Other NI News In Brief

EC Funding On Way

Councillor Deirdre Hargey, Chair of Belfast City Council's Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, with speaker Matthew Tyler, and host William Crawley, pictured at the 'PEACE III - Celebrate & Collaborate' conference at Belfast City Hall this week. It was about 'Second helpings' of PEACE III [European Commission] funding and how Belfast might make the best use of was discussed at a recent conference at the City Hall. Hosted by presenter, William Crawley and addressed by broadcaster, comedienne and community worker, Nuala McKeever, and Matthew Taylor, Chief Executive of the Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA) a former advisor to Tony Blair, the speakers explored partnership working and community engagement.

Carrick Backs Military

Military Cross winner, Lance Corporal Kylie Watson from Ballymena will be among a number of VIPs attending Armed Forces Day in Carrickfergus on Saturday where events will also include a parade of service personnel, veterans, cadets and others as well as a flypast by RAF Tornado and other fixed and rotary wing aircraft and also a visit by HMS Pursuer, beating retreat by the Band of the Light Cavalry and a wide range of activities centred on Carrickfergus Castle and the Harbour area. Next day, the Knockagh Monument, high above the seaside town, will host this year's Battle of the Somme commemoration with a parade and service, attended by the Lord Lieutenant for Co Antrim, Joan Christie, who will take the salute. See: Bloody Somme Battle Commemoration Planned

Sex Crime Man Jailed

An ex-soldier has been jailed for five years after he admitted having sex with an underage teenager, who well 15 years old. Belfast Crown Court heard that Nigel Hall, 40, from Bendigo Street, Belfast began the "relationship of sorts" with the girl in the summer of 2008. When arrested Hall initially denied any wrongdoing, but later pleaded guilty to four charges of indecent assault and one of gross indecency. He was placed on the sex offenders register for 15 years.

Transport Chairman Named

The NI Regional Development Minister Danny Kennedy has announced the appointment of John Trethowan as Chair of the Northern Ireland Transport Holding Company (NITHC). "John Trethowan, who has previously served on the Board as a non executive director, has a wide range of valuable experience which should equip him well for his new role as Chair of the NITHC. I am confident that the appointment of Mr Trethowan ensures that it continues to have a strong and representative Board. I expect Mr Trethowan to provide the strategic direction to the Board necessary to encourage continued growth in the provision of an effective public transport service," he said.

Doors Alive!

A tribute band to legendary Sixties Californian rock guru's The Doors, has announced a Belfast show for this July. According to the Doors Alive PR material, they "re-create the sound, look, presence and feel of a real 1960's Doors concert" with such classic hits as Light My Fire, When The Music's Over, Riders On The Storm and The End. The band said they will be playing the Spring & Airbrake on Saturday July 23. The Doors disbanded in 1973 after haunted singer and icon Jim Morrison died two years previously. The original band sold some 100 million albums and have been inducted into the rock and roll hall of fame.

(BMcC)