa will be present for the children. There will be a Children's Craft room. Price - Adults: £2.50, children: 50p and Santa visit: £4. Price includes tea/coffee with shortbread and mince pies.

Summer of ‘76

An Exhibition of Paintings

by Keith Ayton Artisann Gallery Thursday 4th October to Saturday 27th October 2018

K

eith Ayton has lived in East Belfast for 40 years, but his spiritual home is the north coast of Ireland. Most of his paintings feature the everchanging, moody, brooding skies and landscapes of North Antrim and Donegal.

“In 1976 I took my first 2-week camping holiday in Donegal. We pitched our tent in the middle of a thunder storm created by the heatwave. Over the summer the tent remained pitched in the sand dunes and we cycled to it as often as we could for a few days or even a week.

The heatwave this year brought back a myriad of memories and an inevitable comparison to the summer of 1976. These paintings

examine those memories and feelings revisiting the place which I now call my spiritual home.”

Keith Ayton “I’ve come back to see where my beginnings have gone.”

Jackson Browne Keith graduated from Art College in the 1980s, and has worked steadily to acquire what is now a clear artistic voice, producing work of outstanding quality and depth. His work has been included in numerous prestigious exhibitions, although this is his first solo show at the ArtisAnn Gallery. A very popular artist, his paintings have found homes throughout the British Isles, the United States and Canada, Australia and Europe.

PICTURED Keith Ayton Towards the River Ray

The exhibition runs at the ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Avenue, Belfast from Thursday 4th October to Saturday 27th October 2018. All art is available to buy, and may be collected/delivered after the exhibition ends.

You can also buy art from this

exhibition through the Own Art scheme; giving you interest-free credit over 10 months - and you still get to take the art home immediately the exhibition ends!

Tue – Fri: 11am to 6pm Saturday: Noon to 5pm www.artisann.org

C.S. Lewis Festival

ST. DOROTHEA’S PARISH CHURCH CRAFT FAIR

W

The Fair is Back Saturday 3rd November from 11.00am – 4.00pm

Of this and Other Worlds The 6th annual C.S. Lewis Festival will take place from 3-7 November

ith more than 70 events, this will be the biggest C.S. Lewis Festival yet. Curated by well-known and respected NI author Jan Carson, the festival theme, ‘Of this and Other Worlds’, taken from the C.S. Lewis essay collection of the same name, features walks, talks and debates, film screenings, faith and wellbeing events, family fun, visual arts, literature, workshops, performances and innovative events showcasing the genres of fantasy, science fiction and magic realism.

S PICTURED Festival artist Rachael B Kelly, Festival Director Rachel Kennedy and festival artist Myra Zepf.

For further information visit www.eastsidearts.net, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #CSLewisFest.

t. Dorothea’s Parish Church, Gilnahirk would like to invite you to our annual Craft Fair which will take place in the parish halls on Saturday 3rd November from 11.00am – 4.00pm. A fantastic range of stalls will be coming to this Fair, offering a multitude of interesting and unusual hand crafted goods, making St Dorothea’s Craft Fair an ideal place to start your Christmas Shopping. Our tea room will also be open all day to tempt you with great home baked treats and a lovely cuppa to make your visit complete. So note the date and come along for a great day out. For further information please contact 07729239412 or the Parish Office (90 704123) St. Dorothea’s Parish Church, Gortland Park, Belfast, BT5 7NU (you will find us at the corner of the Gilnahirk Road and Lower Braniel Road).

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20

Features #44 • Oct 2018

History

Aidan Campbell

Do you have a story for Aidan?

Visit his website to find details how you can get in touch

Looking Back What Aidan doesn’t know about East Belfast, simply isn’t worth knowing.

Also check out his brand new book

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

“

Sometimes, when I was very small, Daddy would take my mother and me along for the ride.

My empty pram or push chair would be consigned to the guard’s van.

At each station he would wind down the window and pass a heavy leather satchel, containing the wages, to the waiting station master. After a brief exchange of greetings he would move on. I always loved the flower beds edged with colourful nasturtiums which adorned the little station platforms.

By Aidan Campbell Our incredibly popular monthly feature compiled by the fantastic local historian continues its revelations

Robert Dowling and wife Lottie in 1924.

1900

The BCDR (Belfast & County Down Railway) terminus and head office was located at Station Street, Queen’s Quay and this is how it looked in c.1906. It was not far from the Harland & Wolff shipyards and the coal quays which are now the site of the Odyssey entertainment complex. Notice the open-topped trams, the horse drawn traffic and the single car parked outside the railway station.

2007 Right; Rosemary Williamson (nee Dowling) holds a leather satchel containing the BCDR logo. This was the type containing staff wages that was handed out by her father around the rail network years ago.

A summer timetable poster for the BCDR in 1948 advertises the price of a 1st Class excursion ticket from Belfast to Newcastle at only 6s/6d – or c.£0.33p in modern money.

Above; Mr Evans was Head Cashier at the BCDR. He is making up the weekly wages along with Deputy Head Cashier Robert Dowling (plus a smiling member of staff ) in 1930.

A TRAIN

Rosemary Williamson (nee Dowling)

The Belfast & County Down Railway was a feature of life in East Belfast for many years. It opened in 1850 and closed in 1950 and the population would have been familiar with the sound of train whistles, locomotives puffing out smoke, the closing of level crossing gates and visits to the seaside. But the staff at the stations were paid in cash back then – no standing orders in bygone days. Rosemary Williamson (nee Dowling) tells the story….

R

osemary Williamson: Daddy goes to work!

That’s all we know when we are children.

We are not aware (or indeed care) that his occupation might be of interest to future generations. The steam trains puffed their way past our home on the Sandown Road at Neill’s Hill to the seaside locations of Donaghadee and Newcastle. These were wonderful new worlds. My parents chose their home because of its location near the small railway station also called Neill’s Hill. This meant my father had only a few yards to go to board

the city bound train that took him to the head office of the BCDR (Belfast & County Down Railway Co.) where he worked. He would push back his chair after midday lunch having heard the train whistle at Knock. A Deputy Head Cashier, in those days, it was his duty to go regularly ‘down the line’ to facilitate the payment of wages to the station staff.

Sometimes, when I was very small, Daddy would take my mother and me along for the ride. My empty pram or push chair would be consigned to the guard’s van. At each station he would wind down the window and pass a heavy leather

Above: Neill’s Hill BCDR station in 1900 and just below; Neill’s Hill BCDR station in 2007. The track bed is now a wonderful footpath and cycle path known as Comber Greenway. Notice the remains of the platform peeping out in the bottom right hand corner.

of Thought

satchel, containing the wages, to the waiting station master. After a brief exchange of greetings he would move on. I always loved the flower beds edged with colourful nasturtiums which adorned the little station platforms.

After Church at Gilnahirk a Sunday lunch group meets at our local Garden Centre and we cover many topics in our lively conversations.

One week we were talking about the sadness of the local rail closures.

I mentioned my experiences of going ‘down the line’ with my father and in our group is a great railway enthusiast (or should I say fanatic!).

To my amazement he thought this was a wonderful little story and informed me that amongst his large collection of railway memorabilia there was a leather satchel of the type my father would have used. He brought it with him the following week and asked me to hold it up and smile sweetly for the camera.

Sadly the BCDR disappeared, being absorbed into the Ulster Transport Authority. The railway line closed in 1950 and my final memory is of travelling on the last train and being alarmed, and saddened, by the exploding fire crackers on the line.

Advice

Patrick McKee BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS

“

Orthopaedic Surgery & Rehabilitation

(d) = 29

o

(c) (b) (a)

At Ashwood Vets

Making Progress Orthopaedic surgery and rehabilitation are areas where the team at Ashwood are making huge differences to the lives of our patients.

Backing up our orthopaedic work we have the most powerful therapeutic laser in the UK (1 of only 3 in the UK) and our specialist rehabilitation and hydrotherapy suite is scheduled to open later this autumn.

21

Advice #44 • Oct 2018

W

hen your beloved pet suddenly goes lame, or where a joint has become really arthritic or when the unthinkable happens like a ruptured ligament or a broken limb, that’s when you need an experienced orthopaedic team.

Over the years, we have built up a wealth of specialised equipment and experience from “external fixation” to “locking bone plates”.

In fact, we regularly have clients coming to us specifically because we recommend and routinely perform the “closing wedge tibial plateau levelling osteotomy” arguably the most robust and effective surgical solution for cranial cruciate ligament rupture (sadly an all too common injury in

The green arrow shows massive inflammation within this dog’s knee because they have ruptured their ligament.

The blue lines show that the articular surface of the tibia bone slopes steeply backwards, with the holding ligament ruptured, this allows the bones to grind together as the dog walks.

many dog breeds {and footballers and skiers!!}). This procedure is not widely performed as it involves a high level of expertise, experience and equipment. Backing up our orthopaedic work we have the most powerful therapeutic laser in the UK (1 of only 3 in the UK) and our specialist rehabilitation and hydrotherapy suite is scheduled to open later this autumn. If you would like an orthopaedic consultation or second opinion, we’d love to see how we could help your pet.

The yellow arrows show the two titanium orthopaedic plates used to hold the bone in its new position while the cut surface (osteotomy) heals.

The orange arrow shows where a double osteotomy has been performed to remove a wedge shaped piece of bone, widest at the front, and the gap then closed.

The blue lines show that the articular surface of the tibia bone is now a much flatter and more stable surface for the dog to walk on.

To book, just give Kelly a shout at our reception 02890 419374 and ask for an appointment with Patrick or Niall. (hello@ashwoodvets.com)

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

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22

Features #44 • Oct 2018

Schools

Classy Our monthly round up of all the schools news happening in and around East Belfast

Class Act

14-year-old Chelsea Smith helped design the space with her Head of Junior School

Ashfield Girls’ School Creates Sanctuary For Autistic Pupils

IKEA Belfast’s design team donated inspirational and calming products to ensure relaxation and to boost productivity The space will be used for all pupils to take time to rest and rejuvenate throughout the school day

Space is the Place A new space will be used for all pupils to take time to rest and rejuvenate throughout the school day

Team Work Now that the summer holidays have drawn to a close, one local high school student has used the break to create a new area named The Sanctuary, within their school’s Learning Zone, with help from the team at IKEA Belfast.

C

helsea Smith, a Year 11 pupil at Ashfield Girls’ High School, wanted to create a sensory space at the school’s Learning Zone for pupils who suffer from anxiety.

Beverley Cripps, Head of Junior School was so inspired by Chelsea’s conscientious proposal that she put forward the idea to create the room to the School Principal. Shortly after this, Beverley reached out to IKEA Belfast to ask for some support with designing the room. The store is located just a few short minutes from the east Belfast school.

Beverley also liaised with a local autism support group to get advice on items that may help create a calming atmosphere for the room and worked with IKEA Belfast’s Interior

PICTURED L-R Beverley Cripps (Ashfield Girls’ School), Gemma Drinkell (IKEA), Chelsea Smith Ashfield Girls’s School pupil For more information on IKEA’s work in the community visit www.IKEA.com

Design team who addressed their needs by donating soft lighting from a SOLVINDEN LED lighting chain, comfy STOCKHOLM 2017 cushions and a SANDARED pouffe.

Additional KALLAX shelving units were also donated to keep the room free of clutter and keep items out of view using DRONA storage creating a fresh, clear space. Thanks to the donation of functional products from IKEA Belfast, Chelsea has created an everyday Sensory Space for pupils who are looking for a calming and quiet place to relax during school break times.

Gemma Drinkell, Marketing Specialist from IKEA Belfast commented; “At IKEA, our vision is to help create a better everyday life for the many people and we know how important a

sanctuary is to escape busy corridors that can often be overwhelming. We were delighted to work with Chelsea to bring her idea to life and look forward to hearing feedback from the pupils in the new term.”

Beverley Cripps Ashfield Girls’ School Head of Junior School commented; “We are so grateful for IKEA Belfast’s donation to the Learning Zone’s Sanctuary. The room is not just a place to unwind but it is a safe place for pupils to support each other and address issues that may upset them.

“Looking after our pupils’ mental health and wellbeing is very important to Ashfield Girls’ School and we hope that new and returning pupils coming to the school will feel encouraged to use this space for their needs.”

loopmag.net

CALLING ALL YOUNG TRAVEL WRITERS! Write On With 2018 being the European Year of Cultural Heritage, Tourism NI, Department for Communities Historic Environment Division and partners have launched a new competition.

T

hey are challenging creative young writers to share their travelling adventures of ‘How I explored Northern Ireland this year’. For the chance to win exciting prizes and the coveted title of ‘Young Travel Writer 2018’, entrants are encouraged to share their thrilling and adventurous tales. Writers are invited to draw on their creative skills to share their personal explorations with family and friends. Exploring NI during the summer, half-term holidays or at the weekends means there are plenty of opportunities to get inspired. Whether it be scaling the Mourne Mountains, enjoying a city break, taking in the views across the Coast or uncovering the history of one of NI’s ancient abbeys and castles, there are many stories to be told and memories to be made.

To find out more about the competition, visit discovernorthernireland.com/ youngtravelwriter

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL

MARINA PARK, BELFAST, BT5 6BA GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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CREGAGH PRIMARY SCHOOL IN TO ITS UPCOMING O PRIMARY SCHOOL PEN DAYS

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WEDNESDAY 7th December School Open Day | 6pm-8:1 5pm | Principal’s Talk FRIDAY 9TH DECEMBER Pre-School Open Morning | 9:30am-12 noon Saturday 10th December Breakfast With Santa | 9:30 am-11am. This free e parents of prospective pup ils applying for P1 entr 2017 and existing Cregagh Primary P1 & P2 pare TUESDAY 10th January Prospective P1 Parents Coff ee Morning & Principa Talk | 9:15am-10am

Breakfast with Santa Come and Enjoy breakfast with Santa and his special guest, Aldo the Magician, on Saturday 15th December from 9.30-11am Open to families of prospective (applying for P1 entry September 2019) and existing Cregagh Primary School P1 & P2 parents and pupils

Come along & find out for yourself all about our fa We would love to

24

Features #44 • Oct 2018

Home Inside Out

New Season Prepare for the chill ahead with some underfoot warming and layering from Refound and On the Square

Warm Up Areas of tiles and bare floorboards?

It’s time to think of something warm for the winter

loopmag.net

Winter

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Jill

Be Prepared Julys heat wave is far behind us now and winter is fast approaching.

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We turn the ordinary into the extra-ordinary!

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

Cashmere and Afghan rugs are available from On The Square Emporium from £100 to £1500

hile you may not have to deal with the extremes of white walkers icy swords of Westeros and Essos in Game of Thrones, t§he fingers of Jack Frost here in Northern Ireland can be just as cold. With modern trend for large areas of tiles and bare floorboards it is time to think of something warm for the winter. A rug is warm underfoot and also adds a level of design warmth to a room. A good rug is a lifetime or possibly many lifetimes investment, especially if you go for a timeless, classic pattern. The Afghan rug is coarser and harder wearing and more forgiving of spillage, with classic muted colours, while the silk Cashmere rug is exuberant and soft to lie on beside an open fire.

Rugs come in many shapes and sizes, from a small hall rug 3ft by 2ft to hall “runners” 3ft by 5-10ft to giant room rugs. Measure your room and the size you want a rug. Often a rug can seem bigger when hanging in a rack and does not quite fill the space when brought home. Even ask the seller if you can have a week’s return grace to check out the rug in situ.

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Bryson One2One – Supporting you with Care Call us on 028 9034 7731

26

Features #44 • Oct 2018

Health

Pain Relief The story of Paul’s turnaround and pain relief after he had paid a visit to the Foot & Ankle Clinic

All About You

Resident Advisors Our experts Rosemary McWatters and Sabrina Robinson are back with their advice to share with you

Paul Gets 17 Years Of Pain Relief With a little support from the Foot & Ankle Clinic

I

n 1999 I had several bouts of Achilles tendon pain and tendonitis of the knee.

I’m a keen cricketer and the pains began to really inhibit my ability to continue playing. My Physiotherapist recommended that I get a set of foot orthoses.

I’d been told that the Northern Ireland Foot and Clinic make their own custom orthotic supports and that they can design and manufacture devices specifically for your needs, so I booked an appointment for

an assessment. David Hallowell the Podiatrist explained what he thought was causing the problems and took some casts to have a set of orthotic supports made. The result has been fantastic, I’ve been 17 years without pain. I’m 51 years old and the orthotic devices have allowed me to remain fit and active and most importantly free of pain. The treatment at the Foot and ankle clinic was excellent and I’d strongly recommend it to anyone with leg or foot pain.

loopmag.net

FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC “Paul is typical of the type of patient we see at the clinic. More and more people are becoming aware of the difference that a custom fit orthotic makes over an off the shelf device. When we issue a pair of orthoses I fully expect that they will last the patient up to 20 years, so a custom device not only fits and functions better, but in the long run is a wise investment in your foot health. Many of our patients are surprised to find out that their devices have a 20-year lifespan.

I’d like to thank Paul for allowing us to publish his testimonial.”

DO YOU SUFFER FROM FOOT OR ANKLE PAIN? 325 Antrim Road, Glengormley. BT36 5DY Tel:028 9083 3568 • www.glengormleyfootcare.co.uk

Eyes

Something a little different this month from our resident expert Rosemary McWatters: I’ll be back with some eye advice again next month so if you have any questions about vision please send an email to rosemary@ mcwattersopticians. co.uk

Rosemary McWatters

41 Comber Rd Dundonald BT16 2AA Telephone 028 9048 6222

Laughter

Is the Best Medicine The Bright Side Sometimes patients say things that make me laugh. As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine, so I thought this month I would share some eye humour (not from my experience!) which hopefully you may find amusing.

John had lived a long life which was drawing to its end. As his family surrounded him on his deathbed, he asked to see his optician.

“Your optician?” they asked. “Why in the world would you want to see your optician?”

“Just get him for me.”

So they called Mr Blink who on seeing John about to depart this life, asked, “John it pains me to see you like this. What can I possibly do for you?”

John opened his eyes slightly and said, “Before I go there is one thing I have to know. Which was better, red or green?”

Patient: I can’t see very far in these new glasses.

Optician walks him to the door: What’s that up there?

Patient: The sun Optician: Well that is 93 million miles away, so just how far did you want to see?

A pirate bumped into an old friend.

The friend said, “Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while, what happened?

You don’t look so good.”

“What do mean?” said the pirate, “I feel fine.”

“What about the wooden leg? You didn’t have that before.”

“Well, we were in a battle and I got hit with a cannon ball, but I’m fine now.”

“Well, ok, but what about that hook?

What happened to your hand?”

“We were in another battle. I boarded a ship and got into a sword fight. My hand was cut off.

I got fitted with a hook. I’m fine, really.”

“What about that eye patch?”

“Oh, one day we were at sea and a flock of birds flew over. I looked up and one of them pooped in my eye.”

“You’re kidding,” said the friend, “I didn’t think you could lose an eye just from some bird poop.”

“It was my first day with the hook.”

A man went to the optician and the optician asked him if his eyes had ever been checked. He replied, “No they have always been brown.”

And to finish, an award-winning one-liner from Tim Vine Conjunctivitis.com – that’s a site for sore eyes.

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Hair

All About You

“IM TOO CREATIVE FOR A NINE TO FIVE”

27

Features #44 • Oct 2018

The Beautiful Blow Dry

SRHairdressing are currently looking for a Hair Stylist to join the team

T’IS THE SEASON After a summer of carefree waves and tousled tresses, the autumn is all about a serious blow dry. Coiffed, super-styled, high maintenance, high volume – call it what you will, but the big blow dry is back. Aim for supersculpted styles that look best with the glossy shine a blow dry can create.

The ideal candidate for this role should possess the following: *Run a column on a day to day basis *Cutting men, women and children’s hair *Applying colour with confidence *Advising clients on before & aftercare & retail products *Keeping up to date with the latest trends *Learning new hair styling techniques and a willingness to attend training *Great customer service *NVQ level 2 or above (stylist)

We are also looking for a Trainee Hairdresser Have you just started hairdressing?

Duties include shampooing, welcoming clients etc.

Contact Sabrina through PM or telephone the salon

26 Sandown Road | Ballyhackamore | BT5 6GY Tel 028 9065 8579

Insurance

Brokers

Provincewide Member

T

THE BLOW-DRY LOOK IS BACK

his season it’s all about bouncy groomed tresses as seen on Milan, Newyork and Paris fashion catwalks.

Throughout the summer months our hair has seen its fair share of cool-girl beach waves, messy buns and braids.

However, the time has come to forgo undone texture in favour of taming your mane and achieving super-smooth, glossy locks.

And there is no better time to treat yourself to a salon blow-dry than autumn/winter.

Try to follow these few steps to dry your hair both quickly and safely, while creating bouncy beautiful blow-dry.

Correct blow-drying doesn’t do harm to your hair , it’s applying the heat to your hair when it’s already dried that causes the hair to get damaged. The Moisture in our hair is just as important to the health and vitality of your hair as it is to our skin. It’s what helps keep your hair nourished and strong. While the correct use of a hair-dryer will not harm your hair, applying the heat to your hair when it is already dried causes the hair to be brittle, break off and give a dull and dry look to your hair strands.

The Key of safe drying is good timing and the proper use of tools and products.

HOW TO DRY YOUR HAIR CORRECTLY - TOWEL DRYING Gently press your hair with a towel to remove excess water . DO NOT RUB -Rubbing your hair can damage the cuticles of your hair and also break and tangle it. Follow by gently removing tangles with a widetoothed comb , (the Wet Brush is amazing for this), starting at the ends and working up to your roots.

HOW TO USE THE HAIRDRYER Hold your dryer about 6 inches away from your hair. Dry the front and sides of your head first, and work towards the crown and the back. the hair can sometime be thinner and fragile at front of the head so it dries quicker. Start on a high speed and medium temperature , as

your hair begins to dry. This will help you avoid over-drying and damaging your hair. If you use a paddle and/or round brush for styling, choose one that is soft, and use it gently. By rough tugging and brushing your hair can do more damage than a hairdryer.

ADDING VOLUME & BODY Having limp, thin or straight hair, can be a pain when your trying yo get volume and body into it, the key is volume product most importantly and use a medium to big size round brush try turning your hair upside down as you finish blow-drying for extra body and volume. Bend over and, still using the hairdryer, let your hair hang down towards the floor. Gently brush or blow-dry your hair in this direction with the dryer following behind. still on medium heat as over drying the hair can create static. This will give your hair more lift and bounce and decreases the likelihood of tangles. Fly-away hair: To avoid a static party on your head, you can blast cool air on your hair for a few minutes .Simple but effective!

Top Tips on getting healthy hair to add to that bouncy blow-dry!

Don’t over wash your hair - Washing your hair too much will strip it of its natural oils, which you need more in the colder months. Try to extend the period between your washes as much as possible, and use good dry shampoo in between to keep your hair looking fresh. And of course, remember to use conditioner each time! Moisturise (hair and scalp) This is the most important tip I cant stress this enough. Especially in the colder months, the central heating tends to take a lot of moisture out and dry the hair out, sometimes also leaving a dry flaky scalp. Using leave-in conditioners ,hair oils and deep moisturizing masks (for example, coconut oil , argan oil and jojoba oil) once a week will replenish your hair with the moisture that it needs and prevent from breakage, leaving your hair soft and shiny.

NEW BLOG ONLINE SRHAIRDRESSING.COM 26 SANDOWN RD • BELFAST • 9065 8579 • SRHAIRDRESSING@HOTMAIL.COM

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30

Features #44 • Oct 2018

What’s Happening?

Plan Ahead

loopmag.net

Mums & Tots

Classes & Events

MONDAY

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 Rd Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 p/family. 10-12 term time 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466.

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

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

TUESDAY

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

CFC MOPS 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tues) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast & creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 GARNERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN 10.15-11.45. Child’s Play - Tea, coffee, juice, snack. £1 p/family.

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

McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road.

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

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

WEDNESDAY

BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN 10-11.30am Phone 028 9047 1103. 447 Beersbridge Rd BUSY BEES 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Rd CFC Teen MOPS Fortnightly in term time.10-11.30am. Breakfast and crèche. £1 per Mum. 10 Belmont Rd @teenmopsbelfast on FB MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30am Toddlers SMALLTALK @ ORANGEFIELD 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road. 02890 799391 orangefield.org.uk ST COLMCILLE’S PARENT & TODDLER 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd WILLOWFIELD LITTLE LAMBS TOTS GROUP 10-11.30am term time. Willowfield Church Hall, 290-296 Woodstock Rd.

THURSDAY

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

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

102-104 Cregagh Road CREGAGH MUMS & TOTS 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue. Tel: 028 9040 1444 GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Tel: Laura 07708 000025 GLENMACHAN TOTS & TODDLERS 10-12 term time. Church of God, Glenmachan Road. Tel 028 9076 1676 glenmachan.org KIRKPATRICK MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am. Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation KNOCK PARENT & TODDLER 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian. 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

STRAND PRESBYTERIAN MUMS & TOTS 10-11.30am term time Strand Presbyterian, Connsbrook Avenue. £1 per family. Tel Lila 02890 768890.

FRIDAY

ESL TODDLERS FOR PARENTS FROM ETHNIC MINORITIES 10-11.30. The Micah Centre. Willowfield Parish Church ST COLUMBA’S MUMS & TOTS 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road WOODSTOCK LIBRARY RHYTHM & RHYME 10-10.30am. 0-4 years. 358 Woodstock Road. 028 9050 9239

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

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

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

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel 07809 205579. 102-104 Cregagh Rd DUNDONALD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE First Monday of month (excl Bank Holidays) Moat Park Pavilion, Dundonald, 7:30 pm. New members welcome.

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

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

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

MENS BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 1.30pm-4pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GB Teenies & Explorers (3-8yrs) 6.30-7.30pm, Juniors (9-11yrs) 6.30-8pm, Seniors & Brigaders (12-18 yrs) 6.30-8.30 Contact Carol 07813 117453. Presbyterian Women’s Group (2nd & 4th Monday of month) 8pm TEL JEAN 02890 486492 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm.

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

TUESDAY

15TH NI GIRLS BRIGADE Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.157.15pm explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm juniors (8-10) 7.00-9.00pm company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm tel 07783 408609 ARDENLEE LADIES BOWLING CLUB Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members.

Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue. 028 9058 6446.

Also meet on Thursdays.

BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. ART CLASSES - Book your place in Ballyhackamore Library’s monthly art class (Adult).

10-12. Classic Reading Group - share your love of the classics, pick up this months read. Last Tues of the month 11-12.

BELMONT TOWER Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 8pm-10pm.

Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WEDNESDAY

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

AVONIEL COMMUNITY GARDEN Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 1pm - 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 BELMONT TOWER Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm-9. NI Orchid Society 6pm-8pm. Mindfullness 6.30pm-8.30 CREGAGH CRICKET CLUB Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 13 & Under 15 cricket training.

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN For seniors - “Evergreens’. 3rd Wednesday of the month.

2.30pm. Tel Barbara 07752134435. second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 2 pm-3.30pm. Tea and Talk Together: All age dementia friendly get-together with games, music and refreshments. Contact Ruth 07753 709108. Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507. Squirrels. 6.30pm.

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

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

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

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

Enquiries 02890 486247.

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

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690. Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149.

MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN 7.45pm Midweek Prayer.

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

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

Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

STRAND ARTS CENTRE “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows £3.50 TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cell Group – 7.30 / House Group – 8pm. 154 Comber Rd WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm. Sewing 10am-12. Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm YOUTH DROP IN (FREE) 4-30-6pm @ St.Judes Parish Church Ormeau Rd. Secondary school youths. Pizza, snacks, chat.

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

358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

THURSDAY

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

BALLYMACARRETT BOWLING CLUB If interested in bowling, your local club is looking for new members. If you have played before or want to try come along to Ravenhill road green on a Thursday night From 6:30 onwards, you will be made welcome. Contact John Armstrong 02890 294 249. First few fixtures are : 21/04/18 Donaghadee b v 1st Ballymacarrett (away) 28/04/18 1st Ballymacarrett v 58th old boys (Home) 05/ 05/18 Lagan Valley v 1st Ballymacarrett (Away) BELMONT TOWER Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm.

Yoga 6-9pm.

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

6.30pm. Vicki 028 9045 8208. Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Rebecca. Email 93rdbelfastrainbows@gmail.com EAST BELFAST HISTORICAL SOCIETY Second Thursday of the month at the Oxford Room, Park Avenue Hotel, 158 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1PB. September to May EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG

Over’s Luncheon Club 12.30-2pm. Homework club (P4-P6) 3.30–5.30pm. Bible Studies, women 6.30-7.30 fortnightly.

MIXED BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 7-10pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829.

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

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

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

FRIDAY

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

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

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

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

BELMONT TOWER Art Classes 10-1pm.

CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Church open for quiet reflection 10.30-12 noon EAST END BAPTIST CHILDRENS MEETING 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun.

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

STRAND ARTS CENTRE Teenage Kicks Film Club 4.15 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club daily 2 - 6pm Painting for Pleasure 11am1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Boxing Fitness 8.15pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Knit and Natter 2.00-3.00pm.358 Woodstock Road.

Tel 028 9050 9239

SATURDAY

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

MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH SunshineFit Kids - keep fit.

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

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

SUNDAY

CONNSBROOK AVENUE CONGREGATIONAL 11am & 7pm CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Worship 11 am and 7 pm second and third Sundays EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche. Sunday school available for primary school kids.

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

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

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

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

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