The Loop : East Belfast March 2016 by Loop Publications

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INSIDE THIS MONTH

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WORKING WELL

Food & Drink

PAUL RANKIN SHARES HIS RECIPES CELEBRATING OUR NATIVE BREADS

ECLECTIC INTERIORS

IN EAST BELFAST Event for Local Employers

JILL O’NEILL FROM REFOUND ON THE WONDERS OF ALL THINGS VINTAGE

PICTURED

lare Flynn, Suicide Prevention Development Officer at EBCDA explains: “In May 2015 EBCDA worked with Belfast City Airport to deliver an event encouraging employers to be proactive at tackling mental health issues in the workplace. Several local businesses attended including Citi Group and Tescos; in addition to employers from the public and voluntary sector. Given the success of the first event, we have organised “Working Well” to offer employers the chance to come together to explore wellbeing in workplace in more detail. This time we are encouraging employers to bring

times. The 5 Steps are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning and Give. The 5 Steps approach will be the focus of the event which will offer employers simple, cost effective ways of introducing these concepts in the workplace. Clare hopes that local employers will be keen to take up the opportunity to improve staff wellbeing as it is linked to increased productivity and reductions in sickness related absence:“It’s estimated that 4.9% of absence from work is due to mental ill health and in Northern Ireland that equals 275,170 days per year. For this reason it’s really worthwhile for employers to think about ways to support their

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East Belfast Community Development Agency (EBCDA) are offering local employers the opportunity to explore ways of making their workforce happier and healthier at a free event taking place on 23 March. The “Working Well” event is open to all employers either based in East Belfast or employing staff from East Belfast and follows on from a successful event held last year at Belfast City Airport.

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

BRIAN AMBROSE OF BELFAST CITY AIRPORT, LORD MAYOR ARDER CARSON AND CLARE JAMES OF EBCDA

along some of their staff to get them involved in the discussion on how to make our working environments happier and healthier.” Participants attending the event will have the opportunity to take part in taster sessions aimed at improving wellbeing including relaxation techniques, dance and mindfulness. These are examples of some of the activities which the New Economics Foundation has shown to be effective in improving overall wellbeing. Branded “Take 5 Steps to Wellbeing”, these are a set of evidence-based actions which promote people’s emotional health and build resilience to help us cope during difficult

staff’s emotional wellbeing; and thanks to funding from the Public Health Agency and the CLEAR Project we are able to offer this event to local employers for free.” The event takes place on Wednesday 23 March from 1pm to 3.30pm beginning with lunch; the venue is East Belfast Network Centre, 55 Templemore Avenue, BT5 4FP. For more information or to register places at the event please contact Jean Higginson at EBCDA on 028 9045 1512 or jean@ebcda.org. For more information on EBCDA’s work on suicide prevention and mental health promotion please visit www.ebcda.org.

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WHAT’s INSIDE...

CONTENTS

MARCH 2016

LOCAL NEWS

LOCAL HISTORY

HEALTH & WELLBEING

This month’s very latest news and views from the busy local community and beyond

With the latest terrible news from Bombardier Aidan Campbell takes a look at the City Airport

From help in quitting smoking to optical issues and hair advice, our local experts check in

SCHOOLS

HOUSE & HOME

Local pupils have been up to all sorts; all good, nothing bad. We have the lowdown

We have Jill O’Neill from Refound on all things vintage plus Pine Hill Tree Services with foliage advice

Plenty of announcements relating to East Belfast businesses across many industries

THE LATEST HEADLINES

A CLASS ACT

LOOKING BACK

INSIDE & OUT

FOOD & DRINK

RECIPES & SUNDAY LUNCH

Paul Rankin has three cracker recipes and Hastings Hotels invite you to Sunday Lunch

PUBLISHING•PRINT•DESIGN

SALES | ACCOUNTS JUANITA COLLINS JUANITA@LOOPMAG.NET

Sport Relief is big this month along with a number of other events East Belfast takes part in

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BUSINESS

THE BOTTOM LINE

SPORT

LOCAL CLUBS AND EVENTS

FOOTBALL

ALAN HALL REPORTS

Our football reporter Alan Hall has been busy once again and reports in from local clubs

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PAGE 4

News March 2016 Your local news direct from the local community and beyond

A GOOD ‘CAUSE’

BELOW: Proud to be on parade, members of East Belfast’s Clonaverbased 1137 Squadron, from left, Gemma Burnside, Frankie Shanks, Flight Lieutenant Andrea Stead, William McMullan and Conn Ashby. LEFT: A smiling celebration for East Belfast girl, Katie-Ann Doran.

IN EAST BELFAST

PICTURED:

Una McLean, Amy Robinson and Cathy Moore of CAUSE and Colette Wilson of Howell’s. The Northern Ireland-based cake and biscuit brand surprised the group with treats for their meeting to highlight the work CAUSE does for the community.

NI bakery surprises local CAUSE support group with collection of treats ocal cake and biscuit brand Howell’s recently partnered with the mental health carer charity CAUSE by surprising an East Belfast support group with special treats for their meeting. Representatives from Howell’s, a division of Northern Ireland’s leading bakery Irwin’s, brought a variety of biscuits, cupcakes and cakes along with tea and coffee to share with those who benefit from CAUSE, a Northern Ireland-based charity that provides peer-led support to people who care for a friend or family member with a serious mental illness. The visit to the East Belfast meeting was one of 10 visits Howell’s has planned across Northern Ireland. Speaking ahead of the event, Colette Wilson, Marketing Manager, Irwin’s Bakery said: “Winter in Northern Ireland can be cold and gloomy, so

we thought February would be the perfect time to visit with members of CAUSE. All of Howell’s products are handmade in Northern Ireland, so the local community is of utmost importance to us. We wanted to support CAUSE as they help so many people across NI by providing practical and emotional support to carers supporting a loved one’s recovery from mental illness. “Our Howell’s products are great with a cup of tea, so we thought sharing some treats and spending time with members of CAUSE would be a great way to bring some warming cheer and acknowledge the charity for the excellent work they do.” Maire Grattan, CAUSE CEO, added: “In the Belfast area, we offer carers a range of support such as monthly support groups, one-to-one meetings with a Carer Advocate, Helpline

access and workshops to learn more about mental illness and skills to help you in your caring role. Meeting with other carers by linking with a Carer Advocate or through a CAUSE group / workshop is very powerful and positive, realising that you are not alone. As a unique charity for families, partners and friends, run by carers for carers, connecting with Howell’s who value family and community is a great opportunity.” “We encourage anyone who is caring for a loved one suffering from a serious mental illness to contact CAUSE today as our Carer Advocates can provide some support, advice or simply offer a safe place for venting frustrations. To get in touch, call head office at 028 90650 650 or visit .cause.org. uk for more information.”

PAUL CLARK ENCOURAGES BEVERLEY TO FUNDRAISE FOR UNICEF TO DONATE

justgiving.com /Beverleysailsamerica SEE BEVERLEY ROW AT HILLMOUNT GARDEN CENTRE LATER THIS MONTH

BELFAST WOMAN Beverley Brown is embarking on a gruelling sail for two months on Clipper Round the World Race in April and Paul Clark, UTV Presenter and UNICEF Ambassador, kick started her fundraising efforts for the children’s charity in Sainsbury’s at Forestside. Beverley’s sail will begin in Seattle and end in New York and to raise funds for UNICEF she will be rowing in Hillmount Garden Centre, Upper Braniel Road, Belfast, on 20 March and in Foyleside Shopping Centre, Derry~Londonderry on 2 April.

EAST BELFAST CADETS MARK 75 YEARS OF FLYING HIGH Celebrating a milestone anniversary

he Air Cadet Organisation is celebrating its 75th anniversary and, in Northern Ireland, the festivities started with a Service of Thanksgiving at St Anne’s Cathedral attended by Cadets and Adult Instructors from East Belfast. Back in 1938 Air Commodore Sir John Chamier, known affectionately as ‘the Father of the Air Training Corps,’ set up the original Air Defence Cadet Corps to train young men in various aviation-related skills. Thousands flocked to join and the ADCC proved so popular that, in 1941, in order to provide the means of giving part-time air training to teenagers and young men who might later join the Royal Air Force, the ADCC was formally re-established as the Air Training Corps by Royal Warrant. Much has changed within the organisation which today has more than 42,000 male and female members across the UK, but the passion for Aviation, Adventure and Action remains. Today’s teenage Cadets – and their adult leaders – can expect to benefit from challenging opportunities in leadership, citizenship and adventure training and will work towards nationally recognised academic and vocational qualifications and the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme. In London the 75th Anniversary Year was launched by The Duchess of Cambridge, taking on the role of Honorary Air Commandant of the Air Cadets, who says her two and a half year-old son, Prince George, is already “obsessed” with the Air Cadets! In Northern Ireland the St Anne’s Service marked a formal start to a year which will be filled with anniversary celebrations of all kinds.

Shared Space With ‘Youth Hub’ Pop Up A ‘YOUTH HUB’ - a pop up space in Belfast city centre organised by the council’s Youth Forum until the end of March - will help the council decide how best it can provide dedicated ‘youth friendly’ sites and services for the future. The Belfast Youth Forum’s Shared Space Pilot Project will be based in the T13 activity bus at a variety of city centre sites for the next five Thursday evenings and Saturday afternoons. A range of activities are being provided on and around the bus including a BMX course; Parkour; Urban Art; Fashion Design, DJ Skills; Chill Out Zone and Scooters. The first ‘pop up’ youth space will be available at Writer’s Square, opposite St Anne’s Cathedral, today (Thursday,

25 February) between 5pm-8pm and it will be back in the same site on Saturday afternoon. Support for the ‘Shared Space Pilot Project’ has been provided jointly by the council and the Department of Social Development. Services relating to sports, culture, education the arts and support services scored highly in the Youth Forum’s original survey and the ‘Pop Up’ Space will now be used for a more in-depth survey on the council’s behalf by T13’s ‘Be Heard’ team. More information on the ‘Youth Hub’ Shared Space Project and when it will be at Writer’s Square and Bank Square is available at... www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events and on Twitter @belfast_YF

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News March 2016 www.loopmag.net

Your local news direct from the local community and beyond

EAST BELFAST DANCE COMPANY QUALIFY FOR THE WORLD STREET DANCE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2016 facebook.com/ajendance

BELFAST PCSP RENEWS CAMPAIGN TO TAKE DRUGS OFF THE STREETS

PICTURED:

All the teams celebrating their fantastic positions that will take them to the World Champs in Glasgow. Only the best of the best place top 3 win their spot at worlds

belfastcity.gov.uk/pcsp

Belfast Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) is supporting the PSNI and Crimestoppers in a renewed joint campaign to tackle drugs and drug dealing across the city. he ‘Drug Dealers Don’t Care, Do You?’ campaign was first launched in 2013 and according to statistics available today, the number of calls made to Crimestoppers about drugrelated activities in communities increased by a fifth (20.83%) between January 2013 and April 2015. Also, from February 2013 to February 2015, the overall increase in the number of calls made to Crimestoppers re drugs cultivation, drugs possession and drugs trafficking increased by 78%. Belfast PCSP chairman Councillor Matt Garrett said the statistics spoke for themselves. “The ultimate aim of this campaign is to get drugs off our streets and to give people the confidence to report drug dealing in their community, and the statistics would suggest that is exactly what’s been happening, which is very encouraging,” said Councillor Garrett. “Local knowledge is crucial in our fight to tackle the scourge of drugs in communities. Today we are once again renewing the campaign and I hope it will be supported by communities across Belfast, and that we see many more successful prosecutions.” Other PCSPs throughout Northern Ireland will also be rolling out the campaign, which has been part-funded by the Department of Justice. Justice Minister David Ford said: “The devastating impact that illicit drugs can have on individuals, families and communities is all too evident. Drug dealers are not welcome in our society and I would like to take this opportunity to express

nnika graham and Clare Montgomery run Ajendance dance company from east Belfast and this weekend did something spectacular . They have just had 30 kids qualify for the UDO (United Dance Organisation) World Street Dance Championships in August 2016. Ajendance has a dance studio on the Newtownards Road and kids come from far and wide to join in the family fun. The youngest member competing in the worlds will be 5 years old winning his solo section and the oldest 20 years in our adult crew that also took first at the UDO competition on Sunday at the Devenish complex. Ajendance kids are from Newtowards,

East Belfast, West Belfast, Glengormley, Larne, Portadown, Banbridge and many more... They are now pulling 4 teams together and competiting in the World championships in Glasgow. Each city has a qualifiers competition and only the best of the best place top 3 to win their spot at worlds. Ajendance crews took two 1st and two 2nd in their teams and 1st and 3rd in their solos. Which has put them through to the 4 day event in Glasgow August 2016. Annika & Clare @ Ajendance said, “We will be non stop funding and working hard over the next few months to assure everyone can afford to get their kids to the world’s. As this is a massive dream for all of our kids and young adults. We hope to have press and TV at the event over the 10 hours.”

Cregagh Congregational GB Scoop 1st Place Success for Bethany in the Girls’ Brigade Northern Ireland PE Competitions ethany McGarvey from 29th NI Cregagh Congregational GB gained 1st place in the GBNI PE Finals of the Brigader Solo held in Ashfield Girls’ High School, on Saturday the 20th February. Girls’ Brigade is the largest uniformed youth organisation in NI, with 285 companies in all six counties and approximately 23,000 members. There is a company running near you. To find more details about joining GB, or starting a GB company in your church, visit the GBNI website at www.gbni.co.uk

ABOVE: Bethany McGarvey in action RIGHT: GBNI 15 Bethany McGarvey from 29th Cregagh Congregational with her officer Gillian Harper

my ongoing support for all those involved in removing these harmful substances from our streets and bringing these individuals before the courts. This collaborative campaign has a history of achieving significant results and today’s event reiterates how the current approach is made more effective with the support and information from local communities. The criminal justice system continues to take action against those who supply or deal drugs and I would encourage members of the public to call the police or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with the confidence that their call can make a difference.” Speaking at today’s launch PSNI Detective Superintendent Andrea McMullan from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch said: “Today’s campaign launch coincides with the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s ‘Operation Torus’ which targets street level drug dealers. Operation Torus has been running since the 1 February. During this time we have arrested 96 suspects, made 122 drug seizures, charged 18 people and reported 23 people to the Public Prosecution Service. There are a further three weeks of the Operation remaining. We will continue to disrupt and arrest those involved in the sale and supply of drugs, bring individuals before the courts and work with communities and partner agencies to reduce the threat of harmful and illegal activity. We would continue to ask communities to provide us with information about illegal drugs. If you tell us, we will act on it.”

TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THE CAMPAIGN AND VIEW THE AD VISIT WWW.BELFASTCITY.GOV.UK/PCSP

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News March 2016 www.loopmag.net

Your local news direct from the local community and beyond

East Belfast Woman Picks Up OBE East Belfast woman, Jennifer Hawthorne, was in Buckingham Palace last month picking up an OBE.

JENNIFER is the Housing Executive’s Head of Communities, and it was her work in assisting in the transformation of communities post conflict across Northern Ireland that was marked by the Queen. Jennifer travelled to London with her mum Greta Wilson, husband Roy and daughter Charlotte for the Investiture ceremony. She said: “It was a huge honour to receive the award and it’s reflective of the great work the Housing Executive has done in our communities to help embed the peace in Northern Ireland. “It was the most wonderful day, made even more special by the fact I was able to celebrate it with my mum, for whom it meant so much, my husband

Charity Needs Daffodil Volunteers Marie Curie is appealing for people in Greater Belfast to ‘get behind the daffodil’, by volunteering to collect donations for the charity’s annual Great Daffodil Appeal this March.

and daughter. I met wonderful people and the event was every bit as special as I was told it would be. We celebrated afterwards at The Ivy in London.” Jennifer’s outfit for the day was created by Belfast designer Una Rodden. Her hat, and her daughter’s hat, came from Top Hats in Bangor. Jennifer was born, raised and still lives in East Belfast. She is a former pupil of Bloomfield Collegiate, as is her daughter Charlotte. She added: “I am very proud to call myself an East Belfast girl and my only regret is that my hero Van Morrison received his Knighthood the week before and I didn’t get to meet him in person!”

Jennifer is pictured with her husband Roy, daughter Charlotte and mum Greta Wilson Buckingham Palace.

The charity needs volunteers to encourage people in the local community to give a donation and wear a daffodil pin. We have collections planned in Belfast City Centre & the Greater Belfast area, on Saturday 19th March, to support the campaign. The money raised from the Great Daffodil Appeal will help Marie Curie Nurses provide care and support to people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones at home and at your local Marie Curie Hospice in Belfast. The appeal is now in its 30th year and has raised more than £73million since 1986. From Falkirk to Swansea, Belfast to Southsea , people across the country are signing up to volunteer. It’s easy to sign up, whether you have taken part before or you’re doing it for the first time – and families, friends and workmates can sign up to volunteer together.

MARIE CURIE Care and support through terminal illness

Marie Curie is the UK’s leading charity for people with any terminal illness. The charity helps people living with a terminal illness and their families make the most of the time they have together by delivering expert hands-on care, emotional support, research and guidance. Marie Curie employs more than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other healthcare professionals, and with its nine hospices around the UK, is the largest provider of hospice beds outside the NHS.

THE ROCK PROJECT© OPENING TWO NEW SCHOOLS IN NI

To volunteer to collect for Marie Curie and support the Great Daffodil Appeal call 028 9088 2060 or visit www.mariecurie.org.uk/daffodil. A snapshot of some of the students taking part in the fantastic Rock Project.

ROCK ON The UK & Ireland’s premier school for children’s contemporary music tuition unveils their two new locations. The Rock Project is part of a network of more than 40 contemporary music schools across the UK and Ireland, running for the past ten years and now, just 7 months after opening its first school of rock and pop at Newtownabbey, The Rock Project is set to add two new schools to its NI operation at Ballyclare and Holywood, The schools employ local professional musicians and aims to help young people develop as guitarists, bassists, drummers or vocalists, giving them the opportunity to play in a band environment each week. Each school runs separate 2hr sessions for juniors, aged 7-11, and seniors, aged 11-18. There are no entry requirements and everyone, from complete beginners to more advanced students, are welcome. The school can even supply instruments if required. The first half of each session includes an hour of tuition in groups of up to five students in separate rooms. The second half is a more social hour where the students get together to perform the songs they have been learning in groups, play musical games and take part in the Musicmaster© team quiz.

Grace Smyth, Community Fundraiser for Marie Curie in Northern Ireland, said: “The Great Daffodil Appeal is our biggest annual fundraising campaign, making it possible for Marie Curie Nurses to give care and support when people need it most. Every year millions of people across the UK show their support for our work by simply giving a donation to wear a daffodil pin. This year is the 30th year of the appeal and we are hoping to raise £8.5million, so we can continue providing this vital care for local people.”

The Rock Project Newtownabbey was the first school in the network to be based in Northern Ireland opening its doors in September 2015, and is led by Bill Andrew who tells us: “It’s well documented how music, and the ability to play an instrument or to sing, builds confidence in young people. The Rock Project stimulates the imagination and creativity of young people, helping them to develop not only their musical abilities but also their personalities, and in a safe, nurturing, and fun environment.” Newtownabbey, in session after school each Wednesday at Merville House, has proven very popular and The Rock Project are now opening two new schools in Holywood and Ballyclare which will run on Tuesdays and Thursdays respectively. Places are limited for each instrument and early booking is recommended in order to reserve your childs place.

Contact The Rock Project NI facebook page, email ni@therockproject.com, check out the website at www.therockproject.com , or simply contact Bill on 07730 700006

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THE BENEFITS OF A NEW BED & MATTRESS

EAST BELFAST BED SHOP CELEBRATES NATIONAL BED MONTH THE BED SHOP HAS SOME ADVICE PLUS SPECIAL OFFERS THROUGHOUT THIS MONTH We are a local Bed Shop on the Cregagh Road Belfast and have been selling beds for over 25 years. Our experience has been gained while working as a Bed Sales Consultant in various leading retailers from House of Murphy Newry to Gilpins in Sandy Row. We opened our new showroom in October 2015 and have some great offers in-store. We source our beds from local

manufacturers as we believe that it is important to support the Northern Ireland economy. We have a great relationship with all our suppliers and offer a fast supply from time of order to delivery to your home normally 7 days. We deal with USEL Cambrai Street ( also known as The Workshop for the Blind ) A-Line Beds, Magherafelt and Balmoral Beds Belfast as well as Sweet

Dreams Beds, Limelight Beds and leading furniture suppliers such as Julian Bowen. We supply Divan beds, Storage options such as drawers or Slidestore Divans, Ottoman Beds, Visitors beds, Upholstered Beds,Mattresses, Metal Beds, Wooden Beds, Bunk Beds, Midi Sleepers, Headboards and Bedroom Furniture. We also specialise in special size Beds and Mattresses ( ie 5`9 long 6`6 long 2`6 wide etc ) Our aim is to bring back retailing as it used to be. Spending time with the customer, identifying their needs and advising accordingly to ensure we select the right product and build lasting relationships. We will not sell on price but on the right product for each and every customer. We offer a free local delivery service and can also arrange to take away your old bed.

Thinking of buying a new bed or need your mattress replaced? National Bed Month is the perfect opportunity to grab a bargain and a stunning new bed! If you’re sitting on the fence, here a few reasons you should think about when investing in a new bed and mattress.

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NEWS

In Brief LGBT AWARENESS TRAINING ON WEDNESDAY 23 MARCH 2016 PICTURED:

Elva O’Connor, Senior Brand Manager, Allied Bakeries donating just some of the 3,000 pancakes for the ‘Pancakes for Medics’ scheme. Pictured here with SOS NI Chief Executive Joe Hyland MBE and SOS NI medic Noel McGimpsey in front of the yellow bus, synonymous with the charity.

EAST BELFAST BAKERY PARTNERS WITH LOCAL CHARITY SOS NI ALMOST 15,000 BAKED GOODS TO BE DONATED ANNUALLY BY ALLIED BAKERIES Allied Bakeries, makers of some of NI’s best known bread brands: Kingsmill and Sunblest, is today proud to announce their support of one of Northern Ireland’s most popular charities: SOS NI. The local charity provides the most vulnerable in Northern Ireland with night time support services, a food programme and a schools education and empowerment programme. As part of Allied Bakeries CSR programme and as a way of giving back to the community, the Belfast Bakery has formed a partnership with SOS NI to provide them

with their weekly bread supply completely free of charge. Annually, through the partnership some 9,360 of Northern Ireland’s favourite pancakes*, 3,120 muffins and 1,820 loaves of bread will be lovingly baked and donated by Allied Bakeries to help SOS NI help the most vulnerable in our society. If you are from Belfast, studied in

Spring is in the Air in Orangefield Park After Litter Pick Event COMMUNITY SPIRIT PREVAILS IN EAST BELFAST PARK With the improvement in the weather and the first of the spring flowers in bloom, colleagues from Tesco Castlereagh Road and local residents held a litter pick in Orangefield Park on Sunday 21st February. The event was organised by the Greenway project. Before setting off with bags and litterpicking sticks, the team was advised about safety and hazards by a local Paramedic, Although the weather was a bit wet that don’t dampen the spirits of the team who walked through the wooded areas as well as the open lawns, tidying as they went. Much laughter and interesting conversations happened over the two hours during which the aim of improving life for all the residents of the Orangefield and wider area. Our thanks are given to the staff of the City Council for proving refreshments.

Belfast or even just visited the city, it is likely that you will be familiar with one of SOS NI’s Buses, either for the eye-catching yellow exterior or for the compassionate services they offer in locations around the city. From September 2014 to 2015, the SOS NI team interacted with around 37,000 members of the public. Additionally, this month Allied Bakeries donated 3,000 extra pancakes to support the ‘Pancakes for Medics’ fundraising initiative where large companies like HP Belfast, George Best Belfast City Airport and Ulster Bank were challenged to hold Pancake Day events to raise funds. In its third year, the ‘Pancakes for Medics’ scheme is expected to raise over £2,000 with all proceeds going directly towards SOS NI medical services. Elva O’Connor, Senior Brand Manager, Allied Bakeries, said: “We at Allied Bakeries believe greatly in giving back to the

community and are thrilled to be involved with such a worthy cause such as SOS NI. As a Belfastbased bakery we believe we have a responsibility to support activities that engage with the local communities in which our business operates so we are delighted to support such fantastic charity as SOS NI, we applaud their fantastic work”. Joe Hyland MBE, Chief Executive SOS NI said, “We are so grateful to Allied Bakeries, the bread they donate each week enables us to help those that need it most. We are passionate about working in partnership to help anyone who is in need on the streets of Belfast. With Allied Bakeries’ help we are now able to reach out to more vulnerable people than ever before and we couldn’t do it without their continued support.”

sosbusni.com alliedbakeries.co.uk

LGBT AWARENESS Training will be held on Wednesday 23 March at 9.30am - 4.30pm in East Belfast Network Centre. It is suitable for staff, volunteers providing a service in East Belfast or parents that would like to gain more knowledge and awareness on this topic. Registration is essential as places are limited. To register please please contact Jean Higginson on 029 9045 1512 or email jean@ebcda.org THE TRAINING IS: • To provide clarity on appropriate language and terminology • To raise awareness of the key barriers to accessing support and services • To raise awareness of key health and other inequalities • To raise awareness of the provision of support services for LGB&T people and their families • To gain a better understanding of the legislative framework related to Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual equality • To have an understanding of practical improvements of practice • To gain more confidence in supporting Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual people • To raise awareness of the issues related to gender identity and gender dysphoria

LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL RAISES £400 FOR BRITISH HEART FOUNDATION LISBURN & CASTLEREAGH CITY COUNCIL recently held staff coffee mornings in Bradford Court and Lagan Valley Island to help raise funds for the British Heart Foundation. The Council is a Heart City and this was one of a number of ongoing initiatives to support the vital work of the British Heart Foundation. The Chair of the Heart City Working Group, Councillor Margaret Tolerton, said: “I am delighted that we were able to raise £400.00 for the British Heart Foundation. I’d like to express my thanks to staff and Members who contributed either by baking or buying buns and cakes or joining me on the day to raise funds for this worthwhile cause. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council will continue with its fundraising efforts as a Heart City to help raise awareness of the British Heart Foundation,” she concluded.

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CREGAGH COMMUNITY SPIRIT Local fundraising drive to help Cregagh primary school replace stolen laptops and iPads.

BCSDN EXCITED TO WORK WITH THE FOSTERING NETWORK BUILDING ON TEAMWORK Belfast Community Sports Development Network is currently working in partnership with ‘The Fostering Network’ and is providing a six week programme with children aged from 12-15 years old. he programme designed and T run by BCSDN was aimed to bring children who were in foster care to a safe and fun environment and allow them the opportunity to meet other children with the same experience whilst taking part in physical activity. The programme being hosted at Olympia Leisure Centre consisted of fun multi-sport games and activities. Caitlin Gilroy of BCSDN expressed that, “We were very keen to get involved in a programme that directly facilitates young people, within the foster care system, to be able to learn new skills whilst being physically active and to build up friendships.” Gilroy went on to explain that, “We work

with children and young people from all walks of life and we are confident that this programme, however brief, has had a positive impact on those involved.”Lauren Hinds of Fostering the Future similarly referred to the non-formal aspect of the programme in learning new skills and meeting others as well as the self-esteem that the young people have gained whilst taking part. Overall it was a very worthwhile programme for the children and it is something that BCSDN are very proud to be involved with. BCSDN would like to thank everyone involved including Active Communities Coach Jonathan Quigley who helped coach the children.

As many readers may have heard, in the early hours of Friday 18th February 2016 Cregagh Primary School was broken into and 3 laptops and 3 iPads were stolen and some damage caused to the school premises. Acting principal David Heggarty said on Facebook after the break in; ‘As well as broken window frames and doors, 3 laptop computers and 3 iPads were stolen. Pupils’ and teachers’ work was also destroyed. I estimate the cost of the damage and stolen goods to total around £4000-£5000. It is sickening that our school - that works so hard for its boys and girls - would be targeted in this way.’ The revulsion at the crime quickly spread through the community and soon a fund raising initiative was under way. Marlene Dodds who has been behind the campign said; ‘The local community have pulled together to try and raise some funds for the school. There are collection tins on the counters in Hamilton’s and Mace Greenway and there is a Crowd funding just giving page available to donate on. Some people

You can donate online via crowdfunding.justgiving.com/marlene-dodds

GREEN PARTY CLLR ROSS BROWN TO STAND FOR STORMONT ELECTION

Councillor Ross Brown has received the Green Party’s endorsement as their East Belfast candidate for the upcoming Assembly election.

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have also given cash to local people who are trying to help raise some funds. There was a disco held in the British Legion on Montgomery Road on Saturday 5th March 2016 and they ran a ballot on the night with all proceeds from the ballot going to the school. I would say that we have probably raised in and around the £1000 mark at present within the whole community. Cregagh and the wider community as a whole have been absolutely fantastic during this time and people have been so generous. Such a strong community spirit is being felt right across the board. The school will have to replace the 3 iPads and fix the damage caused to the classrooms themselves so every penny we can raise for them will help out.’ Marlene and everyone involved in the fundraising would like to thank Hamilton’s and Mace Greenway for kindly placing the collection tins in the shops for us. Both shops are owned by the same family who are very supportive of anything that is going on in Cregagh.

As a well known resident of East Belfast, Mr Brown stated, “I am delighted to have been confirmed as the Green Party’s candidate for East Belfast in the upcoming Stormont election and to officially launch my campaign. Too much time, money and opportunities are wasted when issues in Belfast such as homelessness, fuel poverty and hospital waiting times are getting worse. I am passionate about tackling injustices such as these and this is why I am contesting the Stormont election. As a trained economist, I believe I have skills, vision and ideas to make a real difference and I would like to ask for your support to make it a reality. The Green Party will be campaigning on a promise of zero waste: an end to waste of money, time and opportunities by Stormont. Since 2011 Green Party support has surged by 85% in East Belfast and in 2014 I was elected to Belfast City Council to serve the Ormiston area. This year in 2016 there are 6 seats in East Belfast and I am confident that we can win once again.

YOGA ENGAGES CHILDREN’S TURAL, BOUNDL ENERGY AND PROVIDESNA LOTS BENEFITS: ESS BOOS CONFIDENCE ENHANCES COTS NC TRATION & FOCU INCREASES FLEXEN IBILITY & BALANCES HELPS FOR RELA XATION BUILDS BODY AWAR ENESS

urrently classes are aimed that it would be amazing for at pre-schoolers - age 2 ½ children. The RainBow Kids - 5 years, along with the parent course that teach kids yoga or guardian, so yes - the ‘big was so much fun! So many yoga people’ get involved too! We use poses are based on animals and storytelling, games, play, song their movements, so it lends “We’ve been doing tre and dance to create fun yoga itself so well creating amazing e pose at home”, Robbie aged 3. poses & promote mindfulness. adventures to go on! So far this “We used our ‘balloo n breathing’ to calm ‘Having practised yoga for term we’ve been to the yoga down from a tantrum – and it nearly 20 years’, says Playoga jungle and on a bear hunt!’ worked!”, Mum instructor Jill, ‘I decided to Seeing the little ones all chilled “My 3 year old son lov Janice es Playoga. He is lea learn more about yoga for at the very end of class is just rni the basics of yoga in a really fun and energe ng all children. The benefits for adults wonderful. And even better when tic way.”, Mu m Am ber lea are great – fitness, calming, you hear that they use their new flexibility, strength – so I knew techniques a home:’ Classes are kept small for maximum interaction, so book soon to save your space! £28 for a block of 4 weeks for 1 parent & child. Or £36 for 1 adult & 2children. Classes on a Friday morning, 10-11am at the Holywood Old School.92 Church Road, Holywood. Contact Jill: playogaNI@gmail.com / 07811342444 or facebook: PlayogaNI

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Your local news direct from the local community and beyond

MY WALK For Mum ABOVE: Thom pictured on his coastal charity walk with his dad Phil and 2 year old Alyssa McKelvey (one of the many friends of the family that accompanied Thom on his walk). RIGHT: 13 year old Thom pictured with his mum Suzi outside Action Cancer House off the Malone Road in South Belfast. FAR RIGHT: Thom receives reflexology from Action Cancer’s Complementary Therapist Candice Winter. hom is an only child and lives with his mum Suzi and dad Phil in Bangor and is a pupil of Campbell College in East Belfast. In the last few years, Thom has watched his mum, a lecturer at South Eastern Regional College, be diagnosed at 44 years old, have surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Suzi is now doing well but understandably her diagnosis has had a huge impact on Thom. “I decided to do a fundraiser because I felt that mum was going through all of this and I wanted to show her support and this was my way of helping,” said Thom. “The walk began at my school and ended at Bangor Clock Tower via the coastal path. I had loads of support with family and friends joining me at different stages along the route,

INSPIRING ENDEAVOUR Campbell College pupil Thom Donnelly from Bangor is a remarkable 13 year old. Inspired by his mum’s breast cancer journey he decided to embark on a journey of his own, a 13 mile walk which has raised £3,660 for Action Cancer, the charity which has provided support to his family during this difficult time.

Action Cancer is Northern Ireland’s leading local cancer charity. Its mission is to save lives and support people and it does this through a range of cancer detection, prevention and support services. For more information contact Lisa McClenaghan at Action Cancer on 028 9080 3361 / 07825266951 or email lmcclenaghan@actioncancer.org

I had the most fun when dad joined me. I wanted the money to go to Action Cancer because they are local, they have helped mum and they have helped me. I did my research and know that the charity do breast screening, so it was a good fit. ” Thom and his mum have both availed of Action Cancer’s Complementary Therapy service. Thom was having trouble sleeping at night, was worried about his mum and school exams. Thom continues; “things were getting on top of me but Candice at Action Cancer helped me to feel more relaxed. I found the reflexology on my feet really calming”, he said. “I also took Bach Flower drops at breakfast time and they really helped me to cope.” Candice Winter, Thom’s Complementary Therapist at

Action Cancer explains, “Bach Flower Remedies are a range of 38 liquid flower remedies that can help with mood and emotional outlook. I put together a treatment bottle specifically for Thom’s needs. This included Rescue Remedy for nervousness and anxiety, White Chesnutt for stress, Larch so Thom would have confidence for his exams and Clematis for concentration.” Thom continues, “I’d like to encourage other kids and teenagers to come to Action Cancer. They’ve helped me cope, they could help you too.” Thom’s mum Suzi added, “Thom has been a superstar, he’s been a great support to me and Phil. I’m so proud of him and his achievement and people have been really generous. Candice has really helped Thom deal with everything and I can’t thank

Action Cancer enough.” A cancer diagnosis can have a huge impact on the whole family. Children and young people are often impacted emotionally and physically as a result of the worry and stress which comes with a cancer diagnosis within the family. Action Cancer’s complementary therapy services available to children aged 5 up can really help by teaching them how to relax, and provide therapies which can help with sleep and dealing with emotions. Therapies include reflexology, gentle massage, aromatherapy, Bach Flower Remedies, relaxation techniques & Bowen and Emmett techniques. The charity’s counselling service for children and young people provides a safe confidential space to express their worries and fears and learn

techniques to help them cope. Action Cancer can help at all stages of the cancer journey. The support services for children and young people are available in: Belfast (Action Cancer House); Lurgan; Coleraine; Portrush; Derry; Strabane, Limavady and the Maureen Sheehan Centre in West Belfast. These services are delivered free of charge to families in partnership with local community and statutory organisations throughout Northern Ireland. Recent expansion of these services has only been made possible thanks to funding from BBC Children in Need and in addition Marks & Spencer, who have raised a phenomenal £110,560 through in store fundraising across Northern Ireland.

VIDEOS EXPLAINING THE SERVICES FURTHER ARE AVAILABLE AT WWW.ACTIONCANCER.ORG | TO BOOK AN APPOINTMENT FOR YOUR CHILD CALL ACTION CANCER ON 028 9080 3344.

EAST BELFAST FEATURES IN NEW SEASON AT LYRIC THEATRE Belfast’s Lyric Theatre is to mark the centenaries of the Battle of the Somme and the Easter Rising in Dublin in a season exploring identity, featuring four world premieres alongside classic revivals.

LYRICTHEATRE.CO.UK VIVID FACES LAUNCHES IN APRIL AND RUNS UNTIL NOVEMBER.

The Vivid Faces season will see the return of playwright Gary Mitchell to Northern Ireland’s flagship company with Smiley, a comedy featuring ex-paramilitaries, five-a-side football and cross-dressing, while Rosemary Jenkinson’s Here Comes the Night looks at “love, family and loyalties” across a 50-year span in East Belfast. Other new work includes Lucy Caldwell’s transposing of Chekhov’s The Three Sisters to 1990s Belfast and, in a coproduction with the Young Vic directed by former Royal Court artistic director Ian Rickson, Conor McPherson’s translation of Franz Xaver Kroetz’s The Nest. Revivals include Observe the Sons of Ulster Marching Towards the Somme by Frank McGuinness, in collaboration with Dublin’s Abbey Theatre, Headlong, the Citizens Theatre, Glasgow and Liverpool’s Everyman and Playhouse. Shaw’s St Joan, designed by 2015 Linbury prize winner Grace Smart, Tom Murphy’s The Patriot Game (featuring young actors from the Lyric’s Drama Studio) and Rough Magic’s new staging of Stewart Parker’s Northern Star complete the season. Artistic director Jimmy Fay said the season promised “a fascinating, absorbing and hugely entertaining year.”

NEWS

In Brief Hard Hitting Road Safety Message for Local Teenagers Lisburn & Castlereagh Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP) have played a key role in delivering the hard-hitting Police Road Safety Roadshow to 800 young people from schools across Lisburn and Castlereagh. Students from St Patrick`s Academy, Dundonald High, Breda Academy, SERC, Beechlawn School, Forthill College and Wallace High on Wednesday attended the show on 24 February 2016 at Lagan Valley Island. Recognising that road-users under 25 years of age are most at risk of killing or seriously injuring themselves or others on our roads, the award winning ‘It Could be You’ Roadshow, which is sponsored by AXA Insurance aims to positively influence those drivers who are about to start out on what will hopefully be a long and safe motoring career. Road traffic collisions, particularly those resulting in death and injury, have been one of the main concerns continually identified in the consultations undertaken by Lisburn & Castlereagh PCSP.

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LOCAL BUSINESS March 2016 www.loopmag.net

Your local news direct from the local community and beyond

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n Sunday 3rd April 2016 Titanic Exhibition Centre will be the venue for the vivid, dye-throwing multi-colour frenzy which is at the heart of the annual Holi festival (the word ‘Holi’ means ‘colour’ in Hindi). Thousands of revellers of all ages are expected to join in the fun to welcome the arrival of spring in a spectacular fusion of colour, culture and creativity. Classic and contemporary music and dance and great ethnic cuisine will all add to the family-friendly atmosphere and excitement, hosted by local celebrity Pete Snodden. This year the colour powder party will be a double celebration as ArtsEkta, Northern Ireland’s leading ethnic arts organisation, and the power behind the 2016 Holi Festival of Colour, marks the launch of its tenth anniversary year.

PAINT YOURSELF HAPPY AT HOLI MULTICOLOUR FRENZY

Forget grey skies and dull days! Belfast is about to go totally technicolour with the biggest and most vibrant Festival of Colours ever seen in the city.

Looking forward to the magnificent mayhem, ArtsEkta Director Nisha Tandon, says, “This is one of the must ebullient and exuberant events of the year and a colourful way to shake off the Winter Blues. It’s a high-spirited, fun day out for everyone: just put on your oldest clothes and be prepared to get covered in splashes of multi-coloured dyes and make lots of new friends! “Holi is a great Indian tradition, now much loved right around the world, and we’re excited about bringing it into the new Titanic Exhibition Centre. We are inviting the whole city to help us mark the start of our 10th year anniversary celebrations by joining together for one big party, – and it’s a brilliant excuse for all of us to get in touch with our Inner Child with a day that is sheer fun from beginning to end! ”

Welcoming the fluorescent festival to Belfast, Deputy Lord Mayor Alderman Guy Spence, said, “The Festival of Colour is a terrific event, and a terrific way for us all to celebrate the contribution which the Indian community makes to our city. It is also a brilliant celebration of the work of ArtsEkta, and all they have done for both community relations and the cultural life of our city, which definitely would be much poorer in both regards without them.” For canny colour-throwers, there is an opportunity to beat the queues by booking tickets online at www.artsekta.org.uk. Admission is £15 for families (2 adults and 2 children under 16) and £5 for adults. Concession tickets are £4 (Under 16s and Senior Citizens). Under 5s go free.

WIN ONE OF 15 FAMILY PASSES TO THE FESTIVAL OF COLOUR! It’s time to paint yourself happy for Holi: Loop in association with ArtsEkta is offering readers the chance to win one of 15 Family Passes (2 adults & 2 children U16) to the Festival of Colour on 3rd April 2016 at the new Titanic Exhibition Centre, Belfast. For full details on ArtsEkta’s Festival of Colour go to www.artsekta.org.uk

TOP: Looking forward to joining the colour party and shaking off the winter blues is local celebrity Pete Snodden who will host the festival event on 3rd April with his wife Julia and daughters Ivana (4) and 14 month-old Eleyna. BOTTOM: Pete Snodden and his four year old daughter Ivana.

HOW TO ENTER To be in with a chance of winning simply answer the following question below. Q. What does Holi mean? Send your answer along with your contact details to info@loopmag.net. Closing date for receipt of entries is Wednesday 30th March 2016.

WWW.AGENI.ORG

The Age NI Personal Alarm service provides independence when you want it and help when you need it. Dame Mary Peters is one of more than 8,000 people in NI who have the service installed at home.

INDEPENDENCE In Later Life

eople have this idea that a personal alarm is P something that much older people use’, says Mary. They think ‘that’s not for me’ or ‘I’m too young to think about things like that’. My friends have all said that I’m not old enough for a personal alarm! I’m very realistic though and I think that it’s important to plan for all eventualities, if you can. I’ve thought about occasions before, when I’ve had a fall outside or slipped on the stairs. On those occasions I was lucky – I didn’t do myself much damage, but I could have. To be frank, if I fell and hurt myself at home I could be lying there for days before someone might find me. It’s something I felt that I needed to acknowledge and take positive steps to prevent. I want to make sure that I continue to feel confident at home as I grow older. ‘So, I wear it always when I’m at home, around my neck. It’s connected to the call centre which is on hand 24 hours a day and I test it regularly. Thinking about our independence and the possibility of losing it is a little like thinking about writing a will. Many of us don’t like to think about it or talk about it. But it’s important that we do. I feel fit and independent right now, but the day might come when I need the reassurance that my personal alarm gives me.’ Find out more at www.ageni.org/alarms or call 0808 100 4545. Age NI benefits from the sale of personal alarms.

ABOUT AGE NI Age NI is the leading charity for older people in Northern Ireland. The charity was formed as the result of the merger between Age Concern and Help the Aged in 2009. Our vision is a world where everyone can love later life. Our society is ageing. More than 350,000 older people live here today, and there are more people over the age of 50 than under the age of 19. In the next twenty years, the number of people over 50 will increase by more than 30%. As we grow older we face

new challenges, and may face difficult issues like illness, poverty or loneliness. We still want to laugh, love and be needed. We want to stay independent and keep doing the things we love. We all want a fulfilling later life. Age NI believes that living longer should be celebrated and that those who need help should be supported. We exist to support more people to love later life now and in the future. We want to make people think differently about what it means to get older, because age affects us all in different ways.

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

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MARCH 2016

LOCAL HISTORY By Aidan Campbell

UP UP & Away

I recently heard the bad news reports about the massive redundancies at Bombardier in East Belfast (formerly Short Brothers plc) and it got me thinking about the history of neighbouring George Best, Belfast City Airport

THE AUTOGYRO This aircraft predates the helicopter and it was known as an ‘autogyro’. It had been invented in the 1920s and used an unpowered rotor in autorotation to develop lift, and an engine-powered propeller, similar to that of a fixed-wing aircraft, to provide thrust. Note the biplanes in the background. The venue is Sydenham which was first used as an airfield in 1933 when the runway seems to be grass.

ALL ABOARD

Another form of transport from the 1930s is this old bus with crew, a driver and conductor, waiting for train passengers outside Sydenham railway station which is not far from the airport. It seems to be one of those flat-fronted buses which were common back then.

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

‘Belfast Harbour Airport’ was opened on 16th March 1938 by Mrs Neville Chamberlain, wife of the British Prime Minister, and she is pictured alongside Northern Ireland Prime Minister, Lord Craigavon. The opening ceremony was attended by local civic dignitaries such as the Duke of Abercorn, the Lord Mayor of Belfast and Ernest Herman, Chairman of the Harbour Commissioners. This was quite an event and it was broadcast nationally on BBC radio. The inaugural flight was to Glasgow.

ONE OF THE FINEST

The new airport was described at the time in press reports as: ‘…one of the finest in the United Kingdom. It is particularly easy to find from the air and is within the boundaries of the city (of Belfast). It can be reached in six or seven minutes by motor car from the centre of the city’. With the declaration of war in 1939 all civilian flying ceased and the airport was requisitioned by the Air Ministry becoming RAF Sydenham. To avoid confusion with the name of Sydenham in London the name was then changed briefly to RAF Belfast. As more naval aircraft were using the airport, the name was changed once again in 1943 to HMS Gadwell.

PRE-BYPASS This is a rather quiet 1950s view of the entrance to Sydenham Airport before the dual carriageway was built. After the Second World War Sydenham airport was mainly used by Shorts whose illustrious post-war history in Belfast came to an end in 1989 when the company was bought by the Canadian firm, Bombardier. Aircraft built in Belfast included the Sperrin, Solent, Skyvan, Belfast, Britannia, Canberra and Tucano, to name just a few. The Royal Navy, the Royal Marines, the Army Air Corps and the Royal Air Force also flew from the site until the late 1970s. In 1983 the airport was opened again to civilian airlines as Belfast Harbour Airport and is now known as ‘George Best Belfast City Airport’. By 2010 annual passenger numbers had reached 2.7 million.

A VISTA FROM VICCY

It looks like a cloudy day in 1969. In the left foreground the collection of small buildings locate the Victoria Park outdoor swimming pool. In 2016 the park is now quite heavily wooded but there were very few trees in sight back then. The two aircraft are Shorts ‘Belfast’ SC5 heavy lift turboprop freighters. The ‘Belfast’ entered service with No. 53 Squadron RAF on 19 January 1966. The original RAF requirement had been for a fleet of 30 aircraft, but this number was to be significantly curtailed as a result of the Sterling Crisis of 1965 and the RAF cut back on their order and instead purchased a number of C-130 Lockheed Hercules aircraft. There is a single man with his dog watching the aircraft. 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

Awakening

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PAGE 24

Health, Beauty & Wellbeing It’s all about you...

FROM QUITTING SMOKING TO EYE CONDITIONS AND HELP WITH HEARING | LOCAL EXPERTS UNDER ONE ROOF I’VE SMOKED ALL MY LIFE WHY SHOULD I STOP NOW… Benefits begin straightaway.

BE PROUD TO BE A QUITTER

CAN I STOP SMOKING For Good?

This year the 9th of March was no smoking day, although it’s only one day it could be the boost you’re looking for to stop smoking for good. Quitting smoking can be the first step to a healthier you. Have you ever considered quitting but haven’t taken the plunge? What’s stopping you?

You reduce your risk of getting serious diseases no matter what age you stop. The sooner you stop, the greater the reduction in your risk. If you stop smoking before the age of 50 your risk of dying is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Even if you give up after the age of 60, your risk of dying at any given age is reduced by about 39% compared to a person who carries on smoking.

WHAT’S THE FIRST STEP TO QUITTING…

Very often the first and hardest step is making the decision to stop. Once you are motivated, talk to your local pharmacist about joining a programme. You are 4 times more likely to succeed with support than if you try to do it alone. Over the past 5 years I have helped over 200 people to quit smoking, using our Stop Smoking service.

DO I HAVE TO PAY TO JOIN A SMOKING PROGRAMME… The Stop Smoking Service

we offer is a free 12 week programme. We provide Nicotine Replacement Therapy in the form of patches, gum,

harity Action on Hearing Loss are urging people who have or think they may have tinnitus to be take action against the condition which could have serious implications on their mental health. Approximately 1 in 10 people in Northern Ireland have tinnitus including deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness, as well as musicians such as Will I Am, Chris Martin and Noel Gallagher, and charity Action on Hearing Loss are urging people to come forward and seek support for any problems they are having with tinnitus. Action on Hearing Loss Tinnitus Support Officer Christine Martin says: “For me tinnitus became an invader and a thief of concentration. I have been there and suffered from it but now I’m in a position where I can advise others trying to deal with it. I support people throughout Northern Ireland every week who are deeply troubled by tinnitus, and I’m sure there are many more in a similar situation; I just hope they reach out for the support they need.” For further information about coping with tinnitus contact Christine Martin on 028 90 239 619 or via Christine.martin@hearingloss.org.uk

lozenges or whatever product is best suited to you. Perhaps you have tried to stop in the past and failed. Quitting is never easy, but it’s the most important thing you can do to look after your health and there is plenty of help available.

HAVE A CHAT WITH YOUR PHARMACIST ABOUT JOINING A PROGRAMME, YOU NEVER KNOW YOU MIGHT JUST SURPRISE YOURSELF! CLARE PRENTER MEDICARE PHARMACY, 51 COMBER ROAD 028 90483196 www.medicare-group.com

HEARING LOSS CHARITY Don’t let that buzzing sound get to you A SOUND IDEA

Rosemattarerys McW

WHAT IS A CATARACT?

Cataracts are formed when the clear lens inside your eye becomes cloudy or misty. This is a gradual process that usually happens as we get older.

WHY DO THEY HAPPEN?

The main cause is age. Smoking and exposure to sunlight can contribute and sometimes they can be due to a medical condition or a side effect of medication. Very occasionally they are present at birth or caused by an injury.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE CATARACT?

CATARACTS

This month Rosemary explains all about cataracts, how you can get them and what to do about them 41 COMBER ROAD BT16 2AA 02890 486222 mcwattersopticians.co.uk

In the early stages it may not affect your sight. The optician finding that your prescription has changed may be the first you know about it. As it progresses your vision can become less distinct, sunlight and car headlights can be more dazzling and colours can look more faded or yellowed.

CAN I DO ANYTHING TO HELP?

Keep your spectacles up to date,

especially if you are driving, as your prescription is likely to change with the cataract and you need to ensure you are above the driving standard. Wear good quality sunglasses with UV protection when in the sun and don’t smoke. Using a hat can also reduce glare.

DO I NEED SURGERY?

While many people get some cataract as they get older, not everyone will need it removed. It is similar to most people getting a touch of arthritis as the years go by but not everyone needing a replacement hip operation. There are key questions to consider before you would be referred to an ophthalmologist. Is the cataract impacting on your quality of life? Do you understand what is involved in surgery? Do you even want to have an operation? Surgery should never be entered into casually and the decision will always be yours to make. I would recommend that you talk it through carefully with your optician

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 1st Thursday of the month 10am –12pm 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 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

PAGE 25

Hair Advice By Sabrina Robinson of SR Hairdressing

LEARN TO LATHER AND RINSE TO THE MAX

Are You Washing Your Hair The Right Way?! Did you know there’s a right way to clean your hair! By using the correct techniques to wash your hair correctly will have an incredible impact on the vitality and shine of your locks. As a hairdressers I would recommend about a five-minute wash three to four times a week, I believe that healthy hair requires the suitable maintenance and this begins with a healthy clean scalp.

BRUSH YOUR HAIR Begin by brushing your hair before you get into the shower, not only with this help limit the amount of breakage it helps stimulate the circulation in your scalp. Your hair should be thoroughly wet before applying shampoo, by using warm water this opens the hair cuticles and helps to removes any dirt or product buildup.

SHAMPOO THE SCALP

You only need to shampoo the hair at the scalp and were it is most dirty like the crown and nape of the head. The hair closest to the scalp is the newest and can be more greasy, while the end of the hair is the oldest and normally the dam-

aged most fragile part of the hair.” Using a small amount of shampoo gently lather it onto your scalp, and once your hair is fully lathered it’s time to give yourself a scalp massage. This helps to promote blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair growth, using straight up and downward strokes, instead of using circular movements, which can cause your hair to tangle. Smooth the lather over the ends in a downward stroking movement, and don’t scrub fragile ends as this can add more damage to the hair causing breakage and frizz. You’re emulsifying the shampoo so that it can reach its potential by cleansing the hair and stimulating the scalp at the same time.

TOP TIPS p!

TOWEL DRYING

Lather U

RINSING THE HAIR

Start off by setting your water to a lukewarm temperature, and rinse your hair until it starts to squeak!! If the shampoo is not rinsed out properly it can cause a residue that can build up on the hair causing the hair to appear dry, dull and weighing it down.

CONDITIONING

Once you’ve cleansed your hair its conditioning time, first squeeze any access water from you hair this helps the conditioner penetrate better. Add a small amount of conditioner to the midlengths and ends of your hair it detangles, hydrates and makes your hair easier to manage. The longer the conditioner stays on your hair, the better results you get.

Wet hair is delicate and rubbing it dry with a towel can cause damage. Try pressing the towel gently on your hair, this way the towel will

PRODUCT BUILD UP This is very common, shampoo and product build up on the hair can make you hair:

LOOKS FLAT AND FEEL COATED ( AS IF THERE IS SOME PRODUCT STILL IN YOUR HAIR EVEN WHEN JUST WASHED ) IT CAN LOOK DULL , DIRTY AND HAVE NO SHINE AT ALL AND IT CAN FEEL HEAVY ON YOU AND BE DIFFICULT TO STYLE The product build-up on the hair stops any moisture, oils or any other product from penetrating into the hair. What you need is a clarifying shampoo this will help cleanse and lift the build-up of the product out of your hair making way from your other products to work and get back that shiny hair.

FINISH WITH A COOL RINSE

The cold water helps close the cuticles of the hair and seals in the moisture from the conditioner which gives the hair a more healthy and shiny look.

I SEE CLEARLY

through Nikon spectacle lenses

26 SANDOWN RD TEL: 028 9065 8579 EMAIL: SRHAIRDRESSING@HOTMAIL.COM FACEBOOK PAGE : SR HAIRDRESSING

FREE PRESCRIPTION COLLECTION SERVICE NOW AVAILABLE All you have to do is... 1. Order your prescription from your Health Centre and advice the receptionist it will be collected by Medicare Pharmacy 2. Phone the number below and let us know you have a prescription to be collected 3. Our driver will collect you prescription from the Health centre and we will have it ready for you to pick up at your convenience

WE COLLECT PRESCRIPTIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING SURGERIES BRYSON STREET • CASTLEREAGH ROAD • CASTLE MEDICAL CENTRE • CHERRYVALLEY • CREGAGH ROAD • CREGAGH SURGERY • DUNDONALD • EASTSIDE • HOLYWOOD ARCHES • HOLYWOOD ROAD • KNOCK • KERRSLAND • LINENCOURT • THE MOUNT PRACTICE • TEMPLEMORE MEDICAL CENTRE • WILLOWFIELD • WOODSTOCK ROAD

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PAGE 26

Schools The goings on both in and out of the classroom

www.loopmag.net

WE CHECK OUT WHAT THE LITTLE AND NOT SO LITTLE ONES HAVE BEEN UP TO RECENTLY

Ashfield Girls Use Filmmaking To Focus On Mental Health Awareness 4 pupils from Ashfield Girls’ High School, along with pupils from 6 other Belfast schools, have produced two short films under the guidance of Cinemagic, as the culmination of an innovative project about mental health and wellbeing sponsored by George Best Belfast City Airport and supported by Arts & Business Northern Ireland.

PICTURED Conor Hatfield, Our Lady & St Patrick’s College, Louisa Keith, Ashfield Girls’ High School, Joan Burney Keatings, Cinemagic, and Stephen Patton, George Best Belfast City Airport and Bea Santos, Malone College, at the launch of the Cinemagic Film Project promoting mental health awareness among young people. The project includes twenty three pupils from six schools across Belfast and is supported by the Arts & Business Northern Ireland Investment Programme and George Best Belfast City Airport. Photo by Simon Graham/Harrison Photography

CITY AIRPORT SUPPORTS ‘GIANT’ LEAP FOR LOCAL EDUCATION

PICTURED: Taking a trip out on the ice at the SSE Arena to launch the scheme are Belfast Giant players Adam Keefe and Mitch Ganzak, along with Michelle Hatfield from the airport, Kayla Thomson and Ayden Paterson from Knocknagoney Primary School. undreds of Greater Belfast primary schoolchildren are set to benefit from an education programme focused on healthy eating and living an active lifestyle, thanks to an exciting new partnership between George Best Belfast City Airport and the Belfast Giants. Entitled ‘Giant Fliers’, the initiative will see Belfast Giants players visiting four primary schools across the city once a week for four weeks to deliver the programme to key stage two pupils. The primary schools involved are Seaview, St Malachy’s, Knocknagoney and St Kevin’s. A key part of the scheme will provide the P5-7 pupils with the opportunity to watch their new ‘teachers’ in action

by attending a Belfast Giants home match at the Odyssey Arena. The programme is the latest to receive support from Belfast City Airport’s Community Fund which, now in its seventh year, has provided over £250,000 of financial support to more than 100 local community projects and groups. Giant Fliers was launched at the SSE Arena recently, with pupils from all four schools in attendance. The first school visit is set to take place this month. Each month will see the programme visit an individual school, with the first week bringing the ‘Healthy Eating’ message to the young people and the next three weeks focusing on the ‘Active Lifestyle’ message.

Pupils at Ashfield Girls’ High School had the pleasure of presenting a cheque for £3169.36 to Rebecca Spiers from Cancer Fund for Children recently. Having improved their reading skills during a week-long sponsored ‘ReadOn’, Year 8-10 pupils were moved to learn how their efforts and fundraising will help the charity to support local families whose lives have been devastated by cancer. The girls felt proud to be able to support such a worthy cause. Pictured from left to Right: Rebecca Spiers (Cancer Fund for Children), Holly Haighton, Rebekah Gorman, Charli Carson, Mrs A Mungavin (Principal), Helen Ball, Mrs J Donaldson (Charity Coordinator), Melissa Donnelly, Miss L Gavin (Literacy Coordinator), Rebecca Duff and Katie Brown.

EAST BELFAST GIRLS ‘RACE AHEAD’ WITH PRIMARY SCHOOL CROSS COUNTRY LEAGUE! McArthur Nursery pupils recited the poem “Worm Words” by Tony Mitton at the Lyric Theatre as part of The Belfast Music, Speech and Drama Festival. They were highly praised by the adjudicator who was very pleased with all the children. They were complimented on how well behaved they were, their clear voices and lovely manners.

Pictured is Lough View IPS from Belfast who placed 1st in the girls’ race Lough View IPS ‘raced’ into first place at the recent final of the Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Primary School Cross Country League for the girls’ team race. The League, which is committed to encouraging young people to have an active and healthy lifestyle

was launched last year by reigning NI Cross Country Champion Declan Reed and attracts 5,200 young athletes across three rounds. Following the final the top 20 girls and boys will be invited to join the Flahavan’s Porridge Athletics NI Junior Cross Country Squad.

For further information on Flahavan’s Porridge Junior Cross Country League and Squad please contact Heather Ardis or info@athleticsni.org. For more information and to view Flahavan’s full product range please visit the Flahavan’s UK Facebook page or www.flahavans.co.uk.

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

PAGE 28

House & Home Your guide to all things inside & out with our local experts

www.loopmag.net

THIS MONTH WE GET AN INSIGHT FON VINTAGE INTERIOR DESIGN FROM JILL @ REFOUND • PLUS ADVICE ON MAINTAINING YOUR TREES AND HEDGES WITH PINEHILL TREE SERVICES

ECLECTIC INTERIORS THE ART OF RECLAMATION

f I say to you ‘we sell decorative salvage & luxury upcycled designs’ you will probably not be any the wiser! But the landscape for vintage style interior design has become wonderfully varied and elaborate and so has the language describing it! The trend for eclectic interiors using vintage and industrial products alongside luxury pieces has continued to stay a feature in interiors, home and abroad; commercial and residential. In particular, the demand for reclaimed and repurposed items is what excites us at ReFound. It’s not only an exciting interiors

•

ReFound is a unique retail experience, housed the industrial setting of an old factory in the centre Belfast. Selling unique upcycled, vintage and industrial homewares. Jill from ReFound shares her passion for vintage design and interior style;

trend, but it’s a way of life for many of us that value ‘old stuff’ and are sustainably conscious. What is an ‘upcycled product’? it is taking an object or item that has been lost, forgotten or become useless and giving it a new lease of life – so a factory wall lamp becomes a stylish desk lamp or a tired wooden table has different legs added to become a more contemporary dining table. So whether you are redesigning a room or just picking up pieces to decorate – look for items you really love; seem well-made; & doesn’t have wood-worm! Having a story to the piece is a bonus too!

HERE ARE A FEW TIPS TO SHOW YOU HOW TO EMBRACE SOME VINTAGE STYLE WHILE MAINTAINING A MODERN EDGE

Start Small

Mix it Up

Feel It

If you aren’t too sure of what your vintage style is yet, then start with just a few choice pieces. Such retro pattern cushions or crockery for example or an anglepoise lamp to add to a desk or side table. You might find that you are drawn towards a particular era of vintage style – so by buying small at first and styling an area with these, you can slowly build up from there

Contemporary lifestyles need interiors to be functional, so some vintage items won’t always suit, but they do make the interior look interesting & add personality. Many retro or industrial items look amazing in a really modern interior against neutral decor pallet.

Think ‘What is the atmosphere I want to create?’ Quality teak furniture mixed with whites & neutrals, will plant a sweet Scandinavian atmosphere within your home. Vintage objects with steel, glass or raw wood will add an industrial decor flavor. Colorful geometric patterns and slightly kitsch furniture will bring fun and quirkiness to your home decor.

Cobalt Blue Pixel Metal Clock by ‘Hey Bulldog, Dublin’ £45

Made from small strips of radiator metal joined to form a hexagonal shape.The woven feel and the ‘in-and outs’ of the radiator form its ‘pixels’. Wonderful example of modern upcycling.

Mason Jar Lights, Between £30-£50

Tea Box laundry basket £95

A fantastic upcycle of an old industrial favourite. We have one at home and it looks as good at it stores!

Harland & Wolff Drawer Lockers £145 each

Fantastic as bedside drawers! These 1940’s admin boxes are a unique slice of Belfast heritage. Cased in a bespoke wooden unit.

ReFound Showroom: In OnTheSquare Auctions, 1-5 Albert Sq, Belfast, Bt1 3EQ Open Monday – Saturday 10-6PM 02890 434290 Jill@refoundonline.com

LETS TALK

Trees & Hedges

WHAT IF … MY TREE HAS A TREE PRESERVATION ORDER (TPO)?

As we come into early spring it is a great time to address some of the most common questions you have about your trees and hedges. WHAT IF … MY TREES LOOK DANGEROUS?

All tree owners are responsible for ensuring that their trees are in a safe and healthy condition and are not a liability to persons in their own property or in the vicinity. If there appears to be large unstable limbs hanging over a neighbours or your own property then you will require the services of a competent and well trained tree surgeon.

WHAT IF … I LIKE MY TREE BUT IT NEEDS PRUNED AND BROUGHT UNDER CONTROL?

To do the job properly will require a fully qualified Arborist who can safely remove dead/dying or rubbing branches and do no damage

EAST BELFAST HERITAGE

Very popular at the moment, these jar lights come in a variety of colours and flex lengths.

Camera Light by Twisted Vintage £75 This local maker makes exclusively to our store. Every light is wonderfully unique!

by Matthew McCartney Pinehill Tree Services www.pinehilltrees.com Tel: 02890 826028 Mob: 07850 652032

to fences and greenhouses and can protect the future health of your trees by pruning and understanding the tree biology and how the tree responds to each cut. Poor pruning and poor pruning cuts will cause damage that will last for the life of the tree and can often reduce its lifespan or ruin the aesthetics and balance of the crown.

QUESTION TIME

•

If your trees are protected by a TPO, permission from the Council is required before carrying out any tree surgery work whatsoever. This permission can be obtained either by yourself or the contractor as your agent. Failure to gain consent could lead to prosecution of both parties. Council will typically require a short report from a certified tree Surgeon outlining why the tree requires remedial work before giving the appropriate consents.

WHAT IF … MY OR A NEIGHBOURS HEDGE IS OUT OF CONTROL?

Both hedges and people can be incredibly volatile! The right hedge may create a pleasant aesthetic but many disputes have arisen from unclear boundaries. Both leylandii and cypress became fashionable as instant hedges but they can become overgrown very quickly without the correct care and attention. Consequently, the issue of hedges blocking out light or straying across garden boundaries has become commonplace. Acts have been implemented to give home owners the ability to apply for a high hedge notice from their local authority. Due to the circumstance specific nature of the matter the Acts are multifarious and potentially confusing but protection does exist if you can prove trees or hedges are detrimental to the reasonable enjoyment of the property and/or is blocking out light.

WHAT IF … THERE IS FUNGUS AROUND THE BOTTOM OF MY TREE?

Fungus can take various shapes and forms when it comes to trees. With some, you may notice large brackets protruding from the trunk (typically around the base / chest height of the tree and present all year round). Other fruiting bodies will typically only arise in autumn and will be likely found in the soil near the vicinity of the tree. Honey fungus is probably the most commonplace in gardens. While fruiting bodies only appear in autumn, if you feel your tree may be affected look closely at the soil for rhizomorphs or bootlaces (due to their shoelace resemblance) that can be found all year round. Fungi will affect trees in various ways. The aforementioned honey fungus and common ganoderma attacks the root systems, while velvet fungus and porcelain fungus attack more localised areas and colonisation is often in the upper regions of the trunks potentially causing major limb failure. Any tree that shows signs of fungus, especially those in maturity and close to buildings and roads should be inspected immediately by a reputable tree surgeon with the appropriate certification.

WHAT IF … THERE ARE NESTING BIRDS/BATS IN MY TREES?

The law is extremely clear on this issue. Any tree with nesting birds or bats cannot have any remedial work carried out unless it can be proven that the tree is a danger to the public. There are potentially hefty fines for working outside these guidelines including £5000 per bat and £2000 per bird.

WHAT IF … I WANT FREE EXPERT ADVICE?

Contact a recognised Tree Surgeon with the appropriate qualifications and Public Liability Insurance.

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

Patient Profile

Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont Pinehill Tree Services

Stan the Man

Stan (pictured below) was brought to our clinic because his owner was concerned about some changes in his behaviour.

We understand that your pet is part of the family, and that’s why here at Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont we care for P R O FofEyour S S I Opets N A Ljust S TA A R D S ,our C Oown. M P E T I T I V E R AT E S each as N weD would

Image from Stan’s ultrasound scan showing thickend heart muscle

out an ultrasound scan of Stan’s heart. She discovered that the wall of his heart was thickened, a condition known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

£15

Matthew McCartney (NPTC qualiﬁed) tel: 02890 826028 or 07850 652032

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is the most common form of heart disease in cats. The thickened heart muscle makes it more difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. High blood pressure can occur along with heart disease and if left untreated can cause blindness.

Vet Consult

He once used to love going outside but now he seemed quite reluctant. He had also vomited a few times. Lauren the vet examined Stan and noticed that he had a heart murmur, she was concerned because during his booster check up a few months earlier his heart had been normal. Lauren advised some tests to see what was going on.

Book your appointment with us today

Stan had his blood pressure checked and it was high! Our other vet Lisa then carried

Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont 697 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3NT

Stan likely felt lethargic and may have had headaches that people with high blood pressure often suffer. Cats are very good at hiding illness so it was great that Stan’s owner noticed the subtle signs suggesting he wasn’t quite right. Stan was started on medications to help his heart function and reduce his blood pressure. His owner says that he is back to his usual self, she even caught him chasing the neighbour’s cat out of the garden again! Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont is one of only two practices in Northern Ireland that has a gold level cat friendly clinic award.

Call: 028 9048 3000 or visit: vets4pets.com/belfast-stormont Opening times: Mon-Fri 8.30am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 12pm Terms and conditions apply, ask in store for details.

What we do

Pinehill Tree Services

KEENAN SOLICITORS

P R O F E S S I O N A L S T A N D A R D S , C O M P E T I T I V E R AT E S

· Pruning / Reducing

Matthew McCartney (NPTC qualiﬁed) tel: 02890 826028 or 07850 652032

· Felling and removal

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

HEARING LOSS COMPENSATION

· Stump removal / root grinding

We have recovered compensation for employees from lots of workplaces including

· Hedge maintenance

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

· Emergency Call outs

What we do

· Pruning / Reducing · Certiﬁ ed Tree Inspection · Felling and removal · Stump removal / root grinding · Hedge maintenance · Emergency Call outs YOU DON’T Pay VAT YOU DON’T Pay for large overheads of bigger operators YOU DO Get fully qualified and insured arborists offering free advice and free quotes

· Certiﬁed Tree Inspection Julie Hastings (Director) | Hastings Hotel Group

"Many thanks for your on-going professional work at the Culloden Hotel, Slieve Donard Hotel and other Hastings Group sites. Pinehill Tree Services are now our preferred provider in view of quality of work and competitive prices."

w: www.pinehilltrees.com • e: matthewmccartney80@gmail.com w: www.pinehilltrees.com • e: matthewmccartney80@gmail.com

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

Keenan Solicitors

PAGE 30

Business

www.loopmag.net

Local goings on in the business community

East Belfast Leaders In Renewables Innovation Shortlisted For Action Renewables Awards FLAGSHIP AWARDS OF THE RENEWABLES INDUSTRY IN NORTHERN IRELAND Following the highest entry rate to date for the annual Action Renewables Awards, this week Action Renewables joined with event sponsors renewable electricity supplier Vayu Energy, Tughans Solicitors and the Department of Environment to announce the shortlisted entries for the awards, which will take place on 31st March at Titanic Belfast. PICTURED:

Ciaran McConville, Action Renewables with event sponsors Maria O’Loan, Tughans and Mary Rossiter, Vayu Energy ow in their 8th year, the Action Renewables Awards are recognised as the flagship awards of the renewables industry in Northern Ireland. Among the twenty seven entries recognised from across Northern Ireland are the South East Health & Social Care Trust, based at Ulster Hospital, shortlisted for the Best Energy Saving Large Organisation and JCP Consulting for Best Planning for a Sustainable Project. The Northern Ireland Assembly also came out on top of this year’s shortlisted entries included in

renewables in Northern Ireland is continuing to grow from strength to strength as more and more local businesses, community organisations, schools, and trusts harness the power of renewables to cut costs and reduce carbon footprints.” “We are delighted to sponsor the Action Renewables Awards for the second year running,” added Mary Rossiter, Marketing Manager, Vayu Energy. “This year’s entries were outstanding and we look forward to acknowledging all of the local individuals and organisations

categories for Best Planning for a Sustainable Project and Best Renewable Installation within the Education. Healthcare and Public Sector for works carried out including an upgrade of the building’s M&E Plant done in conjunction with Hamilton Architects. Following the announcement of the shortlist for this year’s awards luncheon Ciaran McConville, Business Development and Marketing Assistant, Action Renewables, said, “The outstanding number of entries for this year’s awards shows that enthusiasm for

helping to further renewables in Northern Ireland. As a supplier of 100% green electricity, we are seeing increased interest in renewables among Northern Irish businesses looking to cut costs, reduce their carbon emissions, and cut reliance on imported fuel sources.” Winners of the 2016 Action Renewables Awards will be announced at the flagship industry awards event held at Titanic Belfast with host Jamie Delargy in advance of a gourmet lunch and afternoon networking event on Thursday 31st March.

NEWS

In Brief BELFAST NAMED TOP SMALL BUSINESS FRIENDLY CITY IN EUROPE Belfast has just topped the list as the best small European City for ‘Business Friendliness’, by the fDi Magazine – part of the Financial Times group. The second year it has secured the coveted title, it was also ranked among the top ten European cities for its economic potential and its strategy for attracting foreign direct investment. The city was named the leading city for job creation from inward investment in the UK (excluding London) and had the highest figures by this measure among all small European cities. On a per capita basis, Northern Ireland also came out on top in attracting the highest number of FDI jobs in the UK. The results were published as part of the fDI’s European Cities and Regions for the Future 2016/17. The rankings provide a benchmark to assess the continent’s investment landscape. The score to determine business friendliness was achieved through assessing a number of factors - the volume of new investments that have taken place in Belfast over the last few years, jobs that have been created as a result of inward foreign direct investment, the proportion of companies in the hi-tech and knowledge-based sectors and the corporation tax rate among others.

LISNEY APPOINTS FETHERSTON CLEMENTS TO SELL OBEL APARTMENTS PICTURED:

Ciaran O’Kane, Director of Property Management at Lisney, and Will Miscampbell, Partner, Fetherston Clements Estate Agents, are expecting huge demand for the exciting development, particularly from young professionals. WWW.OBELBELFAST.CO.UK ommercial property agent and asset manager Lisney has appointed Fetherston Clements as the selling agent for apartments in the Obel property complex, which is currently undergoing a significant upgrade. A limited number of high-end apartments in Ireland’s tallest building are set to go on sale upon completion of refurbishment works before Easter. Significant enhancement works are being carried out to the internal finishes of the Belfast city centre apartments as well as to the lifts, lobbies and reception areas. Will Miscampbell, Partner, Fetherston Clements Estate Agents, said: “To be appointed as the selling agent for the Obel complex is a major endorsement of the work being carried out by Fetherston Clements throughout Greater Belfast and we are hugely excited to be involved with such a landmark project. “The Obel is a truly iconic building which is now set to reach its full potential with the major refurbishment works fully gathering pace. “The pending release of a limited number of high-end

apartments on to the market will be one of the most exciting developments in the Belfast property market for some time and we are anticipating huge demand, particularly from young professionals. “Leading local interior designers and landscape architects have been consulted on the internal configuration, finishes and external landscaping to ensure the units meet the high specifications, equalling that of any luxury apartment development across Europe.” Formed in early 2011, Fetherston Clements has expanded rapidly with offices in south Belfast, east Belfast and Bangor. The company’s key services include residential sales, lettings and property management. Located on Donegall Quay, the Obel is a 27-storey complex comprising of over 200 one, two and threebedroom luxury apartments and duplex and penthouse suites. It also has 52,462 sq. ft. of grade A office accommodation, which is home to international law firm Allen & Overy and the Mount Charles-operated eaterie, Fed and Watered.

EAST BELFAST STUDENT CELEBRATES ACADEMIC SUCCESS aroline Millar from East Belfast has celebrated success at the Ulster University Business School. Caroline won the Labour Relations Agency Prize for the best dissertation submitted during her post graduate MSc in Human Resource Management course. The award was presented by Marie Mallon (right), Chair, Labour Relations Agency and acting Course Director Dr Bob Mason at the annual Ulster University Business School’s Student Awards event organised by the Department of Management and Leadership. Speaking at the Awards ceremony, Professor Heather Farley, Head of the Department, said, “These Awards recognise our top performers across the range of management and leadership related programmes and

confirm why we are so justifiably proud of our graduates. The Ulster University Business School prides itself on enabling students to acquire knowledge and skills that will allow them to make a meaningful contribution to the development of business in Northern Ireland and beyond. Our professional partnerships are evidenced by the many sponsors involved with these Awards and further demonstrate our commitment to providing an important mix of academic and practical learning.” A total of fourteen awards were presented. Sponsors included Peak Discovery, Grafton Recruitment, Capita, Labour Relations Agency, CBI, James Leckey Design, MBA Association of Ireland, IoD, Deloitte and First Trust Bank.

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PAGE 32

Food & Drink Paul Rankin celebrates the versatility of our incredible native breads

FROM BARNBRACK TO SODA FARLS TO WHEATEN, PAUL RANKIN SHOWS YOU THE INCREDIBLE THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH OUR BAKED BELTERS

AUTIFUL PTIONAL FOOD. BE CE EX Y. IL M FA TIONS. FRIENDS AND FLAVOUR COMBINA NG ZI A M A S. NT IE INGRED

SELECTION

“

From soda farls to barmbrack, top chef Paul Rankin has developed these delicious recipes to showcase the versatility of our native breads. Working with Northern Ireland’s leading bakery Irwin’s, Paul created the ‘Rankin Selection’ range of breads, which have become the best-selling Irish bread range in the UK. The Rankin Selection range includes Brown Soda Bread (£1.20), Stoneground Wheaten (£1.44), Buttermilk Sodas (£1.00), Potato Slims (£1.20), Barmbrack (£1.80) and Rankin Fruit Loaf (£1.50), and is available in retailers across NortHern Ireland.

BROWN SODA BREAD CRUSTED COD WITH NEW POTATOES AND TOMATOES Serves 2

50g (2oz) Rankin Selection Brown Soda Bread, blitzed into fine crumbs 4 tbsp. butter 225g (8oz) cooked new potatoes, cut into quarters 4 firm ripe midi-tomatoes, cut into wedges 1 medium leek, chopped 2 x 150g (5oz) skinless cod fillets, boned About 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper Fresh dill sprigs, to garnish Preheat the oven to 180C (350F), Gas mark 4. Put three tablespoons of the butter in a small roasting tin. Pop in the oven for a couple of minutes to melt, then toss in the new potatoes, tomato and leek. Give everything a good stir so it is all evenly coated. Season to taste and place in the oven for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, season the cod fillets and then spread the tops with an even layer of Dijon mustard. Put the brown soda crumbs on a flat plate and use to coat the mustard in a nice even layer, gently brushing off any excess. Heat a frying pan. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the pan then add the soda-crusted cod

fillets, presentation side down. Cook for 2-3 mins until lightly toasted without disturbing them in the pan. Remove the vegetables from the oven. Then carefully set the cod fillets crust side up on top of the vegetables and return to the oven. Cook for another 8-12 minutes until the cod is cooked through and tender. The length of time will depend on the thickness of the fillets. Garnish with the dill sprigs and bring straight to the table to serve.

TIGER PRAWNS WITH GARLIC BUTTER ON A SODA FARL BRUSCHETTA Serves 4 1 Rankin Selection Irish Buttermilk Soda 125g butter ½ -1 tbsp. finely chopped garlic 2 tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1 tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon (or basil) A squeeze of lemon juice Freshly ground pepper 12 extra-large fresh tiger prawns – peeled & de-veined 1 tbsp. light olive oil 1 tbsp. butter Salt & freshly ground pepper

herbs, pepper and lemon juice, and taste for seasoning - adding a little salt if necessary. Cut the soda farl into quarters. Heat a large frying pan over a high heat, add the oil and butter. When the butter is nicely foaming add the prawns and some salt and pepper. Sauté the prawns for approx. 4-5 minutes (this will depend on their size). When just cooked, add the garlic butter, allowing it to melt and coat the prawns. To serve, place a piece of soda farl in the middle of a warm plate, top with the prawns and lashings of the garlic butter……. Get stuck in!

TOASTED BARMBRACK WITH CARAMELISED PEARS, RASPBERRIES AND CRÈME FRAICHE Serves 4

2-4 slices Rankin Selection Irish Barmbrack 2 firm, ripe pears 3 tbsp softened unsalted butter 5 tbsp caster sugar 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice 100g (4oz) raspberries Crème fraiche, to serve Fresh mint sprigs, to decorate

To serve, chips or sauteed potatoes, salad In a small saucepan melt the butter and add the garlic – how much depends of course on how much you like garlic! Add the

This recipe is started in the pan but finished in the oven, so get a good quality frying pan which is ovenproof.

Preheat the oven to 190C (375F), Gas mark 5. Put the pan on the hob to heat. Peel the pears and cut each one in half, removing the core. Add the butter to the heated frying pan with the sugar and lemon juice and cook gently until the sugar has dissolved. Don’t stir the sugar as the caramel forms, just very gently, shake the pan to help the sugar brown evenly. Add the pears cut side down and cook over a high heat for 7-10 minutes until caramelised, turning once. Turn the pears so they are cut side down again in the frying pan and then roast in the oven for another 5-10 minutes until completely cooked through and tender. Meanwhile cut the slices of barmbrack into rough “pear shapes” -you should get two pieces out of each slice but this will depend on the size of your pears. Toast under a preheated grill or in the toaster. Keep warm. To serve, arrange the toasted barmbrack pieces on plates and add a pear half to each one. Scatter around the raspberries and add a quenelle of crème fraiche (or a good dollop for a less ‘cheffy’ look!), then drizzle over the caramel sauce. Decorate with fresh mint sprigs

For further information on Irwin’s and Rankin Selection, plus more recipes, visit www.rankinselection.com

...For me, these are the things that make every day special. They are also the reason why I developed Rankin Selection – a joyful celebration of delicious Irish foods. Tasting new flavours, seeing how they combine together to create new food experiences has always been my greatest passion. For Rankin Selection, I’ve searched the island of Ireland to find food producers who share my philosophy of elevating simple but wonderful ingredients to something extra special, on the palate and the plate.

As a young chef, I learned very quickly that good food, without good produce, is impossible. Ireland is home to some of the best food people in the world and the Rankin Selection producers are the cream of the crop. Food artisans that have developed exciting ways to enhance taste naturally, often over many generations. Together, we’ve set out to create foods bursting with authentic flavour to bring the joys of the table to families and friends everywhere, whatever the occasion.

“

THE RANKIN

SHOW CASING NATIVE BREADS

Enjoy x

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Food & Drink A superb line up of food options from one of this countrys finest

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AN INSIGHT INTO THE INCREDIBLE OPTIONS FOR SUNDAY LUNCH HASTING HOTELS CAN OFFER • PLUS THE CHANCE TO SAMPLE THE BRILLIANCE IN OUR COMPETITION!

Enjoy A Delicious Sunday Lunch With Hastings Hotels FOOD is a passion at Hastings Hotels as at all six hotels they believe that eating is one of life’s greatest pleasures. They embrace the use of carefully selected local and seasonal quality foods which enable their chefs to prepare and

SENSATIONAL SUNDAY SENSATIONS

create the most delicious dishes possible. Everyone knows that Sunday Lunch is the most delicious dinner of the week and Hastings Hotels offers a scrumptious lunch in each of their hotels, perfect to try with friends and family:

MENU MASTERPIECES

A glimpse of just some of the main dishes to make your Sunday shine

www.hastingshotels.com

BALLYGALLY CASTLE

Ballygally Castle is an enchanting hotel situated at the start of the scenic Antrim Coast, at the foot of the famous 9 Glens of Antrim, and offers glorious views over Ballygally Bay and towards Scotland. The hotel is famous for its Sunday Lunch in the magnificent Kintyre Ballroom which provides stunning views making it a special place to be. The Giant’s Causeway is only a 45 minute drive from Ballygally Castle and superb scenery can be enjoyed from many coastal and glen walks. The grand Sunday buffet lunch is available from 12.30pm – 2.30pm and costs £27 for adults and £16 for children aged 4 – 12.

EVERGLADES HOTEL

There is a fantastic selection of dining options at the Everglades Hotel including The Grill Bistro, which offers a wonderful mix of traditional dishes with a twist made from the very best of local suppliers and The Library Bar which boasts a mouth-watering snack and cocktail menu. For a lazy Sunday afternoon, the Sunday Grand Buffet lunch should not be missed as every dish is expertly prepared by the Head Chef and there is a real emphasis

on food provenance with every ingredient being sourced from the finest local food suppliers. Sunday Lunch is served 12.30 – 2.45pm every week and is priced at £22 for adults and £11 for children aged 4 – 12.

SLIEVE DONARD RESORT & SPA

Make Sundays special at the Slieve Donard Resort & Spa with a traditional Sunday roast which offers a selection of hand-carved roasted joints cooked to perfection with fresh locally sourced vegetables. Diners can also enjoy a selection of starters and an array of delightful desserts to tempt the taste buds. The Grand Buffet lunch is served weekly from 1 – 2.15pm and costs £38 for adults and £20 for children aged 4 to 12.

STORMONT HOTEL

The exquisite Sunday Buffet Lunch at the Stormont Hotel promises a fantastic dining feast for everyone with traditional hearty favourites including a selection of hand-carved roasted joints cooked to perfection, locally sourced vegetables and a wide selection of tasty desserts as well as some fun to keep the kids entertained. Lunch is available from 12.30pm to 2.30pm and is priced at £26 for adults and £15 for children aged 4-12.

EUROPA HOTEL

Fabulous food does not have to be fussy and at The Europa Hotel, expert chefs pick the finest, locally sourced ingredients to create sensational foods. Take in the relaxing surroundings of the Causerie restaurant and enjoy a delicious Sunday lunch from their a la carte bistro menu every Sunday from 12pm. Children’s menu is also available. After you have enjoyed your lunch why not take a stroll around Belfast and take in the sights and sounds that this vibrant city has to offer.

CULLODENT ESTATE & SPA

The Mitre Restaurant is one of the finest eateries in Northern Ireland and is run by top chef Paul McKnight. With gothic grandeur décor and delicious gourmet food, this is the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing Sunday lunch which is served from 1pm to 3pm. After lunch, take a stroll through the many acres of beautiful gardens and woodland. Prices for Sunday lunch start is £30 per adult and £20 for children. Alternatively, for a more informal bite to eat, the Cultra Inn, set within the Culloden estate offers a delicious traditional carvery lunch weekly from 12.30 – 3.30pm priced at £25 for adults and £15 for 4 -12 year olds.

For more information go to www.hastingshotels.com

WIN A DINING EXPERIENCE FIT FOR A KING AT BALLYGALLY CASTLE

The Loop has teamed up with Hastings Hotels to give readers the chance win the famous Grand Sunday Buffet for four people at Ballygally Castle. The divine Grand Sunday Buffet is a dining experience fit for a King with a bountiful array of gastronomic delights made from the finest locally sourced produce in Northern Ireland. The six course gourmet lunch features a selection of hot soups, hot appetizers, salads and succulent joints of Beef, Turkey, Ham and Lamb and a selection of decadent desserts, tea, coffee, mints and cheese. Ballygally Castle is the perfect location to enjoy a short break by the coast. Perched on the tip of the famous Causeway Coastal Route, the stunning 17th century castle overlooks Ballygally Bay with uninterrupted views towards Scotland with 54 bedrooms including 18 deluxe coastal view bedrooms. Don’t worry if you aren’t the lucky winner as you can contact Ballygally Castle to avail of special offers by calling 028 2858 1066 or go to www.hastingshotels.com

THE QUESTION To be in with a chance to win, simply answer the following question: How many bedrooms does Ballygally Castle have? A) 42 B) 44 C) 54 HOW TO ENTER: Send your answer along with your contact details to info@loopmag.net. Terms and conditions apply. Entrants must be over 18. Closing date for receipt of entries is 31st March 2016. Prize is as detailed, is subject to availability and excludes Sundays over public and bank holidays. Prize must be taken before Sunday 25th September, 2016.

HISTORY IN THE MAKING THE HASTINGS STORY IN BRIEF Hastings Hotels is the largest independent hotel group in Northern Ireland with six luxurious properties across the province. This family owned company was established in the late 1960's and its founder, Dr Billy Hastings, is still at the helm today as Chairman. Over the past fifteen years has introduced all four of his children to the group in the roles of Managing Director, Sales Director, Marketing Director and Events Director. It has not been an easy thirty years for Dr Hastings and his group of hotels, and despite numerous setbacks and obstacles over the years, the company has continued to grow and grow.

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EVENTS March & April

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!

MARCH & APRIL 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...The Divergant Series, The Apartment, London Has Fallen, Batman V Superman, Kung Fu Panda 3, Zootropolis, The Deer Hunter.

UPCOMIMG MOVIE PICKS LONDON HAS FALLEN (15)

The sequel to Olympus Has Fallen. After the death of the British prime minister, the world’s most powerful leaders gather in London to pay their respects. Without warning, terrorists unleash a devastating attack that leaves the city in chaos and ruins. Secret Service agent Mike Banning (Gerard Butler) springs into action to bring U.S. President Benjamin Asher (Aaron Eckhart) to safety. When Asher falls into the hands of the sinister organisation, it’s up to Banning to save his commander in chief from a horrible fate. Director: Babak Najafi Stars: Gerard Butler, Morgan Freeman, Charlotte Riley Action / Crime / Thriller

KUNG FU PANDA 3 (PG)

When Po’s long-lost panda father suddenly reappears, the reunited duo travels to a secret panda paradise to meet new pandas. But when the supernatural villain Kai begins to sweep across China defeating all the kung fu masters, Po must train a village full of his fun-loving, clumsy brethren to

become the ultimate band of Kung Fu Pandas. Animation / Action / Adventure

THE DIVERGENT SERIES

Tris must escape with Four and go beyond the wall enclosing Chicago. For the first time ever, they will leave the only city and family they have ever known in order to find a peaceful solution for their embroiled city. In order to survive, Tris will be forced to make impossible choices about courage, allegiance, sacrifice and love. Director: Robert Schwentke Stars: Shailene Woodley, Theo James, Zoë Kravitz Adventure / Sci-Fi

ZOOTROPOLIS (PG)

In the animal city of Zootopia, a fasttalking fox who’s trying to make it big goes on the run when he’s framed for a crime he didn’t commit. Zootopia’s top cop, a self-righteous rabbit, is hot on his tail, but when both become targets of a conspiracy, they’re forced to team up and discover even natural enemies can become best friends. Animation / Action / Adventure

EASTSIDE ARTS GETS INVOLVED IN NATIONAL CREATIVE CAMPAIGN www.eastsidearts.net/events

BBC Get Creative Day (Saturday 2 April) is a celebration of the world-class arts, culture and creativity that happens across the UK, from digital art to fine art, from design to ballet, from poetry to hip-hop, Get Creative celebrates all art forms.

GET CREATIVE DAY

BATMAN V SUPERMAN: DAWN OF JUSTICE (12A)

Fearing the actions of Superman left unchecked, Gotham City’s own formidable, forceful vigilante Batman takes on Metropolis’ most revered, modern-day saviour, while the world wrestles with what sort of hero it really needs. And with Batman and Superman at war with one another, a new threat Doomsday quickly arises, putting mankind in greater danger than it’s ever known before. Director: Zack Snyder Stars: Ben Affleck, Henry Cavill, Amy Adams Action / Adventure / Fantasy

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. Directed by Michael Cimino

THE APARTMENT (1960)

We will be showing matinees every day from 17th March until 1st April at 2.00pm/4.00pm/6.00pm.

THURSDAY 17th, 24th & 31st March at 8PM. 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. Directed by Michael Cimino

OSCAR SEASON CLASSICS

CLAYRAZY WORKSHOP KUNG FU PANDA 3

EASTER MATINEES

THE DEER HUNTER (1978)

THURSDAY 3rd & 10th MARCH @ 8PM In 1968, Michael, Nick and Steve, lifelong friends from a working-class Pennsylvania steel

FRIDAY 18th March. 2.15pm starts with movie followed by 1 hour workshop Clayrazy is perfect for all ages and abilities, sparking imagination and

EASTSIDE ARTS is delighted to be involved in this nationwide event that offers the opportunity to highlight some of the wealth of creative talent which exists in East Belfast. Inspired by Get Creative Day and Creativity Month, where hundreds of creative events will be happening across the province in March, EastSide Arts will host a number of workshops promoting local artists and giving people the opportunity to try something different, for free. With past pupils that include Snow Patrol Guitarist Nathan Connelly, Ossia Music School, based on Sandown Road in Ballyhackamore, provides a safe and fun environment in which to explore, learn and grow as a musician. Ossia will open their studio doors for Get Creative Day with a special performance featuring some great local bands that have been taught or mentored through the Ossia Rock School programme. Local dance company Ajendance have recently qualified thirty of their students for the United Dance Organisation World Street Dance Championships in August 2016. With

creativity in everyone who uses this clay. Learn new skills while having fun, their fully trained instructors will guide you through your tailored workshop, teaching everyone how to create their very own chosen model and of course you get to take it home... No Mess - No Stress fun, with no need to bake in the oven!! 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 +

FREE WEEKLY FILM CLUBS

SATURDAY MINORS FILM CLUB FOR AGES 5+ MARCH LISTINGS 12th – Bugsy Malone (1976) 7yrs+ [U] 19th – Homeward Bound (1993) [U] 26th – Ernest and Celestine (2012) 7yrs+ [U] - In French with English TEENAGE KICKS FILM CLUB FOR AGES 12-19 EVERY FRIDAY AT 4.15PM MARCH LISTINGS 11th – Mean Girls (2004) [12] 18th – Raising Arizona (1987) [12] 25th – Big Fish (2003) Rating: 11yrs+ [PG]

ages ranging from 5 years to 20 years old and classes in Hip-Hop, Ballet, Tap and more, Ajendance offer something for everyone. A free showcase on Get Creative Day will give people the chance to watch the talented dancers who will compete in the summer Championships perform, and maybe get inspired to start dancing themselves! EastSide Arts will be hosting FREE workshops throughout March in Memoir Writing with Tara West, Digital Animation with Wheelworks, Craft with Redhead Thread and a special taster workshop with Ciara O’Malley which will allow people to experiment with a variety of different creative forms such as drawing, painting and film making. Why not get involved and Get Creative with EastSide Arts? Simply check out the full programme of events on the website www.eastsidearts.net/events.

EastSide Arts is funded by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and the Department of Culture Arts and Leisure.

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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.

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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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home. And all those running repairs which are ultimately required down the line for any double glazed windows or doors are no problem for the local company. Why suffer steamed-up glass units or damaged or broken locks, hinges or handles when the experts at Casement Windows can quickly put them right for you. Of course the firm is also keen to quote for those bigger new build projects in your home or business, like extensions, porches, roof conversions, bathroom refurbs, wetrooms and all your general building work. Needless to say the use of quality materials which are fitted by experts and provide real value for money are all guaranteed at Casement Windows. The goof news it that this one-stop improvement shop is right on your doorstep in the very centre of Holywood in Church View, just yards from St Patrick’s School and Church Hall.

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

TUESDAY Albertbridge Congregational 10.30-12.15. Woodstock Link. Donation £1 CFC Mops & Tots 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. CFC Mops 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presbyterian. 10-11.45am term time. £1. 028 9065 7025 McQuiston Toddlers 10-11.30am. Toast, juice, tea, coffee & biscuits. McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road. Mount Merrion Parish Church 10am Toddler Group. Tel 07905 144070 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. St Donards Church 10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice Strandtown Baptist Tots 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult Tots & Co 10.15- 11.45am (term time) Cregagh Methodist Church £1.50 per family (incl juice/snack & tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

WEDNESDAY Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Roa 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 123 Tots 10-11.45am Exchange Church, Albertbridge Road (opposite Keens in the old YMCA building) Bloomfield Methodist Church 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. Cregagh Presbyterian 10am mothers & toddlers. Tel Josephine 028 9065 4181. 102-104 Cregagh Road Cregagh Mums & Tots

WHATS HAPPENING IN EAST BELFAST

10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue. Tel: 028 9040 1444 Gilnahirk Presbyterian Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Tel: Laura 07708 000025 Glenmachan Tots & Toddlers 10-12 term time. Church of God, Glenmachan Road. Tel 028 9076 1676 glenmachan.org Kirkpatrick Memorial Presb Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

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

CLASSES & EVENTS MONDAY Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of the month) 7pm. Bean Blessed Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower The Programme 6.30-8.30pm. Tel Helen 028 9076 1172 Cregagh Cricket Club Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 9 & Under 11 cricket training. Cregagh Presbyterian Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel John 07809 205579 102-104 Cregagh Road Harding Memorial Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Clare 07905 556825. Junior Boys Club (FREE) Every Monday 6pm-7pm @ St. Judes Parish Hall, Ravenhill Road P1-P6; football, craft & games. 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

TUESDAY 15th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.157.15pm Explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm Juniors (8-10) 7.009.00pm Company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm Tel 07783 408609 Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue 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 Sen-

iors & 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 07597 684104 102-104 Cregagh Rd 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 Youth Drop In (FREE) 4-30-6pm @ St.Judes Parish Church Ormeau Road. Secondary school youth only. Free pizza, snacks, chat, chill.

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 from 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 9045 7434 Friday Friendship. 10.30-12.30pm. 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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PAGE 40

SPORT & CLUBS The latest news from the local sporting world

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WITH SPORT RELIEF COMING UP THIS MONTH, EAST BELFAST IS GETTING HEAVILY INVOLVED

TENNIS CLUB OPEN DAY APRIL 9TH This year again Gilnahirk Tennis Club is opening its doors to new members on Saturday 9th April from 2 – 4pm.

The small, friendly club plays all year round in the grounds of Bloomfield Collegiate School just off the Upper Newtownards Road - entrance via Knockhill Park - on 3 floodlit astroturf courts. So if you fancy brushing up your tennis skills or just having a go, come and join us for a fun afternoon of tennis, see round the club and meet the members.

We’re even providing a free coaching session with Adrian, our resident coach, as well as refreshments. And we have a tempting offer for new members - a month’s free trial with no obligation to join. If you decide to join after a month (and we hope you will) it will cost you just £90 for the year. We look forward to seeing you!

EAST BELFAST SIGN UP CALL FOR BELFAST SAINSBURY’S SPORT RELIEF GAMES

LEFT: On Your Marks, Get Set for Sport Relief … Calling for the public to Walk, Run, Cycle or Swim themselves proud in the 2016 Belfast Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games on Sunday 20 March are East Belfast locals (front) Lauren Mackey and (back, from left) Michelle McIlveen from official Sport Relief partner, Better Gym Connswater, Ronan McKenna, Regional Community Sports Manager from Better, and Olivia Brown, a QUB Elite Dance team member. Better and the Elite Dance Team will be hosting fun warm ups and entertainment which will add to the atmosphere of the Belfast Sport Relief Games event village at Custom House Square on Belfast’s big fund-raising day. As a not-for-profit charitable social enterprise, Better Leisure Centres promote healthy and active lifestyles and the organisation reinvests every penny made back into its facilities and the communities with which it works. RIGHT: Joining the call for the public to Walk, Run, Cycle or Swim themselves proud in the 2016 Belfast Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games on Sunday 20 March are representatives of FASA, one of many local organisations to have received funding from Comic Relief. They are Sean Devlin, Nightingale Project Coordinator at the FASA Crisis Centre in East Belfast, and colleague Ann White, Peer Support Worker & Craft Worker; with Gareth Kirk from Better Leisure Centres. Better will be hosting fun warm up activities at the fun-filled Custom House Square Event Village, which will run from 9am-1pm. FASA provides crisis support services across the Belfast and South Eastern Trust areas.

WWW.SPORTRELIEF.COM/BELFAST

TELEPHONE WENDY ON 07747 746017 OR VISIT WWW.GILNAHIRKTENNIS.ORG.UK

LOCAL ATHLETE LEARNS FROM THE BEST AT ANNUAL DALE FARM ATHLETES’ ACADEMY MASTERCLASS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH MARY PETERS TRUST

CASTLEREAGH ATHLETE Attends one-of-a-kind masterclass EAST BELFAST TO HOST 24 HOUR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS IN 2017

Belfast has won the race to host the 12th IAU 24 Hour World Championships in 2017. The ultra running championships, which are held every two years, will be staged in Victoria Park in east Belfast on Saturday 1 July and Sunday 2 July 2017. The last race - held in Turin 2015 - attracted 300 of the world’s top competitors from 45 nations. The International Association of Ultrarunners (IAU), which administers the long-distance running wing of the sport for the IAAF, made the announcement at its Executive Council meeting in Monaco, following what it described as “a good competition.” “It is with great pleasure that I can confirm that Belfast has been allocated the organisation of the 2017 24 Hour World Championships,” said Dirk Strumane, IAU President. Belfast presented us with a convincing, well-structured and strongly supported bid and we are looking forward to a fruitful and constructive co-operation.” Gas and electricity supplier Energia has supported Belfast’s regular 24 Hour race, Energia24, since 2010. The council has also supported the race, through its Support for Sport programme. It will now switch locations, from the Mary Peters Athletics Track, to the 1.7K circuit at Victoria Park for this year’s event, on 25 and 26 June, as a ‘dress rehearsal’ ahead of the 2017 championships. It is hoped several international runners will also attend to visit the course in advance.

FIVE of Northern Ireland’s top young athletes, including Castlereagh’s Ben Fisher (Pictured left with Dame Mary Peters), were recently granted the chance to speak to leading experts in the sports industry at the Dale Farm Athletes’ Academy Masterclass at Kingspan Stadium. In partnership with the Mary Peters Trust, this year’s Dale Farm Athletes – Sam Bothwell (tennis), Conor Ferguson (swimming), Ben Fisher (athletics), Liam Glynn (sailing) and Brendan Irvine (boxing) – enjoyed one-on-one guidance to help them progress in their sports career. Ulster Rugby star Dan Tuohy was among the local experts who provided advice and shared with the athletes what it means to be a professional sports star, from dealing with tough training to making time for family and friends. The five athletes also spoke to sports nutritionist Dr Sharon Madigan about the importance of eating well, sports psychologist Dr Mark Elliott about maintaining mental toughness, and sports journalist Jim Gracey about dealing with the media. The Dale Farm Athletes’ Academy

Masterclass is one of the benefits provided to the five athletes selected through a competitive process to join the Dale Farm Athletes’ Academy each year. In addition to attending the masterclass, the athletes also receive a £1,000 bursary to assist them with the costs of being an elite athlete, such as buying equipment and traveling to competitions abroad. Dame Mary Peters CH DBE, President of the Mary Peters Trust, said: “Today’s masterclass is a great opportunity for young athletes as many will never get the chance to sit down at the start of their career one-on-one with experts like the mentors we have today. We are grateful for Dale Farm’s support of this year’s five athletes and we encourage other companies to follow Dale Farm’s example and support Northern Ireland’s up-and-coming talent. Competing at the international level is a significant and expensive time commitment, so we would like to thank Dale Farm for continuing to support Northern Ireland’s future sports stars.”

Sport Relief Swimmers Set to Make a Splash

At Belfast Leisure Centres

Belfast leisure centres will be hosting a team of fundraising swimmers as part of a national swimming marathon designed to raise funds for Sport Relief. Staff and members will be cheering on the 13 swimmers, who have each committed to swimming 31 miles at 31 pools across six days at the swimming pools at Avoniel and Grove Wellbeing Centre. Along the way they’ll be supported by Paralympian and London 2012 Paralympics Gold Medalist Dr Michael McKillop and Swim Ireland swimmers. The fundraiser is the brainchild

of Better, the leisure operator that manages leisure facilities in the Belfast region on behalf of Belfast City Council. The organisation is the official health and fitness partner of Sport Relief 2016 and has committed to raising a massive £500k for the charity through a host of activities under the #TeamBetter banner. British Olympian, and one of the 13 Team Better swimmers, Fran Leighton, said: “I’ve never been great at swimming up and down, however, I am lucky enough to have represented Great Britain at Water Polo and I captained the team at the London

2012 Olympics. The last time I did a swim set was probably 2012 and I haven’t swum since. I’m excited for the challenge, getting to swim in all the different pools, as well as having the chance to meet people from across the UK, whilst raising money for a great cause.” Better will also be playing a key role in the 2016 Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Games, taking place on Sunday 20th March, at Custom House Square and participants will be encouraged to run, walk, swim or cycle by signing up for the Sainsbury’s Sport Relief Mile. www.better.org.uk/sportrelief

PAGE 41

#BESPECIALTOGETHER with Belfast Cranes HOOPS & DREAMS

Belfast Cranes are a Special Olympics Basketball Club. We train every Wednesday 6-7pm in Cregagh Youth and Community Centre on Mount Merrion Avenue and are always keen to meet new athletes. n Saturday 13th February we held an event in the Skainos Centre to launch our #bespecialtogether campaign to recruit more volunteers. Belfast Cranes were awarded a Northern Ireland Volunteering Small Grant from the Department of Social Development to recruit more volunteers using an innovative approach. We wanted not only to find new volunteers, but also show our appreciation to our existing dedicated band of volunteers, supporters and friends. Our management team, who are all volunteers themselves, began developing ideas for a social media campaign featuring our existing team to recruit new volunteers, with a launch party which would celebrate everyone who had helped us get up and running and keep us going over our last two years. And so the #bespecialtogether campaign was born. We had great fun making a short film involving our

athletes, our family members and our volunteers. This gave our volunteers a chance to reflect on what volunteering means to them and our athletes were able to say thank you and show how much the volunteers add to the Club and the lives of our athletes and families. Last month we held our breakfast launch party. We invited everyone who had given their time or skills to Belfast Cranes and had local sports presenter Denise Watson and John McKernan, vice chairman of Special Olympics Ireland speak about the value of volunteers. We always wanted a fun and interactive morning. As well as launching the recruitment film, we encouraged people to use social media to spread the word about the Club. Our guests had great fun taking and uploading photos with our photo props and taking part the Firewalk Ireland Lego Walk. Belfast Cranes is completely run by volunteers. We are looking to

recruit more people to help out at our weekly basketball training sessions on a Wednesday night between 6 and 7pm. Basketball knowledge would be useful, but not essential. We provide training and lots of opportunities for fun and friendship. We’re looking for enthusiastic, but patient team members. In addition, we have a pool of volunteers who help us out on an ad hoc basis, usually with fundraising or specific projects which we are always looking to add to. Special Olympics changes

lives. Special Olympics Ireland is first and foremost a sports organisation for people with an intellectual disability, but it provides athletes with far more than the physical benefits of sport. It’s about fun, friendships and team spirit; it’s about a feeling of belonging, and ultimately improving quality of life. Special Olympics changes lives in so many different ways. Through sport, athletes develop both physically and emotionally, they make new friends, realise their dreams, and know they can fit in.

Special Olympics enables them to achieve and win not only in sport but in life too. Our Club is nothing without our amazing volunteers. The #bespecialtogether campaign will hopefully find us the vital extra resources we need to continue to bring this experience to our very special athletes. FOR MORE INFORMATION: www.facebook.com/ belfastcranes Twitter: @belfastcranes Tel: 07745203032

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PAGE 42

FOOTBALL Alan Hall reports from pitch side

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OUR REGUALR FOOTBALL CORRESPONDANT ALAN HALL BRINGS YOU THE LATEST RESULTS AND INSIGHT

DUNDELA CLINCH ‘SIX POINTER’

DUNDELA survived a second half scare to take all three points in Saturday’s critical Championship 2 tussle with Glebe Rangers at Wilgar Park. The victory in what joint manager Stephen Gourley classed as a ‘six pointer’ lifts the Duns up to eighth place in the table, 4 points ahead of the Ballymoney visitors who have two games in hand.

DUNDELA 3 | GLEBE RANGERS 2 undela got off to a flyer, with a goal inside the opening seconds; Matty Burrows firing the ball under the keeper, after Scott Collins had swung the ball into the Glebe box. Rangers almost scrubbed that one out but Johnny Sergeant was well placed to keep out a shot from the edge of the box. That apart, Dundela looked the more threatening, with James Sofley finding the side rather than the back of the net after conjuring up some space for himself in the box. TJ Murray, too, headed one just over. The hard working Burrows, looking more like his old self, then fired one just marginally over the bar. It was no surprise then when Dundela doubled their lead; Murray doing the honours, after

Mark McClelland had flicked on Collins’ long throw in. McClelland and Murray both went close to strengthening the Duns grip, though there was a hint that this one wasn’t quite done and dusted when Marc Whitford was on hand to clear one off the line. The half, nevertheless, ended just as it had started – with a Dundela goal, and what a strike from Murray, in no hurry, as he unleashed a curling 25 yard effort into the top right hand corner of the net. Three down at the break, it was no surprise that there was some sort of response from Glebe at the start of the second session and they pulled one back when a striker poked the ball past the helpless Sergeant. Things degenerated further when

SIROCCO WORKS FIRST LEAGUE WIN OF 2016 SIROCCO Works secured their first league victory of 2016, though with Ballywalter Rec shock winners over Colin Valley, it wasn’t enough to lift them off the foot of the Division 1b table.

SIROCCO WORKS 2, PORTAFERRY ROVERS 1 The East Belfast side, though, have played far fewer matches than the teams around them; third bottom Donard, for instance, are just two points better off – with nine extra games played. However, it’s going to be an arduous end of term for Works as they complete their hefty backlog, with 15 league games left. This was their first home game since Halloween – ‘home’ still being New Grosvenor Park, with Sirocco still awaiting the new dugouts which would enable them to ‘return home’ to the newly refurbished Dixon Park. Saturday’s success over Portaferry was more convincing than that 2-1 scoreline would make you believe. With the wind at their backs, Sirocco dominated the opening half though it was the 40th minute before they breezed ahead, thanks to a stirring strike from Darren Spiers. Portaferry had the gale at their backs on the turnaround, and Sirocco had to weather an initial storm, before starting to reassert their authority, through a Carl McConville header. That looked to be that, until Portaferry pulled one back courtesy of a wind assisted strike just a few minutes from end. It thereby meant that Sirocco were relieved enough at hearing the final whistle, in a match which ought to have been long since done and dusted. Sirocco Works; Shields – Neill, McConville, Stewart, M Graham – Stitt, Ashe, Acheson – Spiers (B Graham), Mannus, Bickerstaff. Subs (unused) Jamison, Higginson.

a header looped over Sergeant to put Glebe back within touching distance. Wilgar’s hardened few were stunned into silence, though the jangling nerves could have been eased had McClelland, one on one

RATHFERN RANGERS 0 | BLOOMFIELD 1

THIS narrow victory over Rathfern Rangers at the Diamond, Rathcoole lifts Bloomfield up over UUJ and Ballynahinch United into ninth place in the 1b table. However, the problem is, Bloomfield have played more matches than anyone else in 1b. Of the five clubs beneath them, you’d expect UUJ to pull clear, especially after a cluster of new signings, mostly from Championship clubs, which has seen them win 3 on the bounce, including a 6-1 spanking of Rathfern the week before. Also bottom club Sirocco Works are just six points adrift – with a massive 11 matches in hand. Bloomfield have just six games left, just one of them at Houston Park, against promotion chasing Wellington Rec – but at least 2 of the five away days are ‘six pointers’, at Ballynahinch United and Donard Hospital. Joint manager Clinton McCreery agreed, “It was a great performance. Everyone in the team is really working hard, and it’s paying off. Its hard work and determination, and it’s starting to make the difference!” Stuart Jeffers grabbed the all important goal 15 minutes from time, Bloomfield had earlier gone close when Lewis Irwin had pinged one off the bar. Coming out of retirement to again help his club out was young Ricky Watts, who showed that the reflexes are as good as ever, with one notable save. Bloomfield; Watts – Boyd (Binks), Woods, Bowers – Cosgrave, McVeigh, Jeffers, Cowden, Murray – Getty, Irwin. Subs (unused) Pollock, Douglas. DROMARA VILLAGE 2 | EAST BELFAST 5

No real problems for East Belfast, with this 5-2 away victory over bottom club Dromara

with the keeper, not slipped his shot past the post. Substitute Ben Carson, too, forced a fine fingertip save from the Glebe custodian, as Dundela further suggested that they had now rode the Rangers storm.

Village at Bellsbridge. It was a close enough encounter, up until the last quarter, when East really turned the screw. Dee Wright set the wheels rolling for the EastEnders, but while Dromara cancelled that one out, Wright was on hand again to put the visitors on the right road just before half time. Dromara were back in tandem just after the break, scoring from the spot after a mistimed challenge by Ross McCaughan. East, bounced back with a penalty of their own; danger man Wright hauled down inside the box by the keeper – Simon Graham doing the needful from the spot. Wright went on to complete his hat trick before Stuart Beattie notched a fifth just before the close. East Belfast; Halliday – Calder, Graham, McCaughan (Belshaw), Davidson – Wilson, Cousins, Beattie, Pinkerton – Wright, Tumilty (Oliver). ORANGEFIELD OB 0 | LISBURN R 1 Also in 1a, fourth bottom Orangefield Old Boys went down narrowly to second placed Lisburn Rangers at the Cregagh Sports Ground. The Old Boys surely deserved something out of it, paying the penalty for switching off at a corner 15 minutes from time. Orangefield had their chances to break the stalemate, notably through front men Jordan Boyd and Graeme Arthur. The home side were missing the influential Graeme Philson but looked set for a point, until Paul Kirk’s Lisburn Rangers snatched that 75th minute winner. Orangefield Old Boys are celebrating their 50th birthday and to mark the occasion, are holding an anniversary gala dinner in the

This Saturday, it’s a trip to promotion chasing Limavady United. Dundela: Sergeant, Collins, Thompson, Healy, Whitford, Irwin, Murray, Lenaghan (Carson), Sofley, McClelland, Burrows.

City Hall on 17th September. Orangefield OB; Taylor – Hardy, Hamilton, Shilliday, Henderson (Tittensor) – Warnock, Dickey, McNaul, Gracey – Arthur, Boyd (Moore). ARMAGH CITY 1 | H&W WELDERS 2 HARLAND and Wolff Welders got back to winning ways, with this narrow victory away to Armagh City at Holm Park. The Welders, remember, were on the back of three successive defeats, at Larne in the Intermediate, at Institute and then home to Lurgan Celtic in the league. This, too, was a re-run of the fixture at the end of January which had to be abandoned around the 70 minute mark because of snow. The score at the time was 1-1, and, up until the dying minutes, it looked as though this would be more of the same, without the snow, obviously! The Welders had slightly the better of the opening exchanges, although Armagh weren’t far away when Stefan Lavery just failed to connect with a Campbell free kick. Noonan, too, nodded a Donnelly free kick just wide to the target. Instead, it was the Shipyardmen who sailed into the lead; Karl Devine heading in a left wing cross. City levelled matters, courtesy of a close range header from Stefan Lavery from a McGerrigan cross, with the Shipyardmen all at sea. It was the Welders, however, who finished the stronger, securing the winner they deserved just a few minutes from time with a low shot from substitute Ethan Boylan. Welders; Dougherty, Dickson, Armstrong (Middleton), Harris, Spence, McMurray, Deans, Davidson, K Devine, S Devine (Boylan), Rainey. Subs (unused) Nixon, Bowers, McMillan.

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ALL ASPECTS OF DOMESTIC PLUMBING PLUS FULL BATHROOM DESIGN SERVICE TO SUIT ALL BUDGETS

Contact John Tel: 07711 808422 or 02890 322189 E: classic.d@ntlworld.com

YOUR LOCAL ROOFING EXPERTS

Es Fr tim ee at es

Belfast Roofing Services

All types of Roofing & Chimney Work Flat Roof Specialists Leadwork Specialists Storm Damage & Insurance Work

TEL: 028 9084 4368

Driveways Paving Decking Drains Unblocked Gardening Services

NO JOB TOO SMALL REASONABLE PRICES CLEAN, NEAT & TIDY WORK TO CUSTOMERS SATISFACTION FREE ESTIMATES & FREE ADVICE

TEL 028 7159 TEL 0289045 9045 7159

Ace Plastering

SMALL JOBS

from

£30

Small ROOM FROM £170 LARGE ROOM FROM £270

•24 HOUR EMERGENCY CALL OUT SERVICE•

PHONE 07864 339333

• • • •

A FACE LIFT

Reliable, Quality Service Central Heating Installation & Repair Natural Gas Installation & Repair

FREE ESTIMATES ALL WORK GUARANTEED

FREE ESTIMATES & OAP DISCOUNTS

JOHN’S POWER WASHING

Painting & Decorating

• 25 years experience • Guarantee

Call Darran 07772 474575

GIVE YOUR ROOMS

MOB: 07739 138577

Tel: 028 9070 2778 Mob: 07718 760499 26 Bapaume Ave, Belfast BT6 9JE

“We make your old room look like new with a fresh coat of plaster”

Call Colin for a FREE quote Tel: 079 5530 0321

HAVE YOUR WINDOWS & DOORS REPAIRED NOT REPLACED REPLACEMENT GLASS NEW HINGES NEW HANDLES NEW LOCKS

NEW DOOR PANELS NEW CILL BOARDS NEW TRIMS NEW SEALS

• PVC windows and doors supplied & fitted. • All joinery work undertaken from floors to doors, fencing to tree houses.

A.G JOINERY

PHONE ALAN FOR A QUOTE NO OBLIGATION

07923 28 75 88 02895 91 20 27

Locally Based

FROM BELFAST TO BANGOR & BEYOND WE’VE FOCUSED OUR VISION ON FIXED FEES SALE £950+VAT | LET £250+VAT NO UPFRONT FEES & INCLUDES FREE EPC

BELFAST 8 GRAND PARADE BELFAST BT5 5HH

DUNDONALD 977 UPPER N’ARDS ROAD DUNDONALD BT16 1RL

BANGOR 25 BRIDGE STREET BANGOR BT20 5AW

028 9070 2999

028 9048 4528

028 9146 5000