Author: whatsonni

GUY Martin when interviewed by the BBC Northern Ireland has confirmed he intends to be at this year’s Armoy Road Races which highlights the high regard the top riders have for this testing three-mile road race.

Bill Kennedy MBE Clerk of the Course at the Armoy Motorcycle Road Racing Club said he was thrilled to hear the news. He said, “Guy Martin has always been a great supporter of the Armoy Road Races and raced at Armoy up until 2015, thereafter he occasionally competed in classic and classic superbike races.

“We know that Guy would love to be back at Armoy and riding in the Classics race, but we also understand that his diary this year is pretty packed, including trying to achieve 300mph on a motorbike amidst a few projects the timing of which we believe have not been confirmed yet.

“Like all things Guy, until he’s on the boat and heading to Armoy, or even driving into the paddock, just before the races, we’ll not know for sure. However, his intention to race at the 2021 Armoy Road Races will be a great boost for the spectators and the Club.”

Guy who won the Torquetronix Superbike Race in 2015 for Tyco-BMW Motorrad Racing has previously said “It’s a right well organised meeting” and he “always tries to fit the Armoy in” but if he does race this year, he’ll be racing in the Senior Classics as opposed to racing in the Superbike or Open Races.

Bill continued; “To date, we are doing very well for race entries but we’ve some time yet. All entries are required to be in by the closing date Monday 28^th June 2021. Likewise, our spectator passes, which we launched last month, due to the pandemic restrictions are also going well. We know that there are many keen to attend the event, and also keen to understand the restrictions but the only thing I’ll say, particularly in this ever-changing world, is that the Club will be doing its very best to run these races and do so, safely.

“We understand there are lots of questions and to that end we have a frequently asked question page, where we address riders and spectators’ questions as best as possible. We’ve less than three months to the races and circumstances could very well change again – we’ll just have to wait and see.

“What I do know is that everyone is behind us, we’ve been working on the course already and we are finalising sponsors as I speak, although I think that’ll take a few weeks longer. There’ll be racing in Armoy on Friday and Saturday, the 30^th and 31^st July and the likes of Guy Martin in the mix is very welcome news indeed.”

For more information visit www.armoyroadraces.com or search for ‘AMRRC’ on Facebook or follow on twitter @ArmoyRoadRaces.

15 April – 8 May 2021

VIEW THE SHOW

Online at gallery545.com – always open

Open at Gallery 545 at Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY – on

Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays 10.30am-5.30pm from 30 April

(30 April, 1, 6, 7, 8 May, no booking required)

EVENTS

Virtual Tour Live on Instagram @gallery545online – Saturday 24 April, 2-2.30pm

Meet the artist at Gallery 545 – Saturday 1 May, 2-4pm

‘Wander Lands’ features award-winning artist Lisa Ballard. It presents her recent body of work, a series of atmospheric paintings inspired by landscapes she encountered in Ireland and around the world and her emotional response to them.

Ballard depicted enthralling distant or closer views of beautiful natural scenes. Leaning towards abstraction, but holding on to figurative elements, the paintings are a journey taking the viewer to towering mountains, majestic glaciers, rocky deserts, trees on hills and along sea coasts. While recollecting memories of countries she visited, the artist was drawn to the temporal in the landscape, and she captured in her works her experience – visual and emotional, of being in that moment and place. Ballard used the landscape to explore her fascination with colour and light. She intuitively played with brighter and more subdued hues, and applied washes, oil and spray paint to recreate the colours observed under the light of a particular time of the day or season. She also evoked the feelings arisen in her by the landscapes and their atmospheres – a sense of peace and calmness or animated liveliness.

The paintings were created through and reflect this artistic process – a series of diverse evocative semi-figurative natural scenes, all with a unique colour palette and light, suggesting joyful or serene moods, but also expressing the pleasure of the act of painting.

This solo exhibition is curated by Francesca Biondi, Art Director at Gallery 545 in collaboration with Lisa Ballard.

Artworks can be viewed and purchased online, at virtual private viewings or in person at Gallery 545. For enquiries, contact Francesca hello@gallery545.com / +44 7960 130414.

More online – a video tour and an interview with the artists are on the exhibition page.

Visiting the exhibition in person at Gallery 545 from 30th April when restrictions are eased. We would be delighted to welcome you at Gallery 545! There will be measures in place because of Covid-19 to keep visitors safe. The number of people allowed at the same time in the exhibition space is limited to 6. When visiting the exhibition, please wear a face mask /covering, adhere to social distancing guidelines, and leave your contact details for tracing purposes. Any updates about Covid-19 measures will be published on the exhibition page on our website. Unfortunately, there is no disabled access to this venue. https://gallery545.com/blogs/exhibitions/lisa-ballard-solo-exhibition.

About Lisa Ballard

Lisa Ballard lives and works in Belfast. She is an Associate Member of the Royal Ulster Academy, has exhibited extensively in Ireland and further afield and has won awards for her artistic achievements. Her paintings have been purchased for numerous private and public collections including those of the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Ireland’s State Collection.

About Gallery 545

Gallery 545 is an online and pop-up gallery specialising in contemporary art of Northern Ireland and offering a special selection of affordable art works and fine art prints created by talented artists based here. The gallery celebrates the creativity of emerging and more established artists across the region and supports their practice providing a curated platform where they can showcase and sell their works. Having an online presence, but also pop-up exhibitions, the gallery brings art to a wide range of people with different tastes and budgets who love contemporary art, and makes it easier for them to access, discover and collect art works.

Find more information about Lisa Ballard and Gallery 545 at https://gallery545.com/.

Sunday 20 February 2022

Tickets on sale this Friday at 9am

In the 45th year since the release of his album “Spanish Train and Other Stories”, we are proud to announce that Chris will be embarking on an epic tour with his band to promote his brand new album “The Legend of Robin Hood.”

The tour, taking place in early 2022, will compromise of an entire performance of the new album plus many of his greatest hits. 

Tickets on sale this Friday at 9am:

www.waterfront.co.uk

www.ticketmaster.ie

www.cdeb.com

www.facebook.com/cdebofficial

Full Irish tour:

• Killarney, INEC: 15 February
• Cork, Opera House: 16 February
• Galway, Leisureland: 18 February
• Belfast, Waterfront Hall: Sunday 20 February 2022
• Dublin, Olympia Theatre: 22 February

Dog owners can now sign up for Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council’s Green Dog Walkers Scheme as part of its campaign against dog fouling.

The national initiative aims to tackle the ongoing anti-social problem by encouraging and supporting responsible dog ownership.

The scheme is free to sign up to and all participants will receive a Green Dog Walkers pack which includes branded dog leads, collars and poo bags.

It also encouraged dog owners to act as ambassadors by sharing spare poo bags with people who might need one for their pet when out and about.

Welcoming the scheme, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Alderman Mark Feilding said: “I am pleased to launch this new initiative as part of Council’s commitment to addressing the problem of dog fouling which exists across the Borough.

“Through its practical assistance and awareness-raising I hope we can start to see improvements. We are calling on our local dog owners to work in partnership with us to protect both our environment and our communities from this hazardous and anti-social behaviour.

“I would like to thank all our responsible dog owners who already play their part by cleaning up after their dog and I would encourage people to pledge their support to the Green Dog Walker Scheme by signing up now.”

If you would like to become a Green Dog Walker please email your name and address to greendogwalker@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk.

All those who sign up will receive a Green Dog Walker collar and lead for each licenced dog they own along with a keyring torch and approximately 50 branded poo bags. You can find out more information on our website at https://www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/health-and-built-environment/licensing/green-dog-walkers-scheme

Discover Northern Ireland serves up great self-catering options

It’s a land of stunning coastlines and dramatic countryside and the people are some of the friendliest you will meet. But you won’t need an epic trek to enjoy epic fun in 2021, with Northern Ireland on the doorstep.

Northern Ireland has amazing places to stay, from world-class luxurious five-star hotels to welcoming guesthouses, warm and cosy B&Bs and quirky one-off unmissable venues which have the potential to make your staycation a memorable one.

But if self-catering is what you’re after, then there are hundreds of places to choose from. In Northern Ireland, you can find adventures of all sorts, and self-catering can be the simplest and best-value way of giving you the freedom to come and go as you please.

Discover Northern Ireland has compiled a list of excellent self-catering options which have all the ingredients for the perfect staycation. Keep an eye out for the “We’re Good to Go” mark, Northern Ireland’s industry standard for tourism and hospitality businesses that are committed to operating safely so you can enjoy a visit with total confidence.

5* Willoughby Place, Enniskillen, County Fermanagh 

Willoughby Place is a 5* self-catering townhouse in the heart of Enniskillen. Built in the 1800s, the Grade II listed property has been the subject of extensive renovation to provide luxurious modern accommodation, whilst preserving its original Georgian layout and stunning period features. The house boasts three bedrooms comfortably sleeping up to six people in a mix of super king and double rooms. Features include a large reception room with an open fire and a modern well-equipped kitchen, which leads out through French doors into a charming south-facing courtyard complete with BBQ facilities. Furthermore, rather uniquely for a townhouse, the property has facilities to host a boat, and there is a public jetty at the nearby Round ‘O’, which is less than 200m away. www.willoughbyplace.co.uk  

5* Largy Coastal Apartments, Carnlough, County Antrim

This is luxury self-catering accommodation with magnificent sea views located in the second of the nine Glens of Antrim.  The three apartments are set in one and a half acres of gardens and woodland with a log cabin, a picnic area and a BBQ for outdoor dining. There is also a hot tub on the patio next to the log cabin for when you would like some relaxation.  The large spacious bedrooms are all ensuite, a modern kitchen is fully stocked with essentials while a welcome pack is provided for all guests. Offering garden or sea views, Largy Coastal Apartments has a terrace, along with a private beach area and a short walk into Carnlough town. www.largycoastalapartments.com

4* Ballygally Holiday Apartments, Ballygally, County Antrim

Set in five acres of a designated area of natural beauty opposite Ballygally beach, this is a family-run business which prides itself on high standards and a “home from home” environment. All apartments come with WiFi, a washer/dryer and widescreen TV, just some of the creature comforts on offer here – not to forget the safe play area for children on site. The business has won a host of tourism awards and all the essentials are provided. From here you can stride out on foot for a walk in the Antrim Glens themselves or take to four wheels and embark on the Causeway Coastal Route. www.ballygallyapartments.com

4* The Captains Cottage, Cushendall, Ballymena, County Antrim

The Captains Self Catering Cottage is a quaint but traditional-style cottage situated in a quiet location in Cushendall. This holiday home features a garden, BBQ facilities and free private parking as well as a fully equipped kitchen and large living area. This unique cottage features two bedrooms – one double (ensuite) and one twin that converts to a king size. Only a few minutes’ walk to the beach and village, this stay is perfect for a short family trip. https://discovernorthernireland.com/accommodation/the-captains-cottage-p725171

4* Fools Haven, Carrickfergus, County Antrim

This gem of a thatched cottage, with a historic blue plaque is over 250 years old with a strong Titanic connection. Fools Haven is where two local children, orphaned by the Titanic tragedy, were brought up. They had been sent to live there with their Aunt, when their father sailed on board the Titanic as an engineer on that fateful maiden voyage to New York in April 1912. Sleeping five with a fully modern kitchen while the outside space has a wooden BBQ hut, and a children’s playhouse, both set in a private garden. Guests receive a complimentary hospitality basket on arrival, celebrating locally sourced, quality award-winning foods. www.fools-haven.com  

4* Finn Valley Cottages, Strabane, County Tyrone

The Finn Valley luxury holiday homes in the rural location of Tyrone are surrounded by natural beauty looking out onto the Donegal hills. There are four great options to choose from, all include a wood burning stove, a free pool table and games room.  A stone’s throw away from River Mourne and River Finn where there is fantastic salmon and trout fishing, Finn Valley is also a great halfway point between Derry~Londonderry & Omagh. www.finnvalleycottages.co.uk  

4* & 5* Spice Cottages, Dungannon, County Tyrone

Four beautifully furnished and equipped cottages which have been recently converted from a former 150-year-old stone barn on a 40-acre site. They offer comfortable family sized accommodation in modern surroundings sleeping six to eight people. The kitchen/dining area is exceptionally well appointed and equipped while there is an outdoor BBQ area, new games room with table tennis facilities and various options for families and children including a stair gate, highchair, cot, kids outdoor play area and welcome pack. www.spicecottages.com

5* Scott’s Barn, Magherafelt, County Londonderry

Scott’s Barn is a luxurious country retreat situated at the foothills of the Sperrin Mountains, in the heart of Mid-Ulster. The 400-year-old Barn was restored in 2009 in keeping with its traditional style whilst incorporating all modern conveniences, including under floor heating, plasma digital TV, power shower and dual powered cooker. Sleeping five, the Barn has a luxurious open plan living, kitchen and dining area as well as its own private entrance, courtyard, and gardens where visitors can relax and enjoy. Nearby facilities include hill walking, fishing, cycling and golfing. All guests will receive a welcome pack on arrival and there is a courtyard with free parking. www.scottsbarn.co.uk  

4* Custom House, Newry, County Down

Opened in 2020, the Custom House building in Newry is just one hour from Belfast. With an unrivalled rooftop city centre location, luxury styling and superior amenities, the two bed apartments sleep four and includes kitchen, laundry room, smart TV & broadband, free parking, private balcony and room servicing and CCTV. There is plenty to explore within walking distance, such as shops, restaurants, shopping centres and much more. https://discovernorthernireland.com/accommodation/custom-house-apartments-p748481

5* The Bakers Cottages, Seaforde, County Down

Once a former bakery and fully refurbished in 2019, many of the original site features have been sympathetically restored, including the Bakers Hole well. Three beautifully furnished bedrooms sleeping six, the cottage offers views of the Mourne Mountains and the rolling fields with easy access to Belfast. The cottage is newly refurbished with WiFi throughout, wood burning stove, smart TVs with complimentary Netflix in all rooms, free standing bath in bathroom and fully equipped kitchen.

There is a private hot tub house that seats six people with a fridge, wood burning stove and bath robes/slippers provided. Sliding glass doors open out to a patio with outside seating and large lawn. A fully equipped play park will keep the kids entertained while you enjoy a BBQ looking out over the spectacular views or toast marshmallows over the fire pit. www.thebakerscottages.co.uk  

4* Clonlum Cottages, County Armagh

Clonlum Cottages are located at the foot of Slieve Gullion, on the doorstep of Ireland’s Mountain of Mystery. In these three newly refurbished cottages, guests can cosy up in front of a wood-burning stove to unwind after a day breath-taking mountain views and hikes. Snug, modern, luxuriously furnished abodes that sleep up to four people per cottage, at Clonlum guests can enjoy the BBQ and firepit area as well as privacy in its secluded setting away from main roads. This family-friendly staycation spot in south Armagh is surrounded by beauty and attractions such as Killeavy Castle, Camlough Lake and Carlingford village. www.clonlumholidaycottages.com

Northern Ireland’s Giant Welcome will be here for you to discover when the time is right to travel. For more information visit www.discovernorthernireland.com

For the latest government guidelines on COVID restrictions, visit www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/coronavirus-covid-19

Digital World Premiere: 8 April Available on-demand until 17 April 8pm to 8.45pm.

“The living have a way of haunting the dead” – Gilly Campbell   It is 1973 and Daughter is born to an unwed single mother from Downpatrick but who was her father? 45 years later she begins the journey to find out and discovers that the Derry man is not at all what she expected.

‘Father The Father’ was born out of Gilly Campbell’s need for catharsis in documenting her thoughts, feelings and questions surrounding the search and discovery of her father after 45 years of not knowing who he was, never mind meeting him.   At once sad and hopeful, this is just one story from the dark ages of secrecy that surrounded “illegitimate” children in Ireland. Giving a voice to those who are its legacy, this is a deeply personal tale of one woman’s relationship to her father and the questions she has always wanted to ask him.

Not an ode, but rather a woman taking ownership of the past, her identity and ultimately, her father.   Abigail McGibbon (Sadie, A Streetcar Named Desire, Everything Between Us (Irish Times Best Supporting Actress)) stars in this one-woman play brought to you by the award-winning Prime Cut Productions (Removed, Red, Scorch) and the MAC. Watch the digital world premiere online at 8pm on Thursday 8 April and on-demand until 11:59pm on Saturday 17 April.  

Filmed live in the Upstairs Theatre at the MAC.   How to book for and watch the Digital World Premiere, 8pm 8th April Click the BOOK NOW button and select Thursday 8 April as your date Select the price you wish to pay for your ticket using our ‘pay what you can’ model Follow the basket process through login and payment.

Remember to enter your mobile number if you wish to receive a reminder text link for the show Following booking, you will receive a confirmation email You’ll receive your link to watch the Digital World Premiere via email within 24hrs of show start time Click the link a few minutes before 8pm on Thursday 8 April, where the show will count down and premiere from 8pm – sit back, relax and enjoy from the comfort of your own home You will receive a separate link on Friday 9 April to watch the show on-demand until Saturday 17 April

Following a motion which was proposed by Councillor Mark Cooper and seconded by Councillor Julie Gilmour, the Council has committed to enhancing services, signing on social media videos and the appointment of a ‘Deaf Champion’.

The motion read:

“That this Council commits to being a Deaf Friendly Council, undertakes to

ensure all council services are accessible to those who are Deaf, commits to

providing signing on social media videos to highlight important events and

announcements within the Council area, promotes the introduction of Sign

Courses for staff, appoints a “Deaf Champion” within the Council and commits

to working with neighbouring Councils and Deaf organisations to promote Deaf

awareness. Commits to signing up to the BDA’s, BSL/ISL Charter to improve

access and rights for Deaf people who use sign language.”

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Jim Montgomery said; “Equality of access to services is a hugely important issue for our Council. We have made really positive progress, but we must continue to recognise and remove any barriers that prevent those with a disability from enjoying our Borough as an outstanding place to live, work and enjoy. I’m proud that we have made these commitments and I know they will be warmly welcomed by deaf people within our local community.”

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 23^rd 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!) 

10.  Enjoy with some hot chocolate sauce!

Have you heard of European Heritage Open Days? Would you like to take part this year?

This year marks the 24th year of European Heritage Open Days (EHOD) in Northern Ireland. It’s an annual celebration of local architecture, history and culture. It’s when hundreds of properties and locations open their doors and organise free events for the public each September.

• EHOD provides a unique opportunity for the public to see ‘behind closed doors’ at a variety of historic places, many of which are not normally open to the public.
• It’s when the public can enjoy talks, tours, exhibitions, workshops, walks, traditional skills demonstrations.
• It’s also a celebration of Northern Ireland’s history and culture through art, literature, song, dance, drama, film, food and crafts.

Getting involved

Your business can take part in EHOD by:

• putting on an event
• opening a historic property or building of interest to the public
• hosting an online event
• contributing digital content

The physical events are on 11 & 12 September whilst the digital offerings run from 6 to 12 September.

If you are interested you can to register with the Department for Communities. The deadline for registrations is 23:59 on Wednesday 5 May 2021.

Help to promote your offer for FREE

EHOD is co-ordinated by Department for Communities – Historic Environment Division. They’ll help you promote your offer to the public for FREE on @LoveHeritageNI social media channels, Dept. for Communities website, Discover NI website and in an e-brochure. There’s also help to manage bookings if needed and you’ll be given promotional material, all FREE.

The only requirement is that your place, space or story is provided free of charge to the public for EHOD and it has heritage at its core. 

If you’re interested, find out more on the Communities NI website or contact the EHOD team by email: ehod@communities-ni.gov.uk

You can also keep up to date on all things EHOD and the 2021 plans via social media:

• Facebook: @LoveHeritageNI 
• Twitter:  @loveheritageNI
• Instagram:  @loveheritageni

A Belfast based startup, Nombox Ltd is looking to be the bridge between hungry diners looking for healthy eating options & home based cooks. The startup is looking to create a new category by organising the home based cooks together.

Currently in its pilot phase, the startup is onboarding Homecooks in Belfast & Cardiff areas while  developing the technology to further expand in the UK.

Nombox Ltd platform will allow customers to explore & buy home cooked food from local chefs in their neighborhood. The chef’s are onboarded after a rigorous process to ensure they have the necessary license & hygiene rating to operate & sell home cooked meals. Nombox Ltd  can also assist passionate homecooks to obtain these required licenses to operate. 

“The idea was born out of frustration to find pocket friendly healthy meals. Me & my wife are both working professionals & end up having takeaways most of the time. We then found a few homecooks in our area which looked like a healthier & pocket-friendly solution to the dilemma of most people like myself who don’t have the time to cook”, says Ninil, one of the founders of Nombox.

With Nombox looking to organise the homecook playfield, the food & beverage industry has a new entrant that is sure to create a niche in the market.

The food delivery market is rapidly increasing worldwide and 2020 has seen the segment expand further. Nombox provides the platform for these homecooks to reach new customers and make a successful living. 

40% of UK citizens follow a healthy and balanced diet and 1 in four are so overworked they don’t have time to cook. With takeaway or fast food joints the only option currently, a healthy & pocket friendly alternate will have good takers.

“We are super excited to pilot our idea in Belfast & hoping to get enough support & resources from the startup ecosystem here to give us a headstart when we launch in the major cities in the UK”, says Ninil.

If you are passionate about cooking or looking for healthy homemade food, head to www.nombox.co.uk now.