Monthly Archives: January 2019

Coastguard and RNLI personnel were tasked to a vessel in difficulty off the east Antrim coast yesterday. It is understood the alarm was raised shortly before 3.30pm after the pleasure fishing vessel had fouled its prop and was drifting ashore onto rocks. Detailing the operation, a spokesperson for Donaghadee RNLI said: “Donaghadee RNLI lifeboat was put to sea once again this afternoon (Friday) to assist our colleagues from Bangor RNLI who had responded to a vessel in difficulty to the east of Carrickfergus. “The pleasure boat had fouled its propeller and drifted onto the rocks and began taking on water. Two persons had abandoned the vessel and made it onto the rocks and were assisted by Coastguard rescue teams. “Attempts were made to tow the vessel free but unfortunately it sank. Two other people were recovered by Bangor ILB and taken to Carrickfergus harbour. Both boats were subsequently ‘stood down … Continue reading →

The great grandson of Carrickfergus Castle’s first caretaker is to honour his great grandfather by marrying his fiancee in the castle this month. Gary Broad (33) of Greenisland will marry Jenny Rose Sibbaluca, from the Philippines, in the Grand Hall of the castle on Sunday, September 23. Ernie Broad. Gary’s great grandfather Ernie Broad retired from his caretaker role at the local landmark 62 years ago. Ernie was appointed caretaker of the castle when the Norman fortress came under state care in 1928. The English-born guide remained in this position for almost 30 years. It is estimated that he showed approximately 15,000 tourists around the site each year. Gary said: “Although I obviously have never met my great grandfather, Ernie Broad, I have read a lot about him and am very proud of all the work he did as the first caretaker of the castle when it opened to the … Continue reading →

Carrick woman Lee Robb is committed to presenting the town in a positive light. Just over a year ago, she formed “Positive Carrickfergus”, an initiative which she believes can “build community, connectivity and creativity” amongst local residents. Lee explained: “As a resident myself, I had long been part of the problem in Carrick as I was one of many who could only see the town in a negative light. “I decided to be part of the solution and seek out others in Carrick who were already making a contribution or wanted to do so in order to help to shape a more Positive Carrickfergus.” To develop her idea further, Lee contacted “The People’s Accelerator Programme”, a free, six-month programme focused on developing ideas for social change and innovation in communities across Northern Ireland. Lee said: “Before I took part in the programme, the online Positive Carrickfergus community was growing but … Continue reading →

Carrickfergus Grammar School’s exceptional commitment to mental health and well-being has been recognised at the inaugural Head First Awards. The school won the ‘Raising Awareness and Tackling Stigma’ category in the Action Mental Health initiative. The awards honour organisations and people in the community who avail of the pioneering mental health promotion work carried out by the charity’s MensSana team. The Carrickfergus Grammar School citation read: “This award recognises a school, college or organisation which has taken a proactive approach to tackling the stigma of mental health and its impact on young people, providing a voice for young people’s mental health through their activities. “This school has shown an exemplary commitment to the resilience and well-being, not only of their students but of all young people in Northern Ireland. “They have worked with The Initiative project to offer mental and emotional well-being sessions to all staff and students – and … Continue reading →

A student from Woodlawn Primary in Carrickfergus has created the Mayor’s Christmas card this year after winning a competition to design it. The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Lindsay Millar, is a past pupil of the school and contacted the pupils to create the front cover of her Christmas card this year. Curtis McFerran (8) designed a portrait of Cllr Millar for the winning card. Cllr Millar said: “I loved all of the amazing entries that came in. It was a tough decision to make but Curtis’ portrait looked so much like me I couldn’t say no, he’s a very talented young artist. “My Christmas card goes to a number of people including politicians, freemen, community members, businesses, schools and churches, so Curtis’s amazing talent will certainly be appreciated by a lot of people across Mid and East Antrim.” Curtis said: “I’m really happy my design was picked … Continue reading →