MY TOP 10

DENISE WATSON

U105 Radio Presenter

1. What do you love most about your job?

I’m so lucky to have succeeded in my chosen career and have been working in TV and Radio in NI for over 25 years. It was always my ambition to broadcast and it has not disappointed. I love the live aspect of my job. The adrenaline rush, which comes as soon as you go on air. It’s never boring and you have to think quickly and react to your environment. I have prepped some notes or scripts and then suddenly the agenda changes and you just have to run with it. I love the spontaneity, excitement, and working shifts. I don’t think I was cut out to sit behind a desk from 9 to 5 every day. I’m so grateful for the job I do at U105.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

There are so many highlights. I’ve reported on NI winning Gold in shooting at the Commonwealth Games in Manchester, on All Ireland Hurling fi nals and Irish Cup victories. But I’d say I’m most proud of the the CIPR Sports journalist of the year award for my interview with Armagh GAA star, Oisin McConville, who shared his struggle with a gambling addiction with me for BBC. It led the Newsline show and I was congratulated on the sensitive way I’d handled his story both here and in the south. Oisin thanked me in the forward to his autobiography, which meant the world to me too.

3. What are your favourite hobbies/activities outside of work?

I never thought I’d say this, but lockdown taught me how to cook more healthily so I love trying out new recipes especially in my slow cooker. We have a two-year-old German short-haired Pointer called Eddie and I take him on a walk for at least 3-4 miles several times a week. I adore Audible and listen to celebrity autobiographies all the time. Matthew McConaghey’s and Elton John’s are brilliant. I also read lots of crime thrillers and particularly like Jo Nesbo, the Scandinavian author.

4. What is your daily routine?

I get up at 5.30am Mon-Fri, which is so much easier to do during the summer months. Winter is tough! But it’s my job and it’s necessary. I eat toast and coff ee, and write my sports bulletin, and check overnight breaking news on social media news sites. When I arrive at the U105 studios (in City Quays in Belfast) I fi rstly record my entertainment news bulletin and check the weather forecast. I’m live with Maurice Jay from 7-9am. We’ve lots of interaction with our listeners and competitions, so it’s great fun. The banter between us is great as we’ve known each other for nearly 30 years. Once I’m off air at 9am – if I’ve no adverts to voice or things to do for sales, I head home to Lisburn. Then I walk the dog, make lunch and do one of the school runs. My husband is still working from home, so he does the other. My eldest is at Wallace High School in Lisburn and my youngest at Hunterhouse College in Belfast. I rarely go out at night unless it’s doing a pick up from hockey or Girls Brigade.

5. Do you have a specifi c fi tness regime?

As I get older I feel the need to do something each day - even walking or stretching. I’ve had a bad hip since 2013 and it fl ares up if I’m immobile for too long. I love the rowing machine. All my cardio is done on it and not the treadmill. I try to do 5km in my gym session then some weights. I’ve just joined GymCo in Finaghy and it’s great. I try to go at least twice a week. Defi nitely on Saturday when my girls go to drama class.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive?

Yes! Lots of tips, although I’m an eternal optimist and rarely downbeat. I might annoy people at times as I’m always quite bright and breezy! But getting outside into the fresh air is a must. I love listening to music, having bubble baths and lighting wax melts around the house. And spending time with my kids keeps me young. We fi nd stupid things to laugh at on YouTube. Modern Family on Netfl ix is funny too.

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

So many things! But I’d say the people fi rst and foremost. In 2004 I lived and worked in London for Radio One on an attachment. I got so homesick. People don’t chat on the tube or speak to you in shops. I yearned for that familiarity and friendliness we have here. Also the natural beauty here is stunning. We don’t realise what we have on our doorstep. The north coast in summer time is breathtaking.

8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?

It’s “Be Better, not Bitter.” Yes I’ve had some bad experiences personally and professionally, but it doesn’t do me any good to hold onto grudges. A wise man called Johnny at UTV shared that wee phrase with me when I went there in 2013. Forgive and Forget is another good one. But I’m a Scorpio so I fi nd the “forgetting” part tricky at times!

9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?

My mum and dad are brilliant as they never pushed me into anything. They were always there for me saying “Do your best Dee.” Dad was a rugby coach and he has given me great advice. As has my husband, who is such a good dad to our girls. Professionally I must thank Terry Smyth at BBC for giving me my break and Michael Wilson at UTV for welcoming me to their team too.

10. FAVOURITE

Movie: Grease or Legally Blonde. I love the message in Legally Blonde – fi rst impressions may not always be right, and always be true to yourself. Reese Witherspoon is great. Band/Musician: Bon Jovi and Motley Crue. I’m an 80’s rock chick. I had the long hair and leather jacket. Book: Such a diffi cult question as I read so much. “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaghey is my recent favourite. Restaurant: Coppi in Belfast or Square Bistro in Lisburn Holiday Destination: Amsterdam Drink: Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand Meal: Carbonara or Thai Green curry

View the Lismore collection at

www.wardenbros.com

Mr John Pinkerton, High Sheriff of County Antrim, Mrs Sue Pinkerton, Vice Lord-Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon, Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb, Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb, Deputy Mayoress, Ms Paula Bradley MLA, Deputy Mayor, Councillor Stephen Ross, Chief Executive, Mrs Jacqui Dixon, Rev Campbell Dixon MBE, Mrs Maurenn Dunn and Mr Norman Dunn MBE.

MAYOR’S INAUGURAL DINNER

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council held the Inaugural Dinner for Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP at the Dunadry Hotel.

Approximately 140 guests, including family and friends of the Mayor attended the event along with elected members and business representatives from the Borough. The Mayor was also joined by the Vice LordLieutenant for County Antrim, Mrs Miranda Gordon and High Sheriff for County Antrim, Mrs Sue Pinkerton.

Speaking at the event, the Mayor said; “It is an honour to serve as Mayor of this fantastic Borough. I have thoroughly enjoyed my fi rst few months in offi ce and have met some truly inspirational people. I remain committed to using my term in offi ce to support residents and businesses to rebuild and come back stronger after the pandemic and pledge to do all that I can to promote Antrim and Newtownabbey as a wonderful place to live in, work in, invest in and visit.”

The event boosted the Mayor’s fundraising for his two charities: Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice and Women’s Aid Antrim, Ballymena, Carrickfergus, Larne and Newtownabbey, raising almost £1,500.

www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb, Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor William McCaughey and Mayoress Mrs Gillian McCaughey.

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Mr & Mrs Brian Henderson, Antrim Royal British Legion.

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb, Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb, Ms Rachel Smith and Mr David Crooks. Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb, Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb, Mrs Louise Webb and Mr Arthur Webb.

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with High Sheriff of County Antrim, Mrs Sue Pinkerton and Mr John Pinkerton. Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Deputy Mayor, Councillor Stephen Ross and Deputy Mayoress, Mrs Paula Bradley MLA.

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with members of their family at the Inaugural Dinner at Dunadry Hotel.

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Alan & Caroline Lowry of Environmental Street Furniture. Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Mrs Maureen Dunn. and Mr Norman Dunn MBE.

Caption

Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Arlene Creighton and Tahnee McCorry of Women’s Aid ABCLN. Mayor, Councillor Billy Webb and Mayoress, Mrs Pat Webb with Catherine and Eugune McKeever.

RSUA President Donal MacRandal with new RSUA honorary member Clare McCarty.

TOP BANANA

The Royal Society of Ulster Architects (RSUA) held their annual event, Architecture Night, in the Banana Block at Portview Trade Centre in east Belfast on Friday 22 October 2021. Architecture Night aims to focus on the power of architecture to bring about cultural change. The host for the evening was BBC Ireland’s Mark Simpson. The Banana Block was formerly the home of the Strand Spinning Mill and has just been launched as a living museum and events space. The evening was supported by JP Corry, Metal Technology and Hays Recruitment.

. Dawson Stelfox and Andy Frew.

Paul and Jenny Harron.

Michael O’Reilly and William Crawley.

zzzzChris and Roisin Sherry and Mark Simpson.

Gareth Neill, James McGonagle and Michael Morrison.

zzzzMichael and Siobhan Rice.

Nehal Jain and Czarinah Malate.

Continued on page 42

Continued from page 40

Gabriella Kacprzyk and Alex Knowles. RSUA President Donal MacRandal and RSUA Director Ciarán Fox. Sara Katzer and Ivy Wijaya.

. Sarah Lappin, Laura Pavn, Ben Aston and Tara Florence.

Eunan Deeney and Jane Larmour.

Michael Dickson, Gareth Neill and James McMonagle. Gerry Murray, RSUA President Donal MacRandal and Paul McCaughran.

Lynne Creighton and John Tracey. Former RIBA President Alan Jones.

zzzz Katherine Fox and RSUA Director, Ciarán Fox.

EDITED BY

NUALA MEENEHAN

BIRTHDAY CELEBRATIONS

Award-winning fl orist, Penelope Flowers celebrated 20 years in business at their gorgeous new premises at Kings Square, East Belfast. Champagne corks popped as guests gathered at the new fl oral boutique with a spacious fi rst-fl oor workshop area for hen parties and private bookings. VIP’s included Cool FM presenters Pete Snodden and Rebecca McKinney. There was double cause for celebrations as the fl ower and plant emporium was announced winner of Best Creative Business at last months Belfast Chamber Business

Awards 2021.

Give yourself a treat and head to: www.penelopefl owers.co.uk.

Penny Hamilton and Pete Snodden.

Mr Petals with customers Lynn and Dora Heatley. Jane Dazzle and Katrina Moore.

Anna and Leigh Kennedy with Mateo the meerkat. Rebecca Mckinney and Penelope Flowers Proprietor Penny Hamilton.

John McKeag, Ricky Billing, George McCartney, Dennis Shields, and Bryan McLoughlin.

BELFAST BOYS’ MODEL SCHOOL BURSARY FUND GALA DINNER

The Boys’ Model Bursary Fund, and the school, recently held a dinner in the Europa Hotel to celebrate the cultural and sporting successes of the school. The school group entertained the guests before dinner, and this was followed by a recording of the school choir from their winning song in the Flax Trust Festival. Two pupils then read a poem ‘Memories of a School Master “. Frank Wilson, who also played on the team, and subsequently played for Ulster and Ireland was interviewed about his career and his memories. He said that what the team achieved on that day remains his most cherished moment in rugby. The dinner also recognized several other successful sportsmen from the school including the soccer players. The profi ts from the evening went to the Bursary Fund which was set up in 2015 to help support pupils from the school going on to third level education. To date, the Fund has awarded bursaries totalling £64,000 to 25 pupils. The Chairman of the Fund , Sir Nigel Hamilton rounded off the dinner by expressing sincere thanks to the Principal , Mary Montgomery and her staff for their huge contributions to the evening , and for all that the Fund and the school seek to do for the boys of the school.

Mark Gilmore, Sam Mc Burney and Uel Butler.

Norman Uprichard, Jim Keith and Derek Henderson.

zzzz Frank Wilson (Ulster

and Ireland). The rugby team members John Taggart, Albert Ward,Gordon Bleakley, George Nelson , Raymond Irvine, Paul Bond, Alan Stewart, Frank Wilson, Trevor Watton, Arnie McAllister and Jim Grant.

Johnny Mc Phillips, Michael Stewart and Bobby Baillie.

. The band which played. Mrs Katrina Brown, Ross

Smith,Mrs Sharon Baird, Jackson Allen and Jake Wills. Alan McConnell, Bryan Keating and Lawrence Mc

Connell.Stan McIlvenny, Billy Pollock, Ken Craig and Sam McBurney.

Stephen Marshall and Jeremy Dodds. Billy Taylor, Tom Andrews, Harry Scott and Bobby Baillie.