Teachers, join W5 for a FREE family day at W5 (2 adults and 2 children)* on Saturday 3rd October 2015!

Come along and see what W5 can offer your school. Discover our extensive programme of workshops and events, view resources, meet the staff and join one of our teacher focus groups to ensure W5’s education programme is meeting the needs of your pupils

To book your place on the education open day please contact educationqueries@w5online.co.uk with the following details:

Name:

School:

School Address:

Type of school (e.g. primary/post-primary):

Subject taught (post-primary/FE only):

Contact telephone number:

*Terms and conditions:

Family pass may only be used on Sat 3rd October 2015

Tickets are non-transferable

Teachers are required to attend one 20minute information session

Passes are limited to two per school.

Discover more about the history and nature of Crawfordsburn and Helen’s Bay thanks to a new publication launched by Ards and North Down Borough Council.

The Walking and Cultural Trail take the user through the two picturesque villages on a journey that covers natural landscapes, architectural structures, Christian Heritage and war time history.

Starting at the recently upgraded Crawfordsburn Glen and Old Mill Dam you are led past the Old Inn, where visitors have included highwayman Dick Turpin, Russian Czar Peter the Great and C.S. Lewis, and on into Crawfordsburn Country Park. Travelling through the Park and on to Helen’s Bay you will visit sites including the unique Grey Point Fort, a hidden gem that includes a military museum, radio room and two magnificent 23 feet artillery guns. You return to Crawfordsburn Country Park via the stunning North Down Coastal Path to discover the geological developments of the area in the geology garden and find out all about the Park’s wildlife in the popular visitors centre.

Discussing the trail, Alex Irvine, Tourism Development Officer for Ards and North Down Borough Council said, “Whether you’re a local or a visitor to the area we can all now get some fresh air and exercise whilst learning something new about these two villages. The area not only has some of the most stunning natural scenery but also boasts a unique and fascinating history from visiting highway men to the Second World War”.

Copies of the trail can be picked up at local information points including Bangor Visitor Information Centre, Crawfordsburn Country Park and Grey Point Fort, or downloaded from visitardsandnorthdown.com.

You don’t need to go to infinity and beyond for a great cinema experience because Friday 9 October at 7pm in Banbridge will be just the ticket when Woody and Buzz take to the silver screen with a fantastic free outdoor showing of the family favourite, Toy Story.

Toy Story is the tale about a boy named Andy who loves playing with his toys and especially his favourite cowboy doll, Woody but what Andy doesn’t know is that when he leaves the room the toys come to life.  Woody is very much the leader of the pack however when Andy receives Buzz Lightyear, a spaceman action figure, as a birthday present Woody sees his position as Andy’s favourite toy jeopardised.
A jealous Woody comes up with a plan to get rid of Buzz but in true Disney fashion things don’t go according to plan. Woody and Buzz end up lost and after a series of madcap mishaps both toys end up in the hands of Andy’s cruel neighbour Sid Phillips who is determined to make sure they never return to their rightful owner.  Will Woody get back to his beloved Andy? Will Buzz make his rendezvous with star command? Will Slinky Dog get back into shape and has Mr Potato Head had his chips?

To add to the cinema experience local food outlet Captain Cooks will be offering a host of hot and tasty treats throughout the event.  Other refreshments available include pop-corn, sweets, soft drinks, tea and coffee.  So pack a comfy cushion and a snuggly blanket and settle down to enjoy a free movie night under the stars at Solitude Park.

For further information contact Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council on 028 4066 0609, go to the council website at www.armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk or connect on Facebook at www.facebook.com/armaghbanbridgecraigavon

To celebrate BabyDay on Sunday 27 September, W5 are running a series of Little Sparks Science Workshops!

Date: Sunday, 27 September 2015

Times: 1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm (30 minute workshops)

Cost: Free with admission to W5 (under 3’s get in free!)

Bring along your youngest scientists for W5’s toddler sessions!

Children are born scientists, so why not bring them to W5 to let them imagine, play and have fun?  Explore what W5 has to offer with our Little Sparks taster workshops where your mini-scientist can discover how caterpillars creep and crawl or what bubbles and rainbows have in common!

Ideal for children aged 1-4 years old (but older siblings are encouraged to participate!).

To book your place, please email bookings@w5online.co.uk

Little Wing Pizzeria is encouraging local children’s clubs to grab a slice of the action by applying for the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursary scheme, which will see £3,000 up for grabs.

Following on from the success of last year’s scheme, this year the bursaries are returning bigger and better and will be open to all Under-12’s kid’s clubs, from sports to art, music to dance.
To be eligible, clubs must be located within a 10 mile radius of the Little Wing restaurant to which they apply. Branches are located in Enniskillen, Holywood, Bangor, Ballyhackamore, Ann Street, Belfast and Lisburn Road, Belfast, with each restaurant offering £500 to the successful local applicant.
Commenting on the club bursaries, Luke Wolsey, Managing Director of Little Wing Pizzeria said: “Little Wing has six highly successful branches in Northern Ireland and we are always looking for opportunities to give back to the community by supporting local schools, clubs and charities- the Little Wing’s Little Stars bursaries are an extension of this support.

“Throughout the year we get a lot of requests from children’s clubs to help them with sponsorship so we decided to launch this programme to give all local clubs an equal chance of being granted additional funding.

“I would encourage all clubs that are interested to apply for a bursary which can be put towards anything the club needs financial assistance with such as new kits, equipment or even to go towards the general costs of running the club.”

Last year’s winners were Bangor Rugby Club, City of Belfast Swimming Club, Junior Belfast Giants, Holywood Rugby Football Club and Ormeau Table Tennis Club, who all benefitted from a £500 bursary for their club.

Keith Knox , head coach at Ormeau Table Tennis club said:

“The Little Wing Little Stars bursary scheme has helped us massively: we purchased sporting equipment for the club, brought in more high quality coaching for the children and also boosted our online presence. As a result of this, we saw our number of players representing us at Ulster level rise from 8 to over 12.”

“We were very happy with the scheme and would recommend that other children’s clubs apply for it – the bursary can make all the difference.”

To apply for the bursary scheme, children’s clubs simply need to write a 300 word explanation of why they need the bursary and what it will be used for and email it to bursaries@littlewingpizzeria.co.uk stating their closest Little Wing restaurant before the closing date of Monday October 26.

Little Wing is part of the Beannchor Group, Ireland’s largest hospitality group, which boasts a portfolio of over 50 pubs, hotels and restaurants across Northern Ireland.

For further information visit littlewingpizzeria.com

Saturday 26 September – Friday 2 October

Saturday 26 – Sunday 27 September, Aspects Irish Literature Festival

Bangor, various locations

Enjoy the final few days of this year’s Aspects Irish Literature Festival, with events including poetry, prose, comedy, song writing and much more. Programme and Tickets available via aspectsfestival.com

Info: North Down Museum, (028) 9127 1200, aspectsfestival.com

Saturday 26 September, Bangor Aurora 10k

Race commences at Castle Park, Bangor

Start time – 11am

Hundreds of athletes will hit the streets of the town for the 10k race which began back in the 1990s and was revived in 2005.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, register to race here.

Saturday 3 October – Friday 9 October

Saturday 3 October, The Martin Donnelly Trophy

Kirkistown Race Circuit, Kircubbin

Entrance fee: £10

Motor racing at Kirkistown Race Circuit

Info: 028 9186 1429, www.kirkistown.com

Friday 2 – Saturday 4 October, Big Brent Event

WWT Castle Espie Wetland Centre, Comber

10am – 5pm

Free with normal admission.

Celebrate the return of the Light-bellied Brent Geese. Family fun, wildlife expert talks, photography workshops and more.

Info: 028 9187 4146, wwt.org.uk/castleespie

Thursday 8 October, Flush Hall Murder Tour

Tour departs from Town Hall, Conway Square, Newtownards

7:30pm – 9pm

Tickets: £6 (Ad), £5 (Con), £3 (Ch)

In a murder mystery tour with a difference, Valhalla Street Theatre will lead you on an investigation of the true story of young Willie Quinn who was brutally murdered in the grounds of Flush Hall.

Info: Ards Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9182 6846, ardsvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Exhibitions

North Down Museum, Bangor

Castle Park Avenue, located by Bangor Castle (Town Hall) BT20 4BT

T: 028 9127 1200. Admission Free

Until Sunday 27 September

Paintings: Bryansburn Artists

Until Sunday 1st November

“Crazy Knot” Exhibition

Ards Crafts and Visitor Information Centre

31 Regent Street, Newtownards, BT23 4AD

T: 028 9182 6846 Admission Free

Until Saturday 26 September

‘Avalon Pilgrimage’ – Avalon Guitars

Upcoming Events

Saturday 24 October, Seapark Fireworks

Seapark Recreation Grounds, Holywood

From 4pm, fireworks at 7:45pm

A night of food, fireworks and fun. This popular event returns with family favourites including a fun fair, food fair, live music and much more.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Sunday 25 October, Halloween Fun at Cockle Row Cottages

Cockle Row Cottages, Groomsport

1pm – 4pm, cottages open 11am – 5pm

Creepy crafts, glitter tattoos, Party Animals NI and live music.

Info: Bangor Visitor Information Centre, (028) 9127 0069, bangorvic@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk, visitardsandnorthdown.com

Savvy shoppers head south to spend their sterling

As sterling continues to outperform the Euro there has never been a better time for shoppers here to head south to spend their cash.

Northern Ireland travel company, McComb’s Coach Tours, is about to commence its weekly trips to Kildare Village – a luxury shopping outlet where discounts are up to 60% – giving consumers a luxurious, stress-free way to make the trip to southern Ireland to bag a bargain.

Caroline McComb, Director of McComb’s Coach Travel, said:  “The Euro versus pound exchange rate is very favourable for those travelling from Northern Ireland to do their shopping.  There are already great discounts of up to 60% available at Kildare Village and as our return coach trips cost only £25 per person, the savings for consumers, as well as the convenience, are truly excellent.  Not only that, but everyone who books one of our trips gets a VIP 10% discount card which offers even further reductions at Kildare Village.”

Anyone who decides to go shopping across the border with the car will know all about the energy sapping traffic, the stress of finding a parking space and the soul destroying schlep back to the motor laden down with countless purchases, so the McComb’s trips offer an altogether relaxed alternative.

Caroline continued:  “Our drivers take the strain so passengers can concentrate on what’s important – shopping.  We have various pick-up points – including Belfast, Newtownabbey, Lisburn – and once onboard all that’s left for passengers to do is relax in our luxurious coaches leaving plenty of time to plan a shopping assault on Kildare Village.

“And forget about fighting your way through busy traffic, the toll charges and trying to find a handy place to park, as our drivers drop passengers off at the entrance to Kildare Village feeling refreshed and ready to shop.  Then at the allotted time, our drivers will pick everyone up at the same spot, store their bags and transport them home safely.”

There are over 60 outlet boutiques – with more opening in November – at Kildare Village including Gucci, Lulu Guinness, LK Bennett, Anya Hindmarsh, Hugo Boss, Coach, DKNY, La Cruset, Juicy Couture, and many more.

The McCombs Coach Tours Kildare Village shopping trips run on the last Saturday of every month all year round, plus additional dates during October, November and December.  October departures are 10th, 17th, 24th, 31st; November departures are 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th and December 5th.

For further information and to book visit www.mccombscoaches.com or call them on 028 9086 6162.  You can also find them on Twitter (@OfficialMcCombs) and Facebook (facebook.com/mccombstravel).

Tourism NI has put together a list of 10 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland next week (September 28 – October 4).

• Gulliver, The MAC, Belfast, September 29 – October 17. When Gulliver returns from another amazing experience at sea, his family are more than a little perplexed. They had just about coped with the giants, the tiny people, the floating islands and outlandish inventions. But a world ruled by horses? That’s a different kettle of fish. Only one thing is certain; family life will never be the same again. Join the MAC and Big Telly Theatre for an uproarious theatrical adventure as Gulliver and his family learn to live together in a strange new world where weird is the new normal.

• Red Bull Foxhunt 2015, Shore Road, Rostrevor, Co. Down, October 3-4. Red Bull Foxhunt returns to Northern Ireland bigger and better than ever! On October 3rd and 4th, over 400 riders will hit the Mountain bike trail in Rostrevor and try to beat the Fox. The Foxhunt begins atop Slieve Martin and finishes in the grounds of Rostrevor’s Kilbroney Park, passing through a challenging three-and-a-half mile downhill course of wind-bleached moorland, mud-splattered forests and hair-raising sprints as each biker tirelessly battles to cross the finishing line before the advancing fox!

• Two Sore Legs, Lyric Theatre, Belfast, September 29 – October 3. Set in 50s and 60s Belfast, Two Sore Legs is a powerful, autobiographical play by Brenda Murphy, starring Maria Connolly in a tour de force performance as Murphy’s mother Bridie. A young Butlin’s redcoat, Bridie had 6 children by a married man who lived around the corner with his other family. This play explores the pain, the joy and the fall-out from this extraordinary family arrangement, and the story will stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre. Show begins at 7.45pm (plus 2.30pm matinee on Saturday).

• Flann O’Brien Literary Festival, Various locations, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, October 2-3. A series of events celebrating one of Strabane’s most famous sons. Both a novelist and satirist, Flann O’Brien is best known for his works “At Swim-Two-Birds” and “The Third Policeman” as well as many satirical columns in the Irish Times under the name Myles na gCopaleen. For further information, contact Strabane Visitor Information Centre on 028 7138 2204.

• Northern Ireland Potato Festival, Giant’s Causeway, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, October 1-3. Celebrating our rich potato history, this festival is a must for anyone who loves the humble spud. Preceding the main event on Saturday 3 October, there will be farm visits and musical events in the nearby Giant’s Causeway Hotel. Free car parking in Bushmills and a free shuttle bus service to the Giant’s Causeway will be provided.

• The Big Draw – What’s Your Story?, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, Limavady, Co. Londonderry, October 3. You can help make the biggest, funniest drawing ever by sharing your favourite story of the Roe Valley. Whatever it is, come along and help the artists illustrate it, before the finished work is exhibited in the Centre for all to see. Live entertainment and family fun for all! From 12-3pm.

• Jurassic Adventures, Market Place Theatre & Arts Centre, Armagh, Co. Armagh, September 28. Follow the footsteps of Doctor Grant’s team of explorers and laugh at their crazy antics, as they search for proof that dinosaurs still exist in this exciting show for all the family from age 4+. Contains mild peril and huge dinosaurs! Show begins at 5pm.

• Fermanagh Live Festival, Various locations, Co. Fermanagh, October 1-4. Experience Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment and visual arts in a programme of innovative events that are vibrant, colourful and contemporary yet with a regional sense of place providing enjoyment for all.

• Cook with Norah, Grange Country Lodge, Moy, Co. Tyrone, September 30. Learn to bake lovely fresh Soda, Wheaten and Potato breads the traditional way as Norah takes you through the steps. Enjoy a glass of local apple juice with your food, and take home a personalised folder of all the recipes you have seen prepared and cooked! From 6.30-9.30pm.

• Autumn Fair at Mount Stewart, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, October 3-4. Celebrate the “season of mists and mellow fruitfulness” at Mount Stewart’s Autumn Fair with a wide range of stalls and activities to keep the family entertained.

Please note some of the events require pre-booking. For more details on these and other events click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland.

Join W5 on Saturday 26 September to make and take home your very own Airfix model!

Airfix is a wonderful modelling toy that dates back to the 1950’s! W5 we are celebrating this fascinating and rewarding modelling hobby with their very own Airfix day!

This is a great event for all the budding model makers out there, young or old, novice or professional. With specially designed model airplane kits, test your modelling skill in this great family event and make and take home your very own Airfix model!

The W5 Demonstration Team will be on hand explaining how to build these scale models to suit all levels of modelling skill! W5 are on a mission to show just how enjoyable and rewarding Airfix can be so come along and join in the fun!

Check for times on arrival or visit www.w5online.co.uk for further details. Airfix Day at W5 is free with General Admission.

Northern Ireland has a unique collection of irresistible places to stay including quirky B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and hidden gem properties for the perfect short break and Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week for you to choose from.

• Lavender Health Spa Experience, Silverbirch Hotel, Omagh. From £160pps. Ideally in the bustling market town of Omagh, Silverbirch Hotel is proud to be the only hotel in the heart of County Tyrone.  This offer includes exclusive use of a hot tub with bubbly and chocolates (60 min) and your choice of a luxury facial or a full body massage per person (60 Min). Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 8224 2520. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• The Titanic Experience, Park Avenue Hotel, Belfast. From £80pps. This two night package allows you to experience the fantastic Titanic Visitor Centre and during your stay, why not enjoy the nostalgic Yardmen Walk and recreate the journey taken every day by the yardmen walking to the iconic Harland & Wolff Shipyard. On arrival check-in to your Superior Room and relax with a welcome drink (wine, beer or soft drink). Breakfast is included each morning and of course tickets to the world class Titanic Visitor Experience on one day. Free Car Parking onsite and complimentary WiFi. Available until Dec 13. To book call (028) 9065 6520. Please quote promo code: Autumn Leaves, when booking.

• Midweek Specials from only £75.00 based on two people sharing, Westville Hotel, Enniskillen. Enjoy a midweek break in the Westville Hotel located in the heart of Enniskillen. Dine in the award-winning Terrace restaurant, relax in the beautifully spacious and comfortable rooms or how about a drink in the stylish, in-house cocktail bat, WV Bar.

1 nights Bed & Breakfast from £75.00.  1 nights Dinner, Bed & Breakfast from £125.00.  2 nights Bed & Breakfast plus 1 Evening Meal from £180.00.  3 nights Bed & Breakfast plus 1 Evening Meal from £220.00.  Available until Dec 13, To book call (028) 6632 0333.