ballymena doorstep advertiser - may 2011

Ballymenadoorstep advertiser

FREE

May 2011

Ballymena Show Ballymena Show EditionEdition

tel: 028 2500 2005

IT’S SHOW TIMEIt’s that time of the year again! Ballymena Show will take place on Friday 27 and Saturday 28 May at Ballymena Showgrounds. Judges have been booked and the events have been organised for what promises to be a great two days.

FRIDAY 27 MAY (all horses except Clydesdales) – Trade stands will NOT be openThe showgrounds will be alive with horses including Ex-Racehorses, Working & Ridden Hunters, Fresians, Miniatures, Thoroughbreds, Non-Thoroughbreds and Hunter Brood Mares as well as horse-jumping (which commences at 9.30am). Numerous qualifiers for the Irish Shows Association and the RDS Beeders competition will be up for grabs. Poultry, Home Industries and Floral Art exhibits will be judged, but will not be available for viewing until the Saturday.

SATURDAY 28 MAY - Main Day of the ShowTrade stands open at 9am to the general public and livestock judging commences from 9.30am. There will be Ponyjumping, Pony Showing, Cattle, Sheep, Goats, Shearing, YFC competitions and lots more. Check out the Home Industries section (including the famous Women’s Institute stand with lots of homemade goodies on display). See the beauty of Floral Art and various demonstrations available during the day. Check out the variety of foods on display as well as agricultural supplies and the latest cars, tractors, garden equipment, health supplies and lots more. Chicks are ever popular in Slemish hall along with the shearing and YFC competitions. NOT TO BE MISSED – The Parade of Champion Cattle around 2pm.

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St. Patricks Barracks possible site of new prison

This year Ballymena Show organisers are delighted to have the opportunity to hold two classes for Ex Race Horses on Friday 27 May at Ballymena Showgrounds.

The Racehorse to Riding Horse Ireland Association aims to promote the use of ex race horses as general riding animals after their careers have ended and has various levels of competition both ridden and performance.

They assist all levels of training and riding to enjoy the animals whilst in a competition environment. However blemishes, bumps and injuries are all taken into

consideration when judging. The Training Class involves the combination of horse and rider to carry out a short show of all paces with the emphasis on control, manners and obedience. All competitors will receive a rosette with a prize for the best placed veteran horse (over 15yrs) and a prize for the best turned out.

An Open Ridden Class is kindly sponsored by Down Royal Race Course, and they will be giving away free tickets for entry to the racecourse to everyone who competes in the open class as part of a league over five shows with a trophy

presented at the final at Newry Show. This will be calculated on a points system and the format is a show of all paces and then the judge will ride the horse to assess its control and response, with obedience, control and manners being the main criteria.

So come along to Ballymena Show and check the manners of ex race horses on Friday 27 May (all horses except Clydesdales will be held on the Friday – Trade stands will NOT be open until the Saturday). All other activities including Pony Classes will be on Saturday 28 May.

Ex race horses welcome at Ballymena Show

Who said Young Farmers are boring? How about the team challenge at Ballymena Show on Saturday 28 May, where a chariot will have to be built and raced for charity.

All tools, equipment and materials will be brought by the teams to Ballymena Showgrounds and each team will be given 30 minutes to build their chariot, which will then

have to carry one of the team members around an assault course (kindly pulled by the other members of the team).

Judging will be based on the chariot construction, presentation, costume, time taken to complete the course as well as one other factor which will be revealed on show day.

Style ‘N’ Sport Ballymena kindly sponsor the prize

money of 1st £150 and 2nd £100, which will be awarded to the winning team’s chosen charity. So if your Young Farmers Club thinks they could build a chariot, get an application form from the Show Office on 028 2565 2666 or by email: secretary@b a l l y m e n a s h o w. c o . u k

Closing date for team entries is 17 May 2011.

Chariot for charity Love your butterNestled in the Dromara hills you will find Beechtree Farm, where the most creamy butter is made by Will and Allison – a skill passed down through the family for generations.

With their butter churn and pats in tow, Will and Allison will be demonstrating their skills at Ballymena Show on Saturday 28 May at Ballymena Showgrounds. The couple source their cream from a local farm that grazes its cows on the lush green pastures of the Lagan valley. Nothing but the best

fresh local cream, a pinch of salt and lots of hard work go into making Abernethy butter, so come along and

fall in love with fresh, creamy butter lovingly made, just as granny used to make it.

Arlene Thompson from Sainsbury’s Try Team will be cooking up tasty recipes using Northern Irish beef, lamb and dairy products at the Ballymena show on Saturday 28 May. There will be half hour demonstrations running throughout the day and everyone will get a sample of the cooked recipe and a recipe card to take home too.

Arlene has cooked with Jamie Oliver, the original Calendar girls and more recently in the X Factor house, so has lots of helpful tips and ideas which she would love to share with you at the Show so come along and try something new. Arlene says: “I am proud to work for Sainsbury’s as our aim is to provide our customers with healthy, safe, fresh and tasty food. We achieve this by sourcing our food from local farmers and suppliers in N. Ireland, and as every good cook would say,

your recipe is only as good as the ingredients you put in it!” Why not try this very quick and tasty steak sarnie, using local Northern Irish beef? It is perfect for a Saturday night dinner or, as the summer is almost here, it tastes wonderful if the steak is cooked on the BBQ.

Steak Sarnie with Caramelised OnionsServes 2

2 lean beef steaks (sirloin, fillet, rump or ribeye) medium or thin thickness15g olive oil1 medium red onion, peeled, halved and sliced1 heaped teaspoon sugar100g sunblush tomatoes40g black or green olives (optional)1 ciabatta bread, halved 1 pack herb saladFreshly ground black pepper

• Heat the olive oil in a small frying pan and cook the

onions gently for 10 minutes.• Add the sugar and turn up the heat and cook, stirring continually, until the onions caramelise.• Set aside and keep warm.• Trim the steaks and then coat with a little olive oil and seasoning, then fry on a very hot pan or griddle on both sides until cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.• Grill the cut side of the ciabatta for 2-3 minutes until light golden, then cut each side in half.• Arrange the salad leaves, sunblush tomatoes and olives if using, on one half of the ciabatta. Place the steaks on top and spoon over the caramelised onions, and season with black pepper.• Top with other half of ciabatta andserve immediately.

Tip: This recipe can serve 4 as an open sandwich, (buy 4 steaks) and cut the ciabatta bread in half horizontally and then cut in half again.

Cooking Demonstrations at Ballymena Show

Ballymena Show is looking for the Most Adorable Puppy (6-12mths old), the Happiest Wagging Tail Dog, the Cuddliest Pet Rabbit, the Most Original Fancy Dressed Pet and the Best Groomed Pet. Entries will be taken from 1.30pm and judged shortly afterwards.

So bring along your pet and let the judge decide who is cuddliest and who is happiest!

Show your pets

BALLYMENA SHOW 2011

Numbersixvalverde winner of both the Irish and the Aintree Grand Nationals. Trainer/handler Rosario Kelly produced him for Cavan Festival of Dressage aged 16yrs having entered dressage as a 15 year old horse, showing that horses can be rehabilitated at any age and from any level.Included in photo is Julie Morris from the Racehorse to Riding Horse Association.

MAIN SPONSOR OF THE BALLYMENA SHOW

3Ballymena Doorstep Advertiser

Ballymena Show Chairman’s Remarks

To advertise call 028 2500 2005

Got a story or want to submit a photo?

Email: [email protected]

On the last Saturday of May Ballymena Showgrounds will be awash with livestock and crafts. Ballymena Show Chairman, Mr Randal Hayes, is delighted with entry levels at present and is looking forward to a good show of Horses (except Clydesdales) including horse jumping on Friday 27 May with Cattle, Ponies, Poultry, Sheep and Goats on Saturday 28 May – starting at 9.30am with Trade stands only open on the Saturday.

Exhibitors will make sure all is in prime condition for judging. Home Industries and Floral Art exhibits are always very

colourful with sections for YFC, Schools, Homes and Women’s Institutes.

So get along to Ballymena Showgrounds where all children under the age of 12 get in free and if you are

aged 12-16 it will only cost £3. Adults charge will be £6 and you can check out the ‘best’ in agriculture as well as taking a walk around the many various traders, crafts and information.

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Randal Hayes, Chairman Ballymena Show is looking forward to Ballymena Show 27 and 28 May 2011

Turn to p6 for more on Ballymena Show 2011

4 Ballymena Doorstep Advertiser

SDLP Ballymena North Councillor PJ McAvoy has expressed his opposition to the introduction of on street car parking charges in Ballymena town.

He said: “As chair of the Town Centre Partnership I worked in conjunction with the Town Traders, Chamber of Commerce, and the official of the local Department of Regional Development office to introduce a scheme of free on street car parking in Ballymena.” “It took between three and four years to implement this scheme and the end result was half hour parking in any two hours free of charge. This system has now been operating for three years and has worked extremely

well for Ballymena town.”

“It allows people to pop in to the shops for their messages and move on within thirty minutes.

This creates frequent turnover of car parking spaces and encourages a smooth flow of traffic, avoiding congestion in and around the town centre.”

“This scheme is excellent for everyone in Ballymena and I would be greatly opposed to a change in the system, particularly one which would involve a charge.”

“I will be canvassing all the people concerned with the idea of a ‘BIG NO’ to this plan.”

McAvoy: ‘Big No’ to on street car parking charges in town

Massive investment by Diageo at Bushmills is a vote of confidence in the future

Additional parking spaces and parking charges at Antrim Area Hospital are now operational.

The new arrangements are proposed to help manage the flow of traffic and control parking. Visitors to the site will now have to pay to use the hospital car park. The cost to park for up to one hour will be £1 rising by 50p for each additional hour. All of the income generated from the traffic

management scheme will be directed into patient care.

A Trust spokeswoman said that traffic at the hospital site has increased significantly in recent years and the additional 260 car parking spaces at Antrim Area Hospital will considerably improve traffic flow. She went on to say: “Parking facilities at both our major hospitals have been abused in the past. We know of cases of hospital car parks

being used by people with business elsewhere, people going shopping and, on one occasion, the car park at Antrim being used while the vehicle owner went on holiday for two weeks.

“We expect the introduction of paid parking to reduce this kind of unacceptable behaviour.

“There will be exemptions for patients/relatives attending the hospital, for

example cancer patients, renal patients, next of kin of those in ICU, next of kin of seriously sick patients, next of kin of neonatal patients and the parents or carer of sick children.

“Clamping will be enforced on the hospital site for those who park illegally, for example in disabled spaces when they do not have a blue disabled badge, parking over two spaces or abandoning a car on the hospital site.”

Councillor Declan O’Loan, SDLP Representative for North Antrim has commended Diageo’s massive investment in Bushmills as a vote of confidence in the future of this brand. He said: “Diageo’s purchase of Bushmills in 2005 and substantial investment in the company since is a huge vote of confidence for the future growth and success of this brand.”

“Bushmills has a very rich heritage and is a whiskey that local people are very proud of. Through investing heavily to build upon the brand’s rich history Diageo is aiming to make Bushmills a top brand of Irish whiskey

Prestigious performing arts school announces new venue in Ballymena.

The acclaimed Belfast School of Performing Arts (BSPA) is pleased to announce that it will be opening its second venue outside Belfast in Ballymena. Working in partnership with Ballymena Borough Council the new home of BSPA in Ballymena will be the Braid Arts Centre.

Connor Dinsmore, Marketing Director with Belfast School of Performing Arts said: “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the Braid, this venue is one of the province’s newest and most comprehensively equipped performing arts spaces and we are tremendously excited about the opportunity to bring our school to the residents of Ballymena.”

Open to all students between the ages of 6 and 18, the school will operate classes every Saturday morning during term time and the teaching syllabus will focus on delivering structured training sessions to develop key skills in the areas of dancing, acting and

singing. The school’s tutors will draw from a wealth of professional experience in their own specialist areas and with the emphasis firmly on ‘fun while we learn’, will help to develop solid foundations for anyone aspiring towards a career in performing arts. The school will run over three terms with students and tutors working towards a large live production of a popular hit show at the end of the year.

Rosalind Lowry, Arts & Development Officer, The Braid Arts Centre said: “We are very excited about working with Belfast School of Performing Arts, this is a wonderful opportunity for the young people in our borough to gain first class experience and skills in performing arts and The Braid Arts Centre is the perfect venue for this partnership, we look forward to watching our young performers flourish.”

Rachel Tucker, local girl and star of hit Andrew Lloyd Webber TV show ‘I’d Do Anything’, is the school’s inaugural patron. She is looking forward to running workshops with

the students when her busy schedule allows her to make it back home to Northern Ireland. Rachel is currently based in London playing the lead role of ‘Elphaba’ in the West End’s award winning, critically acclaimed production of ‘Wicked’ (www.wickedthemusical.co.uk). From time to time the school will also bring in guest tutors and earlier this year students had a real treat when Strictly Come Dancing stars Anton Du Beke and Erin Boag took some time out from their rehearsals to run a special workshop with the students on the stage at the Waterfront Hall in Belfast.

In addition to Saturday morning classes the BSPA team will also be out and about holding performing arts workshops in local schools and colleges. The workshops are specifically designed to support the learning outcomes of the new A level performing arts syllabus and will focus on both the performance and technical elements of a production. Teachers are encouraged to get in touch for further information.

Get ready to take the stage! BSPA Artistic Director, James Huish said: “Initially in Ballymena we are limited to just 75 places and interest has been overwhelming with many of the slots already snapped up by eager young actors and actresses.

We will also be holding an open day on the first day of term in the Braid at the beginning of September, and anyone who would like to try a taster session is encouraged to attend.Anyone who would

like more information or to register their interest is encouraged to go to the school’s website www.thebspa.co.uk or call James on 07525 615526 as places are quickly filling up.

BSPA Patron Rachel Tucker with Artistic Director James Huish

in terms of global sales.” “Since the acquisition of Bushmills, Diageo has invested £10.5 million into the brand through the installation of new equipment, the introduction of a new bottle

design and usage of new maturation warehouses. These new warehouses have expanded Bushmills storage capacity by another 44,000 barrels of whiskey.” “I appreciate the close consultation that I have had

with Diageo as they have developed their expansion strategy and believe that their massive investment in Bushmills will ensure the continued future growth and prosperity of this richly historical local brand.”

Parking tariffs at Antrim Hospital


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New safety measures agreed for Braidside PS

The new ‘Montgomery’s Foodhall’ Trophy will be awarded at Ballymena Show this year for the Best Dexter in the Rare Breed section of cattle.

Tim Montgomery explained that these cattle are recognised for producing some of the best tasting, richly flavoured beef available as well as being rich in healthy omega 3 unsaturated fats. It also has superb marbling ensuring the beef stays tender during cooking, providing a buttery/nutty flavour. Originally an Irish hill-cow, this hardy breed is now highly favoured amongst

chefs – throughout the UK and Ireland – including Danny Millar, Rick Stein and Antony Worrel Thompson, and is a top menu item in the UK’s best restaurants, including Montgomery’s own award winning restaurant in Ballymena.

Comments from those with more discerning tastebuds are that Dexter beef is “sweeter” than other beef and Montgomery’s Foodhall is proud to be part of the re-establishment of traditional quality food in Ireland and will be proud to award this trophy to the Best Dexter on Saturday 28 May at Ballymena Show.

Montgomery Trophy for the docile Dexters

BALLYMENA SHOW 2011

New safety measures agreed for Braidside PS

The Women’s Institute are closely linked with the rural community and Ballymena Show are proud to have Slemish Area WI at Ballymena Show, highlighting the skills of local women with displays of craft, baking, and lots more.

This year the WI can be found beside the exhibits from schools and homes in the Home Industries Marquee. The trade stand will have many of the infamous WI books and leaflets on display and everyone at Ballymena Show are looking forward to meeting present members

as well as new recruits.

The Women’s Institute is a worldwide organisation and are proud of their monthly magazine ‘Ulster Countrywoman’ which features book reviews, tasty recipes, quirky stories, poetry, health and gardening information among the many topics covered. With flowers shows, public speaking, choirs, and new and old crafts, the ladies have plenty to keep them busy.

So come along to the WI stand and see what it’s all about.

WI set for Ballymena Show


Entries are flooding into the Show office for the many competitions being held at Ballymena Show 2011, with some exhibitors wishing to take their prize exhibits to finals of competitions at other shows.

The prestigious RDS Breeders Championship has only six venues at which to qualify, with the winner walking away with €5000

for the top prize at the final at Failté Ireland Dublin Horse show in August.

In the horse section there are numerous qualifiers for the Irish Shows Association, Racehorse to Riding Horse, Irish Pony Society, Ponies UK, Native Breeds and National Pony Society. Points can also be gained for the NI Shows Association Clydesdale Championship.

Qualifiers for the NI Shows Association Pedigree Beef Heifer (sponsored by Ulster Bank) the Dairy Cow Championship (sponsored by McLarnons) and Sheep Championship (sponsored by Northern Bank) will be chosen and a new qualifier is being held for the McCaughan/Zermex Shearling Ewe with the final at Antrim Show in July.

Qualifiers galore, including RDS

Showing livestock at agricultural shows requires a lot of training, and exhibitors usually start quite young by learning the ropes from their elders and various clubs and associations.

Young Handlers enter on show dayAt Ballymena Young Handlers are encouraged to come along on show day and enter the Cattle and Sheep sections from the age of eight.

In the Cattle section, classes are divided into Beef and Dairy with 8-12 and 13-19 age groups and then overall Beef Young Handlers and Dairy Young Handlers are chosen who will share a beautiful crystal trophy presented by the Perry Family. Prize money is kindly sponsored by John Thompson & Sons Ltd.

In the Sheep section, exhibitors can enter aged 8-14 with prize money kindly sponsored by McCarroll

Plant Hire and prizes issued for the Cydectin qualifier by Pfizer Animal Health for the three best competitors. The final for this competition will be held at Clogher Valley Show at the end of July.

All exhibitors must be deemed capable of handling the animals being shown and the owner of the animal being shown must remain at a safe distance. There is no entry fee or pre-entry required and young handlers should get on down to the cattle and sheep areas to register for the competitions on Saturday afternoon.

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The Yew Tree in Ahoghill has recently undergone a massive refurbishment and is now undoubtedly one of the borough’s most welcoming and tastefully decorated restaurants. It has built a reputation for delicious food, a friendly atmosphere and as a place where you will always be made welcome.The restaurant is run by William McCombe and Managed by Gary McCrory, who go the extra mile to ensure your time at the Yew Tree is enjoyable. The refurbished Yew Tree combines an ambient interior design – which is both modern and relaxing – with an already renowned menu to place the restaurant at the top of the list when choosing somewhere to dine in the Ballymena area, whether that be for lunch or dinner. Their extensive lunch menu gives a variety of choice and their three-course set lunch, including tea or coffee and Yew

Tree Mints is extremely competitively priced at only £9.95, and as those who have dined at the Yew Tree can testify, the portions won’t leave you wanting more.There is definitely something for everyone at the Yew Tree from light bites to generous mains, and there is also plenty of choice for vegetarian diners and a children’s menu.The dinner menu consists of favourites but with delicate twists to ensure a fulfilling dining experience. There are numerous healthy options and if your kids like pizza, then the Yew Tree is certainly the place to go, as children get to prepare their own pizza at their table, which always proves to be a highlight. The Yew Tree is very much a family restaurant and they even have a colourful playroom for the younger diners to enjoy.Having built a reputation for great food over the years, the Yew Tree management and staff didn’t want to go ahead with

any changes before consulting their regular diners. This consultation has resulted in a menu that has been refined to bring you some of the most delicious dishes for miles around.The restaurant is also fully licensed with all the usual favourites and a good selection wines.The takeaway at the Yew Tree is

t: (028) 2587 1744w: www.yewtreeahoghill.come: [email protected] - 24 Main Street, Ahoghill, BT42 2PA, Northern Ireland

now doing Pizza (see their amazing specials below) to accompany the already extensive and impressive menu, which includes all the standard takeaway meals plus some more intriguing dishes such as ‘Baked Darne of Salmon’ and ‘Minute Steak & Bushmills Sauce’ to name only two. There is also a kids’ meals menu and a takeaway dessert menu.

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VQ Awards - if you’re not in, you can’t winThe Department for Employment and Learning is calling for entries to the 2011 Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Awards.

The Awards celebrate the achievement of the thousands of learners who have achieved a vocational qualification between 1 May 2006 and 1 May 2011. Winners’ achievements are to be marked with an awards ceremony at Parliament Buildings, Stormont as part of VQ Day 2011 on 22 June. The closing date for entries

is 20 May 2011. Colleges, employers, training providers and awarding bodies from the borough are encouraged to get involved in the celebrations by nominating learners for the prestigious award.Daryl Young, Further Education Programme Manager at the Department for Employment and Learning, said: “Vocational qualifications are the means by which skills that are valuable to employers are demonstrated. Learners can achieve vocational

qualifications right across the labour market spectrum. They are valued by employers, because employers know that by achieving a vocational qualification a learner demonstrates skills and capability to perform effectively in their sectors of the labour market, whether it be construction, hair and beauty, retail or office-based work.“VQ Day 2011 provides an opportunity to showcase the outstanding achievement of learners who have gained a

vocational qualification. The Department supports a wide range of learning programmes involving VQs, through ApprenticeshipsNI, Further Education colleges and Training for Success. I urge any organisation involved with VQs to nominate learners who they feel demonstrate the excellence associated with VQs.”Vocational qualifications have a strong link to particular employment sectors, and are becoming increasingly important to the NI economy to ensure that it develops the right skills for future employment. The achievement of vocational qualifications can also transform the lives of those that take them by getting them into worthwhile employment, or by further developing their skills when already employed.

Launching the call for entries to the 2011 Vocational Qualifications (VQ) Awards are Daryl Young, Further Education Programme Manager at the Department for Employment and Learning, and Ian McIlveen, winner of 2010 Learner of the Year Award

Left: Enjoying the sunny May Day Bank Holiday at Portgelnone Forest’s Bluebell Festival were Alex and Erin Bonar from Ahoghill, who were very interested in the forest animals at the Forest service display.

Right: Down among the Bluebells are Margaret Redmond and Kieran Adams of Portglenone Enterprise Group, two of the organisers of Portglenone Forest’s Bluebell Festival. Run in conjunction with the Big Lottery and the Green Gym, the Bank Holiday event featured guided walks and displays from Bicycle Shack, Ballymena Special Olympics football team, the RSPB, and a Gruffalo Trail.

Portglenone Enterprise Group Bluebell Festival

O’Loan calls on Council to drop £5 charge for recycling boxesSDLP Councillor Declan O’Loan has called on Ballymena Borough Council to drop its £5 charge for new and replacement recycling boxes. He said: “For the last couple of years the Council has had a policy of charging £5 for new and replacement red boxes for recycling. The Council brought this in as a cost cutting measure but I think it should be ended.” “These boxes are very flimsy and are easily blown away or damaged. There is a demand for lots of new boxes to replace old ones and for new recycling. Five pounds is in any case a very high price for what they are. But more importantly,

it is putting people off recycling. The number of boxes issued has dropped by several thousand each year, and that is the opposite of what we want to see.” “ People are coming down to the Council yard for boxes and then going away again when they hear about the £5 charge.” “This policy may have had good intentions when it was introduced but it has had unintended consequences on recycling targets. It is time to scrap this charge.”


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All sheds are heavy built & require a flat baseShed frames are constructed from 3 x 11/2 inch timber,

With 12mm T&G weather board cladded walls & T&G floor & roof.The roof is covered with 40Kg green mineral felt.

All timber is sourced from Scandanivian softwood from a sustainable source.Sheds are treated in teak oil based preservative.

Opening Hours: Monday - Friday 8.00am - 5.00pm Sat 8.30am - 4.00pm190 Hillhead Road, Ballyclare Tel: 028 9335 4699 Mobile 078 0249 0617 www.hillheadsheds.co.uk

Among those celebrating the Big Day for Prince William and Kate Middleton were the Gilmores of Houston Park Broughshane, who decked their garden out in royal style and hosted a garden party for family members.

Wilbert Gilmore, a frequent winner of Community Best Kept Garden awards, remembers street parties at his childhood home in Patrick Place, Ballymena, where his father and other local residents decked the street out to

hold parties to celebrate the Coronation and the Queen’s wedding to Prince Philip. Pictured toasting the Royal couple on the morning of the royal wedding are Wilbert and Samena Glmore, with daughter Sandra and Samena’s sister Jean McKelvey.

Royal Wedding Fever in Broughshane 18a Railway Street, Ballymena,County Antrim, BT42 2AA

Tel: 028 2564 8430

18a Railway Street, Ballymena,County Antrim, BT42 2AA

Ballymena Doorstep Advertiser10

The iconic Michelin Man statue has been stolen from the grass area at the front of the Michelin factory on the Raceview road, Broughshane.

It appears that Bibendum did not go easily as one of his feet has been left behind.Police believe someone must have seen this happening or know where the Michelin

Man is now, and ask anyone with information to contact the rural Neighbourhood Team or CRIMESTOPPERS.

Daylight rubbery

Four clients from the Northern Trust’s ADAPT programme have got arty and created new pieces of art for the walls of the ‘relaxation room’ at Ballymena North.

ADAPT is the Northern Trust’s specialised brain injury rehabilitation programme. It helps small groups of clients by giving them concentrated

help to do things that can make a major difference to their lives and the lives of their families. From June to December Helen Bradbury, artist in residence, worked on a weekly basis with four of ADAPT’s Ballymena clients. They created a series of paintings for their relaxation room in the Ballymena North Business and

Recreation Centre branch.Helen Bradbury said: “The clients led the whole process from the initial ideas, to creating the content, through to the development of the finished pieces. The project resulted in three paintings which reflect light and peacefulness helping the clients to relax and leave for a time the stresses of the day.”

Ballymena ADAPT clients get arty

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NEW GROUPAhoghill Community CentreCullybackey Road, AhoghillEvery Monday at 7:30 PMTel: Cathy 07843 018811

MONDAYMartinstownSt Marys Parish CentreLisnamanny, Martinstown7:30pmTel: Lorna 07975 542736

TUESDAY MORNINGBallymena - NEW SESSION ADDEDAdair Arms HotelBallymoney Road9:30 AM & 11:30 AMTel: Donna 07846 141869

TUESDAYBallymenaAdair Arms HotelBallymoney Road5:00 & 7:00 PMTel: Donna 07846 141869

Broughshane (Ballymena)Houston's Mill10 Buckna Road5:30 PM & 7:30 PMTel: Lisa 07513 627161

WEDNESDAYCullybackey Cullybackey High School,44 Pottinger Street, Cullybackey7:30pmTel: Tracey 07843 111878

THURSDAYBallymenaBallymena North Recreation Centre120 Cushendall Road, Ballymena5:30 PM & 7:30 PMTel: Tracey 07843 111878


Measuring &Estimates

carpet1st SpringSaleHundreds of rolls in stock for

Call: 2565 0444 or visit

Carpet 1stWaveney RoadBallymena (beside Fire Station)

Just Tiles nBathrooms

Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena, BT42 3HBTelephone: 02825632343 Website: www.justtilesnbathrooms.com

Just Tiles N BathroomsJust right for quality, value, and choice!

Offer valid on production of this voucherTerms and conditions apply, see instore for details

(Offer ends 31st May 2011)

Free adhesive and grout for month of May

New Drop-Off Centre

We will buy your unwanted, good quality clothing (all age groups); Shoes (please keep in pairs); Belts; Hand-Bags; & Hats

OPENING HOURSMON - FRI : 10am - 5pmSAT : 10am - 3pm

Tel: 07561020092

FREE Home Collection Service available Monday to Friday We will call to your home at a pre-arranged time; your clothing will be weighed by one of our Collection Team, and you will be paid.

TN6 34TB ,anemyllaB ,teertS nedraW a4

For every kg we pay you 60p that’s £6 for a 10kg bag

Special rates for Group, Club and School collections

County Antrim’s finest Chinese Restaurant (est. 1966)Lunch served Monday-Saturday 12:00 - 2:00pm, Sunday 12:30pm - 2:45pm

Closed for lunch on Wednesdays.Restaurant open for evening meals daily from 5:00pm - late.

Stylish, comfortable and inviting with a wide varity of fine cuisine.

Visit: www.gosun.co.uk for special offers.Tel: 028 2565 6774 / 028 2565 3931

43 Bridge Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim, BT 43 5EL(Minute Walk Down From Braid Arts Centre)

£5 VOUCHER TO BE USED IN THE RESTAURANT AFTER 5PM WHEN YOU SPEND OVER £30 PER

COUPLETERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY


MaineUpholsterers

Maine Upholsterers Move Premises to Cullybackey

Tel: 028 2588 2771 Mob: 07803190946Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

Monday and WednesdayTuesday and ThursdayFriday

8.30 am – 5.30 pm8.30 am – 8.30 pm8.30 am – 2.00 pm

Whether it’s an old suite you need restored to its former glory or the whole refurbishment of an office or church, Maine can meet your need with the highest level of customer service and professionalism ensured.

Quality, hand-built pieces can be commissioned with confidence as the experienced staff can tackle any job – big or small – with superior craftsmanship. The final product will far outweigh the price, with a lifetime of pride and joy guaranteed.

As well as custom made furniture for the home, Maine Upholsterers also offer their services for contract work from church pews to bar stools.

160 Fenaghy Road, Cullybackey, BT42 1DZ

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What’s on...13Ballymena Doorstep Advertiser

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The Braid Arts Centre

Braid Real Music ClubDate: Friday 13 MayTime: 8pmAdmission: £TBC

Tony Mc Loughlin:A native of Newry, County Down, Tony McLoughlin has consistently shown himself to be a top of the line musician and songwriter. His travels have taken him all through Europe and more recently America. It is now clear to all who know his music that greater recognition is way overdue. The quality of his four albums speaks for itself.Following an appearance at the Nashville/Belfast Songwriter Festival 2007, Tony came to the attention of songwriter extraordinaire Tony Arata, who passed his latest album on to the respected Nashville publisher Matt Lindsey. This led to the eventual signing of a publishing agreement between Tony and Matt in September 2007.Tony continues to tour in Europe and now regularly visits the United States to write, co-write, record and perform.

Ben Reel:Ben Reel plays rock with a touch of roots, blues and soul with an occasional injection of reggae. Critically acclaimed all over Europe, his vocals are soulful and his lyrics meaningful. In the last two years Ben has earned the respect and shared the stage with some Nashville greats like Nancy Griffith, Hal Kethcum and David Olney.Since his debut, ‘This is the Movie’ back in 1999, each album has gone from strength to strength, covering

different styles of music along the way from rock, soul, and roots to reggae and funk. Now, with this current album, Ben’s music has evolved into an honest earthy, soulful sound that has matured like a fine wine.Ben first picked up the guitar when he was 15 years-old, inspired by the authenticity of the likes of Bruce Springsteen and Neil Young. Their influence is still reflected today in Ben’s passionate and heart-on-the-sleeve approach to performing and writing, but his sound is very much his own.In the last 10 years he has had numerous high profile TV and radio appearances and airplay under his belt, including Bob Harris BBC Radio 2, and has supported celebrated names like Jools Holland, Alabama 3 and The Cranberries. He has performed his radio hit U People with the late great Ian Dury’s legendary Blockheads, and has recorded the song with award winning saxophonist Gilard Atzman.Also over the last four years Ben has enjoyed successful tours in Holland, Belgium and Germany, receiving rave reviews and attracting a growing fan base which has led to being invited to play the prestigious Dutch festival Huntenpop August 2010. Along the way he has played with some of the finest musicians in Ireland and has built a loyal underground following.

Braid Comedy ClubDate: Saturday 14 MayTime: 8:30pmAdmission: £7

Another night of comedy at the Braid Comedy Club with a great line-up of top drawer comedians on the bill.

Mid-Antrim MuseumLegends in the Landscape: Myths and Folklore of Mid-Antrim Exhibition Date: Until 20 AugustLocation: Temporary GalleryAdmission: Free

This exhibition explores some of Mid-Antrim’s most legendary stories and compares them with the recorded history of the sites concerned. The Legends in the Landscape exhibition highlights how legends and folklore form an important part of our local cultural identity. Stories are brought to life through a range of media, including short films and dramatic large-scale graphics to create an immersive and engaging experience.

Arthur CottageTraditional Music and Poetry EveningDate: Thursday 19 MayTime: 8pm-10pmAdmission: £5 (to book call the Braid: 028 2563 5900)

Tea and pancakes freshly baked for refreshments.

What’s on in the borough in the coming weeks...

Coming this May to IMC CinemaBooking Line - 028 2563 1111www.imccinemas.ie

Send your entries to: Tickets Competition, Elbowroom Media, Unit 48 Ballymena Business Centre, Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, BT42 1FL (Closing date 27/05/11)

Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger TidesStarts Wednesday 18 MayWhen Jack crosses paths with a woman from his past (Penelope Cruz), he‘s not sure if it‘s love or if she‘s a ruthless con artist who‘s using him to find the fabled Fountain of Youth. When she forces him aboard the Queen Anne‘s Revenge, the ship of the formidable pirate Blackbeard (Ian McShane), Jack finds himself on an unexpected adventure in which he doesn‘t know who to fear more: Blackbeard or the woman from his past. The international cast includes franchise vets Geoffrey Rush as the vengeful Captain Hector Barbossa, and Kevin R. McNally as Captain Jack‘s longtime comrade Joshamee Gibbs, plus Sam Claflin as a stalwart missionary and Astrid Berges–Frisbey as a mysterious mermaid.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules (U)Starts Friday 27 MayWimpy Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon), now in seventh grade, thinks he has it all together. He has mastered middle school and gotten rid of the Cheese Touch. However, Greg’s older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick), is itching to cut him down to size. He gets the perfect opportunity when their mother (Rachael Harris) tries to force the boys to bond. Rodrick may be Greg’s chief tormentor, but he feels his constant pranks are just what his little brother needs to prepare him for life’s hard knocks.

Priest (12A)Starts 6 MayA legendary Warrior Priest lives in obscurity among the other downtrodden human inhabitants of walled–in dystopian cities ruled by the Church. When his niece is abducted by a murderous pack of vampires, the Priest breaks his sacred vows to find her. He is joined on his crusade by his niece‘s boyfriend, a trigger–fingered young wasteland sheriff, and a former Warrior Priestess who possesses otherworldly fighting skills.

The Hangover Part IIStarts Thursday 26 MayIn the follow-up to the record-breaking hit comedy ‘The Hangover’ Phil (Bradley Cooper), Stu (Ed Helms), Alan (Zach Galifianakis) and Doug (Justin Bartha) travel to exotic Thailand for Stu’s wedding. After the unforgettable bachelor party in Las Vegas, Stu is taking no chances and has opted for a safe, subdued pre-wedding brunch. However, things don’t always go as planned. What happens in Vegas may stay in Vegas, but what happens in Bangkok can’t even be imagined.


Visit the ancestral home of Chester Alan Arthur, the 21st President of the United States of America.

Situated in the heart of country Antrim, only a short walk from the village of Cullybackey. Enter the carefully restored cottage, be transported to a bygone era and see how the Arthur family lived in the late 18th century. Follow the story of the Arthur family and trace the link from a rural village in Northern Ireland to the American President.

Arthur cottage provides an educationalexperience for all ages. Local ladies dressed in period costume give regular demonstrations of traditional cooking. Baking of soda bread and pancakes made from traditional receipts over an open fire provides and insight into life in Ireland over the last 200 years. You can not

only enjoy the demonstration but also sample the pancakes and soda baked straight form the griddle – yummy!

So if you are looking for a different day out then mirror, signal and manoeuvre your way up to Cullybackey.

Current opening hours are every Thursday, Friday and Saturday from April to September 10.30am – 4.00pm. Small admission charge applies.

Should you wish make a booking for a group or indeed require any further information and to request a booking form please contact the Tourist Information Centre located at The Braid, Ballymena Town Hall, Museum & Arts Centre, Ballymena, tel 028 2563 5900 or email tourist.information@b a l l y m e n a . g o v . u k

Visit Arthur Cottage

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Hot• FA Cup Final (A match we actually don’t mind our men

watching as it means the end of football on our TV screens for two whole months!)

• The Hoff on Britain’s Got Talent (We didn’t think anyone would be able to step into Simon Cowell’s shoes but the Hoff has proved us wrong – legend!)

• Sunshine (We have been experiencing some freak temperatures and outbreaks of sunshine – hopefully the sign of things to come for summer!)

• Nude (Not to be taken literally – the colour must have for all of your essential items for spring/early summer!)

• Rosemary Conley Classes (A good way to get in shape for getting into your bikini for hols – check out full details below!)

Not• Stodgy food (Tastes good at the time but those extra

lumps and bumps are not a good look for skimpy clothing on foreign holidays!)

• Black tights (From 1 May – 30 September, black tight season is officially over. Get those legs out girls!)

• Bare chests (Unfortunately the slightest bit of sunshine encourages our men to whip out the flesh – keep it under wraps until holiday lads – it’s not that warm!)

• Mark and Lauren from TOWIE (We are so over their sham of an engagement – when is it ever going to be rumbled – YAWN!)

• Unfortunately football will be replaced with lots of other summer sports like golf, tennis and cricket – great (not)!

Celebrity SnippetsCheryl Cole – I want to have a babyForm a queue gents – Cheryl Cole is getting broody!The singer’s been cooing over snaps of fella Derek Hough’s nephew – Quaid Robert Wise. Derek has been texting her the pics this week and the Girls Aloud beauty responded by forking out on a massive hamper of presents to be shipped over to the wee man in Toronto, Canada.A pal of Derek’s said: “Cheryl has been gushing over the pictures and admitted to Derek they make her broody. She’s made no secret of the fact she wants to be a mum someday soon. She’s not in the happiest of places right now so Derek is trying to cheer her up.”

Radio 1 DJs host Eurovision Finals!Radio DJs Sara Cox and Scott Mills are the new faces of the BBC Eurovision semi-final coverage.Mills will host the shows from a London studio on May 10 and 12 while Cox will report back from the arena in Germany.The duo replace Paddy O’Connell and Sarah Cawood.The May 10 and 12 semi-finals will be broadcast on BBC3.

ballymena womenWhat’s Hot and What’s Not

Bridie Coulter, who was the Rosemary Conley Slimmer of the year 2010 after losing over 14 stone, recently appeared as the very special guest on Stephen Nolan’s TV programme ‘Fat Debate’.

A cardboard cut out of Bridie at size 34 also had a special guest appearance on the show so that viewers could compare Bridie’s

before size to her new slim size 10.

Bridie showed that with the help, encouragement and support of Eleanor (her instructor) it is possible to lose weight and keep it off without resorting to surgery.

Stephen Nolan’s radio and TV programmes on obesity have caused shock among the

community, so if you would like to lose weight, no matter how much or how little, be assured that new members are warmly welcomed at Eleanor’s classes and given all the help to achieve their weight loss.

For full details about Eleanor’s classes please call 028 9066 6625 or email: eleanor.harris@ro s e m a r yc o n l e y. c o m

Birdie’s date with Stephen Nolan

“I lost 12 dress sizes at my Antrim class!”

says BridieALSO RUNNING

CLASSES INCLUDING

Class Fee £5.90 *New members only. Valid until 27/05/11. Bring advert to class to claim offer.

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Call Eleanor on 028 9066 6625email: [email protected]

ANTRIM

Greystone Primary School,

Greystone Road, Antrim, BT41 1JW

Wednesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm

BALLYMENA

Harryville Primary School,

Casement Street, Ballymena, BT42 4BY

Tuesday 6:00 - 7:30 pm

FREE REJOIN

£32.00 for 5 classes & new magazine

Pay £29 For 5 Classes. Terms & Conditions, Complete Standing Order For Min 2 Months, Incl Free Magazine

FreeMembershipWorth£10Before After


May CompetitionNAME THE POPULAR BEAUTY & FITNESS STUDIO IN BALLYMENA

A - TONE TRIM TAN B - TRIM TONE TAN C - TAN TRIM TONEFirst 10 correct entries to write into Doorstep Advertiser will win either a free:LA Smile laser teeth whitening treatment, a 14 Day Gelac Nail Manicure or a Toning exercise session. Winner gets to choose 1 of the 3.

Answer:

Your Details:Please include yourmobile number

Please send entries to Ballymena Women, Elbowroom Media, Unit 48 Ballymena Business Centre, 62 Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, BT42 1FL (closing date 27/05/2011)

beauty & fitness

After

Before

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NORMAL PRICE WAS£36

J-Lo’s incredible flat tummySince her massive comeback on American Idol, a very slender Jennifer Lopez has been hot news across the Atlantic over the last few months. Not only is ‘Jenny from the Block’ 41 years old, she has also had twins! So how on earth has she managed to get her tummy back to being even flatter and more perfect than it was 10 years ago? In preparation for her upcoming music videos J-Lo (can we still call her that?) has been working out manically in the gym five times a week to maintain her amazing figure.Here at Ballymena Women, we think Jen is looking better than ever – you go girl!

ITV’s breakfast show Daybreak has been given another kicking – this time by viewers.

New audience research has revealed the £15million show is the least popular on TV. The BBC’s so-called Audience Appreciate Index (known as AI) sees around

20,000 viewers rate shows across all channels. They get a rating out of 100 and are listed according to their popularity, with a score of 82 being average. Daybreak has scored in the low 60s for the past two weeks and has languished in the bottom five least appreciated shows.

Viewers criticised the set and the presenting line-up of Adrian Chiles and Christine Bleakley, who were poached by ITV from the BBC1’s The One Show last year.The highest-rating shows included Waking The Dead and CSI.

Daybreak is least popular TV show


Bonnie Baby Competition

22 Greenvale StreetBallymena, County Antrim BT43 6AR

Tel: 028 2564 4806

Studio 22 Photography Ltd are Proud Sponsors of the 2011 BDA Bonnie Baby Competition!

Your Name (Legal Guardian, must be over 18):

Baby’s Name:

Baby’s Age (must be between 3-18 months):

Address:

Tel No (mobile prefered):

Email:

Send your entry & picture to: BDA Bonnie Baby Comp, Elbowroom Media, Unit 48, Ballymena Business Centre, Fenaghy Road, Galgorm, BT42 1FL Road or email [email protected]

We are inviting you to send in pictures of your Bonnie Babies for a chance to win the excellent prize of a professional photo session and a 14x11 inch framed photograph (including choice of photo for frame worth £250) of the winning baby, courtesy of Studio 22 Photography Ltd.

We will showcase the monthly winners with the grand final and overall winner being announced in the July/August edition.

May Finalists...

• Only one entry per baby is permitted • Unfortunately baby photos cannot be returned • Closing date of entries is Friday 24th June 2011 • For full terms and conditions please log onto www.doorstepadvertiser.com

Send in your baby’s picture for a chance to be a finalist in June

Joseph Brolly, 4 Months

Fiadh O’Boyle, 12 MonthsMargaret Lorimer, 12 MonthsLuke Graham, 7 Months Ben Russell, 13 Months

Charlie Skeggs, 11 Months Dylan Holmes, 6 Months Myles Burnside, 6 Months


The recent resurgence of interest in Ulster-Scots culture and heritage has brought back into focus many historical figures from this tradition. Among these individuals Bab M’Keen stands out as the archetypal mid-Antrim man: a humorous writer whose newspaper columns record the rich language used in local shops, factories, streets, and farms in the nineteenth and early twentieth century.

Bab became something of a local celebrity, entering into correspondence with other writers and local notables, and famous for his insights, roguish humour, and willingness to satirise those in power. But Bab M’Keen was in fact a fictional creation: a pen-name for a succession of local journalists. Ironically, however, the writing published under the name of M’Keen remains one of the few authentic sources of this period for those seeking to learn about the development of what linguistic scholars call Braid Ulster-Scots vernacular. Always written in this style, the M’Keen column is also a superb window into the social history of the area. Bab’s tales may have been humorous and fictional, but they also focused on real social, moral, economic and political issues.

The men behind the mythical figure were three generations of the same family. Bab was created by John Weir, the editor and proprietor of the Ballymena Observer from 1886 to 1927. When John died his son, William, took over ownership of Bab’s pen. The baton was then passed to William’s son, Major Jack Weir, who continued

the column up until 1970. The columns mostly appeared weekly in the paper but occasionally Bab would be silent for weeks on end, leading to concerned readers enquiring after his health or whereabouts.

The character of Bab mostly appeared in one of two guises. One was as a shopkeeper, the other as a country handloom weaver. These two personas allowed Bab to record both urban and rural life. In the column Ballymena itself was known as “M’Keenstown” and was full of larger-than-life people many of whom were thinly-veiled versions of real local characters. The issues up for discussion were wide in scope. In one article Bab discussed how his holiday in Dublin had been wrecked by the Easter Rising of 1916, and how, by accident, he had found himself amongst the rebels. Other articles concentrated on relations and misunderstandings between the ‘Big House’ gentry and farmers, or between ministers and their congregations. Bab was also willing to give out advice on “coortin a lass”. In most of Bab’s tales the woman folk got the upper hand. Always concerned with saving the pennies, Bab noted that his “advice tae ony o’ ye that’s contemplatin’ marriage – dae it afore the clargy pit on anither half-croon”. Not one to turn down attending a social occasion, another common theme for Bab was the various “swarees” in the district and his thoughts on poteen and “whusky”.

A memorable occasion for Bab was his meeting with Ulysses Grant, the former American President. Grant had also been

the Union General who had accepted the surrender of the Confederate Army that ended the American Civil War. After a contentious Presidency he was in the midst of a European tour in 1879. Bab’s column was a response to Grant’s controversial visit to Ireland and to widespread local disappointment that the General hadn’t honoured Ballymena with a long visit. Instead Grant had stopped off at the train station for only a few minutes on his journey from Derry to Belfast.

Bab’s humorous fictional discussion with Grant about America’s economic woes, taxes, and other sore-spots for Grant would have been popular with the readers. Grant did not receive the hero’s welcome that might have been expected, and was widely perceived as an arrogant man who, on this trip to his ancestral homeland, had managed to alienate most of Ireland. By the time he was travelling through Ballymena, Grant had made ill-judged comments about the Pope, Queen Victoria, and Irish industry. As a controversial figure, full of self-importance, who had damaged local civic pride, Grant was ripe for the Bab M’Keen treatment, and might even have benefitted from the sage’s advice.Today opinions on the validity or otherwise of Ulster-Scots as a distinct language may differ, but the wider importance of Ulster-Scots culture on our social and political history, and its influence on the language most local people use to this day, should be recognised by all. Within this context Philip Robinson, of the Ulster-Scots Academy, argues that Bab’s “contribution to the

entire corpus of Ulster-Scots literature is as significant as any other individual writer, both in terms of quantity and quality”.

‘Bab M’Keen Interviews General Grant’ is included in the excellent ‘Ulster-Scots Writing: An Anthology’, edited by Frank Ferguson. (Four Courts Press: Dublin, 2008).

A collection of Bab M’Keen’s articles are available in ‘Bab M’Keen: The Wit and Wisdom of an Ulster Scot’, edited by Jack Adams. (Mid-Antrim Ulster Scots Society: Ballymena, 2002).

Mid-Antrim Memories by James Greer

Bab M’Keen the voice of auld mid-Antrim

from these outlets:

Spar Cullybackey - 100 Main St, CullybackeyPaypoint / E top Up / ATM / Grocery, Fresh food, News & Mags, Provisions / Large Sandwich Bar / Hot Food / Hampers and Celebration Cakes made to Order

Bridge Service Station, Cullybackey4 Dreen Road, CullybackeyPetrol, Coal, Gas, Groceries

Paper Rack - 10 Main Street, AhoghillNewsagents, Cards & Sweets

Graham's Spar, Ahoghill 284 Galgorm RoadPetrol, Hot Food, Lottery & Off Licence

Culbertson’s Spar, The RossesThe Rosses, Tullygarley Road, Ballymena

Martinstown Spar77 Glenravel Road, MartinstownSpar Supermarket, Newsagent, Filling Station

Spar Frys Road82 Frys Road, Ballymena

Spar Grove Road120 Grove Road, Ballymena

Fullan’s Eurospar76 - 82 Main Street, Portglenone

Culbertson’s Spar Galgorm3 Fenaghy Road, Galgorm

Anne's Super ShopUnit 53 Junction One Centre, Antrim

The Kiosk Shop, Ballymena Bus StationBallymena Railway Station, Galgorm Road

Young’s Spar, Broughshane 11 Raceview Road, Broughshane

James McNeill Grocery Ltd, Vivo 71-73 Main Street, BroughshaneGroceries, Deli, Post Office, Hardware

Vivo Clough2 - 4 Main Street Ballymena

T&K Moorhead VivoLarne Road, BallymenaGroceries, Deli, Post Office

Costcutter Waterfoot21 Main Street, Waterfoot, Glenariff

Glenravel Road Costcutter204 Glenravel Road, Cargan

Groceries, Newspapers, Confectionary, Fresh Fruit & Veg, Post Office

Today Extra and Post Office8 Crebilly Road, Ballymena

Antrim Filling Station21 Ballymena Road, Antrim

Centra Junction One74 Oriel Road, Antrim

Costcutter, Randalstown42 Main Street, Randalstown

Hillview Service Station 215 Castle Road, Randalstown

Mace & Post Office, Randalstown22-24 New Street, Randalstown

Maxol Service Sation (Braid Rivers)10 North Road, Ballymena

Moore's Costcutter Cloughmills11 Main Street Cloughmils

Simpson's Newsagents30, Fountain Street, Antrim

Spar, Dublin Road10 Dublin Road, Antrim

Spar, Kells10 Fernisky Road, Kells

The Post Office Glarryford8 Station Road, Glarryford

Pick up a copy of the

Ulysses Grant got the Bab treatment


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Solve the CrosswordFirst correct solution picked at random receives £10 PrizeName:Address:

Tel No:

Send completed crosswords to:CompetitionsElbowroom MediaUnit 48 Ballymena Business CentreFenaghy Road, Galgorm, BT42 1FL

Coffee Cup Solutions

1. Louisiana, Massachusetts, South Carolina and South Dakota

2. Rainbow warrior3. Table Tennis4. Carbon5. Rabat6. Michael Jackson7. Biscuit8. Jaw9. 155km10. Sarah Burton for Alexander

McQueen

Cranium Crunchers

Cranium CrunchersSudoku

Coffee Cup ConundrumsAcross6 A small roofed building providing shade, popular in gardens in the summer (6)7 Move people from their home to a foreign environment (6)9 Good for sticking things together (4)10 Two of these for black sheep (3)11 Michelle ______, Malaysian actress who starred as Wai Lin in Tomorrow Never Dies (4)12 This type of art emphasises symbols of death (7)14 A platform built out from the shore into water and supported by piles (4)16 Abbreviation for the former Soviet Union (4)17 A temporary bridge for getting on and off a vessel at dockside (7)19 How Germans address an adult woman (4)20 Airport code for Niagra Falls International Airport (3)21 Girls name made famous in a controversial Beatles’ song (4)23 An effort producing no results or success (6)24 Anyone for this game? (6)

Down 1 Not short (4)2 ‘I don’t know what’ in French (2,2,4,4)3 Cast repeatedly with missiles (7)4 Relating to a person(5)5 An area that is dangerous to enter or to which entry is forbidden (2-2,4)8 Form of speech popular with cockneys (7,5)13 Used to house tropical fish (8)15 Badly behaved (7)18 A foot traveller (5)22 Popular small carfrom Renault (4)

Last month’s winners

Crossword: Sharon DavisonBallymena Women: Vera McCaugheyCinema Tickets: Grace AlexanderWhere Is It?: John Hill

1. Name the only four US states whose names contain all three of the letters ‘U’, ‘S’ and ‘A’?2. What was the name of the Greenpeace ship sunk in New Zealand in 1985?3. Which sports playing area is 2.7 metres by 1.5 metres?4. What element is represented by C in the Periodic Table?5. What is the capital of Morocco?6. Which musician wrote the 1991 number one hit song ‘Do The Bartman’?7. The name of which very popular edible product translated means ‘twice cooked’?8. What in the body do the maxilla and mandible form?9. Was the Berlin Wall 5km, 15km or 155km long?10. Who designed Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress?

Scores: 0-2 Complete idiot; 3-5 Getting there; 6-10 Ask the Beeb for a Mastermind application form

1 2 3 4 5

6 7 8

9 10 11

12 13 14

15

16 17

18

19 20 21 22

23 24

3 2 6

7 1 2

5 9 3 4

4

8 6 2 1

3 5 4

9 7

6 3 8


The Picture Round

Picture Round Solutions

1 2 3 4

5 6 7 8

1. Bjorn Borg 2. Dawn French 3. Prince William 4. Martin Sheen5. Miley Cyrus 6. Ryan Giggs 7. Holly Willoughby 8. Jason Maguire

Funnies Where Is Sean?We’ve changed ‘Where Is It?’ to ‘Where’s Sean?’ Purely on the grounds that it is funnier to include our intrepid designer in the shots.Think of it as a ‘Where’s Wally’ but in and around Ballymena. If you think you know where Sean is this month, send in your entry for a chance to win.

First Name Chosen Wins £5

Send your entries to:Where is Sean? Elbowroom Media, Unit 48 Ballymena Business Centre,

Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, BT42 1FL (Closing date 27/05/11)

Name: ___________________________________________________________Address: __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Tel: _______________________________________________________________

Answer: _____________________________________________________

Last month’s image was of the old clinic on Castle Street. Well done to winner John Hill.

Nationwide building society have launched a savings account which enables first-time buyers to apply for a mortgage with just a 5 percent deposit.

Those aspiring to buy their own home can open a ‘Save to Buy’ regular savings account which pays

interest of 2.5 percent gross on balances up to £20,000. After at least six months of saving a minimum of £50 a month, the saver is entitled to apply for one of the Nationwide’s 95 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio mortgages: until now these have only been available to existing

Nationwide mortgage customers who want to move home.

With this scheme the Nationwide is getting back to the old way of wanting to get some savings in and making sure the borrower is able to put money away each month.

The downside to this is that saving in the Save to Buy account does not necessarily guarantee that you will get a mortgage. The Nationwide is simply saying that it will consider your application.

This new scheme puts the Nationwide in a

Nationwide opens door for first-time buyers with 5% deposit

Property and Finance22 Ballymena Doorstep Advertiser

T̂he UK PropertyAwards 2010 in association with BloombergTelevision.*Based on University of Ulster House Price Index Samples (Last 4 quarters).

Award WinningLocal Estate Agency^

BEST REAL ESTATEAGENT 2010

BEST LETTINGSAGENT 2010

www.ulsterpropertysales.co.uk

BALLYMENA BRANCH21-23 Church Street Ballymena

Tel: 028 2565 7700Email: [email protected]

Prime Properties

Acorn HomesCornmill Country EstateMillers Row Townhouse£122,750Acorn Deposit Advance Available

31 Kintullagh Park, Ballymena, BT43 5HPFor SaleOffers Around £135,000 4 BedroomsLarge Rear GardenExcellent Location

104 Sand Road, Ballymena, Antrim, BT42 1DNFor Sale Offers around £280,000Four BedroomsConservatoryLarge Detached GarageExtension Plans Passed!

small group of lenders prepared to extend mortgages to thosewith a deposit of just 5 percent on a relatively straightforward basis.

Those who go on to take out a Nationwide 95% LTV mortgage will also benefit from cash back ranging from £250 for those who save

from £2,500 to £4,999, to £1,000 for those who save £10,000 or more. Save to Buy customers will also qualify for any Nationwide first-time buyer deals available at the time of application, such as the current offer of a £500 discount off the product fee.

To enquire about this property please contact Acorn Homes: 028 2589 2777

To enquire about these properties please contact UPS: 028 2565 7700


‘Probably’… the best property offer in the market todayAward winning local house builder Acorn Homes are preparing to advance four lucky first time buyers on their flagship Cornmill Country Estate development in Kells & Connor with an amazing 10 percent deposit.

This is an incredible offer from an incredible local construction firm. Over the years Acorn Homes have developed a reputation for consistently bringing something new to the market place, whether that be in terms of cutting edge design, new standards in customer service, award winning quality, quality construction or more recently their commitment to supporting local first time buyers get a foot on the property ladder.

“As a company we have always been a people first organization. Our staff and our customers are fundamentally our single greatest asset and we have a duty of care to ensure that we listen to and support

them wherever possible. The feedback from many prospective purchasers recently has been that saving up the full 10 percent deposit to obtain mortgage finance is the single greatest barrier to accessing the property market. For a lucky few, parents, siblings or friends step in and assist with deposits, but for the majority it leaves the prospect of owning their own home tantalisingly out of reach,” says Connor Dinsmore, Marketing Director at Acorn Homes.

Under the ‘Deposit Advance’ pilot scheme the company is gearing to advance four lucky home buyers’ deposits of up to 10 percent of the purchase price of their new homes. This opens up the best available rates in the mortgage market and means that the monthly cost of owning your own home should be similar to the cost of renting!

Mr Dinsmore went on to say: “It’s really a testament to the success

of our flagship Cornmill development that we are in a position to offer this unique incentive and in some respects its our way of thanking the general public for supporting Acorn over the years. We are committed to continuing to bring innovative ideas and concepts to the market and our Deposit Advance scheme is the next natural evolution in that process.”

Sure to be one of county Antrim’s most exclusive new addresses The CornMill Country Estate represents the revival of house building as it used to be. Instead of simply Xeroxing the same standardised house type across the site with little thought of how it will relate to its environment, the team at Acorn have taken great care to create a new residential space with a real sense of identity and atmosphere. All the fantastic estate properties will be finished to a full turn key specification and as with all new Acorn Homes you can be assured

the new properties will be constructed to NHBC’s ‘Pride In The Job’ award winning standards.

Based on the grand country estates of the past, CornMill will feature all the key buildings that you would expect to find in an estate setting with each property benefitting from its own unique sense of style and

identity. From the stone gate lodges to the coach house, or from the game lodge to the manor house there will be something for everyone and with Acorn’s semi-bespoke approach all properties can be tailored around each individual purchasers requirements.

Ideally suited to first time buyers with turnkey

townhouses starting from only £122,750 and the release of the company’s Deposit Advance scheme interest in these affordably exclusive new homes is sure to be high, so for more information please contact either Acorn Homes on 028 2589 2777 or visit the web site at www.acornhomes.co.uk


With figures from the AA revealing a startling 40 percent rise in motor insurance costs in the last year and average annual premiums predicted to exceed £1,000 by the end of this year, motorists may well be wondering just how they can afford to buy that new car.Thankfully, Peugeot has the antidote in the form of its unique ‘Just Add Fuel’ new car ownership package, which fixes all the major costs associated with running a car for three years, bar the fuel, as its name suggests.

Just Add Fuel is a package that allows Peugeot customers to buy or lease a car depending upon each customer’s individual preference and includes the costs of comprehensive insurance, warranty, servicing, breakdown cover and road tax in with the package. The customer pays a simple, monthly amount that is fixed for the three year period of the plan, leaving them with nothing to pay for, except the fuel.The result is an exceptionally easy way to run a car, excellent value and protection

against increasing costs for three years.You can pick up the compact, lively Peugeot 207 Access with Just Add Fuel for just £159 a month, after an initial ‘deposit’ of £1,651. The all new 308 Access can be driven away for an initial payment of £2,000 followed by payments of just £235. The multi-award winning Peugeot 3008 crossover costs just £379 a month, with a £2,000 initial payment.

Antidote to spiralling insurance costs

The all-new Ford Focus will be transformed into a rolling WiFi hot spot when Ford SYNC with MyFord Touch technology makes its UK debut next year.

Ford Focus owners will be the first in the UK to benefit from SYNC’s class-leading connectivity, which will be

rolled out to several other Ford vehicles following its debut on the new global C-segment model.

By using an owners’ existing USB modem or Smartphone, the SYNC-equipped Focus will be able to deliver a secure wireless connection that can be

broadcast throughout the vehicle. Passengers with any WiFi-enabled device can then easily connect and access the internet. All this allows for simple, easy to use WiFi connectivity on the move for up to five devices.

Using SYNC’s far reaching connectivity potential, Ford

will offer individuals and families a level of in-car internet access that was until recently only available to the owners of considerably more expensive vehicles.

One of the main advantages of the SYNC with MyFord Touch WiFi system is that it will allow customers to

make use of a variety of USB devices, eliminating the need to purchase specifically compatible equipment. SYNC will use software updates to ensure it remains compatible with the latest hardware and devices, so customers can be sure that their SYNC-equipped vehicles will

always allow them to make use of whatever USB mobile broadband modem or smartphone they are using – even devices that have yet to go on the market.

.

New Focus to offer WiFi in 2012


Turtles of Rathkenny is celebrating three 10-year anniversaries in its sales team this month, providing motorists in Ballymena with an experienced team on hand to help them with all their car purhasing needs.

The dealership on the Cushendall Road is congratulating Sales Manager, Malcolm Beattie, Senior Sales Executive, Damien O’Kane and Senior Sales Executive, Ivan Cameron for their hardwork and dedication over the last decade. All

three members of the sales team are extremely proud to be part of the Turtles of Rathkenny sales team and are eagerly awaitng the arrival of the new Peugeot 508. The elegant Saloon or a spacious SW estate will target the busines sconsumer and be in the

dealership from April 25. For more information on any of the Peugeot models or to speak to a member of the sales team, visit the dealership on the Cushendall Road or call 028 2175 8591. Alternatively you can visit www.turtlesofrathkenny.co.uk

Turtles celebrate triple 10 year anniversaries

I am 26 years old and have been withTurtles since I left school. From the days when I came to work on my scooter as a trainee sales executive, I progressed my way up the ladder to become sales manager in April 2008. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the company and have made some very close friends throughout the years including my sales colleagues. Throughout the 10 years there has been good times as well as a recession but with Peugeot releasing a new model every six months for the last two years and for the foreseeable future, I am looking forward to the next 10 years.

I started my career back in 1992 straight out of Ballymena Tech as Trainee Sales with J.E Coulter Ltd, main Ford dealer in Belfast. Having gone through the ranks in Coulters, I was thrown in at the deep end to sales in their Mallusk branch. I was with Coulters for eight years until I moved to Turtles in Oct 2000. I have had a very successful career with Turtles and have made many friends. Here’s to another 10 years and with the new generation cars due out it is a very exciting time for me.

tI have been selling cars since I left school when I started out as a trainee salesman in a Lada and Proton garage in September 1992.In 1995, I moved to a local Citroen garage and stayed there until February 2001 when I decided to move to Turtles of Rathkenny.I already knew all about the Peugeot franchise and it was an easy decision to make to move at this time. You can see with the launch of something new in our range nearly every six months that it is an inspiring time to be with both Peugeot and Turtles and we are all extremely excited about the launch of our new 508 which is such a stunning car.

Malcolm Beattie, Sales Manager Ivan Cameron, Senior Sales Executive Damien O’Kane, Senior Sales Executive


spot the difference

Colouring In competition

5 to find

What do you call a fish with no eyes? Fsh

Jokes

Send your colouring-in entries to:Kids’ Corner, Elbowroom Media, Unit 48 Ballymena Business Centre, Fenaghy Road, Ballymena, BT42 1FL (Closing date 27/05/11)

Name:Age:School:

KIDS’ zone

What do you give a sick pig? Oinkment

See next month’s edition for Winning artwork

What did one traffic light say to the other?Don’t look I’m changing!

What time do ducks get up?At the quack of dawn.

wordsearch

well done to lastmonth’s winner

Name: Emily ChurchAge: 5School:Broughshane Primary School

the amazing mazeFind the following words:elephantsnakerabbitbutterflyhyenaeeltoad whale

Next month, the chosen winner will receive a family meal for their family (2 adults & 2 children maximum) at

The Yew Tree Ahoghill

(drinks not included, 1 main course per person)

Sponsored by

Parent/Guardian Contact No:


call now

07837201058

T H E ROOMSMUSICcall now for

your free guitar, bass or

drum lesson


Trades, Services and Offers

MF GUTTERING SUPPLY + FIT ALL TYPES OF PVC • PVC CLEANING SERVICE• PROPERTY MAINTENANCE• ROOF REPAIRS• GENERAL BUILDING CONTRACTOR

Find us @ YELL.COMChemical Clean PVC On All Types Of Property From £60

PVC & BUILDING SERVICES

TEL: 028 2587 9252/ 075 2226 3929

D B Plumbing & HeatingTotal Bathroom Refurbishments

Tel - 07729209832(anytime)

Millplace Motorcycle TrainingAll Levels Catered For

• One to One Tuition• All Equipment Provided• Privately Owned Training Area (off road test)• DOE BMF IAM Approved• ROSPA (Diploma) T: 028 2583 1412

M: 077 5910 4893E: [email protected]: www.millplacemotorcycletraining.co.uk

Contact CraigTel: 028 2588 1233

Mobile: 07984 146 716

• Fully Insured Company • Free Estimates• Full Manufacturers Guarantee

With All Products Fitted

We Supply and Fit

• Fascias • Soffits• Gutters • Downpipes

McDowell Bros

Contact Martin: 07900104661Please don’t hesitate to ring !!!

No Job Too SmallGarden Maintenance At A�ordable Prices

Garden Converter

Special offer for May

ALL DRIVINGLESSONS from £15 per hr withthis voucher

Tel: 07540610455Offer valid until 31st May 2011

T&C’s apply

Attention Lady Learners(and gentlemen too)

Quality Wrought Iron work including:Gates

RailingsSecurity Grills

Design • Manufacture • Installation • Automation

T: E: W: 290 Lisnevenagh RoadAntrim, BT41 2JL

(028) 9446 [email protected]

ENHANCE YOUR HOME & SECURE YOUR PROPERTY

PSNI: 0845 600 8000Antrim Area Hospital: 028 9442 4000Doctor on Call: 028 2566 3500Translink Information Line: 028 9066 6630Seven Towers Leisure Centre: 028 2564 1427The Braid Arts Centre: 028 2563 5900;Booking Line: 028 2563 5901Ballymena Borough Council: 08456 581 581Ecos Centre: 028 2566 4400

IMC Cinema: 028 2563 1111Driver Vehicle Licensing: 028 2565 3333Driver Vehicle Testing Agency: 028 2565 6801Education and Libraries: 028 2565 3333Northern Ireland Housing Executive: 03448 920900Rates Collection Agency: 028 2566 4700

Useful PhoneNumbers

To advertise here call:028 2500 2005Cyclists Wanted

Successful candidates will be placed on a register and called when required for promotional cycling work.

Applicants must be fit and available for casual work

Call 028 2500 2005 toarrange an interview

Promotional Work


Community Noticeboard

Portglenone Enterprise Group tel. 2582 0150

A Big Thanks to all who participated in the Tour of The Bann Charity Run on Sunday 17 April. A grand total of £800 was raised which will go towards the Community Rescue Service.

Arthritis Care: Challenging Arthritis CourseVENUE: Portglenone Community Centre Gortgole Rd, Portglenone

Commences: Tuesday 17 May 2011– 21 June 2011 (6 weeks)Time: 2pm – 4.30 pm

Contact: Training Team at 028 9078 2940

A few spaces left – This truly is an opportunity not be missed

Engage with ArtsInnovative new class starting at Community Focus Learning, Portglenone ‘Engage with Arts’ a mix of drama and art developing self-esteem and positivity, using art as a form of discovering our feelings and emotions. Registration £5

Contact Mary 028 2582 1184

Community Centre ActivitiesSenior Citizens 1st & 3rd Mon each month 2-4pmPlaygroup Mon-Fri 9-1pmIrish Dancing Tues 6-7pmBowling Thurs 2-4pm (Seniors)Weight Watchers Thurs 10-12pm

Youth Club Fri. 7.30-9.30pmSoccer Sat.10.15 - 12.15pmZumba Wed 10.30-11.30Karate Thurs, Children 5yrs+ 7-8pm, Teenagers /Adults 8-9.30pm

Volunteer CaretakerPortglenone Green Gym is looking for a volunteer caretaker, 5 hours per week, Wed, Thurs. Light gardening work, watering plants, tidying of polytunnel and surrounding area. This would suit a retired person who has a interest in gardening.

Bannside Youth Club6th May of until 17th JuneFriday nights, 7-16 yr olds

Twilight Senior Citizens’ Lunch ClubTwilight is The Church of Ireland’s senior citizens’ ministry. It is our aim to provide for the needs of the older people of the community3-COURSE LUNCH every Tuesday, 12noonWe would love you to join us for our Twilight lunchesContact Beth 028 2582 2704 for more detailsPLEASE RING IN ADVANCE

Trip to Belfast ZooSaturday 21 MayAnyone interested please contact PEG 028 2582 0150(Mon-Thurs am)A Healthy Minds, Healthy Places Project.

Community groups and organisations send your notices to [email protected]

Ahoghill gears up for Britain in BloomThe Mayor of Ballymena, Councillor Maurice Mills recently visited Ahoghill to launch this year’s entry for Britain in Bloom. Having won Silver in the 2010 competition, the village is hoping to prove equally successful in the 2011 event. The launch event took place in the Washbasin in the Diamond and was attended by local traders and representatives of other groups who have been involved in the environmental improvement programme. Work in preparation for the 2011 season is already underway and a major spring ‘tidy up’ has been undertaken. Ahoghill is also once again entering Small Town category of Ulster in Bloom and is in the All Ireland final of the Supervalu Tidy Town competition. This year the Traders’ Association has located a number of pieces of agricultural machinery at various vantage points across the village. These have been donated by local people and it is hoped to locate information boards alongside.Recently a very successful Antiques and Fine Arts Fair was held in the Community Centre. Proceeds from this will help to support the ongoing work in the village. The Traders’ Association also organised a very successful Fireside Quiz which raised almost £1000 – again this money will go towards the 2011 planting season. Thanks are due to everyone who supported both of these initiatives.

Mon 30 May Armchair Aerobic Community Centre 2pm

Strollers & Striders Walk Meet Community Centre 6.30pm

Tues 31 May Mixed Doubles Badminton Tournament Community Centre 7.15pm

Primary School Football Hosted by Kells & Connor Cougars Playing Fields 7pm

Wed 1 June Local Primary School Football Tournament Playing Fields 7pm

Hip Hop/Street Dance P1-P5 children 7-8pm P6 upwards 8-9pm Orange Hall

Thur 2 June Fancy Dress Parade Tiny Tots Community Playgroup Starts Community Centre 1pm

Kells & Connor Primary School Sports Day Luncheon Club Healthy bones and how to avoid falls Kells Presbyterian Church

Teenage Football Playing Fields 7pm

Activity Night: P4-P7 Community Centre 7pm

Bowls for fun St Saviours Church Hall 8pm

Fri 3 June Fancy Dress Parade Tiny Tots Community Playgroup Starts Community Centre 10am

Tea Dance Community Centre 2pm – 4pm

Family Fun Night Playing Fields 7pm

Sat 4 June Seven Towers School of Dancing (Kells) Community Centre 9.30am onwards

Disco Hosted by Tiny Tots Community Playgroup Buffs Club 8pm

Kells & Connor Community Improvement Association Get Active Week

Ballymena Doorstep Advertiser30Local Sport

The rugby season has come to a close with Ballymena gaining automatic promotion back into AIL Division 1B with a third place finish.

Their last game in the league was against Terenure and despite several permutations depending on the outcome of matches elsewhere, Ballymena 1st XV were under no illusion of what was required to ensure that those results were irrelevant. Once again they showed what they are capable of with a resounding performance brushing aside the challenge of Terenure, a team who were having a reasonable season, and one who also stood a chance of making the playoffs with a win.

From the kick-off Ballymena looked focused on the job in hand with a strong start and immediately put Terenure under pressure. However the visitors bounced back and it was they who took the lead with a penalty from out-half Mark O’Neill.

Ballymena were quick to respond and with an excellent kick into space by Martin Irwin resulting in the defender being caught by the follow up, the home team were awarded a penalty which David O’Hara duly converted to draw level.

With the opposition now on the back foot and the Ballymena scrum putting Terenure under severe pressure, the backline looked threatening with

good handling and attacking lines. Jamie Smith broke two or three attempted tackles to find Tommy Seymour who almost made the try-line. With good support Terenure infringed and Ballymena were awarded another penalty. This time they opted for a scrum and Ross Hackney scored the first try of the game. O’Hara converted to open up a lead – 10-6.

The game evened out in the middle of the pitch for a period during which Terenure lost their scrum- half. They then reduced the deficit with another penalty from O’Neill.

This spurred Ballymena back into action and another fine backline move saw O’Hara into space where he found support from Roger McBurney who scored under the posts. The try was again converted by O’Hara to leave the half-time score 17 – 6 in favour of the home team.

The second half started with an attack from the visitors and they won a penalty as a result of their pressure, however this time they were wide of the post. Ballymena came back at them and they won a penalty which O’Hara successfully kicked to extend the lead to 20-6.

It was one way traffic after this with the impressive Jamie Smith playing his last game for Ballymena (for now) breaking the line again to race through and under the posts. The simple

conversion made it 27-6.Terenure tried to respond however a dropped pass was pounced on by John Burns who had replaced James Carson. Burns showed he had pace by running 50 metres untouched to score Ballymena’s fourth and promotion winning try. Again the successful conversion left the 34-6.

They did not ease up after this and in another attack the man of the match Paul Prithard smashed through attempted tackles to find Seymour who raced in Ballymena’s fifth try of the game, again converted to extend the lead to 41-6.

Ballymena scored again before they started their celebrations. A very well judged box kick from the impressive Blane McIlroy was followed up and superbly taken by Seymour (also playing his last game for the club) who slipped past desperate attempts to tackle to score the ‘try of the match’, under the posts.

David O’Hara kicked the conversion to finish the match on 100 percent success with his boot and a points total of 18, leaving the final score 48 – 11, rounding off one of their best performances of the season, and gaining automatic promotion back to Division 1B, finishing in third place.

A week later Ballymena lost to Dungannon 31-17 in the Kyle Cup.

Ballymena RFC gain promotion

Rugby: 2011/12 Ulster Bank League DivisionsFollowing the final play-off matches, we take a look at the make-up of the divisions for next season’s Ulster Bank League. There will be 52 teams competing in the league, ten each in Division 1A and 1B, and Division 2A and 2B will have 16 sides each. Ballymena will be competiting in Division 1B having gained promotion this season:

DIVISION 1A:Old Belvedere (champions), Cork Constitution, Young Munster, St. Mary’s College, Blackrock College, Dolphin, Shannon, Clontarf (promoted from Division 1B), Lansdowne (promoted from Division 1B), Garryowen (play-off winners over Buccaneers)

DIVISION 1B:Buccaneers (lost play-off against Garryowen), UL Bohemians, Dungannon, UCC, Galwegians, Ballynahinch (promoted from Division 2, champions), UCD (promoted from Division 2), Ballymena (promoted from Division 2), Belfast Harlequins (promoted from Division 2), Bruff (play-off winners over Bective Rangers)

DIVISION 2A:Bective Rangers (lost play-off against Bruff), Corinthians, Queen’s University, De La Salle Palmerston, Terenure College, Dublin University, Midleton, Clonakilty, Old Wesley, Malone, Thomond, City of Derry (promoted from Division 3, champions), Seapoint (promoted from Division 3)Greystones (promoted from Division 3), Instonians (promoted from Division 3), Old Crescent (play-off winners over Banbridge)

DIVISION 2B:Banbridge (lost play-off against Old Crescent), Rainey Old Boys, Nenagh Ormond, NUIM Barnhall, Sunday’s Well, Highfield, Suttonians, Naas, Wanderers, Ards, Navan, Connemara, Sligo (promoted from junior ranks, Connacht champions), Cashel (promoted from junior ranks, Munster champions), Boyne (promoted from junior ranks, Leinster champions), Armagh (promoted from junior ranks, Ulster champions)

Rock Hard Football Trivia

1. Mark Hughes, Glenn Hoddle, Nigel Worthington, Lawrie Sanchez, Peter Reid (briefly coached Thailand) and Bryan Robson (current coach of Thailand)2. Robbie Fowler (Liverpool & Leeds)3. Thierry Henry & Diego Forlan4. St Johnstone5. Coleraine FC, Hamburger SV, Real Sociedad, Oxford United

1. Which six people have managed a senior international team and a Premier League team and also played in the Premier League?

2. Who is the only player to score a hat-trick for two Premier League teams in the same season?

3. Which two players shared the 2005 European Golden Boot?

4. What is the only league team in England and Scotland with a ‘J’ in their name?

5. Name the team from the badge

Sky Blue NewsUnited Backing BlackBallymena United have completed the signing of Newry City player Ross Black.

Black (22), who can play down the left side in defence or midfield, has agreed a two-year deal with the Sky Blues.Ballymena manager Roy

Walker admitted he hopes it is the start of a wave of new arrivals at the Showgrounds.

“I hope this is the start of many new signings. We need to add some new faces to the squad as we have lost a few players already,” Walker said. Ross Black signs for United



Local Sport All Saints GAC Club News

The U14s played their last match of the North Antrim Féile in April against St Brendan’s. Having been beaten in their three previous games, the lads were playing for pride rather than silverware.They put on a great display, full of commitment, effort and skill. At half time they were delighted to be introduced to Fr. McCaughan, who had taken

time out from his busy schedule and preparations for Holy Week. He spoke to the lads and his words of encouragement inspired them to put in another great performance in the second half.This is a young squad, two thirds of whom are under twelve and it is a big ask to expect them to outgun older and bigger opposition. There are a number of

recreational hurlers in the club who enjoy a puck-a-round but who have never played competitive hurling. Therefore, the club would like to remind all juveniles, whether practising, lapsed or new converts to hurling, that there is always a welcome place for them at Slemish Park on Wednesday nights.

North Antrim Féile

Paudie Butler, the GAA’s national Hurling Director has retired. He has held the post for the past five years during which time he has travelled tens of thousands of miles promoting hurling, giving seminars and workshops and visiting clubs in every nook and cranny of the country.As a swan song, Paudie visited All Saints on Monday night to present a coaching clinic to the young hurlers and their coaches. What they got was a hurling master class. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the game was matched only by his boundless and

infectious enthusiasm for teaching and imparting his knowledge.Part of Paudie’s genius is his ability to identify the level a player is at and providing the confidence to allow him to soar to heights beyond his expectation by breaking the shackles of self doubt. He achieves this by expert tuition and attention to detail, breaking skills down to bite size components that players can understand, and then patiently fitting the pieces of the jigsaw together to create a complete picture. Long after he leaves a club the pride and enthusiasm he instils in players and

coaches remains and inspires them to continue working hard, practising and striving to master the game.An ex primary school headmaster he has a unique understanding of children and their needs. One insight into his philosophy is that on occasion he has chastised coaches for not paying attention to a child but seldom has he rebuked a child for not paying attention.Paudie often reminds coaches not to assume that what they say is always clearly understood by a child. An incident during his

session showed that this is applicable even to the great man himself. When setting out a drill he instructed the players to strike a series of sliotars along a line starting with the second, doubling back for the first and then returning to finish with the third. As he called out the numbers one of the lads, unaccustomed to the Tipperary brogue, asked;“Why does he want us to hit a tree?”As a token of appreciation for the work that Paudie has done during his tenure, and as thanks for his countless visits to Antrim, Kieran Megraw and Dominic

McKinley (Antrim Hurling Development Manager and Officer) presented Paudie with a portrait of the 1989 Antrim All Ireland Final team and a set of cuff links. The club suspect that although the portrait will hang proudly on Paudie’s wall the cuff links may be kept in a drawer, as a man of his energy and enthusiasm will undoubtedly keep his sleeves rolled up for many more years to come.Paudie very generously donated a set of ‘Pole Trainers’ to the club. All Saints would like to thank him for this gift and for coming along to teach

the young hurlers. The lads were buzzing with enthusiasm and learned a lot from the session, as did the coaches. Thanks also to Kieran Megraw and Dominic McKinley for arranging the session. The club are very grateful for the work Kieran, Dominic and Ciara Ferry do promoting gaelic games in the county and for the assistance they have given.Thanks also to Angela, Roisin and Rosie for their hospitality to our visitors, coaches and players after the session.

Paudie Butler takes coaching clinic at Quinn Park

Tir Chonaill Gaels (London) hosted their tenth Annual Easter Sevens International Football Tournament on Easter Saturday 23 April. All Saints travelled over to London hoping to defend the title they won in 2009

and 2010. All Saints found themselves as a top seed in their group with Roger Casements (Coventry), Clarets and Parnells of London. The senior Saints won their group and went on to lift the trophy

for the third consecutive year, winning on penalties to make a little piece of history. Well done to all the lads involved and their management team.

Senior Footballers make ‘sevens’ history

Hurling Training Times

P1 – P4 Wednesday: 18:30 – 19:45

U10 Wednesday: 18:30 – 20:00

U12/U14 Wednesday: 18:30 – 20:15 & Sunday: 11:30 – 13:00

Fixtures and GamesAge Date Competition Venue TimeU14 Sat 14th May Ulster Féile (Final) Armagh 13:00 U12/U14 Sat 21st May Rd 1 – NA League v Glenarm Away 16:00U12/U14 Sat 28th May Rd 2 – NA League v St Brendan’s Home 16:00U12/U14 Sat 04th Jun Rd 3 – NA League v Larne Away 16:00U12/U14 Sat 11th Jun Rd 4 – NA League v Glenariffe Home 16:00U12 Sat 25th Jun Feis Ground Skills Blitz TBC TBCU14 Sat 18th Jun Rd 5 – NA League v Ahoghill Away 16:00U12 Sat 09th Jul Rd 6 – NA League v Rasharkin Away 16:00U12 we 13-14th Aug Go – Games Blitz TBC TBCU12/U14 Sat 20th Aug Rd 7 – NA League v Randalstown Home 16:00U14 Sat 27th Aug Rd 8 – NA League v Glenavy Away 16:00U12/U14 Sat 03rd Sep Rd 9 – NA League v Creggan Home 16:00

Some of the current minor squad presenting trophies to younger players at All Saints GAC

History making International 7-a-side team

78/82 Broughshane Street, Ballymena (Corner of William Street)Tel: 2565 4352 / 2565 4353 Web: www.spiceballymena.co.uk

3 Course Lunch £6.95Mon - Sat: 12pm to 2pm

Opening Hours:Mon - Thur: 5pm - 11.30pm

Fri - Sat: 5pm - 12pmSun: 5pm - 11pm

Early Booking Advisable - 7 days a week, home delivery available

Our award winning chefs will happily create a dish especially for you! Sister Restuarant ‘The Star of Bengal” - ’Voted North Down Best Curry House 2009’ & ‘Recommended by the Daily Mirror 2009’

We do *mild* medium* and fairly hot*hot*very hot*very very hot

EXQUISITE INDIAN RESTAURANT & TAKE AWAY (FULLY LICENSED)

NOW OPEN

Spice is the �rst Indian restaurant in the heart of Ballymena and o�ers award winning cuisine in a tastefully decorated, two �oor establishment, with hand-painted Indian scenes on the walls, fountains, incredible lighting e�ects and beautiful fabrics and furnishings.

Owner Jay has thirteen years experience with his award winning restaurant ‘Star of Bengal’ in Bangor, which won the Best Curry Award for North Down in 2009. And with such heritage, Spice heralds the arrival of the �nest Indian cuisine in Ballymena.Spice’s award winning chef uses only the �nest and freshest ingredients to craft the best for you. The menu boasts a mixture of both popular Indian favourites and specials exclusive to Spice. The chef is also more than happy to prepare dishes that are not on the menu, using his unrivalled knowledge of traditional recipes

to create a range of dishes from mild creamy curries to something that little bit hotter to leave your taste buds tingling!For lunch time diners, Spice o�ers a delicious three course lunch for only £6.95, served everyday from 12noon until 2pm.Spice also has a fully licensed bar which is stocked with �nest Indian beers and refreshing drinks.The restaurant’s ethos is all about luxury food in luxurious surroundings. But it is a luxury that is at a price everyone can a�ord. With naan, rice or chips included with most meals from the takeaway, Spice really does o�er incredible value.The establishment can also cater for private functions and has a beautifully decorated area set aside for groups and parties who wish to celebrate special occasions.If you have any special requests or requirements do not hesitate to tell Mo, the manager, who will help in whatever way she can to

make your dining experience at Spice enjoyable and relaxing. So if delicious food, a relaxing atmosphere and beautiful surroundings are to your taste

then be sure to book a table at Spice on the corner of Broughshane street and William street, in the heart of the town.

Ballymena’s latest culinary edition means that authentic Indian cuisine has �nally landed in a town centre location.

ballymena doorstep advertiser - may 2011

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