TODAY I sit at my laptop and don’t know what to say. Not because there is nothing to say – there is no shortage of stories to write about – but today is different. At the moment no words are adequate to reflect on the unspeakable bombing in Manchester and all that has happened since.
I was listening to BBC Radio 5 Live last Monday evening, a debate with young people talking about, guess what – the election – when a report came through, a serious incident at Manchester Arena where Ariana Grande was in concert. What unfolded from 10.35pm on that evening has been dreadful; the plight of young people, parents, friends and the men and women of the emergency services having to follow up on this trauma.
I listened all night, came downstairs to turn on the television at five o’clock and back to 5 Live at seven o’clock where Nicky Campbell was painting a vivid and horrific picture of the carnage in Manchester. Television cannot compete in the same way as radio in a case like this, reporters can’t be unobtrusive with their cameras and sound equipment so I am much more comfortable with a gifted and compassionate broadcaster like Campbell who has no difficulty getting to the heart of the matter instantly even though it was obviously very emotional for this father of four young daughters.
I can think of nothing worse than being a parent in this situation, not being able to get to your child and the panic for children not being able to get to their parents and some never being reunited. Prayers are not enough but it’s all we have to offer.
At the end of last week a Scottish man came on radio saying it’s all very well hearing government’s ‘stiff upper lip, we will not be beaten’ mentality; his message to Mrs May and her cronies is, get your act together, gloves off and knuckle down to ridding ourselves of this evil. A lot of people agree.
A GARDEN WITH A MESSAGE
A LITTLE happiness came to Northern Ireland when Ian Price was presented with a Gold Medal at the Chelsea Flower Show. The Duchess of Cambridge showed a particular interest as Ian took her round his creation which reflected his personal struggle with depression.
When comedian Peter Kay was chatting with presenter Sophie Haworth, he said he was intrigued with "a man from Belfast called Ian and his garden about depression".
Undoubtedly this landscape gardener, based in Mallusk, made a statement with his creation called 'Mind Trap’. He said that the walls surrounding his garden are symbolic as they create security or maybe a prison, depending on your perception. In the centre is a pool with water dyed black so onlookers don't know the depth. One half of the garden is minimal and drab – the other lush and colourful, so from the dark centre there is a choice of ways to exit.
“Its purpose is to help those that suffer in similar ways to be assured that they are not alone in their own personal struggles. It also endeavours to explain to others who have no personal experience of suffering what it may feel like.”
:: More at www.ianpricedesign.com
VIP VISITOR
IMELDA Camplisson from north Belfast, winner of the Golden Ticket, had a lovely VIP moment last week at Belfast City Hall when the lord mayor, Alderman Brian Kingston, escorted her and her party around the new visitor exhibition. She got the full treatment and enjoyed every moment.
“I entered a competition in City Matters magazine and to tell you the truth I forget what I said but my answer went into the mix and I came out the winner! It was very nice of the organisers to ask me to bring my husband Gerry and two friends. We were particularly impressed with the City Speech and City Streets that brought back so many childhood memories.”
And she’s no stranger to the city hall.
“We often meet here for coffee in the Bobbin Coffee Shop; I’d recommend it to anyone and especially visitors to Belfast. See the exhibition then relax over coffee.”
:: More information at www.belfastcity.gov.uk/cityhall
UNTIE FOR SAFETY'S SAKE
A LETTER from Mr Marshall, a disabled reader in east Belfast.
Dear Anne,
I’m writing about the red/orange communication cord in disabled toilets. If you ever go into a disabled toilet you’ll often see the cord tied up? These cords are supposed to reach down to six inches above the floor. The old cords used to come down to seating level but campaigners successfully got the cord lengthened a couple of years ago so that if a disabled person fell they could reach the cord and call for help.
My pet hate is seeing the cords tied up and I spend ages untying the cords. I did an online search and found a Scottish charity web page offering laminated cards that slip into the cord explaining why it is so important.
Best wishes
Disabled people, their friends and families can obtain these cards free of charge and use the invaluable website to search for reviews of venues across the UK and beyond. Information about such things as accessible toilets, wheelchair access and hearing loops are all provided to Euan’s Guide by the public (including Mr Marshall) who share their photos and experiences of restaurants, hotels, train stations, attractions and anywhere else they may have visited.
By passing on their experiences they give others an idea of what to expect when they visit a new place for the first time.
:: For cards and more information www.euansguide.com/news/red-cord-card.
