Time to Talk with Noreen Halfpenny
THIS year's Strictly Craigavon Dancing meant the world to Noreen Halfpenny.
Noreen devoted the trophy she and her dancing partner Owen Lavery picked up for third place in the Cha Cha section to her late mother and father.
She explained the significance of the win: "The Cha Cha was mum and dad's dance. My mum and dad both died within a few months of each other last year.
"The dance was a wee tribute to them. The dancing helped fill a void for me after mummy died."
She continued: "I had a ball. It was one of the best experiences of my life. It was such an achievement to get that all done in 11 or 12 weeks. There's a real bond between all the ones that took part. I'm delighted we can do it again on Sunday, April 19."
Noreen has been administrative assistant at Lismore Comprehensive for the last four years. She is also secretary of Meadowbrook Residents' Committee and on the panel of the Brownlow Neighbourhood Renewal Group.
"It's important to be involved in helping to improve the place for people to live in," she commented. "We're trying to deal with all the issues, big and small."
Noreen has been living in Meadowbrook for the last 16 years. The family moved from Belfast to Craigavon and initially settled in Drumellan. It was to be a lucky move for Noreen because it was at the disco at St Anthony's that she met Thomas, who was to become her husband. Last year they celebrated 20 years of marriage.
Noreen and Thomas, an engineer, have three children.
Michael (19), who has just finished his A-levels and plans to go to Newcastle to do a coaching course. 17-year-old Ciara is at the Southern Regional College doing a diploma in Art and Design. Their youngest, Andrew (11) started Lismore this term.
Noreen has one borther, John, who is living in Craigavon and a sister, Lisa, who lives in Donegal.
If you could trade places with anyone else for the day who would it be and why?
Holly Willoughby. In that I've always wanted to be tall and glamorous and meet all the stars I've dreamed of.
Describe your perfect day...
My perfect day would be having no responsibilities, no chores and spending time on myself. In other words - being a man.
If you could change your job what would you do instead?
I would always have loved to have been an air hostess and visit idyllic places.
Party animal or couch potato?
A bit of both. I love a 'hooley' when I'm out with friends but I also enjoy a night in, in front of the telly with the husband, a bottle of wine and a bar of chocolate.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years time?
I'd like to think that whatever I'm doing I'll be happy, but I'd still like to be involved in community work.
Who or what has been the most influential force in your life?
My mum and dad (Noreen and John Hunter) fill that category in that they taught me all the values I hold in high esteem and the qualities needed for a happy life.
If you were stranded on a desert island what three things would you bring with you?
Sun tan lotion as I burn easily and an ipod so that I can listen to my favourite tunes and my mobile so that I can keep my family and friends up to date with my tan and so that I wouldn't feel lonely.
Would you describe yourself as competitive?
I feel I would be quite competitive in that if I try something I want it to be the best I can do it.
Are you environmentally friendly?
I try to be with green waste and energy saving lighting but I know there are things I could improve on.
Could you bear to be parted from your mobile phone for a week?
No, because it's my family life-line and my friends keep me going with their texts.
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Weather for Lurgan
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 11 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South east
