In response to continued rising costs for the food delivery industry from large corporate ordering apps, a group of Northern Ireland based entrepreneurs have launched a competitor that focuses on the needs of both the consumer and the business.

Eat Local, headed up by businessmen Ivan McCombe, Anthony Pereira and Sandeep Sharma, will offer restaurants, takeaways, cafes and other food to go establishments the opportunity to significantly decrease their costs for operating their delivery services.

The company, which has already invested over £250,000 to develop the app and its infrastructure has now pledged to invest a further £400,000 over the next year into the marketing of the app. 

Part of Eat Local’s mission is to encourage establishments to offer consumers the same prices on the app as they would get in the shop, more commonly known in the industry as ‘menu board prices’.

Founder Ivan McCombe said it’s time for the takeaway industry to take back their profits and to stop paying exuberant fees to global organisations which haemorrhage money from the local economy.

He explained: “Since a variety of global apps entered the takeaway market, takeaways who want to offer delivery services have been at the mercy of extortionate commissions and debilitating rising costs.

“At Eat Local we want to give takeaways back their money, keep expenditure in the local economy and reduce the prices consumers are paying for delivered goods.

“What many people don’t know is that more often than not establishments are having to increase their prices per item in order to compensate for the huge amounts of money they pay each week in commissions.

“Not just that, payments to the takeaways are delayed meaning reduced cashflow for the business and less control over their operations.”

As well as offering no commission structure the Eat Local app gives food to go establishments full control over the data, meaning the business can market directly to their own customers at any time.

Sandeep Sharma explained: “When I met Ivan and Anthony to discuss their tech product I was excited about how it can completely revolutionise the food to go market here in Northern Ireland. Being in the industry myself I knew first hand how their solution could completely change how my business operates.

“Cashflow is king and Eat Local’s commitment to giving takeaways and food to go establishments back the money they are paying in huge commissions is a game changer.

“Not just that, one of the most frustrating things for takeaways and restaurants who use global food delivery apps is that they have no control over their own data. They can’t retain any information they get about their customers.

“The way Eat Local is set up means we can give control back to our customers and give them the chance to interact directly with their own consumers.

“Likewise, we will also be investing heavily in marketing the app to consumers and bringing a lot more value added services to the table.”

One of those value added services includes an integrated ordering system which allows food delivery establishments to better control how they update, manage and operate their Eat Local profile.

Anthony Pereira explained that the user journey for both the customers and consumers was a big part of the app development process for Eat Local.

He said: “When we decided to create the Eat Local app I was able to bring my experience as a takeaway owner to the table and ask ‘what do takeaways really need from an app’, that alongside consultations with the industry we have been able to put together a product that not only rivals the global food delivery apps but offers consumers a similar customer journey.

“Our app is simple and easy to use, gives food delivery businesses more control over their profile and has been created to allow us to expand the offerings and value we bring to the end consumer.”

Eat Local is currently offering food delivery companies, takeaways and food to go establishments free access to the app and system up until September 30th during which time the company will roll out a consumer campaign.

To find out more about how you can support Eat Local to help keep cashflow in the Northern Ireland economy go to eatlocaluk.co.uk 

To celebrate the reopening of Bankmore Square, Linen Quarter Business Improvement District (LQ BID) has announced a free six-week event programme. Kicking off on August 10^th the vibrant range of activities include a launch event with free ice-cream and traditional music concert, yoga classes, pickleball and a mobile petting zoo.

 

Free Ice-Cream & Trad Music Launch Event

Thursday 10 August, 12:00-2:00pm

Drop by Bankmore Square as the BID celebrates its summer launch with 300 FREE ice-cream scoops.

District Employee Party

Friday 11 August: 5:00pm-Close

Head to The Marcus Ward with colleagues after work for special drinks promos, as well as free pizza for the first 100 people. Marcus Ward will also be giving out discount cards which give you 10% off food & drinks during any future visit!

 

Lunch-time Yoga & Pickleball

Join Nicola Suitor for lunch-time yoga on 15^th August & 4^th September or try your hand at Pickleball on 21^st & 23^rd August.

 

Bankmore Bank Holiday Family Day Out

Sunday 27^th August: 1:00pm-5:00pm

Bank-more this bank holiday with free giant games, drumming circles, face painting and other children’s performances at the BID’s family day out.

 

Mobile Petting Zoo

Wednesday 6^th September: 12:00pm-2:00pm

Stop by the mobile petting zoo on September 6^th to check out the snakes, hedgehogs, rabbits, and creepy crawlies!

 

Bankmore Square re-opened to the public on June 28^th following a £95,000 rejuvenation project delivered by LQ BID, co-funded by Department for Communities and supported by Department for Infrastructure. The Square’s new look will deter anti-social behaviour by using the space in a new way including the installation of a wildflower garden, new circular central feature to facilitate events, and partial removal of wall to open the space to areas of high footfall and increased surveillance.

 

Events are open to all members of the public and do not require booking, however some are weather dependent. Check out @LinenQuarter on social media for the latest updates and view the full list of events here.

The Market Place Theatre in Armagh is set for a dramatic few weeks, with two fantastic dramas scheduled to hit the stage.

On Saturday 12 August, perennial favourites, Belvoir Players return with a Sam Cree classic, ‘Strictly For The Birds’, a hilarious play featuring all the comedy and mayhem that are hallmarks of Sam Cree’s writing.

Muriel and Herbie Glover and their daughter Susan enjoy life in a wee terraced house somewhere in Belfast. Their neighbour, Lily Dodds, calls in quite frequently for the loan of a wee cup of sugar or a wee drop of tea to keep her going. Herbie keeps pigeons in his loft in the back yard and has collected quite a few cups from racing his birds across the continent. When Muriel and Lily learn that they share a sweepstake that has drawn the favourite in an impending horse race and are likely to win a considerable sum of money, Muriel’s mother, who lives in Cherry Valley, descends on the household with the threat that life will never be the same again for the hapless Herbie.

Then on Friday 25 August, Holywood Players will present ‘Deathtrap’. In this acclaimed dark comedic thriller, washed-up playwright Sidney Bruhl hasn’t written a successful play in years and money is getting tight. But when Clifford, a student of a creative writing course he’s teaching, comes to him for advice on a script he’s written, his prayers are answered. Sidney recognises the script immediately as a sure-fire hit and his ticket back to Broadway success. The only issue is, does Clifford want to share the credit… and what will Sydney do if he doesn’t?

Holding the record for the longest-running comedy-thriller on Broadway, and nominated for four Tony awards including Best Play, ‘Deathtrap’ will keep you on the edge of your seats. Full of twists and turns, shocks and surprises, you will be holding your breath until the very last moment.

Please note, this show is not suitable for children under 12 as it contains violence and limited use of strong language. Tickets are priced £15 and £12 (concession) for ‘Strictly For The Birds’ and £15 and £13 (concession) for ‘Deathtrap, and can be booked online at www.visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre or through the Box Office on 03300 561 025.

Harry Christophers’ The Sixteen, one of the world’s most renowned choral ensembles, will return to the Guildhall in 2023 as part of the 10th anniversary celebrations of City of Derry International Choir Festival. They feature in a guest artist line-up which will also see the Ulster Orchestra, Festival Chorus and soloists performing Verdi’s dramatic Messa da Requiem at the Millennium Forum in the Festival’s Opening Gala.

On Friday 20th October, The Sixteen will visit Derry for the first time since 2016 to present their programme, A Watchful Gaze, marking the 400th anniversary of the death of composer William Byrd. Byrd was widely admired in his own time both at home and abroad, and the influence he had on future generations was immense. This programme explores the music of Byrd’s influences, colleagues and pervading faith, as well as taking his legacy firmly into the modern day with two new works by Dobrinka Tabakova.

The Choir Festival will open on Wednesday 18th October with a concert performance of the dramatic Messa da Requiem by Giuseppe Verdi. A 100-voice Festival Chorus (made up of singers from across the northwest of Ireland) will be joined by Northern Ireland’s premier symphony orchestra, Ulster Orchestra, and soloists.

These performances will be among the highlights of five days of choral events scheduled in the Millennium Forum, the Guildhall and other venues in Derry, Strabane and Inishowen from 18-22 October 2023. Over sixty choirs from across Ireland, the UK and Europe have signed up to participate in the Festival’s packed schedule of competitions, workshops and community performances.

Dónal Doherty, Artistic Director of the Choir Festival, said, “It’s always a very special occasion when Harry Christophers and the Sixteen come to the city. It will be especially memorable this year, as we welcome back this exceptional ensemble to help us celebrate our 10th Anniversary edition, in the wonderful setting of the Guildhall. Tickets will be at a premium, so book early to avoid disappointment.”

For more information on the Festival’s programme of events, visit www.derrychoirfest.com. For ticket sales, visit the Millennium Forum’s box office in person, online at  https://www.millenniumforum.co.uk/, or by calling 028 7126 4455. Early bird offers are in place for the month of August. Connect with the Festival on social media at facebook/CityofDerryInternationalChoirFestival, IG/Twitter: @derrychoirfest

August Craft Month returns with packed all-island programme of over 400 events

 

The highly anticipated month-long celebration of Irish craft has officially launched. This year’s August Craft Month brings together an array of talented makers hosting over 400 events with representation in all 32 counties across the island of Ireland.

Festivities last week at Marina Market, Cork, kicked off a series of unique events that will take place throughout the month of August.

Featuring live demonstrations, craft markets, great music and food, the launch truly shone a spotlight on local makers and showcased the variety of talented craft-makers involved in August Craft Month across the country.

An excited atmosphere was in the air, as the public got a taster of the month of craft celebrations ahead.

August Craft Month celebrates a rich craft heritage, the artisans keeping ancient traditions alive and new talented makers bringing real vibrancy to the scene.

With events taking place across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, August Craft Month provides unique opportunities for people to get involved as well as supporting makers by buying products and learning more about their work.

Supported by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland, Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design, the annual celebration is once again part of an island-wide summer programme.

There is a packed itinerary of over 400 eclectic events in all corners of the island, with an almost equal split on both sides of the border.

Widely acknowledged as among the finest in the world, Ireland’s linen heritage will take centre stage during August Craft Month.

The Linen Biennale Northern Ireland, an initiative of R-Space Gallery, returns for a second year in 2023 with events across Northern Ireland running across August, September and October.

The Biennale will showcase Ireland’s linen heritage and examine the future of linen and flax on the island.

Rosemary Steen, CEO, Design & Crafts Council Ireland, said, “We at Design & Crafts Council Ireland are thrilled to once again work with Craft NI and Cork Craft & Design to extend the August Craft Month programme of events across the whole island of Ireland.

“Now in our second year of celebrating the all-island August Craft Month, a real momentum has been generated. There is an incredible 57% increase in the number of events being held this year, with over 400 listed in the programme. Many well-known names are taking part as well as emerging makers.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for people to take the plunge into the crafts world, see and experience the amazing work that is going on all around us. People are looking ahead, going onto the augustcraftmonth.org website to browse, select and book the events they want to go to and building their plans around them.

“It all combines to create a real energy around the Irish craft scene, and I know people are excited to find out more during August Craft Month.”

Katherine McDonald, Director of Craft NI, said, “August Craft Month is a fantastic platform to honour and acknowledge the skilled makers we have right across the island of Ireland.

“This year’s programme has shaped up to be one of our best, with a really diverse range of craft disciplines including ceramists, textile makers, glassblowers, designer-makers and many more. It’s a great opportunity to try a craft for yourself.

“Handmade pieces are often one-of-a-kind and make the most thoughtful and considered gift or an excellent way to show some self-care.”

Ava Hayes, Cork Craft Month Director at Cork Craft & Design, said, “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with August Craft Month again to truly bring the island of Ireland to life with locally curated art and design throughout the month of August.

“As Ireland’s largest social enterprise for craft-makers, we look forward to seeing all communities immerse themselves in the nationwide campaign, and to celebrate their local crafters by visiting exhibitions and supporting in any way they can.”

At the official August Craft Month launch in Cork, Rosemary Steen, CEO of DCCI announced the launch of the David Shaw-Smith Legacy Award. The award, which holds a prize of €5,000, is available for master crafts people over the age of 50 to apply for.

It was inspired in large part by Joe Hogan, traditional basket maker and fine artist, when he said in his keynote speech at the DCCI AGM last year, that a bursary for established makers in craft would be “a public way of showing we value things; it also gives a message to craftspeople that what we’re doing is important”.

The award recognises these incredibly important craft skills and the imperative of passing them down to get the future generation of crafters involved.

For the full island-wide programme, visit www.augustcraftmonth.org. Share your own craft adventures by tagging @augustcraftmonth23 and use the hashtags #augustcraftmonth2023, #makeseebuy

Faughan Valley Woodlands opening to the public August 1^st 2023

Faughan Valley Woodlands is home to a significant proportion of ancient woodland which is so rare it covers just 0.04% of our landscape in Northern Ireland. Since 2000 the Woodland Trust have bought small clusters of native woodlands, including Brackfield, Oaks, Red Brae, Burntollet and Killaloo wood, all fragmented along the Faughan Valley, ASSI, a site of special scientific interest. And it has been the vision of the Woodland Trust for over a decade to connect these fragments for people, nature and climate.

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity and has been managing woodlands within the Faughan Valley for over 20 years. Thanks to funding and partnership support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA’s Rural Development Programme and support from Derry City and Strabane City Council; the conservation charity has been able to realise their vision connecting small fragmented woodlands along and across the River Faughan, and underneath the newly constructed A6.

Pre-existing pathways of 9km have been upgraded and new paths created to extend a trail network of more than 35km in the Faughan Valley Woodlands. This project means connectivity for people and nature and the Woodland Trust wants the valley’s woodlands to become the destination for the local community, visitors from across Northern Ireland and tourists from further afield.

Visitors to Faughan Valley Woodlands will have the chance to explore the breathtaking landscapes and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of nature. New walking trails have been carefully designed to showcase the unique flora and fauna that call this woodland home, providing an opportunity for both leisurely strolls and invigorating rambles. A beautiful sculpture trail weaves throughout the woodlands where hidden wonders are just waiting to be explored.

The Woodland Trust Project Manager Denise Murphy said: “The Faughan Valley is incredibly special due to the volume of precious ancient woodland in the area, it is vital that we protect and restore what little we have remaining by tree planting, buffering with blocks of new woodland and removal of invasive species building its resilience for the future.

“To be able to connect these previously fragmented woods, protect this ancient woodland and create better access for people and havens for wildlife is a dream come true. We can’t wait to show you our new walking trails seamlessly connected by winding paths and beautiful bridges with a few surprises waiting to be explored along your journey!”

The Faughan Valley Woodlands are located 10 minutes from Derry~Londonderry and 1 hour drive from Belfast. For more information on visiting the Faughan Valley Woodlands, visit woodlandtrust.org.uk/faughan-valley/