Author: Tina Calder

The well-loved Weatherbies characters created by Maghera mum Yvonne Fleming are back with an exciting new song book launching on November 12.

Sing a song with the Weatherbies, contains 13 songs for each of the characters who live in Skytown such as Sammy Sun, Colin Cloud and Rosie Rainbow as well as colourful illustrations by James Salenga.

To find the toe tapping tunes that accompany the book, parents have the option to either scan a QR code using their smartphone, or they can simply search ‘The Weatherbies’ on Spotify or Apple music.

After previously working as a hairdresser and childminder for over 20 years, mum-of-two Yvonne, started creating The Weatherbies characters to entertain the kids she was looking after.

“It all started one day when I was in the garden playing with the kids. 

“It was a lovely day, and we were looking up at the clouds and I started making up wee characters and creating stories for them. 

“My characters are weather symbols that encourage friendship, empathy, compassion and problem solving,” she said.

After some encouragement from her husband Peter, the pair joined forces to combine each of their different strengths to bring the Weatherbies stories to life and created the success that it is today.

Yvonne said her husband Peter heard her telling the stories to their two sons: “One night Peter was walking past the bedroom door and heard me telling the boys the stories. 

“When I came downstairs, he said he thought it had potential and felt I should develop it more.”

The new book is aimed at children aged 2-5 and with the help of the loveable characters, parents can educate their children on important topics such as recycling, environment, and the weather.

Song titles include The Sammy Sun Song which introduces the importance of practicing sun safety, The Colin Cloud Song which helps children understand the cloud’s role in the water cycle and The Pollutants Song that encourages children to do their bit to save the environment by not wasting power.

Each song contains vocals from Tony Kearney, Faoiltiarna Burke and Glenview Primary School choir.

To purchase the book and listen to the songs go to theweatherbies.co.uk

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Belfast Community Circus School has launched a brand new strategic plan after receiving funding from both Arts Council of Northern Ireland and Belfast City Council. 

Chief Executive of the Belfast Circus School Jenna Hall said: “The funding we have received, initially through the Resilience Programme and currently as an Anchor organisation, has been transformational for us. We are really proud of what the funding has helped us to achieve and our new plan is just the start.

“Over the past three years we have completed evaluations of our programmes, consulted with the children and families who use our service and those who teach and perform for us. 

“Everything they told us has led to our bold new vision, mission and six ambitious goals. We even have some new values that define the culture of our School and how we work. We are committed to being curious, playful and persistent, we will always collaborate and put our circus family first.”  

Having progressed through the Resilience Programme, a joint initiative between Arts Council Northern Ireland National Lottery Funding and Belfast City Council, in April 2020 Circus School became one of nine arts and heritage organisations across Belfast to be funded as an Anchor organisation. This recognition means that Circus School will play a key role in helping Belfast City Council deliver its cultural strategy, A City Imagining. 

Jenna explained that being an Anchor organisation will “mean Circus School can provide more opportunities for both families and professional performers. As we are coming out of Covid19, there is a real need to boost and rebuild the sector and to support young people to thrive.”

The Circus School offers a range of different classes for people of all ages, helping attendees to not only learn new skills in circus, but to also grow in confidence as they are introduced to a new form of expression. In July and August 2021, 313 people registered for classes, generating much needed paid work for 19 local artists. They also delivered around 50 professional performance gigs. 

Lord Mayor of Belfast, Kate Nicholl said: “We’re delighted to be supporting Belfast Community Circus School, one of our Core Multi-Annual Grant anchor recipients as they launch their new plan and brand. Helping the arts and culture sector to adapt to change is so important as we move forwards together on our Covid recovery journey, with the sector having such a vital role to play.

“Belfast Community Circus School offers something unique and is an invaluable resource for artists and young people, going hand in hand with our cultural strategy vision to create a culturally vibrant city.”

The new four year plan has been created as a result of feedback from funders, the families the School supports and other partners. The bold new vision, mission and values will expand on the impressive programme of events they have already delivered over the past 35+ years.

“Everything we are doing is about highlighting the success and impact of our work since 1985 and finding ways to expand and deepen it over the years to come” said Jenna, adding: “We found that people were saying things such as, they didn’t know Belfast Circus had anything to do with professional performance artists, our new plan will help us to no longer be one of Belfast’s best kept secrets.”

The next milestone for the School is the launch of its new brand and name, which will be released on the 30th November.

To find out more about Belfast Community Circus School, go to belfastcircus.org 

Hungry for adventure? If you’re looking for something exciting to really sink your teeth into, then look no further.

From November 2021 to March 2022, Slow Food Causeway is hosting a series of unmissable events celebrating the unique cuisine of the Causeway Coast. 

The Slow Food organisation was initially founded by activists in Italy to promote the defense of regional traditions, good food, the joy of gastronomics – and the slow pace of life. Slow Food has since gone global – and has recently welcomed Taste Causeway as a Slow Food destination, the first of its kind in Northern Ireland, after awarding them the accreditation. 

From guided food tours to delicious tasting menus, Slow Food Causeway has a host of delicious events to choose from.

Here are 4 Slow Food events not to be missed this November:

1. A Taste of Mussenden by Mussenden Seasalt

Friday 5th November, 7pm to 10:30pm. 

Join Mussenden Sea Salt for an evening of luxury dining where sustainability meets great taste, in the beautiful surroundings of Mussenden Temple. 

You’ll be warmly welcomed by our hosts and guided along the atmospheric Downhill Demense to the steps of the Mussenden Temple, where your delectable eight course menu and white wine pairing awaits.

The menu for the evening will be crafted by none other than Paula McIntyre MBE, and will feature dishes from BBC Hamley Kitchen, showcasing the very best of the Slow Food movement here, in Northern Ireland.

The first of its kind, this event is the perfect way to kickstart the Slow Food Causeway experience.

For more information, click HERE

2. Guided Forage And Feast Walking Tour With Ursa Minor

Saturday 6^th November and Tuesday 9th November, from 10am. 

Ursa Minor Bakehouse is known as one of the best bakeries along the North Coast. Creating bespoke, honest bakes that are crafted from high-quality local ingredients, encompassing the speciality of slow food with each of their creations.

This walking tour will be led by local tour guide, Ewen Friers, who will tell you all about the history of the area and the vast culture surrounding it.

Along the way, you’ll learn about the art of foraging, the hunt for wild food resources, with Clare McQuillan from Feasting With Weeds as you learn about the natural world around us. 

The guided tour will also feature a picnic feast on the majestic Causeway cliff tops, allowing you to appreciate the spectacular scenery as you bask in a panoramic view.

For more information on the 6th November event, click HERE and for the 9th November event, click HERE 

3. Sourdough Making Classes by Ursa Minor

Sunday 14th November and Sunday 28th November, 9am to 5pm

Have you ever wanted to learn the art of traditional sourdough making? 

Voted Best Slow Food Bakery in 2020, Ursa Minor invites you to get up close and personal with their professional bakers to learn about the craft of sourdough. During the event, participants will create three different types of sourdough bread. Guests will receive refreshments of tea, coffee and Ursa Minor nibbles in between baking. 

Get the behind the scenes experience from one of the North Coast’s most popular bakeries, with a friendly and relaxed atmosphere guaranteed.

To read more click HERE for the 14th November event and HERE for 28th November.

4. Bushmills Banquet at Causeway Visitor Centre

Friday 19th November, 7pm to 11pm

To celebrate the first month of Slow Food Causeway, we are hosting a red carpet event featuring a sensational feast crafted by local chefs along with an exclusive tasting menu from the famous Old Bushmills Distillery. 

Tickets include a drinks reception and delicious canapes to get your evening of wondrous tasting started. Guests will then sample a grazing platter, small plates and tasters, as well as scrumptious desserts that are all created in line with the Slow Food movement, showcasing the very best of our local produce. 

You will also enjoy a relaxing nightcap in the historic Causeway Hotel, the perfect way to end your evening. 

For more information, click HERE 

Taste Causeway is delivering Slow Food Causeway with funding from Tourism NI in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council. 

For more information go to tastecauseway.com/slow-food-causeway or follow the hashtags #SlowFoodCauseway and #TasteCauseway  

The Causeway Coast and Glens is Northern Ireland’s first accredited Slow Food destination, Taste Causeway, the collaborative network of local food and drink businesses was awarded the accolade by the global Slow Food Movement following a rigorous assessment process. 

To launch and celebrate this prestigious award Taste Causeway are running a six month programme of events, dining experiences, tours and special menus.

The global organisation dedicated to nurturing good, clean and fair food is coming to Northern Ireland from next month as iconic venues along the Causeway Coast come together to launch Slow Food Causeway by Taste Causeway.

Gary Quate, Food and Drink Experience Development Officer from Tourism NI said: “The launch of Slow Food Causeway presents a unique opportunity for visitors to embrace the exceptional food and drink offer of the Causeway Coast and Glens.

“With an outstanding array of fresh local ingredients, passionate producers, award winning chefs and dynamic distillers and brewers, Slow Food Causeway will provide visitors with an exciting programme of unique foodie experiences amidst the stunning backdrop of the region. 

“Tourism Northern Ireland are delighted to support the programme and the Slow Food accreditation is indicative of the quality of experience that visitors can expect. The enticing calendar of immersive foodie experiences offers something for everyone and is a celebration of the quality, innovation and creativity of our industry” he added.

Kicking off on November 5 to end March 2022, the programme will showcase the Slow Food ethos dedicated to supporting local artisan producers as well as spreading awareness of local food traditions and culture. 

Highlights include unique dining experience collaborations with the National Trust at the stunning Mussenden Temple and iconic Causeway Visitor Centre, a three day Slow Food and Drink Festival in March 2022 and a packed schedule of supper clubs, special menus, workshops and cookery classes, food tours involving over 60 local food and drink businesses.    

Sharon Scott from Taste Causeway who are delivering Slow Food Causeway with funding from Tourism NI in partnership with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council said: “Taste Causeway is  one of only a handful of accredited Slow Food destinations in Ireland to be awarded the accolade by the global Slow Food Movement. 

“Slow Food was initially founded by a group of activists in Italy during the 1980s with the aim of defending regional traditions, good food, gastronomic pleasure and a slow pace of life but has since grown into a global movement involving millions of people, in over 150 countries that links the pleasure of food with a commitment to the community and the environment.  We at Taste Causeway are proud to become part of this global food movement.”

Slow Food Northern Ireland is headed by chef Paula McIntyre MBE said she’s delighted to be part of the launch of Slow Food Causeway.

“Having worked closely with the producers, chefs and growing number of food tourism businesses and food retailers involved in Taste Causeway for many years now, their ethics and attention to great provenance is the perfect fit for the international Slow Food movement” said Paula, adding: “The varied, exciting programme of launch events is testament to the drive, tenacity  and imagination of these local businesses, who are only just recovering from the devastating impact of the Covid pandemic and will be a must for genuine food lovers across the island of Ireland.

“There are plenty of accommodation options available to make a fantastic short winter and early Spring break.”

The Slow Food campaign aims to reinvigorate people’s interest in the food they eat, where it comes from and how our food choices affect the world around us. 

Chairman of Slow Food UK Shane Holland said: “We are delighted to award Slow Food Destination accreditation to Slow Food Causeway, in an area with such outstanding produce, and where consumers are looking for genuinely good local food.  

“With the support of Taste Causeway, we are delighted to see a network of local food and drink businesses from right across the local supply chain, collaborating and working together to deliver the aim and ethos of Slow Food across all parts of the destination.”

“We protect our logo fiercely, as it is recognised across the world as a quality marque endorsing Good, Clean and Fair food.  Wherever you see this iconic, internationally recognised logo displayed, you will be certain to find great local food which sustains the local economy, is produced to the highest standards, is of the place and respects the local environment.”

For more information about Slow Food Causeway go to tastecauseway.com/slow-food-causeway or follow the hashtags #SlowFoodCauseway and #TasteCauseway  

Gallery 545 is thrilled to present an exhibition double bill in Malone Road, Belfast. Two exciting exhibitions will run in two different locations on the Malone Road featuring over twenty accomplished artists based in Northern Ireland, showcasing a curated selection of affordable original artworks. The gallery is delighted to welcome visitors to its premises at Blick Studios or the neighbouring Harrison Hotel.

‘Gallery 545 Group Exhibition’

13 November – 5 December. Opening on Saturday 13 Nov, 1.30-5.30pm

Open on Thu, Fri, Sat 10.30am-5.30pm & Sun 1-5.30pm

Blick Studios, 51 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RY

and

‘Gallery 545 at the Harrison: Artists on the Rise Pop-up’

5 November – 5 December. Opening on Friday 5 Nov, 4-8pm

Open on Thu, Fri, Sat 10.30am-5.30pm & Sun 1-5.30pm

Harrison Chambers of Distinction, 45 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6RX

Online www.gallery545.com 

The Group Exhibition at Blick Studios is an annual show organised by Gallery 545 bringing together emerging and established artists who have encountered recognition in Northern Ireland and further afield. A diverse art selection will be on display encompassing stunning paintings, exquisite works on paper, unique sculptures, and beautiful mixed media pieces. Among the artworks will be atmospheric landscapes, intriguing scenes, fascinating figures, and delicate or bold abstract compositions.

This show features artists represented by Gallery 545: Lisa Ballard, Ronan Bowes, Majella Clancy, Alacoque Davey, Ray Duncan, Craig Donald, Karl Hagan, Eamonn Higgins, Trina Hobson, Ashely B Holmes, Janet Keith, Rachel Lawell, Louise Lennon, Aimee Melaugh, Sandra Maze, Rosie McGurran, Noel Murphy, Latisha Reihill, Joel Simon, Katherine St Angelo, Charlie Scott, Jennifer Trouton and Anushiya Sundaralingam.

Artists on the Rise involves Gallery 545 joining forces with the Harrison Chambers of Distinction to organise a unique art pop-up dedicated to up-and-coming talents across Northern Ireland, featuring Ronan Bowes, Karl Hagan, Janet Keith, Rachel Lawell, Joel Simon and Katherine St Angelo.

These six incredibly talented painters will exhibit their distinctive artworks within a relaxing interior setting – vibrant gestural abstract paintings, intense emotive landscapes, portraits of charismatic women and captivating semi-figurative works.

Visitors coming to see both shows will have the opportunity to explore and discover new artists and artworks and celebrate the wealth of talent in the region; with many unique and affordable artworks on display they could easily find the perfect piece for their home or office.

All artworks can be purchased in person at Gallery 545 at Blick Studios or online at www.gallery545.com. The gallery will accept the Spend Local prepaid card for in person payments. 

Visiting the exhibitions – There will be measures in place because of Covid-19 to keep visitors safe. The number of those allowed in the spaces will be limited to 12 people at Blick Studios and 8-10 people at the Harrison. 

A familiar face in Belfast’s hospitality scene is set to a return to its Cathedral Quarter home next month.

The eclectic restaurant, Made In Belfast, will open its doors once again in the historic Cathedral Quarter on November 4, with owner Emma Bricknell keen to get back serving up fresh, hearty food for the people across the city.

“I’m excited about being open again. This venue was the busiest restaurant we had and it’s in the coolest of areas so yeah I’m really looking forward to it.” she said.

The Talbot Street location which opened in 2010 was one of three venues that the Made In Belfast chain had with venues at the iconic City Hall and Hill Street but due to ongoing structural issues and the impact of Covid-19, Emma had to make the decision to streamline her business and halt any expansions to the restaurant chain.

“That’s the nature of the game, nothing lasts forever. You work hard and do other things as the food movement moves on.” she explained.

Recently the Blondtreprenuer Ltd owner closed Prawnagraphic, a Californian inspired seafood restaurant in Hill Street which served locally sourced fish and cocktails closed its doors due to an ongoing sewage problem in the area. 

After a rocky 18 months, Emma believes now is the perfect time to focus her efforts on Made In Belfast and embark on a new journey with the restaurant chain.

“We’ve been closed for a long time so opening now feels like the right thing to do and I think being in one venue streamlines the staff and any issues that I’ve faced previously in other locations”. 

Made In Belfast has gone back to its roots and will serve up high quality gastro Modern European cuisine in a chilled environment, making it the perfect venue for after work drinks or a family get together. 

Opening from Thursday to Sunday from 12pm to late, the latest menu will have tasty options for everyone from those who are gluten free to vegan. 

Emma reassured her customers that Made In Belfast has kept up their commitment to working with local suppliers to provide great food for the people that make Belfast. 

“We’ve got a great team in the kitchen involved with a similar kind of menu as before and we are working with locally sourced products. We were never about fancy food, just a good proper feed.”

For anyone who wants to book a table, Made In Belfast operates a strict online booking only system.

To keep up to date with the latest information, follow Made In Belfast on Facebook and Instagram or to book your table go to mibni.co.uk. 

A new platform for businesses in the property sector is set to launch at the end of this year. 

Northern Ireland’s first online resource of its kind, the NI Property Hub, will help bring business together under one roof to showcase the products and services they supply to the property sector.

Founders Heather Macartney and Natasha McGurk have merged their years of experience working within the property sector to fill a gap in the market that will provide local businesses with the tools they need to help secure their future and widen their audience all across Northern Ireland. 

“There is little help or financial support available to help grow your business and maximise its potential so we hope that the Hub will provide an affordable platform where business owners can do just that” Heather explained.

The property market has faced a lot of hurdles since the 2008 recession and with the most recent impact of Covid, Heather and Natasha are keen to reassure business owners that The Hub will be a robust source of help, information and advice that will become the go-to place in Northern Ireland.  

“It’s so important to us as business owners ourselves that we help the Northern Irish market to be a sustainable environment in this sector” said Heather.

The Hub is aimed at businesses all over Northern Ireland who provide excellent service and products to their customers and be more than just a business directory.

“Our comprehensive property platform will cover everything a property owner, landlord or business might need in just one stop.

“We are looking for anyone who has  innovative ideas and products coming on to the market to register and advertise their products and services on the Hub through video content, blogs and podcasts.”

Content will be targeted at a range of audiences such as first time buyers, home owners, landlords and investors who can visit the Hub for tips on a range of topics such as interior design, links to trades and services or advice on mortgages and insurance. 

By registering on the Hub, business owners can choose from a variety of listings depending on their budget. 

The Hub will be advertised widely across social media, press and radio advertising to help get businesses found by prospective clients and partners. 

For more information, visit the NI Property Hub on Facebook or contact 028 9600 9621

Big Top Show Runs From December 17, 2021 – January 3, 2022

Award winning circus company Tumble Circus will return to Belfast’s Writers’ Square this Christmas.

Despite a difficult 18 months due to the Covid-19 pandemic the team at Tumble Circus are back with their spectacular Winter Circus show.

Now in its fifth year, the organisers at Winter Circus said fans can expect this year’s show “to return louder and prouder than ever before”.

Tina Segner of Tumble Circus said: “We are delighted to be back and we’ve got an amazing show lined up this year in our fully heated Tumble Circus big top tent.

“Running from December 17 right the way through to January 3 this is a show that has something for everyone.

“Tumble Circus combines circus skills with comedy, theatre and social commentary to make people laugh, react, and act.”

The Tumble Circus Winter Circus show is an all human performance with everything from comedy, fun, hilarity and professional circus performance to amazing aerial skills.

“The Winter Circus shows will be spectacular with an inspiring modern soundtrack” said Ken Fanning of Tumble Circus, adding: “visitors to the big top can expect modern, high skilled acts, including acrobats, aerialists and jugglers in this one hour of hammer smashing Belfast inspired circus. 

“From international circus artists to well-known comedy characters both young and old audiences will be able to enjoy the show whilst expecting big laughs and some mighty craic.”

Tickets are limited this year so it’s advised to book early to experience world-class acrobats, aerialists, jugglers and the unique humour that has made Tumble Circus an international award-winning modern circus company.

Gilly Campbell, Head of Community Arts and Education, Arts Council of Northern Ireland said: “Tumble Circus never fails to delight and enchant all who experience their amazing, world-class circus skills.  

“It’s simply thrilling to see them return this December, back to doing what they do best, and presenting the captivating Winter Circus right in the heart of Belfast’s city centre.  

“Thanks to The National Lottery players, the Arts Council of Northern Ireland is proud to support Tumble Circus and I would encourage all to go along and enjoy everything this award-winning company has to offer.”   

Winter Circus is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Belfast City Council, Tourism Northern Ireland and Destination CQ BID

Tickets are £9-£14 + booking fee and available from wegottickets.com/JossersBigTop, or for more information go to tumblecircus.com. Family tickets are also available and group bookings (10+) can be booked by emailing bookings@tumblecircus.com.

Tumble Circus presents the Winter Circus – dates

17 December 2021 to 03 January 2022

Friday 17^th Dec           6pm (preview)                  

Saturday 18^th Dec       2pm & 5pm        

Sunday 19^th Dec          2pm & 5pm       

Tuesday 21^st Dec         5pm (Relaxed show)

Wednesday 22^nd Dec    6pm                 

Thursday 23^rd Dec       3pm & 6pm      

Friday 24^th Dec           2pm                             

Sunday 26^th Dec          3pm 

Monday 27^th Dec        2pm  & 5pm           

Tuesday 28^th Dec.      2pm & 5pm

Wednesday 29^th Dec   2pm & 5pm 

Thursday 30^th Dec       2pm & 5pm 

Friday 31^st Dec            2pm & 5pm 

Saturday 1^st Jan           2pm & 5pm 

Sunday 2^nd Dec           2pm & 5pm 

Monday 3^rd Jan           2pm & 5pm     

Prices

Preview all tickets £9*

Full Price £14*

Children (12 and under): £9*

Family of four: £40*

Relaxed show: £9*

*excluding booking fee

Children 2 and under go free

In May 2020 Minister for Infrastructure Nichola Mallon announced a pilot scheme which restricted traffic in the historic cobbled streets of the Cathedral Quarter.

The temporary road closure of Hill Street and Gordon Street was extended until October 31 with local businesses still permitted access as required.

Businesses in the area have been divided on the subject.

Cathedral Quarter Business Improvement manager Damien Corr said the BID has been working with stakeholders and businesses in the area.

He added: “The Cathedral Quarter BID is committed to facilitating a solution to the vehicular traffic issue on Hill St and Gordon St. 

“We appreciate that this is by no means as easy as simply closing the streets to traffic. Hospitality & Arts venues need deliveries and office workers need access to their car parks.

“It is also the case, however, that all of the above, including their customers, have a right to cleaner air and a safer environment in which to explore this beautiful area which is, after all, set in a conservation area.”

Mr Corr added that he hoped a solution to the ongoing debate was imminent.

He said: “In recent weeks the BID has been working with DFI officials to finalise a survey which we are confident will identify a way forward which will take into consideration the many issues identified by stakeholders over the last year.

“The survey should be ready for distribution in the next few weeks and we believe that a new regime for the road will be agreed and implemented as soon as the process permits.”