Mid & East Antrim | Chatterbox | November 2016

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page 2

november 2016

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november 2016

Chatterbox

Lights, camera, action – P7 takes interest in proceedings as well as undertaking their ‘starring role’ in the new video.

Fourtowns Primary P7’s get a starring role in Council’s environmental video production A local primary school has been going ‘green’, enjoying an educational presentation on environmental issues – and also being the ‘stars’ of a major video.

T

he completed footage when edited will help spread the word across the whole Borough with the P7 class at Fourtowns Primary School, Ahoghill proving to be both an attentive audience and a worthy ‘cast’ for the Mid and East Antrim Borough Councilsponsored video.

The presentation was undertaken by Assistant Council Borough Warden Gary Gordon – who specifically targeted the scourge of littering and the issues and dangers associated with dog fouling; as well as encouraging recycling.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Deputy Mayor, Alderman William McNeilly, who also attended, said: “I was very pleased to be invited to this event with officers from the Environmental Health Team making a very dynamic and effective presentation to this young audience.

“It examined the negative impact littering has on the local environment and the need to clean up after pets, especially given issues around toxicity, as well as highlighting Councils recycling initiatives.”

Environmental Health Officer, Kevin Woodin, said: “Fourtowns Primary School requested this educational presentation on litter and dog fouling which we were pleased to provide.

“It links into the ongoing schools’ Environmental Impact Topic and fits in with the work of the Keep Northern Ireland Beautiful Campaign which is part of work carried out across the whole of the Province.”

Videoing the presentation is a means of more easily getting the important, litter, dog fouling and recycling messages across to as many of the P7 schools’ groups as possible, with minimum staff resources required.

Kevin Woodin said: “This video presentation will become a DVD package that will be shared around the majority of primary schools in the Borough, creating interest in the topic and allowing the youngsters to not only think about the issues concerned themselves, but also - hopefully – to influence their parents and siblings in exercising more care in regard to waste overall.”

The Deputy Principal of Fourtowns Primary, Neil Bevington said: “We were very pleased to be asked to participate in this excellent project, which will not only influence our own pupils’ attitudes to waste as individuals, but also through the DVD, many others in their age group across Mid and East Antrim Borough.”

Ahoghill Champion of Champions Award with Mayor Audrey Wales, RHS Council member, Jon Wheatley and Wallace Elder from Ahoghill. All the team from Mid and East Antrim Borough celebrate their success

Britain in Bloom votes Ahoghill ‘Champion of Champions’ with Whitehead also celebrating ‘Silver Gilt’ The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE has been celebrating the news that the town of Ahoghill has been crowned Royal Horticulture Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom Champion of Champions.

“This means Ahoghill can claim to be the cleanest, greenest and most beautiful place in the United Kingdom,” said the Mayor.

Cllr Wales was speaking shortly after she returned from the ceremony in England on Friday evening, where Whitehead also scooped a Silver Gilt award in the Small Town category. “We were awarded the ultimate prize in community gardening when the County Antrim town was named the Champion of Champions and was also awarded a Gold medal for the 2016 entry.”

Whitehead was one of only five areas from across the UK chosen to compete in the Small Town category of the awards.

“Whitehead’s Silver medal, the second award highest available was also accompanied by Whitehead being nominated for the RHS Special Award for Conservation and Wildlife, also a great achievement,” said Mayor Wales.

“Key to winning these awards is the extensive voluntary community participation undertaken by the local people, who work in partnership with the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council staff in facilitating the awards too,” said Cllr Wales.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Deputy Mayor, Alderman William McNeill presents P7 pupil, Josh McNeill with his prize for designing the best Litter & Waste poster in a class competition organised in conjunction with a presentation on environmental issues held at Fourtown’s Primary School, Ahoghill, as Assistant Council Borough Warden Gary Gordon; Environmental Health Officer, Kevin Woodin; school Principal, Kathryn Parker and Vice Principal/P7 teacher, Neil Bevington (both on left) look on.

The RHS Britain in Bloom Awards ceremony celebrates the huge contribution made by the 300,000 Bloom volunteers whose hard work and dedication help transform what are often grey and unloved areas into greener, cleaner and more

beautiful spaces for everyone to enjoy. Over the summer, teams of RHS judges travelled the length and breadth of the country to see the 72 finalists’ Bloom campaigns to determine who would lift the top prizes.

Each finalist was assessed against three key criteria: community participation, environmental responsibility and of course, horticultural achievement.

Both Ahoghill’s twin awards and Whitehead’s Silver Gilt award in the Small Town category was presented in a ceremony at Edgbaston Cricket Ground, Birmingham, hosted by TV Gardening Expert Chris Beardshaw.

Chairman of the UK Judging Panel, Roger Burnett said: “This has been a truly outstanding year for Britain in Bloom with local communities devoting tremendous amounts of time and effort into greening grey areas and sharing the many health and social benefits of horticulture.

“The judges were very impressed by the way communities refused to let the many challenges they faced hold them back. The finalists’ desire and determination to make their environment as green and pleasant as possible was truly humbling.

"We as judges are privileged to have a front row seat to see Britain in Bloom volunteers change the lives of thousands through their work. And it’s fitting that their efforts are recognised and celebrated.”

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Come visit our Pop Up Shop at High Street Hub in the centre of Antrim town, open Monday to Saturday 10am to 5pm right up till the 23th December!

Beside Asda Junction One, Antrim Tel: 028 94 461 516 Open Monday - Saturday : 9.30am - 5.30pm Sunday 1.00pm - 5.30pm

page 6

november 2016

Mid and East Antrim Borough’s Council Chamber hosts pupils Young people from Mid and East Antrim Borough have ‘taken their seats’ in the Council Chamber at The Braid, Ballymena The specially convened Schools Youth Council event saw around 80 Year 11 pupils engaged in one of two special ‘Mock Council Meetings’ in the prestigious Chamber.

Borough Mayor congratulates painting, poetry competitions and Best School Gardening winners The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Councillor Audrey Wales MBE, has announced the winner and runners-up of the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom Children’s Painting and Poetry competitions as well as the Best School Gardening project winners and runners up.

Cllr Wales said: “I am delighted to announce the Mid and East Antrim In Bloom Children’s Painting & Poetry Competition Winners and Runners-up. I am thrilled with the response from those taking part and the quality and diversity of the entrants has been excellent. It has been an opportunity for me to see the wealth of creative talent throughout our Borough. “I was also pleased to see a high number of entrants in one of our new competitions, the Best School Gardening Project. It has been great to see the wide range of projects teachers and pupils are working on,” she added.

“I look forward to welcoming all the prize winners to our Mid and East Antrim In Bloom prize giving ceremony on Friday 28th October in the Jubilee Hall, Carrickfergus Town Hall.”

Painting Competition (16 & Under) Winner: Ola Myrcha, age 12, from Ballymena; Runner-up: Finlay Schmidt, age 15, from Carrickfergus; Runner-up: Molly Cranston, age 12, from Ballee.

Painting Competition (10 & Under) Winner: Anya Laughlin, age 10, from Ballycarry; Runner-up: Zara Compton, age 6, from Clough; Runner-up: Joshua Neville, age 10, from Carrickfergus.

Poetry Competition Winner: Robbie Morrow, Age 12, from Ballycarry; Runner-up: Rhianna Taylor, age 12, from Larne; Runner-up: Caitlin O’Hara Murray, age 8, from Carrickfergus.

Best School Gardening Project Winner: Carrickfergus Central Primary School, Runner-up: Ballymena Academy, Ballymena; Runner-up: Millquarter Primary School, Toomebridge.

Councillor Audrey Wales MBE, Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough who officially welcomed the young people, said: "This was a wonderful opportunity for Council to engage directly with young people from our Borough.

“As well as hear these young students speak out so ably in the Mock Council Meeting, councillors also had the opportunity to meet and talk with these young people face to face.

“I hope these activities have enabled them to learn more about the democratic process and the role of civic leadership within Mid and East Antrim Borough,” she said.

“Our ‘Corporate Vision’ is Working Together to Create a Better Future for All, and it was so encouraging to hear such positive and aspirational feedback from these young people who have fully embraced the programme as they are, of course, our future leaders,” Cllr Wales added.

As well as the young people holding their own Council meeting, the event also included an awareness raising session for all the participants, a guide to Council services, specifically looking at Promoting Good Relations and a tour of the civic headquarters at The Braid and a session looking at the role of Council and of its elected

members within the organisation.

It was organised through a Steering Group of Elected Members and council staff in conjunction with Ballymena Learning Together, the Children and Young Peoples Strategic Partnership, Larne Learning Community and Carrickfergus Learning Community.

This was all aimed at enabling pupils to learn and understand the role of civic leadership and the positive impact it can have on Mid and East Antrim Borough.

Representing post primary schools were Ballymena Academy;’, Cambridge House Grammar; Carrickfergus College, Carrickfergus Grammar; Castle Tower; Downshire School; Dunclug College; Slemish College; St. Benedict’s College; St. Patricks College; St. Louis Grammar and Ulidia Integrated College.

The event was organised as part of an overall Mid and East Antrim programme of Schools Youth Engagement Projects led through Council's Community Planning and Development Service.

This project has received support from The Executive Office through the Council’s Good Relations Programme.

For more information about this project or other Good Relations Projects please contact Council's Good Relations Team: Janet Shearer (Carrickfergus 028 9335 8312), or Jane Dunlop (Ballymena 028 2563 3141).

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page 8

Belfast Community Gospel Choir take Northern Ireland by Storm!

Hailed as ‘the soul of Belfast’ the Belfast Community Gospel Choir (BCGC) has literally taken Northern Ireland by storm.

They are relentless ambassadors for the city of Belfast and the whole of the province as they spread the message of love, joy and peace through their music.

BCGC performances are charged with passion and energy and the sheer JOY they exude from the stage is infectious. Led by their charismatic director and founder, Marie Lacey, the sound that the choir produces is nothing short of dynamic.

In 2009 Marie’s dream was to create a choir that, through unity and inclusiveness, would promote a positive image internationally of the ‘new’ Belfast and Northern Ireland. Her dream has certainly become a reality as the choir hail from all sides of the community. The choir has 128 members and is an expression of the diversity of the city of Belfast with members from Barbados, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa and Spain.

The Choir’s resume is impressive including many TV Appearances, performances for Heads of State, Royalty, Corporate and Civic functions and Charity & Church concerts. Internationally they have performed in New York City and Boston.

The choir’s repertoire is made up of a mixture of gospel and popular music such as Bridge Over Troubled Water, O Happy Day and You Raise Me Up. BCGC will be bringing a choir of 50 to perform in Wellington Presbyterian Church, Ballymena on Saturday 19th November at 7:30pm in aid of Radio Cracker.

You can find out more about the choir by visiting their website

www.bcgc.biz

november 2016

Chatterbox

Dairyside stores - gleno, fundraise substantial amount of money for ni hospice Roma Brown & Kay McDowell of Larne Support Group for N.I. Hospice receiving the cheque from Sandra McDowell of Dairyside Stores Gleno for £3617.56. Sandra and her daughter Alana did an abseil down the Europa Hotel Belfast in September to celebrate her 50th birthday and asked for all donations to be made to the Hospice.

Roma Brown & Kay McDowell of Larne Support Group for N.I. Hospice receiving the cheque for £2120.66 from Sandra McDowell, Leta Marsden and May Wilson.

The money was raised during Sandra's Coffee Day at Dairyside Stores in Gleno. Sandra would like to thank everyone who supported them for this very worthy cause and to everyone who helped and provided all the delicious goodies.

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november 2016

Phillip Logan has spoken out on behalf of the local traders in Ballymena

Zeds Beds are having a massive 20 Year Birthday sale It’s Zedsbeds Birthday and to celebrate Zeds Beds are having a massive 20 Year Birthday sale for 20 Days giving up to fifty percent of selected beds and mattress Zeds Beds Began trading twenty years ago and have established themselves as one of Northern Ireland’s premier Bed Retailers.

A locally Owned business they are able to offer all their customer's first class personal service. Zeds Beds specialise in all types of beds and mattresses by leading manufactures. All sizes of beds can be purchased from Zeds Beds 2’6” wide to 6’0” wide, mostly available from stock. Other beds in stock include Memory foam divan beds to cater for people with back problems and luxurious pocket spring beds for sheer comfort and a good night’s sleep.

In our showroom we have a wide selection Electric Lift and Riser Recliners. In a choice of fabric and leather all for immediate delivery. If you require a mattress only for your bed frame or divan we have a wide choice of top branded mattresses in all sizes to choose from.

Zeds beds also offer a first class free delivery service with our own delivery vehicle up to a 20 miles radius. Delivery province wide can be arranged. So if you find you mattresses uncomfortable why not pay us a visit and you will be amazed at the choice we have to offer.

Shrubs and Tubs: your one stop shop for christmas Shrubs and Tubs Garden Centre is a family run, child friendly, local, and no frills garden centre that prides itself on providing good quality products at inexpensive prices, while working on the principle of small profit margins and volume sales.

Shrubs and Tubs now have their largest ever Christmas shop with their biggest ever range of Christmas decorations, artificial trees, fibre-optic trees, pre-lit trees, tree skirts, Christmas table wear, animated Christmas figures, baubles, wreaths, garlands and many more. Many of these products are exclusively available only at Shrubs and Tubs. They are pleased to announce that their last year’s Christmas stock is now on sale at 50% off and a selection of items with savings of up to 70% off retail prices. They also have their largest ever selection of fresh, low needle drop Christmas Trees now in arriving the last week in November with prices starting from just £19.99 for a 6ft Noble Fir and can be delivered for a small charge.

Shrubs and Tubs are well worth a visit and you will be guaranteed a warm welcome by the friendly, helpful staff. They are easily found, located beside ASDA at Junction One in Antrim and have ample free parking. To accommodate the working public, Shrubs and Tubs Garden Centre are open 7 days a week and will open late on Thursday and Friday nights on the run up to Christmas starting the end of November They also currently have a stall at the High Street Hub in Antrim Town, with amazing deals on Christmas trees, decorations, wreaths, garlands and much more. This stall will be open every Monday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 5:30 pm.

Shrubs and Tubs would also like to dispel strange rumours about its closing. Shrubs and Tubs is still very much open for business and is currently preparing for the 2017 summer bedding season. Any claims that the store is closing are simply untrue and we will be open 7 days a week as usual for the foreseeable future.

Phillip Logan said, “The local traders of Ballymena are suffering as a result of this Public Realm Scheme. I know the intention of this scheme was to improve Ballymena town centre but it will only be an improvement if we still have shops left at the end of it all!

Traders are suffering and there have been delays as there were problems with the scheduling of these works.

I am frustrated as I have attempted to meet with the Chief Executive of the Council to discuss this as a matter of urgency – the Christmas period will soon be upon us and these works will affect trade. I sent an email on the 21st September to ask for a meeting, the response was that we would be contacted in due course. We then sent a further letter to the office outlining concerns about traders and the Public Realm Scheme on the 30th September

and it was acknowledged on the 4th October but no response has been given regarding concerns and no meeting has been organised.

I have been given confirmation from the Minister of Communities that his Department is considering a marketing campaign for Ballymena traders to coincide with the completion of the works. This will hopefully be a boost to Ballymena when the works are eventually completed but it does not give them a solution for the situation that they are in at present.

That solution needs to come from Council. The Minister has informed me that the Council are considering how best to address the concerns of traders regarding the PreChristmas period, I have had no confirmation from Council as to whether they are considering the concerns of traders or what exactly they are considering.

Ballymena has had difficult times in regards to jobs losses in the past year and I am not prepared to allow the difficult times to continue. I am trying to meet with Council to resolve this issue and I hope that they will be in contact with me and the traders of Ballymena soon.

Chatterbox

HOPE FOR CULLYBACKEY PARK & RIDE Paul Frew DUP MLA has thanked the Minister of Infrastructure for trying to resolve the congestion at Cullybackey Train station in the short term whilst the issues surrounding the main park & ride scheme are resolved.

Frew stated " A risk Assessment had raised concern that additional traffic introduced by the park and ride facility could potentially cause blocking over the automatic crossing .

I am pushing for the level crossing at Cullybackey Station to be upgraded to allow those concerns to be allayed but in the mean time the congestion continues blighting the lives of the people who lives close to the station and making it difficult for commuters to use the train at Cullybackey .

Having pushed the Minister on these issues he now tells me that Translink has considered ways of improving the position in the short term . Translink has received the draft report of a recent independent safety assessment carried out to assess the likely impact of opening a limited Park and Ride adjacent to Cullybackey Level Crossing . The report is positive and Translink is currently developing a plan for the Cullybackey Park and Ride to be issued by the end of this month .

The Minister has given me a commitment that he will keep up to speed on progress on this matter."

Mid and East Antrim Borough backs budding entrepreneurs with launch of ‘Go For It’ The next generation of businessmen and women in Mid and East Antrim are being invited to get help to turn their business ideas into tangible business plans.

These could then help in securing funding from banks or other potential investors.

The ‘Go For It’ Business Start-Up programme is being delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council in partnership with Enterprise Northern Ireland and the Local Enterprise network in the council area – Ballymena Business Centre, LEDCOM and Carrickfergus Enterprise. At the launch event, held at The Braid, Ballymena, the Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Audrey Wales MBE said: “The aim of this programme is to help those entrepreneurs put together a business plan to help ‘kick start’ their own business.”

“Ballymena Business Centre, Carrickfergus Enterprise and LEDCOM are locally based ensuring visibility and accessibility across the region in both urban and rural parts of Mid and East Antrim.” “I am very pleased that Council is delivering this vital service for the many budding entrepreneurs across the Borough,” she added.

Council and its economic partners have over the past year been working on developing an Integrated Economic Strategy for Mid and East Antrim which will focus on driving productivity and economic growth through a number of strategic priorities including Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. The Mid and East Antrim ‘Go for it’ Programme will focus on encouraging and enabling potential entrepreneurs to produce a business plan as one of the key early steps in a journey toward starting a business or setting up social enterprise.

Gordon Gough, Chief Executive of Enterprise Northern Ireland commented: “We are encouraging people with a great business idea to get in touch. We have business advisers who offer bespoke one-to-one mentoring to help bring people’s business ideas to life, with a variety of workshops open to participants” For further information on the ‘Go For It Business’ Start-Up Programme, call 0800 027 0639 or visit any local enterprise agency.

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page 14

Chatterbox

November 2016 focusing on things of a heavenly nature

page 15

November 2016

Chatterbox

Hillview Cosmetic Clinic wins Outstanding Clinic Award from Teoxane

First Ballymena Presbyterian Church NOVEMBER SERVICES

The Hillview Cosmetic Clinic in Clough has won an award recognising excellence in business practice from aesthetic manufacturer Teoxane UK.

6/11/16 11:30am Rev Wm Sinclair (Communion) 6.30pm Mr David McMillan

13/11/16 11:30am Mr David McMillan 6.30pm Mr Matthew Boyd

The clinic, which has been in practice since 2007, is run by independent nurse prescriber Pauline McIlrath. The Hillview Cosmetic Clinic was recognised for its ‘bespoke approach to aesthetics, going above and beyond during consultation to formulating a tailored programme unique to each clients’ concerns’.

20/11/16 11.30 am Rev Wm Sinclair

27/11/16 11.30am Rev George Preston 6.30pm Mr David McMillan CHURCH OFFICE, MEETINGHOUSE LANE, BALLYMENA PHONE: 02825 630 015

“It is a wonderful feeling to have won the Teoxane Outstanding Clinic Award, as it means I've been recognised for my commitment in aesthetic practice and a job I get real satisfaction from,” said McIlrath, adding, “It’s a great accolade for myself as a sole practitioner and I am so proud to have received the award.”

Teoxane developed the Outstanding Clinic Award as a way of recognising clinics that go the ‘extra mile’ to deliver exceptional results for patients along with the utmost in customer service, while driving innovation in the aesthetic and antiageing industry.

Lorraine Bowen, regional sales manager for Teoxane, said, “It was my pleasure to bestow the Outstanding Clinic Award to Pauline at Hillview Cosmetic Clinics. With her dedication to training and considered approach to offering clients the most pioneering treatments available, Pauline is an exemplary winner and truly deserving of the title.”

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page 16

november 2016

Operation Christmas Child swings into action During November many in the Antrim area will be busy filling shoeboxes for the Operation Christmas Child shoebox Christmas appeal.

T

he project from Samaritans Purse began collecting filled shoeboxes for less fortunate children in 1990. Since then over 130 million gift filled shoeboxes have been donated and gratefully received by children who are in need across the world.

Last year 45,454 shoeboxes were donated across Northern Ireland, 7100 shoeboxes were very generously donated by the people in the Antrim area. The boxes donated went to four countries; Romania, Ukraine, Macedonia and Serbia. Eastern Europe is a very difficult place to live as a child. According to the Belgrade University and the Government’s Council for Children’s Rights, it is estimated that 800,000 children live at or below the poverty line in Serbia alone. This is a result of inadequate state welfare systems, political turmoil, war, displaced persons and a poor economy.

The Northern Ireland Regional Manager for Operation Christmas Child was in Eastern Europe to distribute shoeboxes in December. Darryl Nesbitt, who recently took up the role said, “It was great privilege and honour to be welcomed by the Eastern European people and to see the excitement and the joy that a shoebox brings to a child in need”. Darryl went on to describe what it was like during the shoebox distribution, “The excitement in the room was electric, the children literally waited on

the edge of their seat in anticipation of what they would receive. Once the Children received their shoebox they quickly ran back to their seats and you could see the shoebox lid fly open and children stare in awe at what they had received. I saw children jump for joy and embrace their gifts, one little boy kissed his shoebox as he received it.”

The impact of the shoebox was very evident to Darryl as soon as he arrived. He explains, “I arrived and was greeted by one of Operation Christmas Childs International Field Workers, Daniela. On the bus journey from the airport she described that 20 years ago she received a shoebox.” Darryl explained how he could see the joy from that one simple gift, “Danila recalled the day that she received the shoebox like it was only yesterday, I could still see the joy in her eyes that the shoebox brought her, twenty years on.” The shoebox does not just give joy to a child for one day, one month or one year. But it gives joy for a lifetime.

Perhaps this year you would like to generously donate a gift filled shoebox to a needy child. If so, you can leave it at McMillan Interiors 53a Loan Road, Cullybackey BT42 1PS, which will open from the 17th October to 25th November, 10am -2pm. Or alternatively your local Shoe Zone shoe shop which also collect the gift filled shoeboxes on behalf of Operation Christmas Child. Maybe this Christmas you will be able to change a child’s life through the simple gift of a shoebox.

Instructions on what you can be put in the shoebox and more information about the appeal are available through the Samaritan’s Purse website www. samaritans-purse.org.uk/operation-christmas-child/ how-to-pack-a-shoebox/

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page 18

november 2016

In the spotlight

Chatterbox

Shining the light on local artists, musicians and talents

Who are you and What do you do?

What materials do you use

Where can we find you

My name is Julie Mayo and I’m from Ballymena. I started drawing when I was at primary school after my mother taught me to draw portraits. I had my first portrait published in ‘Suzy’ magazine when I was 13 which won me the grand sum of £5! This began my passion for people portraits mainly completed in pencil for family and friends.

I studied Art to A-Level and after leaving school and entering full time employment I didn’t have as much time for drawing as I would have liked. This year I have concentrated on pastel paintings and created a portrait of my mother’s little Jack Russell, Molly, which you can see here. I’ve been hooked ever since and with pet portraits in pastel proving so popular I have completed several commissions. They really do make a lovely gift on a special occasion. It gives me great pleasure when a client views their artwork for the first time and sees their beloved pet looking back at them.

I work from photos and love to achieve great detail in my artwork. To see more of my work and for more information please see my website:

www.whatasketch.co.uk or my Facebook page www.facebook.com/whatasketch You can also email for more information at

whatasketch@gmail.com.

Aladdin Takes Ballymena on a Magic Carpet Ride! c21 Theatre Company is back at The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena for the tenth year running with another fabulous production, Aladdin, promising fun for all the family from 9-22 December 2016 Belfast boy, Curtis Patrick is gearing up for his lead role as Aladdin in c21’s latest Christmas show alongside Antrim born Sarah McFarlane who will be playing Princess Jasmine in the production. Both actors have extensive stage experience are currently playing the leads in ‘Ghost’ the musical at the Grand Opera House, Belfast.

Speaking ahead of his lead role, Curtis said: “Bringing the role of Aladdin to life was a little daunting as people know the character so well, but I’m really looking forward to taking on the role as it will be so much fun! There’s so much hype and buzz around the pantomime with the cast already, I think it will be a really enjoyable show for people at the best time of the year.”

Other cast members include Shane McKeever who will play the ‘Genie of the Lamp’. Shane is an ex-world champion line dancer and is currently touring the world with an elite troupe of dancers.

The production will be directed by Pamela Cassells, who has worked with c21 for the last five years. This will be her fourth panto as Writer, Director and Choreographer. She has just finished producing her brand new musical ‘Strive’ at the Waterfront Hall Belfast, to great acclaim.

This is c21 Co-Founder and Producer Stephen Kelly’s tenth panto with the company. Originally from Ballymena, Stephen explained: “I love bringing the Festive cheer to my hometown, Ballymena, every Christmas, and this year we’re going to try to be bigger and better than ever as it’s our ten-year anniversary.

Aladdin is a fun, wacky show that provides just the right amount of laughs to get everyone excited for Christmas!

“Whilst the show is perfect for the kids, we really want to keep the adults entertained too, and our Widow Twanky character, played by local lad, Neil Keery is sure to have the older kids in the audience in hysterics.

We’ve really had a lot of fun with her character.

Stephen has a wealth of experience including an Australian visit with the company in 2015 as a Director/Producer, showcasing his theatre expertise for the National Celtic Festival, Portarlington Victoria, Australia.

Tickets are on sale now at the Braid, contact 02825 635 077 or online via www.thebraid.com. Make sure to like c21 Theatre Company on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for exclusive updates and show information.

Curtis Patrick is taking to the stage in the lead role of Aladdin in c21 Theatre Company’s latest production, Aladdin! c21 Theatre Company is back at The Braid Arts Centre, Ballymena for the tenth year running, promising fun for all the family from 9-22 December 2016

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Carrick Kane Exhibition Flyer:Layout 1 27/10/2016 12:43 Page 1

Community Orchard Planting Greenisland Allotment Gardens Saturday 26th November 12noon - 3pm Free event

MAPPING THE WORLD:

Exploring the importance of Richard Kane and his Atlas

Saturday 5th November – Saturday 14th January

As part of Mid and East Antrim’s Tree Week celebrations help create Greenisland’s very own community orchard! Come plant a tree, meet some woodland creatures, build a giant bug hotel and enjoy other fun activities.

Born in 1662, Richard Kane, The ‘Good Governor’ of Menorca grew up in Carrickfergus. One of Carrickfergus Museum’s star items is an atlas that was presented to him by Louis XIV, ‘The Sun King’ of France at Versailles in 1712. Following extensive conservation, the maps can now be displayed for the first time. Created by famous cartographer Nicolas Sanson, this exhibition allows the opportunity to explore the history of cartography, making extensive use of antique maps of Carrickfergus, starting with the oldest map of anywhere in Ulster, Kragfargvs Towne, 1560.

Please RSVP to Carrickfergus Museum Tel: 028 9335 8241 Email: carrickfergusmuseums@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

This is an outdoor event. Please wear suitable clothing and footwear.

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

For more information contact: T: 028 9335 8231 E: parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk

www.midandeastantrim.gov.uk/museums

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LAUNCH EVENT Richard Kane: Forgotten Son of Carrickfergus?

Join us for a special launch event, which will feature a talk by Dr Ron Bishop on the life and times of Richard Kane.

Tuesday 8th November, 7pm Carrickfergus Museum and Civic Centre

page 24

november 2016

In hiding

twins

Still recovering from those early mornings, still waking at 6:30am with the nagging feeling that I was going to miss the train! Yawn... Much respect for all you early birds out there.

Anyway, light relief. I had promised to pay a visit to my friend who’d brought home brand new twins. Unusual names. Syd and Roger. Identical and delightful . Named after Syd Barrett and Roger Waters of Pink Floyd Fame.

The meet

Name: Katy D Date of Birth: Classified information Age: A Lady never reveals.

Height: 5’1 Eyes: Blue

Hair: Lusciously blond Build: Petite, tanned & delicious.

Last known Location: In cupboard under stairs

May I say, Bill, how utterly debonair, spiffing, fetching, and all those other wonderfully descriptive words that capture your personage in October’s Chatterbox.

Some Cheeky Tips

On the second evening after my College dash – see last month’s ChatterboxI needed a bit of bright relief to ease me back into the wonderful comfort of my usual everyday routine.

Interesting names. Not surprising really though as their father G (I expect anonymity the best thing here) is a quiet Rocker on the side and mummy H is definitely a Rock Chick undercover.

Syd and Roger, both sporting lovely fluffy ginger hair and pale mischievous eyes. When G and H first arrived home with their twins, their first child Bailey went outside and sat in the rain, her back to them, in a definite angry huff. Did I mention they are cats?

As I sank onto their comfy sofa, Syd/Roger made an assault on my poor bare ankle in my latest Sketcher with the sharpest of claws and teeth and had

to be delicately prised off. Such an introduction!

Obviously I should have worn my biker boots. The other twin made an inspection of my roomy handbag, ready to attack the tassels.

An ungracious guest, I had forgotten to bring a gift. I searched the interior of my roomy handbag for inspiration.

Ah – a piece of newspaper, the puzzle page from the local rag to help while away any spare time in the College library.

Tearing off a piece I squished it into a ball, threw it onto the floor, and Roger at once launched himself in pursuit, skidding over the shiny wooden floorboards. Not to be outdone, his twin raced under a light fluffy rug, waiting to be pounced upon and wrestled with, all for our entertainment. After a while both fell exhausted onto their parents’ lap/feet to rest before the next foray. Adorably photogenic in temporary slumber, a few photos were taken for the family album.

Bailey, underwhelmed by

Chatterbox

By Katy D such noisy shenanigans, was reclining, still in definite huff on her outsize, fit for a queen, beanbag. When stroked she meowed and looked at me beseechingly. If she were human, she would probably be wearing a set of earplugs and security vest. According to G and H, Roger has attempted to hold out the paw of friendship by cuddling up to Bailey on her cushion but so far has been quietly rebuffed.

Congratulations to G and H on the lovely babies.

I left with a lighter heart, but glad to return home largely unscathed. My own more mature moggy was waiting on the doorstep. Thankfully no leaping on my bare feet but with swishing tail he ushered me inside, demanding his gourmet dinner. Although, in kittenhood, he was just as wicked.

Love the bright pink (cerise?) shirt and blue accessories, including sun specs, and definite confident swagger.

Please forgive my non-appearance at our meet – the standing up scenario. Thing is, I got the day, week, month completely wrong and still have a few renovations to do before I reach the stage of readiness (near perfection) for our Meet. Some glamour prep and pampering to be carried out yet. Also, looking to feature those Glitter Lips!! A thousand apologies, we have to reschedule.

Here is proof of my sudden flight into the cupboard below the stairs alongside hoover and pink exercise ball to escape the paparazzi.

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3. Blush should recreate an inner glow, so it’s best to stay close to your own skin tone. If you’ve got pink undertones go for peaches. In my experience peachy-pink goes with nearly every complexion. I use this tone on almost all of my clients. Peach tones recreate a natural, healthy flush whereas pink and blue-toned blushers make more of a statement.

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page 26

Smart eating with Sally-Ann Yes there’s definitely a nip in the air!!

We all seem to be obsessed with the weather but the reality is the weather changes our eating/drinking habits and at this time of year we tend to crave those warm comforting foods. Gone are the healthy salads, al fresco barbeques and the lovely colourful infused water bottles.....roll in the soups, stews and hot tasty drinks.

That, in itself, is not a bad thing, however we need to make a determined effort not to be led down the consumer path of bought ready meals and hot sugary coffee/drinks. It’s fair to say that we all lead busy lives and to have a quick, tasty meal on the table in a short space of time is very appealing!! So healthy ‘winter warmers’ that we can rustle up with very little effort are definitely the way forward. Gone are the days when we have opportunity (or even the desire!) to labour over a hot stove for hours on end!!

If you’ve read my articles before, you will be aware of my dislike for the hidden sugars and saturated fats in some of our foods on the supermarket shelves and our ‘friend’ Jamie Oliver was the first celebrity chef to alert us to the fact that our children (as well as ourselves) are consuming too much of these elements thereby contributing to the levels of obesity in our present day society!

november 2016

Autumn roots This months recipes: yummy wholesome soups

Autumn vegetable soup Celeriac gives this chunky vegetable soup a sensational flavour. The vegetables give you vitamins and fibre and the skimmed milk boosts your calcium intake.

INGREDIENTS • 5 spray(s) Calorie controlled cooking spray

• 2 cube(s) Vegetable stock cube(s), vegetable, dissolved in 850ml hot water

• 1 medium Onion(s), chopped

• 425 ml Skimmed Milk

• 2 small Carrots, raw, chopped

• 125 g Sweetcorn, canned, drained, frozen

• 350 g Swede, chopped

• 1 pinch Salt, and freshly ground black pepper

• 350 g Celeriac, raw, chopped

• 1 sprig(s) (fresh) Parsley, fresh, to garnish

INSTRUCTIONS • Spray a large saucepan with calorie controlled cooking spray. Add the onion, carrot, swede and celeriac and cook gently for about 3 minutes.

• Pour in the vegetable stock. Heat until just boiling, then simmer for 15-20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.

• Blend the cornflour to a smooth paste with 3-4 tablespoons of the milk. Add the remaining milk to the saucepan with the sweetcorn, then stir in the blended cornflour. Heat, stirring constantly, until the soup thickens and begins to boil.

• Season to taste with salt and black pepper, then ladle into warmed soup bowls. Serve, garnished with parsley sprigs.

Carrot, Tarragon and Yogurt Soup This is a healthy cheap soup full of vitamins. It takes very little preparation and can be blended in a liquidiser for a smooth creamy texture.

“Goodness!”, I hear you say.....obesity!!!! Never!!! The reality is that, as a nation, we are consuming more than the recommended daily allowance sugar and saturated fat, this in turn leads to layers of extra fat on our bodies that we could well do without, not to mention tooth decay and type 2 diabetes! With the onset of those cold winter night we can naively rely on sauces, soups and ready meals that are absolutely loaded in sugar and sat fat.

So, as if on a mission, I took time to examine some typical winter warmer foods in the supermarket that we may be tempted to eat, believing that they were ‘healthy’ options. What an eye opener it was!!! Bearing in mind that the recommended daily allowance of free or added sugar for an individual over 11 years is no more than 30 g of sugar.....I bought some random products and brought them home to examine them and found that we could unknowingly be eating our whole day’s allowance in just one product!!

Would it surprise you to know that my bought tin of soup contained 26.7g of sugar!! Now, when I make my own soup, I would never dream of adding sugar as one of the ingredients and I’m sure neither would you!! Also a small sachet of Oyster and Spring Onion Sauce contained 26.9g of sugar!! When I make my own version from soy sauce, ginger, garlic and onion there isn’t a hint of added sugar in it!! These are representative of all the products that I examined but I won’t bore you with the statistics, except to say that it was a similar story with ready meals, pies, chicken goujons, sausages, in fact all the processed stuff!!! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not demonising sugar, in fact we need sugar for energy and healthy living, however to obtain our daily intake from natural sources e.g. fruit, milk, honey, is a much more healthy approach. It’s all about balance, indulgent foods i.e. those high in sat. fat or sugar can be enjoyed and savoured but only occasionally, not every day!! The majority of our food intake should be made up of balanced, nutritious everyday foods like oats, wholemeal foods, lean meats, eggs, fish, chicken, fruit , vegetables and when you add a few spices to these, you can rustle up a meal ‘fit for a king’ rather than the ‘heavy laden’ ready meals I referred to.

Like everyone else, I enjoy those indulgent foods (for me it has to be covered in chocolate!) however to focus on tasty, heart warming foods made from fresh ingredients ensures that we can still lead healthy, weight conscious lives and encourage our families to do the same. So as we approach those cold, wet winter months, try comforting yourself with ‘good ole fashioned’ soups, stews and casseroles that focus on lovely fresh meat, vegetables, herbs/spices. It’s hard to beat the lovely tantalising smell of a homemade stew wafting around the kitchen. Nowadays with slow cookers etc. these meals are so easy to prepare and ready for us as soon as we come through the door....It beats a microwave ready-meal any day!!!!

Chatterbox

INGREDIENTS • 500 g Carrots, raw, scrubbed and chopped

• 1 cube(s) Vegetable stock cube(s), vegetable make up 1.25 litres with hot water • 1 medium Onion(s), chopped • 1 tablespoons Lemon Juice, Fresh • 150g 0% fat natural Greek yogurt • 1 pinch Salt, and freshly ground black pepper • 2 teaspoons Tarragon, fresh

INSTRUCTIONS • Put the chopped carrots, stock, onion, 1 sprig of tarragon and seasoning into a large saucepan.

• Bring to the boil then simmer for 15 minutes until the vegetables are soft.

• Strain the stock into a jug and reserve. Place the vegetables in a liquidiser or blender and puree until smooth.

• Return the carrot puree and stock back to the pan and stir until well mixed adding the lemon juice.

• Strip the leaves from the remaining tarragon sprig and stir into the pot.

• Reheat if necessary and divide between four warm bowls. Spoon the yogurt on top of the soup and serve.

Asparagus soup Smooth and creamy, this delicious soup makes the most of the asparagus season it’s a lovely and light lunch.

INGREDIENTS • 5 spray(s) Calorie controlled cooking spray • 4 medium Spring Onions, finely chopped • 400 g Asparagus, raw, chopped • 900 ml Fresh Vegetable Stock, vegetable • 100g Low Fat Soft Cheese • 3 tablespoons Skimmed Milk • 1/8 teaspoons Black pepper • Spray a large saucepan with calorie controlled cooking spray.

Add the spring onions and cook over a medium heat for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the asparagus and stock, bring up to the boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes.

• Transfer the soup to a blender and add about two-thirds of the soft cheese. Blend until smooth. Alternatively use a hand-held stick blender to puree the mixture in the saucepan.

Reheat gently. Season.

• Mix the reserved cheese with the milk to give a smooth consistency. Ladle the soup into warmed bowls, swirl the soft cheese, mixture on top and serve at once, sprinkled with a little extra black pepper

page 27

November 2016

Chatterbox

Driving in wet weather Brought to you by howacarworks.com The assumption that the good grip of modern tyres means you are always safe on wet roads in a dangerous fallacy. Driving in the rain is always hazardous, but the dangers are not just related to skidding. Lack of visibility can create dangerous situations leading to sudden accidents.

Visibility Loss of visibility in heavy rain can be worse than in fog, to such an extent that drivers sometimes can't see at all in a really torrential downpour.

Even if the wipers and de-misters can keep the windscreen clear, it is often impossible to see through the thick blanket of rain around you.

If conditions are as bad as this, then it is too dangerous to carry on. If there is so much traffic that you can't leave a large enough gap between you and the vehicle in front, or if you're pressurized by the vehicle behind into traveling more quickly than you'd like, the answer is to get off the road and stop.

Spray from heavy vehicles is a particular problem on motorways and trunk roads, where the large

road surface area collects a lot of water and drains slowly because of its lack of camber. It's best to hang back out of the spray until the vehicle causing it moves over to the inner lane, or until the gradient gives better drainage.

In heavy rain, steer well clear of vehicles with their rear fog lamps on. The rain diffuses the strong red light, making it very difficult to see the car's brake lights when they come on, as well as possibly having a dangerous mesmerizing effect.

Despite advertising campaigns, many drivers still use these lights wrongly; they should only be used where visibility is impaired by fog, snow or sleet.

Wet weather grip A wheel simply rolling along the road in a straight line is in no risk of skidding or sliding, whatever the condition of the surface.

Only when you try to change its speed or direction can grip be lost. How easily this can happen depends on the amount of grip available in the first place.

Many country roads offer more grip in wet weather than heavily trafficked ones in town, even though rural roads may harbour more standing water. Mud and wet leaves are very slippery, but at least you can often see them and slow down before you reach them, and take care with braking and steering while you are on them.

On roads that have begun to dry out, remember that

the road will remain slippery for longer under trees and other areas of shade. The most treacherous surfaces, though, are those that have just received light rain after a dry period. The water, mixing with road and rubber dust, leaves a very slippery emulsion on the road surface particularly tricky in towns or on any other smooth tarmac where the surface is not generally very grippy to begin with.

On any surface you’re not sure of, therefore, make your steering smooth and gentle, and brake lightly at first, pushing progressively harder on the pedal until you’re sure how much grip is available. In any case, when the roads are wet it is always wise to begin braking earlier than if you were on dry roads. If a skid does develop, you’ll have time and distance in hand to release the brakes and apply them again more gently than before.

page 28

november 2016

Chatterbox

NI Construction Challenges Can Be Overcome John Armstrong, CEF gives Construction Outlook at McCue Event • Construction industry needs to reduce dependency on public sector spending and look towards the private sector • Whilst working outside of the UK has worked well for NI companies, if our reliance upon this continues, we could see companies move to GB • There are many important industrial sectors but construction most important – it builds the building blocks that other industries rely upon • Without a vibrant construction industry, NI’s economy is going nowhere • Brexit is still a huge concern, the industry needs to ensure there’s no hard border with the Republic and crucially, no border with Great Britain

New Chairman for Ballymena BID Martin North, Fairhill Shopping Centre's General Manager Appointed MARTIN North, Ballymena’s Fairhill Shopping Centre General Manager, has assumed the appointment of Chairman of the Ballymena Business Improvement District (BID) at their recent Annual General Meeting earlier this month.

With a wealth of experience in property and retail management, Mr North brings his exceptional expertise to the BID which is now in its second year.

On being appointed, Martin North thanked his predecessor, Terry Robb, for “his hard work over the challenging first year and that the BID was now on a sound footing which was a testament to Terry’s hard work and leadership.”

The new chairman’s tenure is for two years and Martin North hopes to move the BID forward over this period, “I’ve been in Centre Management at Fairhill since 2005, before that I was involved with both Connswater and Forestside shopping centres. I have also worked locally with several organisations for over 10 years which focused on promoting safety and cleanliness of the town and this appointment was a great opportunity to go that bit further.

"I'm delighted to be a part of Northern Ireland's first ever business improvement district and the possibilities and potential for Ballymena are endless. Working with my colleagues on the Board and Alison Moore the BID manager, together we will steer the Board and ultimately the BID to an even better footing. We can show, not only the residents of Ballymena and outlying areas, but the rest of Northern Ireland what a great town Ballymena is and what it means to live, shop, work and be a part of a lively and fantastic destination."

Rockspring UK, landlords of the Fairhill Shopping Centre, having acquired the centre over a year ago, fully support Mr North's decision to accept this appointment.

Alison Moore, Ballymena BID Manager, said; “The BID is very much looking forward to a good second year under Martin North’s leadership. By working together in the BID will we achieve what the District has set out to do. Ballymena has all the hallmarks and right ingredients to make it a very successful BID.”

CONSTRUCTION Employment Federation (CEF) Managing Director, John Armstrong, gave a very stark warning that Northern Ireland needs to face challenges head on if we are to enhance our attractiveness and competitiveness as a region.

Speaking at McCue’s Business Breakfast in Carrickfergus on Thursday, 20th October, Mr Armstrong spoke to industry professionals from Northern Ireland who came to gain an insight of the sector and how companies can move forward.

John Armstrong, CEF Managing Director described the current situation of the construction sector as challenging.

Speaking at the event, he said: “Years of abnormally low tenders in the public sector has led to the demise of many companies in the sector and thus the loss of a significant amount of jobs.

“It is vital that we increase the amount of public and private sector operations in Northern Ireland as the current overly litigious environment isn’t doing companies any favours. Private sector investment in Northern Ireland has barely recovered since the downturn. We must also find the means to be more attractive to young people when it comes to choosing a career in construction.”

Turning his attention to the host, McCue Crafted Fit, Mr Armstrong continued; “The GB market, particularly the Greater

London area has remained buoyant and companies from Northern Ireland, like McCue, have managed to work through the recession by successfully competing for tender opportunities.

This is testament to the high quality of workmanship produced, as only the very best companies can compete for work in highly competitive market and win. It’s a measure of McCue’s excellence.”

Modest amounts of new office, hotel and student accommodation space are currently being built in Belfast, but Northern Ireland’s annual construction output remains £1bn, which is still 29% lower than pre-recession levels when we saw annual investment of £3.4bn.

McCue’s Managing Director, Les McCracken welcomed John’s comments and said: “We would like to thank John for attending our event and offering a detailed insight into the construction sector. Such knowledge is very important for our work and can give us the know-how when it comes to input into our strategic planning.

“We have been very fortunate and enjoyed working with some of the best brands and hotels, such as The Shangri-La, The Savoy, The Berkeley and Claridges – however our roots are firmly planted in Northern Ireland. McCue would very much like to build upon our work here with new office, hotel and student accommodation work ongoing in Belfast.”

McCue’s portfolio of work in London has increased significantly in recent years.

Luxury hospitality clients include the Four Seasons Hotel, Lancaster Hotel, The Savoy Hotel, Claridges, The Berkeley, The Shangri-La at The Shard as well as a number of other high profile luxury retailers.

John Armstrong continued: “The premier opportunity of course lies in the industry’s capacity to translate a pipeline of projects into jobs and an immediate economic output. As we have long said, for every £1 of investment, construction brings £2.84 of economic rewards.

“Facing the challenges head on will enable us to enhance our attractiveness and competitiveness as a region to do business and invest in. That’s a prize we would be foolish to ignore.”

The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to ni hospice volunteers Members of the Larne Support Group and Hospice Shop volunteers at the City Hall Belfast for the celebration and presentation of 'The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service to Northern Ireland Hospice volunteers, who were recognised in the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Birthday Honours earlier this year.

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page 30

november 2016

Hello did you miss me? It’s good to be back! It’s good to back! Sorry couldn’t pass up the possibility of quoting some Scooter.

Well after going off the radar, I guess I’d better explain what exactly went down. My intentions started off well, travel to Ballymena in the hopes of finally meeting Katy D. On my travels my telephone of mobility rang and a conversation regarding an invitation to a birthday party in Ballymena’s Illustrious Bowling club occurred.

Not wanting to disappoint the birthday girl in question I made a quick change of attire and headed through the doors of the club.

I’ve previously mentioned being mistaken for Doctor Who in previous articles but this time even I felt it could be true as I stepped in

Bill “The Thrill” Buchanan FIND ME Across the web

You Don’t Know What You’ve Got Till it’s Gone

Chatterbox

Who does he think he is?

Well for those that don’t know I’m a former Radio DJ and Live Entertainer who’s had the pleasure of interviewing, reviewing and occasionally even sharing a stage with some of Northern Ireland’s greatest acts, and I’ve now found myself immortalised in paper here at Chatterbox.

the room, and back to the 70s. Needless to say the party stepped up a gear, and in a state fit for a seasick sailor I started an adventure; most of which remains blurry, but which lead me to Larne.

Where I was mistaken by a local bartender of Chekkers Winebar as world Famous DJ David Guetta! So there you have it... I wasn’t missing after-all I was merely moonlighting as a David Guetta tribute act in the fair town of larne.

D I L L I R TH A T T E GU

tthhddaayy r i r i B B e e l l b b a a l i l AAcctt AAvvaai e e t t HHEERREE u u T b T i b T i r T U r T U O T O a S a t S t N t N t O e I O e mmiiuumm GGuu YY FFUUNNCCTTI e Z e Z r A r A P R P R ’ C ’ C s s u Y u Y g N g N r A r A LIKE AND SHARE THE CCaarrrriicckkffee gss && EESSPPEECCIIAALLLLYY FFOORR eeddddiinng W W , , s s e i e BILL “THE THRILL” BUCHANAN PAGE i t t r r a a PP

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ROAST BEEF Roast Topside of Beef, Shallot & Thyme Gravy, Homebaked Yorkshire Pud TURKEY & HAM Roast Turkey & Ham, Herb and Onion Stuffing, Chipolatas, Roast Pan Gravy SEAFOOD CHOWDER Salmon, Haddock, Prawn, Puff Pastry Crust, Home-baked Bread SWEET PEPPER & BUTTON MUSHROOM STEW with Sunblush Tomato and Sourdough Toast

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Served with a Rich Brandy Sauce HOMEBAKED PAVLOVA

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1 Course £9.75 | 2 Course £12.75 3 Course £15.75

SOUP Potato & Leek, Homebaked Wheaten Bread SMOKED SALMON & PRAWN SALAD Lemon & Caper Dressing GOATS CHEESE Seared Goats Cheese, Hazlenut Crumb, Balsamic Reduction & Baby Leaf Salad BLACK PUDDING Black Pudding, Poached Egg, Chorizo Jam, Rocket & Apple Salad

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TURKEY & HAM Roast Turkey & Ham, Herb and Onion Stuffing, Chipolatas, Roast Pan Gravy SIRLOIN STEAK (£3.50 Supplement) Pan Seared Sirloin Steak, Crispy Onions, Skewered Sprouts, Mulled Wine Gravy TOMATO FETTUCINE Sundried Tomato and Basil Fettucine with Garlic Ciabatta SALMON Seared Salmon Fillet, Lemon & Thyme Cream

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page 32

Ballymena Nursery celebrate 50 year Anniversary

r n e ones

o r Little C s he

Kidun for t F

Ballymena Nursery School will celebrate 50 years of pre-school Nursery Education on Friday 12th May 2017 with a “Castle themed” Community party for current, past and prospective children, parents and family and friends from 3pm-7pm.

As the Nursery School is built on the grounds of the former Ballymena Castle we will have knights in shining armour, Damsels in distress, Court Jesters, stilt walkers, face painting and balloon modellers etc. A day to remember!!!

The nursery is in the process of producing a “ Happy Memories” booklet and if you or your child attended the Nursery from 1967 we would love to hear your “Happy Memories” or share any old photographs or memorabilia you may have to support our 50th Celebrations!!!

Especially if anyone would be able to provide any information on the first Principal Miss E

Atcheson or the first children of the Nursery who would now be 53 or 54 years of age??. Some of the first children to attend the newly built Ballymena Nursery School in Trosten Avenue in 1967 transferred from the local school premises which were in the Orange Hall in Harryville.

Please get in touch with the Nursery School by e-mail info@

ballymenans.ballymena.ni.sch.uk or through our school website www.ballymenanursery.co.uk or by telephone 028 25652011 or call into Ballymena Nursery School to visit us after 3pm any day to enjoy a trip down memory lane!!

november 2016

Chatterbox

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page 34

november 2016

Chatterbox

” S D E A T TAR HRISTM S I H OR C S I W F “I Y L R EA

ENA M Y BALL nion it U ANS d O e L r C AS M T S I WE LOOK AT THINGS DIFFERENTLY CHR Ballymena Credit Union Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.

Registered Address: 17-21 William Street, Ballymena BT43 6AW

hold a zero food rating, whilst an impressive two thirds of our food outlets have achieved the highest rating of five. All food hygiene ratings are listed online at www. food.gov.uk/ratings so you can check them at any stage.”

New Legislation for Food Hygiene Rating Scheme As of today, 7 October 2016, it will be a legal requirement under the Food Hygiene Ratings Act (Northern Ireland) 2016, for all food outlets to display their food hygiene rating sticker.

Food outlets are rated on their hygiene standards found at the time of inspection. They can be rated from zero, meaning urgent improvement is necessary to five, which means the hygiene standards are very good.

The sticker must be positioned so that it can be readily seen and easily read by customers

before they enter the premises when it is open for business. The scheme itself provides information about the hygiene standards in restaurants, pubs, cafés, takeaways, hotels and supermarkets. This instant and visible hygiene rating information will help people choose where to eat out or shop for food. Colin Kelly, Environmental Health Manager for Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council commented, “Although the scheme is coming in to effect today, it may take a number of months before every food business has their new stickers. Within our Borough, there are currently no food outlets that

Michelle O’Neill, Health Minister for Northern Ireland said, “I am delighted to see the Food Hygiene Rating Act, which was passed by the Assembly in December last year, coming into operation today introducing the requirement for food businesses to display their hygiene ratings. The voluntary Food Hygiene Rating Scheme introduced in the North in 2011 by the Food Standards Agency, in partnership with district councils, has been very successful. However, with display rates remaining low and an increasing demand for transparency by consumers, it was clear that legislation was required to ensure that all businesses provide this information.

Implementation of this Act will ensure that the public can easily see the standard of hygiene in businesses before they choose where to eat or purchase food from.”

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Sports Section

page 36

november 2016

Chatterbox

Bringing you news from local teams

Stevie Turner (Topaz Local Fuels Sales Rep) seen in the picture presenting Southside Rangers club captain Dylan Graham with the new club "Topaz" sponsored tracksuit tops. Also in the picture from the left Manager Colin Stewart, Vice Captain Sam McNiece, Derek Allen and Tony Corrigan.

Captain Dylan Graham seen here receiving a generous donation on behalf of the club from Jimmy & Lilly Patterson , both long time supporters of the team. Their incredible generosity is very much appreciated by all the players and officials associated with the club. Also in the picture Zak Moore , Ryan Corrigan and club officials Tony Corrigan and Michael Rennie.

ballyclare comrades november update Paddy Flood reaches 200 games Goalkeeper Paddy Flood reached a significant landmark during Comrades’ recent 3-3 draw at Warrenpoint Town by playing his 200th game for the Club.

Paddy made his debut for Comrades back in the 2006/07 season as a promising 16-year old, given the chance by then manager Jamesy Kirk.

Young Flood then had to wait his chance to be the club’s number one, largely honing his skills in the Reserve team and also during a loan spell at United.

However, by the 2010/11 season he was established as the regular man between the posts and has gone on to save many points for the team over the intervening years.

At the start of the 2006/07 season supporters were shocked when Paddy left to join local rivals Larne, but he was only

gone for half a season and returned to his spiritual football home, allowing him to reach this relatively rare milestone of appearances.

Paddy states his biggest career influence to be former Comrades’ keeper Allen Huxley and more recently the Club’s goalkeeping coach Andy Smyth.

Whilst he can now certainly be classed as a very experienced ‘keeper, Paddy is still only 27 years old, so there is plenty of scope for many more appearances for Comrades in the years ahead.

Comrades revamp online presence The Club’s has made significant steps forward in a number of areas in recent weeks: New website – The club’s site at www. ballyclarecomrades.com has undergone a major refresh to bring it up to the latest standards for usability across a range of devices.

Online Club Shop – The website now includes an online shop to supplement the shop open during match days at Dixon Park. Now fans, wherever they are across the world, can easily buy an ever increasing range of club merchandise.

Club Newsletter – Subscribers now receive a regular newsletter by email before each home game. This gives a snappy overview of what is going on at the Club. You can subscribe by emailing newsletter@ballyclarecomrades.com

Southside Rangers Fc Donation Presentation

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You are warmly invited to our Open Evening

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Outdoor Equipment such as Bicycles and Scooters Breakfast Club and After school Care Club Dining Hall Rated 5 Stars by ‘Scores on the Doors’ Regular Whole Community Events

Tel: 028 93351923 | 2 Woodburn Avenue, Carrickfergus, BT38 8EZ | www.woodlawnps.co.uk find us on:

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Sports Section

page 38

november 2016

Chatterbox

Bringing you news from local teams

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Sports Section november 2016

page 40

Northend United Youth Notes November Junior Side of Club Increasing Exponentially The junior side of the Club continues to go from strength to strength with over 150 boys and girls currently participating in the Club’s Football Development Centre each Wednesday night and the Irish FA’s small sided games centres at the Showgrounds each Friday night and Saturday morning.

This is in addition to close on 50 boys and girls playing at the more competitive Coleraine University at U10 and U11 age groups each Saturday morning in the North West and Coleraine District Small sided games tournament. With this increase in numbers comes the inevitable task of coaching, and the Club recently sponsored eighteen new coaches through their first Grassroots coaching qualification.

On the playing side, it was again NIBFA Cup action at the weekend, as the U16s lost out narrowly to Ballycastle United with Sam Frew and Philip Kyle on target for the Ballymena boys, while the U13s travelled to Greenisland to play the current National League leaders and although putting up a good performance, came away with nothing. It was a mixed bag of results at the weekend in the Daily Mirror Lisburn Youth League with the U12s winning their match over Ballyclare Colts with Shea O’Broin getting the all-important goal and both the U14s and U15s losing to Blackstaff and Ballymoney United respectively.

FIXTURES ROUND-UP UNDER 12s – Lisburn Youth League Northend United 1 Ballyclare Colts 0 This was a hard fought match with both sides competing well and made for a very exciting game.

Early on Northend had to rely on goalkeeper George McClean to be at his best as he came quickly off his line to block a Ballyclare through ball. Jamie Magill hit a long ball over the Ballyclare defence for Jack Carson to run onto but he couldn’t get enough on it as the keeper saved. Jay McKeown was dominating midfield and he played Carson in again but once again the keeper saved well. Shea O’Broin and Kyle Wakefield had good efforts on goal saved as Northend finished the first half strongly. Half time 0-0 Northend took the game by the scruff of the neck at the start of the second half with McKeown and Billy Bell becoming more dominant

in attack. The only goal of the game came 5 minutes into the half as Jamie Magill played a long ball forward, Jack Carson ran through on goal forcing the keeper to come off his line and block the shot but the ball fell nicely to Shea O’Broin who chipped the ball beautifully over the keeper as he scrambled back into goals. The game ebbed and flowed with half chance to both sides with Jay McKeown and Callum Francey both having good headers saved. Ballyclare piled the pressure on in the last 10 minutes but the defence of Ben Adams, Zach Erwin and Jamie Magill stood up to the task well with some excellent defending and George McClean dealt with anything that got past them. Full-time 1-0.

Man of the Match: Jay McKeown – dominated midfield both in defence and attack. Panel: G McClean, B Adams, Z Erwin, J Magill, K Wakefield, J McKeown, B Bell, J Carson, S O’Broin, C Francey

UNDER 13s – Lisburn Youth League Greenisland 6 Northend United 0 The NIBFA Cup draw gave Northend a difficult challenge with an away game against a National league side with 6 wins in their opening 7 games this season and sitting second in the table, eclipsing the likes of Linfield and Cliftonville.

The Ballymena boys pressed Greenisland in the opening ten minutes but found themselves two goals behind following a couple of silly mistakes. Lewis Hector almost pulled a goal back on sixteen minutes but saw his effort rise over the bar from the edge of the area.

Northend continued to press for possession but gave away a third before the break, Half-time 3-0 The blues made a promising start to the second half but conceded an early goal which saw some of the heads drop. Jack Connor Wilson brought some bite to the midfield and for spells the Ballymena boys made some progress. Northend matched their opponents for physical fitness, although Greenisland’s sharpness on the ball and ability to retaining possession was the key difference in the game.

Full-time 6-0 This was a difficult game for the boys today, but the level they need to aim for if they want to compete with one of the sides teams in their age group. The way forward now is to learn from this defeat and build upon the excellent start to the league and look forward to the league cup semi-final in a few weeks. Keep the hard work going boys, these days come along every now and again and it’s how you respond next week that’s important and will show just how far you’ve come in the short period since moving to 11-a-side.

Man of the Match: Niall Devine made a good impression in midfield

and worked hard for the team.

Panel: C Wilson, A Courtney, O Campbell, D McKay, D Magill, K Cosgrove, J Adams, T Mitchell, L Hector, J McIlhatton, K Barr, C McMurray, Niall Devine and Jack Connor-Wilson.

UNDER 14s – Lisburn Youth League, Northend United 0 Blackstaff 6 Blackstaff started the strongest in this contest, coming close but Man of the match David Gregg kept them at bay. However a defensive error 15 minutes into the match cost Northend their first goal and it wasn't too long before they were 2 down. Some exellent play between Lewis Steele and Adam Campbell should have resulted in the deficit being reduced however Campbell’s shot went wide .

Blackstaff kept pressing and added their 3rd after the midfield failed to clear. Jamie Montgomery however was outstanding in defence again making some great takes. However Blackstaff kept on pressing and were rewarded with their fourth just before half time. Half time 0-4 A reorganisation at half time led to Northend starting the second half on the front foot and should have had three goals in quick succession through Adam Campbell, Jamie Montgomery and Ciaran Martin.

However, all three chances were well saved by the Blackstaff keeper.

As play flowed from end to end, Blackstaff scored two goals in the last five minutes of the match, to take the shine off a good 2nd half performance. Full time 0-6 Man of the Match: David Gregg Panel: D Gregg, P Esler, J Montgomery, C McAuley, R McQuillan, D King, C Martin, L Steele, C Kearney, A Campbell, J Casey, J McIlrath, J Morrow

UNDER 15s – Lisburn Youth League, Northend United 0 Ballymoney United 4 On Saturday, Northend U15 faced a tough match at home to Ballymoney United. This was the first time the teams had met since Ballymoney's move to the Lisburn League, and after Northend beat Ballymoney Colts last week in the cup, they knew this would be a tougher encounter. The match started off extremely even, Ballymoney probably having the better of the first 5 minutes and then Northend coming into the game and looking the more dangerous of the sides for the next 15 minutes after that. That being said, no clear cut opportunities were created, apart from a couple of long range efforts from Northend's Conor McDonald, which were routine saves for the Ballymoney goalkeeper. The goalkeeper was a commanding figure, constantly claiming crosses from corners, free kicks and open play, making it

Chatterbox

Wakehurst start to sit back hard for Northend to find Bringing leaving the defense and goal accurate deliveries from you news keeper under immense pressure the wings. The first half from local resulting in a few great tackles was scrappy and devoid teams form Sam Frew and Luke Parker of any real quality until followed by great blocks and the last 5 minutes of the saves by Connor Brennan, half. Northend's right Robert McCluney and Robbie hand side of defender Sam Stewart Jones. Wakehurst soon after started and winger Dylan Robinson to press and we're unlucky not to had been causing problems for score again. Wakehurst kept their Ballymoney throughout the half clean sheet with some brilliant and after a good pass from Stewart saves from Connor Brennan and to Robinson, he played a fantastic his defense until one pass found its bending through ball that split way to the Ballycastle player and the defence and found Ross Kerr he put it in the corner. Half time through on goal against the keeper.

1-1 However, this was called offside by the referee but it was the first Wakehurst started the second half moment of quality in the game. where they left of the first, with Soon after Ballymoney won a some good passing play. However corner and with their significant Ballycastle scored a goal after ten height advantage their set pieces minutes when Wakehurst had to proved to be a thorn in Northend's take of one of their key defenders side. One attacker lost his marker due to injury. Wakehurst did not through some sharp movement let their heads drop and continued and headed in at the far post. to press high again. A through ball Right before half time though a from Thomas McAuley found its Sam Stewart cross made its way way to Chris Fullerton, who been to Matthew Stewart who had an holding the ball up and feeding the excellent opportunity but mistimed striker well all game, who played his shot and it rolled wide. With on to Philip Kyle who placed it the score 1-0 at half time it was neatly into the back of the net. 2-2 probably a harsh score line for the Ballycastle who were a more Ballymena boys who had matched physical team all game, again their opponents through the half. took the play to Wakehurst and the Hurst had to make another The second half however couldn't substitution due to injury. With have started more differently. the team down to the bare bones, Within 10 minutes of the break the Ballycastle took advantage and ran lead had stretched to 4-0. With 2 in two late goals to seal their place more goals coming from set pieces in the next round of the cup. Full and another from a counter attack. time 4-2 Northend had struggled to hold onto the ball and the energy and Wakehurst showed that they can strength of the Ballymoney team compete with the teams at the top gave them great problems. The half of their league by playing good continued in a sedate manner with passing football and that still not both teams seemingly accepting having a fully fit team yet for any the result. Late on however there game shows that there is a lot more were chances at both ends, Ross to give from this young team.

Kerr getting through a couple of times but lacking conviction in the Panel: C. Brennan, R. Jones, R. finish, and at the other end Jacob McCluney, S. Frew, L. Parker, T. Logan made some excellent saves Givens, J. Logan, T. McAuley, C. to keep the score down.

Gordon, C. Fullerton, P. Kyle, C. In the end Ballymoney were Kerr, P. Morrow. good value for their win, but Northend know if they keep their performances at the level of their FOOTBALL DEVELOPMENT CENTRE first half performance they will get Northend United’s Football some good results this year.

Development Centre continues Panel: J Logan, S Stewart J Coates, L Rea, C Forsythe, J Dallas, J Agnew, D Robinson, C McDonald, R Kerr, M Stewart, C Metrustry, S Foster, R Mark, C Meeke

UNDER 16s – NIBFA Cup Ballycastle United 4 Wakehurst 2 Wakehurst started their NIBFA cup campaign this week against Ballycastle United who are sitting top of the NWCDYL league. The match got of to a good start for Wakehurst pressing high, and after playing some great passing football Wakehurst found a way past the Ballycastle defense after 15 minutes, a goal mouth scramble was neatly finished by Sam Frew.

on Wednesday 26th October at St Patricks School Sports Hall. Under the direction of Uefa B and Coerver certified Head Coach, John Devlin, the Football Development Centre is open to all boys and girls aged 4 to 7 inclusive who are unconnected with any other Club and takes place each Wednesday night from 5.30pm to 6.30pm for 4-5 year olds and 6.30pm to 7.30pm for 6-7 year olds

For more information, or to reserve your child a place on the course, please call John Devlin on 0791 9056 834. Application forms can also be printed off the Northend website www.northendunitedyouthfc.co.uk

#22 • OCTOBER 2016

PAGE 17

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Are Your Feet Getting the Support They Deserve?

By David Hallowell Podiatrist and Orthotist

[ # 2 1 • O C TO B E R 2 01 6 / HEALTH ]

Experts agree that poor foot posture can be a cause or major contributor to foot pain, ankle pain, knee pain and even lower back pain and that a well-designed close fitting orthotic foot support can be a very effective treatment.

M

any patients attending our clinics complain that they have been given or sold orthotic foot supports which are either too uncomfortable to use or do not give adequate support. Some of these patients may have had casts taken of their feet for custom devices and may have paid large sums of money only to be disappointed with the results. One reason for this may be that in the past foot supports could be divided into two types.

The first is what are known as “Off the shelf orthoses”- As the name suggests these devices are made from generalised or generic foot shapes which come in different sizes. They are usually relatively inexpensive in the short term although because they are normally made from soft

materials they have a fairly short life span and this over time can make them expensive to repeatedly replace. Although they don’t fit the foot exactly they can be useful as a temporary stop gap. The second type of device is a “custom orthotic”.

Made by taking a cast of the foot and then using this cast to make a closely fitting support which has a life span in excess of 10 years and which should be more comfortable and give much greater support than the generic “off the shelf supports”. While initially expensive these devices due to their long life and close fit can represent a really valuable investment. In the last 10 to 15 years however a third type of orthotic support has come onto the market. These could be called

“Pseudo custom”. Casts are taken of the patient’s feet and sent to a manufacturer where they are scanned into a computer. The computer holds a bank of preformed profiles and shapes in its memory which it then matches as closely as possible to the casts. The finished device is sold as custom but in actual fact bears more resemblance in shape to the generic shaped “off the shelf orthotic”. Because these devices are sold as custom the patient is charged the full custom device price. Not fitting the foot closely causes two main problems 1) As the devices are made of rigid materials they can be extremely uncomfortable and 2) As they don’t fit closely they don’t control or correct the foot and in many cases can actually force the

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foot into a worse position.

At the Northern Ireland Foot and Ankle Clinic we don’t believe you should be asked to compromise with your foot supports. This is why all our devices are fully custom manufactured in our own workshops by skilled technicians with many years’ experience. At our clinic we literally see dozens of patients who have been fitted with these Pseudo custom devices, they are very often disappointed and frustrated by the expense and the lack of a positive outcome. The change patients experience when issued with a proper custom set of devices has been described as life changing. If you need any further information about custom orthoses please don’t hesitate to contact us.

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