The event is open to all females 18+ years, contestants must reside or have ancestry links to the Mid-Ulster.  This exciting event aims to celebrate all women of all backgrounds, shapes, size with no upper age limited.

And what the Lucky Lady Wins:

Prizes to date:

• A sensational crown sponsored by Soirée Society NI
• Front page photo-shoot courtesy of media sponsor Local Women Magazine
• £500 prize money courtesy of DM Specialist Roofing
• A bespoke crystal piece made specially by Dunri glassware
• Jewellery from award winning Jewellers D&K Jewellers
• Photography portrait from multi–award winning photographer John O’Neill Sperrin Photography
• Overnight stay at The Lodge Hotel Coleraine
• A caricature from Querky Caricatures
• Flowers from award winning florist Therese Flowers
• Vouchers from The Fashion Boutique and Black Shoes
• Pampering session from Urban Hair
• Beauty session from Lorraine at the Glenavon
• Prize from Copperlocks and NIckz and Cutz.

The final is at the Royal Hotel Cookstown 23rd March 2017

Heat Dates

• Walsh’s Hotel Maghera Friday  27th Jan 2017
• TAAJ Restaurant Magherafelt Friday 27th Jan 2017
• Roadside Tavern Stewartstown Friday 3rd Feb 2017
• Forbes Bar Ardboe Sat 4th Feb 2017
• Hanover House Coagh Sat 11th Feb 2017
• Hagans Bar Dungannon Friday 17th Feb 2017
• Sit N Sip Drummullan Sat 18th Feb 2017
• Tomneys Bar Moy 24th Feb 2017
• Four Corners Coalisland 25th Feb 2017
• Bridge  Ballinderry Sat 4th March 2017
• Brysons Bar Magherafelt Friday 10th March
• Davison’s Bar Sat 11th March 2017
• Royal Hotel & Loughview Brides Double heat Sat  11th March 2017
• Moes Bar Cookstown Sat 18th March 2017
• The Fashion Boutique Cookstown Facebook Search

There will be also entries from:

• Copperlocks
• Home Trend Furnishings
• Hollywood Fitness
• Wizard of the Dogs
• M. Lonal laser Clinic.

To apply or nominate visit www.belleofmidulster.co.uk to download an application form.

Background to The Friends of the Belle of Mid-Ulster Association.

The Friends of the Belle of Mid-Ulster Association is a cross community group that was formed in 2016.

The Friends of the Belle of Mid-Ulster Association was established to promote the benefits of the Belle of Mid-Ulster event to the wider Mid-Ulster Community.

The objective of the association is to develop further participation of the Belle of Mid-Ulster event to all inhabitants within the Mid-Ulster community.

Membership of the association is voluntary and there are currently no employees.

The Belle of Mid-Ulster Event

Mission Statement

‘Devoted to showcasing the Mid-Ulster area as a great place to Live, Work and Visit’

Aims are:

• To support Mid-Ulster women, to inspire them to flourish personally, economically, and professionally.
• To showcase the Diversity of Mid-Ulster Women

To Champion:

• Community spirit, building bridges throughout the Mid-Ulster area
• Business Networking
• Mid-Ulster is a great place work , live
• To outside businesses – Mid-Ulster is great location to establish
• Tourism & Shoppers
• Feel good feeling about the area we live in – Let’s get positive!

SUPPORTING LOCAL

Supporting local is at the heart of everything we do.

Our first year charitable donation is to Air Ambulance Northern Ireland Charity. Visit their website for more information here.

Living in the rural Mid-Ulster we all can appreciate the benefits of an Air Ambulance Service to support the paramedics on the ground.

“My Husband Ryan was injured at the North West 200 race last May held in Portrush.

After Ryan was stabilised he was transferred by Police helicopter to intensive care in Belfast.

The journey from Portrush to Belfast took only 9 minutes and there is no doubt in my mind that the speed of the transfer greatly increased Ryan’s chances of survival.

Having lived through this experience and understanding the challenges of living in the rural community, for those of us who seek urgent medical treatment, I can see the enormous advantages of having an Air Ambulance Service supporting our hard working medical teams on the ground.

My appeal to support Air Ambulance Northern Ireland has nothing to with motorbike racing.

I have experienced the advantages first hand and my Husband is the living proof that it will save more lives.

This service should to be available for everyone in Northern Ireland because I believe everyone should have the same chance as Ryan.”

Karen Farquhar (Check out Karen’s Blog here)

I’ll Tell My Ma is a hilarious one-woman show by Patricia Gormley charting the adventures and mis-adventures in the life of four generations of one West Belfast family.

Come meet 16 year old Davina Corrina a highly intelligent school girl with a penchant for Russian vodka and the high life, her Mother Chelsea Marie a 30 something with a tangled love life who is looking to join the “mile high” club as an air stewardess with CryinAir.

The lovable 60 year old Patricia who’s life has been turned upside down with tragedy but sees the way out by turning her life into a book and finally Granny Eileen the fiery 80 year old matriarch of the family who is coping with facebook, tweeting and her free bus pass.

Come and meet Belfast’s funniest, maddest and most lovable family,

Starring Christina Nelson (Handbag Positive) and directed by Alan McKee (History of the Peace, accordin to my Ma). Book your tickets today at www.themaclive.com

An Evening of Reflection and an exhibition have been organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to mark Holocaust Memorial Day.

The events will provide an opportunity to remember the millions of people murdered under Nazi Persecution and in the subsequent genocides in Cambodia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Darfur.

The Evening of Reflection will take place in the Bann Gallery of Council’s Cloonavin building in Coleraine from 7pm – 8.30pm on Thursday 26^th January. It will include readings, music and personal reflections from some local people who recently visited the Auschwitz-Birkenau sites in Poland as part of training programmes supported by the Council’s Good Relations plan. These experiences will also form part of the exhibition.

It takes place in the same location and will be open to the public from Wednesday 25^th January until Friday 27th January, between the hours of 9.30am and 4.30pm.

Those who attend the events will be invited to sign a Book of Remembrance.

Holocaust Memorial Day (HMD) is a time when people of all ethnicities, religions and interests come together.

January 27^th marks the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau, the largest Nazi death camp, and the theme for Holocaust Memorial Day this year, as promoted through the Holocaust Memorial Day Trust is “How can life go on?” The theme is broad and open ended and there are few known answers to this question. Author and survivor of the Holocaust, Elie Wiesel said, “For the survivor death is not the problem. Death was an everyday occurrence. We learned to live with Death. The problem is to adjust to life, to living. You must teach us about living.”

Holocaust Memorial Day is not only about commemorating past genocides and honouring those who died, but about standing with those who survive.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey, said: “I want to encourage people to attend our Evening of Reflection and exhibition – everyone is welcome. The aftermath of the Holocaust and of subsequent genocides continues to raise challenging questions for us all: we need to think about what happens after genocide and of our own responsibilities in the wake of such crimes. What role do we have towards individuals, communities and nations who have survived genocide? Please do come and commemorate with us.”

Space will be limited at the evening event so it is important that you register your intention to attend.

This project has received financial support from the Executive Office.

For further information or to register please contact good.relations@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk or ring Lorraine at 028 7776 0304.

FRESH, YOUNG & SEXY CAST ANNOUNCED FOR WORLDWIDE PHENOMENON HITTING THE ROAD WITH A BRAND NEW PRODUCTION
MILLENNIUM FORUM – MON 13 TO SAT 18 FEB 2017

Producers Karl Sydow and Paul Elliott are delighted to announce casting for the UK and Ireland tour of the brand new production of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage. The classic story of Baby and Johnny, featuring the hit songs ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Hey! Baby’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and the heart stopping ‘(I’ve Had) The Time Of My Life’, returns to the UK this summer, following two blockbuster West End runs, two hit UK tours, and various sensational international productions. The smash hit show bursts onto the Millennium Forum stage for the first time on Monday 13^th Feb 2017 for a week long run.

Lewis Griffiths will star as ‘Johnny Castle’, one of the most iconic roles in popular culture. Lewis has had a prolific career in musical theatre, most recently starring as ‘Nick Massi’ on the UK tour of Jersey Boys. Other roles in UK tours include Ghost and Legally Blonde, and West End credits include Priscilla Queen of the Desert, Rent and Whistle Down the Wind.

Katie Hartland will make her professional musical theatre debut carrying the watermelons as she takes on the role of ‘Baby Houseman’, having graduated from the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama in 2015.

Carlie Milner will star as ‘Penny Johnson’. Carlie is part of the Dirty Dancing family; starting as a member of the ensemble in 2014, she covered and subsequently took over the role of ‘Penny’ in 2015.

Joining Lewis, Katie and Carlie will be Julian Harries as ‘Jake Houseman’, Simone Craddock as ‘Marjorie Houseman’, Roger Martin ‘as Max Kellerman’, Jo Servi as ‘Tito Suarez’, Lizzie Ottley as ‘Lisa Houseman’, Michael Kent as ‘Billy Kostecki’, Greg Fossard as ‘Neil Kellerman’, Tony Stansfield as ‘Mr Schumacher’, and Daniela Dobega as ‘Elizabeth’. Also joining the company are Gabby Antrobus, Imogen Brooke, Simon Campbell, Robert Colvin, Katie Eccles, Beth Highsted, Megan Louch, Ashley Rumble, Callum Sterling, Austin Wilks and Karl James Wilson.

Full of passion and romance, heart-pounding music and sensationally sexy dancing, the record-breaking show has been reconceived in an all new production created by an innovative new creative team; directed by Federico Bellone, choreographed by Gillian Bruce and with design re-imagined by top Italian set designer Roberto Comotti. The production premiered in Milan in July 2015, subsequently packing out the 15,000 seat Roman Arena in Verona, and has played a season in Rome, and will shortly be embarking on a major Italian tour.

It’s the summer of 1963, and 17 year- old Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman is about to learn some major lessons in life as well as a thing or two about dancing. On holiday in New York’s Catskill Mountains with her older sister and parents, she shows little interest in the resort activities, and instead discovers her own entertainment when she stumbles across an all-night dance party at the staff quarters. Mesmerised by the raunchy dance moves and the pounding rhythms, Baby can’t wait to be part of the scene, especially when she catches sight of Johnny Castle the resort dance instructor. Her life is about to change forever as she is thrown in at the deep end as Johnny’s leading lady both on-stage and off, and two fiercely independent young spirits from different worlds come together in what will be the most challenging and triumphant summer of their lives.

Dirty Dancing –The Classic Story On Stage originally opened at London’s Aldwych Theatre in 2006 with a record-breaking advance of £15 million, making it the fastest ever selling show in West End theatre history. The production became the longest running show in the history of the Aldwych Theatre and played to over 2 million people during its triumphant 5 year run.

Since its Australian debut in 2004, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, has become a worldwide phenomenon, with productions staged in the USA, Canada, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden, South Africa, Hong Kong, Singapore and throughout Europe, consistently breaking box office records. Recent sell out tours include France, Germany and Australia. The first ever UK tour of Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage, which launched in 2011, took an unprecedented £42,000,000 at theatres across the country. In 2013, Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage returned to the West End and played at the Piccadilly Theatre in London until 23 February 2014, prior to launching a second UK and Ireland tour.

Produced by Karl Sydow, Joye Entertainment and Paul Elliott, in association with Lionsgate and Magic Hour Productions, and written by Eleanor Bergstein, script writer of the phenomenally successful 1987 film, the production features the much-loved characters and original dialogue from the iconic film, with exciting extra scenes added in.

Dirty Dancing performs at the Millennium Forum from Mon 13^th to Sat 18^th Feb 2017.  Tickets are now available from the Box Office.  Telephone 71 264455 or visit www.millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.

Local historian Mr S. Alex Blair makes a welcome return to Ballymoney Town Hall on Wednesday 25^th January with his spring series of local history talks.

This first talk will explore the life of Lord Macartney of Lisanoure, Loughgiel. In his life of achievement, Lord Macartney met and talked with notables such as Catherine the Great, The Empress of Russia and the Great Khan of China.

He was one of the most illustrious British diplomats of his day and his life ensures to be a great talking point.

Mr Blair will also lead talks on different topics on Wednesday 22^nd February and Wednesday 22^nd March.

The talks begin at 8pm and cost £2 to attend.

For further information please call the Town Hall on 028 2766 0230 or contact Elaine Gaston, Cultural Services Development Manager on 028 2076 2225.

John Onslow Springhall passed away in 2015 aged 71 – and he left a significant proportion of his estate to the facility. This legacy of £94,500 will be used to support and develop creative learning in the arts centre.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Alderman Maura Hickey recently hosted an evening of celebration to mark the inheritance.

She said: “Flowerfield Arts Centre is delighted to accept this very generous gift. It’s both an endorsement and an absolute affirmation of the esteemed value in which the centre was held. John gave Flowerfield his enthusiastic support and this money will allow his memory to live on. We thank him for his magnanimous generosity and his vision in making his request specific to further education through the facility.”

Mr Springhall, who lived in Portstewart, was a renowned author and University lecturer in Coleraine.

He was an enthusiastic supporter of Flowerfield Arts Centre from its inception in 1980 – when it became the first arts centre to open in Northern Ireland.

He was a regular patron, and had a particular interest in jazz concerts with the music genre being one of his passions in life.

With this in mind, the evening of celebration featured music by The Ronnie Greer Jazz Trio.

The New Year is upon us and it’s the perfect time to visit somewhere new, try something different and attend one of the many events that is happening in Northern Ireland this year.

Rachel Quigg, Destination PR Officer, Tourism Northern Ireland said: “From Titanic Belfast, the world’s leading tourist attraction to award-winning golf courses and renowned international events such as the Irish Open and Women’s Rugby World Cup, Northern Ireland is packed with exciting things to see, do and experience in 2017.”

“There are also some great value deals to be had, so why not extend the adventure and book a short staycation in Northern Ireland in 2017.”  added Rachel.

Tourism Northern Ireland has put together a list of things for you and the family to do in 2017:

Have a Titanic Experience in Belfast
Voted the World’s Leading Tourist Attraction, Titanic Belfast is a ‘must see’ on any visit to Belfast.  The attraction takes you through nine galleries, telling the story of RMS Titanic, from her conception in the 1990s, through her construction and launch, to her tragic maiden voyage and end.

Travel along the Causeway Coast
The Causeway Coastal Route is considered one of the most beautiful road journeys in the world. From the Giant’s Causeway to Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge and hidden gems such as Dunseverick Harbour and Roe Valley Country Park, the Causeway Coastal Route will truly take your breath away.

Tee off on a world-class course
With luscious parklands and spectacular links courses, Northern Ireland is made for golf. Catch some of the world’s top professionals at the Northern Ireland Open and Irish Open this summer. If you’d like to get involved in a bit of the action, check out Northern Ireland’s new amateur golf competition, Belfast Parkland International, and register now to take part!

Step back in time
Discover the rich heritage and history of Northern Ireland at one of our award-winning museums, monuments and heritage sites scattered across the Provence.

Banish those winter blues
Take some time out from the stress of everyday life and take a chance to relax, unwind and indulge in some well-deserved pampering at one of Northern Ireland’s luxury spas.

All aboard HMS Caroline
Climb aboard Belfast’s newest visitor experience and discover what life was like at sea for over 300 crew members who served on board.  Visitors can explore historic places such as the Cabin’s Cabin, Engine Room and Kitchen through state-of-the art special effects and hand-on interactive exhibits. (Reopening in April)

Discover a Literary Great
Step into Seamus Heaney HomePlace and discover the life and work of Nobel Laureate, Seamus Heaney, through the faces and places that inspired his most famous work.

Catch an International Sporting Event
Cheer for the home team this summer at the Women’s Rugby World Cup and UEFA European Women’s Under-19 Championship at the finals of both events taking place in Belfast. Alternatively, get on your bike and take on some of the most historic and iconic climbs with the Gran Fondo Giro d’Italia Northern Ireland 2017.

Whet your appetite on a Tasty Tour
The NI Year of Food and Drink may be over, but Northern Ireland’s food and drink scene is ever-growing. Tantalise your taste buds on a food and drink experience including Belfast Food Tour, Lough Erne Food Tours and Causeway Foodie Tours and more!

Explore the Maiden City of Derry~Londonderry
A city  of cultural delights, historical significance and artistic flair, Derry~Londonderry is teeming with award-winning attractions, lively pubs and fine dining restaurants to enjoy.

Explore Game of Thrones® Terrority
Immerse yourself in the world of Westeros on a Game of Thrones® inspired experience. Visit the locations of Winterfell Castle, the Kingsroad and the Iron Islands or enjoy a themed afternoon tea or medieval banquet.

Discover the magical world of Narnia
Discover the sights that inspired the world renowned C. S. Lewis’ ‘The Chronicles of Narnia’ book series, from Dunluce Castle to the Mountains of Mourne and everywhere in between.  Don’t forget to check out the recently opened C.S. Lewis Square in Belfast where you can get up close with some of the series’ beloved characters.

Trust your way around Northern Ireland
From intriguing, former stately homes like Mount Stewart and the Argory to dramatic coastal attractions like Carrick-a-Rede and the world-famous Giant’s Causeway – the National Trust looks after many wonderful historic properties and scenic places in Northern Ireland.

Have a walk in the Garden
Whether you prefer grand ornamental gardens and charming walled gardens to majestic castle properties and woodland meadows, there are a wide range of magical open green spaces just waiting to be explored in Northern Ireland.

Relax on a Lakeside Retreat
With stunning scenery and lakeside luxury, discover Fermanagh’s breathtaking natural landscape and a treasure trove of hidden gems on a relaxing lakeside retreat. For something extra special, hop on a cruiser and enjoy the romance of a sunset cruise.

Unearth somewhere Outstandingly Beautiful
Northern Ireland is home to eight designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty consisting of sloping valleys, sensational coast lines and peaceful walkways waiting to be explored this year by you.

Soak up the Atmosphere at a Festival or Two
Experience Northern Ireland’s culture and art scene at one of the many local, national and international festivals taking place throughout the year that the entire family can enjoy.

For more information on literary places of interest in Northern Ireland click on www.discovernorthernireland.com, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

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

• Ultimate Golf Escape, Hilton Templepatrick, Co. Antrim, from £173pps. A luxurious hotel and country club, Hilton Templepatrick is situated in the private grounds of the Castle Upton Estate with stunning views overlooking the 18-hole championship golf course. Package includes two nights’ accommodation, unlimited golf pass, golf buggy, bucket of balls on driving range, access to the LivingWell Health Club, dinner on the 1^st evening and full buffet breakfast each morning.  Pre booking essential. Valid until February 28. To book call (028) 94 435500

• Perfect Winter Break, Corick House Hotel & Spa, Co. Tyrone, from £45pps. Treat yourself or someone you love to a relaxing break at the four-star Corick House Hotel & Spa and enjoy a warm welcome, luxurious surroundings and open log fires. Offer includes one night in a deluxe room with full access to the thermal suite in the Spa, including the hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam room, experience shower and thermal lounger before finishing your stay with a full Irish breakfast the next morning. Pre booking essential. Valid until February 1. To book call 028 (85) 548216

• Shop and Stay, Wellington Park Hotel, Belfast, from £70pp. Belfast is a great place to be and the perfect place to shop! Located in the fashionable Malone Road area, the three-star Wellington Park is an independent family owned hotel. Attractions such as renowned museums, Botanic gardens and historical sites are just steps away. Package includes two nights’ bed and breakfast, a cocktail of choice, shopping, free car park and complimentary taxi to the shops. Pre booking essential. Valid until February 9. To book call 028 (90) 381111

For further information log on to www.discovernorthernireland.com/offers.

*All offers are subject to availability.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and the LEAN (Linking Entrepreneurs in Antrim and Newtownabbey) Network are inviting local businesses to an exciting event on Wednesday 8 February at 9am in Mossley Mill.

The workshop “The Business of Winning” is being delivered by Mark Gallagher who is a Formula 1 Leader, internationally-renowned business speaker and author.  Having worked at the forefront of the Formula One motor racing industry for 30 years, holding executive roles at Jordan Grand Prix, Red Bull Racing and Cosworth, Mark has worked with many of the sports leading figures and companies.

During the workshop, Mark will share transferable business and leadership lessons in areas such as performance and motivation. To finish off this unique event, a selection of local business leaders will join Mark on stage to participate in a panel discussion.

The event is open to all businesses in the Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council area and includes breakfast refreshments.  The workshop is free to attend however places must be booked in advance by contacting T. 028 9034 0017 or

E. events@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk