East Belfast Life Spring 2017

East BelfastLife l Spring 2017

An Ulster Tatler Group Publication

an ulster tatler GROUP publication

have you seen the signs?

SPRING 2017 | ÂŁ2.00 where sold

028 9047 1401

www.armstronganderson.com Branches 392 Upper Newtownards Road Ballyhackamore, Belfast BT4 3EY 344 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DY

all the latest EAST belfast social events covered inside Why i Love - Nuala Meenehan, Kylie Noble, Gail McNair, Paul Harron, Andrew Irvine tell us why they love East Belfast Social Round Up - School’s Cup Final Dining in the east - Essential guide to Eating Out in East Belfast

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introduction

Contents

An Ulster Tatler GROUP Publication

34

Joan McCready Interview

20

New Landscape

22

Why I Love East Belfast - Jeanette Hedley

28

Why I Love East Belfast - Nuala Meenahan

30

Eating Out: East of the City

32

Wagamama Restaurant Review

38

Why I Love East Belfast - Kylie Noble

42

Why I Love East Belfast - Gail McNair

46

Why I Love Ballyhackamore - Paul Harron

52

Why I Love East Belfast - Andrew Irvine

08

Street Smart

18

Aidan Campbell: East Belfast Through Time

27

Searching for East Belfast’s Unsung Heroes

44

Strand Arts Centre: A Cultural Imprint of the East

48

A New Principle at Strathearn School

58

Rapid Fire Questions with: Thomas Wightman

60

Q Radio’s Stephen and Cate:

Surprise Strandtown Schoolgirl

60

Journey of Lifetime to Silicon Valley

64

Talking Yoga with Claire Ferry

67

East Belfast Motoring: Fiat 500 Review

68

East Belfast Motoring: Seat Ateca Review

02

School’s Cup Final

04

Casino Royale, NICS Hockey Club

06

Strike a Pose at Lagan College

10

Cooking up a Storm for Positive Life

24

Celebrate with Sullivan

26

Best Side of the East Side

OUR COVER Armstrong Anderson Estate Agents 392 Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore, Belfast BT4 3EY 344 Beersbridge Road, Befast BT5 5DY

34

Wagamama Opening in Dundonald

40

To See the Sea Exhibition

49

Farewell Sir

54

Caring at the Crossroads

CONTACT EAST Belfast Life ISSN

55

Lagan College: Round Up

62

The Best Premiere

39 Boucher Road, Belfast BT12 6UT T: 028 9066 3311 F: 028 9038 1915 E: southbelfastlife@ulstertatler.com

72

Weber Hilmount

78

What’s Happening in the East

have you seen the signs?

SPRING 2017 | £2.00 wheRe Sold

FEATURES

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An Ulster tAtler GroUp pUblicAtion

028 9047 1401

www.armstronganderson.com Branches 392 Upper Newtownards Road Ballyhackamore, Belfast BT4 3EY 344 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DY

all the lateSt eaSt belfaSt SocIal eveNtS coveRed INSIde Why i love - nuala Meenahan, Kylie noble, Gail Mcnair, paul harron,

Andrew irvine tell us why they love east belfast

sociAl roUnd Up - school’s cup Final dininG in the eAst - essential guide to eating out in east belfast

to the Spring 2017 issue of East Belfast Life! In this issue we meet a host of different people, some you will have heard of and some you will not. But they all have two things in common, they all love east Belfast and have worked within the area to make it a better place.

SPOTLIGHT

Welcome...

All streets have a history. In this issue local historian Aidan Campbell takes a closer look at the histories of Dundonald, Beaconsfield and Bells Bridge.

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.

Ulster Tatler Group accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or the return of unsolicited material.

SOCIAL

In this edition, we take a closer look at the new landscaping jobs and the stunning artwork murals that are popping up in the east of the city. Both locals and visitors to east Belfast are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating out. . In this issue we feature a number of the area’s most popular eateries. 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!

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48 East Belfast Life 01

East Belfast : Social

Schools’ Cup Final Royal Belfast Academical Institution won the Danske Bank Ulster Schools’ Cup final for the third time in a row, after a tough win over Methodist College Belfast at the Kingspan Stadium. The end result was RBAI 12 MCB 8, with Methodist College dominating in the first half, but ultimately RBAI pulling it back in the second to lift the trophy and secure their third title victory. Supporters from both schools, and more across Belfast, watched the match from the stands of the Kingspan Stadium.

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01. Kate Handley, Annabelle Rose Smyth,

Hannah Flavelle & Hannah Delaney.

02. Sophie Gormley, Alexandra Dick & Sophie McConn.

03. Victoria College girls Amelia Azuara-Lois, Eva

Barron, Susan Bogan, Ellen Barbour, Eva Briggs

and Katie Young.

04. Claire, Holly & Peter Hamilton.

05. Steven Weir, Fraser McFall & Michael Ramsey.

06. Isobel Meharg & Lucy Martin.

07. Nicola & David McCrea.

08. Back Row: Abbie, Anna, Emily & Katie.

Front Row: Caitie, Olivia & Beth.

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East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

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09. Jillian Foster, Phil Dorman, Harry Bond, George

& Ben Dorman & John Foster.

10. Melanie Cleland, Irene Daly, Paul Johnston &

Eloise Cleland.

11. Ainne & Susie Loane with Paula & Graeme Neill.

12. Owen Henry, Conor Kelly, Patrick Butler,

Connor McEvoy & Roy Butler.

13. Emma Thallon, Georgie Glossop & Megan Holley.

14. Hannah Wilson & Phoebe Tan. 15. Steven, Luke & Karen Crothers.

16. Amber Ball, Charlie Harron, Ellen McIlroy &

Enya Darby.

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East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

Casino Royale NICS Hockey Club, based at Stormont, recently held a “Casino Royale” style fundraiser at the Stormont Hotel. The evening began with a drinks reception, followed by a three-course dinner. Entertainment throughout the evening was provided by local band, Manouche Boys. Casino tables were also extremely popular with excellent prizes for the winners at the end of the night. The evening provided an excellent opportunity for club members to socialize and this type of event is key to fundraising initiatives undertaken by NICS Hockey Club, which are important in ensuring that the best equipment and coaching can be provided not only to club members but the Club’s thriving Junior section. It was encouraging that this formal was the most popular for some time with over 125 in attendance.

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01. Elaine Bates, Keith Bates, Kellie Long, Peter Long,

Rebecca Blair, Simon Dowds, Alison Dowds, Nicola Blair,

Simon Blair, Adam Wilson, Hannah Blair.

02. Andrew Simpson, Matthew Campbell, Ross Anderson,

Scott Baxter, Ryan Cowden, Steven Neill, David

Whittington, Richard Shiels, Stephen Armstrong, James Thompson.

03. Stephen McGarry, Aimee Craig, Martin Childs, Shannon

Browne, Simon Blair.

04. Carrie Brown, Scott Gibson, Ben Mahood, Liz Mahood,

Rachel Kennedy, Matthew Willis, Peter McCrory, Guy

Harrison, Hannah Murphy, Alice Wilkinson, Rory Blight.

05. Peter Bowman, Sarah Jackson, Jennifer Quinn, Adam

Newberry, Grace Walker, Darren Robinson, Conor Gilmer,

Rachelle Burns-Delaney, Jane Clarke.

06. Matthew Willis, William Willis.

07. Bev McQuitty, Alan McQuitty.

08. Jordan Gamble, Rachelle Burns-Delaney, Jane Clarke,

Aimee Craig, Emma Feeney, Jane Alexander, Abbey

Cairnduff, Hannah Blair, Simon Blair.

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East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

Strike a Pose As part of the College’s 35th Anniversary celebrations, the Parents’ Council hosted a fashion show in the Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, with over 300 people attending the event. Students, staff and parents ‘strutted their stuff’ on the catwalk wearing the latest fashion trends for Spring/Summer 2017. The event was styled by Sharon Elkin, the proud mummy of Zac, Year 13 and Bruce, Year 11. Sharon was ably supported by Jenny Rice, Chair of Parents’ Council. The evening was a great success, raising over £3000 for Barnardos, the College’s chosen charity this year, and the student Recognise and Reward scheme operated within the school.

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01. Lagan College Year 11 models.

02. The Lagan College catwalk.

03. Lagan College teachers modelling fashions

available from Sharon Elkin.

04. Fashion show stylists from ‘Lounge’ at

Ballyhackamore left-right Stephen Rafferty,

Natalie Kearney, Joanne Rafferty and Peter Cornwell.

05. Lagan College Principal Mrs McNamee with

Lagan College and Regent House pupils

left-right Adam McCracken, Zak Elkin,

Ewan McCracken, Jason Merron and Andrew McCracken.

06. The fashion show.

07. Modelling.

08. Lagan College pupils backstage.

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East Belfast Life

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BELFAST

East Belfast : fashion

StreetSmart...

Gloria McAleese, Retired What are your favourite, must-have fashion items?

I love nice frocks and high heels but I can’t wear them anymore as I tortured my ankles with them when I was younger. I love to see the current fashions and see the young people wearing all the latest trends.

Where is your favourite place to shop for clothes?

Charity shops, they are great, I love them.

There are some really trendy and edgy clothes and accessories in them.

Where did you get the clothes you are wearing today?

The jacket is from Marks and Spencer, via a charity shop and my shoes are from the Marie Curie charity shop on Belmont Road .

James Mowbray, Opticians Manager Do you have any fashion Style incons?

I love Tom Ford!

Where did you get your outfit that you are wearing today?

Today I am wearing a suit from Primark and my glasses are Ray Ban. What is your favourite fashion item?

Waistcoats. I wear them with everything... jeans and suits.

Do you have any fashion pet peeves?

Trousers that are too low.

Ruby Scally Do you have any style icons?

I like Vanessa Hudgens and Molly King from The Saturdays.

Describe your style.

Casual but also mixed with girly or tomboyish, depending on how I am feeling!

Where did you get your outfit that you are wearing today?

My top and jeans are from New Look and my jacket is from Zara.

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East Belfast Life

East Belfast : fashion

East Belfast Life hits the streets to check out what’s hot in the style stakes

Tanya McCaw Where did you get your outifit that you are wearing today?

Everything is from New Look apart from my coat, it is from Mango.

Do you have any style icons?

I like Holly Willoughby’s style.

Describe your sense of style.

Comfortable and bright.

Do you have any fashion pet peeves?

Floral patterns.

Coleen Magill, Student Where did you get your outfit you are wearing today?

EMP and Primark.

What are your favourite fashion shops?

EMP and Fresh Garbage.

What is your favourite fashion item?

Anything with skulls on it.

Do you have any fashion pet peeves?

Crop tops.

Amy, Barista What are your must have fashion items?

My piercings and tattoos and I also like to dye my hair every week.

Dedcribe your style.

Minimalstic and probably alternative but I dont like to use labels.

What is your must have fashion accesory for going out?

I like shirts that button all the way up to my throat.

Do you have any fashion pet peeves?

Over-drawn eye brows and lips.

East Belfast : Social

Cooking Up a Storm Enthusiastic amateur chefs felt the heat of a professional kitchen as they, quite literally, cooked up a storm for the Positive Life charity. La Mon House Hotel, in the Castlereagh Hills, was the venue for the Come Dine With Me style Cooking Up A Storm event which raised £7,500 for Positive Life which supports and promotes positive living for people with and affected by HIV in Northern Ireland, while at the same time promoting positive attitudes towards those. The ambitious novices were mentored by award-winning top chefs, Colin McCreedy, of La Mon, and Conor McClelland, who with wife, Bernie, owns and runs the famed Rayanne House in Holywood, renowned for its recreation of the last menu served on the Titanic. TV presenter Claire McCollum added another professional touch as compere. Directed by Colin and Conor, the main prize winners emerged as Colin O’Doherty, Gail Malmo, Gareth Clements and Stuart Bradford.

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01. Compere Claire McCollum, Sunday Life

wine writer and judge Paula Gracey, chef

Conor McClelland and wife Bernie of Rayanne

House, and Positive Life chief Executive

Jacquie Richardson.

02. Pat Cassidy, Emma McCourt and Stuart Bradford.

03. Mabel Scullion, Francis Auld, Marcella

Campbell, Jennifer McBratney Gail Malmo and

Lorraine Smith.

04. Joe Harris, Colin O’Doherty and Emma Graham.

05. TV presenter and compere Claire McCollum

with Cooking Up A Storm competitors at

La Mon.

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East Belfast Life

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te ! voow n

om .c er tl ta er st ul

10 YEARS

10 YEARS www.ulstertatler.com AT

01 Fashion Boutique of the Year

Tell us the name of your top locally owned boutique. The category covers everything from clothes stores, to shoe shops and everything in between.

02 Interiors showroom of the Year

10 YEARS

In this category you can vote for a large or small independently owned interiors store.

03 Hairdressing salon of the Year

In this category just let us know the name of your favourite hairdressing salon.

04 beauty salon/spa of the Year

In this category you can vote for any salon/spa in the Northern Ireland within the health or beauty industry? Who has worked wonders on you?­­­­­

05 public house of the year

What’s the name of the best pub you have been to lately? Simply let us know the name of your favourite watering hole.

06 restaurant of the Year

Where have you had your best meal lately? Just let us know the name of your favourite restaurant.

belfast city hall

thursday 14th september 2017

THE CATEGORIES Fashion Boutique Interiors showroom Hairdressing salon Beauty salon/spa public house restaurant hotel charity sports person celebrity independant Travel Agent NI website business woman business man

AT

07 hotel of the Year

Which hotel stands out to you as top class in everything from hospitality to food service? Here’s your chance to recognise their effort.

08 charity of the Year

Which charity is close to your heart? Just let us know the name of the charity that has made a difference in your life.

09 sports person of the Year

All we need is the name and sport of the person you are voting for.

10 celebrity of the Year

For this category just let us know the name and profession of the person you are voting for.

11 independant Travel Agent of the year

In this category we are looking for the name of the travel agent that you think goes above and beyond the call of duty to provide an excellent service.

12 NI website of the year

Which Northern Irish website stands out to you most in terms of traffic, design and functionality?

13 business woman of the Year

All we need is the name and company of the person you are voting for along with a statement of up to 500 words on why they should win.

10

14 business man of the Year

All we need is the name and company of the person you are voting for along with a statement of up to 500 words on why they should win.

YEARS

Lifetime Achievement Award

This award is given to someone who has made significant contribution to life in Northern Ireland. Past winners include Gerry Armstrong, Michael Longley, Barry McGuigan, Dame Mary Peters, Brian Friel, Sir James Galway, Gloria Hunniford, Phil Coulter and Terri Hooley. This category is not voted on by the public.

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 you’re voting for

1 Fashion Boutique of the Year

James Nesbitt with Northern Ireland Manager Michael O’Neill at the 2016 UT Awards.

2 Interiors Showroom of the Year

3 Hairdressing Salon of the Year

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

4 Beauty Salon/Spa of the Year

5 NI Website 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 Sunday 2nd July 2017 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 12, all you need to do is let us know the name of the person or company you are voting for, along with their company contact details, where appropriate.

For categories 13 and 14 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 AT

7 Hotel of the Year

8 Charity of the Year

9 Sports Person of the Year

10 Celebrity of the Year

11 Independent Travel Agent of the Year

12 Public House of the Year

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

14 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

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East Belfast : People in Profile

A time TO speak... with joan mccready East Belfast Life’s Chloe Heaney catches up with professional actress, theatre director, adjudicator and teacher Joan McCready who is starring in “A Time to Speak”, adapted by her husband Sam from Helen Lewis’s Holocaust memoir. The play is making a welcome return to Belfast’s Lyric Theatre from 3rd - 7th May to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Helen Lewis’s birth in Czechoslovakia.

Where did you grow up? What school did you go to?

I grew up in South Belfast and I went to Victoria College and then on to Stranmillis Training College.

What inspired you to get into the arts? How did it all begin?

It all began when I was a very small girl and was asked to take part in plays given by our local church, St. Jude’s, on the Ormeau Road. Later, in my teenage years, I took part in school productions at Victoria College and continued at Stranmillis Training College where I joined the College Dramatic Society. My first major role there was in Donagh McDonagh’s comedy, “Happy as Larry”, in which I played the lead opposite Sam McCready who also directed the production. The rest is history.

Tell us a bit about your upcoming play ‘A Time to Speak” that is coming to the Lyric?

The play is about Helen Lewis who was a survivor of the Holocaust.

Helen came to Belfast in 1947 after she had survived three concentration camps, and started the first modern dance company in Ireland. She joined the Lyric Theatre where we met her. She was the resident choreographer there and Sam and I worked very closely with her for many years and over many productions.

She was an extraordinary lady and I tell her story in the play “A Time to Speak” which is based on her memoir of the same name. We were very close to Helen. She shared a great deal of her story of survival with us a long time after she came to Belfast. At that time, people

Photo credit: Clinton Brandhagen

Joan with husband Sam.

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East Belfast Life

East Belfast : People in Profile

A

didn’t talk about the Holocaust, it was all too close to them and so, as Helen says in her book, she considered it a chapter of her life that was closed. It was only many years later that she began to talk about it at all. The stimulus for talking closely with us was on a summer evening when there was a little party gathering at ‘the old Lyric’ in Derryvolgie Avenue, a theatre which was just two rooms converted into a stage and an auditorium. At that little party, Helen was visibly distressed and Sam and I were talking to her. She told us about how she had been filling her car with petrol that afternoon and her arm had been sitting on the window ledge of the car. The young man who was filling her car said to her, “Oh what a great idea. You’ve got your telephone number tattooed on your arm.” It was her Auschwitz number. Helen was so distressed, she knew it was a time to speak. Auschwitz was the only camp which actually tattooed the numbers of the inmates onto their arms. All the others kept records but they did not use that system and so such an unwitting and innocent remark of a youngster that had clearly not lived through the Holocaust opened the floodgates with Helen and she began talking about her experiences.

Over the years we learned more and more from her. One of the most powerful moments for us was when she visited us in the United States and we took her to the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. She exhausted us that day. There wasn’t one single piece of that museum that she wasn’t totally involved in, but what was so interesting was that later we talked until about 4am the next morning about the visit.

We started at dinner that evening and the conversation never stopped.

Helen just revealed more and more of the most incredible atrocities that had happened to her and thousands of others, stories she doesn’t even share in her book. Her story of survival is quite extraordinary and when asked what finally saved her, she concluded it was dance, that dance had saved her life.

Tell us a bit about your relationship with the Lyric Theatre and local theatre in Northern Ireland?

Sam was a founder member when the old theatre was formed, first of all in Ulsterville Avenue where Dr. Pearse O’Malley had his practice and his wife Mary O’Malley founded the theatre in one of the rooms in that house. It then moved to Derryvolgie Avenue. It was at that time that I met Sam at Stranmillis and he brought me along to the theatre as an audience member. Mary spoke to me afterwards and asked, “Would you ever do a wee part for me?” which was a phrase she greeted most people with that when she met them. And so I was in the next play. Sam and I were associated with that theatre for many years as actors, directors and eventually artistic directors, until we moved to the United States. Our relationship with the Lyric goes back a long long way.

Helen Lewis entrusted only you and Sam to tell the story through play form - How does this make you feel?

Highly honored and privileged. For a long time, a lot of people were anxious to adapt the piece or to read her book in some way publically and Helen always refused. Sam eventually asked her if he could adapt the book for me to do. She gave her permission on condition that I played the role. Her two sons have been exemplary in honoring her wishes, and in our performances we hope that we have always kept faithful to her.

It’s a great privilege to be able to represent her on stage and to tell her story. I am not Helen Lewis I don’t look anything like Helen Lewis, I will never look like her, but as an actor I feel empowered to present her story. Sam and I did a great deal of research when we began the adaptation, not just based on our own personal friendship and getting to know Helen’s innermost personal feelings but we also visited two of the three camps in which she was incarcerated. We went to Prague where she moved after high school to do her dance training. We visited where she had spent two years in Theresienstadt. She was very ill at the time and almost died in hospital. We moved on to Krakow and visited Auschwitz which was an extraordinary experience that is never to be forgotten. We did not visit Stutthof, the third camp, which is in the north of Poland on the Baltic Sea. There’s very little of that camp left to see and so we didn’t feel it was worth a visit. I don’t think I could have begun to describe the horrors and things that these camps were about until I had visited them and seen for myself. I feel I bring a double look at Helen, both from a personal point of view and also from the research that I have done into the role.

What do you think of the Belfast arts scene at the moment? In particular the theatrical scene in Belfast?

It seems to be very lively to us each time we come back. We find that there is a great deal going on in the arts here which is good and healthy.

We’re very glad that in the last few years we have participated in the EastSide Arts Festival which has become a very vibrant entity in the city. Everything seems to be going well in the arts in Belfast which I am glad to see.

East Belfast Life 15

East Belfast : People in Profile

Joan reading from Helen Lewis’ Holocaust memoir, A TIME TO SPEAK.

we have devoted ourselves to oneperson plays, travelling all over the US. Our work has been very well received in America but we also have enthusiastic audiences when we travel back to Ireland and England. We have been very happy with all the opportunities theatre has given us, including performing in Hong Kong. We’re doing theatre all the time.

What other projects are you working on at the moment?

Sam and I are working on a adaptation of Robert Harbinson’s Belfast memoir, “No Surrender”. which he has developed as a monodrama. It will be preformed at the Eastside Arts Festival in August this year. As soon as we complete this tour of “A Time to Speak”, we will begin rehearsals. That’s our next project. We have formed our own little company here; we call it ‘Two for One Productions’. We do everything together: when Sam writes and acts in a play, I direct him, when I am acting, he directs me. It all works out very well.

How often do you get back to Belfast?

We keep a home there and so we’re usually back twice a year for two to three months. We are dividing our time between our work in the US and returning home to perform and keep in touch with our family and friends. We have the best of both worlds.

Photo credit: Clinton Brandhagen

Tell us a bit about your life living in America? How long have you been based there?

I came here in 1985. Sam had been here for a couple of years before that. He worked in New York, doing theatre productions. Then he moved to Baltimore. He had been head hunted by a number of universities and he decided to come to the University of Maryland where he was appointed Professor of Theatre. I joined him in 1985. I taught in a private school in Baltimore for 17 years, teaching theatre, humanities and communications. It’s over 30 years now since I came here… a very long time!

Tell us a bit about your professional life in the States.

I worked for a great length of time in the American college scene and also in New York, where I performed Off-Broadway in the play “Coole Lady”. I’ve also performed professionally in Baltimore and Washington DC. Since we quit our day jobs, as we say, because we can’t call it retirement since we’re still working,

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East Belfast Life

Like yourself, Belfast has a number of famous exports, who are your local icons?

Well of course, Liam Neeson. He is a remarkable man who is doing remarkable work all over the place. Van Morrison too of course, Van the man!

What do you miss most about living in Belfast?

The people! They are so warm, so immediate, and so funny! It is the people that we miss most about Northern Ireland. The people make us tick and make us the way we are. It’s always good to be back. After all, it’s home!

Now available at

12 Cregagh Road, Belfast BT6 9EP | 028 9046 6436

East Belfast : HISTORY

East Belfast Through Time Aidan Campbell has published books on the history of East Belfast, which are all illustrated to take you on a journey through time. He regularly shares histories of local places with us, whether it is an extract from one of his books or an exclusive glance into the past. In this issue, Aidan takes a look at Dundonald, Beaconsfield, and Bells Bridge.

Modern Day Dundonald Village.

Dundonald Village In the mid-1950s Dundonald was a village on the outskirts of Belfast. On the left hand side of the Upper Newtownards Road the semi-detached housing had been constructed in the 1930s on the site of a row of country cottages known as ‘Gape Row’. They were made famous in a novel of that name by a lady called Agnes Romilly White whose father had been the Rector of St Elizabeth’s Parish Church just prior to the First World War. This photograph (below) was taken shortly before the construction of the Ulster Hospital on the hill in the distance.

Dundonald Village befoire the Ulster Hospital.

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East Belfast Life

East Belfast : HISTORY

Beaconsfield was built in the late Victorian period.

Aidan Campbell has previously Marie Curie Hospice bought the house and extensive site.

beaconsfield Beaconsfield was a big house situated on the corner of Kensington Road and Knock Road. It was built during the late Victorian period in 1869 for a wealthy insurance agent called Joseph Millar.

The last resident of Beaconsfield was Miss Alice Maud Crawford (one of the Crawford’s of Crawfordsburn) who lived there from 1935 until her death aged 94 years old in 1960. The Marie Curie Memorial Foundation bought the house and extensive site and opened Beaconfield Nursing Home, now the Marie Curie Hospice, in 1965.

published 12 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont, East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2 and Ballymacarrett. Newtownbreda in South Belfast was published in 2015 and Belfast Through Time in 2016 Aidan regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies.

The books retail at £10.00 each

Bells bridge Now-a-days ‘Bell’s Bridge’ on Cregagh Road is known as a major roundabout (below) connecting Ladas Drive and Mount Merrion Avenue but it was previously a small bridge over the Loop River (look just in front of the tram). The tram lines had reached Gibson Park by 1898 but the line above Bell’s Bridge was abandoned in 1936 because of the poor surface. Passengers took a bus to the junction at top of the Cregagh Road where it met Hillfoot Road (now the A55 dual carriageway). The boundary between the Belfast and Castlereagh Council areas was also reached here.

and most are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice and Hamilton News Cregagh with profits donated to local charity.

Book sales online at: www. eastbelfasthistory.com

Previously Bel’s Bridge had tram lines.

Cregagh Road roundabout.

East Belfast Life 19

East Belfast : NEWS

New Landscapes East Belfast is now a hub of flourishing natural beauty; between the Connswater Community Greenway investment and the new C.S. Lewis Square with EastSide Visitor Centre, the area is offering increasingly new and relative developments celebrating the best of the east. In this edition we take a look at some of the most recent news and investment stories hitting east Belfast, and what you can expect as resident or a visitor over the coming months.

‘Luminaries and Legends’ New Mural Local artist Dee Craig unveiled his new mural on the wall of the new EastSide Visitor Centre beside C.S. Lewis Square on the junction of Newtownards Road, which stars many east Belfast legendary figures. The new piece is called ‘The Luminaries and Legends’ and celebrates figures such as Sir Van Morrison, George Best, Thin Lizzy guitarist Gary Moore, musician David Holmes, Lucy Caldwell, C.S. Lewis, and iconic locations such as Harland & Wolff and the Strand Arts Centre, to name a few.

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East Belfast Life

The hand painted mural hopes to promote the homegrown talent originating from the east of Belfast, as funded by the Urban Villages Initiative under the Northern Ireland Executive’s Together Building a United Community Strategy and the Department of Communities.

East Belfast : NEWS

James Ellis Bridge a tribute to the actor

Connswater Community Greenway Updates Four new sections of the Connswater Community Greenway have recently opened to the public, featuring new paths and trails for you to enjoy. This section of the project includes 4kms of new cycling paths, two new bridges, and two new play parks.

The new areas are:

Newtownards Road to Connswater Link Avoniel Leisure Centre to Beersbridge Road Castlereagh Road to Ladas Way Ladas Drive to Montgomery Road As part of the Connswater Community Greenway, floodwalls, signage, and lighting have been updated, replaced or improved. There have also been additions to landscaping, crossings, and games areas.

To stay updated, visit: www.connswatergreenway.co.uk

Well-known East Belfast Actor, the late, James ‘Jimmy’ Ellis, famed for his roles in productions such as the BBC series Z-Cars and The Billy Plays, will add his name to a new bridge, just metres from his family home. This marks the opening of a further section of the Connswater Community Greenway linking C.S. Lewis Square, Mersey Street and Victoria Park. The new greenway section from C.S Lewis Square to Victoria Park, including the James Ellis Bridge, will feature: 1.4km new cycle and walkway; flood protection for local properties; landscaping works including new trees, shrubs and grassed areas; restoration of the Connswater River to encourage plant and wildlife species to thrive and a new toucan crossing at Mersey Street Bridge. In addition Mersey Street Bridge has been repainted and benches, lighting, bins and interpretative signage added along the route.

When completed, the Connswater Community Greenway will be a living landmark and a fantastic legacy for everyone from across the city and beyond to enjoy. As well as offering greener, cleaner spaces, including a wildlife corridor from Belfast Lough to the Castlereagh Hills, the new linear park includes 16km of foot and cycle paths, improved green spaces, 23 new or improved bridges and crossings, 5km of flood walls and embankments, 6 new tourism and heritage trails and the C.S. Lewis Square at Holywood Arches for celebrations and events.

The Connswater Community Greenway is a £40 million funded project developed by EastSide Partnership and delivered by Belfast City Council which is managing the project construction. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council, the Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure and DfI Rivers, the Greenway will improve the quality of life for local people and create a legacy for future generations. The Connswater Community Greenway project was developed thanks to more than £23.5 million raised by National Lottery players.

For further information on Connswater Community Greenway visit www.connswatergreenway.co.uk, Facehook:/connswatercommunitygreenway, twitter @connswgreenway #CCG.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : People in Profile

East Belfast Life talks to Jeanette Hedley and son Kyle about why they love living in east Belfast.

why i love east belfast...

What is your favourite hidden gem in east Belfast?

My favourite hidden gem would have to be the woodland walks around Stormont Estate. The kids love choosing which path to walk on and seeing where it leads. It can be a bit of a hike and there are a lot of steep hills but it is definitely worth it to see the squirrels, birds and streams that are not visible from the main paths around the estate and as there are so many different routes the kids don’t get bored doing the same things week after week.

What do you like most about living in east Belfast?

I love having so many things within walking distance. There are so many places to shop, eat and relax within a 10-15min walk of where we live.

The shopping centre is great on a rainy day and if the sun is out I like to have a nosy in some of the wonderful shops that the Belmont Road has to offer. Also having so many green areas and parks nearby is fantastic for keeping the kids entertained during the school holidays.

How do you like to relax in your spare time in the area?

To relax we love going for a walk in Victoria Park, at this time of year the kids really enjoy walking around the river trying to spot the new baby ducklings! There is always lots of wildlife to see and the kids can let off steam playing in the play park giving me some time to put my feet up and relax.

What is your favourite restaurant / cafe in this part of the city?

Our favourite café is the Arches Café on the Holywood Road. The food is delicious and there is something on the menu for everyone which is a blessing as I have very fussy eaters! The girls that work there always greet you with a smile and hello as you go in and make sure you are well looked after no matter how busy they are.

Dinner & Design The latest Ulster Tatler Interiors Networking Dinner was held in mid-January at the Whalley Gallery in east Belfast. The catering on the night was provided by Home Restaurant. The event was attended by a cross section of professionals from the interiors sector. The Whalley Gallery support exciting Irish and international contemporary artists. They recently moved to a new premises on the Belmont Road.

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01. Glen Wright, Caroline Higgins,

John Leckey and Rob McAleavy.

02. The Interiors Dinner.

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East Belfast Life

03. Rob Smith, Mick Smith, Chris Sherry.

04. Deena McDonald, Jon Lyons.

05. Mick Smith, Stephen Walley.

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Beauty Culture

Beauty Culture 1a

beauty culture Belfast

Beauty Culture

Winner of

Belfast 2015/16

Beaity Salon of the Year’

NORTHERN IRELAND HAIR AND BEAUTY AWARDS!

1a Bloomfield Road, Belfast, BT5 5LR | T: 028 9046 0100 Online booking available at www.beautyculture.co.uk

FINALIST

East Belfast : Social

Celebrate with Sullivan Former Sullivan Upper School pupils Mark Simpson and Alison Fleming hosted a star studded gala event in Titanic Belfast to celebrate the school’s 140 year history, and raise funds for new sporting facilities. Among the guests were Great British Bake Off star Andrew Smyth, Sky’s Dermont Murnaghan and former Linfield Manager and current Ballymena United Manager David Jeffrey, who was auctioneer for the night. As well as a prize lotto draw, guests were treated to video messages from some of the school’s most famous former pupils, including golfing super star Rory McIlroy and rugby hero Darren Cave.

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Tracey Campton.

02. Ann McCarty, Rosemary Pearson and Carol Thompson.

03. Keith Storey, Mark Thallon and David Holley.

04. Lydia McQuoid, Emma Quinn, Jessica

Chrishop, Amy Rothwell and Emily Davidson.

05. Debbie Topping, Andrew Smyth and Corrin Warmington.

06. Ellen Greene and Robyn Laird.

07. Darren Cave and Helen Moore.

08. Lane Duncan, Geraldine Houston, Trine Shaw

and Gillian McCollum and Wendy McCullough.

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East Belfast Life

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Hillview

contemporary village living

SHOW HOME OPEN

Range of detached and semi-detached homes starting from 179,500. Show Home opening, viewings can be arranged by appointment on 028 9044 8237/ 07540 117476.

Hillview, Moneyreagh BT23 6EZ

Tel: 028 9044 8237

East Belfast : Social

Best Side of the East Side Winners of the first Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport have been announced at a glittering ceremony in the heart of East Belfast, hosted by BBC presenter Tara Mills. More than 200 guests gathered at Hastings Stormont Hotel to recognise all that is good about East Belfast at the Eastside Awards. On arrival guests were entertained by musicians from Grosvenor Grammar School and treated to dancing by NiStars. Following the awards presentation, The Ronnie Greer Blues Band performed with special guests Ken Haddock and one of East Belfast’s much loved singer songwriter’s, Anthony Toner.

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Christopher McGuicken receives Eastside Award for Digital Innovation from Robin Brown.

Michele Bryans collects Eastside Award for Volunteer of the Year on behalf of winner Sean Brannigan, James Brown MBE. Katie Pedlow receives Eastside Award for Business Contribution from Simon Seaton.

Clare Caughey receives Eastside Award for Business Start Up from Jonathan McAlpin.

Bill Manson receives Eastside Award for Contribution to Sport from Philp Miley.

James Brown MBE receives Eastside Award for Outstanding Contribution to East Belfast from Jonathan McAlpin.

Mimi Turtle receives Eastside Award for Contribution to the Arts from Fiona Flynn.

The winners of the Eastside Awards.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

Searching for

East Belfast’s Unsung Heroes The search is on for East Belfast’s Unsung Heroes. The 2017 Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers have just been launched and judges are looking for who you think best captures the Spirit of Northern Ireland in 2017. This annual awards ceremony, which will again be televised by UTV, seeks to honour all those who make a difference across Northern Ireland.

One of last year’s winners was east Belfast man Terry McCorran, founder of City of Belfast Boxing Academy on the Short Strand, who won the 2016 Spirit of Northern Ireland Award for Sport and was presented with his award by Carl Frampton. Last year’s overall Spirit of Northern Ireland winner was Davitt Walsh, from the Derry/Donegal border. Davitt rescued a baby from tragically drowning when the family’s car slipped off the pier in Buncrana. His quick thinking and immediate action enabled Davitt to rescue baby Rioghnach-Ann from the water when sadly five other members of her family drowned.

This year organisers want your nominations for who you think deserves a Spirit of Northern Ireland Award, by selflessly serving others and being an inspiration to us all. The unique Northern Ireland-wide search will give recognition to those whose good deeds have previously gone mostly unnoticed - ordinary people who are doing extraordinary things to help others and people whose uplifting stories of selfless acts will touch the hearts of all who read them.

Judges are searching to honour winners across ten categories in total which are now open for nomination. This year’s categories are: Unsung Hero, Overcoming Adversity, Spirit of Youth, 999 Hero, Charity Champion, Spirit of Health, Spirit of Education, Caring Spirit Award, Spirit of Sport and Overall Spirit of Northern Ireland Award.

Whether for demonstrating a spirit of compassion, neighbourliness, charity, enterprise, courage or devotion, all nominations are welcome. All those who submit nominations will automatically be entered into a prize draw to win a £150 eyecare voucher and a VIP experience

at the awards, including an overnight stay at the Culloden, courtesy of Specsavers. The grand final for the Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers will take place on Friday, June 16 at the luxurious five-star Culloden Estate & Spa resort in Holywood.

Hosting the Sunday Life Spirit of Northern Ireland Awards with Specsavers this year again will be UTV’s Marc Mallett and Pamela Ballantine, and just like previous years, the audience will be filled with many local celebrities supporting the event and eager to hear the finalists’ incredible stories.

Entertainment on the night of the awards this June will be provided by Boyzlife – the band formed by Boyzone singer Keith Duffy and Westlife’s Brian McFadden.

To make a nomination, simply explain in 50100 words why this person is worthy of a Spirit of Northern Ireland Award and email to spiritofniawards@sundaylife.co.uk or fill in a form available at a local Specsavers store.

The closing date for nominations is Friday 5th May 2017.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : People in Profile

Media professional and model, Nuala Meenehan, tells us...

“WHY I LOVE...

East BELFAST” What has been your career path to date?

It’s been a combination of media and modeling for over 35 years, they’re both about connecting and working with people, getting ideas and inspiration to flow.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A TYPICAL WORKING DAY? It’s always better with an early start. It’s fast moving at Exterion Media, we’re about ideas and creativity so I’m always discussing and proposing ways to use our advertising formats: bus, posters, digital and point of sale. I work in Dublin alot these days so I’m always at Central station either coming or going from client meetings.

HOW DO YOU RELAX IN YOUR SPARE TIME? I started the couch to 5k in Victoria Park last year and I’ve been running ever since. I joined a local running club, the Big Fish Runners, a

great bunch of people who I like just as much as running. We go out at least twice a week and I’ll join them at the weekends if I can. It’s a great way to distress and it’s absolutely free!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN EAST BELFAST? I’ve lived on and out of east Belfast for most of my life, I’ve always loved living here, there’s a cafe culture now which I really like, with arguably some of the best restaurants and best designer label boutiques in the land.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM AND WHY? I’ve recently discovered E Interiors interior design on Bloomfield Avenue, right beside Peel Boutique, their range of beautiful fabrics, edgy furniture and bespoke accessories are right up my street and more than affordable. Pop in and see - you wont regret it!

Victoria Park.

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East Belfast Life

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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 cof-

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

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

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

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.

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

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

199 Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore 02890 921 920 www.stokershalt.com

East Belfast Life

The Elk Inn servies lunch, dinner, coffee, drinks and desserts with a unique and varied menu that will get your tastebuds tingling.

Their homemade Elk burger, in particular, is renowned for being spectacular.

793 Upper Newtownards Road Dundonald T: 028 9048 0004

111 Newton Park T: 028 9070 7970 www.thefourwinds.co.uk

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

Blue Chicago Grill

THE ELK INN

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.

THE Stokers halt At The Stokers you can enjoy delicious food, a selection of hand crafted ales and lagers or an exciting range of freshly mixed cocktails. They have created a relaxed environment to enhance their customers down time whether you’re dropping in for a coffee, having a business meeting, celebration or just getting together with some mates, The Stokers does it all.

4 Belmont Road T: 028 9065 6590

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fee 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.

Olivers Restaurant Olivers Restaurant is a casual dining establishment showcasing an exqusite and vibrant menu, with varied dishes, created with the best of local produce.

405 Upper Newtownards Rd 028 9067 1105 www.oliversknock.com

East Belfast : DINING OUT Graze

The Poet

8 Library Court, Newtownards Road, T: 028 9065 8658

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

Nominated for best restaurant at the Ulster Tatler Awards, Graze is located in Ballyhackamore, at the heart of east Belfast.

Graze serves seasonally-inspired cuisine and has a commitment to using local and sustainable foods.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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

269-275 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9080 2888 Neill’s Hill

East Point Entertainment Village, Old Dundonald Rd, Dundonald T: 028 9048 3407 www.wagamamani.com

SPOON STREET The unique self serve frozen yogurt (‘FroYo’) store has been a roaring success since it opened in Ballyhackamore. With 16 rotating flavours and over 40 toppings there is ample selection and something different to try on every visit.

261 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9543 5255 Thirty six Based in the heart of east Belfast on the busy Belmont Road, Thirty Six offers delicious homemade food made from the freshest local ingredients. Open daily this cosy cafe is the perfect place to stop for a hearty breakfast, tasty lunch or an afternoon sweet treat made in the kitchen.

36 Belmont Road T: 028 9065 7476

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.

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

Based in Dundonald’s Entertainment Village, wagamama offers the best of Japanese-inspired cuisine. From curry to noodles, it is guaranteed to offer excellent service with healthy treats, using fresh produce and a modern flair.

158 Holywood Road T: 028 9065 6520 www.parkavenuehotel.co.uk

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.

Wagamama

Horatio Todd’s 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!

406 Upper Newtownards Road T: 028 9065 3090

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.

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

East Belfast Life 31

East Belfast : REVIEW

A Hearty, Healthy Treat

east BELFAST LIFE’S chantelle Harvey visits wagamama restaurant in Dundonald

F

or over twenty years, wagamama has been a powerhouse of Japanese inspired Asian food. Their new restaurant in Dundonald’s Eastpoint Entertainment Village is spacious, bright, clean and welcoming, with waiters greeting you on the door and offering you the best available seats. Perhaps a unique feature of wagamama is their seating arrangement; communal benches line the middle of the room, with private booths available and stools overlooking the scenic landscape that surrounds the Entertainment Village.

Upon taking our seats, the manager patiently sat down to talk us through the menu. He promptly answered our questions, gave useful insights to the chef’s recommendations, and explained that if you want an ingredient removed or added to a dish, they are happy to do so. Throughout the evening I witnessed this across tables and benches, from all of the waiters. This level of friendly, knowledgeable service reassures the customer that they are comfortable in their choice.

The menu was easy to read – the most difficult component was that there were too many appealing dishes to choose from; noodles, rice, vegetarian and vegan options, even if you’re the pickiest eater, you are bound to find something that suits your personal taste. For a starter, we ordered steamed chicken gyoza and a mushroom hirata steamed bun. The chicken gyoza (steamed dumplings) were light little pockets full of flavour. Not too filling, but with a generous portion, they were a perfect start to a nutritious meal. For the main, I ordered the seafood ramen, a lovely

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East Belfast Life

vegetable broth with noodles, steamed sea bream, breaded tilapia, and grilled tiger prawns decorated with peashoots. The fish was cooked to perfection and flaked as soon as the fork touched it. The vegetable broth was fragrant with a depth only achievable due to the best quality ingredients, and combined with the ramen noodles, the dish was healthy, balanced and a hearty treat for the taste buds. My friend ordered the chicken and prawn cha han donburi; a stir fried rice with a variety of vegetables, chicken, and prawn with a side of Japanese pickles, which were the stand-out component of the dish for him. We shared a plate of chilli squid, as recommended by the manager, and it was by far the highlight of the entire meal. The delightful taste of the squid, cooked to perfection, complimented the crispy batter and the kick of the seasoned chilli. The side dish was brought together with the light chilli and coriander dipping sauce, bringing the squid to its full potential.

With generous portions and a range of sides, it was a wonder that we had room for the dessert. However, with a menu tempting us with a range of ice-cream and Asian desserts not found in typical European haunts, we just couldn’t refuse. My friend ordered the waiter’s recommendation of banana katsu – warm fingers of banana coated in cinnamon breadcrumbs on top of a rich, smooth caramel ice-cream. My choice, a slice of passionfruit and coconut

cheesecake, wasn’t stodgy like your regular cheesecake, but instead it was creamy, light and refreshing after a filling dinner.

The tangy passionfruit danced with the sweetness of the coconut, making it a truly unforgettable dessert. The range of the drinks menu also deserves a mention: you can find your usual soft drinks featured with Asian beers and powerful freshly-pressed juices. The stand out to us, however, was the selection of teas, hot and cold. My friend chose the refreshing and crisp peach iced tea to compliment his main, whereas I decided on the chai tea, with its sweetly spiced undertones feeling like a homely comfort.

Overall, the service, staff, and range of fresh and healthy food make wagamama Dundonald a treat for all the family. If you’re new to Asian cuisine, or if it’s your favourite choice, then wagamama will tempt you with new and exciting twists, or greet you with homely classics. Located in the heart of Eastpoint Entertainment Village and a five minute walk to the Dundonald Icebowl, you can turn a visit for a tasty treat into an exciting trip for all the family.

Eastpoint Entertainment Village, Kings Road, Belfast BT16 1XT Tel: 028 9048 3407

Wagamama brings a celebration of Asian food to East Point.

One of the world’s best-loved and well-known restaurant chains, wagamama, has opened its doors at the East Point Entertainment Village in Dundonald. The new wagamama restaurant has created 40 new jobs for local people as well as bringing wagamama’s unique blend of delicious Japanese-inspired food and unique service style to one of Belfast’s most popular leisure destinations.

Since 1992, wagamama restaurants have become firm favourite destinations for anyone loving delicious, nutritious, high-quality and affordable food. wagamama’s hot and nourishing ramen bowls, super-tasty teppanyaki stir-fry noodles and warming donburi bowls of rice and spice are perfect at any time. And for kids, there’s a range of mini-Japanese dishes which are loved by children all over the world.

The new wagamama joins the global family of over 150 restaurants, a number which continues to increase as the brand expands as far afield as USA, Bahrain, Sweden, New Zealand and Greece. The celebration of fresh, lively Asian flavours that wagamama has at the heart of its business has proven to be a hit with customers across the world.

Wagamamas Dundonald, Eastpoint Entertainment Village Old Dundonald Road, Dundonald BT16 1XT Tel: 028 9048 3407

Wagamamas, 1st Floor, Victoria Square, Belfast BT1 4QG Tel:: 028 9023 6098

East Belfast : Social

Wagamama Opening in Dundonald One of the world’s best-loved and well-known restaurant chains, wagamama, has opened its doors at the East Point Entertainment Village in Dundonald. The new wagamama restaurant has created 40 new jobs for local people as well as bringing wagamama’s unique blend of delicious Japanese-inspired food and unique service style to one of Belfast’s most popular leisure destinations.

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Belfast Giants - Stephen Murphy, Brandon Benedict, Colin Shields & Jeff Mason.

Andy Campbell, Barry Gribben, Nathan Hunsdale, Andrew Thompson, Conor McKeown & Matthew McVittie.

Belfast Giants - Colin Shields, Brandon Benedict, Jeff Mason & Stephen Murphy.

Damian O’Rawe, Chris Kane & Eddie Johnston.

Kitchen Staff.

Pat Lowry & Sonja Chambers.

Judith Wylie & Shauna Murphy.

Staff at Wagamama.

East Belfast Life

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Set Menu

Tuesday-Thursday & Sunday 17.00-21.00 Friday & Saturday 17.00-18.00

To Start SOUP OF THE DAY GOATS CHEESE FRITTER Blood Orange, Beetroot & Candied Walnuts

CRISPY CHILLI BEEF Coriander Mayonnaise

PRAWN RISOTTO Chilli Butter, Coriander & Ginger

To Follow LINGUINE Wild Mushroom, Parmesan, Tarragon & Truffle Oil

CONFIT PORK BELLY Potato Gratin, Celeriac Puree, Clonakilty Black Pudding & Apple Sorbet

FILLET OF SEA BASS Crushed Potatoes, Mussels & Saffron Beurre Blanc

10oz SIRLOIN Chunky Chips, Pepper Sauce & Rocket Salad (5 Supplement)

To Finish VANILLA CRÉME BRÛLÉE Ginger snap

STICKY TOFFEE PUDDING Vanilla Ice-cream

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE Chocolate Soil & Honeycomb

Two Courses £16.50 Three Courses £20.00 Add a Bottle of Perdido Wine For £10 *T&C’s Apply

Please make any allergies or intolerances known to a member of staff. Whilst we will do all we can to accommodate guests, we are unable to guarantee that dishes will be completely allergen free. A discretionary service charge of 10% will be added for a party of six or more.

405 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast BT4 3LH

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Phone: 028 9067 1105

Reeds Rains Estate Agents open new office in Ballyhackamore Reeds Rains estate agents first opened their doors in Northern Ireland in 2010 and the opening of their new Ballyhackamore office last September is an exciting move by the franchise bringing their branch network total to seven. Director Ryan Andrews explains ‘We had been looking for the right premises in Ballyhackamore for several years and are delighted to have opened our doors in September 2016 with the takeover of an existing business Johnston & Co. Having started my estate agency career in the very same office back in 2001, we were very aware that the housing market in east Belfast was thriving, both from a sales and lettings perspective and it was very much a market that we wanted to be involved in. We have a superb team in branch, who have over 100 years of experience between them, making them we believe the best sales team on the Upper Newtownards Road.’

This office is now part of a larger network of 7 branches which helps us get our property portfolio in front of more active purchasers, and ultimately help our clients achieve the best price possible. We have enjoyed a positive uplift in business in our Ballyhackamore branch under the new brand compared to 2016 for sales, lettings and new sales listings. 2017 thus far has gone well for the new office in East Belfast with over 100 properties SALE AGREED since 1st January. The next challenge for us is getting more property on the market for sale with overall market volumes seemingly lower in recent months.

At the same time this supply/demand issue is causing agreed sales to improve and it is not uncommon for houses to achieve over and above their asking price, which is a good sign.’ Reeds Rains Ballyhackamore branch Tel: 028 9065 5555 Email: ballyhackamore@Reedsrains.co.uk

Reeds Rains Ballyhackamore 350 Upper Newtownards Road, Ballyhackamore, Belfast, BT4 3EX T: 028 9065 5555 (sales) | T: 028 9065 5555 (letting) | E: ballyhackamore@reedsrains.co.uk

The Team Ryan Andrews, Director Ryan started his estate agency career in East Belfast in 2001 and has worked for several well-known firms before joining Reeds Rains in 2011. Ryan was part of the management buyout in 2012 setting up the existing franchise business of seven branches in Northern Ireland.

Ryan works in both residential sales and lettings side of the business and is a Director in the firm.

Alan McMullan MNAEA Sales Director Ballyhackamore

Alan is hugely involved in the day to day running of the Ballyhackamore branch, having started in the very same office in 1996. Alan brings a high level of expertise on both residential sales and new homes.

Martin Armstrong MNAEA Sales Valuer /Negotiator

Martin started in the estate agency business in 2007 and is involved in the sales valuations for the office as well as New Homes.

Matthew Smyth Lettings Valuer

Matthew looks after all the lettings side of things for the branch including property management. Matthew started with the team in 2014.

East Belfast : REVIEW

A Taste of Mexico

east BELFAST LIFE’S Chloe heaney visits acapulco RESTAURANT in ballyhackamore.

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estled in the heart of the busy, bustling Ballyhackamore you will find Acapulco, a lively and colourful Mexican restaurant. On a Friday night after work, I was given the pleasure of dinning at Acapulco and enjoying a long over-due catch up with a friend. After hearing great things about the restaurant from my friends who live in east Belfast, I was dying to check it out!

As we walked in, we were welcomed by the lovely waitresses and shown to our seats.

I was immediately struck by the colourful décor and dimly lit lighting, which created a relaxing and happy ambience. Before our starters, the waitress brought us out ‘fajita spiced popcorn’, giving us a small taster of the unique and wonderful food that was on offer here that we were about to tuck into.

The tasty popcorn left us hungry for more and we couldn’t wait to explore the menu and see what was next. I just had to try the guava flavoured Jarrito that was on the drinks menu. It’s no wonder that Jarritos are the no.1 soft drinks in Mexico. I could imagine sipping one down to refresh myself in the Mexican sun!

At first glance of the extensive menu, I knew that it was going to be tough work narrowing it down for my starter, main and dessert. Some of the starters on offer

included chipotle wings, nachos supreme, nachos todos (nachos with a topping of spicy chicken), squid rings, quesadilla, chilli sizzlers and tacos. I was completely spoilt for choice but decided to go with the nachos supreme. It came out presented beautifully, drizzled in melted cheese and with three large dollops of salsa, guacamole and sour cream as dips. It was absolutely delicious.

Everything in the dish tasted so fresh and I was reluctant to share with my friend, it was that good. My friend went for the quesadilla which came with cheese, avocado and chilli.

She commented on the fresh, authentic Mexican taste of the dish and felt it was a nice, light appetizer ahead of the main.

The mains on the menu offered a full ‘flavour’ experience of mexico. We had the choice of fajitas, ensaladas, burritos, chimichangas, enchiladas, chilli vegetariano, chilli de Diablo and more! A very impressive list of dishes. Once again, we were spoilt for choice but felt like we couldn’t go wrong with whatever we went for. I got the chilli vegetariano which came out served in two dishes, one for the rice and one for the bowl of chilli. The chilli was bursting with rich and fresh flavors. It included fresh vegetables, spiced sweet potatoes and beans. I was left feeling nicely full but still ready to tackle dessert. There is always room for dessert.

For the main, my friend ordered the vegetarian chimichanga which was filled with beans, cheese, medium green chilli salsa, guacamole and sour cream. She described it as ‘heaven’ and said it was best Mexican food she had ever had. Much like the starter and mains menu, the dessert menu was very impressive and hard to pick from! My friend and I were torn between the Mexican deep fried ice-cream and the cinnamon churros.

The waitress recommended the deep fried ice-cream, telling us that it was their most popular dessert dish and so I was sold and had to see what the hype was all about. My friend opted for the cinnamon churros and we agreed to share our desserts to give each other a chance to try them both. The deep fried ice-cream was very unique and unlike anything I had ever had before. On the inside, it was cold and solid but began melting

when I chopped into it. On the outside, it was coated in a sweet crumb biscuit and smothered in butterscotch sauce. It was one of the nicest desserts I have had in a long time and not to mention, something a bit different. It was the perfect palate cleanser to the rich and tasty meal I had just eaten. My friend also ordered a tequila sunrise cocktail to have with her churros.

The churros were served in a cute tea cup with a dip of homemade chocolate sauce at the bottom.

They were done to perfection, making them crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. The churros were another unique addition to this extensive menu. It is unusal to find churros on dessert menus. Acapulco is a unique spot, giving you the opportunity to try new and exciting dishes that you may struggle to find elsewhere. I would go as far to say that this is the best Mexican food that I have had in Belfast to date. The warm, friendly and lively atmosphere, coupled with the delicious and unique food makes for a top spot that is going to be very hard to beat. It is no surprise that the restaurant was fully booked on the night I was there. It is very clear to see why there is so much repeat business.

257 Upper Newtownards Road Ballyhackamore Tel: 02890 296 400 www.acapulco.ie Bookings are available for all tables.

East Belfast Life 39

East Belfast : Social

To See the Sea Esther O’Kelly launched her vibrant solo exhibition, ‘The Sea Takes Back Its Own’ at Framewerk Gallery on a Saturday afternoon, which was very refreshing (as were the tea and cakes!). Esther’s show’s title is based on the Seanfhocal, ‘Faigheann an fharraige a cuid fin’.

The phrase is meant as a warning to fishermen in particular, not to be cocky, that they don’t hold sway on the ocean and that the sea will claim or swallow up her share of seagoers, come what may. It was lovely to see a large group of kids including Esther’s two children Caitlin and Cormac creating their own little art gallery in the corner whilst being entertained with beats by DJ Paul Kennedy.

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Neal Campbell, Phil Harrison, Kristi Campbell and David Price.

Nainsi Grundy and mum Carrie Neely.

Paul and Esther O’Kelly with kids.

Clinton Kirkpatrick, Heather Dornan Wilson and David Price.

Ciara Hylands, Cathy Keown, Daniel Kennedy, Roisin Keown and Shane Kennedy.

Esther O’Kelly and Lorna Mills.

Carrie Neely and Esther O’Kelly.

Framewerk Gallery.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Spotlight

Get gardening

The sun is coming out, the evenings are getting longer and it’s heating up in the garden.

Braeside Nursery’s Mark Hill offers green-fingered advice for Summer.

April is the best month to plant conifers and other evergreens, using peat or bark as a base. You can also continue to plant and prune pot grown trees, shrubs and Roses. A great way to enhance your Roses or other flowering shrubs is to apply a Rose fertilizer.

Hardy annual flowers can be sown if the soil is warm and dry on the surface but moist below. Gladioli should be planted at least 6” deep. Other summer bulbs, corms and tubers can also be planted. Take the time to plant new season’s herbaceous perennials, replacing inferior varieties with new improved cultivars.

As summer comes, we all begin to long for fresh, juicy fruit. Now’s the perfect time to

plant strawberries and other tree and bush fruit. These should be sprayed to protect against pests and diseases. Also prepare for tasty vegetables: sow seeds of beetroot, summer and autumn cabbage, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, parsnip, pea, spinach and turnip, plant out second early and maincrop potatoes, lettuce, cauliflowers, cabbage, broccoli, brussel sprouts and onion sets.

Inside the greenhouse, much more can be done. Sow seeds of melons, cucumbers, aubergines and peppers. Sow seeds of celery, outdoor tomato, courgette, runner and french beans to plant out next month.

Aside from food, you can complete sowing of summer bedding plants. French and African Marigolds and Zinnias are quick from

seed to flower. Prick out seedlings into trays of good potting compost.

One of the most important features of your garden is a well-groomed lawn. Sow grass seed to make new lawns or to patch up bare areas and apply a weed and feed to enhance the lawn. We advise cutting the grass when the weather is mild. And let’s not forget the faithful house plants. Step up watering and feeding now but don’t swamp them. Watch out for greenfly and red spider mites and treat with an insecticide. Move pot bound plants into larger pots.

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Full range of Shrubs, Conifers, Alpines, Hedging, Heathers, Trees, Roses, Clematis, Tomato and Bedding Plants in Season 25 School Road, Crossnacreevy, Castlereagh, Belfast BT5 7UA www.braesidenurseries.co.uk

Belfast 028 9044 8426 Open Late Monday to Friday, April to June

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Call for Directions East Belfast Life 41

East Belfast : People in Profile

Gail McNair, office administrator, tells us...

“WHY I LOVE...

East BELFAST” WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH TO DATE? I finished school in August 1999 after obtaining my A levels. In the September of 1999 I started work in the BT Apollo Call Centre, Boucher Road, Belfast and stayed there until November 2001 when I started work for Halifax at the Gasworks, Ormeau Road. In March 2002 I was offered an administrative job in a busy office based in the city centre and I have worked there to date.

HOW DO YOU RELAX IN YOUR SPARE TIME? Gail’s daughter loves the Aslan statue at the C.S. Lewis Square.

I love going to my local park, Orangefield Park, for a walk or to take my daughter to the play park. I really enjoy reading, cooking and watching cooking shows on TV. I also enjoy attending a local yoga class as well. I adore catching up with friends for lunch as well as indulging in afternoon tea with my sister; I think by this stage we have managed to sample most of the afternoon teas available in Belfast! My main love however is to spend time with my family; there is always plenty of things for families to do in east Belfast!

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT LIVING IN EAST BELFAST? I grew up in Mourne and so east Belfast is the complete opposite to what I was used to. I have lived off the Castlereagh Road for five years now and I am still amazed that everything I need is located within walking distance. There are so many cafes and restaurants on my doorstep that I am spoilt for choice.

Gail enjoys walks hom e from Ballyhackamore .

When my husband and I go to Ballyhackamore for dinner, we like to dander home; it only takes 20 minutes and is the perfect way to work off our meal. I really miss the Robinson Centre as I am a keen swimmer.

I am really looking forward to the new Centre that is opening in next few years so I can start swimming regularly again.

I love how well connected east Belfast is to the rest of the city; with a regular bus service you can be in the city centre in no time at all. I also love the parks and the new Connswater Greenway project has been a real boost to

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East Belfast Life

East Belfast : People in Profile

this. We recently took my daughter to CS Lewis Square, just off the Connswater Greenway, and she loved all the amazing The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe inspired sculptures, especially the astounding Aslan centrepiece.

Within east Belfast there is a good community spirit, and the area is also very family orientated. I also have good neighbours.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GET OUT AND ABOUT IN EAST BELFAST? When I socialise in east Belfast I mainly like to sample the different restaurants and eateries in the area. I recently tried Stokers Halt and was very impressed by the quality of the food on offer; I will definitely be back. Other places I would regularly go to are, Mandarin City, Horatio Todds and the Belvedere Café Restaurant.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM IN EAST BELFAST AND WHY? I have already mentioned it - I love Orangefield Park. It’s so much bigger than I first realised when I moved to Belfast. I love to go for long walks in the park, it is incredibly scenic and very relaxing.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT/CAFE IN EAST BELFAST AND WHY? On special occasions my husband and I like to go to Marco Pierre White’s restaurant, located in Park Avenue Hotel on Holywood Road.

Being a fan of cooking shows and celebrity chefs I love the fact there is a celebrity chef restaurant in Belfast. The atmosphere is relaxed yet sophisticated and the food is amazing.

Gail was impressed by the Stokers Halt.

Gail takes her daughter to the new C.S. Lewis Square.

East Belfast Life 43

East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

Strand Cinema, 1959

STRAND ARTS CENTRE:

A CULTURAL IMPRINT OF THE EAST If you ask anyone in east Belfast, they are bound to tell you at least one fond memory of the Strand Cinema. It is an iconic landmark in the streets of the east, sparking an indulgent childhood memory for most; from the smell of fresh popcorn to the classic-film printed carpet, Strand Cinema, now the Strand Arts Centre, holds a cultural imprint of the good and bad times facing its location and the people living there.

The Strand Arts Centre opened in 1935, making it the oldest cinema in Belfast with over 80 years of entertainment history. It is one of two independent cinemas left in Belfast, the other being the equally iconic Queen’s Film Theatre in south Belfast.

Architect John McBride Neill originally designed the well-known 1930s exterior of the Strand, drawing influence from streamline moderne, an art deco movement that transpired in the 30s. From the very beginning its aim was to reflect its surroundings; the nearby Harland & Wolff gave inspiration to the portholes, lighting, and glaswswork still found in the cinema today. The first film shown in the premises was Bright Eyes starring a young Shirley Temple and James Dunn, which received a glowing review from critics during the golden age of film.

In later years, the Strand would face many hardships. The 60/70s in particular, would see the Strand opening and closing many times due to the Troubles raging through Northern Ireland, changes within the film industry echoing from around the globe, and refurbishment struggles travelling into the early 80s.

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East Belfast Life

The passion from the east Belfast residents, however, remained constant, and ultimately saved the Strand and its lasting legacy. In 1999, the adored neighbourhood cinema won awards for its architectural redesign – a design that remains today, and links the cinema back to its art-deco roots.

With its future looking steady, Strand Cinema turned into the Strand Arts Centre in 2013, with its focus not only on entertainment, but also on maintaining a tight link with the community of east Belfast. The not-for-profit charitable centre now hosts filmmaking classes, live music, classical film screenings, theatre performances, comedy, historical tours, and creative workshops. The latter has successfully regained its Minors Club activities, which sees young children involved in the Centre; something that the likes of Sir Van Morrison benefited from when he was young.

Entertaining residents across Belfast through blockbuster films and maintaining the strong community ties with its most local residents will only ensure that the Strand Arts Centre remains an indulgent childhood memory for generations to come, and a beloved landmark in east Belfast for those who remain.

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East Belfast : People in Profile

Author, architectural historian and Church of Ireland Press Officer, Paul Harron tells us...

“WHY I LOVE...

Ballyhackamore” WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH TO DATE? After University in Scotland, I did a Law conversion course and was signed up with a City law firm in London but I figured that I’d be an unhappy and rather poor commercial lawyer so went into book publishing instead, training as an editor at a art, architecture & design publishing house in London, Phaidon Press, and then moved to be a senior editor at Laurence King Publishing (also working on Design and Architecture books). Far less lucrative but more my thing…

and the book which came out if that research was published by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society at the end of last year: Architects of Ulster: Young & Mackenzie – A Transformational Provincial Practice.

How do you spend a typical working day?

It’s a cliché, maybe, but no two days are the same in a communications job and often well-laid plans for writing a report or planning training or working on a strategy get put to one side in responding to a topical media enquiry which requires a speedy turn-around.

After getting married and starting a family, my wife, Jenny, and I moved back to Belfast to be nearer family in Northern Ireland. I was Publishing Manager and Commissioning Editor at Appletree Press for a couple of years before taking on a new role which came up at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland as its first Architecture and Public Art specialist. After five years at the Arts Council I then moved on to become the Church of Ireland Press Officer in 2008 – and I’m still doing that role; it’s an allisland one so it keeps me busy.

My office is in central Belfast but I travel to the head office in Rathmines in South Dublin at least once a month and frequently more often. I also work closely with the Archbishop of Armagh on press and media matters so I would sometimes be meeting with him in Armagh.

The Church is a complex enough structure with bishops, a synod (like a parliament) and many committees made up of clergy and lay people.

I’ve always kept my hand in with freelance writing, for titles like Perspective, Living Design, the Irish Arts Review and the Ulster Tatler – for which I write regular book reviews. While I was at the Arts Council I began a part-time PhD on the Belfast architects Young & Mackenzie

We have three teenage children, so family life is pretty all-consuming.

Saturdays are frequently spent getting between various sporting fixtures and their social arrangements! That said, I really enjoy summer holidays (we have a caravan in France) and when we get to spend

How do you relax in your spare time?

Paul appreciates the architecture of Stormont buildings, and the atmospheric greenery surrounding the area.

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East Belfast Life

East Belfast : People in Profile

quality time together – at half term we had a great three nights away in Portstewart where my in-laws have a house and they generously let us take it over. It’s wonderful to get up to the beach and the sea air. We have a slightly mad Springer Spaniel (a mongrel really – of the rescued variety) who requires a lot of walking, usually in Belmont Park, but she loves nothing more than getting into the water at Portstewart. Other activities include church-related ones, especially on a Sunday, and on Saturday mornings Jenny and I try to do the Stormont Park Run – to keep middle-aged spread at bay on my part.

I’m also involved with the board of ‘Hearth’ which restores historic buildings in innovative ways. Other than that, inevitably, I like reading – there’s always some sort of book on the go – and I enjoy going to the cinema. With both the Strand and Dundonald cinemas close by, I have been making up for all the lost years of not going to the cinema when the children were younger (apart from all those kids’ films… during which I may have occasionally dozed off.)

What do you like most about living in east belfast?

It’s hard to pin it down to one thing. We moved to the Ballyhackamore area last summer and it has been a revelation to me. My wife grew up in Belmont, near Campbell College, but I didn’t really know it well and frequently found the road system a bit of a mystery. I love the fact that I can walk about so much rather than rely on the car and the sense of ‘village’. We can walk from our house to the front of the road at Ballyhack or down to Strandtown for shops of all sorts and I like pottering in the charity shops and the War on Want (Earlswood Road) and The Book Well (Belmont Road) bookshops (my great weakness – the removal people were in shock, I think, at the number of boxes of books we had – and for every book I reluctantly give away as my wife twists my arm, I seem to slyly replace it before long).

Being near Stormont Estate and Belmont Park is also good for walking and the trees lining many of the streets makes it feel very atmospheric during the changes of each season. Being an architecture buff, there are also a number of handsome and historic buildings to appreciate when out and about.

how does living in east belfast compare to other places you have lived?

It’s definitely one of the most pleasant areas I’ve ever lived and unless there’s some seismic reason to move I decidedly want to stay put. We lived in a place called Crouch End in London when we got married which was quite similar in that it was villagey and leafy with independent shops and restaurants; however, we had a one-bedroomed flat at the time (with a tiny garden) and couldn’t have afforded to upscale there as the family grew. Where we are now reminds me of there but is even better because it’s here – close to family – and we’ve got a garden and all the local shops, as said. The funny thing about it is that it’s quite urban and densely populated but it still feels quiet and ‘green’. Also, you have the advantages of the city close to hand but also being able to get out of it easily to the coast or the countryside when you want to – the coast is just down the road. The great selection of coffee shops and restaurants has become a byword for the area but it is really good to have such a selection of places ‘round the corner’.

What is your favourite hidden gem in east belfast and why?

I’m going to say The Golden Crumb Bakery on Belmont Church Road.

It’s an honest, unpretentious Belfast bakery which sells buns and sausage rolls and pancakes that remind me of my childhood and my late Nana. Our kids love the sausage rolls and the iced fingers while Jenny and I rate the iced Cinnamon loaf, and the women serving always seem to have a smile for customers.

Sense of a ‘vilage’: Ballyhackamore.

Architecturally, there are loads of gems, from handsome, solid houses from various different periods, to standout buildings like Campbell College, St Mark’s Church, Dundela, Parliament Buildings and Stormont Castle but, for sheer quirkiness, I’m opting for the remarkable naturalistic carved capitals at the entrance loggia of the old Motelands House off the Holywood Road – from big, boldly carved lily-pad leaves to birds delicately pecking grapevines: so joyful and unexpected.

What is your favourite restaurant in east belfast and why?

It would be wrong to suggest that we eat out all the time – it’s still very much a ‘treat’ for us – but we’ve marked special occasions with the kids at Il Pirata, Little Wing and Pizza Express all on the Upper Newtownards Road, all atmospheric and very tasty food. On the first day when we moved into our new house and had no cooker, we went for a delicious Indian meal at Rajput. We’ve got a voucher for Graze and are looking forward to a night out there soon as I hear consistently good things, and then there’s the recently opened Cyprus Avenue to discover.

For coffee, it’s Caffe Nero, while the kids like Spoon Street for frozen yogurt and tempting toppings (and I do, too, if I’m honest).

Paul Harron’s new book, Architects of Ulster: Young & Mackenzie – A Transformational Provincial Practice, 1850-1960 is available in selected bookshops and online from the UAHS: uahs.org.uk

East Belfast Life 47

East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

A NEW PRINCIPLE IN TOWN -

STRATHEARN SCHOOL East Belfast Life’s Chantelle Harvey speaks to Nicola Connery, the new principle of Strathearn School.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH TO DATE? From my earliest recollection I have always wanted to teach. I have now spent 24 years in a profession that I love and respect.

Teaching is a truly unique profession and as I have progressed through my career I have grown to appreciate the immense influence that one can have on young people’s lives. In Strathearn, I am privileged to observe young 4 year olds letting go of their parents’ hands for the first time, as they take those first tentative steps on their educational journey and then I see them emerge as confident, inspirational young adults - I couldn’t feel more proud. Whether they choose to spend 7, 12, or 14 years with us in Strathearn, I believe that we work together to give the girls the best opportunity possible and I am fortunate to have a professional, dedicated and committed staff who strive towards this on a daily basis.

As a pupil I attended Lurgan College and I still have many happy memories of friends and teachers there. I then read Geography at Queen’s University Belfast followed by a Post Graduate Certificate in Education at the University of Ulster. My first teaching post was in Antrim Grammar School, initially as teacher of Geography and then also as Head of Year in a pastoral post. I was then appointed Head of Department in Victoria College. In 2007 I took up post as Vice Principal (Teaching and Learning) in Strathearn School where I worked with the Principal, Mr Manning, for the next seven years. After that I was appointed as Principal of Wellington College where I received a warm welcome and great support from the governors, staff and pupils and I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. In January 2017, I returned to Strathearn School as the

Principal and feel very privileged to be given the opportunity to lead the school forward into the next era.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT STRATHEARN? The pupils and the staff. I am most fortunate to work in such wonderful surroundings and many people comment on Strathearn’s superb new buildings and facilities, which of course enhance the learning experiences for our girls. However, I believe that people are at the heart of any school, especially the pupils. The School provides something for everyone, and the girls never fail to leave me with a sense of awe as they excel in their academic studies, music, sport, drama and beyond.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? Running a busy school is quite timeconsuming, but very enjoyable. I have two teenage boys who enjoy many extracurricular

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East Belfast Life

activities and I take great pleasure in attending the various events and activities they are involved in. I enjoy family holidays and often retreat to the north coast to have some valuable family time. I love reading and have recently taken part in the School’s extreme reading competition. We are fortunate to have Stormont grounds on our doorstep and my husband and I regularly walk there at weekends.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE BEST ABOUT LIVING IN EAST BELFAST? I admire and enjoy the cosmopolitan atmosphere that has developed in recent years together with the ever-increasing variety of recreational facilities. The vibrant café culture and the many opportunities for family entertainment continue to grow from strength to strength. As a family we enjoy the cinema and bowling on a regular basis and, in essence, I believe East Belfast is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.

East Belfast : Social

Farewell, Sir A dinner was recently held at Belfast City Hall to mark the retirement of David Manning after 19 years as Principal of Strathearn School. The event was attended by current and former staff members and a specially commissioned painting by local artist, Keith Drury, was presented to Mr Manning on the evening. The evening concluded with a performance from former pupils’ choir, Miskelly Chorale.

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assistants Michaela, Molly, Elizabeth, Sandra,

Naomi, Vice Principal Lynn Myers, Irene, Dawn,

Hester, Shiona and Joan.

02. Cathy Greer, Linda Gillespie, Ann Flannigan,

Annie Lynn and Rhoda Moore.

03. Tricia Devlin, Julie Walls, Barbara Mawhinney,

Claire Hunter, Deborah Hyndman, Alma

McKeown, Avril Hanna, Erin Andrews and

Colette Quee.

04. Hannah Agnew, Rachel Newburn, Kerry Harvey

and Rachel Minihan.

05. Alison White, David and Ruth Manning.

06. Margaret Miller, Lynn Wallace and Fiona Cochrane.

07. Gillian Hanna, Jill Griffin and Lesley Wright.

08. Strathearn Principal David manning pictured

with school staff Gillian Hanna, Rhoda Moore,

Annie Flannigan, Lesley Wright, Alison White,

Jill Griffin and Ann Flannigan.

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East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

An Open Door at East Belfast Mission East Belfast Mission will open its doors to everyone at their Open Day Event on Wednesday 5th April 2017. East Belfast Mission has been a registered charity since 1985 and moved into the Skainos building Newtownards Road Belfast in September 2012, securing all its projects under one roof but the history of the church goes back to the early 1800’s. The Open Day is an opportunity for the local community and other organisations to come in and meet the staff, have a guided tour of the building, see some projects in action and listen to clients and residents who have benefitted from the “grass roots” services East Belfast Mission offers.

fabulous freshly cooked food on offer every day. You will want to return so ask the Catering Manager Mike Wilson about the new Refresh loyalty card and start to build stamps to obtain a free sandwich and a free tea or coffee.

For further information on the Open Day or any of the EBM projects, call 028 9045 8560, contact by email on info@ebm.org.uk visit the website on www.ebm.org.uk or follow on Facebook.

East Belfast Mission will also share some of the history of the organisation and the church and Turas Irish Language project will offer “snap chat” classes with a bit of fun. The Bright Sparks children will be entertaining you and you can find out more about volunteering and donating if that is in your interest.

The Open Day starts at 10 am and will continue until 2pm. Refresh café in Skainos Square will be ready to welcome you for a cup of tea or a full lunch with a 20% off voucher available only on the day. If you haven’t eaten here yet, you do need to come along and try out the

Why make an Enduring Power of Attorney?

The short answer is that it is an exercise of good judgment. With our increased longevity comes the reality that many of us may reach a stage when we are no longer mentally capable of managing our money and affairs. At Mackenzie & Dorman Solicitors we encourage our clients to plan for their future by appointing a trusted person or persons to manage their affairs should they become mentally incapable. By making an Enduring Power of Attorney (EPoA) you can choose who will act for you rather than having the Courts appoint someone under a complicated and expensive application.

The cost of making an EPoA is quite modest. It may never be needed but if it is it will save a lot of time, inconvenience and expense.

Euripides said “Fortune truly helps those who are of good judgment”.

We hope you will follow this advice and contact us for more information on 02890673211.

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East Belfast Life

East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

Perfect vision of the property market - Vision Property Vision Property celebrates its tenth year in business over the course of 2017. Founded in 2007 by Jeff McFerran, with support from his family, Vision has grown from a single branch in East Belfast to six branches across Greater Belfast, North Down and Ards. Vision continues to retain core family values of honest, integrity and value for money while achieving outstanding growth across sales, lettings and management of both residential and commercial property.

As Northern Ireland’s original fixed fee agent Vision offers unrivalled value for money and high levels of local expertise across an expanding branch network. Operating on a fixed fee basis allows customers to calculate exactly what the sale or rental of their property will cost and in the majority of cases this results in significant savings for the customer. In addition to this there are no upfront costs and nothing payable should the customer decide not to sell or rent their property.

Vision is one of Northern Ireland’s fastest growing estate agencies and they have invested in the latest essential technology in order to market properties to the largest number of potential purchasers and tenants. This includes advertising on the local property portals Propertynews.com, Propertypal.com and on the main property portal in the Irish Republic Daft. ie. Properties are also advertised on their own website www.visionpropertyagents.co.uk and

all new properties are emailed to an extensive database of potential purchasers and tenants.

Vision Property offer open and honest professional advice, with the aim of keeping customers fully informed during the sales and letting process. They are a young, dynamic company working hard to get customers the right buyer and the best price for their property.

The housing market has shown increased levels of activity recently and Vision has sold numerous properties that exceed their advertised market

price. For a free, no obligation valuation of your property, either for sale or to let, please contact your local office or email us on info@visionpropertyagents.co.uk.

NO UPFRONT FEES....EXTENDED OPENING HOURS.....FREE EPC....

EXPANDING BRANCH NETWORK. Visit: www.visionpropertyagents.co.uk

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : People in Profile

Andrew Irvine FRSA, Chief Operating Officer of East Belfast Mission, tells us...

“WHY I LOVE...

East BELFAST” What has been your career path?

I started my career with B.D.A. (Property Projects) Ltd, the owners and managers of Portview Trade Centre on the Newtownards Road.

I spent seven very happy years there working for Tom and Jane Crawford. The experience I gained at Portview, letting and managing commercial property, helped me gain the job of developing Belfast’s historic St. George’s Market. From 2000 to 2007 I led the business redevelopment of St. George’s Market and started the Continental Markets in the grounds of Belfast City Hall. St. George’s grew to become one of the top 5 markets in the United Kingdom. In 2007 I took on the role of Belfast City Centre Manager. As Belfast City Centre Management is a public-private partnership, this meant resigning from Belfast City Council. From 2007 to October 2016 it was my absolute privilege to lead a small team of 10 very dedicated colleagues who worked tirelessly to improve the Belfast’s core City Centre. During this time I lobbied for the introduction of Business Improvement District legislation and then subsequently led the work to have the Belfast One Business Improvement District elected by businesses in Belfast City Centre.

In 2013 I candidated to become a Part-Time Methodist Minister, was accepted and commenced training in 2015. When the role of Chief Operating Officer in East Belfast Mission was advertised I believed I

Andrew fell in love with film at the Strand Cinema.

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East Belfast Life

could bring a particular set of ‘church and business’ skills to the role. I was very pleased and humbled to be given the opportunity to join the EBM team in October 2016.

HOW DO YOU SPEND A TYPICAL DAY AT WORK? There really is no such thing as a typical day in an organisation which is firstly a church, but also operates a homeless hostel, an employability project, an Irish Language program, a day care nursery, eight shops, a café and a ‘meals on wheel’ contract with 400 clients. I have a couple of disciplines that I apply to my working day. It is very easy to become a slave to email, so I block out two hours a day for emails – and discipline myself to avoid the ‘inbox’ outside those times. So my day starts and ends with emails. My other discipline is to have a structured programme of meetings with my managers, which allows me to proactively stay informed about the performance of EBM’s services and social economy businesses. These meetings are unrushed; they give me an opportunity to hear about and reflect on the projects, and give the managers an opportunity to raise issues which are challenging them. EBM has wonderfully committed and capable people, my operational role is to resource them and help where I can. As Chief Operating Officer a significant part of my role is to help the Mission Superintendent, the Revd Margaret Ferguson, and the EBM Board, to develop a strong vision and strategic plan for the Mission. Since

East Belfast : People in Profile

Andrew likes to eat out at Slim’s Healthy Kitchen.

starting in October, I have spent significant time on this. From April this year EBM will begin a Strategic Review of the Mission – a conversation about our future which will lead to a clear vision and strategic plan to take us through the next 5 years. This conversation will include the EBM Church Congregation, the Board of Directors, EBM’s staff and volunteers, local community organisations in east Belfast and members of the local community.

HOW DO YOU RELAX IN YOUR SPARE TIME? My main hobby is flying. I have been a qualified Private Pilot since the late 1990’s. However, from September to June, with my Ministerial Studies and Church Placement work at Sydenham Methodist Church, I don’t get much spare time. My main hobby has been relegated to a ‘school holiday’ pursuit. I like to put my feet on the sofa on Sunday afternoon, and put my mind into neutral in front of the TV. Come Dine With Me is satisfyingly mind numbing. Holidays are very important to my wife and me. We like to book a small villa in France or Italy, hire a car, and drive around finding beautiful villages and nice little restaurants.

A week somewhere sunny in January and two weeks in Summer are dearly prized.

Café at Titanic Quarter. I just love the whole raison d’etre of the place.

To quote the Rev. Chris Bennett, who set up The Dock, “we started with a few deck chairs, a kettle and a desire to meet the neighbours”. It’s all about community. Brilliant!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANT/CAFE IN EAST BELFAST AND WHY? When it comes to eating out, I suppose I need to choose somewhere in addition to our own excellent Café Refresh at Skainos! I’m trying to shed a few pounds in weight at the moment, before I become a quinquagenarian medical statistic. So, I have recently torn myself away from Pizza Express at Ballyhackamore and am frequenting Slim’s Healthy Kitchen at Strandtown. Who knew? You can have great food that still feels decadently naughty – but it’s guilt-free healthy.

Pizza Express used to be a favourite for Andrew.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT EAST BELFAST? Without a doubt, it’s the people. I’m an east Belfast lad, born and bred.

Sure everybody knows; ‘the wise men came from the east’. The east is still producing wise men and women.

WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO GET OUT AND ABOUT IN EAST BELFAST? East Belfast has wonderful quiet places to escape to. On a walk around the grounds of Stormont, you can easily forget you are in a city. The Connswater Greenway now offers seven different walking trails which take you through some of the wonderfully rich history of east Belfast. I’m setting myself a target of walking all of them this Spring and Summer.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE HIDDEN GEM IN EAST BELFAST AND WHY? I fell in love with the cinema thanks to the Strand Cinema, I remember as 10 year old seeing the original Jaws movie there. The Strand Cinema is still a gem. One of the best treats is enjoying an afternoon matinee on a week day. The other place I enjoy escaping to is The Dock

East Belfast Life 53

East Belfast : Social

Caring at the Crossroads Crossroads Care NI hosted a rebrand launch party on Tuesday 7th March 2017. As a charity, Crossroads support carers and those with care needs. They are dedicated to helping young carers, tackling loneliness among older people and supporting people to live independently at home. Crossroads, alongside Belfast Giants players, cut the ribbon on their new logo in the hope that it will act as a great springboard for profiling their work and increasing support.

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06 Rachel Creighton, Ruth Brant, Barbara Robinson and Mervyn Stewart.

Janette Whitehouse and Esther Stewart.

Jackson Whistle, Jerome Leduc and Michael Forney with Crossroads Carers Alison Breadon and Emma Hughes.

Shannon Campbell, Lynda-Jane Nelson, Rachel Pollock and Lucinda Dougan.

The Belfast Giants officially relaunch the Crossroads Care.

Colin and Joanne Kirkpatrick.

Christine and son Richard Best.

Crossroads Carers NI Chairman Dr Brian Patterson OBE with special guests from the Belfast Giants.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

Lagan College: Round Up Drama

eco flag success

AS Drama students in their final directed performance, ‘Woman’.

Lagan College wins an unparalleled 5th Eco Schools Green Flag, to further enhance our reputation as a UK Eco Ambassador School.

NICIE STORMONT WALKS

Northern Ireland Hockey Champions Lagan College are U18 Northern Ireland Hockey Champions 2017!

Lagan College students at Stormont leading the launch of Integrated Education Month.

PJ Lynch, Arts Council Northern Ireland Year 10 and 11 pupils had the opportunity to explore drawing techniques with Childrenís laureate PJ Lynch, as part of an event to promote creativity and reading for pleasure.

Lucy Symington Lucy was awarded as a ‘Highly Commended Speaker’ in the Edgar Graham Public Speaking competition, held in the Senate Chamber at Stormont.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

Gourmet Dining East Belfast eatery Graze combined the perfect pairing when they hosted a gourmet evening with acclaimed South African vineyard owner Edwin Doran. Guests were welcomed by the charming Graze owner Neil Johnston, while expert Edwin paired his sumptuous Doran Family Vintners wines with a mouth watering five course menu created by Graze co owner/chef John Moffatt.

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Sharon Bryans, Alan Webster and Catherine McBride.

Edwin Doran from Doran Family Vintners (middle) pictured with Adam McCullough and Simon Bryans from Harland Wines.

Adam McCullough, Neil Johnston, Edwin Doran and Simon Bryans.

Sonia Armstrong and Simon Bryans.

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George Best: All By Himself

Helping you through the

Menopause

Since the end of February, George Best: All By Himself, has been in cinemas, produced

by Belfast based Fine Point Films (makers of Bobby Sands: 66 Days), and directed by famed director Daniel Gordan (The Fall, Hillsborogh).

Undoubtedly one of football’s rock and roll stars, the documentary tells the tragic story of Belfast-born George Best from his early days growing up in East Belfast to becoming an international sporting legend with Manchester United.

This 30 for 30 ESPN Films documentary was partnered with the BBC and Northern Ireland Screen and recounts the tale of this beloved but be-devilled superstar with riveting, footage and testimony by those who knew him at his best and worst.

George Best: All By Himself made for riveting viewing.

Framar Health Products 595 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GS Tel. 028 9068 1018 Menopause Support – Herbal food supplement with Soy Isoflavones, Magnesium and Hibiscus for support before, during and after the menopause. Contains magnesium which contributes to a reduction of tiredness and fatigue.

Menoforce Sage tablets – A traditional herbal medicinal product used for the relief of excessive sweating associated with menopausal hot flushes, including night sweats exclusively based upon long-standing use as a traditional remedy. Always read the leaflet.

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East Belfast Life 27484 Menopause support ad Framar Health 90 x 132mm.indd 1

15/02/2017 14:27

366 UPPER NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, BALLYHACKAMORE, BELFAST BT4 3EX TEL: 028 9065 8950 EMAIL: URBANROOTSBELFAST@GMAIL.COM ONLINE BOOKING: WWW.URBANROOTSBELFAST.CO.UK

East Belfast : NEWS

An Evening with Ruan Pienaar On Thursday 30th March, Ulster Rugby hosted a special event at Kingspan Stadium to celebrate the contribution Ruan Pienaar has made to rugby in Ulster. Over 150 guests attended to pay tribute to the South African, who will leave Ulster at the end of the season.

Pienaar is an ambassador for Bavarian BMW.

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Monique and Ruan Pienaar.

Errol Jenkins, Keith Craig and Ronnie Bell.

Sian McBride, Keith Neely and Rachel Close.

Brian and Anna Kennedy.

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Rapid Fire Questions with: Thomas Wightman Head Chef of Olivers Restaurant What is your favourite local dish?

Ulster fry.

For which celebrity would you love to cook and what?

Sir Alex Ferguson. Portavogie prawn cocktail.

In 10 words, how do you see the east Belfast restaurant scene in 5 years?

Very high levels with standards rising and very competitive.

Pick a side: rice or mash?

Mash.

Best advice for new chefs?

Listen & ask questions.

Favourite kitchen gadget?

Mandolin.

What Spring ingredient are you most excited to use?

Mourne spring lamb.

If you could choose a last meal on earth what would it be?

Beef Wellington.

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East Belfast Life

Midnight snack?

Junk food.

What chef would you most like to swap places with?

Marcus Wareing.

Favourite season to cook?

Summer.

Favourite ingredient to cook with?

Rack of lamb.

Favourite restaurant besides Olivers?

Deanes.

A MAGICAL SPACE from the

URBAN SPACEMEN CS Lewis Square and Eastside Visitor Centre, Belfast The latest phase of the £40m Connswater Greenway regeneration project opened in Belfast in November 2016. The magical space, dedicated to one of Belfast’s most famous authors, marks the life and work of the writer, who spent his early childhood in east Belfast. Located at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber Greenways, the £2.5m square features seven sculptures created by Irish artist Maurice Harron based on characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Hardscape Ireland supplied: Tower Sandstone and Kobra granite paving and Pin kerbs, Yellow Rock granite kerbs.

For further information on our paving product range telephone: 028 9099 2500 or visit: www.hardscape.co.uk

East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

Naomi’s teacher Beatrice Keown said: “Wow! A big shoutout and many smiles, cheers and thanks to Q Radio for bringing some special sunshine to Strandtown Primary School this morning. “Following a celebrity letter written by Naomi Wilson, a Year 7 pupil in Room 13, the school and local area has been buzzing with a visit from Stephen and Cate, and Q Radio’s big bus.

“This has been a special morning the children loved being on the bus and being allowed to end the show in their own noisy way! There are big grins all round - it’s been a fantastic way to begin our weekend!”

Q Radio’s Stephen & Cate surprise Strandtown schoolgirl Breakfast show duo, Stephen Clements and Cate Conway from Q Radio, made a special visit to Strandtown Primary School in East Belfast to surprise one of their Year 7 pupils.

autograph if possible, Naomi was shocked to arrive at school to find the Q Superbus parked outside, with Stephen and Cate broadcasting live and waiting to meet and interview her on air.

The class had been asked to write and send a letter to a celebrity and 11-year old Naomi Wilson chose Stephen Clements, saying that listening to him and Cate was the best way to start her day and asking him if he’d always wanted to be on the radio, even when he was at school. Just asking for a reply and an

Naomi said: “I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw Stephen and Cate waiting at school for me, I thought I must be dreaming! It was so brilliant to meet them and get to see the studio on the Q bus.

Imagine that one wee letter can go such a long way, I’m so excited!”

Stephen Clements added: “I was genuinely chuffed when I read Naomi’s letter and rather than just send a reply, we wanted to do something special for her and the Year 7s at Strandtown.

“The look on her face when she saw us and realised we were there because of her was priceless. A big well done to Naomi for writing such a brilliant letter!

Q Breakfast broadcasts every morning between 06.00 – 10.00 across Northern Ireland.

Journey of a lifetime to Silicon Valley for four Grosvenor Grammar girls Four pupils from Grosvenor Grammar in Belfast took off from Dublin Airport on an Aer Lingus flight direct to San Francisco today on a journey that will inspire them for years to come.

Year 11 pupils Olivia Millar, Louisa Millar, Lucy Milhench and Alicia Gallagher along with teacher Samuel Taggart, are headed to Silicon Valley with Digital DNA, courtesy of Aer Lingus, after winning the coveted prize at Digital DNA’s Futures competition aimed at inspiring the next generation of technology leaders.

During the trip the girls will visit some of the world’s leading technology brands including Uber, Facebook, Google and Microsoft.

Digital DNA’s Futures programme, aimed at inspiring the next generation of STEM business leaders in Northern Ireland, launched in June 2013 in partnership with Sentinus.

The programme includes a six-week roadshow across schools in Northern Ireland, engaging over 5,000 young people with a crash-course in coding and a brainstorming session to solve or embrace a real-world business problem or opportunity.

The girls from Grosvenor Grammar fought off fierce competition back in December 2016 to 60

East Belfast Life

win the top prize after creating ‘HeadCASE.’ Their app helps identify, diagnose and advise on treatment for those with concussion injuries within sports teams that too often end in fatalities. They want to make it easier for clubs and organisations to keep their teams safe. The four girls wowed the judges with their creativity, technical knowledge

and determination, presenting a working prototype and a series of scenarios where the app could be used. The trip to San Francisco was organised by Digital DNA and provided courtesy of Aer Lingus, Ireland’s only four star airline which operates daily flights from Dublin direct to San Francisco. Keep up to date with their journey via Digital DNA’s Facebook page.

Jonathan Burke,Patrick Kelly, Fergus McConnell, Darren Duncan.

McConnell Kelly Local. Trusted. On Your Side.

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East Belfast : Social

The Best Premiere Special guests joined Director Dan Gordon and producer Trevor Birney at Movie House Dublin Road, Belfast, for the exclusive premiere of the documentary George Best: All By Myself, based on the east Belfast-raised footballer’s life. George Best remains one of the most naturally gifted footballers there has ever been. Famously called the ‘best player in the world’ by Pelé, Best galvanised Manchester United’s five-year recovery from the tragedy of the Munich air crash in 1958. His skill and exuberance inspired them to win league titles and the European Cup, even though he was little more than a teenager. Tragically, his career in the upper echelons of sport was over before he turned 29, the result of his bruising battle with alcoholism and the crushing pressure of modern fame.

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Graham Little, Christine Corscadden, Carol Murphy and Sarah Clarke.

Natalie Stewart, Michele Devlin, Victoria Cafolla and Richard Gaston.

Eimhear O’Kane, Louise Kerr, Conor Kerr and Patricia Arrell.

Reuben Johnston, William Johnston and Linda McCarter.

Phil Scraton, Renee Keys, Daniel Gordon and Susan Lovell.

Ciara Denvir and Peter Boyle.

Joanne McBrien and Deirdre Heenan.

Tiernan Byrne, Brendan Byrne, Mark and Louise Heatherley and Olivia Byrne.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : OUR COVER

The Complete One Stop Service Armstrong Anderson Estate Agents & Armstrongs Financial Services Ltd is a family run business located in the vibrant area of Ballyhackamore in East Belfast. For your convenience we extend beyond conventional sales and lettings to provide a one stop service for all your financial and property related matters.

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Branches 392 Upper Newtownards Road Ballyhackamore, Belfast BT4 3EY 344 Beersbridge Road, Belfast BT5 5DY

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eveNtS coveRed Why i love - nuala Meenahan, Kylie noble, INSIde Andrew irvine tell us Gail Mcnair, paul harron, why

they love east belfast sociAl roUnd Up - school’s cup Final dininG in the eAst - essential

guide to eating out

in east belfast

Why do you need us?

If you want to sell, let or buy a property then let us do the hard work for you. Our enthusiastic team will tailor a personal service to suit your needs and deliver results within the best possible time scale. We understand this can be a complex process but our obliging agents will be with you every step of the way to turn stress into simplicity. We offer free advice, evening and weekend viewings, free valuations, competitive fees and an unrivalled personal service.

Once we have found you your perfect property then fear not as we won’t let you get muddled by mortgages. Our independent advisors will explain the whole process to you and assess your individual circumstances to find a mortgage made in heaven. This is often your biggest monthly outgoing so contact us to check you have the most cost effective deal for your circumstances.

We can’t predict your future but we can help you financially protect it with the wide

range of insurance products we have to offer. It is important to review your financial circumstances every few years so why not contact us for a free assessment. With the right financial advice from us, your savings and investments can add up to help financially protect you and your family from life’s unforeseen events. Tell us your plans and we will give you the best advice to help make your money grow. Prioritising your pension savings!

Whether you have or haven’t started saving for your retirement, you should act now because your future depends on it.

From start to finish our family will be there to help support you and your family.

Armstrongs FS Ltd is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FCA 631522).

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

TALKING YOGA WITH CLAIRE FERRY East Belfast Life’s Chantelle Harvey talks to owner of Maitri Studio, Claire Ferry.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH TO DATE? I’ve taken a circuitous route to end up as a yoga teacher and studio owner, but I guess looking back the signs were always there! I have a degree in Natural Sciences and spent 15 years working in nature conservation, mainly working for the RSPB here in Belfast. I loved being able to make a difference, albeit a small one, to look after our planet. But at the same time I had always had an interest in yoga and meditation from childhood, so when I felt it was time to move on and try something different, that was the natural step to take. I also believe that I’m still trying to make the world a better place, as yoga brings us to really appreciate ourselves and the community and planet on which we rely.

WHAT IS A TYPICAL WORKING DAY LIKE FOR YOU? People think we yoga teachers just get to hang out in vegetarian cafés between classes but there’s more to it than that! I won’t say no to a fairtrade cuppa sometime, if I can squeeze it in between all the computer-based admin I need to do, as well as finding time to stay grounded in my own yoga practice. I split my days - Tuesdays and Thursdays I’m pretty much studio based from 7.30am until 9pm with lots of yoga practice, classes and 1:1 teaching. Mondays and Wednesdays are admin days, mostly from home, interspersed with meetings or outreach. Fridays and the weekends are varied - I do timetable time off, but I also end up teaching workshops or going to training weekends for me too.

TELL US A BIT ABOUT MAITRI STUDIO. Maitri Studio is a project of love for me and my husband Geoffrey Moore. A Derry man, he’s the reason I came to live in Northern Ireland (I’m English but also lived in Scotland as a child). We didn’t want to contribute to the brain drain of people leaving Northern Ireland for careers elsewhere, and wanted to be a positive part of the renaissance here.

After I went self-employed, we saw the need for a wellbeing studio in East Belfast and so Maitri Studio was born. With Geoff as the tech guy behind the scenes, and me

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teaching yoga, we set out on this dream.

And we couldn’t have imagined how quickly it’s all grown! We love offering this open, welcoming, calm space in Belfast. It’s grown organically, mainly by word of mouth, and over the months teachers have approached us to offer classes with us. After only three years we have a vibrant timetable and a really supportive community. We’re really excited about working with East Belfast Community Development Agency and others to offer classes out in East Belfast too.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE THING ABOUT TEACHING YOGA? Seeing people happy! In my last job, working on long term environment and planning issues, projects took years. Now I can see the difference in someone between when they walk in the door and when they leave again, which is just wonderful. Whether it’s providing just a little bit of peace, or helping someone understand their body and overcome physical or emotional aches and pains, it’s immensely rewarding.

WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE SOMEONE WHO IS INTERESTED IN LEARNING YOGA? Get on a mat and try it! There are so many different styles but essentially it’s all yoga from the same root. Find a teacher who suits you - we all have our favourite ways of teaching and our own experiences. I would say that as an Iyengar teacher we teach very safely, using props like blocks and belts to help people understand the poses. All Iyengar teachers have at least five years experience by the time they qualify, which is really important. But look around and find a class

time, a venue and teacher that suit you and give it a go.

HOW CAN PEOPLE GET INVOLVED? Take a look at our website www.maitristudio.net and find a class that suits you. We have all sorts of classes, from t’ai chi and pilates to yoga and kettlebells. We’re the only place in Belfast offering aerial yoga too so come and swing in a hammock!

Then all you need to do is contact the teacher to register.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? More yoga! And I’m finally having the time to get back into a bit more open water swimming (in the sea or rivers) and walking - back into the outdoors to enjoy the natural environment and reset my brain. If I’m staying close to home then it’s gardening and cooking for a night in.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE ABOUT LIVING/ WORKING IN EAST BELFAST? It’s become home! It’s the place I’ve lived for longest in my life and, having been someone who had quite a nomadic early life, I’ve really enjoyed settling down. I love that everyone is only about one friend removed. And East Belfast is really the place to be - the coffee shops along Ormeau and Cregagh Rd, all the delicious food options in Ballyhackamore and beyond, the Narnia influence and I’m extremely excited about the Connswater Greenway which goes right past our house.

I can’t wait for it to be finished and adopted into regular use by everyone, just as the Comber Greenway is too. I feel lucky to be part of it all!

SALE

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LOCAL EXPERTS ON THE PHONE, IN BRANCH AND

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CALL IN TO ANY OF OUR 6 BRANCHES OR CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE, NO OBLIGATION VALUATION: EAST BELFAST 285–287 Castlereagh Road BT5 5FL 028 9070 2999

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SOUTH BELFAST 667 Lisburn Road BT9 7GT 028 9066 1600

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Overall excellent service and excellent value for money. Would highly recommend this agency to prospective vendors.

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Vision_East Belfast Life Mar17_print.indd 1

15/03/2017 21:33

East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

SCOTT’S

East Belfast Pupil rewarded for Community Spirit

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• Motor industry Code of Practice.

Unit 10 Carrowreagh Business Park Carrowreagh Road Dundonald BT16 1QQ Contact Jonny Workshop: 028 9048 6661 Mobile: 07818 428 830 Email: scottsgarageni@gmail.com Web: www.scottsgarageatdundonald.co.uk

Ashfield Girls’ High School was delighted to learn that Chantelle Hutchinson deputy Head Girl, had been chosen as one of the 20 Finalists in 2017. Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards – out of hundreds of entries from schools throughout Northern Ireland and the South of Ireland. Chantelle’s community spirit award is testament to her work with The Welcome Centre; Northern Ireland Peace Players, raising funds for Belfast City Hospital and supporting others throughout school, both staff and pupils. Mr Gerry Devlin, representing the General Teaching Council presented Chantelle with her certificate on 2 March. Chantelle will also be awarded 500 Euros and a silver Medallion at the Awards Ceremony in Dublin on the 23 March. Mrs Mungavin, Principal, is delighted at the recognition of Chantelle’s efforts, which she says is ‘well deserved’.

Tel: 028 9099 2428 Email: info@maitristudio.net Web: www.maitristudio.net

Special offer 66

East Belfast Life

“Bring this coupon to try a FREE class” Original coupon valid against any drop-in class until 31st May 2017, one use only.

We are an open, inclusive yoga studio based in Belfast. We have yoga, t’ai chi, pilates and other classes suitable for all levels, run mindfulness and complementary therapies and are equipped for Iyengar yoga.

East Belfast : MOTORING

italian attitude Derek Black catches up with Fiat’s ‘bambino’

Just looking at the little Fiat 500 will put a smile on your face. Its combination of retro cuteness, Italian flair and cheeky attitude is more than enough to reel in the buyers some sixty years since the first ‘bambino’ hit the road back in the 1950s.

All those years later and city cars are enjoying quite a revival as people try to curb costs, reduce emissions and put a bit of fun back into their driving. There is no denying that the Fiat 500 offers something that is completely different. Its dimensions and light controls make it an easy car to drive and park in the city.

The original little runabout now comes with a choice of engines and a bundle of trim levels to cater for all tastes. There’s a well proven 69PS 1.2-litre petrol engine in the starter models offering 0-62mph in 12.9 seconds and combined economy of 60mpg with an ECO version stretching that to 65.7mpg.

For a more zesty driving experience you can opt for the 0.9-litre, turbo-charged, twin cylinder TwinAir engine. This is full of attitude and actually produces more power than the 1.2 with a choice of two outputs, 85PS or 105PS. This one can reach 62mph in between 10 or 11 seconds.

The third option is the frugal 1.3-litre Multijet turbo diesel. This one is for high mileage drivers and claims up to 83mpg on the Combined cycle. Yet, with power of 95PS, it has performance almost on par with the TwinAir.

All models feature seven air bags including a driver knee air bag, rare on this class of car. Inside, the retro look continues but there are some modern additions such as a dashboard screen. The entry trim is call Pop and gives you USB input, stereo controls on the steering wheel, remote locking and power front windows. Pop Star trim adds alloy wheels, air conditioning and split folding rear seats. Lounge trim adds a touchscreen, leather steering wheel, parking sensors and climate control.

Prices for the Fiat 500 start from £11,350 in 1.2 petrol with Pop trim. The TwinAir starts at £13,525 in Pop Star trim with the Multijet diesels at from £14,625.

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T E L : 0 2 8 9 5 9 0 7 8 4 8 W W W . D O N N E L L Y G R O U P. C O . U K Fuel consumption figures for the Fiat 500 range in mpg (l/100km): Urban 51.4 (5.5) – 68.9 (4.1); Extra Urban 65.7 (4.3) –94.2 (3.0); Combined 60.1 (4.7) – 83.1 (3.4). CO2 emissions 110 – 88 g/km. Fuel consumption and CO2 figures based on standard EU tests for comparative purposes and may not reflect real driving

results. Terms and conditions apply. Offer applies to a 2017 registered Fiat 500 1.2 Pop with Personal Contract Hire £139 deposit followed by 47 monthly payments of £139 based on 6,000 miles per annum. Choice of colour and mileage subject to stock availability, offer not available in conjunction with any other offer and may be withdrawn at any time. Finance available to over 18’s only, subject to status, financed through Fiat Financial Services, PO BOX 4465, Slough, SL1 0RW. All vehicle images are for illustration purposes only.

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : MOTORING

vERSATILITY & STABILITY COMBINED Derek Black takes a close look at the new SEAT Ateca The new Ateca fills an important gap in the SEAT range as their first SUV cross-over and is exactly the kind of car that many people are buying at the moment. It could not have come at a better time for the Spanish wing of the Volkswagen empire and gives them a full house of desirable modern cars.

SEAT’s reputation is for stylish, sporting cars at keen prices. Can they apply this to a tall, practical machine such as this? The answer is a resounding yes on practically every front with most reviewers putting it at the top of its class.

The Ateca is certainly a smart looker and is right on the money in offering the most sought after package of the moment. Based on the more upmarket VW Tiguan, it is the newest kid on this particular block but gives away nothing to the established players.

People love this kind of car for its high driving position, spaciousness and versatility. It has be very versatile to do all those tasks demanded of the family chariot or business wagon.

The Ateca copes with these challenges well with loads of leg and headroom and a spacious boot.

While it can shine as a workhorse, it also provides plenty of driving pleasure. That commanding view, the slick operation of the controls and firm springing make it more enjoyable to drive than its softer rivals. It has a stable feel on the road and does not wallow on the bends.

There is a four engine range to pick from. The starter 1.0-litre turbo petrol engine has 111PS and is just the job for the school and supermarket runs with a refined 150PS 1.4-litre petrol for those who like a bit more performance on the open road. Long distance drivers are catered for by the familiar 1.6 and 2.0 TDI donkeys from the VW family stable.

These are all well respected engines in their own right, so the choice is down to your driving requirements and, of course, your budget. A very slick six-speed gearbox is standard on most models 68

East Belfast Life

but the sophisticated dual clutch DSG automatic is available. Top 2.0-litre TDI cars can be purchased with four-wheel drive for those who need it.

Inside, there are the clear-cut instruments and precise controls that we have come to expect from the Germans. The fascia is dominated by an extra large colour touch screen on models from SE upwards and this sets the technology tone.

Some important safety features are fitted across the range such as side cur-tain and driver’s knee airbags, tyre pressure monitoring, collision warning and emergency city braking.

Prices range from £17,990 for a 1.0-litre petrol S starter model up to £30,525 for the most powerful diesel with all-wheel drive and automatic gearbox. SE models should be a popular choice and come with 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, smartphone compatibility and that larger screen.

The Ateca is an attractive and contemporary package. Suddenly, SEAT has moved from a position of not having a cross-over in the range, to having one of the best, if not the best, in its class.

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East Belfast : Social

The Best of BBQ Hillmount has created a new barbecue shopping experience and U105 presenter Carolyn Stewart joined the Mercer family to launch Hillmount’s WeberŽ World showroom. Whether you are purchasing your first BBQ or upgrading to a new one, expert staff can advise on what best suits your needs at Hillmount garden centres in Belfast and Bangor. As well as offering an extensive range of barbecues and accessories, the garden centre hosts regular hands-on barbecue cooking classes in the Hillmount BBQ Academy.

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05 01. Alan Mercer, Robin Mercer, Carolyn Stewart

and Edith Mercer 02. Nigel and Elaine Tweed.

03. Jacqueline and Robert McCarroll with chefs,

Christopher Stewart and Ryan Williamson.

04. Rachael and Philip Jamison.

05. James and Sarah Acheson with sons Eli and Robert.

06. Sarah and Andrew Bell.

07. Colin and Linda McAuley.

08. Robin and Alan Mercer with Lee Taylor.

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07

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East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : COLUMN

JaynegIBSON

MSc FPFS Chartered FCSI - Chartered Financial Planner

looking for peace of mind

Jayne Gibson discusses the changes in pension legislation and their effects on you.

With successive changes in legislation, pensions have become infinitely more accessible for individuals with personal pensions.

The new flexibilities introduced in April 2015 have meant real lifestyle changes for many planning their retirement. Having complete flexibility in terms of how much and when benefits are drawn post age 55 means that pensions can now adapt to the lifestyle that you want rather than the other way around. The taxation of death benefits has also greatly enhanced the usefulness of pensions as a lifestyle planning tool.

Unfortunately, many of these flexibilities are not available to members of defined benefit occupational pension schemes.

However, it is possible to access these benefits by transferring to a personal pension. For many the guarantees offered by the scheme will far outweigh the benefits on transfer. Nevertheless, there are some circumstances where a transfer could be beneficial.

Where individuals wish to access tax free cash, but defer income, the only option available would be a transfer to a personal pension. Where an individual does not fit into the scheme profile (for example, they do not have a legal spouse or civil partner), it is important to understand the benefits that may or may not be payable in the event of death.

Occupational schemes will only pay death benefits to financial dependents, and only then at the discretion of the trustees if they do not fit the scheme profile. This is particularly relevant for divorcees, or those with non-dependent children who would not be entitled to receive anything apart from

the balance of any guarantee period in the event of death.

It is also extremely important to understand the funding status of a defined benefit pension scheme. Where there is a deficit the scheme is reliant on the sponsoring employer having sufficient funds to make this up. If the sponsoring employer is also in financial difficulty, there is a possibility that the scheme will not be able to meet member benefits in full.

Advising on these types of pensions is highly technical and complex, to the extent that the Government introduced new legislation requiring individuals to access appropriate independent advice only from individuals who have specific qualifications and regulatory permissions from the Financial Conduct Authority.

GWM Solutions Ltd offers this very specialised advice and has recently opened a new office in the heart of Ballyhackamore.

We offer professional specialist advice across the whole of the UK as well as locally in Northern Ireland.

We are currently offering a discounted pensions health check to members of occupational pension schemes wishing to investigate flexibility or just looking for peace of mind in terms of their retirement plans.

Please contact Jayne Gibson or Julie Wilson on 028 9590 2280 to make an appointment or request further details.

137 - 141 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 3BE Telephone: 02895 902280 Email: jayne@gwmpts.com GWM Solutions Ltd is an Appointed Representative of Network Direct Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

East Belfast Life

75

East Belfast : SPOTLIGHT

First NI Drive-Thru Starbucks opens at Connswater Shopping Centre The highly anticipated Starbucks drive-thru has opened in east Belfast after plans were revealed for its development last year.

Located beside Connswater Shopping Centre, it is the first of its kind in Northern Ireland and is open for 24 hours.

Margey to Stage Spring Exhibitions in Derry & Portrush Portrush based artist Adrian Margey will be launching his 2017 exhibition series with two major shows this spring. His first sale of work will take place at the Everglades Hotel, Derry~Londonderry this Easter weekend (Saturday 15thth until Monday 17th April). The second will run at the Portrush Atlantic Hotel (formerly the Ramada) over the May Bank Holiday Weekend (Friday 28th April – Monday 1st May). Both collections will feature stunning contemporary depictions of Ulster’s iconic landmarks and landscapes, with a strong focus on the North West and North Coast in particular. Vibrant representations of The Peace Bridge, Guildhall, City Walls and scenes of the Foyle will be on show alongside enigmatic portrayals of the North Coast and County Donegal. Margey’s ever-popular traditional Irish musician and dancer pieces will also appeal to a wide range of buyers. The artist’s gallery and studio space at the junction of Mark Street and Main Street Portrush will remain open to visitors over the Easter weekend. Visit www.adrianmargey.com or telephone 07841593762 for full details.

‘Whiterocks Vista’

‘Reflections on Whiterocks’

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East Belfast Life

‘Mussenden Contrasts’

‘Mystical Errigal’

Artist Adrian Margey

o ll o p A th with

m r a w r o ndows f

i w r u o Wrap y

028 9521 4030 for latest offers details visit: www.apollo-blinds.co.uk/ northdown *Terms & Conditions: Offers are for a limited period only and are subject to availability on selected fabrics and colours, while stocks last. Terms & Conditions apply. Apollo Blinds product guarantees vary depending upon product, fabric and finish. Full details can befound on our website www.apollo-blinds.co.uk

Free measuring and free fitting, and a full guarantee with every product* East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

WHAT’S HAPPENING -

IN THE EAST

We take a look at some of the major events and attractions coming soon to East Belfast.

The Strand Arts Centre PRINCE CHARMING: PRINCESS CHASER

THE ILLEGALS WITH NIAMH KAVANAGH

CLAIRE ZIRIT PSYCHIC MEDIUM

DAN LEITH & REPLAY THEATRE COMPANY: WOOFLE

Saturday 1st April - Sunday 2nd April presented by NiStars

Thursday 25th May. Celebrate the 40th Anniversary. Tickets: £16.

Thursday 11th May at 8pm: tickets £10

Saturday 27th May at 3pm.

Live theatre for 4-10 year olds. Tickets: £5.

For more information visit:

www.strandartscentre.com/live-strand

What?

IAU World 24-Hour Running Championships - the best runners from around the world will run 160 miles (roughly six marathons), only stopping for some light refreshments.

They will run throughout the day and night and need your encouragement and support!

There will also be other entertainment at the park.

When?

1st July - 2nd July, starting at Noon Where?

Belfast Victoria Park best George Best City Airport.

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East Belfast Life

What?

C.S. Lewis Trail - start the journey of one of the most famous authors in history.

The C.S Lewis Trail will take you to the places that inspired a young C. S Lewis, some of which inspired his classic tale of Narnia.

When?

All year Where?

East Belfast Partnership Avalon House 278 - 280 Newtownards Road Belfast

East Belfast : Social

BELFAST TITANIC MARITIME FESTIVAL

What?

The UK Pipe Band Championships - a free family-friendly evented with the Royal Scottish Pipe Band Association.

Join over 100 guest pipe an drum bands from across the UK and Ireland as they battle it out for the coveted title.

When?

Saturday 10th June Where?

Stormont Estate

Organised by Belfast City Council, the Belfast Titanic Maritime Festival takes place from Friday 16th - Sunday 18th June at Queen’s Quay, extending down to Titanic Belfast.

The free family event will feature a range of entertainment from food, live music, displays, tours, and activities you do not want to miss.

With theatrical performances and dancing among the exhibitions, it will be an event for all ages to enjoy.

For more information visit:

www.titanicquarter.com

What?

Titanic Taster Photography Tour - learn tips of photography through a Titanic inspired taster day while exploring Titanic Quarter’s Maritime Heritage. You will also get a tour of the famous landmark.

When?

27th May Where?

Meeting point: Brown Titanic sign, next to Titanic Belfast.

For more information: www.titanicbelfast.com

East Belfast Life

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East Belfast : Social

East Belfast:

Gerry Armstrong Scores with Homeless Charity

News Round Up GROSVENOR WIN DANSKE BANK NORTHERN IRELAND SCHOOL’S CUP

Over 500 spectators watched the final of Danske Bank Northern Ireland School’s Cup at Seaview between St. Columb’s College and Grosvenor Grammar. Grosvenor’s Under 18 boys football team won 3-1, taking the Cup for second year in a row. It proved to be a tense final, with the both teams drawing at 1-1 before going to extra time where the deciding goals were scored.

NEW MURAL IN EAST BELFAST As part of a BBC documentary, three men from east Belfast were involved in a three-year multi-platform mural project. As part of the plan, they had to learn new skills, such as 3D laser printing and cutting, in order to build their confidence and assist them getting back into the workforce. The new mural promotes reconciliation, peace, and looking forward to a better future, which represents the values of modern life in east Belfast. You can watch True North: Jobs for the Boys on BBC iPlayer.

RUN CONNSWATER On 20th August, you can join Connswater Shopping & Retail Park’s chairty 10K, 5K and Kids Fun Run, starting at C.S. Lewis Square. The run will take you through the Connswater Community Greenway, Victoria Park, Harbour Estate, Comber Greenway, before finishing where it all started at C.S. Lewis Square. You can register to run at: athleticsni.org.

NEW EAST BELFAST RESTAURANT Cyprus Avenue opened its doors in January and is located on the Upper Newtownards Road with a £250 000 investment. The opening created around 25 jobs and can allow seating for up to 50 guests. The menu places particular emphasis on local produce as a casual dining bistro with a refined twist. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner, dessert and has an exclusive vegetarian menu to suit everyone.

MEET THE HIGH SHERIFF The new High Sheriff for Belfast is Alderman Tim Haire who has previously been elected to represent east Belfast. He is the 177th High Sheriff of Belfast. Alderman Tim Haire is part of the Belfast Harbour Commission committee, a former County Grand Master for the Orange Order, a Forum member of George Best City Airport, Chair of the Board of Governors at Ashfield Boys School and a Board Member of East Side Partnership.

HOME BARGAINS COMING TO CONNSWATER Expected to create 65 new jobs, a new Home Bargains store is set to open in Connswater Shopping Centre worth an estimated £1M. It will take over the premises of Harry Corry, which is supposedly finding a new location for its consumer unit. Many feared for the future of Connswater Shopping Centre over the closure of Tesco and Dunnes last year, meaning this is a welcome addition to the shopping site.

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East Belfast Life

F

ormer Northern Ireland International football legend Gerry Armstrong was announced as new ambassador for homeless charity Street Soccer NI. Gerry attended a Street Soccer to hand out International Caps to previous Homeless World Cup players who represented their country in the last three Homeless World Cups. Street Soccer NI, in partnership with East Belfast Mission, the Housing Executive, Simon Community and IFA, run projects across NI using the power of football to transform the lives of people who are homeless and other disadvantaged groups. Alongside the football they offer support in housing, employability, and other issues that affect their players.

Street Soccer is now in preparation for this year’s Homeless World Cup in Norway in August. They will be bringing a men and women’s team to the weeklong event in Oslo that has a major impact on the players’ lives. This will be Northern Ireland’s first women’s team to compete in the Homeless World Cup. Street Soccer is delighted to welcome on board Simon Community as a major sponsor for this year’s team. Simon Community work with hundreds of homeless people throughout the country and know how sport can have such a positive impact on their clients.

MULLAN MEWS AND SYDENHAM COURT CELEBRATE 40 YEARS OF FANTASTIC HOMES People living at Mullan Mews and Sydenham Court in East Belfast recently helped celebrate Clanmil Housing’s 40th anniversary with a party, complete with magician and petting farm. Clanmil has been providing high quality, affordable homes for people who need them since March 1977. Today the organisation employs 260 people and owns and manages more than 4,300 homes throughout Northern Ireland for families, older people and for those who need support. It has recently embarked on an ambitious new homes development programme that will see some 1,800 additional homes provided, to rent or to buy, over the next 5 years.

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East BelfastLife l Spring 2017

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all the latest EAST belfast social events covered inside Why i Love - Nuala Meenehan, Kylie Noble, Gail McNair, Paul Harron, Andrew Irvine tell us why they love East Belfast Social Round Up - School’s Cup Final Dining in the east - Essential guide to Eating Out in East Belfast