Loop Mag : East Belfast December 2018 by Loop Publications

ISSUE • #46 • December 2018

East Belfast Edition • loopmag.net

LOOP Magazine YOUR LOCAL MONTHLY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER • Delivered free every month

LOCAL NEWS

All the very latest news and views from the East and beyond

HOME

A vintage gift to suit every character or home this Xmas

Free

BT4, BT5, BT6 & BT16 • Papers & ﬂyers prepacked by the students at Orchardville Society

THE ARTS

A round up of gallery news, exhibitions plus stage & screen

HISTORY

Aidan Campbell takes a look back at the Gliders of old

SCHOOLS

The local pupils who shone at an anti-bullying creative challenge

YOUR LOCAL PROPERTY PROFESSIONALS

Wish You a Merry Christmas!

47 Belmont Road, BT4 2AA | T: 02890 651149 | property@stewartbelfast.com

#46 It’s a hat trick for Eastside Awards in association with George Best Belfast City Airport with a consistently high calibre of entries being received.

“

With such a diverse range of finalists, our awards ceremony in January will be a superb celebration of the best of East Belfast Jonathan McAlpin

Eastside Awards TEWART Announce Finalists For Third Event

& CO.

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The third annual Eastside Awards will be hosted by BBC presenter Tara Mills who will announce the winners at a Burns Night themed celebration. For the list of ﬁnalists visit: www.eastsideawards.org

A • AWARDS

new element was introduced to the third annual awards with the public voting for their favourite beauty salon, hair salon, eatery and takeaway, attracting more than 5,000 votes on the Belfast Telegraph website. A panel of independent judges also met to rigorously assess the highest number of entries received since the awards first launched in 2017 to recognise all that is truly great about East Belfast. Jonathan McAlpin, Chief Executive of East Belfast Enterprise and Chair of Eastside Awards Committee,

eastsideawards.org

said: “It’s a hat trick for the Eastside Awards with a phenomenally high calibre of entries from local people across the community in this third year. With such a diverse range of finalists, our awards ceremony in January will be a superb celebration of the best of East Belfast.” Stephen Patton, Human Resources and Corporate Responsibility Manager at George Best Belfast City Airport said: “Belfast City Airport is a proud sponsor of the Eastside Awards for the third year. The awards are a brilliant opportunity to celebrate individuals and organisations who make a significant

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PICTURED Jonathan McAlpin, Chair of Eastside Awards Committee, and Stephen Patton, of George Best Belfast City Airport, taking off to announce this year’s Eastside Awards finalists

contribution to the development of their community. At the airport, we are embedded in the local community through a number of initiatives including our Community Fund, adopted schools programme and High Flyers Apprenticeship Scheme. Earlier this year, our Community Fund celebrated investing just over £400,000 in 150 local projects, with many activities in east Belfast.”

A Burns Night themed celebration, with a pre dinner reception sponsored by The Waterside, Belfast, in Hastings Stormont Hotel on Friday 25 January 2019. Finalists for the Eastside Awards will each receive two complimentary tickets for the awards ceremony and additional tickets for Eastside Awards are priced at £45.00 plus VAT and can be purchased by logging onto www.eastsideawards.org

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Welcome to the latest edition of Loop Magazine. The biggest publication in East Belfast.

SALES • ACCOUNTS Juanita Collins juanita@loopmag.net TELEPHONE 02890 200988 WEB www.loopmag.net

PUBLISHED IN ASSOCIATION:

Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product, service or organisation does not constitute or imply its endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Links and contacts are provided for reader convenience and do not constitute or imply endorsement or recommendation by Loop Publications Ltd. Any reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Contents

Welcome Dec 18

EAST BELFAST EDITION #46 • DEC 2018 • Do You Have A Story To Share? Get In Touch Via Email Info@Loopmag.net Or Call Us On 028 9020 0988

What’s Inside?

16 Youth Theatre

Local News

News headlines and the latest information from the east side

Your monthly local, with a difference

A family owned business bringing you all the latest news and views from in and around BT4, BT5, BT6, & BT16

Anti Bullying

East Belfast pupils part of winning group in creative art competition

The Big Walk

The search for eight people to take part in this event in 2019.

News, sport, the arts, health, schools, event guide, home interiors, community initiatives, charities, entertainment and much, much more

22 Schools 18 The Arts

Youth Theatre

The theatre group is on the look out for stars for a stage production

The Arts

14 The Big Walk

A huge amount of arts news from in and around east Belfast

www.armstronganderson.com

This month Aidan looks back at what used to be Gliders

Schools

A round up of all the news from the local classrooms of late

Home

Refound and On the Square Emporium get festive

Health

All things health, fitness and wellbeing plus hair trends

What’s Happening

Your comprehensive guide to events and classes in East Belfast

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News Dec 18

#46 One of Northern Ireland’s largest garden nurseries nestled in the heart of Dundonald has unveiled its newly expanded facilities following a significant investment with support from First Trust Bank.

“

Over the past 55 years, the business has expanded steadily because we are continuously innovating to keep up with changing consumer requirements Malcolm McCully Owner

Headlines

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Sewing the Seeds of Growth: Dundonald Nurseries Unveils £1million Expansion The expansion programme has seen the business increase its garden centre and warehouse capacity, open a new ‘Secret Garden’ gift shop and expand its wholesale nursery offering following investment in industry-leading technology, including automated potting equipment. • INVESTMENT

he company’s ongoing success has seen its workforce expand from three employees in 2013 to 60 employees within the past five years. Supplying Tesco, the Henderson Group and independent outlets and florists across Northern Ireland, 98% of all the plants sold are grown on-site in Dundonald. Dundonald Nurseries was founded by the McCully family in 1963 as interest in gardening programmes grew. The business quickly diversified into growing plants and cut flowers to keep up with an ever-changing marketplace The family also run an award winning 125-seat restaurant on site and due to the growing popularity of its gift shop, a 3,000sf expansion was created to facilitate a children’s shop, ladies and gent’s clothing and an extensive range of gifts, crafts

and homewares. Dundonald Nurseries owner Malcolm McCully explains that their business success is down to diversifying its offering to meet changing customer needs and cultivating long-term relationships with clients and suppliers. He said; “Having started out with one small van, the wholesale nursery aspect of our business now requires four large lorries to service our wholesale customers across the country, reflecting the focus we have placed on a high-quality service and products. Over the past 55 years, the business has expanded steadily because we are continuously innovating to keep up with changing consumer requirements. We are proud of our growth and recently purchased additional land off-site

#46 Mitchell House School is celebrating after receiving a new treadmill for their physiotherapy department,

“

I was delighted to hear that our application was successful and we took delivery of the treadmill just in time for the new school year. The pupils are really enjoying their physiotherapy sessions using the new equipment and the difference it has made to some pupils already in such a short time if very encouraging.

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

PICTURED Energy for Children Charity Liaison Officer, Geri Wright congratulates Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist, Kathryn Mulligan, and Mitchell House School pupils Demi Rooney and Marcus Faulkner

Local Charity ‘Steps In’ to Help Mitchell House Mitchell House have successfully been awarded funding from the Energy for Children Charity, to aid rehabilitation for all pupils. • FUNDING

itchell House School is a special school in East Belfast for children with physical disabilities, ranging from nursery age up to senior pupils aged 19. Along with their physical disability the pupils have associated learning and medical needs. Mitchell House School provides a coordinated educational and therapeutic approach for pupils, delivered by a multidisciplinary team of teachers,

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support staff and therapists. Senior Paediatric Physiotherapist, Kathryn Mulligan, explains, “Mitchell House School’s goal is to improve quality of life and social well-being by providing support and advice to children and carers throughout their time with us. “Currently many of our pupils attend regular physiotherapy sessions to increase strength and maximise functional abilities and the benefits

PICTURED Malcolm McCully from Dundonald Nurseries is pictured with Catherine O’Keefe, Business Manager at First Trust Bank in Dundonald Nurseries

to build a new-state-of the-art glasshouse complex, equipped with the latest growing technology for plants. We also host fashion shows, gardening talks with afternoon tea, and seasonal evenings such as candlelit Christmas suppers - all with a view of making Dundonald Nurseries a destination for a great day out. This is just the latest stage in our investment programme and with the support of First Trust Bank, we have additional growth plans in place to renovate the basement of our restaurant into a function room to offer a new private space for hire.” Speaking about the expansion, Catherine O’Keefe, Business Manager, First Trust Bank added;

of physiotherapy can really be seen within both the school and home environments. Many of our pupils begin school life unable to walk and our physiotherapy department aims to help these children achieve assisted walking and even independence. As the children grow, the skills they have learned through physiotherapy can be difficult to maintain therefore we were keen to purchase a treadmill for the school to allow children of all ages and future school pupils to maximise their walking opportunities. “I had heard about Energy for Children and applied for funding earlier this year. I was delighted to hear that our application was successful and we took delivery of the treadmill just in time for the new school year. The pupils are really enjoying their physiotherapy sessions using the new equipment and the difference it has made to some pupils already in such a short time if very encouraging. We can’t thank Energy for Children enough for their support.” Charity Liaison Officer, Geri Wright said, “I’m delighted to see how much of a difference this equipment has made to children attending Mitchell House School. It’s great to see pupils benefitting from this equipment and to see the positive impact it is having on helping children achieve greater independence. “This is exactly why the Charity exists, to help local children who are most in need and I’m thrilled to see the positive impact it is having on not only the individual pupils, but the wider school community”, added

“With a focus on quality, provenance and innovation, Dundonald Nurseries continues to thrive, and we are delighted to support Malcolm and his wife Anne through the expansion of the business. The new gift shop and extended garden centre enables the McCully family to offer customers an even greater range of products and services, making the business an asset to the local area – and the perfect destination for Christmas shopping! The ongoing expansion programme has led to almost 60 jobs being created in the last five years and it’s great to see a family business become such an inspiring success story. We wish the McCully family the best of luck for the future.”

Geri. Energy for Children is an initiative of Phoenix Natural Gas and the wider natural gas industry. The Charity was established in 2005 to provide financial support to groups and individuals that may slip through the net of the wider charity network. Founded on the principle that “all monies raised go directly to local children and young people”, the Trust aims to reach deeper into the heart of local communities throughout Greater Belfast and beyond in order to really make a difference to disadvantaged children’s lives. Since its formation, the trust has helped over 9,000 local children and every month continues to help those who need it most. The Energy for Children Charitable Trust is continuing to break new ground and reach deeper into the heart of local communities throughout Greater Belfast and beyond in order to really make a difference to disadvantaged children’s lives. The Trust focuses on those causes that are slipping through the net of the more established Charity network and is founded on the principle that all monies raised go directly to local children and young people. Founded initially by the natural gas industry in 2005, the Trust is now supported by a variety of different sectors and organisations locally as it continues to grow. If you know of an individual or group who could benefit from funding please contact Charity Liaison Officer Geri Wright at geri. wright@energyforchildren-ni.org or on 02890 55 55 41.

Action Caner Belmont Road Say Thank You Action Cancer would like to say a huge thank you to the people of the Belmont Road area for their support and generosity with a street collection by DWF Law Belfast, for Action Cancers Store Challenge day, raising a fantastic £256.40 on Friday 19th October 2018.

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News Dec 18

Enterprise

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

#46 Young people from across Belfast are being inspired to consider careers in the fast-moving tech industry through a series of hands-on workshops organised by Innovation Factory.

“

It is important that we show young people the possibilities right here at home to inspire them to consider new opportunities that they may have always thought were beyond their reach

#46 Serial entrepreneur Eleanor McEvoy leads the Dragons in first Inspire Business Angels Investment. Three east Belfast seedcorn businesses received a total of £12.5k in the first round of funding from Inspire Business Angels Investment as part of Global Entrepreneurship Week.

Innovation Factory Shows Young People Jobs of the Future

Launched during Global Entrepreneurship Week, the innovative sessions will run through to March encouraging young people to look at new tech industries like gaming and coding, digital marketing, design and communications. • INNOVATION

here’s a huge gap in digital and tech skills and it’s stopping SME growth in Northern Ireland. It’s imperative that we help children understand what tech is and the

www.innovationfactoryni.com

amazing opportunities out there for them,” explained Julie McGrath, a director with Graffiti Recruitment and the Tech Education Network, who delivers the workshops.

PICTURED Pictured at one of the first workshops are Justin Leckey and Aaron McMurray from Ashfield Boys School with workshop organisers Alice Quinn from Eye4Education and Shane Smith Innovation Factory Community Engagement Officer.

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

“It’s hard for parents and educators to grasp that by 2030, 80% of the jobs we will work in don’t currently exist. We need to create a greater awareness that there are jobs out there that are hugely rewarding and there are exciting opportunities within SMEs and start-ups with that have huge potential,” she added. The workshops are being delivered as a partnership between Belfast City Council and Innovation Factory with schools and colleges including CBS Glen Road, Belfast Royal Academy, Boys Model, Ashfield Boys School, Malone College, Mercy College and BMC Futures Project. Councillor Donal Lyons, Chair of the Council’s City Growth and Regeneration Committee, said: “Belfast City Council through their Career Development Programme is committed to supporting enterprise and employability and this partnership with the Innovation Factory gives young people opportunities to engage with Northern Ireland businesses that have high growth capabilities. “Innovation Factory is a hub for creative and tech businesses with more than 70 businesses employing 200 people in the heart of West Belfast. It is important that we show young people the possibilities right here at home to inspire them to consider new opportunities that they may have always thought were beyond their reach. “Providing opportunities to help young people achieve their potential and boosting inclusivity across the city is at the heart of the Belfast Agenda – a development plan for

the city that over the next 15 years aims to create 46,000 extra jobs. “Belfast is leading the way in digital development and it is something that we plan to continue building on as part of the Belfast Region City Deal which has recently been agreed,” added Councillor Lyons. The workshops will include a session on creative thinking and design, programing and coding for game creation, digital marketing and advertising and influencing communication through vlogging and blogging. The students will also tour Innovation Factory and get a chance to see some of the prestigious businesses that are breaking new ground on the tech front. Shane Smith, Innovation Factory’s Community Engagement Officer, explained: “Our ethos at Innovation Factory is to be connected to the wider community and to support job creation, which in turn boosts the economic and social opportunity for surrounding communities.” Innovation Factory is owned by Belfast City Council and operated on their behalf by Oxford Innovation. The £9.1m business hub was funded by Belfast City Council and Invest NI with support from the European Regional Development Fund. Customers include a range of startups and growing businesses in a variety of sectors including digital services, creative industries, business services, financial services and research and development. For more information on the Innovation Factory visit: www.innovationfactoryni.com

PITCH EVENT SEES £12.5K INVESTED IN BUSINESS START-UPS Eleanor McEvoy, the new Entrepreneurship Ambassador for Northern Ireland, announced the investments at the end of a Dragons’ Den type event at the Island Arts Centre in Lisburn. • ENTERPRISE

he serial entrepreneur said she and her fellow Dragons, business development expert John McGrann and David Drysdale, Chair of Inspire Business Centre, were impressed by the high standard of pitches. “It is not easy for inexperienced start-ups to face interrogation by three highly skilled business Dragons, so huge credit must go to all our finalists for their gutsiness in being prepared to put themselves and their businesses out there,” said Ms McEvoy. Mercury Fitness NI, a unique weight loss and fitness boot camp with an international flavour run by Jason Gillard, received £5k of investment to fund marketing, training equipment and sports kit. Jason ‘Jay’ Gillard said: “I took a huge leap of faith when I left a steady but unfulfilling career to start my own business. I just thought to myself, ‘I can do better than this’. I have a long

way to go, but this investment will help me achieve my dream.” Emma Dougherty, owner of Emma’s Cleaning Services, received £5k to enable her rapidly growing commercial and domestic cleaning service to purchase a liveried van and digital marketing support. “I am absolutely thrilled, especially as I had to ask a proxy to do my pitch as both my young children were very ill on the night,” said Emma. “This investment will help my business, yes, but it will also help me to achieve my ambition of enabling other women to work, to be financially independent and to see how far they can go!” Sweet Sounds Café, a social enterprise which provides training for young people with special needs, received £2.5k to go towards a second minibus to help transport isolated and vulnerable customers to their premises at Inspire Business Centre. Steven Thompson, who

More about Inspire Business Centre at www.inspirebusinesscentre.co.uk pitched on their behalf, said: “I got a bit of a grilling, but it was a useful experience because the Dragons raised some good points, and in the end we got about half the money we need to invest in our first minibus, which will bring new customers to the café as well as be available for hire.” A total of six budding businesses drawn from applicants across the LCCC area were invited to deliver a 10-minute pitch in front of a live audience in the Studio Theatre following a social networking session in the Island Centre Art Gallery. Mark Brotherston, CEO of Inspire Business Centre, explained: “Inspire is much more than a Local Enterprise Agency – we are making a significant contribution to the NI economy and changing people’s lives thanks to the

development of an ‘Eco-system’ for entrepreneurship and enterprise. “Inspire Academy is a social enterprise which gives people the opportunity to develop bespoke skills underpinned by accredited qualifications ranging from GCSEs to Degrees. We also deliver innovative programmes, community development initiatives and business mentoring. “This year, we decided to invest some of our surplus in young businesses – to put our money where our mouth is, so to speak. These are not grants or loans, but genuine investments in startups which will grow, employ people and enrich the local economy.” Alderman Allan Ewart, Vice Chair of LCCC’s Development Committee, said the Council was delighted to sponsor such a unique event.

PICTURED Top Left: Sweet Sounds Café, represented by Steven Thompson (left), was one of the investment winners. Also pictured are dragons Eleanor McEvoy, John McGrann and (right) David Drysdale. Bottom Right: Jason Gillard receives a business-boosting cash investment from dragons Eleanor McEvoy, John McGrann (left) and David Drysdale, thanks to his pitch at the Inspire Business Angel Investment event.

News Dec 18

#46 Community groups, schools and playgroups are being given the opportunity to transform their green spaces thanks to a “bloomin’ marvellous” garden makeover competition.

“

This is a great opportunity for community groups to finally makeuse of that untended green space which might currently be nothing more than an eyesore.

Headlines

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

Belfast Harbour Helps Transform Your Community Spaces Organised by Belfast Harbour and The Conservation Volunteers, four groups from across Northern Ireland will receive a makeover worth £3,000 each to help turn underused areas into vibrant community spaces. • COMMUNITY

rganised by Belfast Harbour and The Conservation Volunteers, four groups from across Northern Ireland will receive a makeover worth £3,000 each to help turn underused areas into vibrant community spaces. Interested groups are being asked to provide a one-minute video clip to describe their space and explain why reclaiming it would benefit their community. Helen Tomb, Operations Leader with The Conservation Volunteers, said: “There is no shortage of spaces which, with some tender love and landscaping, could be transformed into useful community spaces. “With Belfast Harbour’s support last year we created six new school gardens for young people who have little or no outdoor space at home. They now have a greenspace to look after and play in, and are getting

#harbourinbloom

involved in new activities such as growing vegetables.” Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour’s Communications and Corporate Responsibility Manager, said: “This is a great opportunity for community groups to finally make-use of that untended green space which might currently be nothing more than an eyesore. Gardening and outdoor activities – particularly in urban areas – have a proven track record in helping create healthier, happier communities so we’re really encouraging groups to come forward with entries.” One of the groups to benefit last year was Lisnasharragh Alternative Education Programme in Belfast. Peter Forbes from the group added: “The response of the children and staff to our new garden has been phenomenal. We’re now using the space as a shared outdoor classroom PICTURED Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Deirdre Hargey launches the ‘Your Belfast Rewards’ app with Kathleen McGovern from Abacus Beads, Miheala Chichirim from Phone Boutique, Jenny McKay from The Body Shop and James McGarvey from McGarvey Cycles

#46 Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey joined local retailers in the city centre this week to launch the exciting new ‘Your Belfast Rewards’ app - offering hundreds of prizes to shoppers and visitors to the city who download it.

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

PICTURED Jenni Barkley, Belfast Harbour and Neville Walker, The Conservation Volunteers with Emma and Tine from Glenveagh Senior School.

with the neighbouring primary school where the children can grow their own food to take home. We’re very grateful to Belfast Harbour and The Conservation Volunteers for this ‘bloomin’ marvellous!’ transformation and would recommend it to other groups.” This is the second year of the competition which is part of Belfast Harbour’s wider initiative to improve the environment. The Harbour has already set aside 195 acres to support nature conservation and runs

a scheme to support bio-diversity projects by its tenants. Groups interested in the garden makeover competition should upload their entry to their social media page using #harbourinbloom or email it to k.andrew@belfast-harbour.co.uk The best entries will be selected by Belfast Harbour and The Conservation Volunteers, and announced in January. The winning spaces will be transformed next year by The Conservation Volunteers.

Lollybox and New Driver NI Help Grosvenor Pupils Get On the Road Safely. Julie Wallace from AB&C Insurance and Stephen Savage from New Driver NI visited year 13 pupils at Grosvenor Grammar School on 28 November to talk about the importance of safe driving, tips for buying and maintaining a car as well as arranging insurance. • SAFETY

PICTURED Julie Wallace, AB&C Insurance and Stephen Savage, New Driver NI with Grosvenor Grammar School pupils

City Centre Shoppers Reap the Rewards Via Brand New App The app has been developed by Belfast City Council, as part of the #YourBelfast Christmas campaign, with 200 businesses in the city centre participating who will be promoting offers and events within their business. • CITY CENTRE

t will feature daily and weekly competitions for people to win hundreds of pounds worth of vouchers to spend in the city centre as well as tickets to concerts and events and one-off offers for entry into the city centre amusements and attractions. The Lord Mayor said: “I’m delighted to launch the ‘Your Belfast Rewards’ app with some of the city centre retailers who will be taking part in this very rewarding initiative. They are among 200 local businesses who have signed up and will be

www.belfastcity.gov.uk/yourbelfast.

providing a range of incentives and rewards each day in the run-up to Christmas for city centre shoppers and visitors to Belfast. People can download the app and be in with a chance to win hundreds of prizes – small and large – from a free cup of coffee to thousands of pounds worth of vouchers to spend in city centre stores. Check out our website for all the details on the app as well as find out more about our #YourBelfast Christmas campaign at: belfastcity.gov.uk/yourbelfast.

ollybox is the brand-new telematics policy from local insurance experts, AB&C. By having an on-board dashboard tracker monitoring speed and driving habits, Lollybox reduces the cost of insurance during a young driver’s first few years on the road. Customers on average save up to £1750 a year compared to a standard car insurance policy. But most importantly it will also give their family peace of mind. To celebrate the launch, Lollybox have

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News Dec 18

Headlines

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

#46 Belfast One –The Belfast City Centre Improvement District – welcomes children from across Northern Ireland to post their carefully crafted letter to the North Pole in Santa’s Belfast Post Office, in association with Young At Art.

“

The event seeks to entice shoppers, families and visitors into the city with their children to enjoy a fantastic start to their day.

Belfast One Launches Santa’s Post Office The Post Office, which is housed in a cosy shop unit opposite CastleCourt, has been carefully designed in festive colours complete with Elves and Christmas crafts, is aimed at attracting families into the city centre to enjoy a fun-filled day out. • FESTIVE

t will also raise money for NI Hospice’s Jingle All the Way campaign. Belfast One is the business improvement district (BID) in the retail core of Belfast

#46 Community groups in east Belfast are celebrating after being awarded National Lottery funding.

City Centre which has a fiveyear marketing strategy aimed at driving domestic footfall by promoting the retail, leisure, culture and entertainment offering and

The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.

showcasing what a unique city Belfast is. Clare Maguire, Managing Director of Belfast One said: “We are absolutely delighted to officially launch our Santa’s Belfast Post Office in the City Centre. It has only been opened a few days and is already attracting fantastic attention from children of all ages. “The event seeks to entice shoppers, families and visitors into the city with their children to enjoy a fantastic start to their day. The City is well and truly alive with so much family-focussed activity from the Snow Slide on Royal Avenue, to Santa’s Grottos in CastleCourt and Victoria Square, the Christmas Market and of course the independent shops, Victorian pubs, award-winning restaurants, chain stores and designer boutiques all of whom make Belfast the best place to shop this Christmas” Clare concluded: “Santa’s Post Office will be open Saturdays 11am-4pm and Sundays 12pm-4pm, as well as 12pm-4pm on Friday 30 November, Thursday 6 and 13 December and will be raising money for charity. Noreen Kennedy, Regional Fundraising Manager at Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice added: “We are delighted to receive such warm support from Belfast One. This partnership will fit in perfectly with our Jingle All the Way Christmas campaign which aims to raise all-important funds

for life-limited children and their families this Christmas. This event really puts the fun into fundraising and we are excited to see the local community come together to support us on these dates”. Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice was established in 1996, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice is the only dedicated palliative care service in the province and the only organization that can offer high level support to life limited children with complex needs who require 24 hour specialist care. Every year, Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice cares for over 300 life-limited infants, children and young people and their families living in Northern Ireland who need care that only the Children’s Hospice can provide. It costs £3.82 million per year to run children’s services. Approximately 35% of these costs are met by statutory funding. The remaining costs are met by a combination of voluntary donations, grants and trading income. As part of its three-year Strategic Plan, (20182021) Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice endeavors to open all 10 Children’s Hospice beds by 2021. In an early demonstration of confidence in its growth strategy, the Department of Health has allocated £170,000 recurrent funding which represents 50% of the cost of opening the sixth bed. Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice must match this by raising the remaining 50%.

EAST BELFAST GROUPS GRANTS BOOST FROM AWARDS FOR ALL

Irish Language Project Shortlisted for Eastside Award Tourism Project

Walkway Community Association is amongst the 86 groups across Northern Ireland who are sharing £736,023 from Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme.

Turas, the Irish language organisation based in East Belfast has been shortlisted for the Eastside Award for Best Community Project and the Eastside Award for Tourism Experience.

• FUNDING

“

PICTURED 3-year-old Ownie Evans is pictured with 2-year-old Tess Kane alongside Santa’s Elves Noel Harron and Orla McCormack.

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

he group, based in east Belfast, are using the £9,980 grant to run life coaching, aromatherapy and stress management classes for local woman to empower them and improve their ability to better cope with stress, anxiety and low selfesteem. Also receiving funding is Strandtown Primary School PTA. The group is a PTA for Strandtown Primary School in east Belfast. They are using the £4,000 grant to provide an afterschool’s homework club two days per week to provide additional support to pupils. Julie Harrison, Big Lottery Fund NI Chair, said: “I am delighted to announce these grants under the Awards for All programme and I want to say thanks to all the National Lottery players who have helped make this possible. “Awards for All funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities. “The application process is simple and accessible and shall remain so, making it easy for applicants to successfully apply for small pots of funding that can have such a big impact on local communities and lives.” Awards for All Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.biglotteryfund. org.uk. For more details call us on 028 9055 1455, or e-mail us at enquiries.ni@biglotteryfund.org.uk The Big Lottery Fund uses money raised by National Lottery players to help communities achieve their ambitions. From small, local projects to UK-wide initiatives, our funding brings people together to make a difference to their health, wellbeing and environment. Since June 2004 we have awarded £8.5 billion to projects that improve the lives of millions of people.

• AWARDS

uras language project has grown enormously over the past five years with over 230 learners registered in the current year. Now Turas has added a tourism project to its work. Turas’ tourism project is called Journey East and draws on the Gaelic history and heritage of East Belfast. Two very successful bus tours have been developed: one based on the Gaelic history of East Belfast and one on the life of Conn O’Neill the last Gaelic lord of East Belfast. Journey East also provides Go Gaelic, an interactive introduction to the Irish language which has proven very popular. In August 2017, Journey East organised the first ever Conn O’Neill Festival which attracted over 200 people. Turas plans to develop Journey East in 2019, providing the bus tours and Go Gaelic on a regular basis to the general public and also offering them as elements in bespoke teambuilding / ice breaking events. The second, bigger and better Conn O’Neill Festival is also planned for next year.

Pathways to Change (East Belfast) This two-day course is offered as part of the East Belfast Community Capacity and Leadership Programme and is taking place over two days on 10 and 11 January in East Belfast Network Centre. It is run by Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC). Nowadays, whether or not you are a leader, you are likely to be required to work with others in a more collaborative way. This course will provide you with practical tools and approaches for collaboration within and beyond your community. www.nicva.org/event/leadership-for-collaboration-pathways-to-changeeast-belfast

Department Communities Small Capital Grants Programme Co-operation Ireland has been appointed by the Department for Communities (DfC) as the Intermediary Funding Body for the 2018/19 Small Capital Grants Programme for Northern Ireland. The purpose of this Programme is to promote Partnership and Collaboration among Voluntary and Community organisations. Applications should be emailed to smallcapitalgrants@ cooperationireland. org, and must be received by 12noon Wednesday 19th December 2018.

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News Dec 18

Schools

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

#46

The winners of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week creative arts competition are:

Respect was the clear message from the winners of this year’s Anti-Bullying Week creative arts competition (art and movie/ performance) which were announced recently at a special awards ceremony at Belfast Harbour Commissioners.

“ We have been overwhelmed at the quality of the competition entries this year and the powerful anti-bullying messages that young people have created through the media of art and movie/ performance in line with this year’s theme of respect. All of the young people who took part should be congratulated for the fantastic anti-bullying work they created.

Gillian Cuthbert Chair, Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum

PICTURED Gilnahirk Primary School, East Belfast won the Chair’s Prize (Special Merit Prize - Art). Lauren Bailey and Mark Murray from Gilnahirk Primary School are pictured at the awards event.

Winners of Anti-Bullying Week Creative Arts Competition Announced

PICTURED Shayna Gail Velasquez, Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, South/East Belfast, winner of the Post Primary Y11-Y14 art category. The Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) is a network of statutory and non-statutory organisations working together to deliver consistent anti-bullying messages for our children and young people. NIABF is convened by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) NI and funded by the Department of Education.

The annual creative arts competition has always played an important part of the Anti-Bullying Week initiative, which ran from 12 November 2018.

Primary P1-P4 (Art): Winner: Tori Veitch, Maguiresbridge Primary School, Co. Fermanagh(Art) Runner-up: Emily Willis, St Francis Primary School, Lurgan, Co. Armagh (Art) Runner-up: Adam Hearty, St Brigid’s Primary School, Crossmaglen, Newry (Art) Primary P5 – P7 (Art): Winner: Mya McPartland, P6, St Anne’s Primary School, Finaghy, South Belfast (Art) Runner-up: Nathan Caulfield, Killowen Primary School, Rostrevor, Newry (Art) Runner-up: Etain Lavery, St Joseph’s Primary School, Lisburn (Art) Post Primary Y8-Y10 (Art): Winner: Bobby McDaid, Lough Road Learning Centre, Lurgan, Co. Armagh (Art) Runner-up: Sophie Degan, Assumption Grammar School, Ballynahinch, Co. Down (Art) Runner-up: Jessica Stewart, Magherafelt High School, County Derry/Londonderry(Art) Post Primary Y11-Y14 (Art): Winner: Shayna Gail Velasquez, Aquinas Diocesan Grammar School, South/East Belfast (Art) Runner-up: Leah McErlane, Dominican College, North Belfast (Art) Special Merit Prizes (Art): Riley Woods, Holy Evangelists’ Primary School, Twinbrook, Dunmurry, South Belfast (Art) Jake Simpson, Lough Road Learning Centre, Lurgan, Co. Armagh (Art) Conal Breen, St John the Baptist’s College, Portadown, Co. Armagh (Art) Chair’s Prize, Gilnahirk Primary School, East Belfast Chair’s Prize, St Patrick’s College, Banbridge Movie/Performance: Winner: St John’s Primary School, Dernaflaw, Dungiven, Co. Derry/ Londonderry Winner: Anti-Bullying song by St Brigid’s Primary School, Crossmaglen, Winner: Brendan White, Lough Road Learning Centre, Lurgan Winner: Year 12 Drama, Loreto College, Coleraine, Co. Derry/ Londonderry

• ANTI-BULLYING

he theme for this year’s AntiBullying Week is respect. The campaign encourages children and young people to think about what respect means to them, what it feels like to be respected and how they show respect to others. Overall, this important initiative explores how respect for others can build an anti-bullying culture in local schools and communities. Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated by Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and supported by Translink. NIABF is an interagency group hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) and funded by the Department of Education. Speaking at the awards event,

Gillian Cuthbert, Chair, Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF), said: “Anti-Bullying Week, and more specifically the creative arts competition, provides an important way of highlighting the issue of bullying to schools and the wider community. It helps students to understand the nature and complexities of bullying behaviours and explore ways of promoting the positive messages of anti-bullying. “We have been overwhelmed at the quality of the competition entries this year and the powerful anti-bullying messages that young people have created through the media of art and movie/performance in line with this year’s theme of respect. All of the young people who took part should

“

The entries to this year’s Anti-Bullying competition focused on eradicating bullying by showing “respect” for all and I am very encouraged at the passion and commitment to this aim shown by everyone who entered

be congratulated for the fantastic anti-bullying work they created.” Jacqui Durkin, Director of Inclusion & Wellbeing, Department of Education, added: “The increased awareness and momentum which Anti-Bullying Week generates can be the driving force for good, it changes attitudes for the better and highlights both our continuing need to tackle this problem and our continuing commitment to do so. The entries to this year’s Anti-Bullying competition focused on eradicating bullying by showing “respect” for all and I am very encouraged at the passion and commitment to this aim shown by everyone who entered.” Translink has been an active supporter of Anti-Bullying Week

for the past 10 years and helps to reinforce messages by placing anti-bullying poster displays at train and bus stations across Northern Ireland. Congratulating all of the award recipients, John Thompson, Translink Health and Safety Manager, said: “Young people across Northern Ireland have shown great awareness of this serious issue and tackled it in expressive and effective ways. They’ve come together with a powerful united voice to say bullying behaviours should not be tolerated in any form and that everyone should be treated with respect. Translink’s pleased to be able to spread this important message across the bus and rail network.”

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2019 TASTING EVENTS

Christmas gift vouchers are available for each event Saturday 26th January • VICTORIA (Australia) WINE

We’re kicking oﬀ 2019 with a visit to the land of smashed avocado, superior standard of living and FANTASTIC wine! We’re delighted to be able to oﬀer you 5 Victorian wines, paired with 5 dishes inspired by the vibrant food scene of the area. 5 wines, 5 courses. Hosted by Felicia from Prohibition NI. £45pp

Saturday 9th February • ITALY #1 CLASSIC ITALIAN WINE

We start our 2 part Italian wine series with a look at the more familiar grape varieties from the country with insight from Peter about the producers. This is one for everybody! 5 wines, 5 courses. Hosted by Peter from Gapwines. £45pp

Saturday 23rd February • ITALY #2 LESSER KNOWN ITALIAN WINE

Now for a chance to hopefully introduce you to something that you haven’t tried before. If you’ve been to Italy, you’ll have discovered a few gems yourself, so you might even run into an old friend! 5 wines, 5 courses. Hosted by Peter from Gapwines. £45pp

Saturday 9th March • MEET THE BREWER NIGHT with HEANEY BREWERY (Magherafelt)

BELFAST CITY CHEN STYLE T’AI CHI SCHOOL T’ai Chi & Chi Kung Classes

Maitri Studio, 4 The Mount, East Belfast BT5 Friday 11-12 pm, 12-1 pm & 1-2 pm Sunday 1-2 pm & 2-3 pm INSTRUCTOR JULIE-ANNE JOHNSTON W.C.T.A.I

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With a brewery based on the family farm and former home of Seamus Heaney, Mal and his team “want to write a new chapter in the history of The Wood. One all about grain, hops and pure Bellaghy spring water. The ﬁnest Inspired Beer.” We’ll raise a glass to that! We’re very excited to invite Mal down to talk us through his range of craft beers. Hosted by Conall from Gapwines/Nelson Sauvin. 5 beers, 5 courses. £40pp

Saturday 23rd March • ION DISTILLERY DINNER

If you’ve met Darren Nugent, master distiller at Ion Distillery in Tyrone, you’ve met a man who puts his personality and passion into his work, with the result being a uniquely superb set of crafted spirits. If you haven’t met Darren, here’s your chance to enjoy his new Rum, Gin & Vodka as he pours us 5 drinks and tells us how much fun he’s had setting up his own distillery! 5 Ion drinks, 5 courses. Hosted by Felicia from Prohibition NI. £45pp

Saturday 27th April • MALBEC WINE

With World Malbec day taking place in April, we thought we’d celebrate one of our favourite grape varieties to round up this series of tastings! Felicia will be exploring Malbec throughout the World, selecting 5 bottles to pair with 5 courses. Hosted by Felicia from Prohibition NI. £45pp

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News Dec 18

#46 Next year in May The Big Lunch, an idea for the Eden Project made possible by the National Lottery, will bring together a team of walkers to visit and shine a light on thriving community projects right across the UK.

“

Community

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

Search Now On For The Big Lunch Walk Team The search is now on for eight community-minded people to take part in this event in 2019. The walk teams will step out on four routes starting on Friday 17 May, visiting people and communities on the countdown to The Big Lunch culminating on the weekend of 1st & 2nd June. • COMMUNITY

www.edenprojectcommunities.com/communitywalk

Representing Northern Ireland on the 2018 Big Lunch walk, I connected with people making good things happen from the big smokes of Belfast and Derry to the small villages of Fivemiletown and Bellaghy, and it gave me a great sense of pride and contentment that the future will be great for Northern Ireland.

PICTURED Big Community walk on Rathlin when community members joined Michael Conlon’s journey, including the singer and senator, Frances Black.

PICTURED Michael Conlon’s homecoming big Lunch on the 2nd of June 2018

Michael Conlon Big Lunch walk participant 2018

ver two weeks our friendly team will set off on a journey across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and England to chit-chat with the nation and shine a light on the extraordinary things that ordinary people do to bring people together where they live. Peter Stewart, Executive Director of The Big Lunch said: “We’re looking for friendly folk who love to bring people together as much as we do. We’re going out across the UK to celebrate the positive and amazing people at the heart of our communities; so if you’re passionate about community and fancy joining us for a stroll next May, it’s time to apply now!”

The Big Lunch walkers will visit over 100 community projects and initiatives, to meet people and celebrate the inspiring stories from neighbourhoods, many of whom hold Big Lunches or are already involved in community activities. Michael Conlon, Big Lunch walk participant 2018 said: “Representing Northern Ireland on the 2018 Big Lunch walk, I connected with people making good things happen from the big smokes of Belfast and Derry to the small villages of Fivemiletown and Bellaghy, and it gave me a great sense of pride and contentment that the future will be great for Northern Ireland. Literally thousands of people get out of bed

Are you ready for a challenge that could change your life? The walkers will need to be physically and mentally fit as this will be a hugely rewarding, but also challenging and demanding experience.

every day to make Northern Ireland a better place to live and flourish.” The walkers will gather and share Big Lunch tips, hints, recipes and craft ideas to inspire others so that anyone and everyone can learn easy ways to help them bring their own neighbourhood closer together. The community walkers will also join the Eden Project Communities team for an additional two weekends in March when town centre pop up activities will be taking place in locations across the UK to raise awareness of the Big Lunch and encourage people to get involved and join in. Are you ready for a challenge that could change your life? The walkers will need to be physically and

mentally fit as this will be a hugely rewarding, but also challenging and demanding experience. If you would like to take part, visit the website for more information. www.edenprojectcommunities. com/communitywalk or email us at communities@edenproject.com The Big Lunch brings people together. On average 6 million people have joined a Big Lunch every year since 2014 and a whopping 80% of them said they met someone new! Join millions across the UK sharing food and fun on the first weekend in June. Great things happen when we all get together – join in, share food and have fun! thebiglunch.com #thebiglunch

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

#46 If you would like to learn more about this volunteer opportunity call David on 028 9038 7787

“ it’s great to hear her stories of growing up in Belfast and we both learn from each other. It gives her company and keeps her mind active for a couple of hours and gets her out and about.

Volunteer

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

Alzheimer’s

Side By Side Service Making A Difference The Alzheimer’s Society in Northern Ireland are currently recruiting new Side by Side volunteers in Belfast to support people in the early stages of dementia to carry on with hobbies and activities that they can enjoy. Could you support someone on a regular basis to get out of the house?

ur Side by Side Service makes a huge difference to people with dementia, and our volunteers get a real buzz from it. George is from East Belfast and goes swimming with his Side by Side person. He says “I think it really helps my buddy and his family for him to get out with someone. It’s really widened my understanding of dementia- I have benefitted from the swimming myself and lost a wee bit of weight!”. Similarly Margaret goes out with her buddy, visiting places around Belfast. She says “I enjoy volunteering with the Alzheimer’s Society because I can do something for someone now that I couldn’t do for my father many years ago. That’s a very rewarding feeling and I enjoy going places with my Side by Side person. We do lots of different things, I see these outings as

an afternoon out with a friend. It is a small part of my week but it makes a difference to someone else”. Another volunteer in East Belfast, Laura says “it’s great to hear her stories of growing up in Belfast and we both learn from each other. It gives her company and keeps her mind active for a couple of hours and gets her out and about. It also gives her family comfort that she is retaining her independence. For a couple of hours of my time, it can really benefit that person”. Become a Side by Side volunteer today! Full training, supervision and expenses are provided, call David on 02890 38 7787 or email sidebysidebelfast@alzheimers.org. uk to find out how you can make a real difference to someone in your community!”

Ian is a Side by Side volunteer and visits Raymond once a week. Both live in East Belfast and enjoy a weekly game of chess together. Raymond says “I have taught him too well, and now sometimes he beats me! Chess helps stimulate my mind, and we have a great laugh together and I really look forward to seeing Ian” Ian tells us “I used to hate Mondays but now I look forward to having a bit of craic with Raymond, and set the world to rights!”

Now seeking volunteers in East Belfast!

News Dec 18

Features Dec 18

The Arts

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

#46 Paperboy is back following the huge success of the musical adaptation of Tony Macaulay’s internationally acclaimed memoir which took place earlier this year at Lyric Theatre

Youth Music Theatre UK Search For Stars For Hit Musical ‘Paperboy’ Youth Music Theatre UK (YMT), the leading music theatre company for young people, is set to bring the musical back in 2019 and is searching for the next big musical stars to take part. Performer Auditions and Musician Auditions can be booked online www.youthmusictheatreuk.org or by phone 020 8563 7725.

• STAGE

MT specialises in creating brand new music theatre, working across the UK and Ireland with leading industry professionals to offer unique opportunities and high-quality training to young singers, actors, dancers and musicians as well as emerging artists and stage technicians. Last year the cast from Paperboy worked closely with Tony Macaulay and creative duo writercomedian Andrew Doyle and Belfast singer-songwriter Duke Special to create a brand new musical. Prestigious

alumni include BRIT award-winner Ed Sheeran and Grammy award-winner Sam Smith. From 26 January to 24 February 2019, the company will look for talented actors and musicians aged 11-21 who have a flair for performing and theatre-making. Auditions will take place in Belfast, Derry/Londonderry and Dublin for young people to take part in their exciting programme for 2019 featuring eight full productions including Paperboy at Lyric Theatre in August 2019. YMT Executive Producer, Jon

#46 Lord Mayor, Councillor Deirdre Hargey, unveiled her Christmas Card today accompanied by the ‘star’ of it – a young toddler from the city who is also raising awareness of the NHS Organ Donation campaign.

Lord Mayor Unveils Xmas Card With Young ‘Star’ Of It

PICTURED From 26 January to 24 February 2019, the company will look for talented actors and musicians aged 11-21 who have a ﬂair for performing and theatre-making. including Paperboy at Lyric Theatre in August 2019.

PICTURED Dáithí is pictured with the Lord Mayor and his Mum Seph and Dad Máirtín beside the Christmas Card in City Hall today. Representatives from Children’s Heartbeat Trust, British Heart Foundation and nurses from Clark Clinic in the Royal Hospital for Sick Children, where Dáithí has spent a lot of his time, were also among the special guests for the event in the Lord Mayor’s Parlour.

Bromwich, says: “At YMT we develop talent and grow creativity to the highest level, for our 2019 summer season we are looking for fierce actors, singers and musicians. YMT offers young performers the rare opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment before entering the industry as an adult. December 2018 marks our 15th birthday and we are proud to be at the forefront of new British music theatre.” Tony Macaulay, writer of Paperboy,

added: “Everyone involved in the musical adaptation for Paperboy this year were overwhelmed by the reception it received. It was such a privilege to be part of this amazing project. The entire creative team especially the young cast were phenomenal. I am delighted that YMT has decided to bring the musical back for their new season. I wish all those taking part in the auditions the very best of luck and look forward to meeting and working with the young cast in 2019.”

wo-year-old, Dáithí Mac Gabhann, was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS) which is very rare and life-threatening and has undergone major surgery but now needs a heart transplant. He is featured in the card this year as a ‘superhero’ standing in front of a Christmas Tree with City Hall in the background. The artwork was created for Doodles by Úna Méabh for Dáithí and his family and their current campaign of raising awareness for organ donation. The Lord Mayor said: “When it came to my Christmas Card this year, I thought of no better person to star in it than little Dáithí who has been so brave in undergoing a number of open heart surgeries over the last two years and now needs a heart transplant to save his life. With his parents’ Máirtín and Seph, they launched a campaign to raise awareness of the importance of organ donation and encourage people to sign the organ donor register. This is a great campaign to support as well as a great gift and message for Christmas.” Dáithí’s father Máirtín said: “It’s an honour for us, as a family, to be here as special guests of Belfast’s first citizen to unveil her Christmas Card with Dáithí featured on the front. The support we have received from the city has been fantastic since Dáithí’s organ donation journey began, and we’re very proud that this has been led by Deirdre. She launched our campaign for organ donation back in June with 43% of the population here registered organ donors. Since then, that figure has gone up by 2% meaning that almost 40,000 people have signed the organ donor register in the last few months. We are delighted to play our very small part in that, and hope that more people will consider joining the register and making their wish known to family and friends.”

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Features Dec 18

#46 Twenty years since its premiere at the Lyric Theatre Alice: The Musical is back, 29 November - 5 January, on the stage where it all began.

The Arts

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Tumble Down The Rabbit Hole And Be Enchanted By Alice: The Musical Adapted from the much-loved classic tale by Lewis Carroll, this family musical by Paul Boyd which is suitable for all ages, features a host of Carroll’s most infamous characters in a world where nothing is quite what it seems. • STAGE

lice: The Musical tells the story of Alice’s adventures in Wonderland and her attempts to escape the clutches of the notorious Queen of Hearts (Allison Harding). Tumble down the rabbit hole with Alice (Ruby Campbell) in pursuit of the elusive White Rabbit (Christina Nelson), to discover a fantastic realm where nothing makes sense. On her journey Alice meets an assortment of strange characters, including the famous acting duo of Tweedledum (Rea Campbell-Hill )

and Tweedledee (Adam Dougal), the unpredictable and hilarious Caterpillar (Mark Dugdale), the Mad Hatter (Mark Dugdale), and members of his underground political movement the Tea Party including the March Hare (Adam Dougal) and the Dormouse (Rea Campbell-Hill), and the seriously mad inventor The White Knight (Adam Dougal) - overseen at all times by the enigmatic Cheshire Cat (Charlotte McCurry). Writer and Director of Alice: The

Musical, Paul Boyd said: “In the year that the Lyric celebrates its 50th anniversary on Ridgeway Street, it is fitting that we are producing “Alice The Musical” - a show that was commissioned by the Lyric Theatre and first performed back in 1998. This musical has since been performed all around the world, and I am thrilled that it is back home this Christmas to delight and entertain families all across Northern Ireland once again. For

#46 NI children enjoy East Belfast premiere of Grinch as Into Film Festival opens

East Belfast Premiere Of Grinch & Festival Opens

PICTURED This Christmas don’t be late for a very important date down the rabbit hole to the enchanting world of Alice: The Musical at Lyric Theatre, 29 November – 5 January. Getting ready for Alice: The Musical at Lyric were, from left, Christina Nelson (White Rabbit), Ruby Campbell (Alice) and Allison Harding (Queen of Hearts).

The Into Film Festival kicked off at the Strand Cinema in East Belfast today with schoolchildren from Northern Ireland taking part in a UK-wide “Pupil Premiere” of Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch. • SCREEN

#46

ay we present our Christmas present to you … An amazing array of wonderful artworks by artists you know and love, as well as those you may have yet to discover, and all for less than 250 pounds. This is your opportunity to snap up an original artwork by a professional artist that will make a great Christmas present for a loved one – or simply as a treat for yourself - you know you deserve it!! Come and browse in our stress-free surroundings, enjoy a glass of wine, munch on a mince pie, and don’t drive yourself crackers! Among the more than 20 artists exhibiting are Barbara Allen RUA, Rosie McGurran RUA, Trina Hobson, Carol Graham RUA and Frank Eyre ven better, not only you can you spread the love, but you can spread the price with the interest-free Own Art Scheme* – only £25 a month over 10 months for £250 worth of art, We just might have the answer to all your Christmas presents all wrapped up! Thursday 6th to Saturday 22nd December ArtisAnn Gallery, 70 Bloomfield Ave, Belfast, BT5 5AE

PICTURED Valerie Giannandrea McKeag - Snow Scene

he world’s largest, free, youth film festival opened with simultaneous premieres held in London, Cardiff, Belfast, Edinburgh and Manchester ahead of the film’s release in cinemas across the UK. At each premiere, young audiences across the UK got into the festive spirit by bringing donations for their local foodbanks in a bid to give ‘the gift of kindness’ and not be ‘a Grinch’ this Christmas. For their eighth fully animated feature, Illumination and Universal Pictures present The Grinch, based on Dr. Seuss’ beloved holiday classic. The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Funny, heart-warming and visually stunning, it’s a universal story about the redemptive power of kindness and the true spirit of Christmas. Now in its sixth phenomenally successful year, having welcomed nearly half a million Primary and Secondary students and their teachers in 2017, the festival returns to Northern Ireland more than 90 events in 34 different venues ranging from local cinemas, a farm

Christmas : Present Exhibition at ArtisAnn Gallery Exhibition by Emerging and Established Artists. All artworks under £250

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this 20th anniversary production I am very lucky to be working with the most exceptional musical theatre performers and an incredible Irish creative team who are putting together a unique magical musical version of Lewis Carroll’s classic tale.” Jimmy Fay, Executive Producer, Lyric Theatre commented: “We are delighted to welcome Alice: The Musical back to the Lyric. Since its premiere with us 20 years ago, it has had many different productions across the globe including as far away as China, and always received fantastic feedback from audiences. With a stellar cast and creative team, audiences young and old will enjoy this colourful and sumptuous production of the wonderful Carroll classic. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported us during our 50th Anniversary year and wish you all a very merry Christmas.” Alice: The Musical will run at Lyric Theatre 29 November – 5 January. Tickets prices are Children: £12.50 Adult: £17.50, Family: £55.00. Discounts available for school bookings. For more information and tickets visit: www.lyrictheatre.co.uk and Queen’s University Sonic Lab. The Festival, which ran until November 23, uses the magic of film to engage young minds in a broad range of topics. “The Festival is an exciting opportunity to bring young people together to explore the best movies and to show how film can be used as an excellent educational tool to help children learn, increase literacy and develop their creativity,” explained Sean Kelly of Into Film in Northern Ireland. Into Film is an education charity that puts film at the heart of children and young people’s educational, cultural and personal development. Over half of UK schools engage with our programme of Into Film Clubs, special cinema screenings, and resources and training to support classroom teaching. Alongside rich online content for young audiences, this provides 5-19 year olds with inspiring opportunities to learn about and with film, and develop a passion for cinema.– Into Film’s work is supported principally by the BFI through the National Lottery, Cinemagic, nerve Centre and by the film industry through Cinema First.

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Features Dec 18

History

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Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

Aidan Campbell has previously published 14 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont, East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2. Ballymacarrett, Castlereagh Updated and East Belfast Big Houses. Also on South Belfast Newtownbreda and Greater Belfast, Belfast Through Time. He regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice Hamilton News Cregagh and EastSide Visitor Centre with profits donated to local charity. Book sales online at: www.eastbelfasthistory.com

“ Rapid

Note the open top which followed the style of the horse-drawn trams. It is difficult to imagine that the weather in Belfast was any kinder back then. So from 1907 the entire Belfast tram fleet was fitted with top covers (and later fully enclosed) to protect passengers from the vagaries of the local weather. Although the open ends were retained for the crews as it was believed that it was healthier for them to be exposed to the elements.

So we come full circle in public transport to 2018 with the new ‘Belfast Rapid Transport Glider’. This will provide ‘fast and reliable services connecting East and West Belfast, Titanic Quarter and key locations of economic and social activity in the city centre and along the Glider corridors’.

Transport Gliders

Trams without rails! I heard a presentation recently at a RACKS meeting (Residents Association of Cherryvalley, Kensington and Shandon) at Shandon Park Golf Club and the speaker was talking about a new public transport innovation called Belfast Rapid Transit (BRT) - Glider. ‘An innovative and ambitious project that will create a new and dynamic public transport system for Belfast’. There were probably similar statements made in Belfast during the 1890s when there were plans to electrify and expand the horsedrawn public transport system. I thought: ‘Gliders – trams without rails!’ Dean Watson from Gilnahirk also reminded me recently of the time years ago when he took the tram into Belfast.

1. Hold Your Horses Belfast was probably the last public tramway system of any magnitude in the United Kingdom to change its traction from horse-drawn to electric. The city of Dublin had electrified trams in 1896 and Belfast followed by 1905. In anticipation a grand municipal electricity works was constructed at East Bridge Street on the corner of Laganbank Road. 2. Watts Going On A new electric tram with crew is pictured at the Rosepark end-of-lines on the Upper Newtownards Road in 1906. This may be the occasion of the opening of the new line extension from Knock Road judging by the rubble in the background. Note the open top which followed the style of the horse-drawn trams. It is difficult to imagine that the weather in Belfast was any kinder back then. 2b. Hats On! So from 1907 the entire Belfast tram fleet was fitted with top covers (and later fully enclosed) to protect passengers from the vagaries of the local weather. Although the open ends were retained for the crews as it was believed that it was healthier for them to be exposed to the elements. 3. Trolleyed In 1938 the first trolleybus was introduced to Belfast on Falls Road. By 1941 many tram routes in East Belfast had been replaced with the quieter trolleybuses including the Castlereagh Road route. In this early 1960s scene the trolleybus is approaching

2b.

the terminus at Clonduff as it passes Cantrell & Cochrane and Lines Brothers (left) who were manufacturers of Triang toys and pram builders. Another factory nearby was British Vacuum Cleaner Industries Ltd who once employed 500 staff and manufactured the very popular Goblin Teasmade which was an alarm clock that woke you up with a nice hot cuppa. Seems like an idea ahead of its time! 4. Hill Start In the 1940s the trolleybus service actually extended to the rear of Parliament Buildings at Stormont and this provided significant additional passenger revenue from civil servants and visitors. However in this 1960s scene there are several popular models in the car park made by Morris, Austin, Ford, Hillman and Jaguar. Some more mature readers may recall the Isetta ‘bubble-car’ to the far left. Trolleybus services were withdrawn from East Belfast in 1963 and the entire system closed down in 1968. 5. Glide On So we come full circle in public transport to 2018 with the new ‘Belfast Rapid Transport Glider’. This will provide ‘fast and reliable services connecting East and West Belfast, Titanic Quarter and key locations of economic and social activity in the city centre and along the Glider corridors’. I can’t wait! I wonder what our public transport will look like after another 100 years? Thanks to Michael McMullan, Mike Maybin and Translink for images.

Advice

Features Dec 18

CHRISTMAS PUPPIES & Dodgy Doggie Dealers BY PATRICK MCKEE @ ASHWOOD VETS BVetMed, BSc, MRCVS A lovely bouncy puppy can be a wonderful addition to any family. At Christmas time dogs are still popular as pets. But if you are planning to get a puppy at Christmas, here are some things to think about.

WATCH OUT FOR THE WORST “PUPPY FARM” SOURCES Make sure that you know where your puppy is coming from, because there are many people who advertise puppies around this time of year who have no care at all for the pup or its health or where it goes as long as they can make a quick bob. In fact

sometimes we see puppies come in that our good clients have rescued from places where the conditions are very poor. The poor puppies are often covered with many parasites, are thin with poor hair coats and generally ill from lack of love and care.

LOOK FOR THE BEST PUPPY ADVERTISERS You should ensure that you have properly looked into the place advertising the puppy, looking for signs that they are reputable, easily contactable, have a proper address you can visit and are willing to allow you to visit and ask questions. In fact, many

reputable people with a litter of pups will be keen to “vet” any potential customer; they are rightly concerned that their puppy goes to a nice home and not just anyone. If they don’t seem bothered by who you are, that in itself should raise alarm bells!

To avoid dodgy doggie dealers, watch out for my 5 warning signs! 1. The breeder wants to meet you in a car park or other public area: Any legitimate breeder should allow you to come into their house and see the entire litter and their parents in their home environment. 2. The puppies are kept in poor conditions: Pups should be kept indoors in a clean environment with good ventilation. They should be visually free from dirt marks and there should be no strong ammonia (warm musty urine) smell. 3. The puppies seem dirty,

undersized, or sickly: Dodgy doggie dealers don’t care about the health and welfare of their puppies, just the money they can make from selling them. Such puppies are often smaller and sicker than well looked after puppies of the same age. 4. The breeder is vague on what vaccinations or worming treatment the puppies have been given: Legitimate breeders should be able to back up what they are telling you about vaccines and vet checks with veterinary evidence.

Don’t worry if they haven’t been vaccinated yet, we do that with you anyway once you have the pup. All puppies should have been regularly wormed from two weeks old. 5. The pup looks much younger than you are told: Usually, puppies leave their mother and go to a new home from eight weeks. If a breeder is trying to sell you a puppy that is (or looks) less than eight weeks old, you should think carefully about why.

For a full veterinary health check of your puppy Book a FREE new puppy (or kitten) appointment with one of the vets here at Ashwood. Call or email Kelly Kelly@ashwoodvets.com 02890419374. We also offer an exceptional health puppy pack for just £50, which includes money off vouchers, full vaccines including kennel cough vaccine, microchipping, and much much more - everything you need to get your puppy off to a good start in life. Thanks for reading and have a great Christmas, Patrick. Patrick@ashwoodvets.com. Ashwood Vets, 71 Comber Road, Dundonald, BT16 2AE.

OPEN EVENINGS Thursday 10th January 2019 & Monday 14th January 2019

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Head Boy Bailey Camack, Guest of Honour Baroness Blood, Head Girl Hannah Douglas and Principal Mr David Castles at the College Prize Day

WELLINGTON COLLEGE BELFAST Co-educational Grammar School 18 Carolan Road, Belfast, BT7 3HE Tel : 028 9064 2539

www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org

Features Dec 18

#46 Pupils from Strathearn travelled to Westminster

Schools

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Strathearn School Students Head to Westminster to Debate in the House of Lords Strathearn pupils travelled to Westminster to participate in a debate in the Lords Chamber at the Palace of Westminster run by Plan International UK and the English Speaking Union. • POLITICS

our pupils from the east Belfast school were preselected to add their voices to the debate, called Girls Breaking Barriers, on 16 November, which focused on what can be done to help girls to achieve their potential. Mrs Connery, Principal of the Belmont Road school said, ‘Hearing the voices of girls from Strathearn speaking at the

Chamber Debate at the House of Lords was wonderful. The pupils’ measured contributions added much to the discussions.’ She continued, ‘The opportunity to travel to London to participate in the Girls Breaking Barriers debate and to put questions to inspirational women in a House of Lords Committee Room will not soon be forgotten.’ Pupils got the chance to talk to

#46

panels of inspirational women which included Chelsea FC Ambassador, Katie Chapman, Space Scientist Maggie AderinPocock and Editor in Chief of Marie Claire UK, Trish Halpin. The debate was opened by a Strathearn pupil, who discussed the damage that persistent stereotypes can cause girls as they pursue

PICTURED Strathearn students and staff at the Palace of Westminster before the debate.

their education. Three more pupils delivered prepared speeches, and a number of the school’s students were called upon by the Deputy Speakers to add to the debate, and gave impromptu speeches to the Chamber. The students from Strathearn were delighted to have been involved in the event.

Local Pupils Join Forces Tap & Glide with Translink

East meets West for special performance

• DANCE

upils from St Mary’s Primary School, Divis Street, and Strandtown Primary School recently joined forces to create their own unique Glider dance performance and celebrate Translink’s newest service connecting East and West Belfast. Pupils from both schools worked with Young At Art to create their own Glider-inspired dance reflecting bustling city life and the relaxing journey experience on board Glider. The schools then came together in the city centre to perform for Translink customers and their own families inside the new Lanyon Place Train Station. For more information on Glider services visit www.translink.co.uk/gliderbelfast

#46 News on a literary partnership plus a week of events to mark remembrance

BookTrust NI and Belfast International Airport Launch Partnership

Cregagh Primary School Pupils Mark Armistice for their Week of Remembrance

Belfast International Airport has joined forces with BookTrust in Northern Ireland to launch activities and events that will benefit local school children. • PARTNERSHIP

ookTrust is dedicated to getting children reading because children who read are happier, healthier, more empathetic and more creative. Their early language development is supported and they also do better at school. Jaclyn Coulter, Head of HR at Belfast International Airport said, “Education is a key component of our Corporate Responsibility strategy and we are delighted to have teamed up with BookTrust to get more children reading which in turn boosts their creativity and language skills. Over the next few months we have several events planned including a day with Nick Sharratt, celebrated author and animator. This is a really exciting partnership which

we look forward to developing. Liz Canning, Head of BookTrust Northern Ireland said: “We’re delighted to welcome Belfast International Airport on board as a new corporate partner. Getting books into the hands of children is vital and we’re excited to begin our journey working together to ensure as many children across Northern Ireland can enjoy the lifelong benefits of reading for pleasure.” Brona Whittaker, Arts Manger at Arts and Business NI said, ““The relationship between Book Trust Northern Ireland and Belfast International Airport proves how an arts and business partnership can creatively impact on the local community. By engaging children in reading and in turn developing their

PICTURED Liz Canning from BookTrust NI and Jaclyn Coulter from Belfast International Airport launch partnership

vocabulary and language skills, these events and activities will promote the children’s learning and development and help them succeed in school. Arts & Business NI are delighted to support the relationship and project.” BookTrust is dedicated to getting children reading because we know that children who read are happier, healthier, more empathetic and more creative. Their early language development is supported and they also do better at school. They are the UK’s largest children’s reading charity; each year we reach 3.4 million children across the UK with books, resources and support to help develop a love of reading, because we know that reading can transform lives.

“Just as the whole school observed a two minute silence as part of our week of Remembrance, ahead of the Sunday’s Remembrance Sunday/1918 Armistice, we laid a wreath beneath our new special plaque given to us by the Royal British Legion and school governor, Alderman Tommy Sandford. Great to see so many young people wearing their Poppies with pride and listening so well during this week’s special assembly and today’s act of Remembrance.” Principal David Heggarty. #cregaghRemembers

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OPEN NIGHTS OPEN NIGHTS

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Principal’s Address 7.15pm 8.00pm Thursday 9th January 2014 6.30& pm - 9.00 pm T m

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Marina Park, Belfast, BT5 6BA Tel: 028 9070 2777 www.grosvenorgrammarschool.org.uk

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Features Dec 18

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

ANTIQUE AFICIONADO Georgian (bedroom) Chairs Antique silverware

Jill

SALVAGE LOVER

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s we are all about to go mad with Christmas spending, try a different approach this year. Finding truly meaningful gifts isn’t always easy for the hard-to-buy for folks in your life, but the VINTAGE GIFT is here to save you! Yup – There’s a TQ_Christmas_Advert_Final.pdf unique vintage gift 1out 07/11/2018 there

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Features Dec 18

#46 The urgent need to introduce the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine for local boys was highlighted at the annual Cancer Focus Northern Ireland Men’s Health Conference. East Belfast man Sam Reed was among the delegates at the Cancer Focus NI annual Men’s Health Conference.

Health & Wellbeing

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Men’s Health Conference Calls For Urgent Action On HPV Vaccine For NI Boys

East Belfast man Sam Reed was among the delegates at the Cancer Focus NI annual Men’s Health Conference.

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

Unless an implementation plan for the vaccine’s roll out is made available soon there is a danger that boys in Northern Ireland will be left at risk, it was claimed. • HEALTH

ealth professionals from all over Northern Ireland attended the conference in Antrim on November 7 which focused on the theme ‘access for Health’. Guest speaker Dr Gillian Prue, from Queen’s University Belfast (QUB), said she was concerned that no announcement had been made as to whether local boys will receive the HPV vaccine. Cancer Focus NI has already urged the Department of Health at Stormont to provide clarity on whether or not funding will be made available to ensure boys here will benefit from the vaccine along with those in the rest of the UK. Dr Prue said: “HPV is a very common sexually transmitted infection that can cause a range of cancers (cervical, vaginal, vulvar, penile, anal, and oral) as well as genital warts. There has already been a vaccination programme for 12/13 year old girls here since 2008. The Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation recommended in July that boys as well as girls should receive this vaccine to ensure that

both sexes are protected against the cancers and other diseases caused by HPV. “By the end of July, it was confirmed that boys in England, Scotland and Wales would be vaccinated and work on implementation is now underway in those regions. It is expected that these boys will start to be vaccinated from September next year. We are also expecting confirmation that Ireland will decide to vaccinate boys in the near future.” Gerry McElwee, Head of Cancer Prevention, Cancer Focus NI, said: “There is clearly a very real danger that boys in Northern Ireland will be left behind – and therefore remain at risk of potentially life-threatening diseases. The Department should consider using new powers recently legislated for at Westminster to ensure local boys are not disadvantaged, as it is a decision that sits squarely ‘in the public interest. There’s an urgent need for an implementation plan to enable the roll out of a vaccination programme for local boys by next September. This should include a PICTURED Councillor Jim Rodgers, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and Mr John Davidson, H&W Welders FC Treasurer

#46 News in brief

You can sind out more at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/investment

catch-up programme for boys which parallels that available for girls and vaccine uptake.” Dr Gerry McKenna, from QUB, who is Chair of the British Dental Association NI (BDA NI) Hospital Group, said: “We’ve seen a rise in the number of mouth and throat cancer cases in recent years and the number of cases looks set to double by 2035. Major risk factors of mouth cancer are tobacco use and drinking alcohol and a number are related to HPV exposure – cases which would be easily prevented by the introduction of this important vaccine to boys. “We stress that early diagnosis can really make the difference. So check your mouth regularly and make sure you visit a dentist regularly as dentists are trained to diagnose diseases of the mouth including oral cancer.”

Cancer Focus NI and its partners, QUB, Men’s Health Forum Ireland, BDA NI and the HPV Coalition have written to the Department of Health and political representatives stressing that a girls-only vaccination programme is inequitable and demanding urgent action. Other speakers at the conference included Professor Joe O’Sullivan, Belfast City Hospital, who gave an update on prostate cancer research: improving lives and lifestyles. Barry Rooney, from the South East Trust, addressed the conference about the work being done at HMP Maghaberry, Sandra Gordon from Cancer Focus NI and Paul Thompson, Probation Board NI, spoke on the PBNI Lifestyle project, and Maresa McGettigan, from Cancer Focus NI, talked about The Big Lottery Fund Well Aware project for the over 60s.

Blanchflower Kicks Off £2.3 Million Development

East Belfast Mission Launches Changing Lives Campaign

PICTURED Sam Reed with Sandra Gordon, coordinator of the charity’s Keeping Well service, which brings health services into the heart of local communities. Sam, who has an MSc in biobusiness has come through lymphoma. He is currently volunteering with the Cancer Focus NI schools programme which teaches children about healthier lifestyles to help reduce their risk of cancer in the future.

• FITNESS

ouncillor Jim Rodgers, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee and Mr John Davidson, H&W Welders FC Treasurer, kick off the first phase of a £2.3 million development at the Blanchflower Playing Fields. The 15-month project, supported by the council’s Belfast

Investment Fund, will develop an Irish Football Association standard pitch, pavilion and associated facilities for the Welders club. In addition, council is also investing £1.1million to develop a 3G pitch for the local community on the site as part of their £325 million capital investment programme for the city.

Health Service Reminds People To Order Their Repeat Prescriptions Before Holidays

ealth authorities have made clear that a challenging winter period is expected across the UK, with heightened demand for hospital, GP and social care services. Requests for repeat prescriptions are among the top 5 reasons why people ring the GP Out of Hours service. In the first ten months of this year, GP Out of Hours services across Northern Ireland received 20000 calls from people who had run out of medicine or forgotten to order their repeat prescriptions. In the run up to the Christmas and New Year holidays, the Health and Social Care Board is reminding

people to plan ahead and get their repeat prescriptions before their own GPs close for the holidays. The Health and Social Care Board, Public Health Agency, Belfast Health and Social Care Trust, local GPs, pharmacists and dentists have been working to ensure that people have access to urgent care services over the holiday period. Self-care is the best choice to treat minor illnesses, ailments and injuries. You can find information about a range of common illnesses such as aches and pains, coughs, colds, upset stomachs and sore throats using

the new symptom checker on nidirect. Most of these conditions can be treated with over the counter medicines and plenty of rest and whether treated or not, most of these will get better. As part of the Stay Well This Winter campaign, we are encouraging everyone to look after themselves and take actions that will help them stay well this winter. Information on how to use your health services can be found at: https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/ campaigns/stay-well The Health and Social Care Service would like to wish you a safe and healthy Christmas and New Year.

The inspirational new initiative which tells the story of how the local charity have helped over 9000 vulnerable people in East Belfast make positive changes in their lives over the last 6 years. The staff and volunteers at East Belfast Mission currently work with hundreds of people from Inner East Belfast, providing accommodation and help for the homeless, help unemployed individuals get work and offer counselling for mental health. The Changing Lives campaign includes a series of films featuring local people who have benefitted from the support, including 20 year old Natasha who found herself homeless due to leaving an abusive relationship. Natasha commented; “When I hit rock bottom, the East Belfast Mission team were like a family to me. They helped me rebuild my life and gave me back my future.” Natasha’s story features in this short film https://bit.ly/2BJdURi which was launched on Tuesday 4th December, 2018. The charity hopes that the campaign will inspire more local people to benefit from their life changing services.

Hair

The Art

“IM TOO CREATIVE FOR A NINE TO FIVE” SRHairdressing are currently looking for a Hair Stylist to join the team

*Run a column on a day to day basis *Cutting men, women and children’s hair *Applying colour with confidence *Advising clients on before & aftercare & retail products *Keeping up to date with the latest trends *Learning new hair styling techniques and a willingness to attend training *Great customer service *NVQ level 2 or above (stylist)

We are also looking for a Trainee Hairdresser Have you just started hairdressing? Duties include shampooing, welcoming clients etc.

Contact Sabrina through PM or telephone the salon

26 Sandown Road | Ballyhackamore | BT5 6GY Tel 028 9065 8579

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HOW TO BLOW-DRY HAIR THE EASY WAY You always need styling products when blowdrying your hair, weather its to protect the hair or give volume and shine they all help you blow-dry your hair safely and properly. I would always start my blowdries off with a paddle brush (Denman brush, you can purchase these in Boots or any large supermarket , and a round brush (create volume in the hair) a nozzle attachment for your hairdryer and a large hair grip. STEPS ON HOW TO BLOW-DRY YOUR HAIR! If at all possible, don’t use the high heat settings of your blow-dryer. The air should feel comfortable on the back of your hand. Keep your distance! Blow-dry your hair from at least 8 inches away. using the paddle brush, blowdrying your hair in the opposite direction on where you want it to go , this creates smoothness from the roots area and also volume, do this until hair is 70% dry then section off and blow-dry and

smooth with the round brush. I recommend dividing the hair in several portions and securing the strands with large hair clips or grips. This is the best solution for how to blow-dry your hair. Work your way up blow-drying your hair from the neckline to the crown of your head so that you don’t hit the same strand of hair multiple times. The diffuser attachment of your blow-dryer spreads out a more even air stream. This also prevents exposing individual strands of hair to too much heat. If your hair is fine you should set the air stream to low.. Blow-dry the hair from the roots to the ends. This technique provides smooth cuticle layers, which are the basis for healthy, shiny, and well-protected hair. You should keep the hairdryer moving constantly to avoid applying too much heat in a single spot. Once you are done blowdrying your hair, briefly apply a stream of cool air. This cooling step closes the hair cuticles adding shine and gives your hair more elasticity

HAIR MASKS Hair masks are a saviour to our hair all year round Winter as we know can take an bad effect on your hair, with the wind, rain, snow and cold spells, and also the heated air adds extra stress and damage to our hair. THE PROPER USE OF HAIR CONDITIONING TREATMENTS To get the most benefit out of your hair treatments you need to apply them properly. Use a deep conditioning treatment once a week instead of your usual conditioner to effectively protects your hair. if your hair is badly damaged more frequent applications is needed. Using a widetoothed comb is the best way to evenly distribute hair treatments throughout your still damp hair. Combing the treatment through your hair ensures that every single hair benefits from the treatment. Toward the ends, hair is older, contains less sebum and is therefore more prone to damage, so it is best to first apply the hair treatment to the ends of your hair. wrap the hair in a warm towel and leave for 20 to 30 minutes .

Smartbond is a perfect treatment for the winter months, SmartBond is a simple twostep process that easily fits into your normal colour service

BELLAMIANTA RAPID MOUSSE SET RRP £22.50

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The proper blow-drying technique is gentle on your hair and leaves the hair with plenty of bounce and movement. Above all, it is important to use the right kind of hair dryer. The hair structure may be damaged if you blow-dry hair too long or use the high temperature setting. This can lead to brittle hair with split ends and an irritated scalp.

In Salon Treatments

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OF BLOWDRYING

BY SABRINA ROBINSON | SR HAIRDRESSING

The ideal candidate for this role should possess the following:

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Features Dec 18

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Your stylist will mix the first treatment in to your usual colour or lightener. This helps to protect and strengthen your hair while the colour itself takes effect. the second part of treatment will be at the basin when your colour is being rinsed. You’ll be happy to know that it doesn’t increase the development time at all, and simply works alongside your colour to leave hair in great condition. It also can be used as a stand alone intensive treatment in the salon for those for those clients without colour .

LIS S E X TR EME

VITAMIN O COLOUR

(AVAILABLE AT SR HAIRDRESSING ) Loreal professional have masks for every hair type here are my top three: 1. Liss extreme for frizzy course hair. 2. Vitamino colour to protect coloured hair. 3. Absolute repair for damaged hair.

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WWW.SRHAIRDRESSING.COM 26 SANDOWN RD • BELFAST • 9065 8579 • SRHAIRDRESSING@HOTMAIL.COM

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Features Dec 18

What’s Happening?

Mums & Tots

Classes & Events

MONDAY

CALVARY MUMS & TODDLERS. 10.30-12.00am. £1 per family.100 Dee St, BT4 028 9073 2331 EAST END BAPTIST TINY TOTS (Westbourne street). Each Monday during term time 10:30-12noon. £1 donation. Tel: 07786 962220. LITTLE STARS The Salvation Army 110 Cregagh Rd Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 p/family. 10-12 term time 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. SYDENHAM PARENT & TODDLER Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family. Inverary CC, 028 9047 1456 ST FINNIANS 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793. WANDSWORTH MUMS & CHUMS 10-11.30am. Wandsworth CC. £1. 26a Belmont Church Rd. 07903 674698

TUESDAY

ALBERTBRIDGE CONGREGATIONAL 10.30-12.15. Woodstock Link. Donation £1 CFC MOPS & TOTS 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tuesdays) £1 for one child, £1.50 total for more. Tea/coffee/juice/snacks. CFC MOPS 9.30-11am (term time - alternate Tues) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast & creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 GARNERVILLE PRESBYTERIAN 10.15-11.45. Child’s Play - Tea, coffee, juice, snack. £1 p/family. MERSEY STREET PRESBYTERIAN. 10-11.45am term time. £1. 028 9065 7025 MCQUISTON TODDLERS 10-11.30am. Toast, juice, tea, coffee & biscuits. McQuiston Memorial, 83 Castlereagh Road. MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH 10am Toddler Group. Tel 07905 144070. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. ST DONARDS CHURCH 10am-12 Bloomfield Avenue Tel: 028 9065 2321 £1 for adults. Tea/coffee/juice STRANDTOWN BAPTIST TOTS 10.00- 11.30am (term time) Strandtown Baptist Church, 1 Clonallon Court BT4 2AB Tel: 028 9080 8380 £1 per adult TOTS & CO 10.15- 11.45am (term time). Cregagh Methodist Church. £1.50 per family (juice/snack & tea) 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

WEDNESDAY

BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN 10-11.30am Phone 028 9047 1103. 447 Beersbridge Rd BUSY BEES 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Rd CFC Teen MOPS Fortnightly in term time.10-11.30am. Breakfast and crèche. £1 per Mum. 10 Belmont Rd @teenmopsbelfast on FB MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30am Toddlers SMALLTALK @ ORANGEFIELD 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road. 02890 799391 orangefield.org.uk ST COLMCILLE’S PARENT & TODDLER 10am term time St Colmcille’s Parish Hall (opposite Tesco’s) in Ballyhackamore. Men looking after young children welcome. 191a Upper Newtownards Rd WILLOWFIELD LITTLE LAMBS TOTS GROUP 10-11.30am term time. Willowfield Church Hall, 290-296 Woodstock Rd.

THURSDAY

123 TOTS 10-11.45am Exchange Church, Albertbridge Road (opposite Keens in the old YMCA building) BLOOMFIELD METHODIST CHURCH 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade 028 9065 8946. CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN 10am mothers & toddlers. Tel Josephine 028 9065 4181. 102-104 Cregagh Road CREGAGH MUMS & TOTS 10-12pm Cregagh CC. Mount Merrion Avenue. Tel: 028 9040 1444 GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN Thursdays 10-11.30am. £1 per family. 161 Gilnahirk Rd. Tel: Laura 07708 000025 GLENMACHAN TOTS & TODDLERS 10-12 term time. Church of God, Glenmachan Road. Tel 028 9076 1676 glenmachan.org KIRKPATRICK MEMORIAL PRESBYTERIAN Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am. Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation KNOCK PARENT & TODDLER 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian. 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619. STRAND PRESBYTERIAN MUMS & TOTS 10-11.30am term time Strand Presbyterian, Connsbrook Avenue. £1 per family. Tel Lila 02890 768890.

FRIDAY

ESL TODDLERS FOR PARENTS FROM ETHNIC MINORITIES 10-11.30. The Micah Centre. Willowfield Parish Church ST COLUMBA’S MUMS & TOTS 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road WOODSTOCK LIBRARY RHYTHM & RHYME 10-10.30am. 0-4 years. 358 Woodstock Road. 028 9050 9239

BADMINTON CLUB ST Moluas C.O.I , 645 Upp Newtownards Rd ,BT4 3LR. 8pm10pm. New members welcome. 07882 058198. BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Ballyhack Book Pack Adult reading group (1st Mon of month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Make with Mum – Do with Dad for pre-school children (0-4 year old) accompanied by an adult. Simple craft for parent and child. All materials provided. Page-turners Book Group for 9-11 year olds every third Monday September-June. Booking essential. 9:15-12 Ballyhackamore Crime Reading Group (2nd Mon of the month) 7pm. BEAN BLESSED Bloomfield Ave Congregational Church Tea/ coffee, scones, pastries. 10.30-12 BELMONT TOWER The Programme 6.30-8.30pm. 028 9076 1172 CREGAGH CRICKET CLUB Gibson Park Avenue 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 9 & Under 11 cricket training. CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Cub Scouts. 6.30pm. Tel 07809 205579. 102-104 Cregagh Rd DUNDONALD WOMEN’S INSTITUTE First Monday of month (excl Bank Holidays) Moat Park Pavilion, Dundonald, 7:30 pm. New members welcome. HARDING MEMORIAL Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Clare 07905 556825. EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG EBM Homework Club (P4-P6) 3.30–5.30pm. Contact Hannah Ferguson 028 9045 8560. JUNIOR BOYS CLUB (FREE) 6pm-7pm @ St. Judes Parish, Ravenhill Rd P1-P6; Football, craft & games. MENS BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 1.30pm-4pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Holywood Rd, BT4 .nistars.com. Singing & dancing 7-8pm TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH GB Teenies & Explorers (3-8yrs) 6.30-7.30pm, Juniors (9-11yrs) 6.30-8pm, Seniors & Brigaders (12-18 yrs) 6.30-8.30 Contact Carol 07813 117453. Presbyterian Women’s Group (2nd & 4th Monday of month) 8pm TEL JEAN 02890 486492 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Mindful Colouring for adults. 10.30-11.30am 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

TUESDAY

15TH NI GIRLS BRIGADE Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.157.15pm explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm juniors (8-10) 7.00-9.00pm company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm tel 07783 408609 ARDENLEE LADIES BOWLING CLUB Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue. 028 9058 6446. Also meet on Thursdays. BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. ART CLASSES - Book your place in Ballyhackamore Library’s monthly art class (Adult). 10-12. BELMONT TOWER Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 8pm-10pm. Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm. EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG EBM Women’s Group 7pm-9pm. EBM Homework Club (P4 – P6) 3.30–5.30pm. EBM Choir practice (age 17+) 5.45 – 6.45pm. Time Out 12.30-12.50. Mens Bible studies 10.3012pm. Rang Comhra 7-9pm. GILNAHIRK LADIES GROUP Stye Brae Centre @ Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church 10.30-12 MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Senior puppet club. 4.30pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690. Learn to dance. 7.30pm, Ballroom, sequence & Latin. Tel 07547 801383. MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30am Open Door. 2.30pm Senior Citizens (1st&3rd Tues of month). 6.30-7.45pm GB Explorers. 6.30-8pm GB Juniors. 7.30-9.30pm GB Seniors & Brigaders. 8.15pm -PW (2nd & 4th Tues) NI FAMILY HISTORY SOCIETY 4th Tuesday of the month. Sept-Jun. 7.30pm at Holywood Arches Library. www.nifhs.org ORANGEFIELD BAPTIST 3.00pm to 4.00pm “Friendship meeting” Come and enjoy cup of tea/coffee and a chat and some fellowship. Everyone warmly welcomed. TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Mixed Bowling Club – 7.30 / Cell Group - 7.30 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm Yoga 10.30--11.30, Irish dancing for kids 5--6, Aerobics 7--8 and Boxing Fitness 8.15-9.30.

Welcome to Loop Your free local monthly with a difference

Keep It Local A family owned business based In East Belfast

WILLOWFIELD CHURCH HALLS Open House 10.00am – 1.00pm Free tea, coffee with sweet treats & chat for anyone and everyone. Also free gym open, internet access and monthly craft activities. Debt help, Job Club & food store. WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Adult reading group (general). First Tuesday of the month. Adult reading group (crime). Last Tuesday of the month. 6.45-7.45pm. 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

WEDNESDAY

29TH NI GIRLS BRIGADE Cregagh Congregational. Explorers (3-7) 6:45-8:15pm. Company Section (8-18) 6:45-10pm. Helen 07938 521823. AVONIEL COMMUNITY GARDEN Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 1pm - 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 BELMONT TOWER Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm-9. NI Orchid Society 6pm-8pm. Mindfullness 6.30pm-8.30 CREGAGH CRICKET CLUB Gibson Park Avenue, 028 9045 9440 6.30pm Under 13 & Under 15 cricket training. CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN For seniors - “Evergreens’. 3rd Wednesday of the month. 2.30pm. Tel Barbara 07752134435. second and fourth Wednesdays of each month, 2 pm-3.30pm. Tea and Talk Together: All age dementia friendly get-together with games, music and refreshments. Contact Ruth 07753 709108. Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507. Squirrels. 6.30pm. Tel Laura 07597 684104 102-104 Cregagh Rd EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians 10am-12pm. Ladies Senior Friendship Club 2pm-3.30pm. Street Soccer five-a-side Avoniel Leisure Centre 1-3pm. Bible Studies general group 7.30-8.30pm. GILNAHIRK HORTICULTURAL & CIVIC SOCIETY 1st Wednesday of the month (Sep-May) 8 - 9.30pm Gilnahirk Presbyterian. GILNAHIRK MENS GROUP 10.30am – cuppa,chat, visiting speaker. Jack Britton Hall, Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church (October-April) GIRLS BRIGADE Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3yrs-P4 6.15pm.P5+ 7.30pm KNIT & CHAT Dundonald Methodist Church (Rank Road) on alternate Wednesdays, 2-4 pm. Very friendly group who will make you very welcome. Come along and enjoy the fellowship. Enquiries 02890 486247. LUNCHEON CLUB For senior citizens. 12 noon. £1.50. Cregagh Methodist. Pre book on 028 9045 7564. MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690. Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149. MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN 7.45pm Midweek Prayer. ORMEAU TABLE TENNIS CLUB Kids beginners table tennis 6.30-7.30. Adults beginners table tennis 7.30-9. 113 The Mount. OVER 60’S LUNCH CLUB Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book. STRAND ARTS CENTRE “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows £3.50 TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Cell Group – 7.30 / House Group – 8pm. 154 Comber Rd WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm. Sewing 10am-12. Flower Arranging 1.30-3.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm YOUTH DROP IN (FREE) 4-30-6pm @ St.Judes Parish Church Ormeau Rd. Secondary school youths. Pizza, snacks, chat. WOODSTOCK LIBRARY One to one beginners computer lessons. Booking required. 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

THURSDAY

BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential. BALLYMACARRETT BOWLING CLUB If interested in bowling, your local club is looking for new members. If you have played before or want to try come along to Ravenhill road green on a Thursday night From 6:30 onwards, you will be made welcome. Contact John Armstrong 02890 294 249. First few fixtures are : 21/04/18 Donaghadee b v 1st Ballymacarrett (away) 28/04/18 1st Ballymacarrett v 58th old boys (Home) 05/ 05/18 Lagan Valley v 1st Ballymacarrett (Away) BELMONT TOWER Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm. Yoga 6-9pm. CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies. 6.30pm. Vicki 028 9045 8208. Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Rebecca. Email 93rdbelfastrainbows@gmail.com EAST BELFAST HISTORICAL SOCIETY Second Thursday of the month, 7.30pm at the Oxford Suite, Park Avenue Hotel, 158 Holywood Road, Belfast, BT4 1PB. September to May.

EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Over’s Luncheon Club 12.30-2pm. Homework club (P4-P6) 3.30–5.30pm. Bible Studies, women 6.30-7.30 fortnightly. MIXED BOWLS Cregagh Methodist. 7-10pm. Learners or just sit and chat. All welcome tea & coffee provided MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829. MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 10.30-Midday Open Door. 6.30-7.30pm BB Anchor Boys.6.308pm BB Junior Section. 7.30-10pm BB Company Section SENIOR CITIZENS LUNCHEON CLUB Midday @ Ballymac Centre. STRAND ARTS CENTRE Weekly screening of classic film TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Parent and Toddler Group – 10.30-12 noon BB - 6.30 Contact – Irene Mornin - 02890 486475 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY 028 9065 1668. Boot Camp 7-8 and Core Combat 8.15-9.30. Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club each day 2 - 6pm

FRIDAY

AIKIDO MARTIAL ARTS CLUB Belfast Aikido practice on Friday evenings 6:30-9pm and Saturday mornings 9-11am then 11-1pm in the Dojo at unit 9, 45 Ravenhill Road. Contact 07976 758908. ALBERTBRIDGE CONGREGATIONAL 6 Woodstock Link. Friday Friendship. 10.30-12.30pm. BALLYHACKAMORE LIBRARY 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story. 3.30pm. Tea & Newspapers 9 am-12pm. Mindful Colouring, adult colouring 9am-12. Board Games - Come along and bring a friend for Chess, Scrabble, Draughts ….you decide. BELMONT TOWER Art Classes 10-1pm. CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Church open for quiet reflection 10.30-12 noon EAST END BAPTIST CHILDRENS MEETING 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun. MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11am-2pm Mens Lunch Club. 7.30pm Mixed Fellowship bowls SHILOH HALL 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12. STRAND ARTS CENTRE Teenage Kicks Film Club 4.15 WANDSWORTH COMMUNITY Climbing Tree Breakfast club for school children 7.30 - 9am & After School Club daily 2 - 6pm Painting for Pleasure 11am1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Boxing Fitness 8.15pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Knit and Natter 2.00-3.00pm.358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

SATURDAY

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDER Intervention for pre-school children with difficulty in communication and play skills. Parent & child intervention sessions. shootingstars@europe.com 07471 169685 AVONIEL COMMUNITY GARDEN 1-3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 ENGLISH CLASSES 10.30am to 12.15pm at Strand Church, 161 Connsbrook Avenue, Belfast. Free. All are welcome, including beginners. MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH SunshineFit Kids - keep fit. SKAINOS BUILDING SKAINOS.ORG Walking Group on selected Saturdays at 10am. Contact Gary Allen on 028 9045 8560. STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NISTARS Stage school. 10-1pm WOODSTOCK LIBRARY Storytime (4-8 years) 10.00-10.30am 358 Woodstock Road. Tel 028 9050 9239

SUNDAY

CONNSBROOK AVENUE CONGREGATIONAL 11am & 7pm CREGAGH PRESBYTERIAN Worship 11 am and 7 pm second and third Sundays EAST BELFAST MISSION SKAINOS.ORG Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche. Sunday school available for primary school kids. KINGDOM HARVEST CHURCH, BELFAST Sunday Worship 11am. "Superchurch" for Children 6-12yrs @ Ballyoran Community Centre, Rosneath Ct, Dundonald MOUNTPOTTINGER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 11.30am Morning service. 6.30pm Evening service. MOUNT MERRION PARISH CHURCH KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm. STRAND ARTS CENTRE & NI STARS Singing & dancing 1.30-3.30. Sat Minors Film Club @ 12 THE SALVATION ARMY - BELFAST TEMPLE Family Worship 10.30am with band and choir and children’s activities from 11am. 110 Cregagh Rd. All Welcome! TULLYCARNET PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Sunday Worship 10.45am & 6.30pm Junior Church 11.10am

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