Other News In Brief

Antrim And Newtownabbey's Mayor Congratulates Local Business On Its Success

The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper has visited Northern Ireland's most awarded South African Biltong Producer,.

The Mayor was able to see first-hand the success Ke Nako Biltong has had since it was founded in 2012.

Ke Nako creates a range of products including award-winning Biltong (strips of tender beef preserved with a special blend of spices), from sustainable, ethically and locally sourced organic cull cows in Ballylagan.

The business that was established by Alanagh Chipperfield and Ilse Van Stasen, began at the Belfast Markets and is now Northern Ireland's most awarded South African Biltong Producer, including winner of the BBC TV Show 'Top of the Shop with Tom Kerridge'.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Mark Cooper said: "Ilse, Alanagh and everyone who is part of Ke Nako Biltong are to be congratulated on bringing this range of fascinating and tasty snacks from South Africa to Antrim and Newtownabbey and beyond. It was a pleasure visiting them at Ballylagan Organic Farm to see the full range of organic snacks available and to appreciate the sustainable methods the farm have been using to create the highest quality produce for over 20 years. I wish them both continued success for their future."

Council Recognises Champions Combatting Loneliness

Six local residents have been recognised by Mid and East Antrim Council as 'Loneliness Champions' in the Borough.

The residents have helped prevent isolation and showcased opportunities for people to engage with one another.

The Chairperson of Mid and East Antrim’s Loneliness Network, Marjorie Hawkins, presented certificates to Denise McClenaghan, Sabrina Lynn, Lisa Hickson, Rhonda Duddy, Helen McClean and Denise McVeigh for all their hard work and dedication.

The 'Loneliness Champions' have helped to reduced isolation and loneliness in the local area by:

• Developing and building relationships within the local community

• Raising awareness about loneliness and social isolation

• Helping to reduce the stigma of loneliness by talking and discussing loneliness openly

• Sharing information about relevant opportunities for people to engage

• Providing key information, advice, support and encouragement to colleagues within the voluntary, community and statutory sectors

• Promoting key initiatives within Mid and East Antrim including Chatty Benches, Chatty Cafes, Chatty Walks and the Kindness Post box.

Marjorie Hawkins said: "No-one should be lonely in Mid and East Antrim. We believe that loneliness is not inevitable - people of all ages need connections that matter. Very sadly, the effects of loneliness can have significant long-lasting negative effects on people's health and wellbeing."

Council Coffee Morning Raises £3,500 For Cancer Charity

Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council has announced that over £3,500 has been raised for Macmillan Cancer Support.

The Deputy Mayor thanked everyone who attended the coffee morning which took place at Portballintrae's Village Hall.

Local businesses and participants donated pastries, sandwiches and cake for attendees to enjoy. The event provided attendees with the opportunity to talk about Macmillan's work, meet new people and catch up with friends.

Deputy Mayor of Causeway Coast and Glens, Councillor Margaret-Anne McKillop said: "Well done to everyone who helped organise this fantastic coffee morning in aid of Macmillan.

"It was evident on the day that the members of the public who attended really cared about supporting this charity and it was also reassuring to see people feel they could talk so openly about their personal experiences of cancer. Thank you to everyone who came along and donated so generously.

"While Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-ordinator, Catherine King has been key in arranging this event, I would also like to pass on my heartfelt thanks to the people and businesses who have supported the fundraising efforts in many ways, and especially to the participants from the Macmillan Move More programme who volunteered their time on the day."

Council’s Macmillan Move More Co-ordinator, Catherine King, stated: "Thank you to everyone who helped make our coffee morning so successful, from the colleagues who helped, the people and businesses who donated and of course the members of the public who came along on the day.

"All money raised will help to provide vital support services for people living with cancer, including the innovative Move More project and we are very grateful for the support."

This recent fundraising event takes the total raised since 2019 to £15,033.98.