Pictured is: Helen Setterfield, chair, OG Cancer NI outside the Cancer Centre at the Belfast City Hospital ahead of the launch of the OG Cancer 2021 Catch It Early campaign which is encouraging people to look for the signs of oesophageal-gastric cancers.
OG Cancer NI, the oesophageal and stomach cancer charity, will hold its Spring Wellbeing meeting online on Saturday, March 27 at 11am, with leading medics and members of the charity taking part.
The meeting, which comes at a time when OG Cancer NI is undertaking its Catch It Early campaign to raise awareness of the symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancer, is titled ‘Improving Your Quality of Life’.
Dr Inder Mainie, Consultant Gastroenterologist in the Belfast Trust and Dr Olinda Santin, Lecturer in Supportive Cancer Care will present to participants and be available to answer any questions.
The meeting is designed to support those undergoing or recovering from treatment of oesophageal and stomach cancer.
Mr Andrew Kennedy, Consultant Upper GI Surgeon said: “As a surgeon treating patients with oesophago-gastric cancer, I cannot over-emphasise the essential role provided by OGCancerNI to my patients.”
“I also know from my patients’ perspective how valuable they and their families find the services offered by OGCancerNI, particularly their bi-annual Wellbeing meeting.”
The meeting, which will take the form of a Zoom call, is an opportunity for people to get together with other people going through similar experiences or treatments and hear from medical experts.
More than 400 people were diagnosed with oesophageal and stomach cancer each year prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and OG Cancer NI, chair, Helen Setterfield, feels it is now more important than ever to make sure that anyone worried seeks appropriate help.
“The Catch It Early campaign work highlights the major impact that disruption to cancer services has had on early diagnosis of oesophageal and stomach cancer.
“We urge the health service to do all that it can to enable these conditions to be monitored and diagnosed quickly, as early diagnosis saves lives.”
While the campaign continues, Helen said the charity will continue with its other work, such as the bi-annual wellbeing meetings.
“We continue to receive positive feedback from participants,” she said.
“One told us ‘It was great just to talk to other people who had been through a similar experience; it was reassuring to know what I was experiencing was normal’.”
Symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancer include persistent heartburn or acid reflux that doesn’t go away, trouble swallowing, sudden weight loss, regurgitation or hiccups that do not go away”.
“Recent figures show that there has been a drop in the number of referrals to hospitals by GPs of patients showing symptoms in 2020 compared to previous years so we want to make sure that we reverse that,” said Helen.
“Early diagnosis leads to a much better chance of survival from this cancer which has a 20% survival rate of five or more years, according to the NI Cancer Registry 2019.”
The OG Cancer NI Catch It Early campaign, funded by the National Lottery and OG Cancer, strives not only to increase the awareness of the signs of oesophageal-gastric cancers in the public but also throughout the medical and caring professions.
For more on the wellbeing meeting or the work of OG Cancer NI contact info@ogcancerni.com
For further information go toogcancerni.com, follow #OGCancerNI, call 07568 157450 or make an appointment to see your local GP today.
According to human resources and recruitment specialists People HQ, the first signs of recovery in the jobs market have begun to appear as the country looks forward to the easing of restrictions in coming months.
Founder of the North Down based People HQ, Greg Quinn, said that recent surveys and market analyses have shown that employers are now beginning to look to fill posts.
“ONS, university research and the CIPD winter analysis have been more positive now from anytime since the beginning of the pandemic,” he explained.
“The CIPD Labour Market Outlook showed that the net employment balance, that is worked out by measuring the difference between employers hiring and those reducing staff, has risen for the first time since lockdowns began last March.”
Greg, who is a Fellow of CIPD, said that at this time good professional advice has never been more important.
“The current business environment means that business needs to plan ahead, make decisions and ensure their strategy and actions are taking advantage of every opportunity available,” he explained.
“We have found that employees still in post have had to adapt to new ways of working, whether due to working from home or having a blended home and office working week.
“Client organisations had to move very quickly to ensure employees had the relevant home setup to conduct their roles effectively. Communication with teams has never been so important, at People HQ we worked with numerous clients to help them work with their team communications.”
Equally, Greg explained that it was also vital to support those seeking work.
“We continue to help candidates,” he said, adding: “Times have been tough for those who have been made redundant.
“We help candidates by providing support with CVs, interview advice and coach them along the journey to their next role, helping them gain their confidence again, and hopefully with these first signs of the green shoots of recovery they will find the post best suited to them.”
Dr Adam Hunniford, founder of PiP Chemicals inside PiP Chemicals in Newtownards, Co Down
Photo by: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Keywords: chemicals, biocides, hand sanitiser, automotive, adam hunniford, pip chemicals
There was a time when the word biocide would not have been known outside very specific industry areas and regulatory bodies. But the Covid-19 pandemic has made many more aware of what role biocides have in making sure people and places are not exposed to harmful microorganisms.
With governments urging us all to ensure our hands are clean and that surfaces are clear of contaminants the awareness of what biocides are has become more apparent.
Unfortunately there has been a proliferation of products coming into the market from suppliers who do not have the experience, and more worryingly the certification, in supplying biocide products (or any chemical products at all).
While I founded PiP Chemicals nine years ago my background, from when I was 14, involved helping out my father in his chemical business, as well as having been involved in regulatory work throughout my career.
That is why when we opened the business we knew that we had to be able to stand up for the best principles and standards.
We don’t supply direct to the customer, for both our automotive cleaning products and biocides, but we want to make sure that the people we supply to are confident in labelling the product with the certification and regulatory information to ensure that they are used safely and do the job for which they are intended.
The EU put in place the Biocidal Products Regulations (BPR) that sets out the rules for what biocidal active components can be used.
Whether it is the wholesaler we supply to or a company tendering for a contract that will include use of our products it is incumbent to have done the regulatory groundwork and be aware of the complexities.
There are a number of non-chemicals companies now selling biocides with no idea that their products can damage skin, cause sight problems or worse, leave a lasting health issue.
There are companies that are supplying hand sanitisers containing methanol. Methanol is toxic even if absorbed through the skin. The government’s Compendium of Chemical Hazards lists it as toxic, including when used on skin. It is toxic exposure if you use it in anything that comes into direct contact, plain and simple.
That’s the consequence of individuals and businesses who simply don’t know what they’re doing. There are so many examples where people who don’t understand this industry have put out dangerous products, product recalls should not be happening and the race to the bottom on price is only going to lead to toxic and lower efficacy products entering the marketplace. Remember young children are putting these on their hands too.
From our long experience in working with cleaning and cleansing products we can prove that our product is effective against not only bacteria, but also viruses. We do not skip on the validation of effectiveness. We meet certifications such as EN 1276, EN 1500 and EN 14476. The latter is the certification of effectiveness relating to viruses. If your product or the product you are purchasing does not have EN 14476 certification, you need to ask why not. Having an EN 14476 is essential in attempting to combat Coronavirus – without it you are just guessing..
To be clear in the US the FDA advises: “Consumers who have hand sanitizers with methanol on the label should dispose of the products as hazardous waste”.
We have also come across products that have ethyl acetate in them – safe for removing nail varnish, but definitely not for rubbing on your hands. [https://healthycanadians.gc.ca/recall-alert-rappel-avis/hc-sc/2020/73385a-eng.php]
The biocide industry has been massively diluted by the Covid-19 pandemic, with many companies having popped up and producing potentially harmful chemicals for less than a year.
When the health and social care sector or the education authorities purchase from such an organisation because they are looking for the cheapest option that seems to be more value for money there are many questions that arise. Firstly, has the product got the necessary certifications and secondly is the product they have got really the one that was tested? This is the problem we find with companies who aren’t experienced in this area, with every change you make to the formula, ingredients, grade of alcohol and more you have to attain new certifications.
For example, maybe when they received their certification and began manufacturing they used one grade of alcohol and now, in order to maximise profitability on a large contract with low margins, they’re using something different. Do they know enough to know that it’s different? Maybe not. If they’re buying it from countries where they cannot visit the factory or verify the manufacturing process, how do they know what they are buying is what they asked for if they have no experience in this industry and no methods for testing the raw ingredients?
The bottom line is that many of these new companies or companies who have opened new lines of manufacturing into the chemicals industry don’t know enough about what they’re buying – they have no credibility as chemists or people who work with chemicals despite the fact that they’ll say they thought it had been tested. Before you even think of asking about the product you are buying, it is essential you make sure you buy from people who know chemicals.
There are some indicators that you may have been using a cheap and/or poorly formulated product. There may be nasty smells (such as that tequila smell), sticky residues, or dry skin. This is a result of massive cost cutting by dropping alcohol levels or alcohol quality.
It is the case that some organisations do not understand the differences in the type and quality of the alcohol that is being used and still being described as 70-80% alcohol content.
Processes need to be adhered to as, for example ethanol is licensed. For uses like hand sanitisers or cleaning products you can’t just use pure ethanol, it is just not allowed.
You have to use denatured ethanol. What you really should be using is what’s called trade specific denatured alcohol grade 1 TSDA1 and it is denatured in a specific manner. Choose an alternative grade of ethanol and you will have methanol content. The HMRC will tell you that you are allowed to use it, but that ignores the fact that it is enormously unsafe to do so.
It is not just about us being asked about our certification, we want an informed marketplace that knows the questions to ask and not just ‘we like your product, it’s good and cheap’. Instead we want the market to be asking about our EN 14476 certification and asking to provide a certificate to show the ethanol source and grade.
That is the way that the industry as a whole can move to a safer model from sources through to manufacturers, to wholesalers and ultimately for the end user.
I want to be confident that every hand sanitiser, every cleaning product, and every associated product meets the health and safety obligations incumbent upon it and does the job it is intended to do, with no unnecessary risks.
I encourage businesses who want to know more to get in touch, and ask the right questions and be confident in the answers.
The Trading Standards may come calling if it is suspected that what is being sold is not up to standard, more importantly organisations need to be concerned that the Health and Safety Executive may come calling after a member of the public suffers from using dangerous, toxic products.For information go to pip-chemicals.co.uk
Northern Ireland charity OG Cancer NI today warned people with symptoms of oesophageal and stomach cancer to contact their doctor as soon as possible as they launch their “Catch It Early” 2021 awareness campaign.
More than 400 people per year were diagnosed with oesophageal and stomach cancer each year prior to the Covid-19 pandemic and OG Cancer NI, chair, Helen Setterfield, feels it is now more important as ever to make sure that anyone worried seeks help.
“The current lockdowns and urgent need to protect the health service has affected the number of people contacting their doctors,” she said.
“But you should not hesitate to make the call if you experience persistent heartburn that doesn’t go away, trouble swallowing, regurgitation or hiccups that do not go away”
“Recent figures show that there has been a drop in the number of those referred by their GP to the hospital due to showing symptoms in 2020 compared to previous years so we want to make sure that we reverse that
“Early diagnosis leads to a much better chance of survival from this cancer which has a 20% survival rate of five or more years, according to the NI Cancer Registry 2019.”
Helen herself is a survivor of oesophageal cancer as is Shauneen Brown from Lurgan.
Even though the majority of cases are diagnosed in men and women over 60, Shauneen wants everyone to be aware of the symptoms: “I was 40 when I was diagnosed and we know of people in their 30s who have been diagnosed and treated,” she explained.
Pictured is: Louise Collins (OG Clinical Nurse Specialist, Belfast Trust), Karen Graham (OG Clinical Nurse Specialist, Belfast Trust) and Maureen Toner (OG Clinical Nurse Specialist, Belfast Trust) outside the Cancer Centre at the Belfast City Hospital ahead of the launch of the OG Cancer 2021 Catch It Early campaign which is encouraging people to look for the signs of oesophageal-gastric cancers. More info at https://ogcancerni.com Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press.
“Just because you might not fit the typical statistic doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take your symptoms seriously.”
OG Cancer NI was founded in 2018 and provides telephone support to newly diagnosed patients, information stands in the hospital, wellbeing meetings providing peer to peer and professional advice and support and funding for local research or equipment projects which will improve patient wellbeing.
“We work with GPs to raise awareness so when patients present with the symptoms of Oesophageal and Gastric cancers they take the appropriate action,” said Helen.
“Consult your doctor if you experience persistent or recurring Indigestion, food sticking in your throat, difficulty swallowing, heartburn or acid reflux, hiccups that won’t go away, or unexplained weight loss.”
The OG Cancer NI Catch It Early campaign, funded by the National Lottery and OG Cancer, strives not only to increase the awareness of the signs of oesophageal-gastric cancers in the public but also throughout the medical and caring professions.
For further information go to ogcancerni.com, follow #OGCancerNI, call 07568 157450 or make an appointment to see your local GP today.
Singer songwriter Anthony Toner playing St Patrick’s Day Live from Sailortown
Pic by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, 07305354209, tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
St Joseph’s Chapel in Sailortown Belfast came alive for St Patrick’s Day yesterday from 2pm celebrating cultural and historical heritage of the historic area of the city.
After years of restoration St Joseph’s Chapel was transformed to a community hub that hosted the event on March 17 from 2pm to 9pm.
Project manager for Sailortown Regeneration, Terry McKeown said music, dancing, storytelling and art were all featured for the landmark occasion for Sailortown.
“We are delighted to have had such a stellar line-up,” Terry said.
“The years of campaigning and hard work to open St Joseph’s deserve to be celebrated and the event was a packed day that had audiences joining us from all over the world including America, Canada, Italy and Australia.”
The performances broadcasted live from St Joseph’s across two stages with all the acts introduced by U105 presenter and DJ, Johnny Hero.
Opening the day was Dál Riada Folk, a three-piece band who brought their selection of Irish folk songs, Irish and Scottish reels and jigs and modern folk.
Seamus Lavery of Dalriada Folk said: “Although I was not born in Sailortown I have a long association with St Joseph’s through Conradh na Gaelidhge.
“In more recent times I have been a supporter of the Save St Joseph’s campaign, playing with the band at fundraisers and a few years ago we played in the church when it was reopened.”
Closing the proceedings was The Lee Hedley Band, whose inspired blues sets have delighted audiences across Europe, the States and North Africa for more than a quarter of a century and light up Sailortown.
Singer songwriters Amanda St John and Anthony Toner were among the line up.
Anthony, who released his song Sailortown in 2008, added: “St Joseph’s is a beautiful building, the atmosphere of churches is always welcoming to musicians, I think – there’s a sense of the music rising up into the rafters that you don’t get in more traditional venues.
“The history of that part of the city adds another layer of importance to the place, and the exciting plans for its regeneration make it feel multi-layered, the past and the future of Sailortown collide right here, in this space, right now.
“It’s a pleasure to have been part of such a wonderful bill of musicians and dancers and artists, to also see films included in the line up as well.”
Amanda added: “The gig was amazing. I was really missing proper gigs so much. It’s exciting to have full stage sound and lighting set up and to be on the bill with so many other local talents.”
A feature during the day was the presentation of an NVTV film on Sailortown, recounting the history, and the battles to win the lease when the church was deconsecrated through to the ongoing work.
Singer songwriter, Ludwig O’Neill, is no stranger to Sailortown having campaigned to keep the Rotterdam and Pat’s Bar from development, will bring his dark, realistic folk and blues tunes to the party.
He said: “I am very pleased to have been included in this St Patrick’s Day event almost a year since I played there before.
“Sailortown is in my blood, it’s the heartbeat of North Belfast and over the years has been Belfast’s conduit to the rest of the world. St Joseph’s chapel has long been the spiritual hub of that area.”
This year’s St Patrick’s Day event was being funded by Intercom, The Executive Office and The Community Relations Council.
Terry said it’s a big turning point in the history of the chapel.
She added: “It’s about bringing people back to showcase the creative talent that’s in Belfast and celebrating the transformation of the Chapel on the quays to a community hub.”
Also on the bill was musician and songwriter Hugh Jordan who is best known for his hit Road to Donegal about returning Irish-immigrants.
Award winning dancer and musician Edel Ní Churraoin performed with the Sean Nos Dancers including a solo from Meabh Muir.
Other acts who appeared included The String Ninjas, The Adventures, the Ferris School of Irish Dancers, Patrick Ryan, Seamus McPeak and Paul Dean.
St Patrick’s Day Live from Sailortown was streamed live on a variety of social media platforms and available for replay on the Sailortown RegenerationFacebook page or atsailortownregeneration.com
Photoshoot ahead of the St Patrick’s Day Live online event presented by Sailortown Regeneration at St Joseph’s Belfast on March 17th 2021.
Terry McKeown, project manager, Sailortown Regeneration
Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209 or tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
Sailortown’s St Patricks’ Day show will be live streamed across eight online platforms, from Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and NVTV, from 2pm to 9pm from St Joseph’s Chapel.
With a packed schedule of music, dance and art it represents a unique to celebrate the Patron Saint as well pay tribute to the work to restore St Joseph’s as a community hub.
Project manager for Sailortown Regeneration, Terry McKeown said it was important that they were able to share this landmark occasion for Sailortown.
“We are delighted to have such a stellar line-up that we can broadcast to friends, near and far” Terry said.
“The years of campaigning and hard work to open St Joseph’s deserve to be celebrated and we can promise that it will be a packed day that will have you not wanting to miss a minute.”
Several performances will be live broadcasted from St Joseph’s across two stages and all the acts will be introduced by U105 presenter and DJ, Johnny Hero.
Seamus Lavery of opening act, Dalriada Folk said: “Although I was not born in Sailortown I have a long association with St Joseph’s through Conradh na Gaelidhge.
“In more recent times I have been a supporter of the Save St Joseph’s campaign, playing with the band at fundraisers and a few years ago we played in the church when it was reopened.
A feature during the day will be the presentation of a video on Sailortown, recounting the history, and the battles to win the lease when the church was deconsecrated through to the ongoing work.
Seamus O’Neill, director of Belfast City Blues Festival said: “As I was born and bred in Fleet Street Sailortown, I am a million per cent behind this event and everything Terry McKeown and her team and friends are actively doing to bring Sailortown back to what it once was, a brilliant, vibrant and positive community hub in Belfast City.
The Belfast City Blues Festival is looking forward to working with Sailortown Regeneration.”
Susan Picken, director of Cathedral Quarter Trust and Culture Night Belfast said: “Fantastic to see the great online programme our friends and ’neighbours’ Sailortown Regeneration are putting on for St Patrick’s Day – can’t wait.”
Simon Wood, Chairperson, Northern Visions TV said: “We are delighted to be able to support the Sailortown community and former residents on St. Patrick’s Day, they say that sometimes you will never know the true value of a moment until it becomes a memory, let us hope that the enthusiasm of those intent on saving what is left of this community brings a brighter future.”
Singer songwriters Amanda St John and Anthony Toner will be among the line-up. Anthony, who released his song Sailortown in 2008, said: “St Joseph’s is a beautiful building, the atmosphere of churches is always welcoming to musicians, I think – there’s a sense of the music rising up into the rafters that you don’t get in more traditional venues.
“The history of that part of the city adds another layer of importance to the place, and the exciting plans for its regeneration make it feel multi-layered, the past and the future of Sailortown collide right here, in this space, right now.”
Singer songwriter, Ludwig O’Neill, is no stranger to Sailortown having campaigned to keep the Rotterdam and Pat’s Bar from development, will bring his dark, realistic folk and blues tunes to the party.
He said: “I am very pleased to have been included in this St Patrick’s Day event almost a year since I played there before.
“Sailortown is in my blood, it’s the heartbeat of North Belfast and over the years has been Belfast’s conduit to the rest of the world. St Joseph’s chapel has long been the spiritual hub of that area.”
This year’s St Patrick’s Day event is being funded by Intercom, The Executive Office and The Community Relations Council.
Terry said it’s a big turning point in the history of the chapel. She added: “It’s about bringing people back to showcase the creative talent that’s in Belfast and celebrating the transformation of the Chapel on the quays to a community hub.”
“The rich cultural and historical heritage of Sailortown is something we look forward to celebrating on St Patrick’s Day.
“This will also be an event with an eye very much on the future at St Joseph’s and what we hope will be a vibrant future.”
A full list of St Patrick’s Day Live from Sailortown streams is below.
All performances and the event will adhere to Covid-19 restrictions.
Details of the line-up can be found at sailortownregeneration.com or on Sailortown Regeneration Facebook page.
Greg Quinn of People HQ in Newtownards celebrates the opening of his new offices following a £30,000 investment into the business. Photo by: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
Human resources specialist consultancy, People HQ, has opened new offices in the heart of Newtownards to further advance the business ambitions of its clients.
Founder, Greg Quinn, said the opening of the new office represented the latest stage of the evolution of People HQ and its range of services.
“When I created People HQ in 2019 I always wanted to make sure we had a physical presence,” he explained.
“Opening the office in The Precinct is a statement of intent to new and existing clients that we will continue to offer the full range of human resources services.”
Throughout the current lockdown Greg has been on call for his clients offering a variety of services in human resources, recruitment, training and development.
“We serve clients of all sizes across multiple sectors, including the fast moving consumer goods, manufacturing, retail and hospitality sectors where we have been busy helping both our clients and candidates navigate their way through the pandemic,” said Greg.
“I opened People HQ with the vision of wanting to help businesses across every aspect of the employee life cycle and thats exactly what we have been doing. If a business owner has a HR or recruitment problem or they need support with team development my team can help. I penned the strapline ‘We’re the HQ for HR’ when I started the business, we have delivered across all fronts for many clients to date and look forward to helping more as the business grows..
“This past year has been a challenge for many business owners, never before has looking after their teams been so important. Even if tough decisions have to be made, I am right there with business owners to help them make those decisions and ensure a fair process is followed. ”
The new People HQ offices represent a £30,000+ investment, and means that Greg and his team will be able to provide their holistic HR and recruitment service across Northern Ireland and in the Republic of Ireland.
“We chose Newtownards as after 25 years in industry I wanted to bring my knowledge and skillset to help those businesses that I shop in daily,” he explained.
“We are also the first established Human Resource & Recruitment Consultancy on the high street in Newtownards.
“Our location allows us to easily serve our current clients as well as established a growing client base around North Down and beyond.”
Greg said that at this time good professional advice has never been more important.
“The current business environment means that business needs to plan ahead, make decisions and ensure their strategy and actions are taking advantage of every opportunity available,” he explained.
“We have found that employees still in post have had to adapt to new ways of working, whether that be due to working from home or having a blended home and office working week.
“Client organisations had to move very quickly to ensure employees had the relevant home setup to conduct their roles effectively. Communication with teams has never been so important, at People HQ we worked with numerous clients to help them work with their team communications.”
Photoshoot ahead of the St Patrick’s Day Live online event presented by Sailortown Regeneration at St Joseph’s Belfast on March 17th 2021.
Singer songwriter Amanda St John
Photo by Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
For more information contact Tina Calder, Excalibur Press, 07305354209 or tina@excaliburpress.co.uk
The line-up has been revealed for a packed seven hours of entertainment live streamed on St Patrick’s Day from 2pm celebrating cultural and historical heritage of Belfast’s Sailortown.
After years of restoration St Joseph’s Chapel has been transformed to a community hub that will host the event on March 17 from 2pm to 9pm.
Project manager for Sailortown Regeneration, Terry McKeown said music, dancing, storytelling and art will feature for this landmark occasion for Sailortown.
“We are delighted to have such a stellar line-up,” Terry said.
“The years of campaigning and hard work to open St Joseph’s deserve to be celebrated and we can promise that it will be a packed day that will have you not wanting to miss a minute.”
Several performances will be live broadcasted from St Joseph’s across two stages and all the acts will be introduced by U105 presenter and DJ, Johnny Hero.
Opening the day will be Dál Riada Folk, a three-piece band who will bring their selection of Irish folk songs, Irish and Scottish reels and jigs and modern folk.
Seamus Lavery of Dalriada Folk said: “Although I was not born in Sailortown I have a long association with St Joseph’s through Conradh na Gaelidhge.
“In more recent times I have been a supporter of the Save St Joseph’s campaign, playing with the band at fundraisers and a few years ago we played in the church when it was reopened.
Closing the proceedings is The Lee Hedley Band, whose inspired blues sets have delighted audiences across Europe, the States and North Africa for more than a quarter of a century and will now light up Sailortown.
Singer songwriters Amanda St John and Anthony Toner will be among the line up.
Anthony, who released his song Sailortown in 2008, added: “St Joseph’s is a beautiful building, the atmosphere of churches is always welcoming to musicians, I think – there’s a sense of the music rising up into the rafters that you don’t get in more traditional venues.
“The history of that part of the city adds another layer of importance to the place, and the exciting plans for its regeneration make it feel multi-layered, the past and the future of Sailortown collide right here, in this space, right now.
“It’s a pleasure to be part of such a wonderful bill of musicians and dancers and artists, to also see films included in the line up as well.”
Amanda added: “I’m really looking forward to performing at this event as I’m missing proper gigs so much. It’s exciting to have full stage sound & lighting set up and to be on the bill with so many other local talents.
“I’ll be performing acoustically with my piano player so it’ll be a very stripped back set of some of my favourite Irish ballads.”
A feature during the day will be the presentation of a video on Sailortown, recounting the history, and the battles to win the lease when the church was deconsecrated through to the ongoing work.
Singer songwriter, Ludwig O’Neill, is no stranger to Sailortown having campaigned to keep the Rotterdam and Pat’s Bar from development, will bring his dark, realistic folk and blues tunes to the party.
He said: “I am very pleased to have been included in this St Patrick’s Day event almost a year since I played there before.
“Sailortown is in my blood, it’s the heartbeat of North Belfast and over the years has been Belfast’s conduit to the rest of the world. St Joseph’s chapel has long been the spiritual hub of that area.”
This year’s St Patrick’s Day event is being funded by Intercom, The Executive Office and The Community Relations Council.
Terry said it’s a big turning point in the history of the chapel.
She added: “It’s about bringing people back to showcase the creative talent that’s in Belfast and celebrating the transformation of the Chapel on the quays to a community hub.”
Also on the bill are musician and songwriter Hugh Jordan who is best known for his hit Road to Donegal about returning Irish-immigrants.
Award winning dancer and musician Edel Ní Churraoin will perform with the Sean Nos Dancers including a solo from Meabh Meir.
Other acts appearing include The String Ninjas, The Adventures, the Ferris School of Irish Dancers, Patrick Ryan, Seamus McPeak and Paul Dean.
“The rich cultural and historical heritage of Sailortown is something we look forward to celebrating on St Patrick’s Day,” said Terry.
“This will also be an event with an eye very much on the future at St Joseph’s and what we hope will be a vibrant future.”
St Patrick’s Day Live from Sailortown will be streamed live on a variety of social media platforms. All performances and the event will adhere to Covid-19 restrictions.
Dr Adam Hunniford, founder of PiP Chemicals inside PiP Chemicals in Newtownards, Co Down Photo by: Francine Montgomery / Excalibur Press
A Northern Ireland company has warned that substandard and noncompliant biocidal products are being sold as hand sanitisers, resulting in the potential of harm.
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, produces scientifically proven and regulatory compliant sanitising products to industry, and makes sure that all its products meet high certification standards.
Founder, Dr Adam Hunniford said that there needs to be stricter controls to keep the public safe.
“At this time when we need to be cleaning our hands to help stave off the spread of Covid-19 for the foreseeable future,” he said.
“However, if you are not using a sanitiser that is certified and has been through the regulatory processes then it could be causing harm.”
“Many appear to contain methanol, which the government’s Compendium of Chemical Hazards describes as toxic, including when used on skin.”
PiP Chemicals, based in Newtownards, was established nine years ago by Dr Hunniford, applying his experience in chemical formulation and manufacturing to produce a range of chemical products, specialising in biocides and automotive care.
It provides direct to business, not to the end user, and as such are experts in what should and should not be included in products.
“Our products have multiple test certifications, including BS EN 1500 and BS EN 14476” Dr Hunniford said. “We have gone to the trouble to make sure that the biocide contents are of the highest quality. If you are using a product that does not have the test certification you need to ask why it does not.”
Dr Hunniford said that there are some indicators that some hand sanitisers are not suitable.
“If it smells bad, don’t use it – there is a good chance it has been made from some questionable alcohol source,” he said. “If it has a sticky residue after use or leaves you with dry skin then people will be discouraged from using it so it won’t do the job it is supposed to.”
“Buyers should also be alerted to products claiming to be ‘safe’, ‘natural’, ‘eco-friendly’ or other such claims – these are prohibited by the regulations and indicate a manufacturer which is failing in it’s basic regulatory obligations.”
“There may be additives that are also toxic – an inexperienced manufacturer can fall into this trap simply by using the wrong grade of alcohol.”
“At a time when we are all conscious of the need to stay safe and healthy it is only right to make sure that the sanitiser you are using or buying has been tested thoroughly and meets all health and safety requirements.”
The Grand Central Hotel in Belfast is well-known for its delectable dining including stunning afternoon tea which can be enjoyed in the Observatory located on the 23rd floor boasting breath-taking views of Belfast and beyond.
If you fancy trying your hand at something different for St Patrick’s Day, the Grand Central’s Pastry Chef, Caitlin Lopes, has shared a delightful recipe to make at home. Enjoy!
St Patrick’s Day Choux Bun Recipe with a green sable topping and a pistachio filling
Ingredients
Brown sugar craquelin
75g butter (soft)
90g soft light brown sugar
85g plain flour
Green food colouring (or desired colour)
Choux ingredients
125ml milk
125ml water
125g butter
Pinch of salt
10g sugar
245g eggs (lightly beaten)
160g strong flour (sieved)
Pistachio diplomat
125ml whole milk
125ml double cream
1tsp vanilla bean paste
45g egg yolk
40g caster sugar
20g plain flour
10g cornflour
30g pistachio paste
1 leaf gelatine (soaked in ice cold water)
85g semi whipped double cream
Method – Brown Sugar Craquelin
1. Beat butter and sugar until smooth
2. Add flour and food colouring (add food colouring bit by bit until you get your desired colour)
3. Let rest for at 30 minutes
4. Lightly flour your bench and roll your craquelin until approx 2-3mm thick
5. Cut to desired size and keep in fridge until required
Method – Choux pastry
1. Heat oven on to 170ºC fan assisted
2. Place milk, water, butter, salt and sugar into a wide based pan and bring to a simmer
3. Add in sieved flour and keep mixing vigorously with a wooden spoon until your dough comes away from the sides of the pan to form one piece of dough
4. Allow dough to cool for 5 to 7 minutes before gradually adding in your eggs bit by bit. When each bit of egg is added ensure that it has been fully mixed into your dough before adding any more. You should end up with a smooth glossy dough of thick dropping consistency
5. Pipe mixture onto a baking tray lined with baking parchment and top with craquelin (you want your craquelin to be a few centimetres bigger than your piped choux)
6. Bake at 170ºC for 15-20 minutes then lower your oven to 130ºC and cook for a further 15 minutes.
Method – Pistachio diplomat
1. Heat milk, cream, vanilla and pistachio paste to a simmer
2. Whisk egg yolks sugar and flours
3. Gradually pour cream mix over egg mix continuously whisking
4. Place back on the heat and keep whisking (do not leave it or it will scramble) until you can make a figure of 8
5. Whisk in gelatine
6. Set over ice
7. Once set smooth with a spatula
8. When smooth lightly fold in semi whipped cream and place in the fridge for approximately 20 minutes
9. Pipe into choux buns (whichever way suits you best!)
