Guards Celebrate Xmas

Some 400 officers and guardsmen of the Aldershot-based 1st Battalion Irish Guards marched from their base, Mons Barracks, to the Forces' Cathedral Church of St Michael & St George for their traditional Christmas carol service yesterday. The troops - many from NI - were led by the Regimental Mascot Conmael, an Irish Wolfhound, and accompanied by the Regimental Band. The festive occasion was in stark contrast to Christmas 2010 as Guards' Captain Charlie Gair said: "It's especially nice this Christmas because this time last year the Battalion was in Afghanistan and spent Christmas in rather dustier surroundings." Both pictures by Graham Harrison, copyright, MoD.

Re-cycle Cycles Call

The NI Environment Minister Alex Attwood has launched Re:Cycle, a workshop for upcycling old bicycles, which are then resold at an affordable price. Funded by the Department of the Environment's Rethink Waste campaign, the bikes are sold from East Belfast Mission's shops that are located in Antrim, Larne, Belfast and Newtownards. Upcycling describes the process of converting waste materials into quality goods. "As well as providing a high quality, good-as-new product at an affordable price, these bikes are being given a second life as such, which crucially stops them from being sent to landfill," said the SDLP MLA and Minister. "These bikes are an excellent product, particularly at this time of year. I am impressed by the quality of the workmanship, which has restored these bikes to such great condition. I really can recommend buying these bikes as an alternative to new ones for Christmas presents and would encourage people to donate their old bikes so they can be upcycled and reused again."

Frauds Found Out

Two women were recently convicted for claiming benefits they were not entitled to. Simone Gronow (37) of Ashbrooke, Donaghdee claimed Income Support totalling £13,489 while failing to declare she was living with her partner. She was fined £250 and ordered to pay court costs of £210. Yvonne Mathers (31) of Second Avenue, Newry was working while claiming Income Support, Housing Benefit and Carers Allowance totalling £38,704. She was given a twelve-month conditional discharge. Both will also have to repay any outstanding money wrongfully obtained to the Social Security Agency.

Floods Made 'Plain'

Online Flood Maps have been updated with information now available on areas across NI that may be affected by flooding from rivers, sea and now rainfall. The map also gives helpful information on the location of flood defences already in place to reduce risk and is intended to increase awareness among the general public, local authorities, utilities and other organisations about the risk of flooding. Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Michelle O'Neill said: "Flooding can cause major damage and disruption and by providing information we can all better manage flood risk. I see the Strategic Flood Map as an essential tool as it enables everyone to understand the risk they face. The updated on-line information will also allow people living or working in areas at flood risk from rivers, sea and heavy rainfall to take necessary precautions now and in the future."

(BMcC)