National Poetry Day, on Thursday 4^th October, sees the launch of Funeral Services Northern Ireland’s first National Poetry Competition.

As the theme of this year’s National Poetry Day is “Stars”, Funeral Services Northern Ireland anticipates that this inaugural poetry competition will give entrants the opportunity to honour those stars who watch over them with their eulogy poems.

The closing date for entry is Friday 26^th October and an awards event to celebrate the creativity of those entering the competition will be held at Parliament Buildings, Stormont, on Friday 2^nd November.  Regional winners will be invited to read their poems at the event before the overall winner is announced in front of an invited audience.

Judges, Beverley Brown, general manager Funeral Services Northern Ireland; Marie-Louise Muir, BBC arts and culture broadcaster and author of blog “Marie-Louise Muir’s Arts Extra”; Patsy Horton, Chair of Publishing NI and managing editor Blackstaff Press; and poet Paul Maddern, Tutor in Creative Writing at the Seamus Heaney Centre, Queen’s University, Teaching Fellow at Leed’s University and author of poetry collection “The Beachcomber’s Report”, gathered at Belfast’s oldest library, The Linen Hall Library, to launch the competition with up and coming poet Stephanie Moore.

Beverley Brown, Funeral Services Northern Ireland, says, “Caring is at the heart of Funeral Services Northern Ireland and this competition allows us to give a voice to people who want to honour those they care about. We’re excited to be launching our first poetry competition in celebration of National Poetry Day and look forward to reading entries from aspiring poets.”

Speaking about the relevance of poetry in today’s society, Paul Maddern said, “The eulogy is one of the most relatable forms of poetry. Not everyone has read “The Iliad” but most people can recall a eulogy that had the power to touch them and make them think fondly of someone they cared about.”

Patsy Horton, of Publishing N.I., says, “This Funeral Services Northern Ireland poetry competition is a fantastic opportunity for aspiring poets to showcase their work and Publishing N.I. is delighted to be a part of it. Northern Ireland is rich in literary history and we hope entrants will be able to draw on this inspiration when it comes to submitting their work.”

Since 1994 National Poetry Day has engaged millions of people with poetry through a range of live events and web-based activities. Such a variety of poetry is written and read that each year the day is given a new theme, in order to highlight particular poets and styles of poetry.

Funeral Services Northern Ireland invites entries from poets over the age of 18 who are resident in Northern Ireland and are currently unpublished. The closing date for entries is 26^th October and the total prize fund is £950. Full details of how to enter and terms and conditions can be found online; www.fsni-nationalpoetrycomp.co.uk

Northern Ireland’s silver medal winning Chambers brothers are teaming up with Outdoor Recreation NI to call for kids and families all across the country to get outdoors and active this Sunday as part of National Trails Day 2012.

Now in its fifth year, National Trails Day boasts sixty FREE canoeing, mountain biking and guided walking events taking place on local trails throughout Northern Ireland and Richard  Chambers believes initiatives such as this are exactly what is needed to ensure a successful Olympic legacy here in Northern Ireland.

Richard Chambers commented, “The London Olympics was a great platform for sport and we need to keep this momentum going and National Trails Day is a great opportunity for us to do just this. There really is such a variety of events taking place this Sunday and we would love to see kids and families all across the country out enjoying our local trails.”

All events are completely free of charge and many are suitable for kids and families however pre-registration may be required. Visit www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk for more information.

Some of the best family-friendly FREE events on offer are listed below, but you can visit www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk for more information on all the family events taking place, free on charge on Sunday 7^th October.

County Down

Adventure Family Forest Walk – Tollymore National Outdoor Centre

Rugged forest paths (wellies essential)… wild snacks (bravery essential)…and great wildlife (quietness helpful!!)… will all be part of this family adventure walk through Tollymore Forest Park. On this walk, your guide will share stories of the forest as you wade through streams and look out for the wide variety of Tollymore’s unique wildlife. This family adventure is the perfect way to discover the hidden secrets of Tollymore Forest Park!

County Antrim

Carnmoney Wild Side Walk & Family Fun Activities – Glengormley

Follow in the footsteps of Viking Raiders as this self-guided trail leads you on a voyage of woodland discovery, guaranteed to inspire and enthuse. Simply step out at your own pace and marvel at the Hill’s fantastic views, woodland and wild inhabitants as you walk.  There’s plenty of wildlife to spot on your walk, including the long-eared owl and sparrowhawk. Buzzards can be seen soaring over the trees and the Irish hare is in residence up at the summit of the Hill. Back at the bottom of the Hill you can enjoy some free children’s arts and crafts and the chance to chat about your discoveries with the Woodland Trust and Newtownabbey Council staff.

County Londonderry

Fun Guided Cycle Tour in the Woods – Cam Forest

This fun based cycling event is organised by the Forest Service Northern Ireland and leads through Cam Forest which overlooks the beautiful Roe Valley. This is not an energy demanding event and is intended for all ages and abilities who wish to enjoy a leisurely cycle around a woodland route whilst finding out information about how the forest is managed for timber and biodiversity. Participants must bring their own bicycles and safety helmets and children under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

County Tyrone

Enjoy a wild day out in Gortin Glen Forest Park

Drop into Gortin Glen Forest Park between 2pm and 4pm to enjoy the new red squirrel trail, go nuts about all the autumn craft activities and take part in our ‘Build a Red Squirrel Badge’ competition! You can also speak to members of the West Tyrone Red Squirrel Group to find out what is happening to help the reds in the wider area. This event which also falls during Red Squirrel Week is completely free of charge and is a perfect day out for all the family.

County Fermanagh

Florence Court Scavenger Hunt & Guided Walk

Surrounded by lush parkland and thick woodland, with the imposing mass of Benaughlin rising in the background, Florence Court enjoys a majestic setting on the Fermanagh-Cavan border. Solve the clues along the trail on a Scavenger hunt that will take you to Florence Court’s hidden gems including a water-powered sawmill, ice house, and thatched summerhouse. As you follow the trail through the forest be sure to keep an eye out for the famous Florence Court Yew – reputedly the ‘parent’ of all Irish yew trees.

County Armagh

Family Eco-Trail Challenge – Lurgan Park
Want something different to do with the kids that’s fun, educational and most importantly free?! Then come down to Lurgan Park for an afternoon of exploration along the exciting interactive Eco-trail. In a team you must work together to navigate your way around the trail completing a fun activity sheet as you go. Find out if Dad has the best navigational skills, if mum is the smartest or if the kids really are the fastest as you solve the clues along this mysterious trail. Once you’ve completed the trail spend some time in the state of the art play park with slides, swings and water features. This is sure to be a fun family day out for all and entry to the park is free for all National Trails Day participants.

Belfast

Normans, Trees and Dukes: Guided Family Walk – Belvoir Forest Park

Walk along woodland trails and listen to fascinating stories about the earliest locals of the Belvoir area. Did you know that this forest contains some of the oldest oak trees found anywhere in Ireland or that Norman knights once lived here? We’ll also be meeting up with some colourful characters along the way who all have their own tales to tell!

These are only a selection of the family-friendly activities on offer across Northern Ireland as part of the National Trails Day celebrations on Sunday 7^th October. For a full list of free events taking place on your local trails, you can visit www.nationaltrailsday.co.uk. Pre-registration is required for some National Trails Day events so make sure to book your free place now to avoid disappointment.

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (October 8 – 14).

• Belfast Restaurant Week, various locations across Belfast, October 6 – 13.  A citywide celebration of local cuisine with over 70 restaurants and many events taking place including food tours and taster sessions to highlight award-winning chefs, superb natural produce and a diverse range of cuisine.

• Tales of Sorcerers and Spells, Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co. Down, October 10.  Storyteller Siaran Brooks tells the tale of The Sorcerer’s Apprentice and other magical tales and gets the audience to help with actions and sound effects.

• William Conor Exhibition Talk, Ulster Folk and Transport Museum, Holywood, Co. Down, October 10.  Part of the Making Connections afternoons for the over-50’s, this talk will explore the artworks featured in the exhibition in detail.

• Magners Comedy Core Live, Mandela Hall, Queen’s Student Union, Belfast, October 11 – 13.  Nine big name comedians will be crammed into three amazing nights of comedy.  Stand ups Daniel Sloss, Seann Walsh and PJ Gallagher will each headline an evening with support from some of the hottest up and coming acts.

• Stranger in Strabane, The Alley Theatre, Strabane, Co. Tyrone, until October 12.  An exhibition featuring four of Strabane’s most renowned artists who together are promoting a growing number of independent artists in the area.

• Animal Farm, Island Arts Centre, Lisburn, October 12.  Guy Masterson stars in this hilarious and terribly poignant version of George Orwell’s classic novel.

• The Neil Diamond Songbook, The Market Place Theatre, Co. Armagh, October 12.  Popular singer Brendan Quinn performs a two hour musical masterpiece highlighting the songs and life of the great Neil Diamond such as Sweet Caroline, I’m A Believer and Red Red Wine.

• Jumping Clay Workshop, Meadowbank Sport Arena, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, October 13.  Come along to make your own unique and innovative model with Jumping Clay.

• Autumn Pumpkinfest and Scarecrow Pageant, Castle Ward, Co. Down, October 13 – 14.  Pick, scoop and carve a pumpkin, solve the clues at the pumpkin people murder mystery party, browse the extensive display of local crafts and sample some organic pumpkin soup.  Bring along your very own scarecrow to enter the fabulous Scarecrow Pageant.

• Fermanagh District Council Walking Festival, various locations, Co. Fermanagh, October 13 – 15.  A weekend walking programme with different grades of walks in beautiful locations throughout Fermanagh.

• Autumn Festival, Crawfordsburn Country Park, Helen’s Bay, Co. Down, October 14.  Experience the rich sights, tastes and smells of the autumn season with many fruits, nuts and berries including the Grand Display of over 100 different varieties of apples, pears and fungi.

• Time Travel through Lurgan, Oxford Island Nature Reserve, Lurgan, Co. Armagh, October 14.  Enjoy a fascinating journey of discovery following the rich heritage, architecture and development of Lurgan including places of interest such as Shankill Parish Church, Brownlow House and Lurgan Park.

Northern Ireland wine buffs can turn top palates into top prizes, as details of the second ChildLine Fine Wine Challenge were unveiled today.

The annual interactive wine-tasting quiz – organised by NSPCC and supported by JNwine – is calling for corporate entrants to tease their taste buds and win exclusive prizes including a holiday to Morocco and an exclusive case of Ridge Monte Bello 2010 fine wine with each bottle personally signed by the winemaker. Also up for grabs are tickets to top class sporting events, sold out concerts and the Chelsea Flower Show preview which attracts many well known celebrities.

The event takes place on 19 October at Riddel Hall, Stranmillis, where teams will be invited to pay to bend the rules in their pursuit of the ChildLine Fine Wine Challenge trophy, with professional wine experts providing hints, tips and cheat notes in return for charitable donations. Guests will also enjoy a champagne reception and supper accompanied by an excellent array of independent and unusual wines, expertly sourced by James Nicholson.

Last year the inaugural event raised more than £11,500, which went directly towards helping ChildLine in Northern Ireland continue to offer advice and invaluable support to children and young people.

Wine Merchant James Nicholson said Northern Ireland businesses have a chance to enjoy a unique evening and get behind NSPCC’s ChildLine service:

“Smart businesses in Northern Ireland know their wines and are committed to making a difference. The Fine Wine Challenge is the only competition of its kind to take place here. It’s a fresh way for companies to have a lot of fun, sample some top quality wines and raise money for a very worthy cause. Our team of experts has handpicked a selection of interesting wines that will make this a night to remember, so please join us as we help to raise funds for ChildLine.”

The ChildLine Fine Wine Challenge is supported by a wide range of organisations from across Northern Ireland, all of whom will be put through their paces by host Tim McGarry during the entertaining and interactive quiz.

Dearbhla McGrath, NSPCC development manager, said: “This is the second time Northern Ireland wine fans can use their taste buds to win fantastic prizes. Most importantly, the support of local business people will help the NSPCC raise the funds it needs to ensure that every child who plucks up the courage to contact ChildLine gets to speak to one of our counsellors.”

“Last year’s event was a major highlight for us and for all the guests who helped make it such a success. There has been phenomenal demand from local companies to make this a regular occasion and it’s pleasing to announce the second competition and make it an annual event. We wish the best of luck to all competing for the ChildLine Fine Wine Challenge trophy!”

The ChildLine Fine Wine Challenge takes place on 19 October at Riddel Hall, 185 Stranmillis Road Belfast from 6.15pm. To purchase a table or individual tickets, please contact Dearbhla McGrath on 020 3222 4279 or by emailing northernirelandappeals@nspcc.org.uk.  Tables are limited and booking early is advised.

Stena Line offers £50 off all routes to mark its anniversary

Leading ferry company, Stena Line, is celebrating fifty years of ’making good time’ and to mark the occasion is offering  fifty pounds off all routes on the Irish Sea.

The company’s Head of PR and Communications, Diane Poole OBE, believes the golden anniversary is a fantastic opportunity to say thank you to customers. She said:

“The first Stena Line ferry departed from Stenpiren in Gothenburg to Skagen in Denmark in 1962. This was the beginning of a much longer journey for the organisation as now, 50 years later; Stena Line has become one of the world’s largest ferry companies!

“Fifty years in business is a huge landmark for Stena Line and we want to make sure our loyal customers who helped us reach this momentous milestone can celebrate with us.”

Birthday celebrations are taking place onboard all routes on Friday 28^th September with live entertainment, birthday cake and lots more.

“Stena Line believes that ferry travel is much more than a journey from A to B,” Diane continued, “Customers have been ‘making memories’ down the years, travelling with family and friends for a variety of reasons and to acknowledge this, we have been asking customers to share their memories which have been collated into an online gallery of snap shots and stories. These can be viewed at www.stenaline50yearsofmemories.com you might even recognise a few faces!”

Customers  can take a car-cation to Scotland or England and enjoy the  exceptional Stena Line facilities including free wi-fi, movies, onboard shopping, Curious George for kids, or upgrade to Stena Plus for that extra special experience.

To claim £50 off a car-cation before 1^st October book now at www.stenaline.co.uk/fifty, call 08447 70 70 70 or contact a local travel agent. All bookings and fares are subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

Fancy going back to an era of big hair, pompadour hairstyles, skin tight spandex? Then make your way to The Gables this Saturday night and prepare to step back in time as PIPS MBA are hosting an 80’s fancy dress disco night full of the best pop and rock classics from days gone by with top notch prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.

PIPS, was established in 2003 following the suicides of 14 young people under the age of 18. and since this they have consistently worked towards their mission statement. “To save lives, offer advice and support those affected by suicide and self-harm through their training programmes.” In 2011 they delivered training to local people in the Dungannon and Donaghmore community area thanks to funding from The Big Lottery Fund. This initiative was the smart idea of 80’s theme night and PIPS volunteer Davna Bell, who has been a volunteer for six long years.
“This year I am waiting to hear if i will avail of this funding again to deliver more training. It’s vital that we as a community are in a comfortable position with knowledge and the right education to be able to help those to help themselves lead a more happier and comfortable life.” continuing “Myself and a bunch of other volunteers are doing all we can to bring these great programmes into more rural communities,”

PIPS always encourages and welcomes new volunteers. Just ask Dungannon woman Kathie McCausland who has just joined PIPS by hearing how great it is and how important it is. “I’m delighted to be involved with PIPS as I’m really passionate about helping other people especially when it concerns mental health and supporting those individuals who may be going through difficult times. I’m fortunate to have had alot of training and experience through my career regarding mental health issues and all sorts of stigma that surrounds it.”

Saturday night’s fundraising event kicks off at 9pm with a minimum suggested donation of £5 on the door, a raffle will take place during the event with a great variety of prizes up for grabs including meal vouchers, show tickets and much, much more.

For more information to find out how to become a volunteer with PIPS Programmes please visit their website www.pipsprogrammes.com

The Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) has put together a list of 12 exciting things to do in Northern Ireland over the next week (October 1 – 7).  For all events in ni2012 click on www.discovernorthernireland.com/events, visit your local tourist information centre or log onto http://www.facebook.com/discovernorthernireland

• International Day for Older People, Ulster Hall, Belfast, October 1.  Enjoy a day out with short writing workshops, storytelling for film and a special screening of Ladies in Lavender, a story about two sisters who befriend a mysterious foreigner washed up on the beach.

• Camerata Ireland, Strule Arts Centre, Omagh, Co. Tyrone, October 3.  Enjoy a mesmerising mix of music by some of the best musicians in the world.

• Tommy Makem Festival of Traditional Music & Folk Song, various locations, Co. Armagh, October 4 – 6.  This festival, named in honour of one of Armagh’s most famous musical sons, invites everyone to celebrate old and new music.

• Fermanagh Live Festival, various venues, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh, October 4 – 7.  Experience Fermanagh’s finest live entertainment and visual festival with everything from music to drama and visual arts on offer.

• Battle of the Chefs, St George’s Market, Belfast, October 6.  Local chefs will be taking part in a cook-off, preparing a family meal from quality, locally sourced produce to be named Family Dining Champion.

• Autumn Plant Fair, Rowallane Garden, Saintfield, Co. Down, October 6.  A favourite event for gardeners and non gardeners with many special plant stalls.

• Autumn Watch, Kilbroney Park, Rostrevor, Co. Down, October 6.  Join the Ulster Wildlife Trust to explore the changes that take place in autumn during this fun scavenger hunt for all the family. Search for seeds, fallen leaves and signs of wildlife activity as you put your sleuthing skills to the test.

• The Soul Train, Lagan Valley Island Hall, Lisburn, October 6.  Grab your flares and dancing shoes for one of the best tribute shows to the golden age of motown and seventies disco classics. 

• Red Squirrel Day, Mount Stewart, Newtownards, Co. Down, October 6.  Come along and learn about the work undertaken by the National Trust to protect the endangered red squirrel and hopefully spot one of these elusive animals.  Suitable footwear and clothing essential.     

• Cupcake Making with the Kiddies, Cookery School at James Street South, Belfast, October 6.  A two hour cupcake making class where you get the chance to make, decorate and bring a selection of cupcakes home. Suitable for children 4 years and above.

• Harvest and Country Fair, Springhill House, Magherafelt, Co. Londonderry, October 7.  Join Springhill for a day of harvest fun, craft and local produce stalls, rare breeds, country music and activities.  There will also be plenty of activities for children including a scarecrow trail.

• National Trails Day, various locations across Northern Ireland, October 7.  A celebration of outdoor trails offering everybody the chance to enjoy some of the most beautiful countryside, forests, mountains and lakes through a range of free activities including horse riding, canoeing, mountain biking, hill walking, forest walks and much more.     

Glasgow City Marketing Bureau teams up with Stena Line to launch great value short breaks

ART enthusiasts, food lovers, shopaholics and culture vultures in Northern Ireland are being encouraged to take an Autumn break to Glasgow as the City Marketing Bureau (GCMB) has joined forces with Stena Line to create a range of great value short breaks to discover the hidden gems of our Celtic cousins.

GCMB is also working with Glasgow Restaurants Association, Glasgow’s Leading Attractions and the Mackintosh Heritage Group to promote the great food, amazing architecture, fantastic shopping and fun attractions that are just a short ferry crossing away.

2012 is the year of Creative Scotland and the work of innovative Glasgow Art Nouveau architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh is being celebrated in a two week festival from October 15 – 28. Visitors can enjoy special exhibitions, recitals and performances in Mackintosh buildings throughout Glasgow and roll up their sleeves and try crafts such as drawing, knitting and photography, inspired by Mackintosh’s work.

GCMB’s Senior Marketing Communications Manager Elaine Dickie said Autumn is the perfect time to visit Glasgow.

“We’ve teamed up with Stena Line and a number of partners to offer great value breaks to Glasgow with plenty of choice and things to do for everyone,” said Elaine.

“Discounts are on offer for attractions with many museums and galleries free to visit. The Mackintosh legacy is an absolute must-see and there’s never been a better time to visit with the Creative Mackintosh Festival running 15-28 Oct.

There is also fantastic food and from November people can come over for Christmas shopping as Glasgow has the best retail offering in the UK outside of London, including the unmissable style mile,” she added.

Stena Line’s Marketing Manager Ian Baillie said, “If you’re looking for a vibrant city break to brighten up your Autumn, Glasgow really has so much to offer, families, friends and couples, just a short ferry crossing from Belfast.

“Working alongside Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, Stena Line has created a great range of packages for people travelling from Northern Ireland whether they are going by car, coach or rail.

“We’ve also teamed up with the Glasgow restaurants to offer Stena Line passengers a free glass of wine per person and a soft drink for kids with orders from the a la carte menu,” he added.

Glasgow singer/songwriter Graeme Clark, from international pop band Wet Wet Wet was in Belfast to help encourage people from Northern Ireland to visit Glasgow this Autumn.

“I’m a proud Glaswegian and I’m delighted to be able to visit Belfast, another city full of life and vigour, to encourage people from Northern Ireland to come and visit my home town,” said Graeme.

Glasgow has so much tradition and culture to celebrate and the people are so welcoming and have a real passion for enjoying life,” he added.

For more information about the Autumn packages visit www.stenaline.co.uk/glasgow

From 26 – 30 September 2012, North Down prepares to rub shoulders with the literati at the 21st Aspects Irish Literature Festival and to mark the occasion, Aspects have been given the keys to beautiful Bangor Abbey.

We are delighted that this year we will be hosting ‘Aspects at the Abbey’ and look forward to welcoming festival-goers to this beautiful historic church and its wonderful new Parish Hall complex.

Aspects is delighted to bring to Bangor a series of old friends and new faces, supplying the eclectic mix of poetry and prose for which the festival has become renowned and this year’s programme is jam- packed with something for everyone. A series of special events will be taking place in Bangor Abbey itself, including the opening evening in conversation with veteran broadcaster James Naughtie and a debate to mark the centenary of the signing of the Ulster Covenant with historians Lord Paul Bew and Dr. John Bew.

Colin Reid’s musical arrangement of The Third Policeman, narrated by legendary actor Stephen Rea, will take on a particularly haunting ambiance in the venue. Closing the festival will be actor Dan Gordon, who will be presenting an evening of extracts from the scripts, stories and songs he has been involved with throughout his long career.

Glenn Patterson and Conor Brady will be talking about their recent historical fiction works, discussing the attractions of taking ‘a step back in time’, and the festival will be also celebrating the republication of writing from the past as we host the launch of the centenary edition of Padraic Gregory’s Collected Work. David Park and veteran poet Gerald Dawe will be reading from their new work and considering how writing about home from elsewhere puts a new perspective on Belfast.

Bernard MacLaverty, our Aspects Author in Residence, will be reflecting on his life and career as well as working throughout the week for the Young Aspects programme as one of our visiting authors to schools. We’re celebrating debut successes this year with a session featuring Kevin Barry and Kathleen McMahon, two emerging writers who having been taking the book world by storm in 2012.

Aspects also pays its own tribute to two of 2012’s big themes – the Diamond Jubilee and sport – by welcoming Lady Bangor, Sarah Bradford, the internationally acclaimed historian and royal biographer whose most recent book is an authoritative study of the present Queen, and the Guardian’s Chief Football Writer, Kevin McCarra. A new addition to the festival programme is our lunchtime session, ‘My Reading Life’, hosted by Fionola Meredith, which will welcome someone in the public eye to talk about their reading habits and the books that mean most to them.

Alongside Bernard MacLaverty, writer and illustrator Paul Howard will be visiting school children in North Down in the course of the Young Aspects festival. Our Young Aspects Showcase Event returns to present writing from young people of the Borough on the festival Main Stage, and this year we are delighted to welcome the Young Aspects headline guest Derek Landy, whose Skulduggery Pleasant series wows readers across the world.

Regular events also return such as Colin Bateman’s Crime Night, master classes with Leontia Flynn and Tim Loane, comedy from Owen O’Neill, Kenneth Irvine’s Literary walk, readings of new work by emerging Northern Irish authors at the Ava Vin Café, hosted by Malachi O’Doherty and the

Sunday debate, which this year focuses on the Leveson Enquiry and welcomes Conor Brady and Paul Tweed to start proceedings.

Author Bernard O’Donoghue has described the Aspects Irish Literature Festival as “one of the great gatherings”, so what are you waiting for? Head to Bangor in September and we’ll see you at the festival!

Tickets are available from the festival Box Office at North Down Museum (028 9127 1200) and from Bangor Tourist Information Office (028 9127 0069).