Month: December 2009

The Inn Castledawson Opens again for Business

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Yesterday was a much anticipated girlie afternoon out with one of my best friends Emma McCann and she had booked the newly re-opened Inn, Castledawson. After lying dormant for almost a year now the reopening has been a most welcome event in this beautiful village set deep in the heart of Mid-Ulster but VERY easily accessible from the A6, mid way between Belfast and L/Derry.

We received a very warm welcome from the new Proprietors – Mrs. Paula Sturges and her daughter Gilly. Paula and Gilly are the owners of Eclipse Hospitality and have over 20 years experience in the catering and hospitality industry.  They have brought their executive head chef de cuisine  Trevor Hancock with them.  Trevor is a member of the British Culinary Federation and together with Chef Simon Jowett have cooked extensively worldwide and I am pleased to say are cooking with local produce.

It’s fair to say that the interior has been treated to a much needed face lift and they have worked wonders – it has been carefully brought up to date and is now a very warm and inviting venue with a touch of class.  We were instantly put at ease and were not disappointed by our meal.  Not being partial to garlic but very particial to a chicken ceasar salad the chef very kindly catered for my whimsical taste by making me my own dressing.

Artisan Bakers, Dittys Castledawson
Artisan Bakers, Dittys Castledawson

So if you are looking for fine food, beautiful surroundings by the river Moyola with very pleasant, top notch,  but not overbearing customer service why not pay a visit to the Inn Castledawson.  With a beautiful restaurant, 12 rooms, conference facilities and more – click here for more info – visit their website at www.theinncastledawson.com While you are in the village you can also take home some quality baked produce from the famous Ditty’s Bakery, pay a visit to the Horner Gallery or why not take in a round of Golf at one of Ireland’s premier golfing experiences – The Moyola Golf Course.

Moyola Park Golf Course
Moyola Park Golf Course

Marathon of Fundraising Events for Pancreatic Cancer Research enjoys continued success

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Emma in Good Spirits after c. 10km
Emma in Good Spirits after c. 10km

Yesterday saw yet another successful event for my friend Emma McCann in her quest to raise £10K for Pancreatic Cancer Research. Not only has she reached her target but yesterday smashed it – and she’s not finished yet.

With only one of my three children willing to help me out, my 7 year old son Joseph and I set off to the Meadowlane Shopping Centre where Emma had already started pedalling by the time we arrived and had clocked up 9km with 91km to go of her static cycle – right smack back in the middle of the shopping centre.

Having done a shopping bag pack the week before in the same centre and raised an impressive  £480 no-one was really sure what to expect but the generosity of NI folk never fails and never ceases to amaze.  So many people who stopped to find out what was going on had stories of being affected by cancer and in particular pancreatic cancer.

Emma, her nephew Declan and my son Joseph
Emma, her nephew Declan and my son Joseph - the chief fundraisers for the day!

Needless to say Emma cycled her 100 km  making it look effortless – and raised  a staggering £811.86 making her total to date an amazing £10225.72.  She was keen for me to point out to passers by that a year ago she was still smoking and two and a half stone heavier which makes her efforts even more impressive.  She is truly an inspiration to everyone she meets and her enthusiasm for life and everything she does is completely infectious.

If you would like to make a donation, no matter how small you can do so online by visiting www.justgiving.com/emma-mccann.

With more events planned for the New Year including an auction and a trek to Peru – who know’s what the future holds for Emma but one thing’s for sure – she won’t sit still for long.  Well done Emma – you’re my personal hero 🙂

You can read Emma’s blog and the story of her epic journey to date at www.emmamccann.com.

Coca-Cola Drives Home Christmas Safety Message

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Minister Edwin Poots, Kylie Dunlop Coca-Cola and PSNI's Assistant Chief
Minister Edwin Poots, Kylie Dunlop Coca-Cola and PSNI's Assistant Chief

Leading local soft drinks supplier, Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland, recently launched its Christmas ‘Designated Driver’ campaign at Stormont Parliament Buildings in Belfast.

Developed in association with the Department of the Environment (Northern Ireland) and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) the road safety campaign hopes to reduce instances of drink driving this Christmas by rewarding local drivers with up to three free soft drinks from the Coca-Cola product portfolio.

Following its unparalled success in 2007 and 2008 this year’s Designated Driver Programme will operate in over 200 licensed outlets and will feature a special “Cool to Drive” roadshow.

The high profile roadshow is taking place in selected Designated Driver outlets across the province and will offer local drivers the chance to take part in an interactive racing game and the chance to win vouchers from some of Northern Ireland’s leading retailers.

Cool FM DJ Gareth Stewart alongside Stefanie Martin and July Wilson from the Coca- Cola Events Team
Cool FM DJ Gareth Stewart alongside Stefanie Martin and July Wilson from the Coca- Cola Events Team

Speaking of the campaign, Environment Minister, Edwin Poots said:  “I welcome and support any initiative that improves road safety.  With Christmas approaching, we have a duty not only to our own families and friends to ensure we are there to celebrate with them; we also have to ensure other people are able to celebrate with their relatives and friends too.  The safest way to do that is to book a taxi or have a designated driver who will abstain from alcohol.

“Last year, 18 people were killed and 121 were seriously injured in collisions attributed to alcohol or drugs.  All of these families’ lives changed forever the moment those drivers responsible took a drink and decided to drive home.

“My message today, to all drivers is clear: just one drink will impair your driving.  It’s your choice, your responsibility and your fault if someone dies or is seriously injured because you decided to drink and drive.”

Assistant Chief Constable Duncan McCausland added: “Our message is simple; just one drink can kill.  Never, ever drink and drive.

“We do not want to be knocking on doors at any time of the year, but especially over Christmas and the New Year, to tell families that a loved one has been killed on the roads.”

In 2007 the Designated Driver campaign saw Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland recognised as the most responsible company in the UK by the Chartered Institute of PR and since then it has gone from strength to strength.

Judy Wilson and Stephanie Martin
Judy Wilson and Stephanie Martin

Hoping to continue to build on Designated Driver’s success this Christmas, Kylie Dunlop, Licensed Trade Marketing Manger for Coca-Cola HBC Northern Ireland said “This year we want to build on the success of the Designated Driver campagin and make it even better than every.  We’re delighted to be able to introduce the dynamic roadshow events aimed at celebrating designated drivers across the province.

“The events have been designed to enhance the ‘going out’ experience for designated drivers and will hopefully bring to life the campaign’s key message of enjoying Christmas safely and responsibly.

“Once again we are indebted to DOE, PSNI and all the publicans across the province that have offered their support to the Designated Driver campaign – without them this initiative would not be possible.”

For further details on all participating outlets and campaign information please visit www.designated-driver.co.uk.

Toby Keith Review, Odyssey Arena Nov 09 by Kathleen Barclay

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TOBY KEITH

THE ODYSSEY BELFAST

FRIDAY 13TH NOVEMBER 2009

Toby and Kathleen Barclay
Toby and Kathleen Barclay

This was one eagerly anticipated show by one of the biggest American country stars and we were not to be disappointed.  Toby brought his 10 piece band for the show and what a cracking ensemble they turned out to be.  We only had to wait until 9pm and the man bounced on stage, guitar planted firmly around his neck and then the fireworks came fast and furious.

“How Do You Like Me Now”, “Good As I Once Was”, “A Little Less Talk”, were just some of the hits we were treated to and each sounding as good as the day he put them on record.  Toby had a great way of corresponding with the crowd and Belfast loved him.  The huge audience sang every song back to Toby and you could see he was totally amazed.  We also got some tracks from his new album “American Ride”, the title track was leashed upon us and very moving “Cry For Me”.  Toby was so hot he should have come with a Government Health Warning.  A truly wonderful Concert from an Artist making his first visit to this part of the world.

Kathleen is one half of the Irish Connection Radio Show (www.theirishconnectionradioshow.com)  – you can tune into Sean at Feile FM 103.2fm or listen online at www.feilefm.com from 09.00am to midday on Sunday.

North West bands come together for HURT

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King Coma, winners of BT Sounds Like Summer
King Coma, winners of BT Sounds Like Summer

King Coma (Strabane), Pavesi from Donegal and celebrated Strabane musician Gavin Kelly and his new band Catalsyt will be performing at Strabane’s Alley Theatre on December 30th, offering a final chance to hear some great local bands before 2010 and raise much needed funds for the North West charity, HURT.

Winners of BT Sounds Like Summer 09, King Coma have been busy since their summertime success writing new tracks, shooting a  music video and speanding time recording their new tracks. The band are really looking forward to returning to the Alley, the place of their bands night triumph to the delight fo the Strabane audience. Joining King Coma will be Donegal’s finest band, Pavesi. The group is made up of ‘Duck’ Gallagher on vocals, Ronan Hanna on guitar, Michael Gillespie on bass and Mark Hanna, drums and are also previous winners of Sounds Like Summer on 2008. The band have recently topped the charts of ukundiscovered.com for the last three weeks with their hit song, “Turnaround Year” and are now back in the studio recording three more tracks before the Christmas break.

Catalyst from Strabane starring Gavin Kelly
Catalyst from Strabane starring Gavin Kelly

Catalyst is a new band formed by Gavin Kelly from Strabane and is being hailed as the next big thing on the local music scene. Starring Anne Marie Devine, Steve McElroy, Siobhan McCafferty and Ritchie McCosker, the band have been heavily influenced by Bruce Springsteen’s Seeger Sessions tour and other great acts including The Waterboys, Dave Matthews Band and Josh Ritter. Blending elements of Irish traditional music, Irish/American folk music and even a little bluegrass, this new outfit hope to bring something a little different to the local music scene. They’re currently working on original material and putting their own spin on some great covers, producing sounds which they hope will appeal to music enthusiasts from all walks of life.

Pavesi’s Duck Gallagher and Michael Gillespie from Pavesi
Pavesi’s Duck Gallagher and Michael Gillespie from Pavesi

“The night is intended to be a great get together for people over the Christmas period” commented Andrew Orr from the Alley “Great bands, the superb surroundings of the Alley bar and a chance to meet up with friends over the Christmas break. Tickets are only £5, with profits from the night will be going towards HURT, a great North West charity helping reduce incidents of suicides in our community. So book now on 028 7138 4444 or online at www.alley-theatre.com and enjoy a night out with friends at the Alley.”

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