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INSIDE

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Celebrations for SERC students The recent bad weather couldn't dampen the excitement of South Eastern Regional College (SERC) students who collected their Level 3 extended diploma results on Thursday August 17. And it was worth braving the elements as the College celebrated another year of superb results with over 160 students achieving the equivalent of three A grades or higher at A level.

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Many students had extra reason to celebrate by achieving the equivalent to 3A* grades.

Celebrating two years of hard work was applied science student Courtney Bull. Courtney said: “I am over the moon I’ve got a triple distinction star. I’ve enjoyed my time at SERC and I would encourage school leavers to consider SERC as a first option”.

Classmates from the health and social care course Chloe Robinson and Megan Simpson were also celebrating after gaining three distinction stars in their extended diploma which is the equivalent to three A stars at A level.

Megan said: “I am absolutely delighted with my grades. I have worked hard throughout the year and received fantastic support from my tutors.”

The health and social class had an extra reason to celebrate as 70 percent of students achieved the equivalent of three A grades or higher at A level.

Dr Michael Malone, SERC Director of Curriculum and Information Services said: “This level of success is testament to the high level of teaching and learning that goes on within the college. All students are to be congratulated as they all worked extremely hard throughout the year and I am delighted that all their hard work has paid off. We wish them every success in their future studies and careers.”

He added “More students are opting for the national diploma courses which are a three A-Level equivalent

SERC health and social care students Chloe Robinson and Megan Simpson from Newtownards celebrating after achieving three distinction stars in their extended diploma which is the equivalent to three A*s at A level. qualification that extends and deepens knowledge in specialist vocational areas such as business, construction, engineering, arts and sport to mention but a few. These qualifications prepare learners for employment in specific career sectors and act as an entry requirement for university or other higher education qualifications. Extended Diplomas give students the opportunity to study their chosen subject in greater depth, with more assessments being done through coursework, rather than exams, which can suit some students better.”

On August 24 and 25 hopeful students will once again be arriving at SERC Campuses to enrol on Further Education courses ranging from Level 2 Diplomas to Level 3 Extended Diplomas, depending on GCSE results.

SERC provides a range of full and part time courses.

For more information or to apply please visit www.serc.ac.uk, call 0345 600 7555 or find us on Facebook, search: SERC.

SERC applied science student Courtney Bull from Newtownards is delighted after receiving a triple distinction star in her extended diploma

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SEPTEMBER 2017

CHRONICLE EXTRA

10 tickets issued in Comber - 673 in Newtownards

Parking ticket figures raise traffic issues Violet Brown v.brown@ardschronicle.co.uk

There has been a call for more traffic wardens in Comber to improve parking and traffic flow in the town after it was revealed that only 10 parking tickets were issued to motorists in Comber during the first six months of this year, compared to 673 in Newtownards.

Figures on Penalty Charge Notices (PCN) published by the Department for Infrastructure showed during the first half of 2017 1,541 parking tickets were issued in Ards and North Down Borough Council area.

Of these 673 were in Newtownards while the neighbouring towns of Comber and Donaghadee received just 10 and 27 respectively. One was issued in Millisle and one in Portavogie.

In 2016 3,794 tickets were issued throughout Ards and North Down Borough Council area – 1,561 in Newtownards, 62 in Comber and 85 in Donaghadee.

From January to June 2017, 241 Fixed Penalty Charges were also issued in Dundonald, 223 in Ballynahinch, seven in Crossgar, 13 in Saintfield and one in Killyleagh.

Referring to the 10 parking tickets issued in Comber for the first half of this year, Philip Smith, a member of Comber Regeneration Community Partnership feels

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there needs to be a ‘red coat’ presence in Comber to enforce basic parking rules. “Many seem to see it as a free for all leading to greater congestion, particularly in The Square and Castle Street,” he said. “No-one wants to see motorists harassed or traders impacted but there is a balance and a bit of deterrent might improve parking and traffic flow in the town.”

The Traffic Management (Northern Ireland) Order 2005 introduced a decriminalised parking enforcement system to Northern Ireland. This gives the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) the power to use traffic attendants to enforce parking contraventions by issuing PCNs and was further amended in 2015 to enable the enforcement of moving traffic offences in bus lanes. It also grants the powers needed to allow the Department to deal with representations and appeals and to clamp and remove vehicles.

On April 1, 2015, The Off-street Parking (Functions of District Councils) Act (NI) 2015 transferred the relevant powers of the Traffic Management Order 2005 to Councils to enable enforcement of all parking contraventions in Council controlled car parks.

The report provided by DfI and the Northern Ireland Statistics Research Agency further explains parking tickets are issued for vehicles found to be in contravention of parking or bus lane restrictions. ‘The Department is responsible for the enforcement of parking restrictions on-street such as yellow lines, limited waiting and pay and display parking spaces,’ it reads. ‘The Department operates and enforces offstreet car parks on behalf of local Councils and will continue to do so until October 2019’.

Outlining the objectives of the scheme, the report explains the aim of parking and bus lane enforcement is to reduce the number of vehicles illegally parked on our roads or driving in bus lanes or other bus priority measures. ‘This in turn reduces traffic congestion and helps traffic to flow more freely, assists delivery vehicles, allows buses to keep to their timetable and improves bus journey times, improves road safety and provides accessibility for all road users, including Blue Badge holders,’ the report reads. ‘The enforcement of on-street limited waiting and pay and display spaces, Park and Ride charged car parks and Council operated car parks also encourage a turnover of parking spaces, giving shoppers and visitors more opportunities to find suitable parking’.

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It has been suggested more traffic wardens could help traffic flow in Comber.

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Greenway’s the best way!

First step taken to provide more accessibility for cyclists and walkers Comber and Newtownards town centres could become more accessible to cyclists and walkers after the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) gave Ards and North Down Borough Council £25,000 as a first step towards developing a new greenway between Comber and Newtownards.

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Violet Brown v.brown@ardschronicle.co.uk And Sustrans the charity focused on making it easier for people to walk and cycle want the government to commit more resources to deliver greenways across Northern Ireland.

The £25,000 allocated under stage three of the Small Grants Programme for Greenways will allow the Council to develop detailed designs and a fully worked up project proposal ready for construction.

Andrew Grieve, DfI, explained encouraging greater use of active travel was a Programme for Government aspiration and the development of greenways had an important role to play in achieving this: “They are a key part of our infrastructure as they provide safe and easy access to fresh air and exercise by encouraging more people to walk or cycle on their everyday journeys on a traffic free route,” he said.

“The proposed new 12km greenway between Comber and Newtownards is an extension to the current Comber Greenway and we look forward to working with Ards and North Down Borough Council to bring this scheme to fruition,” Mr Grieve added.

Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair is delighted confirmation of funding will enable the Council to progress to detailed design on this very

Michelle McIlveen MLA, Andrew Grieve (Department for Infrastructure) and Robert Adair, Mayor of Ards and North Down welcome funding for the Greenway project. exciting project: “This investment will compliment work the Council has already completed in the area, such as Comber public realm, and fits with our commitment to promote health and wellbeing opportunities across the borough.

“We look forward to engaging with communities, businesses and landowners as we develop the detailed designs and the project proposal that will bring this project to fruition.”

Gordon Clarke, Sustrans Northern Ireland Director

welcomed the investment but called for the Executive – when it returns – to allocate at least 5% of capital funds to greenways from the £400million additional budget announced for infrastructure.

“We are anxious to see government commit the resource to deliver greenways as set out in the Strategic Plan for Greenways,” Mr Clarke said.

On the planned Comber to Newtownards route he concluded: “This will make the centre of Comber and Newtownards more accessible by foot and bike which will have economic benefits for these towns.”

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

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Delivery round dress-up for children’s cancer charity

Superman Lee is super postie!

Ismay Woods i.woods@ardschronicle.co.uk

Householders in Conlig were no doubt surprised to find their mail being delivered by none other than Superman on Tuesday!

On closer inspection they soon realised it was their regular ‘postie’ from the Newtownards delivery office, Lee Cowan.

Lee had donned the red cape and boots of the ‘man of steel’ - with the blessing of his Royal Mail employers - to carry out his regular round in Conlig, and also to raise funds for a cause close to his heart.

The 45-year-old father of three decided to change out of his regulation uniform, and become Superman for the day, in the hope the customers on his regular round would donate to the Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

Lee explained why he chose the charity: “It is 10

years since my nephew, Ben Campbell, was diagnosed with a brain tumour when he was four. He died on August 14, 2008; he had just turned six years old.”

Lee, who is originally from Newtownards but now lives in Portavogie with his wife, Christine, and their sons Jamie (17), Harry (11) and eight year old Matthew, told the Chronicle how Ben’s parents, Elaine and Leslie Campbell, organise an annual golf tournament at Kirkistown, and Leslie and a friend have taken part in the Belfast marathon to raise funds for the NI Cancer Fund for Children.

Deciding to dress up as Superman while undertaking his delivery round, came about when Lee was in a local hairdressing salon, and a customer was having her head shaved for charity: “Because I have my head shaved, she took a selfie with me, and I said there wouldn’t be much point me shaving my head; I began to think what I could do, and came up with the Superman idea.”

When Lee approached his management team

with the idea, they immediately gave him the go ahead; in fact Royal Mail have offered to match, pound for pound, the amount Lee has raised. He added: “Usually, Royal Mail only support their chosen charity [this year’s being Action for Children, a mental health charity] but they have made an exception for this.”

Asked what the reaction was as he delivered the mail around Conlig on Tuesday, Lee said: “The kids were excited, and the mums didn’t know who was coming to the door!

“Everyone was really generous; I thought I would’ve got some stick from drivers, but there were gardeners and builders who stopped their vans and gave what change they had.”

Lee had set himself a target of £100, but believes after Tuesday’s ‘super’ effort from his customers and generous drivers, he may have doubled that target.

He thanked all those who supported him, including his delivery office colleagues, and his employers for allowing him to be ‘Superman’ for the day.

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Strangford MLA Peter Weir has urged for tough action on those who allow their dogs to foul in residential areas close to Newtownards town centre.

Mr Weir said: “I have been contacted by a number of residents regarding dog fouling in residential streets close to Newtownards town centre. Residents in Thomas Street, Mark Street, Robert Street, Windmill Row and Mary Street have contacted me in recent weeks to report their disgust at the problem.

“I reported this to the cleansing section and the Neighbourhood Environment section of the Council to clean the area and to carry out enforcement action.

“I welcome news that following an inspection

by Council in which they noted there is an issue with dog fouling in the area, they have cleaned the area, erected a number of ‘no dog fouling signs’ and will patrol the area and issue fines if they catch offenders.

“I am aware they have warned an individual who has is alleged to have allowed his dog to foul in Mark Street and informed him that people in the area will report him if he fails to pick up after

his dog.

“The message must get out there that it is simply unacceptable to allow your dog to foul and to leave it for ratepayers to pick up the bill to clean it.

“I welcome action on enforcement and urge tough financial penalties on those lazy individuals who bring down the appearance of their own town.”

Royal Mail employee Lee Cowan in his Superman costume.

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Regent House Headmaster Michael Carville with Patrick Seaton, Saul Rooney, Hannah Adams, Stewart Rosell and Alicia Huntley. J4-24-8-17

Friends Kyle Van Gisen, Benjamin Stevenson, Andrew McCracken, Robert Hull and Iain Jones. J3-24-8-17

‘Outstanding’ A level results at Regent House 84% of students gain three A* to C grades The headmaster and staff at Regent House School, Newtownards congratulated all the students who had worked ‘extremely hard to achieve outstanding results’ as the Chronicle joined with the young people as they gathered at the school to find out how they had fared in their A levels last Thursday, August 17.

Rachel Mooney who received four A* grades at A level.

Anna McVeigh had collected her results and was hurrying out to open them with her mum when the Chronicle met her at the school gates. “I really don’t know what to expect,” she said. Anna had taken A levels in English, Theatre Studies, Art and Maths and was hoping to go on to be a special needs teacher.

Joshua McClements, who is planning to study agriculture at Queen’s University Belfast, achieved four As in Chemistry, Biology, Maths and Economics.

Friends Kyle Van Gisen, Benjamin Stevenson, Andrew McCracken, Robert Hull and Iain Jones gathered together after receiving their results.

Kyle who received three As in Maths, Chemistry and Biology hopes to study Bio-Chemistry in York. Benjamin who achieved As in Maths and Physics and a B in ICT hopes to go on to study teaching at Stranmillis College. Andrew and Robert are both going on to study Mechanical Engineering and achieved the same results in the same subjects at A level – A in technology and Bs in Maths and Physics. Iain who hopes to go on to study Engineering in Newcastle received an A* in Further Maths and three As in Maths, Chemistry and Physics.

Patrick Seaton who achieved five A*s in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Further Maths is going to Durham to study Natural Science. Saul Rooney and Hannah Adams are both going to study medicine in Edinburgh and both achieved four A* grades in Chemistry, Biology, Physics and Maths. Stewart Rosell who received three A*s in Biology, Chemistry and Maths and a B in Geography is going to study Biology at Cambridge. Alicia Huntley who wants to study medicine hopes to take a gap year before going to university. Alicia achieved four A*s in Maths, Further Maths, Biology and Chemistry. Rachel Mooney also received four A* grades in Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths.

Regent House Headmaster, Michael Carville said the morning had been exciting for everyone. “We are delighted 84% of our students gained at least three grades at A*-C and that 81% of all grades achieved were an A*, A or B,” he said. “These results continue to demonstrate the dramatic improvement in outcomes for students in Regent House.

“The whole staff and I would like to congratulate all the students who have worked extremely hard to achieve their outstanding results. I would also like to congratulate, and thank, the enormously dedicated staff who have worked exceptionally hard to assist the students in achieving these grades,” Mr Carville said. “We look forward to hearing about the future successes of these

students as they move forward onto the next stage of their careers.”

Chief Executive of the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment (CEA), Justin Edwards congratulated each student who received their results last Thursday and commended them for their hard work. “I also wish to recognise the dedication and support provided by Northern Ireland’s teachers, who have had a key role in today’s success, and the 5,000 examiners and moderators for their continued support,” he said. Thursdays results, Mr Edwards added, presented a good picture for Northern Ireland, with a stable performance across all grades.

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Time running out to find watch owner Time is running out to find the owner of a valuable watch found in Portaferry last autumn.

The watch was handed to the crew of the Strangford Ferry and despite efforts by the PSNI and the Department for Infrastructure, neither the owner of the watch nor the person who handed it in, have been found.

The Department is keen to return the watch to its rightful owner and is appealing to either the owner of the watch or the person who found it in Portaferry to come forward.

If neither is found by September 30 2017 then the Department plans to auction the watch and donate the money to charity.

If you can help please contact the Department for Infrastructure, Roads DaTA Section at Rathkeltair House, Market Street, Downpatrick, BT30 6AJ or by email to strangfordferry@infrastructure-ni.gov.uk

CHRONICLE EXTRA

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Dennis S. Nash – A display of 65 years of reporting memories To mark the 65th year of regular, voluntary and informative sports reporting for the local press by Dennis S. Nash, a display of the vast array of memorabilia collected by Dennis over those years will be put on public view at Londonderry Park, Newtownards on Friday and Saturday September 22 and 23, during the normal opening hours at the park.

It was in September 1952 that a young Dennis S. Nash penned his first match report. It was only a 154 word report on a 6-aside game between Cardy and Ballyblack, but it started a ‘tradition’, which continues to this day…….with not a single week missed inbetween.

During that unbroken record, Dennis has received many awards and acknowledgements, attended a wide variety of local sporting events, engaged with all the local sporting personalities, worked at a myriad of local sporting settings and met with large numbers of personalities associated with the wider stage of international sport.

Public consultation meetings The South Eastern Health & Social Care Trust has launched a consultation on its 2017/18 Savings Plan. The Trust is planning to hold a series of public meetings to

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ensure that the public have the opportunity to contribute to the consultation process.

The first of the public meetings is on Thursday September 21, from 2pm to 4pm, at Dundonald Ice Bowl.

The remaining two meetings are on Tuesday September 26 at Lisburn Recreational Hall, Lagan Valley Hospital, from 6pm to 8pm; and Thursday September 28 at the Great Hall, Downshire Estate, Downpatrick, from 7pm to 9pm.

The Trust will also facilitate other meetings with groups and individuals upon request.

A copy of the proposals and information on the consultation process is available on our website: setrust.hscni.net For further information, or to register your attendance at a public meeting, please contact Tania Gibson, Kelly House, Ulster Hospital, Dundonald BT16 1RH, telephone 028 9055 0434, textphone 028 9151 0137 email: consultation@setrust.hsc ni.net

Dennis S Nash (centre) with representatives of the Down Area league.

Some of his friends felt that the time was right to ask Dennis to pull the collection together and allow the general public the opportunity to visit a display which vividly records a lifetime of recording decades of sporting activity in the local area.

Sports fans are asked to come along to enjoy the variety of awards and mementoes, an extensive range of artefacts and a substantial collection of souvenirs, tokens and keepsakes.

For further information on the event, please contact Andrew Rodgers on 07771 823 401 or darodgers@live.com

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

TJ taken to the altar by tractor Brett Campbell B.Campbell@ardschronicle.co.uk

A Donaghadee farmer stole the limelight last week when his wifeto-be organised the perfect surprise on their wedding day.

TJ Anderson (22) was expecting a jeep to transport him to the Marine Court Hotel in Bangor on Tuesday, August 8, but it never arrived.

Instead, his bride Nicola (34) had secretly arranged for her groom to travel in a John Deere tractor before they tied the knot.

The vegetable farmer, who clearly picked the right woman, told the Chronicle it helped to make the ‘perfect day’ even better.

“It was an absolute surprise, I had no idea and didn’t see it coming,” he said.

“I was leaving from Nicola's brother-in-law’s house in Kircubbin and was expecting him to take me in a jeep.

“He called round to the wee farm yard in a tractor

The newly weds, TJ and Nicola.

and it took me a while to catch on that that’s how I was going to get to the wedding.”

The tractor lover’s bride had collaborated with her sister to pull off the unconventional stunt soon after wedding planning commenced following the August 2015 engagement.

“Their best friend is a farmer and so they approached him to organise it,” he said.

“I’m more of a Massey Ferguson fan but a John Deere is a good tractor too.”

The couple’s five-year-old son Bailey was in on the secret but his dad suspects he forgot all about it.

“Bailey came running in and said; ‘Daddy there's ribbons on that tractor’,” TJ explained.

“He had known for a few

Arrivng in style. weeks and never said a word, he must have forgot all about it.

“Or else he is genuinely good at keeping secrets, which is impressive because he usually tells me everything.”

Guests and onlookers

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“Living Well with Pain” When you are struggling with chronic pain, it can be hard to know what to do other than taking more medication. However, while painkillers can help alleviate the symptoms, learning how to manage your pain in the first place can make a dramatic impact on your health and wellbeing.

Arthritis Care are experts in pain management and their range of free workshops can help anyone over 18 to take control of their pain, whatever their longterm health condition.

The “Living Well with Pain” course runs for six weeks (each session lasting 2.5 hours) and will help introduce you to a number of techniques which will help you to manage your pain better. We explore techniques such as relaxation, better breathing and communication skills, as well as the benefits of keeping active, dealing with negative thoughts and difficult emotions and much more. The course is delivered by trained volunteers who are living with pain themselves.

One of the many people who have found the “Living Well with Pain” course life changing told us:

“I have a more positive outlook now to living with pain and feel I can cope much better. I have also learned not to be so hard on myself and that it is okay to take things easy at times and to enjoy life!”

The next “Living Well with Pain” course in your area takes place in the Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards commencing on Monday 25 September from 10.30am – 1.00pm.

Are you ready to challenge your pain?

If so, contact Yvonne on 028 9078 2940 or Yvonnek@arthritiscare.org.uk to book a place.

Find out more about Arthritis Care and how they can help at www.arthritiscare.org.uk, or ask for one of their information leaflets when you call. “Living Well with Pain” is supported by the Health and Social Care Board.

Struggling with chronic pain?

LEARN HOW TO MANAGE IT BETTER Delivered by people who have chronic pain themselves, Living Well with Pain is a free course comprising of a 2.5 hour session per week for 6 weeks where you will learn some simple techniques to help you deal with pain including:

were equally surprised when they witnessed the groomsman pulling up in style at the wedding venue in Bangor.

“Everyone was surprised and they all gathered round when I pulled out, they loved it.

“People came out of nearby restaurants to take photos, people were looking out from their hotel window and people on the street came up to greet me.

“I’m surprised that so many people appreciated it.”

TJ said the wedding was ‘perfect from start to finish - apart from the surprise tractor, everything went to plan and everyone had a great day’.

The couple are holding off on their honeymoon

“

‘I’m more of a Massey Ferguson fan but John Deere is a good tractor’ groom.

until next year, so the pressure is now on for the family man to come up with a holiday destination

for his new wife, son Bailey, one-year-old daughter Daisy and stepdaughter Alex.

understanding your pain managing stress getting through the day relaxation techniques... and more WORKSHOP IS FOR PEOPLE OVER 18 LIVING WITH ANY LONGTERM PAIN CONDITION

Strangford Arms Hotel, Newtownards Monday 25 Sept, 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30 October from 10.30am – 1.00pm For more information and to register call 028 9078 2940 or email yvonnek@arthritiscare.org.uk

N O R T H E R N

I R E L A N D

CHALLENGING PAIN is supported by the Health and Social Care Board and delivered by Arthritis Care. Registered charity Nos. 206563/SC038693.

Former nurses, who completed their initial training in Newtownards from 19671970 under the supervision of Matron Miss Ivy Percival, pictured attending their 50th anniversary reunion held in the Strangford Arms Hotel. From left are: Anne Rooney, Pauline Blair, Pearl Scott, Ann Fox, Geraldine Gaw, Iris Algie, Marie McFall and Brigit Magennis. J5-24/8/17

SEPTEMBER 2017

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SEPTEMBER 2017 ADVERTISING FEATURE

Get Out and About Minister from Australia comes to

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Newtownards on an exchange Rev Graeme Hart arrived in Newtownards at the beginning of August with his wife Allison and their four children, as the result of the pulpit exchange arranged with Rev Robert McCollum, minister of Newtownards Reformed Presbyterian Church.

Meanwhile Rev McCollum will be spending the next six months ministering in a sister Reformed Presbyterian congregation in the suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria – called McKinnon, where Rev Hart is the Pastor.

Shortly after Rev Hart arrived, Sam McEwen, one of the elders in the Newtownards congregation, asked him to let us know something of his background and ‘what makes him tick’.

How did the possibility of an exchange arise?

Allison and I had often talked about doing an overseas exchange like this, but at the age and stage of our family, never thought it would be a possibility. However, when I received an email from Rev. Robert McCollum, the minister of the Newtownards Reformed Presbyterian Church, asking if I was interested in an exchange we were immediately very interested. Among many other things, we had to figure out how it might work for the kids and their education. So we decided to enroll them in a Melbourne school which specialises in distance education.

What are the potential benefits of such an exchange?

There are many benefits.

Personally, it’s an opportunity to observe and participate in the life of an overseas sister church and its denomination, to gain international experience and develop as a pastor and preacher. For the children, it presents a rare opportunity to broaden their education on a global scale. Distance education gives them the flexibility to do their normal school work while at the same time experiencing various places and cultures, and gaining a larger view and appreciation of the world around them. For our two churches, it connects both of the congregations in a closer way, while at the same time giving them the opportunity to sit under a different style of ministry without having to call a different minister. For our denominations, they both have the opportunity to hear firsthand about the ministry

Rev Graeme Hart with his wife Allison, and their four children - Caleb (17), Lachlan (14), Jasmine (12) and Mia-Maree (eight).

of the Reformed Presbyterian Church in each respective country.

Tell us something about your family and upbringing?

I am the youngest of six children and was born and bred in Launceston, Tasmania. I grew up in a Christian family, attending the Launceston Christian Reformed Church weekly, with the Bible being taught in the home. Even though I had always believed in God, through various people and events, when I was 18, the Lord eventually brought me to true faith and repentance and to want to follow His Son, Jesus Christ. I graduated with a business degree from the University of Tasmania and eventually moved to the ‘big smoke’ of Melbourne for work.

For four years I worked in the car auction industry and then for two years in disability employment services before heading

into full time study for the pastoral ministry.

What led you to become a minister of the Reformed Presbyterian Church?

God did! But He used different people and events to bring this about. I remember my dad once saying that he would love to see one of his four sons become a minister. From then on, I resolved not to become a minister! When I graduated from university my aim in life was to earn a lot money (I was then still an immature Christian at that stage!). However, when I was laid off from my first job after only three months and then unemployed for nine, God broke my pride and humbled me. It was like He was saying, “It’s time you consider a better calling than money!” That was the first time I considered the ministry as a genuine possibility.

North Down

Six years later I began studying for the ministry.

What are your hobbies/recreational interests?

I do enjoy a bit of ‘off-road driving’ and camping. I also enjoy roasting coffee on my home-made roaster and sharing the coffee-tasting experience with anyone who will listen to me wax lyrical over the different beans and their characteristics.

Friends back in Australia have asked me what I was going to do for coffee when in Newtownards.

My answer was “Nothing”! Christ is at the centre of my life - not coffee! So, if you serve up

an instant coffee, I will thank you for your hospitality and drink it to the glory of God! What is your guiding principle in life?

Learning to put Christ and His gospel at the centre of life and faith.

The Christian life isn’t just about believing in God, but having Christ at the centre of everything in life, because He is Lord of all. He’s not just a nice optional extra to have in life, like a Sat Nav or seat warmers in a car, but He’s the engine! He provides my life with life. He belongs in the ‘driver’s seat’ of life! It takes a lifetime to learn this… and I’m still learning!

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DONâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;T LET THE LIGHTS GO OUT THIS AUTUMN!

Colourfence North Down C

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appeals there are a number of creative classes to make someone special a Christmas gift - choose from jewellery making, soap-making, wreath-making and ceramic decorations to name just a few.

North Down Museum has a busy few months ahead too and within the pages of the new guide, there are details of a whole host of talks, exhibitions and events taking place from September to December.

Highlights include the Not So Scary Halloween event, the Christmas Craft Market and the wonderful Flappers Fashion Show which is back by popular demand.

The museum is also proud to present the Little Black Dress Exhibition. Taking place from November 29, this exhibition will explore this fashion icon and will feature a variety of shapes and styles from over the years.

On display will be dresses from Down County Museums, National Museums Northern Ireland as well as beautiful dresses from the wardrobes of local women.

Copies of the Arts and Heritage Autumn Guide are available from Arts Ards Centre, North Down Museum and any of the local visitor centres. To download a copy log on to: ardsarts.com or visitardsandnorth down.com

You may have noticed I havenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t drawn a cartoon this week. I left my pencil case at home and Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been much too busy mulling over my tattoo should be.

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Residents across the borough can enjoy the new arts and heritage guide released by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The autumn guide, covers the September to December period and is packed with a wide range of exhibitions, music, theatre and arts events, offering opportunities for everyone to enjoy what the arts and heritage programme has to offer.

Highlights from the latest guide include the Aspects Festival which is taking place from September 14 to 24 and presents another packed programme of events celebrating Irish writing.

The talents of Frank McGuinness, Carol Drinkwater, Bernie McGill and Colm TĂłibĂ­n are among the glittering list of wordsmiths and friends. There will also be workshops, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s events, music and theatre, as well as readings and interviews.

The Friday Night Live series at Ards Arts Centre is back with a bang in September and local residents can also enjoy live music in the beautiful surroundings of Bangor Castle with the Music In The Chamber series.

December welcomes festive favourites with a special Christmas Number Ones night and the annual family friendly Ulster Orchestra concert to get everyone in the Christmas spirit.

If hands-on arts and crafts activity

No Cartoon

tr

Autumn guide to arts and heritage released

The shops are full of exercise books, pens, pencils, rubbers and schoolbags, or whatever passes as schoolbags these days. And are pupils/students out spending their hard earned pocket money on such necessary utensils? Not a bit of it. The only thing you really need to

h, S

Don't you just love it when the crime figures come out. Every year, of the 18 years I have been reporting for the Chronicle, the crime figures have fallen.

Back to School

have on the first day back at school or college is a tattoo. It's positively de rigour and no self respecting member of the 'in crowd' will be seen with anything less than an armâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s length serpent. And our aspiring scholars have any amount of influencers. Take for example Cameron Douglas, son of Michael and grandson of Kirk. Not content with the mum dad knuckle tattoo, he has gone a little bit further with a tattoo of his dad's and grandad's faces on his chest.

'Inked Cameron looks magnificent' blurts the Daily Mail.

Beat that!

is

Crime figures

I'm fairly sure the figures must be somewhere in the minus territory now. So much so, in fact, that criminals must now be actually helping the police; stealing stuff and then handing it in, breaking into houses and doing a spot of cleaning, and tarmacing driveways free of charge.

Which is just as well, because where do you go to report a crime nowadays? When is the last time you saw a bobby on the beat, except maybe when ordering 12 portions of chips for the folks back at the barracks.

yl

It may or may not be obvious from my previous paragraphs I am in disgruntled mood. Why? Because I'm just back from holidays. You see everything is wonderful on holidays. Roadworks? Don't care.

Political crisis? Don't care. Looming armageddon? Don't care.

Now I'm back and everything is rubbish.

All the things I should have attended to before I went on holidays have come back to haunt me. The car needs repaired, the car needs taxed. The garden is a mess. The guttering is leaking.

Oh yes, it was all so wonderful the day I left for Portugal. I'm sorry I ever went!

St

Back home

The summer roadworks are in full flow as contractors race to finish schemes long past their completion date.

Why do they never finish on time. The next street to me was due to be completed in July and all looked well to begin with. On day one, the contractor threw all its might at the business in hand with a wellie of lorries (I don't know what the collective term for lorries is, so I made that one up) and diggers manned by Europe's finest labourers.

Thereafter, it was one disgruntled bloke with a bucket and spade.

The flashing road sign continues to boast a completion date of mid July. And that's another pain. You actually have to stop the car for about five minutes to read to the end of the sign. There should be warning signs warning drivers about illegible flashing warning signs.

FO RE

Dig it up

In a regular column for the Chronicle, Stephen Dunwoody takes a look at life.... with skewed results.

BE

The Wicked Eye

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Antonio completes sea quest

Mexican arrives at Donaghadee to complete ‘Ocean’s Seven Challenge’ “But the first three hours in the water were very complicated too. I started i.gray@spectatornewspapers.co.uk just after 7am, it was cold and the sea was choppy but “IT TOOK me a year to prepare for this swim. then the sun came out and I The North Channel? It’s a beast.” was able to make better progress. I knew I had to be Those are the words of an exhausted but elated halfway across in the first six Antonio Argüelles after he became only the seventh hours if I was going to have person on the planet to complete the gruelling a chance, and I hit the Ocean’s Seven challenge. halfway point at five hours And he used Donaghadee to do it, plunging into the in. I knew then that I could icy waters of the sea in the early hours of a Thursday do it.” morning last month to swim from the North Down Antonio finished the coast over to Scotland. crossing in 13 hours and 32 It was the end of long quest for the 58 year old, a minutes, an admirably fast quest that has taken him on a globe-spanning time for such a tough swimming trek from his home in Mexico to Hawaii, journey. For him, though, Japan and New Zealand – and now into the annals of his speed isn’t important at all.

“For me it was just finishing history. [that mattered],” he said.

The Ocean’s Seven challenge is the swimming “When I did the Molokai equivalent of the Seven Summits in mountaineering, a Channel as part of the marathon of long-distance swims battling against the Ocean’s Seven last year I toughest waters nature has to offer. swam it in 23 hours 18 That includes the Tsugaru Strait, the English Channel, minutes, but that’s possible the Strait of Gibraltar and the North Channel that in 22°C water. You can’t take divides Northern Ireland and Scotland. a long time in the North Specialists in Rust Removal & Powder Coating As Antonio said on his return to Donaghadee, the Channel.

North Channel is by far the most feared of the seven “The distance is 25km, stretches of water – something that may come as a which for an experienced surprise to locals as it’s far from the longest crossing swimmer is a piece of a cake while three of the straits are home to sharks.

- but the North Channel tide It’s the waves themselves, he says. Out in the middle of and water temperature, the cold sea the tide literally turns against a swimmer, especially the temperature, Antonio Argüelles celebrates after finishing the Ocean’s Seven challenge that with the tides going in a different direction to the are real problems. It’s the took him from his home in Mexico to Hawaii, New Zealand, Japan - and current. most complicated of all the Donaghadee. C06-10-8.

“You get a backlash as this happens right in front of seven, I prepared myself for GATES • RAILINGS • GARDEN FURNITURE you, ” he said.

“I was swimming in one place for an hour. a year to swim here.”

ALLOYS • RADIATORS • MOTORCYCLE FRAMES choice.

“I had to go at full speed – I started at 60 strokes per At 58, Antonio is the oldest of the select few “I’ve enjoyed it, I’ve got to see the world and meet a Unit 22, 149 Glen Road, Comber, County Down. BT23 5QU rate, then getting faster and faster until I was 68 swimmers who have completed the Ocean’s Seven lot of people,” he says, “but my wife and children tell strokes per rate. By this point I was already 10 hours and as he admits travelling the globe to push his body me that this has to be the last one. For the past few into the swim but it finally got me moving again. and willpower to the limit is an unusual lifestyle years all of our vacations have been around cold-water swimming.

“One of the problems was that during training I had to Advertising Feature go to San Francisco every month to practice swimming in cold water, we don’t have water cold enough in Mexico.”

Sipping on a well-deserved beer in Pier 36 after his victory, Antonio said that Donaghadee should get ready for an influx of people looking to challenge themselves to the tough marathon swim – something that he argues could revolutionise tourism in the area.

“Donaghadee should prepare itself to become one of the shrines to distance swimming,” he says. “Everybody who wants to do the Ocean’s Seven will have to come here and it is becoming more and more popular.

“It’s becoming the new thing for people to do. It used to be marathons then triathlons became the thing that everybody wanted to do, then that started getting old and it became Ironman, but now open water distance swimming is becoming fashionable.

• ACUPUNCTURE • TUINA MASSAGE “Right now I’m the seventh in the world to have completed the Ocean’s Seven, but within a few years • HERBAL REMEDIES • FACIAL BEAUTY you’ll see that 200 to 300 people have completed it.

It’s going to grow and grow and this is a beautiful place to do it – staying in Donaghadee is like having your own private swimming pool at your door, and meeting [local swimming group] the Chunky Dunkers was outstanding.”

As Antonio points out, weather conditions mean cross-channel swimmers have to leave a window of several days in which they can potentially take the big plunge. Even though they’ll only be swimming for a single day, they may well be in town for a week or two waiting for a good time to head out.

Dr. Li and James McShane.

“You’ll have people from America, Australia, South Dr. Li has been practicing in Newtownards my foot. Having heard and read about Dr Li I Africa, India, people from all over the world coming Chinese Medicine Clinic for over 13 years; made an appointment to discuss the problem. here,” he says. “All those people and their friends and thousands of people have already received Dr Li immediately arranged for treatment, she families are going to need food, lodging and benefits from her treatment, in respect to use acupuncture, massage and herbal medicine entertainment in Donaghadee. alleviation of pain, or reducing symptoms of and after a course of treatments the results “The town is perfectly placed for day trips, for example stress/depression. Others have achieved have greatly reduced the numbness and pain. weight loss or improved conditions such as I am so grateful for the professional treatment we went to Belfast and the Giant’s Causeway plus my Migraine, Sinusitis or IBS. Still others have and advice given to me. It has improved my wife headed to Dublin, but that’s something you have got help with issues such as Impotence, overall well-being 100%. Many thanks” - Mr. to let people know about.

Insomnia and skin problems. All have been James McShane “I was very lucky when I came here, I met great people restored to good health!

To see how Dr. Jun Li (Linda) could help you, at Pier 36 and the captain of my support vessel please call 028 9180 0801 with any enquiries A word from Dr Li’s Client: Quinton Nelson who all looked after me. But you have or visit our clinic at 1 Conway Court/13 High “Having had successful back surgery last year advertise to Donaghadee and Bangor in the right Street, Newtownards. For a free consultation due to continuous back pain. Issues around magazines, to let swimmers know they’ll be welcome or visit: numbness still existed down my right leg into www.drliacupuncturenewtownards.com here and all you have to offer. People will be coming.”

Iain Gray

“

Donaghadee should prepare itself to become one of the shrines to distance swimming - Antonio Argüelles

A healthy place to be Dr. Li Chinese Medicine Clinic in Newtownards

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SEPTEMBER 2017

Mark put on the spot after surprise super car win Newtownards man lands £40K car as competition prize emphasise it has just been MOT’d and has a full tank of diesel. b.campbell@ardschronicle.co.uk “Obviously I’ll have to A Newtownards man was left spec this new one up a bit,” he said with a grin. speechless after being brought out of “I will also keep playing his office and handed the keys to a brand the game and I suspect new £41,000 set of wheels he won by this will convince a few others to join in, playing spot-the-ball. including my brothers who love their cars.

Assistant logistics The 54-year-old started My dad was always a car manager Mark Hyde was entering spot-the-ball nut and I have followed in invited to competitions a number his footsteps. If you were step outside Terumo BCT of years ago while to come to my house you Ltd in Larne by Best Of passing through an would see that I have a The Best (BOTB) staff on airport and recently display of everything Tuesday morning started playing online. from Mercedes to when he was then given “I know nothing about Maseratis, Jags and a new Audi RS 3 football, I’m not even a Astons but I have never Sportback. sports follower,” he said. had a new car before.”

“It's starting to sink in and “I only play it once or The dad-of-one said he the blood pressure is twice a month and play will enjoy the new car starting to come back for a range of different absolutely guilt free. down - I'm not looking cars and prizes.

Newtownards man Mark Hyde with the Audi RS 3 Sportback he won in a spot-the-ball competition.

“My daughter Laura forward to going back “There have been a few recently got her first car into work but I am times when I came close, actually won,” he said. our travel and do a recce Mark is now planning his keeping this for myself, and the insurance excited about making a but to actually be here “The look on their faces is first spin in his first ever of the area so we know absolutely rookied her so not one single iota.” few phone calls,” he told today with this priceless. It’s only when brand new car but said Mark’s wife Eth found out where best to set up but I won’t feel bad about the Chronicle. is unbelievable. they physically see the we seem to manage it he will be hard pressed to that he had won the car car that they really get every time.” decide where to take it.

24 hours before he did excited.

“There are so many but was sworn to secrecy Dream car competitions CELEBRATING company BOTB.com has a “All their reactions differ beautiful roads in all as she plotted with the 15 YEARS IN to some degree but they over Ireland but I will BOTB team and became a reputation for surprising BUSINESS are all incredibly excited people and has given probably go to temporary assistant and at some stage I away more than £20m of Ballyhornan, Donegal, logistic manager always get enveloped in a or anywhere in County luxury vehicles herself. including 30 Porsches, 23 big old bear hug.”

Down."

BOTB’s main challenge is Range Rovers and 14 maintaining the element Aston Martins - since it of surprise which is vital in ensuring the reaction is was founded in 1999.

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Mobile: 07814 755 263 Tel: 07753 222 536 our winners that they’ve “Then we have to plan “I can’t put words to it, it’s shocking.”

The huge surprise, which came just days after Mark’s birthday, means he can ditch his 12-year-old Honda that he has relied upon for his commute to work - which might explain why he was keen to

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I’m not even a sports follower!

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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Plans to transform war memorials Plans have been drawn up to protect war memorials across Ards and North Down borough.

Ards and North Down Borough council hopes its £150,000 campaign will be completed in time for the 100th anniversary of the end of the First World War in 2018.

The war memorials being considered under the proposals are sited in Greyabbey, Millisle, Ballywalter, Ballyhalbert, Newtownards, Ballygowan, Donaghadee and Groomsport.

The scheme was drawn up after a council report declared that the memorials, which vary greatly in age and condition, could mostly benefit from at least some form of refurbishment.

Donaghadee War Memorial.

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Council officers are engaging with ‘relevant stakeholders’, including the Royal British Legion and community representatives, it has been said.

One of the first tasks is the employment of what has been described as an ‘Integrated Design Team’, or IDT, to ‘take the initial scope of works and turn this into a technical design with cost estimates’.

This, the council explains, will also involve further input and agreement from relevant stakeholders on how the budget should be spent.

A council report has revealed the extent of the council’s efforts to mark the World War One centenary with a transformation of its war memorials.

The report acknowledges that the ‘scale and range of

works would vary from monument to monument’ but envisages that the scope of the project could include a number of features.

These are: the cleaning and restoration of monuments and plaques and replacement of boundary walls and railings where appropriate; the provision of new seating, gates and railings and resurfacing of areas around the monuments; the installation of additional plaques to mark the centenary of the end of World War One and to update the names of the fallen, where required; the installation of new lighting where feasible.

The report also concludes that no new memorials should be built and existing monuments at memorials should not be replaced,

unless deemed ‘absolutely necessary’ by a condition survey.

It added: “Although the ‘construction phase’ of the project would be relatively straightforward, the design development stage will require input from other stakeholders and therefore the project is liable to take 18 months to complete.

The borough’s war memorials have been in the spotlight for other reasons in recent years, including a period when rocketing metal prices pushed them into the front line - with crooks.

A secret fight was begun to protect the memorials by painting them with an invisible liquid which could be detected if the plaques they carry were stolen and sold for scrap.

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Moneyreagh grandmother ‘wing walks’ for Alzheimer’s Society

Margaret takes to the skies Brett Campbell B.Campbell@ardschronicle.co.uk A wacky wing-walking grandmother who ‘works hard to play hard’ has soared the skies in an inspirational bid to raise money for the Alzheimer’s Society - a charity close to her own heart.

Self-confessed ‘partyanimal’ Margaret Kerr (72) apparently bored with abseiling, sky-diving and being behind the wheel of a Formula One racing car travelled to England from her home in Moneyreagh last Friday to pull off the high altitude stunt.

So far the life-loving pensioner has raised thousands of pounds but she is still appealing for last minute donations to combat the disease which has been dubbed the ‘21st century killer’.

“It was unbelievable, I would have stayed up there for hours because it was absolutely brilliant,” she told the Chronicle.

“We had a bit of a sweat last Monday because we got an email warning that the weather was to be horrific, we thought it would be cancelled.”

Remaining optimistic, and after getting the nod of approval from her GP, Margaret and fundraising friends Sinead Hay and Nicola Meese made their way to London where they were picked up by her brother and escorted to the Aerodome in Essex.

“We got there far too early and had to wait an hour before we could even speak to anyone, but when we did we were lucky enough to get an early flight slot.

“I was all psyched up and waiting and then I got word that it was all systems go.

“You’d have thought I was going horse-riding because the first thing they do is weigh you.

The adrenaline junkie recalled being asked how she felt by her pilot who walked with her to the plane.

“I have a few butterflies, I'm worried about the fact that I’m not worried,” she told him.

The most formidable challenge she faced on the day was stretching her legs high enough to mount the wings - a sudden cramp forced her into the arms of her instructor.

“I have short legs, so my main problem was getting myself up onto the wings.

“I had to really stretch myself and it triggered a cramp - I couldn’t do anything except get back down and straighten it, but the guy doing the briefing was drop-dead gorgeous so he was able to get me back on my feet.”

As Margaret was strapped in and being briefed on safety procedures she was warned that the pilot would be able to hear and

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Margaret on her wing walk.

your head in the sand see everything that was back in May that she Margaret and it will go going on. decided to take the away’.

“Luckily I don’t swear, so it plunge.

“She was my mum and I wasn’t an issue,” she said.

“It’s been on my bucket“He just talked me list for years and years, but just didn’t want to believe it, but it doesn't go away through the flight and told my husband thought it and I had to face up to it.” me what to do if I was was a bit ridiculous and Margaret, who spent 36 having problems.” didn’t approve,” she years of her career But there were no explained. working in mental health, problems to report as "Unfortunately he passed became increasingly Margaret was away in 2015 - it was only concerned by her mum’s overwhelmed by earlier this year that I just behaviour. incredible views of the thought I'm going to go “She had spent her life on Thames, but she did have for it.” a farm - I would go and see one minor complaint.

Margaret has always had her and she would have “The only thing he didn’t an interest in the the freezer emptied,” she do was the loop-the-loop Alzheimer’s Society but it recalled. which would have been was only after mother, “There would always be a the icing on the cake, but who was diagnosed with pot of potatoes boiling or it was still great without it,” the disease at the age of lots of sandwiches made she said.

81, that the issue became and when I questioned it “He would sway the plane ‘very close to my heart’. she would just say: ‘There’s very gently from side to “I could see the change in men out in the field, you side and I would just give my mum, I knew it was can’t expect them to work him the thumbs up to happening but I didn’t if you don't feed them’, but indicate that everything want to recognise it,” she of course there were no was ok. said. men in the field.”

“The roller-coaster “I just said to myself: ‘Put really started when he dropped down to 150ft and told me we were dropping at a speed of 120mph.

“I remember thinking: ‘I didn’ really need to know that’.”

There was more dizziness when the dare-devil came back down to earth and went straight to the pub after the successful wingwalk.

“I had more than one drink I can tell you, but we also had lunch as the thunder, lightning and heavy rain started,” she explained.

“That’s when I realised how lucky I was - if I didn’t get that first slot, it wouldn’'t have happened.”

The thrill-seeker has wanted to take to the skies in the somewhat unorthodox way for many years, but it was only during Alzheimer's Margaret proudly displaying her certificate after Awareness Week completing her charity wing walk.

Margaret got her mum the help she needed and took early retirement from work at the age of 57 in order to nurse her.

When her mother passed away at the age of 87 Margaret devoted her time to do everything possible to raise money to help the more than 20,000 people in Northern Ireland who are living with dementia.

It all started with a fundraising barbecue that Margaret hosted, but once she handed the money over she was hooked - last year the Down and Lisburn fundraising group, of which she is a committed member, handed over a staggering £67,000 to the charity.

“If I’m free, I’ll do anything that raises awareness and funding for such a great cause,” she said.

“I have been more involved the past four years, I’m with them all the time now.

“There’s support available for anyone, if you can admit that you need it - it's there.”

Anyone who wishes to help Margaret’s campaign can still contribute to the appeal.

“I came out of church last Sunday after having done the wing-walk and someone gave me £50 which was lovely - the more we have the better because it really is for a great cause.”

Laura Summerbell, Community Fundraiser for

Alzheimer's Society has praised the passion and energy of ‘such brilliant volunteers’ without whom the charity would be unable to to keep doing the vital work they do.

“When we ask people to unite with us against dementia, we tell them the sky is the limit, but we don't always expect them to take this literally,” she told the Chronicle.

“I am so in awe of Margaret’s adventurous spirit and her bravery for taking on such a daring challenge. Margaret and her two other wing walking partners are all committed and highly valued members of our fantastically successful Down and Lisburn fundraising group.”

Donations can still be made online via the ‘Wacky Wing Walkers’ Just Giving page on which the group has so far racked up over £3,000.

Laura has appealed to anyone inspired by Margaret and her fellow volunteers to sign up for their Belfast Memory Walk in Stormont on Saturday, September 16 at memorywalk.org.uk Information about volunteering can be obtained from Ruth Woodfield by calling 028 9038 7486 and further information about dementia is available on the free National Dementia Helpline on 0300 2221122 or online at alzheimers.org.uk.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

PICTURE PARADE

Samuel Young, Lizzie Cummings, Jolene Bunting, Claire Thompson and Lily Young from Belfast.

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Millisle Sandcastles Saturday, August 19, 2017

All the volunteers from Millisle Youth Forum. A63-24-08

Adam Cates from Glengormley. A59-24-08 Joel Cummings. A55-24-08

Emma Trimmings from Glengormley. A58-24-08

Rebekah Moore from Millisle with her sand Unicorn.

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Tasha and Brooke Carroll from Ballyhalbert.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

CHRONICLE EXTRA

19

Cats Protection Centre Aundrea loses brave fight facing a ‘kitten crisis’

OBITUARY Inspirational Dundonald woman dies at 43

Charity ‘bursting at the seams’ and needs homes for the homeless

A Dundonald woman who inspired a huge fund raising campaign has passed away at the age of 43.

Aundrea Bannatyne, formerly of Newtownards, was diagonsed with pancreatic cancer in 2016 and died on August 16.

The mother of two gained province-wide support, with thousands of pounds raised to help with her treatment.

A facebook page and fund raising site under the banner of Aundrea’s Army were set up, were used to give both updates on Aundrea’s condition and treatment and fund raising efforts, with the Facebook page having almost 14,000 followers. The tag #Aundrea’s Army was used by her many friends and others who decided to organise fund raisers for the popular mother.

Described as ‘vibrant, funny, caring, the soul of any party and a good friend to all she meets’, Aundrea, who worked in the Thomas Cook travel agency in Ards Shopping Centre, had received devastating news in 2008 that her youngest son, Jack, then aged just two, had been diagnosed with medulloblastoma, a malignant brain tumour.

While having to care for a desperately ill child, Aundrea began to raise funds and awareness of childhood cancers, and she and Jack eventually became ambassadors for Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children.

More tragedy struck the family when Aundrea received her diagnosis just over a year ago.

The Aundrea’s Army facebook page told its followers in early July how she had been unable to attend a hospital appointment and she had been too ill to travel. Paramedics were called and Aundrea was taken to the Ulster Hospital, and from there to Marie Curie.

On Wednesay morning, August 16, a post on the page read: ‘It's with a heavy heart we tell you our beautiful girl Aundrea lost her battle in the last hour. She will be missed by everyone but especially mum Lorraine, dad Richard, brother Aaron and beautiful sons Jack and James. She fought with everything she had right until the end.’

Aundrea’s funeral took place from East Belfast Mission on the Newtownards Road on Monday, to Roselawn cemetery.

Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre, on the Belfast Road, Dundonald, is desperately appealing for owners to adopt one of the many kittens in the charity’s care.

A particularly busy kitten season has left the charity bursting at the seams and they are having great difficulty finding both new owners and fosterers for the homeless kittens now in their care.

Belfast Adoption Centre Manager Bel Livingstone said: “As a result of unneutered cats breeding, we have recently taken in over 40 unwanted and abandoned kittens.

“With over 100 cats already in our care, we are desperately looking for new owners to provide homes for these cats and kittens. I would appeal to anyone who can offer a loving home to contact us as soon as possible

Just some of the kittens looking for homes for at Cats Protection Belfast Adoption Centre.

and not be tempted to buy a kitten through the internet.”

One of the kittens in need is Macavity who was rescued from inside a cavity wall at an Ardoyne Sports and Social Club by Cats Protection and Westland Fire Station in North Belfast.

Cat owners can assist the charity both now and in

the future by getting their cat neutered.

Belfast Adoption Centre Manager Bel Livingstone explained: “One unneutered female cat can produce up to 18 kittens a year so neutering really will help to reduce the number of kittens that are brought to the charity or dumped and left to fend for

themselves. Neutering also makes cats less likely to fight and pass on diseases transmitted through biting and saliva, so it is also beneficial to your cat’s health.”

Cats Protection currently operates a Northern Ireland-wide scheme that enables cats to be neutered for £5. This offer is open to owners who

are receiving state benefits, are on a low income and who are students or pensioners and who live in Northern Ireland.

For more information about adopting a kitten or getting your cat neutered, please contact the Belfast Adoption Centre on 028 9048 0202 or belfast@cats.org.uk

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

Newtownards family organise ‘March for men’ Violet Brown v.brown@ardschronicle.co.uk Northern Ireland’s first ‘March for Men’ for Prostrate Cancer UK is being organised by a Newtownards family who have first hand experience of the stress cause by a prostate cancer diagnosis.

Jacqueline and Billy Dickson and their children Debra and Marc have arranged for the march to take place in the Stormont Estate on Saturday, September 23.

Despite showing no symptoms of the disease, Billy Dickson was diagnosed with prostate cancer after taking a routine blood test. He was referred firstly to the Ulster Hospital in Dundonald and then onto Belfast City Hospital. The decision was taken that Billy would have to have his prostrate removed, and as there was nowhere in Northern Ireland where the surgery could be carried out, he had to travel to Addenbrookes Hospital in Cambridge England, for the operation.

“We had to travel over twice, for the consultation and then two weeks later for the surgery,” Billy’s wife Jackie explained.

Being discharged home to Northern Ireland from

hospital in England following major surgery was stressful in itself, Billy related. Negotiations were taking place to bring surgery here, he added, but the issue was a matter of funding.

“One man in the United Kingdom dies from prostate cancer every 45 minutes,” Billy outlined. “It affects one in eight men.”

The couple’s children Debra and Marc are also involved in making the venture a success.

The ‘March for Men’ initiative, Billy explained, was popular in England, Scotland and Wales and where it is led by sports journalist and presenter Jeff Stelling.

Recently Jeff walked 400 miles in 15 days from Durham to Newcastle-on-Tyne for Prostate Cancer UK. For more information or to register for Northern Ireland’s March for Men visit www.facebook.com/jackie.dickson.14or email JacquelineDickson@hotmail.com.

To donate go to: justgiving.com/fundraising/jacqueline-dickson1 or justgiving.com/fundraising/debra-dickson or justgiving.com/fundraising/marc-dickson1 The march at Stormont Estate starts at 11.30am and those taking part are asked to assemble at 11am. It costs £10 to register and £5 for a tee shirt.

Billy and Jacqueline Dickson and their family are organising Northern Ireland’s first ‘March for men’

Exploris staff congratulated a year on from reopening Ards and North Down Councillor Joe Boyle has congratulated the Operators Management and staff on achieving such a successful first year in Exploris having reopened the facility on August 15 2016.

Operator of Exploris Kieran Quinn, Cllr Katherine Ferguson, Cllr Noelle Robinson, Cllr Jimmy Menagh and Cllr Joe Boyle.

Referring to what he described as a ‘tough struggle’ to have the facility operating again, Mr Boyle paid tribute to SDLP colleague and then Department for the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan for ‘recognising the potential that this facility had along with its importance to the area’ and delivering in excess of £1m in funding.

Noting Exploris recently welcomed its 150,000th visitor, Mr Boyle added: “It was extremely important for the future tourism and visitor product within the Ards Peninsula and now wider Ards and North Down Borough Council, that all energies were directed towards getting the Exploris up and running again as quickly as possible. With Exploris located in Portaferry it was from here that all other towns and villages in the Ards Peninsula could benefit with Portaferry acting as the magnet of attraction from which visitors could then travel to other locations in the vicinity.”

The peninsula councillor said future development of the facility, along with plans to utilise nearby parklands, showed there was ‘huge potential to tap into an even greater tourism and visitor market product which would encompass not only a longer stay for the visitor and locals from within the area, but equally create the outdoor experience to match what is currently an indoor facility. This is where we all want to get to involving this locality and facility’.

Emma McNeill, (centre), NI Fundraiser for Parkinson's UK, receives a cheque from staff members at the Next Outlet in Ards Shopping Centre for £516.50. The money was raised from a barbecue, raffle and Night at the Races held at one of the staff member’s homes. Pictured presenting the cheque are from left, Stuart Donnan, Ruth Campbell, Fraser Moreland and Jennifer Donnelly.

J7-31/8/17

Reporting ‘water thieves’ NI Water is launching a publicity campaign to raise pressure on water thieves and is asking the public for their help to flush them out.

The theft of water involves a range of illegal activities such as, unauthorised connections to the public water main, misuse of domestic water supplies, bypassing of water meters and abusing hydrants.

To report suspicious activity, please phone 03457 440088. You can do this anonymously, you do not need to give your name or contact details.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

CHRONICLE EXTRA

21

Marathon walk for Nicky and Caili Nicky Caughey, proprietor of Northern Down House and TT Bistro in Comber is setting off again on a marathon walk in aid of charity.

Nicky has a charity walk every year raising money for various good causes this time he will be raising money for MS Society.

He said: "This year I am raising money for MS. I will be leaving Comber at 5am on September 3 and heading to the top of Cave hill before heading back to the top of Scrabo Tower!

“This is a different challenge from previous years but again

one I'm happy to be fit enough to take on. People who suffer from MS unfortunately have daily struggles with their health which can include fatigue and walking difficulties among a lot of other debilitating symptoms.

“This charity is important to me on a personal level as my mother Claire has suffered from MS for approximately 20 years “She went to bed one evening just as normal and the following morning was in hospital being treated for what the medical team first thought was a stroke.

“Mum spent Christmas that year in a wheelchair and although still having difficult days and periods she has amazed family

OBITUARY

Eleanor, Lady Brown in Portaferry. Lady Brown was also a member of Upper Ards Historical Society. Her other interests were gardening and knitting and she was said to have ‘battled ill health valiantly’.

Lady Brown came to live in Portaferry when she While living in Portaferry, she was a community married the late Sir Thomas Brown in 1988 and she paediatrician at Downe Hospital. became very active in the community.

Following Sir Thomas’s death, Lady Brown decided to She is remembered as ‘an outstanding person’, with a move to Belfast, but she continued her deep tremendous ‘strength of character, honesty and involvement with the community in Portaferry. Her integrity’ and as an inspiration to others. funeral service took place at the Church of St John the When the decision was made to ‘close and dispose’ of Evangelist, Malone Road, Belfast and was conducted Exploris Aquarium in Portaferry, Lady Brown by the Reverend Canon Robert Jones. spearheaded a campaign to save the facility and coThose gathered at the service heard how Eleanor founded the Friends of Exploris Trust. She fought Thompson as she was then had been accepted by tirelessly and lobbied fearlessly to save the centre and Queens University to read medicine and during a year galvanised others in the fight for this cause. The out also achieved a BSC in Biochemistry. She graduated reopening of Exploris as a revitalised and dynamic in Medicine in 1986 and worked in this sphere until visitor attraction is regarded as one of her biggest 2012 when she took early retirement. “During her legacies. medical career she continued with post-graduate She was also co-founder and patron of Portaferry and studies in general practice, paediatrics and mental Strangford Trust (PAST) and worked tirelessly to health,” Canon Jones related. “She was an active promote the idea of preserving the maritime and built member of the The British Medical Association and heritage of the town. PAST secretary, Allison Murphy attended many professional conferences.” said: “PAST will miss her wise counsel and guiding In retirement Lady Brown became involved in many hand, but we are determined to continue with her charities such as The Civic Trust, The Ulster dream of a maritime centre in Portaferry”.

Architectural Heritage Society, The Arts Fund, The During her time in Portaferry she was a member of Follies Trust along with PAST and her work to save Portaferry Women’s Institute and acted as president Exploris. and secretary on various occasions. She took part in “Eleanor loved to travel and met Sir Thomas when on a competitions and quizzes with the Institute and cultural tour of Venice and Florence in 1988, and so travelled on their behalf to Eastern Europe with they were married,” Canon Jones related. “Life in supplies for a hospital in Estonia. She worshipped at Portaferry was busy as both were involved in both the Methodist Church and the Church of Ireland community life. Eleanor loved nature, gardening, walking the bluebell wood and rowing with 24 Balloo Avenue Tommy across the Lough SHOWROOM OPEN Balloo Industrial Estate, Bangor BT19 7QT to observe seals and Tel. 028 9127 4660 TO THE PUBLIC birds.” When Sir Thomas www.bridgemedical.co.uk died, he added, Lady Brown moved to Belfast Stairlifts give you a safe, Lightweight Aluminium but ‘never lost her love of comfortable and simple Transit and Self Portaferry’. way to get up Propelled Wheelchairs Following the service, and down burial took place at your stairs Ballymanish Cemetery in Portaferry.

Portable and High Range of electric lift Lady Brown is survived by Performance Mobility Scooters her mother Joan and recline chairs Opening Hours: 9am - 4.30pm Monday - Friday Thompson and sisters Please call in and have a chat with our qualified staff and test the equipment for yourself Carrie and Jackie.

The woman described as ‘Portaferry’s greatest friend’ Eleanor, Lady Brown passed away on Monday, August 14.

Nicky Caughey, proprietor of Northern Down House and TT Bistro in Comber is setting off again on a marathon walk in aid of MS Society.

Nicky is here with his dog Caili who will be accompanying him most of the way.

B11-24-8-17

and friends with her positive attitude and gives a lot of her time selflessly to help other people when they are facing difficult times. She has always been there for us all and so this years challenge is for her and over 100,000 sufferers of MS in the UK. “All donations, no matter how small would be greatly appreciated. Also donations can be left into the TT in comber or through a 'Just Giving' page under Nicky Caughey".

Nicky’s dog Caili will be accompanying him for most of the way. He will also be joined for part of the walk by family and friends.

Ballygowan business leader shortlisted in IoD awards Robert McConnell, Director of Ballygowan-based CCP Gransden, has been shortlisted at the UK-wide Institute of Directors (IoD) Director of the Year Awards.

Nominated in the Young Director of the Year category, he is among nine Northern Ireland directors who will attempt to make three-in-a-row at the prestigious event.

The overall winner has hailed from Northern Ireland for each of the last

two years, with Brendan McGurgan of CDE Global being named UK Director of the Year in 2016.

Finalists at the event, which seeks to recognise excellence across all sectors in the economy, are drawn from the best winners of regional IoD awards, including the IoD NI First Trust Bank Director of the Year Awards.

Nominees this year include Moy Park Chief Executive Janet McCollum,

who is shortlisted in the Large Company Director of the Year category.

Meanwhile, there are two Northern Ireland finalists in, the Public and Third Sector category: Suzanne Wylie of Belfast City Council and Declan Cunnane of NI Chest Heart & Stroke.

The overall winners will be announced at a ceremony in Lancaster London Hotel on September 22.

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CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Another top accolade for Echlinville Distillery

Let’s

drink to that!

Kircubbin-based Echlinville Distillery continues to pick up top awards - and now it’s Single Estate Irish Pot Still Gin has received one of the world’s most coveted food and drink awards - a Three Star Great Taste award rating.

Echlinville is the only Irish gin, and one of only eight spirits in total to achieve the Great Taste’s top rating, securing its place among the best gins in the world.

Distilled from field-to-glass at The Echlinville Distillery, Echlinville Gin was judged by over 500 of the most demanding palates belonging to food critics, chefs, cooks and restauranteurs, amongst others. 12,366 products were entered for this year’s competition, with a mere 165 being awarded the highest possible Three Star rating, reserved only for those whose product is judged to be ‘exquisite.’

Judges for the Great Taste panel, known for being one of the most highly respected

accreditation schemes for food and drink producers, described Echlinville Gin as ‘exceptional’, ‘quite stunning’ and ‘truly outstanding’, saying: “In a world filling up with gins, this one stands out.”

Echlinville Distillery founder and owner Shane Braniff said: “We are incredibly proud that

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Jonene is set to share her slimming secrets in her new morning group in Millisle…

A slimmer who transformed her life by losing five stone is using her own success to shape a whole new career helping other people change their lives and achieve their weight loss dreams.

Jonene Fatooros joined her local Slimming World group in Millisle seven years ago. She already has groups in Millisle, Greyabbey and Portavogie and is delighted to be opening her first morning group in Millisle at The Garage Main street on 20th September. Jonene is looking forward to welcoming you all, with just seventeen weeks to Christmas it is a perfect time to join.

She says “Obesity is becoming such a huge issue across the UK. When I first joined Slimming World as a member, I never dreamy that I would end up helping other people to lose weight but now I just can’t wait to get started with my morning group. After losing five stone and completing my training it’s a privilege for me to be able to pass on the experience, insight and understanding that helped me, so that I can give my members the support they need to get to target.’’

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BEFORE

AFTER

That’s why at my Slimming World group there will be tons of support, encouragement and fun.”

“Like a lot of slimmers I had tried to lose weight so many times before by following numerous diets but they were never sustainable because I’d always get tired of restricting what I’d eaten. I thought I was destined to struggle with my weight for the rest of my life but when I came to Slimming World it was different. I never felt like I was on a diet. The eating plan encourages you to eat lots of filling foods like pasta, rice and potatoes and lean meat and fish. You are never hungry and no foods are banned so there is no deprivation. I couldn’t believe I’d found a way to lose weight without starving myself.’’

“Slimming World isn’t just about changing what you eat.

Becoming more active is important too. Our Body Magic programme takes the threat out of physical activity by showing people, many of whom have unpleasant memories of being forced to take part in physical activity at school how they can build activity into their daily routine without having to take up traditional activities like going to the gym or running.

Everything counts from walking to gardening to washing the car. I love dancing and walking the dog to get my Body Magic! As a consultant it’s my role to create that warm supportive atmosphere to get people sharing their ideas and experiences to help others – it’s going to be great fun!’’

Like Jonene Fatooros, Slimming World consultants are all former members who have lost weight at their local group themselves and groups are set up as micro businesses in the heart of local businesses. There are currently four thousand Slimming World consultants across the UK and Ireland running fifteen thousand groups.

Jonene’s new Slimming World group will be held at The Garage, Main Street, Millisle every Wednesday at 9:30 am from 20th September. For more information or to join Jonene’s group either pop along on 20th September or call her on 07809 366 481.

Or: For more information visit www.slimmingworld.co.uk or call 0344 897 8000.

Echlinville Gin has been listed among the top-rated products at Great Taste 2017.

“The Great Taste label is a badge of honour and a signpost to an exquisite tasting product.”

Shane continued: “Echlinville Gin is made with a unique barley neutral base spirit distilled from barley

grown and floor malted on the distillery farm. To distil your own neutral spirit is something of a rarity in the gin business, and sets Echlinville Gin apart from its competitors. Few distilleries in the world can offer a gin of such provenance.”

A gin true of place, Echlinville’s roots in the Ards Penninsula are something they take pride in.

Shane added: “the heart of gin may be juniper, but the soul of any spirit comes from its connection to the place where it’s made. We are very proud of our roots in the Ards Penninsula, and that sense of place is the essence of our gin.

“Our homegrown Echlinville barley, Strangford Lough sweet kelp, indigenous whin bush petals and an array of hand-picked botanicals combined to give our gin a true connection to the land and sea.”

The last few years have seen a growing trend in the amount of gin-lovers and Echlinville’s addition to the market as Ireland’s only ‘field to glass’ distillery is set to be a promising one.

William (92) climbs Scrabo Tower

A 92 year old Newtownards man has taken advantage of the newly reopened Scrabo Tower by climbing to the top to survey the town, Strangford Lough and surrounding countryside recently.

Accompanied by his sonin-law, William McCullough recently trod the steep pad from the car park before climbing the 92 steps to the top of the tower. Mr McCullough who has lived in Newtownards all his life, has climbed Scrabo Tower once before when he was a pupil at Ballyrogan Primary School at the top of Bradshaw’s Brae. He described his recent adventure as ‘very good’.

SEPTEMBER 2017

CHRONICLE EXTRA

23

I see London, I see France... I see a Crossgar man in his pants!

Ciaran causing a stir on his 9-month cycle quest for Save the Children Laura McDowell Ciaran Crothers, a 29 year old Marine Science student from Crossgar, is causing quite a stir in his quest of cycling 6,000 km for Save the Children.

The mankini Ciaran is proudly pictured wearing at the foot of the Eiffel Tower is a result of the planned challenges he has accepted along the way of his nine month fundraising trek.

Ciaran admitted there had been some unusual reactions to his Borat-inspired bathing suit: “It’s amazing the amount of emotions one little outfit can bring out in so many people, from roars of laughter to absolute disgust.

“On my trip I had approached a ‘tuk tuk’ driver who refused to take me, a second took me straight to the police and third time lucky, the driver was over the moon to drive me around the city.

“My sister said she’d give me £500 if I posed in the mankini at the Eiffel Tower - so there you go!”

Other challenges include pedalling over the Dutch border with ET in the front basket of his bike as ordered by his friend.

But Ciaran does not want the novelty aspect of his

Golf tournament raises £2,722 for Cancer Focus Gillian Morrison and her son Matthew from Newtownards recently presented a cheque for £2,722 to Barbara Long, Community Fundraising Officer for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

This fantastic amount was raised at the annual Uel Morrison Golf Tournament, held at Clandeboye Golf Club in memory of Gillian’s husband. This was the 4th year of the tournament and with the help of family and friends; Gillian and Matthew have raised £11,148.00 for the Uel Morrison Forget Me Not Fund, which will help local people who have been affected by cancer.

All money raised will be

Gillian Morrison and her son Matthew from Newtownards present a cheque for £2,722.00 to Barbara Long, Community Fundraising Officer for Cancer Focus Northern Ireland.

spent locally funding vital research at Queen’s University Belfast to help develop new and better treatments for our

families, our friends and our neighbours in Northern Ireland affected by a cancer diagnosis.

Gillian and Matthew

THE MOTORIST SUPERSTORE AND CYCLE CENTRE

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Tel: 028 9187 1199 Fax: 028 9187 1277

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would like to thank everyone who participated in this year’s event; the staff at Clandeboye Golf Club, those who donated prizes, local firms who sponsored holes, and to Colm Murphy of the Golf Spot in Bangor, who supplied the golf prizes.

Anyone who would like to play in this tournament, donate prizes or become a sponsor for the benefit of Cancer Focus NI would be very welcome on Friday 11th May 2018.

For more info contact Gillian on 028 91816509.

fundraising to overshadow his real aim of cycling 3,728 miles through ten European countries to raise awareness and £5,000 for Save The Children.

“The Save The Children foundation last year helped 22.1 million children in areas with food, medicines and education and it is my goal to contribute whatever I can with the help of family, friends and strangers,” he said.

After seeing photos of children in crisis in Syria, Ciaran was moved to set up the fundraiser: “The trip started at Portstewart and on to Cork, then I got the ferry to Roscoff in France and from there I’ve been on the road heading to Poland with the plan of finishing up in Barcelona.

“I know the journey will be both mentally and physically enduring and a bit of craic, but I hope that people will read up on my exploits and consider donating to the appeal.”

With the route planned out, Ciaran says he will leave Belgium on Friday and head next to the Netherlands, followed by the Czech Republic, Poland, Slovakia, Austria, Switzerland and Liechtenstein before finishing up in Barcelona. With a budget of £35 a day for food and accommodation we can only hope Ciaran sells that mankini for some extra spending money! www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ ciaranseuropeancycle

ADVERTISING FEATURE

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In times of austerity, the Police are Many people feel they do not require introducing new methods such as Fixed a solicitor because it will delay Penalty Notices, Cautions or Informal proceedings, they think they have Warnings to dispose of cases. While this done nothing wrong or may decide may mean a case does not end up in the involvement of a lawyer might complicate matters and make it look Legal expert Darren Duncan court, individuals need to be fully aware of the implications of accepting any of like they have something to hide. these, both in the short-term and in the future.

Always, always ask for a solicitor to accompany you.

McConnell Kelly Solicitors employ solicitors who Each person will be read a large amount of material specialise in giving police station advice and criminal setting out their rights and entitlements and the different law. We have a 24 hour "on call" service to ensure no methods of how a case can be disposed of, which can matter what time of the day or night, advice will be often be confusing if you are not familiar with the legal available. Telephone 07971 099408 language used in such situations.

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The Police may read you a caution enabling them to use Bangor: 028 9147 9900 Belfast: 028 9065 5511 whatever you say in the interview room in court, should Email: info@mcconnellkelly.com the case end up there. www.mcconnellkelly.com The Police are trained to have an interview strategy and will have taken a degree of time and preparation to Let us help you 24/7 with any immediate concerns by decide what questions to ask and the manner in which calling 07971 099408 these should be asked; unlike the person being interviewed.

There can also be complicating background issues, such as the educational or mental abilities of the person being interviewed.

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24

CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

For the Love of Pets Welcome to our September

DOG edition of our “For the Love of BOARDING Phone 028 9182 0484 07789 756 770 259 Bangor Road, Newtownards

Pets” feature where we have a host of local businesses that can help and advise you on all aspects of care for your pet.

The arrival of Autumn can increase the risk of fleas and ticks, despite the fact that many pets spend less time outdoors as the weather gets cooler. Add in the fact that fleas will definitely make themselves at home in a warm house and the potential problems can quickly multiply. It is therefore extremely important to keep on using an effective treatment so that your pet is constantly protected.

ADVERTISING FEATURE

The Cat Lovers’ Cattery is Open at Tullynagee Road in Comber.

Set in the heart of Strangford’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is a welcoming and caring new cattery service for your precious pets.

Jacqueline Pollock and her family are the proud owners of a new DAERA licenced cattery on Tullynagee Road in Comber, County Down. The new business venture is called the “Cat Lovers’ Cattery”.

The ambition of this shiny new cattery is to offer the best possible experience for cats in Northern Ireland and it also has a policy to operate at the highest possible standard.

Jacqueline says “We named the business the Cat Lovers’ Cattery as we’ve been fanatical about cats since we got our first home in 1997. Back then we adopted two cats, Mischief and Cleo, from the Cat’s Protection who lived with us for over 18 happy years and became key members of our family.

A few years ago we welcomed a large friendly moggy, called Lucky, into our home and just two weeks ago we adopted our first kitten – Shamrock. You can see Shamrock on our

Facebook site – she’s simply adorable and already quite a handful.

This week we took Shamrock down to visit the cattery and she enjoyed trying out the new scratching posts.

As a family, we decided that we would love to set up a new business centred on something that we all enjoy – it didn’t take us long to agree that a cattery would be a terrific option. So, we started our project with the architect about a year ago and we are now open for business. It’s wonderful to get started at last.

It’s great to see that we’ve already had several enquiries and bookings for September - we are very excited for the future. We look forward to hearing from all the other cat lovers in Northern Ireland and we’ll be delighted to pop up images of their cats onto our website : www.catloverscattery.co.uk.

Check out the Cat Lovers’ Cattery Facebook site @catloverscattery where you’ll be kept up to date with fun and interesting articles on cats and on the progress of our fluffy new kitten Shamrock! or Tel: 07821 050 123

Not all infestations will be as obvious as you might think. Dogs won’t always displays signs of itching or irritation, for example. You may only notice that fleas are present if you come across the tell-tale “flea dirt” while grooming your pet. Thankfully, an anti-flea treatment should prevent an infestation from developing and avoid the need to treat both your pet and your home.

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SEPTEMBER 2017

CHRONICLE EXTRA

25

Wreck of Regina Caelis is finally shipped out and dismantled

A job well done as schooner cleared from harbour Violet Brown v.brown@ardschronicle.co.uk “It was then moved from Cook Street pier round to the slipway and put back on the ground,” Mr Agnew related. “The crane barge went back to the United Kingdom.

“The next part was started – to decommission the vessel,” he said.

“We put up a floating coffer dam to stop any debris or rubbish going out onto Strangford Lough. It was The vessel sank in the early hours of very successful. Not one piece of wreckage went out onto the Friday, January 27, 2017 and Lough.” specialist teams were called in to A digger with a specialised arm for deal with the pollution caused to breaking up the vessel was the Lough when some 1,000 litres employed, and breaking up the of diesel spilled into the wreck took a number of weeks, and internationally protected marine the broken parts of the schooner environment. It was predicted at were taken away to specialised that time the salvage operation to move the vessel could take months. people for disposal.

“It took a number of weeks to do Paddy Agnew of Subsea Marine, clean the pier up and hand it back marine and diving contractors to the Council,” Mr Agnew based in Dundalk, County Louth explained they were contracted by concluded.

Ards ad North Down Borough Council to remove and dispose of the vessel. “There was nothing left to salvage – it wasn’t a salvage job but a wreck removal,” he explained.

“We put plans in place to raise the vessel by means of a floating crane – the Lara 1 – which has a 250 tonne capacity lift. She came from the Port of Liverpool for first part of the project.

“Our divers got lifting slings around the wreck,” he continued. “The way it was lying on the sea bed it was a difficult operation. We got it in the end. On the evening tide the boat was raised to the surface using the floating crane barge and we then proceeded to pump water out from the wreck.

The Regina Caelis, the schooner which sank off Cook Street Quay in Portaferry in January and lay on the seabed of Strangford Lough for months has been raised and dismantled.

PHOTO Gerald McGivern

“

The way it was lying on the sea bed, it was a difficult operation - Paddy Agnew

Paddy Agnew and his ‘Subsea Marine’ team on site in Portaferry.

The wreck lies by the pier in Portaferry.

26

CHRONICLE EXTRA

SEPTEMBER 2017

Excel Dance Company excel Postal

scam targeting older people Jim Shannon has thanked a Newtownards community group, the East End Residents’ Association, for highlighting a scam which is making the rounds and seems to be targeting older people.

The Strangford MP said: “This scam comes on a very plausible A4 sheet which is done to a high standard informing you that you have won a lottery draw. It then directs you to a number and whilst many of us would see this and think if ‘it looks too good to be true it probably is’, the fact is that when an elderly person gets a letter which is addressed to them which is well presented, there is a chance that they could ring and get charged massively for the call and also possibly disclose information which could open the door for greater fraud.

“It is so important that people are made aware that any of these letters that seem to be too good to be true, probably are and we must help elderly friends family and neighbours to know that they must always check these kind of things. Well done to the East End Residents’ Association for highlighting this and bringing it to the attention of the PSNI.”

30 students from Excel Dance Company recently took examinations in Classical Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz, Speech & Drama and Performing Arts with the British Theatre Dance Association. The results showed a 100% pass rate with 75% of all candidates receiving a Pass with Distinction or Honours Star and numerous Platinum Awards across all disciplines. Excel Dance Company were also awarded 100% for teaching standards and 100% for studio facilities.

Obituary

David Anderson MVO MBE

The funeral took place on Saturday August 12 of Newtownards man David Anderson MVO, MBE, the former household manager at Hillsborough Castle.

Unit 27, North City Business Centre, 2 Duncairn Gardens, Belfast BT115 2GG

Mr Anderson, who was 58, passed away on August 9, peacefully in hospital in London, following a short illness.

Following the announcement of his death, tributes came from former presidents, Secretaries of State and sports people, who were extensive in their praise of Mr Anderson, both professionally and personally.

David Anderson was the third son of Blakely and Ellen Anderson; his older brothers are Brian and Clarke, while his younger siblings are David, Maurice, Gary, Mark and sister Joy. The former Movilla High School pupil studied hospitality at the College of Business Studies in Belfast, where he was awarded a scholarship to study in Switzerland. He held numerous positions in the hospitality industry, including senior posts with the Hastings Hotel Group, before being appointed Household Manager at Hillsborough Castle, the Queen’s residence when she visits Northern Ireland.

Father of Connor, Lauren and Neve, Mr Anderson held the post at Hillsborough Castle for 25 years during which time he introduced the Gallery which hosted the Downing Street silver collection and a selection of the Queen’s dresses.

He served many guests at Hillsborough Castle, including the Queen, four prime ministers and 12 Secretaries of State, and was responsible for hospitality arrangements during many historic occasions in Northern ireland, including the Good Friday Agreement, and visits by President George Bush and Prime Minister Tony Blair.

David Anderson, MVO, MBE.

In 1984, Mr Anderson was awarded the MBE for services to the Northern Ireland Office and in 2010 was made a member of the Victorian Order, to mark his personal service to the Queen.

In 2009, Mr Anderson became General Manager at Montalto House, Ballyhaninch, the former home of the Earl of Clanwilliam.

Recently, he left that position to take up a post in London.

A private funeral service, conducted by Rev. Norman McAuley, was held in Greenwell Street Presbyterian Church on Saturday, followed by burial at Movilla Cemetery.

SEPTEMBER 2017

CHRONICLE EXTRA

27

CHRONICLE EXTRA Classifieds Building Services & Repairs

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SEPTEMBER 2017

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T: 028 9181 0640 M: 07896 411 510

• Installers of Condensing Oil Boilers • Copper Cylinders • Radiator Replacements

5 TIMES WINNER OF THE NORTH DOWN PLUMBER OF THE YEAR AWARD

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Carpet Cleaning • Upholstery Cleaning Specialists in Rug cleaning Suitable for: Domestic, Landlord Rentals No job too small We can bring your carpets and upholstery back to life.

We take care of your carpets & upholstery with a softer touch. Like a free quote?

Contact Jacqueline on 07517 819784 www.softertouch.co.uk

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TV & Electrical Freeview & RTE aerials installed Satellites installed & repaired Extra phone points installed FreeSat, Freeview & Sky multipoint systems Plasma & LCD tv’s wall mounted Fully insured

DB S AT E LL I T E SERVICES

• Sky Digital & Aerial Specialist • Multiroom Link ups • Dish resites, moving home, phone extensions • TV wall mounts/installations.

FREE ESTIMATES CONTACT DAVID BLACK

028 9147 3440 / 07706 598 672 Same day service Top quality materials (no rust) CAI Trained Installer

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They say it’s the little things in life that make you happy and that certainly seems to be the case as research from Vauxhall retailer, Ballyrobert, has revealed that nearly three quarters of us (73%) rate finding a fiver in an old jacket as the ultimate small victory.

The research found it is in fact these small victories that actually have the biggest impact on our day-today lives and by celebrating them we can make life that little bit more brilliant.

Over half of residents in Bangor also claimed that only hitting green lights on a journey tops their list of small victories (55%), whilst over a quarter (26%) state that the ability to parallel park right on the first attempt is what puts a smile on their face.

It seems you can find little wins everywhere in everyday life as almost a quarter of people (24%) think releasing the petrol pump bang on £30 is a real victory, whilst almost half of residents (47%) enjoy getting a free room upgrade at a hotel, and more than a quarter (28%) take real pleasure in finding the last pair of shoes on the shelf in their size.

To help locals make everyday driving a pleasure, Ballyrobert is giving more reasons to smile by inviting drivers to take a test drive of the Vauxhall Astra and Corsa and experience the winning features, including the front camera system on the Astra, which keeps a never-tiring electronic eye on the road ahead. This smart system helps you to always know speed limits, to keep a safe distance from the car in front and can even warn of potential collisions.

John Lyle, Retail Operator at Ballyrobert, comments, “As Brits, we don’t tend to shout about the big wins, but small victories are everywhere if you look for them.

Here at Ballyrobert, we like to help make our customers’ lives easier in whatever way we can so they can enjoy the everyday, which is why we’re proud to be able to offer motorists the Vauxhall Corsa and Astra.

“Whether it’s having a sneaky massage before you pick the kids up with the Astra’s massage seats or keeping those back seat drivers at bay with the car entertainment system on the Corsa, our cars are equipped with loads of features for little wins on every journey. What’s more, with the wide variety of finance offers available on the vehicles, you can now pick up a Corsa or Astra for less – and maybe even have some money left over for a night out!”

Offering motorists more for their money as well as improved drivability, efficiency and connectivity, the Corsa is available from just £10,635 on-the-road. The Corsa focuses on enhanced comfort and safety and is available with features such as forward collision alert and side blind spot alert. What’s more, drivers can also benefit from IntelliLink – Vauxhall’s innovative communication system.

The Astra boasts striking good looks thanks to its sharp lines and athletic sculpting, which is further enhanced by its premium interior. With features including heated seats, which are ergonomically designed with a massage capability, the Astra was built with comfort in mind. This is met in equal measure with the Astra’s state-of-the-art technology, which includes a front camera safety system, the ingenious IntelliLink infotainment system and the ability to create an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.

John Lyle adds. “With a fantastic range of specifications and technology available on the Astra and Corsa, there has never been a better time to pick up a new Vauxhall vehicle so we’d like to encourage all those who are interested to come down and see what we can offer you.”

Car dealers suffer SALES of new cars in Northern Ireland continue to remain in the doldrums.

A total of 3,8111 cars were sold last month, down 2.3%, while year to date sales total 35,933, down 5.1% on last year.

Sales normally pick up in September.

SEPTEMBER 2017

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EXTRA MOTORING M

TYRES & BATTERIES

JIM

Are you driving a future classic?

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SCOTT’S GARAGE

Mazda RX8

New tyre guidance for motorhome drivers Free online pressure calculator TyreSafe has unveiled new tyre guidance for motorhome users along with a unique pressure calculator at tyresafe.org.

The essential information explains the differing types of tyres motorhomes are equipped with and the maintenance checks required to keep them in good roadworthy condition. This has been compiled into a downloadable PDF on the website, which includes tyre pressure charts.

However, for greater convenience when searching for motorhome tyre pressures, TyreSafe has an automatic calculator under the ‘Check your pressures’ section of tyresafe.org which needs just four pieces of information to be inputted. Fully compatible to use on mobile phones and devices, the user selects the number of rear axles and then adds either the maximum or fully laden load for the front and rear of the vehicle. The tyre size and type are then selected from a drop-down menu to produce suggested pressures.

Conceived and developed by the TyreSafe team, the calculator is intended to provide guidance when owners do not have access to the motorhome manufacturer’s recommended pressures provided in the vehicle’s documentation or on a sticker on the vehicle.

Stuart Jackson, Chairman of TyreSafe, said: “Maintaining motorhome tyres is crucial to minimising risks of an incident while out on the road.

Motorhomes are typically driven close to their maximum weight on every trip so ensuring the right tyres are fitted, are roadworthy and inflated to the correct pressure for the load is essential.

Understanding the difference between the tyres now available can be confusing for drivers but they will find TyreSafe’s guidance both informative and easy to understand.”

Further details on tyre safety can be found at tyresafe.org where owners taking their motorhome out of storage will find an informative animation detailing important tyre checks which need to be carried out before returning the vehicle to the road in the ‘Film and animation library’.

You can be taken directly to the pressure calculator by going to www.tyresafe.org/check-yourpressures/motorhomes/

APPROVED GARAGE

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FROM

the premium values that go hand in hand with that – then there are some interesting choices available to used car buyers”, explained Stuart Pearson, MD BCA. “Second guessing future trends is never an exact science – after all who would have thought the 1980s would get fashionable again or that vinyl records would come back?

“Certainly in the collectors’ car market, beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. Rarity does not necessarily make for desirability, nor does an exclusive and limited model run and high ‘list price’ necessarily mean a car will be worth more in years to come.”

FROM

quirkiness that seems set to grant it collectable status in the future.

Mazda RX8 (2003 – 2012) – early models are now very affordable and quirky enough, with its rotary engine and suicide doors, to get classic status in the years ahead.

Vauxhall Omega V6 (to 2003) – essentially a souped-up family saloon, the Omega V6 was a favourite pursuit vehicle for Police forces around the country up until it ceased production in 2003. The 3.2 V6 Elite will always be desirable and has a very high specification to go alongside a top speed of 142 MPH. “If you want a car that has a good chance of gaining classic status in the years ahead – plus

FROM

From the highest priced luxury marques to mass market family saloons, most new cars lose part of their value the minute they’re driven off the dealer forecourt and continue to depreciate as they get older.

But there are some affordable cars on the road that could become valuable collectors cars in the future according to BCA, the used vehicle marketplace.

The company has put together a list of its top five future classics since the turn of the century: MINI Convertible/Cabrio (2005 – 2008) - Always desirable, with early models continuing to hold their price well. Demand is set to remain high for the Convertible editions, while the Clubman and Countryman models also have carved themselves a decent niche in the market.

Jaguar XKR Supercharged (2000 – 2006) – added to the XK8 range in 2000, this model boasted a 370 BHP British-made engine and received ecstatic reviews at the time of its launch. This beautifully proportioned coupe is now very affordable.

Citroen C3 Pluriel(2003 – 2010) The Citroen C3 Pluriel is a modern supermini with retro sensibilities.

It is also a convertible or a 'pick-up' with the rear seats folded – a combination of useability and

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Unit 10 Carrowreagh Business Park, Carrowreagh Road, Dundonald BT16 1QQ

T 028 9048 6661 M 078 1842 8830

1 FIXED MONTHLY PAYMENT YEARS FULLY COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE YEARS ROAD FUND COSTS YEARS SERVICING YEARS PEUGEOT WARRANTY YEARS BREAKDOWN Available from 18 years old

AVAILABLE ON ALL NEW PEUGEOT CARS THIS MONTH @ REGENCY CARS 43 Portaferry Road, Newtownards T: 9181 4581 www.regencycars.net

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SEPTEMBER 2017