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The acclaimed production Under The Hawthorn Tree is returning to Belfast in a presentation by the award-winning children’s theatre company, Cahoots NI and the MAC, featuring a star-studded cast of exceptional performers including Frankie McCafferty and Julia Dearden.

Based on the internationally acclaimed book by award-winning author Marita Conlon-McKenna and published by The O’Brien Press, Under the Hawthorn Tree follows the journey of three brave siblings as they fight for survival during the Potato Famine in Ireland, 1845.

Running in Belfast from January 30th until February 9th before touring Ireland, there are already limited tickets for some shows.

The story is told alongside compelling music and song and is suitable for children from seven years and up.

It is the tale of three children, Eily, Michael and Peggy. When their father goes to find work and their mother leaves to find him, the trio, starving and faced with the workhouse, embark on a treacherous journey to find the great aunts they have heard of only in stories.

Directed by Paul Bosco Mc Eneaney of Cahoots NI this remarkable story of endurance, in a defining moment of Irish experience, is told like never before in the play by Charles Way, with a stirring live original score from Garth McConaghie.

Paul said that the response to Under the Hawthorn Tree has been phenomenal.

“We knew that this was a special show,” he said. “That we received such a great response the first time it was performed was overwhelming. That so many tickets have been sold ahead of this run is an outstanding tribute to Marita’s story, Charles’ adaptation and all involved in bringing it to the MAC.”

Frankie McCafferty, who plays Mr O’Driscoll, will be familiar to TV and film audiences with appearances including BBC One’s ‘Death and Nightingales’, ‘Ripper Street’ (S2), ‘Vikings’ and ‘Middletown’.

“Under The Hawthorn Tree is such a compelling piece,” he said. “The adaptation brings the story from the pages to the stage in a work that is sure to entertain and educate.”

With Frankie the cast includes Julia Dearden, Adam dDougal, Colette Lennon Dougal, Conor O’Donnell, Philippa O’Hara and Maeve Smith.

Julia has appeared extensively on stage, with TV credits including ‘After Life’, ‘The Fall’ and ‘Line of Duty’.

The three siblings are played by Adam Dougal (Michael), Maeve Smith (Eily), and Philippa O’Hara (Peggy). 

Author Marita Conlon-McKenna said the production of her award-winning book delighted her.

“Cahoots NI and Director Paul Mc Eneaney have done a marvellous job with this truly innovative production which combines music, song and story to help tell the story of The Great Irish Famine,” she said.

“The play surpassed all my hopes and expectations and I was overwhelmed by the reaction of kids, families and lovers of the book, to the show. The hard work and effort of the cast and crew have resulted in a very memorable stage production which I promise is different from anything else most of us have seen.”

This dramatisation of Under The Hawthorn Tree is based on the book Under The Hawthorn Tree © text 1990 Marita Conlon-McKenna, published by The O’Brien Press, Dublin.

Under The Hawthorn Tree runs at The MAC from January 30 – February 9 before touring Ireland.

Tickets are available from themaclive.com or for more information go to cahootsni.com

A hilarious comedy set in Derry/Londonderry and starring home grown talent Bronagh Gallagher is coming to the big screen in Limavady and Portstewart.

A Bump Along The Way will be shown in Flowerfield Arts Centre and Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre in partnership with Film Hub NI.

It tells the story of Pamela a 44-year-old single mother who is trying to raise her teenage daughter, when she unexpectedly ends up pregnant after a one night stand. Major embarrassment ensues for her teenage daughter as well as much hilarity from the resulting family tensions.

The film has received high praise from The Guardian while The Independent described it as ‘sweet, sassy and gorgeous’.

Screening details

Thursday 30^th January, Flowerfield Arts Centre, 8pm. Ring 028 7083 1400 to book.

Thursday 6^th February, Roe Valley Arts & Cultural Centre, 8pm. Ring 028 7776 0650 to book.

Tickets cost £5 and group bookings are welcome. If you fancy something a bit different from the usual blockbuster then this is the perfect opportunity to get a group of friends together for a great night out.

Running time 95 minutes. Certificate 15.

Northern Ireland boasts a wonderful collection of places to stay including beautiful B&Bs, luxurious spa hotels and great value self-catering properties. Discover NI has selected the best offers of the week to help you plan a short break.

·         Break to the country at Lisnabra Farm, Ballymoney from £75

Enjoy a winter break to the countryside with this latest offer. Treat yourself to a relaxing break in a free house without any disturbance which includes four double/king sized beds for eight people to sleep. This rural property is located close to many tourist attractions including the Giants Causeway, the Dark Hedges and many local golf courses. To book call 07934377697. Offer available until 31st January.

·         The winter supplement, one night stay at the Stormont Hotel, Belfast from £60 per person sharing

An overnight stay in the Stormont Hotel with dinner and glass of wine in La Scala Bistro followed by full Irish breakfast in the morning. The perfect short break in a luxurious and cosy setting. This offer includes overnight luxurious accommodation, one course evening meal in La Scala Bistro plus a glass of red or white wine, full Irish breakfast, complimentary customer car parking and Hastings Hotels duck. To book call 028 9065 1066. Offer available Sunday to Friday until 31^st March.

·         Relax and wind down at 17 Arthur Street, Hillsborough from £155 per unit

Enjoy two nights or more in the historic village of Hillsborough at a discounted rate. Bookings for two nights or more can avail of 10% discount on the normal price and a free bottle of Prosecco on arrival. To book call 07802541779 or email arthurcottages@gmail.com quoting the promotional code “Prosecco” (subject to availability). Offer available until 31^st March.

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council, together with Mid & East Antrim Borough Council, Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council and Northern Regional College, is delighted to be hosting an Employer Breakfast during the inaugural NI Apprenticeship Week, being held across the region next month.

Northern Ireland Apprenticeship Week 2020 is a new initiative offering opportunities, through a dedicated week of events and promotional activity, to demonstrate how apprenticeships work for individuals, businesses, communities and the wider economy.

Employers attending the ‘Discover Fresh Thinking and Talent’ breakfast will hear from local businesses and apprentices and gain a better insight into the types of apprenticeship available and how they can help meet the skills needed in priority sectors.

The Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council Councillor Sean Bateson said: “We’re committed to helping optimise economic outcomes for businesses across the borough and to increasing employment.

“Through partnership events like this with our neighbouring councils and college, we hope to ensure that our local businesses have the support they need to introduce new talent to their workforces and provide pathways for our young people to gain the skills and experience to build the foundations for their career pathway.

“This initiative is an excellent opportunity to make connections, get advice, and find out how apprentices can bring fresh thinking and talent to your business.”

The free Employer Breakfast will take place on Thursday 6th February 2020 in The Braid, Ballymena and is open to all employers. To register please visit: www.mea-apprentice.eventbrite.co.uk

GOING back to work after the Christmas break is never easy but Hastings Hotels has a fabulous range of winter overnight breaks from as little as £45pps* which promise to give you something to look forward to in January and February. 

Enjoy a luxurious overnight stay in one of Hastings’ famous Cloud Beds, with a complimentary cocktail and full Irish breakfast the following morning. These fabulous winter offers are available across all seven Hastings hotels:

Everglades Hotel – from £45pps

Stormont Hotel – from £45pps

Europa Hotel – from £50pps

Ballygally Castle – from £50pps

Grand Central Hotel – from £65pps

Slieve Donard Resort & Spa – from £65pps

Culloden Estate & Spa – from £100pps

For further information or to book, go to www.hastingshotels.com or call 028 9047 1066. 

* Terms and conditions apply. Rates are per person sharing, are subject to availability and are valid until 29th February 2020 (excluding 14th & 15th February).

Flowerfield Arts Centre will continue its programme of free dementia friendly film screenings with the classic technicolour Singin’ in the Rain on Wednesday 22^nd January at 11am.

Starring Gene Kelly in his most famous role, alongside Debbie Reynolds as his feisty love interest and the fabulous funny man Donald O’Connor, this is the perfect film to lift your hearts and chase away those January blues!

Set during the turbulent period when Hollywood was converting from silent films to sound, Singin’ in the Rain is a perfect example of everything that is good about movie-making, with some of the most iconic dance performances and songs ever seen or heard in musical film.

This Cine Together project has been made possible with support from Film Hub NI (BFI Film Audience Network), through The National Lottery Good Causes Fund.

The free screening, which is aimed at older people and groups, features cabaret style seating and soft lighting. Booking is advisable as numbers are restricted.

A family friendly screening will take place at 7pm on Wednesday 22^nd January. Admission £5. Contact 028 7083 1400 or email info@flowerfield.org to secure your space at either event. Group bookings are welcome.

Running time: 1 hr 43 mins, 1952

Certificate U

With the new year’s resolutions pending Belfast pole fitness expert El Fegan has already had an influx of people ready to get in shape at her city centre studio in 2020.

Despite being around for over a decade there’s no sign of pole fitness losing its appeal according to El.

El has been offering pole dancing, pole athletics and other fun activities from her Polercise premises in Belfast’s Donegall Street for almost fifteen years. The studio is located in the former premises of Clark’s Dance Studio and El admits that when she first opened, she expected a bit of opposition.

“Looking back now, I think I was just a bit nervous,” she said. “Given the reputation of the US ‘pole dancing’, I expected to see banners and protests right outside the door, but there was nothing and it all worked out well. I think Northern Ireland – and Belfast in particular – has moved on now.

“We’ve had great interest in the classes for the new year with people coming for a variety of reasons from confidence building and self esteem reasons to exercise, fitness and even core strengthening and more.

“I definitely feel that the popularity of pole certainly hasn’t waned and, in fact, there’s been a little resurgence recently since Belfast hosted the World Pole Sports and Fitness Championships.”

For those who don’t know, pole exercise has remained a popular exercise trend in recent years, with participants able to have fun and get healthy at the same time. 

El first came across pole fitness during a trip to Australia.

“I saw this article in a magazine and I was really intrigued,” she explained. “I immediately thought ‘hey, I could do that. I remember going and asking about the classes. For about three weeks I sneaked off to classes but didn’t tell my boyfriend at the time.”

El quickly got the pole ‘bug’ and decided to pursue a career in the activity. But first she had to overcome a bit of a blip!

“When I came home in October 2004,” she added, “I set up a pole in my brother’s house because I didn’t want to speak to my parents about it. I didn’t think they would understand because, at that time, pole still had a seedy sort of image, so I sneaked over to my brother’s house for a while to practise. Pole was, however, becoming more prominent in England and was getting press coverage, so I would leave magazines open for my mum to pick up on it so that she would understand it wasn’t seedy, but a great way of getting stronger, both physically and mentally.”

Since those early days El has pioneered the benefits of pole for all ages – particularly for girls and is encouraging people to consider signing up to the new term next month.

“We’ve actually had girls come in and tell us that pole has changed their lives,” she said. “Through pole, they develop their body confidence and self-confidence, and this can help them in their relationships. Some have come from an abusive relationship and they are able to get the strength to just go and move on from there. And, that, for me, is probably the best, the biggest thing that we get out of it.”

El’s classes are now a major attraction for all types of people. From mothers and daughters to younger children, her classes are a mix of people who are there for fun and for the health benefits.

There’s even a growing number of men joining in.

“Oh, absolutely,” she said. “This year has been good for stag parties and we’ve had a couple of stags who have come in to do pole and had a really great time.”

With taster sessions on the first Friday of every month starting January 3 the one hour long class is perfect for people looking to try before they commit.

And no one should feel it’s not for them. Those who take part in the Polercise classes come in all shapes and sizes.

“We get small girls who have absolutely no upper body strength, and they’re not able to lift their own body,” she explained. “And then, we’ll get stronger, bigger, girls who can just climb up that pole, no bother. It’s just all about being able to lift your own bodyweight, and work from there.

“We have people who are gymnastic, people who come from absolutely no background and love the sexy side of it, and love putting the hands on. We’re not a school that’s going to go ‘No, you’re not allowed to wear high heels, you’re not allowed to do that’.”

In addition to classes, Polercise also offers fun events for parties.

“We offer any kind of themed dance party, like the whole Burlesque, cheerleading, Grease, Dirty Dancing and the like,” El said. “This year is going to be the hustlers, so we’re going to be offering strip tease workshops. We’ve already run a few of those, and they went down a storm. While the classes involve a full-on body workout, the parties are a bit more fun. Everyone comes in and we play a few party games, followed by a champagne reception.”

If you’re intrigued about pole fitness, but not sure whether it’s for you, El suggests a beginners’ class where you learn the basics.

“Everyone starts out as a beginner,” she explained. “Initially we focus on the basics like technique and building your strength. Come and try it and see if it’s for you.”

Taster sessions for Polercise start on Friday January 3 with the 4-week beginners class starting on Monday January 6.

For more information go to https://www.polerciseni.com/

Northern Ireland charity Brain Injury Matters (NI) has been awarded nearly £200,000 for their Family First Service from The National Lottery Community Fund, the largest funder of community activity in the UK.

The Family First Service – a Northern Ireland wide service – is a collaborative venture, led by Brain Injury Matters (NI), in partnership with the Psychology Services at the Belfast Health and Social Trust supporting families whose child has an acquired brain injury (ABI).  The project launched in 2015 and has been funded to the tune of £199,959 by the National Lottery Community fund since its commencement. 

Joe Mc Vey, CEO of Brain Injury Matters, said: “This new fund further enhances our capability to deliver the Family First Service.  By developing what we offer within this service, we are confident that this new fund will help us continue to meet family’s needs, offer additional support to siblings and deliver additional online services. We are delighted to have the continued support from the Lottery and to strengthen our partnership with the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust.”

The Family First Service project provides specific interventions to support and empower families to meet the challenges of supporting their child with an acquired brain injury (ABI). Overall the family first project has enabled families to live beyond acquired brain injury and enabled them not to be solely defined by their child’s injury. 

Thanks to the funding from National Lottery, Brain Injury Matters (NI) Family First project will be able to continue their home based work, more work with siblings, continued Partnership with the Belfast Trust and develop their on-line portal. This will ensure that families with a child who has ABI will have continued access to tailored services, more access to the Family First team, to information and to each other.

Bridget Smyth, Children’s Services Manager of the Family first Service, said: “This new National Lottery funding is fantastic and will help us to continue to make a difference in the lives of families whose children have an acquired brain injury (ABI). In the 5 years since its commencement, we have worked with over 70 families. Feedback from families has identified not only a positive impact for the child in terms of their overall wellbeing but the positive impact on the family as a whole.”

Mary Peoples, whose son Peadar Pio, has been receiving support from the Family First service for the last year.  She said: “In July 2018 our lives changed when our 10 year old son, Peadar Pio, fell from a trampoline and required life-saving brain surgery. The following few months were lonely and frustrating for the family. Peadar Pio’s OT contacted Brain Injury Matters and we have been so lucky to be receiving support from Catherine since January 2019. 

“Catherine provides a safe environment for Peadar Pio and us to discuss our worries and fears and she helps us understand the effects of an Acquired Brain Injury. She has given Peadar Pio coping mechanisms which will benefit him throughout his life.  

“The positive impact that BIM has had on our lives is immeasurable and we are so grateful to everyone involved; so much so that we have organised a number of fundraising events in our local area to support the work of Brain Injury Matters; including a cinema night and most recently the male staff of Gaelcholáiste Dhore took part in Movember and raised just under £1,000.”

For more information on the Family First Service contact Bridget Smyth at bridget@braininjurymatters.org.uk or 02890705125 or visit www.braininjurymatters.org.uk

Ards and North Down Borough Council has just launched its latest Arts and Heritage Guide.

The colourful Spring edition, covering the January to April period is filled with an abundance of opportunities to enjoy the new Arts and Heritage Programme. From events to creative classes, exhibitions, arts experiences for children and everything that’s happening at North Down Museum, make sure you pick up your copy today!

With the New Year comes plenty of opportunity for hands-on art and craft activity with the creative class and one-day workshop series at Ards Arts Centre including traditional stone carving techniques and two special Easter Floral Art classes. The Outreach Workshop Programme will ‘bring the arts to you’ with a series of creative classes in Comber, Holywood, Kircubbin, Donaghadee and Carrowdore.

Music lovers will be pleased with the return of the popular Friday Night Live and Music in the Chamber series of events with Chris Keys, Wilfie Gilbert and Cup O’Joe performing at Ards Arts Centre while King Cedar, The Dime Notes and Cormac Neeson will grace the stage at Bangor Castle.

The fantastic Dyad Productions return to bring Queen Elizabeth I to life at The Space Theatre or visit The Worst Café in the World for an immersive theatre experience brought to you by Big Telly Theatre Company – one thing you won’t get is good food!

Spring is shaping up to be a busy time at North Down Museum too.  On Friday 14 February, the museum will be invaded by wee ones for the Toddlers Take Over the Museum event. This popular event is a chance for your toddler to experience arts, crafts, story-telling and dancing through the theme ‘Vikings’. The museum is also hosting a wealth of fascinating exhibitions over the coming months, exploring the Borough’s Maritime Heritage, the skill and tradition of crochet, VE Day and lots more.

Speaking about the new programme; Emily Crawford Arts and Heritage Manager with Ards and North Down Borough Council said: ‘If your New Year’s resolution is to get creative, engage more in culture or simply to explore your local heritage then we have an activity for you! The Arts and Heritage Team look forward to welcoming you in the New Year with an exciting programme of events and activities to suit all tastes and abilities.’

Stuck for a last-minute Christmas gift? Online ticket pre-sales for all music and theatre events are available from Thursday 19 December. Enrolment for all creative classes and workshops takes place on Wednesday 8 January either in person at Ards Arts Centre or by phoning: 028 9181 0803.

Pick up your copy of the Arts and Heritage Spring Guide from Arts Ards Centre, North Down Museum or our Visitor Information Centres or download from www.ardsarts.com or www.visitardsandnorthdown.com . Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/ardsandnorthdown

A blogging inspiration event, part of the Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI tour, will welcome vlogger Michelle Connolly and Blogger Jill McDowell to Finaghy Library later this month.

The free event on Wednesday 11 December, which aims to teach and inspire attendees about the world of blogging, is one in a series happening across Northern Ireland in 2019 and 2020.

Designed to encourage existing and new bloggers to get started and learn new skills the #GetBloggingNI speakers, facilitator and host will provide top tips, hints, tricks and tools to help supercharge your blogging journey.

Speaker Michelle Connolly is founder of Belfast based LearningMole, an educational blog which aims to support Parents, teachers and children and has over 1.8million views on YouTube. With 15 years teaching experience and being a parent of 3 children she has used her blog to reach parents in over 166 countries.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to speak at the #GetBloggingNI session in Finaghy. Education is at the heart of what I do and it is a great opportunity to chat to others who are developing new skills.

“I started blogging while I was a Primary School teacher. Parents often asked me to support them as the education system has changed so much. I wanted to support parents across the globe and blogging seemed the most natural way to do this.

“Blogging has been such a rewarding experience for me both on a personal and business level. I have forged partnerships across the globe in China and have worked on many government contracts because of my blogging experience.

“It is a great way to share your skills and experiences. Everyone has something to say and so many people will be inspired by listening.”

Also speaking in Finaghy Library is Jill McDowell, the founder of the blog Home At Rose Cottage who started her blogging journey when renovating her grandparent’s home. Jill began posting photos of her journey on Instagram and it was so popular the blog was born.

She said: “I am delighted to have been asked to be involved at the #GetBloggingNI session; having attended the 6-week course myself over a year ago, I never ever thought I would be the one at the front encouraging others to start their blogging journey.

“Blogging has provided me with such amazing opportunities, working with brands I could only dream of, and making friends and connections with such amazing people.

“Blogging has opened up another world for me and it can do the same for others too. Confidence building, exercising your creativity and promoting positive mental health are only a few of the benefits it can have.”

Chartered Marketer Christine Watson of Training Matchmaker will facilitate the session, which is hosted by journalist and content creator, Tina Calder of the Content Club and Excalibur Press.

Christine said Libraries NI is responding to the thirst for knowledge for new skills such as blogging.

She added: “In recent years there has been a surge in interest in blogging, vlogging and podcasting across Northern Ireland.

“It’s a fantastic way to connect with like-minded people, immerse yourself in your passions, keep your mind healthy and active and an excellent excuse to get out and about and use your local library.

“Attendees at the Blogging Inspiration event in Finaghy Library will be sure to leave with the motivation, encouragement and practical knowhow they need to begin or amplify their blogging journey.”

Libraries NI Service Development Manager Julie Reid said: “Libraries NI is pleased to offer this free Blogging Inspiration event to introduce people to the art of blogging.

“Storytelling is forever evolving and blogging, vlogging and podcasting is quickly becoming the new platform for telling stories through text, images and video. 

“Whether you’re blogging for business, documenting your family history or keeping a record of travelling expeditions, you’re using the power of words to tell a story.”

“We’re delighted to once again team up with Christine Watson to present this event on Wednesday 11 December at Finaghy Library and look forward to welcoming our speakers Michelle Connolly and Jill McDowell as well as host Tina Calder to the library.”

The event at Finaghy Library is part of the ongoing Libraries NI #GetBloggingNI series which will run into 2020 across Northern Ireland.

Officially presented by TrainingMatchmaker.com in collaboration with Libraries NI, previous events in the #GetBloggingNI series included Blogging Inspiration sessions, a six-week Get Blogging Course and five Blogging for Wellness roadshows.

Booking for #GetBloggingNI at Finaghy Library on Wednesday 11 December from 6:00pm-7:30pm is free. Tickets are available from trainingmatchmaker.eventbrite.com.