Veterinary Nurses' Marathon Cash Bid

Jennifer Crawford-Allen, front left, with dog Callum, who is the Chief Nurse at Cedar Grove Veterinary Clinic, is leading a team of vets, veterinary nurses and receptionists in the Belfast Marathon. Other team members include, from left, Ruth Curran, Serena Martin, Lynsey McClune, Eve Young and Rachel Dynes. "We are running to celebrate Cedar Grove Clinic gaining a Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons practice award and raise funds for the Dogs Trust and Cats Protection locally," Jennifer explained. "Training takes careful planning as we work unusual hours providing 24-hour care for our in-patient pets as well as out patient consultation seven days a week."

Tiger Mourned

The 17-year-old white tiger, Jack from Belfast Zoo, has died. The tiger came to Belfast on April 23, 1998, from Colchester Zoo. He arrived with Jill, the zoo's other tiger. They shared an enclosure for nine years until Jill died of kidney failure in 2007. According to a spokesman for the zoo, Jack's health had been monitored by the zoo vet, Michael Griffith, who took the decision to put him to sleep.

Carrick Fears PSNI Cuts

Adequate police coverage in Carrickfergus may be lost after the PSNI confirmed it would be moving resources to elsewhere in the district. An estimated 34 officers will be transferred from the east Antrim town to Newtownabbey in the move, which local councillors said they were not informed about. Police have defended the move, insisting it was part of a restructuring process which would "ensure there are sufficient resources put into front line policing".

Forgetfullness Gibe In Focus

An inter-party row at Stormont has spilled out into the public domain as the SDLP MLA Patsy McGlone yesterday lodged a complaint to the Assembly Speaker. He said that NI Environment Minister Sammy Wilson twice used references to Alzheimer's disease to brand other politicians forgetful. However, despite upsetting senior officers at a local Alzheimer's charity in Belfast with his remarks, Mr Wilson said on Radio Ulster last night: "I don't regret making the remark because first of all, I didn't make it to be intentionally hurtful to people who have suffered from Alzheimer's, it was made in a context where people knew it was a lighthearted remark, and it didn't hurt anybody at the time. It was resurrected a month later by somebody seeking to make a political point from it."

Minister Heads For Balmoral Show

Northern Ireland's Agriculture Minister Michelle Gildernew was this week gearing up for the annual Balmoral Show which will take place from 13-15 May. Noting that the Balmoral Show is the premier event in the agri-food calendar, she said: "The Balmoral Show is the centre-piece event of the local farming calendar, when country comes to town. The department's display will form part of the Executive's exhibition and offers a great opportunity for both farmers and rural dwellers to tap into the expertise that will be on hand to provide guidance on a range of agri-food and rural matters. This year we will be displaying a wide range of services and information on my department's work, including environmental and animal health and welfare issues, diversification, and education and training opportunities. I would encourage everyone with an interest in farming and rural development to visit our exhibit and chat to our experts."

Motel Welcomed By Ministerial Praise

NI Tourism Minister, Arlene Foster, officially opened the newly refurbished Belmore Court and Motel in Enniskillen, today. Initially established as a 30 room motel in 1991, it has recently undergone a major £2.5million redevelopment which has added a further 30 bedrooms, four conference rooms, as well as a new reception, foyer and breakfast room.

(BMcC/JM)