Man Has Close Shave In Downpatrick Fire

Fire destroys a first floor flat in Irish Street in Downpatrick

On Friday 28th November 2025, the NI Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS) was called out in an emergency to a flat in Irish Street in Downpatrick at 9.46am.

A spokesperson for the NIFRS said: “There was one fire appliance from Downpatrick Fire Station and one appliance from Ballynahinch Fire Station that attended the incident.

The scene at the fire in Irish Street in Dopwnpatrick. The middle flat on the right hand building was badly affected by the fire.

“Firefighters were called to reports of a fire at a mid-terrace flat and tackled the fire wearing breathing apparatus. They used a hose reel jet to extinguish the fire.

“A casualty, a man, was rescued from the fire from the property and was treated with first aid, wrapping him in a foil blanket. The casualty was then transferred to the care of NIAS.

“Firefighters used a gas monitor to confirm levels of gas were normal.

“The cause of the fire is believed to be accidental and the incident was dealt with by 10.48am.”

The property is owned by the NI Housing Executive and their officials were quickly on the scene to assess the damage.

Windows were opened following the fire and smoke damage.

A man had a narrow escape when he was rescued by firemen at a fire in Downpatrick who brought under control quickly.

The East Down AC Notes For 30 11 25

East Down AC members participate in the Seeley Cup 10k 2025

Saturday afternoon saw the last big 10k of the road running season in Belfast. The Seeley Cup which was first run in 1982, commemorates an outstanding local athlete, Hollywood man Joe Seeley of Willowfield Harriers who died at a young age.

The annual 10k race which starts on the Ormeau embankment and covers a number of laps of the embankment and Ormeau Park and always attracts a top class field every year. With cool breezy conditions PBs were on the cards and with this fast flat course.

East Down had a big turn out of 12 athletes on the start line, after a club photo and a good warm up they were all ready for the off with 731 other runners.

Congratulations to East Down AC’s Anna Gardiner who has been selected to represent Ireland’s Women’s U20s team for the European Cross Country Championships in Lagoa, Portugal.

44th Adam Withers 33 min 33 sec (PB); 88th Neil Curran 35 min 05 sec; 181th Matt Bezzant 37 min 10 sec; 99th Barrie Atkinson 39 min 23 sec; 387th Matthew Taylor 41 min 03 sec; 431rd Eamon kelly 41 min 51 sec (PB); 472nd Adam Morgan 42 min 58 sec, 528th Seamus Savage 44 min 17 sec, 631st Sharon Madine 47 min 42 sec, 666th John Tayor 49 min 04 sec, 733rd Maureen Kelly 51 min 27 sec, 803rd Paddy McDonald 57 min 40 sec.

A great team turned out, and well done to Adam and Eamon for their PBs.

CHECK OUT EDAC PHOTOS ON THE FACEBOOK LINK

East Down AC Club Awards and Dinner

Later on that Saturday evening, after a good warm down and a shower, all runners and their supporters gathered in Denvirs in Downpatrick for the clubs annual Dinner and club awards.

The five categories  who are all voted for by club members are Male Athlete of the year, Female Athlete of the year, best improved Male, best improved Female and club Person of the year. After a well needed dinner the awards were presented by the Club Chairperson Stephen Heasley:

• Club Male Athlete of the Year – Gordy Graham

• Club Female Athlete of the Year – Sharon Madine

• Best Improved Male- Seamus Savage

• Best Improved female- Ashley McGrady

• Club Person of the Year- Matt Bezzant

A great night was had by all, with plenty of shapes being thrown on the dance floor with some very sore legs. A big Club Thank you goes out to  James Magennis and his team for organising a great event.

CHECK OUT EDAC PHOTOS ON THE FACEBOOK LINK

Down And Armagh Drinking Water Safeguarded

Over 250,000 customers in Down and Armagh to benefit from a multi-million-pound scheme to safeguard delivery of their drinking water

NI Water has awarded a multi-million-pound programme of work to the Farrans-Glanua Joint Venture (JV) which will ensure the delivery of high-quality drinking water to over 250,000 customers in the Down and Armagh areas for the next 25 years.

At the heart of the £34m scheme will be the construction of a new state-of-the-art pumping station at Castor Bay Water Treatment Works, near Lurgan, to replace the existing facility built in 1970.

A new dedicated high-voltage electrical supply will also be incorporated within the NI Water-owned site; replacing the current aging system to protect against power outages and safeguard water supply.

The new assets will be future proofed with enhanced connectivity to accommodate potential integration of Solar PV, supporting NI Water’s Net Zero Strategy.

Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said: “This much needed scheme is good news for over 250,000 customers in the Armagh and Down area. This major £34million scheme at Castor Bay Water Treatment Works will ensure continued supplies of clean safe drinking water into the future.

(L-R) John Murphy (Farrans), Andrew Young (Glanua), Tzvetelina Bogoina NI Water, and Gareth Jones (WSP).

“I also commend NI Water on increasing the operational resilience at this site and am delighted that NI Water is continuing to make best use of the funding provided by my Department to ensure that such new assets will benefit customers now and in the future.”

Tzvetelina Bogoina, NI Water’s Director of Infrastructure Delivery added: “As part of our strategic planning we look at the balance between water supply and demand across the network, taking into account population growth forecasts.

“This three-year programme of work at Castor Bay is a proactive measure by NI Water to meet the demand for drinking water in the South, East and Central Water Resource Zones until at least 2042.

“The Farrans-Glanua JV brings a wealth of experience in civil construction, process, mechanical and electrical engineering to this upgrade, which will be carried out in phases to ensure continued operation of existing water supply assets.

“Technical and project management support for the extensive improvements is being provided by WSP UK Ltd.

“These key framework partners will work collaboratively with NI Water’s Infrastructure Delivery team and their local supply chain to ensure the best value for money solution is achieved.”

The existing pumping station at Castor Bay is capable of transferring up to 95 million litres of high-quality drinking water a day from Castor Bay Water Treatment Works to Ballydougan Service Reservoir, near Craigavon, to serve customers across the Down and Armagh areas.

With demand increasing, this significant NI Water investment will increase the output capacity of the pumping station to 115 million litres of water a day – enough water to fill nearly 1.5 million baths – with scope for further expansion.

A new multi-branch cross-connection between Ballydougan, Forked Bridge, and Magheraliskmisk pumping mains will give NI Water the ability to re-route flows during shutdowns or emergencies, adding much-needed resilience.

Welcoming the start of work on site, Stephanie McCullagh Director of Customer & Operations added: “NI Water’s core function is to produce high quality drinking water in a cost-effective manner to meet the needs of all our customers, both existing and future.

“Our overall drinking water quality compliance last year was 99.98%, which exceeds regulatory targets.

“Through investments such as this at Castor Bay, we continue to meet the targets placed upon us by our Regulators to comply with water quality standards and will continue to improve the service to all our customers in the future despite working in a challenging environment.”

NIFRS Says Stay Fire Safe This Festive Season

NIFRS urges the public to prioritise fire safety this Christmas

As homes across Northern Ireland get ready to deck the halls, Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) is reminding everyone to stay fire safe this Christmas.

It can be easy to get distracted when celebrating with friends and loved ones, however, it is important to keep fire safety at the top of your Christmas list.

With added holiday fire hazards like twinkling Christmas trees, glowing candles and festive cooking in the kitchen, NIFRS is urging the public to remain vigilant this festive season to protect themselves and their loved ones.

NIFRS Group Commander Jonathan Gamble said: “Christmas is a magical time of year when we welcome our families and loved ones into our homes.

“However, with busier households, increased alcohol consumption, and the use of various electrical appliances, it’s important to prioritise fire safety to prevent any unwanted or accidental fires this festive season.

“Christmas lights can be a perfect way to brighten up your home, but make sure it’s done safely. First, check that your lights are in good working order and comply with British Standards.

The NIFRS will be working 24/7 through the festive period to keep everyone safe. Please take every precaution and help prevent fires.

“Don’t overload plug sockets and stick to 1 plug per socket. Always remember to switch off and unplug the lights before leaving your home or going to bed. If you have a real Christmas tree, make sure it is well hydrated, as a dry tree becomes more flammable.

“Christmas dinners and parties can be one of the best parts of the holiday season. Always avoid cooking while under the influence of alcohol, and ensure there are no dishtowels, packaging or paper near the hob.

And remember to turn appliances off when you are finished using them or if you need to leave the room.

Candles can be a great centrepiece at the dinner table, but they are also a fire hazard if not controlled properly. Keep candles away from curtains and decorations and when possible, opt for battery-operated candles instead.

“We understand that homes can become very crowded at Christmas. Therefore, it’s important to ensure all escape routes are clear of any decorations or gifts and that everyone staying with you during the festive season is aware of the fire escape plan in case of an emergency.

“It’s vital that every home is protected with working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms.

“Smoke alarms give an early warning if a fire breaks out, so they should be fitted on every level of your home.

“Any room with a fuel-burning appliance, such as a gas boiler, fireplace or wood-burning stove, should have a working carbon monoxide alarm. Carbon monoxide is invisible and odourless, so having an alarm in these rooms is essential.

“NIFRS crews will continue to be on call 24/7 throughout the festive period to keep Northern Ireland safe. By following these safety tips, you can help ensure we don’t have to visit your home this Christmas.”

NIFRS Christmas Safety Advice

• Have a working smoke alarm fitted on each floor of your property.

• Have a working carbon monoxide alarm installed in rooms with fuel burning appliances.

• NEVER leave cooking unattended and avoid cooking whilst under the influence of alcohol. Make sure cooking appliances are turned off after use.

• Check your Christmas lights are in good working order and conform to the British Standard.

• NEVER overload sockets and always turn Christmas lights off before going to bed or if you are leaving the house. Remember one plug per socket.

• Only buy from reputable retailers. Ensure electrical equipment and chargers comply with the required safety standards.

• If you are using extra heaters during the winter months, make sure they are kept away from soft furnishings and Christmas decorations.

• If you choose to have a real Christmas tree, ensure it is well hydrated as a dry tree becomes more flammable.

• Keep candles away from soft furnishings, decorations, Christmas trees and wrapping paper. Ensure they are out of reach from pets and children. NEVER leave candles unattended.

• Make sure cigarettes are extinguished correctly and empty ashtrays safely. NEVER smoke in bed.

• Keep your escape routes clear and discuss your fire escape with your family and anyone else who may be staying with you.

• Check on older relatives and neighbours to ensure their safety.

The Ideal Morning and Night Routine for Stronger Hair

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For your hair to be vibrant, glossy, and attractive as possible, you’ll need to develop the right habits. These should seek to support the health of your scalp, by providing it with the nutrients it needs, and by safeguarding it against damage.

There are two important parts of the day when it comes to haircare. These are the moments just before you retire for the evening, and the moments just after you wake up. Let’s take a look at what your routine should look like at these times of day.

Photo by Element5 Digital on Unsplash

Morning Nutrition and Hydration Habits

To begin with, you’ll need to eat the right breakfast. This means, among other things, drinking a decent quantity of water. You’ll also want to consume the right blend of proteins and essential micronutrients. Vitamins D and D, as well as iron and zinc, are particularly consequential. Seek out a blend of oats, seeds, and berries, along with a boiled egg or two.

Scalp Care and Daily Stimulation

Scalp massages can help to stimulate the flow of blood to the base of your hair follicles. You can make a massage an important part of your cleansing and exfoliation rituals. There are also specialised products, formulated to support the health of your scalp. Massage a few drops of hair growth serum into the scalp each morning, and do it on a consistent basis, for best results.

Evening Routine and Repair

The morning is a time to kick-start the systems that care for your hair during the day. The evening, by contrast, is a chance to protect your hair against the stresses and strains of nighttime. You’ll want to apply gentle products and avoid heat sources like hairdryers.

This might also be an excellent time to apply certain kinds of targeted treatment. Some of them are designed to work their magic overnight – but in order for them to do that, you’ll need to apply them on a consistent basis. Your sleeping habits might make a difference to what’s right for you. If you toss and turn frequently, then your results might not be as good as those enjoyed by someone who sleeps soundly.

Consistency and Long-Term Results

We must emphasise the value of consistency. You can’t expect to see worthwhile results if you’re applying treatments in a way that’s sporadic or otherwise haphazard. As with any other health and fitness regimen, you’ll see results only after you’ve done the right things for several weeks.

It’s partly for this reason that you’ll want to avoid leaping to judgment about the efficacy of any one product or intervention. Choose your products wisely, wait a few months, and then review the results.

Design Disasters: Business Card Mistakes That Quietly Kill Your First Impression

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If your business card feels like an afterthought, your potential clients might think you are too. As a designer, you’ll see it all – from fonts so tiny you need a microscope, to layouts that try so hard to stand out they become completely unreadable. The good news? Most common business card mistakes are easy to avoid once you know what to look for.

Let’s walk through the biggest design traps and how to dodge them.

Photo by Van Tay Media on Unsplash

1. Treating Your Card Like a Mini Flyer

Your business card is not a brochure, it’s a handshake. Cramming every service, tagline and testimonial onto a tiny rectangle only creates visual noise.

White space is your friend. It gives your design room to breathe and guides the eye to what matters most: your name, what you do, and how to contact you. If something isn’t essential, lose it. Simplicity nearly always looks more premium.

2. Forgetting the Basics: Contact Hierarchy

A surprisingly common issue? People can’t tell what you actually do from your card.

Make your name and role the heroes. Then prioritise your key contact details: email, website, phone, maybe one social handle if it’s relevant to your brand. Don’t give equal weight to everything, use size, weight and spacing to create a clear visual hierarchy so the reader knows where to look first.

3. Tiny Type and Over-Fancy Fonts

Designers love a good typeface… but your client doesn’t want to squint. Script fonts and ultra-thin type can look chic on-screen but disappear in print, especially at small sizes.

Stick to legible typefaces and avoid going too small, 8-9pt is usually the lower limit, and even then it depends on the font. Test print your design on a home printer before sending it off. If you can’t read it at arm’s length, it’s too small.

4. Ignoring Print Reality (Bleeds, Safe Zones and Colours)

What looks perfect on your screen can go very wrong in the press if you don’t design with print in mind.

  • No bleed: If your background runs to the edge, you need bleed, or you’ll end up with unwanted white borders.
  • Text too close to the edge: Keep important info inside a safe zone so nothing gets chopped.
  • Neon colours or pure RGB: Some colours just won’t print as expected. Stick to print-friendly palettes and CMYK values.

If you’re not sure, check your printer’s artwork guidelines – they exist to save you from reprint headaches.

5. Style Over Substance (AKA, It Looks Cool but Says Nothing)

A super-minimal card with just your name and a mysterious logo might seem edgy, but if no one knows what you do, it’s not clever, it’s confusing.

You don’t need to spell out your life story, but a short line like “Brand Designer”, “Freelance Copywriter”, or “Ecommerce Consultant” gives your card context and makes it easier for people to remember you later.

6. Missing Brand Consistency

Your business card shouldn’t feel like it belongs to a completely different company than your website or socials.

Use consistent colours, fonts and tone of voice across all your touchpoints. That familiarity builds trust and helps people recognise you at a glance, which is kind of the whole point.

In Conclusion

A business card is a tiny canvas with a big job: to represent you when you’re not in the room. When you keep it clear, considered and print-ready, it stops being a throwaway piece of card and becomes a small but mighty part of your brand.

Shannon Comments Of Autumn Budget

Jim Shannon MP Autum Budget Announcements and Northern Ireland

Jim Shannon MP speaking after the Chancellor Rachel Reeves MP announcement to Parliament on her fiscal plans said: “Firstly, I want to recognise some of the progress that has been made by the Chancellor.

“Many will know myself and my party have fought very hard on supporting change in the two-child benefit cap. Child poverty levels in Northern Ireland are amongst the highest in the UK, and this will go a long way in tackling poverty among children.

“I also welcome the £370 million that Northern Ireland will receive which I hope will be allocated wisely to essential services which our constituents want, such as health and education.

Strangford MP Jim Shannon (right) pictured supporting the farmers’ campaign opposing the Inheritance Tax Bill.

“However, whist tax thresholds have been frozen, and wages have been given a rise, many working households may be plunged into tax brackets which will ultimately reduce take home pay over time.

“This must be looked at as working people are who are not well off will getting money taken off them monthly and not seeing the benefits of their pay increases.

“Other increases on assets such as property and savings may reduce opportunities for supplementary income, hitting households that rely on savings for exceptional circumstances. This is unfair, and its those who are going out and working extremely hard day to day that will suffer.”

Jim Shannon added: “Although pension payments are rising, over time the frozen threshold could mean more pensioners (especially those with only the State Pension or small additional income) begin paying income tax on their pension, if their pension rises above the threshold.

“In addition, many care home residents rely on small savings and private pensions, freezing or cutting allowances on savings interest could reduce the benefit of such income streams.

“Unfortunately, the issues that matter to the people of this nation and the likes of you, the reader in this area, have not been addressed.

“People care about their wages and many already struggle month to month, this should have been a matter of priority for the Chancellor.

“I welcome the allocation of funds to Northern Ireland and the support that has been given to local businesses, but it is clear more should have been done to support the working family and our pensioners and I commit to always being a voice to represent them.”

Ulster-Scots Week Celebrated In Killyleagh

Community Comes Together for Lively Ulster-Scots Leid Week Cultural Showcase in Killyleagh

Rowallance DEA Forum hosted a lively Ulster-Scots cultural event on Thursday 27 November at the Sir Hans Sloane Centre, Killyleagh, where attendees enjoyed an afternoon of language, learning and local creativity.

Delivered by the Schomberg Society, the event gave participants an engaging introduction to the richness of the Ulster-Scots language.

Attendees learned about the history, heritage and unique expressions associated with the Ulster-Scots tradition, with plenty of lively examples shared throughout.

Local poet Roy Ferguson captivated the audience with a number of wonderful renditions of Ulster-Scots poetry. His readings brought the language to life, highlighting its rhythm, humour and distinctive character.

A complimentary lunch offered a chance for groups to chat, connect and reflect on the themes of the day.

Speaking about the event, Rowallane DEA Forum Chair, Councillor Callum Bowsie, said, “It was fantastic to see such strong interest in local culture. The passion of the Schomberg Society and the talent of Roy Ferguson made the event both entertaining and informative. We look forward to supporting more cultural activities across the district.”

Photo 1: (l-r) Cllr Terry Andrews; Cllr Jonny Jackson; Elizabeth Crilly, Hans Sloane Centre; Cllr Callum Bowsie, Rowallane DEA chairman; Roberta Heaney, Schomberg Society; Roy Ferguson, Ulster-Scots poet; James Donaldson, Schomberg Society and Nicola Whyte, Rowallane DEA coordinator.

Photo 2: Rowallane District Electoral Area Forum representatives with participants from local community groups – Killyleagh & District Mens Shed, Killyleagh & Kilmore Parish, Killyleagh & Shrigley Community Association, Hans Sloane Centre at the Ulster-Scots Language Week event in Killyleagh.

Thousands Enjoy Friendship Four Won By Miami

Miami University scoops Friendship Four as North American Ice Hockey tournament celebrates a decade in Belfast SSE Arena

The Miami Redhawks of Miami University have been crowned winners of the 2025 Friendship Four tournament, marking the end of an action-packed weekend of North American men’s college ice hockey at The SSE Arena, Belfast.

Across the 28 and 29 November, The SSE Arena welcomed thousands of spectators across all games as Rochester Institute of Technology, Sacred Heart University, Miami University, and Union College went head-to-head for the Belpot Trophy at the home of the Belfast Giants.

Founded by The Odyssey Trust and held in Belfast since 2015, the Friendship Four is the first and only National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division 1 men’s ice hockey tournament to take place outside of North America.

Celebrating its 10-year anniversary, the high-profile trans-atlantic tournament is designed to promote education, social welfare, and community interaction, building on the Sister Cities agreement between Belfast and Boston.

Miami Red Hawks’ Ethan Hay #68 with Union’s Will Felicio #4 during Saturday evening’s Friendship Four Championship game at the SSE Arena, Belfast. Photos William Cherry/Presseye).

The agreement aims to foster stronger economic development, trade and investment, tourism, youth, cultural, faith-based exchanges, and educational linkages between the two cities in the connected health and life sciences, creative industries, tourism, financial services, and knowledge economy sectors.

Martin McDowell, Chair of The Odyssey Trust, said: “Reaching the 10th anniversary of the Friendship Four is a proud moment for everyone involved.

“What began in 2015 as an ambitious cross-Atlantic idea has grown into a flagship event for Belfast – bringing world-class collegiate ice hockey to our city, while also building lasting educational, cultural, and sporting links – a key charitable objective of The Odyssey Trust.

“I’d like to congratulate Miami University on their success in this year’s tournament, and to thank all four teams for delivering another unforgettable weekend of hockey and friendship.

“As we look ahead, we do so with anticipation and excitement for both the return of the women’s tournament in January 2026 and the next instalments of the Friendship Four in 2026, 2027, and 2028.”

With a core focus of the Friendship Four being education, The Odyssey Trust’s ever-popular Science & Discovery Month returned to W5 and W5 LIFE in the lead up to the tournament.

Throughout November, W5 and W5 LIFE worked alongside a range of industry partners, including the Association for Science and Discovery Centres, The King’s Trust, The Royal Academy of Engineering, and the Construction Industry Training Board Northern Ireland, to deliver a packed programme of hands-on workshops, shows, and events that highlighted innovation and discovery in science, technology, engineering, and maths.

Miami Red Hawks team after winning the Belpot Trophy in Saturday evening’s Friendship Four Championship game win against Union at the SSE Arena, Belfast.

The month-long series of programming culminated with the return of The Big STEM Day[CT1] , which saw W5 open its doors to hundreds of local schoolchildren, providing free access to over 250 hands-on exhibits before they made their way across to The SSE Arena for the opening game of the Friendship Four between the Union Garrett Chargers and Sacred Heart Pioneers.

Paul McMahon, Chief Executive Officer of The Odyssey Trust, said: “This year’s tournament is another convincing demonstration of the Friendship Four’s success – both as a top sporting spectacle and as a platform for international partnership, tourism, and education.

“The continued support from our partners, the visiting universities, and our local community has made the event a highlight of Belfast’s calendar, and we’re grateful to everyone who helps make it possible.”

In addition to showcasing outstanding on-ice talent, the Friendship Four also provides a unique opportunity for North American student-athletes to have a global experience on the island of Ireland.

Miami Red Hawks team after winning the Belpot Trophy in Saturday evening’s Friendship Four Championship game win against Union at the SSE Arena, Belfast. Photos: William Cherry/Presseye.)

During their time overseas, the four teams visited several iconic landmarks and tourist hotspots, including the Guinness Storehouse, The Game of Thrones Studio Tour, Giants Causeway, and the Titanic Museum.

Teams also visited local primary schools across Belfast to meet pupils and to take part in fun-filled games and Q&A sessions.

Similarly, teams brought a piece of their own culture to Belfast, enjoying Thanksgiving meals with family and friends at venues across the city.

The Sacred Heart student pep band* also made the journey from the East Coast of the United States to Belfast in the day leading up to the tournament before raising the roof across both days at The SSE Arena.

On Friday 2 and Saturday 3 January 2026, for the first time ever, four women’s teams will take part in the Friendship Series, with Boston University, Harvard University, Quinnipiac University, and the University of Minnesota-Duluth set to make history, following three successful two-team tournaments in 2019, 2020, and 2024. One-day and weekend passes are on sale now and available to purchase here.

[* A pep band is a small musical ensemble—usually made up of brass, woodwind, and percussion players—that performs at school or college sporting events to boost crowd energy and support the team.]

Downshire Disability Hub Runs A Craft Fair

Christmas arrives at the Disability Hub at the Downshire Estate in Downpatrick

The Great Hall in Downpatrick’s Downshire Estate, opened its doors for the annual Disability HUB’s Christmas Craft Fayre marking the beginning of the festive season with creativity, community spirit and plenty of Christmas cheer.

Handmade Christmas cards, baubles, ornate paintings and handknitted scarfs were proudly displayed as the Team arranged their festive filled tables bursting with beautiful original crafts. 

Service Users Theresa Madden, Sharon O’Brien and Jackie Stewart. (Photos courtesy of SEHSCT).

The aroma of mince pies and shortbread, alongside cups of tea and coffee, created a warm and welcoming atmosphere for all who visited.

Special Olympics hero and Service User, Jackie Stewart, who has competed in the World Games playing golf, channelled her love for the sport into her artwork for this year’s Fayre.

(l-r) Assistant Director of Primary and Integrated Care Julie Davidson, South Eastern Trust Director of Primary Care and Older People, Veronica Cleland, Operations Manager Teresa McKee.

Jackie said: “I am so happy to be a member of the Hub. All the members have worked really hard to make the crafts this year. I have made so many friends at the Hub and we all stick together.

“I love golf and I painted a pictured to capture that. Christmas really has started here and we, from the Hub, are going to be here every year!”

Service User Jackie Stewart with her artwork.
South Eastern Trust Chief Executive Roisin Coulter browses the festive stalls

South Eastern Trust Chief Executive, Roisin Coulter praised the talent on show and the importance of celebrating the Hub’s achievements. 

Roisin said: “I am delighted to attend this Craft Fayre and Christmas Coffee Morning and see our Service Users, staff and colleagues here together celebrating all this tremendous talent. It really is a lovely way to start the countdown to Christmas.” 

South Eastern Trust Director of Primary Care and Older People, Veronica Cleland was delighted to browse the stalls and pick up some unique Christmas gifts.

She said: “I am absolutely delighted to be here this morning, it is wonderful. This is Christmas personified when you take a look around and see the work and the talent of what people have created.”

Veronica added: “What the Team have created here is spectacular, there are so many beautiful arts and crafts. Christmas is sorted for me. The level of creativity is just absolutely amazing.”

Cedar Foundation Inclusion Officers (l-r) Karen Maguire, Helen Savage, Fiona Hatch and Michelle Nutt.

Cedar Foundation Service Manager for Inclusion Matters, Karen Maguire said: “This is the fourth year the Christmas Fayre has been held at the Great Hall and there is a real buzz here today. It is the beginning of Christmas for sure.

“Each person and member of the Hub has their own set of skills whether that is painting or copper art. 

“The skills on display are unbelievable. The Fayre is a great way to come together over a cup of tea, catch up and that is what today is all about.”