Other News In Brief

NIFRS Launches L'Derry Volunteer Programme

The Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service has launched a Volunteer programme at Crescent Link Fire Station in L'Derry.

The programme is made up of 12 members of the public who volunteer their time to provide fire safety advice in their community.

The Volunteers can represent NIFRS at community events; provide fire safety information at homes, shopping centres and libraries; and deliver fire safety talks to groups and organisations.

This is the fourth Volunteer programme launched by NIFRS. There are also programmes in Coleraine, Downpatrick and Cookstown.

Alan Walmsley, Assistant Chief Fire and Rescue Officer, NIFRS said: "Our new batch of Volunteers bring a wealth of experience, skills and enthusiasm to NIFRS, which they will put to good use through a wide range of activities in the North West, including delivering fire safety advice and supporting local community events.

"In return our Volunteers will get experience of being part of a great team and meeting new people; promote fire safety amongst their local community; improve their confidence; and develop links with community groups."

Margaret Colhoun, Crescent Link Volunteer, added: "Volunteering with NIFRS is a very rewarding and positive experience, and I feel really appreciated. I am proud to deliver fire safety information to the local community, which in turn will save lives."

Farmers Raise Concerns Over Tesco Ad

The Ulster Farmers Union has raised concerns after it was contacted by a number of members about a new Tesco advertisement. According to the union, the ad demonises meat as a food group and undermines scientifically supported public health messages which show that eating red meat is vital to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet.

The UFU has written to Tesco, outlining concerns about the advert in which a child states: "I don't want to eat animals anymore." Meanwhile, the father is preparing a casserole using 'meat-free' Cumberland sausages and they agree that the meat substitute tastes just as good as meat if not "better".

"We have serious concerns about the language used in the advert which has wrongly isolated meat as a food group. Food and nutrition must be looked at as a whole. Meat is just as important to our daily diets as fruit and vegetables so why has Tesco chosen to dismiss and devalue the importance of it?"

UFU President Ivor continued: "The UFU respects personal decisions when it comes to individual diets. However, to single out and demonise an industry through one of the most powerful forms of media broadcast, has the potential to do serious damage to our agriculture industry and the livelihood of our farming families. Labelling all meat as 'bad' doesn't help consumers. We want to work with Tesco and other retailers to ensure consumers get the facts and can make informed choices about their nutrition and diet."

The Script To Meet Fans At Belfast Event

Popular Irish musicians The Script will be in Belfast this weekend for a meet and greet with fans.

The band will be at hmv in Belfast this Sunday 10 November at 12 noon to launch their new album Sunsets & Full Moons.

Entry to the event is wristband only, with these distributed at the store on Friday, 08 November with purchase of their new album. The wristbands are subject to availability and while stocks last.



(JG/CM)