Beach Cools Down

Ballyhalbert Holiday Park had an 'ice day when Daniella Morelli visited to officially open the new Morelli's Ice Cream Parlour. Daniella Morelli (centre) is pictured with Darren Dowd, Sales Director (left) and Ewan Melvin, Managing Director (right), both from Lifestyle Homes Ireland, which operates the Holiday Park and who back the UK Ice Cream Challenge Cup - which Morelli's claimed in 2009. Mr Dowd said: "Our new ice-cream parlour and the recent edition of a children’s play park and crazy golf course mean that we have top class facilities for all the family to enjoy," noting that the new parlour will be open every weekend in June and daily during July and August.

Cliff Crash Man Buried

The funeral has taken place of a 31-year-old Omagh man, Cathal McNamee, who died at the weekend after his car plunged off cliffs at Mullaghmore, Sligo. It is understood that Mr McNamee, of Knockmoyle Grove, Strathroy, whose relatives own a mobile home in Sligo, had been attending a wedding reception on the Friday evening. According to a Garda spokesperson, the alarm had been raised after 4pm the following day after Mr McNamee's car was discovered by day-trippers at the bottom of the unfenced cliff about 600 metres from the main village along the idyllic coastline.

Queen's Accolade For Volunteers

First Minister Peter Robinson has congratulated community groups who have received the prestigious Queen's Award for Voluntary Service. The royal award recognises outstanding achievement by groups who volunteer their own time to enhance and improve the quality of life and opportunity for individuals or other groups in the community. The four successful NI groups are Strabane Community Project, Strabane Greenlight Gateway, Ballycastle, Learmount Community Development Group, Londonderry and the Inniskillings Museum Volunteers, Enniskillen.

Lyric Appoints Carol Moore

Belfast's Lyric Theatre has just announced the appointment of Carol Moore to the post of Education and Creative Learning Coordinator. Her post will form part of the Lyric's creative learning and outreach team in preparation for opening the refurbished £18 million theatre on Ridgeway Street in spring 2011. Carol will also manage the Lyric Drama Studio and develop the theatre's long term commitment to dedicated workshops for enhanced learning in the creative industries. Prior to her appointment she spent 20 years as a freelance actress, theatre and film director. Carol co-founded Charabanc Theatre Company in 1983 and remained co-artistic director with the company until 1995. Her first feature film Pumpgirl previewed at the Belfast Film Festival in 2009.

Co Down Sewer Work Underway

NI Water has announced the planned closure of the A2 Shore Road/Portavogie Road near Ballyhalbert from 7th June for a period of four weeks. The move is an "unavoidable measure" in order to lay pipe-work safely through a narrow stretch of roadway. The road along the coast from Ballyhalbert to Portavogie will be unavailable for through-traffic and all diversionary routes will be sign-posted. Access to residential properties will be maintained. Access to Portavogie village via Warnock's Road and New Harbour Road will not be affected and Portavogie businesses will be open for business as usual.

Dungannon Plan Launched

A revolutionary concept has been unveiled for the future of the town of Dungannon. To include a light public transport system, a retail/leisure orientated development at Market Square promoting 'evening economy' and an underground car park at Scotch Street, the scheme could well become a reality soon according to the newly completed masterplan for the town. NI Social Development Minister Alex Attwood last week officially launch the 15-year masterplan in conjunction with Dungannon Council, Dungannon Regeneration Partnership, the Planning Service and other stakeholders.

Coleraine Boost Planned

The community and voluntary sector is set for a boost in Coleraine with construction of a £1.5m centre bringing five charities together in a central 'hub'. The government funded project will provide a permanent home for Coleraine Urban and Rural Network in Brook Street.

Newtownabbey Plan Delayed

The publication of plans for improving Glengormley and Ballyclare town centres has been put on hold. The Department of Social Development had been due to publish details of its 'Town Centre Masterplan' ideas for the two areas at the end of May. However, this week a spokesperson for the department revealed that the proposals are now likely to be unveiled on June 21 or 28.

(BMcC)