Issue 186 - Belfast BT6 • BT7 • BT8
Belfast Author Launches Debut Children’s Book
Author Patience Bradley has launched her debut children’s book, Princess Mary’s Journey to Find True Love. The book tells the story of a small pedigree dog named Princess Mary, who embarks on an epic journey from Poland to Northern Ireland in search of her one true love. Told entirely from the perspective of the dog herself, the story captures the highs and lows of her travels, the friendships she makes along the way, and her unwavering belief that love is waiting for her at the end of the road. Speaking at the launch event in Holywood library recently, Patience said: “I wrote this story with tears in my eyes and a smile on my face. “When Princess Mary came into my life, she gave me something to focus on. She brought joy back into my home.” The event was an emotional occasion for the author, who chose the date in memory of her late husband Pictured at Radius’s St John’s Close site in Belfast are Dominic O’Neill from Danske Bank, Alan Thomson from Radius Housing and Claire McKeown from Danske Bank.
Radius Housing secures sustainability linked funding from Danske Bank to support future development plans Danske Bank and Radius Housing Association have agreed a new £75m Sustainability Linked Loan package that will support the development of new social and affordable homes across Northern Ireland in the next three years. Radius Housing said the loan will be used to support investment in up to 500 new homes and to fund the retrofitting and refurbishment of 1,000 other homes to improve energy efficiency. Radius Housing is a social enterprise which provides housing, care
and support to over 33,000 homes throughout the island of Ireland. It employs around 1,000 people and manages 14,000 properties in 80 towns across Northern Ireland, with a presence in all 11 council areas. The deal is one of the largest sustainability
linked loans ever agreed by a Northern Ireland Housing Association. Sustainability-linked lending links the debt costs of a business’s finance with its performance against pre-agreed sustainability objectives. The funding is aligned with Radius’
sustainability ambitions, and incorporates targets focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions intensity and improving property energy performance certificates (EPCs).
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- Ivor, a great supporter of her work as an author. It was on his birthday that she officially shared Princess Mary’s story with the public. Patience explained: “I wanted to write a story that had heart, something that children and adults alike could relate to. “This little dog has taught me more about courage and loyalty than I ever thought possible.” The launch included a reading from the book and a discussion about the journey that inspired it. Attendees heard how Princess Mary’s real-life travels across Europe were marked by separation, uncertainty, and ultimately, a joyful reunion that changed Patience’s life. The book is now available to purchase on Amazon and through the Excalibur Press website at excaliburpress. co.uk