Monthly Archives: August 2019

Valerie McGookin, who died suddenly at her home at Ballyvernstown near Gleno, was a well-known and respected member of the Larne community, as was evidenced by the exceptionally large gathering of mourners at her funeral. Raloo Presbyterian Church was filled to capacity for the service of thanksgiving for her life, with many mourners having to gather outside. Valerie McGookin, who was a well-known and respected member of the Larne community. Magheramorne Silver Band played during the Service of Thanksgiving for her life, her husband Tommy being a dedicated member of the band over many years. Valerie Patricia McGookin was the daughter of the late John and Jean Nelson of Ballycarry and was born in March 1942, the only daughter in a family of seven brothers. Involved from an early age in church activities, she was a member of the choir and played piano for the BB Life boys. At the … Continue reading →

The Parades Commission has imposed a number of conditions on a ‘charity awareness parade’ in Ballygally next week. Cairncastle Flute Band had requested permission to follow the route of Cairncastle Road, Brustin Lee, Croft Manor, Croft Road, Croft Park, Croft Heights, Heathdor Drive, Cairnhill Cresent, Grace Avenue and A2 for a parade on July 29. The band has organised the event to raise awareness of the charity, Every Life Matters. The commission has ruled the parade may process from Cairncastle Orange Hall, along Cairncastle Road, A2 Coast Road before dispersing at Ballygally Village car park. It is prohibited from entering Brustin Lee, Croft Manor, Croft Road, Croft Park, Croft Heights, Heathdor Drive, Cairnhill Cresent and Grace Avenue. Commenting on the decision, a spokesperson for the Parades Commission said: “The commission has considered the organiser’s explanations for this new parade, including its aim of awareness raising for a mental health charity, … Continue reading →

Carrick’s first Learning Disability Pride (LDP) has inspired other parts of the UK to hold similar events. Details emerged as the town prepares for the return on Saturday, June 22, of the carnival to celebrate and raise awareness of learning disability. Elizabeth and Tanya enjoying Learning Disability Pride 2017. Thomas Haighton, leader of Carrickfergus and District Senior Gateway Club who came up with LDP idea, said people from other areas have contacted the organisers for advice and guidance on holding their own programmes. He said: “We only expected around 1,000 people to attend our first event, and we were blown away by the crowds which exceeded 5,000. This was a mixture of people with a learning disability, their families and supporters as well as many people without a connection to learning disability who just wanted to enjoy the day and show their support. “We are hoping even more people will … Continue reading →

Senior office bearers of The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust (NICLT) have vowed to continue the legacy of the charity’s late founder, Jack Rodgers MBE, as they announced details of the December 2019 trip. The charity fundraises to fulfil the dreams of terminally ill, life limited and deserving children by taking them to see Santa at his home in Lapland, Finland. Gerry Kelly, incoming president of The Northern Ireland Children to Lapland and Days to Remember Trust; Colin Barkley, the charity’s new chair; Fiona Williamson, charity co-ordinator;and Lynne Rodgers, wife of the charity’s late founder, Jack Rodgers MBE, and charity trustee. Colin Barkley, the Trust’s newly appointed chair, said: “Having been a trustee of the charity since it was started over 11 years ago, I am very proud to take over as chairman. Having said that, the charity’s founder, Jack Rodgers, has left very big … Continue reading →

Revisting 2001 with a picture gallery examing the events of the year Images from Pacemaker Press Weather Boys: Roger Moore, Gay Byrne and Eamonn Holmes on the John Daly Show Parliamentary reports show first speaker only – follow this lnk for the full transcription. Articles may come from parliamentary reports, various public news feeds and Google News Search. Content is republished here for context. Copyright is respected and remains with the original author at all times. Original Article:https://www.newsletter.co.uk/retro/picture-special-30-images-from-2001-1-8436074