CastleCourt has become the first shopping centre in Northern Ireland to have a Changing Places facility installed, and is the first facility of its kind in Belfast City Centre.

The Changing Places Consortium has welcomed the new, fully accessible toilet facilities for people with profound disabilities that have been installed at the centre.

The new toilets, which represent a significant investment by the owners are wheelchair accessible and offer a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling track hoist, and plenty of space for carers.

It is hoped the addition will significantly help people with disabilities and their carers to be able to get out more around Belfast City Centre and in CastleCourt with the confidence that there are adequate toilet facilities nearby.

According to Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Changing Places Consortium, over a quarter of a million people with severe disabilities need access to Changing Places facilities. These toilets provide a safe and clean environment for users to use the toilet in a safe, clean and dignified manner.

Without Changing Places toilets, many thousands of disabled people, their families and carers, are denied equal access to the services that most people take for granted.

Paul McMahon, Centre Director for CastleCourt said:

“The new Changing Places facilities are an important addition to CastleCourt. Part of our centre’s commitment is to be accessible to everyone and the Changing Place facility is a massive part of that commitment.

“We have listened to feedback from customers and fully understand that standard disabled toilets do not meet the needs of all people with a disability. We’re delighted to be able to offer this new facility and hope it will have a positive impact on many people with disabilities, their family and carers.”

Nic Bungay, Director of Campaigns, Care and Information at Muscular Dystrophy UK said:
“Muscular Dystrophy UK and the Changing Places Consortium are delighted that the CastleCourt shopping centre has made its facilities accessible to profoundly disabled people.   Without access to Changing Places toilets, over a quarter of a million people who have severe disabilities are faced with a choice of not going out, or being changed on a toilet floor.

“Seeing a Changing Places toilet sign shows that a shopping centre, airport or tourist attraction is fully accessible for a disabled person. We hope others will follow CastleCourt’s lead, so we can see many more of these important signs going up all over the UK.

“By building more Changing Places toilets, we can help to tackle the exclusion many disabled people face.”

Michaela Hollywood, user of the Changing Room facilities and a Trailblazers Campaign Officer with Muscular Dystrophy UK spoke of the new facilities at CastleCourt:

“I’m over the moon that CastleCourt is home to the first Changing Places in a shopping centre in Northern Ireland and the first for shoppers in Belfast City Centre. I’m unable to use any toilet which doesn’t have a hoist and bench. I frequently shop in CastleCourt which is a great location during these winter months. Until now, I couldn’t spend a penny when out shopping – so I had to restrict my fluid intake, and this impacts on my enjoyment of a day out with family.”

To be registered as a Changing Places toilet it must include the right equipment; offer enough space; and provide a safe and clean environment.

It is estimated that there are around 250,000 people in the UK who cannot use standard accessible toilets. This includes people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, motor neurone disease, multiple sclerosis or cerebral palsy.

The superb Christmas performances continue at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, providing some much-needed respite from the Christmas hustle and bustle this December.

 

The festive favourite, ‘Christmas With Cantilena’ is back at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre on Wednesday 20 December. We all dream of a White Christmas and Happy Holidays, so Armagh’s sensational a cappella group ‘Cantilena’ pour some festive spirit into our Christmas Celebrations as they ring in the festive season in their own inimitable a cappella style. This evening of well-known traditional carols and popular Christmas songs, accompanied by the festive atmosphere, mulled wine and mince pies, will definitely put a Christmassy glow in your cheeks. Early booking is strongly recommended for this ever-popular show that welcomes the holidays in true festive style. Tickets are priced £19 for this fantastic event, which includes a glass of mulled wine and mince pie.

Then on Saturday 30 December, and following two standing ovations at last year’s show, Ireland’s leading country and gospel recording star, Trudi Lalor, returns by overwhelming demand to top the bill at this year’s ‘Christmas Country Showtime’. Trudi will share the stage with Stephen Smyth, Ireland’s most exciting and versatile entertainer; the true voice of Country, Joe Moore; the Scania143 Man himself, Boxcar Brian; star vocalist Olivia Douglas, and 13 year-old singing sensation Owen Mac who is taking the country music world by storm. The brilliant Country Harmony is the backing band and compere is Sean Wallace. Tickets are priced £17 each.

Visit the website at www.marketplacearmagh.com for full details and bookings, or contact the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821. And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

The Council is revving up to support triple World Superbike Champion, Jonathan Rea in his bid to win the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award.

On Sunday 17 December Jonathan will be aiming to round off a spectacular year and pick up the accolade. He faces tough competition from Harry Kane, Anthony Joshua, Lewis Hamilton and Mo Farah.

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Hamill, is encouraging the whole Borough to get behind Jonathan and take part in the public vote on Sunday evening: “Jonathan has achieved something amazing and to be shortlisted for the award is well deserved.  We are extremely proud to have him as one of Northern Ireland’s sporting ambassadors and I would urge everyone to cast their vote for Jonathan.”

Voting for the main award will be from a shortlist of contenders presented during the live show on Sunday 17 December 2017.

Voting will be available by phone or via the BBC website. The number to call for each contender will be revealed during the programme. There is no voting via email, Red Button or by text. The telephone numbers will be available through Red Button and via the BBC website.

Struggling for the perfect gift? Buy an unforgettable experience in Northern Ireland

For those who have everything, or for that unique gift no one else will think of, check out these alternative gift ideas. Forget the bath sets, perfumes and making sure to get a gift receipt – instead give your loved ones something new and exciting right on their doorstep.

Tourism NI’s Communication Officer; Claire Cromie said: “This year Northern Ireland has seen an abundance of new and unique experiences emerge, many of which would make wonderful gift experiences.

“These activities create long lasting memories, whether it’s an insight into craft beer brewing, a Game of Thrones tour or a luxurious hotel stay.”

The foodie

For a budding baker or someone who enjoys having a go at new things, give the special gift of a traditional Irish bread-making experience with NI Food Tours in County Down. NI Food Tours offer a memorable lesson in a thatched cottage on the shores of Strangford Lough, in making potato bread, soda bread and traybakes.  Or learn to cook traditionally at home, with local food hero Norah Brown at the Grange Lodge, County Tyrone. Norah’s food really does represent the best in family cooking, traditional but nutritious, and full of new twists and flavours, emphasising the opportunity to make the best seasonal use of local produce. These food experiences in Northern Ireland are guaranteed to cook up a storm and leave you dishing out the best gift of the season.

The tea lover

From the lavish to the quaint, there are many stunning locations hosting some very special afternoon teas, from the renowned five-star Merchant Hotel’s afternoon tea in Belfast City Centre. to County Armagh’s Ballydougan Restaurant & Coffee Lounge.  The Merchant provides delicately served afternoon tea in the decadent surroundings of the Great Hall, on a silver tea stand with a choice of tea, coffee or for that extra treat, champagne. Ballydougan Restaurant & Coffee Lounge allows you to relax and enjoy scones and sweet treats in the wonderful surroundings of a restored linen barn. All freshly prepared with the finest local produce, and served on Ballydougan’s famous hand-thrown pottery. You can even make a day of it and join in on one of the pottery classes. The perfect gift for the tea lover with a bit of indulgence.

Something a little stronger

For the craft beer or gin aficionado a taste and tour experience would be the ideal unique gift. They can become immersed in a botanical journey and full Shortcross Gin tasting experience at the Rademon Estate distillery in County Down. David Boyd-Armstrong, the head distiller, talks through the fascinating process, from how they harvest local botanicals, draw fresh water from the distillery well, distill on a bespoke copper pot still and bottle and label the finished product on site. Or learn about the ancient craft of beer brewing at Hilden Brewery in County Antrim, a working brewery with licensed restaurant in a beautiful and historic setting at Hilden House. Visitors can discover the magic of brewing from the master brewer and share in his enthusiasm for the wonderful process which converts malt and hops into one of the finest beverages known to man, traditionally brewed beer.

For someone who deserves a spa break

If you’re looking a gift for someone who would appreciate some well-deserved relaxation time, treat them to a city day spa, ultimate getaway or beautiful retreat– depending on your budget, all offering luxurious pampering. Sitting proud in the Hollywood Hills overlooking Belfast Lough in County Down is the majestic five-star Hastings Culloden Estate & Spa. Just a short drive away from Belfast’s city centre, it’s the perfect retreat for couples looking for some sought after pamper time, great for a day-trip. Or the four-star Hilton Templepatrick in County Antrim, complete with 18-hole championship golf course, onsite restaurant, spa and swimming pool, makes for the perfect weekend break in Northern Ireland. These are just a few of the many spa options throughout Northern Ireland offering a range of choices for the perfect gift voucher.

For the Games of Thrones Fan

For “Thronies” who have enough DVDs, mugs, and novelty t-shirts, treat them to a Game of Thrones experience at Castle Ward Estate. Located just 40 minutes from Belfast, it was used extensively for the filming of George R.R. Martin’s epic adaption of his Game of Thrones® novels.

Bed down for a night in one of the quirky glamping pods deep in the forest of ‘Winterfell’. Explore the sprawling demesne and its many filming location hotspots and recreate your very own Game of Thrones® moments. Packages include archery, cycling and filming experiences.

Alternatively, for the thrill-seeking fan, try Cutting Edge Helicopter’s Game of Thrones Air Tour. Enjoy stunning aerial views and the picturesque scenery of the North Antrim coast used as film locations by HBO in the award-winning series plus the Giant’s Causeway, Dunluce Castle and Carrick-a-rede Rope Bridge.

From boat tours, walking tours and door tours – there are enough Game of Thrones experiences in Northern Ireland to keep any fan busy until Season 8.

For the budding craftsman

For those who like to get their hands dirty, treat them to a blacksmithing class at Hot Milk Forge in Ballymena. An unmissable infusion of fire and artistic expression, create something truly traditional by welding with fire, not electricity. Learn the basic skills of bladesmithing, such as tempering and hardening as well as modern bladesmithing techniques, to ensure you gain a rounded insight into the art of blacksmithing. Attendees can create their own fireside set, wrought iron gate or knife.

For the starry-eyed romantic

Finally, for the perfect romantic gift, treat someone to a great escape with a star-gazing break at the Finn Lough Resort in County Fermanagh.  Immerse in the tranquility of nature with a unique night in a bubble dome in the middle of one of County Fermanagh’s forests. These unique domes feature 180-degree transparent walls, allowing guests to truly escape the noise of the outside world whilst admiring the beauty of nature.

For more Christmas ideas or short break inspiration, visit DiscoverNorthernIreland.com.

It’s the one you’ve all been waiting for! The panto dreams are made of is now on stage at Armagh’s Market Place Theatre, and audiences just can’t get enough of this sparkling Christmas adventure.

This year’s spectacular combines wonderful music, song and dance, colourful costumes, memorable characters, and loads of audience participation, in a lively and fun-filled show for all the family.

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, a beautiful princess is born. The entire kingdom is delighted, apart from the evil fairy, who places a curse on the Princess, so that she will prick her finger on a poisoned spinning wheel on her 16^th birthday! Who could possibly break such a terrible spell? And who will be brave enough to challenge the evil fairy? And what mad shenanigans will occur in the meantime? Come to The Market Place Theatre this Christmas to find out…

Featuring all your favourite panto characters, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ is guaranteed to be a fun-packed traditional family pantomime for all ages! Fun, frolics and laughter abound in this spectacular take on the thrilling and timeless classic. Audiences will recognise some familiar names in the cast line-up with Debra Hill playing the role of Sleeping Beauty-Full, Michael Lavery as the Prince, Karen Rush as everyone’s favourite baddie Maleficent, and of course, the fabulous Stephen Beggs back in the ‘funderful’ role of Nanny Magee.

Performances will run right up until Christmas Eve, at a variety of times to suit all ages! Ticket prices range from £10 to £15. Tickets are selling fast, with the best availability remaining on the last week.

To book your tickets for the most exciting pantomime of the season, phone the Box Office now on [028] 3752 1821. The house is sure to be packed to the rafters for this annual festive hit, so don’t be caught napping – book now, before it’s too late! We’d hate for you to snooze out! There are BSL signed, captioned and relaxed performances during the run. Please contact the Box Office for full details.

Tickets for all performances can be booked through the Box Office on [028] 3752 1821, or online at www.marketplacearmagh.com And to keep up-to-date with the latest news at the Market Place Theatre, you can follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/marketplacearmagh) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/mptarmagh) where you will find all the latest information, special offers and video previews.

 

‘The Nightshift before Christmas’ written by and starring Caroline Curran and Julie Maxwell, is a must see this Christmas.

 

Join nurses Cindy & Ella as they work the nightshift in a busy A&E ward in the ‘Royal Abbey’ hospital on Christmas Eve. All five cast members who also include Abbey Gibbon, James Doran and Patrick Buchanan, play multiple roles in this festive delight.

Meet Belfast characters such as ‘Smasher O’Neill’, Santa Dave and the heavily pregnant Gloria. This show highlights the work of the NHS staff that we can all take for granted and the people they encounter on a daily basis – ‘Heaven isn’t the only place you will find angels’

Christmas can be such a special time but it is just another day for those in the medical profession who continue to save lives and look after the sick, day after day.

This show will have you laughing out loud and maybe shedding a tear or two but it will leave you with a warm fuzzy feeling inside.

This Christmas comedy will run until Sunday 31 Dec. Tickets from Box Office T: 028 9034 0202 or www.theatreatthemill.com

 

The Millennium Forum is inviting all schools to enter its ‘Create A Beanstalk’ competition. All you have to do is create a beanstalk on an A4 page (drawing/digital art/painting) and email it as a jpeg or low res PDF to siobhanm@millenniumforum.co.uk

The art work will then be judged by the Millennium Forum and the show sponsor, the Richmond Centre. There will be a shortlisting of three entries which will then be put out to public vote on the Richmond Centre’s Facebook page so the artwork with the most likes at the end, wins!

The winning entry gets a prize of pantomime tickets for their whole school class as well as a meet and greet with the cast members for the show on Tue 19^th December at 1.15pm! The runners up in the competition will win family tickets to the pantomime on the same date.

The deadline for the Create a Beanstalk competition is Monday 11^th December at 5.00pm.  Good luck!

The Millennium Forum is well known for its outstanding Christmas pantomimes and this year’s production promises to be the best yet.  A gigantic beanstalk, Daisy the cow, magic beans, a goose that lays golden eggs and the nastiest of giants – it promises to be one giant festive extravaganza that all the family will love!

Jack and the Beanstalk runs at the Millennium Forum until Sunday 31^st December.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

 

Competition Terms & Conditions

• When submitting entries please include a name, age, school, address and contact details.
• Only one entry will be accepted per person.
• Winners must agree to be photographed for PR purposes.
• If winner cannot be contacted another will be chosen.
• Work might not be returned.
• Tickets are non-transferable and are for the stated performances only.