covebay news

Concerns over Cash for Gold schemes

Ulster Unionist MLA for North Down and Northern Ireland Policing Board member Leslie Cree has continued to express his concerns over the prevalence of instant cash for gold schemes in Northern Ireland and further afield.

The ease of using these shops and websites to dispose of gold and jewellery that may have been stolen should be of major concern.

Mr. Cree said, "Instant cash for gold schemes would appear to be a relatively easy way of getting rid of stolen goods. I have raised this issue several times at the Policing Board and I remain concerned that this is an area where work needs to be done - and done quickly.

"I am aware that each district has local arrangements for monitoring these businesses but it is clear that closer attention and faster action is needed especially if gold is being exchanged for cash as a direct result of crime.

"Instant cash for gold schemes are relatively new ways that can enable criminals who have stolen jewellery to dispose of it for hard cash

"We need to be more proactive in this area, particularly as domestic burglaries are on the increase".

The exchange of gold for cash is easy for criminals and an ideal way to dispose of the proceeds of crime.

"The PSNI has stated that it would support the development of legislation which would regulate gold-buying shops and websites.

Bangor Tide Tables

History of Eagle Wing

Kalmar Nyckel
Photo by Thad Kuza 401 846-5274

The year 1636 brought about a new era for Ulster. The 'New World' of the British Colonies on the opposite side of the Atlantic was beckoning to the restless residents of North Down and East Antrim for the chance of liberty and opportunity in the pursuit of their religion and economic well-being.

It was out of the desire to forge their own identity that the Eagle Wing story unfolds.

The Eagle Wing, a small wooden sailing ship of 150 tonnes was built for the move to America, ready for the risk of travelling the vast Atlantic Ocean. The Eagle Wing set sail from Groomsport on September 9th with 140 passengers who prayed to God for safe carriage, amongst them were Ministers representing Ulster and Scotland, in respect to Scottish Presbyterian families who had come to Ulster some 30 years earlier.

Dark clouds hovered as the ship headed in the direction of Newfoundland. The winds grew powerful and as a storm grew its force tore the sails and the seas created a leak. The fear grew with the storm and after much consultation and prayer the decision was made to turn the ship back in haste to the shores of Ireland, which were nearer than those of Newfoundland, concerned that it was God's will that they return home as He had spoken "by His winds and other dispensations".

The courageous attempt to start a new life in America had disappointingly been aborted, however on the return of Eagle Wing to Ulster there was a natural outpouring of relief and thanksgiving.

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Tourists Pouring into N. Ireland

A record 2,051,000 visitors came to Northern Ireland in 2007— an increase of 4% from 2006. The revenue from tourism in 2007 was estimated at £366,000,000

Northern Ireland has received significant praise as a tourist destination. In 2006, the ‘Lonely Planet’ travel guide tipped Northern Ireland as one of the “must see” countries to visit, and listed Belfast as one of the top 10 cities “on the rise”.

In November 2007, Tourism Ireland and the Northern Ireland Tourist Board unveiled their 2008 tourism marketing plans. It was realised that to increase the number of visitors to Northern Ireland, it was essential that the infrastructure be improved.

The Programme for Government estimated an increase in tourist numbers from 1·98 million to 2·5 million, and an increase in tourism revenue from £370,000,000 to £520,000,000, by 2011. Furthermore, it was hoped that the tourism sector would be developed and Northern Ireland promoted:

“as a must-visit destination to facilitate growth in business and leisure visitors.”

Political tourism attracts many visitors. Curiosity is a major reason for that attraction. During the years, Belfast City Council has carried out several tourist surveys. The results indicate that more visitors would rather see attractions that relate to the Troubles than those that relate to the Titanic Quarter. Despite many peoples misgivings about it, political or cultural tourism has a role to play. Countries such as Poland and Germany have marketed that type of tourism, of which the Berlin Wall is probably the best example.

Copeland Visitor from Siberia

Radde’s Warbler

A "Rare Bird" indeed, and a new visitor to Copeland . This Leaf Warbler, related to our own Willow Warbler and Chiffchaff, has a very conspicuous supercilium and a distinctive “orangey” wash on the vent and under-tail coverts. More...

Red Kites in Co. Down

Red Kite from N. Ireland spotted in Wicklow

The RSPB have released 27 Red Kite chicks in what is the first ever species reintroduction to Northern Ireland. Most of the kites have settled in the mixed woodland, farmland and rough grassland of south Co Down, but the kite known as 'V' clearly felt the need to 'spread his wings' and was spotted roosting with the only other population of red kites in Ireland.

A bird of prey extinct in Northern Ireland for at least two centuries is making a spectacular recovery as the first phase of a Red Kite reintroduction project began in County Down.

Red Kites are easy to identify with their rusty-red colouring, forked tail, white patches under each wing and inky black wing tips, not to mention their five-and-a-half-feet wingspan.

Kites, which will be the largest bird of prey to nest in Northern Ireland, are opportunistic scavengers; to conserve energy they feed mostly on worms and small dead animals, which they can see from a great height. They are a large bird, but are not designed to feed on mobile prey, so are not a threat to livestock, gamebirds or songbirds'. RSPB

Groomsport Local News

Beach Pollution

Members of the public are asked to call 0800 80 70 60 if they become aware of water pollution incidents.

Pollution must be reported immediately if N.Ireland Environment Agency (NIEA) are to investigate it, and prevent Groomsport beach being damaged again.

The pollution incident shown above was not reported in time, the waste soaked into the sand, and NIEA were unable to take acction

During office hours your call will be connected to the headquarters in Lisburn.

Outside normal hours, calls are diverted to the Environment Agency where details of your call will be logged and then passed to the Duty Emergency Pollution Officer in Northern Ireland.

For a pollution incident that does not require immediate attention you can email : Emergency-Pollution@doeni.gov.uk

Please include the following in your correspondence:

¦the exact location of the pollution incident,
¦the nature of the pollution
¦your name
¦your address and
¦a contact telephone number.

"Our response time is normally 4 hours or less" Kevin McGrady, Snr. Scientific Officer, Operations Management, NIEA Water Management Unit

Groomsport is Best Beach 2009

Groomsport Beach awarded the highest rating again in 2009:

Just seven beaches in N. Ireland were awarded the "MCS Recommended " classification this year by the Good Beach Guide

The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) today announces a 16.5% drop in the number of UK bathing beaches recommended for excellent water quality in its annual Good Beach Guide (www.goodbeachguide.co.uk), compared to last year. In total, 370 (47.5%) UK beaches are ‘MCS Recommended’ this year out of 777 tested, compared to 444 last year. This is the biggest year-on-year fall in the guide’s 22 year history and the first time since 2002 that MCS has recommended less than half of Britain’s bathing beaches.

The ratings are based on tests on bathing water at 779 beaches around the UK, conducted between May and September 2008.

They assess quality of the water and how sewage discharge is treated.

Groomsport bathing water quality is "Excellent" as monitored by Environment & Heritage Service (EHS). Water Quality Inspectors collect the water samples on behalf of the EHS. The samples are then analysed by the Water Management Unit, Lisburn.

To view the Bathing Water Quality Poster CLICK HERE

This will open a PDF format file. If your computer cannot read it - then download a free reader from Adobe Acrobat Here

Local Pubs Take Prizes at N. Ireland Pub of the Year Awards

Grace Neill’s in Donaghadee is celebrating after being awarded the title of Food Pub of the Year 2009 at the Federation of the Retail Licensed Trade’s annual Pub of the Year Awards, held at the La Mon Hotel in Belfast.

Grace Neill’s is listed as ‘the oldest pub in Ireland’ in “The Guinness Book of Records”, it was almost four centuries ago in 1611 when “The King’s Arms” first opened its doors for business in Donaghadee, Co. Down. Today the bar is firmly established as a popular tourist attraction within the North Down area; visitors from every continent have sampled Irish hospitality and an obligatory pint of Guinness within these walls.

Grace Neill’s was also shortlisted for Tourism Pub of the Year and was shortlisted for the Co Down Pub of the Year along with Donaghadee’s Pier 36.

The Salty Dog was a finalist in the New Pub of the Year category with staff member Jamie Mendez making the shortlist for Pub Employee of the Year.

Grace Neill’s received their award in recognition of the hard work and dedication of its owners and staff to creating the best food offering in the country for its customers, with the standard of both its service and the food provided receiving the highest commendation.

The awards were presented at a glittering ceremony which saw nominees from Northern Ireland’s finest pubs turn out in force in anticipation of receiving one of the industry accolades in recognition of excellence in the local pub trade.

Keep Your Kids Safe On-Line

The ollowing tips are from the National Assn. of School Psychologists on protecting your kids online, even if your own online skills lag behind theirs.

* Keep computers in easily viewable places, such as the family room or kitchen.

* Talk regularly with your children about the online activities in which they are involved and Internet etiquette in general. Children should know the rule that many adults have learned from painful experience: Do not say online what you would not say in person.

* Encourage children to be self-protective. Remind them that anything they say on the Internet or in phone text messages can be shared with others and misused. Ask them to consider if they want what they are saying and doing broadly disseminated. If not, they probably should not say or post it.

* Be specific about the risks of cyber-bullying and their need to tell you if something that bothers them occurs.

* Respect for adolescents' privacy is important. But tell children that you may review their online communications if you have reason for concern.

* Set clear expectations for responsible online behavior and phone use and consequences for violating those expectations.

* Consider establishing a parent-child Internet use contract.

* Consider installing parental-control filtering software or tracking programs but do not rely solely on these tools.

* Be aware of warning signs that might indicate your son or daughter is being bullied, such as reluctance to use the computer, a change in the child's behavior and mood, or reluctance to go to school.

* Document the bullying.

* Be equally alert to the possibility that your child could be bullying others online, even if unintentionally.

* Understand current local laws and your school policies. Work with your school to develop policies if they don't exist.

* If you have concerns, contact your child's school to enlist the help of the school psychologist, school counselor, principal or resource officer.

* File a complaint with the website, Internet service provider or mobile phone company if you learn of problematic behavior.

* Contact police if the cyber-bullying includes threats.

Low Crime Rate in Groomsport

Latest statistics show there were a total of 48 offences recorded in Groomsport ward in 2007/08.

These can be broken down by type of crime, four of the categories are shown below:
Burglary - 15 offences recorded;
Theft - 16 offences recorded;
Criminal damage - 10 offences recorded; and
Violent crimes (offences against the person, sexual offences and robbery) - 0 offences recorded.

The total of recordable crimes recorded in Northern Ireland during the same period was 108,468

All Female Team Head Up DPP In North Down

For the first time in its history, North Down District Policing Partnership (DPP) has an all female top team. Cllr Marion Smith has been elected as the first female Chair to the independent Policing body. Cllr Smith will be joined by Vice Chair, Audrey Ferguson, an independent member. Both take up office on 1 April 2009 for a period of 12 months.

Speaking on the appointment Cllr Marion Smith said: “I am proud to be leading the way for women in North Down as the first female Chair of the DPP and am delighted to take on the challenge of chairing this important local body. The District Policing Partnerships play a key role in making policing more relevant and accessible to local people. In its relatively short life our local DPP has made good progress in that respect. My main objective will be to build on this and see what further steps can be taken to involve the general public even more actively in the work of our local police force—for which I have the highest regard. To that end I will be endeavouring to meet with as wide a cross section as possible of North Down groups and individuals.”

For further information on North Down DPP, contact the DPP Manager, Gillian McCready on 02891278054 or visit www.districtpolicing.com/northdown

Northern Ireland Neighbourhood Information Service
www.ninis.nisra.gov.uk

Pensioner's Paradise

One in five living in North Down is a Pensioner

North Down now has 16,100 pensioners which is the highest pensioner population in the Province at 20.5%, and continuing to rise

Northern Ireland Statistical Research Agency ( NISRA) have published their latest mid year population survey. Between mid 2006 and mid 2007, the population of N. Ireland has increased by 17,500 (1.0%) to 1,759.100. The overall pensioner population in N. Ireland has risen to 289,700, with 16,100 pensioners in North Down

The total population of North Down increased by just 200 (0.2%) between 2006 and 2007. We have 14,500 children, and 48,000 adults of working age

NISRA website

Discover Northern Ireland

Pictorial representation of N. Ireland

Send an E-greeting from N Ireland

More Groomsport Photographs

Brent Goose

85% of the entire world's population of around 30,000 Brent Geese winters in Strangford Lough from October to April

Light-bellied brent geese have one of the longest migrations. In April they travel a staggering 2,900 miles from Ireland via Iceland and Greenland, where they fatten up, increasing their weight by up to 40 % in preparation for the final 1,865 mile flight over frozen Greenland to their breeding grounds in Canada.

Brent geese nest on the boggy Arctic tundra, where the severe climate allows them only about two months of good weather in which to raise a family. By mid-September, they have left their breeding grounds, and arrive in large flocks on our shores in early October. They spend the winter feeding on eelgrass in estuaries and on crops in adjoining fields.

Photo by Richard Taylor-Jones

Groomsport Properties For Sale

Whale Watch Ireland 2010

Did you know that Irish waters offer among the best land-based whale watching opportunities in Europe? To date 24 cetacean species have been recorded in Irish waters.
Whale watching affords an opportunity to see stunning coastal scenery and a variety of marine wildlife.
Sightings of Dolphins and Whales have been made in the Copelands area, Groomsport and Donaghadee, Portmuck, Islandmagee, Antrim, Newcastle Harbour, Co. Down.

Copeland Islands

At the mouth of Belfast Lough. Access is limited with only the outer islands offering reasonable cetacean watching. Access to Lighthouse (Observatory) Island arranged through Copeland Bird Observatory. Accommodation available at Observatory. See www.cbo.org.uk for further details.

Hospice Appeal

Support Northern Ireland Hospice by making a single or monthly donation. Click Here to Donate

N. Ireland Assembly

Parliament Buildings is open to the public between 9.00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday. Members of the public can watch Plenary Sittings from the Public Gallery on Mondays from 12 noon and Tuesdays from 10.30am. There is pedestrian access to the Stormont Estate between 07.30 and 18.00 daily, with later closing times in the summer months.

See how it works, and Listen to Live Debates

Plant a Memorial Tree

The Forestry Service in N. Ireland are pleased to accommodate requests to plant a tree in memory of a loved one, but ask that no plaque be erected. John Watson, District Forest Manager told us "We neither permit nor prevent relatives from scattering or burying ashes, all I would ask is that should you choose to do this that you remain mindful of other visitors who may be within the vicinity at the time". He and his team can advise regarding a suitable tree for your location. There is no charge but you are required to purchase the tree. John Watson can be contacted either by e-mail address: John.N.Watson@dardni.gov.uk Tel: 02843 772240.

CURRENT MOON

lunar phase

Understanding The Moon's Phases

THE Ulster-Scots Heritage Council has officially opened its new city centre offices in Belfast.

The premises at Franklin House on Brunswick Street were opened by Lord Mayor Pat McCarthy and other guests included the new Minister for Culture, Arts and Leisure, Edwin Poots as well as the Minister for Enterprise Trade and Industry, Nigel Dodds.
The Agency's chief executive, George Patton said the new offices would be like a "one stop shop" for the Ulster-Scots. "The Ulster-Scots Heritage Council as the representative body of the Ulster-Scots community plays a pivotal role in representing the grassroots opinions and concerns of the Ulster-Scots community," he said.

Want to learn Ulster Scots?

www.ulsterscotsagency.com

Ballyholme Yacht Club

Royal Ulster Yacht Club
Telephone 02891270568
e-mail: info@ruyc.co.uk
Website http://www.ruyc.co.uk/

Book Groomsport Boathouse for your Event

Bookings can be made by contacting:

Mrs Hilary McMullan

Leisure, Tourism & Community Services Department

North Down Borough Council

Town Hall, Castle Park Avenue,

Bangor, BT20 4BT

028 9127 8029

the Most Popular

Keeping Safe Online

There is a good chance that your home computer has been hijacked by spammers if you have a broadband net link, but are not using a firewall or anti-virus software to protect your PC.

Careful where you click, that e-mail could be loaded Even if you use anti-virus software but do not keep it up to date, there is every possibility that you are helping to keep spam alive and spreading.

You could also be helping if you are one of those people that open up attachments on e-mail messages that turn out to contain viruses, rather than the pictures you were promised in a subject line. Spammers are actively seeking out and hijacking home PCs to act as remotely controlled relays, or zombies, that pass on their unwanted messages.

Viruses such as MSBlaster, Agobot, MyDoom and Sobig were all written with the aim of converting home PCs to the spammers cause, and they have succeeded in huge numbers.

Top Tips

Install anti-virus software
Keep your anti-virus software up to date
Install a personal firewall
Use Windows updates to patch security holes
Do not open e-mail messages that look suspicious
Do not click on e-mail attachments you were not expecting