East Belfast Life Spring 2014 by Ulster Tatler

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East

Belfast AN ULSTER TATLER PUBLICATION

A FOOTBALLING GIANT

SPURS LEGEND DANNY BLANCHFLOWER WHY I LOVE… DR. DARRIN BARR,

PRINCIPAL OF BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE REVEALS WHY HE LOVES EAST BELFAST WIN!!

A PAIR OF JIMMY CHOO SUNGLASSES IN FOCUS:

GIRO D’ITALIA COMES TO EAST BELFAST ISSN 2050−3849 01 9 772050 384003

Peter Oliver

Gentleman’s Barber / Hairdressing Salon

SPRING/SUMMER 2014 l £2.00 WHERE SOLD

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INTRODUCTION

AN ULSTER TATLER GROUP PUBLICATION ISSUE 5

CONTENTS

WELCOME...

12 Ladies Fashion: East Belfast in Bloom

18 Ulster Rugby: Another electric night at Ravenhill

Welcome to the spring/summer edition of East Belfast Life! In this issue we meet Dr. Darrin Barr, principal of Bloomfield Collegiate to find out what he loves about east Belfast. We also feature profiles with well known personalities to uncover their favourite hotspots in the area. East Belfast has a wealth of history and in this issue local historian Aidan Campell, delves into the colourful past of two of the area’s most well know areas - Sydenham and Belmont. Football legend Danny Blanchflower is without a doubt one of Belfast’s most famous sons. In this edition we look at his rise to fame and how this local boy became such a household name in the world of football. Both locals and visitors to east Belfast are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. In this issue we review one of the area’s popular eateries; Horatio Todd’s. In addition to this we check out some of the new dining spots making their mark in the area - if you are not hungry now, you soon will be! We hope you enjoy our latest issue, and if you know of a story or event in the area that you think should be covered, please feel free to get in touch. - The Editor

CONTACT East Belfast Life ISSN 1745 - 4417 39 Boucher Rd, Belfast BT12 6UT Tel : 028 9066 3311 Fax : 028 9038 1915 Email: eastbelfastlife@ulstertatler.com Ulster Tatler Group accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or the return of unsolicited material.

Building Bridges: The opening of the Sam Thompson Memorial Bridge.

SPOTLIGHT

Football Hero: Danny Blanchflower

FEATURES 02 Why I Love East Belfast - Dr. Darrin Barr, Principal of Bloomfield Collegiate 10 Inside the East Belfast Life Front Cover 20 A Glimpse of the Past - A Look Back at the History of Sydenham and Belmont 22 Profile - Templemore Baths 24 A Life Less Ordinary - Danny Blanchflower 32 On Your Bike - The Giro D’Italia comes to East Belfast 36 Profile - Artist, Tanya Mai Johnston 37 Ice Cool - The Belfast Giants seal another League Title 64 Top of the Class - Profile of Grosvenor Grammar School 64 Motoring Guide - Need a New Car or Work done on your current model? Look no further! 76 Sam Thompson Bridge Opening

12 Female Fashion - In Bloom 27 Competition Time - Win Jimmy Choo Sunglasses 34 Street Smart 40 Female Fashion - Pretty in Pink 46 Harland Youth FC 47 Bloomfield Collegiate Dane to Victory 48 Your Essential Eating Out Guide 54 Restaurant review: Horatio Todd’s 79 East Belfast - Alive with Culture 80 What’s On: Dates For Your Diary

SOCIAL 15 18 28 29 38 42 57 58 60 74

Creating a Storm Stand up for the Ulster Men A Spectacular Showcase Wedding Dresses through the Decades Charity Shop Chic Elliott Morris Testimonial Match Oliver’s Coffee Bar Opening Lagan College Formal Fashion Week comes to East Belfast Jason Hill Testimonial Dinner East BelfastLife 01

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EAST BELFAST : PEOPLE IN PROFILE

DR DARRIN BARR, PRINCIPAL OF BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE SCHOOL TELLS US:

â&#x20AC;&#x153;WHY I LOVE... EAST BELFASTâ&#x20AC;? WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH TO DATE? At school my favourite subjects were Mathematics and Physics so it was almost inevitable that I would study a scientific subject at university. I did a B.Sc. in Chemistry at the Queen's University Belfast, immediately followed by a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry. I spent some time working at Organon, a pharmaceutical research facility close to Glasgow, on drug synthesis before moving to Galen Limited, a growing pharmaceutical company based in Portadown. After working at Galen for two years I realised that my true desire was to teach. After completing a PGCE at Queen's I was appointed to Victoria College Belfast as a Teacher of Chemistry and Mathematics in 1993. I taught at Victoria College for over 17 years and in 2010 I was appointed to my current position of Principal of Bloomfield Collegiate School.

Bloomfield Collegiate is located in Ballyhackamore, the heart of East Belfast. 02 East BelfastLife

HOW DO YOU SPEND A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK? There are many very demanding jobs and I think being a principal is one of them. It is a great privilege to be leading 80 staff and over 700 girls, but it also has its challenges. I usually start work at 8.00am by checking emails and ensuring that any pressing issues left over from the night before are dealt with. Principals deal, on a daily basis, with the whole range of life's rich tapestry from blocked drains to complex and often difficult pastoral issues. Some days I take a whole school assembly at 8.50am. The rest of the day is taken up with meeting parents, talking to girls, answering the endless stream of urgent emails, responding to correspondence and discussing curriculum, self evaluation, finances, health and safety and several other issues with senior managers and other staff. At break or lunch I often sit with staff in the staff room to catch up or just get away from the desk. Some days I will leave early at about 5pm but often I stay late for Board meetings. The greatest pleasure in my job comes from seeing the girls reach their full potential. When I witness the girls

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EAST BELFAST : PEOPLE IN PROFILE

S.D. Bell, Dr. Barr’s favourite spot for coffee.

Astoria Gardens, it is hidden behind a large BT building which used to be the Astoria Cinema. It may be hidden but it is certainly a gem. Bloomfield Collegiate has been going now for 109 years and has been providing a superb level of academic excellence to girls from east Belfast and beyond. Famous old girls include Naomi Long, Christine Bleakley and Joan Lingard. I am immensely proud to be the Principal of the school and I know that it has played a key part in the history of east Belfast and beyond.

The ever popular Horatio Todd’s.

achieving to such excellent standards it puts the problems of the blocked drains into perspective. HOW DO YOU RELAX IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I don't get much spare time because my job keeps me very busy. However, when I do manage to get some time I love nothing more than going into the garden and digging my vegetable patch, cleaning out the pond or pruning the apple trees. WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT WORKING IN EAST BELFAST? I have worked for most of my adult life in south Belfast and coming to the east filled me with some trepidation as I was stepping into an area that I rarely visited. However, I had no need to worry because the people are friendly and very straightforward. I have been welcomed into the wonderful

community of Bloomfield Collegiate School by governors, staff, parents and pupils and this is what makes this area special. It is also a very good area in terms of shops and amenities and the School, situated as it is in Ballyhackamore, is centrally located. WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO SOCIALISE IN EAST BELFAST? WHY? I am a little bit boring (my pupils would probably substitute 'big' for 'little') as I don't really socialise. My idea of a party filled evening is to sit with my wife Judy in front of a BBC 4 foreign detective drama with a cup of tea and concentrate on reading the subtitles for 2 hours WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM IN EAST BELFAST? WHY? Without any hesitation I will say Bloomfield Collegiate School. Even though it is situated on the Upper Newtownards Road at the bottom of

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT/CAFE IN EAST BELFAST? WHY? There are so many great restaurants to choose from but I would say my favourite is Horatio Todd's. The staff are great and the food is excellent. It also happens to be across the street from the front gates of the school so it has an advantage over the rest! I love meeting people in S D Bell for coffee or a lunch. It has an old fashioned charm which owes nothing to the 'Friends' Central Perk culture - a definite bonus. My parents owned a cafe in Ballymena 50 years ago so I have the discerning genes. In the cafe they served the new fangled hot dogs and knickerbocker glories but back then they were called Barrs' Specials. The food in SD's is great and where else would you go for such a great cup of tea or coffee?

“

The people are friendly and very straightforward. I have been welcomed into the wonderful community.

”

East BelfastLife 03

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Jonathan Hall is the proprietor and optometrist at Jonathan Hall Opticians.

Local Family Eyecare

A LOOK AT THE PAST Local author Aidan Campbell recently launched his latest books on Belmont and Sydenham. The launch took place at Hillmount Nurseries in the Castlereagh Hills. Over 100 members of the public came along to meet the author, have their books signed and to hear Aidan talk through aspects of the books, little quirks of local history and show old photos. Extracts and photos from Aidan's latest books are featured on page 20 & 21 of this issue of East Belfast Life.

Jonathan Hall Opticians are ready to look after all your eyecare needs, offering more services than you might expect.

The team at Jonathan Hall Opticians will look after all your contact lens needs.

Our team at Halls Opticians believe that local community eyecare should be a priority in the general wellbeing of all the family. Eye health for all ages is so important, and we have the clinics and support services to help everyone in our community with their eyecare needs.

Full and comprehensive eye tests, along with contact lens clinics, are of course what we do day to day, but we also have a number of specialist clinics that have proved very popular with our patients. Macula screening clinics are well attended, as macular degeneration is the biggest cause of sight loss in the UK for people over 60 years, and early detection is vital. “Eyecare at Home” is our free home visit service for those in the community that can’t get to us for their eye tests. Just call to arrange a home visit and we will do the rest. Dry eye and emergency eyecare clinics are also available. We also welcome all general queries about your eyes. If you have any concerns for yourself or someone you know, don’t hesitate to get in touch. So for all your eyecare needs, contact our friendly professional team on 028 90 705787 today .

jonathan Hall opticians

04 East Belfast Life

6-7 Kings Square Kings Road Belfast BT5 7EA www.hallsopticians.com info@hallsopticians.com Tel: 028 9070 5787

03 01 Lord Brown with Castlereagh Deputy Mayor Cllr. Anne Marie Beattie, author Aidan Campbell, Raymond King and John McClelland. 02 Lord Brown, Aidan Campbell and Robin Mercer. 03 Lord and Lady Brown with Aidan Campbell.

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Contemporary German Kitchens

Tr a d i t i o n a l S o l i d W o o d H a n d p a i n t e d K i t c h e n s

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Neil Robinson is the Dispensing Optician at Jonathan Hall Opticians

See Summer in Style Get the look this summer in the latest prescription sunglasses.

PROFESSIONAL HAIR CARE Peroxide Unisex Salon is located on the Ravenhill Road. The main priority at Peroxide is to offer professional, affordable, luxury hair care. Great pride is taken on the time and money spent on sourcing the very best products for your hair, offering you a service that is nothing but exceptional. From the moment you step foot into the salon you will feel relaxed and at ease, and will leave the salon feeling re-energised with a new form of confidence. Tel: 028 9543 6160 to arrange an appointment.

Ever thought that looking fantastic in prescription sunglasses was unachievable? Well think again! Not just a summer accessory, prescription sunglasses are now seen as a must have for glasses wearers all year round. Eye health is of course a top priority, and we all know how damaging the sun can be on our skin even in a short period of time. Wearing good sunglasses is a great way of cutting out the sunâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harmful rays, and should always be worn in strong to medium sunlight. Polarised prescription sunglasses are also available to eliminate the added problem of glare. Glare is a very familiar problem to many people, especially drivers, and is often overlooked as most people are unaware that there is a solution. So if you have a problem with sun glare ask for polarised lenses. Varifocal lens wearers will be delighted to know that all our sunglasses can be fitted with the very latest varifocal designs to suit all needs. Starting at just ÂŁ99.00 , now is the time to get yourself ready for the sun, so call in and see the all new range today.

onathan Hall

06 East Belfast Life

opticians

6-7 Kings Square Kings Road Belfast BT5 7EA www.hallsopticians.com info@hallsopticians.com Tel: 028 9070 5787

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Richard McNeely is an Optometrist at Jonathan Hall Opticians

Thought you Couldn’t Wear Contact Lenses? Jonathan Hall Opticians will show you just how easy it can be to make the transition from glasses to contact lenses

NEW ARRIVAL AT BELFAST CITY AIRPORT Passengers in Northern Ireland will once again be able to avail of direct flights to Doncaster-Sheffield Airport thanks to a new arrival at George Best Belfast City Airport. The service between Belfast City Airport and Robin Hood Doncaster-Sheffield Airport will be operated by UK regional airline, LinksAir, and will commence on Friday 11th April 2014. The new airline was welcomed to Northern Ireland by Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister, Arlene Foster, who said: “The re-establishment of the air link between Belfast and Sheffield is great news for Northern Ireland. It not only strengthens our own access to the north of England and the greater east midlands, but also makes it easier for people to get to Northern Ireland for business or a holiday. Belfast City Airport transported over 2.5 million passengers in 2013, making it one of the busiest years in their history, and I look forward to working with the airport and its airline partners as we welcome more visitors to the region throughout 2014.” Ellie McGimpsey, Business Development Manager at Belfast City Airport, said: “I am thrilled to announce that a frequent connection to Sheffield will once again available for passengers in Northern Ireland. The popular route has been missed in recent years by both leisure and business passengers alike. With Belfast City Airport just minutes from Belfast City Centre and Doncaster-Sheffield Airport located less than an hour’s drive from cities such as York, Sheffield, and Hull, this new connection provides passengers with quick, direct access to the east midlands.

“Wearing contacts has changed my life and I can't thank Jonathan Hall and his staff enough.” Glasses wearers would often say to us that they are not suitable for contacts, without even trying them. I suppose there is the fear of the unknown, and the thought of putting something in your eye that is quite off putting. Modern advances in technology mean that there is almost no visual requirement that cannot be met with the correct contact lens, no matter what the age group or prescription. As for comfort, they are hardly detectable once on the eye , and can be worn for longer than ever before. There are obvious reasons why contact are a great idea, sports activities and socialising are often top of the list. In general they just give you the option of not wearing glasses, for whatever reason you might have.

At Belfast City Airport, we regularly invest in our own facilities to enhance the customer experience and will continue to work closely with our partner airlines to develop our already strong route network and ensure connectivity to key UK and European destinations.” For more information about the routes operated from Belfast City Airport please visit www.belfastcityairport.com

Kay was a recent client with us and this is her story: “I had an eye test with Jonathan Hall where I was hoping to buy yet another pair of designer glasses! During the eye test Jonathan suggested contact lenses would be great for me but I told him there was no way as I was very squeamish about my eyes. I had tried over the years with no success, so I had accepted that I couldn't wear contacts. To my astonishment Jonathan was able to put the contacts in for me even though I was very nervous! I literally couldn't believe my eyes and after two short appointments with Carole (who was lovely and very patient) I was able to get them in and out myself. This just amazed me and I felt quite emotional. Wearing contacts has changed my life and I can't thank Jonathan Hall and his staff enough. Believe me if I can wear contacts anybody can!” Phone or call in to book your FREE contact lens experience.

jonathan Hall opticians

08 East Belfast Life

6-7 Kings Square Kings Road Belfast BT5 7EA www.hallsopticians.com info@hallsopticians.com Tel: 028 9070 5787

Sinéad Murray, Co-operative Marketing Manager at Tourism Ireland; Anne McMullan, Director of Marketing and Communications at Visit Belfast; and Ellie McGimpsey.

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CREDITS Photographer: ckstone Andrew Vaughan of Bla Media media.co.uk Email: info@blackstone Tel: 077 9926 8531 Make-up: Jessica Mckee Hair stylist: Peter Oliver ressing Salon Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber/Haird Rd ds nar tow 223 Upper New om s.c ver oli ter .pe www Web: Tel: 02890 671058

Peter Oliver

Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Barber / Hairdressing Salon

Clothes: Blue Inc tre Connswater Shopping Cen uk co. nc. uei Web: www.bl Tel: 028 9508 6068 Venue: Park Avenue Hotel 158 Holywood Rd l.co.uk Web: www.parkavenuehote 0 652 5 Tel: 028 906 Models: ry Wang Katie Waddell and Har

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EAST BELFAST : FASHION

In Bloom

SPRING ALWAYS BRINGS WITH IT AN ARRAY OF FRESH BLOOMS! THIS SEASON WE’RE COVETING THE RETURN OF THE BLOOMING MARVELLOUS FLORAL FASHION TREND.

04 03

01 McQ embroidered grey sweater, £195; Untold floral prom dress, £115; Dickins & Jones bird print scarf, £30 (House of Fraser). 02 Floral clutch, £29.50 (Marks & Spencer). 03 Daisy necklace, £25 (River Island). 04 Isabeau jacket; Monny skirt, £129; Peree belt, £55 (Ted Baker). 05 Autograph top; Autograph trousers, £45; necklace, £15; bag, £29.50; shoes, £19.50 (Marks & Spencer). 06 Ted Baker floral tote bag, £109 (House of Fraser). 07 Betty Jackson Black floral top, £39 (Debenhams). 08 Autograph top, £79; Autograph trouser, £79; earrings, £7.50; necklaces, £15 & £29.50; shoes, £35 (Marks & Spencer). 12 East BelfastLife

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20/02/2014 00:13

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Party People @ Horatio Toddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

It was another busy night on the Upper Newtownards Road as East Belfast Life visited Horatio Toddâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s. A variety of events including a 30th birthday party, ensured all in attendance enjoyed a fantastic evening.

06 01. Andy and Fiona Patterson. 02. Carolyn Lowry and and Sara King. 03. Molly Mooney and Mary O'Neill. 04. Sarah Holmans, Hannah McCauley and Siobhan McCormack 05. Susan Craig, Tracy Frew and Sarah Lappin. 06. Ashleigh Cochrane, Sarah Hughes, Blaen Blackburn, Emma Davey and Suzanne Tollerton. 07. Nicole Warren, Lesley Jordan, James Robb and Carrie Whittaker. 08. Tracy Hunter, Paula Lindsay and Judith Davidson.

08 14 East BelfastLife

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Victoria Close perfect for First Time Buyers Fairbuild - good for the homebuyer, better for the environment Victoria Close, Sydenham is a stylish development of detached and semidetached three bedroom homes situated within the heart of a popular residential area. It is close to Sydenham suburban rail link, providing convenient access to all that Belfast as a vibrant and growing city has to offer. At Fairbuild we want to embrace and fulfil the home buyer’s expectations and requirements. Each new home is designed to take full advantage of natural light so as to create an airy and bright living environment. The master bedroom has its own ensuite shower room, whilst on the ground floor there is a wooden floored reception hall and living room. To the rear is a superb living space with high quality open plan kitchen finished in a

style of your choice from our specially crafted and selected kitchen range. The living space is complete with patio doors which leads you naturally out to your own garden. Fairbuild is keen to establish new standards for sustainable and affordable living with homes which really do offer a great deal extra for families and those starting out on the property ladder. Each home is insulated throughout to the latest energy efficiency standards and includes solar and gas powered hot water and central heating. With a lower energy specification your running costs are effectively reduced from the outset. This means that you have more money in your pocket to spend on everyday living expenses.

“

...Victoria Close, Sydenham is a modern contemporary development of energy efficient homes guaranteed to give you lower running costs.

...Each home will have an exceptional turnkey specification allowing you to create your own attractive living space...

”

For further details contact our sales agent Templeton Robinson Telephone: 028 9051 7604 or e-mail us at sales@fairbuild.co.uk

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Creating a Storm Storm in a Teacup recently held an event to launch its fabulous cafe/bistro. Housed in a beautiful granite building, which was designed by renowned architect, Sir Arnold Thornley and located within the grounds of Stormont estate, guests were treated to canapes and refreshments in the quaint dining room.

07 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.

08 16 East Belfast Life

7. 8.

Liz Smyth, Eleanor Johnston and Carole Newell. John and Margaret Collinson. Michael and Ruth Hamill. Christopher Boyd serves up some delicios treats. Jessica Matthew and Mervyn McKane. Joan Savage, Betty and Denis Wilson and Lorna Donaldson. Philip Patterson, Vanessa Newell and Geoff Baird. Storm in a Teacup.

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Stand up for the Ulster Men Ravenhill came alive as fans packed the famous venue for the recent Heineken Cup Quarter Final against Saracens. The atmosphere created in the ground reverberated around east Belfast as the crowd roared their team on. Unfortunately it was not enough to bring victory, as Ulster just came up short - losing a pulsating game by just 2 points (17-15).

18 East BelfastLife

07 1. Ivor Long, Sandra Davison and John Gibson. 2. Pat McGarry, Stephen Shaw, Peter Dickson, Paul McGuire and Stephen Cullen. 3. Clive and Neil McCone. 4. Ian Dowds and Susan Kirkpatrick. 5. Geraldine Doherty and Joanne Davies. 6. Darren Scott, Gareth Brady and Cormac O'Toole. 7. Charlie Stewart and Gareth Corrie. 8. Lisa Gilchrist, Iain Haldane and Denise Salters.

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

9. Michael Bennett, Alan Baillie, Glen Bailie and Simon Aldred. 10. Stephen Shaw, Graham Thompson, Philip Miley, Emmanuel Butler and Peter Dickson. 11. Ian Hamilton, Evelyn Finlay, Susie Hamilton and Richard Finlay. 12. Alison Wallace and Ruth Cave. 13. Michael Doggart and Ross Vaughan. 14. Rosie Seymour and Chris Seymour. 15. Mark Gillespie and Calvin Adams. 16. Craig McCoo, Josh McCoo and Stephen Donnelly. East BelfastLife 19

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EAST BELFAST : HISTORY

AN ILLUSTRATED HISTORY ‘SYDENHAM’ AND ‘BELMONT’ ARE THE LATEST LOCAL HISTORY BOOKS COVERING AREAS OF EAST BELFAST BY AUTHOR AIDAN CAMPBELL. ‘Sydenham’ and ‘Belmont’ are best described as spoken and illustrated history books featuring old photographs telling how the areas have developed over the past 150 years or so. Each book takes the form of a journey along an arterial route in East Belfast, examining how and when the area developed - What were the factors and people behind the transformation of a

largely rural into an urban landscape? There are old photographs of places, events and people, shops, workplaces, businesses, houses, roads, railways, schools, churches, social groups, buses, trams and railways. ‘Sydenham’ examines the development of the area from the Holywood Arches to Gelston’s Corner, Holywood Road, Connsbrook Avenue and Victoria Park.

The cover photograph of ‘Sydenham’ shows the grand church of St. Mark's Dundela which is located on Holywood Road at the junction with Sydenham Avenue and stands in a prominent position on the slopes of Bunker’s Hill, where its 150 feet bell-tower provides a very conspicuous landmark. The foundation stone of St Mark’s church was laid in 1873 with consecration in 1878. The name Sydenham only came into use in 1854. Unlike other areas of East Belfast such as Ballyhackamore, Knock and Cregagh (which are all townlands) the name does not relate to a physical geographical feature or historical background. The name of the fashionable London suburb was chosen by James Entwisle. He was a speculative builder who lived in a large house called Aspenville on Holywood Road and developed much of Sydenham as a residential area with a grander sounding name than Strandtown. The name of Horatio Todd is well known now-a-days as a restaurant at Ballyhackamore but the actual Horatio Todd had established his pharmacy (pictured) at 72 Holywood Road in 1906. His range of preparations included perfumes, pills, stomach powders, cough mixtures, ointments, tonics and animal remedies. Sydenham station on the Belfast and County Down Railway line to Holywood was opened in 1848 and originally named Ballymisert Halt, after the surrounding townland. In this 1920 view of Sydenham station (pictured above) the level crossing led over to a sandy beach which later became the site of Sydenham Aerodrome - now known as ‘George Best Belfast City Airport’. All the buildings in sight including the signal cabin have been demolished. The waiting room on the city-bound line (right) used to have a coal fire burning to keep people warm on a winter’s day. It also had a hatch where customers could buy tickets and occasionally, if there was too much noise, the hatch would suddenly open and a voice would say ‘keep the noise down!’ ‘Belmont’ takes the form of a

20 East Belfast Life

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EAST BELFAST : HISTORY Sydenham station in 1920.

Belmont Tower.

The stunning Craig family residence, ‘’Craigavon’.

constructed in 1863 as a ‘Chapel of Ease’ for the local Church of Ireland congregation before St. Mark’s Dundela was consecrated in 1878. The electric tram traction poles were installed after electrification of the horse drawn tram system in 1905. Belmont Tower (pictured) was built in 1890 and originally known as the Ferguson Memorial School. It was sponsored by Robert Ferguson, a member of the congregation of Belmont Presbyterian Church and a wealthy retailer who lived at a grand villa called Sydenham House, near Gelston’s Corner. He had the school constructed in memory of his late wife.

“There are old photographs of places, events and people, shops, workplaces, businesses, houses, roads, railways, schools, churches, social groups, buses, trams and railways.” journey along Belmont Road from Gelston’s Corner, past Clonallon, Ormiston and Campbell College to Massey Avenue and the back gates of Stormont Parliament Buildings. There are also detours taking in Glenmachan, the Old Holywood Road, Redburn and finishing at Palace Barracks.

The old Strandtown National School.

In 1880 Hugh Gelston, resident of Strandtown, was a grocer and publican and his premises were known as ‘The Corner’. The old Strandtown National School (pictured) moved to spacious new premises on North Road in 1931. The school building had been

Horatio Todd’s in its initial guise.

Designed in the Gothic Revivalist style with a distinctive square open belfried tower, the architect was Vincent Craig, elder brother of future Northern Ireland Prime Minister, Sir James Craig. The Craig family residence, ‘Craigavon’(pictured) is located on Circular Road. The house was built in 1870 for James Craig, the father of Captain James Craig (First Prime Minister of Northern Ireland). Craigavon was offered as a hospital to be used for the treatment of sick and wounded soldiers during WW1. A hospital wing was officially opened on the 21st July 1917.

Aidan Campbell has previously published 7 East Belfast local history books entitled ‘Beaconsfield’, ‘Knock’, ‘Cherryvalley’, ‘Gilnahirk’, ‘Castlereagh’, ‘Cregagh’ and ‘Stormont’. He regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books retail at £10 and are available from Hillmount Garden Centre,Gilnahirk and Marie Curie Hospice with profits donated to local charity. East Belfast Life 21

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EAST BELFAST : SPOTLIGHT The famous Templemore Baths.

AN EAST BELFAST INSTITUTION

IN THE SHADOW OF SAMSON AND GOLIATH SITS ONE OF EAST BELFAST’S GEMS OF VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE. TEMPLEMORE AVENUE PUBLIC BATHS AND SWIMMING POOLS WERE BUILT AS ONE OF FOUR PUBLIC BATHS IN THE CITY DURING THE LATE 1800’S.

one of its major users, Templemore Aquatics Sports Club, the Committee has ambitions plans for the Centre. These plans require a significant injection of funding. If successful the Centre will renovate into one of the most important buildings in terms of heritage, leisure and community in the whole of Belfast.

In the highly industrialised area of East Belfast the baths were primarily intended to meet hygiene and public sanitary needs of the community where occupants of surrounding small terraced houses did not necessarily have the benefit of personal washing and bathing facilities.

If you would like to be kept up to date on developments, become involved or would like more details on the facilities for your own leisure use please email info@templemorebaths.org.uk or telephone the Centre on 90457540.

Opened in 1893 the baths and pools have served over five generations representing thousands of people in the community. Men from the shipyard who worked on the Titanic, along with men and women from the Sirocco and Mills came for their Friday evening bath before going to the dance halls. Both actor James Ellis and soccer star George Best also used the pools. Now known as Templemore Swim & Fitness Centre the building was saved from closure in the early 1980’s by a voluntary committee. One of the 25 yard pools is still in operation. In addition the Centre also has a fully equipped gym, sauna and steamroom. In partnership with Belfast City Council and 22 East Belfast Life

A plaque commemorating the iconic Baths, which opened in 1893.

CALLING ALL USERS OF TEMPLEMORE BATHS Templemore Avenue Public Baths and Swimming Pools would like to ask local families who have used the Baths for several generations to contribute their stories to a dissertation project by Lorna Milligan, who is currently studying a Masters in Applied Digital Media. By making a documentary Lorna hopes to reflect on how integral the Baths currently are, and have been in the past, to the local community. Participation will involve a short filmed interview where a couple of members of your family are invited to chat informally with Lorna about their life experience and tell stories relating to their use of the Baths.

PLEASE CONTACT LORNA DIRECTLY AT LMILL@LIVE.IE OR CALL HER ON 07544251298 IF YOU ARE INTERESTED. YOU CAN ALSO LEAVE A NOTE FOR HER AT THE BATH HOUSE, THE OLD CARETAKER'S HOME BEHIND THE POOL AT 4 GLENMORE AVENUE, WHICH IS AN ART SPACE DEVELOPED BY PRIME COLLECTIVE THAT LORNA WILL HAVE ACCESS TO OVER THE COMING MONTHS. The Baths also act as a local art and music venue.

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Templemore Swim & Fitness Centre 96 Templemore Avenue, Belfast www.templemorebaths.org.uk Tel: 028 9045 7540

IN THE POOL Public Swims

8AM T0 10PM

IN THE FITNESS SUITE

lmprover classes Children & Adult

Full Range of Top Equipment Free Weights Room

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Swimming - Leisure - Fitness Check out our Prices - Daily Membership Options

For All Age Groups

1893 - TEMPLEMORE BATHS - 2013 Celebrating our 120th Year and our 30th Anniversary of Community Management Come Along and Visit the Centre - Be Our Guest

By Templemore Users Trust

Have a Free Swim - Building Tour - Gym Workout

CHECK WEBSITE OR TELEPHONE FOR FULL DETAILS & TIMES

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EAST BELFAST : FAMOUS SONS

THE GAME IS ABOUT GLORY EAST BELFAST BORN DANNY BLANCHFLOWER CAPTAINED NORTHERN IRELAND AND SPURS DURING THEIR MOST SUCCESSFUL PERIODS. EAST BELFAST LIFE LOOKS BACK AT THE LIFE OF A REMARKABLE MAN AND FOOTBALLER

A MAVERICK Robert Dennis ‘Danny’ Blanchflower was born on 10th February 1926 in Bloomfield, East Belfast, and went on to become one of Northern Ireland’s most famous and influential footballers. If the 21st century throws up a more original, eloquent, freethinking football man than Danny Blanchflower, then we are all in for a treat. The intellectual East Belfast man played the game as inspiringly as he spoke about it, making him a rare commodity in the game. 24 East Belfast Life

EARLY BELFAST DAYS Son of a shipyard working father and a mother who played centre forward for a women's team in Belfast, Danny attended Ravenscroft School and was awarded a scholarship to Belfast College of Technology. Leaving his studies early to work as an apprentice electrician at Gallahers cigarette factory in the city, it was the first of a number of maverick decisions that marked his career. In 1943 Danny lied about his age to join the RAF. As a trainee navigator he was sent on a course to St

Andrew’s University and in the spring of 1945 was posted to Canada for further training. By the end of1945 he was back in Belfast and building a reputation as an outstanding footballer.

THE START OF A GREAT CAREER Upon the resumption of football after World War II in 1945, Danny joined Glentoran, whilst still working at Gallahers. He was spotted by Barnsley, who paid £6,500 to bring the versatile midfielder to England in 1949.

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EAST BELFAST : FAMOUS SONS East Belfast legends: Danny Blanchflower and George Best.

Up for the Cup: Danny captained Spurs to win the 1961 FA Cup Final, which helped clinch a remarkable ‘Double’.

appearances for the Birmingham side. As was becoming the norm, Blanchflower’s spell at Villa Park was not without incident. He became disenchanted with the unimaginative, inflexible tactics employed at the club and, in his typically outspoken manner, made his feelings known. In 1954 Danny left Aston Villa to move to Tottenham Hotspur, who had outbid their fierce rivals Arsenal for Blanchflower’s coveted signature. The move would prove to be the making of Blanchflower as a player, as he went on to have his greatest spell in football, both at domestic and international level.

Danny was a Spurs icon.

Never one to shy away from expressing himself, Danny encountered early problems at Barnsley. He had a difference of opinion about the lack of practice with the ball in training and fell out with his manager, Angus Seed. Despite these problems Blanchflower did well for his new club, which helped him win the first of his 56 Northern Ireland caps, and attracted the attention of the more fashionable Aston Villa, whom he joined in 1951. At the age of 25, and maturing into a very fine player, Danny seemed ready-made for stardom.

FROM VILLAIN TO HOTSPUR Danny made his Aston Villa debut in March 1951 and would go on to make 155

EARNING HIS SPURS At White Hart Lane Danny was managed by Arthur Rowe, whose Spurs side of the early 1950s was in need of rebuilding. Together the two men set about the task of creating a team in a traditionally stylish Tottenham mould, but the partnership was split when illness forced Rowe's retirement in 1955. The new Spurs manager, Jimmy Anderson, though he made Blanchflower his captain, was not on the same wavelength and the pair clashed after Blanchflower made tactical changes during an FA Cup semifinal and the side lost. 1958 - A YEAR TO REMEMBER Despite being deprived of the captaincy at Spurs, Blanchflower grew ever more influential and in 1957-58 completed what was arguably his most brilliant individual campaign.

The season finished with undoubtedly Danny’s greatest ever achievement on the international stage, when he captained Northern Ireland to the last eight of the World Cup in Sweden. For football fans of a certain age 1958 will be remembered for two reasons - Northern Ireland’s best ever showing at a World Cup, and tragically the Munich air disaster. The accident claimed 23 lives including 8 of Manchester United’s legendary ‘Busby Babes’. One of the United players to survive the crash was Danny’s brother, Jackie Blanchflower. Although Jackie miraculously survived the crash, injuries sustained in the accident forced him to retire from football, and miss the 1958 World Cup - creating much speculation as to how much further Northern Ireland could have went in the tournament with the two Blanchflowers in the team. Deservedly, Danny was named Footballer of the Year for the 1957-58 season (an award he would win again in 1961), capping quite a remarkable year for Blanchflower and his family. AT THE DOUBLE Blanchflower struggled during the 1958-59 season and eventually lost his place in the Spurs side. Danny waited a while before putting in a transfer request, which Bill Nicholson strongly resisted and eventually denied. It was a masterstroke by Nicholson, as Blanchflower eventually worked his way back into the team and was reinstalled as captain - which worked to wonderful effect. East Belfast Life 25

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EAST BELFAST : FAMOUS SONS With Blanchflower as captain Spurs won their first 11 games of the 1960-61 season and eventually won the league by 8 points. They then beat Leicester City in the final of the FA Cup to become the first team in the 20th century to win the League and FA Cup double. In 1962, he again captained the Spurs team to victory in the FA Cup (scoring a penalty in the final against Burnley), and Spurs only narrowly missed out on a second double when they finished a close third in the league behind Ipswich Town and Burnley. In 1963 he captained the North London side to victory over Atlético Madrid in the final of the European Cup Winners' Cup - making Spurs the first British side to win a European trophy. THE END OF A GLITTERING CAREER By this time, Blanchflower was at the veteran stage, often playing through the pain of a debilitating knee injury, but his overall contribution seemed ever more important. By now he was taking an increasingly prominent role in training and as liaison between manager and players. When a combination of injury and age (he was 38) forced him to quit in 1964 Tottenham lost a guiding light.

MADE FOR THE MEDIA After coaching at Spurs for a few years after his retirement, Blanchflower would eventually go into management, taking charge of Northern Ireland and briefly running a poor Chelsea team at the end of the 70s. But his outspoken nature, character and intellect would lead to Danny having a great career in the media - he wrote for The Sunday Express until 1988, and

Danny Blanchflower prepares to captain Northern Ireland against England in 1959.

26 East Belfast Life

Danny Blanchflower Stadium in East Belfast.

commentated regularly for Yorkshire TV and for games in the North American Football League. He even starred in a 1984 Channel 4 Film called "Those Glory, Glory Days" about four Spurs mad schoolgirls in the early 1960s.

Holywood Road giving future Northern Ireland football stars a place to play the game they love. Philip McLaughlin

A true Northern Ireland and Spurs legend, who was not afraid to tell it how it was, Danny Blanchflower sadly passed away in December 1993. EAST BELFAST LEGACY ‘Football is about glory,’ Blancflower once said. ‘It is about doing things in style and with a flourish,’ Danny lived these words each day of his career and he will never be forgotten by football fans (he was ranked as the greatest Spurs player of all time in 2009 by The Times). Indeed his name lives on today in East Belfast, with the Danny Blanchflower Stadium on the

Danny Blanchflower was part of the 1996 set of British Football Legends stamps from the Royal Mail.

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EAST BELFAST : SPOTLIGHT

COMPETITION TIME...

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East Belfast Life and Jonathan Hall Opticians are offering all our readers the opportunity to win an amazing pair of Jimmy Choo sunglasses - and entering the competition could not be simpler - there isn’t even a question to answer. All you need to do is visit the Jonathan Hall Opticians website (www.hallsopticians.com) and enter your details.

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East Belfast Life 27

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

A SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE

Some of Northern Irelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top emerging fashion and musical talent showcased their skills at the recent Unify Fashion Showcase in Parliament Buildings, Stormont. Guests at the event, which was supported by Basil McCrea MLA and hosted by Alan Simpson, enjoyed a spectacular fashion showcase, live music and a DJ set, in the opulent Stormont surroundings.

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08 28 East BelfastLife

08.

Christopher and Linda O'Reilly. Chris and Patricia McIlroy. Rodney Brown and Olivia Crowe. Viktoriya Herman and Natasha Stewart. Stephen and Melanie Bond. Deborah Berne and Gordon Donaldson. Rachel Gordon, Edna Rodriguez, Basil McCrea MLA and Ashley Murray. Bernie and Michael Currie, Patricia and John Phillips.

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Wedding Dresses Through the Decades Cregagh Presbyterian Church recently hosted a unique event showcasing Wedding Dresses Through the Decades. With gowns dating back as far as 1953 right up until the present day, the large crowd in attendance were able to witness just how much the style of wedding dresses has evolved over the years. Photographs by Murray Dalzell.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

08 Anna Spiers wearing Jean Brown’s wedding dress from 1953. Stephanie Carson wearing Elaine Molyneaux’s wedding dress from 1987. Emma McCluskey wearing Wilma McCluskey’s wedding dress from 1991. Emma Platt wearing Dawn Johnston’s wedding dress from 1995. Gillian Simons wearing her own dress from her wedding in 2001. Anna Spiers wearing Janet McConagle’s wedding dress from 2009. Gail McNair wearing her own dress from her wedding in 2013. Leading the Bridal Encore is Rachel Sheppard wearing Anne Sheppard’s wedding dress from 1960. East Belfast Life 29

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.. . g in t o V t IES R e O G G r TE Yea CA

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Voting Form

How to vote It's simple, just pick the category and the company/person you want to vote for, following the guidelines below. Just remember that we are looking for local companies/people who have made a significant contribution to life in Northern Ireland and you can vote for as many categories as you want.

CATEGORIES

WHO YOUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE VOTING FOR

1 Fashion Boutique of the Year

2 Interiors Store of the Year

3 Hairdressing Salon of the Year

Get voting and be in with a chance of winning two great prizes.

4 Beauty Salon/Spa of the Year

5 Cosmetic Practice/Clinic of the Year

TERMS AND CONDITIONS You can vote for as many or as few categories as you wish but you can only vote once in each category either by post or online. If you are voting by post you must forward an original page from the Ulster Tatler. Photocopied applications forms will not be accepted.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MIDNIGHT ON THURSDAY 3RD JULY 2014 A shortlist for each category will be published in the August edition of Ulster Tatler. An independent judging panel will then decide on the winner for each category. Please note that the decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into. If you are voting for someone in categories 1 to 10, all you need to do is let us know the name of the person you are voting for, along with their company name and contact details, where appropriate. For categories 11 to 13 in addition to their name, contact details and category, please forward a short statement (maximum 500 words) on a separate sheet on why the person should win. Whoever you vote for must be from Northern Ireland or based here. All short listed nominees must be prepared to take part in pre and post show event publicity. In order for your vote to count you must fill in all your contact details.

6 Restaurant of the Year

7 Hotel of the Year

8 Charity of the Year

9 Sports Person of the Year

10 Celebrity of the Year

11 New Business Start up of the Year (plus 500 words max on why they should win on a separate sheet)

12 Business Woman of the Year (plus 500 words max on why they should win on a separate sheet)

13 Business Man of the Year (plus 500 words max on why they should win on a separate sheet)

Post your nomination form or go online: Ulster Tatler Awards, Ulster Tatler, 39 Boucher Road, Belfast, BT12 6HR Tel 028 90663311 Online: ulstertatler.com

YOUR DETAILS Name: Address: Postcode: Daytime Tel: Mobile: Email: Signed:

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EAST BELFAST : SPORT MATTERS

BENVENUTI TO EAST BELFAST CYCLING SUPERSTARS WILL SOON BE PEDALLING THEIR WAY THROUGH EAST BELFAST AS ONE OF THE BIGGEST EVENTS IN SPORTS COMES TO NORTHERN IRELAND East Belfast will play host to the opening stages of the Giro d’Italia in May this year. This annual multiple stage bicycle race is primarily held in Italy and along with the Tour de France and Vuelta a España, the Giro makes up cycling’s prestigious, three week-long Grand Tours. The Grande Partenza or ‘Big Start’ of the Giro d’Italia will take place over three days from 9 11 May 2014 and involves routes in East Belfast, around the stunning Causeway Coast and Armagh before moving on to Dublin. The Giro is expected to attract around 42,000 visitors to Northern Ireland as well as a global audience of 775m, who will tune in to watch the cyclists compete along three spectacular routes. Enterprise Minister Arlene Foster is excited about the arrival of the Giro and praised the decision to bring the race to Northern Ireland; "The clock is now ticking as we prepare to host one of the world's greatest sporting events. We have fantastic plans in place to welcome over 200 top professional cyclists from across the globe. 32 East Belfast Life

Former Giro winner Stephen Roche.

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EAST BELFAST : SPORT MATTERS

The pink jersey is the symbol of the Giro d’Italia and is awarded to the winner.

Make the most of the Giro d’Italia passing through East Belfast It will be a once-in-a- lifetime opportunity for many local people to witness sporting stars in competition on their doorsteps," said Minister Foster. Irish cycling legend Stephen Roche, one of only two cyclists to win the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia and the World Road Race Championship – said Northern Ireland was in for a true sporting treat. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, Stephen said: "The towns and cities, famous landmarks and natural beauty of Northern Ireland will be seen by millions on TV over the three days of fierce competition but the warmth and hospitality of the people here will take centre stage as they welcome visitors from across the world and line the route in their thousands to cheer on the riders." There will be three days of pre-race celebrations in Belfast, followed by the spectacular opening stages in Northern Ireland before racing from Armagh to Dublin. After the opening three stages the cyclists will fly from Dublin to continue the race in Italy.

ON FRIDAY, MAY 9TH THE RACE WILL START AT TITANIC BELFAST BEFORE MAKING ITS WAY TO STORMONT ESTATE AND FINISHING AT BELFAST CITY HALL. SPECTATORS CAN WATCH RIDERS WARM UP AND MECHANICS WORK ON THEIR BIKES AT THE GIRO TEAM PADDOCKS AT TITANIC BELFAST. THIS IS WHERE FANS CAN GET VERY CLOSE TO THE RIDERS DURING THEIR WARM-UP AND WILL GIVE SPECTATORS A GREAT UNDERSTANDING OF WHAT GOES INTO THE TEAM TIME TRIAL. ONCE THE RACE HAS STARTED AT 5.45PM, IT WILL BE POSSIBLE TO WATCH SOME TEAMS MOVE OFF BEFORE WALKING THE SHORT DISTANCE TO CITY HALL TO SEE THE TEAMS FINISH. ALTERNATIVELY, SPECTATORS AT STORMONT ESTATE CAN SEE THE RIDERS AT THE MOST DIFFICULT PART OF THE TEAM TIME TRIAL COURSE. THE RISE UP TO STORMONT WILL TEST RIDERS, AND THE ESTATE IS PUTTING ON BIG SCREENS AND OTHER ACTIVITIES TO ENSURE A FESTIVAL ATMOSPHERE. THE ROUTE WILL ALSO SEE THE RIDERS PASS THROUGH AREAS OF EAST BELFAST INCLUDING HOLYWOOD ARCHES, NEWTOWNARDS ROAD AND BALLYHACKAMORE - SO THERE WILL BE AMPLE OPPORTUNITY TO LINE THE STREETS AND CHEER ON YOUR FAVOURITES.

East Belfast Life 33

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EAST BELFAST : FASHION

StreetSmart... East Belfast Life hits Connswater Shopping Centre to check out what’s hot in the style stakes

Gillian Jones, Grandmother Where did you get the outfit you’re wearing today? My top is from Bank, jeans from New Look and shoes from Clark’s.

What are your favourite high street shops and designers? I don’t reallly have a favourite. If i like something that i see in the window i will go and have a nosy.

How much would you spend on clothes each month? I can’t say, my husband might be reading this.

What has been your worst ever fashion mistake? You shouldn’t wear leggings without a long top when you are over 40.

Who are the best and worst dressed celebrities? I like Amanda Holden’s style. I don’t really like Rita Ora’s taste.

34 East Belfast Life

What has been your best bargain? Maybe not an item, but a place. TK Maxx is full of great bargains.

Serena Caddell, Classroom Assistant Where did you get the outfit you’re wearing today? The shoes are from New look, the jeans are from Topshop, I don’t know where my blouse is from, but my kimono is from Tesco.

What are your favourite high street shops and designers? I love Topshop, H&M and raiding charity shops. Although it sounds better if you call it vintage hunting.

How much would you spend on clothes each month? I would normally spend around about £50 a month on clothes.

What has been your worst ever fashion mistake? I wore a blouse and a tie. I thought it looked really cool, but really it looked just like a school uniform.

Who are the best and worst dressed celebrities? I think the best are Nicole Ritchie and Fern Cotton. I really don’t like Amy Child’s style. I like her though.

What has been your best bargain? I found a Burberry coat in a charity shop for £4.

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EAST BELFAST : SPOTLIGHT

Margey’s Spring 2014 Exhibitions Kilrea based artist Adrian Margey kick starts his 2014 exhibition series with two major solo exhibitions. The Killyhevlin Hotel Enniskillen will host the first sale of work over Easter Weekend: Saturday 19th – Monday 21st April. This will be followed by his annual one man show at the Ramada Hotel Portrush over the May Bank Holiday Weekend: Friday 2nd – Monday 5th May. Visitors to the exhibitions will enjoy a wide variety of Adrian’s distinctive work, which depicts Northern Ireland’s landscape, iconic landmarks and musical traditions. The artist’s exhibitions are lively, energising events and his use of colour and texture give his work an over-riding sense of positivity. Many take these exhibitions as an opportunity to meet the artist and to discuss commissioning an original piece for their home. We all have favourite places which hold special memories for us. Adrian is renowned for working with his clients to capture these on canvas and to deliver a finished piece which will suit their space. For more information on the exhibitions or commissioning an original piece, check out www.adrianmargey.com or telephone the studio on 028 7941 8087 / 078 4159 3762.

1) Playing on Portstewart Strand.

2) Belfast’s Jewel. 3) H&W.

4) Waterfront Reflections Belfast.

5) Whiterocks Portrush.

PETE FLANAGAN

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EAST BELFAST : PEOPLE IN PROFILE intention to never lift a paintbrush again. However, last year after being made redundant she started drawing again. She drew one picture and just kept on going. Tanya has now painted and drawn over 150 pictures, and after putting some of her work on Facebook, people started buying them. This success inspired Tanya to start her own business ‘Mai Art’ (Mai being her middle name). Tanya’s distinctive artistic technique, which she calls 'Bendy Style’ was inspired by a visit to Amsterdam a few years ago: “I loved and was fascinated by the buildings 'leaning' over and looking like they were talking to each other,” said Tanya. “They were so popular on Facebook, so in November 2013 I held my first ever Mai Art Exhibition. This went very well and I was relieved as I thought no one would come to it, never mind buying anything!” The popularity of her work and the success of the exhibition has brought Tanya’s work to a wider audience, but she still has high ambitions: “Now I sell to a few retailers in Belfast and Holywood, however, I would love to get my work out there to other places. I have finished my series of Bendy Belfast Drawings and now I am about to begin a series of Bendy Dublin Buildings and a series of National Trust properties and a series of Churches and Cathedrals around Ireland.

STYLE AND SUBSTANCE EAST BELFAST LIFE CHATS TO LOCAL ARTIST TANYA MAI JOHNSTON WHO TELLS US ALL ABOUT HER EXTRAORDINARY LIFE STORY Tanya Mai Johnston lives and works as an artist in East Belfast. Originally from Vietnam, her journey from Asia to Northern Ireland is an extraordinary story that wouldn’t look out of place in a Hollywood movie. Born in Vietnam, Saigon in 1974, Tanya lived in an orphanage for a short while. In 1975 Tanya, and 98 other orphans were so severely ill that The Daily Mail intervened and had them airlifted to London for emergency medical treatment. Sadly two orphans died on the plane to England. Tanya and the other orphans were all brought to hospitals in London. After a period of treatment and 36 East Belfast Life

recovery Tanya was placed in a childrens' home until she was adopted. Tanya and one other baby were eventually adopted to a home in Northern Ireland by her new parents, Bishop Ken Clarke and Helen Clarke. Over the last 40 years she has lived in Chile, Dublin, Vietnam, England and Northern Ireland (Coleraine/Belfast). 16 years ago Tanya graduated from University in Lancaster with a teaching degree with Art and Design. Following this course Tanya embarked on a career in teaching and freely admitted the

“If my work becomes well known and successful in the future, I would like to set up some type of centre for underpriveleged kids and adults in Vietnam. At present it's a dream, but I believe anything is possible. I have also written a book about my journey from Saigon to Belfast and everything in between...I just need to edit it and publish it.” With all that she has accomplished and overcome you would not bet against Tanya achieving all these dreams. Tanya’s latest exhibition will take place from 9th-10th May at The Hub Cafe, 22 Elmwood Avenue, Belfast. For more information and to view Tanya’s work visit www.maiart.co.uk or ‘Like’ her on Facebook (Mai Art).

The Ulster Hall, in Tanya’s distinct ‘Bendy Style’.

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EAST BELFAST : SPORT IN FOCUS

Giants Leap to Glory

The Belfast Giants team celebrate another fantastic season.

The Belfast Giants topped off yet another fantastic season with a thrilling game at the Odyssey Arena. The Elite League trophy and Erhardt Conference trophy were presented to Captain Adam Keefe on the ice following their 7-4 win over Coventry Blaze to rapturous applause from fans who packed out the arena. Not only have the Giants taken the league title for fourth time - it's also the first time any team has won the league championship with 10 games to spare. Belfast City Hall was also lit up in the team colours to in honour of the Giants' success. Photos by Michael Cooper.

Adam Keefe, captain of the Belfast Giants celebrating with the Elite League trophy.

Paul Adey, coach of the Belfast Giants, is soaked as the celebrations continue. East Belfast Life 37

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Charity Shop Chic The Northern Ireland Hospice brought charity shop chic to East Belfast recently as it marked the official opening of its 25th store in Northern Ireland, on the Ballygowan Road. UTV presenter Julian Simmons, one of the charity’s long-standing supporters kick started celebrations in the constitutional cutting of the ‘purple’ ribbon ceremony and officially declared the shop open. A large number of local residents turned out to support the grand opening and join in the festivities. Hospice Shops are located right across Northern Ireland and play a central role in helping the charity meet its annual £6 million fundraising target.

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38 East BelfastLife

Staff and volunteers with Julian Simmons at the opening of the new Hospice Shop. Julian Simmons with Odette Mason. Sandra Black, Neil Fowler, Dame Judith Hill, Julian Simmons and Denise Armstrong officially open the store. Julian Simmons with James Curran and Ruth Campbell.

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Julian Simmons helps open the new Ballygowan Road Hospice Shop.

THE HOSPICE NEEDS YOUR HELP! If you have a few hours to spare and wish to do something really worthwhile while making new friends, picking up tips about retailing and having some great fun, why not come and join our new Ballygowan Road Hospice Shop team.

By helping out as a volunteer in our new Hospice Shop you will play a vital role in raising the funds required to run the Adult and Children’s Hospice services. As well as promoting the work of Hospice to customers and stock donors, volunteering for a morning or afternoon each week is the equivalent of making a donation of around £1,500 per year to the Hospice care delivered in your community.

To become part of our team, visit us at the shop or phone us on 028 9079 3149 to discuss opportunities available.

Helping to stock our Hospice Shop We are grateful to receive your kind donations of the items listed below at our new Ballygowan Road Hospice Shop!

Ladies, Men’s and Children’s Clothing, Shoes, Handbags and Accessories, Household Textiles and Adornments Homeware, Ornaments and Pictures. Books, DVDs and CDs Computer games and Toys, Gift sets and Jewellery. Parking is available at the shop to make it easy for you to drop off your donations, but if you wish any advice please phone us on 028 9079 3149. Thank you for your support and remember ‘It’s good to give!’

Donations of Furniture Welcome! The Hospice is grateful to accept donations of unwanted furniture for re-sale in our Hospice Shop at Ballyhackamore. We can accept good quality donations such as tables and chairs, sofas, beds, wardrobes, bedroom suites and occasional tables. By donating furniture you will help to provide Hospice care for even more Adults and Children in your local community. Please contact our Ballyhackamore Shop on 028 9065 1706 to request a collection of your furniture donation. Thank You!

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EAST BELFAST : FASHION

Pretty in Pink

GIVE YOUR WARDROBE A GIRLIE MAKEOVER WITH LASHINGS OF THE SEASON’S HOTTEST COLOUR.

02 01

1. Pink cami, £35 (Miss Selfridge). 2. Pink skater dress, £35 (H&M). 3. Linea pink jacquard printed shift dress, £150; Mary Portas white shirt, £59; Vivienne Westwood coral bag, £225 (House of Fraser). 4. Shift dress in scuba with crochet collar, £45 (www.asos.com). 5. Coral facet flower necklace, £25 (Oasis). 6. Ellsie bright pink neon blazer (Ted Baker). 7. Preen dress, £89 (Debenhams). 8. Pencil skirt; crop top (Oasis). 40 East Belfast Life

08 06

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EAST BELFAST : FASHION

09 10

Pied a Terre white quilted t-shirt, £29; Dickins & Jones neon coral pencil skirt, £80; Pied a Terre turquoise ‘Zodiac’ clutch, £89 (House of Fraser).

Neon court shoe, £39 (Miss Selfridge).

Bella sweater, £159; Palace skirt, £179; Bria slingback shoe, £149 (Hobbs). 12 Duster coat, £55; burnout stripe tee, £26; blush shorts, £28 (Debenhams). 13 Metal bar clutch, £17 (Accessorize). 14 Structured maxime crepe tee, £99 (Jaeger). 15 Pastel pink heeled sandals, £32 (Dorothy Perkins). 16 Pastel check tee, £24; pastel check pencil skirt, £22; fold over clutch, £18 (Dorothy Perkins).

East Belfast Life 41

PAGE42-43_Layout 1 10/04/2014 09:15 Page 1

Special Day for a Goalkeeping Legend EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Glentoran recently hosted a testimonial game at The Oval for their long serving goalkeeper Elliott Morris. The game, which was against Kilmarnock FC. from Scotland, was well attended by Glens fans, who wanted to pay tribute to their goalkeeping stalwart. As part of the days festivities Elliott Morris also put on a goalkeeping clinic for young Glentoran supporters.

06 07

08 42 East BelfastLife

1. Anna Morris and boys Ashton, Leo and Isaac and Isobel Morris. 2. Elliott Morris with young Glentoran fans. 3. Jack, Neil and Max Johnston. 4. William Sale and David Keatley. 5. David McCleland and Tiernan Lynch. 6. Elliott Morris puts on a goalkeeping masterclass. 7. Michelle, Dylan and Amy Forsythe. 8. Samantha Trainor, Isaac Morris and Isobel Morris.

PAGE42-43_Layout 1 10/04/2014 09:15 Page 2

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

14 15

9. Jackie Fullerton with Jodie Killops. 10. Robert Anderson, Thomas Hayes, Cameron Livingstone and Thomas Hayes Jnr. 11. Samuel Sharkie and Ben Millar. 12. Chloe, Graeme and Helen Parker. 13. Louise Sewell, Dylan Agnew and Thomas Sewell. 14. Stephen Henderson with sons James and Cameron. 15. Harry Kinnear with parents Siobhan and Gerald. 16. Ben Stanex, Jason Nelis, James Keatley and Kyle Sale. East BelfastLife 43

PAGE44_Layout 1 10/04/2014 15:03 Page 1

Jazzing It Up @ Strand Arts Centre EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Linley Hamilton Band, one of the most sought after festival bands recently performed a set of contemporary jazz from Blue Note toÂ post bop and arrangements from the new American songbook, at the Strand Arts Centre. It proved to be a fantastic night for all in attendance and another great success in the emergence of the Strand as one of Belfast's premiere arts venues.

06 1. Catherine Little and Jill Curry. 2. Lorraine and Clifford Henry. 3. Jim McElroy and Maggie Doyle. 4. Gary Kelly with Mary and Tyrone Herd. 5. Janice and John Flanigan. 6. The Linley Hamilton Band light up the stage. 7. Linley Hamilton with Gary Trew and David Alderdice.

07 44 East BelfastLife

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PAGE46_Layout 1 10/04/2014 15:07 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SPOTLIGHT

Ministerial Visit Arlene Foster MLA, the Northern Ireland Minister of Enterprise, Trade and Investment recently visited the headquarters of Flowlens, a leading Belfast-based software company, to discuss their recent growth, new market focus and plans for the future. Located on the Holywood Road, Flowlens previously traded as ‘Crafty Devil’ and was well known in Northern Ireland for delivering creative web and online marketing solutions to a broad range of customers.

The visit from Minister Foster covered the recent growth and customer wins Flowlens has achieved, Flowlens’ plans to move into the UK and international markets and the support received from Invest Northern Ireland in support of these objectives. After meeting the Flowlens staff and founding Executive Team, Enterprise, Trade and Investment Minister Arlene Foster said: “I very much welcomed the opportunity to visit Flowlens. Companies like Flowlens are an integral part of the East Belfast

Damien Savage shows the Minister some of the work going on at Flowlens.

community and provide employment in their local area, which is good news for the Northern Ireland economy as a whole.” Summarising the visit, Rich Dale, CEO of Flowlens said: “We are delighted to have been able to update Mrs Foster on our business. We are excited about the potential for our innovative new solution.

Arlene Foster MLA with the team from Flowlens.

“We are also more than happy with the continuing support we receive from INI and the Northern Ireland government generally. This joint private/public sector approach really does bode well for the future of high potential firms in Northern Ireland.”

Nurturing Strong Footballing Links Local junior football team Harland Youth have announced a partnership with prestigious east Belfast side, Harland & Wolff Welders, with the aim of providing players that will go into the Tillysburn Park first-teams of the future. Harland Youth, a cross community and intergender club side, have confirmed the deal which they are optimistic will bear fruit throughout the years. Harland Youth's links to east Belfast are everlasting and the club are delighted, through this exciting initiative with Harland & Wolff Welders to further strengthen this bond. There is great confidence that this will be a fruitful partnership for both sides, allowing a transfer of skills and knowledge and a sharing of ideas. Harland & Wolff Welders is one of the great names in Irish football and there is great excitment amongst the players and management from Harland Youth about teaming up with such a great institution. Harland Youth boast players from Belfast and beyond, but the club's east Belfast origins are extremely important, and, like this project, they will continue to look at a variety of ways where they can promote, celebrate and enhance such a positive and meaningful connection. The 46 East Belfast Life

chairman of Harland Youth William Sale) was enthusiastic about the new connection: "Harland Youth is very excited at the prospect of working closely with Harland & Wolff Welders and forging strong links together," he said. "Like ourselves Harland & Wolff Welders has an excellent reputation in identifying, developing and nurturing young footballers to reach their potential." "We would like to thank Harland & Wolff Welders for giving us this opportunity and we look forward to pressing ahead with the plans for the future."

Harland Youth Chairman William Sale and Harland and Wolff Welders Chairman Thomas Flynn celebrate the new linkup.

The Harland Youth football team.

PAGE47_Layout 1 09/04/2014 15:55 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SPOTLIGHT

Success for Bloomfield Collegiate at the Schools’ Northern Ireland Creative Movement and Aerobic Championships.

Bloomfield students in action at NICMAC.

Success for Bloomfield at School Championships The Schools’ Northern Ireland Creative Movement and Aerobic Championships (NICMAC) were held recently at Lisburn Leisureplex. Schools from across Northern Ireland competed in this event from primary one to sixth form. Bloomfield Collegiate School Junior Dance Team – ‘The Charlstonettes’ were placed 1st for the fifth year in a row and the Senior Dance Team – ‘Mission Impossible’ were placed 1st for the third year in a row. The girls all worked hard in the build up to this competition and their success is the result of months of dedication and preparation. East Belfast Life 47

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EAST BELFAST : DINING OUT

EATING OUT: EAST OF THE CITY East Belfast is bursting with culinary delights, so check out our guide and treat yourself to some delicious food, in the east of the city. If you are looking for somewhere to eat out, check out our guide to some of the eateries available in east Belfast. With east Belfast being firmly established on the culinary map you couldn’t be more spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. Whether your

are looking for a family friendly establishment, an intimate restaurant for a romantic meal, a catch-up with friends, or a quick cup of coffee and a tasty delight, east Belfast is the place to be with its wide range of choice from cafes, restaurants,

coffee shops and bars available to suit everyone and every pocket.

So why not pay a visit to east Belfast and discover a world of choice?

Ace Restaurant ACE restaurant has an extensive and innovative menu, which makes this one establishment you will definitely want to try! 20-22 Belmont Road T: 028 9047 3333

Arc Cafe (Orangefield Presbyterian Church) Arc is a purpose built café run by the members of the church at Orangefield. It has fast become a popular eating spot in east Belfast during the day and on Thursday and Friday evenings it takes on a very different atmosphere often with live music events. Arc is a registered charity and surplus income goes to good causes both at home and overseas

Bubs

464 Castlereagh Road T: 028 9079 9391 www.orangefield.org.uk

Bistro Este

Bennetts Bennetts is a bright airy café serving great food and drink seven days a week. During the day it serves as a pleasant place for a quick lunch and a coffee and in the evenings it becomes an ambient cosy restaurant for a nice meal.

Bistro Este offers a wide and varying menu - a very substantial lunch menu and a mouth watering dinner menu. With such offerings as Panko crusted chicken burger and Seafood Thermidor, it’s easy to see why Bistro Este has earned a reputation as one of the finest restaurants in east Belfast.

4 Belmont Road T: 028 9065 6590

48 East Belfast Life

269-275 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9080 2888

A relaxing family restaurant with great food and drink open 7 days a week, featuring award winning local produce in an innovative American themed menu. With slow cooked pulled pork, beef brisket, and delicious Glenarm Shorthorn Specialty Burgers to name a few that will make your mouth water. 269-275 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9080 2888 Bubs Express Bistro Cafe A convenient cosy cafe situated beside Arches Library and East Belfast Health Centre, freshly baked scones and coffees combine with amazing local produce for a memorable Breakfast, Lunch or Dinner or snack on the go from Juicy Burgers and Pulled Pork to Mexican

PAGE48-49_Layout 1 10/04/2014 09:21 Page 2

EAST BELFAST : DINING OUT Fajitas and Tacos, available to dine in or take away, open Mon to Sat 8 AM– 8 PM. 18 Holywood Road T: 028 9067 3549 www.bubsbistrocafe.co.uk

on offer, the restaurant brings a real slice of authentic Indian flavour to the city. Also with a takeaway service, why not take a taste of India home? 334 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9065 4280 www.jasminerestaurant.co.uk

The Poet This hidden gem offers something for everyone! Warm and welcoming with a varied and delicious menu The Lonely Poet is worth a visit. You can enjoy fresh local produce served creatively accompanied with a good wine or inventive cocktail!

Blue Chicago Grill Boasting a unique Blues Jazz Cafe environment with intimate cosy booths, Blue Chicago Grill offers simple traditional food with an American influence.

Kings Square, Kings Road T: 028 9040 1248 www.lonelypoetbelfast.com

EastPoint Entertainment Village, Old Dundonald Road T: 028 9048 2771 www.bluechicagogrill.co.uk

The Point Established for over 10 years, this eatery offers dishes that will tantalise your taste buds. Serving freshly cooked food with a local character all day while the bar offers a relaxing atmosphere to enjoy a drink.

Cafe Smart With its attractive, eye catching interior displaying the work of some of the country’s most prominent artists, Cafe Smart is not just a coffee shop, it is an experience.

195-199 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9092 1920 www.thepointbar.co.uk

56 Belmont Road T: 028 9047 1670 www.cafesmart.co.uk

The Four Winds Situated on the top floor, Grill at The Four Winds offers a panorama of Belfast City and beyond. Serving great food in excellent surrounding the Grill will ensure you enjoy your visit. 111 Newton Park T: 028 9070 7970 www.thefourwinds.co.uk

Gaze Gaze restaurant serves a wide selection of Chinese dishes including both traditional favourites and modern specials. With a sumptuous decor and well priced food, this is a wonderful dining destination whatever the occasion. EastPoint Entertainment Village, Old Dundonald Road T: 028 9048 1288

Horatio Todds This firm favourite in the heart of east Belfast is the epitome of affordable quality. Tempting menus, delicious food, excellent service and comfortable retro surroundings - what more can you ask for!

Little Lily’s Bistro Little Lily’s Bistro is a sociable neighbourhood bistro in the heart of east Belfast. High quality Northern Irish ingredients create a varied menu with the focus firmly on great seasonal produce. With a BYO policy, this is the ideal spot to catch up with friends or celebrate those special occasions. 223 Castlereagh Rd T: 028 9045 4287

Little Wing Little Wing offers a large variety of mouth watering pizzas, coupled with tempting desserts, which should definitely satisfy the palates of its hungry customers. 201 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9065 1555 www.littlewingspizzeria.com

The Mandarin City The Mandarin City is a very popular Chinese restaurant which draws people from far and wide due to its excellent reputation. With an extensive menu, The Mandarin City offers just about every Chinese dish you can think of. 269-275 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9080 2888

406 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9065 3090 www.horatiotodds.com

Il Pirata Italian Restaurant With its cool, trendy interior, Il Pirata offers simple rustic and Italian food. It is already a hit with the many visitors who come to Ballyhackamore seeking culinary delights

The Restaurant, Park Avenue Hotel The Restaurant at Park Avenue offers you a charming, elegant and relaxed atmosphere where you can indulge in good food and fine wines. The menu offers a mix of classic and contemporary dishes using fresh, seasonal produce from local suppliers. 158 Holywood Road T: 028 9065 6520 www.parkavenuehotel.co.uk

SD Bells The always busy and very popular SD Bells cafe has a highly respected reputation for serving the best teas and coffees from around the world. Pop in for a gourmet coffee and giant scone or sit down to a hearty, traditional fry. 516 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9047 1774 www.sdbellsteacoffee.com

Truffles Situated in the heart of east Belfast, Truffles has become somewhat of an institution in the area. With a tantalising menu, this cafe has proved to be a hit with locals and visitors alike. 63 Belmont Road T: 028 9047 1405

Wolfe’s Taking gourmet burgers to a whole new level, Wolfe’s only use freshly baked buns from an award winning bakery, whilst its char-grilled burgers are handmade on the premises fresh everyday with 100% prime cuts of Northern Irish Beef.

Neill’s Hill

279-281, Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9067 3421

Situated at the heart of the local community in Ballyhackamore Neills Hill Brasserie is a place where you can enjoy good eating and drinking, locally and informally.

Jasmine Indian Restaurant Situated in Ballyhackamore, Jasmine has established itself as a firm favourite with locals in east Belfast. With an extensive range of dishes

229 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9065 0079 www.neillshill.com

EastPoint Entertainment Village T: 028 9048 0377 www.wolfesburgers.co.uk

East Belfast Life 49

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EAST BELFAST : FOOD NEWS

ST GEORGE’S IS TOP OF THE MARKET ISt George’s Market has been named the best in the United Kingdom. The Victorian facility, which is owned and operated by Belfast City Council, was awarded the title of ‘Best Large Indoor Market’ at the annual NABMA (National Association of British Market Authorities) awards in Birmingham. NABMA is the trade body which represents local authority operated markets across the UK, and its annual awards are regarded as the most prestigious in the business. The ‘Best Large Indoor Market’ is one of the most coveted titles, and the 2014 award the most keenly contested in the history of the competition, with St George’s beating off internationally renowned markets such as Billingsgate, Borough and Spitalfields to lift this year’s crown. Reacting to the award, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of the Council’s Development Committee, which oversees the Market, commented: “This is a fantastic and welldeserved honour. It is great news for us to see it recognised in this way. I would like to pay tribute to the Market staff for all their hard work, and in particular to the traders, whose dedication to St George’s is the key to its continuing success.”

“St George's Market fulfils all these objectives and is regarded as one of Belfast's great attractions. Congratulations are due to everyone involved with the Market for winning this prestigious award.”

Graham Wilson, Chief Executive of NABMA, added: “The ‘Market of the Year’ competition is intended to showcase some of the best markets in the United Kingdom. The judges are looking for markets that are a vital part of the local community and markets that demonstrate vibrancy and good working relationships between management and traders.

FIGHTING FOOD POVERTY IN EAST BELFAST

Operating three days a week – Friday, Saturday and Sunday – St George’s Market is home to more than 170 traders, some of whom have been there for several generations, as well as six shop units and a restaurant, and sustains 385 jobs. It attracts approximately 600,000 visitors a year, generating an estimated £15 million per annum for the Belfast economy. St. George’s Market is Number 1 in the UK.

‘The Larder’ was set up around 18 months ago by St. Christopher's Church in Parkgate Drive to collect much needed food items for the needy in East Belfast who find it difficult to feed their families. Members of the Church, which is next to The Oval, home of Glentoran FC sent out a message of help to the Glens asking for any sort of assistance they could offer in gathering food and money for people most in need in East Belfast. What followed showed the true nature of football fans and the spirit of the people of East Belfast to help those who need it the most. Grounds Director at The Oval Kevin Milhench liased with volunteers of the Church and a food collection was arranged on the 22nd March for the match between Glentoran and Cliftonville. Using social media Glentoran asked their fans to bring any extra food items that they could - stuff that may go to waste in the house or simply to purchase an extra can of beans when doing the weekly shop. So on the 22nd March volunteers from St. Christopher’s stood outside the turnstiles at The Oval and the response they received was fantastic. Four full wheelie bins were filled to the brim with tins and packets of food (as well as £100 of cash in the collection buckets). Speaking about the success of the food drive Rev. Adrian McCartney praised all involved: “On behalf of St Christopher’s and those who find themselves facing food poverty could I thank you, the food givers, and Glentoran FC for facilitating the event. “Your kindness will go a long way to helping people in East Belfast who struggle to make ends meet and put food on the table for their families in the current climate. The people you are helping have, through no fault of their own in many cases, lost their jobs or fallen on hard times. All food collected will be supplied to any family who contact ‘The Larder’.”

50 East Belfast Life

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PAGE53_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:24 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : DINING OUT

First Class Food and Service Lotus Blossom has an extremely homely atmosphere. All customers can be assured that Lotus Blossom provides an exceptionally vast range of food to choose from. The attentive staff are great with all customers and something that also should be rememberd is that Lotus Blossom delivers food. The amount of deliveries that go out of the restaurant, literally bags of food busting at the seams, is something

that the staff at Lotus Blossom prides itself on. When sitting in you will be struck by the sheer amount of choice on the menu. Starters include chicken and sweetcorn soup, Szechuan hot and sour soup, satay chicken skewers, peking style spare ribs, crispy big spring rolls, sesame prawn toast and much more. There are nine sections to choose from for your main course; you can choose from

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Call 028 9045 6888 East Belfast Life 53

PAGE54_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:25 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : DINING OUT

A Little bit of Everything East Belfast Life’s Philip McLaughlin visitsHoratio Todd’s Ballyhackamore is the hub of east Belfast’s thriving restaurant scene and no restaurant epitomises the resurgence of the area more than Horatio Todd’s.

courses and a glass of wine for £13.95 represented terrific value, whilst the ala carte menu offered a terrific selection at very reasonable prices.

Constantly a buzz with punters in for a drink or food, booking a table is something that must be carefully planned well in advance. With our table booked my partner and I headed down on a particularly busy Thursday evening. The bar was brimming with people stopping in for an after work drink and those who were making an early start to the weekend.

After much consideration I opted to go for the spicy chicken wings (with blue cheese and garlic dip) for starters and the half rack of slow roasted ribs in BBQ sauce with fries for the main course. This was from the set menu and came with a glass of house wine. My partner decided on the soup of the day (potato and leek) to start and the Thai roasted fillet of seabass for main course.

As we arrived slightly before our table time we decided to join the crowd and partake in a pre-meal drink. The cocktail menu, filled with concoctions inspired by Horatio’s original foundation as a pharmacists, made for some great reading and even better tasting.

The starters arrived very quickly - service in a busy restaurant is difficult to get right, but Horatio’s have nailed it. My chicken wings

were juicy and tasty with enough meat on the bone to leave you ready for the main course but not feeling short changed. My partner’s soup was thick and creamy and every mouthful was savoured. The mains were perfect, the ribs lean and tender and the BBQ sauce was extremely smoky and tasty. My partner’s seabass was fresh and tasty - so much so that she has vowed to recreate it at home, if she gets close to this version then I will be extremely impressed. Horatio Todd’s has everything going for it, great food, great service, great value. After one visit t is easy to see why it remains one of the most popular restaurants in east Belfast.

After our drinks we moved into the restaurant where our server for the evening showed us to our seats before promptly providing us with menus and asking if we needed any other drinks. A quick look at the menu showed two things - there was plenty of choice and cost was something that had been clearly considered at Horatio’s. A set menu of two

Horatio Todd’s - 406 Upper Newtownards Road, T: 028 9065 3090 www.horatiotodds.com 54 East Belfast Life

Horatios_EastBelfastLife_Advert.pdf

CMY

28/03/2014

13:31

PAGE56_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:45 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Party People @ Westbourne GSC It was a great night in the Westbourne Glentoran Supporters Club, just off the Newtownards Road as East Belfast Life popped in. A variety of guests and great entertainment ensured all in attendance enjoyed a fantastic evening.

06 01. Arthur Kernaghan, Frankie Swann and Steve Dawson. 02. Sandy Ward and Jacqueline Morton 03. Jackie and Elizabeth Stirling. 04. Marie Browne, Elaine Browne, Jacqueline Evans and Sharon Allen. 05. Stephen Smith, Sam Allen and Richard Evans. 06. Anne McWilliams, Victoria Swann, Margaret Evans, Claire Swann and Norma Crowe 07. Maxine Greer, Elizabeth Stirling, Margaret Balloch and Jacqueline Morton. 08. Anna Blackstock, Curtis Harvey and Courtney Robinson. 56 East Belfast Life

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

New Addition to Belmont Road Oliver's Coffee Bar on the Belmont Road recently opened to the public. Run by Ashley Gribben, a passionate baker and her team, including Stephen Chisholm (Great Irish Bake off winner 2014), Oliver's will be producing top quality food, tea and coffee. Oliver's features a fantastic menu including, pulled pork, brisket, fresh salad, freshly baked bread, scones, sandwiches, tray bakes and soup, which are all prepared using the freshest local ingredients. As well as the food Oliver's highly trained baristas will be serving up award winning coffee and Jing tea.

07 01. 02. 03. 04. 05.

Arlene McCloskey and Donna Semple. Sarah Ewart and Jane Christie. Nash Cartwright, Noel McBride and Paul McCloskey. Teresa and Rachel Murray. Leah Christie, Alison Crutchley and Wendy McClean. 06. Arlene McCloskey, Paula Finlay, Lydia McCloskey, Susan Clarke and Ashley Gribben. 07. Brooke Murray, Riley Hamilton and Johnny Smith. 08. Cherith Liddell, Miriam Khan and Silvia Graham. East Belfast Life 57

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

LAGAN COLLEGE FORMAL The Lagan College 'Sixth Form Formal' brought plenty of glitz and glamour to the Culloden Hotel. A good evening was enjoyed by all, with the celebrations continuing into the wee hours. ALL PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT ARE AVAILABLE AT ULSTERTATLER.COM

58 East BelfastLife

08 1. Abbie Cooley, Tess Herman, Ellen Morton and Rachael Pollock. 2. Anna Anderson and Ella Davis. 3. Emma Martin, Camille Hepburn and Sophie Millar. 4. Kezia Iznerowicz, Chloe Shanks and Aimee Gilmore. 5. Michael McNulty, Principal Amanda McNamee and Jamie Strudwick. 6. Connor Curran, Nicola Moloney and Siobhan Cunningham. 7. Ashton McClean and Demi Clements. 8. Helen Killick, Gerard Downey and Michele Mills. 9. Lauren Ferguson, Natalie Hayes, Craig Lindsay, Roslyn Neill and Chloe Currie.

PAGE58-59_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:31 Page 2

Motown Legend Visits Lagan College EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Mary Wilson, one of the original superstar members of Motown group The Supremes, was at the ‘official opening’ of the new school buildings at Lagan College. The college re-opened last summer, but the US diva flew in for a formal ceremony welcoming the full-scale arrival of the integrated college. She attended in her role with the US Consulate, making poignant mention of her own experiences of division and segregation in the US – evident in one of the songs she performed, ‘Strange Fruit’ – and hailed the college’s ethos of educating Protestants and Catholics together. She had a rapturous welcome from the roughly 400 pupils and invited guests who attended the performance. ALL PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT ARE AVAILABLE AT ULSTERTATLER.COM

04 03

07 1.

2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

8. 9.

(Education Minister) John O’Dowd MLA, Michael Lynch, Amanda McNamee (Principal), Sophie Millar and Francis Martin (School Chairman). Peter Reavey (Project Director), Amanda McNamee (Principal), Mary Mackey (Bursar) and Sophie Millar (Head Girl). Pupils Laura Girvan, Kerri Doran and Maya McCloskey. Sophie Millar, Lynn McMorris, Dr Ian McMorris MBE, Amanda McNamee and Michael Lynch. Mary Wilson. Oonagh Donnelly (Head of music) with Aine MacParland. Founder pupils; Andrew Campbell, Richard Sherry, Yvonne Price, Kerry Geddis, with former principal Dr Brian Lambkin (far left) and former teachers James Burns and Margaret Jellett. Amanda McNamee with Naomi Long MP. Sarah and Richard Sherry. East BelfastLife 59

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Fashion Week Goes East Belfast Fashion Week celebrated its 10th year with a fantastic line up of fabulous events from Wednesday 19th to Sunday 23rd March. As part of the celebrations Fashion Week came to east Belfast with a Charity Challenge catwalk show and a stunning make-up show by Paddy McGurgan held at Stormontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Hall.

08 01. Pat Curley, Brona Marshall, Nicola

Kennedy and Jamese Fitzpatrick 02. Roisin Donnelly, Joanne McPoland and

Julie McCusker 03. Charlotte Dawson, Nicola Stinson, Emma

McArdle, Susan Clarke and Anne Dawson

06 60 East Belfast Life

04. Elaine Wilkinson and Rachael Carson 05. Breige McManus and Grainne Moane 06. Nuala Meenehan and Lisa McCrink 07. Catherine McGrattan and Keri Maxwell 08. Lucy Liddell, Amy Stewart and Helen Wall

PAGE61_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:29 Page 1

PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

Going Green... On May 22nd you have the opportunity to make history by electing the first Green Party councillors to Belfast City Council and to ensure that your Green Party representative Martin Gregg is reappointed to serve you on Castlereagh Borough Council. By voting also for Ross Brown in the European election you will also have the chance to have a strong Green voice speak on your behalf in Europe. With 48 Green members already elected from across Europe to the European Parliament, you will be supporting a candidate who will deliver real results for the people of Northern Ireland. By voting Green you will be voting for a better, cleaner and fairer future for your community in East Belfast. Green representatives work for the common good â&#x20AC;&#x201C; that means putting your needs ahead of big corporations and working with and for the most vulnerable in our society. A vote for the Green Party NI will bring you transparent, clean politics as the Green Party does not accept corporate donations and it publishes all donations over ÂŁ500. The Green Party is a party for the people by the

people as it encourages citizens to directly participate in the issues that affect you and your community. The Green Party in Northern Ireland genuinely cares about the communities it represents because its members live in those communities.

poverty, supporting investment in children and young people, improving transport infrastructure, opposing welfare cuts, supporting small independent local businesses, challenging big corporations and of course defending our environment.

The Green Party will help build a sustainable future in East Belfast by working to reduce fuel

Vote Green Party NI on May 22nd and get politics for the common good!

East BelfastLife 61

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PROMOTIONAL FEATURE

HENRY REILLY UKIP EUROPEAN ELECTION CANDIDATE COUNCILLOR HENRY REILLY IS THE UKIP CANDIDATE FOR NORTHERN IRELAND IN THE 22ND MAY ELECTION TO THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT. Henry has been a member of UKIP since 2006 and joined the party because of the damage being caused to the United Kingdom by our membership of the EU. UKIP believes that the EU with its one size fits all system of government is bad for Europe and especially bad for us. We have effectively surrendered our right to democratic government and now have an unelected EU commission that meets in secret making up 75% of our laws. Yes we can have a semblance of democracy in Westminster and the Assembly but the simple fact is that all our elected

Clllr. Henry Reilly.

VOTE

No.

politicians do is transpose EU directives into UK law and we have no alternative but to go along with them. Our membership of the European Union has brought us little of benefit apart from well paid positions for our political elite and their entourages. Yes we will have local micro schemes and “peace” initiatives that will throw so-called EU money at local communities but all it does is give a few fixed term contracts to workers and provide short term fixes for communities that are once again left to fend for themselves when the funding dries up. Leaving the EU would save our tax payers billions of pounds every year and would free up this great Nation to create more

jobs, control our borders, and stop mass immigration, give our people cheaper energy and food and allow us to make our own laws. The EU is non reformable and we must leave; we cannot afford to be dictated to by unelected anti democratic bureaucrats.

The time to leave is now.

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62 East BelfastLife

PAGE63_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:17 Page 1

Semi Permanent Make Up Artist

TY C

NC I

LA PP RO

VE D

PRETTY IN

he next-gen of beauty treatments has arrived in Belfast! Pretty In Ink, a brand new Semi-Permanent Make Up Salon (a first for Belfast), has recently opened it's doors on the Woodstock Road and has 'changed the game' for all make up artists in town. Owner and head make up artist Alexis believes in very high standards, at very reasonable prices. With teeth whitening from just ÂŁ50 for a one hour session and eyebrow tattooing from just ÂŁ150, you will be hard pressed to find better deals anywhere else.

Pretty In Ink go the extra mile every time to make sure each and every customer is completely satisfied. For example, before committing to an eyebrow tattooing, they offer a free consultation where the customer can see how the end result will look, and they will also test each customer to ensure that there will be no adverse effects after the treatment. Alexis is well experienced in the industry. With over 300 eyebrow tattooings performed, customers can relax knowing they are in safe and reliable hands. In order to provide complete customer satisfaction, Pretty In Ink's opening hours include late evenings and Sundays, so customers can call in when suits them.

Pretty In Ink, 255 Woodstock Road Belfast BT6 8PQ To find out more about Pretty In Ink, you can visit their www.prettyinink.co.uk, find them on facebook at facebook.com/prettyininkbelfast, or to make an appointment you can call them on 028 90 455 022.

PAGE64-65_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:19 Page 1

A FIRST CLASS EDUCATION GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL HAS BEEN EDUCATING THE CHILDREN OF EAST BELFAST AND BEYOND FOR OVER 50 YEARS Grosvenor Grammar School was founded (as Grosvenor High School) in 1945 by the Belfast Corporation to cope with the increase in demand for grammar school education in the area. It was sited in Roden Street, off the Grosvenor Road, and remained there until 1958, when it moved to Cameronian Drive in the east of the city, remaining there until 2010 and its short move to Marina Park. Under the leadership of its four Principals (William Moles 1945-1972; Ken Reid 19721993; John Lockett 1993-2008; Robin McLoughlin 2008-present) the school has earned a deserved reputation for very high standards of achievement and pastoral care, innovation in education and a wide range of opportunities for pupils from all backgrounds. The area from which the school draws its pupils has expanded enormously over the years to include Greater Belfast and North and Mid-Down. Grosvenor is a co-educational grammar school with an increasingly multi-cultural and multi-national identity. The School is attended by young people between the 64 East Belfast Life

ages of 11 and 18, the vast majority of whom achieve excellent G.C.S.E. results after five years and enter the Sixth Form where, after two more years, they excel equally at ‘A’ Level before going on to university. Grosvenor is highly involved in cross community work and has strong European and International links; only last October the School was announced as one of eight Confucius Classroom Hub Schools in Northern Ireland which will work alongside the University of Ulster to promote Chinese language and culture to young people across Northern Ireland. Notable achievements and successes in recent years include top places in the Northern Ireland and UK public examinations; Investor in People (Silver) Award; ICT Mark Accreditation; British Council International School Award and the European Environmental Green Flag Award. Grosvenor also offers a broad learning programme, set within a strong academic framework and well beyond the legal minimum. Pupils are able to make informed choices as they progress

through school. The specialist equipment and state-of-the-art technology present within the School’s £24.5 million worldclass facilities, completed in 2010, mean that learning takes place in a pleasant and well-equipped environment where pupils have plentiful access to ICT resources in class and in their own time. In addition, an enviable range of extracurricular activities is part of school life, with the enthusiasm of staff and pupils producing enjoyable, educational experiences. Grosvenor is famous for its music; the choirs go from strength-tostrength, with the Chamber Choir achieving runner-up in the UK-wide ‘BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year Competition 2013’, while there are thriving orchestras and many other instrumental groups. The annual Carol Service is also a highlight of Belfast’s musical calendar while the Spring Concert is always a treat. Outstanding performances of modern musicals have added another dimension to the life of the school. Grosvenor also offers an extensive and exciting sporting programme.

PAGE64-65_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:19 Page 2

EAST BELFAST : BACK TO SCHOOL

The School's Chamber Choir, competing in the final of the UK-wide 'BBC Songs of Praise School Choir of the Year Competition 2013', in Liverpool.

Mainstream sports such as hockey (boys and girls), rugby, athletics, netball, cricket and tennis, are complemented by increasingly popular sports such as fencing and aerobics. Healthy exercise,

The School's Medallion Rugby squad following its victory over Coleraine Academical Institution in the 3rd round of the Medallion Shield.

comradeship and exhilarating competition with other schools, at home and abroad, are therefore a cornerstone of school life. In addition to the thriving sporting and musical extra-curricular activities pupils can also participate in the Duke of Edinburghâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Award scheme, the Army Cadets, Public Speaking, Animal Club and Chess Club. The Urban Ecologists also keep a watchful eye on the environment

and run an internationally acclaimed recycling scheme. Pupils, teachers, support staff and governors combine to make Grosvenor the forward-looking and enthusiastic community that it is. Pupils consistently excel in public examinations and the school provides a caring learning environment in which all are inspired to achieve high standards and to become tolerant and confident adults.

The School's Annual Prize Distribution Ceremony at Queen's University in October, with Guest of Honour Dame Mary Peters. East Belfast Life 65

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EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Family Fun Day Cregagh Cricket Club recently hosted its annual family fun day. The day featured a number of special events and treats, including a bouncy castle and BBQ, but the undoubted highlight of the day was the ‘Lads Vs. Dads’ match, with the ‘Lads’ coming out victorious. Also on the day, members from the Catterson family donated a bench to the club in honour of Bob Catterson, who passed away and had spent many hours watching his son and grandson play cricket for Cregagh.

05 66 East Belfast Life

01. The 'Dads and Lads' fathers and sons cricket teams. 02. Stuart Catterson, Graham Watt, David McCormick and Matthew Simpson. 03. The ‘Cregagh Cricket Wags’. 04. Martin Ross about to take to the crease in the ‘Dads and Lads’ family tournament at Cregagh Cricket Club. 05. The family of the late Bob Catterson present the Cregagh Cricket Club with a commemorative bench in his memory.

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East

Belfast oring Mot

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EAST BELFAST : MOTORING

SMALL, STYLISH AND SOPHISTICATED DEREK BLACK TAKES A CLOSE LOOK AT THE NEW HYUNDAI I10 CITY CAR. The i10 is Hyundai’s smallest and best selling car. Over the past five years it has earned a niche as a simple runabout, strong on value and reliability. There are a lot of them on our roads and for good reason. How does the new generation follow on the success story? Well, it has got off to a flying start by winning the City Car section of the What Car? annual awards. This reflects the improvements that have been made in style, space, practicality and refinement. Designed in Germany and built in Turkey, this new i10 is a more European package. It reflects the growing sophistication of the small car. With five doors, you can fit in four adults and still have useful boot space. Yes, it is bigger and better looking than before. There are two engines, both petrol, of 1.0

and 1.2 litres. The smaller one has three cylinders - the most fuel efficient format and produces an energetic 65bhp. This gives acceleration to 62mph in 14.9 seconds and a potential top speed of 95mph. The slightly more powerful 1.2-litre has a conventional four-cylinder format and can reach 62mph in 12.3 seconds with 106mph top speed potential. It comes with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a fourspeed automatic. Both engines have a claimed combined consumption of around 60mpg so they won’t break the bank. Changes to the rear suspension and the extra length of the new i10 make for a more composed ride. The little engines are quieter than you would expect and deliver what they have got with enthusiasm.

Emissions are also impressive ranging from 98g/km for the Blue Drive version of the 1.0 litre, which has stop-start, to 114g/km for the 1.2-litre manual model. These frugal ratings will keep the ‘road tax’ bill down. Another cash saver is the low insurance ratings from group 1. Prices range from £8,345 for the starter 1.0 to £9,595 for the Blue Drive and £10,495 for the Premium 1.2. Even the starter model has six air bags while the SE packs in remote locking, electric windows, electronic stability control and heated door mirrors. The Premium model lives up to its title with features including alloy wheels, LED running lights, Bluetooth connection, front fog lamps and extra rear speakers. Options include cruise control and zoned air conditioning and a heated steering wheel! This new and much improved i10 can only add to the numbers of buyers attracted to the Hyundai brand. Its looks, pricing and packaging tick the boxes in these difficult times. This wee car feels quite grown up with all the changes and could pass muster as the only car in the family. The Hyundai aftercare package of five years warranty, roadside assistance and free annual checks could well seal the deal for many buyers comparing the i10 to the other city cars on the market. This is the icing on the cake.

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT

CHARLES HURST 788 Upper Newtownards Road, Quarry Corner, Dundonald Tel: 0844 947 7439 www.charleshurst.com/hyundai

68 East Belfast Life

CHARLES HURST DUNDONALD

INSPIRATION ENGINEERED Inspiration comes from everywhere, but its what you do with it that counts.

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Book your test drive today! 788 Upper Newtownards Road, Quarry Corner, Dundonald. Tel: 0844 947 7439 www.charleshurst.com/hyundai

Fuel consumption in MPG (l/100km) for New Generation i10 range: Urban 35.3 (8.0) - 55.4 (5.1), Extra Urban 55.4 (5.1) - 76.3 (3.7), Combined 45.6 (6.2) - 65.7 (4.3), CO2 Emissions 142 - 98 g/km. Fuel consumption figures shown are based on official EU test figures. These are to be used as a guide for comparative purposes and may not reflect all driving results. Model shown for illustration purposes only.

THE CITIGO. BIG ON QUALITY AND VALUE FOR MONEY ŠKODAs smart city car available at Mervyn Stewart with just £139 deposit and £139 per month

4.5% APR representative Solutions representative Personal Contract Plan finance example

Citigo SE 1.0 MPI 60PS 3dr based on 3½ years, 5,000 miles per annum# Duration

42 months

Option to purchase fee^^

£60.00

41 monthly payments of

£139.00

Total amount payable

£9,865.49

Customer deposit

£139.00

Total amount of credit

£8,741.00

Recommended OTR price

£8,880.00

Representative APR

4.5% APR

Acceptance fee^

£125.00

Flat rate

3.60%

Optional final payment

£3,967.49

Excess mileage#

4.4p p/mile

The ŠKODA Citigo range starts from £8,880 OTR

Or choose from these ŠKODA approved used cars from £6,985 at Mervyn Stewart

Citigo 2013 1.0 SE GreenTech Hatch 3dr Brilliant Silver 3,000 miles

£7,985

2013 1.4 TSI SE Hatch 140PS Platinum Grey 5,000 miles

£15,485

2013 1.6 TDI CR 105PS SE 5dr Miami Blue 3,000 miles

£10,985

2010 1.6 TDI SE Hatch Corrida Red 31,014 miles

£9,985

2013 1.2 TDI GreenLine Candy White 10 miles

£10,985

2009 1.9 TDI Elegance Hatch Grey 55,438 miles

£9,285

2012 2.0 TDI 170 vRS BlackLine Black Magic 11,339 miles

£16,485

2013 1.6 TDI GreenLine Estate Arctic Green 23,720 miles

£14,485

2011 1.6 MPI SE Estate Candy White 11,215 miles

£8,985

2012 2.0 TDI vRS 170 DSG Candy White 19,250 miles

£15,485

2013 1.0 SE GreenTech 5dr Silver Leaf 3,000 miles

£8,485

2011 1.6 MPI SE 5dr Arctic Green 36,309 miles

£8,985

2013 1.0 MPI SE GreenTech Spring Green 3,000 miles

£7,985

2011 1.6 TDI Elegance Aqua Blue 48,057 miles

£10,485

2013 1.0 MPI SE 60PS 3dr Tornado Red 3,000 miles

£8,485

Superb 2013 2.0 TDI SE (140BHP) Hatch Brilliant Silver 5,000 miles

£17,485

2013 1.6 TDI S Hatch Malachite Green 13,395 miles

£13,485

2013 1.6 TDI S Hatch Cappuccino Beige 15,604 miles

£13,485

2014 1.6 SE TDI CR 105PS GreenLine Candy White 8 miles

£18,985

2013 S GreenLine II TDI CR Silver 14,580 miles

£13,850

Rapid Fabia

2013 1.6 TDI SE Hatch Candy White 7229 miles

2013 1.6 TDI Monte Carlo 105PS Hatch 4,543 miles

£10,985

2013 1.2 TSI SE 105PS Brilliant Silver Metallic 6,808 miles

2013 1.6 Monte Carlo TECH 105 Candy White 8,542 miles

£10,985

2013 1.6 TDI CR SE 105PS Candy White 8,542 miles

2013 1.6 TDI SE Estate Brilliant Silver 3,000 miles

£10,985

£10,985 £9,985 £10,985

2013 1.2 TSI S Hatch Candy White 10,847 miles

£9,785

2013 1.2 S Estate Corrida Red 10 miles

£8,985

2013 1.6 TDI Elegance Grey 11,090 miles

£11,485

Yeti

2012 1.2 TSI Monte Carlo Red 23,685 miles

£8,985

2013 1.6 SE TDI 105PS Grey 14,523 miles

£10,985

2013 2.0 TDI CR S 4x4 5dr Candy White 6,354 miles

£15,985

2011 1.2 Monte Carlo TSI 86PS Corrida Red 37,595 miles

£8,485

2013 Spaceback 1.6 SE TDI 90PS Corrida Red 3,000 miles

£16,485

2011 1.2 SE Plus Black 29,488 miles

£6,985

2013 2.0 TDI SE 4X4 140PS Platinum Grey 11,962 miles

£18,985

2014 Spaceback 1.2 TSI SE Corrida Red 3,000 miles

£17,485

2011 2.0 TDI 4X4 SE (140BHP) Platinum Grey 25,268 miles

£15,985

Roomster

Octavia 2012 1.4 TSI DSG AUTO SE Plus Brilliant Silver 26,827 miles

£10,785

2012 1.2 TDI GreenLine Platinum Grey 8,435 miles

£9,985

2013 1.2 TSI Hatch Black Magic 5,000 miles

£13,985

2013 1.2 TDI GreenLine (75BHP) Brilliant Silver 3,000 miles

£11,985

2013 2.0 TDI CR S 4x4 5dr Candy White 7,353 miles

£15,985

2014 2.0 SE TDI 110PS Brilliant Silver 5 miles

£16,985

2011 2.0 TDI S Grey 30,201 miles

£11,985

2011 2.0 TDI 140 SE 4X4 Black Magic 28,230 miles

£15,485

2010 2.0 TDI S 110 Corrida Red 19,300 miles

£10,985

2014 Outdoor 2.0 Elegance TDI 140PS 4X4 Candy White

£21,285

2014 Outdoor 2.0 Elegance TDI 140PS 4X4 Candy White Delivery mileage

£19,985

Models shown for illustrational purpose only †4.5% APR representative Solutions offer available with deposits from 0-30% subject to underwriting. ^Payable with first payment. ^^Payable with optional final payment. Indemnities may be required, subject to status. Over 18s in mainland UK only. Excludes Channel Islands. ŠKODA Finance, Freepost ŠKODA Finance. Terms and Conditions apply. Prices and specifications are accurate at time of print. Offers may be varied or withdrawn at any time and are not available in conjunction with any other offer. Retail sales only. Participating retailers only. Subject to availability on orders placed before 30 June 2014. We can introduce you to a limited number of lenders to assist with your purchase, who may pay us for introducing you to them. Model shown is ŠKODA Citigo 1.0 MPI SE 3dr. Model shown may vary from UK specification.

Official fuel consumption in mpg (litres/100km) for the Citigo Range: Urban 50.4 (5.6) to 56.5 (5.0), Extra Urban 70.6 (4.0) to 78.5 (3.6), Combined 62.8 (4.5) to 68.9 (4.1). CO2 emissions for the Citigo Range: 105 to 95g/km. Standard EU test figures for comparative purposes.

251104_MervynStewart_EastBelfastLife_300x215_09.04.indd 1

Mervyn Stewart

11 Boucher Crescent Belfast BT12 6HU

08433 201433

www.mervynstewart.com 04/04/2014 16:01

page71_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:25 Page 1

Exclusive Dealer of

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CITRUS POWER Cleaner Polish Make light work of bugs on the front of your car with Citrus Power bug & grime remover, and take care of road grime from the grubbier areas too without removing or effecting car wax or paint sealant layers. Citrus Power is LSP safe, it’s gentle but effective.

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CLAY BAR A big 200g bar of fine soft clay that’s easy to use and won’t marr paintwork. It sounds too good to be true but that’s just what we have to offer you here in the form of Auto Finesse Clay Bar. A fine idea for those new to clay bars and claying whilst the seasoned pros would also appreciate the consistency.

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REJUVENATE Rejuvenate pre wax cleanser is designed to clean and condition paintwork prior to the application of carnauba wax. The light diminishing abrasive formula will remove old waxes and sealants from the paintwork’s surface whilst also removing any old dead, oxidised paint to leave a fresh, crisp base to apply carnauba waxes.

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PAGE72_Layout 1 10/04/2014 10:08 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Celebration Evening for Belfast Audi Belfast and Portadown Audi recently celebrated becoming the top premuim brand in Northern Ireland in 2013. This fantastic achievement coincided with Audi UK also becoming the number one premuim brand in the whole of the UK for 2013. As part of the celebration 130 staff and their partners enjoyed a Gala Evening at the Titanic Visitor Centre, whilst helping to raiser over ÂŁ900 for Marie Curie Cancer.

06 07 01. 02. 03. 04. 05. 06. 07.

72 East BelfastLife

Damian and Jeanette Fusco. Mark Madill, Nicole Maden, Nicola and Derick Rea. Ruth and David McMullan. Tia Armstrong and Robert Montgomery. Diane and Norman Glass. Paul Trimble, Jilly Adams, Johnny Elliot and Jane Hillis. Mollie Davies, Stewart Pringle, Rachael Stewart, Catherine and Keith Annesley. 08. Audi celebration evening at Titanic Belfast.

PAGE73_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:26 Page 1

M SGR VE & S NS LTD

East Belfast’s leading motor and tyre centre

028 9065 5588

Tyre supply and fitting services in Bloomfield, East Belfast At Mosgrove & Sons, we offer a comprehensive range of products and services for all makes and models of car. We're an established East Belfast business and our team of expert mechanics pride themselves on their dedication, hard work and friendly service. We're specialists in tyre supply and tyre fitting, and we stock a huge range, including household names such as Michelin, Goodyear and Bridgestone as well as economy brands like Tigar and Accelera. We also offer a full range of car repair and servicing options including MOT testing, suspension checks, repair and fitting of clutches, brakes and exhausts. For a friendly, reliable car service and tyre supply centre in the heart of East Belfast look no further than DM Motors & Tyre Services.

Our vehicle servicing and repair services include: • MOT brake testing • Headlight alignment • Clutch repair and replacement • Suspension checks and repairs • Diagnostic systems • Exhaust repair and fitting • Battery checks and replacements

We stock and fit tyres from the following leading brands: • Michelin • Bridgestone • Pirelli • Dunlop • Goodyear

• Kumho • Hankook • Tigar • Accelera

We're proud to include the East Belfast Taxi Company and the DPD Parcel Company among our regular contract clients.

441a Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DU

Tel: 028 9065 5588

PAGE74-75_Layout 1 10/04/2014 16:01 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Jason Hill Testimonial Dinner The Ramada Hotel, Belfast, recently hosted a testimonial evening for Glentoran footballer, Jason Hill. With dinner, entertainment, ballots and an auction as well as being full of fans, family, players and Glentoran legends a wonderful night was had by all in attendance. Jason's nominated charity for his testimonial year is 'JT Inspires', a local charity helping young people with congenital heart disease (www.jtinspires.com).

08 74 East Belfast Life

07 01. Tim McCann with Kelly and Peter Batey. 02. Ricky and Deborah Rea with Lisa and Mike Reid. 03. Norman Ternahan and David Blanchflower. 04. David Gould and Bernice Crilly. 05. David Longridge and Paul Meadows 06. Norman Arneill, George Bowden and Jonny Jamison. 07. David Robinson, Caroline Burns and Glen Robinson. 08. Keith Gillespie, Jason Hill, Paul Leeman and Colin Nixon.

PAGE74-75_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:39 Page 2

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

09. Hugh, Jason and Karen Hill. 10. David Stewart, Gary Campbell and Jim Douglas. 11. Emma McMurray and Sean McManus. 12. Darren and Karen Fullerton. 13. Jackie and Linda Fullerton. 14. Alex Lyttle and Jimmy Callacher. 15. Alan Tate and Jason Hill. 16. Stuart and Jennifer Harvey with Patricia and Alan Tate. East Belfast Life 75

PAGE76-77_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:17 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

Sam Thompson Landmark Bridge Opens The new Sam Thompson Bridge was officially opened recently by First Minister Peter Robinson, Lord Mayor of Belfast Máirtín Ó Muilleoir and Sam Thompson family members Abigail Dunn and Jackie Maguire. The bridge will provide a critical link for pedestrians and cyclists between Victoria Park in east Belfast and the Harbour Estate and will also open up access to Titanic Quarter and the city centre for residents. Event Organisers aimed for 2014 people to get over the bridge on the day and with the help of local people, school children and workers from local businesses they reached their target with a huge 2287 people. There was a run over it, a cycle over it, dogs walked over it, birthdays were celebrated on it, with all keen to be part of the celebrations on this historic day. Attendees at the opening of the bridge also saw some of the other work which has been undertaken in the park to date including flood alleviation embankments, new trim trail equipment and new paths. When the park is completed there will also be new lighting, street furniture, an eco- trail and a new look out area.

76 East BelfastLife

01. Walkway Community Centre volunteers get ready for the bridge to open. 02. Belfast City Council Chief Executive Peter McNaney with Wendy Langham and Sammy Douglas MLA. 03. Cliff Kennedy and Michael Briggs. 04. All smiles for the new landmark bridge in east Belfast. 05. Local people waiting their turn to cross the new bridge. 06. Official opening party crosses the bridge. 07. Danny Kennedy MLA cycles over the bridge.

PAGE76-77_Layout 1 09/04/2014 17:17 Page 2

EAST BELFAST : SOCIAL

8. 200 school children from Victoria Park Primary School cross the bridge. 9. Abbie Gibbons, Rachael Davison and Julia Dearden. 10. Volunteer from Walkway Community Association, Chris Lytlle MLA and Dan Gordon. 11. Pupils from St Joseph’s Primary School cycled to the opening event and crossed the bridge on foot. 12. Cyclists ‘get over’ the new bridge. East BelfastLife 77

A Specialist School for

ICT

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01/04/2014 14:43

PAGE79_Layout 1 09/04/2014 16:42 Page 1

EAST BELFAST : SPOTLIGHT

East Belfast: Alive with Creativity Kaz Hawkins performs at the launch of the Arts Strategy.

Local musicians lit up the launch.

East Belfast Partnership recently launched an Arts Strategy to help celebrate and transform the arts in East Belfast. In September 2013 the Partnership commissioned Dr Roger Courtney to investigate the state of the arts in East Belfast and to make recommendations as to how they might be further developed. The Arts Strategy includes the following priorities: • Celebrating the creative heritage of East Belfast, which has already begun with CS Lewis. • The redevelopment of the Strand cinema into a non-profit multi-purpose arts centre and the development of other venues • The creation of an Eastside Arts body, website and brand so that all arts activities in East Belfast can be effectively co-ordinated and marketed.

Contemporary writers Glenn Patterson, Marie Jones, Walter Ellis, David Parke and Lucy Caldwell and others have continued this incredible tradition. “East Belfast has also produced incredible songwriters and musicians, including Van Morrison, Gary Moore and Eric Bell and there is now a new generation of amazingly gifted singer-songwriters from East Belfast, three of whom, Gareth Dunlop, Kaz Hawkins and Ken Haddock, performed at the launch.”

Gareth Dunlop entertains the crowd.

Roisin McDonagh, Chief Executive of the Arts Council for Northern Ireland, said: “We are delighted to have supported the development of the Arts Strategy for East Belfast. We look forward to working with Eastside Arts to support the further development of the creative spirit in East Belfast.”

• Supporting the expansion and development of emerging arts bodies in East Belfast, as well as encouraging other arts bodies in Belfast to be based in East Belfast, or expand their activities in East Belfast. Maurice Kinkead, Chief Executive of East Belfast Partnership said: “Some of the greatest writers on these islands have been from, or lived in, East Belfast, including C S Lewis, Forrest Reid, St John Ervine, Stephen Gilbert, Sam Thompson, Stewart Parker, Sam Hanna Bell, John Boyd and Robert Graecen.

Mervyn Gibson, Angela McAllister, Maurice Kinkead and Roisin McDonough. East Belfast Life 79

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EAST BELFAST : OUT & ABOUT

COMING UP - IN THE EAST Get your diary ready as East Belfast Life explores what events are happening in the upcoming months.

What? Ulster Rugby at Ravenhill When? April-May 2014 Where? Ravenhill Stadium

Ulster Rugby participates in the Heineken Cup and RaboDirect PRO12 and provides the biggest regular supporter numbers for a true 'sport for all' in Northern Ireland. Ulster Rugby, with its playing and administrative staff based at Ravenhill in Belfast, is the only sport running a full-time professional team based in Northern Ireland. Home Fixtures: 11/04/14 Ulster Rugby v Connacht Rugby 2/05/14 May Ulster Rugby v Leinster Rugby Tickets available for season matches from www.ulsterrugby.com or Ravenhill Ticket Office 028 9049 3222.

What? Strand Arts Centre When? All year round Where? Holywood Road More than just a cinema, The Strand Arts Centre has developed into one of the premiere arts venues in Belfast: 13/04/2014, 8pm - A Better Boy (A dramatic monologue on the aftermath of the Titanic disaster) 01/05/2014, 8pm - The Elvis Spectacular (The greatest Elvis show since 1977! A two hour trip to Elvis heaven).

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09-10/05/2014, 8pm - The Breakfast Club (An adaptation for the stage from Kandu Theatre). 24/05/14, Time TBC - ‘The One and Only Sinatra’ (East Belfast will swinging on Saturday 24th May when The One And Only Anthony Adams 'This is Sinatra' with The Balmoral Big Band, Michael Purcell and Andi Mac). For more information and tickets visit www.strandartscentre.com

What? After Hours Titanic When? The first Friday of every month Where? Titanic Belfast, Queens Road Be cultural and social with Titanic Belfast: After Hours. What’s On at After Hours: Enhanced gallery experience with staff in period costume. The Atrium will be transformed into a relaxed bar serving a variety of drinks to start your weekend in style. Enjoy live music in the gigantic Atrium. Bistro 401 will be serving delicious sharing plates to sociably eat with friends, colleagues or

couples. Enjoy shopping at Titanic Store. The Atrium Bar open from 6pm-11pm, last orders 10.30pm. Enjoy a selection of tapas and sharing plates in Bistro 401, 6-10pm, last orders 9pm. The Atrium Bar opens from 6pm-11pm. Tapas and sharing plates are available from Bistro 401 from 6-10pm. To book contact Titanic Belfast on 028 9076 6386, 028 9076 6399 or visit www.titanicbelfast.com

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