Month: February 2020

Burger Burger – so good they named it twice

A new gourmet burger bar has opened on Belfast’s Stranmillis Road following an investment of £60,000.

Burger Burger, the brain child of food lover Gavin Rennick, is set to create up to seven new jobs with plans to expand into a further two more restaurants later this year.

Located on the former El Chapo site according to Gavin the restaurant is offering diners a “laid-back atmosphere, delicious food choices and premium retro cocktails”

Gavin, who is the project manager for Burger Burger, said the food venue is more than just another re-treading of the traditional patty and bun options.

“We have worked to create a menu that focuses on taste, originality and fun,” he said.

“Burger will use local produce as much as possible, and we will offer vegetarian and vegan options across what is on offer.”

Gavin explained that the experience at the new restaurant has been carefully thought through.

“The concept of Burger Burger is just good grub where you can relax, chill out and meet with friends to go for a coffee during the day or a sweet treat or something more filling,” he explained. 

“We’re delighted to be able to create seven new jobs and are already beginning plans for our expansion later this year.”

According to Gavin the company will announce the opening of a Burger Burger express in the summer and another sit in restaurant in the autumn.

For Gavin the opening of Burger Burger marks an important step in his own personal journey with food.

“I had an unhealthy relationship with food when I was younger,” he explained.

“However, after re-adjusting and becoming more healthy I lost over four stone in weight and I wanted to show people that you don’t always have to lose your passion for food when you struggle with weight.”

The now fit and healthy Gavin said the Burger Burger menu has been a labour of love.

He added: “I used my passion for cooking in order to create a menu that matches my love of food, fitness and nutrition.

“Every item has been specially selected and the sauces have been named to specifically compliment every burger and every item and they’re just delicious to bite into.”

From the traditional burger, matched with a range of toppings and sauces, through to the vegetarian and vegan options Burger Burger will also offer wings, loaded nachos and the intriguingly named ‘Mega-Zord Fries’. Gavin is, however, keen to emphasise that they also do hot dogs!

Burger Burger is open now, ready for you to bite down a flavour experience that you won’t forget.

Contact Burger Burger, Stranmillis Road, Belfast for more information 028 9543 3131 or find them on social media.

Ards and North Down Borough Council is pleased to launch the 2020 Ards International Guitar Festival programme. The Festival will take place from 1 – 5 April at various venues around Newtownards.

Now in its 23^rd year, the Festival is a celebration of the world’s most popular instrument, bringing together some of the best guitarists from around Ireland, the UK and the world, with artists crossing a range of genres, showcasing their musical skills, talent and creativity.

This year’s jam-packed line-up features over 40 musicians including home-grown talent as well as performers from the USA, Germany and The Netherlands all brought together with the help of guest programmer Anthony Toner. The popular Guitar Clinics are also back, giving amateur guitarists the opportunity to hone their skills with the help of professionals, as well as a stunning photography exhibition by Stuart Bailie.

One of the highlights of this year’s programme is The Aquarelle Guitar Quartet who will open the Festival on Wednesday 1 April at The Queen’s Hall. As one of the world’s leading guitar quartets, The AGQ is known for its extraordinary performances and expansive repertoire. Formed at the Royal Northern College of Music in 1999, the quartet studied with renowned guitarists Sérgio Assad, Oscar Ghiglia and Scott Tennant and has performed in major concert halls throughout the UK and Europe. The foursome will be supported by The Diony’s Ensemble and The Classical Guitar Society of Northern Ireland.

Blues maestro Ronnie Greer returns to the Festival on the crest of a wave for what looks like being one of the high points of the programme. Ronnie will be launching his brand-new album with his new band All-Star Blues Revue. With contributions from an all-star glittering line-up including; long-time musical partner Anthony Toner on guitars, Nick Scott on bass and Peter McKinney on drums – joined by guitarists/vocalists Ken Haddock and Grainne Duffy, Kyron Bourke on keyboards and vocals, and blues and jazz luminaries Linley Hamilton on trumpet and Dave Howell on sax. An evening not to be missed at The Queen’s Hall on Friday 3 April.

The Festival is also pleased to welcome back to Ards Irish folk sensation Síomha who was one of the undoubted hits of last year’s Festival. Síomha will be supported at her Queen’s Hall gig on Saturday 4 April by virtuoso fingerstyle guitarist Shane Hennessy from Carlow (back by popular demand!) and German-born Sönke Meinen who has acquired an outstanding reputation on the international guitar scene.

Other highlights of this year’s programme include; The Richard Nelson Jazz Quartet, Rodney Branigan, Jane Willow and more!  There will also be a screening of the silent film The Cabinet of Dr Caligari (1920) accompanied by guitarist Paul McMordie in the atmospheric surroundings of Kiltonga Hall.

Thin Lizzy fans are in for a treat with the Classic Band Brunch Wild Eyed Boys – The Thin Lizzy Story presented by Ralph McLean. Take a fascinating stroll through the history of one of the most celebrated bands of all time, featuring seldom-seen clips, some rarities and Ralph’s usual mix of musical insight and backstage gossip. Ards Arts Centre, Sunday 5 April.

Speaking about the festival, Alderman Bill Keery, The Mayor of Ards and North Down said: “We are delighted to once again host Ards International Guitar Festival which welcomes musicians from far and wide to Newtownards. The Festival is now 23 years old and is going from strength to strength. This year’s programme is fantastic, and we would encourage everyone to support the various events.”

Ards Guitar Festival Director, Emily Crawford commented: “This year’s Festival is shaping up to be an eclectic five days of guitar-based music with something to appeal to everyone from classical to jazz, blues to Americana and of course our signature acoustic percussive performances. There’s plenty of opportunity for a hands-on opportunity to learn from the experts with our Guitar Clinics and free lunchtime performances to get you into the festival spirit’’

Ards International Guitar Festival runs from 1 – 5 April. For ticket details or to view the full programme please visit the website www.ardsguitarfestival.co.uk  or call Ards Arts Centre on 028 9181 0803

Leading healthy mind practitioner, Sam Barr, has urged people not to delay seeking help in dealing with the mental crises the modern world and relationships deliver.

Through his Healthy Mind Coaching and Training practice Sam has seen that too often people delay getting the support and help that can help them turn the corner.

“People come to us mostly because of anxiety,” he said. “There are so many different situations that cause anxiety and when we meet them it can have a lot of different factors.

“It could be because of relationships, finances, addictions, or as a result of issues in the workplace and there are the associated fears, worry and even shame that come along with that anxiety.”

Sam says that social connections and environment leads to exacerbating the anxiety, and It developing into more serious issues.

Healthy Mind Coaching and Training offer a range of services for individuals and workplaces, but often the free 30-minute one-to-one is when the issues affecting a person can be identified and assess whether further sessions are required.

“Whether it is someone who is a senior manager, or an individual who is facing a life-changing decision often we can help identify issues and recommend changes in behaviour,” Sam said.

However, it is often delaying seeking help that can be a barrier for people – and organisations.

“Most people know that they have an issue with their mental health and wellbeing,” he explained. “Too often they come up with excuses, such as they don’t have the time. They have the time to get their car fixed or their boiler repaired when they are broken, and I would encourage them to change their mindset from ‘can I’ to ‘will I’. By asking ‘will I’ they are more likely not to seek excuses and get the help we can provide.”

Healthy Mind Coaching and Training is a provider of life & emotional wellbeing, therapeutic coaching and professional training courses in personal, professional development & workplace wellbeing.

“There are so many labels around mind wellbeing but we focus on enabling people to grow, flourish, excel and realise their potential, achieving outstanding results in their lives through a positive change mindset,” said Sam. “But the key thing is to take the first step. No matter what your reason is, whatever has prompted you to get help, you can change.”Learn more about Healthy Mind Coaching and Training at healthymindcoaching.co.uk

Brick Wonders, an internationally acclaimed exhibition, featuring recreations in LEGO® bricks of amazing sights from around the world, is coming to the new Gateway Visitor Centre, on the banks of Lough Shore Antrim, from Saturday 7 March until Sunday 14 June.

Curated by artist Warren Elsmore this unique exhibition begins with the seven wonders of the ancient world, also taking in modern, natural and historic wonders from all seven continents. Brick Wonders will take you on a journey from an Egyptian pyramid to the natural pyramid of the Matterhorn, the bustle of Old London Bridge to the awesome natural display of the Aurora Australis and those everyday marvels we forget to wonder at, such as electricity and the Internet.

At the heart of the Brick Wonders display is the giant Great Barrier Reef attraction, complete with underwater lighting and sound effects. This centrepiece has LEGO recreations of everything from corals and sponges to turtles and reef-dwelling fish such as blue tangs, angel fish and a ray.

In all, over sixty LEGO models are included, from tiny models to inspire building at home, to large mosaics and dioramas using a grand total of half a million LEGO bricks.

LEGO bricks are unique in their appeal, having been a top-selling toy for over fifty years.  This exhibition will appeal to all ages, so if you love LEGO you will love Brick Wonders! This exhibition has visited art galleries, museums and exhibition centres from Italy to England and is returning to Northern Ireland for the first time since 2015.

Don’t miss your chance to see this amazing display at the stunning new Gateway Visitor Centre Antrim.

For full details and bookings visit www.antrimandnewtownabbey/events or call T: 028 9448 1338.

Have you ever thought about tracing your family tree and discovering more about local history, but aren’t sure where to begin?

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council are delighted to be joining forces once again with Lough Neagh Partnership and the Ulster Historical Society to bring you a free four week course, Family Home and Place beginning Monday 24 February which will help you gain some of the tools and resources for researching your family and local history.

Facilitated by Dr William Roulston, Research Director, Ulster Historical Foundation, you will cover exciting research during these informal classes including Maps; Archives; Census returns; Civil records of births, deaths and marriages; Church records; Valuation records – Griffith’s Valuation; Tithe Valuation; Valuation revision books; Landed estate papers; Wills and testamentary papers and School records. This course will conclude with a visit to the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland.

Dr William Roulston holds a PhD in Archaeology from Queen’s University Belfast and has written a number of books, including Fermanagh: History and Society (edited with Eileen Murphy, Dublin, 2004), Researching Scots-Irish Ancestors (Belfast, 2005), Restoration Strabane, 1660-1714 (Dublin, 2007), Three centuries of life in a Tyrone parish: a history of Donagheady from 1600 to 1900 (Strabane, 2010) and Abercorn: The Hamilton’s of Barons Court (Belfast, 2014).

Come along and join us at The Gateway, our stunning new venue on the banks of Antrim Lough Shore Park on Monday 24 February from 7.30pm and find out more about your blood line and the home-grown history of Antrim and beyond. This project is funded as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

For more details and to secure your place on this free course please contact Clotworthy House T: 028 9448 1338 or visit our website www.antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/events

Northern Ireland specialist recruitment company, Tyson Wilson Recruitment is expanding on its success, by opening a dedicated temp employment division service for employers and job seekers.

Building on almost five years in business the locally owned and run company will be making a £100,000 investment over the next two years, creating up to four new jobs as well as a further £50,000 in developing a recruitment app due for completion within the next 18 months.

Michelle Tyson, CEO, said that the recruitment market has expanded and evolved in Northern Ireland, and that it was the right time to expand services.

“When I set up the business it was because I spotted a gap in the market to become the first call centre specialist,” she explained. “While we created a unique service in that sector we were quickly approached by other sectors.

“From the growing number of requests from call centre clients for temporary staff through to other industries such as warehousing and hospitality it was clear that the market was growing.

“I always had plans to open a temp division as a I ran a temp division desk for my previous employer and loved the buzz and the fast pace of helping clients with their needs”.

Established in 2015 Tyson Wilson Recruitment Consultancy has developed its services for prospective employees and those with staffing requirements, including not charging a fee until appointment of successful candidates.

With offices in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter and Bangor the company offers a value-added temp service with dedicated consultants that are dedicated to meeting your staffing requirements over and above the core full-time workforce.

“It is clear that Belfast is becoming a central hub for new and existing businesses expanding in Northern Ireland,” said Michelle. “Research and expert analysis shows that there is a greater need for temporary staff, especially within the growing sectors of call centres, warehouses, hospitality, administrative, customer service, sales and other sectors”

With that in mind each Tyson Wilson client has a dedicated local consultant to take on and understand the brief, to make sure that the right people are placed in the needed posts.

Furthermore, they can help with the induction process by completing background checks, health and safety training, assessments and aptitude testing.

She is clear that the advantages of temporary work are for both candidates and employees.

“For those who are considering ‘temping’ there are a series of benefits,” Michelle explained.

“It can help improve your CV, filling in a gap and offers the opportunity to learn new skills as well as gain much needed experience in an area that may be lacking.

“It can also lead to being hired much quicker. When the right position opens you can be placed within a day.

“It also means that you can look at a new career direction as you learn new skills and consider what path to take. That’s not to mention the financial rewards and flexibility of temping.”

But Michelle is clear that the benefits for employers are just as important.

“We have seen that more and more need to scale up their workforce quickly, whether that be for a large new project or to urgently fill a post as a result of in-house sickness or maternity leave,” she said. “Our service means there is fast-track hiring, cover while recruiting permanent staff, bringing in fresh skills, meet peak work periods, control of costs, ‘try-before-you-buy’ and the potential to discover future leaders.

“For us recruitment isn’t a transactional process, but a service that is dedicated to looking after both sides throughout the process.”

Tyson Wilson operates ‘24/7 for 52 weeks of the year as Michelle’s experience shows that businesses do not sit and wait when they need cover. In addition, they operate full report management information including agreed key performance indicators at approved intervals.

Michelle said: Our aim over the next three years is to have the largest pool of call centre, warehouse candidates and other sectors in Northern Ireland registered and waiting.

“We are planning on investing £50,000 into research and development of a new app to help our clients and candidates register. We want to lower our carbon footprint and be one of the first agencies in Belfast to go paperless to make sure we fulfil our corporate responsibility to measure how environmentally friendly we are.”

For more information log onto tysonwilsonrecruitment.co.uk

Belfast Zoo’s new Scottish wildcat couple and native species, Oscar and Ossian, provide the zoo with an excellent opportunity to support the conservation of a national species, and they have arrived just in time for Valentine’s!

Ossian, Belfast Zoo’s new Scottish wildcat female, came from the Highlands Wildlife Park in Scotland and was born in May 2019. Oscar, the zoo’s new male, came from Alladale Wilderness Reserve in Scotland and was born in April 2019. Scottish wildcats face intense pressure with numbers continuing to drop rapidly each year, and it is hoped the zoo will be able to play a role in conserving this native species, fight the threat of extinction through breeding and help Scottish wildcat numbers grow.

The main threats affecting Scottish wildcats are hybridisation, disease and accidental persecution. Hybridisation is a term used to describe the cross breeding of pure Scottish wildcats with domesticated tabby or feral cat. Crossbreeding has led to a huge decline in pure Scottish Wildcat numbers in the wild. Disease can be transferred between feral cats and the Scottish wildcats when they cross breed and can cause huge health issues, even death to the Scottish wildcat. Scottish wildcats face intense pressure from farmers, bird keepers, game keepers and other parties due to accidental persecution as they are misidentified as feral cats. The latest addition to Belfast Zoo will provide the zoo with the opportunity to educate all our visitors about Scottish Wildcats and the threats they face. 

Alyn Cairns, Zoo Manager, said ‘It is a pleasure and fantastic opportunity for us to home such an iconic, native species, at Belfast Zoo. The Scottish wildcats face the threat of extinction as numbers diminish to record lows. Belfast Zoo continues to develop native species conservation efforts and with the arrival of the Scottish wildcats we hope that we can support the recovery of this iconic species. We have hopes of taking part in a new breeding programme with wildlife reserve partners in Scotland. It is hoped that the thirdgeneration of kittens from the new Scottish wildcat couple at Belfast Zoo will be released back into the wild. We would like to thank P&O ferries for sponsoring the travel of the Scottish wildcats to Belfast Zoo and look forward to hopefully seeing some adorable Scottish wildcat kittens soon!’’

For a chance to see love blossom between Oscar and Ossian, visit the zoo for a ‘purrfect’ Valentine’s Day out with your ‘otter’ half on 14 and 15 February and avail of the 2-for-1admissions offer, follow the love trail and grab a memento with zoo love bird photography offers, or if you’re single and ready to ‘Flamingle’ check out the zoo singles offer on 16 February.

For more information on the zoo’s events and Valentines weekend please visit: http://www.belfastzoo.co.uk/news-and-events/events/Events-5583.aspx.