Quitting Crime Programme Information New This Week

PI Week 1 & 2 January 1 - January 14, 2011

Quitting Crime Programme Information New this week

Quitting Crime Page 3 New two-part series follows new project for young offenders

House of the Year Is Back Page 4 Laurence Llewelyn Bowen is back with a new series in search of Northern Ireland’s top homes

Seacht Returns Page 6 The fourth and ﬁnal series starts on BBC One Northern Ireland

Rock Of Ages Page 7 New BBC Radio Ulster documentary looks at how a church was the launch pad from some of Northern Ireland’s coolest musical exports

A Narrow Sea Page 9 The story of Ulster’s connections with Scotland

Stargazing Live at the Armagh Planetarium Page 11 Enjoy a day with the stars with the BBC’s Stargazing Live

Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was Page 13 New documentary tells the story of a County Antrim man who made it big in Hollywood

The David Meade Project Page 15 Mentalist David Meade demonstrates his mind-boggling skills in a new four-part TV series for BBC Northern Ireland

How To Live To Be 100 Page 17 New two-part radio series explores the ways we can increase our chances of making it to 100

Celebrate Derry Page 18 BBC Radio Ulster continues celebrating Londonderry being named UK City of Culture for 2013 with two free concerts featuring local artists

New Head of News Appointed Page 20 BBC Northern Ireland appoints Kathleen Carragher as its new Head of News

2 Quitting Crime New two-part series follows new project helping young offenders

Quitting Crime, begins on BBC One Northern Ireland, Tuesday, January 4, 10.35pm

Within two years of being released from prison 75% of young offenders will be back behind bars.

In an attempt to break this cycle of re- offending the Prince’s Trust Charity and Hydebank Wood Young Offenders Centre launched a pilot project to help young offenders turn their back on crime.

Quitting Crime, a new two-part BBC Northern Ireland series, gets unprecedented access to Northern Ireland’s only young offenders centre, Hydebank Wood, to fol- low a number of the young inmates and a 1:2:1 Project team leader Rory Brown, second left, with the team of volunteer supporters, from left, John group of volunteer former prisoners in this Quigley, Mary McNichol and Paul Winter who appear in the new two-part BBC NI series, Quitting Crime pioneering new initiative, the 1:2:1 Project. recognises the strength today’s inmates will these young people becoming ‘career crim- need if they are to turn their lives around. inals’. They are aiming to break a cycle, that On the scheme, each inmate is matched up Rory, and his team of volunteers, aim to had many getting out of prison and then with a ‘supporter’ – themselves an ex-of- help the inmates turn away from crime and within a short time being right back behind fender – who offers advice and guides the not to make the same mistakes they did. bars again. My objective was to chart the inmate on their journey to life outside. Pro- In the months leading up to the inmates’ progress of a number of young offenders on the 1:2:1 project. The unique thing about duced by independent production company, release, viewers get to see how the supporters help facilitate the inmates’ transi- 1:2:1 is that the volunteers are ex-offend- Crawford McCann, Quitting Crime follows tion back into society. ers themselves so they know what they’re the progress of the inmates and their sup- talking about and know the pitfalls and the porters over a period of nine months giving The series charts the highs and lows faced challenges facing these young people when viewers an insight into life inside the prison, by the inmates and the supporters and how they are released. The series will give view- the thoughts of the inmates and candid ac- the young offenders have found themselves ers unprecedented access and a real insight cess to the meetings between inmate and inside – some of whom are behind bars for into what they are having to deal with it and supporter. the ﬁrst time while others are repeat of- how they do it.” fenders. Note to Editors: Source of statistic used The series also follows the scheme’s team Kelda Crawford McCann who ﬁlmed, in Quitting Crime series and provided leader, the inspirational Rory Brown, himself produced and directed the series said: “I by Prince’s Trust and Hydebank Wood an ex-offender who has served time in pris- wanted to explore a revolutionary project Young Offenders Centre. Figure quot- on. Rory knows only too well the problems that is trying to tackle re-offending rates. ed applies to UK, including Northern and pitfalls that can lead people to offend Working alongside the prison and proba- Ireland. and ultimately to a life behind bars. He also tion staff, the 1:2:1 team is striving to stop 3 House of the Year Returns House of the Year, begins on BBC One Northern Ireland, Monday, January 3, 7.30pm

Laurence Llewelyn Bowen returns to present a new series of House of the Year A new seven-part series from BBC to fabulous design, as he takes a tour around Throughout the series Laurence will be joined by an expert panel of judges who Northern Ireland is on the hunt to the eighteen short-listed homes and spends time with the three expert judges. get the chance to view the three houses in find Northern Ireland’s House of the each programme. Year. In the first six programmes beginning on They are Des Ewing, award-winning archi- BBC One Northern Ireland on Monday, tect; Michael Dunn, freelance property con- Following on from the success of the first January 3 at 7.30pm, three beautiful homes sultant with over 20 years experience as an series, House Of The Year once again sees in Northern Ireland are featured with estate agent and Suzanne Garuda, interna- presenter Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen, a man one from each programme selected to go tional interior designer who has worked on everything from royal palaces to luxury who knows a thing or two when it comes through to the series Final. yachts.

4 Laurence Llewelyn Bowen joins forces with the House of the Year judges, from left, Michael Dunne, Des Ewing and Suzanne Garuda, for a new series, beginning on BBC One Northern Ireland, Monday, January 3, 7.30pm The judges will evaluate each house fea- There is also an Individual Merit Award for Feargal O’Kane, Series Producer, added: tured in the semi-finals and the Final on the which all contestants featured in the series “We are very pleased with the new series following criteria: architectural integrity; are eligible, whether or not they make it to – it really looks great. There is a real variety interior design; use of space/circulation/lay- the Final. of houses, from the very small to the huge, out /natural light/lighting; external merit; and an incredible range of styles. There are environmental credentials and overall am- some surprises in there that will definitely Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen said: “Where you bience and appeal. get people talking round the water cooler live says so much about who you are, how the following morning’. you feel about yourself and how you’d like In the seventh and final programme of the to be seen by other people. This series is a series, the judges will select two runners- For further information on the short list- up and an overall winner. The winner will fabulous opportunity to show off just how ing and judging process please log on to receive the BBC Northern Ireland House good you are at home making. I’ll be look- bbc.co.uk/houseoftheyear of the Year Title and Trophy. The trophies ing for homes that ooze personality and are bespoke sculptures handcrafted by lo- idiosyncratic charm, and who knows there cal artist, David Granville. might even be marks off for magnolia.”

5 Seacht is back! The fourth and ﬁnal series of Seacht starts on BBC Northern Ireland

Seacht begins BBC Two Northern Ireland, Monday, January 3, 10pm

Award-winning Irish Language drama, Seacht, has come of age and will air its fourth and ﬁnal series from Mon- day, January 3 at 10pm on BBC Two Northern Ireland.

Filmed on location in Queen’s University Belfast, this year’s drama tackles hard-hit- ting topics such as HIV, suicide and murder, so it’s no surprise that it’s tipped to be the most explosive series yet.

Producer, Colin O’Donnell, said: “I feel this year we’ve really raised the bar, not just in terms of our story telling, but right across the board. The cast has grown up, the performances have been superb and I’m ex- tremely proud that we’re ending four great The cast of the fourth series of Seacht years on such a high.” chasing a new career as a weather girl, se- Drawing acting talent from across Ireland ries four hurtles along with Seacht’s unique and using UK-wide production crew, Seacht With high octane drama from the outset, blend of danger and laughter. has been twice nominated for the IFTA’s and has won two consecutive Celtic Media the students are devastated when one of Awards to date. their best friends dies at the hands of villain The students at the heart of Seacht may lecturer, Steve Cassidy. Mounting an uphill have arrived as seven strangers, but as illus- Seacht is a Stirling Television production for struggle for justice, the group’s resilience is trated in an unforgettable farewell episode, BBC Northern Ireland and TG4 with sup- tested to new limits and, with Paddy falling there’s no doubt that they leave as a close- port from Northern Ireland Screen’s Irish for an old ﬂame and ever-shallow Joanne knit family. Language Broadcast Fund.

6 Rock Of Ages New BBC Radio Ulster documentary looks at how a church was the launch pad from some of Northern Ireland’s coolest musical exports

Rock Of Ages, BBC Radio Ulster, Saturday, January 1, 11am

Iain Archer cut his musical teeth at the Christian Fellowship Church in east Belfast If you thought nothing cool could many of Northern Ireland’s most successful trol all developed their music prowess in the Christian Fellowship Church on the ever come from Christian music, a contemporary music artists cut their teeth not in one of Belfast’s many live music bars Belmont Road, Belfast. And in more recent new BBC Radio Ulster documentary but, in fact, in a church in the east of the times, Two Door Cinema Club and Lowly Knights have passed through its doors of its might just prove you wrong. city. Bangor counterpart.

Rock Of Ages, on BBC Radio Ulster on Sat- In the mid-1990s, artists such as Duke Spe- In this hour-long programme, presenter urday, January 1, 2011 at 11am, shows how cial, Iain Archer and members of Snow Pa- Rigsy discovers how the CFC drew young 7 people from all across Northern Ireland for its refusal to be a staid or average Protes- tant church. Instead the CFC was deter- mined to inject a dizzying creativity into worship that eventually percolated into a thriving DIY music scene that transcended all divides. In the place of the organ, the sounds Fender Stratocasters and drum kits ﬁlled the church hall to whet the spiritual appetites of the young and musically mind- ed. The house band spawned acts that have gone on to worldwide success.

Rigsy talks to the main players behind the project including members of Two Door Cinema Club, Duke Special and Brian Hou- ston and questions the cliché that the devil has all the best tunes.

Rigsy says: “It’s pretty incredible the inﬂu- ence the Christian Fellowship Church has Rigsy talks to some of Northern Ireland’s most beloved music acts in Rock of Ages had on Northern Irish music in recent times - we’re talking about some of the biggest and best bands we have to offer, from Snow Patrol and Duke Special to newer acts like Six Star Hotel and the Lowly Knights. The inﬂuence has been subtle enough that most people, including myself, were completely unaware of the connection, which is why this documentary will come as quite a surprise to people who assume the devil has all the best tunes!”

Rock of Ages, BBC Radio Ulster, Satur- day, January 1, 2011 at 11am. 92–95FM & DAB digital radio, digital TV and online at bbc.co.uk/radioulster

Duke Special also passed through the doors of the CFC

8 A Narrow Sea The story of Ulster’s connections with Scotland

A Narrow Sea, begins weeknights on BBC Radio Ulster MW, Monday, January 3, 6.54pm

A Narrow Sea is a new 60-part series on BBC Radio Ulster looking at the history of the people and culture now known as ‘Ulster-Scots’.

Written by historian, Dr Jonathan Bardon, it reveals how the comings and goings across the narrow sea did much to shape the history of Ulster and Scotland.

From earliest times, settlers, monks, raiders, kings and mercenaries have been among the many to cross what is today known as The North Channel.

Series producer, Alison Finch, says: “A Nar- row Sea presents a huge sweep of information, weaving together adventure, great feats of bravery, dreadful suffering, inspirational heroes and super-human achievements into short, easily digestible episodes.”

Ulster-Scots producer, Laura Spence, adds: “A Narrow Sea considers not only the constant ﬂow of people between Scotland and Ulster, but also the further migration of many of these people over the Atlantic where they became known as the Scots- Irish, accomplished frontiersmen who helped create the United States of Amer- BBC Radio Ulster’s Cherrie McIlwaine narrates the story of Ulster’s connections with Scotland in a new ica.” radio series – A Narrow Sea – beginning weeknights from Monday, January 3 at 6.54pm The six-minute programmes, broadcast on The narrators are BBC Radio Ulster’s Dr Bardon explores the divided loyalties of weeknights on BBC Radio Ulster MW from Cherrie McIlwaine and Scottish actor, the Ulster-Scots in Ireland: while some cre- Monday, January 3 at 6.54pm, will show the James Bryce. ated the Orange Order and supported the contribution of Ulster-Scots to the culture, Crown, others fought for Irish independ- leadership and character of many places ence in 1798. across the globe. 9 New Ulster-Scots Website Launched bbc.co.uk/ulsterscots

A new BBC Ulster-Scots website is now available at bbc.co.uk/ulsterscots A new BBC Ulster-Scots Further clips from other relevant TV and DVDs available. The site will be refreshed website is now available at radio series are searchable by key word or and updated regularly.” category - so whether you’re interested in bbc.co.uk/ulsterscots culture, history, language or literature, you’ll The site will be further enhanced in the find something of interest. coming months so that users can per- Designed to resemble a traditional patch- sonalise their experience - by submitting work quilt, it provides users with almost Site producer, Laura Spence, says: “We car- their own content and saving favourite 4,000 assets ranging from audio and video ried out some research to see what the clips into their own online ‘kist’. clips, to a resources guide, lessons and Ul- audience would hope to find on an Ulster- ster-Scots vocabulary. Scots website. As a result, the site provides lessons, archive material, vocabulary and re- The Ulster-Scots radio series, A Kist O sources to help people find out more about Wurds, is housed on the site along with the organisations, books, artists and CDs / clips from its eight year archive. 10 Stargazing Live at The Armagh Planetarium Enjoy a day with the stars with the BBC’s Stargazing Live

Stargazing Live, BBC Two. Monday, January 3 – Wednesday, January 5, 8pm Stargazing Live event at The Armagh Planetarium, Wednesday, January 5

The BBC is set to inspire a whole host of astronomers and stargazers in Northern Ireland to look to the skies this New Year in a season of events and programmes headed up by Pro- fessor Brian Cox.

On Wednesday, January 5, The Armagh Plan- etarium, in association with BBC Learning, will host a day of space-themed activities suitable for all ages.

You can try your hand at recording a stargazing themed radio drama, animation workshops or making and launching your own rocket. Science enthusiasts ‘Mad Sci- ence’ will offer their “Our Place in Space” show, which promises to make space fun and interesting to children of all ages. Professor Brian Cox presents Stargazing Live on BBC Two on Monday, January 3 – Wednesday, January 5, At 5.30pm, Bangor man John Kennedy will 8pm take you on a sky-walk, and teach you how All these activities and shows on January Residents in Northern Ireland will be shar- to map the skies for yourself! For adults 5 are free. ing the experience with tens of thousands who harbour an interest in all things astral. of fellow stargazers as part of the nation- From January 3-16, The Irish Astronomi- wide extravaganza that is tied into the new cal Association and the Northern Ireland The Northern Ireland Amateur Astronomy BBC Two show Stargazing LIVE. Amateur Astronomy Society will be host- Society will be on hand from 6.30pm to ing their own Stargazing themed events give beginners, amateur astronomers and In this three-day series, which airs dur- throughout Northern Ireland. professional stargazers the chance to learn ing the ﬁrst week of January, Professor about and explore the night sky (weather For more information about these and oth- Brian Cox will be joined by Dara O’Briain permitting). er activities by visiting bbc.co.uk/stargazing as the pair look to the skies to bring the

11 wonders of the stars into our living rooms. around the sky, the Star Guide is an invalu- And Mark Thompson, the One Show’s resi- able tool and will soon help newcomers to dent astronomer, will be on-hand to offer pick out some of the incredible sights of viewers tips on how to navigate their own the Universe.” way across the skies. As well as the Stargazing LIVE events there “The night sky is one of nature’s most in- will be other ways to get involved. Brian credible treasures so it’s fantastic that there Cox is asking stargazers of all levels to are going to be Stargazing LIVE events up share their photographs of the night sky, and down the country to give the public a chance to try their hand at stargazing,” says with the best showcased during the live meteors, the Stargazing LIVE team would astronomer, Mark Thompson. shows in January. love to see them. You can upload your images and download a comprehensive starter guide to the night sky by visiting “And although a star ﬁlled sky can be daunt- Whether the pictures are of the moon or bbc.co.uk/stargazing ing to many people taking their ﬁrst steps the planets, galaxies or nebulae, comets or

Notes To Editors: About BBC Learning

For further information about •The Stargazing LIVE campaign is one of the many unique and varied offer- Stargazing LIVE at the Armagh ings from BBC Learning. BBC Learning plays a central part in meeting the Planetarium, please contact the BBC’s purpose of promoting education and learning. Utilising the power Planetarium on 028 3752 3689 of the BBC’s big brands and key talent, the department puts learning right or via email: info@armaghplanet. at the heart of the BBC and provides a variety of resources and learning com or Aoife McKevitt at the BBC opportunities for children, teachers, parents and adult learners. Working Northern Ireland on 028 9033 8588. with partners and in local communities, BBC Learning aims to stimulate interests and encourage engagement through a variety of campaigns across For further information about all BBC genres and platforms. For more information on all the learning pro- Stargazing LIVE please email [email protected] grammes offered visit www.bbc.co.uk/learningoverview

For press picture requests please con- Our external partners tact [email protected] or phone 020 8225 6800. If you have password ac- NIAAS – Formerly known as East Antrim Astronomy Society, the NIAAS now covers cess, pictures can be downloaded from counties Antrim, Down, Tyrone and further aﬁeld. Open to all members of the public www.bbcpictures.com the club is accessible to beginners and runs events for beginners as well as more expe- rienced members to develop their skills. www.niaas.co.uk The Stargazing LIVE campaign from BBC Learning aims to encourage all of us to learn more about astronomy. IAA - The Irish Astronomical Association was formed in 1974 and draws its 200 mem- Developed in partnership with a huge bers from both the UK and Ireland. The IAA membership ranges from complete begin- range of science and astronomy organi- ners to accomplished observers and astro photographers. sations, the campaign encourages new www.irishastro.org.uk audiences to get involved in ﬁnding out about the night sky. Armagh Planetarium - The Armagh Planetarium is an organisation dedicated to astronomy education for all levels, from nursery through to retirement age. Their aim is www.bbc.co.uk/stargazing provides de- to demonstrate to their visitors the amazing objects that exist in the cosmos, but to do tails on how to get started in astrono- it in such a way that they do not see their efforts as formal teaching. my, where to develop your interest and www.armaghplanet.com information on partner events taking place across the UK in January 2011. 028 3752 3689 12 Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was

New documentary tells the story of a County Antrim man who made it big in Hollywood

Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was BBC One Northern Ireland, Monday, January 10, 10.35pm

The name Stephen Boyd may not call to mind neon lights, red carpets and blockbuster films but as a new BBC Northern Ireland documentary reveals, he was Northern Ireland’s first bona fide movie star.

Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was, on BBC One Northern Ireland on Monday, January 10 at 10.35pm, tells the remark- able story of how, long before Liam Nee- son made his mark in Tinseltown, a young man from Carnmoney, Co Antrim was star- ring in major roles in some of Hollywood’s most iconic ﬁlms.

Born Billy Millar in 1931, Stephen Boyd became a reputable actor on stage and radio in Northern Ireland, appearing in BBC plays and with the Group Theatre, alongside the likes of James Ellis. In the 1950s the bright lights of the West End lured Stephen to London where he hoped to ﬁnd fame and fortune. The success he craved eluded him, however, and Stephen scraped together a

Stephen Boyd, centre, on the set of Hollywood epic Ben Hur with co-star Charlton Heston, left, and director William Wyler, right living busking on the streets of London and His fortune changed when working in the would even spend some evenings sleeping Odeon in Leicester Square where, at an on park benches. awards evening, acclaimed actor Michael 13 Redgrave spotted him and within weeks Billy Millar changed his name to Stephen Boyd and started to make his mark on the West End.

With his Northern Ireland brogue being seen as a hindrance to his progression in the acting world, Stephen pretended to be from Canada and adopted a transatlantic accent. In 1955 he landed his breakthrough ﬁlm role as an Irish spy in The Man Who Never Was which helped to make him a major player in Hollywood.

His most famous role came when he beat off stiff competition to win the part of Mes- sala in the epic blockbuster Ben Hur op- posite Charlton Heston.

From there he went on to score more big roles in movies such as The Fall Of The Roman Empire and Fantasy Voyage and appeared alongside such leading ladies as Sophia Loren, Brigitte Bardot, Doris Day and Raquel Welch.

Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was is on BBC One NI on Monday, January 10 at 10.35pm charts the actor’s rise to fame and exam- ines how this private man’s reluctance to play Hollywood’s star-making game saw him fall out of favour with the movie world elite, leading him to star in a string of low budget movies.

This programme, which is narrated by Stephen Rea, also discovers what the actor was like away from the glitz and glamour of the ﬁlm world, hearing from his family back home in Northern Ireland and from the friends and colleagues who knew him in America from his ﬁlm making days until his untimely death aged 45 on a golf course in Los Angeles.

Among the interviews featured in the programme are his former Group Theatre colleague Jimmy Ellis, actress and friend Monica Peterson, legendary Paramount producer AC Lyles and Charlton Heston’s son Fraser Heston. Hollywood actor Stephen Boyd, who was born Billy Millar in Carmoney was considered one of Hollywood’s lead- Stephen Boyd: The Man Who Never Was is Director and producer Davy Kilpatrick, ing men. He still has fans the world over a Clean Slate Television production for BBC from Clean Slate Television, says: “Stephen and should be remembered as one of our Northern Ireland. Boyd starred in some of the greatest ﬁlms greatest actors, he has left us a celluloid of all time and at the height of his career legacy to be proud of.”

14 The David Meade Project New four-part series – it’s mentalism

The David Meade Project, begins on BBC One Northern Ireland, Wednesday, January 12, 10.45pm

Do not adjust your television sets. You have to see this to believe it - but even when you see it, you won’t believe your eyes. Is this man telling you what to think, or, is he reading your mind?

The man is mentalist David Meade who demonstrates his mind-boggling skills in a new four-part BBC Northern Ireland series. He counts Uri Geller as a fan and has stunned audiences from Banbridge to Boston with his performances. By day he’s a university lecturer but he combines his aca- demic work with his other passion – Men- talism - the art of mind manipulation.

Now he’s unleashing his talents on the Northern Ireland public in a series of mind- bending experiments that will leave viewers bewildered as to how he does it.

Can he really tell how much money some- one has in their pocket just by listening to the sound it makes when it’s dropped? Can he actually read the mind of a well-known artist and predict what he’s going to draw? And do you think you’re lucky? If not, may- be a mentalist can change your luck.

Produced by Wild Rover Productions, The David Meade Project starts on Wednes- day, January 12 at 10.45pm on BBC One Northern Ireland and each programme will see the Banbridge man puts his reputation The new four-part BBC One Northern Ireland series, The David Meade Project, starts on Wednesday, Janu- on the line by testing his abilities on mem- ary 12 at 10.45pm

15 The new four-part BBC One Northern Ireland series, The David Meade Project, starts on Wednesday, January 12 at 10.45pm bers of the public as well as putting his skills series with David, I’ve still no idea how he ﬁnd out their pin numbers – so just be to the test around a number of planned does it. There is no smoke or mirrors, no careful what you’re thinking about if you experiments. The only thing close to these camera tricks, no stooges - this isn’t a ma- meet him!” amazing spectacles is the bamboozled reac- gician’s act. It’s happening right in front of tion of the participants. your eyes. You’ll be stunned. Simple as that. The new four-part series, The David Meade Project, starts on BBC One Northern Executive Producer Kieran Doherty said: “These are skills that he’s perfected over Ireland on Wednesday, January 12 at “How does he do it? Well, let’s just say he the years. It’s jaw dropping to watch – he 10.45pm. puts his mind to it. Even after ﬁlming the can actually get inside people’s heads and

16 How To Live To Be 100 In a new two-part series on BBC Radio Ulster, Marie-Louise Muir explores the ways we can increase our chances of making it to 100

How To Live To Be 100, begins on BBC Radio Ulster, Saturday, January 8 at 12pm bbc.co.uk/radioulster

After indulging in the excesses of the sets about looking into to live even longer. festive period, many of us will be en- On her travels in the first programme, Marie-Louise finds out how exercise and tering into 2011 with heads full of best eating sensibly really can make a difference; intentions for the year ahead. But how what actually constitutes your five-a-day; many of our New Year resolutions will how cutting out bad habits like smoking, alcohol and over-eating can seriously in- ensure we stand a chance of living a crease your life expectancy; and how play- long, healthy and fulfilling life? ing computer games and even smiling and having a positive outlook can help you live In the new two-part BBC Radio Ulster se- a longer life both in body and mind. ries How To Live To Be 100, starting on Sat- urday, January 8 at 12pm, presenter Marie- Marie-Louise says: “This show has been a Louise Muir will be exploring how listeners real wake up call for me. I’ve pottered along, can increase their chances of lengthening knowing I’m getting older but not doing their life expectancy while dispelling some that much about it. I know that there are myths and throwing in some surprises the genetic factors which none of us can along the way. avoid, but finding out that I can do something about increasing my life has left me In this series, Marie-Louise meets GPs, nu- feeling really empowered. I don’t smoke, so tritionists, psychologists and some inspi- that’s at least one brownie point. But I’m rational individuals to discover that a long hopeless at my five-a-day, I would head for life isn’t just down to good luck and great the lift rather than the stairs and did enjoy Marie-Louise Muir asks how can we live and long genes. and healthy life in the new BBC Radio Ulster series a glass or two of wine. How To Live To Be 100 In the second part of the series, on BBC After dabbling in an online Life Expectancy “But small changes make big differences. Radio Ulster at 12pm on Saturday, January Calendar, in which she learns her projected And that’s what shocked me the most. So 15, 2010, Marie-Louise find out how sleep, life expectancy is 89 years old, Marie-Louise you are more likely to meet me on the less salt and heading south can help you live stairs these days and I am getting there with to 100. my five-a-day, most days. And I’ve taken up walking. One of our contributors, now 72, How To Live To Be 100, BBC Radio Ulster, told me that all I needed to do was “10 Saturday, January 8 and 15 at 12pm. 92– minutes out, 10 minutes in”. So I’ve started 95FM & DAB digital radio, digital TV and with baby steps.” online at bbc.co.uk/radioulster

17 Celebrate Derry BBC Radio Ulster continues celebrating Londonderry being named UK City of Culture for 2013 with two free concerts featuring local artists

bbc.co.uk/ni/tickets

Cellist Kim Vaughan BBC Radio Ulster’s Sounds Classical Supported by Derry City Council, these local choir, Codetta (Artistic Director: two exclusive events will see the Derry programme is celebrating London- Donal Doherty) singing works by Michael artists join forces with the Ulster Orches- McGlynn (founder of Anúna) and the lead- derry being awarded UK City of Cul- tra for a concert in Belfast’s Ulster Hall ing British choral composer John Rutter. on Thursday, January 13 before returning ture for 2013 with special jubilatory home to perform in Derry’s Guildhall on Kim Vaughan, an outstanding young cellist concerts in both Belfast and Derry, Friday, January 14. from Derry, will join the choir in a work featuring musicians and singers from The varied programme, which will be the by the atmospheric English composer John the Maiden City. same in both cities, will feature renowned Tavener, before taking centre stage with the 18 Ulster Orchestra in Camille Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto No.1.

The internationally acclaimed Derry-born saxophonist Gerard McChrystal will perform an exciting saxophone concerto by the ﬁlm composer Michael Kamen, and the concert reaches a dramatic climax with John Rutter’s uplifting Gloria, performed by Codetta and the Ulster Orchestra, conducted by David Brophy.

Both concerts will be hosted by Sounds Classical presenter John Toal.

John says: “This promises to be two great nights of music that is both approach- able and accessible, a rare chance to hear Michael Kamen’s saxophone concerto with Gerard McChrystal coming home to play it, Derry cellist Kim Vaughan with the Saint- Saens concerto, and one of Derry’s most exciting choirs singing Rutter’s Gloria. It’s just the thing to see us all through the dark month of January, and a great way to mark the City of Culture-to-be.”

Complimentary tickets for the concerts at the Ulster Hall, Belfast on Thursday, Janu- ary 13 and in the Guildhall, Derry on Fri- day, January 14, 2011 are available from the BBC: bbc.co.uk/ni/tickets or by phoning 0370 901 1227.

The Derry concert will be recorded for Sounds Classical and broadcast in two parts on Sunday, January 23 and Sunday, January 30 at 8pm on BBC Radio Ulster.

The concerts will be conducted by David Brophy

19 BBC Northern Ireland appoints new Head of News

BBC Northern Ireland has appointed Kathleen Carragher as its new Head of News.

Kathleen takes up the position having been Editor of Radio News at BBC Northern Ireland since 1998 as well as editor of News Online in BBC Northern Ireland for the past two years.

Kathleen began her journalism career in newspapers in England and her BBC career in BBC Radio Foyle in 1983 before moving to the World at One and Woman’s Hour on BBC Radio 4.

In her new position, she will be responsi- ble for BBC Northern Ireland news out- put across television, radio and online. She takes up the appointment in the New Year from Andrew Colman who was in the role for the past 12 years.

During her time as Editor of Radio News, Kathleen won three prestigious Sony Gold Awards.

Kathleen was educated in St Dominic’s High School, Belfast, Sussex University and the University of Wales.

Kathleen Carragher said: “It’s a great privi- lege to have been appointed Head of News Kathleen Carragher, the new Head of News, BBC Northern Ireland for BBC Northern Ireland. Our news out- Peter Johnston, Director BBC Northern in Radio News. Kathleen will ensure that put has a great reputation both inside and Ireland said: “Kathleen brings great strengths BBC Northern Ireland news will continue outside the BBC. I look forward to build- and depth of knowledge to the position and to set the highest possible standards that ing on the strengths and achievements to has a proven track record having picked up our audiences expect.” date.” three Sony Gold Awards during her career