Local news

Naiscoil children learn about healthy teeth

The clever young children at Naíscoil an Chaistil are enjoying the benefits of an important scheme to teach children the importance of looking after their teeth and how to lead healthy lives.

The full time nursery unit signed up to the ‘Tooth Brushing Programme for Pre-school children’, established and run by the Northern Health & Social Care Trust Community Dental Services.

“This is a fantastic initiative that encourages children to brush and look after their teeth while learning about the right choices to make to keep their teeth healthy, “ explained Nursery teacher Seona Ní Luaois.

“The toothbrushes, toothpaste and other resources are all made available and because it’s a team effort the children enjoy sharing the learning experience with their friends when they brush their teeth daily in school. We recently celebrated ‘Child Health Day’ on the 7th October and as part of this the children will be making an extra effort to show off their lovely clean and healthy teeth to everyone. “

NORTH ANTRIM

Leadership

A GROUP of students - including two from Bushmills and Ballycastle -have been commended after completing a leadership course, co-coordinated by one of the Province’s leading universities.

Atotal of 37 young people (aged between 18 – 35) successfully participated in the inaugural EU PEACE III funded STRIPE (Stepping Towards Reconciliation in Positive Engagement) Young Leaders course at Queen’s University.

Included in the ceremony were Wesley Craig from Bushmills and James Mills from Ballycastle.

Students were provided the opportunity to acquire a knowledge of leadership and management approaches and the opportunity to analyse the concept of leadership and the role that leaders play in society.

NORTH ANTRIM

Women’s Institute

Ann Kirkwood, Executive Member for the Riada Area. chaired the AGM of Ballintoy Women’s Institute.

Tellers were Eileen Slater and Margaret McConaghy. Reports were given by the Secretary,the outgoing Vice-President,and the Treasurer. Special thanks were given to Helen McCurdy,who acted as President throughout the year,for all her dedication and hard work.

After supper the results of the voting were given and Ashley Todd was elected as President. The committee is Margaret Graham,Joyce Kane,Vera McMullan,Margaret Reid and June Wylie.

After a presentation,thanks were given to Ann Kirkwood and her tellers. Competition winners were- 1st Sandra Tannahill, 2nd Mabel Currie and 3rd Mary McKay.

BALLYcastle

Rotary invitation

Ballycastle Rotary Club cordially extend an invitation to join them, as members host an open evening dedicated to all that is great about the organisation on November. 12th

Maybe you fancy a challenge? Perhaps you wish to contribute time and expertise? Or it might be that you like the idea of being part of the world’s largest service organisation, - whatever the reason, Rotary needs people like you. People who place service above self.

Since its inception in 2011, Ballycastle Club has established itself as one of the busiest and friendliest in the district. With this hard work, has come great reward and as a result many voluntary bodies have benefitted from our efforts.

The open-night aims to showcase what being a Rotarian is all about. Displays, photos and first-hand experience will be combined to hopefully make for a most enjoyable evening.

So, if Rotary has got you thinking, why not come along for 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th to the Central Restaurant and satisfy your curiosity! Refreshments will be available as will a warm welcome!

Should you require additional information or to confirm your attendance, please contact Membership Chair, Brian Jamieson on 07790673808.

ballintoy

Young at Heart trip

Ballintoy Young at Heart Club are running their Annual Christmas shopping trip to Lisburn on Saturday, November 9 at 9.am sharp, returning from Lisburn at 4.30pm.

Cost £7. Contact Margaret Reid. Tel.,20762420.

north antrim

Sinn Féin have announced that they are standing three candidates in The Glens district electoral area in the council elections next May. This is a new and bigger At its selection convention held in Carey Sinn Féin activists from the area chose current Moyle councillors Colum Thompson and Cara Mc Shane to run alongside Kieran Mulholland from Loughgiel.

North Antrim MLA Daithi Mc Kay said the party had chosen three excellent candidates to contest the election.

“All three candidates are currently contributing to their communities on behalf of Sinn Féin, and I feel confident that the electorate in the area will reward this contribution come next May”

Current Moyle Sinn Féin councillor Noreen Mc Allister who didn’t wish to stand again in this election said:“I think the party have chosen well in this selection convention and I am very much looking forward to campaigning along with the candidates and other activists ”

ballycastle

Planning move praise

Ballycastle SDLP Councillor Dónal Cunningham has welcomed the move by the Environment Minister Mark H Durkan to withdraw the Planning Bill.

Councillor Cunningham said: “Back in June, last minute amendments from the Office of the First and deputy First Minister, which had not been to the Executive for consideration; or before the DOE Committee for scrutiny; or to the public for consultation – amounted to little more than a power grab by the DUP and Sinn Féin.

“If this Planning Bill were to have gone through we could have faced the prospect of the DUP and Sinn Féin having the free reign to allow any development within what they themselves had deemed as ‘economically significant zones’ . Campaigners feared that ‘ fracking’ could have been declared as ‘economically significant’.

“On top of that, the public were to be denied their democratic right to challenge planning decisions via judicial review. Minister Durkan had no option but to reject the power grab ”

BUSHMILLS

Ploughing event praised

The Northern Ireland Assembly Committee for Agriculture and Rural Development has praised the work put into the NI Ploughing Championships after attending the event in Bushmills,.

Committee Chairperson, Paul Frew, North Antrim MLA, said: “I am delighted to have attended the 70th Annual International Ploughing Championships; particularly as it was held in my constituency. Committee Members and I were able to enjoy a host of competitions and exhibitions showcasing the agricultural industry here in Northern Ireland; from farm machinery and vehicles, to food and crafts.”

mosside

Supper Dance

There will be a supper dance in Mosside Orange Hall on Friday, November 8th.

Music by Sam O’Neill Duo. Dancing from 9 - 12. Admission £5. Everyone welcome.

BALLYMONEY

Fork supper

The Enagh Branch of the DUP held its Annual Fork Supper in the Social Centre Ballymoney. The special guest speaker was Sammy Wilson MP MLA former Finance Minister. A musical programme was also provided by the Vow Accordion Orchestra and Mrs Kelly Hanna.

(See picture opposite).

BALLYCASTLE

Rota chemist

The chemist on rota duty this Sunday in Ballycastle is F. A. McCaughan, 27 Ann Street, who will be open from 12 noon to 1 p.m. for urgent prescriptions.