BANGOR woman Kym Lennon has been campaigning on behalf of wheelchair users for years, including – as I reported in February this year – a seaside area suitable for those with disabilities.
She's been especially involved in establishing an interactive beach in Co Down. "Such a beach would feature boardwalks, adapted toilets, chairs with big wheels and a play area suitable for children with swings adapted for wheelchair use," she told me.
Disabled herself since 1998, Kym is delighted that her dream has now come true. And, true to their word, Ards and North Down Council have turned Groomsport beach into the first 'inclusive beach' in the area.
It features all-terrain wheelchairs for both adults and children which can be pre-booked and are free of charge, walking frames suited for beach use, beach matting and a supported beach buggy for infants. On-site disabled toilet facilities include a toilet which offers both hoisting and adult-sized changing bench resources.
This is good news, not only for parents with children who require help, but also for the elderly on zimmers or using walking sticks and young mothers pushing children in a buggy. Let's hope this is a model for other seaside spots.
:: Swimming without getting your feet wet
IF YOU want to dive 'down under' you need go no further than the Theatre at the Mill in Newtownabbey on Thursday September 12: The Branff Mountain Film Festival will be swimming into town with its display of fascinating deep sea experiences.
Visiting more than 35 locations, this annual event involves a selection of short films telling seafaring stories from both above and below the water's surface.
"Witness mind-blowing marine life, wild adventures and stunning cinematography – all on the big screen," says Nell Teasdale, director for this tour taking in more than 40 venues over two months.
They land in Newtownabbey with what promises to be an exciting show: you'll even see an extreme artist painting underwater! But might you also spot a mermaid?
"Certainly, from the wild Arctic waters to Mexico's spectacular sinkholes, this collection of brand-new films will take audiences on a mesmerising journey to some of the least-explored depths of the planet."
The Ocean Film Festival originated in Australia with the aim of inspiring people to explore, respect, enjoy and protect the oceans. This is the sixth year it has toured the UK and Ireland, always making waves with their spectacular show.
Surely it is important for all of us to support such an evening at a time when the oceans are under threat. An enthralling evening for children, Sir David Attenborough would be proud.
To find out more, watch the trailer and book tickets, visit Oceanfilmfestival.co.uk.
:: Local man's look at history
BELFAST born Tim Shaw is a sculptor of renown. He is one of the youngest artists to be invited to become a Royal Academician at the London Royal Academy of Art, one of only 80 members and one of only 14 sculptors and he's known as a force to be reckoned with.
The Royal Academy is proud of their Northern Irish sculptor and publicises him as an artist who "creates psychologically charged environments that address humanitarian issues designed to unsettle and provoke thought. His work raises questions about difficult and controversial topics such as global terrorism and abuse of power."
One of Tim's works on show during the Summer Exhibition recreated a childhood memory of an IRA bombing in Belfast: 'Mother The Air is Blue, The Air Is Dangerous' is disturbing, as it recreates Tim's experience of being trapped with his mother in a downtown cafe when a bomb goes off in the doorway.
I have seen this installation and with the shadows of running people trying to escape, tripping and falling, adults carrying children and a floor area littered with scattered tables and chairs, detritus abandoned by the customers and, above all, a soundtrack of panic, sirens and shouting, it's terribly real.
The programme adds that 'some may find the imagery disturbing' and that parental guidance is recommended.
Another piece is entitled Parliament – The Voices In Your Head - an installation which has caused controversy where ever it is shown. Parliament consists of twenty-five rooks modelled in wire, straw and polythene and is accompanied by a clever soundtrack.
A unique concept comparing a parliament of rooks to members of parliament at Westminster! The soundscape is ingenious, "hear hear" and "order order" with well recognised voices pontificating – a Thatcher here, a Powell there and a Paisley everywhere – all descending in chaos. No doubt at some time Boris Johnson will fly in to join his peers.
The rooks create a chaotic scene, breaking into filing cabinets and desk drawers. The idea first came to Tim Shaw while working on a residency in the west of Ireland, during which he noted the ironic similarity between the behaviour of a 'parliament' of rooks and contentious, debating politicians.
Find out more about Tim Shaw RA and his work at Timshawsculptor.com
:: There's more to a coconut than you think
THERE'S a great movement to use coconut in cosmetic products and they are expensive; Coconut face cream £31, superfood shampoo £24, bronzing foam £29.90 and sunscreen at £32.90.
Other items are cheaper, but when it comes to hair care and nourishing in hot weather, central heating and airless offices, I would like to recommend coconut cooking oil.
It's great to cook with and healthy, but put a little in a bowl and melt it over gentle heat and then rub it into your hair. Massage in, leave for 20 minutes or so and then wash out using a little shampoo. You'll be amazed how soft and shiny your hair will be.
I had a friend who even in old age had the most astonishing head of thick curly white hair and she put it down to a mix of coconut oil and iodine well rubbed into the scalp. Worth trying.
