George Best Statue Unveiled Windsor Park Belfast
I'm just off Boucher Road Belfast, looking along the driveway towards the new Olympia Leisure Centre.Today is a special day for those who fondly remember the Northern Ireland and Manchester United footballing legend George Best. Today is the day that a long-planned, life sized bronze statue of George Best, is being unveiled.
This unveiling marks what would have been George' s 73rd birthday. George Best was born 22 May 1946. He was 59 when he died in November 2005.
Hundreds of friends fans and indeed old teamates gathered as former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Pat Jennings revealed the new sculpture alongside George's sister Barbara McNarry.
Belfast sculptor Tony Currie stated, George Best wanted to be remembered for football and that's what we have tried to capture. George was a man of the people and having him on a pedestal would keep him out of reach but he was a very approachable person, explained Currie. The stories I've heard about him were about his kindness and warmth towards fans. He told the crowd, which had assembled despite no announcement being made publicly of the unveiling: “Symbolically we’ve placed George's statue at ground level, not on a pedestal, to be looked up to, but as a normal guy. An exceptionally talented footballer – a flawed genius. And fans can now interact with his statue and have their photos taken alongside him, as they did when he was alive.”
The action statue was made by the firm Lecale Bronze. A public fundraising campaign to bring the idea to life began 13 years years ago.
The statue itself has been several years in the planning, with the work to create it beginning in earnest two years ago.
Despite being sited at a council leisure facility, and close to Windsor Park, some of those involved in the project told the News Letter that no money for it had been given by either the IFA or Belfast City Council, – instead it was raised entirely by fans. Lecale Atrs and Tony currie actually made the statue at a loss, as a labour of love.
Best’s sister Barbara McNarry, said: “Today 73 years ago - the 22nd of May - George Best was born and little did our mum and dad know, or indeed the rest of the world, what the road ahead was to bring. It was a road that took George to dizzying heights but also at times to lonely and troubled lows. At his funeral I said do not look at George as gone, he has merely stepped off the pitch. Prophetic words as today George is most definitely back on the pitch and today the road has brought our Belfast boy back to the city, the people and the family who loved him most of all.”
Pat Jennings, Northern Ireland’s record cap holder, who was present with Gerry Armstrong, described Best as an “unbelievable and incredible” player.
“We look at world class players and the Messis of today - that was George in his day. Nobody could touch him. It’s hard to judge players against each other, it is impossible when you look at Messi and Ronaldo nowadays, but George was right up there with the best of them. My one regret is for such a fantastic world class player that unfortunately he didn’t get to make the World Cup with us, that’s my one regret, he didn’t get to play in ‘82 or ‘86 (when Northern Ireland qualified for the finals in Spain and Mexico).”
George Best scored 9 goals in 37 appearances for Northern Ireland.
GEORGE BEST CITY AIRPORT from REDBURN Forest Park VIEWPOINT
I'm up at Redburn Country park viewpoint overlooking the George Best City Airport. I've got a gradstand view of the planes flying in and out.
North Down Physio - Bangor Holywood Belfast Physiotherapist Northern Ireland
North Down Physio and Sports Injury Clinic
1st Floor Redburn House, 2 Redburn Square, Holywood, Down BT18 9HZ
028 9042 5517
North Down Physio and Sports Injury Clinic based in Holywood Northern Ireland (between Belfast and Bangor). Physiotherapy, acupuncture and sports injury services.
Martello Tower or Windmill Stump at Holywood Co Down?
I'm a few miles from home over in old Holywood in the recently designated Holywood Conservation Area.
Just past Brook Street off Holywood's Victoria Road and in to the left stands this strange ancient neglected tower. On Google Maps it is labelled, The Martello Tower but is it a genuine Martello Tower? The superb terrace of nearby grand houses is called Martello Terrace. So is it a Martello Tower or not?
Whatever it is tower or stump it is surely sad to see that it has been allowed to fall into this totally sorry state. Is it not part of olde Holywood history?
I found a pictorial and written record about this old windmill stump in 'From cradle to grave, the buildings that share our lives'.
Hollywood Sea Park, Northern Ireland! (sun)
Cheap Home Bargains Store Holywood Exchange
I'm back at the Home Bargains store at Tillysburn Holywood Exchange Co Down to buy more cheap bird seed and some litter pickers. This place is the cheapest ever store. Why pay more for the same thing. Look at what I bought fro under a tenner.
C S Lewis Square Narnia Sculptures Holywood Arches Belfast
I'm down at the wonderful CS Lewis Square at Holywood Arches Belfast. After months of work and finances to the tune of of £2.5 million from the lottery and Belfast City Council we now have this fabulous open air space and sculpture tribute to the literary genius of local lad CS Lewis who was born less than 2 miles away.
The Square with its vast open space concert/exhibition/local market/ performance/ area was officially opened on Tues 22Nov 2016. This was the anniversary of Lewis's death in 1963.
Belfast Telegraph 22 Nov 2016
'CS Lewis Square, the latest phase of the £40m Connswater Greenway regeneration project, has opened in Belfast.
The magical space, dedicated to one of Belfast's most famous authors marks the life and work of the writer, who spent his early childhood in east Belfast.
Located at the intersection of the Connswater and Comber Greenways, the £2.5m square features seven sculptures created by Irish artist Maurice Harron based on characters from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.
Three hundred trees have also been planted around the square, which has a capacity to hold 2,000 people, and there will also be new railway tracks, arches, paths, street furniture and facade art around the development.
The seven sculptures - including Aslan, Maugrim, Mr and Mrs Beaver, the Robin, the White Witch, the Stone Table and Mr Tumnus - were unveiled during Tuesday's launch party, when the author's stepson Douglas Gresham will formally opened the square. Mr Gresham said: I am delighted to be back in Belfast again, particularly to celebrate the opening of CS Lewis Square.
The last time I was here was back in 1998 when another now famous Belfast man, Keith Getty, and I put together a special show to celebrate my stepfather's centenary.
This is a wonderful city, and it's a thrill that Jack (as he preferred to be called) is being honoured in this way. The sculptures are terrific. I am sure that this square will be a great boost to Belfast, his childhood home which he so dearly loved.
CS Lewis
Born in Belfast in 1898, Lewis was an academic and novelist who wrote several books on Christianity, including The Screwtape Letters, the Problem of Pain, God in the dock and The Pilgrim's Regress.
However, he was best known for his children's books, the seven-volume series The Chronicles of Narnia.
Known as Jack to his family, Clive Staples Lewis grew up in east Belfast before being sent to boarding school in England.
Although he spent most of his life in England, Lewis often visited the north and went on honeymoon to the Old Inn, Crawfordsburn, in 1958.
He died on 22 November 1963 - the same day as US President John F Kennedy was assassinated.
Ancient Path Victoria Road Holywood Co Down
I'm a few miles from home over in old Holywood and I'm in the recently designated Holywood Conservation Area.
To find the upper entrance to this hidden pathway walk up along Holywood's Victoria Road for approx. 250 m, Pass Brook street on the right continue on and 50 m further, in a corner in to the left beside no 65 Victoria road is the upper gateway to an ancient pathway leading down on to the old Bangor Road. I do not know the name of this pathway but some residents have given it their own name of the scary path. i canfind no online reference to this old pathway either. The pathway meanders downward for a distane of at least 300m. Some would claim that this ancient hidden pathway has been there from the early 1800s.
Artisan Makers Market Holywood N Down Craft Collective
We are over on the Church Road, Holywood Co Down.There is a monthly craft fair ( 2nd Saturday of Every Month ) going on in the Old School House.
This is North Down's Original Artisan Makers Market run by the North Down Craft Collective. The Collective was founded in 2013 by Debbie from the Craft Room in 10 Castle Street, Comber and William, North Down's very own Chutney King!
This market is really a wonderful way to spend a Saturday morning or afternoon. We had a lovely time in the Vintage Tearoom and browsing round the stall and buying a few items.
About the Collective
'We are a group of makers, designers, producers and artists, offering unique handmade products for sale. We meet on the second Saturday of every month at Holywood Old School.
Our ethos is to bring together the best locally-made products in a regular high quality market, that supports not only our local artisans, but also our community through our work with local charities.
We’re a friendly bunch and love the buzz of a busy market day, so come and find out what we’re about, see an array of beautiful products, and grab a tea, coffee or spot of lunch in our vintage tearoom.'
The Craft Room, 10 Castle Street, Comber
the craftroomcomber.com
You can get hold of William the Chutney King (William Glendinning) at THELOCALNI on Facebook.
Justin Wood justinwoodni.co.uk
Ratty Tat Hats | Ballynahinch, Northern Ireland | karenchristiedesign@tiscali.co.uk
Silver Muse & Royal Princess Cruise Ships Belfast
This is a sight you don't see every day!
I'm down at Belfast docks near the Titanic Exhibition Centre to film the Silver Muse and Royal Princess cruise ships at Stormont Wharf on Victoria Channel. It appears that cruise ship companies who used to ignore Belfast, as a calling in point, are now queuing up to visit.
Our 'Peace', for all it's failings, theTitanic Exhibition, the Giant's Causeway, Game of Thrones and our friendly welcome are now all drawing folks in from all over the world.
Today we have 2 large luxurious cruise ships in port. We have the brand new Silver Muse and the enormous Royal Princess.
This is not a record for the port. Last year Belfast had 3 smaller visitor ships calling at the one time. Last year we had 93 cruise ship visits. This year there are already 116 scheduled.
The disappointing thing is that, as yet, our port has no designated cruise ship arrival terminal. A brand new terminal at Airport Road has been planned and financially covered but it remains on paper. Let's hope port authorities can move swiftly to get this terminal in place as soon as possible.
Airport Car Park closure
A privately run car park, offering a cheaper alternative to passengers at Belfast city airport, is closing today. It lost an appeal to the planning office. Andy Pag has the details.
Historic Holywood Library Co Down
I'm just a few miles from home over in Holywood Co Down. I'm on High Street which runs through the centre of town.
This is the historic and quirky building that now houses Hollywood library.
northdowntourism.com
At the Maypole turn left along High Street passing the fine building of the Non-Subscribing Presbyterian Church on your right. The building from 1849, also by Charles Lanyon, with its fine Doric columns is built in the style of Andrea Palladio (Palladianism) who was arguably the most influential architect of the Italian Renaissance. Almost directly opposite is High Street
Presbyterian Church (1858). Approximately 50m past the
Presbyterian Church is Holywood Library.
Holywood Library
Holywood Library, a listed building, was founded as primary and secondary schools in the 1860’s. Formerly known as the Sullivan Schools, it was where the renowned 20th century naturalist and
historian Robert Lloyd Praeger and his sister Sophia Rosamond Praeger began their education. Outside the library you can see three sculptures entitled the “Pillars of Holywood” by Tim Shutter, who has worked with Anthony Gormley on a commission for the British Library. The sculptures, which were commissioned
by Holywood Arts Trust and received funding through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland Lottery through the Public ArtProgramme, depict the legacy of the town’s 1,400-year history from the 7th century church, to the invasion of
the Anglo-Normans in the 12th century and the domicile of the wealthy Belfast industrialists of the 19th century.
The Praeger Family
Egmont Apjohn Praeger was born on 14 May 1872 in Holywood son of Willem Emilius Praeger and Maria Praeger (nee Patterson) married on 13 November 1862 in First Presbyterian Ch, Rosemary St, Belfast.
Willem Emilius Praeger was born on 1 February 1835 in The Hague, Holland where his parents operated a linen business. Willem moved to Ireland and worked for the firm of Preston, Smyth & Co (linen manufacturers and merchants) in Belfast.
Willem and Maria Praeger lived in The Cres, Holywood. In 1868 the Praeger family moved to Woodburn House, Croft Road in the townland of Ballymenoch, Holywood. ( Ulster History Circle plaque commemorating Rosamund Praeger, Sculptor, (1867 – 1954) and Lloyd Praeger, Naturalist & Historian, (1865 – 1953). )
Next door lived Maria Praeger’s brother Sir Robert Lloyd Patterson JP.
Willem and Maria Praeger had six children:
William Emilius (born in 1863 and became Professor of Biology at Kalamazoo College in Michigan USA)
Robert Lloyd (born in 1865 and became a naturalist and historian)
Sophia Rosamond (born 15 April 1867 and became a sculptor.
Hendrich John (Harry, born 22 January 1869 and moved to the USA)
Egmont Apjohn (born 14 May 1872)
Owen Maurice (born 26 May 1874 and became a doctor; died in 1905 aged 31)
When Willem Praeger died on 25 April 1881 (aged 46) the Praeger family moved to the townland of Ballycultra.
Maria Praeger died on 8 June 1930 (aged 90).
Egmont Apjohn Praeger attended Mr McAlester’s School at Woodburn, Holywood from 1885 to 1886 (Charles McAlester was the local Unitarian Minister).
During the Great War Egmont Praeger served in the Royal Navy.
He died of a heart attack in London in 1919.
Holywood, East Belfast & Belfast from Mersey Viking (September 2009)
Holywood, East Belfast & Belfast from Mersey Viking (September 2009)
Launch of Harmony Music Festival in Holywood, Co Down
Belfast's 'Godfather of Punk' Terri Hooley literally stopped the traffic in Holywood, Co Down, on Wednesday - dressed as a Beatle.
Terri joined local DUP MLA Gordon Dunne, Belfast Giant Jonathan Boxill and Kenneth Webb, MD of Ulster Weavers - who were also dressed as members of the iconic band - at the launch of the second Harmony Music Festival which is being staged in the town in June.
Our own version of the 'Fab Four' stopped traffic momentarily as they recreated the famous Beatles photograph of them using the crossing outside the Abbey Road studios in London.
And why? Well The Bootleg Beatles, widely regarded as the world's finest tribute act to the Liverpudlian greats, are headlining the Saturday night.
The opening night, Friday June 3, will celebrate the late David Bowie as his premier tribute band ‘Rebel Rebel’ will perform at the festival marquee at Holywood Rugby Club, whilst the finale evening on the Sunday will offer a ‘two for one’ showcase with Desperado and Celtic Soul, paying homage to The Eagles and Van Morrison.
The Culloden Estate and Spa will also host ‘The Swingfellas’ (songs from The Rat Pack) on Sunday 5th June.
Director and creator of Holywood Harmony Festival, Mari Jackson, said: Last
year’s festival attracted over 15,000 people from all over Northern Ireland and this year, with such a strong festival line-up, I am confident that even more people will support the event. Various pubs, clubs and eateries are all involved in the festival too, with a variety of acts performing throughout the weekend and it’s great for the entire Holywood community and economy.
Mari has also composed a song ‘The Holywood Song’ which she has recorded and is lead vocalist. The CD, which is sponsored by Garry’s Barber Shop, has already received critical acclaim on local radio stations and is available from Garry’s Barbers and various local outlets, priced £3.00. All proceeds from its sale are going to the festival funds.
The Festival’s nominated charity this year is the NSPCC.
Tickets are available from ticketmaster.ie (under name of act) and Garry’s Barber Shop, High St, Holywood - 028 9042 5262.
Walk INN Charity Shop Holywood Road Belfast
Our Street View, Bus stop Opposite, Library, Street Parking, Loads of business in our location.
Visit us at: 27 Holywood Road Belfast BT27 5LJ
Grab yourself a bargain, shop, donate.....
balcproject.org.uk
Places to see in ( Carrickfergus - UK )
Places to see in ( Carrickfergus - UK )
Carrickfergus, colloquially known as Carrick, is a large town in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Carrickfergus sits on the north shore of Belfast Lough, 11 miles from Belfast.
Carrickfergus is County Antrim's oldest town and one of the oldest towns in Ireland as a whole. Carrickfergus was the administrative centre for Carrickfergus Borough Council, before this was amalgamated into the Mid and East Antrim District Council in 2015, and forms part of the Belfast Metropolitan Area. Carrickfergus is also a townland of 65 acres, a civil parish and a barony.
The town is the subject of the classic Irish folk song Carrickfergus, a 19th-century translation of an Irish-language song (Do Bhí Bean Uasal) from Munster, which begins with the words, I wish I was in Carrickfergus. The British peerage title of Baron Carrickfergus, which had become extinct in 1883, was bestowed upon Prince William on his wedding day in 2011.
Carrickfergus railway station opened on 1 October 1862. In addition, the northwest of the town is served by Clipperstown railway station, and the east by Downshire railway station. All three stations have regular commuter services to Belfast and Larne. Three historic stations in Carrickfergus, Barn, Eden and Mount, closed in the 1970s.
( Carrickfergus - UK ) is well know as a tourist destination because of the variety of places you can enjoy while you are visiting the city of Carrickfergus . Through a series of videos we will try to show you recommended places to visit in Carrickfergus - UK
Join us for more :
Wedding Photographer Northern Ireland, Belfast and Holywood
A selection of last years weddings 28 croft road, holywood,02890422522
Pickie Park Bangor - Open Air Amusement Park in Bangor
Pickie Park in Bangor is a great place to visit for some family fun in Northern Ireland. Pickie Park is well known for its pool, one of the fun things to do in Bangor for kids when the sun is shining. Check out this Video of Bangor Pickie Park.
Bangor city could attract tourists and visitors for several reasons and the one most famous of them all is Bangor Harbour or Marina and since it comes to this marina, Pickie Park is another place that people tend to go to and have some fun family time for the different games and activities which they could do inside.
Pickie Park was opened at Bangor marina in county Down, Northern Ireland, to attract all the different members of the family; those who want to have some fun and those who just want something a little bit different to enjoy. This is a place that is welcoming all the different members of the family, young and old, because in addition to the different games and activities which are found there, there is also a cafe that the adults could sit at while giving their kids the chance to play a little bit, and when the weather is good, this will be considered the best place to sit at by the water.
There is something for everyone inside Pickie Park, if your kids are too young that they are still not allowed to enjoy any of the games and activities which are found there, they could play in the indoor play corner which is located inside the cafe and which houses an activity table, blackboard, play kitchen and a selection of toys and coloring sheets, so they could play there while the parents are sitting there watching them out while drinking something at the cafe.
From the different activities and games which are offered at Pickie Park, there is the swans in the lake, the Pickie puffer, water walking, the pirate slide, crazy golf, electric cars, disco ducks and the play park, so your kids will definitely find something which they will enjoy and have some fun playing with.
It is always beautiful to play while you are surrounded by the water and that is what Pickie Park offers to its visitors, but there are different attractions found there as well - picking up an ice cream while spending your time there is always a good option, just trust our experience at the place :-)
This fun park is at the gateway to the Marine Gardens which is a good place for those who want to have a nice walk. At this place, the Marine Gardens, one will be offered with different beautiful views of Bangor Bay and the hills of Antrim beyond; you will just walk around a little bit, enjoy the beautiful scenes and eventually take a seat and cherish all that is viewed in front of you.
Bangor is known to be a large town in county Down, Northern Ireland, it is a seaside resort on the southern side of Belfast Lough and within the Belfast Metropolitan Area. There are different things and attractions that could be seen and visited there and the most important of them all is Bangor marina which is the largest marina in Northern Ireland that opened back in 1989 that became very well known for providing a berth in the centre of the city ( It is not just about the marina in Bangor city, but there are also some other attractions to refer to: first of all, we have to mention the restaurants that offer seafood or even traditional Irish food and which are very close to the harbour that one could go to while being there, and then comes all the other different attractions that could be checked there and which include the famous McKee Clock, Bangor Walled Garden, Bangor Old Custom House, Bangor Market House, Bangor Castle, Bangor Abbey, Bangor Carnegie Library, Castle Park, Clandeboye Estate, Clandeboye Park and Somme Heritage Centre.
Bangor is not far from Belfast and thus it gives people the chance to visit it easily without having to worry about the amount of time which they will spend in reaching their destination - and this is another reason why Bangor Marina is usually visited from people on different times and they are sometimes coming from Belfast.
We have visited Bangor, we have been to Bangor Marina ( we also visited Pickie Park for some fun with the family ( and we definitely suggest the three places for those who will be in Bangor - that's of course comes in addition to the other destinations and attractions which we have mentioned above, it all depends on the amount of time you will spend in the city.
Pickie Park is always a good idea for having some fun and enjoying a good whether by the marina, having an ice cream, and sitting there enjoying the weather.
Pickie Park should be your next choice while you are in Bangor, if you haven't been there yet (
Some of the best locations around Ireland / Northern Ireland and further afield. A travel blog/vlog of the hidden treasures that are on our doorstep.
Culture Night Holywood (Northern Ireland Not Hollywood!)
Eleanor Campbell
LIVE on #Periscope: Culture night Holywood (Northern Ireland not Hollywood!)
Holywood Priory Co Down
A monastery was founded by St Laiseran before 640 on the site of the present ruins of the medieval Old Priory at the junction of High Street, Victoria Road and the Old Bangor Road in Holywood, County Down.
History
7th century: Laiseran (later saint) son of Nasca, a local princess, studied at Bangor under St. Comgall and after a time near Cork, returned to found the first church and monastery. There is some uncertainty whether the site was at the current priory ruins or near the motte by Brooke Street.
10th century: the Viking's ravage the area in 956
12th century: an Anglo-Norman Augustinian Abbey built by Thomas Whyte; current ruins largely date from this time
14th century: after the Black Death (1348–1350) Niall O’Neill refurbished the church for the Franciscan Order
16th century: the priory was dissolved on New Years Day, 1541, by Henry VIII; its lands passed to the O’Neill family and later, Sir James Hamilton, First Viscount Clandeboye
19th century: the tower dates from 1806 when this was the site of Holywood’s Parish Church