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FEBRUARY 2017

READER’S PICTURE WINNER FEBRUARY: KELLY MORROW INSIDE THIS MONTH We invited our Facebook followers to send us their photographs for the front cover of February’s Spectator Extra. We asked YOU to vote for your favourite picture and here’s YOUR winner...

KELLY MORROW with this picture of her seven year old son Logan taking a break in Crawfordsburn after a 16 mile trek across Bangor on his mountain bike.

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Drive to improve safety on busy road

Loading bays that coined in £16k just fine, says Minister

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FEBRUARY 2017

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NEWS

New safety campaign to drive down 70mph speed limit on Bangor to Ards dual carriageway And the local resident behind the new campaign is adamant that such a move would put the brakes on the number of serious accidents on the road, some of

by Bernard Johnston them fatal. b.johnston@spectatornewspapers.co.uk David McAnirn has been gearing up to launch his one-man bid to slow up traffic on the A21 by putting his views directly to Transport NI. And he has been echoing those comments to the Spectator as part of A LIFE saving drive has begun to reduce the his attempt to achieve a reversal of fortune for road speed limit on the fastest stretch of the main safety on the busy dual carriageway.

He said, “As a resident in this area I’m concerned Bangor to Newtownards dual carriageway about several issues of road safety. I am a concerned from 70 miles per hour to 50 or even 40. father, grandfather, driver, cyclist, walker and resident.

I am enlisting the support of a local MLA and local councillors, running and cycling clubs, local residents and businesses and I hope to set up an online petition to advance the matter.

“A number of individuals have told me that they don’t think I have much of a chance in achieving my objective. However, I do like a challenge and there is so much at stake.”

Mr McAnirn says the focus of his attention is the 1.5 mile section of the A21 Bangor to Newtownards • Your local fuel supplier carriageway which has the national speed limit of 70 • Same day delivery miles per hour. He explained that his concerns had been prompted by the number of hazardous • Supply, remove and fit oil tanks situations he claims to have seen on the road. and coal bunkers He added, “Imagine the frantic phone calls to the • Oil and gas boiler service emergency services if someone was spotted walking with a buggy, a dog and perhaps another two • Household coal from £12 children along the M1 motorway.

50kgs delivered “Or imagine eight cyclists riding two abreast during the hours of darkness. This is exactly what’s happening on this particular stretch of road. The 259 Bangor Road, following is also happening on a daily basis alongside Whitespots vehicles travelling at 70mph.

Newtownards “Double decker buses, loaded with school children, are straddling the carriageway at Whitespots, in most BT23 7PJ cases entering the fast lane with the use of the external rear view mirror.

Tel: 028 9182 0484 “Buses are dropping children off with the bus Mob: 07789 756770 partially on the road and partially on the hard shoulder.

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Mr McAnirn said he was also concerned about the HEATING • COOKING • BBQ impact the 70 miles per hour speed limit was having on vehicular access to and from two popular tourist attractions on either side of that section of the road.

He continued, “The Ark Farm, which is primarily for children, is located approximately 100 yards off the carriageway, on the old road, where vehicles can exit the carriageway at the national speed limit without any warning signage.

“There are a large number of excited children, of all ages, and the area needs to be approached with care Full National Health registration requires a Health and and with speeds of less Care number and a check up appointment booked than 20mph. Across from the farm is the Somme Centre which, given the 100 year anniversary of the Somme, is experiencing a marked increase in the volume of traffic.”

And Mr McAnirn says his fears for vehicular access to and from the road do not stop with the farm and museum.

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mirror and given our weather conditions this is potentially in the wet or mist.”

Mr McAnirn said his concerns were fully justified as ‘regrettably’ there had already been fatalities on the road. He added, “My question is, how can we justify the national speed limit on a 1.5 mile stretch of road with the activities I have outlined.

“You would save 38 seconds by travelling at 70 mph, rather than 50 mph, depending on your acceleration and deceleration rates. It could mean the difference in life or death.

“My plea would be for prompt action to reduce the speed limit on this stretch of road to 50 or 40 Ben, Chloe, Teddy and David, just some of the people calling for mph as a top priority for the speed limit to be reduced on the Bangor to Ards carriageway 2017.”

Mr McAnirn claimed the from 70mph to 50mph. benefits of reducing the speed limit would include: the road safer would not be prohibitive. He added, • a safe working environment for bus and lorry “Cost is quite often a factor for not doing things. drivers because, if it were not for their skills and However, I do not believe this is the case in this training, accidents would be a more regular situation. occurrence.

“Yes, it would involve the change of legislation and • a safe walking, running and cycling environment the change of signage, but the improvement in safety for individuals and clubs at a time when people are would outweigh these costs. You cannot put a price encouraged to be more active. on saving lives.

• reduced noise, pollution and stress levels for “Prevention of further road accidents, in this case those residing adjacent to the carriageway. through a relatively inexpensive manner, cannot be Mr McAnirn felt that the costs involved in making deferred any longer.”

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FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

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by Bernard Johnston A LINE has finally been drawn under a long-running car parking issue at Bangor’s picturesque Ward Park.

The drive to have the extremely busy facility lined out with standard parking spaces, in a bid to facilitate the orderly parking of more vehicles there, has finally had the desired results.

Ards and North Down Borough Council has now marked out the car park with the appropriate white lines after complaints that erratic parking, with much wider than necessary spaces left between vehicles, was seriously Councillor Stephen Dunne with local residents and users of the car park for Ward Park on reducing the car park’s capacity.

And the development has been the Gransha Road who are delighted to see new parking space lines marked out. welcomed by local DUP councillor Stephen Dunne who said the the nearby college, it has become virtually demand for spaces with the nearby sports council’s actions could only improve the facilities, the SERC college and the local impossible to find a parking space anywhere popular Ward Park car park. schools, as well as the close proximity to near the sports facilities.

Mr Dunne said he had taken up the issue Bangor town centre, it is important that “The reason being that the parking area is after he was contacted by one of its regular people park responsibly.” used by students from the college parking for users, a member of the North Down and Ards Mr Dunne said parking in Bangor town the whole day and often rendering it U3A (University of the Third Age) Tennis Club centre, like many others across Northern unavailable to those wishing to use Ward who uses the park’s courts.

Ireland, continues to be a challenge. He Park’s facilities.

He added, “I am pleased that council have added, “I trust that these lines being marked “The selfish nature of parking, ie huge now taken out in this popular car park will go some way spaces between vehicles, compounds the action and have to improve the car parking situation. problem greatly. this popular “The U3A members are relieved that this “Our members believe that the problem Ward Park car action has been taken and I hope that it will could be remedied, at least in part, by the park marked now be easier for them to park their cars painting of white lines, marking out out with lines. I close to the tennis courts and sporting reasonable parking spaces. trust that this facilities.

“An additional action might be to action will help “I would commend the council for introduce and enforce time restricted to improve the listening on this occasion and for putting parking. car parking down a marker within this car park, which will “Whatever it may be there is no doubt that provision within hopefully help to create those much needed urgent action is required in order to allow this part of extra few spaces.” people to enjoy the council-owned resource Bangor.

The move to line out the car park was of Ward Park, rather than the car park being “Those who prompted by a recent complaint from taken over by the college who should surely contacted me University of the Third Age Tennis Club about this issue, provide students with their own dedicated member Libby Sutherland about the often struggled parking. difficulties she was experiencing parking to find spaces to “As I’m sure you are aware the car parking there. park within this situation in Bangor is a major problem and She said, “I am a member of North Down car park when we feel it is a matter requiring urgent action. and Ards U3A tennis club and as such I use they went to “It is totally unacceptable that local Ward Park tennis courts on a regular basis. I play tennis and ratepayers are unable to find parking spaces think it is reasonable to assume that this enjoy other on a regular basis. parking facility was intended for people leisure activities.

“This has a knock on effect on local making use of the facilities in Ward Park.

“Given the businesses and visitor numbers to our town.”

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FEBRUARY 2017

5

NEWS

Drive to improve safety on busy road

by Bernard Johnston b.johnston@spectatornewspapers.co.uk GROWING concerns over road safety on one of the main arterial routes in and out of Bangor town centre have prompted a recent drive to cut the dangers posed by the heavy volume of vehicles there.

revealed that he has also been pressing Transport NI to improve safety on Belfast Road.

He added, “I myself have been lobbying them from before the summer last year and asking that a full review be completed. There is a job of work to be done to make the local road safer for both pedestrians and motorists alike.

“The area directly in front of and in the But campaigners have claimed that their vicinity of the petrol station is incredibly busy efforts to reduce the traffic hazards on a stretch as drivers make their way along the town’s of Belfast Road leading up to the A2 dual main route towards Belfast. carriageway have undergone a reversal of “To this end, I had contacted Transport NI as fortune. They say the brakes were put on local long ago a July 2016, asking that they carry out calls for a pedestrian crossing or an alternative an urgent review of the situation.” safety feature in the vicinity of the busy service Mr Weir said Transport NI had acknowledged station there. that they had previously assessed Belfast Road The claim came just a week after the North in the vicinity of the service station for a Down and Ards Road Safety Committee voiced pedestrian crossing. concerns about speeding vehicles in the area.

They revealed that they had carried out In the first week of January its volunteers set surveys in both 2011 and in 2014, between up a Speed Indicator Device, or SID, on Belfast 8am and 10am and 4pm and 6pm, when what Road and observed that 62% of the vehicles they described as the greatest ‘conflict’ and This Speed Indicator Device, or SID, was being used to try to improve safety on Bangor’s Belfast Road recently. they monitored leaving the town were ‘difficulty’ would be experienced. travelling in excess of the 30pmh speed limit.

They had concluded, Mr Weir The figures prompted the group’s chairman explained, that the results fell Terry Malcolm to issue the following appeal to well below those required for the Extra, in which he said, “Please feel free to further consideration of a share our data. The people need to know how controlled crossing. bad the driving and speeding is on our roads.”

Mr Weir further revealed that Mr Malcolm said that while they were a pedestrian refuge island had operating SID on Belfast Road last week, they also been considered but that were approached by local residents who Transport NI had concluded described how difficult it was to cross the road. this would remove parking He added, “One gentleman said that they had opportunities close to local been pressing for a pedestrian crossing as businesses and could require residents found the road very dangerous to the introduction of waiting cross. restrictions.

They had also explained, he added, that it would be difficult to locate an island, while We are planners and installers of the highest quality We can advise you and give you inspiration from our continuing to maintain furniture and it is our mission to exceed our customers’ own experience or you can take a look at some of our vehicular access to expectations in craftsmanship, professionalism and previous work, which has been featured in The Best of I ask all drivers to keep their some properties in its vicinity. high-quality precision designs.

Irish Kitchens magazine. speed down, to concentrate However, Mr Weir We will manage the project leaving you to make the said Transport NI had on their driving, to not get promised to have the • 25 years in the industry with a diverse list of important decisions on the final touches such as room distracted and never to use, area ‘reassessed’ but clients, tastes and needs. décor. claimed he had heard look at, or lift your mobile nothing more from • Professional and experienced sales team, We want to ensure you have long lasting quality so we phone whilst driving. them since. designer and fitters who will work with you to only use the best quality money can buy. No sub Mr Weir added, “This turn your dream into reality. standard materials used or shortcuts taken. is simply not to Terry Malcolm matter be taken lightly. It is • Bespoke styles and colours offering limitless We can assure our customers’ of excellent advice and an deadly serious. possibilities and versatility. expert design service as we pay attention to the little “To drivers, I say, while your “I explained that there were a lot of different thoughts might be on getting things that had to be looked at, including the We have something here for everyone whether things. onto the dual carriageway, amount of people crossing the road, road you want classic and traditional, minimalist or always remain vigilant to those width and access to driveways and junctions. something more daring and extravagant.

We love what we do! Each job is something we who might be walking along “I suggested they maybe ask for pedestrian this section of road. To are proud of. refuges, which are small islands in the middle pedestrians, do not take any of the road, which enable those crossing it to chances with your safety when do so in two sections instead of one. But I'm crossing the road, be patient sure the authorities will be looking at all the and do not attempt to beat the different options to try and help the residents.” traffic.

Mr Malcolm said it was important that “As for Transport NI, can I ask drivers realised the implication their speed that they might now, at last, could have on any emergency situation. take action.”

He explained, “Please remember, if a car is Fellow DUP Alex Easton MLA travelling at 30mph, it covers 44 feet per has also called for a pedestrian second. crossing for Belfast Road. He “The average driver takes seven tenths of added, “I have repeatedly called that second to react and break when on Transport NI to provide a something or someone walks out in front of pedestrian crossing on Belfast their vehicle. So they have roughly covered 30 Road, to give all pedestrians a of the 44 feet by the time they react. place of safety to cross.

“I ask all drivers to keep their speed down, to “Belfast Road is clearly not a concentrate on their driving, to not get safe place to cross, with many distracted and never to use, look at, or lift your residents crossing the road to mobile phone whilst driving.” walk into Bangor or to use the And Mr Malcolm promised that the local garage and shops. committee volunteers would continue to “Belfast Road is probably one monitor Belfast Road and other routes around of the busiest roads we have in Bangor with their safety equipment.

Bangor, especially with traffic He said, “Not only will we continue to use t: 028 9146 0033 leaving and coming into the large SID, with its lit up display, but we will m: 07795 153 981 Bangor. complement that with our fantastic new piece e. sales@candrinteriors.co.uk “I have written to Transport of road safety equipment, a hand-held radar, NI and Bangor PSNI about the Unit 58 Balloo Drive, Bangor, which is also proving to be a great asset to our issue, to see what they plan to campaign.”

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THE LOADING bays that have stung almost 180 people in a few weeks are just fine, the man in charge of Ulster’s roads says.

With up to £16,110 in parking fines heading to the government in the first few weeks the new system was running, along with many complaints from the public that Bangor’s new loading bays weren’t clearly marked out, the Minister for Infrastructure has said he has no problem with the three new bays.

Though Chris Hazzard did state that he might be prepared to take another look at them – in a few months, anyway. That’s angered North Down MLA Alex Easton, who says that the bays are doing more harm than good – not only stinging drivers for parking fines but also damaging town centre businesses’ trade by cutting parking spaces their customers need.

The DUP MLA has previously described the bays as ‘the worst decision ever made for parking in Bangor’ and is now calling on the Minister to get rid of them as soon as possible.

In the Northern Ireland Assembly Mr Easton asked Infrastructure Minister Chris Hazzard whether he has any plans to examine the impact the three new loading bays in Bangor town centre is having on local businesses.

The Minister replied that the loading bays were ‘provided as part of Ards and North Down Borough Council’s public realm scheme’ but his department, which signed the bays into law and oversees parking fines, is perfectly fine with them as they are.

“My department is content that a balance has been found with the introduction of limited waiting

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parking bays, accessible parking bays, bus stops and loading bays to facilitate the various competing demands for on-street parking, ie visitors and customers, buses, blue badge holders and business needs,” he said. “As with any new arrangement there is a settling in period and my officials will be reviewing all aspects of the council’s scheme over the next few months.”

That’s not good enough for Mr Easton, who argues that enough damage has already been done and neither drivers nor businesses can wait any longer.

“I am very disappointed by the Minister’s blasé response to the continuing debacle caused by these loading bays,” he said. “Waiting for a review in several months time is far too long, he needs to act now.

“These bays are a disaster and instead of waiting for the results of a review that Transport NI won’t carry out for several months, if at all, will only cause more people to get hit with parking fines and more trade lost for businesses.

“We need action now, not in several months. The Minister needs to get his finger out and sort out this mess, right now he is just not listening.”

As the Spectator revealed last week, in the first few weeks the new system was up and running 179 people were fined for parking in the three loading bays on Main Street and Bridge Street.

Parking tickets are usually £90, though the fine can be knocked down to £45 if they’re paid within two weeks of being issued. That meant that government coined in anywhere from £8,055 to £16,110 from local drivers stung by the new loading bays between midOctober and the end of November last year.

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FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Council car park scheme was not on the right side of history

by Bernard Johnston

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A DRIVE to provide almost 60 car parking spaces in the grounds of Bangor Castle has undergone a reversal of fortune in the wake of concerns about the damage they could cause to archeological remains in the area.

Ards and North Down Borough Council was originally gearing up to add 57 car parking spaces around the landmark Castle, which is now used as the local authority’s Town Hall.

But the brakes were put on that plan after fears were raised about the impact they could have on historic remains in the area and the number of spaces agreed in the end was just seven.

The dramatically reduced car parking scheme, at a site 110 metres east of Bangor Castle, came before the December meeting of the council’s planning committee.

The meeting heard that the new spaces would be located in the grassed area beside the existing car park, just off Castle Park Road and would form an extension to that.

Councillors heard that the reduced site is within an existing area of open space and also within the Bangor Castle Historic Park, Garden and Demesne and the Bangor Central Landscape Policy Area.

The senior planner told the meeting that the application was originally submitted for 57 car parking spaces in three areas, but that concerns had initially been raised about

Bangor Castle. this proposal by the Northern Ireland significant trees within the park.

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Councillors agreed with the As a result, two of the three planned recommendation that full planning parking areas were omitted from the permission be granted for the seven rather scheme on the grounds of their impact on than the 57 car parking spaces. the designated area.

Particular concerns had been raised in relation to the location of one section of the proposed spaces on the basis that it was thought to be the site of the original Bangor Castle.

It was believed that the proposal could have an adverse impact on the archeological remains at the site.

Concerns were also raised in relation to a second section of the proposed car park as this would have resulted in the loss of two mature trees, which are believed to be over 100 years old.

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FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Dig for victory begins to preserve old World War Two air raid shelter

by Bernard Johnston b.johnston@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

THEY’RE digging for victory again in Bangor in a bid to save ‘an historical gem’ from World War Two - a landmark air raid shelter.

For the spirit of one of the most famous inspirational rallying calls from the war years is being invoked again as the fight begins to stop the historic building from falling victim to the ravages of time.

This time the shovels and spades are not being used to produce the home grown food which saved the nation from starvation as siege was laid to it between 1939 and 1945.

Instead they are being wielded to stop the foundations of the feature air raid shelter from being undermined by troublesome tree roots.

And the tools for the job are in the capable hands of a local builder who answered the call to arms from the shelter’s owners through the pages of the Spectator just weeks ago.

Unbelievably Barry Hope has kindly volunteered to do his bit to help preserve the ageing shelter for posterity - completely free of charge.

His mission involves battling to dig out huge old dead tree roots which have gradually weakened the foundations of the shelter in recent years.

And Dorothy McCullough, in whose garden the shelter is located, is delighted that Barry has taken the time to respond to her recent SOS - Save Our Shelter.

It was only weeks ago that what has been described as a ‘truly major discovery’ was made in the garden of the house in Bangor’s Croft Street.

The existence of the shelter came into the wider public domain when Dorothy contacted North Down DUP MLA Alex Easton.

He told the Extra, “I went to see this Second World War air raid shelter.

“I was amazed to see one in such good condition and that it had

survived all these years without anyone really knowing of its existence.

“I am not aware of many more second world war air raid shelters, apart from ones at Ward Park and Conlig and I believe there may be one in Groomsport.

“The vast majority that were built have

been either taken down or forgotten about after the war.

“This is truly a major discovery and it must be preserved for future generations to learn and know about their history.

“I truly believe we have unearthed a historical gem in the heart of Bangor.”

Mr Easton is also delighted that action is now being taken to ensure that the air raid shelter is ‘protected’.

He added, “I have also written to the council and the Northern Ireland Assembly to see if there is any funding available to help preserve the structure.”

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

Your changing nest?

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AS YOU may know, following my stepping into my sixth decade last year, I now gift myself the joy of a meditation and special reading time every day. And I’m really loving the inspirations, challenges, learnings, awarenesses and ideas new and old that I’m dancing with. There are times when I want to be able to read more than one book at the same time – one in each hand!

Right now I’m reading Melody Beattie.

An American lady, well-known for her work and writings in the addiction recovery and co-dependency fields. (www.melodybeattie.com) I’m using her daily reader: More Language of Letting Go. This week, she refers to a quote by the influential Quaker Hannah Whitall Smith (1832 – 1911): “The mother eagle teaches her little ones to fly by making their nest so uncomfortable that they are forced to leave it and commit themselves to the unknown world of air outside. And just so does our God to us.”

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Is your nest becoming uncomfortable?

Changing shape? Is it time for you to commit to the unknown outside the ‘comfort zone’ of your nest?

There can be many reasons the nest becomes uncomfortable: The job changes or ends. Your relationship has

died. You realise you finally need to take responsibility for your financial affairs. Your young person is moving on in life. A welcome and loved new arrival in the family.

Any or all of these – and many more can make us feel stressed, uncomfortable, unable to operate in our normal way. Sometimes the change comes from outside us. Other times the pressure comes from within ourselves.

Crumpling with frustration, resentment and fear in reaction to these new changes and pressures, can lead to damaging behaviours. Too many glasses of wine, spending too much on fripperies, burying your head in the sand, or other guilt-inducing reactions. My reaction to stress and pressure used to involve all three of these behaviours and more.

Get Ready to Fly Living and thriving through these pressure times can be achieved with a few simple steps: • Accept that it’s possible you’re who you are and where you are, right now, for a reason. You may not be consciously aware of the reason, and that’s fine. Just thank the God that you do business with for your life, exactly as it is.

• Breathe. Yes, breathe – consciously and deeply. When you find yourself hearing the all-singing choir of fearmongers in your head, take three

conscious breaths.

• Walk. Yes, I mean it. Get out in the air, with or without music. Walk. Feel the power in your body. Feel your strength.

• Become aware of the awareness that you are feeling stressed / pressured.

This mindful stepping away will help clear the way for you to create more enhanced responses to what’s going on around you.

• Celebrate what you have in your life that’s working to help you be you. The people, ideas, gifts, abundances. This is more than just a Gratitude List. It’s an affirmation of what makes you You. May be difficult at the start, but go for at least one new one each day.

• Keep a regular ‘I Did It’ journal, where you note how you supported yourself gently through the pressure points.

When you get used to doing this, let yourself understand what lessons you’re learning through all of this.

Making the conscious choice to take any or all of these steps will help you to begin to know how you want your nest to be, and give you the strength, courage and resilience to do it.

I’d really love to receive your feedback.

Email me: trudy@trudyarthurs.com.

Facebook: Trudy Arthurs, the Confidence Specialist. Tel: 07810 511 600 – call to arrange your free Coping with Change Clarity Session. With blessings ‘til next month. © Dancing Leopards Ltd 2017

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

OPINION

Clarke’s conundrum A one time Spectator star reporter and glamorous socialite, Susan Clarke chronicles her fall from grace into a tracksuit bottom wearing stay-athome mum of three ungrateful children and one ungrateful husband. She campaigns for an end to the never ending drudgery of housework and child rearing and dreams of the life she once led when a trip to the toilet was a trip made alone...

Clarke’s Conundrum appears in the County Down Spectator, out every Thursday.

I

SPENT some very late nights with a couple of heart throbs over the holidays and I am completely exhausted from the experience.

On the night before Christmas, when all through the house not a creature was stirring, except for an anxious nine-year-old who couldn’t sleep with excitement, I discovered Pride And Prejudice was on Netflix.

When I was in my late teens the BBC showed the dramatisation of the Jane Austen novel with Colin Firth as Mr Darcy and it not only dictated my social life for six weeks but thanks to a modern invention called the video recorder and what seemed like a fortune at the time for a chunky box set I watched the series repeatedly for the next ten years. My sister, who shared my passion, still laughs when she describes the serene grin which appeared on my face as the theme music started and didn’t leave until the final credits.

That grin returned while I waited for sleep to come to my worrier and l lay in the arms of Mr Darcy until 3.30am. Thankfully, Santa was running late this year and I had just put my head on the pillow at 4.15am when I heard the sound of hooves on the roof.

Unfortunately the same worrier woke up two and a half hours later and Christmas Day was spent with both of us in a blur of tiredness. A terrible accident befell the

guinea pig which Santa had brought down the chimney that morning, reducing her to tears of grief and exhaustion as she cradled the smashed body of Cafe Creme. Thankfully Santa realised that she was not quite old enough for the responsibility of a live animal so the broken ceramic was easily swept up but I thought a touch of Pride And Prejudice might be just what she needed.

“Sit down beside me and you can watch some of this lovely programme,” I told her and found the perfect scene to sooth even the most distraught former guinea pig owner. “Lizzy has gone to visit Mr Bennet’s house because she was told that he was away but what she doesn’t know is that he has come home a day early. He is very hot and sticky after a long journey on his fine horse and decides to go for a swim in the lake to cool down. As he makes his way to the house after his swim, all his clothes wet and sticking to his muscular chest, they meet and both are embarrassed …”

“Mummy this is rubbish and it is not making me forget about my guinea pig,” she cried running off to find her dad.

“Really? It is making me feel much better,” I tell her.

Because I watched Mr Darcy and Miss Elizabeth Bennet, Netflix, in a Big Brother way, suggested that I may also like Poldark.

I had heard about it when it was aired two years ago, but had no time, inclination or television access to watch it at the time. On New Year’s Day however, when all through the house not a creature was stirring except a mum who didn’t fancy going to bed early, I decided to become acquainted

with Captain Poldark, and I wasn’t disappointed. What a man.

Within 20 minutes I was hooked by the story of the idealistic man returning from war to find his girlfriend engaged to his cousin. Thankfully he finds love with a woman he rescues from an abusive household and has doing his housework. I see many similarities with my own life.

T

he single episode turned into a clandestine four and a half and I only stopped at 4am because of an interruption to the broadband supply. I slinked into bed and got up four hours later, too embarrassed to explain my tiredness. The only thing that got me through the day was the thought that I had another three and a half episodes still to watch.

I am reluctant to show the nine-year-old worrier this series yet. It is a lot steamier than the Jane Austen novel and I fear that it will give her an expectation of a man that Northern Ireland has yet to produce. But she did catch a glimpse of some of the non-steamy action and was equally unimpressed.

The image of a barechested Captain Poldark swinging a scythe is etched into my memory however and was worth my eyes going square.

It is a long time since any man kept me awake until

NEWS

Linda returns to catwalk IT'S time to reach for the ra-ra skirts and launder the legwarmers - or at least raid the charity shops because 80s fashions are coming back with a vengeance.

The Walk of Life Fashion Show is a unique, retro-inspired gala being brought to Belfast on April 28 by the very same fashionistas who were there, slap-bang at the heart of the vibrant 1980s fashion scene.

Organiser Julie Duckworth is planning the event to raise much-needed funds for two charities close to her heart Parkinson’s UK and The Boom Foundation. Proving that you're never too old to be in vogue, From left, back row Nuala Meenehan, Derek Hastings, Julie recruited a select team of fiftySusie Tan, Denise and Michael Tan, Maurice Hughes and something models to return to the catwalk and raise money for a worthy cause.

Ellen Morelli. Front, Julie Duckworth (organiser), Linda They include Linda Keenan who is 49 Keenan and Louise O'Reilly. years old. She is married and lives in Bangor. She was a model from 1984-1990 although 24 Balloo Avenue her favourite work during Balloo Industrial Estate, Bangor BT19 7QT SHOP OPEN TO that period was as a Tel. 028 9127 4660 THE PUBLIC promotional model at www.bridgemedical.co.uk concerts such as Brian Adams, Diana Ross and Lift & Recline Cliff Richards.

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4am and to have two men in one week is unprecedented. In many ways I can place myself more in the Cornwall mining village with Captain Poldark than with Mr Darcy in Pemberley. Like Demelza, I too toil away in the house until the early hours but now while I am scrubbing the floors I can imagine myself in her place.

I have a little more work to do on Mr Grumpy though. Last night I asked him if he ever thought of growing his hair longer than an inch or if he had ever tried horse riding. No and no, was his gruff answer. I will clearly have to trick him into character.

My plan is to wait until the summer, hide the lawn mower and leave a scythe lying around on a very hot day…

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Couple lose £5,000 in Swede car scam A COUPLE from County Down has lost £5000 in a car sales scam.

Trading Standards Service (TSS) has once again urged potential car buyers to exercise extreme caution after local motorists were again targeted in a car buying scam.

This time a County Down couple paid £4,850 by bank transfer for a 2010 Ford Kuga. They have lost a sizeable sum of money and have no car to show for it.

In early autumn Trading Standards Service heard from three consumers who had lost some £13,000 between them. The correspondence by the seller in all these

cases is virtually identical except for details of the cars advertised, which is proof of its continuing effectiveness as consumers are lured in to the scam.

Typically advertisements appear in newspapers and car sale websites for vehicles at exceptionally keen prices. The seller engages in very convincing dialogue with prospective customers solely by text and email.

They claim to be selling their car privately having returned to Sweden after long term working in Northern Ireland and no longer wishing to own a right hand drive car. Promises are made of a safe payment method and delivery through a

third party logistics company. It is all very plausible.

In each case a link was sent to the consumers that opened up a specially created website for the fake logistics company. This highlights how scammers are targeting unsuspecting people by using increasingly sophisticated and manipulative tactics.

In a local twist the TSS was recently able to advise a consumer from England before they nearly parted with their money in a similar scam. The consumer had become increasingly suspicious of the seller and their refusal to allow them to inspect the car because it was in a cargo shipping

container.

TSS discovered that the vehicle storage depot in south Belfast, where it was supposedly stored, did not exist.

Furthermore examination showed the website the consumer had been directed to was fake, as was the company represented on it. To help push this “private” sale the seller had even emailed the consumer with copies of a driving licence, bank statement, a utility bill and company details - all of which were false.

No matter how good the bargain may seem, people should never part with money without seeing and dealing with a potential seller face to face and without

seeing the car in question. As one victim belatedly advises: “Buyers should see the person, touch the metal.”

Bill Malloy, Trading Standards Service, said, “Follow the old adage. If something looks too good to be true, it probably is.

Don’t be rushed into sending off money to someone you do not know, however plausible they might sound and even where an approach is personalised.”

Consumers who feel that they are a victim of a scam or suspect a scam should contact Consumerline on 0300 123 6262 or alternatively log onto the Consumerline website at /www.consumerline.org

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That help must be readily available and dedicated In fact they’ve done so consistently, coming and not at the end of a six-month waiting list, but bottom of the table for the number of social workers immediate. for four out of the last five years.

“Social workers play a big role in all this and the And for one local MLA that means troubled young reasons for the local Health Trust having the lowest people could be left to drift out of the reach of help, number need to be explored. I intend to follow this up staring at huge waiting lists while mental health care as a matter of urgency.” continues to be treated as ‘the Cinderella of our health Mr Chambers was speaking after a recent visit to a service’. scheme for young people in Bangor’s Kilcooley estate.

That MLA, Alan Chambers, went on to argue that According to him, one of the big issues those young this area coming dead last for social workers should people repeatedly flagged up was that many factors ‘ring alarm bells’ over the mental health help available around them every day can lead to mental health here. issues – and finding help for that can be difficult.

The South Eastern Health and Social Care Trust “A lack of literacy skills with little structured help looks after NHS services from Bangor and Holywood available to help them overcome the embarrassment all the way down to Newcastle and Downpatrick. that comes with it, plus poor employment Yet they employ the lowest number of social opportunities and the potential drift into the escape workers out of all five of Northern Ireland’s health many believe drugs provide all add to low self esteem trusts, and have done in all but one of the past five and a general feeling of unworthiness,” Mr Chambers years. said.

As of March 2016, the most recent figures available, “All of this impacts mental health issues and the the trust had 644 social workers – well below the recent loss of organisations such as FASA have created table-topping Northern and Belfast trusts, which had a vacuum. Many of the young people spoke 903 and 874 social workers on their respective books. passionately about the help they received from FASA The second lowest was the almost entirely rural but feel they no longer see many places to run when Southern Trust, which had 663 social workers, while in mental health problems begin to kick in. the middle was the Western Trust with 685.

“Almost all the participants in the discussions I had In total Northern Ireland’s five trusts employ 3,769 reported suffering from some level of mental health social workers, which averages out at about 750 per issue, and if the group I met with are remotely trust – well above the South Eastern’s 644 figure. representative of our young people then there are In fact the South Eastern Trust came bottom of the major issues with mental problems out there. table in 2012, 2013 and 2014 as well as 2016. The only “That fact alone should sound alarm bells around exception was 2015, when the local trust was in the availability of social workers in this area. Too many fourth place with 641 social workers compared to the young people throughout the province are being lost Southern’s 622. to suicide when readily available professional But between 2015 and 2016 the Southern Trust intervention could help prevent these tragic added 41 social workers to their books whereas the outcomes.

South Eastern took on just three, knocking them back “There must be no more stories of disturbed young down to last place. people being sent away by hospitals or police who The figures were recently published in the don’t have the expertise to spot the signs of a Northern Ireland Assembly after questioning from pending suicide.”

Lagan Valley UUP MLA Robbie Butler. Speaking to the Spectator this week, his North Down party colleague Alan Chambers MLA said that social workers are a vital resource – and in particular for young people at risk of mental illness or substance abuse.

“Mental health has been the Cinderella of our health service but with the huge changes in society can no longer be swept under the carpet,” Mr Chambers said.

“The Ulster Unionist Party is committed to more robust mental health Contact James on services being available with all stigma removed to 75 Windmill Road, encourage sufferers to seek help that is Donaghadee geared to their needs.

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

CLOCK SERVICES BANGOR

Tel: 028 9146 9632 www.clockservicesbangor.co.uk 07592 349300 Clock Services Bangor specialises in the repair and restoration of antique grandfather clocks, as well as • GRANDFATHER CLOCK REPAIRS • pocket watches, barometers and more. We provide professional repairs for customers across the whole of Northern Ireland from our base in Bangor.

There’s nothing quite as beautiful as the intricate and delicate internal mechanisms of a grandfather clock or antique watch. It’s a shame then when these settings cease working. We can provide experienced repair for grandfather clocks, Vienna clocks, American clocks, as well as a host of other items.

Grandiose & glorious grandfather clocks Are you looking to return the splendour to your broken grandfather clock? At Clock Services Bangor we provide grandfather clock restoration services that do just that.

Grandfather clock services include: • Woodwork restoration • Dial re-silvering • Cabinet restoration • Mechanical repair • Woodwork polishing • Brass & silver polishing • Clock face restoration

The Story Behind Grandfather Clocks Today, we know these tall clocks that are set in wooden cases to be "grandfather clocks".

But, they weren't always called that. In fact, they were first called, "long-case clocks" or "coffin clocks". So how did they acquire their current name?

Some years ago, two brothers named "Jenkins" owned and operated the George Hotel in rural North Yorkshire, England. In the lobby of this hotel sat a long-cased clock. When one of the brothers died, the long- cased clock wouldn't keep the correct time. It just kept running slower. When the other Jenkins brothers passed away, the long-cased clock stopped ticking too. The new owner left the clock at its location with its hands showing the same time that the second brother had died.

An American song writer called Henry Work visited the George Hotel in 1876. Work learned about the story of the Jenkins brothers and the long-cased clock in the lobby. He composed a song titled, "My Grandfather's Clock." The song became popular and "long-cased clocks" have been known by their new name ever since.

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The Story Behind French Clocks

The Story Behind Music Boxes A musical box is a device for the mechanical production of music. In practice the musical box comprises a series of such elements arranged in such a manner that a scale of musical sounds might be produced.

From its early beginnings as a novelty edition to a time piece, the musical box came into its own about 1820 and the musical box was born. The early musical boxes with their amazing movements were housed in plain fruitwood or pine stained boxes.

All early musical boxes up until 1860 were key wound then the level wind took over completely by 1840 the enclosed movements were protected with a glass lid or cover. As time progresses movements became more complicated with many additions such as bells and drums. The cases improved mostly rosewood with line decoration inlay up to the really fanciful boxes of 1880's.

Switzerland was the main producing area as with the early production of musical watches and clocks. The leading manufacturer by far was Nicole Frares. Fortunately all Nicole boxes were signed and numbered and we can date any of their boxes to within a year.

This gives us a great knowledge into the many changes in style and workings. We have one Nicole Frarer in our collection dating to 1840. The death nell of the musical box came in 1885 with the invention of the disc musical box; polyphon, symphonian etc. With the advantage to buy different discs with different tunes it became very popular for about 20 years. Restoration of these instruments is available at clock services, cleaning servicing ad full restoration.

Never ever try to remove any part of a musical box movement without professional advice.

Typically the most decorative of all antique clocks and common in many shapes and sizes. Early clocks prior to 1850 have a distinct quality to the case and movement. The regency style and brass clocks often with bronze guilded figures will often carry a hefty premium.

The quality of these early clocks makes it a joy to see and restore.

With the later clocks the movements certainly have not suffered. In reality brass clocks probably have the most production. Many were bronzed to give a long lasting finish and many have survived more than 100 years in excellent condition.

Never try to clean a clock case with a metal brush or a scouring pad.

Many French come in clock sets, always check that the ornaments match the clock.

If you go to purchase a French clock (or any clock) check it is working and comes with its pendulum.

Clock Services generally can reset most French movements.

Brass cases we can clean and restore.

Gilding quality clocks is one of the specialised services offered at clock services.

Please do not repaint your clock with gold lacquer or paint.

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FEBRUARY 2017

SPECTATOR EXTRA

NEWS

Celebrating 21 years of making a difference

From left are Ashley Clarke, Hannah Robinson and Lynne Bloomfield from Kilcooley Women's Centre, Councillor Peter Martin, Alison Blayney, Kilcooley Women's Centre, Phil Kileen (Glencree Peace Centre), Councillor Alistair Cathcart, Alderman Marion Smith and Councillor Noelle Robinson.

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OVER the past 21 years, Kilcooley Women’s Centre has recorded over 12,000 women and 2,500 children passing through its doors.

Its programmes aim to support employability, health, early intervention, education, intergenerational, gender equality, social economy and cross community initiatives.

It welcomes any woman or child, from Holywood to the villages on the peninsula, and runs a wide variety of courses, classes and activities, from beauty therapy to GCSE maths and English.

Of course all of this wouldn’t be possible if it were

not for funders. The centre paid thanks to the Northern Ireland Executive which, through the Good Relations project, has supported its activities and to the Big Lottery.

Alderman Marion Smith, said, “I was delighted and honoured to speak at this amazing event which recognised 21 years of challenge, hard work and dedication by those who ran and organised the Kilcooley Women’s Centre.

“For the first eight years, their scheme ran on faith, hope and charity, and this is no exaggeration. They have had their low moments, but these have been overcome by the many high points during the 21

years.

“They are recognised through their achievements, not just in North Down, but way beyond this to Europe, being one of the leading organisations in Northern Ireland for Transnational Co-operation.

They have gained cross-party support at all levels from local council to Westminster.

“Through personal experience and watching the group develop and grow over the years, I know for them their greatest joy is seeing the difference made through educating a woman or helping a child to be better prepared for school. I wish them every success for the future.”

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FEBRUARY 2017

SPECTATOR EXTRA

NEWS

Private Hugh Newell and Rifleman Leslie Newell i.gray@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

ALTHOUGH they grew up together, Bangor’s Newell brothers died hundreds of miles apart – sent to fight in different countries by the globe-spanning war.

Hugh and Leslie Newell were two of eight children to brick-maker Hugh Newell Snr and wife Ellen. The family lived in Castle Square, with Hugh Jnr arriving in November 1890 followed by Leslie in January 1896.

Hugh Newell

In 1909 a 19 year old Hugh Newell Jnr married Ellen Rea in Westbourne Presbyterian Church on Belfast’s Newtownards Road. The couple lived in Hornby Street in Belfast before moving to Scotland, settling in the burgh of Partick shortly before it was incorporated into Glasgow as the city’s boundaries expanded.

Hugh found work as a foundryman in the Whiteinch area of Partick, then an important manufacturing zone of the Clydeside shipbuilding industry, and the couple had three children.

As war swept across Europe Hugh enlisted in Glasgow, signing up with the 5th Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers – a new battalion created for the men joining up specifically to do their bit in the Great War. After months of intense training the 5th Battalion were attached to the 31st Brigade in the 10th (Irish) Division, with the entire division dispatched to mount a major push in what was a relatively new front in the war – Gallipoli.

During 1915 the British had attempted to knock the German-allied Ottoman Empire out of the war and had landed large numbers of men, mostly taken from the far reaches of the British Empire like Australia and New Zealand, on the Gallipoli Peninsula in western Turkey.

The campaign had become a bloodsoaked casualty-strewn stalemate with forces under British command pinned down at Anzac Bay and unable to progress along the peninsula, let alone punch through to the Ottoman capital Constantinople as planned.

British generals decided to mount one last main attack, a major push landing tens of thousands more men including the 10th (Irish) at Suvla Bay to the north

of Anzac in early August – but the attack was hugely mishandled from the very top on down.

Allied command put Sir Frederick Stopford in charge, an elderly LieutenantGeneral with scant combat experience who had only recently been called out of a five-year retirement. Stopford was handed the job because of his seniority on a list of generals with no consideration of his ability to lead an offensive of this magnitude, and the resulting campaign was a disaster.

The surprise landing at Suvla on August 6 and 7 encountered little resistance and captured the bay, but Stopford didn’t try to use the advantage to push the gains further forward. Troops were only ordered to head further inland two days later, by which point Ottoman reinforcements had arrived to cut down the advance.

British and allied troops were now pinned down at both Anzac and Suvla, with attacks resulting in heavy casualties for little to no gains. On the ground the campaign collapsed into frequent skirmishes while troops prayed for commanders to finally admit Gallipoli was a lost cause. But those skirmishes still cost the lives of hundreds of men including Private Hugh Newell, who was killed in action on August 25, 1915. He was 24 years old and has no known grave.

Younger brother Leslie Newell worked as grocer’s assistant before the war and was a member of the Bangor contingent of the Ulster Volunteer Force.

Leslie Newell Signing up in Bangor, he joined the 13th Battalion Royal Irish Rifles in 108th Brigade of the 36th (Ulster) Division and was dispatched to the Front in northern Europe.

Going over the top on the first day of the Somme, he was wounded and taken as a prisoner of war. He was transported behind enemy lines to a German military hospital in Caudry in France where on September 11, 1916, Rifleman Leslie Newell died of his wounds. He was 20 years old and is buried in Caudry Old Communal Cemetery.

Both Private Hugh Newell and Rifleman Leslie Newell are commemorated on Bangor and District War Memorial, on the Royal British Legion (Bangor Branch) Memorial Plaque, in the Comrades of the Great War (Bangor Branch) Album in North Down Museum and in Trinity Presbyterian Church Bangor.

Material sourced from ‘Remembering Their Sacrifice In The Great War: North Down’ compiled by Barry Niblock and available from the Spectator’s Bangor Main Street office.

Barry is keen to add to his research and would be grateful to hear from anyone with information or photographs relating to the wartime fallen from this area. He can be reached at info@barryniblock.co.uk

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Return of treasured photo album turns good neighbours into good friends

by Ruth Dowds r.dowds@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

A TREASURED photograph album that was lost 18 months ago has been returned to its owner thanks to the tireless efforts of the man who found it.

Victoria Road resident Gary Gates discovered the album outside his house and was so touched by the family pictures and loving messages contained inside that he vowed to reunite it with its owner.

“If I had created something like this I certainly wouldn’t want someone to throw it out.

The whole thing just reeked of depth, emotion and family,” he said.

Gary was particularly moved by a message on the final page of the album which read, ‘Thank you

from the bottom of our hearts for being truly amazing individuals and treating us like your very own!! We couldn’t be more fortunate to have you in our lives. All our love, Connor, Paula and especially JB’.

Said Gary, “I could see quite clearly that there was something very special about the whole thing, that there was meaning behind it.

It wasn’t your standard posing [photographs].”

Hoping that the owner would return to Victoria Road looking for the lost album Gary left it sitting on the wall outside his house ‘like - Gary Gates you would do with a child’s lost hat’, he said.

However after employing this tactic on several occasions without success he took to social media,

I could see quite clearly that there was something very special about the whole thing, that there was meaning behind it.

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posting details of the album on his Facebook page.

“I brought it into work, I asked around, people shared it and I even tweeted - but nothing,” said Gary.

With no fresh leads it looked like a hopeless quest until last week when Gary’s partner asked if he was going to renew his attempts to find the owner.

Determined that he would succeed this time Gary posted pictures and details about the album on a local public social media site.

Miraculously the owner was found within 45 minutes – the answer to the 18 month mystery lying just doors away from Gary at the home of neighbours he had never met before – namely Paula Hamilton, her partner Connor and their son JB. Though Paula does not own the photo album she had created it as a gift for Sara Preston, a young Bangor woman named on the front cover of the album.

It is believed that Sara, who has special needs, may have dropped the photo album outside Gary’s house when she was visiting Paula at Victoria Road.

Paula explained that she made the album of photographs and messages for Sara and the Preston family in 2013 as a thank you after they had taken her and her family in for two months while their house was being refurbished.

“I looked after Sara years and years ago and we’re pretty much like family now. Sara is like a sister and communication wise she would use pictures so we made her that [the album] just to let them know how much they mean to us and how much Sara means to us,” explained Paula.

Sara’s dad Ivan Preston said it has meant a lot to the family, and particularly his daughter, to get the album back. “It was a very personal little book because of the messages in it and Paul and Connor and JB are so much a part of our family.

“It was just lovely to get it back because it was Sara’s and when we gave it back to Sara the other night she just sat in the room flicking through it and looking at the pictures.”

Paula is particularly touched that Gary held on to the album for so long and went to such efforts to find them. “I couldn’t believe it, there’s a lot of people that probably would have disregarded it.

“Connor was on Facebook and then he showed me

the picture that Gary had put up and I looked at it and Gary was at the door within 10 minutes of me looking at the message.

“I got a bit emotional actually. I couldn’t believe that he had held onto it for as long as he did, so now we have a new neighbour which is lovely too. The right person found it basically and it would be nice if there were a few more people like that out there.”

For Gary events remain ‘so surreal’. “It’s like the butterfly effect, small things mean a lot.

Something that I was just doing right ended up being very meaningful for someone else.

“This isn’t a toy, this is constructed memory. These are memories and feelings and emotions conceptualised in this and it’s not difficult to see how much this would be missed. It’s wonderful. It opens up and there’s words and then it closes off and there’s words and there’s pictures in between.”

One suspects there will be an extra big hug for Paula, Connor and JB when Sara next visits.

Said Ivan, “Sara loves going down and spending maybe one night a month with Paula and Connor on an overnight stay. Paula and Sara have a very close sisterly relationship even though they’re not naturally sisters and there’s nobody gets a bigger hug than Connor, Paula’s partner.”

The discovery of the photo album has now brought three families together. “It turns out we know people [in common] and we are probably going to stay in contact because there’s a click there and it was initiated by this,” said Gary.

MAIN: Looking through the photo album that has provided a bond between them are, from left, Ivan Preston, Gary Gates and Paula Hamilton. C12-12-12 ABOVE: The touching note that appears at the back of the photo album.

SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

17

NEWS

Cash award for dancer DANCER Oona Doherty, based in Bangor, has been presented with an award worth £15,000 by the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.

The Major Individual Award is highest honour bestowed by the agency responsible for the development of the arts in the region.

The award is given in recognition of the contribution an artist has made to creative life in Northern Ireland and Oona joins a further three other artists in being awarded an MIA for 2017, including composer, Ian Wilson, Mobonominated jazz musician, David Lyttle,

and writer, Anne Devlin.

The funding award makes it possible for these artists to take time out to dedicate to their creative work and to produce a substantial and ambitious project that will make a significant contribution to the development of their professional careers.

The four join a distinguished list of artists who have previously benefited from the awards including writers Jimmy McAleavey, Carlo Gébler, Damian Gorman, Patricia Craig, Sinéad Morrissey, Glenn Patterson and Owen McCafferty; leading contemporary visual artists Rita Duffy, Susan MacWilliam and Cara

Oona Doherty

Civic Awards open for nominations

Gerry and Geraldine McCollum with Mayor Deborah Girvan.

DO you know someone who lives or works in the Ards and North Down area that deserves recognition?

The Ards and North Down Civic Awards are now open for entries and aim to recognise those people who are making an exceptional contribution to civic life in our borough.

The first Ards and North Down Civic Awards, which are organised by Ards and North Down Borough Council, took place last year with 43 entries received.

Gerry and Geraldine McCollum from Bangor were among those who received an award at last year’s ceremony. It was granted for humanitarian services. In 2001, the couple lost their son, Christopher, to Duchene Muscular Dystrophy at 17 years of age. They set up The Christopher McCollum Fund in his memory in 2008. The charity provides specialist equipment for children with disabilities or life limiting illnesses. It

also supports research into Muscular Dystrophy.

There are five categories for nominations: • Service in the field of voluntary community work • Humanitarian services; • Young person of the year awards; • Service to the Arts, Culture or Heritage • Service to the Environment The Mayor will make an additional special award to an individual, recognising their outstanding service or special qualities. The Mayor’s Special Award is not open to nominations.

Nominations can be made online at www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/civicawards where you can find more detail on the criteria for each award category.

Alternatively, you can collect an awards pack from the Town Hall in Bangor or the council offices at Church Street in Newtownards. The closing date for entries is 28 February 28.

Murphy; celebrated composers Elaine Agnew, Conor Mitchell, Deirdre McKay and acclaimed pianist Michael McHale, among others.

Each of the artists will now use the funding to develop a series of new works.

Dancer Oona Doherty’s MIA project is entitled, Hard to Be Soft – A Belfast Prayer in Four Parts. This innovative undertaking will see Oona working in creative collaboration to gather a collection of ideas and sound from

dance company, Ajendance HipHop, and also young offenders based at Hyde Bank Wood College.

Oona will then work with internationally acclaimed Belfast musician and composer, David Holmes, to create a futuristic Belfast theme tune in four parts which will form the soundscape for a new dance theatre work to be presented in Northern Ireland this year and toured internationally in 2018.

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FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Politician’s cutback is a vote winner - for Princess charity HAIR YEA! Hair yea! Hair yea!

Well known town councillor Noelle Robinson has elected to change her familiar political look - for charity.

But it is not her principles that the popular independent Bangor representative has remodelled but her hair. And she is hoping for some very good rates of return for her good deed, which involved a trip to one of her home town’s hairdressing salons.

For she is confident that this council cut with a difference will benefit a well known children’s charity after the scissors were taken to her very distinctive flowing blond locks. They are to be used by the Little Princess Trust to provide a real hair wig for a child who has lost his or her hair because of cancer treatment or other illness.

Naturally Noelle is delighted that her own short term loss will be for the long term benefit of a child who is fighting a serious condition.

She told the Spectator, “I have been growing my hair for over two years now and instead of sticking to my original plan to have it chopped for the Trust on my 60th birthday in two years time, I decided that the time was right at the weekend.”

And so it was off to Dawn at Jacqui Bothwell Hair to make the appropriate cuts to Noelle’s fetching mane of long blonde hair.

Councillor Noelle Robinson. C19-04-08 Added Noelle, “Rather than just losing some length, I decided to gain some 'hidden rainbow' colours at the same time, so it was win-win all round.

“And the hair is being donated to the Little Princess Trust to be made into a wig for children across the UK and Ireland, who have lost their own hair.”

To date, Little Princess Trust has provided over 4,000 real hair wigs free to children, wigs which would normally cost upwards of £350 to have created.

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Divorce can be one of the most traumatic and destabilising events that anyone will ever experience. It may be the end of a journey which might have involved professional counselling, trial separations and mitigation from family members. When all of this has failed and there is no prospect of a reconciliation it could be time to call your Solicitor and get the best possible advice.

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Airport neighbours welcome proposal to adopt report’s recommendations RESIDENTS affected by aircraft noise from George Best Belfast City Airport have welcomed confirmation by the Minister for Infrastructure, Chris Hazzard, that he has instructed officials to work towards full implementation of the recommendations in a crucial public inquiry report.

The airport had been seeking significant changes to its planning agreement which would have greatly increased permissible noise levels, with a serious impact on up to 18,000 residents, while also removing an annual cap on the number of aircraft seats from the airport offered for sale.

A report drawn up by the Planning Appeals Commission, which held a public inquiry into the proposals in 2015, recommended that the so-called ‘seats for sale’ cap should be removed, but also recommended noise control measures which, if implemented, would mean permissible noise levels won’t be as high as they would have been under the airport’s proposal.

The Minister’s view on the matter was expressed in a letter from the Minister to south Belfast MLA, Máirtín Ó Muilleoir, passed to the umbrella residents’ group, Belfast City Airport Watch. The letter states: “I have considered the PAC report of the public inquiry and agreed ‘in principle’ to endorse their recommendations

Liz Fawcett, chair of the BCAW steering group. in full, subject to resolving the technical issues around the proposed noise management system. I have instructed my officials to liaise directly with Belfast City Airport on the detail of a modified planning agreement based around these recommendations.”

Liz Fawcett, chair of the BCAW steering group, said, “While, obviously, we would have preferred that there was no relaxation of noise controls at Belfast City Airport, we welcome this declaration by the Minister that he supports full implementation of the PAC’s recommendations.

“The Commission clearly tried to strike a balance between the commercial interests of the airport, and the health and quality of life of the tens of thousands of local residents affected by this issue.

“Although permissible noise levels will rise, once the report’s recommendations are implemented, we can be confident that we won’t have to suffer the

extreme levels of noise which could have occurred, had the airport been given everything which it was seeking.”

A total of 1,308 objections were received by the Department of the Environment after the airport’s application was first made in 2012.

One of the worst affected residents is 75year old Elizabeth Bennett whose home in Sydenham, east Belfast, is right under the flight path. She said, “I find the constant noise of the planes really stressful – they wake me up really early most mornings and carry on until late in the evening.

“You can’t hear the TV, you can’t hear people on the phone, and you have to stop speaking when the planes go over.”

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FEBRUARY 2017

19

NEWS

Work begins on third jobs fair

L-R: Chris Gibson, Thomas Telford/ICE, David McCune AECOM, Sam McManus AECOM, Joseph Martin AECOM, Grahame Millar NI Water, Samuel Donaldson AECOM, and Davy McGrath NI Water.

Award for water team THE NI Water team working on the Bangor Sewerage Improvement Programme have been named winners of the UK CEEQUAL Outstanding Achievement Awards in recognition of project management work at Luke’s Point.

The scheme will improve the water quality at Ballyholme strand and help to meet Northern Ireland Environment Agency Standards. Work is currently underway on a further stage of this overall project to construct a pumping station at Castle Park, Bangor which involves the construction of a large underground storage tank.

This will replace the existing Castle Park Waste Water Pumping Station, as well as providing additional stormwater North Down & storage.

Ards Area Bill Gowdy director of engineering procurement said, “This award is a great Somewhere to turn when someone dies achievement for the Luke’s Point team who Have you or your children been bereaved? reached the pinnacle of Have you been bereaved by suicide?

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Flashback to last year’s Jobs Fair. North Down MLA Alex Easton, then Health Minister Simon Hamilton, then minister for Employment and Learning Stephen Farry with Technical Metals quality manager Linda Geddis, operations manager Darren Sales and Denroy HR manager Caroline Mageean at the Jobs Fair held in the Marine Court Hotel where there were over 500 jobs on offer. M6-03-03

by Bernard Johnston b.johnston@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

WORK has begun on re-running a jobs fair which is credited with having found employment for more than 100 young people across North Down in the past two years.

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successful this year as its workload is being extended for the second time to neighbouring Newtownards and the Ards Peninsula.

The inaugural fair in 2015 was described by one of its organisers, local DUP MLA Alex Easton, as ‘a small trial’ in Bangor’s Kilcooley estate ‘to see how it worked’.

It was said to have secured over 100 real jobs for young people across North Down.

As a result of that inaugural success the fair was repeated last year, but on a much bigger scale to involving Newtownards and the Ards Peninsula.

It also involved a much wider network which included everything from the then Department of Employment and Learning, to Kilcooley Community Forum, Ards Network, Bangor Chamber of Commerce and Kilcooley Women’s Centre.

The end result was another successful one, with claims that many more jobs were secured for young people across the borough.

Now a third jobs fair is back on the horizon for Ards and North Down, possibly in May, and its has been welcomed by DUP councillor Wesley Irvine.

He said, “I feel it is worthwhile and timely and I hope it will follow on from last year's successful conference which saw 830 people attend and secured 40 employers.

“This is a great opportunity for those looking for work or who are maybe looking to change jobs and an opportunity to connect with employers.

“Youth unemployment in particular is an area that I would like to see being tackled more by the council and an event like this should open doors for those who have maybe struggled to obtain work in the past.

“I would encourage as many people as possible to attend and take advantage of the public and private sector employees who will be there on the day.

“The labour market is extremely competitive and any advantage gained is crucial.”

20

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FEBRUARY 2017

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

T

here was a fascinating article, a verbatim interview with Rory McIlroy in last week’s Sunday Independent. What came across was his normality. Despite the millions and the superstar status, he remains rooted in Northern Ireland. However, his love of the place is tempered by the tribalism which has been expected of him and which he simply refuses to buy into.

As he says, “So I’m a Catholic, but I feel very much Northern Irish,” He probably wouldn’t want to be described as a role model, but in the week that is in it he offers a more hopeful example than our politicians. I’d vote for him.

T

he DUP keeps telling us Arlene Foster is strong and attracts support across the broad unionist community. Not for me, count me out.

While it is good that leaders are strong, strength without good judgement is a liability. Maybe her family’s history with the IRA (of which she and her supporters keep reminding us) makes it impossible for her to accept Sinn Fein’s credentials so she simply could not countenance standing aside for a few weeks. If, as she says, she has nothing to fear from an enquiry into the wood pellet scheme, standing aside and being exonerated would only have added to her standing.

As it is, we are faced with an election few want, particularly her fellow MLAs whose members will be reduced from the current 108 to 90. Every attempt will be made to make this another orange and green shouting match. Foster aims all her ire at Sinn Fein, ignoring the fact that the UUP, the Allliance and the SDLP were initially even more critical of her stance than Sinn Fein who took it easy on her early on.

Sadly it will suit both the DUP and Sinn Fein should the tribal tom toms blind us to all reason. But with the current set-up patently not working, the electorate might remember Einstein’s definition of lunacy: ‘Doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results’. Think about it.

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

T

hings are settling down again at chez Alexander after the madness which is Christmas and New Year. It seems almost obligatory to over-eat, which I did, and I never want to see another glass of Prosecco or indeed Champagne. A nice glass of something red, I have concluded, suits me better.

Meanwhile I am working my way through the Christmas cake. Very moist, delicious, but I am trying not to be greedy to prolong the pleasure. Didn’t tell the memsahib but the icing is too hard but as I never eat it, that doesn’t matter.

I have made no New Year resolutions. They have never worked in the past; why should I change now? But good luck to all determined to lose weight, exercise more, improve their minds, learn a foreign language, change their career.

PS: The cock pheasant has just come into the garden and the memsahib is distributing seeds. He is waiting patiently until she leaves. A pleasant sight. I feel good already.

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

I

have discovered a new author, Anne Tyler. She comes laden with encomiums, but I had never heard of her before. I have only started Ladder of Years but it is funny and perceptive. One disappointment. I got hold of Harper Lee’s Go Set a Watchman. I gave up after 50 pages. Nothing was happening. It would not, I suspect, have been published had she not been the author of the great To Kill a Mockingbird.

Women’s Centre celebrates £25K funding boost

by Julie Waters

KILCOOLEY Women’s Centre is celebrating a £25,000 community hall funding boost.

The funding was announced by Department for Communities Minister Paul Givan and will enable the women’s centre, based in Kilcooley Primary School, to undertake minor works and improvements to its premises.

Alison Blayney, Kilcooley Women’s Centre manager welcomed the funding boost saying, “Community halls fund will bring immeasurable

benefits to our local community as they are key to the delivery of frontline services.

“This investment will help us in Kilcooley provide vital key services such as early intervention childcare initiatives, play development programmes and training projects.

“Our centre provides space and a place for local people to come together and strengthen relationships and build skills. I welcome this funding that is key to us in making positive changes. This pilot programme will help us alleviate some of the pressures we

face.”

Tracy Harrison, centre childcare services manager said, ‘This investment will make a practical difference to our childcare facilities and improve toilet provision and access to the building.

“The childcare provision we provide has doubled in the past year, and we desperately needed funds to improve the facilities, so this announcement is greatly appreciated.”

Pauline Brown, Kilcooley Primary School principal, congratulated the group on the funding success saying, “We have a very positive, proactive working relationship with the women’s centre, who are key to our wrap around service support in the school.

“They share our vision of providing the very best start in education for every child in Kilcooley.

We can now provide educational and lifelong learning programmes from birth.

Education Minister Peter Weir said, “With almost 900 applications and only 90 ultimately receiving funding, demonstrates the quality of the application submitted and the ability of the group to demonstrate the need which exists in the area.

“The upgraded facilities will impact on the delivery of the Pathways Early Years project which Kilcooley Women’s Centre deliver, supported by my Department which not only covers Kilcooley but the wider area of Ards and North Down.”

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T

he Daily Telegraph and the Daily Mail and, I presume, all the other dailies were full of the death of George Michael. He was a genius we are told as was, apparently, David Bowie, another pop star who died suddenly this year.

Genius is a big word. Neither was a genius; Newton was a genius, Shakespeare was a genius, Leonardo da Vinci was a genius. Their work lives on.

I doubt Michael’s or Bowie’s or any other pop star’s work has anything but ephemeral significance. They provided joy for their generation and that is about it. I’m a Beatles-man myself. Now there was, no, no, I won’t say it. Still they remain very, very special.

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Learn a life skill, keep fit, and have fun Bangor Aurora Aquatic & Leisure Complex offers a Learn-to-Swim programme which follows the Swim Ireland syllabus catering for children from 3 years. The course, delivered by fully qualified instructors teaches important life skills and develops the fundamental skills required to enable participants to progress within the sport.

Lessons are available Monday to Friday 3.00pm – 7.00pm PLUS Saturday and Sunday mornings from 10.00am – 2.00pm. In addition we have recently added new lessons on Saturday afternoons from 4pm – 6pm.

We now have continuous assessment this lets participants progress in line with their development not just at the end of each term as is normally the case.

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Iona has gone through the program from Duckling to Level 8 and is extremely proud to have her badges on her Bag.

The cost of swimming lessons at Bangor Aurora is only Direct Debit £16.99 per month. This will include: • 1 lesson per week • A lesson Plan Developed by Swim Ireland • Unlimited FREE swimming in the main pools (under 8’s must be accompanied by a paying adult) • Discount entry into Adventure World • 2 FREE Birthday Party spaces when you book a party at Bangor Aurora (*terms and conditions apply)

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FEBRUARY 2017

NEWS

Heroic officer in lifesaving Lagan rescue

by Julie Waters j.waters@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

adversity as he has been a dedicated member of Bangor Lifeboat crew for over 10 years.

Putting his physical fitness to the test in a bid Putting his own life on the line, Scott to help others, Scott also Harkins, a 46 year old father of two and raised a staggering Belfast Harbour Police Constable, was one £6,000 for cancer charity of a team of rescue response personnel Marie Curie by who went to help the woman from the completing a 1,357 mile waters behind the SSE Arena in Belfast. mountain bike challenge The woman, aged in her 20s, had across the Rocky travelled with her parents brother and Mountains from Canada boyfriend to support their ice-hockey to Wyoming. team as they played against the Belfast Speaking to the Giants on Saturday night.

Spectator, this modest However during the match the woman hero recalled how the made her way to the rear of the arena dramatic rescue took and was spotted in the Abercorn Basin. place in dark and cold Fortunately Scott was on hand to pluck conditions saying, “We the woman to safety after she slipped responded to the call at under the water. around 10pm and when Bangor Coastguard Rescue Team, we got there a PSNI Lagan Search and Rescue, NI Fire and officer was standing on Rescue Service, and NI Ambulance also Bangor hero harbour cop Scott Harkins helped rescue a woman from the waters behind Belfast’s SSE Arena. ladders leading into the attended the scene. water while holding on This courageous local man is no to the woman.” stranger to helping others in the face of He said, “She was Scott said of his heroic feat, “I was able it wasn’t very pleasant, there would be a Inspector Darren Hardy said, "A PSNI getting increasingly weaker to drag her up (to the surface) and I swam lot of detritus.”

Officer and Harbour Police Officer by the second and it was back over the ladders and between the This modest man was reluctant to take entered the water to rescue the woman. obviously hard for him as he PSNI, ourselves and the Fire Service we any credit for his life-saving actions "I commend the brave actions of these was trying to hold on to her.” managed to get her to the quay side.” saying, “My lifeboat training gave me the officers in ensuring the safety of the The local man did not It is understood the woman received skills to do it, it is all part and parcel of my member of public and would like to go on record and thank them publically.

NOW AVAILABLE think twice about coming to emergency treatment by ambulance staff lifeboat training.” the woman’s aid saying, “I as soon as she was out of the water. Her The local man has been commended "I work every day with officers who are climbed down to help the mother, who is believed to have suffered for his bravery during the dramatic rescue committed and proud to do their job 13 MARCH 5 DAY DONEGAL DISCOVERY police officer and as I was the an emotional collapse as her daughter of the woman from Belfast’s Lagan River. which has a very important role in DANIEL O’DONNELL VISITOR CENTRE only one with a life-jacket, was being rescued, also received "The quick thinking of the two police society. This is an excellent example of 27 MARCH 5 DAY PEARL OF WALES, when the woman slipped treatment. officers made this incident a good this commitment which resulted in a PORTMEIRION & SNOWDONIA under the water Scott recalled the rather inclement outcome, well done," Portaferry young woman's life being saved." unconscious, I jumped into 3 APRIL 5 DAY NORTH WALES, HORSE DRAWN conditions of the rescue saying, “It was Coastguard Rescue Team said in a BOAT TRIP & CREAM TEA save her.” totally dark and it was quite low water so Facebook post.

3 APRIL 5 DAY COTSWOLDS & THE BLACK COUNTRY 10 APRIL 5 DAY OBAN, MULL & IONA ROYAL HOTEL OBAN 16 APRIL 6 DAY LONDON, HISTORIC WINDSOR & WINCHESTER 17 APRIL 5 DAY HIGHLAND RAILWAYS OF SCOTLAND 24 APRIL 5 DAY HARROGATE & HAREWOOD HOUSE 30 APRIL 6 DAY CLIFFS OF MOHER, GALWAY & LIMERICK 1 MAY 5 DAY PERTH, ROYAL DEESIDE & ST ANDREWS 8 MAY 5 DAY SPLENDID LAKES STEAM TRAIN & CRUISE £630 £489 10 MAY 5 DAY SCARBOROUGH & NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY 15 MAY 5 DAY DONEGAL DISCOVERY DILLONS HOTEL LETTERKENNY 15 MAY 5 DAY NORTH WALES, HORSE DRAWN BOAT TRIP & CREAM TEA 15 MAY 5 DAY SEVERN VALLEY, IRONBRIDGE, SEVERN VALLEY STEAM TRAIN Security staff members with the new bikes and, from left, Richard Barker, Janice Clarke, 18 MAY 5 DAY POLDARKS TRENWITH & THE WYE VALLEY Jeff Thompson from Patient Experience team and Colm McKenna, Chairman, SE Trust.

25 MAY 5 DAY COUNTRYFILE COTSWOLDS, become greater.

SECURITY staff on the Ulster ADAM’S FARM & BATH In addition, traffic volumes on the Hospital site have been told 'On 28 MAY 7 DAY DEVON & DARTMOOR Ulster site are heavy at certain times, Yer Bike' .

JEWEL OF THE SOUTH restricting access.

The recently opened Criticial Care Consequently the security team has building and the new Ward Block, which been issued with electric powered bikes is set to come into use early next year, to help them respond quickly to urgent are both situated at the rear of the site calls. and distances for staff, like security, have

A BRAVE Bangor officer plunged into ice-cold water on the night of Saturday, January 7, to help bring an unconscious woman to safety in a dramatic rescue.

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FEBRUARY 2017

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NEWS

Fundraising continues as hall gets a facelift ANYONE in Bangor town centre over Christmas can’t help to have noticed the on-going building work at the former Good Templar Hall on Hamilton Road.

The building has been getting a facelift inside and out.

Bangor Drama Club, which now owns the building, is hoping that work to convert the hall will be complete by the end of February and there will be more news soon on opening events.

Whilst the inside is far from finished the club has shared a few photos of the work so far.

Once complete the building will house a 100-seat auditorium with kitchen, toilet and dressing room facilities. The club still very much hopes to be able to install partially retractable seating and has been fundraising for that purpose.

The public have already been extremely generous in their support of the project and many have opted to ‘buy-a-brick’ for £150.

This gives supporters the opportunity to have their name engraved on a brick that will be installed permanently on a wall in the foyer of the new venue.

The option to ‘buy-a-brick’ is still available and should anyone wish to enquire about this they can contact the club by email at bangordramaclub@gmail.com or write to Studio 1A, Hamilton Road, Bangor, BT20 4JP.

Is Bangor’s road repair HQ to be knocked down?

by Iain Gray i.gray@spectatornewspapers.co.uk Work is proceeding inside and out on Bangor Drama Club’s new home.

‘DON’T knock down Bangor’s road repairs!’

Advertising Feature

Harrod Natural Health

Homeopathy What is Homeopathy? Many of us have heard the term but what do we really know about it? Homeopathy is a natural form of medicine used by over 200 million people worldwide to treat both acute and chronic conditions. It has been integrated into the healthcare systems of many European countries and is continually growing in popularity in England and Wales, however in Northern Ireland Homeopathy is less predominant.

Shelly Harrod Caplat, of Harrod Natural Health, is a Homeopath and Natural Health Practitioner. Having trained at the College of Practical Homeopathy in London Shelly now lives and practises in Northern Ireland from her home in Donaghadee and through Comber Osteopathy.

Shelly understands the cynicism that can often be associated with Homeopathy, having initially shared this point of view herself she explains "I first tried homeopathy when I suffered from bad sickness during my second pregnancy. I visited a homeopath and was given a homeopathic remedy which had instant results.

Consequently, after my son was born I enrolled in college to study Homeopathy". However, Shelly goes on to explain that she struggled to fully immerse herself in the study; "I come from a family with a strong scientific background and I found myself questioning that this was almost 'too good to be true'!". Shelly

Harrod Natural Health Homeopathy Shelly Harrod Caplat Licenced and Registered Homeopathic & Natural Health Practitioner 07919 378 323 or 028 9188 2134 www.harrodnaturalhealth.co.uk harrodnaturalhealth@gmail.com

subsequently dropped out of college and it wasn't until over 3 years later that she found herself turning back to her college books after a particularly nasty attack of sinusitis. "I woke in the middle of the night with an acute pain" says Shelly "desperate for some relief I unearthed my college books and homeopathy kit. I tried 3 remedies but none worked then the fourth had an instant affect. When I woke the next morning, surrounded by my books and remedies I was completely pain and symptom free". Shelly goes on to explain that desperation is one of the main reasons that clients come to see her. Having tried conventional medicine with either little or diminishing results clients often visit me as "a last resort". However Homeopathy gets to the root cause of the issue and there is no one treatment, rather like conventional medicine this may require an element of trial and error. Referring to that faithful night Shelly says "Having had my faith restored in Homeopathy I re-enrolled in college and completed my study".

Homeopathy can be used effectively by everyone, from babies, children, adults and even during pregnancy. It is non-toxic, non-addictive and can be taken alongside prescribed medication from your doctor. Homeopathic medicines can be made from plants, vegetables, minerals or animal based products and can be administered in both liquid or tablet form. A treatment costs £50 and generally lasts approximately one hour and includes all remedies.

To find out more about Shelly visit her website www.harrodnaturalhealth.co.uk, follow Harrod Natural Health on Facebook or to book an appointment contact Shelly on 07919 378 323 or 028 9188 2134, or email harrodnaturalhealth@gmail.com.

"My consultations with Shelly at Harrod Natural Health were very thorough, and the counselling style that she adopts is second to none. She gave me the opportunity to discuss my childhood, longstanding conditions and family history, which provided her with more holistic and thought provoking means of giving treatment, one that might never be considered by conventional medicine practitioners. I completely trusted Shelly to treat me and as a result I have better physical and mental wellness than ever before. I wouldn't hesitate to use Harrod Natural Health as my preferred means of treatment going forward”.

Client Review 2016

due to be completed in 2017, which will inform future plans for these types of facilities,” he said.

But Mr Easton fears that the ‘consolidation’ will mean the Transport NI depot will just be the latest in a long list of services to be axed from Bangor – and he’s demanding the government keep their hands off it.

“While this feasibility study is understandable I would have concerns that the department may look to ‘consolidate’ its Bangor depot site in another location,” he said.

“We have seen recently places as far afield as Newtownards and Belfast being chosen locations of other ‘consolidated’ Bangor facilities such as the PSNI station custody cell suite and the

That’s the message from one local MLA this week after it emerged the government could be axing Bangor’s main headquarters for fixing North Down’s roads and footpaths.

Transport NI has a depot on ALex Easton MLA fears that Balloo Road in the town, a facility Bangor’s Transport NI depot will that essentially forms a local hub be the latest in a long line of for storing the equipment and services to be cut from the town. materials needed to maintain and repair crumbling, cracked and pothole-pockmarked roads hospital’s inpatient ward. around the area.

“The Transport NI depot is vital But it turns out the government for road maintenance across North currently has a feasibility study Down and I want to send a clear under way, one in which they’re message - by all means do your checking to see whether or not feasibility study, but leave the there are ‘opportunities to Balloo Road depot site where it is.” consolidate’ Transport NI’s depots and warehouses across the province.

Bangor is already bottom of the table when it comes to cash for roads repairs – but now one local MLA fears that, as happened with local police cells and hospital wards, Covering all aspects of electrical installation, domestic & the road repair depot will commercial. Whether its a rewire or testing make sure to call the be consolidated out of the professionals. Professional, friendly and competitively priced... town.

The feasibility study was • commercial electricians • emergency lighting revealed in the Northern Ireland Assembly recently, • domestic electricians installations when North Down MLA • electrical earthing • fuse box rewiring Alex Easton demanded to • electrical inspecting & • landlord safety certificates know whether or not the testing • outdoor electrical wiring Department for • electrical installations • rewiring Infrastructure has any plans for the Bangor • electrical services • security lighting installation Transport NI depot.

• electrical surveys • socket replacements Infrastructure Minister • emergency electricians • data cabling Chris Hazzard replied that the department ‘has no specific plans for the Balloo Road depot’ but added that the provincewide · simon fullerton feasibility study is being · electrician carried out ‘in accordance with the Executive’s Asset · T: 07815 033 367 Management Strategy’. · e: simonfullerton@live.co.uk “The feasibility study is

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

25

NEWS

Holidaymaker Patrick cries foul

by Megan McCreedy news@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

SIX-YEAR-OLD Patrick Feather has written a letter to Ards and North Down Borough council, asking why there is so much dog poop on Ballyholme Esplanade.

Patrick and his mother, Sara, originally from Bangor, had just arrived from New Zealand for the holidays when they decided to go for a walk along the Esplanade. Patrick has been letter writing in his class at school and so he decided that he would write a letter about the mess.

Patrick received a reply from the council, saying that they could send him information about what to do if he notices someone not picking up their dog mess, but his mother said that there was not much point, as they were only visiting.

"You just don't see it where I live. I've only stepped in it once in ten years," Sara says. "Patrick ended up with some on his shoe without realising, and walked into his granny's house with it, and he was so ashamed. He just didn't know what to do about it.

"I think people take more pride in their town where I live. They couldn't imagine just leaving it there. I don't know if people have become more complacent here but it's certainly a huge problem."

A spokeswoman for the Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “The council is committed to tackling dog fouling. In the Ards and North Down area 198 fixed penalties were issued from April to August 2016 compared with 107 for the same period last year.

“This increase is

thanks to the continued vigilance and work of our Neighbourhood Environment Team and Environmental Wardens.

The officers target dog fouling and litter hot spots covering key times and days, including early morning, evenings and weekends. We will continue to operate our Green Dog walkers, educate members of the public about the importance of keeping our area clean, employ our street cleaning service, and provide dog poop bins in key locations.”

The penalty for littering or allowing dog fouling in a public place is £80 with a maximum fine in the courts of £1,000.

• For any information visit www.ardsandnorthdown .gov.uk or contact the Neighbourhood Environment Team on 0300 013 3333.

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These models are modern, true condensing boilers that deliver the efficiency promised.

Six year old Patrick Feather and his sister Amelie with his letter. M3-15-12

Site manager wins top award BUILDING site manager Stephen Austin, from Dunlop Homes, has won the regional title in the second round of the NHBC Pride in the Job Awards 2016 for the his site in Comber.

Winning one of the awards, which are known as ‘the Oscars of the House Building Industry’, is an exceptional achievement and for 36 years NHBC has been rewarding the best site managers in the UK delivering the high quality homes the country needs.

Stephen was selected from more than 16,000 UK site managers, and is one of twelve to be recognised at a ceremony held at the Culloden Estate, Belfast, for his work at Mill Village in Comber.

Stephen will now go forward to compete for the Supreme Awards next week.

David Little, NHBC Regional Director, congratulated Stephen on his win, “Pride in the Job is now firmly established as a significant proof of distinction for the best site managers in the UK. The fact that winners are automatically entered into the competition based on the results of their work onsite is a huge endorsement for all winners. It’s been a tough year of judging starting way back in July 2015 and it’s a long hard road to win a Pride in the Job Award. The Awards recognise site managers who know how to go one stage better, whose hard work ensures we live in high quality homes ALTERNATIVELY, and rewards dedication and expertise.

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“In first 6 months of 2016 NHBC registered 1,388 new homes in Northern Ireland and site managers play an important role in delivering these. By recognising exceptional site managers like Stephen, Pride in the Job promotes continuous improvement in the quality of new homes, year on year, for homeowners and their families to enjoy.”

Call NOW for a FREE estimate: NHBC Chief Executive Mike Quinton, left, and, NHBC Regional Director David Little, right, with Site Manager Stephen Austin.

Unit 6, 96 Abbey Street, Bangor BT20 4JB T: 9145 5404 E: info@customkitchens.info

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FEBRUARY 2017

PHOTOGRAPHS

Readers’ Pics

Martyn Boyd took this picture of sunset at Ballyholme.

PM your pics on Facebook to www.facebook.com/countydownspectator or email news@spectatornewspapers.co.uk

Andy Glenfield captured this picture postcard image of Cockle Row cottages in Groomsport.

Twilight in Bangor, by Cliff McKay. ADVERTISING FEATURE

Slimmer does Skydive Looking at a photograph taken of myself taken in October 2015 took me to the point of no return, I had become grossly obese and knew I had to deal with myself. At that point I had to make a decision, either live the rest of my life trapped inside the body which I hated or do something about it. I choose the latter and with the help of Slimming World one year on I have shed 6 stone.

The person who felt trapped inside her own body has been released, having so much more energy and being totally inspired by the Slimming World programme Gail has joined Slimming World as a Consultant herself and now has three groups in Bangor.

At the end of October Gail completed a Skydive to raise money for the Kosova Support Group. Gail says “ This is something very dear to me but has also been a significant personal achievement, eleven months ago it just wouldn’t have been possible” Her weight loss has changed her life but has also given her the opportunity to help a family in Eastern Europe who have become very dear to her heart over the past few years.

Gail would love to help you on your weight loss journey and gives an open invite to any of her Slimming World groups.

Monday 7:30pm Towerview Primary School Tuesday evenings 5.30pm and 7.30pm West Church Bangor Saturday mornings at 9am, Carnalea Methodist Church Bangor!

Sometimes the smallest step in the right direction ends up being the biggest step of your life. I would love to see you make that step along to any of the above groups, where you’ll be supported 100% on your weight loss journey. Dare to dream, together we can make it happen!

Rosie the Westie enjoying a 'Cabin' ice cream at Donaghadee Harbour along with Molly, Thomas and James. From Shane Doran.

Roy McKinty sent us this shot commenting, “At Donaghadee what became known locally as the quarry hole was created when rock was blasted at Meetinghouse Point around 1833. This was required in the construction of the new south pier where the lighthouse stands. In recent times it has been used as a marina providing a safe haven for boats and small craft."

This hawk has been a regular visitor to Brian Harvey’s garden in Kilmaine over the past year.

SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

FORGET WINTER GET FIT FOR

SUMMER WITH OUR 6 MONTH GYM OFFER

25% OFF

6 months fitness membership

Just £171 (save £57*) available to buy throughout February

Momentum membership gives you unlimited use of the gyms and fitness classes at Ards, Comber and Portaferry, swimming and toning chairs at Ards and health suite facilities at Ards and Comber leisure centres.

Get fit and healthy at your nearest centre: Ards Leisure Centre William Street, Newtownards 028 9181 2837

Comber Leisure Centre Castle Street, Comber 028 9187 4350

0300 013 3333 ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk *Price applies to adult membership, concession & Junior membership rates also available.

6 month membership for Portaferry Sports Centre only £120.

No joining fee. Offer applies to 6 months cash membership purchased in February 2017.

Normal terms and conditions apply.

Portaferry Sports Centre Cloughey Road, Portaferry 028 4272 8833

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FEBRUARY 2017

For the Love of Pets Welcome to the first Love of Pets for 2017 We are known to be a nation of pet lovers! You may already have a furry family member or you are perhaps considering adding to your household? Whichever the case there is a host of local businesses that can help guide and advise you on all aspects of care for you pet. And lets not forget that not just furry animals make great pets - reptiles and fish are also a fantastic choice!

Local veterinary practices, pet stores, groomers, trainers and boarding providers are all on hand to help you.

KEEP YOUR PET WARM THIS WINTER In many areas, winter is a season of bitter cold and numbing wetness.

Make sure your four-footed family members stay safe and warm this Winter.

Keep pets sheltered Keep your pets inside with you and your family in severe cold weather..

Dogs are happiest when taken out frequently for walks and exercise, but kept inside the rest of the time. Don't leave pets outdoors when the temperature drops.

If your dog is outdoors much of the day for any reason, they must be protected by a dry, draft-free shelter that is large enough to allow them to move comfortably, but small enough to hold in body heat. The floor should be raised a few inches from the ground and covered with cedar shavings or straw. The doorway should be covered with waterproof burlap or heavy plastic.

Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy. Routinely check your pet's water dish to make certain the water is fresh and unfrozen.

Use plastic food and

water bowls; when the temperature is low, your pet's tongue can stick and freeze to metal.

with a damp towel before your pet licks them and irritates their mouth.

Remove common poisons

Bundle up, wipe down No matter what the temperature is, windchill can threaten a pet's life.

Exposed skin on noses, ears and paw pads are at risk for frostbite and hypothermia during extreme cold snaps. For this reason, short-haired dogs often feel more comfortable wearing a jumper or dog coats - even during short walks.

Rock salt and other chemicals used to melt snow and ice can irritate the pads of your pet's feet. Wipe all paws

left out in the cold politely let the owner know your concerned. Some people genuinely don’t know the risk that cold weather poses to their pets or livestock and will hopefully address the problem quickly.

Antifreeze is a deadly poison, but it has a sweet taste that may attract animals and children. Wipe up any antifreeze spills immediately and keep Serious animal neglect should be it, like all household chemicals, out of reported to the appropriate authorities. reach.

If your dog ingests rock salt, call a veterinarian immediately.

SPEAK OUT If you encounter an animal

Professional Dog Grooming Salon • Full Groom • Mini Groom • Bath and Brush • Handstripping • De-Shedding • Nail Clipping • Ear Cleaning

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SEE INSTORE FOR SPECIAL OFFERS Open Mon, Tues, Wed, Fri, Sat 9 - 5pm and Thurs 9 - 7pm 23 MILL STREET, COMBER. Tel: 028 9187 3167 www.comberpetstores.co.uk

Established 9 Years

Specialists in Tropical, Marine & Coldwater fish Bespoke aquariums & pond installations Stockists of Top Aquatic brands

PET COLLECTION SERVICE

Unit 5 Dicksons Garden Centre 79 Cootehall Road,Crawfordsburn Bangor BT19 1UP 028 9185 2277 www.clearlyaquatics.co.uk

Evening appointments available 91 Belfast Road, Comber. BT23 5QP Contact: Gina Tel: 07762 580 080

To celebrate 9 years in business Doggie Barber Shop in Comber are holding a Charity Dog Wash event on Friday 3rd March. Proprietor Gina Palmer spoke to the CHRONICLE and explained “We deal with pampered pooches every day, but we are aware of those that are not as fortunate. With that in mind all proceeds from the day will be donated to ‘Lost and Found Pets North Down and Ards.’

Running from 9am to 5pm contact Gina on 07762 580 080, bookings are required to guarantee your slot. Due to time constraints only small and medium breeds can be accommodated on the day.

HappyCatz An ideal setting for your pet to and relax and enjoy their stay LittlePawz Pet Hotel 26 Ballymoney Road, Craigantlet BT23 4TG Tel: 028 9042 1974 info@happycatz.co.uk

Pampered Pets

Advertising feature

Charity Dog Wash at Doggie Barber Shop

A family run business located in the countryside

Puppy and Dog Training classes

Have fun while you and your dog learn

SPECIAL OFFER INDOOR DOGGY DAY CARE CENTRE NOW OPEN AT HAWE ROAD BANGOR!

5 classes for £35 Classes starting Sunday 26th February at Marquis Hall, Castle Park, Bangor Please book early to avoid disappointment

One to one training available on request Ring or email for more information

07734 415 072

pamperedpetsdogtraining@outlook.com

Model Dogs All breeds required for

Reduced Rate Grooming Service On supervised student training days Mon-Sat Save Money and keep your pet looking their best!

Model Dogs need to be fit and healthly, regularly salon groomed and of good temperament.

Drop off 9.45 am collection 2-2.30 pm, breed dependant

Call 028 9145 0585 to book an appointment and for further details

A well trained dog = a happy dog = a happy owner Regular puppy socialisation classes Now in their 15th successful year • Classes limited to 6 pups • Easy parking

53 Holywood Road, Craigantlet, Newtownards BT23 4TQ

028 9042 5482

07471 803783

www.northdowndogtraining.com

SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

PUTTING FAMILIES AT THE HEART OF WHAT WE DO 24 HOUR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE 028 9145 7711

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We promise at all times to offer families: • Prompt and personal 24 hour service from your first call until after the funeral • Respect and compassion • Guidance and assistance on funerals • Realistic and fully transparent costing • No upfront fees on funerals

As a result of this we are proud to have made a commitment to the Fair Funeral pledge.

o FAMILY ROOM AND REST ROOM AVAILABLE o HELP AND ADVICE ON DHSS FUNERAL GRANTS o o PROFESSIONAL FUNERAL SERVICES AT AFFORDABLE PRICING o

PRE-PAID FUNERAL PLANS AVAILABLE FROM £49 PER MONTH OVER 5 YEARS

MEMORIALS OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:

• Designing the memorial with you and providing a detailed scaled drawing showing exactly how the memorial will appear • Obtaining the necessary planning permission, if required, liaising with local council authorities, cemeteries or church authorities • All work carried out in house by our trained memorial masons • Complete installation • Additional inscriptions to an existing memorial • Headstone cleaning and renovations • Photo Plaques • Books and Vases • Memorial Benches • Grave Maintenance

“THE OGEE” £595 • UP TO 50 LETTERS INCLUDED – GOLD, SILVER OR WHITE • ERECTION IN ANY CEMETERY • GOLD OR SILVER FLOWER CONTAINER INCLUDED * CERAMIC FLOWER NOT INCLUDED (FOR ILLUSTRATION PURPOSES ONLY)

EX SHOWROOM STOCK FROM £525 We have a large selection of ex showroom memorials on display, prices starting from £525; this includes inscription and erection in any cemetery. Various colours of granite are available to view within this selection.

Visit our showroom to have a look at these memorials.

NORTH DOWN FUNERAL DIRECTORS AND MEMORIAL MASONS 66 HIGH STREET, BANGOR, BT20 5AZ TEL: 028 9145 7711 WWW.NDNI.CO.UK

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NEWS

Out of Africa IRELAND is well known as an island full of storytellers, ready with a tale to tell at the drop of a hat.

But one local artist followed his muse much further afield, heading off to Africa to collect the many and varied stories of people in Kenya.

Normally based in Bangor’s Seacourt Print Workshop, Clinton Kirkpatrick spent a month travelling around Kenya collecting 88 stories from young and old – and he’ll be adapting each one of them into one of his distinctive artworks.

During his time in Africa he heard tales ranging from traditional folk fables to autobiographical stories taking in everything from embarrassing personal mistakes to traumatic tales of falling victim to crime and the corruption in Kenyan society.

Moving from capital city Nairobi through large market town Naivasha to the port city Kisumu on the western coast and back, Clinton sought out everyone from fellow artists to motorbike taxi drivers to schoolchildren, gathering tales of Kenya and its people.

“I wanted the storytellers to be very open – whatever tale they wanted to tell, that was what I wanted to hear,” Clinton says.

“Some told me about their lives, others about their ancestors and some old myths and fables, they ranged from being hilariously funny to in some cases emotionally devastating – a couple really ripped me in two.”

Among the most unique that Clinton tracked down was one from a man called Joseph Kamiri, who spoke about his ancestor – a famous witch doctor with 36 wives who converted to

Christianity after weighing up the magical powers wielded by different gods.

“Joseph’s great-greatgrandfather was called Kamiri The Great,” explains Clinton. “He was a very well known witch doctor of the Kukuyu tribe, renowned as a man of great power and knowledge. He picked up 36 wives and was known as a wise man throughout the region, and during his lifetime European colonial powers invaded.

“He was opposed to these whites moving in taking land for their own culture for a long time but late in life he concluded that the magic of the whites was more powerful, turned his back on being a witch doctor and turned to Christianity to use this greater magic. It was astonishing story, a real snapshot of Kenyan history.

“But some of the tales were very traumatic. One man, for example, had a year from hell – his dog was stolen by a wealthy man who then labelled the victim a thief, turning people in his town against him, and he couldn’t get much help from the police or the courts because of the amount of corruption and bribery in the justice system. That was a real trip

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to the negative side of Kenya, as well as a deeply personal tale.”

It wasn’t Clinton’s first time in the country – he has long-running links with Kenya, having first gone out there several years ago to do volunteer work, and earlier this year he set up a joint exhibition in Seacourt Print Workshop with acclaimed Kenyan artist John Silver Kimani.

In fact that Bangor exhibition is responsible for his recent Kenyan excursion, as while setting it up Nairobi Museum suggested that Clinton and John Silver Kimani stage another joint exhibition over there in 2018.

“That sounded great to us,” he says, “though as I got to thinking about it I wanted to have not only a new selection of work but also work that was a part of the place, if that makes sense – something that is tied to Kenya and not just a few pieces I happened to be working on that came over with me.”

But as he explained, collecting stories to transform other people’s narratives into paintings was a huge break from his usual working methods.

“Until recently my work was my own perspective on people, my interactions and my perspectives,” says Clinton. “Any work I’ve previously made about Kenya was very much about me in Kenya, not the place or people from their own perspective.

“I’ve been moving away from that approach recently and at the moment I’m much more interested in storytelling and creating artworks from narratives, whether those narratives are fiction or fact.

“By July I’d came up with the idea that the 2018 exhibition

would be paintings based on Kenyan people telling their own stories, and thanks to a good deal on the flights I was in Kenya by the beginning of September.”

Of course Clinton turning stories with a strong flowing narrative into a single painting.

Even though his work is often character-based, that’s still going to be a challenge – how does he go about it?

“Well, a lot of the stories were very inspiring, I found myself making the first few sketches within an hour or two of hearing them,” he said, “but no, there’s no way every detail of the entire story can be encompassed in a single “Most of the time there is one part of it that fired my thinking, an image I can zero in on and construct the painting around it.

For example, Francesca Mibei told

MAIN & LEFT: Bangor’s Clinton Kirkpatrick on the road and with young storytellers Rambo, Tony, Stephen and Nathifo.

BELOW: Francesca Mibei and Joseph Kamiri

me a story of how one day when she was younger she got overexcited and dived into a swimming pool – and as she hit the water she remembered she couldn’t swim.

“The way she told it the story was hilarious, though she said the minute she spent underwater was the most frightening minute of her life. But that image of her on the diving board stuck with me, and it’s forming the basis of the painting – I’m turning her into something like a fish, trying to capture both the fear and the comedy of that moment.”

A different take, he added, came from speaking to a group of schoolchildren who he spoke to one by one and who told him an old folk tale – the same old folk tale, it turned out.

“They were all in the same room and each could hear what the others were saying, so they all decided to copy each other,” grins Clinton. “The thing is none of them could exactly remember either the tale or what the last one said, so the story kept spinning off in new directions.

“It’s those changes that are forming the basis of the paintings from those kids. Each story and each storyteller gets an entire painting to themselves, it’s the one rule I had, so in the case of those kids that’s several paintings based on the same underlying folk fable - but it’s the differences that will make the work interesting.”

Clinton plans to spend most of 2017 working on putting together the 88 paintings, shaping what he describes as a series of windows allowing a brief glimpse on typical life in Kenya.

“There are more than 46m people in Kenya, so 88 stories doesn’t even begin to scratch the surface of the country,” he says. “I wouldn’t even attempt to pretend otherwise - but they’re at least a few windows in, snapshots of what it is like to live in a specific part of the world at a specific time.”

FEBRUARY 2017

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31

EXTRA MOTORING

Brighten up on the road ROAD SAFETY and breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is once again urging motorists to ensure they’re as visible as possible at all times. The advice comes as numerous GEM members report spotting vehicles with dangerous lighting defects.

Headlights out Even though the long winter nights are now shortening, there are still huge numbers of vehicles with defective headlights on our roads, causing a significant risk to themselves and others on dark days and wintry nights. Drivers of these so-called ‘one-eyed monsters’ are on the road with only 50 per cent of the light they should have, causing other road users to easily mistake them for a motorbike. Parking and slow speed manoeuvring are also made more risky, as the absence of light means impacts with parked vehicles, walls, posts and trees are more likely.

Daytime running lights Too many drivers are making themselves harder to spot from behind when daytime visibility is reduced, because they’re relying on automatic lighting systems and front-only daytime running lights.

The result is that visibility ahead could be reduced, and there may be no rear lights showing at all.

GEM also reminds drivers of these vehicles that daytime running lights are fairly dim, and do little to

illuminate the road ahead.

No lights Drivers who consider that lights are for use only in darkness are causing danger to themselves and others. Once again, far too many drivers are making journeys on gloomy winter days without switching their lights on. Using dipped headlights for all journeys at this time of year is the safe option, according to GEM. Obscured lights Dirt, ice, snow and frost reduce the effectiveness of your car’s lights. It’s also an offence to drive with obscured lights. GEM encourages all drivers to ensure they make a careful check of lights

Put safety first plea to volunteer drivers

ROAD SAFETY AND breakdown organisation GEM Motoring Assist is encouraging all volunteer drivers to take a few moments to ensure they put safety first on their journeys during 2017.

Volunteers form a vital part of many local medical transport networks today. before a journey, to ensure they’re They also participate in free from dirt and ice, and to schemes that help other ensure they’re working properly.

GEM road safety officer Neil Worth people get out and about - for explains: “Look after your vehicle’s example to the shops, or to visit a family member. lights and you have a much greater chance to see and be seen.

GEM road safety officer Neil It’s as simple as that. Don’t delay Worth comments, “There is a switching on your lights, get huge need for volunteer defective bulbs replaced as soon drivers across the UK. The as possible and keep your lights tasks include providing clean. You’ll be helping to keep essential journeys for those yourself and other drivers safe all unable to use public through this winter. transport, taking someone on “After all, if you can see something, you’re unlikely to hit it.

Likewise if another road user can see you, they’re less likely to hit you.”

a shopping or social trip and even emergency responding on behalf of the ambulance service.

“We are keen that the profile of road safety for volunteers is raised, so that the risks they may face - often in potentially stressful situations - are minimised.”

A free GEM video resource is available for all volunteer drivers at ww.motoringassist.com/volun teers. The resource consists of three short videos, offering useful advice for advice that will be relevant to most volunteer driving situations.

This first video focuses specifically on drivers, the vehicles they use and the journeys they make.

The second video has been devised in partnership with the ambulance service to assist those who volunteer as community first responders. It includes an introduction from Chief Constable Suzette Davenport, National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing.

The third video looks at the principles of COAST: Concentration, Observation and Anticipation to give Time and Space – an excellent approach to driving for any volunteer.

The three videos, with accompanying quiz papers, are ideal for group viewing and discussion, but can equally be used by individuals.

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Nostalgia really is what it used to be How well do you remember your first car?

Most motorists remember theirs so fondly that they can even recall its number plate - no matter how old they are.

In fact, nostalgic over 65s have better memories than people 20 years younger when it comes to remembering the number plate on their first car. And it also turns out that men are more likely than women to remember theirs Specialist online car seller BuyaCar.co.uk has been researching the quirkier sides of car ownership to learn more about the emotional attachment people have to their cars.

When they asked almost 1,000 people if they recall their first registration plate 55% said they could.

But it seems women care less about it because only 38% said they remember theirs.

Of course, younger people tend to remember their first plate because it’s still recent but it’s among older people that the interesting differences emerge.

It turns out that people in the 45 to 54 year old age bracket are evenly split between those who do or don’t remember the plate on their first car.

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Contact Andy on

35

Tel: EVE 028 9181 0982 Mobile: 078 5057 8275 www.mcintyreplumbingandheating.co.uk

P & L PLUMBING & HEATING Gas installations. Boiler Services.

Landlords safety certicates.

Bathrooms and leaks.

No job too small • Gas Safe Registered

Phone: Lee 07788 722 490 or Bangor 9146 6354

Three year guarantee - Fully Insured Cleanly and Efficiently installed by Tradesmen

Brian Evans, 50 Gregstown Park, Newtownards. BT23 8GW

REGISTER

NATURAL GAS • OIL FIRED • SOLID FUEL

Storage

WE WILL REPAIR IT!!

PERFECT PLUMBING BING & HEAT HEATING AT TING G s /IL &IRED "OILER 3ERVICE FROM ONLY a s 0OWER &LUSHING "OILER 3ERVICING s "OILER )NSTALLATION s "ATHROOMS s 'ENERAL 0LUMBING (EATING

Contact Ja ames o on

Tel: 078 94 452 565 5656 56

BOOK YOUR WINTER TIDY UP Free estimate Call Michael

T: 07780 550 018

CONTRACT WORK WELCOME

Handyman for Hire All types of gardening work, joinery, etc. undertaken

Phone Chris: 07575 534 904

Direct Timber Fencing SPECIALISTS IN

STORAGE UNITS TO LET DAMAGE TO ALL MATERIAL AND LEATHER SOFAS & LIFT AND TILT RECLINERS LOSS OF COLOUR BROKEN SPRINGS/FRAMES ETC. COLLAPSED CUSHIONS ALL ELECTRICS • ON-SITE REPAIRS

FREE ESTIMATES MOB: 07774 100 734 TEL: 028 9074 7830 www.fixmysofa.com email: nu_line@yahoo.com

DENTURE EXTRA REPAIRS CLASSIFIEDS

Free door to door 7 DAYS PER WEEK

BESPOKE GATES Call Paul: 07866 476367 www.directtimberfencing.co.uk Direct Timber Fencing

REPAIR £25 (Standard) CRAIG TOTTEN 0788 925 325 7

GET RESULTS

Tel: 028 9145 6007

• Storage Units varying in size on flexible terms • Indoor with lighting and 24hr security

Contact 028 9181 9787 for a competitive quote

Tuition

At Your Best Tutoring Tutoring in English and English Literature (KS3, GCSE, AS, A2)

Andrea McInnes BA (Hons) English and History PGCE (English) PG Dip Ed Psych GCSE CCEA Examiner

Tel: 07508 710 050 email: andreamcinnes@hotmail.com

Anne Thomas B.Ed., B.A. (Hons), T.E.S.O.L., NVQ 3 & NVQ 4 (Careers Advice & Guidance)

PERSONAL TUTOR & CAREERS ADVISER • Secondary Tuition in English Language, English Literature and Sociology.

• Primary tuition in all subjects.

•All former students have raised their grades.

• Fully qualified Careers Adviser.

• Qualified TESOL Teacher.

075 1100 9697

Mobile: Email: athomasenator@gmail.com

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SPECTATOR EXTRA

FEBRUARY 2017

SALE

£950 +VAT

ACCESS TO AN EXPERIENCED DEDICATED TEAM, ALL AT YOUR DISPOSAL AND EQUALLY WILLING TO HELP ABSOLUTELY NO HIDDEN OR UPFRONT COSTS AND IF YOU DECIDE NOT TO SELL, WE WON’T CHARGE YOU ANYTHING

EXTENDED OPENING HOURS SO APPOINTMENTS CAN BE ARRANGED TO SUIT YOU

LOCAL EXPERTS ON THE PHONE, IN BRANCH AND

BY EMAIL GUIDING YOU THROUGH THE WHOLE PROCESS

WE LIST YOUR HOME ON OUR WEBSITE ALONG WITH PROPERTY NEWS, PROPERTY PAL & DAFT.IE FOR A PROMINENT PLACE ON ALL THE MAJOR PROPERTY PORTALS

A FREE EPC – A LEGAL REQUIREMENT THAT OTHER AGENTS MAY CHARGE YOU FOR

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

NORTH BELFAST 168b Cavehill Road BT15 5EX 028 9070 2999

SOUTH BELFAST 667 Lisburn Road BT9 7GT 028 9066 1600

BANGOR 25 Bridge Street BT20 5AW 028 9146 5000

NEWTOWNARDS 11 High Street BT23 4JN 028 9131 0666

DUNDONALD 977 Upper N’Ards Road BT16 1RL 028 9070 8670

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

M Steele ( Vendor)