The Creamery Can launches as 10th Économusée
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Thanks to funding support from Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and Tourism NI, Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust recently launched the tenth Économusée in the UK and specifically in Mid and East Antrim.
Ice cream producers, Hugh and Alyson Reid, are the latest artisans to join the growing network of Économusée workshops. Their business 'The Creamery Can' coffee shop and ice-cream workshop is located at Dundermotte Farm, just off the Frosses Road, near Glarryford.
When visiting the workshop, visitors have the chance to meet both artisans, learn about the ice cream process, sample the delights on offer in the café and even try their hand at making ice cream.
Hugh and Alyson researched and trialled recipes to combine their organic milk and cream with other ingredients such as locally produced fruit and berries.
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Their ice-cream and sorbets are made on the farm to the highest quality. Call by for a taste - you will usually find up to 12 flavours on offer. At this time of year there is even Christmas pudding ice cream!
With the recent launch of Tourism NI's 'Embrace a Giant Spirit' brand the Économusée concept complements this and provides visitors with a unique Northern Ireland experience, adding to the overall experiential tourism of the Causeway Coastal Route. For further information on the Économusée network click here or E: info@ccght.org
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Grants available for rural businesses
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Are you a small business in a rural area of our Borough? If so, you may be eligible for funding under a new Rural Business Development Grant Pilot Scheme. You can apply for grant funding up to £4,999, through the Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs' Tackling Rural Poverty & Social Isolation (TRPSI) Programme. The scheme is open for applications between 18 November and 12 noon on Wednesday 18 December 2019. For more information click here.
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Trade opportunities for Holiday World Dublin
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In 2019 Holiday World Show Dublin saw 39,500+ people attend for personalised expert travel advice, show-only deals and tips on top places to travel.
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s tourism section will be attending this show from Friday 24 to Sunday 26 January 2020 inclusive and have teamed up with Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council to jointly promote the Causeway Coastal Route.
We are offering space for up to 3 tourism business partners per day to join us on the stand. Partners must be in a position to promote and sell market ready products and experiences to consumers in the Republic of Ireland. For further details on exhibiting at this show please click here.
All trade partners will be required to book and cover their own costs in relation to accommodation in Dublin, travel and subsistence requirements.
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Trade partners will be permitted to offer specific show promotions / competitions, subject to agreement in advance.
The first priority of a trade partner is to promote the Causeway Coastal Route in conjunction with Council staff, and then to sell their specific product.
If you’re interested in joining us please email zoe.lindsay@midandeastantrim.gov.uk by Friday 13 December 2019 to register your expression of interest and stating which day(s) you would like to participate.
Successful businesses will be notified by Friday 20 December 2019 to allow for arrangements to be made.
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Vote for local walking experiences
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WalkNI have launched their 2019 Awards and the nominees include some walks right here in Mid and East Antrim.
The Gobbins and Slemish are nominees on the 'Best Bucket List Walk' category and Glenarm Walking Festival is nominated for the Best Walking Festival.
Votes can be cast by clicking on this link or via the WalkNI Facebook page. Get voting now!
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Google's Digital Garage available for businesses
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Since launching in 2015, Google's Digital Garage has visited over 500 UK locations and we're now delighted to see it's in Arthur Square, Belfast.
It offers businesses a fantastic free opportunity for training, personal coaching and tools to help improve your digital skills. Expect advice on social media, digital marketing and analytics to help grow your business.
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It offers up to 40 hours of free training content. Grow your business workshops can be found here. Or there are one to one mentoring opportunities here.
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New premium own-label gin for Galgorm
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On 29 November, Galgorm launched its first premium own-label gin, developed in partnership with local artisan gin producer, Copeland Distillery, using botanicals harvested from Galgorm Estate, for an authentic local taste.
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Galgorm Estate Gin is another addition to Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, unique Gin Library, which stocks over 450 different types of gins, from around the world.
To celebrate, Galgorm has also launched an exciting cocktail menu for gin-lovers based on the new gin’s botanical flavours. Created by expert mixologists, each cocktail has been crafted to showcase the unique flavours of the gin and features a mix of exciting new concoctions along with a twist on the classics. Now available across the Galgorm Collection Portfolio.
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Local chef features in Irish News
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Joni Lutzman from The Lighthouse Bistro in Whitehead, was delighted to feature in The Irish News Chef's Choice where he shared a recipe and his approach to cooking and food. Find out how his grandmother in Helsinki, Finland inspired his cooking career and how he sources lobster from local Islandmagee fishermen to pair with his freshly made pasta.
Check out his Lobster Pasta recipe with the Irish News here.
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Popular pubs providing great offers for groups
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Music tourism contributes to local economy
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Music tourism in N. Ireland generated £90m of spending in 2018, according to the 'Music by Numbers 2019' report published by UK Music, the industry body of the British music industry. 294,000 music tourists visited Northern Ireland to go to a festival, show or gig with 30,000 of these being overseas music tourists. For full story click here.
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Watersports survey - please have your say!
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Mid and East Antrim Borough Council are currently considering ways to better promote our amazing coastline and inland waterways. We wish to see more locals and tourists enjoy our marine environment and to see more people actively ‘GET ON THE WATER’. Think sailing, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing etc. to name but a few. (www.capiten.eu).
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We need to find out more about what our businesses think are the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of marine/inland waterway tourism within our area. This will help us support the development of products, facilities and projects to maximise the opportunities presented by marine and waterways tourism for this area and for your business. Please complete the survey here. It will remain open for completion until 31 December 2019.
If you have any questions please email eamon.mcmullan@midandeastantrim.gov.uk For further details on the associated El CAPITEN project click here.
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Italian's impressed by Glenarm glamping
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Check out this fantastic video by Francesco Galati, an Italian journalist who went on a recent road trip in Ireland and stayed at the Glenarm Castle Glamping Pods. You might not understand Italian but it's worth a watch!
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Music (And) Mind changes for 2020
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After last years successful 3 day festival entitled 'Music IN Mind', the organisers have made a few changes for 2020, including a new name and date.
Music and Mind will run in Whitehead from Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 May 2020. Filling your bank holiday (which has this year been moved for only the second time to accommodate VE Day celebrations) to the brim with all your favourites from last years festival and with plenty more in addition for your enjoyment. The lighthouse symbolises Whitehead and help with mental health issues. Follow this special festival on their Facebook and Instagram pages.
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Glenarm Castle membership now available
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Glenarm Castle 2020 membership cards are now on sale with a 20% early bird-discount available until 31 December.
As a premium member perks include:
- Unlimited access to Walled Garden, throughout the season, for 1 person, with up to 2 children free.
- Free access to the Castle Trail.
- 10% discount on select merchandise and local produce in their farm shop.
- 10% discount on all food and drink purchased in the Tea Room (does not include Bistro Nights).
- 50% Discount to the award-winning CAMP DALFEST (Dalriada Festival) on 18 and 19 July 2020. Tickets must be purchased online in advance.
(Membership card must be shown on event days.)
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-15% discount on overnight stays in their Luxury Ocean View Pods.
- Free admission to Glenarm Castle Tulip Festival which takes place from 8 - 10 May 2020 - May Bank Holiday Weekend.
- Opportunity to purchase pre-sale tickets to the 2020 Glenarm Castle Christmas Experience before general sales release. Purchase online here.
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New 'Amplify' business growth programmes
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Businesses across the Mid and East Antrim Borough Council area now have access to a wide range of Amplify support programmes to assist them to grow.
The newly launched Amplify ‘Digital Boost’ Programme provides digital business growth support and offers mentoring in online selling, social media for business, the use of video to showcase products and services, basic web design and so much more.
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Support is also available through a new Sales Growth Programme, which provides one-to-one sales mentoring, innovative workshops and collaborative networking opportunities to help identify new markets and increase sales.
Businesses can also still avail of Amplify’s Business Escalator Programme, which offers bespoke support to help them reach their full potential, across a number of key areas including Strategic Business Growth Planning, Sales and Marketing, HR and Leadership Development, Financial Management and Accessing Funding, and Export Development. To find out more about Council’s Amplify business support programmes:
E: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk or T: 028 2563 3195.
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Special recognition at NI Hotel Awards
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The Ulster Carpets Special Recognition Award at the 2019 NI Hotel Awards was awarded to Eugene McKeever MBE of the McKeever Group of Hotels. Working for over 50 years in the hospitality industry, Eugene is the passion, driving force and inspiration behind the family run McKeever Hotel Group, which includes the Adair Arms Hotel in Ballymena. For his full story click here. Check out the great write up on their succession planning here.
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Shambles workshop joins Glenarm estate
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Islandmagee Originals crafters, Jon and Louise McClean have been busy turning a dream into reality as they've transformed a bare shell into 'Shambles Workshop', a very memorable and quirky new outlet within Glenarm Castle Estate.
Their own products range from photography to bespoke retro up-cycled items to jewellery. Unique products from hand-picked local artists and crafters are also on sale. From homeware to giftware, there’s something for everyone.
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Featured local artists and crafters include:
Their attached working studio with it's stone floor and open fire is a lovely venue where in-house artists and crafters will be able to work while you watch and chat with them and it can also be used to discuss and plan commissions. In the summer months, they intend to offer outdoor events, working crafters and live music in their walled courtyard.
For opening hours please check out their Facebook page.
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Tourism NI explores our fantastic coast
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Check out our great coastal scenery with stop offs in Whitehead, Portmuck, Madman's Window Glenarm, Carnlough and The Gobbins, which is still open throughout December. Great footage to share!
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#Find your Christmas in Mid & East Antrim
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Unique Christmas experiences
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Kilcreggan Urban Farm
Friday 6 December from 5-8pm
They have a lovely evening experience planned for Farm Fans with a music inspired event to celebrate, spend time with family, friends, community and kickstart the Yuletide season. For further details check their Facebook page or contact angela@kilcreggan.org.uk
Marlagh Lodge
Looking for somewhere a bit special for Christmas Dinner this year? Marlagh Lodge, a B1 listed country house built c1850, are taking bookings for parties of two to fourteen guests on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings in December. For more information or to book, send a PM via Facebook or call Robert on 07590 851564.
Movie nights at Fratelli's
Get together with friends for a main course, glass of wine, mini dessert buffet and private Christmas movie screening for £25 per person. To book click here.
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Ballygally Christmas Concerts
Brian Kennedy has launched his Christmas concerts at Ballygally Castle on 19 and 20 December with hotel manager Norman McBride and Philip McGarrity from Philip McGarrity Motors, the concert sponsors. Check out their car pool karaoke promotion here. Buy tickets here.
Slemish Market Supper Club
Chef Rob Curley's "Flavours of Christmas Slemish Market Supper Club" may be fully booked but members of the hospitality industry may be interested in the 'No More .....Turkey Slemish Market Supper Club' on 27 January 2020.
Sadly the Galgorm Castle Fairy Trail's Christmas experience and the Santa Train Specials by The Railway Preservation Society of Ireland, are all sold out.
The Twilight Emporium Market in Larne Market Yard on Thursday 5 December is cancelled but don't forget there is still an artisan market in Larne on 12 December.
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Dedicated whiskey bar opens at Galgorm
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Introducing McKendry's - Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort's exclusive whiskey bar. Located adjacent to Gillies Grill, McKendry's offers the warm ambience and atmosphere of an eclectic Irish pub. McKendry's offers an extensive drinks list and encyclopedic whiskey collection of 200+ varieties from over 21+ countries!
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Have your say on Carrickfergus improvements
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Mid and East Antrim Borough Council and its public sector partners, which collectively form the Carrickfergus Regeneration Investment Programme (CRIP) Board, have been busy undertaking a consultation and public engagement process to help develop a vision, 10 year strategy and a regeneration investment plan for Carrickfergus Town.
The CRIP Board appointed Venture International Ltd. to work with its team to facilitate its citizens to have their say on the future of Carrickfergus. The focus of the Town Centre Strategy will be on:
- Carrick’s commercial activity;
- How it contributes to the quality of life of the citizens living in and around Carrickfergus;
- How we can deliver a top quality range of experiences for visitors to Carrickfergus; and
- How we can better position the town as a potential location for companies.
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Members of Venture’s team have already been out and about with local businesses and carried out public consultation events, sharing the draft Carrickfergus Regeneration Investment Plan.
If you would still like to contribute, check out information on CRIP here alongside the draft investment plan and then please complete the online survey.
Consultation closes Monday 6 January 2020.
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Promotion at World Travel Market
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In November, Council officers and trade were delighted to attend World Travel Market in London, as part of the Tourism Ireland stand. This is the world’s biggest business to business event for the travel trade, resulting in £3 billion in contracts.
Mid and East Antrim were also proud to be part of the N. Ireland experience brand, ‘Embrace a Giant Spirit’ which includes The Gobbins Cliff Path and Toast the Coast tours. This is another platform to promote key attractions in the area to international visitors and tour operators. Mid and East Antrim was actively promoted with trade support provided by Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort, Toast the Coast and Ulsterwhiskey.com.
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Digi Talk:The Forum - connect, learn and network
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Now in its 5th year, Hastings Hotels has revealed the line-up for its 2020 Digi-Talk:The Forum, which aims to help local businesses grow and stay one step ahead of digital trends.
This innovative forum is held monthly at the Stormont Hotel and is led by a different digital expert, covering a wide range of topics throughout the year e.g. search engine optimisation, digital content planning, chatbots, working with social influencers and bloggers and maximising your google data.
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Forums run from 8.30am - 10am and include breakfast, networking opportunities and a copy of the presentation. To join click here.
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Final stages of Carrickfergus castle roof restoration
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As the new roof on the castle approaches its final stages it begins to reveal its finished appearance. The heavy Cumbrian slates are carefully graded, hole punched, selected and cut, all by hand, for their place on the roof. They are then fastened with copper nails. The lead work advances in tandem with the slating with the two crafts working together. The lead and slate are materials with thousands of years of use in buildings and, when fitted by craftsmen working to the highest standard, produces work that will last for generations.
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Public art continues to grow
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Larne
A fantastic mural of our very own A-list Hollywood actress Valerie Hobson can now be found at Point Street. It was created by Larne Grammar School art students, alongside artists from Visual Waste and Larne Renovation Generation, through the Peace IV ST.ART project.
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Whitehead
A 9 foot tall sculpture has appeared opposite Cable Road, so Whitehead now officially has two lighthouses! This was originally a sculpture from this summer's PEACE IV urban beach, situated in Peoples Park, Ballymena and is a great example of repurposing materials.
The relocation was instigated by Brighter Whitehead volunteers and there are plans for a woven willow lighthouse keeper to stand with it, alongside landscaping with sand, rocks, palm trees and welcome to whitehead signage, which will make it an impressive feature.
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Training opportunities with Heart of The Glens
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The Heart of the Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme is delighted to announce the second Level 3 Heritage Tour Guide training course in The Glens of Antrim. The deadline for applications is Monday 16 December at 4pm.
Their first course was hugely successful with a large percentage of attendees already working as tour guides.
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This bespoke training course is based around the themes of the Heart of The Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme and is delivered by CMC Tourism Services.
It will involve 12 full days of training (approx. 9.30am – 4.30pm) to include research work as well as presentation
skills required to lead a tour group. Preparation work will also be required outside of this time and candidates will be required to deliver a walking tour and a coach tour for their final assessment.
They also have a Level 1 Farm and Forestry First Aid course taking place on Saturday 14 December 2019 between 9am and 5pm. To book click here.
For further details on either course email jamie@ccght.org T: 028 2075 2100
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Brighter Communities
The monthly Brighter Communities fund is open. Power NI Sports teams, schools, music therapy groups and local bee keepers are just some of the projects that have been supported. Apply here.
Arts Council of N. Ireland Funding
The Arts Council has opened a new Creative Industries Seed Fund, worth £240,000, funded by the Department For Communities and Future Screens NI, and supported by Digital Catapult. Online applications are now open for grants capped at £10K and will close at 4pm on Monday 27 January, with decisions expected early March 2020. For further information or to apply click here.
Council Funding
- Everybody Active 2020 Small Grants Scheme. Projects must be completed by 29 January 2020.
- Policing and Community Safety Partnership (PCSP). Projects must be completed by 7 February 2020.
- Good Relations Grants Scheme. All projects must be completed by 31 March 2020. Funding will close to applications on 31 January 2020.
Applications for all schemes can be made online here.
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National Lottery Awards for All
This offers funding from £300 to £10,000 to support what matters to people and communities.
They will fund organisations with great project ideas that:
• Improve the places and spaces that matter to communities;
• Bring more people together and build strong relationships in and across communities; and
• Enable more people to fulfill their potential by working to address issues at the earliest possible stage.
Projects also have to involve your community in the design, development and delivery of the activities you’re planning. They can fund:
• Equipment
• One-off events
• Small capital projects
• Staff costs
• Training costs
• Transport
• Utilities/running costs
• Volunteer expenses.
Apply online here. It can take up to 18 weeks for a decision, and if successful a further 2 weeks to pay your grant. There is no deadline. Applications are considered on a rolling basis.
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Institute of Hospitality Awards
The 25th Awards for Professionalism will be judged by a team of panellists with winners announced at a gala dinner on 15 May 2020 in the Crowne Plaza, Belfast. Entry deadline is 10 February 2020 with judging taking place on Tuesday 10 and Wednesday 11 March 2020. To enter click here.
NI Responsible Business Awards
These are free to enter and open to any organisation – large and small – from any sector across Northern Ireland. Closing date: 28 February 2020. Enter here.
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Licensed & Catering News Awards 2020
Now accepting entries. The closing date for entries to the 2020 LCN Awards will be 12 noon on 20 March 2020. You can enter the awards now by clicking here.
5th Food Awards Northern Ireland
Nominate your favourite places to eat in various categories here. Winners announced March 2020.
Families First People, Charity & Business Awards 2020
15 May 2020, Titanic Belfast.
Nominate here.
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Loughside Farm's naturally grass fed Dexter beef has been flying out of Cleaver & Steel butchery in Ballycarry and they have exciting things happening over the next couple of months.
Congratulations to Catriona - handcrafted classic confection - for being nominated in 2 categories of The Mum At Work Network 2019 Awards -Transformation of the Year and Greatest Growth.
Don't forget consultation on liquor licensing laws in N. Ireland closes on 6 December 2019.
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Best of luck to Granny Shaw's Fudge Factory who have joined Food NI and 11 other N. Ireland food companies at the Gifted Fair in Dublin this month.
The Henderson Group have spent £1M on Spar Kilwaughter, located on the main route between Larne and Belfast. The revamped store now features their first Greggs, alongside Daily Deli, Barista Bar Cafe pod, SPAR bakery not forgetting a comfortable seating area, fantastic range of groceries and fresh food, quality toilets and a post office.
Harley Quinns Gelato recently closed its doors in Maghera and has opened a new store in Greenvale Street, Ballymena. You’ll be treated to specialities like Milky Bar gelato, Kinder gelato and even Red Bull sorbet. You can even try it on a one of a kind bubble waffle cone or crepe.
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Just published - new souvenir guide for Whitehead Railway Museum. This 64-page guide to the museum and the work of the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland has a multitude of pictures, in both colour and black and white, to give visitors a flavour of all that the railway museum, railway works and 'Museum on the Move' have to offer. For more information click here.
Mid and East Antrim joined Tourism Ireland for a sales blitz to the west coast of the United States in November promoting our area in San Diego, Seattle and LA. For full story click here.
Closing date to have your say on Mid and East Antrim's draft Plan Strategy for Local Development 2030 is Wednesday 11 December at 5pm. Feedback here.
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N. Ireland took centre stage with 30+ global tour operators based in the Republic of Ireland visiting Belfast for the Incoming Tour Operators Association (ITOA) annual industry workshop hosted by Tourism NI. Mid and East Antrim Council attended to promote the area. For full story click here.
Congratulations to Wilma Erskine, one of Galgorm Spa and Golf Resort Directors, who was recognised with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Women in Business NI Awards.
The Sustainable Heritage Tourism conference, organised by Heart of The Glens Landscape Partnership Scheme,
due to take place in November, has been postponed until early 2020. For further information E: info@ccght.org
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Industry dates for the diary
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Hasting's heart warming Christmas campaign
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Hasting Hotels, owners of Ballygally Castle have launched a heart warming festive campaign with 'The Doorman and the Duck'. The campaign has been developed by AV Browne - creators of our Shaped by Sea and Stone tourism brand.
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