The Loop : East Belfast October 2015 by Loop Publications

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www.facebook.com/TheErinThomsonMemorialTrust

Erin Thomson Memorial Trust to Construct a Play Park IN GILNAHIRK

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted to be involved with the Erin Thomson Memorial Trust and its play park in Gilnahirk, Dundonald. Family members formed this local charitable trust after the premature death of young Erin on 2nd June 2012. The Trust has several objectives, one of them is to promote the benefits of sport, and physical education to children and young people aged 0-18

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PICTURED L-R:

The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, Sonya Thomson (Mother), Neville Thomson (Grandfather), Director of Environmental Services, Heather Moore, Alan Thomson (Father) and the Chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, Councillor Brian Hanvey.

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hrough fundraising efforts, the Trust is now able to create a play park in Gilnahirk in conjunction with Wicksteed Playgrounds for children of a similar age of Erin to utilise, promoting active and healthy lifestyles for children, parents and grandparents whilst encouraging valuable family time. Members of the Erin Thomson Memorial Trust presented a cheque to the Council, which will enable the project and work on the play park to commence. The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett said, “I would like to praise the efforts of the Erin Thomson Trust and all those involved in raising a staggering amount of just over £36,000 in 2 years, it is absolutely tremendous. The play park will symbolise a little piece of happiness in what are tragic circumstances. I hope that the local residents and families will use and benefit from this fantastic facility and most importantly have fun in

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Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, Councillor Thomas Beckett

“

The play park will symbolise a little piece of happiness in what are tragic circumstances. I hope that the local residents and families will use and benefit from this fantastic facility and most importantly have fun in memory of Erin

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“

Picture by Darren Kidd / Press Eye.

memory of Erin.” Speaking about the project, Councillor Brian Hanvey, Chairman of the Council’s Environmental Services Committee, said, “It is hoped that this play park will be a lasting legacy to Erin, and provide countless hours of fun for children of all ages and families over the forthcoming years. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is supportive of initiatives that encourage physical activity amongst young people as the health and social benefits are important in improving their lifestyles. This memorial play park was first mentioned during the process of local government reform to the three former councils Lisburn City Council, Castlereagh Borough Council and Belfast City Council. Each council kept this initiative high on the agenda throughout reform; and the two new super councils would like to commend the Erin Thomson Trust for their substantial fundraising efforts and thank

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all those who contributed to this very worthy cause,” concluded Councillor Hanvey. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council echo the views of the Trust in that a children’s play park is a safe and pleasant shared outdoor space that will help promote active lifestyles amongst children, parents, grandparents and carers. Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council committed to delivering the project in partnership with the Trust and Belfast City Council, despite the changing Local Government boundaries on 1st April 2015. The construction of the play park will be managed by Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council and upon completion will become part of the wider Belfast City Council facilities. The Erin Thomson Trust hopes that this play park may help to combat the recent epidemic of childhood obesity, promote better community spirit whilst providing a valuable asset to the local community.

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CONTENTS

Welcome

#9 | www.loopmag.net | find us on facebook

October 2015

The biggest publication in East Belfast

COMMUNITY BAND HIT THE RIGHT NOTES

Concert Band is among one of the 32 groups chosen to receive valuable support from LIDL.

TITANIC BELFAST STILL MAKING HISTORY

3 years into its operations Titanic Belfast is still a major economic driver.

HEALTHCARE AWARD TRIUMPH

Edgcumbe Training & Resource Centre has been crowned ‘Best Kept’ Daycare Facility.

LOCAL BUSINESS THE LOWDOWN

All the latest from local businesses including news on a fantastic new launch!

THE GREENWAY NEWS FROM CCG

Connswater Community Greenway joins a special nationwide campaign.

GRANTS BOOST

LOCAL GROUPS BENEFIT

Guide Dogs NI will use a sensory tunnel thanks to a grant from Big Lottery Fund.

20 HEALTH & BEAUTY 22 UP ON CYPRUS AVE ALL THINGS WELLBEING TOO

Local advice and insight from the people in the know from health to hair to pharmacies.

Publications

Publisher, Editorial & Design Stuart Collins stuart@loopmag.net

ALL THE VERY LATEST local NEWS & FEATURES THIS MoNTH INCLUDING:

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STREET WISE

Aidan Campbell takes a look at Van’s recent triumphant concert conquest, Cyprus Avenue.

Sales & Accounts Juanita Collins juanita@loopmag.net www.loopmag.net LOOP PUBLICATIONS Ltd PO BOX 2145 BELFAST | BT5 9EZ Tel: 028 9070 1607 PUBLISHED In Association with:

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FOOD & DRINK TUCK RIGHT IN

Recipes from star Irish chef Neven Maguire and his new book focusing on healthy eating.

LOCAL SCHOOLS LESSONS LEARNT

The schools are back in class and they’ve hit the ground running. Here’s a round up.

THE ARTS

GET INVOLVED

We’ve got some great events from Creative Exchange plus a unique night for the city.

Leading property specialist in the heart of East Belfast, we provide Letting, Sales and Property Management Solutions to Landlord and Investor Clients.

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Loop Publications Any views expressed within are not necessarily endorsed by Loop Publications Ltd. Reference to any specific product or service 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.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

The biggest publication in East Belfast

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Have the solution! EAST BELFAST CADETS REACH FOR THE STARS The sky’s the limit for Army Cadets from East Belfast and Dundonald as they collected prestigious awards at a formal ceremony held recently at Queen’s University Belfast.

heir hard work and commitment to the Cadet movement earned them praise from Colonel Maurice Warnock, Commandant 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force who congratulated Dundonald girl Rebecca Scott on attaining the ultimate Cadet accolade of Master Cadet and presented East Belfast teenagers Dempsey Brown and Samuel Robinson with badges and certificates to recognize a range of achievements. Congratulating the talented teenagers, he said, “It is a pleasure to reward the drive and enthusiasm which lie behind this latest, impressive crop of awards. Today we recognize the Cadets’ hard work with badges and certificates, but there are long-term benefits too. Through their achievements these young people have attained maturity and qualities of leadership, teamwork and self-reliance which will stand them in good stead as they prepare for college, university and their adult life. “I congratulate not only the Cadets as they receive their awards, but also the Adult Instructors who have devoted considerable time and energy to helping ‘their’ Cadets to achieve their full potential.”

East Belfast RESIDENTS graduate from PwC Data Analytics Academy Annie McElhatton (top) and Maggie Ho (bottom) from East Belfast are among 16 local people who have successfully completed the PwC Data Analytics Academy. Pictured with Annie and Maggie are Department for Employment and Learning Head of Further Education Dr Mary McIvor and Pat Beattie, Technology Director, PwC.

PICTURED LEFT: Cadet Sergeant Major Rebecca Scott celebrates achieving Master Cadet and 4 Star status as well as earning her BTEC in Public Services. PICTURED RIGHT: From left, Colonel Maurice Warnock, Commandant 2nd (NI) Battalion Army Cadet Force, with Cadet Staff Sergeant Dempsey Brown who earned both 4 Star status and the National Navigation Award Scheme qualification and Cadet Corporal Samuel Robinson who attained his BTEC in Public Services, both receiving congratulations from Colonel Mike Murdoch MBE, Deputy Commander 38 (Irish) Brigade.

epartment for Employment and Learning (DEL) Head of Further Education Dr Mary McIvor has presented certificates to the 16 graduates from the Academy which h as provided them with the skills and experience required to take up new exciting opportunities being offered by PwC in their new and rapidly growing Data Analytics team. The graduates will now be interviewed for available jobs within the company. Speaking at a graduation event at PwC’s offices in central Belfast, Dr McIvor said: “I wish to congratulate everyone on successfully completing the Academy. This model provides employers like PwC an opportunity to be involved in developing a tailored training programme, whilst allowing graduates to refine their skills to meet the needs of the employer. The Academy model continues to prove a success and is an excellent example of how DEL supports graduates in finding employment. We have a vast wealth of skills amongst our graduates, and the Academies are an extremely effective way of harnessing those skills to benefit local companies and grow our local economy.” The Academy has been designed by the Department for Employment and Learning, PwC and Belfast Metropolitan College (Belfast Met) under the Assured Skills initiative. Targeting graduates from any discipline, the Academy provided them with an intensive eight week training programme in Data Analytics. The ceremony was attended by Academy trainees along with representatives from Belfast Met and PwC. The Department for Employment and Learning is running the Skills to Succeed campaign encouraging the public and employers to find out more about the range of programmes and assistance that are available. Visit nidirect.gov.uk/skills or call 0300 200 7876. Follow the “Skills to Succeed” campaign on Facebook at: facebook. com/SkillstoSucceedni or on LinkedIn at: linkedin.com/ company/dept-for-employment-and-learning-ni.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

The biggest publication in East Belfast

/// The News In Short

PICTURED: Jill Shaw, Abigail Gibson, Saffy Shaw and Emily Smyth from the Dundonald Community Concert Band are pictured with Lidl Community Works Ambassador.

Halloween celebrations set to ‘rock’ Belfast

www.lidl-ni.co.uk

Dundonald Community Concert Band visited by the Lidl Community Crew

ocal community group Dundonald Community from Lidl as part of the retailer’s Community Works initiative and today they reaped the benefits as the Lidl Community Crew visited them in the Bangor Store for a pop up performance. The crew presented the group with funding to buy new instruments. The Lidl Community Works initiative launched in June of this year and will see Lidl Northern Ireland backing local community groups and projects from all over the province to the value of £200,000.

Lidl had the help of a star studded judging panel, including Rory Best and Zoe Salmon, who had the difficult task of choosing the final 32 groups from over 2,000 nominations. After the visit from the crew, group spokesperson, Jill Shaw said, “We are thrilled to have been chosen as one of the final groups. We are dedicated to offering anyone of any age or musical ability a place to come together, play music and improve on their musical skills. We are just about to celebrate our 10th and it feels great to be recognised for our efforts. We are so thankful to Lidl for this opportunity and we’re really excited about the new prospects their donation will help us to fulfil”.

NM from the Lidl Community Crew was proud to be taking part in the campaign, “This is the stage we’ve all been waiting for – the chance to get out and about into the heart of communities right across Northern Ireland to see first-hand the great work that each of the groups has been doing in their local areas. We’re delighted to be able to give something back to those that need it most and hopefully this support will help them out on their journey.” The final projects selected range from dance academies and musicians, nursing homes and crafters, and everything in between. The full list of 32 projects can be found on the website at... www.lidl-ni.co.uk

Launching this year’s ‘Carnival Rock’ themed Halloween Monster Mash at Titanic Belfast are Mia and Lorcan Clancy with Belfast Lord Mayor Arder Carson and Stephen Clements and Cate Conway from Q Belfast’s City Beat. Hosted by Belfast City Council with support from Q Belfast City Beat, the spooktacular event will take place on Saturday 31 October at the Titanic Slipways from 4pm-7pm closing with the largest fireworks display in the city. For more information, visit www.belfastcity.gov. uk/halloween or call Visit Belfast Welcome Centre on (028) 9024 6609.

East Belfast Community Development Cafe First Friday of each month for an hour from 9.00am to 10.00am. This is a new networking opportunity for community workers who: Want to receive community, funding and policy news that’s relevant to their group or project; Are under pressure to manage their time carefully; Fancy a cup of tea or coffee and a bacon sandwich on a Friday morning! This is not a formal round-table meeting. Information and news will be displayed on boards around the café. Anyone who attends each month will receive an email summarising of all the displayed information the following Monday. The venue will be the Fitzpatrick Hall in East Belfast Network Centre, where a cup of tea or coffee and a bacon sandwich will be available. Community Workers are asked to make a voluntary donation of £3 each to cover costs. For more information on the cafe event you can contact Jonny Currie at 9045 1512 or you can email jonny@ebcda.org.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

The biggest publication in East Belfast

/// The News In Short

PICTURED LEFT: Rev Margaret Ferguson and Clare Watton, Release Group Manager www.capuk.org

CHRISTIANS AGAINST POVERTY CELEBRATES FIVE YEARS IN EAST BELFAST

hristians Againts Poverty (CAP) in East Belfast is celebrating five years of rescuing local people from the misery of personal debt! Over the years we have seen many people go debt free including 3 people in the last week! In May 2010, a group of local Church of Ireland parishes felt they wanted to do more to help people tackle their financial worries. They partnered with UK debt counselling charity CAP and received training to open a local Debt Centre branch at Willowfield Parish Church. Over the five years since the Debt Centre opened, CAP’s work in East Belfast has

grown to include a second Debt Centre at Strandtown Christian Fellowship Church, a CAP Job Club at Willowfield Parish Church and a CAP Money Management course which is run in many different locations. We are delighted that we are now launching a CAP Release Group which will link in with the other CAP services available to provide friendly, holistic support for local people. The CAP Release Group will be run in conjunction with East Belfast Mission and will start on 19 October at 6pm in the Skainos Centre. Rev Margaret Ferguson says, “We are

delighted to be able to partner with CAP to bring help to people who are struggling with addictions in East Belfast. Through this 8 week course and ongoing follow up, we will be able to help people to overcome dependency on things like smoking, drinking, gambling or shopping. These habits can lead people into debt and can ruin lives.” CAP Release Group Manager, Clare Watton said: “Dealing with dependencies and life controlling habits on your own is never easy but with the support of the Release Group, people will be able to take steps to change their lives.”

To access any of CAP’s free and impartial services, visit www.capuk.org or call 0800 328 0006

Nominations are now open for Belfast’s Age-friendly Older Volunteer Awards which celebrates the valuable contribution people aged 60 and over make to groups, organisations and communities across the city. Highlighting the broad variations in volunteering there are five different award categories to choose from. These include Older Volunteer of the Year Award, the Marie Mathews Participation Award, the Arts and Culture Award; Team/Group Award and the Intergenerational Award. Information and nomination forms are available from our website www.belfastcity.gov.uk/volunteering Nominations will close on Friday, 23 October. Award winners will be announced at a presentation event in Belfast City Hall in December. Lord Mayor, Arder Carson, said: “We work closely with older people and the Healthy Ageing Strategic Partnership on a regular basis and know firsthand the valuable contribution they make. We are working to create an Age-friendly city and these awards are very much part of that,” said Councillor Carson. We want older people to know that they are valued and listened to, that we appreciate their help in formulating policies that have a ripple effect on our wider society. I am sure we all know someone who does more than their bit for the community, let them know you appreciate it and nominate them for one of our awards,” added the Lord Mayor.

East Belfast Drug and Alcohol Stakeholder Forum The next meeting of this forum is on Tuesday 20 October at 2.00pm in East Belfast Network Centre. It is open to all community organisations and individuals in East Belfast with an interest in drug and alcohol-related issues. This meeting will feature a presentation from Belfast Health and Social Care Trust’s Drug Outreach Team on the needle-using community in Belfast. Contact jean@ebcda.org or call 9045 1512 to confirm your attendance.

Lisburn & Castlereagh Council holds First Community Planning Conference

EAST BELFAST Healthcare Facilities Recognised at ‘Best Kept’ Awards

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council, in partnership with the Local Government Training Group (LGTG), was delighted to host the first Community Planning Conference, ‘From Awareness to Commitment’.

Edgcumbe Training & Resource Centre has been crowned ‘Best Kept’ Daycare Facility in the Belfast Health Trust region at this year’s Open+Direct Insurance ‘Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards.’

ther winners from Belfast included 8 Hanna Street in the North of the City, which walked away with the prize for Best Kept Residential Facility and Millburn Close in Knockbracken and Suffolk Day Centre which were runners up in the Residential and Daycare categories respectively. The awards, run by the Northern Ireland Amenity Council, recognise the staff and residents of day-care, residential and healthcare facilities who showcased their dedication and pride in their workplace or residential care homes by improving their surroundings. All five of Northern Ireland’s Health Trust areas saw an overall winner and runner-up announced, with Foyle Hospice, Derry, taking the coveted ‘Best of the Best’ title. Speaking at the awards ceremony, Doreen Muskett MBE, Chair of the NIAC said: “We were extremely impressed by each of the entries in this category. The staff,

Nominate for Belfast’s Age-friendly Older Volunteer Awards

residents and volunteers at each facility do a sterling job in creating and maintaining such creative, beautiful and well-kept spaces and are to be commended for their wonderful efforts. Congratulations to all of the winners across the Belfast Trust region, whose hard work demonstrates just what it takes to be crowned a ‘Best Kept’ facility.” John Laverty from Open+Direct Insurance added, “Congratulations to Edgcumbe Training & Resource Centre and all the winners and runners up in the Belfast Trust area on their fantastic achievements. They provide a wonderful service to their communities on a daily basis and their accomplishments illustrate how the staff and volunteers involved go the extra mile to create tranquil and beautiful surroundings which are

an essential part of the therapeutic care provided. As sponsors of these prestigious awards it has been heartening to see so much time and effort expended in creating the right atmosphere at these facilities, which as well as being workplaces are often homes and communities of their own.” Speaking at the event, Richard Pengelly, Permanent Secretary of the DHSSPS said “I would like to congratulate all of the award winners in this year’s Best Kept Health and Social Care Facility Awards. These awards are a great way for health and social care teams and their clients to work together in an effort to make the very best of their shared environment. All participants in this year’s event are to be commended in what has been by all accounts a very successful competition.”

Delegates listened to an array of collaborative methods to aid in the development of a community plan for the Council area. Key factors included, effective engagement with the community, at all ages, and businesses, and the need for a shared vision in order to succeed. A busy programme was opened by The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, with welcomes from Alderman William Leathem, Chairman of the Governance and Audit Committee and Dr Theresa Donaldson, Chief Executive. Session one kicked off with Antony Clark, Assistant Director of Audit Scotland. He provided a comprehensive overview of the Scottish Experience of community planning and the importance of demonstrating a shared vision and the willingness to change. Following Antony, delegates heard from Cathy McCulloch, Co-Director of The children’s Parliament. Cathy provided an endearing but yet hard hitting message on why Children and Young People should be given a voice to help map the future – their views and ideas should be included and valued as part of the process. In session two, Chief Executive, from the South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust, Hugh McCaughey focused on ‘A Healthier, Happier Community’ and spoke about the requirement for an integrated approach to community planning. Working together to plan and deliver better services which make a real difference to people’s lives. Committed to making the community planning function work in the Council area Sean Wright, Superintendent of the PSNI, informed delegates of the challenges ahead and the crucial factor of community involvement, recognising the importance of a joint approach for success. The penultimate speech came from Steve Daly, Principal Leisure Manager at Preston City Council who drew upon his experiences on ‘Creating Active Communities’. He spoke about how the community shouldn’t just have to fit into the community plan but how the community plan should fit into the community. The final key note speaker of the day was Professor Tony Gallagher, Professor of Education and ProVice Chancellor from Queen’s University voiced his experience on how education is key to unlocking the future of our children. He also spoke about the need to take a multi-agency approach to community planning and that all party views should be considered.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

The biggest publication in East Belfast

www.translink.co.uk/metro

PICTURED L-R: Metro passengers June Seaton from South Belfast and Dorothy Robinson from East Belfast with Carol Lundy, Brand Manager, Translink and comedian Paddy McDonnell.

Saturdays forecast to be bright this autumn thanks to Metro Unsuspecting passengers using Translink’s Metro service on Saturday (5th September) enjoyed a one-off comedy gig to kick off Metro Saturdays – an initiative designed to spread a little happiness as well as cost savings to Belfast passengers this autumn. Northern Irish comedian Paddy McDonnell delivered gags on the move to passengers at Metro stops in the city to much laughter and surprise. Through Metro Saturdays, Translink is reminding passengers that leaving the car at home not only saves money, but also gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy a little ‘me time’ on board. Saturdays between 5th September and 17th October will feature a number of ‘Happy Metro Saturday’ activities for passengers to enjoy on board, from short story readings to brain training. In addition, day travel throughout Belfast on a Saturday will cost just £2 with a Daylink card or £2.50 cash fare from the driver; and the usual £1 fee will be waived for passengers purchasing a Metro Smartlink card on a Saturday during this time. Carol Lundy, Brand Manager with Translink said: “Metro plays an important role in Belfast and we understand the weekend is a precious time for our passengers, be they travelling across the city for shopping, leisure or to enjoy its many fantastic sights. We want to make sure passengers not only have a hassle-free travel experience with Metro but also save money by leaving the car at home and enjoy the ‘happiness factor’ that taking Metro offers. By sitting back and letting our drivers handle the driving, passengers have the time on board to use as they please.”

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How the Oil Club Works The East Belfast Oil Club works very simply by allowing our members to amalgamate their orders of home heating oil and to buy smaller quantities and get a better price than they would get if they ordered alone. You can order oil each month as required. The club is run by volunteers, no money passes through the club and it is free to join. The club works best when we have a mix of both large and small orders. www.dreamdoors.co.uk

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The amount we can save our members will be different each month and will depend on the total quantity we order and how many individual large and small orders we receive. In our first month’s order we saved all of our members an extra £22 compared to the cheapest quote and as much as £60 when compared to the most expensive quote.

Local resident Jon O’Hara and his partner Sarah have unveiled the brand new Dream Doors showroom which offers a kitchen makeover service at a fraction of the cost of a full re-fit

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“By offering a kitchen makeover we can transform the appearance of someone’s kitchen in less than 48 hours.”

ream Doors, is the UK’s largest kitchen makeover retailer and the Belfast showroom is its first in Ireland. The new store will be run by local resident Jon O’Hara and his partner Sarah (pictured). Jon will also hold the Dream Doors master licence in Ireland, with a remit to find additional franchisees both here and the Republic of Ireland. The new showroom was opened in a gala champagne ceremony by Dream Doors MD, Troy Tappenden. The Dream Doors kitchen retail franchise has a presence in almost 60 UK towns and provides a kitchen makeover service at a fraction of the cost of a full re-fit, by replacing cupboard doors and work surfaces to create a completely fresh look. “Dream Doors has been hugely popular all over Scotland,

England and Wales and I think people are going to relish the chance to get a kitchen makeover without weeks of hassle and disruption and at a far more affordable price,” said Jon O’ Hara, Dream Doors Belfast, showroom owner. “Lisburn Road is a wonderful location for the first Dream Doors showroom in Ireland, but Belfast really is just the start – in a few years there will be Dream Doors franchises all over Northern Ireland and the Republic.” Jon O’Hara joins Dream Doors after a long career in retail, working for brands such as Dream Beds and Currys. At Dream Beds he was an area manager with responsibility for all aspects of operations. As well as its kitchen makeover service, Dream Doors will also design and fit an entire new kitchen, as well as offering a host of

integrated appliances. All its doors are made-to-measure and of the highest quality, coming in a variety of different styles and colours to suit all tastes. “Dream Doors is a simple concept that works brilliantly well. Everyone loves their kitchen – it’s the most important room in the house for many people – but not everyone can afford the price of a full re-fit,” continued Jon O’Hara. “By offering a kitchen makeover we can transform the appearance of someone’s kitchen in less than 48 hours. We’ve already had fantastic feedback from our preshowroom customers and look forward to delivering an even better service now our new showroom is open.” Call Jon for a FREE Quote on 02896 622266. 220 Lisburn Road (opposite Tesco) www.dreamdoors.co.uk

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Read the terms and conditions and fill in and return a registration form to: East Belfast Oil Club, Ballyhackamore Credit Union, 171-173 Newtownards Rd Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3HZ. *You must be living in East Belfast/ Dundonald to join the oil club Place an order for the quantity you require before the next oil order deadline (dates published on the home page) by either: Dropping an order form into East Belfast Oil Club, Ballyhackamore Credit Union, 171-173 Newtownards Rd Belfast, County Antrim BT4 3HZ. Emailing eastbelfastoilclub@ gmail.com. Leaving a voicemail or text message on 07551337183 ** Please note once orders are made we consider them binding. Sit back while we contact different oil companies and negotiate the lowest possible price You will be contacted and informed of the delivery time, which company will be making the delivery and the total price. You pay the oil distributor as normal before or on delivery.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

Connswater Community Greenway flies the flag for national engineering campaign Phase two of the Connswater Community Greenway in East Belfast has joined a special nationwide campaign to show the public the positive impact civil engineering has on their lives.

he Institution of Civil Engineers’ (ICE) “This is Civil Engineering” campaign sees huge banners displayed on infrastructure projects across the UK telling the public what civil engineering is, but also making a clear link between the work taking place and how it will benefit the local community. Phase two has been developed by the East Belfast Partnership and is being delivered with Belfast City Council. It is funded by the Big Lottery Fund, Belfast City Council and the Department for Social Development. The Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s Rivers Agency is also working in partnership to deliver elements of the combined East Belfast Flood Alleviation Scheme, which will help to

www.specsavers.co.uk

Specsavers Connswater & Streamvale team up for Gruffalo Hunt Four year old Zach Bannon from Carryduff was the winner of the Gruffalo goodie bag at the recent Gruffalo Hunt at Streamvale Farm in association with Specsavers Connswater. To book an appointment go to www. specsavers.co.uk/stores/belfastconnswater or call the store on 028 9045 8156.

PICTURED Four year old Zach Bannon from Carryduff, pictured with his mum Daniella Diffin, director of Specsavers Connswater, Lynsey Caldwell (left) and Jenni Coates of Streamvale.

reduce flooding to 1,700 properties in East Belfast. Farrans Construction was successfully awarded the Phase two construction, and is currently delivering construction throughout East Belfast. Arup is managing the Phase two design of the Connswater Community Greenway. When complete, the regeneration project will include a C.S. Lewis-themed civic square, 16km of new walking and cycling routes, six tourism heritage trails, several landmark public art pieces and more. It joins a host of other civil engineering projects around the country that have also raised their banners as part of the campaign or showcased their benefits via social media forums using the hashtag #thisiscivilengineering.

ICE Northern Ireland Regional Director Richard Kirk unveiled the banner at a launch event at the site on 16 September, also attended by Stephanie Meenagh of East Belfast Partnership, David Porter and Owen McGivern of Rivers Agency, Paul Sheppard of Farrans, and Arup representatives Carol Andrews, Reuben Lucas, Chris Caves and John McGill. Kirk commented: “The Connswater Community Greenway is a fantastic project offering huge social, health and environmental benefits to Belfast – it really shines a light on civil engineering and its importance to society, which is exactly what we are trying to illustrate through this campaign. The project is a prime example of how civil engineering

s well as the Gruffalo goodies he won a family pass to Streamvale and eyetests for his parents. Over 400 children took part in the Gruffalo Hunt, spotting the lovable monster and the other animals in the book on a special trail, on the bank holiday on August 31. Opticians from Specsavers Connswater were on hand to offer advice about eye health for all the family. “We are having great fun with the Gruffalo Hunt here at Streamvale” said Helen Morrow, Open Farm Manager, “Children really have to look carefully to follow the clues and parents get fully involved in the fun too. Everyone who tries gets a wee treat, but Zach was one boy who actually found the Gruffalo.” The Gruffalo trail will run until Hallowe’en, at Streamvale with more great prizes available during the week October 26 to 31. Lynsey Caldwell, Director of Specsavers Connswater, said: “Running theGruffalo Hunt with Streamvale has been an excellent opportunity for us to highlight the importance of having regular eye tests to ensure that there are no issues with children’s vision which could affect their early school years. During the first 12 years of our lives up to 80 per cent of everything we learn is taken in through our eyes, so good vision is vital for a child’s development. If your child does need glasses the NHS covers the cost and at Specsavers we also give children a second pair from our £64 or £85 ranges for free.Specsavers has a huge variety of children’s glasses to choose from, of course our popular Gruffalo range, as well Frozen, Star Wars, Marvel and Moshi Monsters frames. All Specsavers children’s glasses also come with SuperTough lenses as standard. The lenses are more impact resistant than plastic or glass and offer 100 per cent UV protection.

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improves quality of life for all members of the community.” Chris Caves, Project Director for Arup, commented: “Arup is delighted to be involved in this once- in-ageneration civil engineering project. The engineering not only provides enhanced public spaces and increased flood protection to local homes and businesses, but also provides very significant health and wellbeing benefits to the surrounding communities. Farrans Construction, as you can see today, is visible across a number of work fronts delivering the scheme to an excellent standard. This project is an excellent example of the positive and integral role civil engineers play in today’s society.”

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CRUSE Bereavement Care Events

CRUSE Bereavement Care in partnership with EBCDA are hosting the events CRUSE Bereavement Care in partnership with EBCDA are hosting the two events detailed below which are open to anyone living, working or volunteering in East Belfast: one is a short, informal information evening and the other is a workshop aimed at anyone supporting people who have been bereaved: CRUSE Bereavement Care Information Evening If you or someone you know has been affected by bereavement then you can find out how Cruse can help and meet Cruse staff and volunteers at this information evening. The session will run from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on Wednesday 14 October with registration and refreshments from 6.30pm. CRUSE Community Bereavement Awareness Workshop When you meet a friend, client or colleague after someone dies do you feel you don’t know what to say or how to behave? If the answer is yes, attending this Cruse Community Bereavement Awareness Workshop could help you to respond and support family members, friends, clients or colleagues following a death. The workshop will run from 9.30am to 2.00pm. on Friday 23 October with refreshments and lunch provided.

To register for either event contact Jean Higginson at EBCDA on 028 9045 1512 or jean@ebcda.org. Both programmes are delivered through the Together for You Project funded by the Big Lottery.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

uide Dogs NI has received a £9,990 grant from Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All programme. They are using the money to help them convert an old exhibition bus into a mobile sensory tunnel that will allow sighted people to better understand challenges faced by people who are blind and partially sighted. It is part of a Big Lottery Fund grants roll out today of £769,369 to 91 groups across Northern Ireland including £40,900 to groups across east Belfast.(See separate attachment for a full list of awards) Torie Tennant, from Ballymena (23) is a fundraiser, campaigner, and volunteer for Guide Dogs NI. Torie has been blind since birth and up until a couple of years ago, she was entirely reliant on her family and friends, which she found hugely frustrating. She was paired with her guide dog Ushi on her 20th birthday and has gone from strength to strength in gaining independence, working to raise awareness and change things for the better for blind people. Torie said many of the problems that blind people face every day could be helped if people understood blindness better; especially those with the power to make changes. “Once, I was going into a venue and the owner wouldn’t allow me to take my guide dog Ushi with me, because they didn’t understand. You feel crushed when that happens. When there are obstacles on footpaths and walkways it’s difficult, even with a guide dog.

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

EAST BELFAST GROUPS SHARE IN GRANTS BOOST FROM AWARDS FOR ALL Guide Dogs NI will use a sensory tunnel to help sighted people understand the challenges people with sight loss face every day, thanks to a grant from Big Lottery Fund.

Other Awards for All Projects in East Belfast

region, are using the £10,000 for an early intervention project at Cultra Folk and Transport Museum which will support children and parents from disadvantaged areas in Belfast.

Ballybeen Women’s Centre Limited

Templemore Swim School

Based in Dundonald, supports women, young people and children in the area. They are using the £9,230 to work with 60 women - including young mothers, lone parents, and those with limited qualifications - and 50 young people to increase their skills and reduce social isolation.

Provides swimming lessons to children from all sections of the community in east Belfast. The £1,800 is helping them to manage their membership more effectively electronically and also to provide lifeguard lessons including first aid courses for children.

The Education Authority

Promotes and preserves railway history of Belfast and Co Down and other related historical events. They used the £9,880 grant to hold an event in July

is responsible for all of the operational functions previously carried out by the Education and Library Boards. The EA - Belfast

www.givingnorthernireland.org.uk.

More NI groups line up to support Giving Tuesday The 2015 event was officially launched at East Belfast Community Development Agency. The first ever Giving Tuesday event in Northern Ireland was such a success that a call has gone out to charities and fundraisers to mobilise for this year’s event on December 1st. #GivingTuesdayNI was embraced by groups across Northern Ireland in a bid to raise cash, find volunteers and to improve awareness of the great charitable work being done by so many people, in so many places. #GivingTuesday is a grassroots movement that started nearly four years ago in the United States in response to the high volume shopping days of Black Friday (the day after Thanksgiving) and Cyber Monday – the busiest online shopping day of the year. It has been supported by The White House, Bill Gates, Hugh Jackman, Charlize Theron, Jennifer Lopez, Ringo Starr, Kevin Bacon, Heidi Klum, Lily Cole, Facebook and Google to name a few. #GivingTuesday has now swept across the globe creating an international day of giving. #GivingTuesdayNI is being co-ordinated by Giving Northern Ireland and The Charities Aid Foundation and last year saw a high profile campaign with creative activity from a range of charities. It was officially launched in East Belfast

Belfast & Co Down Railway Company

If business owners, public service providers and people in government understood what we face, our lives could be made so much easier.” The mobile sensory tunnel project will be in operation across Northern Ireland from next year. People will be blindfolded and will walk through a dark tunnel, smelling mown grass, hearing traffic and countryside noises, feeling surfaces that simulate grass, tarmac and paving, and walls of fencing and brick. It will be a brief but powerful insight into what it’s like to live with sight loss. It will give people a first-hand understanding of their heightened need to use all their senses, and of the everyday challenges blind people face. Ian Baxter-Crawford from Guide Dogs NI said: “The tunnel is only a few metres long but it is surprisingly disorienting. Time slows, people feel confused and fearful of being deprived of the sense they rely on the most for orientation and mobility. We want to bring this powerful educational tool to communities, businesses and authorities across Northern Ireland. We want to give people a taste of the challenges faced by someone living with sight loss.” The mobile sensory tunnel will be used from next year as part of Guide Dogs NI’s busy calendar of fundraising and awareness-raising events, managed by local support groups right across NI at events like the Portrush Airshow, Belfast Feile and The Bluegrass Music Festival.

2105 to mark the 75th anniversary of World War II evacuations from Belfast, by holding a commemorative walk along the former Belfast and County Down railway track bed, which is now the Comber Greenway.

Joanne McDowell, Big Lottery Fund NI Director, said: “The Big Lottery Fund’s NI Awards for All programme funds health, education, environment and community projects that help people bring about positive change in their lives, improve health and well-being, develop skills and create safer communities. The application process is

Community Development Agency - the site of the former Templemore Avenue Primary School. “So many people got involved last year and it was a really positive experience for Northern Ireland and it really showed the fantastic work being done by charities. This year we want to make it even better and bigger than before and we’d like people to get in touch and tell us what they are planning to do,” Sandara Kelso-Robb, Strategic Advisor with Giving Northern Ireland, said at a #GivingTuesdayNI celebration event in East Belfast. Participants from last year’s event were presented with certificates celebrating their accomplishments. Among them were Disability Action and the National Trust, who played an active part in the event. Clare Sheeran of Disability Action said: “It was brilliant to be involved with the first ever #GivingTuesdayNI and I would encourage all charities to join in this year. Around Christmas people are so focused on shopping and days like Cyber Monday and Black Friday and it’s nice just to take a little moment and think about giving – whether it’s a donation or giving your time to volunteer.” Disability Action used well-known people to help get their Giving Tuesday message out through social media with videos by Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers, U105 presenter Maurice Jay and musician Foy Vance. They used a text giving campaign and also did collections at Belfast City Airport and Glentoran Football Club as well as promoting the charity at The Giving Tree in City Hall where they encouraged people to post selfies of themselves at the tree.

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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.”

Application forms and guidance notes are available to download at www.biglotteryfund.org.uk. For more details call us on 028 9055 1455, or you can e-mail at enquiries.ni@biglotteryfund. org.uk

www.biglotteryfund.org.uk

Sandara Kelso-Robb (Strategic Advisor to Giving Northern Ireland) along with Wendy Elliott from the National Trust and Clare Sheeran from Disability Action

Wendy Elliott of the National Trust said: “Giving Tuesday helped us get the message out that the National Trust is a charity – many people don’t realise this and it’s really important to us. We had two calls to action for the public. We asked people to consider, when they were thinking of buying their Christmas tree, to donate £2 so that we could plant a native tree in Northern Ireland. We were also searching for volunteers to help at the house in Mount Stewart. We found Giving Tuesday was a great concept and the people of Northern Ireland are so generous. It’s great to have a day to focus on charitable giving.” For more information on #GivingTuesdayNI go to www.givingnorthernireland.org.uk.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

Local group Men Utd honoured with Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service for 2015 Back in 2008 a small group of senior men from both sides of the community in Belfast were brought together by Volunteer Now. The reason? Simply to try and combat the all too prevalent incidence of social isolation amongst older men, particularly those recently retired and in a somewhat state of limbo. The voluntary group has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK.

Men Utd is one of 187 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups to receive the award this year and they were honoured to attend a celebration in Belfast City Hall to accept this prestigious award from the Lord Lieutenant of the County Borough of Belfast, Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle CBE. Chairman of Men Utd, Nick Menhinnick had recently attended Her Majesty’s Royal Garden Party at Buckingham Palace to represent the group and had met with other winners of this year’s award. The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service is the highest award given to local volunteer groups across the UK. The awards were created in 2002 to celebrate the Queen’s Golden Jubilee and winners are announced each year on 2 June – the anniversary of the Queen’s Coronation. Wendy Osborne CEO, Volunteer Now said; “Volunteer Now offers support and some administration to the group and we are thrilled and proud that this wonderful team of men have received the Queens Award for Voluntary Service for their outstanding work in local communities – their time really does make a difference” The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service Committee Chair, former broadcast journalist Martyn Lewis CBE said: “I warmly congratulate all of the inspirational voluntary groups who have been rewarded for their community work with a Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service. The judging panel for this year’s awards were struck by the quality and breadth of all the successful groups. The thousands of volunteers who give up spare time to help others in their community and to help solve problems demonstrate the best of democracy in action.”

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Twenty Six Companies Sign Up to Affordable Warmth Scheme Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council is delighted that 26 local installation companies have signed up to be part of its Affordable Warmth Scheme to carry out energy efficiency and heating system works in eligible homes. These companies were represented at the Council’s recent information seminar on this scheme being delivered in partnership with the Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) and the Department for Social Development. It offers a package of energy efficiency and heating measures tailored to eligible households. Representatives of each partner organisation spoke at the information event detailing the Scheme to date and the process for registered installers. The Mayor, Councillor Thomas Beckett, speaking at the event said: “This scheme is aimed at targeting those in the Council area who are deemed to be living in fuel poverty. The Council is delighted to be managing the Scheme as it has a duty to improve the health and well-being for all our residents and this scheme can help us meet this aim.” The Council to date has been submitted 650 surveys to the NIHE and has 200 plus approvals pending. The monetary spend of energy improvements in the area to date is £495,000. If you are a householder and would like some further information on the Scheme, please contact the Council’s Affordable Warmth Team on 028 9244 7557.

EastSide AWARE Belfast Music’S Christmas Club NOW OPEN!

Belfast Music Christmas Club now open, £50 deposit will guarantee your instrument and you can simply relax and pay it off up to Christmas at your own leisure. Top brands such as Tanglewood and Cort Guitars from £119 , Roland and Casio Digital pianos from £549, Roland digital drum kits from as low as £329, Fiddles and Violins from Louie Stott and The Sound Post , Trevor James Saxophones and Flutes to name but a few. Call us now for more information on Tel 02890 481010 or call in and see us at Belfast Music, Unit 23 Hanwood Business Park, Kings Road, Dundonald, Belfast, BT161DE Let us take the stress out of your Christmas

A fantastic event taking place on 22nd October at James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors who have a long standing support of various community events over the years.

Over the many years James Brown & Sons Funeral Directors on the Newtownards Road have supported various local community projects ranging from helping local schools with the Time to Read programme, the Lagan Zip Line Challenge fundraiser for Meningitis research, abseiling down the Europa hotel in support of the Big yellow S.O.S. Bus, helping run Summer Bible Clubs, providing practical support to local children as they prepare for the forth coming AQE transfer test, supplying score cards for local Bowling clubs and providing East Belfast school children with reflective badges highlighting the

CHANCE FOR SCHOOLS TO LEAVE A LASTING LEGACY IN THE NEW NORTHERN IRELAND HOSPICE As the last year of the “Wall of Hope” appeal launches schools have the unique chance to be part of something amazing by helping to raise the final £40,000 required to complete the Relatives and Children’s Play Area in the new building.

National Be Safe Be Seen campaign. This autumn in partnership with our friends at the EastSide project we are delighted to be hosting an event entitled EastSide AWARE in our premises 300 Newtownards Road Belfast on Thursday 22nd October 2015 from 10.00am – 3.00pm. THE MAIN OBJECT OF THIS EVENT IS IN THE TITLE : AWARE: Awareness – Wellbeing – Assistance – Reaching out – Education To help promote and communicate this message we have invited many different local organisations to come together in one venue to showcase

and promote the various services and facilities they can offer. Here is a selection of the groups that will be represented on the day, Bryson Energy, The Men’s Shed, Belfast City Council- Safety in the Home & Recycling and waste Management, Trust Ford Mobility specialists, Fairways Funeral Plans, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service, Engage with Age NI, The Oasis Project, Crime Prevention, Makenzie & Dorman Solicitors, Co-Operative Food, Wendy Ferguson with her - Tails, Trails, Pet Taxis & Dog Walking , East Belfast Development Agency ,Disability Needs, East Belfast Independent

Advice, Citizens Advice Bureau, Four Seasons Nursing homes. We have been really encouraged by the willingness and support of these groups or organisations. Everyone is welcome to come along to this event, meet the professional representative’s, get the help and information you need and enjoy the free refreshments.

If you require any further help please contact Andrew or Lynsay at James Brown & Sons 300 Newtownards Road Belfast 02890 451021 who will be happy to assist you.

The Relatives and Children’s Play Area will be a key part of the new Hospice – an area where families can spend time together and play, providing some comfort, privacy and dignity at such a difficult time. Over the past two years 60 schools from across Belfast, Lisburn and East Antrim have supported the appeal. At the end of this year the crests of all the schools involved will be made into a ‘Tapestry of Hope’ which will hang in the new Northern Ireland Hospice leaving a lasting legacy for all schools involved. All schools will also have the exciting and unique opportunity of writing about their school community in 2015/16, which will be placed in a Time Capsule and buried in the grounds of Somerton Hospice, to be opened in 2041. On Thursday 22nd October all schools who have signed up for the third and final year of the appeal will have a unique opportunity to visit the site of the new Somerton Hospice and see first-hand how the new Northern Ireland Hospice is taking shape. When completed, the new Hospice will have 18 modern single en-suite bedrooms, a Day Hospice, an Outpatient Clinic, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy facilities, a dedicated Education and Research centre, special gardens for patients and families, the Relatives and Children’s Play area, as well as a Sanctuary and many other areas all designed to bring care and comfort to Hospice patients. For more info on the ‘Wall of Hope’ appeal or how your school can get involved in the exciting final year of the appeal, contact NI Hospice on 028 9078 1836 or fundraising@nihospice.org

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The Loop | October 2015 | News • Titanic Belfast is a unique public private sector partnership funded by the NI Executive, Belfast City Council, Belfast Harbour Commission and Titanic Quarter Limited. This partnership is critical to the project’s success alongside the high level cross party political support.

www.titanicbelfast.com

TITANIC BELFAST: THREE YEARS ON AND STILL MAKING HISTORY An independent report has today revealed that 3 years into its operations Titanic Belfast is proving to be a major economic driver, bringing thousands of tourists, generating millions in additional tourism spend, creating hundreds of jobs and is well on its way to exceeding its original targets.

ommissioned by Titanic Foundation Ltd, the charity set up to preserve Belfast and Northern Ireland’s maritime heritage and the owners of Titanic Belfast, the report, delivered by Deloitte, reflects on Titanic Belfast’s first three years of business, its impact and the potential for growth over the next few years. Highlights from Deloitte’s three year evaluation report, which is based on the period 1 April 2012 – March 2015, includes:

• Titanic Belfast generated £105 million in additional tourism spend for the Northern Ireland economy over its first three years, sustaining around 893 jobs each year in the wider economy.

PICTURED L-R Conal Harvey - Deputy Chair Titanic Belfast LTD, Nicky Dunn Chair Titanic Foundation, Jackie Henry - Deloitte NI Office Senior Partner

• There were 1.9 million admissions to the galleries; 150,000 conference delegates and 100,000 visitors to special exhibitions. Visitor numbers peaked in the first year of opening, with over 800,000 customers, and have continued to remain highly resilient with 700,000 customers to the galleries, exhibitions and conferences in year three. • Over 71% of visitors were from outside of Northern Ireland visited Titanic Belfast as well as 576,000 from Northern Ireland. • Over the last three years half a million visitors’ main reason to visit Northern Ireland was to see Titanic Belfast.

Festival of Light Belfast A free admission, non-religious, non-political Charitable Community event being held SAT 28 NOV, CRESCENT ARTS CENTRE BELFAST. A celebration of our inner light and a unique opportunity to explore new and uplifting perspectives to reveal how we may authentically and creatively express this for the greatest good. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, powerless or even depressed by constant exposure to images of darkness in the world as we are continually bombarded via television, internet, social media and newspapers with examples of man’s inhumanity to man and the abuse of our planet. Our inspirational guest speakers will draw from their compelling life stories and extraordinary work to shed light on how we can all make a difference. Jo Berry, who forgave her father’s killer, is featured in a screening of the profound documentary-movie Beyond Right and Wrong. This is a deeply moving film of forgiveness and reconciliation. *There will be an opportunity for audience Q&A with Jo after the screening* This will be followed by a short break for tea/coffee and homebaked cakes - vegan and gf options available. To close you’re invited to join in the beautifully simple candle lighting ceremony, each person lighting a candle from the one candle...accompanied by the voice and music of Edelle McMahon. Festival of Light Belfast promises to be a positive, uplifting and empowering experience which could transform how you see yourself and the world around you.

• Appointment of a private sector operator in 2011 has ensured the ongoing and future financial sustainability of the project. The report recommends that the relationship between the owner Titanic Foundation and the operator Titanic Belfast provides interesting learnings for other projects. • Its contribution to Belfast and Northern Ireland as a Tourism Destination is evident in the global visitor base it has attracted; the excellent feedback from visitors and tour operators; and in the number of prestigious international and national awards it has received. In 2015 Titanic Belfast won the ‘Best Visitor Attraction in Europe’ (European Group Travel Awards) beating the Eiffel Tower and London Eye. • Titanic Belfast has contributed to the unlocking of over £50 million public and private investment in heritage assets including HMS Caroline, SS Nomadic and the Harland & Wolff Head Quarters and Drawing Office. • Titanic Belfast’s success is the output of 10 years of project planning, relationship building,

development and implementation. Building on this success it is Important that there is a joint partnership approach on the vision for the next 10 years that include growing the experience, attracting more visitors, creating more jobs and development of linkages with other visitor attractions within Titanic Quarter and across NI. Welcoming this insightful report commissioned by Titanic Foundation Ltd, Andrew McCormick, Permanent Secretary of Development for Enterprise, Trade and Investment, said, “There has been sustained growth in tourism spend in Northern Ireland over the last 4-5 years, with tourism worth £750 million to the local economy in 2014. Titanic Belfast has played a major part in this success with over 2.5 million visitors to its galleries since opening. I would like to see tourism grow to become a £I billion industry by 2020 and award winning offerings such as Titanic Belfast ensure that Northern Ireland visitor experience has recognition on the international stage”. Nicky Dunn, Chair of Titanic Foundation, commented, “Deloitte’s three year report is a clear indicator of the important role Titanic Foundation has played in the concept and delivery of Titanic Belfast as well as the essential role it has played in the regeneration of the Titanic Quarter. This could not have been achieved without the bold vision of our funders and donors. The results are also testament to the commitment and hard work by

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the operator – Titanic Belfast, their management team and the 300 staff. Titanic Foundation is keen to build on the report’s achievements by continuing to work in partnership with public and private organisations to promote, preserve and develop Belfast’s/ Northern Ireland’s maritime and industrial heritage which will only help to enhance the Titanic Belfast experience for everyone to enjoy.” Jackie Henry, Senior Partner at Deloitte, said: “Our extensive analysis has found compelling evidence that the original projections and targets relating to Titanic Belfast’s economic, social and physical impact have been met and indeed exceeded. In particular Titanic Belfast has proved to be an economic driver, providing jobs, unlocking investment and a significant boost to tourism.” Conal Harvey, Deputy Chair of Titanic Belfast commented, “Titanic Belfast has enjoyed undoubted success over the last three and a half years, which can be measured not only by the 2.5 million visitors, but also by the five star customer service standards achieved by management and staff. It has placed Belfast and Northern Ireland on the national and international tourism map, with over 80% of all visitors coming from outside Northern Ireland, creating a huge financial benefit to the wider economy. Titanic Belfast looks forward to welcoming many more visitors in the coming years both domestic and international.” The Deloitte Executive Summary Report is available to download from www.titanic-foundation.org.

GUEST SPEAKERS Moyra Irving is a published writer and artist, teacher, counsellor and inspirational speaker. She believes we are all born to shine. An incredible guiding light herself, Moyra will share how we may express our miraculous lives through creativity. The sharing and celebration of life experiences are the subject of her “Life Stories” writing retreats. As co-founder of both The Extra Guest end-hunger charity and The Centre for Spiritual Growth and Healing in Staffordshire, Moyra provides free monthly community healing clinics, also educational workshops for MIND counsellors Jo Berry is dedicated to bringing light to areas of conflict around the world with her charity Building Bridges for Peace. She has spent the last 15 years working with Pat Magee, ex IRA man who planted a bomb which killed her Father. She speaks of the challenges and insights as well as how she has transformed her pain into passion for peace. Jo is a powerful, thought-provoking international speaker and activist and will leave us in no doubt that it is possible to bring light to the darkest of situations. Shona McCarthy is a huge beacon of light here in Northern Ireland having established several ongoing community projects. She has also spent time building Cultural relations abroad. Shona was CEO for the City of Culture Derry/Londonderry 2013, a huge and spectacularly successful feat which included the magnificent Lumiere, touching the lives of thousands and benefiting the community enormously, . Shona will illustrate how we may ignite the spark in ourselves and each other through the Arts and Culture/

An instant adventure for EAST Belfast’s Rab Wishart

Rab Wishart from East Belfast took an ‘adventure in an instant’ in Forest Feast’s photo-booth at Tesco Taste NI last weekend. The event, which celebrated Northern Ireland’s rich and vibrant food scene, celebrated over 60 local companies including family-owned dried fruit and nut experts Forest Feast. Forest Feast showcased their range of international ‘Street Food’ inspired snack products by transporting visitors through their photo booth to the exotic backdrops of India, Thailand, Sri Lanka, Spain and the USA. Tesco Taste NI took place in Custom House Square, Belfast, Friday 18th to Sunday 20th September.

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ST PATRICKS CHURCH OF IRELAND 155 Newtownards Rd, Belfast, BT4 3HX 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Jo : 07542 990597

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STRAND CHURCH 161 Connsbrook Avenue Sydenham, Belfast, BT4 1JT 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Michelle : 07857 131766

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BLOOMFIELD PRESBYTERIAN 447 Beersbridge Road Junction of Cyprus Avenue Belfast BT5 5DW 3.30pm, 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Deborah : 07708 373567

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GILNAHIRK BAPTIST CHURCH 2 Middle Braniel Road Belfast, BT5 7TU 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Ashleigh : 07731 420680

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MOUNTPOTTINGER METHODIST CHURCH 188 Albertbridge Road, Belfast, BT5 4GU 9.30am & 11.30am Tel Michelle : 07857 131766

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STORMONT PAVILLION Stormont Estate, BT4 3TA 9.30am Tel Iris: 07752 980720

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HARDING MEMORIAL PRIMARY SCHOOL 105 Cregagh Road Belfast BT6 8PZ 7.30pm Tel : Lindsay 07896 709234

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BRANIEL CHURCH (corner of Woodview Drive) Lower Braniel Road Belfast, BT5 6PY 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Ashleigh : 07731 420680

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COMBER RIFLE CLUB 17 Railway Street BT23 5HG 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Eleanor : 07891 609161

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ST ELIZABETHS CHURCH Church of Ireland Church Green, (opp library) Dundonald 5.30pm & 7.30pm Tel Michelle : 07753 745301

HOLYWOOD

HOLYWOOD CFC COMMUNITY HALL 108 High Street Holywood, BT18 9HW Tel Sally : 07738 713436 5.30pm & 7.30pm

*More people in the UK choose to attend a Slimming World group each week than any other weight loss group.

BLOOMFIELD CHURCH 447 Beersbridge Road Junction of Cyprus Avenue Belfast BT5 5DW 9.30am Tel Deborah : 07708 373567

BELMONT

BELMONT PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 92 Sydenham Avenue Belfast, BT4 2DT 9.30am Tel: Sally 07738 713436

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COMBER RIFLE CLUB 17 Railway Street, BT23 5HG 9.30am & 11.30am Tel Eleanor : 07891 609161

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COMBER *BRAND NEW MORNING GROUP COMBER RIFLE CLUB 17 Railway Street, BT23 5HG 9.30am Tel Eleanor : 07891 609161 **SPECIAL OFFER, 5 JOIN TOGETHER, GET 1ST WEEK FREE, PAY JUST £4.95 **

The Loop | October 2015 | News

Local Business

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www.huntsolicitors.com

OCTOBER IS HALF PRICE WILLS MONTH AT HUNT SOLICITORS! Keeping your Will up to date is a vital part of keeping your affairs in order. Whether you are in need of your first Will or it’s time to change an existing Will here are some answers to frequently asked questions we would get from clients. www.thehairbus.com

Belfast’s new and unique mobile gents salon ready to hit the road! There will be a range of services on offer which include:

• Precision hair cutting • Beard trims/shaping • Express facials • Traditional hot towel shaves EAST BELFAST business woman Emma Walsh has decided to break from tradition, removing herself from the high street delivering a new and alternative barbering experience. Emma said, ‘I felt it was time for something a little different, a break from the norm, so after careful planning and hours of research I sought out a former library bus and with the help of a highly qualified craftsman we set to transform it into a luxury salon on wheels.’ The bus has been fitted out to an exceptional standard which creates a relaxed enviroment to sit and unwind, there is plenty of room with a separate waiting area where a selection of tea, coffee and refreshments are available

accompanied by great music and reading material! The concept behind the business came about as Emma, who has worked in the industry for 17 years, became more and more aware of the time constraints put upon us. Emma continues, ‘The pressures of work can sometimes make it extremely difficult for men to find time to get away for a haircut , and Saturdays when free time is at a premium isn’t always ideal, so creating an appointment service for professionals at their place of work seems perfect!’ The Northern Ireland Science Park at Queens island, Weavers Court in the heart of the city and T13 shared cultural space at Titanic Quarter are

PICTURED: The stunning bespoke interior of the Hairbus kitted out with all the barbering essentials along with waiting area and refreshments. Plus the soon to be iconic exterior!

among locations already identified for the new business. As well as operating around the city The Original Hairbus Company will be offering a unique and personal experience for the grooms party on the morning of their wedding whether it be at home or the venue, providing the very best in wedding preparation, making it a hassle free morning for all to enjoy! ‘I am extremely excited to be bringing something new to Belfast and look forward to working with and meeting a wide range of new clients, bringing them welcomed convenience and something that little bit special just when its needed! Hopefully this is just the very beginning of something really great!’

To find out more visit www.thehairbus.com OR For more information please contact: Emma Walsh • The original hairbus company • Mobile: 07599 871626 • Email:emma@thehairbus.com

www.bsh-limited.com

EAST BELFAST’S BS HOLDINGS WARNS BUSINESSES COULD BE MISSING OUT ON SIGNIFICANT SAVINGS

PICTURED: Brian Hood, Managing Director, BS Holdings and Bill Henry, Energy Manager, Charles Hurst Group.

Northern Ireland companies could be losing up to £400,000 if they don’t proactively utilise a government incentive scheme designed to help businesses reduce heating energy bills and their carbon foot print.

Should my Will try to cover every eventuality? It can be tempting to try and make your Will cover a wide range of hypothetical scenarios, however you shouldn’t attempt to fit every possibility in to it. Your Will should be updated every few years. However particular attention should be given to your Will following certain life events such as marriage, divorce, death of a beneficiary, death of an Executor or a change in your assets. However a Will should reflect your circumstances now and not what they could be in the future.

I have just had another child, should I update my Will? Not necessarily. Depending on your age and circumstances your Will may have been drafted to include future children without naming them. However keeping your Will updated following important life events such as these is always recommended to ensure your wishes are up to date. We would always recommend a review of your Will after a new addition even if it means it doesn’t need changed it’s always worth having it reviewed for peace of mind.

That’s the warning from leading engineering specialists, BS Holdings, who to date have saved businesses over £1 million. The company, which is based in East Belfast but operates UK and Ireland-wide, is one of Northern Ireland’s leading providers of biomass systems. These systems coupled with BS Holdings specialist knowledge have enabled customers to cut their carbon emissions and achieve significant cost savings. Only this month, the company installed their latest significant project for the Charles Hurst Group. This innovative project has seen the Renault Van Service Centre in Mallusk replace the oil-fired, warm-air heaters with a new, environmentally friendly system that adhered to the overall sustainability plans of Charles Hurst. The system delivers increased annual efficiency over the previous oil boiler system installed as well as saving 51.5 tonnes of carbon each year; the company will receive a return of £15,500 through the RHI each year thus saving £20,000 in fuel costs and over the next 20 years the branch is set to save £263,000 with free heating costs. Brian Hood, Managing Director, BS Holdings, said “Since the launch of the government’s Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) scheme in 2011, we’ve worked with 20 of Northern Ireland’s leading

What happens if I die and don’t have a Will? If you die without a Will the law decides how your property is divided. This is known as dying ‘Intestate’. Dying without a Will takes away your control to decide who inherits from your Estate. It could be that someone who you wouldn’t want to inherit could take all or part of your Estate. It can also make the administration process more costly and take more time to be finalised. Leaving a valid Will is the only way to make your wishes on death known.

These are just a small number of queries we are asked on a regular basis and we would always advise that having a professionally drafted Will is the best course of action. Contact us today to arrange an initial consultation. We can discuss your personal circumstances and draft a Will that suits your needs. Hunt Solicitors can be contacted on 028 90 428 600 and are located at 77 High Street, Holywood, County Down, BT18 9AQ or you can find us at www.huntsolicitors.com we are also on Facebook and Twitter.

businesses to manufacture and install bespoke renewable technologies, helping them save in excess of £400,000 each on their energy bills over the life span of the RHI scheme. Businesses don’t really realise what they are missing out on – it isn’t just about going green, it is about making savings that can be reinvested in your business to drive forward success. Ultimately we would like to see more proactive companies like Charles Hurst and the Renault Van Service team really tapping into biomass and bringing their overheads down.” The Non-Domestic Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) is a Government environmental programme that provides financial incentives to increase the uptake of renewable heat. By providing a long-term financial incentive, the objective of the Non-Domestic RHI is to significantly increase the proportion of heat generated from renewable sources. By driving change in a heat sector currently dominated by fossil fuel technologies, the RHI can help the UK meet EU targets to reduce carbon emissions and improve energy security. To find out how your business can benefit from biomass and the Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) visit www.bsh-limited.com

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

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Open Saturdays 10am - 1pm Evening Appointments Available

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

PICTURED: Medicare Pharmacist, Rebecca Adair, with some BCPP participants

Health/Beauty/Wellbeing

EYE CARE - YOUR LOCAL EXPERT

PHARMACIST REBECCA ADAIR ON THE STOPPING SMOKING SESSION:

Building Community Pharmacy Partnerships with Tullycarnet Links Womens’ Group

East Belfast MLA Sammy Douglas presented the end of year awards at the Tullycarnet Links Women’s group Community Pharmacy course.

his was run in partnership with Medicare Pharmacy and Mr Douglas was delighted to attend and encouraged the women receiving their awards to continue to engage in ‘life long learning’. This is the second time that Tullycarnet Women’s Group have invited Medicare to lead some of their weekly sessions as part of the Building Community Pharmacy Partnerships. Pharmacist, Rebecca Adair, building on her previous experience with the group, based the session content on topics suggested by the participants and those who successfully completed the course gained a Level One qualification. There were sessions on topics relevant to the participants including childhood infections, woman’s health and safety in the sun. In addition, external speakers

“I purposed to provide reassurance and recognition that quitting was not easy, to get participants to start thinking about giving up, and to explain how the Community Pharmacy is there to support this physical and lifestyle change in overcoming smoking addiction. I hope this will provide the motivation to start and complete the smoking cessation programme offered by pharmacies.”

promoted Breast, Bowel and Cervical cancer awareness and led an interactive session on emergency first aid. Promotion of pharmacy services such as minor ailments, smoking cessation and medicine use reviews reinforced the role of the pharmacist as one of the most accessible health care professionals in the community. The sessions took an informal style, with the opportunity of group members to ask questions and share personal experiences with each other. Rebecca found that one of the most successful sessions was based on the stop smoking scheme: “For this session, my primary aim was not to enrol as many participants as possible onto the pharmacy smoking cessation programme, because too few people would have the motivation or determination to successfully quit instantly. Rather, I started the session by asking the age and reasons why the participants started smoking – many were 12-16 years old and started as it was perceived as ‘cool’ ,’rebellious’ and ‘made them feel grown up’. Considering why they, or family members, were still smoking more than a decade or two later, we established that the reasons were not the same as when they started –the root cause was now addiction! I purposed to provide reassurance and recognition that quitting was not easy, to get participants to start thinking about giving up, and to explain how the Community Pharmacy is there to support this physical and lifestyle change in overcoming smoking addiction. I hope this will provide the motivation to start and complete the smoking cessation programme offered by pharmacies.” Medicare pharmacy group have 53 branches throughout Northern Ireland and have taken a lead in education programmes; making people aware of relevant health issues and how they can ‘walk off the street’ and receive professional advice and help from the local pharmacist.

Keeping it in the family!

HAVE A GIRLS’ NIGHT IN FOR LOCAL BREAST CANCER RESEARCH Suzanne O’Loughlin, Kircubbin, and Suzi McIlwain, Belfast, looking the part for their Thelma and Louise movie night for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland. Women everywhere are asked to hold a Girls’ Night In during October, breast cancer month, to help fund pioneering research into the disease at Queen’s University Belfast. Guests donate whatever they would normally spend on a night on the town to the charity. Get a pink party pack full of ideas at www. cancerfocusni.org, call fundraisers on 028 9066 3281 or email fundraising@ cancerfocusni.org.

veg, eggs, fat free dairy products and also her treats every day. She steadily lost the weight, and enjoyed going along with her mum violet who had only went to support Sharon. Violet said she couldn’t believe the lovely recipes she was getting in group and getting tips of how to make her favourite meals to fit in with the plan, it wasn’t long before they were all enjoying free membership as lifetime Target members, after setting and achieving their own personal target. They continue to go to group for inspiration and support. Group consultant Eleanor said “both mum and daughter are a hit at the group and they have received awards such as Sharon getting crowned Woman of the year, both got Diamond member awards (having kept the weight off

Rosemattary McW ers DRY EYE - THE PROBLEM WHAT IS DRY EYE? Dry eye is a very common condition more frequently found in women and in people aged over 60, especially in those with arthritis. It can have different causes, for example your eyes may not produce enough tears, or they may not produce enough oil to stop your tears evaporating quickly, or in some cases your blinking may not be working as efficiently as it should to spread the tears. Dryness may be a side effect of medication or can even be prompted by staring at a computer screen for too long. Symptoms which usually affect both eyes can include:

• Feeling of sand in your eyes • Itchy or stingy eyes • Watery eyes, especially in the wind • Blurry vision at times • Irritation often worse later in the day • Red eyes • Eyes just feel uncomfortable Rest assured that for most people these symptoms are simply annoying and rarely cause any serious eye damage. Q: But my eyes are watery so how can they be dry?

After gaining over 4 stone while pregnant with her son 9 years ago, Sharon thought she was destined to stay overweight forever as she just felt it would be too difficult to lose the weight and hated the thought of feeling hungry and deprived all the time...

But after joining Comber Slimming World 5 1/2 years ago, Sharon has lost an amazing 3st and her mum Violet who went with her for support has lost 1st 8 lb, both have kept the weight off now for over 5 years. Sharon’s Dad has lost 3st and kept it off over three years also, proving age is no barrier when losing weight with Slimming World. Sharon joined after struggling to get the weight off since having her son Adrian 4 years earlier. Thinking that she would be deprived of her love of potatoes etc and her weekly treat of Chinese takeaway at the weekend, she was pleasantly surprised to find that she could eat all these and more. On the food optimising plan she discovered that she could eat all her favourite foods, unlimited! Such as meat, fish, poultry, rice , pasta, fruit ,

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for over a year) and her mum and dad got presented with couple of the year awards. Eleanor went on to say, I just think they are a total inspiration and love having them at the group. All these awards were voted from the members who just love hearing all the great tips and recipes from them. “. Both ladies love to help out in group also a d make up a great social team. Eleanor’s groups are held each Thursday at Comber Rifle Club, Railway Street, at 9.30 and 11.30 am and 5.30 and 7.30pm. And now from 30th October, Eleanor is thrilled to be helping even more members by opening a brand new Friday morning group. You can come along to any of the groups or contact Eleanor on 07891 609161.

Answer: If your dry eye is due to a lack of oil then your tears will be evaporating too quickly. The watering in these cases is therefore usually worse when you are outside in the wind, in an air-conditioned atmosphere or inside in the evening with the central heating on. With insufficient oil the eyes become dry and they react to that by watering but these watery reflex tears do not help to relieve the dryness they just dilute the oily layer more. Your optometrist will be able to identify the cause of your dry eyes and then give you the appropriate advice. It should be remembered that dry eye is usually a chronic, long-term condition and often it never goes completely away. Next month we will look at the latest treatments on offer to help dry eyes.

41 COMBER ROAD DUNDONALD | BT16 2AA 02890 486222 mcwattersopticians.co.uk

The Loop | October 2015 | News

The biggest publication in East Belfast

Hair Advice

Round face shape

SQUARE face shape

By Sabrina Robinson Sabrina

HAIR COUNTOURING

Hair contouring is the new trend entering the world of hair colour, instead of makeup the contouring effect on the hair can create illusions to enhance and flatter your face shape. WHAT FACE SHAPE HAVE YOU? WHAT CONTOURING TECHNIQUE WILL BEST FLATTER YOUR FACE?

OVAL FACE SHAPE

To help create defined cheekbones and to sharpen the jawline round face shapes need to be lightened throughout the top area of the hair and deeper tones added to the length, this creates an illusion of a point on the lower end of the face. Lighter tones are positioned around the hairline and darker tones placed underneath and through the ends of the hair. This technique can be seen on Drew Barrymore.

For square face shapes we need to soften the jawline. We do this by applying multi tonal layers of both light and dark or just dark tones to the corners of the face, at the top and ends of the hair. This technique creates the illusion of a shadow effect against the sides of the face, perfect for highlighting the cheekbones creating a more oval appearance.

Whatever you’re face shape always ask for a consultation about the colour and colour placement that best flatters your face. This is a great for people who don’t wear a lot of makeup but can still get the effect of the contouring from the hair colour.

HEART face shape

To help slim and shorten the face deeper tones are added to the root area along the parting and soft lighter pieces are blended from above the ears to the ends of the hair. This creates the illusion of giving the face a slimmer shorter shape. A soft ombre look would be most suited for an oblong face.

To soften a heart shape face and create more of an oval appearance (hourglass figure) we apply lighter pieces around hairline, the ears and jawline to soften the bottom half of the face. We can also add depth to the root area with baby lights blended around the hairline similar to the oblong contouring technique. Kate moss, Reece witherspoon and scarlet Johansson are all examples.

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OBLONG face shape

Jessica Alba has the perfect oval face, this is the most desirable face shape, everything goes with it and it is very versatile, if it was a body it would be the perfect ‘hourglass figure’. Contouring can still be an important technique with clients with the perfect oval face shape. By carefully placing bespoke colours you can also create beautiful texture and definition throughout the hair.

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The Loop | October 2015 | News

Local History

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UP ON CYPRUS AVENUE BY AIDAN CAMPBELL Van Morrison sang this line of his famous Cyprus Avenue song at his recent 70th birthday concert. Van was brought up in Hyndford Street on the Beersbridge Road and his parents were married in St Donard’s Church of Ireland. But why was it named ‘Cyprus Avenue’?

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Cyprus Avenue was the venue for Van Morrison’s recent concert although it looked rather more demure in this early 1900s scene to the right, looking in the direction of what was then known as Upper Beersbridge Road (as opposed to lower Beersbridge Road) with Kirkliston Drive leading to the immediate left. A solitary lady walks along the footpath and a couple of gentlemen with a horse and cart stand and look at the camera (are they making a delivery?). The island of Cyprus came under British control in 1878, and the siege of Plevna occurred during the Russo-Turkish War. Both events happened at roughly the same time as the area was under construction with grand villas. This probably also gave rise to the naming of Cyprus Gardens and nearby Plevna Villas. Singer Van Morrison was born at Hyndford Street and recalls being ‘up on Cyprus Avenue…..the avenue of trees’ in one of his songs.

THE RULES OF RETAIL

BACK ON TRACK

The tower of St. Donard’s Church overlooks the crossroads. The 1943 Belfast Street Directory reported that the occupant of 330-336 Beersbridge Road was Stewarts Cash Store Ltd which is out of view just to the left. This was Joseph L. Stewart’s first store which he opened on 30th September 1911 and he always required a disciplined attitude from his employees and it was commented that: ‘Cleanliness was the order of the day. No person with a dirty coat ever served a customer’. Sound advice a hundred years later! J.L. Stewart eventually created a retailing empire in Northern Ireland and owned 72 shops. This is a late 1947 view of the Bloomfield Road and Beersbridge Road junction with plenty of trolleybus cables in sight.

A busy scene at Bloomfield station in the early 1900s which the Belfast & County Down Railway opened in May 1879. Looks like dairy cattle are being herded along the Beersbridge Road and the horse and cart is probably the farmer who has milk churns on board. The new station was designed by engineer Berkeley Dean Wise (who lived nearby at Knock Road). This portion of the railway line had been opened in 1850 with the aim of eventually providing a service to Donaghadee and the connecting mail-packet ship to Portpatrick in Scotland. However the route from Larne to Stranraer was instead favoured which meant that the Belfast and Northern Counties Railway gained the benefit via their route to Larne Harbour.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Bloomfield Presbyterian Church was constructed at the junction of Cyprus Avenue and Beersbridge Road in 1898. The Belfast City boundary had been extended in 1896 so that the district of Bloomfield was then included within Belfast, but it was still a largely rural area with very little building development. One of the grand villas in the area was neighbouring ‘Bloomfield House’ (approximately located at the top of Bloomfield Road where Grand Parade begins) which was the home of one of the original trustees of Bloomfield Presbyterian Church, Mr. David Lyttle.

THE WAY YOUNG LOVERS DO...

Located at 421 Beersbridge Road, this is how St. Donard’s Parish Church looked in 1989. Van Morrison’s parents were married here on Christmas Day 1941.

Aidan Campbell has previously published 11 East Belfast local history books entitled: Beaconsfield, Knock, Cherryvalley, Gilnahirk, Castlereagh, Cregagh, Stormont, Sydenham, Belmont and East Belfast Revisited Volumes 1 & 2. Newtownbreda is Aidan’s latest local history book and it is published on 9th October 2015. Aidan regularly gives illustrated talks to local groups and societies. The books retail at £10.00 each and most are available at Hillmount Garden Centre, Marie Curie Hospice, Hamilton News Cregagh and The Wingrove, Ballyhackamore with profits donated to local charity. Book sales online at: www.eastbelfasthistory.com

SEMI PERMANENT MAKE UP AND TRAINING COURSES IN EAST BELFAST BY ALEXIS JAMES Alexis is the owner of local salon Pretty In Ink and has herself completed over 7,000 procedures using a state of the art computerised micro pigmentation device which meets all Bristish and European health and safety regulations and provides full after care information after treatments. Registered and approved by Belfast City Council. To find out more call 07471 479455 or the salon direct 028 9045 5022 prettyininkbelfast.co.uk Here are some satisfied customers: BEFORE

AFTER

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TOTAL COST: £2,750 “love my new eyebrows. Alexis was very patient and calm. She takes her time and makes sure it’s what you want”

Looking after your pets this Halloween. Halloween can be a fun time for everyone but it can turn into a nightmare for some pets! Here are some tips on keeping your furry family happy on the scariest night of the year. Keep pets indoors – Dogs and cats who are outside may be teased or frightened by strangers in scary costumes.

Take care with candles – Keep lit candles and pumpkins out of reach of pets so they don’t injure themselves or knock them over causing a fire!

Give them a quiet space – Constant knocking or ringing at the door can cause anxiety for both dogs and cats so move them somewhere quiet if they become upset or frightened.

Firework advice – Noise phobias are common, especially in older pets. Loud flashes and bangs caused by fireworks can be very distressing. As nightfall approaches make sure your pets are safe indoors, take your dog for an earlier walk if necessary. Close the curtains in the house and put on music or the TV to muffle any firework sounds. If your pet finds a safe place to hide, leave them there, even if it is behind the sofa or under the bed! Do not make a fuss of your pet if they are distressed as this will make things worse in the long run. If the phobia is severe your vet can advise you on treatment.

Treats can be toxic! – Do not be tempted to give any sweet treats or chocolates to your pets, they could cause a tummy upset or worse!! Only dress pets up if you know they’ll love it – Some pets will be very excited at wearing a fancy costume and they’ll love the attention but for others it can be very stressful. Make sure costumes are safe and comfortable.

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PRETTY IN INK BELFAST is run by Alexis James, a fully qualified, and insured, semi permanent make-up artist and trainer, who has carried out over 7,000 PROCEDURES in the last ten years. Alexis offers a pre-consultation, mineral test and example of what your new eyebrows will look like. PERMANENT MAKE UP PROCEDURES & BEAUTY TREATMENTS INCLUDE: Eyebrows, Lip Liner & Blush, Eyeliner, Micropigmentation and Alexis works with cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy and also alopecia sufferers - If you have lost your eyebrows or waiting for them to grow back, permanent make up offers a great, natural looking alternative.

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Call 028 9048 3000 or visit vets4pets.com/belfast-stormont Vets4Pets Belfast Stormont, 697-703 Upper Newtownards Road, Belfast, BT4 3NT Opening times Mon-Fri 8.30am - 7pm, Sat 9am - 12pm

The Loop | October 2015 | Food & Drink

Food & Drink

THE NATION’S FAVOURITE HEALTHY FOOD

The biggest publication in East Belfast

WINES OF THE MONTH FROM WINEMARK THE LEADING INDEPENDENT WINE MERCHANT

BY NEVEN MAGUIRE

These days, many of us are looking to make a few small changes to our diet to look and feel better. And every day, Neven Maguire meets people from all over the country looking to navigate this new world of healthy eating. But it seems we’re not quite sure what healthy eating actually is. Is it low fat? Or low sugar? What about carbs? And wheat and dairy? Now, in this fantastic new collection, Ireland’s most trusted chef shows you that healthy eating doesn’t need to be complicated. You will discover a fresh approach to food and cooking with 100 new, light and modern recipes each of them a healthy choice

Warm Spicy Tiger Prawn Salad Serves 4-6

juice of 1 lime 2 tbsp Thai fish sauce (nam pla) 2 tbsp light soy sauce 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 2 tsp palm sugar 2 garlic cloves, crushed 2 lemongrass sticks, trimmed and very finely chopped 1 red chilli, seeded & finely chopped 400g (14oz) cooked tiger prawns, thawed if frozen 1 firm, ripe avocado 1 small, firm, ripe mango 4 spring onions, thinly sliced 2 shallots, thinly sliced 100g (4oz) watercress Mix the lime juice in a medium-sized bowl with the Thai fish sauce, soy sauce, sesame oil, palm sugar, garlic, lemongrass and red chilli. Add the tiger prawns and mix well to combine, then cover with cling film and leave to marinate in the fridge for 1 hour. When you are almost ready to serve, cut the avocado in half, take out the stone, peel away the skin and cut the flesh into slices. Do the same with the mango. Heat a wok until it’s smoking hot. Toss the spring onions and shallots into the marinating prawns, then tip the whole lot into the wok. Stir-fry for 2–3 minutes, until just heated through. Be careful not to overcook. Arrange the watercress on plates or use one large platter. Divide the avocado and mango slices among the plates. Scatter over the stir-fried prawns, drizzling over any extra dressing left in the wok to serve.

Beef Kofta Curry

*Serves 4-6

1 tbsp rapeseed oil 1 green chilli, seeded, finely chopped 1 tbsp garam masala 2 tsp freshly grated root ginger 1 tsp ground turmeric 1 x 500ml (18fl oz) passata sea salt & ground black pepper toasted flaked almonds, to garnish KOFTAS: 500g (1lb 2oz) lean minced beef 1 small onion, grated 2 tbsp chopped fresh coriander, plus extra to garnish 2 tsp freshly grated root ginger 1 tsp cumin seeds SOCCA FLATBREADS: 350g (12oz) chickpea flour 1 tsp fine sea salt 4 tbsp extra virgin olive oil about 400ml (14fl oz) soda water olive oil, for cooking To make the koftas, place the minced beef in a bowl with the grated onion, coriander, ginger and cumin seeds and season with a pinch of salt and a good grinding of black pepper. Mix until evenly combined, then with dampened hands, divide into 20 balls. Heat the rapeseed oil a large pan wide enough to take the koftas in an even layer with a lid. Add the green chilli, garam masala, ginger and turmeric, stirring to combine. Cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant, then pour in the passata. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat and season to taste. Add the koftas to the pan in a single even layer, then cover and cook gently for 25–30 minutes. Gently shake the pan occasionally to ensure the koftas aren’t sticking to the base of the pan, but don’t stir. Using a tongs, turn the koftas over, then shake the pan gently and continue to cook with the lid off for

5 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly. Meanwhile, make the socca flatbreads. Place the chickpea flour and salt in a large bowl and make a well in the centre, then slowly whisk in the extra virgin olive oil and enough of the soda water until you have achieved a smooth batter. Put a thin film of regular olive oil in a large non-stick frying pan and place over a high heat. When it’s really hot and almost smoking, ladle in one-quarter of the batter, swirling it around so that it is evenly distributed. Cook the socca flatbread over the high heat for 1 minute, then reduce the heat to medium and cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the base is set and the top looks like it is drying out. Carefully flip over and cook for another couple of minutes. When the flatbread is cooked, carefully slide it off the pan and cover loosely with foil while you make the remainder. To serve, ladle the beef kofta curry into bowls and garnish with the coriander and almonds. Set the bowl on a plate and put a separate plate of the socca flatbreads in the middle so that everyone can help themselves.

Caramel Pear Tart

*Serves 6-8

4 small, firm, ripe pears, peeled, halved and cored 2 tbsp pure apple juice crème fraîche, to serve FILLING: 150g (5oz) maple syrup 40g (1 ½ oz) butter, melted 3 eggs 1 vanilla pod, split in half and seeds scraped out 8 tbsp coconut sugar 3 tbsp almond milk VANILLA PASTRY: 175g (6oz) plain flour

Errazuirz Wild Ferment Chardonnay

150g (5oz) cold butter, diced, plus extra for greasing 50g (2oz) coconut sugar 1 egg yolk 1 vanilla pod, split in half and seeds scraped out ½ tsp almond milk 1 egg white, lightly beaten First make the vanilla pastry. Place the flour, butter, coconut sugar, egg yolk, vanilla seeds and almond milk in a food processor and process briefly to combine. Wrap in cling film and leave to rest in the fridge for 1 hour. Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F/gas mark 4). Place the pears and apple juice in a large frying pan over a medium heat. Cover with a lid and cook for 8 minutes, until the pears are tender when pierced with the tip of a sharp knife. Set aside and leave to cool. Roll out the rested vanilla pastry until it’s 3mm (1/4 in) thick, then use to line a lightly greased loose-bottomed 28cm (11in) shallow tart tin. Trim away the excess pastry. Gently press the edges with a small knife and place on a baking sheet. Bake blind for 15 minutes, then brush with the egg white and return to the oven for another 2–4 minutes, until a nice glaze has formed. Reduce the oven temperature to 160°C (325°F/ gas mark 3). To make the caramel filling, place the maple syrup, melted butter, eggs, vanilla seeds, coconut sugar and almond milk in a bowl and whisk to combine. Arrange the cooked pear halves on the base of the cooked pastry shell, cut side down, and carefully pour over the caramel filling. Bake for 35–40 minutes, until just set. Allow to cool in the tin, then cut into slices and arrange on plates to serve with dollops of crème fraîche.

The Nations Favourite Healthy Food by Neven Maguire published by Gill & Macmillan is available now.

Produced in Casablanca Chile this wine has been named “wild” ferment as the yeasts used are found naturally on the grape skin. The yeast gives the wine deep yellow hues, with eight months aging in French Oak barrels this wine also has hints of toast on both the nose and palate. This wine is a no brainer for Chardonnay lovers and can be match well with all seafood and chicken dishes.

Montes Cabernet Sauvignon Branding themselves as the only “super premium” producer in Chile, winemarker Aurelio Montes is pushing the boundaries of modern winemaking. One such method is playing Georgian chants to his resting barrels to aid the wines development. Winemark holds a full range of Montes wines including our favourite Montes Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine has dark sultry spice and can stand up to big meaty dishes such as steak or a beef casserole.

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

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

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10% Off your next transaction at your local Winemark

TERMS & CONDITIONS: 1. This voucher is for use in one transaction by persons aged 18 years and over.

2. This voucher entitles you to 10% off your next beer, wines and spirits purchase at Winemark stores. 3. This voucher is valid from 2nd March - 23rd April 2015. 4. Not in conjunction with multi-buys.

TERMS & CONDITIONS: 1. This voucher is for use in one transaction by persons aged 18 years and over. 2. This voucher entitles you to 10% off your next beer, wines and spirits purchase at Winemark stores. 3. This voucher is valid until 31st October 2015. 4. Not in conjunction with multi-buys.

TO FIND O U T MO RE C ATERMS L L 0 2 8 9 0& 7 0 CONDITIONS: 1 6 0 7 | O R E MA I L S T U A RT @L O O P M A G.N E T 1. This voucher is for use in one transaction by persons aged 18 years and over. 2. This voucher entitles you to 10% off your next beer, wines and spirits purchase at Winemark stores.

The Loop | October 2015 | Schools

Local Schools

The biggest publication in East Belfast

THE KIDS HAVE BEEN BUSY SINCE TERM KICKED OFF AGAIN LAST MONTH. WE’VE GOT OUR REGULAR ROUND UP ON WHAT THEY’VE BEEN UP TO! IF YOU HAVE A STORY SEND IT TO STUART@LOOPMAG.NET

www.lisnasharraghps.com

DOUBLE ECO SUCCESS FOR Lisnasharragh Primary School Lisnasharragh Primary School has been enjoying recent Eco success. Just before the summer break, the school was awarded with the much sought after Green Flag award.

www.rbai.org.uk

RBAI Wins UK Competition www.cancerfundforchildren.com

School kids urged to grab a book or ‘twoooo’ and ReadOn

PICTURED

Brother and Sister Daniel and Katie Luke along with the help of Ollie the Owl launch Cancer Fund for Children’s ReadOn campaign sponsored by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA

his gives the school official ecoschool status and shows that both the pupils and the staff care about ecological issues within their school and in the surrounding area. The Eco Schools assessors said, “There are many activities and lots of enthusiasm is evident. The school is very strong regarding recycling. All pupils and staff are involved. The school is very creative and displays originality with Eco-Snitches, Monster Box, Mascot and Eco Songs. There are never-ending strengths.” The Eco-Committee worked very hard on a variety of areas to prepare for the Green Flag assessment focusing mainly on ‘Waste and Recycling’. Other projects worked on included Biodiversity where the P1 pupils were involved in setting up a bug hotel and spider traps in the eco garden. Bird boxes and bird feeders were sited in various trees. Seeds to attract various insects were planted in flower beds dug over by the local scout group and also in hanging baskets made from recycled plastic bottles. Composters were put in place and food waste from pupils snacks added

Following the success of the RBAI European Youth Parliament team at the Northern Ireland Session in March, the team progressed to the EYPUK National Session and competed with teams from across the United Kingdom. After four days of team building in which the boys got to know the members of their committees; committee work in which the resolutions on complex European issues were created; and the all-important General Assembly in which the proposed resolutions were debated, the RBAI team emerged victorious. As a result, in March 2016 they will represent the United Kingdom in the 81st International Session of the European Youth Parliament with 34 other European countries. This is a tremendous success for the society and is the first time that the Society has won a UK-wide competition. We wish the team the best of luck and continued success in the International Session.

battered, bruised and abandoned rescue owl is to take on the starring role in Cancer Fund for Children’s Read On Campaign and is urging children to read a book or ‘twoooo’ for charity. ReadOn, sponsored by EUROSPAR and ViVOXTRA, is a fun and educational campaign for primary and secondary schools which can take place any week in the academic calendar. It is ideal for Children’s Book Week in October and World Book Day in March! Pupils can read anything from comics to poetry. Younger children can listen to stories or use picture books. Last year, ReadOn raised over £90,000 which helped Cancer Fund for Children support families through a range of services including financial grants, therapeutic short breaks at Daisy Lodge in Newcastle and one to one support sessions with Specialists. To launch the campaign this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, World of Owls brought Ollie, a 16 year-old

Eurasian eagle owl. Ollie was rescued from a garden shed in a housing estate when he was just three months old. The police found him covered in paint, alone and starving. Thanks to World of Owls, Ollie is now healthy and has appeared in numerous TV shows and films. “Our ReadOn campaign is a wonderful example of children helping other children through something as wonderful as reading,” said Cancer Fund for Children’s CEO Gillian Creevy. “A childhood cancer diagnosis devastates family life. Cancer Fund for Children strives to rebuild it.” Schools that sign up will receive a ReadOn pack with posters, bookmarks, pencils and teacher resources. Cancer Fund for Children’s Schools Fundraiser, Rebecca, also visits schools for a special ReadOn assembly. There may even be a chance for some lucky schools to get to meet Ollie the Owl! To get involved visit www.cancerfundforchildren.com/ event/readon/

to them. Bird scarers made form CD’s were made by the Primary 3 children to keep the birds from the growing plants and the composters. The children also focused on the use of energy within the school. They set up an ‘Eco snitcher’ system whereby they carried out spot checks on teachers rooms at break and lunch times to ensure energy wasn’t being wasted by lights and whiteboards being left on etc. Less than one week later, members of the Eco Committee found themselves attending the final of a competition called ‘The Wheelie Big Challenge’ at the city hall in Belfast. The competition involved doing audits of various class room bins to see how much of the contents could have been recycled. The children then came up with various ways to address this and hopefully reduce the amount that should have been recycled. Some of their ideas were setting up a scrap paper box in every classroom so that paper would be used on both sides before it reached the recycle bins and encouraging pupils to use reusable containers to bring in their snacks and packed lunches. They

carried these actions out (and many more) for a number of weeks and then did further audits to see if there had been any improvement. There definitely was a vast improvement and the children learnt a great deal about the problems of waste and recycling. They discovered that recycling was extremely important but that due to the sheer amount of recyclable items that the committee had to deal with, reducing waste was going to have to be the next step. At the final, the pupils presented their display and findings to a panel of judges and spoke extremely knowledgably on the subject. They demonstrated excellent understanding of waste and its problems. The school was then delighted to be awarded first place receiving a prize of £500 to be spent on eco-projects within the school. A new Eco-Committee has just been elected and has chosen waste as the main topic to focus on again this year. Lisnasharragh hopes to continue to tackle the problem of waste within the school and local area. This not only improves the environment but saves the school money too!

www.grosvenorgrammarschool.org.uk

GROSVENOR’S ‘Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games’ participation

Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School pupils Gareth Reid, Andrew Proctor, Emma Kee and Lucy Craig who were each selected to represent Northern Ireland Fencer Gareth, Upper Sixth, having worked his way up to a ranking of number two in Ireland at Under 18 level over the past year, was selected to participate in the Men’s Foil category at the Bolton Arena, performing superbly to help Northern Ireland to a bronze medal in the team event despite the high standard of competition evident. On the athletics track Andrew Proctor, Lower Sixth, followed up his silver medal at last year’s Irish Schools’ Championships, as a member of Grosvenor’s 4x100 metres Intermediate Boys’ relay team, as well as his selection to represent Ulster at the prestigious Interprovincial Championships, held in Dublin in June, by achieving selection to represent NI at Under 17 level in the individual 400 metres event, as well as the 4x400 metres relay. In table tennis, meanwhile, Grosvenor was fortunate enough to have two representatives, with second formers Emma Kee and Lucy Craig each achieving selection. Despite their tender years both girls have achieved top-4 rankings within Northern Ireland at Under 18 level of late, with notable achievements over the past year including Emma’s victory at the ‘Ulster Closed Championships’ last December and Lucy’s second-placed finish at the ‘Ulster Open’ in February. At the ‘School Games’ itself the girls also performed admirably to help NI to a commendable fourth placed finish in the team event, with victories coming against the North West and Wales. Selection to compete at the ‘Sainsbury’s 2015 School Games’ represents the pinnacle of achievement for School-age sporting competitors; the event aims to re-enforce the experience of Olympic and Paralympic Games - complete with Opening and Closing Ceremonies - and, along with its predecessor the UK School Games (2006-2011), has a strong track-record of providing a springboard for athletes who then go on to compete at a national level.

REACH 42,000 HOMES IN EAST BELFAST EVERY MONTH

KNOCKBREDA PRIMARY OPEN SCHOOL DAY

With a 30% growth in two years, parents are proactively choosing Leadhill. Our children are valued as individuals within our community setting, developing their confidence and independent learning skills.

BIGGER & R! BRIGHTE

Christmas Fun Day Saturday 5 December 2015@ 10:30 to 12:30 Come along for an event full of Christmas cheer where you can meet Santa , eat mince pies, enjoy Arts and Crafts and browse festive stalls while listening to our school choir.

Open Days

Saturday 14th r o N vem-b1e2 10am

Tuesday 8 December 2015 –8am to 6pm Thursday 7 January 2016 - 10am to 6pm See Leadhill at work and play and find out all about our fantastic school.

COME AND FIND OUT WHAT WE’RE ALL ABOUT! Wynchurch Road Belfast BT6 0JJ Telephone : 028 9040 1871 www.knockbredaps.co.uk

Leadhill provides solutions for families, with Wrap-Around Care, operating from 8am to 6pm each school day. Our new Pre-School Playgroup is available for children from 2 years and 10 months.

Come along and find out for yourself. We would love to welcome you to our school! Casaeldona Park, Belfast, BT6 9RD Tel: 028 90401101 www.leadhillps.com

The Big Titanic Draw

Swimming Lessons @ Sullivan Upper School

.................

FACTS & FIGURES

>>>>>>>>>> >>>>>>>>>> Saturday 31 October, 10.30am–12.30pm @ The Drawing Offices The World’s Biggest Drawing Festival takes place every October. Come along and get creative with our local artist Julie Douglas and take part in the ‘Big Titanic Draw’ event in the Harland & Wolff Drawing Offices, where Titanic was designed. This year’s theme is ‘Every Drawing Tells a Story’ - come and hear our story and help us draw the biggest picture you can. For booking details contact Catherine.mccooey@titanic-foundation.org or call 02890 730490. Suitable for age 5 upwards & adults welcome too.

Check out all the latest events, festivals, activities & entertainment in Titanic Quarter

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The Loop | October 2015 | Schools

Local Schools

The biggest publication in East Belfast

THE KIDS HAVE BEEN BUSY SINCE TERM KICKED OFF AGAIN LAST MONTH. WE’VE GOT OUR REGULAR ROUND UP ON WHAT THEY’VE BEEN UP TO! IF YOU HAVE A STORY SEND IT TO STUART@LOOPMAG.NET

www.endbullying.org.uk

Local Schools and Youth Groups Encouraged to Register for Anti-Bullying Week and Creative Competition

chools and youth groups across Northern Ireland are being encouraged to register for this year’s Anti-Bullying Week (16-20 November 2015 inc.) and submit entries for its creative competition before the deadline of Friday 16 October 2015. This year’s Anti-Bullying Week (ABW) theme is “What Bullying Means To Me” and will focus on our understanding of what bullying is all about. Anti-Bullying Week is coordinated by the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and supported by Translink. NIABF is an interagency group hosted by the National Children’s Bureau (NCB) NI and funded by the Department

of Education. Lee Kane, NIABF’s Regional Anti-Bullying Coordinator, explains the importance of AntiBullying Week: “Earlier this year the Minister for Education announced plans to introduce new anti-bullying legislation to the Northern Ireland Assembly. This legislation aims to provide a single, common definition of bullying for use in all schools in Northern Ireland. Bullying is one of those words that almost everyone has a good idea of what it means and of what it is in practice. NIABF defines bullying as ‘the repeated use of power by one or more persons intentionally to harm, hurt or adversely affect the rights and needs

Lee Kane NIABF’s Regional Anti-Bullying Coordinator

“Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum defines bullying as ‘the repeated use of power by one or more persons intentionally to harm, hurt or adversely affect the rights and needs of another or others’. However, through the Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum’s work with young people and the adults that support them, it has become clear that we sometimes have different, and often conflicting, definitions for ‘bullying’. For us to more effectively tackle bullying, we must develop a common understanding of what it is “

Pictured with Lee Kane, Regional Anti-Bullying Coordinator, Northern Ireland Anti-Bullying Forum (NIABF) and Translink’s Ursula Kelleher are (l-r) Poppy Brown (5); Kenna Onugha (10); Jamie McDonald (5); and Alex Lindsay (9) from Largymore Primary School, Lisburn.

of another or others’. However, through the Northern Ireland AntiBullying Forum’s work with young people and the adults that support them, it has become clear that we sometimes have different, and often conflicting, definitions for ‘bullying’. For us to more effectively tackle bullying, we must develop a common understanding of what it is.” Lee continues: “We are urging teachers, youth workers, parents and carers to speak to children and young people about this year’s Anti-Bullying Week theme, ‘What Bullying Means To Me’, so that we can improve our understanding of bullying wherever it takes place, either in school, in the playground, in our communities or online. By registering online at www. endbullying.org.uk they will receive their free resource pack, which includes presentations, activity plans and themed posters, all designed to help stimulate conversation and debate.” Anti-Bullying Week is once again supported by Translink. Ursula Kelleher from Translink says: “Bullying can mean different things to different people but has the same detrimental impact on child development – creating fear and anxiety, tension and stress. It’s important we continue to take positive steps to build understanding of what constitutes bullying in order to address it effectively and protect an individual’s emotional wellbeing. By supporting NIABF we are also delivering the message that customers should always behave responsibly and with respect for other passengers and staff while

travelling by bus or train.” Reminding young people of the creative competition deadline of Friday 16 October 2015, Lee Kane says: “Over the last number of years the creative competition has been a focal point of Anti-Bullying Week and has attracted thousands of entries. We are inviting young people to think about their understanding of bullying, the impact it can have on our emotional health and wellbeing and how we can work together to tackle it. “Children and young people in primary, post-primary and special education across Northern Ireland can submit entries into three categories: Art, Creative Writing and Movie under the theme ‘What Bullying Means to Me’. “Within the art category young people can submit drawings, paintings, sculpture, photographs or anything else they consider to be art. In the creative writing category we are calling for entries of up to 500 words in any format, such as poetry, short stories, diaries, scripts or lyrics for songs. The movie category can be scripted dramas, documentaries, advertisements, music videos, animations, presentations or anything else you think of as long as it’s no more than 5 minutes long!” Schools, youth groups and any organisation working with young people can register for Anti-Bullying Week and download competition entry forms from the NIABF website -www.endbullying.org.uk. Deadline for competition entries is Friday 16 October 2015.

Krizzah Clinches Council Position

Ashfield Girls Pupil Selected for Into Film’s National Youth- Advisory Council

ONSIE FUNSIE @ DUNDELA INFANTS SCHOOL

Cash for Kids and Cancer Fund for Children Funsie in a Onesie campaign launched Putting the ‘funsie’ into the airwaves are Downtown Radio/Cool FM radio presenters Pete Snodden from Bangor, Rebecca McKinney from east Belfast and Paolo Ross from Banbridge with kids from Dundela Infants School. The presenters launched the Cash for Kids and Cancer Fund for Children Funsie in a Onesie campaign which aims to raise funds for Cash for Kids, so Cancer Fund for Children can continue to support local families affected by cancer. Tune into Cool FM/Downtown Radio from October 19 to 23 to hear how Cash for Kids will be supporting Cancer Fund for Children and the work they do. Why not get involved by donning your fluffiest onesie for the day in the office or school! Log onto cancerfundforchildren.com or coolfm.co.uk/onesie for more information.

15 year old Krizzah Policarpio, a pupil at Ashfield Girls’ High School in East Belfast, has been selected as one of only 15 young people from all over the UK to be a member of Into Film’s National Youth Advisory Council. Being part of the Youth Advisory Council, Krizzah will act as an ambassador who will contribute to the work of Into Film – an education charity which is supported by the BFI with Lottery funding and further supported in Northern Ireland by the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure. Krizzah said; “I am delighted to have been selected, as I am currently studying GCSE Media Studies and Moving Image Arts and this will help me greatly with my studies”. Krizzah will travel to London to attend 6 meetings per year- a great experience in itself. Tracy Rossborough, Head of Media at Ashfield Girls’, said, “This is a wonderful opportunity for Krizzah and it is a great accolade for the school. Krizzah has been a member of our film club for 4 years, and it is the dedication of pupils like Krizzah which enabled Ashfield to win the title of Into Film Club of the Year at the prestigious Into Film Awards held in London earlier this year. Krizzah was also involved in Into Film’s Inclusion and Belonging Project and it is really encouraging to see young people’s efforts being rewarded”. Into Film launched nationwide in Northern Ireland in 2014 - with 652 film clubs currently running

in schools and non-school settings such as youth clubs and care organisations - and its programme provides a raft of opportunities for children and young people to engage with film critically and creatively. It is part of a UK wide programme that seeks to place film at the heart of the educational and personal development of 5-19 year-olds across the UK. Film clubs and other activities through the Into Film programme are available to all schools across Northern Ireland - providing all young people, regardless of their background or ability, with opportunities to learn through film and about film. Tackling social exclusion by enabling young people, many from rural and disadvantaged communities, to access the power of cinema inside and outside the classroom for the first time, and nurturing the potential for creative industry careers, are the primary aims of the programme.

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The Loop | October 2015 | Schools

The Arts Behind closed doors Creative Exchange at Belfast Open Studios Ever wondered what an artist’s studio looks like - huge airy loft spaces or tiny cramped attic garrets? Where can an artist studio be found? On the banks of the river Seine overlooking the Eiffel Tower perhaps? But what about closer to home?

hile the view out their windows may not be as romantic, it may come as a surprize to learn there are 16 different artist studios based in various locations right here in Belfast, with over 200 artists working within their walls. Interestingly most of the artist studios in the city are run in a voluntary capacity with little or no paid staff. The majority of these studios run on a not for profit basis whereby the rent artists pay basicallay cover core costs such as rent and electricity. Which probably explains why many artist studios are situated in vacant commercial buildings or warehouse spaces! To highlight the visibility of artists working in Belfast, and its thriving art scene, Visual Arts Ireland (a support body for artists both North & South) are organising Belfast Open Studios. This 2 day event is an invitation to the public to come and see how artists work, what inspires them and to take a glimpse into the creative processes. Over Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th October all 16 studio groups will open their doors to the public, many of them hosting free talks, workshops and participatory projects that aim to allow anyone to make a

piece of art or learn something about how others create. Based locally on the Newtownards Road, Creative Exchange Artist’s Studios will be open to the public Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th from 11am – 5pm. Creative Exchange will host a Visual Artist Ireland : Show & Tell event at the premises in Portview Trade Centre on Saturday 24th. The Show & Tell event features quick fire presentations from Belfast based artists and begins at 6.30pm, with a tour of the artist studios beforehand by studio member and co-founder Deirdre Robb at 5.30pm. Creative Exchange currently have 12 studios housing contemporary painters, sculptors, printmaker’s, photographer’s, public art practitioners and lens based artists. The resident artists are Ray Duncan, David Fox, Stephen Millar, Heather Doran Wilson, Ciara O’ Malley, Colin Davis, Lesley Cherry, Deirdre Robb, Paul Moore, Tim Millen, Ruth Gonsalves Moore, George Robb, and ceramicist Derek Wilson. Creative Exchange have been active in East Belfast for the past 18 years, providing essential workspace for visual artists at all stages of their careers. As an artist led initiative they are renowned for the development of dynamic arts programmes and bespoke community engaged projects in the locality. To find out more about the participating artists’ studios and their locations around the city check out Belfast Open Studios website www.belfastopenstudios.com For more information on Creative Exchange: www.creativeexchange.org.uk Creative Exchange Artist Studios | Unit B4 Portview Trade Centre | 310 Newtownards Road | BELFAST | BT4 1HE

PICTURED

Top: Roisin McDonough COE the Arts Council for Northern Ireland and the Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast Alderman Guy Spence are pictured with three of the Dhol drummers. Bottom: Kousalyaa Somasundram and Dona Das Gupta who will be taking in the spectacular free outdoor arts event.

The biggest publication in East Belfast

www.ninenights.co.uk

FOR ONE NIGHT ONLY: INCREDIBLE INDIA COMES TO BELFAST

On October 24th a giant animated tiger will stalk downtown Belfast, accompanied by hundreds of torchlight bearers and the soul-stirring sounds of fifty-four Indian Dhol drummers beating out dramatic rhythms in preparation for a never-before-seen combination of dance, music, pyrotechnics and special effects inspired by Diwali, the ancient Festival of Light.

or one incredible, never-tobe-repeated night, the art and traditions of India will cast their exotic spell over downtown Belfast as the city hosts the vast and vibrant ‘Nine Nights’ production inspired by age-old Indian folklore. Presented by Northern Ireland’s leading ethnic arts group and Belfast Mela producers ArtsEkta, together with the creative team from the internationally acclaimed outdoor arts company Walk the Plank, ‘Nine Nights’ will be one of the most ambitious and spectacular free outdoor arts events ever staged in Belfast City Centre: an event guaranteed to delight the senses, challenge perceptions and ignite the imagination. Starting with an eerie illuminated procession packed with music, dance and drama, ‘Nine Nights’ will attract thousands to the grounds of City Hall to enjoy a mesmerising arts experience with stunning special effects – all on a scale rarely, if ever, seen beyond the Indian sub-continent.It’s a one-off event that will appeal to the entire city, according to Nisha Tandon, Director of ArtsEkta. She says, “For many of us the story which has inspired ‘Nine Nights’ is a much-loved classic, but even if you are completely unfamiliar with Indian culture, you will certainly be able to follow the narrative and the evening will make for a spectacular introduction not only to the Diwali festival, but also to the music, dance and rhythms of

India. The story is a celebration of creation, birth and renewal, marking the start of new journeys, hopes and aspirations That’s particularly apt for us, because the Belfast event is the outcome of a creative journey which we have shared with schools and communities right across the city, in line with the visionary objectives of the Creative and Cultural Belfast Fund. We are immensely grateful for the support of Creative Belfast which is supporting ‘Nine Nights’ right from its community roots, to the creative involvement of outdoor theatre makers Walk The Plank, culminating in the staging of the amazing worldclass event in Belfast city centre.” For many months community organisations, schools, clubs, groups of friends and individuals have been co-operating and working hard to secure the success of the night. A volunteer cast of around 800 people will join professional performers, to take part in the torchlight procession, dancing and drumming while local artists are busy making colourful costumes and props. Local artists have been bringing their creativity into play, with Christine Boyle designing three different limited edition tee shirts for the 100-strong dance troupe, Laura Nelson building a fabulous life-size bull and Leo Boyd designing seventy-five giant symbols of earth, sun and trident. The musical challenge to learn to play the Indian Dhol drum was

accepted by fifty-four people, creating what may well be one of the West’s biggest ever Dhol ‘Bands’ led by the fabulous Belfast-based BEAT Carnival The evening will begin with an 800-strong costumed procession departing from Custom House Square at around 7pm, making their way to Belfast City Hall where the show of approximately one hour will include music, dance, lighting effects and dramatic pyrotechnics. Nisha Tandon says, “The detail of the event will, as you would expect, be staying firmly under wraps until the Big Night is upon us! Expectations are already running high, however, not least because of the celebrated creativity of Walk the Plank, who will be making a welcome return visit to Northern Ireland after large scale success ‘The Return of Colmcille’, proved a landmark highlight of the Derry City of Culture Year.”

Nine Nights’ is one of seven Creative Belfast projects funded by Belfast City Council and the Arts Council for Northern Ireland through the Creative and Cultural Belfast Fund. For more information go to www.belfastcity.gov. uk/creativebelfast and www. artscouncil-ni.org or keep upto-date on social media using the hashtag CreativeBelfast, on Facebook at www.facegook.com/ creativebelfast and on Twitter @ Crea8tiveBelfast.

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CINEMA From the very latest releases to the classics we all know and love

THEATRE Local Thespians take to the stage in this months productions

Oct EVENTS 2015 ETC

The month ahead!

St Mark’s Dundela, Holywood Road Outreach Week From 11-18 October St Mark’s Dundela will be hosting an Outreach Week and you are invited! Sunday 11 October 10.30 -11.30 a.m. Launch Service: in the beautiful setting of Morning Prayer 12.02-1.00 p.m. Cafe Service: An informal service in our Church Hall, during which we will take time to pray for our Outreach Week. Sun 11 October- Sun 18 October Drop-in Prayer Room The Parlour, Heyn Hall Sydenham Ave. Sunday 7.00-9.00 p.m. Monday-Friday 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. 7.00 p.m. -9.00 p.m. Saturday 9.00 a.m.-3.00 p.m. Tuesday 13 October 7.00-9.30 p.m. ‘There must be more to life than this ...’ As we launch our latest Alpha course, please join us for dinner and the opportunity to start asking some of life’s important questions in a friendly open and informal environment. Weds 14 October 2.30-4.00 p.m. Seniors’ Connect: Afternoon tea with live entertainment, hosted by St. Mark’s Evergreens and Ladies’ Guild. As well as entertainment each guest will receive a Community Information Pack. Everyone welcome, especially the young at heart! Thurs 15 October 7.00-8.30 p.m. Faith and the Family. Nick Harding will lead an evening for parents/ grandparents/ carers about Family Faith. Come along for some refreshments and to hear some ideas about engaging with faith at home. Friday 15 October 7.30-9.00 p.m. Youth Event- Life Changers For young people who are post primary aged. Come along and hear stories of people just like you whose lives were changed by meeting God. Pizza included! Sat 17 October 10.00-11.30 a.m. Celebration Brunch This will be a drop in event, where a delicious brunch will be served, and you can find out more about these groups and the support they offer or would welcome. We will unveil a stunning new wall hanging created by our Creative Stitching group as a permanent celebration in our hall of the outreach links we enjoy. Sun 18 October 10.30-11.45 a.m. Celebration Service followed by refreshments in the Heyn Hall. We welcome the Revd Baden Stanley, Christ Church Bray, our partners in mission, to preach at this service which will celebrate our wide range of worship and organisations.

Twitter @BelCom

Local comedy writers group hit the ground laughing! By day they go about their business; a software developer, a science presenter, a housewife, a documentary maker, a builder, a librarian… but by night they transform into… Belfast Comedy Writers! With two founders from East Belfast, we get the inside track on their plans

A group of local folk with diverse backgrounds have come together to help and support each other by meeting regularly to read each other’s scripts and give feedback. Belfast Comedy Writers is a brand new collective, formed only six months ago and they have already attracted the attention of TV

OCTOBER AT THE STRAND ARTS CENTRE

152-154 Holywood Road | Belfast | 028 9065 5830 | strandartscentre.com

KIDS CLUBS Keep the little ones busy with a cracking line up of activities producers, festival organisers and dozens of new and established comedy writers. Whilst only a few weeks old, the group were asked by the organisers of the Belfast Comedy Festival to dream up a new show for them. So they did! The result is ‘Fetch-A-Sketch’. A new type of show for the festival, it will showcase sketches from ten of the BCW members using a rehearsed reading format. “We chose the format of a rehearsed reading rather than a full on production,” says Laurence Doherty, “because we want to focus on the writing and showcasing our members’ work, which is one of our main aims in forming the group. Sketches seemed to be the most popular format, in fact we have so many we could make this a regular event.” With over 250 members finding material was a problem – because there was so much to choose from! “That’s a great problem to have,” says Clare Childs, co-founder along with Laurence and Vicky Blades, “and the upside

LOCAL FAIRS Autumn is upon us which means the seasonal fairs are go! is that finding volunteers to help stage the night has been relatively easy. We have 10 actors, 3 stage crew, a director, cameraman and more; it seems everyone is keen to help us hit the ground running. Or laughing!” BCW attended the NI Comedy Conference last month and next is the Belfast Media Festival in November. They have been approached to take part in panel discussion on the future of comedy in NI, along with industry experts. In the meanwhile they continue in their quest to help members get their work commissioned by holding regular meetings where they invite guest speakers and provide a space to share information on training, funding, writing competitions and networking opportunities. “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest and support we have received in our first six months,” says Vicky, “we’ve got some real momentum going and are excited about the future!”

October is a busy month for big new movie releases at the Strand Arts Centre. FAMILY FRIENDLY AUTUMN FAIR AT GILNAHIRK PRESBYTERIAN

Based on an incredible true story, Everest is a thrill-a-minute, edge-of-your-seat cliffhanger starring Jake Gyllenhaal. Climbers from two expeditions start their final ascent toward the summit of Mount Everest and are engulfed in one of the fiercest blizzards ever encountered on the mountain. The Martian is the latest film from acclaimed visionary director Ridley Scott (Alien, Blade Runner, Black Hawk Down) starring Matt Damon as an astronaut presumed dead after a fierce storm who must draw upon his ingenuity, wit and spirit to subsist and find a way to signal to Earth that he is alive. Miss You Already follows two best friends, Milly (Toni Collette) and Jess (Drew Barrymore), as they navigate life’s highs and lows. Nothing prepares them for the day Milly is hit with life-altering news. Suffragette (12th October) is an upcoming British drama film starring Meryl Streep and Carey Mulligan about early members of the British women’s suffrage movement of the late 19th and early 20th century. For families, Hotel Transylvania 2 opens on 16th October (plus previews 10th & 11th) and there’s a special Clayrazy workshop on 24th October at which you get to make your own model characters from the film to take home. Pan (from 16th October plus previews 10th & 11th) is a new take on the fantastical world of Neverland. Adventure awaits as Peter meets new friend James Hook and the warrior Tiger Lily. They must band together to save Neverland from the ruthless pirate Blackbeard (Hugh Jackman). We’ve been expecting you, Mr. Bond. Spectre (from 26th October). After infiltrating a secret meeting, 007 uncovers the existence of the sinister organisation SPECTRE. Needing the help of the daughter of an old nemesis, he embarks on a mission to find her. As Bond ventures toward the heart of SPECTRE, he discovers a chilling connection between himself and the enemy (Christoph Waltz) he seeks. There’s also a Spectre Spectacular fundraiser screening in aid of the Strand Arts Centre on 29th October, including live Bond songs & shaken-not-stirred martinis. Strand Classics The Strand’s Thursday classics have a distinctly spooky theme in October. The always popular Ghostbusters 2 is on screen for the first three Thursdays plus a Halloween Matinée on Saturday 31st October at 6pm. The late great master of horror Wes Craven’s enduring shocker, Scream, will frighten the life out of you on Thursdays 22nd and 29th October. But it’s nothing compared to Stanley Kubrick’s adaptation of the Stephen King classic, The Shining (31st October), in which Jack Nicholson tries to cure his writer’s block by taking a hatchet to everyone in sight. Strand Arts Centre has teamed up with Cinemagic for a special 35mm screening of Donnie Darko (25th October), a funny, moving and distinctly mind-bending journey through suburban America. After surviving a freak accident, one extraordinary but disenchanted teenager Donnie (Jake Gyllenhaal) begins to explore what it means to be alive and uncovers secrets of the universe that give him a tempting power to alter time and destiny. Equally quirky is the first in a series of screenings as part of the BFI LOVE Blockbuster Season in partnership with Plusnet. These screenings will re-kindle audience passions for film’s most enduring love stories, celebrating big screen romance, our most cherished romantic comedies, and the darkest tales of obsession and betrayal. Definitely falling into the last category is the Blue Velvet Experience (30th October). Live at the Strand On 19th October as part of the Ulster Bank Belfast International Arts Festival, BBC reporter Stephen Walker will read from his novel Ireland’s Call: Irish Sporting Heroes who Fell in the Great War, following the fascinating stories of 40 Irishmen who swapped the sports field for the battlefield. Dylan Cassidy as Rod Stewart is described as the world’s number one Rod Stewart look-alike and sound-alike impersonator. Jacqui Miller as Tina Turner is blessed with a natural soul voice. They are joined by the fabulous dancers The Rodettes for Rod & A Touch of Tina on 23rd October. And on 29th October, Open House presents Simone Felice – a founding member of internationally acclaimed Catskill Mountain based artists The Felice Brothers. His new live solo double album ‘From The Violent Banks Of The Kaaterskill’ (feat. The Felice Brothers) showcases selected works from a decade of writing, truly capturing Simone’s rare gift as a songsmith, poet and visionary.

One of the most popular events in East Belfast is the Annual Autumn Fair at Gilnahirk Presbyterian Church to be held on Saturday 17 October when the Gilnahirk Pipe Band will herald its opening at 2pm. The Stye Brae Centre will host a range of activities for kids including toy and Lego stalls, games, tuck shop, face painting and craft for kids of all ages, while the Sunday School will be screening a home produced video in the church. Fans of the Disney movie ‘Frozen’ can look forward to a very special guest, the beautiful Anna, who will be making a guest appearance and may even sing a song! Outside, the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service hope to attend with their Paramedi-kidz ambulance, where the youngsters can experience at first hand life saving equipment our paramedics use in real life emergencies. Also outside will be a BBQ, an ice cream van, plus an array of autumn plants, fresh fruit, vegetables and potatoes for sale. In the main church hall will be a host of stalls including hand crafts, cakes, breads and jams, toiletries, books and CDs and many others. An auction will be held in this hall at 2.30pm. Proceeds from this years event will be shared with 2 chosen charities – Corrymeela Community which is celebrating its 50th anniversary; the RAF Battle of Britain 75th Anniversary ‘Wings’ Appeal together with specific church projects.

FOR MORE INFO CONTACT jenny.childs@hotmail.com

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The Loop | October 2015 | What’s Happening?

What’s Happening in East Belfast? Mums & Tots 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 Road Toys/snacks/craft/music. £1.50 per family. 10am-12 term time for 0-4 years. 028 9045 4466. Sydenham Parent & Toddler Mon 10-11.30 £1 per family Inverary CC BT4 1RN 028 9047 1456 St Finnians 10-11.30. Cregagh Park, 028 9079 2793. Wandsworth Mums & Chums 10-11.45am. 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 Tuesdays) £3.50 per mum. Breakfast and creche. 10 Belmont Rd. 028 9067 1838 www.thisiscfc.com Mersey Street Presbyterian. 10-11.45am term time. £1. Mersey St Presbyterian 028 9065 7025 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 (incl juice/snack & tea. 28-30 Cregagh Rd. 028 9045 7564

WEDNESDAY Busy Bees 10 -11:30am Knock Methodist Church, Knock Road. Tel: 028 9065 3413 Orangefield Baptist Church 10.30-12. 37 North Road, BT5 5NE smallTALK @ orangefield 10-11.45am O’field Church & Community, 464 Castlereagh Road 07745 076911 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 Mother & Toddler 10-12pm W’stock Rd, 028 9045 7654 Bloomfield Methodist Church 10-11.30am £1 per family Grand Parade 028 9065 8946.

THURSDAY 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 Presb Parents & Toddlers. 10-11.30am Upper Newtownards Rd £1 donation Knock Parent & Toddler 10-11.45am Knock Presbyterian 53 Kings Road, Gillian 07803 117619.

FRIDAY St Columba’s Mums & Tots 9.45-11.45 (term time). 29 Kings Road

Classes & Events MONDAY Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Ballyhack Book Pack - Adult reading group (1st Mon of the month) 7pm. Knit & Natter 2-4pm. Bedtime Stories 7pm. Womens Book Club (Last Mon of the month) 7pm. Creative Writers (3rd Mon of the month) 6.45pm. 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 nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower The Programme 6.30-8.30pm. Tel Helen 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 John 07809 205579 102-104 Cregagh Road Harding Memorial Rainbows 4-7yrs Mon 6pm Brownies 7-10yrs Monday 7pm Guides 10-14yrs Mondays 7pm. Contact Clare 07905 556825. Orangefield Baptist Ladies Coffee Morning 1st Mon of month 10.30am 37 North Rd 028 9065 7876 Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Irish Classes; 10 - 12 pm Upper Intermediate, 6 - 7 pm Singing Class, Strand Cinema & NI Stars Holywood Road, BT4 .nistars.com Singing & dancing 7-8pm Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Children’s Drama Academy 5-6pm. Children & Teens carnival drumming 6.30pm-7.30pm. Aerobics 7-8pm. Combat 8.15-9.30pm

TUESDAY 15th NI Girls Brigade Cregagh Methodist 23-30 Cregagh Road Tinies (3-4) 6.15-7.15pm Explorers (5-7) 6.15-7.30pm Juniors (8-10) 7.00-9.00pm Company (11-19) 7.30-9.30pm Telephone 07783408609 Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Thursdays. Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Childrens dance classes 4-7pm. Pregnancy Yoga 8pm10pm. Belfast Wine Makers 8pm-10pm. Samantha Meditation 7pm-9pm. Mount Merrion Parish Church Junior puppet club. 3.30pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Senior puppet club. 4.30pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690

Learn to dance. 7.30pm, Ballroom, sequence & Latin. Tel 07547 801383. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Women’s Group starts at 7pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher Book Group on the last Tuesday of each month from 2-3pm. In partnership with NI Libraries. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Irish Classes 7 - 9 p.m. Beginners Class, 7 - 9 p.m Total Beginners (Dundonald High School) 7 - 9pm Upper Intermediate, 7 - 8.30pm Set Dancing Class. Wandsworth Community Playclub 3-4 yr olds 10am-12. Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Irish dancing 5-6.30pm, Aerobics 7-8pm. Appreciation of Art 7-9pm. Wasps seniors group last Tues of month 2-3.30pm. Belfast Boxing Fitness. Male & female 18+ 8.15pm.

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 - 4pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Baby massage 10am-1pm. PlayBall NI 9am-1pm. 39th Old Boys Flute Ensemble 7-9pm. Belfast Soroptimists 7.30pm9. 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’. 2.30pm. Tel Barbara 028 9045 3829. Beavers. 6.30pm. Tel Carolyn 07816 658507 Squirrels. 6.30pm. Tel Laura 07597 684104 102-104 Cregagh Road Gilnahirk Mens Group For retired men. 10.30am-12. Runs until 4th May 2016. Tea/ Coffee/Chat/Fellowship & an interesting Speaker Gilnahirk Horticultural & Civic Group Stye Brae Centre - Gilnahirk Presbyterian. Gardening talk, tea & biscuits. 1st Weds of the month until April. 8pm. Girls Brigade Bloomfield Ave Congregational. 3 yrs - P4 6.15pm. P5 upwards 7.30pm Luncheon Club For senior citizens. Cregagh Methodist. 12 noon. £1.50. Pre book on 028 9045 7564. Mount Merrion Parish Church Homework club. 3pm. P1-P3. Tel 07443 334690 Homework club. 4pm. P4-P7. Tel 07443 334690 Ladies craft club. T: 028 9058 9149. Mount Merrion Ave Over 60’s Lunch Club Bloomfield Methodist Church. 12.30pm. 3 courses for £3. Grand Parade. Tel: 028 9065 2314 to book. Skainos Building skainos.org Kidz GAP - Young children with their Parents/Guardians From 10am-12pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher. Senior Friendship Club from 2pm-3.30pm. Contact Mark Sweeney. Advanced Creative writing from 10am-12noon. Led by John Wilson and Norman Meharry Going Green from 2-4pm. Gardening project with practical sessions in the EBM community garden. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912 144906. Irish Classes; 5.30 - 7pm Family Class, 7-9pm Post Beginners, 7-9pm Intermediate (Exam Class) Strand Arts Centre “Wacky Wednesdays” All shows, all day for £3. Wandsworth Community Sewing Group 10am-12noon. Flower Arranging 1.303.30pm. Yoga 7-8.30pm

THURSDAY Ardenlee Ladies Bowling Club Warm and friendly Club welcoming new members. Experience not necessary, bowls supplied. Ravenhill Green, Ormeau Park, opposite Ravenhill Avenue All enquiries to 90586446. Also meet on Tuesdays.

Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204 Rhythm & Rhyme (1st & 3rd Thurs of the month) 11.15am. Booking essential on the morning of event. Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art classes 10am-1pm. Baby Sensory Classes 10am-1pm. Yoga 6-9pm. E Belfast Historical Society 7.15pm-10.15. Cregagh Presbyterian Girl Guides. 6.30pm. Tel Gillian 028 9187 4687 Brownies. 6.30pm. Tel Vicki 028 9045 8208 Rainbow Guides. 6pm. Tel Claire 07598 866895 102-104 Cregagh Road Mount Merrion Parish Church Diamontes Dance Group. Tel 07880 880829. Senior Citizens Luncheon Club Midday @ Ballymac Centre. Hot lunch & social time. alison@ballymac.org Skainos Building skainos.org Homework Club (P4-P6) from 3.30-5.30pm. Contact Hannah Wilson. Over’s Luncheon Club from 12.30-2pm. Contact Sandie Gallagher. Local History Group from 7-8.30pm. Contact Mary Campbell on 07912144906. Art Group from 11-2pm. Painting, crafts and marquetry. Contact Mary Campbell. Irish Classes 203pm Beginners Tin Whistle. Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. Needlework 10am-12pm. Spanish mums & tots 11am-12pm. Spanish for preschoolers 2.15-3pm. Spanish for children 3.15-4pm. Boot Camp 7-8pm. Core Combat 8.30-10pm.

FRIDAY Albertbridge Congregational 6 Woodstock Link 028 9045 7434 Friday Friendship. 10.30am-12.30pm. Ballyhackamore Library 1-3 Eastleigh Drive 028 9050 9204. Chill Out Family Story Time. 3.30pm. Relax & Read 1am-12pm. Belmont Tower nationaltrust.org.uk/belmont-tower Art Classes 10-1pm. East End Baptist Children’s Meeting (Westbourne street). Every Friday night. 7-8pm. Quizzes, choruses, Bible lessons & lots of fun each week. Mount Merrion Parish Church 3rd Fri of the month - Messy Church. Tel 07880 880829 Skainos Building skainos.org Friday Fusion - arts, crafts & play for P1-P7 6.30-8pm. Contact Christine Savage. Street Soccer NI 1.30 – 4pm. Free 5 a-side football in Shaftesbury Recreation Centre. Contact Justin on 90463482. Irish Classes; 10 - 12 pm Intermediate. Wandsworth Community Painting for Pleasure 11am-1pm. Kids Ju Jitsu 6-8pm. Shiloh Hall 6 The Mount, Coffee Morning. 10:30-12.

SATURDAY Avoniel Community Garden Beside Avoniel Leisure Centre. Open to public 12noon to 3pm. T: 028 9046 7925 Mount Merrion Parish Church SunshineFit Kids - keep fit. Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. Orangefield Baptist Church 37 North Road, Searchlight Club p1-p7. 10.30-12. Skainos Building skainos.org Walking Group on selected Saturdays at 10am. Contact Britt Gilmore Strand Cinema & NI Stars Stage school. 10-1pm nistars.com Wandsworth Community 028 9065 1668. STX/Kickboxing 10am-11.30am

SUNDAY Mount Merrion Parish Church KIC (Birth upwards). 10.30am. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. P4-P7. 6pm. Tel 07443 334690 Youth Club. Yr 8 upwards. 7pm. Tel 07926 638314 Mount Merrion Ave, BT6. Skainos.org Sunday Worship 11am. Tea & Coffe @ 10.30am. Creche and Sunday school available for children Strand Cinema & NI Stars Singling & dancing 1.30-3.30pm

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The Loop | October 2015 | Schools

Local Sport & Clubs STORMONT PARK RUN Weekly Free 5km Timed Run

www.asdafoundation.org

Football Fest reaches fever pitch with the Asda Foundation!

Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in. They are also run by volunteers and are very much a great community event. Stormont parkrun in Stormont Estate is now on every week. Here’s the lowdown:

The Bank Holiday saw over 200 young people breaking community and international boundaries in a ‘football fest’ held on the Billy Neill pitches in Dundonald.

T What is Stormont parkrun? It is a 5km run - it’s you against the clock. When is it? Every Saturday at 9:30am. Where is it? The event takes place at Stormont Estate, Ballymiscaw, Stormont, Belfast, BT4 3XX. See Course page for more details. What does it cost to join in? Nothing - it’s free! but please register before your first run. Only ever register with parkrun once. Don’t forget to bring a printed copy of your barcode (request a reminder). If you forget it, you won’t get a time. How fast do I have to be? We all run for our own enjoyment. Please come along and join in whatever your pace!

Stormont parkrun needs you! It is entirely organised by volunteers - email stormonthelpers@parkrun.com to help. We’re friendly! Every week we grab a post parkrun coffee in General Merchants, 481 Newtownards Road. Less than 10 minutes walk from main gates towards Belfast on the corner of Cabin Hill Park and Newtownards Rd - come and join us! Parkrun will be celebrating 5 years in Northern Ireland on the 7th November and the founder will be traveling to NI for a reception in Belfast City Hall. We will also mark this on the Saturday morning with cake and balloons etc at the parkrun event in Stormont Estate.

he cross-community knock-out tournament, organised by Active Communities Network (ACN) in partnership with Charter NI, aimed to help engage and integrate young people regardless of background. The Asda Foundation supported the event as part of its £600,000 sponsorship of ACN and the retailer’s Community Life Champions were on hand on the day to help out on the pitch! Now in its 5th year, the event is the longest running tournament of its kind in Ireland bringing together teams from local communities, Eastern Europe and even as far afield as Africa, to unite in their love of sport. The festival is part of a three year long programme of activities organised by ACN and funded by the Asda Foundation which aims to support youth outreach in areas with high social deprivation, delivering clear progression pathways into citizenship and employment. Asda Dundonald’s Community Life Champion,

Sharon McBratney commented: “As Community Life Champion. I’m always looking for great initiatives that benefit the whole community. Football Fest is the perfect way to bring young people from different background together to enjoy a mutual interest, and help create a sense of purpose – one of the main aims of this programme.” Jim Donnelly, Head of Programmes NI for Active Communities Network commented: “Active Communities Network has been operating in Northern Ireland since 2009, promoting personal, social and community development for young people through involvement in sport, physical activity, arts and culture. Asda’s commitment is vital and it was fantastic to have the support and buy-in of their colleagues on the day, as it really created a purposeful and action packed day for all.” The event kick-started a programme of ACN activity that ran in the East Belfast area throughout September.

www.littlewingpizzeria.com

LITTLE WING SERVES UP LOCAL KID’S CLUB BURSARIES

PICTURED

Allana Murphy, Leah Gannon and Erika Gannon join Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria to launch the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursary scheme. Little Wing Pizzeria is encouraging local children’s clubs to grab a slice of the action by applying for the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursary scheme, which will see £3,000 up for grabs

Little Wing Pizzeria is encouraging local children’s clubs to grab a slice of the action by applying for the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursary scheme, which will see £3,000 up for grabs.

ollowing on from the success of last year’s scheme, this year the bursaries are returning bigger and better and will be open to all Under12’s kid’s clubs, from sports to art, music to dance. To be eligible, clubs must be located within a 10 mile radius of the Little Wing restaurant to which they apply. Branches are located in Enniskillen, Holywood, Bangor, Ballyhackamore, Ann Street, Belfast and Lisburn Road, Belfast, with each restaurant offering £500 to the successful local applicant. Commenting on the club bursaries, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said: “Little Wing has six highly

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successful branches in Northern Ireland and we are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community by supporting local schools, clubs and charities- the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursaries are an extension of this support. Throughout the year we get a lot of requests from children’s clubs to help them with sponsorship so we decided to launch this programme to give all local clubs an equal chance of being granted additional funding. I would encourage all clubs that are interested to apply for a bursary which can be put towards anything the club needs financial assistance with such as new

kits, equipment or even to go towards the general costs of running the club.” Last year’s winners were Bangor Rugby Club, City of Belfast Swimming Club, Junior Belfast Giants, Holywood Rugby Football Club and Ormeau Table Tennis Club, who all benefited from a £500 bursary for their club. Keith Knox , head coach at Ormeau Table Tennis club said: “The Little Wing Little Stars bursary scheme has helped us massively: we purchased sporting equipment for the club, brought in more high quality coaching for the children and also boosted our online presence. As a result of this, we saw our number of players representing us at Ulster level

rise from 8 to over 12. We were very happy with the scheme and would recommend that other children’s clubs apply for it – the bursary can make all the difference.” To apply for the bursary scheme, children’s clubs simply need to write a 300 word explanation of why they need the bursary and what it will be used for. Email to bursaries@ littlewingpizzeria.co.uk stating their closest Little Wing restaurant before the Monday October 26. Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across NI.

DUNDONALD FAMILy’S PRECIOUS DONATION IN MEMORY OF THEIR SON A little boy from Dundonald who sadly lost his battle with cancer in April aged just 11 has now helped others. A vintage golf bag containing left handed clubs signed by top golfer and Cancer Fund for Children supporter Rory McIlroy reently went up for auction on Ebay raising money for the charity. The bag and clubs belonged to little Caleb Overton and his parents kindly donated the bag to Cancer Fund for Children to auction off and raise money during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month in September. Caleb, who was one of four children, touched the hearts of millions of people around the world when he helped golfer Rory McIlroy open the charity’s Daisy Lodge therapeutic short break facility in Newcastle for families affected by cancer last October. Rory has since signed the hood of the golf bag. Money raised in this way helps Cancer Fund for Children continue to provide practical, emotional and financial support in the home, community and hospital ward. Fundraising also enables the charity to continue its short break provision at Daisy Lodge in Newcastle and the self-catering cottages in Coleraine that offer relaxation and rejuvenation for exhausted families. Caleb’s mother Sandra said: “We are delighted that the auctioning of the golf clubs and bag will help other families and children benefit from the support that we did.”

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The Loop | October 2015 | Schools

Local Sport MALLARD BREAK THEIR OVAL DUCK GLENTORAN 0 | BALLINAMALLARD UNITED 2 THE pressure must be mounting on manager Eddie Patterson, as Ballinamallard United were shock winners at the Oval, recording their first ever league victory against a very lacklustre Glentoran. Granted the Glens were understrength, missing defenders Barry Holland, Jay Magee and Calum Birney, all on the injured list, though that was little excuse for such an

underpar performance. The Mallards’ rearguard looked a little edgy in the opening exchanges, though it was the Fermanagh side who created the first real opening on eight minutes; Liam Martin failing to connect from six yards out. Two minutes later, Martin wangled some space at the edge of the box but his shot was comfortably saved by keeper Aaron Hogg. At the other end, the visitors’ only concern was in scrambling away a couple of well delivered corners from Jonathon Smith. The Glens first meaningful pot on goal came on the half hour; Curtis Allen cutting in from

the right but his shot was comfortably beaten down by keeper Alvin Rouse. Just when it looked as though the teams were going to go off at the break still awaiting the opening goal, it was the Mallards who made the break through on 41 minutes; Cathal Beacom laying the ball off nicely for the poorly marked Johnny Courtney to dispatch into the bottom right hand corner of the net. The Glens were looking for a response after the break, but instead it was Ballinamallard who still looked the more threatening; Smith curling one just wide of the target on 53 minutes. Glentoran should have heeded the

warning, as two minutes later, United were two up – Beacom thumping a 20 yard free kick into the bottom left hand corner, with keeper Hogg perhaps disappointed that he didn’t get a good hand onto the ball. There was still no response from the home side, and it was Mallard who almost notched a third, with Michael McCrudden’s 30 yard free kick zipping just past the post. The best the Glens could muster was a Marcus Kane effort just over the bar. Indeed, their first real shot on target of the second half came with just three minutes left on the clock;

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Allen’s miscued effort posing no problems for Rouse. So a rather flat, disappointing performance display by Glentoran, especially after they had seemingly steadied the ship with the win at Dungannon. Yet there’s perhaps nothing better than a big two derby to shake the lethargic Glens back into life, with Saturday’s trip to league pacesetters Linfield. Glentoran; Hogg, Gibson (Gray), Addis, Garrett, Kane, Scullion (McCaffrey), Gordon, McAlorum, Smith, Allen, McMenamin. Subs (unused), McCullough, Morris, Henderson.

DUNDELA SLIP TO EIGHTH

Photos courtesy of Andy Gray Photography

DUNDELA 2 | DOLLINGSTOWN 3 Lee Lenaghan tries to round Dollingstown keeper Shane McPartlan.

Stephen Gourley grabs his goal from the penalty spot.

Mark McClelland bursts through the Dollingstown tackles

Harland and Wolff Welders go three points clear WELDERS 3 | ANNAGH UNITED 0 With Ards beaten at Loughgall, Harland and Wolff Welders go three points clear at the Championship 1 summit after this three goal success over this season’s surprise package, Annagh United, who hardly helped their own cause, with two players talking themselves into double yellow cards.Davy Rainey was the Welders hero, grabbing a well taken hat trick, carrying on the good work, even without his usual partner in crime, the still not fully fit Michael McLellan. Just one point separated the sides going into Saturday’s duel at Tillysburn and it was the Shipyardmen who launched the early attacks, sailing into a 10th minute lead when Rainey thumped

the ball past the helpless Marc Robinson. Annagh played some nice football, some nice touches without seriously troubling home netminder Michael Dougherty and it was the Welders who grabbed a second right on half time – a nice time to score; Rainey following up after an initial shot had been too hot to handle for keeper Robinson. The Welders remained in command after the turnaround, effectively putting the three points under lock and key, with Rainey completing his hat trick on 59 minutes. Annagh didn’t make things any easier when Andrew Smith saw yellow and then red for speaking out of turn to referee Jamie Robinson on 62 minutes, followed by teammate Mark Stewart six minutes later, again for some ill chosen vocabulary. From there on in, the Shipyardmen were in cruise control, as the nine man Annagh managed to survive without incurring any further damage. Next Saturday, it will be tougher for Gary Smyth’s side, as they travel to Inver Park to meet Larne. H&W Welders; Dougherty, Dickson, Armstrong, Harris, Spence, McMillan, Deans, Devine, Dougan, Cahoon, Rainey. Subs, McMurray, McLellan, Bowers, Galbraith.

BRANTWOOD 2 | SIROCCO WORKS 3

MOSSLEY FC 4 | SHORTS 1

SIROCCO Works progress through to Round 3 of the Irish Cup after Saturday’s well deserved victory over Brantwood at Skegoniel Avenue. Brantwood now compete in the Ballymena Provincial intermediate League, though some of our readers will fondly remember them from their days in the old ‘B Division’. Sirocco, though, have been looking good in the cups, apart from two goal Border Cup defeat the previous week by Premier Division side Albert Foundry.Sirocco Works; Reid – Fleming, Cassidy, McConville, G Stitt - Mannus, M Stitt, Acheson – Hanna, Forsyth, Spiers. Subs, Rodgers, Ashe, Quinn, Graham, Rainey. Meanwhile, all the main work is finished at Dixon Park, with Sirocco still awaiting an IFA inspection.

Shorts lost their unbeaten league record, going down 4-1 at the Glade to 1c leaders Mossley FC, who have now won six out of six. Mossley had smashed Dunmurry Young Men’s 100% record a few weeks ago, and were first off the mark when Gareth McKinney slipped the ball through for Lee Graham. Five minutes later, Mossley doubled their lead, with Graham too quick for his marker, as he finished off Ben Fletcher’s right wing cross. Mossley widened the margin, Graham this time turning provider, crossing for defender Kyle Harper. Fletcher added a fourth, which effectively ended the contest, although Shorts, as you’d expect, didn’t give up and pulled one back through Alan Jamison. Shorts

boss Alan McClelland sighed afterwards, “Mossley to be fair, played very well, and it was the combination of them playing well, and us having a bad day at the office. It’s always a good game between us and Mossley, you know what to expect. There’s rivalry but also respect between the two clubs. We knew it was going to be a big game, and it’s disappointing to lose a big game to one of your main rivals, but it’s not going to define our season. We have set ourselves high standards this season, but it just didn’t happen for us on Saturday – though you’re going to get that! There’s a long way to go yet. It’s how we react after this. Hopefully it motivates us for the next time we play them!” Shorts; Causby – Kerr, Barr, Smith (Henry), Graham – Ralph (Allen), Jamison, Ennis, McConnell – Dummigan (Hewitt), Watton. Shorts are on the lookout for a second

A second successive 2-3 defeat sees Dundela slip to eighth place in Championship 2, after going down at Wilgar to a dogged Dollingstown side who played almost half the match with only ten men, after Marty Hughes was sent off for a rash lunge at Duns right back Owen Thompson. It was Colly Smith, though, who came closest, with a close range header cleared off the line. Dundela had another offering when Lenaghan was played through, but was deprived by McPartlan as he tried to manoeuvre his way round the keeper. McPartlan was the busier of the two keepers, distinguishing himself with a fine save to defy Nathan Jones, who screwed his follow up effort wide of the target. And when Jones did find a way past McPartlan, following a well worked corner involving Knipe and Michael McClelland, his joy was nipped in the bud by the sight of the referee’s assistant’s offside flag. At the other end, James Taylor was only once called into action, as it was the Duns who continued to batter away at a Dollingstown defence, immaculately marshalled by Aaron Moffett. The impasse was finally broken when McClelland squared the ball across for Jones to finally get his reward. It was a goal Dundela deserved, but Dollingstown had other ideas and they stormed right back, with Richard Thompson cutting inside Smith before sliding the ball beyond Taylor. The second half erupted into life when Hughes saw red for that challenge on Thompson. There was an ominous warning, too, when it foot a stunning reaction save from Taylor to maintain the equilibrium. Dundela, though, were soon back in tandem; skipper Stephen Gourley doing the needful from the spot, after Moffett’s stray hand in the box. Surely this was the spur for Dundela to take advantage of the extra man, but instead it was the stubborn visitors who regained their lead, with Thompson completing his hat trick, after being afforded too much space at the back post. Dundela’s only chance of salvaging a point came when Smith headed over late on. Next Saturday, the Duns travel to Fitzwilliam Park to meet Tobermore United. Dundela: Taylor, Thompson, Gourley, Smith, Kerr, Irwin (Burrows), Lenaghan, West (Collins), Knipe, Jones (Bickerstaff), McClelland. Subs (unused) Foster, Dornan.

team manager. Anyone at all interested should contact secretary Jonny Smyth at 07766 808033.

BLOOMFIELD 3 | GROVE UNITED 4 Disappointment for Bloomfield in 1b as they went down by the odd goal in seven to Grove United at Houston Park. All looked a lot rosier when Bloomfield opened the scoring through Lewis Irwin, cracking the ball into the bottom corner of the net. Grove cancelled that one out, punishing Darrian Shaw’s indiscretion inside the box. United, however, soon paid the penalty themselves; Michael Getty obliging for Bloomfield. Grove, though, went off back on terms, thanks to a rather soft equaliser just before the break. The Shore Road side went one better, taking the lead for

the first time just after the changearound, heading in a free kick. Grove, too, were able to give themselves some breathing space, which they were glad off, after going down to ten men, following a second bookable offence. From the resultant free kick, Chris Cowden rifled the ball into the top corner of the net. With 15 minutes still remaining, there was surely time for Bloomfield to salvage something, but soon afterwards, they lost their numerical advantage, as Stuart Woods was sent to the pavilion. At ten against ten, Bloomfield finished the stronger, but Grove somehow managed to hold out for a hard earned three points. Bloomfield; McCormick – Shaw, Woods, Lamont, Jeffers - Pollock (McVeigh), Armstrong, Cowden, Getty - Irwin, M Bowers (G Bowers). Sub (unused) Loughran.

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