A COLIN Choir are seeking new members to join their friendly and enthusiastic group
A SOUTH Belfast Alliance MLA has hit out at drivers who are ignoring parking restrictions in the Holyland area.
POLITICAL representatives in South Belfast have expressed concerns about the lack of departmental delivery on traffic management measures in the Finaghy area.
LEADING journalist and This Morning travel expert Simon Calder has visited West Belfast while attending an event in the Europa Hotel. Calder, who writes for the Independent and offers expert advice on the ITV morning magazine programme, was joined by his wife Charlotte for a tour of both City and Milltown cemeteries. Local tour guide Dara Barrett said that he was contacted by Simon via social media a few months back asking for a tour when he was next in the city. “A couple of weeks ago Simon had got in touch again to ask if he could do my Milltown tour on Saturday," said Dara. "I told him we are best starting in the City Cemetery as that is where the story of Milltown starts with the underground wall. “Simon and his wife arrived at the cemetery straight from their flight and as soon as they got out of the taxi, the rain started, the wind started, and it was absolutely freezing. “We visited the grave of the first victim of the Titanic, Samuel Joseph Scott. We went to the underground wall, up Gallagher’s Steps and along Orange Row, but the rain showed no sign of stopping.”
NORTH Belfast MP John Finucane has hit out at the Tories Levelling Up grants, as the list of those who missed out on funding grows.
A RUSSIAN ransomware attack on Royal Mail is continuing to have a detrimental impact on the postal service – almost a month after it first hit. The cyberattack which affects international deliveries has been ongoing since 11 January and there is still no date for when the postal service will return to normality. Discussing the impact this has had on customers, Jim McCafferty, sub-postmaster at Kennedy Centre Post Office said that coupled with the recent Royal Mail strikes, it has devastated their business. “It has been over three weeks since the cyber attack and we are still unable to accept any international packets,” he said. “We are only allowed to take letters and large letters, but we are unable to take a parcel or packet which is being sent outside of the UK and Ireland. “Royal Mail have told us that customers can use online postage labels as they can electronically record the customs data which the Post Office cannot do at the moment. “If the customer goes online, records the customs details, then it can be sorted through the normal channels. “It is being monitored on a day-to-day basis but they can’t give us a timescale on when it is going to be resolved.” Jim added that encouraging people to print their own labels is having a knock-on effect in Post Office profits. “Combining this with the Royal Mail strikes, it has all had an impact on our business but at the moment people can’t post anything, which is having a knock on effect on our business.” A Royal Mail spokesperson said they continue to make progress in exporting an increasing number of items to a growing number of international destinations. “We would like to sincerely apologise to impacted customers for the disruption this incident is causing. We understand their frustration. Our teams are continuing to work around the clock to reinstate the remaining export services for letters and parcels as quickly as we can.”
A PRESBYTERIAN Minister has said that a planned exhibition will be the first step in reintroducing the Church to the Falls Road. Rev David Moore of West Kirk Presbyterian Church on the Shankill Road has partnered with the Falls Residents' Association to research the history of the former Albert Street Presbyterian Church. The Maureen Sheehan Centre sits on the site of the former church and four sculptures from the original building can still be seen in its façade today.
TWO star-crossed lovers, both alike in dignity in far Verona where our scene was laid. Audiences are braced for a Shakespearean masterclass as a modern day retelling of the theatrical classic Romeo and Juliet takes to the stage at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre. Whilst staying true to the language of Shakespeare, Dr Anne Bailie’s contemporary retelling catapults the audience into Verona summer of 2022 where in the world of Italian high fashion, Lady Montague and Lady Capulet are propelled to the forefront as the leading designers for two rival fashion houses Romeo Montague is completely obsessed with Rosaline, but his love is unrequited. At a party, he falls head-over-heels in love with the hosts’ daughter, Juliet Capulet. This time, his love is reciprocated. But their love-story isn’t easy. Their families are arch-rivals in the city of Verona and if their relationship is to flourish, secrecy is vital. But the odds are stacked against them, and the pair embark on a journey which ends in consequences far beyond their worst fears.
A WEST Belfast councillor has welcomed a meeting with Departmental officials regarding potholes in the Lagmore area. Councillor Joe Duffy met with Department for Infrastructure inspectors at Lagmore Glen and said that he will continue to lobby for the a permanent resolve to the potholes.
A WEST Belfast MLA has criticised plans to increase Translink fares by up to seven per cent from 6 March.
POLICE are appealing for information after a man who has had both his legs amputated, had his mobility scooter stolen.
ONE year on from the passing of Dáithí's Law by the Assembly, his family and supporters are continuing their efforts to have opt out organ donation implemented.
FORTY outstanding teaching professionals were honoured for their contributions to the education of young people at the Europa Hotel on Friday night at the 11th Annual Blackboard Awards.
TEACHERS, principals and school support staff gathered in the Europa Hotel on Friday night for the 11th Annual Blackboard Awards.
A NEW forum set up to shape the community benefits of the proposed Casement Park redevelopment have met for the first time.