Latest news with #CatchUp
Belfast Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Belfast Telegraph
Tributes paid to NI personal trainer with ‘gentle soul' following tragic passing
A funeral notice said Geoff Gates 'suddenly passed away' at his home on May 20 and is survived by his mum Christine, dad Robert and brother Andrew. The 47-year-old was known for his active presence on social media where he posted motivational content to a combined following of over 5,000 people. Raised in Lurgan, Geoff inspired many with the biography on his social media page reading: 'My mission is to help 1 million people lose weight, be happier and worry less. Creator of Limitless.' Mourners online paid tribute to the health enthusiast as a 'beautiful soul' while others remembered him for his 'charismatic and engaging presence.' News Catch Up - Thursday 22 May One tribute said: 'He was such a character, always truthful, encouraging, chaotic at times, but someone who loved helping people. He was a man with a gentle soul who had a brilliant mind. 'He was so good at showing his own vulnerabilities in order to connect and be real with people. I've fond memories of his wee random chats,' she added. A gym in Geoff's hometown, Connected Fitness, extended their condolences to his family while recounting on the 'lasting impression' he made on people. They said: 'We are saddened to share the news of the recent passing of Geoff Gates, a member of the Connected Fitness community. 'Geoff was a charismatic and engaging presence—known for his humour, quick wit, and the energy he brought into the gym. He made a lasting impression on many, and his absence will be felt by both the team and fellow members.' Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart remembered Geoff as being 'loved by so many.' The DUP MP said: 'Such sad news … Geoff was such a gentleman and much loved by so many in the local community but by none more so than his family. My thoughts and prayers are with those closest to him as they come to terms with this great loss.' Another mourner said: 'Totally shocking, will be missed by so many, thoughts with his mum, dad and brother.' One tribute recalled the 'many fond memories' they had with personal trainer. They said: 'Brutal news. Thoughts and prayers with all the family. Many fond memories of Geoff. Sleep easy mate.' 'Can't believe it,' another tributer said. 'Rest in peace mate you beautiful soul hearts goes out your family and all that truly loved you.' Geoff's funeral arrangements are to be confirmed with requests for house visits to be strictly private. Malcomsons Funeral Service said: 'Family flowers only please . Donations if desired may be made for PIPS c/o Malcomsons Funeral Service, 7 Robert Street Lurgan, BT66 8BE. 'Lovingly remembered by his sorrowing mum, dad and brother.'
Belfast Telegraph
13-05-2025
- Belfast Telegraph
‘People felt threatened and intimidated': Anger as ‘boy racers' run amok in NI forest park
So-called boy racers have been causing a disturbance by dangerous driving activities in the car park at Gortin Glens Forest Park. The matter was raised at Fermanagh and Omagh District Council. SDLP councillor Bernard McGrath outlined concerns at the Environmental Services Committee meeting, saying: 'The boy racers were back. This is the third time I've mentioned this in two years and there doesn't seem to be any progress. 'The big difference this time is they were there early, from around 7 o'clock while members of the public were using the facility, who were left feeling threatened and intimidated.' John News, director of Environment and Place, confirmed: 'We are aware of the anti-social behaviour and we received reports from residents and members of the public. 'It is quite rightly noted this has been an ongoing challenge, and it's worth highlighting what the council has done.' He set out how additional signage has been installed as well as 'No Return' plates in the scenic drive at top exit. Consideration has been given to closing the automatic gate at the entrance at certain times, however on this occasion the antisocial behaviour and dangerous driving was at an earlier time. 'We are also continuing to go through a process of installing CCTV cameras throughout the park in an attempt to establish what will deter this sort of behaviour, which is completely unacceptable, particularly as we come into the brighter nights,' he added. Mr News added: 'The damage in the car park was caused by skid marks from 'doughnutting' and thankfully nobody was hurt. 'There were no accidents of damage to property, vehicles or pedestrians. 'This brings home the importance of an appropriate separation between vehicles and pedestrians in an area like this. 'We continue to act and are engaging with police. The correct actions were taken around what is antisocial driving.' He concluded by encouraging anyone witnesses such behaviour to report it to the PSNI, who 'have previously stepped up drive-bys through the park at certain times, but they can't be there 24/7'. Mr McGrath suggested if there was more of a presence of council staff and rangers, it may deter the behaviour. This was supported by Sinn Fein councillor Anne Marie Fitzgerald, who noted boy-racers 'are very opportunistic, who nip in and out very quickly'. She continued: 'It's a highly-visited spot and a more visible presence might help, although I don't wasn't to put anyone in danger. 'This is something the council has to keep in mind.' Mr. News advised staffing the facility constantly was not viable; however 'CCTV footage is the possible solution, whereby footage is captured identifying a vehicle which is then passed to police'. News Catch Up - Tuesday 13 May In response to an enquiry around to timescales for CCTV cameras from UUP councillor Roy Crawford, Mr News said the council is working through the process of privacy impact assessments and identifying suitable locations. He concluded: 'One of the challenges given the opportunistic nature of this antisocial behaviour is putting in a single fixed CCTV [camera] isn't going to be the solution, because when it's in one location, people will simply avoid it. 'We are looking at using mobile cameras to detect the incidents where they are happening.'
Belfast Telegraph
12-05-2025
- General
- Belfast Telegraph
Tributes pour in after passing of ‘one in a million' Co Antrim classroom assistant
Brian Fair's death on Sunday has sent shockwaves through Lisnagarvey High School in Lisburn with hundreds of tributes from staff and former pupils. Originally from Lisburn, he is survived by his wife Laura and two young children. He also leaves behind his twin brother Jason, younger brother Gary, sister Natalie and parents Sharon and William. Mourners have paid tribute to Mr Fair's ability to 'always put a smile on peoples faces' while others said the 36-year-old was 'a true gentleman.' The principal of LSH, Jim Sheerin, shared the news in a letter posted on social media. 'It is with the deepest regret and sadness that we inform our school community of the passing yesterday of the most beloved member of staff in Lisnagarvey High School, Mr Brian Fair,' he wrote. The school's head said that pupils and staff would be able to avail of counselling and that 'no one has to face this alone'. He added: 'We will be in further communication around this tragic event in due course. Our heartfelt thoughts of condolence are with his family and his loved ones.' A former staff member at the school paid homage to Mr Fair calling him 'one in a million'. She said:' My heartfelt condolences to all of Brian's family and friends. I couldn't believe it; he was always up for a bit of banter when I worked as a cleaner at the school. "He was one in a million; the kids and staff loved him and will miss him.' Another tribute said the passing of the classroom assistant was 'devastating' adding that her thoughts and prayers were with his family, friends and school. One parent whose children were taught by Mr Fair said 'it was always a comfort he was there for them'. 'So sad to read this about Brian,' she said. 'I knew him before he taught my children and it was always a comfort that he was there for them absolute gentleman you will be so missed.' News Catch Up - Monday 12 May One tribute said the classroom assistant was 'an amazing father and loving daddy'. They said: 'Brian was a huge part of the school. An amazing father and loving daddy. He has left a footprint in everyone heart. "Shaped the way for countless students. The family should be very proud of Brian. Missed always.' Another mourner said Mr Fair was the 'one of the best humans and staff members' and praised his daily dedication to pupils, including weekends. 'One of the best humans and staff members for any person or child who crossed his path,' they said. 'His dedication to support pupils especially all those Saturday mornings. 'A heartbroken family and school community today. Thoughts with everyone. One of the best.'
Belfast Telegraph
08-05-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Wrightbus secures £150m funding with HSBC deal as it ramps up production for worldwide market
Co Antrim 'clean and green' bus manufacturer Wrightbus has secured a £150m finance package as it prepares to ramp up production for its global market. The deal with HSBC UK more than doubles the Ballymena firm's existing funding. The money is being directed to 'develop new technologies and broaden the product offering', while also supporting Rightech and NewPower, two existing divisions of Wrightbus. NewPower is a branch of the business which converts diesel buses into electric vehicles, while Rightech sells four different battery-electric vehicles. The funding is also allowing the company to 'accelerate production at its factories in Northern Ireland and Malaysia'. Wrightbus, rescued from administration in 2019 by entrepreneur Jo Bamford, operates in Northern Ireland, England and in the Far East, including China and south-east Asia. The company now employs 2,300, making 1,200 buses a year. The firm has focused on zero-emission vehicles, including hydrogen and electric-powered buses. Wrightbus CEO Jean-Marc Gales said: 'This is an important day for everyone connected with Wrightbus – not just the 2,300 employees but the 7,500 jobs we support in the wider supply chain.' 'Our success is crucial to so many jobs and industries, so we must work relentlessly to keep up this progress. 'This deal is a crucial step as we accelerate our growth and invest in decarbonising public transport with electric and hydrogen-powered buses. 'Not only does it mean we can provide cleaner and greener vehicles to UK bus operators, it also provides us with foundations for broadening our international reach, with a particular focus on ramping up production in Malaysia as we expand into the Asia Pacific market.' Wrightbus Executive Chairman Jo Bamford said: 'With every new order and every entry into a new territory we're flying the flag for UK manufacturing. 'HSBC UK's support and detailed knowledge of our industry will help us lead the way in a new era for buses as we expand our offering across the globe.' Asset management firm HYCAP helped to structure the deal between HSBC and Wrightbus. George Saunders, capital markets director at the firm, said: 'The tailored solutions provided by HSBC deliver operational flexibility across the capital requirements of the business, enabling it to deliver electric and hydrogen buses at the speed and scale required to be a key transport decarbonisation partner.' Akhil Shah, relationship director from HSBC UK, said: 'Wrightbus is a remarkable UK success story. Having been bought out of administration just six years ago, the business has grown from employing around 50 people in 2019 to more than 2,300 today. 'HSBC UK's end-to-end experience across the public transport sector made us the ideal choice to become the business's main backer and this new injection of funding puts Wrightbus in prime position to deliver on its ambitious aims.' News Catch Up - Thursday 8 May Rohit Moudgil, head of manufacturing and industrials for HSBC UK, said: 'HSBC UK is proud to support Wrightbus who are contributing to the decarbonisation of the public transport system in the UK. 'The transaction underlines our commitment to supporting the entire zero-emission vehicle ecosystem, connecting manufacturers, supply chains and end customers. 'Our sector team and coverage bankers are committed to providing the financial solutions businesses need to accelerate UK's transition to zero-emission vehicles.'
