We have been here before. Or at least, I have. Dread and despair. A fear of imminent and overwhelming attack. Panic and hysteria. A feeling of abandonment. Questions in a torrent but answers in a trickle. It took a while before it hit me but my first ride on this rollercoaster was as a nine-year-old when […]
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August Féile will restore our spirits, vows West Fest Director
FÉILE an Phobail Director Kevin Gamble is pledging that this year’s August carnival will play a key role in rebuilding community spirit in the wake of the Coronavirus crisis. “When times get tough, the community of West Belfast and Féile an Phobail are never found wanting,” he said. “If you think back to why Féile was […]
LORAG launches Good morning phone call service
From March 18, Lorag has been operating a daily “Good morning” phone call service to elderly, vulnerable and those socially isolating in the Lower Ormeau area. “This service has been in response to community need and the ongoing health crisis to ensure people receive a daily chat, check in and any support they may need,” […]
Emotional Coffee House owner calls it a day in face of Coronavirus
As small businesses scramble to respond to the impact of the Coronavirus, the shutters have come down on one of West Belfast’s most famed eateries, the Coffee House Bistro on the Stewartstown Road. Husband and wife team Jim and Mary McIlwaine told the Andersonstown News that the decision to close the popular eatery was made […]
Local pharmacy staff have ‘never been under so much pressure’
THOSE accessing prescriptions and services from West Belfast pharmacies are being urged to remain “calm and patient” as healthcare staff come under relentless pressure amidst the coronavirus pandemic. Speaking on behalf of Cooper’s Chemist, Michael Cooper told the Andersonstown News that the business, which has served the community for some 38 years, has “never been […]
Failure to community test for Covid-19 is “madness” says community leader who is self-isolating
A prominent community worker, who is self-isolating due to his wife’s Coronavirus symptoms, has described the Department of Health’s COVID-19 testing regime as “madness”. Colin activist Michael George told how, despite contacting the NHS when symptoms began on Tuesday past, his wife Tricia will not be tested for the virus under the department’s current plans. […]
