film & photography workshop #inspire

Although Saturday 23 March came in the aftermath of one of the worst spring snowstorms in living memory that didn’t dampen the enthusiasm on display at the #inspire youth conference. Organised by the East Belfast Partnership #inspire brought together a range of agencies and groups to help inspire all east Belfast young people between 14 and 20 years old who are looking for some inspiration about how they can improve their chances and be the best they can be.

The day featured parcours free runners, stunt cycling, hair and beauty classes, dj classes, workshops on film making and photography and lots of music. There was also a Diary Room and the whole day concluded with a Let’s Talk event in the evening featuring local politicians.

We at Skainos were delighted to host the event which helped show case the integrated and flexibility nature of the facility. Well done to Maggie Andrews and the team at teh Partnership

The Newtownards road has been well-known in the past, for such icons as Inglis’s Bakery, the Sirocco Works and Irvine’s Shoe Shop. Norman Kennedy and Jim Patton, of the East Belfast Historical Society, recall the shops of the past and their memories of growing up on the Newtownards road; ” it was great, at Christmas.. my mother would have gone in for messages.. and you would’ve got a box of grapes, or a sugar loaf.. just put in as a wee extra.” The future of the Newtownards road is firmly in the hands of the East Belfast Partnership, with the new NR2012 scheme. “As this area regenerates.. it is going to attract new businesses,” reflects Elma Newberry, Chief Executive, “there is no reason why it couldn’t it be a Lisburn road.”

Watch the extended presentation for a visual history of the Newtownards Road HERE.