Jacqueline shares her pick of what’s on near you this weekend across NI

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Antrim

Glens Storytelling Festival – Rathlin Stories.  Hear stories from Francis McCarron, Jane Dorfman, Masako Carey & others.  NOTE: those wishing to attend the events in Rathlin must book their own ferry tickets. 10.30am ferry – return ferry 4.30pm.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

The Gost of a Smile, Market Place Theatre. Two of Charles Dickens’ creepy tales – with a comic twist. Tales with a tingle, but also a giggle! Two yarns to chill and charm! Stories with a Fermanashiver and a smile!

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Commissioned by Belfast International Arts Festival, Another Lover’s Discourse ليه خلتني احبك is a solo theatre show created and performed by Riham Isaac (Palestine) that encourages a more open conversation about how we understand romantic relationships.

Find out more HERE

Down

Ards Chamber of Trade need your help again this year at The Mightly Pumpkin Hunt! The pumpkins have escaped again and are taking over Newtownards!

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

The Strangest Things Trail – Enniskillen Castle. Children’s trail to explore the strangest things throughout our museum galleries. Find all the pesky pumpkins to solve a hidden clue & win a Halloween sweet treat.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Two fabulous nights are in store with the Limavady Big Band and guest artists at the Roe Valley Arts Centre Limavady.  Regulars to the Danny Boy Auditorium, the Big Band have been performing for 20 years throughout Northern Ireland. Prepare yourselves for a rip-roaring evening of music, with jazz, blues, soul, and swing.

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Tricks and Laughs starring Steve Legg at the Burnavon Theatre Cookstown to celebrate 50 years of the Boy’s Brigade across Mid Ulster.

Find out more HERE

 

More Than 100 Takeaways Close In Industry Crisis Says Industry Body

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In just three months Northern Ireland’s takeaway industry has seen more than 100 businesses close and hundreds lose jobs, according to the Takeaway Association.

Chief Executive of the trade body, Michael Henderson said the losses from July of this year were due to the tidal wave of increased costs ranging from Energy bills, food costs, VAT increase and reintroduction of the highest business rates in the UK.

“The latest unemployment raise is a stark reminder of the issues facing our small businesses during this cost of doing business crisis,” he explained. 

“We outlined in February that our industry was in crisis and support was needed to help save small businesses. 

“Unfortunately these warnings were ignored, and this has led us to the devastating amount of closures we see today.

“The loss of 100+ takeaways/cafes in recent months adds more pressure on the cost-of-living crisis for the employees recently made redundant.” 

Mr Henderson said his organisation is being contacted by distressed people.

“We are receiving heartbreaking calls every day from business owners across all backgrounds who are struggling and fighting to hold on to their business which they have worked tirelessly to create.”

The Takeaway Association believes that there is an urgent need for support as the industry stares into an abyss with more closures to come.

“As we enter probably the toughest winter in our lifetime, without urgent intervention from the government I fear the takeaway sector will be further decimated and we will be looking at additional 100 closures come January,” said Mr Henderson. 

“I’m calling on the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government to provide emergency support urgently.

“We need clarity on the energy support package for Northern Ireland Businesses, Reduction on VAT and Business rates relief “

Northern Ireland Takeaway Association alongside Retail NI, Hospitality Ulster & Chambers of Commerce have published a Cost of doing business action plan to the Northern Ireland Executive and UK Government outlining what support is needed for the tens of thousands of businesses we represent in Northern Ireland.

Mr Henderson said that any business owner can get in touch with the organisation for support.

Takeaway/cafe owners who are struggling and wish to reach out to Northern Ireland Takeaway Association should call 07425846533 or email info@nitakeawayassociation.co.uk.

Local Artist Donates Painting To Cathedral Buildings Fire Fund After Husband Loses Studio

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A local artist has donated a large piece of artwork to be auctioned off for the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire last week.

Esther O’Kelly, whose husband Paul Kelly had his entire studio incinerated in the fire, said she was devastated to hear the news last Monday morning.

She said: “It was shocking to hear about Cathedral Buildings. I knew immediately that in losing his studio Paul, and all the other creative businesses, had lost so much more than hardware or materials but also the home that supports their creativity. 

“An artist’s studio is central to their practice and now another successful space in the city is gone.”

Last Monday (Oct 3) over 50 firefighters and eight fire trucks worked throughout the day to bring the blaze under control.

An 18 year old man has been charged with arson and remanded in custody.

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces have been plunged into turmoil as they attempt to rescue and rebuild their businesses.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

“The morning I called Esther, to tell her that Cathedral Buildings was burning down, she was finishing moving into a new studio –ironically to get some hard won long term stability” explained Paul. 

“Finding the right place in Belfast can be a challenge, Cathedral Buildings was an example of that working. 

“We both know that being in any part of the creative industry is more than just a job. You invest a lot of yourself and want to see this city benefit from that. 

“The small independent community of businesses that worked in Cathedral Buildings need help and support and for Esther to offer this painting in support of them feels right. 

“I hope it plays its part in keeping those creative people together in Cathedral Quarter, which really needs them.”

Esther has donated her 1x1m original painting on canvas Lost Sun to the campaign to get the tenants of Cathedral Buildings back on their feet.

It is one of a collection of vibrant and striking pieces representing the landscape around us.

She said: “The creative community in Belfast show up for each other. It feels natural for me to offer this painting in support. Lost Sun comes from that feeling of summer fading – losing something cherished and nourishing. 

“I hope it becomes a valued piece for someone and makes a small difference to the Cathedral Buildings tenants helping them move forward as a community.”

Paul was a tenant of Cathedral Buildings for eight years. The loss of his studio is more than just the physical space and items within it.

Much of what Paul lost in the fire will never be able to be replaced.

He said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

Bidding for Lost Sun ends at midnight on Friday 14th October. Currently sitting at £1400 to lodge your bid contact Esther via Instagram @estherokelly.

To support the crowdfunding campaign to help the tenants of Cathedral Buildings get back up and running go to https://igg.me/at/cqcollective 

Ards Puppet Festival Presents The Enchanted House of Puppetry!

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Ards Arts Centre in Newtownards will be transformed into a magical world of puppets this Halloween when the historical building becomes the home of The Enchanted House of Puppetry.

Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the two-day event will feature an eclectic mix of scheduled performances, free puppet shows and workshops and plenty of madcap puppet shenanigans, to inspire the imaginations of both young and old alike! Expect puppets in all shapes and sizes, from hand puppets to strings and socks!

Isla Mulgrew pictured at the launch of Ards Puppet Festival’s Enchanted House of Puppetry. Presented by Ards Puppet Festival, the two-day event will feature an eclectic mix of scheduled performances, free puppet shows and workshops and plenty of madcap puppet shenanigans, to inspire the imaginations of both young and old alike! Taking place on Sunday 30 and Monday 31 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards.

The festival is thrilled to welcome Hands Up! to the programme. All the way from the Netherlands, with nothing more than his bare hands and wooden eyes, Lejo creates a unique, fresh style of puppet theatre. Hands up! is a lively, wordless performance with lots of music. Simple but adorably mischievous, it’s sure to be a highlight!

Little Gem Puppets will make a welcome return to the festival with their adorable Three Little Pigs and Maggie shows and Cre8 Theatre will be performing their wonderful Sleeping Beauty: 80’s Throwback.  In this modern adaption of the well-known fairy tale, the heroine wakes to find herself in the most fantastical world full of 80’s inspired music!

As well as scheduled performances, visitors can expect drop-in shows and workshops, taking place at various times throughout both days. Stories, Just in Case by Clydebuilt Puppet Theatre is a series of fun performances featuring a mermaid, a crocodile, Little Red Riding Hood and more! After each story, kids can have a go at puppet manipulation with guidance from puppet master Steve Smart.

The Puppet Labyrinth by Brothers Dimm invites you to take a magical meandering wander to find festival favourite Aloisious Ginderbalm the Troll! Only the bravest travellers dare to seek out the enchanted ramblings and gobbledegook from an ancient 700-year-old Swedish Troll called Aloisious Ginderbalm. He tells the tallest tales for being the shortest troll. Prepare to be amazed at The Flea Circus – involving feats of astonishing bravery and breath-taking beauty – acrobatics, trapeze, high wire and more!

There are also opportunities to get creative at the Puppet Making Workshops where everyone can have a go at making simple puppets to take away and create your very own puppet shows at home.

Speaking about The Enchanted House of Puppetry, Amy McKelvey, Community Arts Development Officer with Ards and North Down Borough Council said; “It is very exciting to be hosting this event for the first time at Ards Arts Centre, we hope it will be something a little different for families to enjoy over the half term break and we would encourage everyone to come along and join in the fun.”

The Enchanted House of Puppetry takes place from 30 – 31 October in Ards Arts Centre, Conway Square, Newtownards. To view the full programme and to book tickets, go to: https://puppetfestival.andculture.org.uk/whats-on

Printed copies of the programme are also available from Ards Arts Centre, North Down Museum or any of the Council’s Visitor Information Centres.

Award-winning Documentary ‘LYRA’ to be released in Irish and UK cinemas on 4 November

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The award-winning Irish documentary LYRA will open in Irish and UK cinemas on Friday 4 November

Directed by BAFTA-winning Alison Millar and executively produced by Hillary Rodham Clinton’s HiddenLight Productions, LYRA is a beautiful and heartfelt film about the life and death of the internationally renowned Northern Irish investigative journalist Lyra McKee.

Raised in working-class, war-torn Belfast, Lyra went on to highlight the consequences of the Troubles, seeking justice for crimes that had been forgotten since the Good Friday Agreement. Her murder by dissident Republicans the day before Good Friday in 2019 sent shockwaves across the world.

Using hours of voice recordings from Lyra’s own mobile, computer and Dictaphone, the documentary, which won the Audience Award at the Cork Film Festival, seeks answers to her senseless killing through Lyra’s own work and words. The result is a complex picture of Northern Ireland’s political history, bringing into sharp focus the ways in which the 1998 Good Friday agreement – with its promised end to violence for future generations – has struggled to be fully realised.

Speaking ahead of the cinema release, Director Alison Millar said:

“Thanks to Wildcard Distribution, we are delighted to be able to share the incredible LYRA with the world.

“Alongside projecting Lyra McKee as a ‘fearless investigative journalist, determined and tenacious, honest in her approach’ I wanted this film to also capture the great warmth and infectious humour of the person I’d known for so many years.

“Through the use of her voice recordings (enabling us to have her narrate her own story), home footage and her remarkable writing, I hope LYRA will inspire and introduce a new generation to her work and the story of her homeland, the turbulently beautiful Northern Ireland, of which she wrote so much about.

“I’ve made many films about Northern Ireland – its people and its past – but with this film, with LYRA, it’s different – with her, this time, it’s personal.”

LYRA was produced by Jackie Doyle and Alison Millar for Erica Starling Productions and executively produced by Siobhan Sinnerton, Edward Watts, Greg Darby, Andrew Eaton, Louisa Compton and Hillary and Chelsea Clinton with funding from Northern Ireland Screen in association with TG4. Music for the film was scored by the Ivor Novello Award-winning David Holmes, Mark McCauley was cinematographer on the project and it was edited by the British Independent Film Award-winning Chloe Lambourne.

Lord Mayor opens book of condolence at City Hall for Creeslough tragedy

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The Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Tina Black, has expressed her heartfelt condolence to the families and community of Creeslough, Donegal, following the tragic events on Friday.

A book of condolence was opened in City Hall today by the Lord Mayor for the victims of the tragedy.

The Lord Mayor said: “The people of Belfast will join me in expressing our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolence to the families and community of Creeslough and all those affected by this terrible tragedy on Friday. My thoughts and prayers are with them all during this time of immense grief.

“I also want to thank all the emergency services from Donegal and here who worked under such traumatic circumstances in the search and recovery operation.”

The book of condolence will be open to sign in the reception area of City Hall during normal opening hours.

 

20 Brides Lose Dresses In Cathedral Buildings Fire As Tenants Set Up Crowdfunder To Start Again

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Across Northern Ireland 20 brides’ lives have been plunged into chaos as their dresses were caught in the Cathedral Buildings fire in Belfast city centre last Monday.

They are among dozens of pieces of precious clothing belonging to the customers of Perfect Fit, a dressmaking company based on the ground floor.

Seamstress Hazel Alderdice, owner of Perfect Fit, is not just dealing with the stress of losing her business and the customers it has affected; she’s also eight months pregnant.

She said: “I’ve been growing this business for 15 years. I’ve lost everything that I’ve accumulated over that time – years of making patterns , buying technical pattern books, buying specialist machinery, mannequins, fabric, thread – every little tool in a dressmaker’s arsenal. 

“Yesterday I had to go out and buy myself a needle and thread. I was completely broken. 

“But the worst thing? 20 brides have lost their wedding dresses. Possibly the most significant piece of clothing they will own in their lifetime, chosen with the greatest of care, now gone. 

“Their weddings are fast approaching and their options are running out. My heart bleeds for all of them.”

Throughout the building 14 businesses and organisations including culture, arts and voluntary spaces watched on Monday October 3 as over 50 firefighters tried to bring the blaze under control.

Around 40 people who worked in the building have been left displaced and concerned about the future.

Chiho Tang, lead creative at Oranga, a graphic design agency in the building said: “Waking up to the news on Monday was an absolute shock.

“Not only do I have the majority of nearly a decade of my portfolio in that building but all our tech equipment was very recently replaced with very high spec machines.

“My staff are devastated by this.

“I had hoped to attempt a recovery of our server as we have client work on it spanning the last 9/10 years.

“We have had to spend the last week redrawing artwork for clients.

“It’s all so surreal. We’ve been there five years and worked hard on creating a great space to work in and welcome clients to. Really difficult to take in to be honest.”

Media and marketing company Excalibur Press were also among the affected businesses. They employ eight staff and had four offices, one of which was a newly set up photography and videography studio.

Owner Tina Calder said: “I can’t even begin to articulate how I feel. Although it’s no comfort saying it, many of the tangible assets will be able to be replaced in time.

“However, what I cannot replace is 27 years of journalism and media history. I’ve hard copy clippings of every single story I’ve ever written, every publication I worked on and edited. Literally everything I have achieved in my career is evidenced in that building. 

“I have gone from crying inconsolably to trying to be practical and working on our rebuild all week. But it’s exhausting. Emotions are high, everyone has lost so much.

“I keep thinking of silly little things like our little mascot Sir Lancelot the purple dragon we would take to events and stuff. I went to replace him the other day as a sign of us rebuilding only to find out he’s a collectors item worth hundreds of pounds.

“My staff are devastated. We lost a huge amount of technical equipment. 14 MACs, camera and studio equipment, radio equipment and more.

“Our offices were also home to Merlin Arts CIC, NI Festival of Writing, BAM magazine and Belfast 247 radio station. Everything of theirs is gone too.

“Despite being able to see our things seemingly untouched by fire through windows we have been told we’re not going to be given access to the building to conduct a salvage operation. It is gut wrenching.”

Many people in the building watched on Monday as their studios and offices were completely eviscerated by the fire.

Paul Kelly, design director at Form Native, a brand and digital design studio, was one of those people. He arrived to work as normal on Monday to find his studio engulfed in flames with eight fire trucks at the scene.

Paul said: “The fire at Cathedral Buildings has profoundly impacted my business. Design is all about communication, bringing different things together to create something new, exciting, compelling. 

“That’s what we had in Cathedral Buildings, a mixture of people, experiences, skills and attitudes that make working in the city rewarding. 

“My studio held the physical library and archive of twenty years’ practice – the irreplaceable things that nourish your creativity and give you a working home. Like so many others we are heartbroken to lose that. Now we want to work hard not to lose our community as well. 

“I am deeply grateful that no lives were lost and now aware that we want space where we are not just surviving but able to thrive again. 

“I want this to be another opportunity for us collectively to think about what a city is and who it is for – liveable and alive for everyone.”

One thing tenants will mourn is not just their possessions and life’s work. Many of them are heartbroken at the loss of their community.

Declan Murphy, accountant and musician who was based on the first floor said: “I have lost equipment and some sentimental items in the fire but the greatest loss is losing the presence in the Cathedral Quarter. 

“An exciting and vibrant part of the city and a building that contained a friendly and eclectic mix of people and businesses. 

“The strength of character of tenants is evident in our resolve to bounce back, hopefully finding space in the immediate area of the Cathedral Quarter.”

A crowdfunding campaign has now been set up to support each of the tenants in the building who all have differing needs but who are committed to  working together to develop a new hub of creativity within the heart of arts and culture in the Cathedral Quarter.

For more information on how you can support the tenants of the Cathedral Buildings fire go to >> https://igg.me/at/cqcollective

 

Businesses and creatives impacted by the fire are:

 

Luke Godson & Tim Farrell (Landmark design)

Paul Kelly (Form Native) 

Chiho Tang (Oranga Creative)

Declan Murphy (Accountant & Musician)

Christine Boyles (Hair Friendly)

Gareth Young & Ritchie Stokes (Never Never)

Tina Calder (Excalibur Press)

Hazel Alderdice (Perfect Fit)

Ryan & Oisin (Neighbourhood Cafe)

Fimmaker Nicky Larkin

Black Mountain Zen 

Aidan Mulholland Violins 

343 Collective

Digital Arts Studios

Jacqueline’s Pick of What’s On This Week Across NI

By

Antrim

The Baby Shark Show, Slemish College Ballymena. See us, bring to life, the story behind the song. Venture into the deep blue sea and join Baby on the adventure of a life-time. Come and help, Mummy & Daddy prepare Baby for the first day of school, with lots of exhilarating crowd interaction.

Find out more HERE

Armagh

Critically acclaimed as one of the world’s greatest tribute shows, Simon & Garfunkel Through the Years continues to delight audiences across the globe. See this world class performance at the Market Place Theater this weekend.

Find out more HERE

Down

Moira Speciality Food Fair makes a return to Moira Demesne this month and introduces ‘Friday Fun in the Park’.

Find out more HERE

Fermanagh

Join Fermanagh Fun Farm in Lisbellaw this Halloween for their popular Halloween Experience.

Find out more HERE

Derry/Londonderry

Twilight Sessions presents internationally acclaimed Cara Dillon at the Danny Boy Auditorium, Roe Valley Arts Centre this Friday.  “Quite possibly the world’s most beautiful female voice”- Mojo Magazine

Find out more HERE

Tyrone

Comedian David O’Doherty takes to the stage this weekend at the Burnavon Theatre in Cookstown. As seen on BBC’s ‘Live at The Apollo’ and Channel 4’s ‘8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown’.

Find out more HERE

Belfast

Kevin McAleer’s Uncle Colm persona in Derry Girls has brought a whole new wave of followers to his latest live show, Why Am I Here. Live at the Mandela Hall this weekend.

Find out more HERE

 

 

10 things to do in Northern Ireland   

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Here are ten exciting things taking place 10 – 16 October 2022   

   

  1. Wild Atlantic Distillery. 20 Trienamongan Road, Aghyaran, Co Tyrone, Northren Ireland

    Fright Night, Moneymore, Co. Londonderry, 14 – 15 October. Enter the real-lifehorror movie spun in the depths of the ancient and haunted woodlands by a cast of nefarious and sordid creatures, telling tall tales to startle, bamboozle and scare even the most robust horror fans. Reloaded with a new spine-tingling story, the Woodland Trail makes a comeback at Fright Night 2022 with The Jungle NI. You will meet a range of unsettling characters along the way, with no telling where the next scare will come from. Keep your wits about you, there’s trouble lurking in the strangest of places. 

  2. Moira Speciality Food Fair, Moira, Co. Down, 15 October. Moira Speciality Food Fair returns to Moira Demesne this autumn and will once again showcase the rich food heritage and innovative producers of the village and wider region.You’ll meet farmers who are committed to sustainable farming methods and heritage breeds, vegetable growers working with the seasons and artisan producers using the best locally sourced ingredients to make exceptional foods for us all to enjoy. 
  3. Bushmills Salmon & Whiskey Festival, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, 15 – 16 October. The Salmon & Whiskey festival, which celebrates the local heritage and fine produce in the area, returns from 15th-16th of October. An array of fantastic entertainment and activities will spread across Bushmills Main Street, Millennium Park, Bushmills Distillery and The Salmon Fisheries.
  4. Ron Mueck Exhibition, Belfast, open now until 5 November. This is the first exhibition of Mueck’s work in Ireland and brings together seven of his key works including Dead Dad, 1997 and his monumental work In Bed, 2005. Located at TheMAC, book now for what will be a powerful exhibition of Mueck’s meticulously sculpted figures, from mini to mammoth, that act as psychological reflections of the human condition. 
  5. Oktoberfest Belfast, 13, 14, 15 October (More dates available). Every night they have an Oom-Pah band followed by a local live band, there are local radio presenters hosting and organising competitions to win prizes, and waitress service for your beer. Food-wise they have a traditional German swing grill perfectly cooking bratwurst and other lovely food over charcoal. 
  6. Scarecrow Parade, Hillsborough, Co. Down, open now until 13 November.Hillsborough Castle’s Scarecrow Parade is back! A dazzling array of Kings, Queens and Rulers have begun their reign in the Walled Garden. Who will you spot? Visit the Walled Garden at Hillsborough Castle during October and November to see a gathering of scarecrows made by local schools and community groups in partnership with local artists. 
  7. Look Up! An Autumn Night Sky Tour, Armagh, Co. Armagh, 15 – 16 October (More dates available).Produced by Armagh Observatory and Planetarium “Look Up!” is a seasonal tour around the night sky. Let the presenters guide you through the beautiful objects and constellations seen at this time of year. This show is ideal for anyone starting out in astronomy or interested in learning about what can be seen in the night sky. 
  8. Halloween Experience at Fermanagh Fun Farm, Lisbellaw, Co. Fermanagh, 15 – 31 October. Join in on the very popular Halloween experience. While you’re there, take a train ride out to the pumpkin field to choose your own pumpkin. Collect your pumpkin from the pumpkin patch to bring to the pumpkin carving shed. What creative design will you come up with? Go on a self-guided tour around the farm, feeding the animals while watching out for some spooky creatures hanging about. Or, join them at petscorner for a pet handling session. 
  9. Wild Atlantic Distillery Tour, Aghyaran, Co. Tyrone 14 October (More dates available). The distillery tour begins with a Wild Atlantic Irish Gin/Vodka & Tonic and a short talk that highlights the distillery story and traditional production methods. Tours are a combination of a Whiskey Distillery tour and a Gin & Vodka tour.
  10. Hidden Cuilcagh Hike, Florencecourt, Co. Fermanagh, 15 October.Join Geopark Guide, Helen Carleton, to explore some of the best kept secrets of Cuilcagh mountain such as the stunning Dry Valley. Hear about the true source of the mighty River Shannon and learn about the importance of the expansive blanket bog cloaking this huge swath of the Geopark and what is being done to protect it for future generations. (Note: The group will neither be hiking to the summit nor walking the boardwalk).

Booking is essential for most activities. Book in advance to avoid disappointment. Subject to availability.

Age Friendly Causeway unveils calendar of events for Positive Ageing Month

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 Did you know that October is Positive Ageing Month?

To mark the occasion, Age Friendly Causeway has unveiled its inaugural Positive Ageing calendar packed with a fantastic variety of events which will take place throughout October.

The month-long campaign aims to celebrate the contribution of older people within our local communities while empowering them to lead full and active lives. It includes activities to suit all interests from guided walks, arts, sports and cultural activities to online training sessions and employment advice clinics.

Welcoming the initiative, the Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, Councillor Ivor Wallace said: “Through our Age-Friendly Programme we want to engrain the inclusion of older people in all aspects of community life, remove barriers to participation, ensure access to services and make sure this is an enjoyable place for older people to live.

“We want to achieve this by working with our partners, and it is thanks to this approach that we have been able to collate such a wide range of events which will be delivered throughout Positive Ageing Month.

“I would like to thank all those organisations and Council departments for collaborating on this calendar, and I hope it encourages our older residents to try something new and forge new friendships and connections throughout the month.”

Alan Sharp, Chairperson of Causeway Coast and Glens Age-Friendly Forum, said: “The pandemic has limited our participation in previous years but this programme has a wide-range of possibilities for you to enjoy including exercise opportunities, helpful information sessions, inter-generational exchanges and social occasions.

“Please let your friends know about what’s happening and bring them along to enjoy the fun as well. I hope that all of our older people will find Positive Ageing Month informative and helpful.”

You can browse the full calendar of events now by going to www.causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk/live/age-friendly or hard copies are available at Council offices and local libraries.

For more information, call the Age Friendly Causeway team on 028 777 60306 or email agefriendly@causewaycoastandglens.gov.uk

Booking for some of the events is essential, so please check with the individual venue.

Please note that event details in the brochure were correct at the time of going to print, however each event organiser reserves the right to make changes to the published programme. Please check with the individual venue before attending.

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