A £500,000 extension at east Belfast garden centre, Hillmount, has created 10 new jobs and transformed the business, securing a staff of 50 at the store. The extension increases the existing retail offering by 20% and includes the first dedicated barbecue academy to open in a garden centre in Ireland.
Fourth generation Managing Director, Alan Mercer, who studied at Essex University and trained in garden centre retail chains in the UK, works alongside his father Robin and grandfather Trevor to provide a personalised retail experience to a loyal local customer base of 250,000 visitors every year.
Alan said: “The extension is in answer to customer demands. We have outgrown the existing space created by my great-grandfather. Our customers not only want to shop here but they want to be trained in the products they’re purchasing, which is why we added a barbecue academy in our extension plans.
“Although people are more cautious in their purchasing habits compared say with five years ago, we have been heartened by the response from our customers and the wider community to our extension plans and we believe this new facility will create an unrivalled customer experience for our visitors.”
Jim White, Mayor of Castlereagh, said: “Hillmount’s extension and creating 10 new jobs is a great boost to the local economy here in Castlereagh. I welcome the Mercer family’s commitment to building their business and continuing to trade and invest in jobs for our local people, in what can only be described as very difficult trading times.”
Hillmount’s dedicated Barbecue Academy can cater for individuals and groups of between 9 and 12. Simply log onto www.hilmount.co.uk for details of the courses available.
Situated in the Castlereagh hills, Hillmount opened its doors as a nursery in 1940. The extension includes extra seating for 100 in the restaurant and the store now offers customers a choice of more than 25,000 products – from small plants and seeds to large designer BBQ’s, including one of the most expensive Weber BBQ’s in Ireland which comes with a price tag of £6000.
The Lisburn Road will be celebrating Belfast Independent Retail Week with a free family friendly fun day on Saturday 10th March in conjunction with Belfast City Council from 1pm – 4pm.
Following on from successful past events, the day plans to be highly entertaining and engaging for audiences of all ages with live performances, big shop promotions and freebies, face painting, balloon modelling and acrobatic entertainment such as stilt walking and juggling through local performers Streetwise Community Circus and much more.
The fun day is a way to introduce people to the Lisburn Road and to showcase the fantastic range of unique independent retailers and services we have here. It’s hoped that people from around the country can get together and discover Belfast’s wonderful Style Mile.
Organised by the Lisburn Road Business Association (LRBA) and co-funded by Belfast City Council. The LRBA is the driving force that supports local independent retailers and protects the unique Belfast shopping destination that is the Lisburn Road.
We would encourage everyone to bring their friends and family to enjoy the festivities and to discover the special community spirit the LisburnRoad offers to all its shoppers and guests.
WITH this year’s St Patrick’s Day (March 17) falling on a Saturday, Northern Ireland is set for a weekend of family friendly festivities to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, says the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB).
Armagh Cathedral
There will be a wide range of fantastic events taking place across Northern Ireland for everyone to enjoy from carnivals to concerts and from traditional music sessions to Irish dance or families can spend the day following in the footsteps of St Patrick himself by discovering more about the Saint’s life and legacy on the St Patrick’s Trail.
NITB’s Destination PR Officer Pauline Gormley is encouraging people to make the most of the great range of events on offer.
“This year’s calendar is jam-packed with celebrations for St Patrick’s Day with entertainment and tours, family fun, food tastings, street carnivals and much more,” said Pauline.
“There are also so many places to explore and intriguing stories, both fact and fiction, waiting to be discovered along the St Patrick’s Trail, so there really is something that all families can enjoy,” she said.
To help plan your St Patrick’s Day celebration, NITB has highlighted a range of things to do;
ST PATRICK’S TRAIL
Visitors following the St Patrick’s Trail can start and finish at any one of the sites along the way which have been identified as having some connection to St Patrick’s life, mission or legacy.
Why not start in the city of Armagh with the two St Patrick’s Cathedrals, Armagh Public Library and St Patrick’s Trian – where ‘The Armagh Story’ traces Armagh’s development from the stone monuments of pagan times, through to the coming of Saint Patrick and Celtic Christianity, to the modern day city. Armagh is also home to No 5 Vicars’ Hill which contains early Christian artefacts, old maps of Armagh and a timeline providing a continuous history of religious leaders including St. Patrick.
St Patrick’s remains are buried in the graveyard attached to Down Cathedral in Downpatrick and nearby is St Tassach’s Church where he was given the last rites. Also in Downpatrick, The Saint Patrick Centre explores the legacy of Saint Patrick and his life and the Down County Museum has an impressive collection of early Christian artefacts relating to the saint.
The Trail continues through North Down and along the Ards Peninsula to Greyabbey. Saul Church is an important landmark as it was here St Patrick began his crusade to convert the Irish to Christianity.
Other sites along the trail include Bagenal’s Castle in Newry, Bangor Abbey and holy wells at Struell and Inch Abbey, on Downpatrick’s outskirts.
FAMILY FESTIVITIES
Co. Armagh
Where better to celebrate Saint Patrick than his chosen city of Armagh where the Saint Patrick’s Festival runs for an impressive ten days from March 9 – 19.
Highlights include a special concert by The Priests in the majestic Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, the second annual Busking competition, Irish Stew Night with entertainment from the Bards of Armagh, a wonderful Saint Patrick’s Night Concert and an extravagant St Patrick’s Day Carnival Parade boasting music, dance and entertainment to delight young and old alike.
Also taking place as part of Armagh’s festival are numerous concerts, gigs, lectures, live events, craft sessions and church services.
Co. Down
Known widely as St Patrick’s town and the reputed burial site of the patron saint, the St Patrick’s Festival in Downpatrick holds an extra special significance. Down District Council is presenting a seven day programme of events from March 12 to March 19 and this includes the St Patrick’s Day Cross-Community Carnival Parade which makes its way through the streets of Downpatrick on March 17.
Events throughout the festival will offer opportunities to learn more about the history of St Patrick, celebrate his life, explore the fabulous County Down countryside and enjoy a wide range of concerts, exhibitions, sporting and family events. With over 40 events to choose from and a wealth of free entertainment on offer, Downpatrick’s St Patrick’s Festival has something for everyone.
Jump aboard the Downpatrick and Co. Down Railway vintage steam train for the St Patrick’s Day Shamrock Special which will depart from Inch Abbey and will arrive at Downpatrick for the festivities.
The Down County Museum will host the St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations event which will feature traditional and folk music, Irish and Scottish dancing as well as children’s entertainers and storytelling – a perfect family day out.
Castle Ward will be hosting its annual 13 – 18km walk and Down Royal will be hosting a great day of horse racing.
Belfast
Belfast will become awash with colour and splendour when the St Patrick’s Day Carnival takes to the streets on March 17. Following the parade, the 2012 St Patrick’s Day Concert at Custom House Square runs from 1pm – 3pm and will feature a mix of traditional music and dance as well as a popular artist.
If you want an energetic start to your St Patrick’s Day then dress in green and join the St. Patrick’s Day 5k Fun Run at the Stormont Estate. Runners will be raising awareness for the charity Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease at this alternative event. The Cultúrlann will also be celebrating with a range of family fun including live traditional music, face painting and much more.
Co. Antrim
Join the St. Patrick’s Celebration at Old Bushmills Distillery and enjoy the unique setting of the 1608 bar where visitors can enjoy live music and various Bushmills cocktails. Sink or Slim, a comedy in three acts by Sam Cree performed by Moycraig YFC will be taking place in Ballymoney Town Hall.
The Patterson’s Spade Mill is celebrating with ceilidh dancing, traditional music and the best local produce.
Co. Fermanagh
The St Patrick’s Day celebrations are also kicking off in Enniskillen with the St Patrick Annual Water and Street Parade. St Patrick himself arrives by boat from the Ardhowan Theatre to the Lakeland Forum where he leads the carnival parade through the town. Live music will also entertain the crowds throughout the day.
Also taking place in Enniskillen at the Castle Museums is the popular Family Fun Day with acelebration of local history and culture. Highlights include Maeve the Vintage Steam Engine, as well as archaeological digs, siege machines, medieval food demonstrations, quill writing, historic castle and other activities.
The Green Fingers Festival will be taking place at the Orchard Acre Farm with cookery demonstrations, illustrated talks, garden tours and traditional music sessions.
Co. Tyrone
Join the celebrations at the annual Cultural Parade in Dungannonwhich will be followed by live music from 6pm in Anne Street.
Omagh will be hosting a St Patrick’s Day Parade and outdoor music concert with Kintra, a fusion of musicians, singers and dancers from the North West of Ireland, and other local artists including the Omagh Community Choir.
The Strule Arts Centre is hosting a St Patrick’s Day Arts and Crafts Fair with a variety of handmade, authentic Irish items on display including a mixture of ceramics, jewellery, knitwear, tapestry and much more.
Co. Londonderry
This year’s St Patrick’s Day Spring Carnival at the Guildhall promises carnival parades, concerts, dancing, storytelling and colourful characters. Over 900 community and voluntary groups are taking part in the “Voyage of Discovery” themed carnival parade which explores everything from the city’s aviation and maritime history to all great voyages including jungles, rainforests, oceans and even outer space. There will also be live music and street entertainment.
In addition to this there will be a wide range of events taking place in various locations throughout the city including Shamrock Shenanigans at Springhill with live music over a bowl of colcannon mash or Irish stew, the children’s shamrock trail and craft activities and a Bluegrass String Band in concert at the Riverside Theatre.
Spring has sprung, the gardens are full of buds, blossoms and bird song, and the National Trust is opening its doors to welcome members and supporters to its many beautiful places.
Enjoy all the time in the world with the National Trust – the perfect place to relax and catch up with friends .
The year ahead promises to be an exciting one with visitors from near and far visiting Northern Ireland to experience the many events, celebrations, commemorations and amazing projects opening in 2012. As well as welcoming visitors, the charity will also be making a significant investment at properties and open spaces to enhance visitor facilities and to continue to care for special places.
Commenting on the investment, Billy Reid, Interim Director for Northern Ireland for Northern Ireland, said:
“During 2012 we will be investing across Northern Ireland to ensure our members and visitors have wonderful experiences and the opportunity to enjoy our heritage, countryside, coast and gardens. The Giant’s Causeway visitor experience is making great progress with a planned opening in July 2012 and it is getting very exciting realising just how amazing the new experience will be. Mount Stewart will benefit from a £6 million investment which will restore the property to its glory days. Rowallane Garden, Castle Coole and The Argory are opening new visitor facilities and a new 30 pitch campsite is opening at Crom.”
In addition, 2012 will see National Trust houses, gardens, coast and countryside emerge from the winter with renewed life as the charity offers countless opportunities to discover and enjoy Northern Ireland’s scenery and wildlife.
“The year ahead promises to be another busy and exciting one, with a lively programme of events and anniversaries galore. Look out for Castle Coole’s Diamond celebrations, join the fun at Castle Ward’s jubilee weekend in June, discover Springhill’s amazing link with the Titanic and the origins of the phrase ‘women and children’ first at The Argory. With pirate picnics, music in the garden, family adventure days and wild about nature activities there’s lots of amazing things to see and do.” added Billy.
Despite being one of the largest conservation charities in Europe, the National Trust has a significant regional deficit.
“We are committed to looking after our properties for ever, yet conservation costs rise faster than inflation every year. We rely on membership subscriptions, donations and legacies from supporters to ensure sure we can fulfil our promise to look after special places for ever, for everyone.”
National Trust mansion properties in Northern Ireland open for the 2012 season on 10 March. Many coast and countryside properties including Carrick-a-Rede remain open all year round. For further information, including opening arrangements, details of over 200 events and how to join Northern Ireland’s largest conservation charity visit www.nationaltrustni.org.uk or contact the Regional Office on 028 9751 0721.
NITB and OutdoorNI.com launch second annual Adventureland weekend
ADVENTURE TIME... Citybeats Girl Friday Linzi Corr tackles the obstacles at Jungle NIs Tree Top Adventure course during the launch of the second annual Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend. The action packed weekend was launched by NITB in association with OutdoorNI.com and will take place on March 24 25 with 31 outdoor providers across Northern Ireland offering a wide range of adventure activities for discounted prices. A full list of Adventureland activities with an online booking system for people wanting to take part is available at www.ni2012.com
Friends, families or couples looking for something new to do will be thrilled to hear that the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB), in association with OutdoorNI.com, has launched the second annual Northern Ireland Adventureland Weekend which will take place on March 24 and 25.
Following the event’s huge success in 2011, this year’s action-packed weekend is set to be even more exciting with 31 outdoor providers across Northern Ireland offering a wide range of adventure activities for either £10 per person or at least 50% off normal price.
For fun seeking families there is introductory mountain boarding sessions in the Mournes, horse riding treks in the Glens of Antrim and high speed Sea Safaris on Strangford Lough. For those after even more adventure there are opportunities to tackle Northern Ireland’s first tree top adventure course in Moneymore, go coasteering along the spectacular sea cliffs of the Causeway Coast or to go exploring Fermanagh’s subterranean world on an unforgettable caving expedition near Belcoo.
NITB Product Marketing Officer Helen Carey said the weekend provides an opportunity for people to explore their adventurous side and to try a new activity.
“The 2011 Adventureland Weekend was a huge success with over 1,400 people taking part in 80 different events and we are delighted to launch the 2012 event with even more activities on offer,” said Helen. “There’s such a wide range of things to do and fantastic discounts on offer, everybody, from groups of friends, to couples or families with young children, can go outdoors and try something new,” she added.
“It promises to be a great weekend and all you need to bring with you is a sense of adventure and an expectation of fun. Participants will be looked after by qualified instructors so no experience is necessary.
“There will be something available to suit all levels of ability, whether it’s a bike tour of Belfast, wet bouldering in the Mournes, a wet and wild canoe adventure in County Fermanagh, or Northern Ireland’s only Tree Top Adventure Course at The Jungle NI. There really is something for everyone,” she concluded.
To get you started, NITB and OutdoorNI.com have provided a sample of the activities on offer during Adventureland this year.
Belfast
Sailing in the City – provided by Ocean Youth Trust
Participants will have the chance to learn the basics of how to sail a keelboat, how to hoist sails, helm a boat, tie knots and learn new skills on the waters of Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
Belfast by Bike – provided by Belfast City Bike Tours
Enjoy a guided bike tour of Belfast with local guides to show you the sites, some of which are only reachable by bike.
Family Canoeing at Shaw’s Bridge – provided by Mobile Team Adventure
Go canoeing with the family right in the middle of the stunning Lagan Valley Regional Park only minutes from Belfast City Centre.
County Antrim – North Coast and Glens of Antrim
North Coast Sea Safari – provided by Aquaholics, Ballycastle
Enjoy a high speed blast along the North Coast. Feel the wind in your hair as the high speed boat blasts you around the sights of the coast including Dunluce Castle, the stunning Portrush beaches, the sea caves at Whiterocks and the seals at Skerries.
Coasteering for Adults – provided by CoasteeringNI, Ballintoy
You will learn rock climbing and scrambling techniques as well as how to jump from great heights safely. With all wetsuits, buoyancy aids and helmets provided, you will scramble along a section of rugged coastline and dive into deep plunge pools.
Family Surfing – from kids to grandparents – provided by Alive Surf School, Portrush
These lessons cater for everyone from first-timers to budding surfing enthusiasts.
Family Sea Kayaking – provided by Simply Sea Kayak, Portrush
Take the family on a guided sea kayaking trip along a section of County Antrim’s idyllic Causeway Coast.
County Armagh
Explore Craigavon Lakes like never before – provided by SegwayNI, Craigavon
Test yourself around a skills course followed by an off road challenge. Come and compete against others or bring your friends and family to see who is the best.
County Down
Family Introduction to Mountain Boarding – provided by GASP Surfin’ Dirt, Bryansford
Learn the basics of mountain boarding on the slopes for basic training, with time to ride the hill afterwards.
Wet Bouldering in the Mournes – provided by Outdoor Concepts, Newcastle
Make your way up a river, climbing up waterfalls and jumping into deep plunge pools.
Family Island Canoe Trip – provided by Action Outdoors, Delamont Country Park
The sheltered waters of Strangford Lough make a great location for family canoeing, with amazing scenery and the chance to see a whole host of inquisitive local seals.
Strangford Sea Safari ‘Narrows’ Voyage – provided by Clearsky Adventure Centre, Castle Ward
Suitable for all ages from 3 years old, everyone will enjoy this exhilarating sightseeing boat tour of Strangford Lough. See the Angus Rocks Lighthouse, the SeaGen (world’s first tidal turbine) and some of the many seals at Cloughy Rocks Nature Reserve.
County Fermanagh
Wet + Wild – Canoeing and Bushcraft for Families – provided by Share Discovery Village, Lisnaskea
Paddle through the maze of islands and learn navigation, fire lighting and shelter building skills and go on a fossil hunt near the new Trannish Island Bothy.
Go Caving – provided by Corralea Activity Centre, Belcoo
Get out of the light and explore Fermanagh’s subterranean network of passages, streams and unusual rock formations led by a qualified cave leader.
County Tyrone
Adrenaline Play Zone – provided by Todd’s Leap, Ballygawley
Launch yourself from a 30ft tower, soar 500m across the spectacular Ballygawley hills before finishing the day as a passenger in a V8 Land Rover around off road tracks at competitive race speed.
Canoe Trip in the Sperrins – provided by Four Elements Adventure, Omagh
Spend half a day paddling the Drumragh River which runs through the heart of County Tyrone.
Paintballing Experience – provided by Adventure Tours NI, Ardstraw
This is a fast and fun paintballing experience with five exciting zones and tasks to complete to progress to the next stage.
County Londonderry
Half Price Hovercrafting – provided by Foyle Hovercrafting and Leisure, Limavady
Experience the thrill of skimming over land and water on a cushion of air, attempting the challenge of tricky corners on our purpose built grass hovercraft circuit with integral water hazards.
Northern Ireland’s only Tree Top Adventure Course – provided by The Jungle NI, Moneymore
This exhilarating course comprises of over 40 challenging elements set at varying heights above the ground (in some areas you could be suspended 70ft up).
Go Wheely Wild – Family Mountain Biking – provided by Far and Wild, Derry/Londonderry
These ‘wheely’ easy mountain biking sessions will teach you the basics of taking your bike off the beaten track with your kids, covering the essentials of safety and good technique to make the experience unique and enjoyable.
A full list of Adventureland activities with an online booking system for people wanting to take part is available at www.ni2012.com
Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations will have the ‘X’ factor this year with a massive line up of music, dancing and street entertainment that will bring the city to life.
A colourful parade will leave City Hall at 12pm on Saturday, March 17, and make its way through the streets to Custom House Square where a free concert will see a host of top class acts entertaining the crowds.
Former X-Factor contestant Sophie Habibis will top the bill alongside the world-class Red Hot Chilli Pipers, bands Ashelin and Shake, traditional music group Pure Blarney and dancers from the Royal Tara School of Irish Dancing and Bright Lights Ulster Scots dance school.
Launching the St Patrick’s Day programme today, Lord Mayor of Belfast Councillor Niall Ó Donnghaile said it promised to be a fun-filled family day out.
He added: “The theme of this year’s event is ‘2012 – one amazing year’. Belfast is in for a massive year of celebrations and important milestones and this will be the city’s first big party of 2012.
“The carnival parade is something people look forward to every year; the imaginative costumes and colourful floats, not to mention the great street entertainment. And of course the free concert in Custom House Square has a great line-up that will appeal to all ages. It’s set to be a great day out for all the family and I hope everyone comes along and joins in the craic.”
Sophie Habibis said she was delighted at being asked to be part of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations.
“It’ll be my first visit to Belfast and I’m so looking forward to performing at Custom House Square; it’s going to be such good fun. I’ve heard that there’s a real buzz about the city so I can’t wait to experience that,” said Sophie.
“It’s great to be on the road doing what I love most and to be part of Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations is a huge honour.”
Hosting this year’s concert in Custom House Square will be DJ Pete Snodden and the Cool Crew.
Pete said: “We can’t wait for this year’s celebrations – the atmosphere is always electric and the craic is great.”
The parade, which has been organised by The Beat Carnival, will leave City Hall at 12 noon and make its way to Custom House Square where performers will be on stage from 1pm-3pm.
For more information on the event and all the acts taking part visit www.belfastcity.gov.uk/events
Please note:-
The concert is free and admission is on a first come, first served basis. Gates will open at 12 noon and under 16s must be accompanied by an adult. No alcohol will be sold or permitted on the site and standard Belfast City Council terms and conditions apply.
Fourth generation Managing Director, Alan Mercer, who studied at Essex University and trained in garden centre retail chains in the UK, works alongside his father Robin and grandfather Trevor to provide a personalised retail experience to a loyal local customer base of 250,000 visitors every year.
