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Issue 37 December 2021

Well that’s a wrap for our last e-zine of 2021.  It's been a roller coaster of a year with many ups and downs but the New Year will hopefully herald a fresh sense of cautious optimism with much to focus on in 2022.  Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. 

If you have anything you wish to include in a future e-zine please contact zoe.lindsay@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Latest Covid news 
With the Covid situation changing day by day please remember to keep checking NI Direct's website in relation to Coronavirus (COVID-19) regulations and guidance: what they mean for you.  This will provide the most up to date information.
Tourism NI also provides practical industry guidance  here.

Updates from the NI Tourism Alliance will continue to be regularly emailed to MEA tourism and hospitality businesses.
City Deal success to boost tourism
The Belfast Region City Deal unlocks £1bn of transformative co-investment creating up to 20,000 new and better jobs to help make the region a global investment destination. Mid and East Antrim will benefit from projects worth £60m.

These include the regeneration of Carrickfergus, which will reposition and rebrand the town, placing it firmly on the map as an authentic tourism hub, part of the wider Belfast story and the ‘must-visit’ starting point to the internationally recognised Causeway Coastal Route.

At The Gobbins, a project to install an ingress structure linking the cliff top path with the coastal path to develop a looped walk will be delivered. The cliff top path will include a range of exciting features and viewing points to provide a much-enhanced visitor experience, and a new welcome hub with augmented reality.

Finally, an i4C Innovation & Cleantech Centre will be constructed in Ballymena.

Read full story here.  
Praise & publicity for Whitehead Railway Museum 
Highlights of a busy autumn at Whitehead Railway Museum include:

A new exhibition piece
A fully restored Guinness Grain Van (504), dating from 1911 was officially launched. The van was originally used to transport barrels of Guinness from Dublin around the Great Northern Railway (Ireland) network. It was painstakingly rebuilt over the last 4 years by their hard working volunteers, thanks to funding assistance from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. Visitors will discover an exhibition in the wagon with a display of archive photographs telling the van’s eventful history. The display also features a short film showing Guinness steam engine No. 2BG hauling wagons through the streets of Dublin in 1965.  Full history here.

A special visitor
BBC presenter and former MP Michael Portillo visited to film for his forthcoming BBC2 series on Britain’s Coastal Railways. The society’s locomotive No. 131 was in steam for the occasion. Full story here.

Award winning volunteers
Peter Scott was awarded the 'Best Craftsperson' for leading the restoration of steam locomotive No. 131 at the Heritage Angel Awards NI, run by the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society.

Ian Sinclair was named as a regional winner in the UK wide Marsh Volunteer for Museum Learning Awards for his “Last Days of Steam in Ulster” video that he produced for Whitehead Railway Museum in May 2020.

Popular events returned
Steam trains were back on track for sold out Halloween and Christmas specials.
Tourism NI enterprise development programme

Tourism NI's 2021/22 Tourism Enterprise Development (TED) programme began in November and features webinars, online events and other supports to help tourism businesses to recover post-Covid. 
The programme has 5 main themes: performance & competitiveness, market retention & diversification, people skills & capability, sustainable tourism and digital skills & innovation.

For full details on all the TED events and features, sign-up here. The industry business hub on tourismni.com also provides expert guidance and all the latest materials. This resource continues to grow and is tailored specifically to the tourism sector.
Galgorm community spirit 
Galgorm Collection confirmed a renewed commitment to support local community group Cullybackey Community Partnership (CCP) by pledging funding of £15K over the next 3 years to further revitalise the village and deliver community-led initiatives for the benefit of everyone. Full story here.

To put forward project ideas, contact CCP  T: 028 2588 2281 or
E:  cullybackey@nacn.org

Cullybackey was also recognised as outstanding in the ‘Cultivating your Community’ category at The RHS Britain in Bloom competition. More details here.
TNI marketing campaign - Spring 2022
Tourism NI, with assistance from The Northern Ireland Hotels Federation, has two different ways for eligible* businesses to get involved in their Spring 2022 campaign through: 
1. Online promotion and offers; and
2. The co-operative marketing fund. 

*Open to hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, guest accommodation, self-catering and visitor attractions graded by Tourism NI. Some visitor experiences will also be eligible. You must also be accredited under the We’re Good to Go Scheme.

The campaign will take place in February and March 2022. Full details here. Closing date for applications is 7 January 2022
'Chatty Cafes' tackle loneliness

Mid and East Antrim now has a number of 'Chatty Cafés.'  The scheme, being rolled out by Mid and East Antrim Loneliness Network, part funded by MEA Council, aims to tackle loneliness and reduce isolation by creating opportunities to talk and interact. It comes off the success of the 'Chatty Benches' scheme which has seen bright yellow benches in public spaces create an opportunity for conversation in the outdoors.

The first 'Chatty Cafe' officially opened in August at Blessings Café in Cullybackey followed by 3 venues in Larne - the Salvation Army, The Prom Café and Barbara Ann’s Home Bakery - all now playing a key role in helping to tackle loneliness across the borough.


Businesses who join the scheme need to designate a table as a ‘chatty table’ and display branded table cards, to identify where customers can sit if they're happy to talk to other customers. 

Window stickers are also provided plus t-shirts for staff or volunteers (if wanted) who are available to help conversation and encourage people to chat. 
Official opening of Magheramorne Estate

Private-hire venue Magheramorne Estate, near Larne has celebrated its official opening, and the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the 19th century estate.

The official opening was marked with a special event held by the Allen family and attended by guests of honour, Rory Best OBE, Mayor Councillor William Mc McCaughey and Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA. Full story here.

Award winning scones 
Two of Mid and East Antrim eateries picked up awards in the Best Scone NI competition run by the Dairy Council and funded by the European Union.

Dobbins Inn in Carrickfergus was the winner in the best hotel category, while The Dairy, Gleno won best restaurant. The competition received almost 15,000 public votes for 107 local businesses across the hospitality sector in Northern Ireland.  

Congratulations also to local finalists: Espresso@etc, Restaurant Sorrento, Oranmore House, Adair Arms Hotel and The Conservatory at Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. Full list of winners here.
Fat Axe opens in Carrickfergus
Fancy being a Viking?  Forest Axe throwing is now up and running with Fat Axe for those aged 16+ years at Forest Fitness NI Activities Centre in Carrickfergus.  

Check out their website for more details.
Springboard hospitality & tourism takeover day 
Over 100 students from local schools within Mid and East Antrim headed to Glenarm Castle Estate in October to take part in Springboard's Hospitality and Tourism awareness day, organised in partnership with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

Fun interactive workshops allowed students to make their own pizzas for lunch, sample ice-cream, press apples for apple juice, try their hand at being a barista, drive mini land rovers and learn all about what's involved in running a visitor attraction such as Glenarm Castle.

Industry needs a talent pipeline which starts with education so students can learn all about the hospitality industry as a professional career. Springboard are out there every day, inspiring young people into hospitality careers. For more information E: amplify@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Launch of IAT Ulster-Ireland
A new phase of a walking trail which links N. Ireland and the Republic with the world-famous Appalachian Mountains in the US has been officially launched.

The International Appalachian Trail (IAT) Ulster–Ireland is part of an international trail that follows the Appalachian Mountain terrain, which existed on the super continent Pangaea before the Atlantic Ocean broke up the continent.

The Ulster-Ireland section totals 279 miles (449km) in length, was established in 2011, launched in 2013 and continues the trail after it leaves the North American continent.  It starts at the Slieve League cliffs, traverses the Bluestack Mountains in Co. Donegal before crossing into Co. Tyrone. Here it picks up the Ulster Way, taking in the Sperrins, the north coast and The Glens of Antrim. This launch phase included a number of improvements:  newly installed pieces of art, new trail furniture and updated information panels with improved facilities at many locations.


£60k was originally secured to carry out improvements along 23 miles of the route within Mid and East Antrim.  

Outdoor Recreation Northern Ireland will now carry out a marketing campaign promoting the walk to audiences across America, as well as in N. Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, incorporating videos, photography and offers from businesses. 

A webinar is available for business owners and attractions along the MEA route that may wish to develop and enhance experiences that embrace IAT Ulster-Ireland walkers and who would like to get their business promoted through a variety of marketing campaigns.
Update your business listing
Have you signed up to create your account to access the Tourism NI business hub and the product manager at www.tourismni.com?  It's really important as products feed into their consumer website discovernorthernireland.com plus our Shaped by Sea and Stone website.
A step by step video guide is available here which will take you through the onboarding process. The new product manager platform is easy to use and has additional tools to help you better promote your business and make the most from your listing.  Contributor details are also available here. 
Glenarm forest gets royal seal of approval
Glenarm Forest has become Northern Ireland’s first accredited Queen’s Commonwealth Canopy (QCC) conservation forest in recognition of its dedication to sustainable forestry and role in contributing to people’s wellbeing and enjoyment for the community and for future generations. Full story here.
Take part in the Green Button campaign
Tourism Ireland are currently looking for offers for Ireland.com to support their Green Button campaign,  This is a free publicity opportunity to promote your offers at a time when holidaymakers are actively booking and craving unique, inspiring experiences.   Offers can be submitted until March 2022 and must be bookable now.  More details here.
Update from The Gobbins
Martin Lusty from The Gobbins Cliff Path talks about their unique offering and how Tourism NI has supported the attraction over the last 20 months.  It was also quite a year with special visitors welcomed including Dame Mary Peters, Secretary of State Brandon Lewis MP, Siobhán McSweeney of Derry Girls fame ……. not to mention many national and international film crews.  

The Gobbins is now closed for annual maintenance but you can book ahead for Spring 2022 here.
Celebrity chef visits Causeway Coastal Route
The Londonderry Arms in Carnlough was delighted to host Irish celebrity chef Donal Skehan and his dog Max, while filming Donal’s Irish Adventure for Tourism Ireland.

Donal and his crew also stayed at Ocean View Pods in Glenarm Castle and really enjoyed the campfire experience and stunning scenery! 

The show is headed for a US audience so it's a fantastic publicity opportunity to showcase what the Causeway Coastal Route has to offer.  More details here.
Pop up shop opportunity 

In partnership with the Department for Communities Council are seeking expressions of interest to take part in a pop-up shop initiative in our town centres in the locations below:
• Ballymena Unit 72, Tower Centre Shopping Centre
• Larne, 20 Main Street
• Carrickfergus, 33-35 High Street

Applications must be received by 10 January 2022 and will be considered from constituted groups based in the Mid and East Antrim Borough with public liability insurance. Residency in the pop-up shop is available for a period of one week or more depending on activity.  Selected dates are available from January 2022 to August 2022, with some slots remaining for Ballymena in January.



Eligible groups include:
• music/arts groups
• photography groups
• historical societies
• sports groups
• community groups
• artists/arts and crafts groups
• drama groups

For more details and an application form E: linda.stevenson@midandeastantrim.gov.uk
Art continues to expand in borough
Larne
Whitehead artist, Janet Crymble, painstakingly created an eye catching mosaic by individually cutting, cementing and grouting coloured tiles onto the steps at Larne Town Hall over the course of a week. Full story here.
Carrickfergus
Check out the mural at Season Coffee Shop & Nook Living. The vintage theme is a nod to the workers in this former mill. Why not get a photo of yourself standing in the doorway?  Artwork created by Karl Fenz & Danni Simpson Art.
It's back! The Mid and East Antrim food and drink network

Calling all food and drink producers in Mid and East Antrim to get involved. 
All you need to do is provide some initial information about your business prior to the meet up by completing a quick survey here (this is mandatory prior to registration / attendance at event).  Then register your place here for an introductory meet up on Wednesday 19 January 2022 at 10.30am via Zoom.
New voluntary code of conduct for employers 

'Our Hospitality and Tourism Commitment' - a voluntary code of conduct developed by leading employers, colleges and industry partners - was launched by the Hospitality and Tourism Skills network (HATS). The code covers critical areas, such as working hours and learning and development as well as a pledge to work collectively to promote the industry as a rewarding career choice.


Sign up to ‘Our Hospitality and Tourism Commitment’  by visiting HATS here. 

Read full story here.
A story of two pennies in Carrickfergus
In 'The One about the Two Pennies' you'll discover the Titanic's connection to one of our quirkiest and oldest accommodation venues, Fools Haven Thatched Cottage. Full story plus video also here.

The ‘Our Story in the Making: NI Beyond 100’ brand was created by the NI Office for this year in the spirit of inclusivity, mutual respect and optimism for Northern Ireland, respecting all perspectives, as we go beyond 100.  For more special local stories, visit www.ourstoryinthemaking.com.
SPARK - fire up your business potential

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council recently launched an exciting new support programme for businesses in the borough which are in their early stage of development.
SPARK offers specialist tailored mentoring support to businesses on a number of valuable areas including start up support, financial management, establishing social enterprise, innovation support, sales and marketing and website development. 

It addresses a gap in ‘early stage’ support between Go For It and the suite of business growth interventions available.

To find out more about SPARK click here.
Latest blue circle plaque unveiled
The Ulster History Circle recently unveiled their 251st plaque at The Dairy in Gleno. It commemorates the explorer, writer, lecturer and visionary Miss Martha Craig of Carneal. Martha was a remarkable woman who was an explorer in Labrador as well as an honorary native American princess, named 'Enookwashwooshah' meaning 'Brave Woman'. It was unveiled by her great great nephew Gordon McDowell.  Check out her inspiring story here.
New exhibit unlocks Carrickfergus history

The Guard Room and former Warrant Officer’s House, beside Carrickfergus Museum, has been brought back to life thanks to Carrickfergus Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI).

It now features a striking new exhibit telling the story of the Antrim Artillery militia, who built these buildings, as well as 800 years of history on this significant site in the town.  Visitors are able to see the building, recreated to show how the holding cells for disobedient soldiers looked at the turn of the last century and learn about the story of the soldiers who were based there. The interpretative fit out was funded by the Irish Walled Towns Network. Read full story here.  For more details and opening hours click here.

WorldHost training now available
Tourism NI are running free WorldHost workshops in a number of locations both face to face and online. Workshops are available in both Principles of Customer Service and Inclusive Service.  Places are limited to 2 people per business.   You can book for a Mid and East Antrim session here with lots of online opportunities also available. 
Hospitality news
It's been a difficult time for many hospitality businesses.  This autumn we were sorry to see the closure of great establishments like the Misty Burn cafe which operated for 8 years in Glenwherry,  and the restaurant in The Glensway,  Martinstown, though the bar remains open.  Both venues are now focusing on retail operations.

Award winning chef Paul Dalrymple and his team said goodbye to Billy Andy's after nearly 17 years. It has been taken over by new management and is now known as The Paddock at Billy Andys.

Congratulations to Slemish Market Garden who won Slow food greengrocer of the year for Northern Ireland 2021 and  Best Greengrocer in the UK 2021.  

Ballygally Castle was delighted to be a finalist in the Luxury Lifestyle Magazine Readers' Travel Awards 2021 for 'Best Beach Hotel'.  They also had their Game of Thrones themed Afternoon Tea featured on Places To See In Ireland Before You Die's list of Top 3 TV-themed afternoon teas in Northern Ireland you need to experience!  See details here.

Tourism NI recently invited Northern Ireland food and travel bloggers Dish You Were HereEating Ideas and Jackie’s Blog Spot to spend a few days exploring some of the fantastic experiences along the Causeway Coastal Route. First stop was a private afternoon tea at Glenarm Castle. Read more here.

Sea Sugar Handmade Confectionery is riding the wave of success after bagging two awards at the prestigious Blas na hEireann - Irish Food Awards. 
Local heroes celebrated success at Hospitality Exchange - NI’s largest tourism and hospitality event run by the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation - including Ian Manson from Stephens Catering Equipment Co. Ltd and Nicky Blair from Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort.

Congratulation to BallyCairn House in Ballygally who won the best commercial premises award at the Mid and East Antrim in bloom community awards

Galgorm scored a hat trick with three highly coveted awards across their accommodation, spa and restaurant offering including ‘Best Luxury Golf Resort’ in Europe,  ‘Best Luxury Golf Resort Spa’ and Head Chef Chris Rees winning ‘Best Head Chef’ in Northern Europe at the 15th World Luxury Hotel Awards. Galgorm was also named Best Spa Experience in the UK and Ireland at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2021.

Have you joined the MEA Cook at Home Recipe Club? Supported by Toast the Coast NI, Chef Rob Curley of Slemish Market Supper Club, Jubilee Farm and Glenarm Redspark Lamb you'll be equipped via email with recipes to try at home, inspired from dinner tables across the wide and diverse community of Mid & East Antrim.  Delivered weekly via email until 22 January. Register here.

Returning in March 2022, IFEX is a must-attend event for those in the food service, retail and hospitality sectors.  Register interest here.

Nominations are still open for the Yes Chef Awards 2022. 
Funding opportunities
DAERA funding opportunities
A new online funding hub has been launched to improve signposting to DAERA's wide range of grants and funding available to support local farming, fisheries, rural business, communities & environmental NGOs.  More info here.

Economic Recovery Innovation Grant
This new £4million fund to support SMEs, provides up to £5K of support to help develop and implement innovative projects. Applications close on Monday 31 January 2022 at 5pm.  

Arts Council of Northern Ireland 
Online applications for a Covid Recovery Programme for Arts Organisations (CRPAO) will open on Friday 7 January 2022 from 2pm.

Sea-Changers Coastal Fountain Fund
Grants of up to £2K are available towards the cost of water drinking fountains for busy or environmentally important areas. Closing date for applications is 13 February 2022
Tourism NI National Tourism Events Sponsorship Scheme
Now open for applications. Closing date Monday 17 January 2022 at 12 noon. Guidelines on eligibility here.

Female Founders Funding Opportunity 
Techstart Ventures and Women in Business invite females across Northern Ireland, with an innovative business idea, to apply for a grant of up to £35K to help kickstart their business. Closing date Monday 31 January 2022 at 12 noon. 

Maritime and Fisheries Fund (NI)
Financial support for fishermen, processing and aquaculture businesses, port authorities, inland fishers and stakeholders with environmental interests. Closing date for applications is 11 February 2022

Power NI Brighter Communities Fund
This fund exists to make groups shine a little brighter – whether that's with equipment, a revamp of their space, or resources for their service users. 
Have your say

Review of MEA Community Plan, Good Relations and PCSP
If you live in Mid and East Antrim please give your feedback here.

NITA Tourism and Travel Industry Financial Impact Survey
Please take part in this UK wide survey here and help the NI Tourism Alliance share evidence from N. Ireland to the Departments for the Economy and Finance and Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). Closing date 6 January 2022. 

Environment Strategy Consultation
Consulting on Northern Ireland's first ever Environment Strategy.  Closing date to complete 18 January 2022 at 4pm.

Consultation for Reduction of Single-Use Plastic Beverage Cups and Food Containers
Did you know over 1 million single-use cups and food containers are used every year in N. Ireland, causing littering in our countryside?  DAERA has published a consultation on proposals for the reduction of their usage. This focuses on takeaway outlets and recommends three different options:
• A ban on their use; 
• A levy of 25p on each cup and 50p on each food container; and 
• A voluntary scheme or schemes implemented by businesses which could work via charges/discounts.
Closing date 14 January 2022.  
More details here.
General industry updates 
Applications are open for the Women in Business Awards 2022. Get your entry/nomination form here.  Applications close on Monday 31 January 2022 at 12 noon. 

Creative Gardens Galgorm Castle was awarded The Best Indoor Lifestyle Retailer Award by the Garden Centre Association for 2021/2022.

The carrier bag levy charge in N. Ireland will increase from 5 pence to 25 pence from 1 April 2022. 

Tourism NI launched a new publication celebrating Northern Ireland’s links to the most successful series in television history - Game of Thrones.

Reval 2023 - the deadline for businesses to complete a Rent and Lease questionnaire for Land & Property Services is 31 December 2021.  New rates bills will then be issued in April, based on October 2021 property rental values. 

Read the Northern Ireland Hotels Federation's recent hotel industry report here.

Do you know of a heritage asset that has the potential to be listed? Does it have special architectural character and/or historical interest? Why not nominate it for listing?  More information on how to nominate a listed building and the criteria for listing can be found here.

The British Heart Foundation are urging organisations with defibrillators to register them on a new locator database.

Mid and East Antrim celebrated success after winning ten awards at this year’s ‘Ulster in Bloom’ competition.

Check out all the worthy tourism and hospitality winners at the Larne, Carrickfergus and Ballymena business awards. 

Tourism Ireland announced Helen McGorman as new Head of Stakeholder Engagement – Northern Ireland.

Congratulations to Christopher Brooke, owner of Galgorm Castle, and new Chair of Tourism Ireland who recently started his five year term, having been vice chair for the previous five years.

New strategy targets ROI market 
Did you know half of ROI visitors to NI in 2021 were visiting for leisure purposes for the first time?

Kate Taylor, Tourism Strategist discusses how to unpack the findings from the new Tourism NI ROI market strategy and how to put them into action.  Check out all the videos from the strategy launch here.  Find out more about Tourism NI's consumer sentiment research and latest news here.
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subject to change without notice.

Copyright © 2021 Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, All rights reserved.



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