The Loop : East Belfast August 2015 by Loop Publications

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NEWS

KIDS

EVENTS

HISTORY

ARTS

We have all the latest news direct from your local community

Summer vibes and the school kids are keeping themselves busy

As the summer motors on so do the festivals and events

Aidan Campbell gives us a history lesson on primary schools

Extraordinary and magical plans for the new civic square

Kirstin Aston aka Audrey from NIStars youth production of Little Shop of Horrors and actor, writer, and director, Sam McCready – who both feature in the EastSide Arts Festival.

A FESTIVAL FEAST AT THE EASTSIDE ARTS FESTIVAL The east of the city is getting ready for the hottest summer yet as the annual eastside arts festival, delivered by East Belfast partnership, serves up a sizzling, 12-day feast of events, from 19th – 31st august.

full festival programme & tickets visit www.eastsidearts.net or Facebook/EastSideArts and twitter @EastSideArtsBel #ESAFest15

“I believe we have a programme that showcases and deepens the vision laid out in our Arts Strategy for East Belfast. Over the 12 days there is no doubt that people will have fun, be inspired and importantly see the East of the City as a community that is full of creativity, colour and, above all, one that is on a journey of renewal. I want to take this opportunity to thank our key funders, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure for their support as well as our main sponsors as without them this festival would not have been possible.”

Anthony Toner, EastSide Arts Manager

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here will be 78 events including 33 FREE events across music, comedy, movies, theatre, talks, workshops, exhibitions, poetry, events for the young and old, community events and heritage tours. Among the musical highlights are concerts by Van Morrison, who will deliver two sold out performances on Cyprus Avenue. Straight from their Glastonbury performances come rising star Soak and east Belfast’s own Duke Special, in concert with special guests Malojian. Also lined up are acclaimed American jazz singer Dana Masters and Irish music legends Altan, with special guest Kat Turner - and much more. The festival will host a wide range of readings, film screenings, poetry, heritage events and lectures. Glenn Patterson will read from his new book ‘Here’s me here’. The award winning poet Alice McCullough will perform a series of special outdoor recitals at ‘The Hollow’ throughout the festival, while the fantastic Sam McCready will perform his one-man show ‘Percy French Melodies of Unforgotten Years’. Film screenings include the work of New York-based artist Marcus Robinson and the work of the late Stewart Parker. Also, Brian Keenan will deliver the David Ervine Memorial Lecture in memory of one of east Belfast’s most revered and visionary politicians. The Festival partners with two city centre shows which have strong east Belfast connections, from Marie Jones’ comedy, ‘Fly me to the Moon’ at the Lyric to the smash hit musical

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based on the George Best story ‘Dancing Shoes’, at The Grand Opera House. East meets West with two special events in partnership with Féile An Phobail. Songwriters from the EastSide will be performing interpretations of the Van Morrison songbook, along by some performances by artists in Irish, at An Cultúrlann in West Belfast and the critically acclaimed play ‘The Holy Holy Bus’ will be staged at The Stormont Hotel. Something for young and old is guaranteed. From The Baby Rave at Belvoir Players Theatre to NI Stars’ youth production of the fantastic ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at the Strand Arts Centre. A film production school with Strandtown Studios. Beer connoisseurs will enjoy the Boundary Brewing tour or why not check out the many heritage tours. Watch out for an incredible range of free events, including Ciara O’Malley’s mobile space project featuring her interactive caravan of art located at Connswater Pocket Park. Discover the industries of old east Belfast at the Public Records Office or take a trip down memory lane and sing along with John Trotter. For the future story writers take the kids to story workshops, in Skanios Centre, storytelling at Short Strand Community Centre or for budding actors check out acting workshops at Holywood Arches Library. Not forgetting the fantastic family-friendly Orangefield Park Celebrations on August 29, organised by Connswater Community Greenway, featuring workshops, music and street theatre.

WE ARE EXPANDING OUR DISTRIBUTION TEAMS IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS: Antrim | Ballyclare | Ballymena | Carrickfergus

THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | HELLO

LOOP

AUGUST 2015 EDITION #7

CONT EN TS

Publications

ALL THE LATEST NEWS & FEATURES FROM YOUR COMMUNITY INCLUDING:

ALL HANDS ON DECK

John Minnis Estate Agents celebrated 10 years in business in style

PARTY IN THE PARK

SUMMER EVENTS

There’s so much going on these next few weeks we’ve whittled it into a page

HEALTH & BEAUTY

HISTORY LESSON

Incredible resident historian Aidan Campbell looks at local primary schools

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

Orangefield Park will come alive on 29th August with a huge family day out

We’ve got the latest health advice plus some hair trends from an amazing local stylist

Good question, luckily we’ve got the answer in one handy guide for you

PUPIL POWER

We round up the news from the local schools to see what they’ve been up to

Aug 2015

Welcome

THE ARTS

With it being East Side Arts Festival month, we’ve got the lowdown on some projects

SPORT

From football to cricket to athletics, we round up the latest news and results

e’ve been busy over the last few weeks making numerous changes to The Loop. The main thing you’ll notice is how it feels. We’ve invested in a higher grade of “brite white” paper. We’ve also tweaked the size slightly plus improved on layouts making it overall an even better publication for you to have in your hand and read every single month. And you can now collect a free copy in local Tescos and Asda Dundonald if you’re not currently one of the lucky ones who gets it through your door. So now the high quality paper is the backdrop for your usual local round up of local news and events and despite it being summer we have been inundated. We

SKAINOS FEST BACK FOR THE 4TH YEAR IN A ROW East Belfast Mission HOST THE Community event on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September from 11am – 4pm. For the 4th year in a row East Belfast Mission are holding their annual SkainosFest Community event at East Belfast Mission Newtownards Road on Saturday 12th & Sunday 13th September from 11am – 4pm. The event is being organised by members of the Church along with the staff and volunteers at East Belfast Mission and is supported by the Community Festivals Fund, which is a joint fund by Belfast City Council and DCAL (Department of Culture Arts and Leisure). On Saturday 12th September at Skainos Square, there will be a range of fun activities and things for the children to do including; Bouncy castles, a science show, free caricature drawings, play bus on site, face painting, petting zoo, snakes and owls, a puppet show, live music and dancing and much more. On Sunday 13th September, Rev Margaret Ferguson has extended an open invitation to anyone interested to come along to the church service at 11am. The service is open to the regular Church congregation but an invite is also extended to those who don’t attend or have been away for some time. The service will be followed by refreshments and more SkainosFest activities; live music, storytelling, a Vintage car show and scalextric competitions. Rev Margaret Ferguson said, “Previous years has seen hundreds of local people in the square for SkainosFest and we are keen to see a huge turnout this year again. This is a chance for the local communities to get together to have some fun and the event is open to everyone…… and it’s all for free! Because the event has been so successful we have decided to make a full weekend of it and have extended activities to the Sunday. I would personally like to invite people to join us at 11am on Sunday for our Church service everyone is most welcome”!

Fo r more i n form at i on O N T H E EV ENT YO U C A N c o ntac t Ea st Belfast M issio n DIR ECT o n | 0 28 9 0 45 856 0 . John Mulhern (left) manager at Ulster Bank, Connswater and Stephen Cruise (centre) Head of branch banking, private and specialist financial advice NIAs part of his fundraising efforts John and his staff organised a mini football tournament, a cinema evening and bag packing at the local B&M retail outlet.

LOCAL ULSTER BANK STAFF FUNDRAISING REACHES RECORD-BREAKING £312,000 Seven local charities are celebrating a record-breaking Ulster Bank organised fundraising campaign with a total of £312,000 raised by bank staff during the month of June. This was achieved in part as staff covered more than 12,000km through sponsored runs, walks and cycles.

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have all the headlines along with a whole host of charity achievements, sporting triumphs, health, fitness, beauty and a round up of what’s going on on your doorstep. Plus of course we have our ever popular regular contributors including local historian Aidan Campbell who delves into the history of local East Belfast schools and has some breaking news on a new book he’s launching in the autumn. We hope you enjoy the new look and feel of The Loop. And if you would like to see your story in the new look and feel Loop next month, please do not hestiate to get in touch and we’ll share it with 42,000 homes in East Belfast. Enjoy.

Belfast Half Marathon Sunday 20th September Half the distance but double the reward for Meningitis Research Foundation Local charity Meningitis Research Foundation (MRF) is on the look out for runners of all abilities to pound the pavements around the city in aid of their work. The course will start and finish at Ormeau Park, taking participants through the east, west, south and centre of the city. You can register at belfastcityhalfmarathon.net. Meningitis has not gone away and can strike at any time, leaving a baby, child or adult fighting for their life within hours. MRF estimate that meningitis and septicaemia affects around 3,200 people in the UK and Ireland each year. Sadly about one in ten people who contract the diseases will die and one third of survivors will suffer life altering after effects such as brain damage, loss of limbs and hearing loss. With your help MRF can continue to fund cutting edge research into the preventiona, detection and treatment of the diseases, as well as raising awareness locally and supporting those who have been affected. Contact Karen on 028 9032 1283 or email karend@meningitis-ni.org to recieve a fundraising pack and charity running vest and then simply raise what you can in sponsorship.

he final cash total exceeded the initial goal amount by £62,000 and was generated through the One Week in June campaign, which saw thousands of staff raise money to support community work and charities across the island of Ireland. Northern Ireland charities set to benefit are Marie Curie, NI Cancer Fund for Children, NI Hospice, Simon Community, Clic Sargent, Depaul NI and Barnardos. Ulster Bank staff participated in a wide range of activities as part of the campaign, from sponsored cycles and skydives, through to charity runs and baking buns. Anne McRoberts Fundraising Manager with Marie Curie, one of the supported charities, said: “Ulster Bank staff have shown true grit

and determination in surpassing their fundraising goals. We’re really impressed with the diverse range of challenges undertaken and we are extremely grateful for all the cash raised and would like to thank staff for their commitment and hard work. Funds raised will help provide care to terminally ill patients and their families.” One Week in June has been organised by the bank for the past three years, and to date has helped raise over £896,000 for over 20 charities and community groups. It forms part of the Ulster Bank’s community engagement, which also the Skills & Opportunities Fund – which offers funding for groups that work with disadvantaged communities. Stephen

Cruise Head of branch banking, private and specialist financial advice NI, Ulster Bank said: “We’re at the heart of local communities right across Northern Ireland and members of staff at Ulster Bank have been extremely supportive of the opportunity to raise money for such important causes. All of the charities we’ve supported provide specialist care for people in real need and we’re pleased to be able to get behind them. Supporting our people to give back to the community is an important part of our business and our values – all the members of our team have shown real commitment this June.” To see the activities that staff took part in, search for the hashtag #OWIJ

THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS

HEALTH HUB POINTING YOU IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION

LOCAL MUMS ON TRACK FOR EASY WIN DUNDONALD MUM TAKES TO THE TRACK Family life is all about celebrating life’s little victories, so Irwin’s Bakery staged a very special 5m race for local mums at Mary Peters Track to show how simple and sweet an Easy Win can be. Everyone was a winner as all three contenders were placed on the podium at the stunt. The Portadown based bakery arranged the stunt to launch its new Chocolate Chip and Cinnamon & Raisin muffins, which are an “easy win” at breakfast time for busy families. Richard McQuillan, Head of Marketing, Irwin’s Bakery, said the new flavours will introduce new shoppers to muffins as well as satisfying loyal consumers, Irwin’s has developed its new muffins in response to consumer demand for a convenient breakfast. Our new

Celebrating an Easy Win for their mums, Julie Little, Bangor, Dawn Little, Dundonald and Lynn Heatley from Belfast are their kids Charlotte Little (6), Sam Little (9), Tom Little (4) and Ruby Corrin (4)

chocolate chip and cinnamon raisin muffins can be toasted and served hot with butter, or eaten straight from the pack. The chocolate chip muffins are packed with chocolate chips, which soften when toasted and the cinnamon raisin muffins contain a satisfying amount of raisins with a hint of cinnamon for a new take on a classic flavour combination.” Richard continued, “As a family-owned business, we recognise how hectic mornings can be and our new muffins will make mornings easier for busy mums and dads who are looking for an easy breakfast their kids will love.” Irwin’s Cinnamon and Raisin muffins and Chocolate Chip Muffins are on shelves in stores right across Northern Ireland.

The Health Hub is a place where you can find out about local health programmes and services, as well as information on healthy hearts, minds, bodies, relationships and neighbourhoods. Find out about services, health programmes and training in your local neighbourhood; Information leaflets on healthy hearts, minds, bodies, relationships and neighbourhoods. Opportunity to weigh yourself and measure your waist. No appointment needed - open Monday to Friday The Health Hub is located at East Belfast Network Centre, 55 Templemore Avenue. Groups, individuals and organisations are welcome to visit the Health Hub and to find out what the Health Hub has to offer. For more information and to organise a visit to the Health Hub please contact Alison Bryans, Health Connections Worker at EBCDA on 028 9045 1512 or email alison@ebcda.org.

INNER EAST FORUM Inner East Forum meets on the first Monday of each month at 10.00am in the Skainos building. The next meeting will take place on Monday 1 June. For further info or to join Inner East Forum contact Michael Briggs at michael@ebcda.org.

COCHRANE HOSTS YOUTH PARLIAMENT MEMBERS AT STORMONT East Belfast MLA Judith Cochrane has hosted young political activists in Stormont after helping them to secure funding to attend the Youth Parliament Annual Sitting.

ocal members of the Youth Parliament were faced with not being able to afford attending the UK Annual Sitting, to be held at the University of Exeter later this month. However, after being contacted by Member of the Youth Parliament (MYP) Amber McStravick, Alliance MLA Mrs Cochrane nominated the group for financial assistance from the Politics Plus programme, which they subsequently received. The Youth Parliament provides an opportunity for those aged 11-18 to use their voices to bring about social change, running campaigns and attempting to influence decision makers on the issues that matter to young people. Judith Cochrane said: “It was great to meet Members of the Youth Parliament, to hear firsthand about their concerns and campaign issues. By running for election they have shown their leadership potential, working on behalf of an age group that is underrepresented and often ignored. The current MYPs are the postTroubles and Good Friday Agreement generation, who can positively affect Northern Ireland without being entrenched in the old divides. It is often said part of the problem in Stormont is we have too many career politicians, so I urged the young people to not just aspire to be a politician but rather aspire to be an effective one – that means having studied and worked in other areas so they bring useful skills and experience to the table.”

Cancer Fund for Children would like to thank the community of Ballyhackamore for kindly donating to the Street Collection on April 11 raising a fantastic £704, all support is greatly appreciated. Funds raised will enable the charity to continue to provide practical, emotional and financial support to local families making sure they do not face cancer alone.

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS

JOHN MINNIS ESTATE AGENTS CELEBRATE!

John Minnis Directors celebrate with staff at the company’s 10 Year Celebration at the Tall Ships in Belfast.

Leading Northern Ireland estate agency John Minnis Estate Agents recently celebrated ten years in business.

he company, which was founded in July 2005 in Holywood, now operates additional offices in East Belfast and Donaghadee and has won numerous prestigious national awards for quality of service in both sales and residential lettings. Speaking at the recent Tall Ships celebration where the company held its ten-year celebrations, owner John Minnis said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here with our fantastic team today, celebrating the company’s tenth year in business. Back in 2005, there were just the four of us, we opened on the fourth of July 2005, ten years ago to the day. The team grew quickly as did the property market.” In 2007 JMEA opened a second office

in the coastal town of Donaghadee, and a Belfast branch was added in 2012. The firm covers all areas of the province focusing on south and East Belfast the North Down coast and Ards Peninsula. The team now stands at 30 staff across three offices. “We’ve seen important advances in technology, and we’ve harnessed the best of them to give our clients that competitive edge. Those developments include a John Minnis iPhone app, the launch of John Minnis TV (JMTV) online presentations providing video views and walkthroughs, drone photography, floor plans and the company’s growing use of social media to communicate with clients and potential customers.” Thanks

in part to such innovations, JMEA has made a consistently strong showing at the ESTAs, the so-called ‘property industry Oscars’. In recent years, the company has won a string of these prestigious national awards, including ‘Best Local Lettings Agency in the UK’ and ‘Best Estate Agents in NI’. However, Mr. Minnis himself attributes JMEA’s continuing success to old-fashioned ‘people skills’. “At the end of the day, it comes down to relationship building and a proactive approach,” he said. “The old adage that people buy from people has never been so true. I’m grateful for the dedication of my team, which has brought us through the deepest property recession in Northern Ireland’s history. It was hard work, but now that we’re through it, it feels like we’ve made huge strides, and I am proud that we are leading the market in Northern Ireland. To-date we have sold in excess of half a billion pounds of property.” He finishes on a high note. “The two most recent reports from RICS and the Office of National Statistics confirm our team findings. It’s official – the NI housing market is in recovery! While I don’t think we’re going to see a repeat of 2014’s stellar growth rates this year, I believe that NIs property market will continue to outperform the rest of the UK... and we will help our clients to make the most of the opportunities that provides. John concluded: “I am delighted with John Minnis Estate Agent’s continued growth, and I look forward to our next ten years in business.”

TO CONTACT John Minnis Estate Agents | visit www.johnminnis.co.uk | or call THE EAST BELFAST OFFICE ON 028 9065 3333

EAST BELFAST WISE MENS SHED The Wise Men of the East Network (WMEN) pilot Men’s Shed at Dee Street Community Centre Minor Hall on a Monday morning is attracting new members with referrals across the s/v/c sectors. Fourteen men regularly attend. For further information contact; Mervyn Cleland on 07800725136.

CORNER BOYS SINGING GROUP Come on men discover your inner voice. Join a citywide group of men over 50 years of age at twice weekly singing practice lessons - possibly leading to fun events during positive ageing week in October. Contact Dermot tel. 028 9080 9202 e dermot@wbpb.org or Alan Houston EBCDA at 028 9045 1512 or alan@ebcda.org.

A MESSAGE OF HOPE Suicide prevention information distributed across East Belfast

This August East Belfast Community Development Agency (EBCDA) are bringing information on suicide awareness to homes across East Belfast with their “Message of Hope” suicide prevention booklet which will be delivered to 6,000 local households in Cregagh, Clarawood, Bloomfield, Braniel and Tullycarnet. It contains information on how to support someone you are concerned about and lists several local organisations that can help including support for anyone bereaved by suicide. The booklet was originally developed in 2013 in response to the need for information on suicide prevention and support services in east Belfast and was delivered to 36,000 local households that year. An updated version of the booklet was printed in 2014 thanks to support from Lloyds Bank Foundation for Northern Ireland and last summer over 8,000 were distributed to various public places in East Belfast including GP surgeries, pharmacies, political party advice centres, libraries, shops, hairdressers, barbers and bookmakers. EBCDA has received overwhelmingly positive feedback on the booklet to date and this has prompted the latest distribution campaign. EBCDA’s Suicide Prevention Development officer Clare James said: “The booklets provide information which is relevant to everyone as we could all find ourselves in a situation whereby a crisis or mental health issue which could put either you or someone you know at risk of suicide. By distributing the booklets directly to people’s homes we hope to reach people who may be isolated and not aware of the support that is available in their local community. Over the past two years we have now distributed 50,000 of the booklets in East Belfast. Last summer the booklets were put in bookmakers’ shops and we also worked with Glentoran last season to hand out information at the Oval in an attempt to target men. Getting the information out there is only part of the suicide prevention work taking place but it’s an important first step to ensure that there is more awareness of the support that is available.” The booklets will also be given out to people who take part in suicide awareness events and training which regularly take place in East Belfast.

See www.ebcda.org for upcoming events.

EAST BELFAST BUSINESSES PLEDGE THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE ULSTER GRAND PRIX

RAPID TRANSIT SYSTEM NEW BUS LANE IN OPERATION The Upper Newtownards Road bus lane, which will run between Sandown and the Knock Road, part of the Belfast Rapid Transport project will run in both directions and is due to come into operation on August 10. A mobile camera will be deployed, and motorists caught driving in the lane risk a fine of up to £90.

LOCAL COMMUNITY SUPPORT

www.ulstergrandprix.net @UlsterGrandPrix on Twitter and find THEM on Facebook.

T EAST BELFAST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE COMPANY DOODLEBUGS FINALISTS IN NI4KIDS AWARDS

LOCAL COMPANY STRIDEs INTO THE FINALS AMIDST STIFF COMPETITION

elfast based Social Enterprise Doodlebugs Creative Workshops beat off huge competition to be finalists in the NI4Kids Awards ‘Family Friendly Business of the Year’ category. The NI4Kids judging panel said Doodlebugs strive to engage every participant and to highlight their potential and individuality, strengthening their self-confidence. Family values are at the core of what they do. Claire Morrow from Belfast enthused, ‘It can get the whole family involved and bring out the creative side of everyone’. Courtney Rush agreed stating ‘I would highly recommend them for being professional and friendly with a clear love of the arts’. Yvonne Smyth from Ballymena says, ‘not just fun but also educational and Edel McGeehan wrote, ‘they really understand the needs of families’. Doodlebugs Co-Founder Tara Mullan said ‘we would like to thank those who nominated Doodlebugs for the award and also our amazing staff and dedicated board members that help make a difference in many lives across Ireland’. Remember Doodlebugs next time you are seeking out a unique family friendly experience that comes right to your door. ‘For care homes, weddings, parties and barmitzfas. We have a workshop that will always fit yas’ – Jeanette Rankin (Co-Founder)

TEL : 07871925093 | doodlebugsworkshops.co.uk info@doodlebugsworkshops.co.uk Twitter: @DoodlebugsTM

he Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix has confirmed a stellar sponsor line up for this year’s event which will take place at the world famous Dundrod Circuit in August. A number of East Belfast businesses are among those pledging their support for the race this year including Totalis Solutions who will sponsor the Dundrod 150 Challenge race and Belfast Honda Motorcycles who is set to sponsor the Dundrod 150 Ultraweight/Lightweight race that will take place on Thursday 6th August. President of the Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club, James Courtney said: “We are delighted to have the support of so many local companies, without whom the race wouldn’t be what it is today. The Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix has become an important part of Northern Ireland’s culture and brings a significant amount of tourism and business to our local economy. It is only through continued investment and reinvestment from our sponsors that we have been able to build upon the race year-on-year. We’ve been working hard to improve the fan experience at Dundrod and

(back row, l-r): Noel Johnston, Clerk of the Course at the Metzeler Ulster Grand Prix and Stephen Snoddy, Totalis Solutions. Front row (lr): Racers Michael Dunlop, Seamus Elliott, Sarah Boyes, Dean Harrison and Glenn Irwin. this year we believe we’ve taken it to another level. We intend to have the biggest and best Bike Week yet with improved camping facilities, bigger grandstands and a full line up of topclass entertainment to keep everyone entertained throughout the week. None of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the backing of private sponsors like Totalis Solutions and Belfast Honda Motorcycles. The Dundrod & District Motorcycle Club is extremely grateful for the incredible loyalty and support they have each shown us over the years.”

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS BUILDING COMMUNITies

GROWING A COMMUNITY AT LINEN GARDENS People living at Clanmil Housing’s Linen Court and Gardens in East Belfast have recently joined together to set up a residents’ association with the aim of building a strong sense of community in their area.

Katelyn (2) lends a hand to Clanmil’s Community Cohesion Officer, Philip and Womens Tec representative Kelli, in the new community garden at Linen Court and Gardens in East Belfast.

employability programmes offered by Women’s Tec. Robin Stewart, who lives at Linen Gardens feels the project has already had a really positive impact on the area. He said; “Communities just don’t happen. It’s not just enough to build houses, you need to build communities as well. We can see that Clanmil are investing in our space with all of the great work that’s gone on. It’s been so nice to see everyone coming together to help make our area a great place to live.” Philip Whyte, Clanmil’s Community Cohesion Officer supported the tenants throughout the process and, along with other Clanmil staff volunteers, worked alongside them and Women’sTec to

he group is working closely with Clanmil and one of their first projects has been the creation of a community garden at their development. Working with Women’sTec, a charity that provides training for women in non-traditional skills throughout Northern Ireland, Linen Court and Garden residents used new skills including gardening, painting and woodwork to turn an unused plot of ground into a community garden that all of the neighbours can enjoy. The project encouraged the tenants to come together, engage with each other in a fun and positive way and really get to know each other. Through the project, the tenants also learned new skills and got the chance to sample the

Calling all Belfast Second World War veterans A call is going out to find WW II veterans from Belfast who will be VIP guests at a civic lunch in City Hall. The special event planned for 2 September will mark the 70th anniversary of the ending of the Second World War. Belfast veterans – or relatives and friends acting on their behalf are being urged to contact Belfast City Council with their name, contact details and a brief outline of their wartime service. Although VJ Day will be marked on 15 August with a national commemoration in London, Belfast City Council in consultation with the Royal British Legion - agreed to delay commemorations here to allow key local veterans to be part of the London event. The date of 2 September was chosen for the Belfast Civic Lunch as it marks the signing of the surrender document which formalised the end of World War II. This signing took place on the deck of USS Missouri in Tokyo Bay. Belfast veterans who wish to be included on the City Hall guest list should contact lordmayorsoffice@ belfastcity.gov.uk or telephone 02890 270486

BELFAST CITY HALL now open 7 days a week Belfast City Hall is now open 7 days a week. An initial three month trial period is currently underway following a decision passed by Belfast City Council to throw open the doors of the city’s signature building every day. The aim is to create greater footfall in the city, as well as giving people the opportunity to access one of Belfast’s top tourist attractions at weekends as well as during the week. On weekdays the City Hall will continue to be open from 8.30am until 5pm, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am until 4pm. City Hall’s popular free public tours will run at 10am, 11am, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on week days. On Saturdays and Sundays they will run four times a day at 12 noon, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm. The Bobbin cafe on the ground floor of City Hall will also be open seven days a week.

KNOCKNAGONEY TEEN LANDS £2K SCIENCE PARK INTERNSHIP

build raised beds and plant out flowers, fruit and vegetables. He said; “At Clanmil we are committed to encouraging our tenants to get involved in their area and we are constantly looking for creative and innovative ways to boost engagement with our tenants. That’s how, together with the residents, we came up with the idea of cleaning up and transforming the shared courtyard at Linen Gardens into a fabulous garden! We are delighted to see so many of our tenants coming together as a group to help improve the community in which they live. We hope to see lots more projects just like this one taking place at our housing schemes throughout Northern Ireland in the coming months.”

THE APPLIANCE OF SCIENCE

Mason Robinson, a 15-year-old student at Ashfield Boys’ High School is working on a new type of pen drive, with software incorporated, so people do not lose important schoolwork or work documents. The Internship Prize Fund is a collaboration between the NI Science Park and two local entrepreneurs, Tom O’Gorman and Jim Finnegan

Mason Robinson with Holly Millar from the Northern Ireland Science Park

ach of the six finalists has been awarded a summer internship worth £2,000. In addition, the six teenage entrepreneurs have been assigned a mentor and will receive 8 weeks of business coaching, including marketing, finance, legal and pitch training. At the end of the summer, all six will pitch their business idea to a panel of judges with one teen securing an additional £10,000 prize and a year of mentoring to develop their business further. Mason said, “As the technology industry is growing, companies and schools are relying on tech for school work, assignments, spreadsheets and important documents. This will save a lot of hassle from having to repeat or catch up on work.” Dr Joanne Stuart, Director of Development at the Northern Ireland Science Park, said, “We were very impressed by all of the entrants and their innovations, not least because of their young age, but also because their ideas have the potential to become very viable and commercial companies and

products. The chosen six will now get the chance to develop their business further, with mentoring and guidance from our successful entrepreneurs in the Science Park network. It is this invaluable advice which will help them to challenge and ultimately refine their current business models.” Tom O’Gorman, one of NI’s most successful business investors, and Jim Finnegan, a key investor in local start-ups, both worked with the NI Science Park to develop the unique initiative. Tom said, “It was inspiring to listen to all of the pitches and it was a hard task to pick our final six, but we believe that we have selected a strong and diverse mix of business ideas, all with commercial potential. The opportunity for each of them to work alongside a mentor for the next 8 weeks will enable them to hone their ideas and business models and I am looking forward to see how they all develop over that period. All six are great role models to other aspiring young entrepreneurs.”

For more INFO on Generation Innovation | Facebook.com/geninnovators or Twitter @geninnovators

The PERFECT PARTNERSHIP

Local Museum Staff Raise Over £13,500 For Autism Ni

utism NI has been National Museums Northern Ireland’s chosen charity for the past two years during which time the organisation has raised awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder through a range of initiatives including a Children’s Art Exhibition and light shows during Autism Awareness month at the Ulster Museum. Morag Stuart of National Museums Northern Ireland said, “We’ve enjoyed working with Autism NI and, through various training sessions, our partnership has helped us further enhance visitor services for people on the autistic spectrum. We are delighted that our fundraising efforts have raised a significant amount for this

important charity.” A number of fundraising events were held by staff from all National Museums’ sites including a sponsored Mourne Walk, a Christmas Quiz, a ‘Wear Blue to Work Day’, Belfast Marathon relay team, a Holly Jolly Christmas Walk, a flag day in Bangor and various other initiatives such as cake sales and raffles. Rachel Gribben of Autism NI said, “We are very grateful to all the staff at National Museums Northern Ireland for this superb contribution to the work of Autism NI. It has been a pleasure to work with the team who, from the outset, were very committed to this charity partnership and to ensuring a wonderful museum experience for

Pictured with visitor guide Harry Hamilton in front of Portglenone’s old Northern Bank building at the Ulster Folk & Transport Museum are Morag Stuart from National Museums Northern Ireland (left) and Rachel Gribben from Autism NI. people with autism.” Autism is now the fastest growing disability in Europe and there are currently over 20,000 individuals affected by Autism within Northern Ireland. Autism NI Family Support offers support to parents/carers of newly diagnosed children as well as support to families who have

been living with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) for longer periods. Autism NI has a family support team who are committed to supporting all families with many issues and challenges they may face.

www.autismni.org www.nmni.com/uftm

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS

ORANGEFIELD PARK CELEBRATIONS

Highlights! STREET THEATRE

LIVE MUSIC There will be live music from Love Music Hate Racism, including an appearance from DJ Venus and Scream Blue Murmur, a ten-piece musical group playing a fusion of soul, reggae, jazz, dub and funk grooves. There will also be African drumming performed by local young people and a performance from Ashfield Girls’ High School Year 11 Music students. CRAFT WORKSHOPS Soar into summer with Redhead Thread’s flying craft workshop during this event. Kids will get creative and leave with a colourful masterpiece. Activities: Activities including a football tournament led by Bloomfield Football Club and a high ropes adventure course amongst many, many more! ACTIVITIES Activities including a football tournament led by Bloomfield Football Club and a high ropes adventure course amongst many, many more! Why not cycle to the event and get your bike security etched while you are there!

Orangefield Park Celebrations Back On The Connswater Community Greenway As Part Of This Year’s Eastside Arts Festival Come along to Orangefield Park, part of the Connswater Community Greenway to join in on the celebrations during a fun filled day for all the family. SAT 29th AUGUST 1-5PM Celebrations visit the website There will be wildlife, music, connswatergreenway.co.uk/ street theatre, tree carving, OrangefieldParkCelebrations reading, craft workshops, or telephone 9046 7925. The outdoor activities, an outdoor EastSide Arts Festival will run art gallery, bicycle security, from from 19th – 31st August. football, face painting and For info on other EastSide Art much, much more. For more Festival events visit information on other activities taking place at Orangefield Park www.eastsidearts.net

YOUR LOCAL TESCO PLAYING A ROLE IN THE COMMUNITY

Belfast parks just keep getting better - fifteen have now been awarded prestigious Green Flags, fourteen retaining the quality standard they also attained last year. Knocknagoney Park in east Belfast is the latest to achieve the environmental quality standard which besides management and aesthetics of parks also incorporates conservation and heritage, environmental sustainability, safety, community involvement and marketing. Parks which retained the Green Flags are Belfast Botanic Gardens; Barnett Demesne; Grove, Belmont; Cavehill Country Park; Dunville; Lagan Meadows; Musgrave; Ormeau; Falls; Roselawn Cemetery; Sir Thomas and Lady Dixon Park; Woodvale and Waterworks Park.

“

I am writing to introduce myself to you all. My name is Stephanie Boyd and I am the new Customer Experience Manager based in the Tesco Knocknagoney Extra store. I work alongside the stores local community champion Jean Cardy. Jean currently engages with 15 local schools including Mitchell House and Edgcumbe ATC. Alongside Tescos charity of the year (Diabetes and The British Heart Foundation) the store also has linked with over 42 charitable organisations. We have a purpose built community room in the store which we welcome local community groups to use, it is free of charge, can facilitate any age group, has full internet facilities along with tea and coffee making facilities. We continuously run ‘Farm to Fork Trails’ with local school children which teaches them where food actually comes from and how to eat a balanced diet, and, Tesco Knocknagoney are very privileged to be only 1 of 50 stores in the UK who are running ‘Lets Cook’ sessions over the coming weeks for children from the ages of 5-11 (see www.eathappyproject.com for further information). Our last Foodbank collection provided over 1096 meals to Knocknagoney locals, and I would like to take this opportunity of thanking Knocknagoney customers, your generosity helped those who’s unfortunate circumstances meant they were unable to provide for themselves and their families.Our latest initiative Food Cloud has also provided over 250 meals to our local charities in just 3 weeks. This may seem that we do an awful lot for our community; however, we feel that we can do more than this. Please ask either Jean or myself how we can support your local clubs, charity events, or anything else that is going on in the local community. We are particularly keen to become involved in any volunteering projects. If you have any suggestions or would like to arrange to meet with Jean or myself we can be reached by the following means: Email: stephanie.k.boyd@uk.tesco.com or knocknagoneyroad@communityattesco.co.uk | Tesco Knocknagoney, 2 Knocknagoney Road, Belfast, BT4 2PW | Tel : 07822 855196 | Or leave your details with our customer service desk and we will get back to you. Stephanie Boyd, Tesco Stores Limited, Knocknagoney Road Extra

“

HUGO COGSMITH presents ‘CHUK!’ Hugo arrives with the biggest suitcase in the business. So big in fact that it has wheels, handlebars and he’s driving it. Hugo likes to throw things… A LOT! Hugo’s finalé is a real thriller including a NEVER BEEN SEEN BEFORE trick and will have you on the edge of your seats. There will also be an appearance from the Arts Ekta Lion - a form of traditional dance in Chinese culture, in which performers mimic a lion’s movements in a lion costume. Not to be missed!

GET READY FOR A CYCLING REVOLUTION Ciclovía is set to arrive in Belfast. Already a worldwide phenomenon, Ciclovía is a health and community based initiative which closes a part of the City to traffic, on a given day, for a specific period of time, in which cyclists are given the opportunity to ride through the traffic free zone of the City. It is also an opportunity to create a mini festival environment which will attract and encourage people to come into the City centre, on their bikes, and enjoy the freedom of the City and sense of community. Ciclovía Belfast will take place on Sunday 4th October 2015 starting at 9am and finishing at 12.45pm. Starting at Botanic Gardens following a route along Botanic Avenue, Shaftesbury Square, Dublin Rd, Bedford St to the City Hall and then returning along the same route. This "freeway" will be open for the duration of the event. Both locations will also feature community, cultural and sporting events. Community representatives give the Lord Mayor Arder Carson a helping a helping hand to launch Ciclovía Belfast. For further details visit Ciclovía Belfast Facebook page. PICTURED: Little Sophie Watson and Finn McRoy give the Lord Mayor Arder Carson a helping a helping hand to launch Ciclovía Belfast. For further details visit Ciclovía Belfast Facebook page.

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS

We are giving one reader the chance to win an overnight stay for two at The Everglades Hotel in Derry courtesy of Hastings Hotels. Overlooking the River Foyle with views across to the hills of Donegal, this 4 star destination provides a bright and comfortable welcome to Derry~Londonderry, the heritage and cultural centre of the North West. Only five minutes drive from the historic and dynamic city centre, the Everglades is a ideally located for exploring and experiencing everything this city has to offer. Included in the prize is breakfast plus an evening meal with a bottle of house directors wine. www.hastingshotels.com

Competition!

NORTHERN IRELANDS 1ST ICE SKATING ACADEMY BREAKS ALL RECORDS IN ITS 1ST YEAR Amazing it may seem but this time last year seen the launch of Northern Ireland 1st ever Ice Skating Academy launched by Champion Ice Skater Dempsey Andrews. xceeding all expectations, to date there is now over 160 skaters registered at the Academy of all ages & abilities, astonishingly the youngest skater is only 2 years old! Boys, girls, young & old. Fitness, learning new skills, meeting new friends whilst having fun has always been the motto of the group who between them have now achieved over 1000 nationally recognized Ice Skating Certificates with some already on their way to National Ice Skating Association UK awards & certificates. Special gratitude must go to their outstanding young coach Dempsey Andrews who herself starting skating at a young age winning 25 UK podium positions along the way including 16 UK consecutive Gold medals not forgetting Dempsey was also Northern Ireland Ambassador to carry the 2012 Olympic Torch. Asda Dundonald made a generous contribution of £200 towards the Academy fund. To celebrate the 1st year anniversary

the Academy has just held their 1st Academy Awards Ceremony at Dundonald International Ice Bowl in which seen children getting the opportunity to achieve their first medals, trophies & awards standing proud on the podium for the first time. Dempsey comments “ It’s just amazing to see so many new people getting involved in skating, this is a unique sport which takes a lot of hard work & determination in which I have seen in all of them over a short period of time. I’m so excited as to what the future holds for them, I’m personally living my dream teaching the sport I fell in love with since the age of five. It is now my ambition to help these children live their dreams and open up as many opportunities possible for them.” Dempsey can be contacted at Dundonald International Ice Bowl or through the Dempsey Andrews Ice Skating Academy Facebook page. Pictures above the show awards ceremony. Photos by George Hunter Town House Gallery

To enter all you have to do is like our Facebook page : Loop Publications, then comment on the competition post with “EVERGLADES!” and that’s you entered and in with a chance... GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!

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EAST BELFAST GROUP IN GRANT WINDFALL FROM AWARDS FOR ALL

Children with physical or learning disabilities in east Belfast are benefitting from an Awards for All grant from the Big Lottery Fund. Friends of Mitchell House received an £8,400 grant from the Awards for All programme. They are among 92 groups across Northern Ireland who are sharing in a total grants windfall of £750,350. Awards for All offers community, voluntary and statutory groups the chance to apply for small grants of between £500 and £10,000 that will have a big impact on local communities and the lives of people most in need. Friends Of Mitchell House is an organisation that fundraises for a range of activities for Mitchell House, a co-educational special school in east Belfast for children with physical or learning disabilities. They are using the £8,400 grant to provide a programme of music therapy for pupils. Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s NI Awards for All programme funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities. The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www. biglotteryfund.org.uk. For more details call us on 028 9055 1455, or e-mail us at enquiries. ni@biglotteryfund.org.uk

• COMPETITION CLOSES 31/8/15

Mayor Visits Dundonald Credit Union The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett was delighted to visit Dundonald Credit Union and celebrate its service to the Dundonald and Ballybeen communities for 20 years. This local credit union started in a community centre in Ballybeen in 1995 with 12 members. Today is has 2,000 members and is now located in its own premises in Dundonald Village. It was delighted to recently receive the Investors in People accreditation. The Mayor, speaking about this valuable local resource, said: “I am delighted that this long established institution provides a valuable service to the whole community and it makes a very important contribution to the social economy of the Council area in a sustainable manner. Its ethos of encouraging prudent borrowing for big-purchase items, emergencies or educational needs by developing a regular habit for savings is key to its success. Through such practices, its members build economic security for themselves and their families, which is particularly valuable in the current economic climate as it undergoes a slow recovery phase.”

Dundonald Sea Cadets Scoop Charity Award PICTURED: Lloyds Bank Foundation NI Executive Director Sandara Kelso-Robb (left) congratulates April Dalzell from Dundonald Sea Cadets which won the Against the Odds category at the first ever Lloyds Bank Foundation Charity Achievement Awards for NI at Malone House in Belfast.

charity that has saved the lives of more than 2,500 people, a second making a difference to lives of people with Autism and another that has forged partnerships with major supermarkets to donate food to the homeless – just three of the Northern Ireland winners of the first ever Lloyds Bank Foundation Charity Achievement Awards. Six of Northern Ireland’s winning charities will go on to compete in London for Charity of the Year in October. Winning the Against The Odds category: Dundonald Sea Cadets In 2011 this group, which aims to support young people towards responsible adulthood, faced closure. With just £82 in the bank, Hector Wanliss, a retired naval Commanding Officer came on board. He got a team together to revive the unit, and managed to turn the charity around. Lloyds Bank Foundation was one of the first grants they received, giving them the boost they needed and now have a turnover of £50,000 and £40,000 in assets. . The six Northern Ireland winners will now face competition from their counterparts in England, Wales and the Channel Islands at a prestigious awards ceremony at Banking Hall, the historic London Headquarters of Lloyds Bank.

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS

Win A Day At Magical Mela This year’s Festival will be as varied and vibrant as ever combining cutting edge international performers from around the world with local performers and artists. A new edition to this year’s event is ‘Baby Bollywood’ an exciting sensory experience designed for families with babies, toddlers and young children. Staged across Botanic Gardens audiences will be treated to a blend of music, dance, carnival, fashion, food, street theatre and artistry from all corners of the world. The multi award winning festival has firmly established itself as one of Northern Ireland’s flagship home grown tourism events.

Competition! TO ENTER

Loop Publications in association with ArtsEkta are offering you the chance to win one of 5 Family Passes (2 adult & 2 children U16) to the 9th annual Mela Festival in association with Turkish Airlines on Sunday 30th August 2015 12noon-6pm, Botanic Gardens, Belfast. • Usual Loop Magazine terms and conditions apply. There is no prize or cash alternative. The venue’s capacity is limited and admission must be at the organiser’s discretion.

To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question Q. What is the date of this year’s Belfast Mela Festival?

GOOD LUCK!

SEND YOUR INFO & ANSWER TO INFO@LOOPMAG.NET OR Loop Publications PO Box 2145 Belfast BT5 9EZ CLOSING DATE TUESDAY 25TH AUGUST 2015.

Lyttle welcomes EastSide Arts Festival launch Alliance MLA Chris Lyttle has welcomed the launch of a major community festival which will see local legend Van Morrison play special homecoming concerts. The EastSide Arts Festival will see a wide range of events, including music, film, talks, workshops and exhibitions, take place at various locations throughout East Belfast. It will culminate in ‘Van the Man’ playing two gigs on Cyprus Avenue, the local street made famous worldwide through Morrison’s song. East Belfast MLA Mr Lyttle said the EastSide Arts Festival was a perfect opportunity to put the area on the map in a positive way. “This is now the fourth annual festival and it is clearly going from strength to strength, which can be seen in the number and diversity of events. There really is something for everyone, with celebrations of artists from East Belfast and the welcoming of others to the area. The East Belfast Partnership deserves a lot of praise for their work in setting up this festival, which shows there is a thriving and vibrant arts scene in East Belfast. Such events help foster community relations and enable us to use our shared spaces in a positive way.”

MAKE A PIONEERING MOVE THIS AUTUMN! The surname WATSON has been a part of Belfast estate agency since W.J. Watson began collecting rents throughout the city back in in 1889

fter five continuous generations in business, the Watson family are again at the forefront in developing a fresh and user friendly approach to property sales, rentals and management throughout the Belfast, North Down and South Antrim region. Our new packages are specifically designed to combine the huge cost savings of the big online estate agencies, along with the benefit of extensive local knowledge and marketing experience. Generous opening hours extend to include evening opening until 7pm Monday to Saturday, and we are open between 1pm and 4pm on Sundays (these flexible hours are very popular with the public). We only use professional wide angle photographs to show off your property at its’ very best; we will produce a floorplan of your sales property; our property management service includes regular property inspections and tenancy agreement renewals at no extra cost; and we do not add VAT to our fees. WATSON PROPERTY believe in going the extra mile for our clients in terms of customer service, the quality of our marketing material, and the results we seek to achieve. T: 028 9050 2845 or visit watson1889.com

A RUBBISH IDEA

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has signed up to the Bin-Ovation App, which is revolutionising how residents receive information on the Council’s recycling services The free App is available for download on Smart Phones and tablets and is being launched by the Council to assist householders with their recycling. The App provides information on how to Reduce, Re-use and Recycle household waste, with users being able to get directions to their nearest recycling centre or bring site, in addition to receiving Push Notifications to their device regarding handy tips. bin-ovation.com or alternatively search App Store or Google Play.

LOCAL COMMUNITY COMES TOGETHER “My mummy passed away on 30/8/14. Jannette Brown. She had a massive stroke which caused a brain haemorrhage. She was rushed to hospital and passed away in ICU at The Royal. She was 47 years of age. We ran a charity function in Harland and Wolff Welders social club where we had an auction and raffle and overall raised £1,650. We would like to thank all family and friends who supported us. Kerrie and Kirk presented a cheque to nurse Judith Burns at the RVH ICU on 9th July. Would like a special thank you to nurse Judith who helped my mummy at the end and was so kind and thoughtful to us and all the family. The REVIVE charity deserves all the help they can get as they dont get the recognition they deserve.” Many thanks from Kerrie, Kirk and family. <<<< Mr Andrew Neale and his team from James Brown and Sons Funeral Directors, recently completed some gardening work for Strathearn Court Care Home as part of a community work initiative. Home Manager Ruth Murphy said that the residents and staff are delighted with the results, particularly as the residents will be able to enjoy the garden in the summer months.

Belfast Chamber of Trade & Commerce has awarded, the events team at Belfast City Council with a highly coveted President’s Recognition Award. The award, which for the first time has gone to the public sector, is for excellence in driving footfall into the city. The ten-strong events team headed up by Gerry Copeland, City Events Manager has been recognised for their ongoing dedication and brilliance at showcasing Belfast to its best ability and putting the city on the global map.

Biggest ever TechXplore set to ‘tech’ Belfast forward Global experts from the digital technology industry will be in Belfast in September for TechXplore - supported by Belfast City Council. In its third year, attendees to the event on September 3 will have a chance to meet the speakers specialising in digital start-ups and music, media and health tech businesses as well as investors and take part in tailored workshops. The day will be rounded off by Northern Ireland’s first ever dedicated TechCabaret - full of comedy, tweets and quizzes. Speakers confirmed for TechXplore include leading music industry figure and investor Jon Vanhala, US publishing expert Amanda Hale, Storyful Managing Editor Áine Kerr and digital music guru Bill Campbell. This will be Bill and Amanda’s first visit to Belfast. A range of local firms and participants will also be speaking and TechXplore favourite and BBC The Apprentice Tweeter David Levin will also be dropping in. The event will be compered by BBC journalist Declan Lawn. Carl Whyte, TechXplore organizer and partner at MW Advocate, said: “TechXplore is now Belfast’s largest home-grown technology event and this year offers an unmatched number of speakers and events including multiple opportunities to meet industry experts and investors. 2015’s event also includes Belfast’s first ever TechCabaret showcasing a tech take on traditional Belfast comedy and music.“This has the sole aim of helping and inspiring people across Belfast, the UK and Ireland to bring their tech ideas to the world. We’ve developed an exciting and affordable day and event which anyone with an interest in technology can afford to attend,” he added.global expertise.” Full details of the programme www.techxplore.co where tickets can also be purchased.

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | NEWS

Competition!

WIN A FAMILY TICKET TO MEET THE ROBOTS @ TITANIC BELFAST Iron Man, R2-D2 and T-800 from Terminator are just a few of the robots, cyborgs and android stars of the big and small screen that are set to take centre stage at Titanic Belfast’s ROBOTS exhibition from 26th June – 13th September.

TO ENTER

To celebrate the launch, Titanic Belfast and the Loop, is offering a lucky reader the chance to win a family ticket to the world of robots! • Standard LOOP T&Cs apply. Tickets are for 2 adults and 2 children. Prize is non-transferable. Subject to availability. No cash alternative. Entrants must be aged 18 or over.

To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question . . . T h e y ’ r e

GOOD LUCK!

Victoria Primary School Children enjoy the view at ‘Windows on Wildlife’ Centre

Q. When did the robots arrive at Titanic Belfast?

C o m i n g

SEND YOUR INFO AND ANSWER TO INFO@LOOPMAG.NET OR Loop Publications PO Box 2145 Belfast BT5 9EZ CLOSING DATE WEDNESDAY 31 ST AUGUST 2015.

WONDERFUL WILDLIFE WATCHERS

The George Best City Airport Community Fund has facilitated a visit to the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) ‘Window on Wildlife’ Reserve in east Belfast for pupils from its adopted schools. Victoria Park School pupils, Zoe Hannah and Tianna Briggs, were joined by Laura Duggan, Environmental Manager at Belfast City Airport and Pamela Thomlinson of the RSPB, as they learned the importance of protecting and supporting the wildlife within their local environment whilst identifying some of the bird species that can be spotted from the reserve.

Photographer: Declan Roughan Press Eye

CHARITY CHAMPIONS! Stephen Blake-Knox from ‘Sports Academy, George’ (centre) alongside Gary Keenan, volunteer with ‘CLIC Sergreant (left middle), pupils Evie Cullen, Glenn McCreery and Dan Whitcroft, as well as Charity Co-ordinator Ms. Lorraine Gray (far left) and Principal Dr. Frances Vasey following the School’s end-of-term assembly on Tuesday 30th June

Ashfield Girls DI SCOV ER I N G HEAN EY COU N T RY

ecently Year 11 GCSE English Literature students from Ashfield Girls’ journeyed north to spend the day in the villages of Castledawson and Bellaghy, and surrounding townlands, as part of their poetry module on the work of Seamus Heaney. Under the direction of local guide and Heaney expert, Mr Eugene Kielt, the students were

able to explore the landscape that inspired many of the poems studied in class. Visits to the locations that hold special significance in Heaney’s writing brought his poetry to life giving pupils a greater sense of the Nobel Laureate’s background, the rural community in which he grew up and his affinity to nature. With regular stops for recitations

AHOY PIRATE TODDLERS! Toddlers from Barnardo’s NI Tullycarnet Mother and Toddler group and Bubbles Creche based at Tullycarnet Primary School in East Belfast recently took part in a pirate themed Big Toddle in aid of the children’s charity. Over thirty swashbuckling pirates toddled from Tullycarnet Primary School to Tullycarnet Presbyterian Church and raised over £200. It is the tenth year Barnardo’s Tullycarnet Project have held a Big Toddle which is the biggest fundraising event for under five year olds across the UK.

and readings, Mr Kielt entertained the students with personal stories and anecdotes as they toured the countryside, ticking off many of the literary landscapes immortalised in Heaney’s poetry such as Mossbawn, Anahorish, Broagh, the Moyola River and Lough Beg. The memory of the remarkable 95 year old Barney Devlin hammering the anvil in his father’s forge will never be forgotten nor will the lively lunch-stop at McGrogan’s farm amidst goats, horses, chicks and ducklings. A visit to Heaney’s grave and the Heaney Library in Bellaghy Bawn brought the tour to a poignant end and left the group with an understanding of Heaney’s legacy to the world of literature. Ashfield students and staff are extremely grateful to Mr Kielt of Laurel Villa, Magherafelt, for sharing his wealth of knowledge and passion for Heaney’s poetry and also to local estate agent John Minnis for generously sponsoring the trip.

ongratulations to the generous pupils of Grosvenor Grammar School who have raised an incredible £11796.26 for charity throughout the academic year 2014/2015. Driven by the endeavours of the School’s Sixth Form Management Committee, directed by Charity Coordinator Ms. Lorrane Gray, the pupils have raised this incredible total following a number of initiatives throughout the year. Having raised just over £5000 in the first term, up to Christmas, each year group within the school has subsequently added the following sums thanks to further charity collections between January and May: Form One - £3000 for ‘PIPS’ (Suicide Prevention); Form Two - £200 for the ‘Down’s Syndrome Association’; Form Three - £350 for the ‘Alzheimer’s Association’; Form Four - £500 for ‘CLIC Sargent’; Form Five - £100 for ‘Guide Dogs for the Blind’; Lower Sixth - £300 for the ‘Children’s Heartbeat Trust’ and Upper Sixth - £250 for ‘Love146’ (Child Trafficking and Exploitation). In addition further totals have been raised following whole-school events staged throughout the year, such as the £2250 raised following the School’s

‘Stand Up to Cancer’ day on Friday 17th October, which featured six members of staff, including then Principal Mr Robin McLoughlin, participating in a highly popular ‘Ice Bucket Challenge’. So too March saw the school stage a non-uniform and film day that reaped an impressive £1777.20 in aid of ‘Habitat for Humanity’. The school’s final charity total for 2014/2015 was announced by Ms. Gray at its end-of-term assembly on Tuesday 30th June, where she presented Principal Dr. Frances Vasey with a cheque for the total amount raised during the year. In addition Gary Keenan, long-time volunteer with ‘CLIC Sargent’, was present to receive a cheque for £400 on behalf of the charity, while Stephen Blake-Knox was also presented with a cheque, this time for £1000, on behalf of ‘Sports Academy, George’ – a non-profit ministry based in George, South Africa. Congratulations to all who have contributed to Grosvenor’s incredibly successful charity related ventures throughout 2014/2015 and we look forward to many further charities benefiting from the generosity of its pupils over the forthcoming academic year.

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FESTIVALS

CINEMA

THEATRE

KIDS CLUBS

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

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

Local Thespians take to the stage in this months productions

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

Aug EVENTS 2015

ETC

GLOBAL CELEBRATION The cultures of the world will come together in colourful, noisy, fun-filled collaboration and celebration in Belfast’s Botanic Gardens on Sunday 30 August when the city hosts its 9th Belfast Mela in association with Turkish Airlines.

Stay tuned as we have the latest line ups and goings on in and around East Belfast and the city centre each and every month from festivals to music to film to crafty bits and bobs. Here goes!

BELFAST MELA Titanic Taster Tour Photograph Sat 22 Aug 10am - 1pm Become a Titanic inspired photographer for the day, learning tips & techniques, while exploring Titanic Quarter’s Maritime heritage. Stops include an exclusive opp to go inside the H&W Drawing Offices finishing at Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House. Our friends from the Wee Tram will also collect you from the Drawing Offices and take you on a tram ride in carriages inspired by the tramcars that ran through Titanic’s shipyard. Includes Lunch (please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements.) There will be short distances to walk between the various stop. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Parking (pay & display) is available opposite the Drawing Offices Price £20pp booking details facebook.com/tqeventsbelfast 02890 730490

Titanic Taster Tour Photograph Sat 22 Aug 2Pm - 5pm Become a Titanic inspired photographer for the day, learning tips & techniques, while exploring Titanic Quarter’s Maritime heritage. Stops include Titanic’s Dock & Pump-House, an exclusive opportunity to venture inside the H&W Drawing Offices finishing off on the Hamilton’s dock next to Titanic’s little sister SS Nomadic. Our friends from the Wee Tram will also collect you from the pumphouse and take you on a tram ride in carriages inspired by the tramcars that ran through Titanic’s shipyard. Meeting at 2pm for a 2.30pm start on arrival tea, coffee and tray bakes will be served. There will be short distances to walk between the various stop. Please wear comfortable shoes and dress for the NI weather. Please note that we will be starting at the pumphouse and finishing at the Drawing Offices. It is recommended parking in the car park opposite the Drawing Offices and walking up.. It’s only a 10 mins on foot.. £20pp and booking details facebook.com/tqeventsbelfast 02890 730490

ALL ROADS LEAD TO BELFAST MELA SUN 30th Aug More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the annual extravaganza, stepping into a freshly created world of diversity where the sights, sounds, smells and cuisine from around the globe come to life for one amazing day. Tibetan tradition, Bulgarian dance, Andalucian flamenco, African drumming, Afro-Caribbean funk and reggae, Punjabi folk, Chinese lion dancing, Irish trad … a garden of flowers, magically come to life; an international souk and Little Bollywood for the tiny tots …there’s a whole world of entertainment for the whole family. Belfast Mela will run in Botanic Gardens, Belfast from 12noon – 6pm on Sunday 30th August 2015 Full programme details are available on line. On the day tickets are £5 for Adults, £4 for Concessions or £15 for Families. Avoid queues and secure discounts by booking online at www.belfastmela.com, with tickets priced at £4 for Adults, £3 for Concessions and £12 for Families. Booking fee of £1 per web transaction. Admission subject to capacity.

LOCAL TOURS You don’t have to be a tourist to soak up the history of the city

Extra Extra! Boyd’s Shop Reopens for Business Knock Drama are delighted to announce their forthcoming performance of “Boyd’s Shop” as part of the forthcoming East Belfast Arts Festival in August. Step back in time to rural Donaghmore, and enter a world of gossip, love rivalry and a good old village feud, celebrating the work of East Belfast playwright St John Ervine. The performance on the Saturday night will be complemented by a short preshow talk by Professor Norman Vance on the life, times and works of St John Ervine. There is also a talk by Professor Vance at Belmont Tower at 2.30pm on the Saturday for those wanting to know more on the playwright. Starring the original cast from last April, performances of “Boyd’s Shop” will take place at 7.30pm on Friday 28th August and Saturday 29th August 2015 in the Elliott Hall, Knock Presbyterian Church. Tickets for Boyd’s Shop are £8 and can be booked online at www.eastsidearts.net, through Visit Belfast Welcome Centre or at the door on the night, so if you missed it the last time round, now is your chance! Knock Drama is an all age, all ability drama group. They stage one pantomime (oh yes they do!) and two productions a year. Anyone interested in getting involved (either onstage or off) find out more at www.knockdrama.wordpress.com

SUMMER/AUTUMN AT THE STRAND 152-154 Holywood Road | Belfast | 028 9065 5830 | strandartscentre.com

MONSTROUSLY ENTERTAINING MUSICAL STARTS REHEARSALS AT STRAND

SUMMER WORKSHOPS There’s barely a weekend this summer without at least several creative workshops on offer at the Strand. Young people can learn new skills while having fun with a Bricks for Kidz workshop linked to the new Pixels movie that provides an extraordinary atmosphere for children to build unique creations, play games, and have loads of fun using LEGO® Bricks. And there is also a monthly animation workshop with a theme linking to a new movie release (eg) a superhero workshop before a screening of Fantastic Four. These two- hour creative media workshops will cover a variety of animation techniques.

New Releases & Classic Screenings In addition to live events and workshops, the Strand continues to operate three cinema screens on a daily basis with a mix of popular new film releases and classics. The criminally good classics season concludes with Coen Brothers’ crime thriller Fargo on 21 and 27 August. Tickets are a steal at just £3.50. Summer blockbusters include AntMan, Inside Out, Terminator Genisys, Jurassic World, Fantastic Four and The Man from U.N.C.L.E. The Strand has a loyal family audience and has

regular weekend and holiday matinees and, in a throwback to the cinema’s heyday, it has revived the Saturday Morning Minors’ Club. And if that starts to make you feel nostalgic, then book yourself onto the Strand Heritage Tour. Expert projectionist and film enthusiast Alan McClurg will take you around the nooks and crannies of this art deco gem and talk about the history of the Strand and Belfast cinemas.

FESTIVAL TIME Strand Arts Centre will be one of the main venues for the Eastside Arts Festival in August with an exciting lineup of music, theatre, film, poetry and readings, including Glenn Patterson, Soak, Duke Special, Stuart Bailie, Brian Keenan, Wireless Mystery Theatre, Alice McCullough, Sam and Joan McCready. There really is something for everyone at the Strand Arts Centre this summer/autumn. And with special ticket and meal deals with both Park Avenue Hotel and Bank, you really should treat yourself to a tasty slice of movie heaven in East Belfast! For full programme and workshop information, visit www.strandartscentre.com.

30 budding performers will get their moment in the spotlight this summer as NiStars and Strand Arts Centre present an amateur youth production of hit musical Little Shop of Horrors on 23rd and 24th August. Little Shop of Horrors is a monstrously entertaining musical about a weedy florist shop worker who becomes an overnight celebrity when he inadvertently raises an unusually strange and interesting plant that saves the shop from closure. But it appears that his star attraction has an insatiable thirst… for human flesh and blood! The stage show is based on the low-budget black comedy directed by Roger Corman. The music is in the style of early 1960s rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown with a score by composer Alan Menken and lyricist Howard Ashman, multi-Oscar winners for their collaborations on The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast. Ande Gray, director of Little Shop of Horrors, said: “This is a wonderful opportunity for young people aged 12 to 20 to develop their musical theatre abilities, and to perform on the stage of Northern Ireland’s oldest cinema and newest arts centre. In addition to our weekly performing arts classes, this summer musical gives NiStars the chance to show just what amazingly talented young people we have, and it’s a brilliantly entertaining musical for audiences at the Strand Arts Centre.” Strand Arts Centre Chief Executive Mimi Turtle said: “This is exactly the kind of exciting youth project that we love to see at Strand Arts Centre. We’re not just the pictures anymore but, thanks to funding from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, we now host regular live theatre and music events, creative workshops and performing arts classes. After three weeks of training, NiStars will have taken dozens of young people on a journey that will see them gel as a team, develop their confidence and their musical theatre talents, culminating in two public performances of this fantastic musical.” Tickets are available online at www.strandartscentre.com, in person at the Strand, or by phoning (028) 9065 5830.

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | HEALTH

SLIMMING WORLD

ELEANOR IS A PEARLY QUEEN!

Eleanor with Slimming Worlds founder Margaret Miles Bramwell A weight-loss expert from Comber has won an award for the exceptional work she does in the community in helping dozens of people to lose weight at her local group every week.

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leanor who runs the Comber Rifle Club Slimming World groups every Thursday has been awarded ‘Pearl’ status by the national slimming club because of her success in supporting slimmers to reach their dream weight and in recognition of the super service s/he provides to those members. The accolade is given to Slimming World Consultants who consistently have at least 40 members in their group over several months, and when the service they provide is so good that members come back week after week because they’re losing weight beautifully and wouldn’t miss their weekly group for anything. It represents the highest level of service in slimming and means Comber is home to one of the best Slimming World Consultants in the UK. Eleanor says: “I am delighted to have received the ‘Pearl’ award. I absolutely love my job and I think this is a wonderful award to receive. Pearls are something beautiful hidden inside an outer shell so it’s a wonderful metaphor for what we do at Slimming World, we

help people to shed the misery of excess weight so that they can discover the real them inside and become the person that they always dreamed of being. It’s not just about looking different though, it’s about feeling happier, healthier and more confident too. Seeing that transformation in people is what I love most about my job and I’m passionate about helping and supporting my members to change their lives by losing weight. I’m the face of the Comber Slimming World group, but I’ll be sharing this award with its members. They’re the ones who make the group the success it is, with their fabulous commitment, the wonderful support they give each other every week, and, obviously, their impressive weight losses while following Slimming World’s Food Optimising eating plan. They make the group a fun, buzzy place to be and I can safely say I always look forward to going to work. The Comber group has really put healthy weight loss on the map in the area. But it has made me more aware that there is an increasing

demand for Slimming World groups in every town to ensure our members get an exceptional service from us. And for this reason, I am absolutely delighted to relaunch the Dundonald Ice Bowl group on the new Wednesday evening. There has been requests for the group, so I am so delighted to be opening this as I grew up in the area and a lot of my friends still live there and often contact me to ask when a Wednesday group will be available, so I am so excited now to be introducing it into the community.” To join the Dundonald group, which is held every Wednesday at 7.30pm at Dundonald International Ice Bowl, either pop along or give Eleanor a call on 07891 609161. Or, if a Thursday group suits you better, just pop along to the Comber group at Comber Rifle Club, 17 Railway Street, every Thursday at 9.30 and 11.30 am and 5.30 or 7.30pm. A very special offer is on at the minute, 5 members join together and all get Free membership, paying only the weekly fee of £4.95 (£4.65 concession)

LOCAL CHARITY WARNS PEOPLE AGAINST HEART ATTACK COMPLACENCY According to a snap poll by a local health charity, six out of 10 people wouldn’t drive to hospital or call an ambulance if they had chest pain or other symptoms of a heart attack.

Northern Ireland Chest Heart & Stroke is warning that fast action is crucial and has launched its STOP campaign in an effort to save lives. STOP is an acronym for: S - Something’s not right – symptoms can start slowly T - Tightness or pain in the chest, pain in the arm, neck or jaw O - Other symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea or sweating P - Phone 999 immediately – the ambulance crew will do an ECG. Fidelma Carter, Public Health Director at NI Chest Heart & Stroke, said: “There’s no time to waste when chest pain strikes. Every minute that passes can mean the difference between life and death. Heart attack survival rates can be improved by as much as 50% if people access treatment within one hour of the onset of symptoms. We need to get that message out across Northern Ireland.” Gillian Parker, Communications and Marketing Manager for the charity continued, “While working on this campaign I have met a number of people and families across Northern Ireland that have been impacted by heart attack. Some people have made an excellent recovery, with a new lease of life. But I have also seen the devastation caused to families when the person sadly passes away. It’s very upsetting to see. Everyone should make themselves aware of these symptoms and watch out for them in themselves and in those they love.” For more information, go to www.nichs.org.uk/stop

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Thirty Amazons go Tribal and get ‘pretty Tough’ for Cancer Fund for Children A team of 30 determined and dauntless women will take on a unique 30-day charity fitness challenge this autumn Could you be one of them?

ancer Fund for Children, the leading NI charity for children and young people living with cancer is calling on women aged 18 and over to sign up to pretty TOUGH. It will take place in the greater Belfast area and will involve indoor and outdoor activities catering to all fitness levels which will run from September 21st to October 20th, 2015. Led by Bangor-based Tribal Fitness, the challenge is just the excuse to get outdoors, get fit and have some fun. Locations include Ashfield School in Belfast, the Ozone at Ormeau Park and Seapark in Holywood. Activities include circuits, bootcamp drills, team games and relays as well as relaxation. At the same time participants will be raising vital funds for Cancer Fund for Children, a charity dedicated to ensuring families don’t have to face cancer alone through its unique offer of practical, emotional and financial support services as well as free therapeutic short breaks to families across the island of Ireland. Cancer Fund for Children service user and NI 4 Kids magazine’s Mum of the Year -Tracey McGeehan is getting behind the pretty TOUGH recruitment campaign. She organised similar events in her home county of Tyrone recently which raised over £40k. She decided to support the charity’s work after receiving help when her little girl Cassie was diagnosed with a brain tumour in 2010 aged just 18 months. Tracey said: “Events like pretty TOUGH are a perfect way of getting out there and getting fit. This challenge will also raise funds for a charity that really helped my family through such a difficult time by offering us a free short break at its therapeutic facility Daisy Lodge in Newcastle which allowed us to escape the pressures of hospital visits and treatment.” Cancer Fund for Children’s CEO Gillian Creevy said: “By taking part in pretty TOUGH your support will be helping families affected by cancer get through the “toughest time of their lives”. Every week in Northern Ireland another three children, teenagers and young adults are diagnosed with cancer. We rely on donations and goodwill from the public. Funds raised will enable our team of experienced specialists to help even more families cope with the impact cancer has on their lives The registration fee for pretty TOUGH is £70. Minimum sponsorship is £300. A full timetable will be provided upon registration. For more information or to register log on to cancerfundforchildren. com, call 028 9080 5599 or email alex@cancerfundforchildren.com.

EYE CARE - YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

Rosemary McWatters BACK TO SCHOOL With so many things to think about before children return to school in September, one thing that can be neglected is an eye test. Poor eyesight can make a big difference to your children’s ability to learn, and it may also affect their behaviour – yet it often goes unrecognised by teachers, parents and even by children themselves. Children may not be aware or may not be able to explain the kind of problems they are having with their eyesight and - as a parent - you may not notice them either. Instead of waiting to see if there is a problem, a regular eye test is the best approach, just like going to the dentist. The earlier any vision problems are picked up, the better the outcome. Toddlers and young children do not even need to be able to read, as an eye examination by an optometrist can be carried out using pictures. DONT THEY GET AN EYE TEST AT SCHOOL ANYWAY? Many parents wrongly assume their child will have their vision regularly checked at school. Apart from the health visitor check at 2 years old and the screening test at the end of P1 there are now no other vision checks. Importantly there are several conditions which will not be picked up at a screening so a full eye test with an optometrist would always be advised for all children to check that the eyes are healthy, the muscles are working well, colour vision is normal and to assess if glasses are needed. Sight tests with an optometrist are free for all children under the age of 16. Help towards the cost of glasses is also available on the NHS for all children. Including an eye test in your back to school routine is a great way to ensure that your child’s vision is not forgotten about.

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

THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | BEAUTY

HEADS YOU WIn

NEW HAIR COLOUR TREND BRONDE!

Local hairstylist Sabrina Robinson give you the lowdown on the latest salon trend that she predicts will endure this season and beyond!

Hairdressing to me is making any person who walks through my door feel special and I want people to feel transformed with promoting great looking hair. I am also extremely passionate, inspired by Anthony Mascolo owner of TIGI, about education and think it is imperative in our industry to be exceptionally trained in our craft in not only the grass roots cuts and colours but the ever changing techniques, styles and trends. I have been a hairstylist for 15 years now having worked in numerous top salons in Belfast. I was handpicked by TIGI International to join their educational team and I taught stylists throughout Ireland in various methods of cut and colouring. Passionate about not only educating others but also

myself I am now entering my third and final year of my HND in Hair and Beauty Salon Management in Belfast Metropolitan College. On completion of my course I hope to take my passion for educating further and will hopefully teach in the Belfast Met College as well as design my own courses. A dream of mine has always been to open my own salon were my ethos will be to create beautiful hair with exceptional cutting and colouring in a relaxing atmosphere. As alongside my passion for amazing hair lies my passion for education and my staff will be proficiently trained to give our clients the best service around. Exciting times are just round the corner as I am delighted to announce that S R Hairdressing will be opening soon.

“

Sabrina

About me

FOR APPOINTMENTS | TEL 07756 464579 | OR EMAIL sabrinahair@hotmail.co.uk YOU CAN ALSO Like our Facebook Page : SR Hairdressing

Bronde is the new colour trending this season and by its popularity it will endure through next season and beyond! Bronde is a luxurious blend of blondes and brunettes that creates a more natural, shimmering multi tonal hair colour that is softer than the stronger Ombre look of last season. This low maintenance colour is perfect for everyone especially clients who can’t attend the salon very often and for those that are colour shy. To find out more about this great new colour technique contact your stylist for a consultation and they can advise and recommend what tones/shades are better suited for you. The brilliant concept with the new Bronde Colour is that this technique can be personalised to you depending on your skin tone and eye colouring. For example if you have warm colouring you can create rich honey browns combined with subtle baby

SEMI PERMANENT MAKE UP TRAINING COURSES IN EAST BELFAST BY ALEXIS JAMES

lights that will not only look fantastic but can really enhance your cheekbones if placed right (instant facelift). For cool colouring you can go for light cool browns blended with some ice blonde floating highlights tailored personally for you.

HOW TO CREATE SOFT WAVES

Along with the natural hair tones come natural looking waves I get asked a good deal by my clients on how to create a loose waves in their hair at home. I love creating this look on my clients hair which is great to show off your style and colour and an added bonus is this sumptuous style will suit most face shapes. Here it is: • On clean dry hair, take one vertical inch size section • Prep with your desired heat protector product • Using GHD Curve or GHD Creative curl wand hold the Styler and wrap the section of hair away from the face, around the curve & hold for 5 to 8 seconds • Continue to section the hair and curl to the centre of the back of the head • Repeat the technique on other side working the wave away from the face • With your hair dryer on the cool setting gently separate the waves

• Finish off with a light serum to seal the ends and create a great shine For a more tousled wave try some Bed Head TIGI sugar dust (a light dust to give the wave texture with volume that lasts) gently sprinkle a little dust around the hair and work it through.

It’s an exciting time to become a permanent make up artist. With permanent cosmetics you can have an exciting new career with financial rewards and flexible working hours. Or bring a new skill to your salon. You can help people achieve remarkable transformations and give them the look they want. This training course by Alexis James includes everything you need to get started:

• spmu machine & inks • one to one training • up to two weeks TRAINING • THREE months after support and back up • full knowledge of needles and mixing inks TOTAL COST: £2,750 Alexis is the owner of local salon Pretty In Ink and has herself completed over 7,000 procedures using a state of the art computerised micro pigmentation device which meets all Bristish and European health and safety regulations and provides full after care information after treatments. Registered and approved by Belfast City Council. To find out more call 07471 479455 or the salon direct 028 9045 5022 prettyininkbelfast.co.uk

UNLEASH

THE ATHLETE IN YOU!

BACK TO SCHOOL DON’T FORGET TO BOOK A

SIGHT TEST

Programme by

COLIN SHIELDS

BELFAST GIANTS PLAYER PROFESSIONAL TRAINED ATHLETE & PERFORMANCE ENHANCEMENT SPECIALIST

PROGRAMMES AVAILABLE HIGH PERFORMANCE ATHLETE YOUTH ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PERSONAL TRAINING - ONE-ON-ONE & GROUP TEAM TRAINING

PRICES STARTING AT

£9

PER SESSION

FREE TESTING FOR KIDS CUSTOMISED PACKAGES ADULT FUNCTIONAL TRAINING WEIGHT LOSS, STRENGTH & POWER GENERAL FITNESS STATE OF THE ART FACILITY

FREE BACK TO SCHOOL GIFT FOR EVERY CHILD HAVING AN NHS EYE EXAMINATION IN AUGUST AND SEPTEMBER.

WEB: WWW.TOTALPERFORMANCEFITNESS.CO.UK | EMAIL : COLINSHIELDSTPF@GMAIL.COM TOTALPERFORMANCE FITNESS

@TPFBELFAST

UNIT 5 CARROWREAGH BUSINESS PARK CARROWREAGH ROAD DUNDONALD BT16 1QQ

THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | HEALTH

DAVID SAYS

HEALTH ADVICE / FOOT & ANKLE PAIN NORTHERN IRELAND FOOT & ANKLE CLINIC

LOCAL EXPERT ADVICE

LYNDSAY GETS MUCH NEEDED SUPPORT • Is foot or ankle pain getting you down? • Would you like the Rolls Royce of hand crafted custom orthotic foot supports? • With a proven track record you can trust? • A support with a life span of up to 20 years?

Lyndsay was experiencing pain in the arches of her feet that was making exercise and work extremely difficult. However a referral from a friend led to a breakthrough..

Custom Foot Supports

“

A few years ago I started suffering with foot and leg pain. Every time I took any exercise I was in pain afterwards. The pain was mainly in the arches of my feet which would really throb. I also started getting sharp pains in my feet and my lower legs. I am a nurse so I need to spend long periods on my feet and this was becoming increasingly difficult. I tried different insoles and supports but nothing seemed to work. The pain started to really restrict the amount of exercise I could take and after work I literally had to come home and ice my feet to reduce the pain. I couldn’t even go for walks without pain. I was referred by a friend to see David Hallowell at the Northern Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic. I was told that they made their own custom foot supports and as I’d tried off the shelf supports and they hadn’t helped, I really wanted to get the best treatment. I got an appointment with David who pointed out that my feet were flattening and that this was causing severe foot strain. He took some casts of my feet and had a set of supports manufactured. The devices were ready within a week. The difference they have made has been great. My feet no longer ache and I am back taking exercise without pain. I can strongly recommend The Northern Ankle Clinic for anyone with this type of pain in their feet or ankles.

“

3 2 5 A n t r i m R oa d | Gle n gormle y | BT 36 5DY | 028 9083 3568

“This type of foot pain is very common and it is essential to get it treated as early as possible and to use really close fitting supports. As all our devices are custom made on a cast of the patient’s foot they fit very closely. This gives much greater control of the foot as well as greater comfort. Our patients like being able to rely on our after care support service which allows them to call in and talk to member of staff and if need be to have a small modification made to their supports while they wait.”

David Hallowell

Is foot pain affecting your life? TREATMENTS

Corn & callus removal Nail problems • Is foot or ankle pain getting you down? Nail surgery • Are you tired of using ill-fitting supports that don’t work? Diabetic foot care • Would you like the RollsVerrucae Roycetreatment of hand crafted custom orthotic foot supports? Full assessment with every treatment

• With a proven track record you can trust? SPECIALITIES • A support with a life span of up to 20 years? Biomechanics, Orthotics & sport injuries • Imagine how you’ll feel walking free of pain and how life Vascular and Neurological assessment changing thatPodopaediatrics will be... i.e Gait problems in children

Northern Ireland Foot & Ankle Clinic i.e frequent falls, toe walking, etc. Specialist in ankle braces

We are one of the UK’s leading centres for the non-surgical management of foot and ankleBENEFITS pain and we are Northern Irelands House Calls only provider of the new Ease Forward Ankle Rocker System. Daytime,for evening andwith weekend appointments available Designed originally patients traumatic ankle injuries, this device is now being widely used for all sorts of ankle and foot pain.

See our Testimonials at www.footandankleclinicni.com or why not call us and take the first step towards walking pain free?

Tel: 028 Telephone : 028 9083 3568 9083 3568

Insist on the best

AWARD WINNING RESTAURANT 2014

MEAL DEALS 298. SET MEAL 2 (MEAL FOR 2)

299. SET MEAL 3 (MEALFOR 3)

A selection of 2 starters, 2 main dishes, 1 side dish, 2 rice, 1 naan, and a selection of popadoms, dips and onion salad. 1 Chicken Pakora 1 Onion Bhajee 1 Lamb Bhuna 1 Chicken Curry £ 1 Bombay Aloo 1 Naan 2 Pilau Rice 2 Popadoms, Dips, Salad

A selection of 2 starters, 3 main dishes, 2 side dishes, 3 rice, 1 naan and a selection of popadoms, dips and onion salad 1 Chicken Tikka 1 Vegetable Pakora 1 Lamb Dupiaza 1 Chicken Biriyani 1 Chicken Korma £ 1 Aloo Chana 1 Tarka Daal 1 Naan, 3 Pilau Rice 3 Popadoms, Dip, Salad & 1.5Itr Soft Drink

£19.95

19.95

35.95

INDIAN CUISINE

29.95

300. SET MEAL 4 (Meal for 4) A selection of 3 starters 4 main dishes. 2 side dishes, 3 rice, 2 naan and a selection of popadoms, dips and onion salad 1 Tandoori Mixed Platter 1 Vegetable Mixed Platter 1 Onion Bhajee 1 Lamb Balti 1 Chicken Rogan 1 Chicken Jalfreize £ 1 Lamb Biriyani 1 Brinjal Bhajee 1 Bindi Bhajee 2 Naan, 3 Pilau Rice 4 Popadoms, Dip, Salad, & 1.5Ltr Soft Drink

SHIMLA

£29.95

SIT IN OR CARRYOUT

TAKEAWAY MENU

Set Meal 1 - £9.95

Bringing You Exquisite Indian Food from all over the Indian Sub-Continent

(Meal for 1 Person)

Choice of any Traditional Curry (except King Prawn) includes Rice, Onion Bhajee or Vegetable Pakora; 1 Popadom & 1 Naan Bread

We pride ourselves on top quality food. f All our food is cooked fresh as you order and we only use fresh ingredients, herbs and spices

4 Course Meal - £9.95

DELIVERY SERVICE IS AVAILABLE

Sunday to Thursday 4.30pm — 7pm Sit in Only

CALL 07790446187 TO BOOK A TABLE

DINNER FOR 2

OPENING HOURS Sunday - Thursday 4.30pm - 11.30pm

Table booking service is available; please call us to book your table to avoid any disappointment. We also cater for birthday parties and group bookings are welcome. You may ask us if you want a dish that is not listed on our Menu, and we will try our best to make it for you. You may also ask us to make additions or take away anything from any of our dishes that you may like or dislike.

VEGETABLE SIDE DISHES

KORMA

252. 253. 254. 255. 256. 257. 258. 259. 260. 261. 262. 263. 264.

CHICKEN PAKORA

£2.95

VEGETABLE PAKORA

£2.30

ONION BHAJEE

£2.30

MAKHANI

SOMOSA MEAT OR VEGETABLE

£2.45

PASSANDA

Onion slices mixed with herbs and deep-fried

£7.40 £7.70 £9.10 £6.40 51-57 Cooked in a creamy sweet sauce with saffron and pineapple.

(mix of chicken/Iamb tikka and prawns)

£7.10 £8.10 £8.10 £8.10 £7.10 £8.65 £9.15

Seasoned and cooked prawns served on a thin pancake like bread

PLAIN CURRY £6.45 £7.40 £7.45 £7.70 £6.70 £8.70 £6.00 71-77 Medium curry with herbs and spices.

Dishes, which have been carefully prepared by our chef, these dishes are unique to us, as we have chosen them for their renowned taste and texture. We have also selected other popular dishes for their fine taste, which are from various parts of the Indian sub-continent. All curries served with rice OR naan OR chips

KING PRAWN PUREE

£4.15

SHEEK KEBAB

£3.15

DUPIAZA

Seasoned and cooked King Prawns served on a thin pancake like bread

£6.45 £7.40 £7.45 £7.70 £6.70 £8.70 £6.00 81-87 Cooked in aromatic sauce with diced onions, tomatoes, fresh herbs and spices.

Fresh mince seasoned with herbs and spices and then chargrilled on skewers in a tandoori oven

METHI £6.65 £7.60 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 91-97 Medium curry cooked with fenugreek and spices.

VEGETABLE MIXED PLATTER

£3.15

A mix of onion bhagee, vegetable somosa and vegetable pakora

10.

TANDOORI MIXED PLATTER

£4.15

11.

KING PRAWN BUTTERFLY

£3.90

12.

CHICKEN CHAT PUREE

£3.50

13.

PAKORA FEAST

£3.50

A mix of chicken tikka, lamb tikka and sheek kebab Seasoned king prawns coated in a fine batter, which is then deep-fried Seasoned and cooked chicken served on a thin pancake like bread

A mixture of vegetable pakora and chicken pakora cooked in a sweet creamy sauce

ALOO CHAT

Seasoned potatoes cooked with vegetables in a slightly thick savoury sauce

NEW JALAPENO BOMB TANDOORI CHICKEN WINGS (Medium Hot)

£2.95 £4.05 £3.60

TANDOORI DISHES Pieces of meat marinated in a special tandoori spice, cooked in the traditional tandoor oven (clay oven). Served with a vegetable curry sauce and boiled/pilau rice or chips

23.

£7.40 £7.70 £9.10 £6.40 41-47 Cooked in a creamy sweet sauce with coconut and almonds and some fresh herbs & spices.

CHICKEN BIRIYANI LAMB BIRIYANI LAMB TIKKA BIRIYANI CHICKENTIKKA BIRYANI PRAWN BIRIYANI KING PRAWN BIRIYANI SPECIAL BIRIYANI

237a. A VEGETABLE BIRIYANI

£3.55

22.

MASSALA

230. 231. 232. 234. 235. 236. 237.

£7.40 £7.70 £9.10 £6.40 61-67 Cooked in a creamy sweet sauce with .fresh cream and yoghurt.

PRAWN PUREE

17. 18. 19. 20. 21.

£6.45 £7.70 £6.70 £7.45 £7.40 £8.70 £6.10 31-37 Cooked in a creamy sauce with coconut, almond and garnished with sultanas.

Crispy deep fried pastries with a choice of mince, lamb or chicken inside

15. 16.

396 Woodstock Road, Belfast BT6 9DQ www.shimlabelfast.co.uk

Prepared with saffron rice and is cooked lightly spiced with a choice of meats or vegetables. This dish is served with a vegetable curry sauce.

£2.95

Vegetables mixed with herbs and spices, which are then deep-fried

TANDOORI CHICKEN TANDOORI KING PRAWN CHICKEN TIKKA LAMBTIKKA CHICKEN SHASHLlK

Pieces of barbecued meat with roasted onions, peppers and tomatoes.

£7.65 £10.15 £7.65 £8.65 £7.75

LAMB SHASHLIK

£8.75

TANDOORI MIXED PLATTER

£9.65

(excluding online orders)

BIRIYANI DISHES

CHICKEN TIKKA OR LAMB TIKKA

Chicken seasoned in light spices, coated in a fine batter, which is then deep-fried

FREE DELIVERY

WITHIN A 2 MILE RADIUS ON ORDERS OVER £20.00

TRADITIONAL CURRIES

Slices of chicken or lamb marinated and then char grilled on skewers in a Tandoori oven

BRING YOUR OWN WINE

PHONE 028 9045 4800 or 028 9073 9776

All Major Credit Cards are accepted

STARTERS

14.

Only £17.95

Alle Allergy Warning: Some food may contain traces of nuts and gluten. If you have any allergies please mention when you order so that we can recommend a suitable dish for you.

Friday - Saturday 4.30pm - 12.00am

SIT-IN

SAG £6.65 £7.60 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 101-107 Medium curry with spinach and spices.

£6.20

HOUSE SPECIALS

238. MAHARASHTRA SPECIAL

£7.45

Specially marinated breast of chicken, cooked with mango, honey and a touch of butter.

239. GOAN CHICKEN

£7.45

£6.75 £7.60 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 111-117 Cooked with onions, peppers and tomatoes in a highly spiced dish, combined with a Balti spice.

240. KASHMIRI CHICKEN

£7.45

ROGAN £6.85 £7.60 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 121-127 Cooked with tomatoes, herbs and spices to give a tangy taste.

241. BENGALI CHICKEN

£7.45

BHUNA £6.45 £7.40 £7.45 £7.60 £6.70 £8.70 £6.00 131-137 A dish with thick sauce cooked with tomatoes, onions and peppers.

242. SHIMLA CHICKEN

£7.45

KARAHI £6.65 £7.40 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 141-147 Medium well-spiced dish cooked with onions, green peppers and is cooked in an Indian Wok.

243. BALTI SUPREME

£7.95

PATHIA

244. LAHORI GHOST

£8.05

DANSAK

245. REZALLA CHICKEN

£7.45

JALJAL

246. RAJASTANI CHICKEN

£7.45

247. GARLIC CHILLI CHICKEN/LAMB

£7.95

248. SHAKTARA LAMB OR CHICKEN

£7.45

249. CHICKEN TIKKA MUSHROOM DUPIAZA

£7.45

250. BUTTER CHICKEN/LAMB TIKKA

£7.65

BALTI

£6.45 £7.40 £7.45 £7.60 £6.70 £8.70 £6.00 151-157 Slightly hot, sweet and sour sauce. £6.45 £7.40 £7.45 £7.60 £6.70 £8.70 £6.00 161-167A dish with lentils and herbs. Cooked slightly hot, sweet and sour. £6.75 £7.70 £7.75 £8.00 £7.00 £9.00 £6.30 171-177 Slightly hot and sour, consisting of Worcestershire sauce, with a dash of yoghurt and fresh chillies.

JALFREIZI £6.65 £7.60 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 181-187 Cooked in a rich aromatic sauce with onions, garlic, chillies & peppers. MADRAS

£6.45 £7.40 £7.45 £7.60 £6.70 £8.70 £6.00 191·197 Fairly hot dish cooked with tomatoes, onions and herbs.

CHILLI MASSALA

£7.85 £8.05 £7.05 £9.05 £6.30 201-207 Fairly hot dish cooked with garlic, ginger, herbs and chillies.

VINDALOO

Pieces of barbecued meat with chunks of roasted Onions, peppers and tomatoes

£6.65 £7.60 £7.65 £7.90 £6.90 £8.90 £6.20 211-217 Very hot dish cooked with potatoes, and lots of chillies.

A mix of Chicken/Lamb Tikka and Sheek Kebab

PHAAL £6.75 £7.70 £7.75 £8.00 £7.00 £9.00 £6.30 221-227 Extremely hot dish cooked with very hot traditional chillies.

Chicken cooked with coconut, almond and chillies. A slightly hot sauce. Delicately flavoured mild dish with herbs and lightly spiced. cooked with tropical fruits. Chicken cooked in black bean sauce, with garlic, onions, peppers and tomatoes

Chicken pieces cooked with cheese, spinach, cream and potatoes. Rich Creamy sauce.

chicken, lamb and prawns cooked with fairly hot spices in a special balti paste. Lamb pieces cooked with minced Lamb, ginger, basil, pickles and fresh coriander.

Chicken pieces marinated in Tandoori spices, cooked in special garlic, lemon, onion and pepper sauce Chicken cooked in a sweet and Sour sauce, with onions, pepper, Coriander and almonds.

Tender pieces of lamb or chicken cooked in a fairly hot style, with garlic and chillies. (CHEF’S OWN STYLE) Lamb or Chicken with Indian Perfume Lemon.

Chicken tikka cooked with mushrooms and onions in a rich spicy sauce.

251.

Chicken or lamb tikka pieces cooked with coconut and almonds in a mild sauce and topped with a hint of clarified butter. MORGO MASALLA (CHEF’S OWN STYLE) £7.65 Tandoori chicken with hot spice.

ALOO GOBI (potatoes with cauliflower) £2.95 ALOO CHANA (potatoes with chickpeas) £2.95 BOMBAY ALOO (medium spiced potatoes) £2.95 TARKA DAAL (lentils with garlic) £2.95 CAULIFLOWER BHAJEE (medium spiced cauliflower) £2.95 SAG ALOO (potatoes with spinach) £2.95 SAG PANEER (spinach with cheese) £2.95 SAG BHAJEE (medium spiced spinach) £2.95 MUSHROOM BHAJEE (medium spiced mushrooms) £2.95 CHANA MASSALA (medium spiced chickpeas) £2.95 MIXED VEG CURRY £2.95 BRINJAL BHAJEE (medium spiced aubergine) £2.95 BINDI BHAJEE (medium spiced okra) £2.95

SUNDRIES 265. 266. 267. 268. 269. 270. 271. 272. 273. 274. 275. 276. 277. 278. 279. 280.

PILAU RICE (Saffron) £1.95 BOILED RICE £1.85 MUSHROOM RICE £2.45 VEGETABLE RICE £2.45 FRIED RICE (onions) £2.45 SPECIAL FRIED RICE (onions, egg and veg) £2.65 PEAS RICE £2.95 PLAIN NAAN £1.80 GARLIC NAAN £2.15 CHEESE NAAN £2.15 PESHWARI NAAN (Sweet mixture) £2.15 KEEMA NAAN (Minced Lamb) £2.65 KHULCHA NAAN (Onions, green pepper, coriander) £2.65 CHIPS £2.15 CURRY CHIP £2.95 SPICY NOODLES £3.35

KEBABS All kebabs come with a choice of meat & on naan bread

281. 282. 283. 284.

DONER KEBAB DONER KEBAB FRIED CHICKEN TIKKA KEBAB MIXED KEBAB (doner meat & chicken tikka)

£4.65 £5.15 £5.15 £5.65

KIDS MENU 285. 286. 286a. 287. 288. 289. 290.

CHICKEN NUGGETS CHICKEN GOUJONS POPCORN CHICKEN SCAMPI ONION RINGS NOODLES CHICKEN NOODLES

£2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £2.95 £1.50 £2.50 £3.95

MISCELLANEOUS 291. 292. 293. 294. 295. 296. 297.

TUBS OF SAUCES (Mint, Chilli, Garlic or Mango Chutney) £0.50 POPADOMS (each) £0.50 RAITHA £2.05 BAG SALAD £0.50 ONION SALAD £0.75 CAN DRINKS £0.70 BOTTLE DRINKS (1.5Iitre) £1.95

THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | HEALTH

END OF SUMMER AHOY!

BACK TO SCHOOL!

With the end of the summer holidays fast approaching and the new school term due to begin in just a few weeks’ time many parents are starting to think about their childcare choices. Whether you need full-time care for your baby or toddler or a part-time place for your school age child, registered childminding could prove to be the ideal choice for you.

egistered childminding suits parents who want a high quality, affordable and flexible childcare option, and who value a childcarer who can give their child individual attention in a ‘home from home’ setting. Many parents are unaware of the fact that anyone who looks after children for more than two hours a day for payment must register with their local health and social care trust. Registered childminders work with, and are supported by, the Social Services Early Years Teams. Since the introduction of the Minimum Standards in July 2012 all registered childminders must have attended training in Health & Safety, Safeguarding & Child Protection and will also hold a 12 hour Paediatric First Aid certificate. They and their family members will have been fully vetted, they will have public liability

insurance in place and will be inspected on an annual basis. All this goes a long way towards providing parents with peace of mind that their children are being cared for in a professional way by an experienced childcarer. As well as the many advantages of registered childminding for the children, NICMA’s Childminding Development Officer, Liz Brown, also points out that many parents stand to gain financially if they use a registered provider. “Many parents using a registered childminder are eligible for generous help with the cost of childcare through tax credits – that’s an advantage which those using unregistered childcarers aren’t entitled to,” she says. “We would urge parents to use registered childminders who provide a professional service and who take a pride in what they do.”

For more information on finding and choosing a childminder, just call NICMA on 028 9181 1015 or visit the NICMA website at www.nicma.org . Alternatively you can contact your local Childminding Development Officer, Liz Brown, on 0751 747 2271 or by email at liz.brown@nicma.org.

TESCO CASTLEREAGH ROAD FOOD COLLECTION “Here at the store we collected food for Fareshare Neighbourhood Food Collection from the 3rd to the 5th July. Fareshare deliver the food collected in our store to charities and community groups working with vulnerable people, such as homeless hostels and breakfast clubs for children who might not eat at home. Fareshare want to tackle food waste and fight hunger in the UK they work with the food industry to rescue fresh surplus food which would otherwise go to waste and use it to feed people instead. Every week, nearly 150,000 people eat a meal provided by Fareshare. We here at Tesco Castlereagh Road would like to thank our very generous customers who gave us lots of food over the 3 days, we could not have done it without you.” Thank you, from Sam Larkin Store Manager

VIRGIN HOLIDAYS BELFAST CELEBRATE THEIR FIRST BIRTHDAY! The experienced team of travel specialists based inside the Tesco Knocknagoney store marked their first year in style

DUNDONALD CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES INVESTORS IN PEOPLE ACCREDITATION

Representatives from Dundonald Credit Union collecting their award from Minister Dr Stephen Farry.

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Three local girls, all members of the Junior Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Club based at Dundonald International Ice-Bowl, represented the Scotland Under 16 Girls at the British Women’s Friendship Tournament held in Swindon held during the last weekend in June 2015. Aisling Rafter, Jindara Scott and Kaitlyn Morrison certainly left their mark in Swindon during the 17th annual conference tournament and... put Belfast firmly on the ice hockey map. They faced

stiff opposition during the tournament against under 16 teams drawn from the English League - Swindon, Sheffield and Bracknell. On the first day of the conference the girls played 4 games with one win and one draw notched up on the score sheets. Despite the apprehension of never having played together in this tournament, the girls enjoyed the experience and had a fantastic day. The Scotland team started off tied in 2nd place on day two. In their first game they drew 0-0 against Sheffield with Team Scotland’s number 10 - Jindara Scott working hard on the ice and giving an exceptional performance during the game. Host team, Swindon were the opposing team in the second game. Scotland left the rink with a victorious 1 -0 win, the goal having been scored by Belfast’s own Aisling Rafter. Bracknell, the league and playoff champions, were facing off against Scotland in the 3rd game on day two but they were unable to take this game. The game resulted in another draw resulting in one goal to

each team with the Scottish goal being scored by local girl Kaitlyn Morrison. A draw of 0 – 0 in the 4th game against Swindon gave the Scotland team the much needed point to take their place in the tournament final. A fifth game was played and the girls were on fire, winning 3 -1 against Sheffield. The Scotland team had plenty of time to prepare for the tournament final against Bracknell, as they faced a three hour delay due to injury time in one of the senior games. The final was a nail biting experience and it looked as if the two teams were well matched and the game would end in a draw. Unfortunately Bracknell took the game in the last 30 seconds of the game to win 1 - 0. Northern Ireland can be rightly proud of the three local girls. The efforts of one local player, Kaitlyn Morrison, did not go unnoticed and she was awarded the Most Valuable Player of the tournament award for Team Scotland. If you are interested in taking up ice hockey : www.juniorbelfastgiants.com

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | THE ARTS

PROPOSED ARTWORKS

Aug 2015

The Arts The art, the artist & the civic square Author C.S. Lewis is to be honoured with a series of public art pieces inside a civic square being developed near his east Belfast birthplace.

L-R // Artist Maurice Harron. // Some of the proposed artworks by Maurice Harron. From top left Mr Tumnus, Aslan the lion, The White Witch and Jewel the Unicorn. // Visualisation of the civic square, currently under construction at Holywood Arches, as part of the Connswater Community Greenway.

he new space, currently under construction at Holywood Arches as part of the Connswater Community Greenway, will be brought to life with six sculptures inspired by classic children’s novel The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. Artist Maurice Harron has been commissioned by Belfast City Council to create the installations, with work due to get underway this month. Under his proposals, visitors to the square - at the heart of the 9km greenway - will be greeted by characters from Narnia, including the White Witch, Mr Tumnus and Mr and Mrs Beaver. The highlight will be a three metre high sculpture of Aslan the lion. “I’m delighted to step ‘through the wardrobe’ and take on the challenge of recreating the magic of Narnia, right on C.S. Lewis’

Council to donate famous street sign to Van the man He’s written a song about it, and now one of Belfast’s most famous sons is to receive the original ‘Hyndford Street’ sign to mark his 70th birthday.

elfast City Council has agreed to donate the street sign to Van Morrison – a Freeman of the City of Belfast and who last month received a knighthood in the Queen’s birthday honours list – following a request from east Belfast MLA Sammy Douglas. The gesture was agreed at last night’s monthly meeting of the council. The sign – which is one of the more rare, old-style Belfast street signs - will form part of a special art piece by local artist Ross Wilson, to be presented to the Belfast crooner who will turn 70 on August 31. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Arder Carson, said: “It’s our pleasure to make this donation in honour of one the city’s most famous and successful sons. Van is a household name, not just here in Belfast, but across the world. It’s a special year for Van and I know his fans will be looking forward to joining in the birthday celebrations.” To celebrate Morrison’s birthday, East Belfast Partnership has organised two concerts in Cyprus Avenue – another east Belfast street which inspired a song – and at Stormont. Born in east Belfast In 1945, Van Morrison has notched up numerous awards during his career as a singer/songwriter including six Grammys and a Brit Award. He has also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame.

own doorstep,” said Harron, whose previous works include the acclaimed Reconciliation/Hands Across the Divide sculpture in Carlisle Square, Derry/Londonderry. “These artworks will be central to the civic square and provide a fitting tribute to one of Belfast’s most famous sons. Their locations will reflect each character’s role in the story, inviting visitors to ‘turn the page’ as they explore this new space. I want to recreate the emotions within Lewis’ world, so that - like Lucy, Edmund, Peter and Susan - you never quite know what’s around the corner.” The sculptures will be located on woodland drumlins within the square, and further enhanced with seasonal planting and individual LED lighting, similar to that already in place at another key greenway location, the Sam Thompson Bridge

in Victoria Park. Story panels and QR code technology will encourage visitors to read more about the characters and their creator, and local people will also have a chance to get involved, through outreach activities undertaken by the artist as he develops his vision. The area around the planned civic square already boosts strong links to Lewis, who was born in Dundela Avenue and grew up in nearby Strandtown. It is home to The Searcher, a bronze recreation of Narnia’s famous wardrobe, while new facade art was recently installed by community groups to celebrate the author’s literary achievements. The space itself is expected become a focal point for outdoor performances, markets and other community events when it opens in spring 2016. Street

furniture, interpretative signage and landscaping will also feature in the square, which will eventually link the greenway sections already completed at Victoria and Orangefield Parks with works currently underway at Mersey Street, Orby Road and other locations across the east of the city. The Connswater Community Greenway project has been developed by East Belfast Partnership and the Department for Agriculture and Rural Development’s Rivers Agency, and is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council, Rivers Agency and the Department for Social Development. The management of the contract was taken on by Belfast City Council with the agreement of all partners, and all sections are expected to be completed by late 2016.

Eastside Visual Artists Festival Ready Creative Exchange are taking a major role in the visual arts offer by presenting four events in the 2015 Eastside Arts Festival that offer something for everyone. These events will showcase the work of the studio artists and also provide an opportunity to visit the studios and see how artists work behind the scenes. Creative Exchange Artist studios have been active in East Belfast for the past 18 years, providing essential workspace for visual artists at all stages of their careers. As an artist led initiative they are renowned for the development of dynamic arts programmes and bespoke community engaged projects in the locality.

Degrees of Separation - Exhibition

Creative Exchange Studio Open Day

Launch Thurs 20th August 6.30- 9pm Music by Over The Hill Collective Exhibition continues until September 6th, with the gallery open from 11:00am to 1:00pm each day. (This exhibition will also be open for late night art on Thurs 3rd Sept). Degrees of Separation is a group exhibition of artworks in a pop-up venue in East Belfast. The exhibition is a play on the theory that everyone and everything is six or fewer steps away from a link that can be made to connect any two people. Artist will respond to the theme, through their own artistic practice with the resulting exhibition presenting a range of artworks including painting, sculpture, installation, photography and digital artworks. Participating artists include Lesley Cherry, Ruth Gonsalves Moore, Ray Duncan, David Fox, Paul Moore, Ciara O’Malley, Deirdre Robb & George Robb.

Friday 21st August 11am- 4pm FREE, no booking required Unit B4, Portview Trade Centre, 310 Newtownards Road, Belfast.

Providing music for the opening night will be members of the Over The Hill Music Collective. Aimed at mature musicians but open to all, the members will perform a ‘Play and Tell’ show featuring a selection of their artists including Paul Kane and Bernard Jackson.

This open studios event allows members of the public into the heart of the collective. The public will get the opportunity to go behind the scenes so to speak and visit the artists’ studios, meet the artists themselves and experience the artists’ real-life working environment. Creative Exchange Artist Talks /

Show and Tell

Saturday 22nd August - light lunch provided. CEX Studios from 12pm 3 of Creative Exchange artists will give members of the public a talk on their artistic practice. A light lunch will be provided. 12pm Lesley Cherry 12.30pm Paul Moore 1.20pm Deirdre Robb 1.50pm : Show and Tell provides 6 artists with the opportunity to give a short presentation on their practice in an informal setting. Each artist will give 10 minute presentations, showing ten projected images and talking for one minute on each slide.

Check the website for more details on venues and artists | creativeexchange.org.uK | Twiter.com/CreativeExchArt

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | LOCAL HISTORY

SCHOOL’S STILL OUT FOR SUMMER

COMING SOON

As we get older we often reminisce about our school days and long summer holidays. As a follow up to last month’s article, here is a look at some old primary schools in East Belfast.

‘Newtownbreda’ is Aidan Campbell’s latest local history book and will be published on 9th October 2015 at Hillmount Garden Centre, Gilnahirk. It follows on from the publication of 11 local histories covering areas of East Belfast and on this occasion is about an area of South Belfast.

BY A IDA N C A M P B E L L

NE W TOW NB RE DA

7 4

1 | STRANDTOWN NATIONAL SCHOOL 1910

A fairly quiet view of Gelston’s corner, probably pre- First World. The grand pillars at the doorway to the left identify the new premises of Balmer’s Pharmacy at 2 Belmont Road. Across the road is the old Strandtown National School which later moved to spacious new premises on North Road in 1931. The school building had been constructed in 1863 as a ‘Chapel of Ease’ for the local Church of Ireland congregation before St. Mark’s Dundela was consecrated in 1878. This site is now occupied by a Tesco store. The electric tram traction poles were installed after electrification of the horse-drawn tram system in 1905 and the three gentlemen sitting on the kerbside seem relatively untroubled by passing traffic. 2 | Robert Ferguson & Belmont Primary School

This is how Belmont Tower looked in 1990. It is located at 82 Belmont Church Road and was built in 1890, originally known as Ferguson Memorial School and latterly Belmont Primary School. It was sponsored by Robert Ferguson (right) of Sydenham House, a large house located on the site of Ferguson Drive, who had the school building constructed in memory of his late wife. Designed in the Gothic Revivalist style with a distinctive square open belfried tower, the architect was Vincent Craig, elder brother of future Northern Ireland Prime Minister, Sir James Craig. At the time of writing the East Belfast Historical Society hold their monthly meeting in this lovingly restored landmark building which is now owned by the National Trust. 3 | Belmont Primary School Principal, Oliver Stewart and pupils at Ulster Folk Museum

In 1990 Belmont Primary School Principal, Miss Olive Stewart and a group of pupils were photographed wearing period costume from 1890 at the Ulster Folk Museum during the school centenary celebrations. The boys wore

breeches and flat caps and the girls wore long dresses and smocks. The children experienced a short school class in the museum’s schoolhouse, complete with turf fire, wooden desks and old blackboards. The open fireplaces from earlier years, complete with ashes, were discovered at Belmont Primary School during renovations. 4 | Tullycarnet Public Elementary School 1939

A fine picture of the old Tullycarnet Public Elementary School taken from the Gilnahirk road on 19th August 1938 with the caption ‘The old schoolhouse at Gilnahirk which has been in use for almost a century will be replaced by a modern building erected by the County Down Regional Education Committee’. The headmaster’s apartment was located at the far right where the single chimney emerges from the roof. There is now an off-licence on the site of the school. 5 | Tullycarnet Public Elementary School in 1932

The staff and pupils of Tullycarnet Public Elementary School in 1932 with headmaster Robert Magee and infant teacher Mrs Minnis, left. A new Gilnahirk Public Elementary School building was officially opened by the wife of local Presbyterian minister Mrs. F.O. Best in 1939. Interesting that at one stage - only for the efforts of headmaster Robert Magee - the future of a primary school at Gilnahirk hung in the balance. The new Gilnahirk Public Elementary School was built and opened just across the Gilnahirk Road in 1939 and is better known today as Gilnahirk Primary School. In 1900 a residence at 236 Lower Braniel Road was built for the schoolmaster and he was able to move from his apartment which was located in the school building thus providing him with much needed improved accommodation. 6 | Castlereagh National School early 1900s

Castlereagh National School was located on Church Road in the early 1900s. According to

Ordnance Survey Memoirs Castlereagh School was erected in 1826 by subscription and small donations from the Marquis of Downshire and had a complement of 60 children. In 1832 national schooling was introduced in Ireland and controlled by the Commissioners of National Education with headquarters in Dublin although Castlereagh did not become a National School until 1868. After 1921, when the Northern Ireland state was formed, primary schools became known as Public Elementary schools and remained so until the 1947 Education Act when they became known as Primary Schools

Like previous titles the Newtownbreda story is an illustrated and spoken history which includes lots of old photographs and reminiscences about life in the area over the past century. The book takes the form of a journey which starts at Rosetta and continues along the Ormeau Road and Saintfield Road and finishes at Carryduff. There are old photographs of places, events and people, businesses, houses, roads, schools, churches, social groups and old forms of transport. On the way there are detours to Knockbreda Road, Church Road (the cover photograph), Galwally, Belvoir, The Inns, Purdysburn and Newtownbreda Village. A flavour of the forthcoming book is included below:

In this 1955 scene at Rosetta roundabout the trolleybus is heading towards the terminus at Fortbreda (now Forestside). In the background is the towering presence of ‘Nazareth House’ at 352 Ormeau Road.

7 | Rosemary (Roma) Cole receiving a prize from Mrs. Crawford and headmaster Mr. Hugh Bailey

A new Castlereagh Public Elementary School was built on Church Road in 1936 at a cost of £3,000. The new school was officially opened by Mr. J.M. Andrews (Minister of Education) and the Mrs. Little, the wife of Dr. James Little, minister of Castlereagh Presbyterian Church. This is a June 1955 photo of (an outdoor) prize day at Castlereagh Primary School. Rosemary (Roma) Cole is receiving a prize from Mrs. Crawford and headmaster Mr. Hugh Bailey. Mrs Crawford lived nearby in a large house called ‘Glen View’. Roma was a very good scholar and particularly good at maths. She went on to become a pharmacist. The prize is a book entitled: ‘The modern world book of animals’ and on the inside is the inscription: ‘Awarded to Rosemary J. Cole for having passed the Qualifying Examination’. In 1968 the new Leadhill Primary School replaced Castlereagh School.

Aidan Campbell has published 11 local history books covering areas of East Belfast and the books are on sale at Hillmount Garden Centre and Marie Curie Hospice also at: eastbelfasthistory.com

Carryduff Service Station was located at the junction of the Saintfield Road and Ballynahinch Road, Carryduff. There had been a petrol filling station here since the 1930s but it was nearing the end of its existence in when this photograph was taken in July 1966.

A 10 acre site at Galwally was the site of ‘Supermac’ which was opened in October 1964 along with ten shop units and a bank. It was Northern Ireland’s first supermarket and was demolished and replaced in 1997 by Forestside Shopping Centre.

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Aug 2015

THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | CALENDER

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN EAST BELFAST? /// Here’s your monthly guide to what’s going on in your neighbourhood this month

MUMS & TOTS Etc MON DAY Calvary Mums & Toddlers. 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family. 100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 East End Baptist Tiny Tots (Westbourne street). Each Monday during term time 10:30-12noon. £1 donation. Tel: 07786 962220. Little Stars The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Road Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793. Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698

TUE S DA Y Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15 Woodstock Link. Donation £1 CFC Mops & Tots 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. CFC Mops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presbyterian. 10-11.45am term time. £1. Mersey St Presbyterian 028 9065 7025 Mount Merrion Parish Church 10am Toddler Group. Tel 07905 144070 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. St Donards Church 10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Tots 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult Tots & Co 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Cregagh Methodist Church £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

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

T H UR SDA Y 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 Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

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

CLASSES & EVENTS M ON DA Y Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of the month) 7pm. Bean Blessed Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Cregagh Cricket Club Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 9 & Under 11 cricket training. Cregagh Presbyterian Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel John 07809 205579 102-104 Cregagh Road Harding Memorial Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Contact Clare 07905 556825. Orangefield Baptist Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Irish Classes; 10 - 12 p.m Upper Intermediate, 6 - 7 p.m Singing Class, 7 - 9 p.m Upper Intermediate. Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com Singing & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

T UE SDA Y Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Thursdays. Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 7.308.30pm. East Belfast Wine Makers Mount Merrion Parish Church Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Senior puppet club. 4.30pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Learn to dance. 7.30pm, Ballroom, sequence & Latin.

Tel 07547 801383. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Women’s Group starts at 7pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher Book Group on the last Tuesday of each month from 2-3pm. In partnership with NI Libraries. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Irish Classes 7 - 9 p.m. Beginners Class, 7 - 9 p.m Beginners Class (Dundonald High School) 7 - 8.30 p.m Set Dancing Class. Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm. Belfast Boxing Fitness. Male & female 18+ 8.15pm.

W ED NESDA Y 29th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (3-7) 6:45-8:15pm. Company Section (8-18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823. Avoniel Community Garden Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 1pm - 4pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Baby massage 10am-1pm. Yoga 5.45-7.45pm. Body Rolling 7.30-8.30pm. 39th Old Boys 7-9pm Cregagh Cricket Club Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 13 & Under 15 cricket training. Cregagh Presbyterian For seniors - “Evergreens’. 2.30pm. Tel Barbara 028 9045 3829. Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507 Squirrels. 6.30pm. Tel Laura 07597 684104 102-104 Cregagh Road Over 60’s Lunch Club Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book. Girls Brigade Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 upwards 7.30pm Luncheon Club For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book on 028 9045 7564. Mount Merrion Parish Church Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149. Mount Merrion Ave Skainos Building skainos.org Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians From 10am-12pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher. Senior Friendship Club from 2pm-3.30pm. Contact Mark Sweeney. Advanced Creative writing from 10am12noon. Led by John Wilson and Norman Meharry Going Green from 2-4pm. Gardening project with practical sessions in the EBM community garden. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Irish Classes; 2 – 3 p.m.Beginners Tin Whistle Strand Arts Centre “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day for £3. Wandsworth Community Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Arranging 1.303.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm

T H U R SDA Y Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Tuesdays. Cregagh Presbyterian Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Tel Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies. 6.30pm. Tel Vicki 028 9045 8208 Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Tel Claire 07598 866895 102-104 Cregagh Road Ballyhackamore Library

YOU CAN GET IN TOUCH AND SEND YOUR EVENT INFO TO US VIA EMAIL STUART@LOOPMAG.NET 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential on the morning of event. Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 7-13 mths Thurs 10-11am. 0-7 mths Thurs 11.30-12.30 Yoga 6-8pm Mindfulness Courses 6.30-8.30pm Mount Merrion Parish Church Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829. Senior Citizens Luncheon Club Midday @ Ballymac Centre. Hot lunch & social time. alison@ballymac.org Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Over’s Luncheon Club from 12.30-2pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912144906. Art Group from 11-2pm. Painting, crafts and marquetry. Contact Mary Campbell. Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Needlework 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15-4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm.

FR IDAY Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Relax & Read 1am-12pm. Belmont Tower belmont-tower.co.uk Belcanto School of Singing 10-1pm Mount Merrion Parish Church 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 Skainos Building skainos.org Friday Fusion - arts, crafts and play for P1-P7 from 6.30-8pm. Contact Christine Savage. Street Soccer NI from 1.30 – 4pm. Free 5 a-side football in Shaftesbury Recreation Centre. Contact Justin on 90463482. Irish Classes; 10 - 12 p.m Lower Intermediate Wandsworth Community Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Shiloh Hall 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12.

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

SUN DAY Mount Merrion Parish Church KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm. Tel 07926 638314 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. Skainos.org Sunday Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche and Sunday school available for children Strand Cinema & NI Stars Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm

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THE LOOP | aUGUST 15 | LOCAL HISTORY

Competition! GOOD NEWS! WE’VE JUST PARTNERED UP WITH BELFAST GIANTS & CAN NOW OFFER YOU THE CHANCE TO WIN BIG & BE AT A GAME!

FOOTBALL AROUND THE PRE SEASON TRAINING GROUNDS BY ALAN HALL JUST where did the summer go? Or should we say where was the summer? It seems no time since all those end of season dinners, but on Saturday 8th, its back to ‘porridge’ for our local Intermediate Clubs, as they kick off the new season It’s therefore perhaps time to have a quick look at the various comings and goings over the close season. For Glentoran in the Danske Irish Premiership and Championship 1 and 2 clubs Harland and Wolff Welders and Dundela, there is of course the transfer window, in that any further comings will need to be in the coming weeks, but there is no such restriction, not until March 2016 anyway, for some of our Northern Amateur League clubs – and this edition we welcome Shorts and Bloomfield to the Loop. Hopefully we’ll be able to catch up on East Belfast and Orangefield Old Boys in our next edition.

GLENTORAN Glentoran have started the season just as they had finished the last one, with a trophy, beating league champions Crusaders 1-0 in the Charity Shield Final at Solitude, thanks to a Jordan Stewart goal. The proceeds from the game will go to the Northern Ireland Hospice. Eddie Patterson missed that one but will be back in the dugout for the opening league fixture, away to Coleraine at Ballycastle Road. Fears that Patterson and midfielder Stephen McAlorum might leave the club during the summer have been unfounded and the EastEnders have added Conor McMenamin, a striker deemed surplus to requirements at Linfield and ex Glasgow Ranger Kristian Gibson to the ranks. Also the return of David Howland after injury and a work placement is another timely boost.

CRICKET Graham Cup Final success for CSNICC Under 15’s

ivil Service North’s (CSN) Under 15 team have won the Northern Cricket Union’s (NCU) Graham Cup following a six wicket win over Ballymena at Seapark in Holywood. CSN were beaten finalists last year in the Graham

WE HAVE TWO FAMILY PASSES TO THE STENA LINE BELFAST GIANTS OPENING GAME OF THE SEASON TO GIVE AWAY!

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To be in with a chance of winning answer the following question: Q. Who are the Giants opponents on the opening night?

To celebrate the new partnership with Belfast Giants & LOOP, we have 2 Family Passes to give away for the opening night of the season on Saturday 12th September vs Manchester Storm at The SSE Arena, Belfast which should make for a fantastic night out!

Glentoran have also appointed former Second Team Manager Spike Hill as new chief scout. Players In : Conor McMenamin, Striker, Linfield; Kristian Gibson, Glasgow Rangers. Players Out: Mark Hillen, Cliftonville; Matty Kerr, Defender, Dundela; Sandy McDermott, Ballyclare Comrades; Colly Smith, Defender, Dundela Opening Fixtures: Saturday 8th August – Coleraine (a) Wednesday 12th August – Crusaders (h) Sat 15th Aug – Carrick Rangers (a) (all ticket)

HARLAND & WOLFF WELDERS Harland and Wolff Welders should be amongst the challengers in this year’s Championship 1 – and at least this time they won’t have Premier Division new boys Carrick Rangers standing in their way if they reach any more cup finals! The Welders, significantly, have held onto their 47 goal striker Michael McLellan who has been warming up nicely for the forthcoming season in the pre-season friendlies. Gone, though, is midfield playmaker Mark Magennis, who has joined Ballymena United, but making a return to Tillysburn is Josh Cahoon, who started out as a defender, but is now looking more at home up front. Another new boy is Neil Dougan, ex Ards and Linfield Swifts, snapped up from 1st Bangor Old Boys. Neil has been operating in midfield in pre season, but has shown that he hasn’t lost his eye for goal with a hat-trick in a 6-2 friendly win over Crumlin United; the other three were scored by ‘you know who’! The Welders’ inaugural 50th Anniversary Match day programme will be available at their opening game; priced £2. At the end of the month (Saturday 29th) is a tasty Steel and Sons Cup derby away to neighbours Dundela Players In : Josh Cahoon, Striker/Defender, Knockbreda; Neil Dougan, Striker/Midfielder, 1st Bangor OB. Players Out :

Cup but went one better this year removing Ballymena for 97 in 29.1 overs with John Gibbons taking 4 wicket for 13 runs. They successfully chased down the total in 23.4 overs with James Pollard and Paddy Morrow both top scoring with 25 runs each in the run chase. The CSN Under 15 squad have been together for over 5 years and the age group have now won a hat trick of cups including the Quoile Cup (at Under 11), Banoge Cup (at Under 13) and Graham Cup (at Under15).

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE TEAM AND WHAT THEY’RE UP TO ON THEIR FACEBOOK AND TWITTER PAGES

SEND YOUR INFO & ANSWER TO INFO@LOOPMAG.NET OR Loop Publications PO Box 2145 Belfast BT5 9EZ CLOSING DATE MONDAY 31 ST AUGUST 2015. Standard LOOP T&Cs apply. PASSES are for 2 adults and 2 children. Prize is non-transferable. No cash alternative.

Mark Magennis, Midfielder, Ballymena United; Gareth Beattie, Defender, Bangor; Philip Simpson, Defender. Opening Fixtures: Saturday 8th August – Institute (h) Saturday 15th August – Bangor (a)

DUNDELA Relegation to Championship 2 at the end of last season and the end of Mark Snodden’s 27 year tenure at Wilgar, but new boss Darren Lockhart has been busy during the summer with a cluster of new recruits, eager for a quick return back into Championship 1. There’s also that little local ding dong with Harland and Wolff Welders to look forward to, in the Steel and Sons Cup on Saturday 29th August, at Wilgar Park. We’ll hopefully have more on the comings and goings at Dundela, and thoughts of manager Darren Lockhart, next month Players In : Gary Irwin, Midfielder, East Belfast; Robert Crawford, Albert Foundry; Ben Mulgrew, Abbey Villa; Patrick Douglas, Bangor; Matty Kerr, Defender, Glentoran; Lee Lenaghan, Midfielder, Nortel; Kurtis Hanna, Striker, Sirocco Works; Colly Smith, Defender, Glentoran; Ethan Knipe, Midfielder, Glentoran. Player Out : Aaron Keenan, Queens. Opening Fixtures : Saturday 8th August – Newington YC (h) Saturday 15th August – Moyola Park (h)

SIROCCO WORKS And so into the Northern Amateur League, where Sirocco Works will be on their travels for their first few matches in Division 1b, as the big ‘re opening’ of Dixon Park, scheduled for August 1st, has been put back to Tuesday 25th as the ground wasn’t ready. A Glentoran Select will provide the opposition for the opening night. The first competitive game on the new ground, meanwhile, will take place on Saturday 29th, in a Steel and Sons Cup tie against

Orangegrove Ac Runners And Their Canine Companion For Action On Hearing Loss 10K Mountain Challenge! A group of eight enthusiastic East Belfast runners from Orangegrove AC recently took on the 3rd annual Divis Mountain 10k Challenge,

THE NEW CHANGING ROOMS @ SHORTS Championship 2 side Glebe Rangers. Players In : Jamie Fleming, Defender, East Belfast; Darren Spiers, Winger, Clarawood; Matthew Stitt, Midfielder, Clarawood; David Wilton, Striker, ex Ards Rangers Players Out : Kurtis Hanna, Striker, Dundela. Opening Fixtures : Saturday 8th August; Rathfern Rangers (a) Tuesday 11th August; Bloomfield (a) Saturday 15th August; Portaferry Rovers (a)

BLOOMFIELD There have been quite a few new young players taking part in the pre season training at 1b outfit Bloomfield, some of whom could be well be squeezing their way into the first team reckoning. Bloomfield kick off with two home games – albeit two tough ones, against newly promoted Colin Valley and then a local derby with Sirocco Works. It won’t help being without three key players who are away on holidays, Michael Bowers, Stuart Jeffers and Lewis Irwin. Players In : Lewis Irwin, Striker, Braniel; Ethan McFall, Defender; Curtis Elliott, Midfield Players Out : None Opening Fixtures :

in aid of Action on Hearing Loss (formerly known as RNID). This year with new team mate, Edna the Labrador. Edna, or “Edna the Wonder Dog” to her online fans http://ednathewonderdog.blogspot. com/ is a specially trained Hearing Dog for Deaf People. Her proud owner is Lynn Coles, a member of Orangegrove AC, who has a severe hearing loss and wears two hearing aids to enhance her hearing. Lynn trained in Lip Reading with Action on Hearing Loss, which not only helped to improve her communication skills but enhanced her self-confidence. Edna’s blog was designed by Lynn to help others who may be considering applying for a dog to help with their hearing loss. When the opportunity came to

Saturday 8th August; Colin Valley (h) Tuesday 11th August; Sirocco Works (h) Saturday 15th August; Colin Valley (a)

SHORTS There’s also off the field news at Division 1c side Shorts who will have a new changing room this season at Aircraft Park. The Holywood Road side have also started up a third team who will compete in the First Division of the Down Area League. Shorts have lost leading goalscorer Andrew Dummigan, who has jumped up two Divisions with 1a side Barn United. However, Dummigan has joined Barn before, and also has kicked off the season with Premier outfit Nortel, but before long finds his way back to his comfort zone with Shorts, so manager A Players In : Alan Causby, Goalkeeper, Nortel; Craig Martin, Midfielder, Clonduff. Player Out : Andrew Dummigan, Striker, Barn United Opening Fixtures : Saturday 8th August; Dromore Amateurs (h) Tuesday 11th August; Groomsport (h) Saturday 15th August; Rathfern Rangers (a) Steel and Sons Cup.

.raise

funds for Action on Hearing Loss and raise awareness of the needs of people affected by hearing loss and Tinnitus in Northern Ireland, Lynn and her fellow runners leapt at the chance to get involved and Edna wasn’t to be left out! The runners met at Jog Belfast in January 2014 and have been training together ever since. They’re excited to take on the challenge and to lend their support. They’ve also seen first-hand the impact of hearing loss in Northern Ireland.

For more information visit www.actiononhearingloss.org.uk www.orangegroveac.co.uk

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