Category: featured-3

NI Primary Schools Invited to Embrace ESB Science Blast

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ESB Science Blast, delivered by the RDS, has opened applications for its 2024 event due to be held at the ICC in Belfast on Tuesday 4th June. The event is a free, all-Ireland, and non-competitive educational programme for primary schools, that involves the whole class investigating the science behind simple questions, such as ‘Is Weetabix a better glue than Pritt Stick?’ Classes then showcase their work at one of the three national events. Each class will be paired with a STEM expert to assess their investigation and share positive feedback.

The STEM-focused education programme for primary school children encourages critical thinking and collaboration in a fun environment. Primary school teachers of Key Stage 2 class pupils are invited to submit their applications before the deadline, Friday 12th April.

Recent research, conducted by the RDS, has found that over 98% of primary school teachers who participated in the 2023 event said it ‘increased students’ confidence and knowledge in STEM’, while 96% said that taking part ‘enhanced the science and maths curriculum in the classroom.’

Speaking at the launch, Niamh De Loughry, Deputy Chief Executive of the RDS Foundation, said: “In developing ESB Science Blast, we wanted an event that would be informative, inclusive and, above all, provide a really fun and engaging learning experience. Feedback from the schools involved over the last number of years shows that ESB Science Blast is delivering where it matters most, in the classroom, so I would encourage as many primary schools as possible from across Northern Ireland to register for this year’s event and really embrace the STEM challenge.”

Paddy Hayes, Chief Executive of ESB, added: “ESB Science Blast encourages the positive exploration of science, technology and engineering in primary schools and ESB is proud to work with the RDS on this unique initiative. I look forward to seeing the energy, the excitement, and the celebration of curiosity during ESB Science Blast, Belfast at the ICC in June.”

Conor Irving, P6 teacher from St Theresa’s Primary School, said: “We are really looking forward to participating in this year’s ESB Science Blast event. Being able to enjoy STEM subjects in such a fun and engaging way really helps our students appreciate how science and technology underpins so much of our daily lives.”

Firefighters Paul Murphy, Niamh McFaul and Martin Harris from Springfield Road Fire Station (Belfast) joined the P6 pupils to help work on their chosen project…Is Weetabix a better glue than Pritt Stick?

Bangor RNLI Celebrate 200 Years at Westminster Abbey

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Last week, some of the volunteers from Bangor RNLI travelled to Westminster Abbey to attend a service in celebration of their 200th anniversary.

The RNLI, the charity that Saves Lives at Sea, has been saving lives for just over 200 years. At the celebration, founder, Sir William Hilary, was remembered for having the vision for a lifeboat service around the UK and Ireland, with crews ready to risk their own lives to save others in peril, which the RNLI continue to fulfil.

They also commemorated the RNLI’s remarkable lifesaving history, the achievements, and the commitment of all those who have been involved with the charity over the past two centuries.

The service was conducted by The Very Reverend Dr David Hoyle KVCO MBE, Dean of Westminster, and attended by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Kent, President of the RNLI. Also in attendance were Mark Dowie, Chief Executive, RNLI and Paddy McLoughlin, Trustee, RNLI.

During the service, the congregation of over 1,700 people gave thanks for the lifesaving work carried out since the charity was founded and those who have been lost were remembered along with those who were saved. One of the readings was a poem written and read by Eleanor Hooker, Helm, Lough Derg, RNLI entitled ‘Float to Live’. Martin Stephen, a survivor, read an extract from Sir William Hillary’s ‘Appeal to the Nation’.

For more information on the RNLI, visit: rnli.org.

Bangor RNLI crew members Glen McMahon, Tom Bell, Bryan Lawther and John Bell.
Bangor RNLI crew members and family. Christine and Glen McMahon, Lisa and Tom Bell, Bryan and Edie Lawther, and John and Caroline Bell.
Bangor RNLI crew members John Bell, Glen McMahon, Chris Beale, Bryan Lawther and Tom Bell.
Bangor RNLI crew and family enjoying lunch in the House of Commons with local MP Stephen Farry.
Hanna and Naomi Beale with father, Chris Beale.

Interiors Networking Dinner

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Ulster Tatler Interiors recently hosted their Spring Soirée in Bodel Distributors, Lisburn. The official caterer for the event was Jane’s Kitchen, proud sister company of the new and exclusive private venue, Magheramorne Estate, and United Wines was the drinks sponsor. It was a great evening of excellent food, good company and networking opportunities.

To see more of the event, check out the March Ulster Tatler.

Emma Miller, Graeme Kelly and Jacqueline Hamilton.
Mark Wilson and Alistair Fullerton from Jane’s Kitchen.
Drinks from United Wines.
Gemma Johnston and George Elliot.
Darren McCrellis and John Leckey.
Dermot Smyth and Sarah McNulty.
Emma Miller and Adrian Bailie.

 

RTS NI Announces Student Television Awards Shortlist For 2024

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The Royal Television Society Northern Ireland (RTS NI) is delighted to announce the nominations for this year’s Student Television Awards, supported by Northern Ireland Screen and the Department for the Communities.

This will be the 11th year of the RTS NI Student Awards and the event will be hosted by UTV reporter Nathan Hanna on Thursday 28th March at 6.30pm, in the Black Box, Belfast with the Joe McKinney memorial keynote speech delivered by Fiona Campbell, Controller, Youth Audience, BBC iPlayer and BBC Three.

Sarah McCaffrey, Chair of the RTS NI said: “As an educational charity, the RTS NI Student Awards encourage, nurture, support and reward the talent, potential and enthusiasm of students in colleges and universities across Northern Ireland creating film and video content.

Aidan Browne, Chair of the RTS NI Students Awards said: “We received more than 30 entries for this year’s awards and I know the judges had a very difficult task selecting the shortlist we are announcing today.”

Bernard McCloskey, Head of Exhibition at Northern Ireland Screen said: “Northern Ireland Screen is delighted to be able to support these awards in partnership with RTS NI, which provides the perfect opportunity to reflect on and reward local emerging creative talent who will drive the industry forward.”

UTV Reporter Nathan Hanna, host of the RTS NI Student Awards 2024 says: “The RTS NI plays a huge role in supporting the next generation of content creators and winning one of these awards provides students with a prestigious accolade to help them with their future careers.”

The nominees for this year’s Awards are:

Animation Category

  • Pure: Michael Doherty, Matthew Kerr and Christopher McCann from Ulster University, Belfast.
  • Unseen – Alone In Space: Patrick Faulkner from Ulster University, Belfast.

Drama Category

  • Spring is Sure to Follow: Andrew McAllister, Lucy Johnston, Lucy Maxwell, Jon-Marc Maguire, William Penneyand Dominic Small from Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Saoirse: Jessica Banks, Aisling Carroll, Karl Castles and David Johnston from Queen’s University Belfast.
  • When It Rains: Luke O’Grady and Marty Carlin from Ulster University, Belfast.

Entertainment and Comedy Drama Category

  • Mantis Shrimp: Stella Skiadopoulou, Jiale Rui, Amy Lonergan, Harry Thompson and Dai Qingyongcuofrom Queen’s University Belfast.
  • Soap N’Pie: Catherine Osborne, Luke Galbraith, Matthew Ardies, Danny de Vecchis, Aaron Connolly, Jamie Edgar, Rab McPhee, Dean Wilson, James Ardis, Jamie Powell, Nathan Toland and Joel Rafferty from Belfast Metropolitan College.

Factual – Short Form Category

  • Being Punk: Haoyue Hu, Shanshan Qiu and Jean Watt from Queens University Belfast.
  • On The Edge: Nathan Edgar from Ulster University, Coleraine Campus.
  • Above Par: Harry Thompson, Olivia Peden, Luke Darby, Owen Hogg and Emma Harrisson from Queens University Belfast.
  • Baltic: Stella Skiadopoulou, Padraigin Meighan, Stephen Linkens, Jiale Rui and Dai Qingyongcuo from Queen’s University Belfast.

The winners of these Awards will go forward to the national RTS Student Media Awards in London in June and will also be invited to this year’s RTS NI Programme Awards in November 2024.

 

Pictured at the launch of the RTS NI Student Awards 2024 are (l to r) UTV’s Nathan Hanna, Awards Host with RTS NI’s Student Awards Chair Aidan Browne, Chair of RTS NI Sarah McCaffrey and RTS NI’s Vice Chair Georgia Parkinson with Northern Ireland Screen’s Bernard McCloskey, sponsor of the RTS NI Student Awards.
RTS NI’s Aidan Browne, Sarah McCaffrey (Chair) and Georgia Parkinson are pictured launching the 2024 RTS NI Student Awards which take place in the Black Box Belfast on Thursday 28 March 2024.
Pictured announcing this year’s RTS NI Student Awards finalists are: RTS NI Student Awards Chair Aidan Browne and RTS NI Chair Sarah McCaffrey with Awards partner Northern Ireland Screen’s Bernard McCloskey.

Creative Events to Inspire Children at Young Aspects

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Aspects Festival has unveiled its exciting Young Aspects programme, offering a range of creative children’s events suitable for all ages. Taking place from 1 – 3 March, at various locations around Bangor, the diverse programme of reading, writing and art events promises to inspire young imaginations.

The festival is delighted to welcome Big Wave Surfer, writer and athlete Al Mennie who will be giving a special talk in Studio 1A, Bangor on Friday 1 March. Author of children’s books Confident Kris and Billy the Basking Shark, Al will share insights into his writing journey and what inspires him.

The renowned Book Clinics presented by Children’s Books Ireland, will be held at Bangor Carnegie Library on Saturday 2 March. Come and see the Doctor with a difference! The Doctors will give each patient a unique ‘consultation’ and a personal prescription, recommending books based on the patient’s particular interests!

Young Aspects also features the ever-popular Woodland Chew and Yarn, Book Inspired Yoga, a Digital Art Workshop, Book Binding, Writing Workshops, a Bedtime Story event and more! All perfect for your little readers, writers and artists!

Speaking about the programme, The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Jennifer Gilmour said: “Young Aspects provides excellent opportunities for children to enjoy literature and get creative. The programme of events is both educational and fun and I would encourage everyone to get involved.”

Aspects Festival Director, Patricia Hamilton said: “‘We are delighted to offer this collection of workshops and events which have stories at their core but presented in lots of different ways and for all ages.”

Young Aspects is presented by Ards and North Down Borough Council and will run from 1 – 3 March at various locations around Bangor. Tickets are on sale now.

To view the full programme and to book tickets, visit: https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

 

McClorey & Thompson

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Miss Laura McClorey, daughter of Frank Mitchell and Helena McClorey from Belfast, recently married Andrew Thompson, son of David and Jo Thompson from Middlesbrough, England.

The wedding took place on 14th October 2023 at Good Shepherd Chapel, Belfast, followed by a reception at Bellingham Castle, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, with make-up by Maid by Sinead Bridal Make-Up and hair by Aoife Ferguson Bridal Hair.

Andrew wore a suit from Boss. Flowers by Victoriana Floral.

Photography by Rashida Keenan Photography.

Devenny & Breen

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Miss Jenevieve Devenny, daughter of John and Mary Devenny, recently married Martin Breen, son of Maureen and the late Eugene Breen.

The wedding took place on 21st May 2023 at Beech Hill Country House, Derry.

Jenevieve wore a dress from Pearls & Lace, Donegal, while Martin wore a suit from Statement Menswear, Portadown.

Photography by Alexandra Barfoot Photography.

Clarke & Warke

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Miss Tanya Clarke, daughter of Alan and Elaine Clarke, was recently married to Michael Warke, son of Iain and Jill Warke.

The wedding took place om 23rd September 2023 at Stormont Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception in the enchanting Finnebrogue Woods, Downpatrick.

Tanya wore a stunning Suzanne Neville dress from Castle Couture, while Michael and his groomsmen wore custom suits by Suitor Brothers.

The rings were from Gardiner Brothers and the couple honeymooned on safari in Kenya followed by the Maldives.

Photography by Adam & Grace Photography.

Rafferty & Beck

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Miss Catriona Rafferty, daughter of Aíne and Colm Rafferty form Upper Malone Road, Belfast, recently married Peter Beck, son of Miriam and Davy Beck.

The wedding took place on 28th August 2023 at St. Malachy’s Parish Church, Hillsborough, followed by a reception at Tankardstown House.

Caitriona’s dress was designed by Sassi Holford, with a House of Savin veil, which was embroidered by Annabelle Keys – both purchased at Petticoat Lane Bridal.

Bridesmaid dresses were by The Desk Group, which were also purchased at Petticoat Lane.

Caitriona wore a tiara which is a family heirloom.

Photography by Dasha Caffery.

O’Hagan & Nicholson

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Miss Denise O’Hagan, daughter of Bridget and Dwyer O’Hagan from Banbridge, recently married Stephe Nicholson, son of Norma and Richard Nicholson.

The wedding took place on 30th September 2023 at The Old Rectory, Killyman.

Denise wore a stunning Ronald Joyce gown from Perfect Day, Lurgan and Stephen wore a suit from Red Belfast.

Photography by Jervis Wedding Photography.

Gill & Peterson

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Miss Chloe-Jayde Gill, daughter of Kelly Gill and John Osbourne from Belfast, was recently married to Joel Peterson, son of Elizabeth and Neil Peterson from Cloughey.

The wedding took place on 6th August 2023 at The Loft at The Rabbit Hotel.

Chloe-Jayde wore a stunning Eva Lendel dress from Forever Bridal, while Joel wore a tuxedo from Freddie Hatchet.

Photography by POP Photography

Featured in the September issue of Ulster Tatler! 

McConnell & Dixon

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Miss Ioné McConnell, daughter of Karen and Ivor McConnell from Portadown, recently married Theodore Dixon, son of Sharon and Billy Dixon from Craigavon.

The wedding took place on 4th July 2023 at Loughbrickland Reformed Presbyterian, followed by a reception at Darver Castle.

Ioné wore a stunning gown from Orchid Bridal, Portadown and Theo wore a suit from McCalls, Lisburn.

Photography by Jervis Wedding Photography

Featured in the September issue of Ulster Tatler.