Strabane Herald December 2019

THE NORTHWEST’S BEST MONTHLY

December 2019

A festive party to celebrate Christmas lights switch on in Strabane 3(5621$/,=( 7+( 3(5)(&7 &+5,670$6 *,)7

See pages 24-25

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trabane let its hair down as thousands of people thronged the town centre for the official switch on of the town’s Christmas lights. The event featured a Christmas Market, live music, storytelling and children’s arts and crafts as part of an action packed day of entertainment and activities.

The switch on was performed by Santa Claus along with Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, who thanked everyone who performed and attended. “The Strabane Christmas lights switch on is one of the biggest events of the year and it’s brilliant to see the town lit up for the festive season for the first time,� she said. “Sincere thanks to all the performers and families who made it an afternoon to remember.

The switch on marks the start of a packed Council Christmas programme that includes Strabane Christmas Fayre, The Guildhall Craft and Artisan Food Fair, my Christmas events in Strabane and Derry and the Winterland Markets in the city centre.�

The Main Stage in Abercorn Square was compered by Paul Mullen and featured guest appearances from local singers Brendan

Conway, Shonagh Forbes, Carol-Ann and Lauren Mullen and Tyrone GAA All Star Cathal McShane. The cast of Bring It On the musical also performed live community showcases from Much Ado Choir and Class Act Theatre School.

In Castle Street the Mrs Claus Storytelling Bus invited families to come along and listen to Santa’s wife tell some wonderful Christmas stories while the Christmas Market offered a wide range of unique gifts. At the Alley Theatre Santa’s Post Office remains open for business where you can write their letters to Santa, get them stamped by the elves with their North Pole seal of approval and post them in Santa’s magical post-box which sends the letter all the way to Lapland.

In the run up to Christmas the Alley Theatre will see a whole host of events and shows as the mayor’s Magical makeshift workshop take place on December 14. Full details of the packed Christmas programme for Derry and Strabane are available at www.derrystrabane.com/christmas

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2 | NEWS

DECEMBER | 2019

Iceland President welcomes CLIMATE Project delegation

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erry City and Strabane District Council’s CLIMATE Adaptation Officer, Cathy Burns, has met with the President of Iceland Guðni Th. Jóhannesson during the final meeting of an innovative CLIMATE Project taking place between Council and other countries including Iceland, Sweden, Norway, Faroe Islands, Rep of Ireland and Denmark.

The Council officer presented the president with a gift on behalf of the Mayor of Derry and Strabane, Councillor Michaela Boyle, as an acknowledgement of the work Iceland has carried out in conjunction with Council to develop an action plan to mitigate against the worst effects of climate change.

The CLIMATE project -

Collaborative Learning Initiative Managing and Adapting to the Environment (CLIMATE) - will tackle climate change on local and regional levels through using models of best practice to develop climate adaptation plans for implementation in the City and District. This €1.3m project is part funded by the ERDF Northern Periphery and Arctic Programme 2014-2020 and Derry City and Strabane District Council is the lead partner.

Speaking after the meeting Cathy Burns explained more about the project. “As a local authority we have a dedicated taskforce aimed at making us more resilient to climate change.

This includes improving our green infrastructure, helping communities become more prepared in terms of

emergency planning and ensuring that climate adaptation is included in our community planning.

“We are fortunate to have been involved in a transnational CLIMATE Programme to develop a climate adaptation plan sharing knowledge and learning with other countries including Iceland and are honoured to have been given the opportunity to meet their president to express our gratitude.”

The CLIMATE project involves partners and stakeholders from four different regions; Northern Ireland, Sweden, Rep. of Ireland and the Faroe Islands, in addition to Associate Partners from Finland, Scotland, Norway and Iceland.

For further information go to www.derrystrabane.com/climate

2019 | DECEMBER

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4 | NEWS

DECEMBER | 2019

Cross-Border PEACE IV conference focuses on PEACE Plus

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ver 60 representatives from PEACE IV Council funded programmes on both sides of the border met at the Waterfoot Hotel for a special networking event focusing on future PEACE PLUS opportunities.

The current PEACE IV EU funded programme runs until December 2020 and is managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) with match-funding from The Executive Office NI. Conversations around PEACE PLUS are just beginning with SEUPB led consultation

anticipated to begin in December 2019 and running into early 2020.

The event offered the opportunity to share learnings from the current PEACE IV programmes delivered through Derry City and Strabane and Donegal County Councils. The conference also featured insightful guest speaker input from Dr. Martin McMullan and Paddy Boyd (YouthActionNI) and Claire Heaney-McKee, The Playhouse Theatre of Witness.

Peace IV Manager with Council, Sue Divin

said the event had provided a useful forum for discussion. “We had some very positive feedback from the event, which presented some useful perspectives and prompted some really interesting conversations,” she explained.

“Resources provided were useful in considering the best methods to start conversations about peace and the Troubles with young people who do not have significant information or education around it.”

The networking event showed a clear consensus

that the EU PEACE IV funding in both council areas (£6.7 million alone in the Derry City and Strabane District Council Area) is making a significant difference to local community projects working to promote respect, shared space, understanding and reconciliation.

Organisations who attended the event discussed what combined messages they may have for the forthcoming PEACE PLUS consultation from both sides of the border and from across urban and rural perspectives.

Peace IV Networking 2 - Group pictured at the DCSDC PEACE IV Networking event held in the Waterfoot Hotel.

(Photo - Tom Heaney, nwpresspics)

2019 | DECEMBER

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6 | HEALTHWISE

DECEMBER | 2019

2019 | DECEMBER

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8 | OUT AND ABOUT

DECEMBER | 2019 DECEMBE

Lisnafin Community Centre Spooky Arts & Craft classes with Michelle Doherty

2019 | DECEMBER

BANNIGANS | 9

10 | OUT AND ABOUT

DECEMBER | 2019

Little Make Believe at the Alley Theatre

Holy Cross and Academy students attend the Young Enterprise ‘Digital Masterclass’

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ear 11 Business students from Holy Cross College and Strabane Academy participated in the Young Enterprise ‘Digital Masterclass’ recently. This is the fourth year the Business Studies departments from both schools have teamed up to organise this event.

Representatives from Allstate (Strabane) took part this year and donated Amazon Echo Dots to the pupils in the best performing team (which included Nadine Moore and Cadhla Patterson) and the best individual contributor (Patrick Kelly).

The students in the team who were runnersup (which included Laura Szynkaruk, Kirsty McConnell and Alicia McDermott) each received a bag of goodies. Well done to everyone who took part in the event!

Council invites views on development of new Play Plan

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special consultation has launched allowing local people to give their views on the development of future play park provision across Derry and Strabane. The consultation is part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Play Plan strategy to improve facilities for local children giving them access to open spaces and high quality play equipment.

A series of meetings will take place over the coming weeks to engage community groups, local politicians, and the public to seek their views on how the strategy should be shaped. Meetings will take place throughout November and December, including Artigarvan Community Hall on November 21, Derg Valley Healthy Living Centre, Castlederg on November 26 and Civic Room Strabane Library on December 5.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Michaela Boyle, encouraged people to take the opportunity to identify needs in their own areas.

“Council is committed to providing the best play opportunities for all children and the workshops open up that conversation to involve local people in creating a new approach to delivering play provision across Derry and Strabane. We are aware

that there are areas that have been overlooked in terms of facilities and this process will help us gain a comprehensive view of existing play provision and those areas of greatest need.

“I would really encourage local communities to avail of this opportunity to speak out for their own area and ensure that we can develop the best approach to meeting the needs of children of all ages and abilities right across the City and District.”

A detailed audit will be carried out as part of the Play Plan process and full review of all current play facilities. A number of areas will be considered including barriers to play and the impacts of social deprivation, as well as exploring the needs of specific groups of children and young people including those with a disability. It will also agree a methodology, rationale and development criteria to guide future investment of fixed play provision Separate consultation events are planned for children and young people in the New Year and follow up DEA meetings will also be held to present the findings from the consultation process. You can record your views online by filling in the survey available for a 12-week period via the Council website at: www.derrystrabane.com/playconsultation.

2019 | DECEMBER

MC BREARTYS MACE | 11

12 | OUT AND ABOUT

DECEMBER | 2019

The sixth annual 70s 80s night in the Fir Trees in memory of Aiden McAteer and in aid of Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI

2019 | DECEMBER

THE HIDDEN PEARL | 13

14 | NEWS

DECEMBER | 2019

Innovative and imaginative ‘Atlas for a City Region’ project launched

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fter 18 months of research including fieldwork in the Northwest of Ireland, Harvard University Graduate School of Design (GSD) formally launched their findings of the ‘Atlas for a City Region’ project at a special event in Harvard University, Massachussetts.

The event was attended by the visiting delegation from Ireland North West led by Mayors Cllr. Michaela Boyle and Cllr. Nicholas Crossan from Derry City and Strabane District Council Donegal County Council, and included Council Chief Executives John Kelpie and Seamus Neely.

The project ‘Atlas for a City Region’ was jointly commissioned by both Donegal County Council and Derry City and Strabane District Council and has been borne out of the unique cross-border collaborative approach adopted by the two Councils, who are firmly of the view that despite Brexit and indeed the border, their region including Letterkenny, Derry and Strabane, has the potential to continue to grow and prosper.

The final report is structured around three questions. Is there a cross-border region in the Irish Northwest? How to draw that region on a map? And how might the region develop over the next

two hundred years?

In answering these questions, twentyseven students from Harvard University travelled to the Northwest for fieldwork in spring 2019. One group of students gathered evidence of a cross-border region. Working with Niall Kirkwood, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Technology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Harvard GSD, another twelve students imagined the future of the region in light of Brexit and changing climates.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr. Michaela Boyle believes that the concepts and ideas

presented by this project will play a vital role in informing the direction of travel for the region, and that the hands on approach taken by Harvard GSD’s students during their visit to the region earlier this year has allowed them to develop a deeper insight into the lives that are lived in the region, the challenges that are faced, and most importantly the opportunities that exist.

“The students engaged with, not only the terrain and policy makers, but with our communities and with people living in our communities. This is very much reflected in many of the proposals presented and I think these experiences have added

a greater depth and understanding to the student’s ideas and concepts. This project has been about imagining our future, it has been about looking at the potential impact of major events such as Brexit, climate change, rising sea levels and higher temperatures and what we can do to mitigate the adverse impact of these events. This has resulted in a suite of imaginative, innovative and unique proposals that can only enrich plans for the future development of the city region.”

The findings from this research will be exhibited in the North West region in Spring 2020.

Pictured at the launch of the ‘Atlas for a City Region’ project in Harvard University, Massachussetts is Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Nicholas Crossan, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council Cllr. Michaela Boyle with members of the North West Trade and Investment delegation, with Gareth Doherty Professor and Director of the Landscape Architecture program at Harvard GSD and Niall Kirkwood, Professor of Landscape Architecture and Technology and Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at Harvard GSD.

2019 | DECEMBER

LETTERKENNY FIREPLACES | 15

16 | NEWS

DECEMBER | 2019

King of Strabane is celebrated at the Alley Theatre

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ing of Strabane, Pat Gillespie, one of the town’s best-known sons, has been remembered through a special exhibition of personal artefacts depicting the centenarian’s colourful life opening at the Alley Theatre.

The items have been gifted by Pat’s family, and will eventually form part of a wider exhibition focusing on the history of Strabane where Pat spent the best part of his 102 years before his death in August 2019.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, held a special reception for the Gillespie family, to convey the appreciation of the City and District and to remember Pat’s remarkable life.

Mayor Boyle said it was important to reflect on the contribution that Pat had made to the life of Strabane. “There are few people living in Strabane who did not know Pat and even when he reached his 100th birthday he was still a familiar figure out and about on his bike, and at the head of the St Patrick’s Day parade,” she said.

“He contributed much to Strabane through his energy, his warmth and his creativity and it’s important that we remember Pat in a way that captures his spirit of invention, adventure and his passion for collecting and documenting local history.

The way he filled every day with

laughter and zeal, gifting so much to his local community, is a lesson to everyone.”

A favourite figure in the local media, Pat was born in 1916 and lived through two World Wars, Partition and the Troubles, leading an eventful life never far from the headlines. Whether it was proudly leading the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, speed boat racing or winning table tennis championships, his zest for life was infectious and Pat earned a special place in the hearts of the people of Strabane.

A keen collector of artefacts himself, Pat had amassed a collection of weird and wonderful memorabilia reflecting his passion for motor sports, including a collection of cars and 32 bikes, number plates from all over the world and miniature vehicles, a doublefronted Mini Cooper and even some cars crafted from baths. A number of these artefacts such as his bike and watch will be going on permanent display at the Alley Theatre.

As well as the items going on display from Pat’s collection, there are also plans in development for a wider exhibition on Strabane’s History & Heritage which will be based at the Alley Theatre from March 2020, featuring a fascinating array of items from the Council’s Strabane Collection currently housed in its Museum Store.

Council launches new recycling awareness campaign

New Seed Fund open to Sperrin and Derg

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erry City and Strabane District Council have just launched a new campaign in a bid to get people to recycle more plastic waste around the house. Recycling Starts at Home aims to highlight the materials that can be recycled in your blue bin and encourage householders to recycle items from all rooms in the home, not just the kitchen.

Council’s Head of Environment, Conor Canning, said there are lots of items that could be disposed of as recyclables that people just aren’t aware of.

“Recycling saves local people money as it’s twice the cost for ratepayers to send materials to landfill compared to recycling,” he explained.

“This money could be spent on local services like parks, leisure centres and events so we are asking people in Derry and Strabane to bear this in mind when disposing of items. We have found that while most people are good at recycling plastics like pots, tubs and trays in the kitchen, many are still not taking recyclable materials like cleaning products, shampoo bottles or hand wash containers from the bathroom to their blue bin. Some householders also forget to rinse food containers before recycling so we’d like to remind people of the simple Empty – Rinse – Recycle rule.

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“Another problem is that cling film isn’t being removed from containers before they are put in the blue bin – we’d like to make people aware that this type of soft plastic cannot be recycled and must go in your black bin. There’s an eco-warrior in all of us and recycling can be a fun activity to do particularly with children at home.”

If you haven’t already, download Council’s free recycling app, Bin-ovation, or check out our website www.derrystrabane.com/recycling

ural businesses in the Sperrin and Derg areas are being invited to consider applying for support through a new Business Seed Fund led by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The Sperrin Derg New Business Seed Fund programme aims to support new business start-ups in rural areas by providing one-to-one mentoring support and financial assistance to businesses and social enterprises.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Michaela Boyle, said it was great to see additional support for rural entrepreneurs. “I am delighted to see another funding opportunity open up in the rural community. This latest round of grant aid will be warmly welcomed by anyone with a business idea who may be struggling to get it off the ground. “Help and advice is out there through Council’s Business Support services, and I would encourage business start ups to look into the opportunities available.”

The programme covers a wide array of project ideas and the support can be used towards the marketing of products, capital costs, rent, set-up costs, or the cost of renovating and upgrading premises. However the amount of available funding is limited and the grants are awarded on a selective basis.

Business Support Officer Catherine Collins said it would offer much needed support in rural areas. “As a Council we are aware of the challenges

faced by small businesses operating in rural areas, including connectivity and targeting customers.

The fund is aimed at businesses planning to open in the Sperrin and Derg District Electoral Areas in the next six months, and applicants should be able to demonstrate their ability to start a business within that timeframe.

“Applicants must complete the Go For It Programme with Strabane Enterprise Agency and have an approved business plan. We hope that the funding will assist smaller companies in establishing themselves within rural communities and getting their idea off to a good start.”

The grant will apply to new applications to the Go For It programme registered after November 25th and businesses will be expected to supply a detailed business plan completed by Strabane Enterprise Agency under the ’Go For It’ programme.

The grant made will be 100% of eligible costs up to a maximum contribution of £500 and grant cannot be sought for retrospective projects. Businesses are advised to apply early as applications will be processed on a first come first served basis. An assessment panel comprising Council Officers and Strabane Enterprise Agency will assess all applications.

To find out more contact catherine.collins@ derrystrabane.com www.derrystrabane.com/ DAERA-development-grant www.derrystrabane.com/sperrinderggrant

2019 | DECEMBER

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22 | CHRISTMAS TOYS FOR GIRLS AND BOYS

| 2019

Must have Christmas Toys for 2019 Blume Dolls Add water and see who grows! A little bit of water reveals a whole lot of magic in the outrageous world of BLUME! Anything but ordinary, BLUME dolls come hidden inside flower pots just waiting to be discovered they need is you! Who will you BLUME? Collect all 22 BLUME dolls to mix and match hairstyles and outfits and build out your world!

Frozen 2 Into the Unknown Elsa Doll . Immerse yourself in mystery and wonder with Disney Frozen 2 “Into the Unknown” Elsa Doll. Relive the beautiful, pivotal moment in the film when Elsa sings her powerful new song. See Elsa’s dress light up in the gorgeous pattern inspired by this impactful scene while she sings and says film-inspired phrases.

LOL Surprise! 2-in-1 Glamper L.O.L. Surprise! 2-In-1 Glamper is the first ever vehicle for your L.O.L. Surprise! The 2-in-1 Glamper includes 55+ surprises to unbox, 10+ hangout areas and 1 doll. The front detaches to become a separate car with D.J. Booth, working headlights and horn. The back opens up to 2 feet tall by 3 feet wide for the full glam life experience. Dolls can get the L.O.L. Surprise! ! Take all the fierceness on a fabulous road trip with the L.O.L. Surprise 2-in-1 glamour. For ages 6 years+.

Rizmo Welcome Rizmo! This cute musical friend has traveled far to get your cuddles and to share a love for music and dance, but Rizmo needs your help to evolve. This plush toy loves to play, and the more you play together the faster this amazing friend magically grows! Gently push Rizmo’s head and its eyes will change color. . Each Rizmo color has two different styles with unique musical attributes. Exactly which one you’ll get is a mystery until you’ve helped them evolve. Are you ready to meet your Rizmo?

Owleez Can you teach Owleez to fly? Meet Owleez, the First ever interactive toy pet that can Really fly! This adorable baby owl can’t learn to fly indoors without your help and practicing together is so much fun. . She likes to be petted, tickled, rocked to sleep and loved, and will let you know her mood by changing her eye colour! It’s easy to charge Owleez with the nest’s built-in USB cord. Place her in the nest and continue playing while she charges!

Barbie Dreamplane Playset The Barbie Dreamplane is ready to help imaginations take off to anywhere! Kids can push it on its wheels to taxi on the ground or open up the top and side to reveal the inside and play out the ride. Realistic touches, like reclining seats, working overhead compartments and a snack cart with removable trays, are the ticket to role-play fun -a puppy is the perfect travel companion to share the adventure! . Young travel lovers will enjoy visiting places near and far and playing out the plane ride, eating, sleeping and entertaining themselves, because when a girl plays with Barbie, she imagines everything she can become. Dolls not included. Colors and decorations may vary.

Peppa Pig Peppa’s Stage Playset Re-enact your favourite Peppa episode or create your very own show for family and friends with pippa’s stage playset.

This interactive playset includes loads of props, as well as Peppa and George figures to help bring your production to life! . You can even slide in a tablet (not included) and put on your favourite movie or show for an instant cinema experience!

For ages 3 years and over.

Harry Potter Knight Bus Give your young witch or wizard the ride of their life aboard the Harry Potter LEGO Knight Bus. When kids catch the purple triple-decker bus, they know they are in for a wild ride back to Hogwarts. With a hinged side panel for easy access to the interior and a removable roof to reveal the upper deck, this magical bus is bursting with play potential. Once Harry’s trunk has been loaded, itis time to hold tight.

Paw Patrol Mighty Pups Super Paws Mighty Jet Command Centre Mighty missions call for a mighty team vehicle: Introducing the Paw Patrol Super Paws Mighty Jet Command Centre. This 2-in-1 deluxe team vehicle transforms from a jet into a mobile command centre for the Paw Patrol. Ryder is on the case, open the jet back into the command centre and push the button to eject ryder and his mini jet continue to launch discs and help to save the day.

Nerf Elite Fortnite Blaster Play Fortnite in real life with this Nerf Elite blaster that has a detachable barrel to customise for different ways to play.

Attach the barrel for distance targeting; remove the barrel when you need a more compact look for smaller play areas or when you need to move fast and stay mobile. . Comes with a detachable barrel so you can customise the Fortnite SP-L blaster. The blaster has an internal clip with a 3-dart capacity so you can fire 3 darts in a row.

2019 | DECEMBER

CASTLE CYCLES | 23

24 | FESTIVE CELEBRATRATIONS

DECEMBER | 2019

Spectacular Christmas Lights switch

2019 | DECEMBER

FESTIVE CELEBRATRATIONS | 25

-on in Big Strabane for Christmas 2019

DECEMBER | 2019

26 | CHRISTMAS GIFTS

A little something different for Christmas 2019 FTwerk Pong Show off your best moves and beat your competitor at a game of Twerk Pong! Each player fills up a box with ping pong balls and ties it around their waist. The first to empty their box becomes the twerking champion. It’s time to twerk hard and play hard!

Sprouts Head Toss Game Toss some sprouts at your friend’s head and earn points with this fun festive game!

It includes a velcro hat with a scoring system, and three plush sprouts. Some are happy, some are angry... but they all want to win! It’s a hilarious game for family and friends to play over Christmas.

Christmas Calorie Counter Want to know how many calories were in those three pigs in blankets you just scoffed?

This quirky Christmas calorie counter will make sure you don’t overindulge! It includes a list of tasty Christmas treats and their calorie content. It’s a perfect stocking filler for someone who tends to go a little overboard on the mince pies.

Wine Bottle Glass - Finally! A Wine Glass That Fits My Needs!

Because let’s face it, drinking wine straight from the bottle is just so unsophisticated!

This is an ingenious solution to solve the problem of having to refill your glass once you’re settled on the sofa! Meet the Wine Bottle Glass! This fun gift needs little introduction... attach a wine glass onto the bottle’s neck. Now your glass can be fed a constant supply from the bottle beneath.

It’s printed with ‘Finally! A Wine Glass That Fits My Needs!’ and makes a great gift for a wine-lover on any occasion!

Lifting Dumbbell Beer Glass Perfect for a gym fanatic! Get practising for the heavyweight beer Olympics with this fun glass! Shaped like a dumbbell, it holds 24oz of your favourite drink, whether it’s beer, ale or cider, and it’s ideal to add to a gym routine, simply fill it, rep and drink! It’s perfect for a gym-lover on any occasion!

Drink Your Words Drinking Game Get ready for the hardest drinking game of the festive season! The aim of Drink Your Words is to say the word wrote on the notepad... while wearing a mouthpiece! Divided into teams, you have to guess what your fellow player is trying to say before the timer runs out. If it runs out, drink a shot! It’s the perfect Christmas party game!

Where’s Trump? Book Track Trump in his race to the White House! From a golf course in Scotland to carving his face into Mount Rushmore, each page includes in-jokes and cameo appearances from Sarah Palin and his other high-flying friends. It’s a fun birthday or Christmas gift for someone special!

That’s So 80s Quiz If you know your Duran Duran from your Spandau Ballet, your leg warmers from your lycra, then this 80s quiz game is for you! Filled with over 1000 questions from the whole ten years, it’s the perfect after-dinner game! Play along with friends and bring out your competitive side.

How to Fart at Work Book.

Written from the same toilet etiquette experts who brought you How to Poo at Work. How to Fart at Work Book is a hilarious gift for someone this Christmas.

It holds informative illustrations to dissolve every gaseous situation you might encounter. Whether you smelled it or dealt it, this expert advice will help you smooth your way through these moments . . . and even teach you how flatulence can further your career!

The Brexit Card Game It’s the perfect stocking filler for someone who loves to talk politics!

Stop opponents from forming a cabinet by any means possible and finally answer the BREXIT debacle!

Collect cabinet members and play Action and Event cards to cause parliamentary chaos. Who can form their cabinet first? This card game is a fun way to learn about the main players shaping the future.

2019 | DECEMBER

CHRISTMAS IN CASTLEDERG | 27

Christmas Switch On in Castlederg

28 | MCELHINNEY’S BEAUTY

DECEMBER | 2019

McElhinney’s -It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas Hi Ladies, It certainly is looking a lot like Christmas here in McElhinneys – especially with our fabulous Christmas Windows and in-store displays. I’m sure that, like myself, the countdown is on now and you are ticking off the present list, so I hope this helps get you find some perfect gifts this festive season

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veryone loves a Beauty Box, and there is nothing more spectacular than the Blockbuster from Estee Lauder. This luxury gift includes all your essential beauty products in one case, including a full-sized advanced night repair. What I really love about the 2019 edition is the travel-friendly eyeshadow and blush palettes which are great for on the go. You can get your Blockbuster exclusively in store for €80 (worth €380) when you spend €50 on Estee Lauder products – an amazing buy! Some other great Beauty Gifts for Her, available in store and online, include the Estee Lauder 5 Of A Kind Liquid Lip Colours, worth over €160, the set is priced at €64. Be sure to check out also the Elizabeth Arden Bright Lights Holiday Collection – get it for €79 (worth €408) when you spend €50 on Elizabeth Arden.

This set is packed with skincare, eye palettes, lipsticks, mascara, pencils, brushes and comes with a fabulous red carry case. flying out the door, make sure to call in and give it a try!

f you’re looking for amazing value Gift Sets, then look no further than Inglot Cosmetics – they have lots of options to choose from with amazing savings to be found.

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lus, exciting news ladies, we are delighted to welcome Fortunato Benavoli back to McElhinneys for his unmissable Lancôme Masterclass on Tuesday 10th December. Fortunato is the leading National Makeup Artist for Lancôme, leading BAFTA makeup artist and has worked extensively across fashion, film, television and celebrities.

You can get tickets for the event in store, or call us on 0749131217, tickets are €20 and are fully redeemable against sales on the night.

See you soon, Noeleen

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f you’re looking for a new fragrance for Her, check out the beautiful, floral fragrance that is Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, available in a set of 50ml Eau de Parfum along with a shower gel and body lotion for €100. Another great fragrance option is Narciso Rodriguez Pure Music 3-piece set, which includes a 50ml Eau de Parfum with shower gel and body lotion for €80. This beautiful fragrance is a supremely addictive scent that teases the senses and envelopes the body – I absolutely love it!

Finally, the new Libre from Yves St Laurent, a grand floral scent with a YSL twist.

• Inglot Lipkits – Available in 4 shades, contain a full-size lipstick and lipliner worth €25, but get the kit for €18 • Eye Essentials Kit – This set contains a fullsized Duraline, the best-selling 77 Gel Liner and a 31T slant brush, all worth €42, but you get it for €32 • 3-Piece Pigment Set – Get Christmas party ready with these glitzy shades for €48 (worth €40 each) • False Lash Effect Set – Grab Inglot’s bestselling mascara along with a kohl pencil, worth €25 but you get it for €18

I

f you’re looking to gift with a difference, why not treat someone special to an at home spa feeling? We have gorgeous Gift Sets, that will protect your skin from the colder weather, from an array of amazing Irish Companies. Be sure to check out one of our newest brands, the all-natural Human & Kind; the award-winning Pestle & Mortar; and allnatural Green Angel Skincare which is created using ingredients from the Irish coastline.

We also have gorgeous gifts from L’Occitane ranging from €20 - €52 so they are affordable, and there is something for every budget! You can also spoil your loved one with a treatment in our Beauty Lounge of your choosing – call in store to find out more!

• 7-Piece Brush Set - If you have all the product but need to update your kit, get this gorgeous brush set and rose gold case for €50 •Finally, we have just a couple of the LimitedEdition Terrie McEvoy Palette’s remaining – these 5 carefully selected shades are ideal to create day to night looks to take you from the office to any party!

N

ot forgetting the Men, the Luxury Gift for Him must be K by Dolce & Gabanna. The concept is a fragrance that encapsulates the essence of a man in his element, he is king of his everyday life – which is why the lid is in the shape of a crown – it is a stunning fragrance, I highly recommend. Next up another amazing scent, the Armani Code Absolu Gift Set, which contains 60ml Eau de Parfum, travel spray and body shampoo for €77. Finally, be sure to try Hermes and Dior Sauvage as they are favourites with our girls here.

2019 | DECEMBER

MCELHINNEYS | 29

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30 | JOE GALLAGHER ENTERTAINMENTS

DECEMBER | 2019

2019 | DECEMBER

JOE GALLAGHER ENTERTAINMENTS | 31

32 | XL 1 STOP SHOP

DECEMBER | 2019

2019 | DECEMBER

XL 1 STOP SHOP | 33

34 | STRABANE GOLF CLUB

DECEMBER | 2019

Winners at Strabane Golf Club

T

he Lady golfer of the year for 2019 was Jennifer Rouse presented by the Lady Captain Geraldine Masterson. Lisa Patton won the Camus Cup. Mary McGuigan won the Georgina Gregg Cup. Lisa Patton collected the Eileen Devine cup for Deirdre Patton. Marion Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Reilly won the O2 trophy collected by Lorna Duffy.

Caren Corry was the Eileen Keery cup winner. Jennifer Rouse, Mary Casey and Maura McBeth were category winners in the Members Cup which was won by Debbie McDaid. The winner of the Bank of Ireland trophy was Jenifer Rouse presented by Caren

Corry representing the sponsors, category winners were Eithne Wiley, Betty Kelly and Norma Brogan. The winner of the Eileen Logue cup was Lorna Duffy, Imelda Doherty collected the Herdman cup on behalf of Eithne Wiley. Imelda Doherty also collected the Gallagher cup on behalf of Eithne Wiley, Lady Captain Geraldine Masterson and Anne Sharkey were category winners. The winner of the Bertie Colhoun cup was Jenifer Rouse.

Lauren Sharkey receives her award for her hole in one during the season. Lisa Patton was the winner of this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Silver spoon award.

Congratulations to our Senior Ladies team who were recently victorious in Tyrone & Fermanagh action. This is the first time the Ladies have lifted this trophy after finishing runner up twice in the last three seasons! Pictured (L-R) are... Back row; A Sharkey, N Brogan, M Coyne, M McGettigan Middle row; M Casey, A McCrory, M Crowe, A Gibson Front row; Lady President Imelda Doherty, Team Captains G McCrory and H Mitchell and Lady Captain Geraldine Masterson.

2019 | DECEMBER

WELLBEING | 35

36 | STRABANE GOLF CLUB

DECEMBER | 2019

Winners at Strabane Golf Club

Golfer of the Year Nicky Patton (centre) with runner up Fred McGavigan

Jones Cup winner Kevin Gallagher (left) and runner-up Paddy Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Kane

Worcester Cup winners Paul McGill and Norma Brogan, with runner-up Monica McGettigan

Lawson Cup winner Luke Milligan

Gallagher Cup winner Johnny McGillion (centre) and runner-up Gary Henderson

2019 | DECEMBER

NYPD | 37

DECEMBER | 2019

38 | TOTAL CHRISTMAS TELLY

Your Total Telly this Christmas

addition’s Gavin & Stacey. BBC1 new annoying habits of Prince arrivals was murky. And with Charming and begins to Christmas Day Special.

It has been a decade since we last caught up with Gavin and Stacey, so the return of the beloved English-Welsh sitcom for a one-off Christmas special is definitely one of the most anticipated additions to the festive TV calendar.

Original cast members Ruth Jones, James Corden, Matthew Horne, Joanna Page, Rob Brydon, Larry Lamb, Melanie Walters and Alison Steadman all return for the hour-long special, which has been confirmed for BBC One’s Christmas Day line-up.

Christmas Carol. BBC1.

This 19th century fable remains the king of all Christmas stories. It has taken on countless adaptations on screen for many decades.

This time it’s Guy Pearce’s turn to follow in the footsteps of Albert Finney, Patrick Stewart and Michael Caine and declare “Bah, humbug!”

The Australian actor is joined in this three-part special

by Charlotte Riley, Stephen Graham, Andy Serkis and Vinette Robinson.

Worzel BBC1.

Gummidge.

This festive reboot of the classic children’s sitcom sees Mackenzie Crook replace the legendary Jon Pertwee as the famous scarecrow who comes to life. Based on the classic children’s books by Barbara Euphan Todd, it will consist of two hour-long episodes. Both were written by Detectorists star Crook himself, with a slew of comedy legends – including Michael Palin, Zoë Wanamaker, Steve Pemberton and Vicki Pepperdine – joining him in the cast.

Eastenders – BBC1

Walford is always a barrel of laughs at Christmas. Both Louise and Sharon Mitchell will be welcoming their babies into the world at Christmastime. While fans have known for months that Louise and her stepmother Sharon are set to both have a baby fathered by Keanu Taylor, the exact date of the

Keanu getting both Louise and Sharon pregnant at the same time, it appears the pair could be welcoming their new bundles of joy into the world as part of the soap’s Christmas storylines. Duff, duff….

question if selecting a lifepartner based on the size of a shoe was such a great idea after all.

Chances are good that someone will expire around Christmas time in soapland.

Could it be Coronation Street legend Rita Tanner’s turn this year? Rita has been through a lot over the decades, and even managed to escape the murderous clutches of Alan Bradley (remember him?).

But could she be about to meet her end at the hand of a Christmas tree? There is speculation that Rita will be putting fairy lights up on the evil tree, only for her to fall and become wedged underneath the tree. In a cruel twist, Rita will have already told the rest of the Street that she’s away for the holidays, so no one will come looking for her. Could this mean Rita will be reunited with Len, Ted and the dastardly Alan this Christmas?

It’s a staple of the BBC One Christmas Day schedule now. Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman return to host another festive extravaganza this year. Six famous faces from previous series – including Joe Sugg and Gemma Atkinson – will pull their dancing shoes on one more time as they bid to impress the studio audience and take home the special Christmas trophy.

The Knight Before Christmas – Netflix.

Medieval magic sends a 14th-century knight to modern-day Ohio, where he falls for a high school science teacher who’s disillusioned by love, starring Vanessa Hudgens, Josh Whitehouse and Emmanuelle Chriqui.

Coronation Street – ITV.

The Great Christmas Bake Off – Channel 4

The team return not once but twice over the festive period with two exciting specials.

The first sees favourites from previous seasons – including 2017’s Yan and Tom as well as Briony and Terry from 2018 – return to the tent, and will apparently feature a performance from Status Quo. The second festive edition, airing on New Year’s Day, will see the cast of hit sitcom Derry Girls put their baking skills to the test.

Cinderella: After Ever After – Sky Sky’s big Christmas special this year is an original drama starring David Walliams, Sian Gibson, Celia Imrie and Sir Tom Courtenay. Based on the aftermath of the classic Cinderella story, the show explores Cinderella’s postmarriage distress – as she comes to terms with the

Strictly Come Dancing Christmas Special – BBC One

Holiday Rush - Netflix

A single father must reconsider his and his children’s lifestyle after getting fired as a radio DJ. In order to make ends meet, he moves back into his aunt’s house and ends up discovering more about himself and his family through their big move as they try to make ends meet during the holiday season.

It’s Not The Robbie Williams Christmas Show - ITV

Robbie Williams promises to bring new songs from his Christmas album, The Christmas Present, as well as the classic hits for his own Christmas Show on ITV this festive season. The music special will be screened in the run up to the big day. the special is being filmed at the newly restored Alexandra Palace Theatre in London and will see Robbie perform a selection of his biggest hits, plus some Christmas classics and originals, in front of the audience.

2019 | DECEMBER

EVERGLADES HOTEL | 39

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42 | TOTAL CHRISTMAS MUSIC

More Christmas Songs? Add these to your Christmas list.

THE WAILIN BANSHEES

T

he shops in Strabane have been blasting out the Christmas songs ever since that final firework went off in Melvin Arena on Halloween night. It never does seem like a year since we were last bombarded with the usual gang: Slade, Wham!, Wizard, Mariah, Band Aid, Shaky, Mud, and the Pogues.

There are many who can’t stand the sound of all of the above.

Others adore these songs, insisting that they are familiar, timeless companions to all that is warm and special about the festive season. Rarely do we add to the list of established Christmas songs. Arguably the most recent addition to the tried and tested selection was the Darkness with ‘Christmas Time (Don’t Let The Bells End)’. But that dates to as far back as 16 years ago.

If you’re looking for a few different festive selections this year to sit alongside the tried and tested classics, perhaps take a look at some of the not so well known offerings and also the Christmas themed songs from artists across the NorthWest over the years. Yes, we do indeed have our own batch of fine festive musical gems. Here’s just a selection of not so well known tracks and local tracks for you to check out over Christmas.

FREAK’S – CHRISTMAS COMING. Strabane’s Freak’s only come out at Christmas these days, and still love to host their annual “Freak’smas” gig in Dicey Rileys.

The video for ‘Christmas Coming’ includes snippets from many a favourite Christmas movie and lyrically acknowledges one of the most important events of the season: “It doesn’t matter if you’re on the naughty list, the Toy Show’s got one for everyone in the audience.” Check it out on Youtube.

BEST BOY GRIP – FIRE. Derry’s Eoin O’Callaghan has been one of the most prolific local artists in recent years. His Best Boy Grip moniker has been put aside in 2019 as he enjoys wide critical acclaim as Elma Orkestra and his collaboration with Ryan Vail on their album ‘Borders’, which recently claimed the Best Album award at the Northern Ireland Music Prize. This hauntingly melodic pianoled piece, first released in 2012, captures the chilly winter air.

And while lyrically ambiguous, a sense of childlike innocence and wonder at this time of year shines through. Check on Soundcloud and Youtube.

TERRY MCCAFFERTY – FOLLOW THE STAR This has become a Strabane Christmas classic. Written by Strabane singer-songwriter Terry McCafferty in the 1980s, it has since become a school and church staple during every festive season. Recalling the story of the nativity, a beautifully sung recording featuring pupils from St Mary’s Girls Primary School in Strabane can be found on Terry’s soundcloud page online: https://soundcloud.com/terry-mc-cafferty-music PADDY NASH AND THE HAPPY ENCHILADAS – It Being Christmas/A Place At The Table.

Christmas is often a time to make amends, bury the hatchet (metaphorically!) and heal running rifts. ‘It Being Christmas’ is a not necessarily festive sounding folk rock ballad that sees a character, who has tried to become a better person, seek another chance with the hope that the season of goodwill will be his guide. Piano ballad ‘A Place At The Table’, with a beautiful lead vocal by Diane Greer, almost serves as a response to ‘It Being Christmas’, offering a place at the Christmas table to one who is dearly missed, if they have the courage to do the right thing. A moving pair of songs easily found of Paddy Nash’s ‘Christmas Collection’ on Bandcamp.

BONO FORGETS THE EDGE’S CHRISTMAS PRESENT AGAIN.

THE WAILIN’ BANSHEES – A Tale For Christmas.

Released in time for Christmas last year, this celtic-folk festive banger pays tribute to one of the most famous Christmas songs – ‘Fairytale of New York’ by the Pogues and even slips a little bit of it in there with added chiming bells for good measure.

No doubt it will return to the Banshees’ setlist over the festive season, much to the joy of their growing legion of followers.

Check it on Spotify, Amazon, Apple and Youtube.

THE BOY LEAST LIKELY TO – George and Andrew.

This sweet, warm little pop song featured on a Christmas album released by The Boy Least Likely To in 2010. You may know where it’s going already just by the title. It’s Christmas Eve and Andrew Ridgeley sits alone in the bar when in walks his old friend George. They hug, catch up and dance with friends and regulars in the bar. With a tempo identical to Wham!’s ‘Last Christmas’, this song and its infectuous video has had an added poignancy to it ever since George Michael’s sad passing on Christmas Day, 2016. “At Christmas time it’s nice to get together with your friends. Especially the friends that you don’t get to see much anymore. Cos it isn’t Wham! Sitting in that pub on Christmas Eve. It’s just two friends called George and Andrew who’ve known each other since they were thirteen.” Beautiful.

Do watch the the video.

SAINT ETIENNE AND TIM BURGESS – I Was Born on Christmas Day. A bit of early nineties indie pop royalty here as electro popsters Saint Etienne teamed up with the Charlatans’ front man Tim Burgess for this very much of its time – 1993 – Christmas duet.

With both singers sweetly name-dropping each other in the lyrics, it is somewhat a forgotten Christmas gem from the era of the totally inferior ‘Stay Another Day’ by East 17.

U2 – CHRISTMAS (Baby Please Come Home).

Covering any song originally produced by Phil Spector runs the risk of losing the initial appeal, namely that famous “wall of sound”. ‘A Christmas Gift For You...” remains the finest collection of Christmas songs there is, with the sound and melodies so steeped in the season. Touch these songs at your peril as what is so special about them will be hard to replicate.

Somehow U2, who were still in their 20s at the time, managed to get through their cover of this Darlene Love classic unscathed and delivered a very loyal and delightfully festive rendition that stands up on its own.

BOB DYLAN – MUST BE SANTA Bob Dylan and Christmas. You get the whole connection there, right? No, me neither, but it works delightfully, like a lost festive gem from the Muppets, and the stand-out track on Dylan’s Christmas album. Yes, you read that correctly, he did a full album of Christmas songs!

JAMES BROWN – Hey America!

If you don’t want the over-eating to bog you down this festive season, forcing yourself to get up on your feet and throw shapes could be the ideal way to combat it. ‘Hey America!’ doesn’t sound too festive but there’s a message in there... somewhere. Spin magazine referred to this song as “a churning, overwrought orchestral groove, over which JB apparently improvises a totally incoherent rant about Christmas, peace protesters, God, partying, and (tellingly) wine.”

May you all find music to enjoy over the festive period and find many new treasures in 2020.

FREAK’S WILL BE BACK IN DICEYS THIS CHRISTMAS

SARAH WITH TIM

JAMES BROWN LIKED SPROUTS! GEORGE AND ANDREW

PADDY NASH AND DIANE GREER

TERRY MCCAFFERTY

BOB DYLAN AND SANTA LOOKING FOR THE PLOT

2019 | DECEMBER

DALRADIAN |43

Committed to the local community The benefits of our project will be widespread and long lasting We are a mineral exploration and development company and we’ve been working in County Tyrone since late 2009. Did you know that this area holds one of the most promising undeveloped gold deposits in the world? We’ve spent the last ten years exploring and researching how its potential might be unearthed in the most responsible, locally beneficial and thoughtful way.

In 2017 we submitted a planning application to build an underground mine – one committed to environmentally responsible practices that will bring economic benefit, employment and training to Tyrone. We’ve recently submitted a package of Further Environmental Information (FEI), including a number of enhancements in response to feedback from stakeholders.

We’ve listened, and our project is better as a result.

For more information or to show your support for the project, please visit dalradian.com/environment

This project & the local community

1,000 jobs

£30 million

during operations

investment in training for local jobs

£40k

£750 million

average salary across a wide variety of roles from drivers to accountants, miners to environmental technicians

spend on the supply chain for the project – we’ll offer practical support to local suppliers

£4 million 250 groups funded to date including environmental, arts, education & sports

committed to future funding of local community projects

44 | THE FURNITURE LIQUIDATOR

DECEMBER | 2019

| 2019 | DECEMBER

MILTOWN DINER | 45

46 | SCHOOLS NEWS

DECEMBER | 2019

Holy Cross College News

Year 10 pupils and form teachers attended a careers fair hosted

by Derry City and Strabane Council in Melvin, the theme of which was “Unlock Your Future.” A great time was had by all finding out about a range of career paths and opportunities. Thanks to the organisers and all the businesses and organisations for making this such an interesting and interactive event.

Strabane Academy News 9S get in to the Christmas spirit and design their own personalised reindeer cupcakes!

Yr11 welcomed Olivia & Claire from DiabetesUK into school as their chosen charity.

16 Year 8 pupils completed their first project in Technology and Design today. Well done to each and every pupil on completing ‘ the note holder’

A massive congratulations to Charley as she is the winner of the ‘name our new school restaurant’ competition

Brilliant dancing from all the kids at #TEAMSOLLUS who took part in the Take us to the Magic competition

2019 | DECEMBER

BALOR THEATRE | 47

48 | STRABANE ATHLETIC YOUTH AWARDS

DECEMBER | 2019

Herald H erald Youth C Christmas hristm as C Cooking ookin ingthe Fir Trees Strabane Athletic Awards

2019 | DECEMBER

CENTRAL HOTEL | 49

50 | SION SWIFTS

DECEMBER | 2019

Sion Swifts

Our 2012 group had two teams travel to Belfast recently to take part in Clonduffs 2012s tournament. Both teams reached the finals for the plate. Unfortunately it didn’t go our way and one team lost out. Our other team then drew 1-1 in their final and played in a penalty shoot out for the plate. Reaching sudden death James O’Neill pulled off a brilliant save and helped the lads to silverware. Long day for the boys but we are home with silverware between both teams! Brilliant football boys

Some of our 2011 group travelled to Coleraine to play Maiden City in the Harry Gregg Youth League. The boys played amazing football in what can only be described as dire weather conditions

Well done to the U9s 2010s in their last games of D&D for the season; an unfortunate day for the boys but didn’t stop them and there parents coming supporting each other. Well done boys

Well done to our 2009 team who won the cup at the Strabane tournament recently! The boys played some fantastic football. They overcame Oxford FC in the semi- final and then played an excellent Tristar team in the final. A very tight game saw us draw 1-1 taking us to penalties. The boys held their nerve to win 3-2 in penalties.

Great night had at our youth presentation for our 2004/2005/2006 girls. It was a nice way to reflect on the last year of football (not including this recent season). The girls had a fabulous year playing in all different leagues both boys and girls, Foyle Cups, U19s and were very successful in them all. Award Winners: 2006sMost Improved - Ciara McAleerPlayer of the Year - Zahara Leckey 2005s Most Improved Crystal Crossan Player of the Year - Niamh Coyle & Clarah Quigg 2004s Most Improved - Cate Toland Player of the Year - Caoirse Doherty

2019| DECEMBER

THE FARMERS HOME | 51

52 | STRABANE SIGERSONS

DECEMBER | 2019

Thanks to all the club coaches who assisted over the Halloween Camp, our coaches have dedicated a vast amount of hours again this year.

Strabane Sigersons GAA commenced a coaching programme

T

hree of the town’s Primary schools last month. We know the positives these extra curricular sports can have on the growth and development of a child.

We encourage all the children to play Gaelic Games and become part of their National Sport in their own town.

Stephen Beattie is the coach and he’s concentrating on Key Stage 1 and 2 coaching. The children have really enjoyed learning their skills and having fun. Photos of sessions across the 3 schools are included. Thanks to St Catherine’s, St Marys and Gaelscoil Uí Dhochartaigh also. Stephen will be continuing to work across the schools in 2020.

2019 | DECEMBER

SINN FÃ&#x2030;IN | 53

54 | BIG BITES

DECEMBER | 2019

2019 | DECEMBER |

BIG BITES | 55

56 | SGN NATURAL GAS

DECEMBER | 2019

Residents urged to visit natural gas connection roadshow

A

natural gas connection roadshow will visit Strabane in the coming weeks to familiarise local consumers about the benefits of switching to natural gas.

Drop-in information sessions will take place at venues including The Fir Trees Hotel on Tuesday, 10th December 2019 from 4pm-7pm.

Residents are encouraged to come along to find out about connection offers available to help convert their existing home energy supply to natural gas.

Natural gas offers consumers amazing versatility and homeowners will now be able to take control of their energy costs with pay-as-you-go top up options available from just £5. Homeowners switching to natural gas versus

Happy homeowners connect to natural gas.

other fuels such as oil and coal, will also significantly reduce their carbon emissions.

The expansion of the SGN Natural Gas network is great news for households who will benefit from an

affordable, cleaner and convenient alternative energy choice.

SGN Natural Gas will be delivering natural gas mains, services and meters to nearly 40,000 business and domestic customers

over the next 40 years in Artigarvan, Coalisland, Cookstown, Derrylin, Dungannon, Enniskillen, Magherafelt, Omagh and Strabane.

Darren Young, Head of Business Development

with SGN Natural Gas, said: “There has been exceptional demand for natural gas in the network area to date. Information sessions are now underway to engage directly with consumers keen to

make the switch.”

Encouraging residents to attend the roadshow, Mr Young said: “Our team will be attending each venue with information about the availability of natural gas to local properties and connection offers. We are really looking forward to meeting everyone over the coming weeks and answering any questions they may have about connecting to natural gas.”

Information sessions will be held as follows: - Tuesday 10th December 2019, The Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane, 4pm-7pm; Monday 6th January 2020, Strabane Library, 4pm-7pm; and Tuesday 25th February 2020, The Fir Trees Hotel, Strabane, 4pm-7pm.

For more information please visit www.sgnnaturalgas.co.uk

2019 | DECEMBER

DALRADIAN| 57

Committed to environmental responsibility How Dalradian is caring for the local environment We’re a mineral exploration and development company and we’ve been working in County Tyrone since late 2009. Did you know that this area holds one of the most promising undeveloped gold deposits in the world? We’ve spent the last ten years exploring and researching how its potential might be unearthed in the most responsible, locally beneficial and thoughtful way.

In 2017 we submitted a planning application to build an underground mine – one committed to environmentally responsible practices that will bring economic benefit, employment and training to Tyrone. We’ve recently submitted a package of Further Environmental Information (FEI), including a number of enhancements in response to feedback from stakeholders.

We’ve listened, and our project is better as a result.

For more information or to show your support for the project, please visit dalradian.com/environment

We’ve listened and made these improvements

100%

carbon neutral from day one so the operations will not contribute to climate change

Protecting water – lowering demand by

30% our water will be sourced and recycled on-site and treated before we release it

Approximately

25% decrease in fuel consumption by using electric vehicles and conveyors

No cyanide or smelting will be used simplified processing to yield a partially-refined product

Environmentally friendly choices using renewable power, electric vehicles, conveyor belts and biodiesel

58 | THE RAILWAY BAR

THE RAILWAY BAR & LOUNGE

T

he Railway - Bar & Lounge has been a staple of Strabane for now fast approaching 100 years. In its centenary it has now reopened once again at 64 Railway Road. In keeping with the ĨĂŵŽƵƐ ƚƌĂĚŝƟŽŶ ŚŽŶŽƵƌĞĚ ďLJ Ăůů who came before, The Railway ŚŽƉĞƐ ƚŽ ŽīĞƌ LJŽƵ Ă ƌĞůĂdžŝŶŐ͕ ĐŽƐLJ and fresh new surrounding, with a ƌĞƐƉĞĐƚ ĨŽƌ ƚŚĞ ƉĂƐƚ ĂŶĚ Ă ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ and welcoming eye on the present and the future. We are looking forward to seeing you soon.

DECEMBER | 2019

2019 | DECEMBER

THE RAILWAY BAR | 59

60 | DOLANâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S NISA

DECEMBER | 2019

2019 | DECEMBER

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DECEMBER | 2019