Other NI News In Brief

UCF AGM Success

A local cancer charity the Ulster Cancer Foundation (UCF) has held its Annual General Meeting with special guest lecturer, Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride who spoke about 'The Future of Cancer Services in Northern Ireland'. The event showcased achievements over the last year and highlighted the charity's aim to continue to provide a quality range of dedicated care and support services for cancer patients and their families. Pictured here from left are: Professor Roy Spence, Chairman, UCF, Roisin Foster, Chief Executive, UCF and Chief Medical Officer, Dr Michael McBride.

Stylistics' Love Songs In Belfast

Although into their late 50s and early 60s, the now four-man Stylistics showed Belfast they have lost none of the energy that propelled the original five members to 12 consecutive top-ten hits from 1971 to 1974. And just as that hit parade of four decades ago culminated with their Grammy-nominated hit, You Make Me Feel Brand New, so did their Belfast show. See full review: Stylistics

Off Licence Robbed

Two males, one armed with a handgun, robbed an off licence in the Richmond Gardens area of Carnmoney on Thursday night. The armed male approached the shop counter and after threatening staff, a small sum of cash was handed over by them at around 8.55pm.His accomplice stood waiting at the shop's door and they then made off on foot.

Cool Flights

Direct flights to Iceland will be available from Belfast International Airport from next summer. The flights to and from Reykjavik will be operated by Iceland Express. The airport's Business Development Director, Uel Hoey, said they wanted to develop the market, rather than just replicate existing services: "Our priority is to invest in the provision of new and vital direct access channels from key source markets." Meanwhile, BMI Baby has announced it is switching its operations from Belfast International to Belfast City Airport and will fly to Manchester, Birmingham, Cardiff and East Midlands from the City gateway from January.

Youth Matters To Policing

The NI Policing Board has been finding out what issues are concerning young people most. Facilitated by young people from Include Youth, a new consultation event saw young people from youth groups across Northern Ireland get together to discuss what they have identified as the major policing issues affecting them. Speaking at the event, Policing Board Member David Rose, said: "This event is one of a series the Board will be involved in run by young people, for young people. As part of its Community Engagement work, the Board recognises the importance of giving young people a meaningful voice on policing issues and to have their say," he said, noting that young people had a platform to look at these issues and some of the difficulties that young people face when dealing with the police.

Ex-Soldiers Back Troops

Northern Ireland soldiers serving in Afghanistan are to get a New Year boost with help from ex-servicemen at home. Supporters in Whiteabbey Royal British Legion are running a weekend charity fundraiser to get as much cash together as possible to fill bags of 'extras' that will go to front line troops serving in the Royal Irish Regiment and Irish Guards in Afghanistan. Cabaret singers and a band are to perform free of charge on Friday night (26th November) so that all the ticket money can be used for the good cause. With entertainment organised by Monkstown man George Campbell, the night also promises to be great 'craic' with around 200 people attending the last such event, which was held to benefit Help For Heroes, another services' charity - raising over £1,000.

Safe Design Highlighted

Safety should be the primary focus of those involved in the design and development of all new construction projects in Northern Ireland. This was the message delivered to approximately 100 professionals from the local construction industry at a special event held by the Professional College of the NI Construction Industry Group. The 'Safety by Design' conference held in the Ramada Hotel in Belfast brought together architects, designers, project managers, financial experts and construction contractors from across the industry to hear first hand about the importance safety considerations should be given in the design, development and construction of all new building projects in the region. Guest speakers included Graham Leech, lead CDM Co-ordinator of Parsons Brinckerhoff and Chris Jofeh, Director of Arup along with Dr Lynda Martin, Chairperson of the Professional College of the NI Construction Industry Group.

(BMcC/GK)