The Loop : East Belfast February 2016

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YOU NAME IT

PUBLIC ASKED TO NAME BRIDGES & NEW PATHWAY IN LOCAL PARK VOTING CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY TRUST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BELFAST CITY COUNCIL IS GIVING YOU THE UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO BE PART OF HISTORY AND NAME FOUR DISTINCT NEW LANDMARKS IN EAST BELFAST. he Connswater Community Greenway Trust in partnership with Belfast City Council is giving the public the opportunity to officially name the three bridges within Greenville Park and Orangefield Park, and the new greenway pathway that extends from Orangefield Park to the Braniel .

The greenway which connects people and places is currently under construction in east Belfast. The greenway includes 16kms of new cycle and walkways and 26 new bridges or crossingswhich will connect the people to the places in east Belfast. Anne McMurray, Connswater Community Greenway Trust said : “As part of the Phase 1 of the Connswater Community Greenway we asked the public to name our new landmark bridge that connects

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WE ARE HIRING!

the Greenway at Victoria Park to Airport Road and Belfast Harbour Estate. This campaign was hugely popular and so was born the ‘Sam Thompson Bridge’.

It was not just about getting a name that was appropriate for the area but handing this decision over to the public. Such was the success of this campaign that it was agreed to involve the public in the naming of the bridges in Orangefield Park and the new greenway link from Orangefield Park to the Braniel.

This campaign is a wonderful opportunity for east Belfast and the broader Belfast community to put their stamp on, take ownership of and name what we hope will become an important part of the infrastructure of east Belfast.”

Farrans Construction is currently undertaking Phase 2

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construction works which should be completed mid 2017.

The public submissions are open for entries from Friday 5th February at 9am to Friday 26th February at midnight. A panel of judges will then meet to shortlist the entries and then the public will be asked to vote for their favourites in March 2016.

You can submit your ideas for the bridges and pathway online at www.connswatergreenway.co.uk/ Naming. Leaflets will also be distributed in the local area and a form is available in this edition of The Loop on page 4. You can also pick up a leaflet from the EastSide Partnership Office open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (closed lunch 1pm – 2pm) and at the Orangefield Park Bowling Pavilion during opening hours Monday – Friday, 11am – 4pm.

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CONTENTS

THE LOOP FEBRUARY 2 016

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FEBRUARY 2016

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LOCAL NEWS

THE LATEST HEADLINES We have all the happenings both past present and future for you in this months round up

NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL

PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED The huge festival takes place this month in venues here in East Belfast and right across the city

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30 LOCAL BUSINESS

JOBS AND NUMBERS GALORE There’s been plenty happening from new business openings to the latest harbour figures

LOOP PUBLICATIONS

FOOD & DRINK

BON APPETIT We’re going loco for Vita Coco, we brew a cuppa with Oscar & Joy plus dinner at Stormont Hotel

PUBLISHER | DESIGN | EDITORIAL STUART COLLINS STUART@LOOPMAG.NET

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26

FASHIONWEEK

DRINK A PINTA MILKA DAY

LOCAL SCHOOLS

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YOUR EVENT GUIDE

SPORT

LOCAL FOOTBALL

BACK ON THE CATWALK East Belfast model Carys Magill returns to the catwalk to launch the 21st season of FASHIONWEEK

MOVIES AND EVENTS The month ahead at Strand Arts Centre plus plenty of other goings on in the coming weeks

SALES | ACCOUNTS JUANITA COLLINS JUANITA@LOOPMAG.NET

YOUR LOCAL HISTORY Aidan Campbell shares images and stories about milkmen in East Belfast over the past 100 years.

LOOP PUBLICATIONS LTD PO BOX 2145 | BELFAST | BT5 9EZ TEL: 028 9070 1607

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

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THE KIDS ARE ALRIGHT What have they been up to now?

Dont worry, it’s all good with our schools update of achievements

CLUBS AND FITNESS No rest for the wicked as the sportos keep on sporting and we have the inside track

ALAN HALL REPORTS IN Our local football reporter has been on the case with all the matches East Side

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4 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS ASDA’S SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT ACADEMY STARTS YEAR OF FOOD ACTIVITY A six month-long programme which aims to boost the local agri-food sector by maximising its business potential with Asda has been launched by the retailer’s President and CEO, Andy Clarke at the Asda Dundonald store.

PICTURED:

Michael McCallion, Asda Senior Buying Manager Scotland and NI, Andy Clarke, Asda CEO and John Weatherup, Brunch Box

he Supplier Development Academy (SDA), which kick-starts Asda’s programme of support for Year of Food & Drink 2016, is a bespoke training and development programme and is backed by Invest NI and Scotland Food & Drink. Eleven local food companies, including Brunch Box and Portaferry based Just Live A Little have signed up to the SDA – five of which only began trading with Asda in 2015. Each will be involved in a series of training sessions, store visits and mentor workshops which will promote innovation, develop key skills and streamline bureaucracy and administration. With over £300million of produce being annually sourced from 105 island of Ireland food producers, Asda is keen to extend its support for the sector by creating more opportunities for its suppliers,

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both in NI and in the GB market. Speaking during a visit to Northern Ireland where he met each of the companies participating in the SDA to get better understanding of their product range, Andy Clarke said: “As part of our commitment to Year of Food & Drink, we’re proud to support our suppliers through this unique Academy which is entirely focused on growth. When we first ran this initiative in 2012, participating suppliers achieved a combined sales increase of 20% and we hope to replicate this in 2016 – particularly by helping these suppliers gain more shelf space in our GB stores. “This also reflects how we are responding to our NI customers who have sent the clear message that they want to be able to buy the local products that they trust and enjoy,” Clarke added.

YOU NAME IT

NAME YOUR LOCAL BRIDGES & PATHWAYS WITH CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY AND LOOP HERES YOUR VOTING SLIP FOR NAMING OF LOCAL LANDMARKS BY THE CONNSWATER COMMUNITY GREENWAY TRUST IN PARTNERSHIP WITH BELFAST CITY COUNCIL. BE PART OF EAST BELFAST HISTORY!

A HUGE EEFFORT

Grosvenor Grammar School Charity Initiatives 2015/2016

Congratulations to the incredibly generous pupils of Grosvenor Grammar School who have succeeded in raising an astounding £13685 through their various charity initiatives thus far during the academic year 2015/2016.

n September each year group nominated a chosen charity to whom they wished to donate during the first half of the academic year, which has thus far seen Forms One to Four raise £250 each for ‘Dr. B’s Kitchen’, ‘Northern Ireland Assistance Dogs’, ‘Voice of Young People in Care’ and ‘CRUISE Bereavement Care N.I.’ respectively, Form Five donate £350 to the ‘Mental Health Foundation’, Lower Sixth bestow £200 to ‘Cancer Research U.K.’ and Upper Sixth also contribute £200, this time for ‘Prostate Cancer U.K.’. In addition the school has held supplementary charity collections on a weekly basis throughout the year, which has so far seen the following sums raised: £400 – ‘Together for You’; £300 – ‘RAMS’ Multiple Sclerosis Facility; £1020 – ‘MacMillan Cancer Support’; £300 – Parkinson’s Disease; £250 – Shoe Box Appeal, £350 – Poppy Appeal, and £350 – ‘Simon Community N.I.’. Finally the run-up to the end of term prior to Christmas also saw two further, significant sums of money raised when the Music Department welcomed the entire Grosvenor community to the School’s annual Service of Nine Lessons and Carols, held at St. Anne’s Cathedral, raising £1400 for the Black Santa ‘Sit Out’ Appeal in the process and, on Wednesday 16th December, a number of the School’s Upper Sixth

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A2 Level Sports Science students took on the huge task of staging the inaugural GGS ‘Colour Dash’, featuring in excess of 800 pupils from Forms One – Upper Sixth, which raised a truly phenomenal £7565 for the ‘Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children’.

The incredible total raised for charity so far during the current academic year already takes the school past the aggregate of £11796.26 which it donated to various organisations during the academic year 2014/2015 – itself an outstanding total – meaning that the pupils of GGS have bequeathed an extraordinary £25,481.23 to charity during the past eighteen months alone.

Credit for Grosvenor’s proud charity record of late goes not only to its incredibly generous students but also to the School’s Charity Coordinator, Head of Media Studies Ms. Lorraine Gray, along with her Sixth Form Charity Committee, who have worked tirelessly to ensure that as many beneficiaries as possible have gained from the incredible spirit of giving amongst the student body; well done to all who have donated so freely over the past year-and-ahalf and we look forward to reading about many more charity initiatives within Grosvenor over the remainder of the year.

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THE LOOP FEBRUARY 2 016

LOCAL NEWS IN SHORT

RECORD FIGURES

HILLMOUNT SIZZLES AT UK AWARDS AS GARDEN CENTRE CELEBRATES BEST DAY IN BUSINESS Hillmount Garden Centre’s plants have been blooming in gardens across Northern Ireland for 75 years and recently (2 January), the garden centre celebrated its best trading day since opening its doors in 1940.

hen, at the Garden Trade News and Garden Radio Awards, Hillmount Garden Centre beat off competition from garden centres across the UK to win two national awards.Hillmount won the Gold award for ‘The Greatest Christmas Sizzle Team of 2015’ recognising their efforts in selling barbecues in winter to customers who wanted to use a BBQ for cooking

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THERE ARE EXCITING PLANS UNDERWAY FOR THE FUTURE OF BELFAST

East Belfast Community Development Agency and youth workers want to ensure that the voices of young people in East Belfast are a part of the conversation about the changes. EBCDA are asking young people: what they love about East Belfast; whats annoying about East Belfast. whats important to them as residents; what should East Belfast be like by 2030. EBCDA will be working with youth workersand young people to develop a “young peoples agenda” for East Belfast.

Contact Jonny Currie, Community Development Director at jonny@ebcda. org or call 028 9045 1512

Jamie Foy of Weber with the Mercer Family at Hillmount Garden Centre who have won a national award for their BBQ team. www.hillmount.co.uk their Christmas turkey. And, the family owned garden centre also won Northern Ireland ‘Greatest Festive Catering Team’ celebrating excellence in teamwork in The Gardener’s Rest.

Alan Mercer, managing director, Hillmount Garden Centre, said: “Last year was a very special year at Hillmount as we celebrated 75 years in the business. Starting 2016

with these two awards for our BBQ department and café is testament to the efforts we put into the business in the run up to Christmas. And when we saw customers queuing outside before we opened last Saturday we knew we were in for a busy day on our first day back after Christmas. It’s just starting to sink in that we achieved our best trading day in 75 years on the first Saturday of January 2016!

Starting off the year this way is very exciting and gives us a great boost as we plan for the rest of the year.

Hillmount Garden Centre has two stores – one on Upper Braniel Road, Belfast, and one on Belfast Road, Bangor. For news of spring events and the latest offers at Hillmount – www.hillmount.co.uk, www.facebook. com/hillmountgardencentre, www. twitter.com/hillmountgarden

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6 T HE LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS FLYING HIGH

DUNDONALD SEA CADETS FUNDRAISING SUCCESS Dundonald Sea Cadets are flying high thanks to the generosity of passengers at George Best Belfast City Airport. The Cadets raised a massive £406.36 through a collection in the terminal building on Friday 22 January 2016 which they are going to put towards purchasing a new safety boat.

AC SOPHIE HAD SOME QUESTIONS FOR DAVID DIMBLEBY CADET SOPHIE HELPING RAISE FUNDS FOR DUNDONALD CADET JACK AT GBBCA

ince 1985 Dundonald Sea Cadets has given hundreds of young people in the local area a great head start in life through nautical adventure and fun.

Towards the end of last year however it became apparent that their aging RIB was unlikely to make it through another season. Costly repairs had been taking their toll on unit funds for a while and without a suitable safety boat, the Cadets would be unable to get on the water in 2016. The pressure was on to raise funds to finance a replacement vessel and thanks to the management of George Best Belfast City Airport the cadets are on their way to raising the £6,000 they need to achieve their goal.

Lt Hector Wanliss, Commanding Officer is thrilled the project is off to such a fantastic

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start. “Dundonald Unit has been very successful over the last few years. Last year we achieved 148 Cadet & 72 Adult Volunteer Qualifications, many of which are nationally accredited and recognised.

We also achieved 5 Bronze Life Saving Awards, sent cadets on 36 Offshore voyages and averaged more than 90 Boating Hours per cadet over the course of the season. We want to continue this success into 2016 and for many more years to come”.

Unit Treasurer, Lee Smyth said, “Our success is only possible through the generosity and support of friends and local businesses such as the City Airport.

The cadets enjoyed their fundraising at the airport, getting to chat with local politicians travelling to Westminster and

even meeting a TV icon! They have been inspired to come up with more ideas to help us replace the safety boat.”

Whether at sea or on land, The Sea Cadet Corps (SCC) offers an environment where young people can find new confidence and inspiration. The SCC has eleven training ships throughout the province with over 380 Cadets aged 10 -18, challenging themselves and developing new skills like sailing, boating and adventure training.

We’re always on the lookout for cadets and volunteers. If you would like to visit us and have a chat about joining, please visit our website for opening times, address and contact details: www.sea-cadets. org/dundonald. Help us to keep inspiring young people!

HOME FROM HOME AS COUPLE ENTER COMPETITIVE HOUSING MARKET

Concern raised in the Clonduff area that their community centre may be demolished to make way for new leisure centre development.

Sharon and Chris Gregg were the first people to buy a house through Vision Property when the Belfast-based company started in 2006. Now, in a vote of confidence in the expanding estate agency, the couple are running its newest branch in Bangor.

haron spent time working in the company’s Grand Parade office in 2015 before she and Chris decided that the future lay in helping it open its third office in North Down. It also has a branch in Dundonald, which was established just seven months ago. She said: “Bangor may not appear to be the obvious choice for opening a new branch of an estate agency, since it is already home to quite a few. But we believe the people of North Down will be attracted by our unique fixed-fee approach to both selling and letting at a time when every penny counts.

“We’re delighted that as a husband and wife team we’re keeping the family ethos in a business that has been family run for a decade and has been versatile enough to weather the ups, downs and rebirth of the Northern Ireland housing market.”

Vision Property, founded in 2006, offers a fixed sale

“Our success is only possible through the generosity and support of friends and local businesses such as the City Airport”

Future of Clonduff Community Centre in Question

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price of £950 with no upfront fees, a bright modern image and personal service. In the rental sector, the company manages more than 150 properties and has more than 200 non-managed properties on its books.

It offers to find a tenant for a £250 finder’s fee.

To mark its opening, the Bangor branch of Vision has several special offers on top of its unique fixed fee sale. Details are available in the office at 25 Bridge Street, Bangor, at the bottom of Main Street and opposite the Marina. Said Sharon: “Whether you’re buying or selling, or even just considering it, call in for a chat and a cup of coffee to see how different we are. We like to think we blend the future of property sales with old fashioned family service. We also challenge anyone to beat us on price.”

www.visionpropertyagents.co.uk

Belfast City Council has agreed to build a new leisure centre to replace the Robinson Centre and hasagreed to give design consideration to integrating the community facilitieswithin the leisure centre. Green Party Councillor Ross Brown has stated his opposition to integrating the community and leisure centres, “In the last few weeks there have been two very well attended public meetings where concerns have been raised about the future of Clonduff Community Centre. It is clear the citizens in this area are not prepared to sacrifice their community facilities, without any guarantee of a replacement which will meet their needs. Council staff has been consulting with people on what they would like to see in a new leisure centre. Nevertheless, I am worried that a budget has not been earmarked for any newcommunity centre that is not integrated into the new leisure complex. Although £20m has been set aside for the leisure redevelopment, there is no agreement any of this can be allocated towards any replacement community facilities. The council is currently conducting a review of community services across the city and there is no guarantee that Clonduff would qualify for funding for replacement facilities if the existing centre were demolished. While it makes sense to build new community and leisure centres side by side, community facilities must remain distinct and I strongly oppose their integration into centre run by a business. Having worked previously in community services, I appreciate the importance people put on access to facilities and activities at rates which are affordable and local and on a space wherethey are comfortable. Clonduff community centre is a home for the people in this area. I am very worried that elected representatives from other parties are prepared to endorse its integration into the new leisure complex and I would urge the community to make their voice heard on this issue.

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8 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS ON THE ROAD

WHEELS ON THE BUS GO ROUND & ROUND FOR CHILDREN’S CHARITY In a remarkable start to the New Year Cancer Fund for Children is celebrating winning a brand new minibus that will be used to transport children affected by cancer to residentials at the charity’s Narnia log cabin in Newcastle, County Down.

LOCAL BUSINESS & CHARITY UNITE he charity that provides support for local children affected by cancer and their families, won the minibus from the LV= Broker Big Heart Minibus Giveaway through an online vote after kindly being nominated by local broker CIP Insurance.

An impressive feat with over 65 charities nominated throughout the UK. The new bus was officially handed over to the charity by CIP Insurance and LV= Insurance at Daisy Lodge, Cancer Fund for Children’s therapeutic short break facility at the foothills of the Mourne Mountains, in Newcastle, on January 13. Staff from both companies also enjoyed a tour of Daisy Lodge and the adjacent Narnia log cabin. CIP Insurance has been supporting Cancer Fund

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PICTURED: Cancer Fund for Children CEO Gillian Creevy with Paul Williamson MD of

CIP Insurance Brokers and Mike Crane MD of LV = Broker at the official handover.

for Children for two years and has raised money for the charity by hosting a variety of fundraising events. The mini-bus will be used to bring children and young people affected by cancer to residentials at the charity’s Narnia Log Cabin in Newcastle and to a range of other locations for activities.

Cancer Fund for Children’s Chief Executive Gillian Creevy, said: “We are overjoyed to have won this fantastic new minibus through the LV= Broker Big Heart Mini Bus Giveaway and we’re extremely grateful to CIP Insurance for nominating us. Unbelievably, it is ten years since we opened the doors to our magical 24 berth residential log cabin facility, Narnia. In the past 10 years, Cancer Fund for Children has

hosted over 237 residentials there.

It’s a very special place - a world away from hospitals and treatment, anxiety and uncertainty. A world away from cancer.

“Led by our team of Specialists, children have the opportunity to experience some independent living, make new friends, learn new skills – all designed to help them cope with their illness and so they can simply enjoy being a child again. This new minibus will allow us to transport young people from all across the province and to continue our work. A really wonderful 10th anniversary present!”

Mike Crane, Managing Director of LV= Broker said: “Cancer Fund for Children provides an extremely valuable service to children and

young people affected by cancer so it’s great to know that our donation of an LV= minibus will make such a difference. Putting people at the heart of what we do is key to LV=’s success and it’s great that we’ve been able to work with our broker partners CIP Insurance to identify such a deserving cause.”

Paul Williamson, Managing Director of CIP Insurance Brokers said: “We were delighted to be given the opportunity to nominate Cancer Fund for Children in the LV= Broker Big Heart Minibus Giveaway. This is a competition open to all UK Insurance Brokers and it is a huge achievement that a Northern Ireland charity received the most votes to win this brand new minibus. CIP Insurance is very proud of its partnership

with Cancer Fund for Children and would like to thank all our colleagues and friends in the Insurance industry who gave their vote to this very worthwhile local children’s charity.”

Residential group support is just one of many services that Cancer Fund for Children delivers to ensure families don’t have to face cancer alone. The charity’s team of Specialists also work in the community, hospital ward and the home providing practical, emotional and financial support as well as free therapeutic short breaks.

To find out more or how you can get involved visit : cancerfundforchildren.com or call 028 9080 5599.

TAKE A BEAMER

BEACON OF HOPE AS MEW ISLAND LIGHTHOUSE OPTIC SET FOR DISPLAY IN TITANIC QUARTER Titanic Foundation and the Commissioners of Irish Lights have been awarded a first-round pass from the Heritage Lottery Fund for saving, restoring and displaying the old optic from Mew Island Lighthouse, a very rare hyper radial Fresnel lens, in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.

his award, along with early support from Ulster Garden Villages, will allow the project to progress to the second stage of the HLF application process. If successful, the optic will be restored and housed in a new interpretive structure, made to resemble a lighthouse lantern room where it would add an iconic element to the Titanic Quarter public realm. With free public access it will tell the story of lighthouses, their technological development, their light keepers, and their role in the proud maritime & industrial heritage of Belfast and Ulster.

Mew Island lighthouse, on the outermost of the Copeland Islands, is one of the tallest lighthouses in Ireland. It is an important Aid to Navigation at the southern entrance to Belfast Lough, built at a time when Belfast was the worldcentre of linen, ship-building and rope-making, and one of the

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most important ports in the World. The optic is the internal apparatus which gave Mew Island Lighthouse its traditional revolving light. Made in Paris in 1887, it is possibly the largest ever constructed, at a staggering 7 metres high, 2.6 metres wide and weighing up to 10 tonnes. The optic is one of 29 of the largest optics ever made, with only 18 still in existence across the world. It’s one of only 3 similar optics in Ireland, none of which are now operational.

Over its life, and as technology has developed, Mew Island optic was lit with town-gas (derived manually on the island from coal), vaporised paraffin, and electricity. Irish Lights, recognising the importance of the optic within Belfast’s maritime heritage, have been working for over 3 years to find a suitable home for the optic. Through the partnership with Titanic Foundation, the charity that owns Titanic

Belfast, they are delighted that Mew Island Optic will be located in Belfast. Barry Phelan; Irish Lights Project Engineer said; “ This project will ultimately develop a brand new tourist attraction in Belfast, and will provide a permanent home for the magnificent Mew Island Lighthouse Optic beside a very worthy neighbour - Titanic Belfast.

The project will also shine a light on the wonderful Great Lighthouses of Ireland nearby, which offers you a chance to stay in, visit, or learn about lighthouses and the Irish Lights at; Blackhead Antrim, St. John’s Point Down, Rathlin Island, or further afield.” The optic, which was recently replaced by a modern solar-powered, flashing LED in March 2015, has already been transferred from Mew Island to the Irish Lights’ offices in Dun Laoghaire where they are carrying out initial restoration works.

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10 T HE LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS FUTURE IMAGE

EXHIBITION TO SHOW PLANS OF HOW THE LINEN QUARTER COULD LOOK IN THE FUTURE

70 YEARS AND COUNTING

AN EXHIBITION SHOWING HOW THE LINEN QUARTER COULD LOOK IN THE FUTURE WILL BE ON DISPLAY AT THE ULSTER HALL DURING THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY. PREPARING TO CELEBRATE THEIR 70TH ANNIVERSARY WITH HELP FROM BRIGADERS ANNA BOWDEN AND HOLLY DICKSON ALONG WITH SENIOR EXPLORERS EMILY BOYD AND ELLIE MOORE

LAUNCHING THE CELEBRATIONS FOR THEIR 70TH ANNIVERSARY WITH EXPLORERS REBECCA HUNTER, AMY BOYD AND SOPHIE BOYD

FUTURE IMAGE

70th Celebrations For Dundonald Girls’ Brigade!

18TH NI DUNDONALD PRESBYTERIAN GIRLS’ BRIGADE IS MARKING AN HISTORIC MILESTONE AS OFFICERS AND GIRLS PREPARE TO CELEBRATE THE COMPANY’S 70TH ANNIVERSARY THIS YEAR.

IMAGE OF THE LINEN QUARTER AREA AND AN ARTIST’S DRAWING OF A PROPOSAL FOR A NEW FOCAL SPACE AT BLACKSTAFF SQUARE

elfast City Council is holding a consultation exercise which will run until Friday 11 March seeking public views on the future development of the area.

In the summer, the council appointed Planit Intelligent Environments, an urban design and landscape architect practice, to prepare a draft public realm analysis and vision for the area.

Included in the proposals are redefining streets and creating new focal spaces with plans to revitalise Blackstaff Square and introducing a new central or green space within the Linen Quarter that could be used as a public meeting area or to hold outside events.

The Linen Quarter lies to the south of City Hall and includes a number of the city’s key business and public sector headquarters as well as existing and planned hotel developments – taking in Bedford Street, Linenhall Street, Adelaide Street, Alfred Street and Ormeau Avenue among other streets.

Home to the Ulster Hall and BBC Broadcasting House, it is one of the city’s main arrival points lying adjacent to the proposed £100 million Belfast Transport Hub expansion at Great Victoria Street which will become the main regional hub for bus and train services in the years ahead.

The exhibition at the Ulster Hall will illustrate key elements of the vision for the area and will be available to view during February from Monday to Saturday from 10am to 5pm (with the exception

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of Saturday 20 February). Council staff will also be available to discuss the proposals and answer queries on Tuesday 2 February (10am – 12.30pm) and on Thursday 18 February (2pm – 4.30pm).

Councillor Matt Garrett, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Planning Committee, said: “With Council now having power over planning matters in the city, we have seen at first hand the demand for new development in the Linen Quarter area - granting approval to four hotel planning applications as well as a new office block in Adelaide Street. However we need to provide guidance around the future development and look of the Linen Quarter as it is an area of great historic importance due to its links with the Linen Industry as reflected through its building stock.

The exhibition at the Ulster Hall in February will allow the public and key stakeholders to view the draft public realm and vision for the area, as outlined by Planit, and have their say on how the Linen Quarter area will look in the future.”

The council will also be holding a public meeting in the City Hall on Thursday 18 February at 5.45pm for people to provide feedback on the proposals.

The draft plan and more information on the public consultation exercise can be found on the council website by visiting www.belfastcity.gov.uk/ linenquarter

18th NI Dundonald Presbyterian Girls’ Brigade is marking an historic milestone as officers and girls prepare to celebrate the Company’s 70th anniversary this year. The Dundonald Company was setup in February 1946 and over the last seven decades has seen generations of girls move through its ranks.

While the programme of activities has changed throughout the years, the Girls’ Brigade motto to encourage girls to ‘Seek, Serve and Follow Christ’ has remained the core aim of every session.

To celebrate the 70th anniversary, the 18th NI Company has organised a number of exciting events over the coming months. On Saturday 20th February at 7pm, the Company will host a social night with

family games, barn dancing, music and supper! The event will take place in the Church Halls and promises to be a great family night out for cowgirls and cowboys of all ages! Another catch up can be enjoyed at an anniversary dinner on Saturday 12th March at 7pm at McKees Country Store & Restaurant. Tickets are currently on sale and it is advisable to book early to avoid disappointment. Finally the year’s celebrations will culminate with a special 70th anniversary display on Friday 15th April. The theme is ‘Celebrations’ and will be an opportunity for every girl in the Company to take to the floor to celebrate the milestone.

Former members of the Company are warmly welcome to attend all of the above events.

For further details, please contact Paula Arrell (Captain) on 07740 396 720 or email paula_ arrell@btinternet.Com or contact Ruthann Hunter (Secretary) on 07921 765 570.

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24th Belfast Boys Brigade are pictured presenting Lynn Cowan from Children’s Heartbeat Trust with a cheque for £200. The money was raised from a charity stall held at St Donard’s Church in East Belfast at Christmas. The money will be used to support local children and young people in Northern Ireland living with heart disease.

For further info childrensheartbeattrust.org

The famous 99p sale is on again at your local Gordons Chemists with hundreds of your favourite top brand products flying off the shelves at just 99p. If money’s a little too tight to mention at the moment, you can go on a spending spree at Gordons Chemists and still have change from a pound on all their 99p sale items. If you’re styling your hair for a night on the town you can hold your style in place with Bristow hairspray and Herbal Essences shampoo and conditioner are perfect for giving your hair vibrancy, moisture and shine. Our baby range includes Johnson’s Baby Oil with 50% Extra Free and Huggies Baby wipes at just 99p. We have a large household range of 99p products as well including Domestos Bleach and Cif Floor Cleaner. Airwick Aerosols are also only 99p.

Right Guard and Sanex Antiperspirants are also less than a pound and so too is Radox shower gel. Not forgetting the sensitive shavers among us – Gillette’s foam for sensitive skin takes the chore out of shaving with this bargain price! With 51 stores across Northern Ireland, the leading independent pharmacy chain is on your doorstep and you can also shop online at www.gordonsdirect.com. www.facebook.com/gordonsdirect twitter @gordonsdirect.

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12 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS TEAM WORK

GIANT SUCCESS FOR LIDL COMMUNITY WORKS EAST BELFAST COMMUNITY GROUPS BENEFIT FROM A FANTASTIC INITIATIVE DELIVERED BY LIDL COMMUNITY CREW

WORKING TOGETHER

In 2015 Lidl Northern Ireland launched its Lidl Community Works initiative, an exciting programme which aimed to support hundreds of community groups across the region. Shoppers were invited to nominate local community groups that were deserving of an extra helping hand from the Lidl Community Crew.

Over the past number of months thousands of people throughout Northern Ireland have reaped the benefits from the worthwhile community initiative.

Shoppers were invited to nominate local community groups that were deserving of an extra helping hand from the Lidl Community Crew. After receiving over 2,000 nominations 32 “Big Projects” were selected by Lidl’s panel of judges, which included

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international rugby star Rory Best and Celebrity Chef Ian Orr. Since then the 10-person-strong Lidl Community Crew have shared 337 hours with community groups, met over 30,000 people across six counties, delivered nearly 12,500 goody bags and distributed £250,000 worth of donations to dozens of local community groups.

Paul Gibson, Sales Operations Executive at Lidl Northern Ireland, said: “It was important for us as a business to engage with the local communities and this campaign allowed us to do that.

We witnessed the incredible work that these groups do and we were able to help them on their way too.

So thanks to everyone who helped make it the success that it was.”

The projects that received support from Lidl ranged

PAUL GIBSON, SALES OPERATIONS EXECUTIVE AT LIDL NORTHERN IRELAND

“IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR US AS A BUSINESS TO ENGAGE WITH THE LOCAL COMMUNITIES AND THIS CAMPAIGN ALLOWED US TO DO THAT. WE WITNESSED THE INCREDIBLE WORK THAT THESE GROUPS DO AND WE WERE ABLE TO HELP THEM ON THEIR WAY TOO. SO THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO HELPED MAKE IT THE SUCCESS THAT IT WAS”

from the Jennifer Milligan Dance Academy, a local and dedicated dance school that gives children of all ages the opportunity to socialise and learn new dance skills; to the Dundonald Community Concert Band which operates as a mentoring band, encouraging young people to learn to play instruments and brings former musicians back to music.

Siobhan O’Connor from the Lidl Community Crew said “We have loved the chance to meet the people behind these wonderful organisations that are

so valued in their communities.

As well as delivering cheques to some groups, we spent time at the Harold McCauley Nursing Home helping pack emergency toiletry bags for the local A&E department and assisted chef Ian Orr with a cooking demonstration at Crumlin Senior Citizens, among many other exciting projects.”

For more information on the Lidl Community Works Campaign and to keep up to date with Lidl news, visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk.

NOTE PERFECT

12th United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival More than one hundred artists take to the stage in forty concerts at the annual gathering of International and local song writing talent, first week in March. The line up for 12th United Airlines Belfast Nashville Songwriters Festival will feature some of the most successful award winning writers to grace the stage.

Stephen Bishop, who wrote Separate Lives for Phil Collins and On and On, is flying over from his home in LA to perform, his only show in UK/Ireland and Grammy nominated artist Iain Archer makes a welcome return. He wrote Hold Back The River with James Bay, Run with Snow Patrol and several Jake Bugg hits. They’re both headlining BelNash alongside James Huish, Derek Ryan, Brian Houston and Ulaid with Liam Ó Maonlaí of Hothouse Flowers fame. Scottish duo Gallagher & Lyle, play a special reunion headline concert featuring their hits ‘Breakaway’, ‘Heart On My Sleeve’, Wanna Stay With You’.

Panarts Director Colin Magee said; “we’ve got more than forty concerts this year featuring great local talent with international artists. We’re putting the songwriter centre stage and showcasing their music at BelNash 2016. It’s going to be another great year for live music in Belfast.”

L-R IAIN ARCHER / GALLAGHER & LYLE / ANNE O’BYRNE / STEPHEN BISHOP

The very best of Northern Irish talent features with, Best Boy Grip, Ciara O’Neill, Peter McVeigh, Cup O’ Joe, Amanda Agnew, Simon Murphy and Sam Wickens. John Spillane travels from Cork and is joined by Anton Glackin. Downtown Country Radio and Panarts have a special event featuring Gary Burr from Nashville and two of Ireland’s finest country artists, Derek Ryan and Triona. Gary has written fourteen number one hits and had songs recorded by Carole King, Tim McGraw, Randy Travis and Reba McEntire.

Fans of James Huish will hear songs of legendary Jazz and Swing writers at a concert in The Empire. Suzanne Savage performs with a string quartet from Holland in The Savage Five. West End star and leading lady in ‘Phantom of the Opera’ Anna O’Byrne from Australia performs great songs from the shows in Musical Theatre Songwriters with Belfast Performing Arts School.

A special concert is being filmed for television by Panarts and Music City Roots to be broadcast into 60 million homes across the USA. Three time Grammy winner Jim Lauderdale is joined by Gallagher & Lyle, Brian Houston, Iain Archer, Scott Millar (USA) and more great local talent in the TV show. The Film and Music of John T Davis features and all the events at BelNash 2016 take place at The Clayton Hotel Ormeau Avenue Belfast and The Empire Music Hall.

The Panarts event is sponsored by Arts Council NI, United Airlines, Cool FM and Downtown Radio, Tourism Ireland, Dawsons Music, Belfast City Council, Department for Social Development, Arts and Business NI, Avalon Guitars, Clayton Hotel Belfast, The Empire Belfast.

For info & tickets www.belfastnashville.com or Visit Belfast Welcome Centre (opposite City Hall) 028 9024 6609

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

Panarts Presents

12TH UNITED AIRLINES BELFAST NASHVILLE

SONGWRITERS FESTIVAL & CONVENTION 2nd – 6th March 2016 ®

5 days 40 concerts 100 songwriters A–Z Artists

Iain Archer, Stephen Bishop (USA) Gallagher & Lyle (SCO) Brian Houston James Huish, Derek Ryan, Triona, Gary Burr (USA) Ulaid & Liam Ó MAONLAÍ & Many More Tickets www.belfastnashville.com or Visit Belfast Welcome Centre (opposite City Hall) Tel 028 9024 6609

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL MARINA PARK, BELFAST, BT5 6BA

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GROSVENOR SCHOOL All Primary School pupilsGRAMMAR and their parents are invited to attend

Sixth Form Information Evening

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MARINA PARK, BELFAST, BT5 6BA

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14 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS A NEW HOME

Find Your Perfect Partner This Valentine’s With Cats Protection

As Valentine’s Day approaches, a cat charity is appealing to people to spare a thought for the many homeless felines who need to meet that special someone.

TREK ENDEAVOUR

PEUGEOT IN TRIBUTE TO NORTH DOWN MAN taff from Peugeot UK recently completed a challenging walk up Mt Snowdon to remember their former colleague and friend, Bangor man Robin Menary, and to raise funds for the Foundation set up in his name.

After a long trek to the top, they raised a glass to toast his memory.

When the sponsorship for their ordeal was totalled they had raised a fantastic £1,210! Robin was a strong, healthy, happy and sporty 36 year old looking forward to the birth of much longed for twins when, without warning, he was diagnosed with a Grade 4 brain

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tumour – one of the deadliest forms of cancer. Only 17 months later, when his twins were just 15 months old, Robin died from this dreadful illness. He was only 38 years of age. His devastated family set up the Robin Menary Foundation to raise funds for research into brain cancer. Every penny raised goes directly to research. There are no running costs, no salaries to pay and that has allowed them to make a donation of £17,000 to Queen’s University’s Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology.

robinmenaryfoundation.com

TEAM WORK

LOOP WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ORCHARDVILLE SOCIETY LOOP PUBLICATIONS ARE NOW WORKING TOGETHER WITH THE ORCHARDVILLE SOCIETY. THEIR STUDENTS WILL BE PRE PACKING ALL OUR FLYERS AND PAPERS BEFORE THEY HIT YOUR LETTERBOXES. THE SOCIETY HAS A PROVEN TRACK RECORD OF PROVIDING TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES TO ADULTS WITH A LEARNING DISABILITY AND / OR AUTISTIC SPECTRUM CONDITION. “By creating viable and real work environments, many of our students (service users) have been supported to enter the world of work. Working in partnership with Orchardville will not only help your business market, sell or grow, but will help us continue to support a group of people who face significant

ats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre currently has 100 felines in its care who are all desperate to find a home.

The Belfast Adoption Centre staff are now calling on potential owners to celebrate the most loving day of the year by finding a new pet. Belfast Adoption Centre Deputy Manager Andrew Doherty said: “Just like humans, cats are individuals with different quirks

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BELFAST ADOPTION CENTRE DEPUTY MANAGER ANDREW DOHERTY

THEY ARE LOYAL, FRIENDLY, FUNNY AND LOVING – SO WHAT BETTER TIME OF YEAR TO PICK A NEW BEST FRIEND THAN AROUND VALENTINE’S DAY?”

disadvantage in the labour market. Social Enterprises are Businesses that trade to tackle social problems, improve communities, peoples life chances, or the environment. They grow from selling goods or services in the open market, but reinvest any profits back into the business or local community.

The Orchardville Business Centre is a Social Enterprise Training Centre that provides on the job training to each person who comes through our service ranging from: • HAND ASSEMBLY/PACKING • MUGS • MAILERS • T-SHIRTS • PRINT • INTERNET FULFILMENT • DESIGN • CANVAS AND MUCH MORE! Nothing we do has a minimum. So no minimum order charge, no minimum print run, no minimum fulfilment, no job to small, all of the work we do is hand finished so no job

and personalities and we have cats which would suit all sorts of people. You can never predict which cat a prospective owner will bond with – sometimes people go for cats with similar personalities to their own, other times is definitely a case of ‘opposites attract’. Either way, there is no denying that cats make fantastic pets. They are loyal, friendly, funny and loving – so what better time of year to pick a new best friend than around Valentine’s Day?” Two year old, dashing gent, Chubs (pictured) is one such cat that is looking for a loving family this Valentines. Chubs was rescued from a life living rough on the streets of Belfast by Cats Protection. Chubs was in a bit of a sorry state when he was first found with many injuries, scrapes and bumps. However the Belfast Adoption Centre veterinary team nursed Chubs back to full health and happiness once more. Chubs now just needs the second chance in life that he so deserves in the form of an adoptive home and family to call his own.

If you would like to offer a cat a new home this Valentine’s Day, please contact the Belfast Adoption Centre on 028 9048 0202 or belfast@cats.org.uk

is too bespoke either. We currently work with a wide range of businesses from small to large and government bodies providing a range of different services to suit each client’s needs. Since opening our doors over 20 years ago we have gone from strength to strength in our sector. We now have 12 trainees (People with Learning Disabilities) on site everyday eagerly willing to learn and enthusiastic about work so turnaround time is tight and our work is of a high standard.

Our talents don’t stop at business needs; The Orchardville Society also has two successful cafes (Espresso East on The Newtownards Road, Belfast and The Orchard Café, Malone Road, Belfast) and an industrial operation in partnership with Coca-Cola, all of which employ the same ethos in training young people & adults with learning disability for employment and greater independence.”

For more information | Call 028 9073 2326 | Email info@orchardville.com | visit orchardville.com |

TWO COURSES AND A GLASS OF WINE FOR ONLY £17 PER PERSON Available Sun-Thurs 5–7pm TO BOOK CALL ON 028 9065 1066 hastingshotels.com

16 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

NEWS THE EAST BELFAST STUDENT ON A TECH MISSION TO SAVE YOUR WORK

Sick and tired of losing valuable work via a USB? Well here’s the solution from an Ashfield Boys student with a vision .... y name is Mason Robinson I’ve recently turned 16, I live in East Belfast and I’m on a mission to revolutionise the loss of work via a USB stick. Let me introduce I-Save, this is a USB software business that was born in the Northern Ireland science park via a £2000 internship which I had won due to the idea. As an average high school student I found minding pen drives quite tricky mainly losing all of my assignments and course work and then I discovered I wasn’t the only one.... In fact millions of people lose them. This is when I-Save is brought in, this is a auto synchronisation software which is

connected to your cloud storage such as drop box, the software is installed onto your USB stick, once installed save the files of choice to your USB, once saved the files will automatically copy to your cloud storage account so this means whenever you lose your USB stick you’ve always got another copy in the cloud, just simply download your missing files. Simple but effective, but I need your help....

I-Saves Kickstarter campaign is live on the 1st of March so head on over there and pledge donations in return with many offers, by doing so this will help me achieve my dream in becoming a entrepreneur, Thanks!

East Belfast.

A number of gathered thoughts, photographs, drawings and text pieces from participants will be exhibited in a range of locations; retailers, shop windows, cafes, businesses, and street corners This project evolved from Ciara O’Malley’s Mobile Space Project, which was part of the East Belfast Arts Festival, 2015. Creative Exchange member, Ciara O’Malley is a multi-disciplinary artist who creates site-specific installations and interventions in the field of socially engaged practice. Heather Dornan Wilson’s artwork combines quality craftsmanship and aesthetics with a highly conceptual approach, often belying the perceptions and blurring the labels that are set up between fine and applied art. Heather has been an active participant in the arts and crafts sector of Northern Ireland since 1998, through involvement in local and national craft fairs, exhibitions, workshops, conferences, and through membership of

arts organisations. Another Artist based in Creative Exchange Artist Studios who has an exciting forthcoming local art project is Deirdre Robb.

Robb has been commissioned by Eastside Partnership to create artwork for the front of the new building for Bryson Street Surgery on the Newtownards Road. The inspiration for the artwork is based on the Starling mumurations that take place on the Albertbridge. This is a unique feature of East Belfast that is often overlooked.

An important part of the process was to have community involvement. Two stakeholder workshops were held in City East premises, were the Surgery has relocated to on a temporary basis.

Robb talked about the concept of the starling murmuration and consulted with patients and staff on the proposed designs. The artwork is scheduled to be installed in Spring. www.creativeexchange.org.uk

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For more information visit: www.isave-backup.co.uk Or you can email Masonrobinson427@gmail.com CREATIVE EXCHANGE

LOCAL PUBLIC ART PROJECTS PLANNED THIS SPRING

A great opportunity to partake in a local art project will be coming your way from 10th – 13th March. City As A Gallery - Placing Voices/Voicing Spaces, is a public art project based in a shop unit in Connswater Shopping Centre giving locals and passer’s by the opportunity to meet, voice opinions and inspirations and exchange thoughts and ideas. This project is being facilitated by two local artists Heather Dornan Wilson and Ciara O’Malley who both have studios at Creative Exchange artists’ studios in Portview Trade Centre on the Newtownards Road.

Placing Voices/Voicing Spaces is intended to explore the hopes, dreams, fears and aspirations of a broad and diverse range of people who live and work in

EAST BELFAST MISSION Working with everyone in our community to improve their spiritual and physical well being ast year, East Belfast Mission (EBM) celebrated 30 years as a charitable organisation and going forward into 2016 the charity is keen to raise the profile of the work they do from the Skainos Centre on the Newtownards Road Belfast which opened over 3 years ago. EBM has a variety of business projects and social programmes and is keen to ensure that the neighbouring communities know what is available to them. There are many volunteering opportunities across the organisation and both sides of the community are encouraged to use the centre and

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are always made welcome. At the heart of EBM, part of the Methodist church of Ireland, is the church congregation and the weekly church service is on a Sunday at 11am. The church and community outreach staff team has increased with 2 new staff members now on-board alongside several American volunteers. The team regularly visit the sick, elderly and housebound both in their own home and/or in hospital, support families who need assistance in various areas of their lives and organise community led events.

To find out more detail about

the very diverse range of projects and opportunities, log on to the recently launched website at www.ebm.org.uk .

SKAINOS ROOM HIRE is available at very competitive rates. There are several sizes of rooms to suit business meetings, conferences and kids parties, through to funeral catering and annual general meetings. Skainos has just launched a brand new website and further details can be found at www.skainos. org. If you use Twitter then join the 1500 followers for all the latest news at Skainos. If hiring a room, the Refresh café on site offers all your catering requirements at very competitive prices. Catering ranges from tea/coffee and scones or tray bakes to sandwiches or a full hot

CHARITY PARTNERSHIP

Mencap Goes Extra Mile For Children And Young People With A Learning Disability PICTURED: Mencap Ambassador Pamela Ballantine and Mencap Young Ambassador James Martin joined David Seaton, Chair of the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon Actress Ty Glaser and local personality Pamela Ballantine recently joined Mencap supporters and fellow ambassadors today as part of a baton relay to celebrate the charity’s partnership with the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon for the next three years.

Young people with a learning disability teamed up with Mencap Ambassadors and other local supporters for the 1.1-mile walk from Mencap’s Segal House on Annadale Avenue to its new, state-of-the-art Mencap Centre in Newtownbreda.

In its final stage of construction, Mencap Centre will open this spring.

Speaking from the relay event, Margaret Kelly, Director, Mencap Northern Ireland, explained that the new building is just the beginning of how the charity plans to grow the scope of services offered: “The relay today was a special way to celebrate our partnership with Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon and share with supporters exactly what we hope to achieve with their support. Our new centre will not only allow us to continue offering essential services such as our early intervention service for children aged 2-4 years old, but will allow us the opportunity to expand on these activities, helping more children with a learning disability, autism or developmental delay and their families across Northern Ireland. However, our new building is only the start of what’s to come from Mencap in Northern Ireland. We already work in cities and towns across Northern Ireland and money raised from the marathon will go toward offering more community programmes, such as after school clubs, summer play schemes and respite days. We also intend to launch a new family support service ensuring that when a child is born with a learning disability we are there to support them and their family. All donations from the Deep RiverRock Belfast City Marathon will go toward making these services a reality, so we encourage everyone to sign up for the marathon or its associated events and #DoIt4Mencap.”

TO FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN #DOIT4MENCAP IN THE 2016 DEEP RIVERROCK BELFAST CITY MARATHON AND ITS ASSOCIATED EVENTS, PLEASE VISIT MENCAPBIGSTEPFORWARD.ORG, OR YOU CAN EMAIL FUNDRAISING.NI@MENCAP.ORG.UK OR CALL 028 9069 1351. buffet or even a sit down meal if that is your preference. Refresh is open to the public and offers external catering, subsidised meals for senior citizens and a vast menu serving breakfast, lunch and snacks Monday through to Saturday. Contact the Catering Manager on 028 9073 8304.

Through the SKILL SOCIAL ECONOMY PROJECT, there are opportunities for business groups and charitable organisations to visit EBM to learn about how it has grown over the last number of years. There are several options available through the Skill project including the chance to hear from the expertise of those who have started new projects and initiatives within the charity. Or perhaps you would simply like a tour around

the building? Either way, EBM can accommodate your group with cost depending on the number of people and your individual requirements for the visit. For anyone wishing to set up a social enterprise, the East Belfast Social Enterprise Hub on the Castlereagh Road is there to help you bring your business idea to reality. Mentoring, business planning, test trading, business advice and setting up the legal structure of your business are only a few aspects of help you can avail of and all FREE of charge. Contact Lesley Johnston at the hub on 028 9045 5835.

Use the contact box on the EBM website to send your enquiry today or contact EBM PR Manager - cathy.megahey@ebm.org.uk or call 028 9045 8560.

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THE ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING & MATHEMATICS A HOST OF EVENTS TAKING PLACE IN EAST BELFAST AND ACROSS THE REST OF THE CITY

PREPARE TO BE DAZZLED!

NI SCIENCE FESTIVAL

18-28 FEBRUARY 2016

With over 100 events across 25+ venues, the NI Science Festival offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cuttingedge research and what the future might hold.During the day, the Festival offers a range of workshops, talks and interactive activities for young people, parents and schools. In the evening we will present an eclectic mix of scientific debate, talks, theatres, comedy, music and film for adults.

T : 02891 629204 E : INFO@NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM WWW.NISCIENCEFESTIVAL.COM BETTER STRONGER FASTER

SCIENCE OF THE SEA

DATE: THURSDAY 18 – SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY, 10AM – 6PM VENUE: W5 BELFAST SUITABILITY: ALL AGES PRICE: FREE WITH ADMISSION INTO W5

DATE: 20, 21, 27 & 28 FEBRUARY, 10AM – 4PM VENUE: TITANIC BELFAST SUITABILITY: ALL AGES PRICE: FREE

Can you set the fastest lap on one of the world’s most famous racetracks in our full size Formula 1 car? Or why not tackle a virtual rugby player, row against a friend, check your reaction time, take an ice hockey shot and see if you can jump as high as a top basketball player! Our range of visual sports simulators will allow you to test your skill and your nerves as you kick conversions in rugby or take penalties against a virtual goalkeeper in an intense stadium environment.

Titanic Belfast’s Ocean Exploration Centre joins forces with the Loughs Agency’s Riverwatch, RSPB NI, Ulster Wildlife and Queens University Belfast to bring two weekends of family-friendly activities. Also on display will be a mini-exhibition of artwork by AFBI’s Artist-at-Sea, Alice Clark, whose work was inspired by the time she spent on-board AFBI’s research vessel, the RV Corystes.

BBC MAKE IT DIGITAL DATE: THURSDAY 18 – SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY, 3PM – 9PM (THURSDAY), 10AM – 7PM (FRIDAY) & 10AM – 6PM (SATURDAY) VENUE: BELFAST CITY HALL (THURSDAY & FRIDAY) & TITANIC QUARTER (SATURDAY) SUITABILITY: ALL AGES PRICE: FREE BBC’s Make it Digital project shares the everyday relevance of coding, programming and digital technology and is suitable for all ages. Whether a Raspberry Pi controlling a doorbell, a digital device making coffee on demand or the phone app which switches your lights on and off remotely; come along to lift the lid on the connected world which the Internet of Things brings to all of us.

BE WOWED BY NATURE! DATE: SATURDAY 20 FEBRUARY, 10AM – 4PM VENUE: WINDOW ON WILDLIFE RESERVE SUITABILITY: ALL AGES PRICE: FREE Belfast’s Window on Wildlife (WOW), in Belfast Harbour Estate, is home to all sorts of amazing birds and wildlife from around the world. Enjoy panoramic views of the lagoon and learn about some of the creatures which rely on Belfast Lough and the wider waters off NI, including the amazing ocean quahog - a mollusc which can live to be 500 years old!

HOW TO SURVIVE AN APOCALYPSE DATE: SAT 20 FEBRUARY, 3PM – 6PM VENUE: QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY, BELFAST SUITABILITY: 14-18 YEAR OLDS PRICE: £3

What would happen if an asteroid hit the earth, or zombies took over? If you are one of the lucky survivors, the next challenge is re-building civilisation. Physics, Geography, Engineering and Psychology hold the key! Together, we will teach you some of the important skills needed to get you back on your feet and re-shape the world.

PHYSICS BUSKING DATE: SUNDAY 21 FEBRUARY, 11AM – 3PM VENUE: ST GEORGE’S MARKET BELFAST SUITABILITY: ALL AGES PRICE: FREE Come along to St George’s Market and be entertained by some of the best Physics Busking in the Universe. Be amazed by sights and tricks, using everyday objects to open up a new world of curiosity and understanding. The Institute of Physics team invites you into a realm of invisible forces and remarkable matter. You are encouraged to play along and join in the unstoppably infectious physics fun!

SCICOMM CABARET DATE: WEDNESDAY 24 FEBRUARY, 7.30PM – 10PM VENUE: BLACK BOX, BELFAST SUITABILITY: 18+ PRICE: £5 British Council Northern Ireland and the NI Science Festival present a special evening of quick fire presentations, new ideas and unconventional thoughts featuring some of our most prominent and brilliant names in

science communication. Join mentalist David Meade plus guests as they engage in a wide variety of fascinating scientific topics

LEVEL UP HUMAN PODCAST DATE: THURSDAY 25 FEBRUARY, 8PM – 10PM VENUE: BLACK BOX, BELFAST SUITABILITY: 18+ PRICE: £6 Level Up Human takes a light hearted look at what it means to be human, and what the alternatives might be. Join Simon Watt plus local comedians Matthew Collins and Lorcan McGrane for the live recording of an exciting new podcast series.

LATE LAB 2 DATE: FRIDAY 26 FEBRUARY, 7PM – 11PM VENUE: ULSTER MUSEUM SUITABILITY: 18+ PRICE: £5 Travel into the mind of a mad scientist, as the Ulster Museum is transformed for one night only, with breathtaking live experiments, spectacular science shows and mercurial music. Our chemistry cocktails will no doubt help catalyze your evening’s fun, so don your best geek chic and join us for Belfast’s ultimate science party!

KNOW YOUR ENEMY DATE: SAT 27 FEBRUARY, 1PM – 5PM VENUE: CENTRE OF EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE, QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY BELFAST SUITABILITY: ALL AGES PRICE: FREE The Centre for Experimental Medicine

at Queen’s University is a brand new, state of the art research facility that accommodates over 200 research staff.

Join us for a showcase event to gain first-hand insights into disease focused research, with demonstrations of basic laboratory experiments, patient-based research and clinical trials. Several strands of research will be highlighted in the form of short talks, interactive stands and hands on stalls.

INSIDE NATURE’S GIANTS DATE: SATURDAY 27 FEBRUARY, 7PM – 8PM VENUE: TITANIC BELFAST SUITABILITY: 16+ PRICE: £6.50 Inside Nature’s Giants is an awardwinning documentary series, produced

by Channel 4, which looks under the skin of the largest animals on the planet, exploring their anatomy to reveal how these creatures really work. For this event, presenter Simon Watt takes the series to the next step with Dissections Uncut - a presentation full of never-before seen footage from the series with a focus on the giants of the oceans.

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH THE FESTIVAL VIA FACEBOOK & TWITTER f

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REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

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FASHION WEEK BACK ON THE CATWALK

FASHIONWEEK LAUNCH

EAST BELFAST MODEL CARYS MAGILL RETURNS TO THE CATWALK

As West Coast Cooler FASHIONWEEK Fizzes Into Focus For Its 21st Season.

East Belfast model Carys Magill was one of just a few lucky models to join belfast’s leading fashionistas, influencers and media as they celebrated the launch of belfast FASHIONWEEK’S 21st season (10-13 March) with a ‘coming of age’ theme last.

s attendees toasted the event’s milestone, top model Carys said she was delighted to be back at FASHIONWEEK for her sixth time to showcase some of this season’s hottest trends. She was sporting the latest looks from participant retailers and designer collections for Spring/Summer which included denim, metallic and sparkle looks as well as nudes, florals and ruffles.

Speaking of the FASHIONWEEK programme, director Cathy Martin said: “Looking back over the years I just can’t believe that FASHIONWEEK has officially come of age and we are now into our 21st season. For S/S 16 the event returns with two nightly catwalk shows and sees the welcome addition of a new ‘Fifty over Fifty’ show for fashionistas in their fifties and beyond, as well as the re-introduction of the Fashion & Retail Awards, which will celebrate the history of the event as well as looking to the future of fashion here in Northern Ireland. “In terms of trends for the season ahead, it would seem that fashion looks are sticking around and evolving even further, it’s not quite as fast and frivolous

A

where something is hot and trendy for just a few months and then it disappears again, so right now we’re seeing a return to colour popping and blocking from 2015, but contrasting fabrics as well as colours are used to create a bold and bashful look. For those a little more fashion shy, pale pastels are perfect, and this season they’re mixed with off-shoulder silhouettes plus lots of romantic ruffles and frills for a feminine feel. Florals abound again – they’ve been around for about four seasons now in various guises, but this time they’re also embracing frills and ruffles too. It’s quite a romantic and feminine season all in all. To counter this, there is a massive ‘death by denim’ trend, with all-denim-everything ensembles across most designer and high street collections.” Cathy added “I’m sure everyone will agree that there is some incredible creative talent here in Northern Ireland and it’s time to acknowledge and celebrate what we have on our doorsteps, be that our local designers, retailers or models. It’s great having a wide choice of beautiful models from across the Island to suit our huge variety of retailers. Carys has been modelling with us for years

and is a firm favourite with all of our participant shops and brands, we love having her back on board to help us celebrate this milestone season.”

Laura Blair, brand manager for West Coast Cooler, sponsor of the event, said: We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of FASHIONWEEK as it officially comes of age, and there’s no better time to raise a glass of chilled West Coast Cooler in celebrating our perfect partnership. There are some really cool additions to the schedule, which are exciting, fresh and an ideal fit to the West Coast Cooler brand.”

The full show schedule is available online at www. belfastfashionweek.com along with details of this season’s trends plus links to all participant retailers and sponsors. Catwalk tickets, which cost £20 (or £30 for a limited number of exclusive front row seats), are available from the Belfast Welcome Centre on 028 9024 6609 or via the website. Ticket price includes a fabulous goodie bag and a refreshing West Coast Cooler.

PICTURED L-R CARYS MAGILL WEARING RED PLEATED SKIRT, £50 TOPSHOP, RED HEART BLOUSE, £38 @ TOPSHOP AT VICTORIA SQUARE / CARYS WEARING RIPPED SEQUIN DENIM JEANS, POR @ DIAMOND DOLLS, DENIM T SHIRT, £30 @ NEXT / CARYS WEARING WHITE FULL LENGTH DRESS, STYLISTS OWN

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22

Local History

By Aidan Campbell

Drinka Pinta Milka Day This was a popular advertising campaign which I remember during my childhood in Belfast during the 1960s. In those days the milkman was one of many deliverymen who called at our house with a variety of goods which included bread and coal. Here are some images and stories about milkmen in East Belfast over the past 100 years.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT

WILLIAM COCHRANE William Cochrane lived at a large house called ‘Jocelyn Cottage’ on the Woodstock Road. Like so many of the big houses it was demolished some years ago but the name survives in the vicinity of Jocelyn Avenue and Jocelyn Street. In 1912 William’s son, dairyman Sam Cochrane, owned ‘Glenbank Dairy’ (see sign on wheel arch, right) and lived at 393 Woodstock Road just around the corner from Tildarg Street. Robert Cochrane later told of how he had helped deliver milk with his Uncle Sam to the ‘S.S. Olympic’ for her maiden voyage in 1910. Sam Cochrane did not have a farm but collected the milk from the BCDR at Bloomfield station every morning.

GLENBROOK DAIRY

When the ‘Glenbrook Dairy’ was established at 270 Upper Newtownards Road,

Ballyhackamore in the early 1900s there were many local dairies in East Belfast. William John Jackson is holding the reins in this 1914 photograph.

He was born in 1892 and spent a long periods in hospital with glandular fever in his teens. The horse could well be ‘Dandy’, a favourite which he had for many years. The name of the milk boy, holding the bucket, is unknown as they came and went quickly, either working after or before school or on leaving school until a better adult job turned up.

Milk was sold in those days at your door and decanted into a jug or basin rather than in a bottle or carton.

Billy McCrea Billy McCrea (pictured) was also well known at Ballyhackamore and was involved in the milk delivery business from the early 1920s. He was very keen on horse-drawn transport and his first horse was a fine looking

animal known as ‘Jimmy’. It later years Billy and ‘June’ made the milk deliveries.Some local folklore contends that Billy’s advertising message was ‘You can beat our cream – but you can’t beat our milk!’

But the times of horse-drawn milk delivery vehicles were drawing to a close as automated transport took over.

HAROLD CRAWFORD Harold Crawford is pictured with his dairy van in the late 1930s. The van seems to be a 1934 Morris Ten Four saloon probably converted into a pickup configuration at a later date. Harold’s Dairy business included a dairy herd and a milk bottling plant. It was based at the family home, a large house called ‘Glen View’ on Ballygowan Road, Castlereagh (now the site of housing at Glenview Avenue).

The milk run apparently covered that part of Castlereagh which extended from Ballygowan Road

to Castlereagh Road including Orangefield.

GILNAHIRK This is a late 1960s view of two Belfast Corporation buses parked outside the terminus at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church. The terminus was soon moved to the newly built Braniel estate. These buses were several inches narrower than the standard double-deckers due to the tree-lined nature of the Cherrvalley route and the driver is wearing a very smart peaked cap.

Notice also the parked pickup van with a load of milk churns on board.

FRANK SEEDS

Early 80’s pictured beside the latest milk delivery technology, a battery-powered milk float at the Co-op dairy (now demolished) in Federation Street, Cregagh. Apparently this milk float is now a history exhibit at the Folk and Transport Museum at Cultra. (Frank had

written his initials under the seat). Morrison’s was one of the largest producers of electric milk floats in the UK and the batteries had to be replaced every few years. I remember these small vehicles were a frequent sight around the streets of Belfast in my childhood as they moved quietly around.

NORTHERN DAIRIES On Montgomery Road, facing the old Cregagh Technical College, in 1980. It is the final day of business and in the background are the last two bulk Dale Farm milk tankers.

Milk processing was transferred Pennybridge in Ballymena although the Montgomery Road premises remained open until 2000. A new housing development now occupies the site. The group of drivers and mechanics all look very happy!

Billy Wilson, second from right and wearing a cap, worked at this site from 1948 for Dobson’s Dairy and retired two weeks after the picture was taken.

Aidan Campbell has previously published 11 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont and East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2. Newtownbreda is Aidan’s latest local history book. Aidan regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books retail at £10.00 each and most are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice, Hamilton News Cregagh and The Wingrove, Ballyhackamore with profits donated to local charity.

Book sales online at: www.eastbelfasthistory.com

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24 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

Health Beauty & Wellbeing KIDS HEALTH AWARDS

EAST BELFAST DOCTOR CALLS ON YOU TO TAKE ON THE TOWER East Belfast’s Dr Phil Turner is calling on local daredevils to abseil one of Northern Ireland’s most iconic buildings to raise vital funds for Friends of the Cancer Centre.

Friends of the Cancer Centre’s clinical research fellow, Dr Phil Turner joins Friends of the Cancer Centre’s fundraising manager, Claire Hogarth, to get ready for the charity’s Take on the Tower Abseil on 9th and 10th April. Dr Turner, who is Friends of the Cancer Centre’s clinical research fellow, conquered the tower in 2015 and he now wants you to follow in his brave footsteps. The event will give brave supporters the chance to abseil 190ft down Belfast City Hospital’s iconic yellow tower block to raise money to support local cancer patients. Registration is £40 per person and you can sign up online at www.friendsofthecancercentre.com PHOTO BY NEIL HARRISON

HEAR TO HELP OFFER FREE DROPIN CLINICS AND NECESSARY HOME VISITS FOR: • Hearing checks & information on hearing loss • Cleaning and changing ear mould tubing • New batteries • Hearing aid maintenance and advice EAST BELFAST The Arches Health Centre 1 Westminster Ave, BT4 1NS 1st Thursday of the month 10am –12pm 3th March / 7th April 5th May / 2nd June / 7th July CITY CENTRE Action on Hearing Loss, Harvester House, Adelaide Street, BT2 8GE 2nd Thursday of the month 10am to 12pm 10 Mar / 14 Apr / 12 May / 9 June

For further info on Clinics, Home Visits or Volunteering with Action on Hearing Loss please contact Una on 07918 721704

THOUSANDS of schoolchildren across Northern Ireland will be recognised at the 2016 Health Action Awards, as leading convenience retailer Centra teams up with Action Cancer for the 14th year of the health promotion schools programme. Schools, nurseries and colleges are being encouraged to enter the awards, which will take place on June 14th. Judges are looking for those schools who are involved in health promotion, through providing healthy meal options in their cafeteria, promoting extra fruit and water in school, taking part in extra-curricular exercise programmes, or running cancer awareness initiatives. There are Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards for nursery, primary and secondary schools or colleges with over 60 schools expected to be recognised. A prize of £200 for purchasing school equipment is also up for grabs, and will be awarded to the highest scoring pre-school or nursery, as well as each of the top scoring primary schools, secondary schools or colleges in each of the five Education and Library Boards. Entry forms are available by contacting Action Cancer on 028 9080 3344 or by emailing Deborah Millar at dmillar@actioncancer.org.

I SEE CLEARLY

DEMENTIA APPEAL

through Nikonwho spectacle lenses DEMENTIA NI are looking for individuals have a diagnosis of dementia to join their local action group within the Belfast Trust catchment area. Dementia NI action groups help influence how people can live well with a diagnosis of dementia. Dementia NI is an independent organisation which was set up by people who have dementia. Members of staff support the Dementia Action Groups and provide a platform to encourage individuals to play a bigger part in influencing and shaping dementia policy. Dementia Action Groups are being set up in each health trust area across Northern Ireland and will consist of up to 6 members. At present we are specifically looking for individuals living with a diagnosis of any type of dementia who reside within the Belfast Trust Area, to join their local action group and become involved in an area of our work. The purpose of the action groups are to challenge the stigma surrounding a diagnosis, raise awareness of dementia as well as provide training and education to the public and other oganisations of how to live well with dementia. Expressions of interest for volunteers are also welcome. For further details please contact Tara or Ashleigh on: 07966 881 419

EYE CARE - MONTHLY ADVICE FROM YOU LOCAL EXPERT IN THE COMMUNITY Rosemattarerys McW SHOULD I TRY CONTACT LENSES Sometimes glasses do not perfectly suit the occasion. Have you ever thought that contact lenses might be better at a special event like a wedding or a formal, or perhaps for playing sport or going to the gym?

So if you don’t already wear contact lenses what is stopping you?

Here are the answers to some frequent hesitations: I DONT THINK THEY WOULD DO ONES FOR MY EYES Most people who need to wear glasses can wear contact lenses. They are now available for almost all prescriptions including multifocals. There is also a range of coloured options to change or enhance your eye colour.

BUT THEY MIGHT HURT… While you are aware that you are placing something onto your eye, most people are really surprised by how comfortable they are.

I don’t think I could get them in my eyes…

Of course it takes practice but usually with a little patience and determination everyone can master the technique.

THEY ARE A HASSLE WITH ALL THE LITTLE BOTTLES AND THINGS…As well as making your vision more comfortable in the sun, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV light.

BUT LENSES ARE JUST FOR YOUNG PEOPLE… There is no lower or upper age limit on when you can start wearing lenses. I have tried lenses successfully with kids as young as 8 years old as well as retired people.

Perhaps you had lenses years ago and gave up. Or maybe you have never had the courage to give them a go. Contact lenses have changed and improved a lot over the years. Is it time to reconsider?

Have a chat to your optician about which lenses would be most suitable for you and ask about having a trial. You don’t know until you try.

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25

Hair Advice Sabrina

26 Sandown rd TEL: 028 9065 8579 EMAILsrhairdressing@ hotmail.com Facebook Page : SR Hairdressing

Want healthier glossy thicker hair?

Pack your diet with nutritious foods and transform your dull hair. We too can have supermodel luscious looking locks!

FOODS TO PROMOTE A HEALTHY HAIR AND SCALP FOOD FOR SHINE

Fish is a great food to add shine to your hair, like salmon, sardines, and mackerel they are filled with healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Our bodies can't make these healthy fats, so we have to get them from our diet or from supplements. They help protect your body from diseases, and also your body needs them to grow hair and keep it shiny and full.

GROWING YOUR HAIR

Greek yogurt is full of protein, the building block of your locks. Greek

yogurt also has an ingredient that aids the blood flow to your scalp and hair growth. It’s called vitamin B5 (known as pantothenic acid) and can help against hair thinning and loss.

Pantothenic acid is an ingredient in your hair and skincare products.

Eggs are rich in a B vitamin called biotin that helps hair grow. If your body isn’t getting enough of this vitamin it can lead to hair thinning.

BATTLING BRITTLE HAIR

FOODS TO HELP PREVENT HAIR LOSS

Getting too little iron can lead to hair loss. Iron can be found in fortified cereal, grains, and pastas, and in soybeans and lentils. Beef, particularly organ meats like liver, have lots of it. Dark leafy greens also contain iron. “Iron supplies oxygen to your hair follicles so if you don’t get enough, then your hair may begin to thin

FOOD FOR THOUGHT get protein from meat, preferably lean choices like chicken or turkey, which have less saturated fat than sources like beef and pork essential for hair strength and scalp health. If you don't eat meat then make sure you consume a variation of different protein sources so you get as many of the amino acids that you need.

t

Saved the bes for last!

CHOCOLATE!

FOODS FOR THICKNESS Dark green leafy vegetables and spinach is for you it is full of amazing nutrients. It has lots of vitamin A, iron, beta carotene, folate, and vitamin C. These make a perfect combination for a healthy scalp and hair. They keep your hair moisturized so it doesn’t break.

The special protein in hair, keratin, is responsible for giving hair its strength and fullness and flexibility. You can

If you are chocolate lover, great news, dark chocolate is packed with protein, iron and B-vitamins which are excellent for your hair.

Sabrina

OTHER TIPS FOR LUSCIOUS LOCKS Aim for the scalp not the ends Shampoo on the scalp, rubbing the ends of the hair too much can damaged the hair. When rinsing the hair the shampoo will rinse down cleaning the ends gently.

Massage boosts circulation Having strong, healthy hair is the best way to make any hair look expensive. A lot of it is about properly shampooing and conditioning and taking care of your scalp - a massage while washing helps get circulation going and encourages to detoxify the scalp Gently towel-dry the hair before applying conditioner Towel-dry your hair after shampooing and before you condition, the additional water in your hair means the conditioner won’t be able to penetrate into the hair shaft.

The conditioner works better on towel dried hair it locks in the moisture to keep hair looking healthy and shiny

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26 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

SCHOOLS

EYE CARE

SCHOOLS IN EAST BELFAST URGED TO SIGN UP FOR FREE PUPIL VISION SCREENING RADICAL new online vision screening software is being provided free of charge to all local schools in East Belfast, following a study revealing that millions of children have never had an eye test.

he three-minute screening test, developed by optometrists and vision scientists at City University London, has been shown to detect the most common eye problems among children, and schools are being urged to sign up through the dedicated website, www. screeningforschools.com now.

The software, which has been funded by high street opticians Specsavers for their Screening for Schools campaign, is designed to be operated by teachers and other school staff or volunteers, and is being made available free to primary and secondary schools in Northern Ireland, part of 27,000 schools throughout the UK.Following the sight test, a

T

report is automatically generated for parents or guardians, which will allow for rapid identification of children with vision problems so that they can be referred to their local Specsavers optician for a full eye examination, before their vision problem has a significant impact on their learning.

Despite national recommendations by the NHS[i] that all fouryear-olds should receive a sight check, research by the College of Optometrists[ii] found that less than a third of local authorities are providing vision screening for children. Specsavers’ own research

by OnePolliii last November revealed that nearly four million UK children have never had their sight tested at school.

COCHRANE WELCOMES STRANDTOWN ADMISSIONS NEWS

in their child academically.

Specsavers Connswater store director Lynsey Caldwell says: ‘A child’s eyesight will continue to develop up to the age of eight years old and a number of conditions can be corrected by an optician if detected before this time. However, there is still a lack of general

awareness among some parents and teachers about the importance of regular eye tests from the age of three or four. We have seen some cases where children have been misdiagnosed with dyslexia, ADHD or learning difficulties when in fact the child simply needs glasses.’

NOTE PERFECT

EASON OFFICIALLY LAUNCHES SPONSORSHIP OF FIGHTING WORDS BELFAST

EAST BELFAST ALLIANCE MLA JUDITH COCHRANE HAS WELCOMED THE APPROVAL OF A DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL FOR ADMISSIONS TO A LOCAL PRIMARY SCHOOL. Education Minister John O’Dowd announced today (Thursday) that all pupils currently in P3 at Greenwood, Belmont and Dundela feeder schools in East Belfast would be guaranteed a place at Strandtown Primary School from this year onwards. Previous years had seen a problem with consistent oversubscription to the infant schools, meaning the combined P1 admissions number was greater than the permitted P4 admissions number at Strandtown.

As a result, some pupils who had started their education in Belmont, Dundela or Greenwood were at risk of not receiving a place at Strandtown.

“I first raised this matter with the Belfast Education and Library Board in 2012 and have continued to advocate for a permanent solution,” said Mrs Cochrane. I want to thank the Education Minister for approving this development proposal and finally removing the worry for parents. This was the common sense solution and I am delighted the hard work and perseverance has paid off. The infant-junior model is unique in Northern Ireland. This decision will ensure the continuation of this excellent educational provision in East Belfast.

In 2014, Specsavers commissioned a survey of 1,500 UK parents with children aged between three and 16, and in Northern Ireland, it showed that more than 50% of parents saw an improvement in the performance of their child’s social skills after being fitted with glasses, while 57% saw an improvement

Eason’s & Son Ltd, are proud to announce a three year sponsorship to support the Fighting Words project in Belfast and invite schools, community groups and volunteers to get involved. Based in the heart of East Belfast at Skainos, Fighting Words is rapidly establishing itself as a leading creative writing centre for children and young people. The project offers free creative writing workshops for groups of young people aged 6-18 years. articipants set out on a story-writing journey, working at first collaboratively and then individually to create new stories, all leave as published writers with their own illustrated storybook. The partnership will run over a three year period and will donate charity tins in Eason’s stores throughout Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. Founded in 1999 by booker prize winning author Roddy Doyle and Sean Love, and launched in 2015 in Belfast, Fighting Words aims to provide primary and secondary level students with the chance and space to explore their imaginations through free creative writing workshops, whilst also helping to improve self-expression, literacy, self- esteem and self-confidence. Fighting Words patron Glen Patterson said, ‘My first job when I left school was in Crane’s bookshop in Belfast.

I loved being sent (and would try to dream up reasons to be sent) to the Eason’s warehouse on Donegall Street. Now there was a treasure trove. I get a little reminder of that today, every time I walk down the stairs of the Eason’s in

P

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL FIRST XV RUGBY CAPTAIN DANIEL MARTIN & SCHOOL’S PRINCIPAL DR. FRANCES VASEY AND HIS FIRST XV TEAMMATES ALONGSIDE AARON MCKINNEY, DIRECTOR OF AM PROPERTY MANAGEMENT (NI) LTD., SPONSORS OF THE TEAM’S KIT

Belfast. I get a reminder of it when I walk up the stairs to Fighting Words. Something is about to happen, you don’t know what yet, but whatever it is it won’t be dull’. Fighting Words Belfast is supported by a partnership between UPPER SIXTH PUPILS (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): RYAN SIMPSON, Young at Art, Fighting Words Dublin and The SUSANNAH ASHFIELD AND MEDANI ELSHIBLY, PICTURED 174 Trust. Fighting Words Belfast has received ALONGSIDE DR. VASEY, EACH OF WHOM HAVE RECEIVED funding from The Department of Foreign Affairs CONDITIONAL OFERS TO STUDY AT EITHER OXFORD OR and Trade Ireland and The Ireland Funds. The CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY FROM SEPTEMBER 2016. partners’ principal funders include Arts Council Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council and Youth Council Northern Ireland.The sponsorship heralds Eason’s on-going commitment to embed a love of stories and story-telling in young people.

They understand the importance of literacy and language as forming a vital part of a child’s personal and social development. Fighting Words Belfast is looking for schools, community groups and volunteers to get involved. If you would like to bring a group of young people to a free FORMER GROSVENOR PUPIL AMY HAMILTON, WITH SCHOOL’S Fighting Words Belfast workshop, volunteer and PRINCIPAL DR. FRANCES VASEY, WHO WAS RECENTLY AWARDED / or find out more about up-coming events call us A PRESTIGIOUS ‘POWER ACADEMY SCHOLARSHIP’ FOLLOWING A on 028 9023 0660 or visit youngatart.co.uk.

VIGOROUS APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS.

AUTHENTIC INDIAN & FINEST EUROPEAN FOOD AT ITS BEST

ORDER ONLINE

Indian Cuisine

301 Holywood Road Belfast BT4 2EX

OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK | NO CREDIT CARD CHARGES

Delivery or Collection Call 028 9065 3135 or 077 0228 9286

INDIAN FOODS

STARTERS

24. Bhuna £6.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Spring chicken cooked in fresh tomatoes, chopped onion and fresh All starters served with a choice of sauce 1. Chicken Pakora £3.50 herbs in a medium curry sauce £6.50 2. Vegetable Pakora £3.00 25. Korma 3. Onion Bhaji £2.80 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A very mild & sweet 4. Meat/Vegetable Samosa £2.80 dish cooked in coconut powder, almond 5. Chicken Tikka Puri £3.50 powder & fresh cream with mild curry sauce £6.50 6. Prawn Puri £3.50 26. Kashmiri Korma 7. Mixed Vegetable £3.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A very mild & sweet dish as korma with fresh fruits Veg samosa, veg pakora & onion bhaji £6.50 8. Sheesh Kebab £3.00 27. Rogan Josh (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A mildly spiced thick Beef mince mixed with herb & spices 9. Tandoori Mix £3.50 sauce cooked in spices and garnished with fried onions, green peppers & tomatoes Chicken, tandoori chicken & sheesh kebab £6.50 10. Chicken Tikka £3.50 28. Dopiaza (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A medium dish cooked with spices, onion cubes and fresh coriander topped with fresh onions 29. Dansak £6.50 All served with either pilau rice, plain (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Sweet & sour dish naan or chips and a poppadom cooked with Lentils, a touch of sugar, chillies, 11. Tikka Massala £7.50 lemon & pineapple 30. Madras £6.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) An exotic dish (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A hot dish prepared in marinated in yoghurt & spices, cooked in a hot sauce, well spiced, cooked with fresh cream, spices and almond powder 12. Panjabi Massala £7.50 green peppers, onions and tomatoes 31. Vindaloo £6.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Cooked with onion & (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A very hot dish with green pepper with a mild blend of spice in a onions, tomatoes, potatoes & flavoured lemon smooth creamy sauce £6.50 13. Chilli Massala £7.50 32. Pathia (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Cooked with onion and (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Cooked with tomato, lemon juice in a sweet and sour thick sauce fresh green chillies & onion £6.50 14. Chilli Garlic £7.50 33. Saag (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Medium dish cooked (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A hot dish cooked with fresh ginger, garlic, green chillies & coriander with garlic, ginger, fenugreek & selected spices enriched with spinach, peppers, spring in a medium to hot sauce 15. Jalfrezi £7.50 onions & coriander. £6.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A special blend of herbs 34. Rezalla (Chicken/Lamb) Tender meat marinated and cooked in a spicy sauce with chunky green cooked with mango, cumin & turmeric forming peppers, onions & tomatoes 16. Balti £7.50 a sweet & creamy sauce.

35. Achari £6.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Medium spicy dish (Chicken/Lamb) Thick sauce cooked with cooked with garlic, tomatoes, onion, green peppers, fresh coriander & blend of balti spice Indian mixed pickel. Slightly sour.

17. Methi £7.50 (Chicken/Lamb) Fresh Methi leaf, chefs own ALL MAIN DISHES WITH PRAWN, KING style, medium to hot dish PRAWNOR LAMB £1.oo EXTRA 18. Chicken Makani £7.50 Roasted spicy chicken in mild creamy mango NO 1-75 GLUTEN FREE (EXCL 5, 6 & BREADS 19. Pasanda £7.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) Mild, creamy & buttery 20. Butter Chicken £7.50 Aromatic sauce made with butter & almonds Served with either pilau rice, chips or 21. Malaya £7.50 plain nan, a mixed veg curry sauce & salad Creamy curry with chunks of pineapple 22. Karahi £6.50 36. Tandoori Chicken £7.50 (Chicken/Lamb) Prepared with onion, green Half chicken marinated in yoghurt with a pepper, fresh garlic, ginger & chefs own spices special mild blend of herbs and spices 23. Curry £6.50 37. Tandoori Mix £8.50 (Chicken/Lamb/Veg) A traditional Indian Chicken & lamb tikka, tandoori chicken & curry, medium or hot sheesh kebab

MAIN DISHES (SPECIALS)

TANDOORI SPECIALS

KEBABS

Served with fresh salad and choice of mayo, chilli, garlic or house sauce. Gravy or curry sauce 50p extra pitta nan/chips Doner Kebab £4.00 £4.50 Chicken Tikka £4.50 £5.00 Chicken Pakora £4.50 £5.00 Vegetable Pakora £4.50 £5.00 Sheesh Kebab £4.50 £5.00 Mixed Kebab £5.00 £6.00 (Chicken Tikka & Kebab Meat)

Indian Cuisine Special

£5.00

(Chicken Tikka, Chicken Pakora & Doner Meat)

Doner Kebab Meat Mix Meat

£6.50

CHICKEN

Chicken Pakora £3.50 Chicken Nuggets (10) / +Chips £3.20/£4.60 Chicken Fillet Burger with chips £4.60 Chicken Goujons (6) / +Chips £3.50/£4.60 Chicken Dippers (8) / +Chips £3.00/£4.60 Chicken Wings (6) / +Chips £3.50/£4.60

BURGERS

Small Burger Plain Burger Cheese Burger Double Cheese Burger Hawaiian Burger Chicken Fillet Burger

Chips

£1.80 £2.50 £2.80 £3.50 £2.90 £3.50

Sml Box Large box Chips (Regular/Smal) £2/£1.50 £2.50 £2.50 £3.50 Gravy/curry/cheesy chips £2.50 £3.50 £4.50 Garlic/chilli/house/Mayo chips Chips, Fried Onions & Mushrooms £3.00 Chips, Peas, Onions, Curry or Gravy £3.50 Chip Buttie £1.80

38. Chicken Tikka £7.50 Pieces cooked in tandoori oven 39. Chicken Tikka Shaslik £7.50 Pieces cooked in tandoori oven with fresh tomato, pepper & onion

BIRYANI DISHES 40. Chicken Biryani 41. Lamb Biryani 42. Kebab (Turkish) Biryani 43. Vegetetable Biryani 44. King Prawn Biryani 45. House Special Special Biryani

£7.00 £8.00 £7.50 £6.50 £8.50 £8.50

SIDE DISHES 46. Aloo Gobi £3.20 Potatoes & cauliflower with light spice & herbs 47. Saag Aloo £3.20 Spinach with potatoes cooked in butter, onion & tomato 48. Bombay Aloo £3.20 Potato cooked with light Indian spices 49. Saag Bhaji £3.20 Spinach cooked with spices 50. Mushroom Bhaji £3.20 Sliced mushroom cooked with spices 51. Chana Bhaji £3.20 Chick peas cooked in light Indian spices 52. Chana Saag £3.20 Chick peas & spinach in light Indian spices 53. Tarka Dhal £3.20 Lentils cooked in light Indian spices 54. Saag Paneer £3.20 Spinach & cheese 55. Aloo Chana £3.20 Potatoes & chick peas in a spiced sauce

SUNDRIES RICE

56. Pilau/Boiled Rice

£2.00

57. Fried Rice

£2.50

58. Special Fried Rice

£2.80

59. Egg Fried Rice

£2.80

60. Mushroom Pilau Rice

£2.80

61. Chana Pilau Rice (+ chick peas)

£2.80

62. Keema Pilau Rice (+ mince)

£2.80

BREADS 63. Plain Naan

£2.00

64. Spicy Naan

£2.20

65. Garlic/Cheesy/Peshwari Naan

£2.50

66. Keema Naan

£2.80

FISH & CHIPS

Cod & Chips Cod Supper (Chips, Drink & Mushy Peas)

PIZZAS

£3.90 £6.50

10” / 12” Margarita Cheese & /spicy tomato sauce £4/£5 Garlic Garlic sauce, cheese & herbs £4.50/£5.50 Pepperoni Cheese, pepperoni £4.80/£5.80 £4.80/£5.80 Salami Cheese, salami Spicy Chicken Chilli, chicken tikka £5/£6 Hawaiian Cheese, ham, pineapple £5.50/£6.50 Doner Kebab Kebab meat, cheese, tomato £5.50/£6.50 Vegetarian Peppers, mushroom, red onion, sweetcorn £6/£7 Meat Feast Spicy chicken, ham, salami, pepperoni £6.50/£7.50 Garlic Bread Garlic sauce, herbs £4.80/£5.80 Create your own pizza with any of these toppings Vegetarian : Peppers, onion, mushrooms, tomato, sweetcorn, pineapple, jalapenos, green chillis, chilli flakes, garlic, extra cheese £0.50/£0.80

67. Chilli Coriander Naan

£2.50

68. Roti/Chapati

£1.50

69. Parata (thick fried bread)

£2.00

SIDE ORDER 70. Plain Poppadoms

£0.50

71. Spicy Poppadoms

£0.80

72. Spicy Onions

£2.00

73. Mango Chutney

£0.80

74. Ryta

£1.50

75. Mixed Pickle

£1.00

MEAL DEALS Prawn, King Prawn & Lamb dishes £1.00 extra

MEAL FOR ONE £13.50 Any 1 starter Any 1 main dish & any 1 side dish 1 pilau rice, 1 plain naan 1 poppadom and 1 sauce

MEAL FOR TWO £22.00 Any 2 starters Any 2 main dishes & any 1 side dish 2 pilau rice, 1 plain naan 2 poppadoms and 2 sauce, 500ml drink

NEW CHEF

Take the Taste Of Real Indian From AN Experienced Chef Meat : Ham, pepperoni, salami, chicken tikka, kebab meat, tuna £0.80/£1.00

SUNDRIES

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

KIDS CORNER Nuggets (5) Chicken Goujons (3) Kebab Meat Pastie Burger Sausage (1)

DRINKS

Cans 330ml/ 500ml bottle 1.5L/2L Bottle Kid’s Drink Water

£2.80 £1.50/£1.90 £3.00 £0.80 £3.00

£3.00 £3.00 £3.00 £3.00 £3.00 £3.00 £0.80/£1.20 £2/£2.50 £0.50 £0.80

28 T H E LO O P

F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

ANYTHING’S POSSIBLE

OUR AUTISTIC SON HAS BEEN UNLOCKED THANKS TO LEARNING BREAKTHROUGH

Fiona Loughlin - Newtowabbey Thanks to Learning Breakthrough our Autistic son has been able to show emotion in ways we never thought possible. He expresses love, I am regularly covered in kisses and he tells me every day “mummy – I love you so so much”. We always have a good chat at bedtime and recently when I kissed him and told him I loved him he said “mummy – you made my heart grow”. A rather profound statement for any 5 year old but for a child who barely spoke a year before it felt like nothing short of a miracle.

t has been a hard road from when I first started to notice my son wasn’t reaching his milestones when he was about 2.5. His speech and understanding of language weren’t progressing, he was a very

I

strong willed child, emotionally volatile, preferred his own company, had poor balance and spatial awareness, refused most foods and began to hand flap and twist when excited – all red flags for ASD.

As time went on his autistic traits became more pronounced and I felt like I was losing my son. He found it difficult to engage in conversation and to make eye contact. He paid very little attention to his little sister and wouldn’t let anyone do anything for him except me. He refused to go anywhere, his anxiety was taking over all our lives – he wouldn’t go to the park, to visit family, to soft play areas or birthday parties ….. all things a 3 year old should enjoy. Not to mention the things a 3 year old doesn’t enjoy – paediatrician appointments, assessments, occupational therapy, speech therapy …. it was a nightmare for both of us.

I have always loved and accepted my son for who he is but what I’ve refused to accept is that I can’t do anything to help him. I began researching anything and everything that could help my beautiful boy.

A friend told me about an advert she heard on the radio about the Learning Breakthrough Program.

I decided to go along to an information evening where I listened to Susan describe her journey and the science behind the LBP. I left that night full of hope and certain that I had found the answer to helping my son. Susan came to visit us in our home where he would feel comfortable and relaxed – he had just turned 4. We discussed the exercises that he would be capable of doing given his age and I started with a few minutes once a day

1 Merville Garden Village Shore Road Newtownabbey BT37 9TF

building up to ten minutes a day. He wasn’t able to catch so I started with blowing bubbles and getting him to pop them whilst balancing on the board. Gradually he learned to catch and has become an expert at the pendulum ball and bouncy balls. We can’t do all of the exercises yet but he’s only just turned 5.

I can tell you it is hard work and is not for the faint hearted but neither are the challenges of raising a child with autism – the daily battles of teeth brushing, dressing, going to school, dinnertime …. I thought, what’s one more thing to add to the day when it could potentially make all those other struggles disappear?!

Within weeks of starting the program he began to become an adventurous little boy – my son learned to ride a bike, something I thought I might never see! Rather than cry in the car outside the park he asked to go and climbed everything he could without fear. He started school in September and has settled in so well and coped with the curriculum without difficulty.

His teacher told me recently that he’s a very popular member of the class and he comes home every day with stories of everything he’s done and who he’s played with. Going to parties fills him with excitement and I watch him join in with his friends and it fills me with pride – these are the things that other parents might take for granted, as I’m sure I would have too had my precious son not taught me what really matters in life.

I cannot remember the last time he had a serious meltdown, he still gets upset and frustrated but he expresses his feelings now rather than letting them get the better of him. He has a lovely relationship with his sister now and he has become very close to his dad whereas before he didn’t really let anyone get too close except me. He was recently discharged from community speech therapy because his assessment scores had improved so much, his speech therapist also commented that she didn’t see the same anxiety problems and unwillingness to cooperate. I couldn’t have done this without Susan’s encouragement and support. Her office sign reads ‘Unlock your potential’ and that is exactly what has happened to our child – he is no longer ‘locked in’. She truly wants the very best for every family that she works with. I am so grateful that Susan and the LBP came into our lives. Previously the future filled me with overwhelming fear, I still worry – as every mother does, but not to the extent that I used to. I’m happy knowing I’m doing my best for my son and I’m watching him grow into a wonderful little man.

We’re one year on and I’m aware that we still have a long road ahead as he still has some problems but I watch my son now enjoying his life – laughing, singing and dancing and I think to myself that anything’s possible.

02890 364000 LBreakthrough.co.uk

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Contact us to book a FREE evaluation Just some of the many symptoms that can be helped: 1. Difficulty reading or understanding what has been read.

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At Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont We are proud of our…

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Caring for Pet Rabbit.

Care ofYour Senior Pets

Yearlypets vaccinations against the deadly Rabbits great pets, but they Due to make improvements in care our are now living longer diseases myxomatosis and haemorneed a lot of care and attention. Rabthan ever. Just like us, pets have changing needs and as bits teeth grow throughout their life so rhagic viral disease are very important. they age they are more to develop health Booster injections shouldproblems. be given in it is very important that they are likely fed

the right diet to wear the teeth down early spring to provide the best immunity when theare risk of disease is highest. and stop When is mythem pet abecoming senior? overgrown. if they caught early so it is very A rabbit’s diet should be 80% good Don’t forget to check daily that your important for senior pets to have regular Cats are considered mature 7 to greens 10 years rabbit’s bottom is clean as there is also quality hay or grass, 15%atleafy vet checks. old, senior at 11 to 14 and geriatric at 15+. (such as dandelion leaves, rocket, a high risk of flystrike in spring and How can I keep my senior pet happy mint, and 5%aspellets.

Treats Dogs arecoriander) slightly different it depends on summer. and healthy? such asLarge carrotdogs topsage or broccoli may so their size. more quickly, a Great Dane would be considered a senior It is Feeding good quality senioryour dietrabbit is be given occasionally.

Muesli diets alwaysa advisable to have atshould 6 or 7 but would only be middle essential, these diets more because easily neutered (castrated or are spayed) be this avoided. aged for a small breed such as a Yorkshire this digested contain increased nutrition. makes and them less aggressive and Terrier.

On average we would to consider a Older pets a weaker system territorial andhave easier to litterimmune train if they Exercise is very important give your dog overstrong 8 yearsbones old to otherwise be senior. they yearly vaccinations and boys regular rabbit aresokept indoors.

Neutered areparasite control are very important.

Dental care generally happier and more relaxed as is can health be prone to breaking.

Ideally an What problems can older often needed andhave your been vet orspayed vet nurse average rabbit needs 8 hours a day of pets and girls who pets have? can advise this. Some changes exercise in a large run or garden. They cannot have you falseonpregnancies which One of the most common health problems around the home can help your pet be should never be kept permanently in a can make them unwell and aggressive. in older pets is arthritis. Both cats and dogs more comfortable such as sleeping areas girls also live longer as 80% of hutch. hutch cannot be too can have Adecreased mobility andbig! jointThe pain Spayed downstairs, raised feeding bowls and an female rabbits who are not neutered will sizethis for an asminimum they age and canaverage be muchrabbit worse easily accessible litter tray for cats. hutchare is overweight.

6ft x 2ft x 2ft.

Rabbits are very have womb cancer by the age of five. if they With appropriate Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont are running sociabletreatment animals and to arthritis live in can Vets4Pets veterinary petslike with Belfast Stormont has a Silver ‘Golden MOTs’Welfare in January.

We also soand theycomfortable. shouldn’t be kept alone bepairs happy Award fromOldie the Rabbit Association have regular nurse clinics if you wish unless they are house rabbits with and Fund (www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk) of Older petscompany are more for likely to suffer to discuss the needs of your older pets, human most of thefrom day.

Rabbit Friendly Vets. heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease have a dental check or a nail clip. and cancer. Many of these conditions are clinic on 028 9048 0300 for If you would like any advice Call onthe rabbit care please call treatable and treatment is more successful more information.

in and chat to one of our nurses or vets.

Call 028 9048 3000 or visit vets4pets.com/belfast-stormont Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont, 697-703 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3NT Opening times Mon-Fri 8.30am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 12pm

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30 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

BUSINESS

HARBOUR FIGURES

BELFAST HARBOUR HANDLES c.23M TONNES in 2015 Belfast Harbour has revealed that it handled 23 million tonnes of cargo during 2015, similar to its throughput for 2014. The tonnages suggest a varying performance between sectors in the wider Northern Ireland economy with commodities linked to the energy and consumer sectors growing, and the agri-food sector declining

elfast Harbour has revealed that it handled 23 million tonnes of cargo during 2015, similar to its throughput for 2014. The tonnages suggest a varying performance between sectors in the wider Northern Ireland economy with commodities linked to the energy and consumer sectors growing, and the agri-food

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sector declining. The number of freight vehicles handled, an indicator of consumer confidence, increased by 5,000, surpassing 480,000 for the first time. Imports of home heating oil grew by 13% to 843,000 tonnes as oil prices fell, driving liquid bulk imports to a five-year high of 2.3m tonnes.

Northern Ireland firms exporting

construction materials also had a good year with stone exports rising by 6% to a record 1.5m tonnes. Exports of cement products were up 84% to 199,000 tonnes, the highest level for seven years.

Animal feed imports, however, fell back by 9% as the local agri-food sector reacted to well-documented difficult international trading circumstances during 2015. These included Russian economic sanctions on EU food products, and falling demand from Chinese and Middle East markets.

Roy Adair, Belfast Harbour’s CEO, said: “While the overall figures suggest a steady economic performance for the wider Northern Ireland economy, there have been winners and losers.

Construction material exports and freight traffic linked to consumer activity have been largely positive, as has been heating oil imports within the energy sector.

“On the downside, international marketplace challenges have negatively impacted Northern Ireland’s agri-food sector, leading to a 9% fall in animal feed imports, offsetting any tonnage gains and resulting in a similar tonnage performance to 2014.

“Overall, though, tonnages are more than seven million tonnes higher than the recession’s low point and our

long-term projection is for continued tonnage growth. To support this the Harbour progressed a number of projects during 2015, including an upgrade of its Roll-On / Roll-Off and container handling facilities, plus a new Cruise ship berth.”

Regional Development Minister, Michelle McIlveen, said: “The 2015 trade figures demonstrate that Belfast Harbour continues to be an anchor point for the Northern Ireland economy, supporting businesses in a variety of sectors. It will be increasingly important that the Harbour’s plans are shaped by the Executive’s wider priorities. Infrastructure development will be a key driver for the local economy and I’m pleased to note that the Harbour continues to invest to facilitate future growth.”

Steel imports were up 6% to 125,000 tonnes, almost three times higher than the recession’s low point of 2009, but container traffic declined by under 2% to 123,000 boxes, suggesting a slight decrease in overall manufacturing activity. Ferry passenger numbers dipped slightly by 2% to just under 1.4m following three years of growth, while cruise passengers calling at Belfast continued to grow, increasing to 115,000 in 2015. Figures published recently revealed that during 2016 the total number of cruise visitors will continue to grow to 145,000.

LOCAL NEWS | IN SHORT GEORGE BEST BELFAST CITY AIRPORT CAA FIGURES REVEAL 5.4% GROWTH IN PASSENGER NUMBERS, REACHING ALMOST 2.7M IN 2015 Katy Best, Commercial and Marketing Director for George Best Belfast City Airport, said:We are once again very happy to report an increase in passenger numbers for 2015.

2015 was a record year for the airport and we were delighted to not only welcome KLM, which has successfully operated an Amsterdam route with consistently high load factors since May, but also to announce that Brussels Airlines will be operating a five-times weekly service to Brussels from March 2016. This is not only a new airline for Northern Ireland but a completely new route for the province. Forward bookings across our European network remain excellent with Aer Lingus’ summer services to Alicante, Faro, Malaga and Palma, performing particularly well. Belfast City remains the only airport in Northern Ireland to facilitate a direct service to London Heathrow which, in addition to the Amsterdam hub, passengers use to connect to mid or long haul destinations. Whilst continuing to maintain and grow a comprehensive domestic route network, we are happy with the direct European destinations secured in recent years and look forward to building upon that success and developing these connections in the future.”

THREE BECOME FOUR

JOHN MINNIS ESTATE AGENTS GOES QUATTRO Multi Award winning property consultancy and market leader John Minnis Estate Agents has grown its branch network by adding a new sales and lettings office in Comber.

trategically placed on The Square, Comber, the new branch will capitalise on the increased share of the Ards Peninsula which JMEA has experienced in recent years. With a focus on Ards through Comber to Ballygowan and Saintfield to Strangford and Carryduff.

The Comber office is the fourth addition to the branch network, joining Belfast, Holywood/North Down and Bangor/Donaghadee and will employ a five strong team, bringing the total workforce at JMEA to over 30 proffesionals. Killinchy lady Jordana Stoney who joined the company in 2012 has been appointed Branch Manager of the new office. With her she brings a wealth of knowledge on the local market and its surrounding areas and community. John Minnis, Managing Director, said: “We are very excited to expand the John Minnis high street brand with such a prime position in Comber’s bustling town centre.

This is something we have had demand for, for quite

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A CHANCE TO SHINE

some time and feel the opportunities that exist today make it the right time to meet this requirement for our unrivalled personal service. The level of transactions, both in sales and lettings that we have experienced in 2014/2015 is an excellent indicator that the housing market is continually strengthening; we look forward to experiencing continued growth in 2016.” John concluded, “I am delighted at the response from the Comber community since opening our doors on the 4th January. I look forward to welcoming anyone interested in buying, selling, letting or renting into our new office where our clients are the centre of our service.”

John Minnis Estate Agency launched in July 2005 and employs a team of over 30 professionals. John Minnis Comber is located at 3 Gillespie Court, Comber, BT23 5DU Tel: 028 9187 12 12

www.johnminnis.co.uk

East Belfast Businesses Urged To Enter 2016 Responsible Business Awards

Business in the Community is calling on East Belfast firms to enter the 2016 Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland.

Applications can be made online at www.bitcni.org.uk/awards.

Entries close on Friday 25 March 2016 with the gala awards ceremony taking place in Belfast Waterfront Hall on Thursday 2 June. The awards are run by Business in the Community and sponsored for the seventh year by Electric Ireland. They are open to firms here of all sizes and from all sectors. There are nine categories up for grabs in 2016. Launching the 2016 Responsible Business Awards in Northern Ireland are (from left): Terry Cross, Delta Packaging; Jennifer Fulton, Ulster Wildlife Trust; Catriona Gibson, Arthur Cox; Chris James, Fujitsu; Ian Garner, WRAP; Kieran Harding, Business in the Community; Alex Crossan, BT; Niall Dineen, Electric Ireland; Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour; Sonia Armstrong, Ulster Business and Helen Smith, Benenden.

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

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A brand new business has launched locally that will support the local community ssist NI is a new Company set up by Joe Jordan and Stuart Robinson who between them have got over 50 years Property Management and Asset Management experience.

“The concept arose due to the fact that we were being asked on occasions to put right or to finish work that others had started. We realised that there was a need for an organisation to offer assistance and advice on all matters, not only relating to property but also to carry out tasks that members couldn’t do for whatever reason.

Once we had started offering this service we realised that we could not provide all things for all people and we quickly formed relationships with others that we call “Trusted Partners” We use our internal resources as well as our trusted partners (vetted by us), to meet your needs and requirements. Our comprehensive service list is on the web site but if you can think of it – we’ve probably covered it!

Our advice is free and our services will cost £15 per hour, we can

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provide a handyman, interior/ exterior maintenance, building refurbishment, car maintenance, transportation, shopping services to name but a few.

Our vision is to see a ‘Community’ were every member gets the best advice, support, assistance and service possible. It will ensure peace of mind, value for money and free up your time to get on with the important things in life.

The free membership scheme is arranged to provide a community and ensures we have a better understanding of each individual member’s needs and requirements.

Members also have a “Member’s Only” section on the website where we can view forthcoming events and have access to our offers.

Having the membership scheme also allows us to create a level of trust between Assist NI and each individual member.”

For more a list of services, additional information or to join visit our web site www.assistni.co.uk

Call us today to register

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32 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

Food & Drink

GOING LOCO FOR COCO Vita Coco Coconut Oil is an all-purpose wonder pot. The ultimate cooking ingredient, beauty secret you need to know and one of the best natural energy supplements out there, coconut oil is organic, 100% raw and coldpressed (with all of its natural goodness).

ita Coconut Oil has partnered with Irish food blogging sensation Indy Power of ‘The Little Green Spoon’ to create a delicious healthy recipe to help kick start your healthy eating regime this year.

The very simple Cranberry Pistachio Breakfast Squares recipe makes sixteen mouth-watering squares, using the must-have product of 2016, Vita Coco Coconut Oil. Speaking about using coconut oil in her recipes, blogger Indy Powersays: “I love using Vita Coco coconut oil in all my cooking, for both sweet and savoury dishes. It has so many amazing health benefits and can be used in so many ways - I use it on my hair, skin and nails as well as in my food! Its antimicrobial properties are great for digestion and it helps to prevent high cholesterol and high blood pressure as well as supporting the healthy functioning of our immune system and thyroid. It's so easy to cook with because of its lovely subtle taste, which doesn’t over-power other flavours and because it tolerates high temperatures it’s the perfect substitute for butter and other oils when baking."The Little Green Spoon’s Cranberry Pistachio Breakfast Squares are made using honey, almond butter, deshelled pistachio, gluten free oats, desiccated coconut, dried cranberries, coarse salt and of course Vita Coco Coconut Oil which is organic, 100% raw, extra virgin and cold pressed.

These breakfast squares are a perfect option for on-the-go snacking during your commute or after a morning workout, providing you with long-lasting energy throughout your morning!

V

Cranberry Pistachio Breakfast Squares

4 Tablespoons of Vita Coco Coconut Oil 3 Tablespoons of Maple Syrup/Honey 4 Tablespoons of Almond Butter 1/2 Cup of Pistachios, Deshelled (75g) 1 Cup of Gluten Free Oats (100g) 1/4 Cup of Desiccated Coconut (20g) 1/2 Cup of Dried Cranberries (75g) Pinch of Coarse Salt Preheat the oven to 180 C. Roughly chop the pistachios and add them to a baking sheet with the gluten free oats. Bake them at 180’C for about 8 minutes until lightly

toasted, tossing once in the middle.

While they’re cooking, roughly chop the dried cranberries and then add them to your food processor with the desiccated coconut. Add in the toasted pistachios and oats.

Add the Vita Coco coconut oil, almond butter, maple syrup and salt to a small saucepan on medium heat and whisk until smooth.

When the mixture is completely melted, add it to the food processor and blend until you have a crumbly paste.

Press the mixture tightly into a small baking tin lined with parchment paper. Pop it in the fridge for about an hour to set. Slice into squares and serve.

Jazz up your detox with 100% natural coconut water from Vita Coco Following a healthy diet needn’t be difficult, dull or tasteless. Cue Vita Coco 100% Natural Coconut Water -a stupidly simple (and tasty) detox ingredient. Full of naturally occurring potassium and essential electrolytes with no colourings, preservatives or flavourings and never produced from concentrate, Vita Coco 100% Natural Coconut Water is simple - it’s water, from a coconut, in a carton. That’s it.

Coconut water has long been a staple in tropical diets around the globe and is great on its own as an on-the-go hydrator, but is also a fantastic companion for healthy juices and smoothies.

Whether you’re sipping them poolside from a chilled glass or pouring into a handy flask for the commute, these recipes are sure to help keep healthy hydration exciting throughout the month.

Kick Start Juice:

1 grapefruit, skin removed 1cm ginger 330ml Vita Coco Pineapple Coconut Water 1 lime, skin removed (Juice all ingredients)

Citrus Juice:

1⁄2 grapefruit 1 orange 2 carrots Cube of ginger 200ml Vita Coco Natural Coconut Water (Juice all ingredients)

Citrus Juice:

½ cucumber, 1 handful basil, 1 lime, skin removed, 3 apples, 1 tsp spirulina, 250ml Vita Coco Natural Coconut Water (Juice all ingredients)

Vita Coco Coconut Oil is ideal for cooking, adding to coffee or smoothies, spreading on toast, adding as a topping for popcorn and it can also give you a nutritional energy boost. Vita Coco Coconut Oil is available at Amazon, Tesco, Boots and Dunnes Stores across Northern Ireland and is available in 250ml (RRP £5.99), and 500ml (RRP £9.99) glass jars and a 750ml (RRP £14.50) PET jar. Vita Coco Coconut Water is available in three sizes: 330ml, 500ml and 1litre. With this new addition, Vita Coco Coconut Water is now widely available in four flavours (produced by combining the 100% natural coconut water with fruit puree, keeping the natural offering):

vitacoco.co.uk

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7 Lovatt Street, Belfast BT5 5LX T • 02890 659488 • 07729 123366

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Grass cutting season is now upon us. Contact us for all your garden maintenence...

• Commercial & domestic garden maintenance • Power washing, patios, drives, etc • Coloured pebbles supplied & laid • Decorative flagging, paving & walls • Hedge cutting & tree pruning/felling • General tidy ups - grass cutting

• Lawns scarified & resowed/feeding • New lawns laid/sowed/turfed • All types of fencing erected • Fields/paddocks/large grass areas grass topped/cut • Mini digger work undertaken

TELEPHONE : 028 9044 8255/028 9751 1416 MOBILE : 07802 333256 WEB : www.crossnacreevynurseries.co.uk EMAIL : crossnacreevy_nurseries@hotmail.com

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34 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

Food & Drink

ne of the biggest cultural changes in N Ireland has been our attitude to what we eat and drink. Jay Rayner, the Observer’s food critic, used to be dismissive of the local offer but has recently given us a string of rave reviews. This is not about a few good restaurants, but a total change in mindset. As Jay says “Over the past three or four years, the thing that struck me is just how passionate people in Belfast are about their food.”

One area where we remain behind the curve is our appreciation of coffee. This may seem like a counter-intuitive statement, as quality coffee shops can be found on every shopping street. But how many people enjoy a quality coffee when they are out, and then resort to a spoonful of supermar-

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THE CHANGING TASTE OF COFFEE The local attitude to food and drink has changed phenomenally over the last few years.

One huge upturn has been the number of coffee shops opening on the high streets and suburbs.

Christopher McCracken from Oscar & Joy investigates the new wave of coffee appreiation.

94 High Street Holywood oscarandjoy.com

Enjoy Delightful Dining At The Stormont Hotel GEM IN THE EAST

The Stormont Hotel is located just minutes from Belfast city centre, adjacent to Stormont Castle and overlooking the beautiful grounds of Stormont Estate and is sometimes forgotten as a hidden dining gem in the East of the city!

To book call 028 9065 1066 or for further information go to www.hastingshotels.com

ket instant when they are home?

Yes it is quick and convenient, but it is also degraded coffee that is effectively stale. Yet attitudes are changing fast as the “Third Wave” of coffee culture takes hold.

This is a global movement to appreciate the true quality of the bean. It started in America in the late 90’s and hit London a decade later. Fast forward to 2015 and it is now stirring upon these shores.

Appreciation of coffee doesn’t have to be complicated but it does mean we demand more. For example, should we really support a system of poorly paid labourers making a low grade commodity?

Or would we rather pay a bit more for quality coffee from properly resourced farms?

It means we demand fresh. Buying small batch artisanal coffee is

good; buying whole beans and grinding yourself is even better.

And instead of a stale spoon of instant why not try alternative brewing techniques from around the world? The mesmerising ritual of a Japanese V60; or an American Aeropress for speed.

Italian stove tops are great for hot coffee; a French Press is a stylish way to serve. Most of us can now discern our Pinot Noir from our Rioja, and few would welcome a dinner gathering that still served Blue Nun from a box. With coffee consumption it is still common to start the day or end a meal with instant. But attitudes are changing fast. Perhaps it won’t be long before we look back on those days with the same bitter distaste that we currently force ourselves to endure.

he hotel’s La Scala bistro offers a fabulous Dine with Wine menu, available Sunday to Thursday from 5pm to 7pm, giving diners the chance to enjoy two courses of the very best of local produce along with traditional favourites and a glass of wine for only £17 per person. The full bistro menu is served daily for both lunch and dinner and boasts the freshest and finest local seasonal produce with a contemporary twist.

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Enjoy an afternoon of pure indulgence and relax with a delightful Afternoon Tea at the Stormont? Catch up with friends and family over cups of the finest steaming teas and coffees, finger sandwiches, freshly made pastries and an array of delectable homemade treats, you can even add a touch of sparkle and upgrade to the Champagne Afternoon Tea! Served daily in the lounge from 2 – 5pm for only £18 per person, this is a delight not to be missed!

Or why not treat the family to the Stormont’s famous Sunday Buffet Lunch which promises a fantastic five course dining feast for everyone with all the traditional hearty favourites and desserts to die for! Every Sunday in the Grand Ballroom from 12 – 2.30pm priced £26 for adults and £15 for children.

The Stormont has something to offer diners whatever they fancy so do be sure to call in and see for yourself.

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EVENTS February & March

EVENTS

CINEMA

CRAFTS

KIDS CLUBS

LOCAL FAIRS

LOCAL FAMILY FUN DAYS OUT, FOOD, MUSIC AND MUCH MORE

FROM THE VERY LATEST RELEASES TO THE CLASSICS WE ALL KNOW AND LOVE

GET HANDS ON THIS MONTH WITH A HOST OF CRAFTY GOINGS ON EAST SIDE

KEEP THE LITTLE ONES BUSY WITH A CRACKING LINE UP OF ACTIVITIES GALORE

WINTER IS UPON US WHICH MEANS THE SEASONAL FAIRS & SOIREES ARE GO!

FEBRUARY & MARCH AT THE STRAND ARTS CENTRE 152-154 HOLYWOOD ROAD | BELFAST | 028 9065 5830 | STRANDARTSCENTRE.COM

NEW RELEASES Clockwise From Top Left, all coming this month at Strand Arts Centre...American Beauty, Blade Runner, Concussion, Lawrence Of Arabia, Wall-E, The Deerhunter, Song Of The Sea, Jurassic Park, Goosebumps, Deadpool

NEW FILM RELEASES

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS: THE ROAD CHIP

Through a series of misunderstandings, Alvin, Simon and Theodore come to believe that Dave is going to propose to his new girlfriend in Miami...and dump them.

They have three days to get to him and stop the proposal, saving themselves not only from losing Dave but possibly from gaining a terrible stepbrother.

ZOOLANDER 2 (12A)

Derek and Hansel are modelling again when an opposing company attempts to take them out from the business. Comedy sequel starring Ben Stiller. Owen Wilson, Will Ferrell, Olivia Munn, Benedict Cumberbatch and Kristen Wiig.

DEADPOOL (15)

Starring Ryan Reynolds and based upon Marvel Comics’ most unconventional anti-hero, DEADPOOL tells the origin story of former Special Forces operative turned mercenary Wade Wilson who, after being subjected to a rogue experiment that leaves him with accelerated healing powers, adopts the alter ego Deadpool.

Armed with his new abilities and a dark, twisted sense of humor, Deadpool hunts down the man who nearly destroyed his life.

GOOSEBUMPS (PG)

Adventure comedy fantasy starring Jack Black. Upset about moving to a small town, Zach Cooper finds a silver lining when he meets his beautiful neighbor Hannah. The teen is surprised to learn that Hannah’s mysterious father is R.L. Stine, the famous author of the best-selling “Goosebumps” series. When Zach accidentally unleashes the monsters from the fantastic tales, it’s up to Stine, his daughter and Cooper to return the beasts back to the books where they belong.

18th & 25th February at 7.00pm David Lean classic starring Peter O’Toole. British Lieutenant T.E. Lawrence is sent to Arabia to serve as a liaison between the Arabs and the British in their fight against the Turks. With the aid of native Sherif Ali, Lawrence rebels against the orders of his superior officer and strikes out on a daring camel journey.

THE DEER HUNTER

Sporting drama starring Will Smith. In Pittsburgh, accomplished pathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu uncovers the truth about brain damage in football players who suffer repeated concussions in the course of normal play.

3rd & 10th March at 8.00pm In 1968, Michael, Nick and Steve, lifelong friends from a working-class Pennsylvania steel town, prepare to ship out overseas following one final group hunting trip. In Vietnam, their dreams of military honour are quickly shattered by the inhumanities of war; even those who survive are haunted by the experience.

OSCAR SEASON CLASSICS

OSCAR NOMINATED SHORT FILMS

CONCUSSION (12A)

AMERICAN BEAUTY (18)

11th February at 8.00pm Lester Burnham (Kevin Spacey) is a gainfully employed suburban husband and father. Fed up with his boring, stagnant existence, he quits his job and decides to reinvent himself as a pot-smoking, responsibility-shirking teenager. What follows is at once cynical, hysterical, and, eventually, tragically uplifting.

CAR BOOT SALE

TESCO EXTRA KNOCKNAGONEY Sunday 21st February 2016 9.00 - 12.00 £5.00 per car (donated to charity) Open 8am for set up.

BE WOW-ED BY NATURE

LAWRENCE OF ARABIA

2016 NORTHERN IRELAND SCIENCE FESTIVAL - Join us at Belfast’s Window on Wildlife where you’ll learn about some of the creatures which rely on Belfast Lough ad the wider waters off Northern Ireland, including the amazing ocean quahog - a mollusc which can live to be 500 years old! For this free drop in event join us between 10am and 4pm on Saturday 20th February 2016. Please email shelly.ovadia@rspb.org.uk or call 028 9046 1458 for any enquiries. Belfast WOW, 100 Airport Road West, Belfast Harbour Estate, BT3 9ED. rspb.org.uk/events

Every year, ShortsTV puts together all of the Oscar Nominated Short Films into two feature-length packages (approx 90mins each).

Come along and enjoy one or both!

LIVE ACTION SHORTS - Sunday 14th February, 3.00pm ANIMATED SHORTS - Sunday 21st February, 3.00pm Tickets £3.50 or Both For £5 / Rating TBC

FREE INTO FILM CLUBS

TEENAGE KICKS FILM CLUB Fridays at 4.15pm 12th February – Super Size Me [12] 19th February – The Matrix [15] 26th February – Blade Runner [15] 4th March – Man on Wire [12] 11th March – Mean Girls [12] SATURDAY MINORS FILM CLUB Saturdays at 12 noon 13th Feb – Honey, I Shrunk the Kids [u] 20th February – Wall-E [u] 5 years+ 27th Feb- Jurassic Park [PG] 9 years+

CREATIVE WORKSHOPS

Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip. Tuesday 16th February, during Half Term 2.15pm starts with movie followed by 1 hour workshop. Child ticket includes movie + workshop - £9.50. Adult ticket includes movie + Tea/Coffee at the workshop - £4. Workshop lasts for 1 hour. Suitable for 4years + Jurassic Park Saturday 27th February Child ticket includes workshop & movie £6.00 / Adults Free

LIVE ON STAGE

CLAIRE ZIRITT – PSYCHIC MEDIUM Thursday 18th February, 8.00pm Natural psychic and Spiritualist Medium Claire’s incredible gift makes for an amazing stage show.

Tickets £10.00

THE BEECHILL INN VALENTINE’S SPECIAL - You will have seen the Beechill Inn’s ad in last months edition and here’s a reminder for all the lovers who get their copy of The Loop before the big night: They have laid on a 3 course table d’hote on Saturday 12th February for just £29.95 per couple plus there’s live music in the bar.

Booking essential.

MOTHERS DAY SPECIAL - Then on Sunday 6th March (yes its an early one this year) you can take the special lady in your life to the Mothers Day special which features a 3 course table d’hote for £17.95 per person or 3 course table d’hote with Jim Brown as Elvis for £23.95 per person.

14 Cedarhurst Road | Belfast BT8 7RH | 028 9069 3193 beechill.inns@btconnect.com www.beechillinn.co.uk

STRAND HERITAGE TOUR Saturday 27th February 12.30pm Monthly Heritage tour with our expert projectionist and Film enthusiast Alan McClurg. £4.00

BELFAST CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL’S BIG DAY OUT SATURDAY 5TH MARCH 12NOON – UNDER THE SEA PICNIC & MUSICAL WORKSHOP Picnic on the ocean bed with the use of colour, lighting and music. a traditional Irish musician and percussionist will show the children how certain sounds can help evoke different environments and emotions. Ages 7+ Capacity 24. £12 children only. Includes lunch, workshop and ticket to live music and film screening.

1.30PM – LIVE MUSICAL INTRO & SCREENING OF ‘SONG OF THE SEA’ Live music from traditional Irish band will precede this beautiful animation that was nominated for an Academy Award in 2015. All ages / Capacity 180. £6 child, £6 adult. Duration 94 minutes.

3.00PM – ALIEN WORKSHOP ‘Create Your Own Alien Adventure’ workshop with Chris Judge & Andrew Judge, professional illustrators and comic writers. For ages 7-10 / Capacity 30-40.

DUNDELA SOCIAL CLUB

FUNDRAISING EVENT - Saturday 27th February, Dundela Social Club, Wilgar Street,BT4 3BL 5 bands will be playing live from 4pm- 12pm £5 before 8pm. £8 after 8pm and all proceeds from the night will go towards the Festival and Family Fun day in July.

ORANGEFIELD PARK

CLEAN UP EVENT On Sunday 21st Feb Tesco Castlereagh are going to carry out a clean up in Orangefield Park. They hope to enlist the help of a number of staff together with some council workers too. A great effort from all will make a big difference. It will start at 9.30 and work will carry on for a couple of hours. We’ll have a follow up story on this in the next edition of Loop.

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

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11

ck’ at ’s £90,000 graffiti

“This is money that could be spent in a better way, such as providing homes or indeed doing essential repairs to infrastructure.

“Those responsible for graffiti need to wise up and stop this as they are hurting the ratepayers of North Down.

“I believe the only way to reduce incidents of graffiti is to impose tougher fines and community service on those caught and make them remove their handiwork.”

Mr Easton’s Assembly question asked the Minister for Social Development to detail the cost of removing graffiti from Housing Executive properties in North Down in each of the last two financial years.

The minister replied that the Housing Executive had advised him that the cost of removing graffiti from their properties in North Down was as follows - 2012/13, £43,267.15 and 2013/14, £45,080.23.

In May intimidating loyalist graffiti was daubed on a gable wall in Bangor’s Clanmorris estate just days after a man was violently assaulted by a masked gang wielding hammers in the Abbey Park area.

The terrifying threat included the words, ‘Next time it’s a bullet,’ and was claimed to have been made by a group called ‘Loyalists Against Drugs’ whose name was also daubed alongside the grim warning.

The graffiti appeared after a man was attacked by a gang of masked men as he walked along a nearby road and had to be taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.

461 Donegal Road BT12 6FS 028 9032 1926 165 Shankill Road BT13 1EG 028 9032 2009

50 YEARS Sit down for EXPERIENCE Casement Windows Support a the Ulstermen local business BIG ENOUGH TO COMPETE - SMALL ENOUGH TO CARE! - in Holywood!• Conservatory Roof Conversions • Fascia & Soffit Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar and Franco Van Der Merwe.

FANS may traditionally stand up for the Ulstermen at the Kingspan Stadium but now they are about to sit down for them - in Holywood!

For local supporters are getting the chance to take a seat and listen to three of the men in red and white discuss all things rugby and share their lifechanging stories.

Star attractions Paul Marshall, Ruan Pienaar and Franco Van Der Merwe will be interviewed by Holywood’s very own radio and television personality, the BBC’s Mark Simpson.

A fascinating insight into the world of Ulster rugby is promised together with a great opportunity to meet the players and enjoy some sporting

craic.

A full house is expected for this exciting event which kicks off at Holywood Parish Church at 7.30pm on Tuesday March 24.

The turnstiles open at 6.45pm.

Entry is free and no ticket is required so your are advised to come early to avoid disappointment.

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WHATS HAPPENING IN EAST BELFAST MUMS & TOTS MONDAY Calvary Mums & Toddlers.

10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.

100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 East End Baptist Tiny Tots (Westbourne street). Each Monday during term time 10:30-12noon. £1 donation. Tel: 07786 962220.

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

Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793.

Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. Wandsworth CC. £1 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698

Cregagh Mums & Tots 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue.

Tel: 028 9040 1444 Gilnahirk Presbyterian Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Tel: Laura 07708 000025 Glenmachan Tots & Toddlers 10-12 term time. Church of God, Glenmachan Road.

Tel 028 9076 1676 glenmachan.org Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

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

CLASSES & EVENTS

TUESDAY

MONDAY

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

CFC Mops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presbyterian.

10-11.45am term time. £1. 028 9065 7025 McQuiston Toddlers 10-11.30am. Toast, juice, tea, coffee & biscuits.

McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road.

Mount Merrion Parish Church 10am Toddler Group. Tel 07905 144070 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

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

Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm.

Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of the month) 7pm.

Bean Blessed Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower The Programme 6.30-8.30pm. Tel Helen 028 9076 1172 Cregagh Cricket Club Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 9 & Under 11 cricket training.

Cregagh Presbyterian Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel John 07809 205579 102-104 Cregagh Road Harding Memorial Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Clare 07905 556825.

Orangefield Baptist Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Skainos Building skainos.org Turas Irish Language Upper Intermediate Class 10 -12.

Childrens Irish Dancing Class 5.30-6.30pm. Irish Language Singing Class from 6 – 7pm. EBM Homework Club (P4-P6) 3.30–5.30pm. Contact Hannah Ferguson 028 9045 8560.

Female Body camp from 7-8pm. FREE Trial. Sara Eaches on 07919 146434.

Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

WEDNESDAY Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church 10.30am Toddlers Orangefield Baptist Church 10.30-12. 37 North Road, BT5 5NE smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road. 02890 799391 orangefield.org.uk St Colmcille’s Parent & Toddler 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd Willowfield Mother & Toddler 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654

THURSDAY Bloomfield Methodist Church 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. Cregagh Presbyterian 10am mothers & toddlers. Tel Josephine 028 9065 4181.

102-104 Cregagh Road

TUESDAY 15th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.15-7.15pm Explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm Juniors (8-10) 7.00-9.00pm Company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm Telephone 07783 408609 Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members.

Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Thursdays.

Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 8pm10pm. Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm.

Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church 10.30am Open Door. 2.30pm Senior Citizens. 6.30-7.45pm GB Explorers. 6.30-8pm GB Juniors. 7.30-9.30pm GB Seniors & Brigaders. 8.15-PW (2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month)

Mount Merrion Parish Church Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Senior puppet club.

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

Skainos Building skainos.org EBM Women’s Group 7pm-9pm. EBM Homework Club (P4 – P6) from 3.30–5.30pm. EBM Choir practice (age 17+) from 5.45 – 6.45pm. New total beginners Irish language & local history class 10am-12noon. Turas Irish Language Beginners Classes 7-9pm. Turas Irish Language Upper Intermediate class from 7-9pm. Turas set dancing class from 7-8.30pm. Street League Football at Waterworks 3G Cliftonville Rd 3-5pm Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm.

Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm. Belfast Boxing Fitness. Male & female 18+ 8.15pm.

WEDNESDAY 29th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (3-7) 6:45-8:15pm.

Company Section (8-18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823.

Avoniel Community Garden Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 1pm - 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm9. NI Orchid Society 6pm-8pm. Mindfullness 6.30pm-8.30 Cregagh Cricket Club Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 13 & Under 15 cricket training.

Cregagh Presbyterian For seniors - “Evergreens’. 2.30pm. Tel Barbara 028 9045 3829. Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507 Squirrels. 6.30pm. Tel Laura 07597 684104 102-104 Cregagh Road Gilnahirk Mens Group For retired men. 10.30am-12. Runs until 4th May 2016. Tea/ Coffee/Chat/Fellowship & an interesting Speaker Gilnahirk Horticultural & Civic Group Stye Brae Centre - Gilnahirk Presbyterian. Gardening talk, tea & biscuits. 1st Weds of the month until April. 8pm.

Girls Brigade Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm.

P5 upwards 7.30pm Luncheon Club For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist.

12 noon. £1.50.

Pre book on 028 9045 7564.

Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church MIdweek service 7.45pm.

Mount Merrion Parish Church Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7.

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

Over 60’s Lunch Club Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3.

Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book.

Skainos Building skainos.org Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians 10am-12pm. Ladies Senior Friendship Club 2pm-3.30pm.

Street Soccer five-a-side Avoniel Leisure Centre 1-3pm.

Turas Irish Language Family Class 5.30 – 7pm. Turas Irish Language Post Beginners class from 7-9pm. Turas Irish Language Intermediate exam class from 7-9pm.

Strand Arts Centre “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day for £3.

Wandsworth Community Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Arranging 1.303.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm

THURSDAY Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members.

Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue. All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Tuesdays.

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

Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm.

Yoga 6-9pm. E Belfast Historical Society 7.15pm-10.15.

Cregagh Presbyterian Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Tel Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies. 6.30pm. Tel Vicki 028 9045 8208 Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Tel Claire 07598 866895 Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church 10.30am-12 Open Door. 6.30-7.30pm BB Anchor Boys.

6.30-8pm BB Junior Section. 7.30-10 BB Company Section Mount Merrion Parish Church Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829.

Senior Citizens Luncheon Club Midday @ Ballymac Centre. alison@ballymac.org Skainos Building skainos.org Over’s Luncheon Club from 12.30-2pm. EBM homework club (P4-P6) 3.30 – 5.30pm. Turas Tin Whistle beginners class form 2-3pm.

Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Needlework 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers 2.15-3pm.

Spanish for children 3.15-4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm.

FRIDAY Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm.

Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Relax & Read 9 am-12pm.

Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art Classes 10-1pm.

East End Baptist Children’s Meeting (Westbourne street). Every Friday night. 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun each week.

Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church 7.30pm Indoor bowls. Mens meet up & Lunch 11.30am Mount Merrion Parish Church 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 Skainos Building skainos.org Turas Irish Language Intermediate class 10-12noon. Friday Fusion - arts, crafts, play P1-P7 6:30pm-8pm. Street League Soccer 1.30–5.30pm. 5 a-side football Shaftesbury Community Centre. Tura’s ‘Turning the Lamps Down’ - atraditional music, poetry, song, 2nd Fri of each month, 8-late.

Wandsworth Community Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm.

Shiloh Hall 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12.

SATURDAY

Avoniel Community Garden Avoniel Leisure Centre. 1pm to 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Mount Merrion Parish Church SunshineFit Kids - keep fit. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6.

Orangefield Baptist Church 37 North Road, Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12.

Skainos Building skainos.org Walking Group on selected Saturdays at 10am.

Contact Gary Allen on 028 9045 8560.

Strand Cinema & NI Stars Stage school. 10-1pm nistars.com Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am

SUNDAY

Kingdom Harvest Church, Belfast Sunday Worship 11am. "Superchurch" for Children 6-12yrs @ the Inverary Community Centre kingdomharvest.co.uk Mountpottinger Presbyterian Church 11.30am morning service. 6.30pm evening service.

Mount Merrion Parish Church KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm.

Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm.

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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40 T HE LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

SPORT & FITNESS FUND RAISING QUEST

BETTER STAFF & CUSTOMERS IN BELFAST TO HELP RAISE £500K FOR SPORT RELIEF

WORKING TOGETHER

Better Leisure Centres in Belfast – has announced some of the ways it will partner with its members to help them walk, run, swim and cycle themselves proud while fundraising £500,000 for Sport Relief. ince November, when Better became the official health and fitness partner for Sport Relief 2016, leisure staff have been putting their heads together with customers to devise a series of spectacular sporting events that will combine efforts to pool funds under #Teambetter and help those who are training for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games, taking place Friday 18th - Sunday 20th March.

Better staff in our leisure centres, gyms and pools will capture the energy, ideas, sporting talent and

S

enthusiasm of users during an estimated three million customer visits to meet the fundraising target through a myriad of sporting challenges. Better Leisure centres will offer existing members and non-members the chance to get involved at all of our leisure centres across Belfast. Plus, there’s also citywide activities happening for everyone to get involved: • 25th February 9pm – 11pm Swim a mile challenge will take place at Avoniel Leisure Centre.

• 26th February 9am – 10am - Swim a mile challenge will take place at Grove Wellbeing Centre.

• 4th March 8pm – 11pm – Sport Relief Quiz Night at The Hudson Bar. • 3rd March 7pm – 8pm – ‘Lets Get Stronger’ Group Exercise Challenge at Belfast Leisure Centres. Wear something red!

• 6th March, 8am – 4pm – Belfast Better Cycle - starting from Girdwood Community Hub, there are two cycle routes. For the cycle enthusiasts a rigorous

70miles challenge is on offer or a more manageable 20mile route is also available.

• 6th March, 12noon - 3pm - Better Belfast Fun Day at Girdwood Community Hub will include sports games, bouncy castles, music and fun for all the family.

• 7th March, 5pm – 7pm - Better Belfast Sports Relief Wibit Day at Andersonstown Leisure Centre. The wibit is a large inflatable obstacle course and an enjoyable water adventure for the whole family.

• 10th March, 6pm – 8pm - Better Belfast Sports Relief Wibit Day at Shankill Leisure Centre.

• 11th March, 2-5pm – Seven-aside Soccer Competition will take place at the new 4G pitches at The Indoor Tennis and Ozone Complex.

• 12th March, 10am - 4pm A-Thon’ Day including a Bounceathon, Cycle-athon, Dance-athon fitness challenges will take place across Belfast Leisure Centres.

• 18th - 20th March - Better Swimathon will take place at Andersonstown, Avoniel, Ballysillan and Olympia.

20th March, 10am - 2pm Fitness Fun Day will take place at Custom House Square.

Leisure charitable social enterprise GLL operates 230 venues across the UK under the Better brand – up to half a million customers use its facilities each week – and subsidises community sport at grass roots level getting more people to take up exercise.

Up to half a million customers and staff at its pools, trampoline parks, leisure centres, spas, libraries, children’s centres and playgrounds will be invited to play their part in the fundraising challenges and help to make Sport Relief 2016 the best yet.

Being part of one of the UK’s largest fundraising campaigns will help Better leisure centres, sports halls and pools reach out to the community at grass roots level and encourage more people to take up exercise in the run up to, during and beyond the.

Find out more at: www.better.org.uk/sport-relief

EXERCISE & MOVEMENT

WHATS ALL THIS ABOUT PILATES? Victoria McKechnie from Rebound Physio talks to us about its benefits.

PREPARING TO CELEBRATE THEIR 70TH ANNIVERSARY WITH HELP FROM BRIGADERS ANNA BOWDEN AND HOLLY DICKSON ALONG WITH SENIOR EXPLORERS EMILY BOYD AND ELLIE MOORE

Archana Sponsorship Deal Boosts Local Football Team

ARCHANA INDIAN RESTAURANT, DUBLIN ROAD, HAS BECOME THE OFFICIAL KIT SPONSOR FOR THE UNDER 16’S OF EAST BELFAST SIDE HARLAND YOUTH FOOTBALL CLUB.

Mark Brown, Coach of Harland Youth Under 16’s said: “We are delighted to have Archana on board as our new kit sponsor and we are looking forward to years of success together. Archana has been operating in Belfast since 1985 and has developed a reputation as one of the finest Indian restaurants in the city, so it is great that such a successful local business wants to get involved and give back to the community, particularly the youngsters.Tony Toor, of Archana, also expressed his delight at helping support the future of football in Northern Ireland with the junior section of H&W Welders FC.

ith New Year comes lots of new resolutions, many associated with self- improvement and exercise. Pilates has surged in popularity in recent years but for the uninitiated what is it and what are the benefits? Pilates is a method of exercise and movement that focuses on whole body strengthening with an emphasis on core stability, using a mind-body approach to exercise.

It was originally developed by a German called Joseph Pilates, who was very ill as a child and as a result he became determined to improve his health in a physical manner to help fight disease.

Joseph developed and began practising a series of exercises that we now know as ‘traditional Pilates’.

His method gained popularity during World War one when it was observed that patients in War Hospitals practising his exercises at a low level recovered more quickly than those who didn’t.

It has since grown in popularity and is widely practised throughout the world.

Pilates is an excellent form of strengthening exercise because it allows you to focus on the mind-body control of movement. The exercises are performed in a slow and controlled manner to allow the mind to engage in the movement that is

w

happening. It is well documented that the mind has an important influence on the health of the body and so it is believed that effective activation of muscles is enabled through the concentration element that is emphasised when using the Pilates method. Pilates has something to offer people of all ages and abilities and it doesn’t matter on your level of fitness. It can be taught in a one to one approach or in a class situation. It is used as a method of recovering and rehabilitating from injury as well as a method of injury prevention.

Have you been suffering from low back pain? Do you sit all day at work? Does your neck ache?

Do you want to learn how we should be moving correctly and strengthen the muscles that allow you to do so? Are you interested in rehabilitating from injury or better still, preventing an injury occurring?

Whatever your background and level of exercise experience, Pilates may just be for you.

Contact Rebound Physio for more information about class times and availability. www.reboundphysio.co.uk T: 02890992444 E: info@reboundphysio.co.uk

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42 T H E LO O P F E BRUA RY 2 0 1 6

FOOTBALL

By Alan Hall

Gourley Hopeful On New Signings

JOINT manager Stephen Gourley is hopeful a few significant signings during the transfer window can help Dundela inch their way clear of the Championship 2 danger zone, where remember four teams this season are in peril.

HOME WIN @ WILGAR

DUNDELA PUT FOUR PAST TOBERMORE DUNDELA 4 | TOBERMORE UNITED 0

Dundela finally showed some form with Saturday’s four goal success over Tobermore United at Wilgar Park, DUNDELA, not before time, banishing the bitter memories of the return fixture at Fortwillian Park in October where the Duns shipped five first half goals. Hat trick hero was new recruit from Ards, James Sofley, while Lee Lenaghan made his mark with a 30 yard screamer. Apart from Sofley, other debutants included Thomas Healy and Ben Carson, while Marc Whitford making his first Wilgar appearance since rejoining the Duns earlier this month. Dundela made the brighter start, with Scott Dornan posing problems with some strong running down the right flank. Sofley was quick to make an impression, bobbling an early offering just wide before swinging over a low cross which Lenaghan somehow failed to take advantage of.

Sofley, though, then took centre stage, announcing himself to the Wilgar faithful, conjuring up some space for himself before rifling a left foot shot beyond Matthew McGraw into the bottom corner of the net.

IVEAGH UNITED 2 | SHORTS 3

Tobermore could have been back in with a shout only Twist could only hoist one over the bar, after the right back had ventured into the Dun’s penalty area. United had another opportunity shortly afterwards, but Peter Duffin’s free kick sailed harmlessly wide of Jonny Sergeant’s goal.

At the other end, Dundela would have given themselves some valuable breathing space but Whitford’s volley, from McClelland’s knock down, was splendidly saved by McGraw. However, United’s relief was short lived, as they failed to decisively clear the resultant corner, and there was the predatory Sofley to poke the ball home and add to his Duns’ account.

Sofley could have completely his hat trick only one effort fizzed wide, and another was too high to trouble keeper McGraw. Then just before half time, player manager Stephen Gourley, just five yards out, somehow failed to finish off Matthew Kerr’s inviting cross.

Number three, nonetheless, arrived just after the turnaround, courtesy of Lee Lenaghan lashing the ball into the top corner.

Dornan screwed one into the side netting before Sofley completed his hat trick on the hour; following a neat one two with strike partner McClelland.

Just the tonic Dundela needed, and they could have added to their tally in the final half hour, with Lenaghan curling one just over while Sofley had another couple of offerings, before making way for Matty Burrows.

Next up is a trip to Seaview to meet Dundela.

SHORTS bounced back into form after that disappointing five goal defeat at Downshire Young Men, returning to winning ways with this 3-2 victory over Iveagh United at the Brook Activity Centre.

Manager Alan McClelland was delighted afterwards, telling the Loop “It was just the reaction we were looking for. It was a good performance. We had been a bit rusty against Downshire; we hadn’t played for weeks, although they were a good side. It didn’t help having Ricky Kerr and Gary Hewitt sent off and they missed Saturday’s match, but these things happen.

Yet it looked like being another disappointing day in the office when Iveagh had slightly the better of the first half, going off at the break one goal to the good. Shorts evened things up after the interval, when Noel Allen arrowed one in from just outside the box.

The visitors went one better when Alan Jamison was upended inside the box, dusting himself down to convert the resultant penalty; the United man being dispatched back to the pavilion.

Jamison, too, popped up again as Shorts tightened their grip, though there was nearly a late scare when Iveagh pegged one back with a

Saturday’s victory over Tobermore United was Stephen and David Murphy’s first home league game in charge, having lost their previous match away at Dollingstown.

As Stephen told the Loop, “it has been mainly cup games and matches being off, which has suited us. It was a squad we inherited and one we could do nothing about until the transfer window re-opened there in January.

We needed new players in to strengthen the squad and freshen things up, but it can be hard enough getting players in January, especially when they know they’re coming into a relegation battle!” Even so, there are some notable newcomers, such as striker James Sofley, on loan from Ards, who certainly struck gold on Saturday with a hat trick on his debut. Also on loan from Ards is defender Thomas Healy, while other new recruits include frontman/ wide player Colin Manley from PSNI; right

HONOURS EVEN

SNOW HALTS WELDERS

ARMAGH CITY 1 | H&W WELDERS 1

THIS Championship 1 clash was brought to a premature halt on 70 minutes, due to the heavy snow.

Welders’ official Fred Magee agreed, “It was the right decision. It was disappointing, travelling down there and playing 70 minutes, but the referee had no other choice. There is no hard and fast rule anymore about the result standing once it’s reached the 70 minute mark. The match will be replayed in its entirety. We’ll probably have to go down midweek when the clear nights come in. Fair play to Armagh, they had done a great job in clearing the whole ground.

We got down at 1.30, and the pitch was in great nick and was fine for kick off at 3.00. There were a few flurries in the first half, but it was still alright. It was only in the second half when the snow came on heavy. The referee consulted a couple of

times with the managers, but after that, some players were starting to lose their footing. I agree entirely with the referee to abandon the match!”

Welders had their almost now traditional slow start and Armagh had the ball in the net after six minutes, but Stefan Lavery’s effort, from Paul Carvill’s left wing cross was scrubbed out for offside. A few minutes later, Carvill swung over a corner, which was nodded down by Eoin Toal for Dara Noonan who shot over the bar. In the next attack, Donnelly found Andrew Hoey, whose low 25 yarder was pawed round the post by keeper Michael Dougherty. It was not that unexpected then when Armagh took the lead on 14 minutes; Donnelly breezing through before crossing for Eamon Kelly’s whose first time strike gave Dougherty no chance whatsoever.

The goal, nonetheless, seemed to spark the Welders into life and on 19 minutes, Josh Cahoon was bundled over on the edge of the box. Neil Dougan’s free kick swirled just the wrong side of the bar.

Minutes later, Cahoon ran clear of the City rearguard, only to be foiled by a fine save by Morgan.

The scales were now tilting the Welders way and they grabbed a deserved

slightly debatable penalty of their own just before the close.

4-3 on sudden death penalties, after this clash with 1a side 1st Bangor

SIROCCO WORKS 5 | 1st BANGOR OB 6 (AET & PENS)

back Mark Whitford; defender Ben Carson from 1st Bangor Old Boys, and, for the second January window in a row, midfielder TJ Murray from Linfield.

As Gourley adds, “We’re still in big trouble. One win doesn’t put you out of it by no means, but it’s a start and three or four results would put you right back up there again. I said before Saturday, our next three games are massive, - home to Tobermore, against Newington YC at Seaview and then home to PSNI. I said we needed at least seven points from those three games. At least we’ve got off to a good start, with the win over Tobermore!

“Since Christmas, we’ve been playing some friendlies and the players have been looking that bit fitter. It was good also to get that clean sheet against Tobermore!” Dundela have lost one player, goalkeeper James Taylor who has joined Premier side Carrick Rangers.

Old Boys at Dixon Park ended up at two a-piece at the end of extra time. With it being the Clarence Cup, in which junior clubs compete, it meant that, as in the previous round against UUJ, Sirocco were able to use Dixon Park, even though a new set of dugouts need to be finalised before it can be fit for Intermediate football. Those have been Sirocco’s only games since 21st November. It was Bangor, however, who felt more at home initially, taking a first half lead through ex Linfield sharpshooter Craig McCracken. Works found their answer early in the second half, courtesy of Fergus Forsyth before substitute Aaron Acheson edged them in front for the first time. That looked to be enough, until Bangor were awarded a penalty seven minutes from time. There was no further scoring in extra time.

Young second team keeper Dean Shields certainly didn’t let his side down, saving four penalties – only Sirocco were far from ‘spot on’ with some of their own kicks; Jordan Stewart for instance scorning

leveller on 25 minutes when Scott Davidson hammered the ball low and hard into the corner of the net.

At the other end, Carvill’s wind assisted free kick was well saved by Dougherty.

Meanwhile, Davidson could have inflicted more damage just before the break, with a free kick that fizzed just wide. On the turnaround, Hoey forced another fine stoppage from Dougherty.

After that, it was the Shipyardmen who looked the more likely, with Cahoon, set up nicely by Davy Rainey, denied by keeper Morgan. As the snow became heavier, the referee stopped play to consult both managers but with the lines still clearly visible, play continued. The next opportunity fell to Rainey. Soon afterwards a City defender lost his footing and with blizzard conditions meaning that the pitch would get no better the referee wisely brought the proceedings to an end. Next Saturday, it’s back to hopefully a less snowy Tillysburn for the visit of Ballyclare Comrades, followed up by an Intermediate Cup tie away to Larne.

H&W Welders; Dougherty - McMillan, McMurray, Spence, Armstrong – Dougan, Dickson (K Devine), Davidson, S Devine – Cahoon (Boylan), Rainey.

the chance to win it in sudden death, before 1st Bangor finally squeezed through to the next round, winning 4-3 in the shoot out.

IMMACULATA FC 2 | EAST BELFAST 1

East seemed to be heading in the right direction when Dee Wright gave them the lead on 25 minutes. However, the newly crowned Border Cup holders failed to turn the screw, with Wright getting his finish wrong in another couple of presentable offerings, while Ryan Oliver also squandered a golden opportunity. And the EastEnders were caught cold in the second session when an effort, surely more cross than shot, sneaked past keeper Jake Halliday.

Mac went one better, scoring from the spot two minutes later, after a mistimed challenge by Stephen Robb. From there on in, it was mostly East pressure, but Immaculata managed to hold on for a hard earned place in the next round. As assistant manager Paul Wilson concluded, “It just wasn’t our day, but you get punished for missing chances, and that’s what happened against Immaculata. But don’t forget how far we’ve come in a short time – we’re now very much competing with Premier teams!”

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