The Ards Advertiser

21/08/2024

18/08/2024

Police remain at the scene, following the discovery of what is believed to be a historic piece of munition in the Rivenwood area of Newtownards.

Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: “Firstly, I would like to thank the local community for their patience and understanding, as officers continue to minimise disruption and keep residents safe.

“As part of the public safety operation, officers are engaging with those residents directly impacted and providing a visible policing presence in the area. A cordon remains in place, as we continue to work closely with our partner agencies and we thank them for their ongoing assistance.

“With the clearance operation likely to continue for a number of days, I understand the significant disruption this will cause to the local community. Our priority is to keep residents and the local community safe.

“We are grateful to the local community for their continued support during this policing operation. We would continue to appeal to the public to avoid the area, with further information provided in due course.”

16/08/2024

New street art celebrating Newtownards' Olympic Gold Medallist Rhys McClenaghan 🥇

Fantastic work by Carla Hodgson Art 🎨

Cool Fm will be in Conway Square from 4pm with music and giveaways, and we will be welcoming some special guests to the stage from 6.30pm onwards 🥇

For full details, please visit www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Olympic-Homecoming

Shop Newtownards

14/08/2024

Calling all book lovers! Have you checked out the Aspects Festival programme yet? 📚

This year's line-up includes events with top authors Mary Costello, Evelyn Conlon and Andrew Hughes. Lawyer to the stars Paul Tweed will discuss his book from 'Holywood to Hollywood' and Foy Vance will be telling us about his song-writing and inspirations.

'John Hume: The Full Picture' will be a special evening at Bangor Castle with John Hume's biographer and portrait artist Stephen Walker and Colin Davidson. If you are interested in wildlife, join Ruby Free as she chats about her book 'Rathlin, A Wild Life' or come along to the Aspects Book Club hosted by Nuala McKeever.

Along with poetry, writing and creative workshops and lots more, there are events that will challenge, teach and entertain.

View the full programme and book tickets at:
https://aspectsfestival.com/whats-on

14/08/2024

Join us for a BioBlitz event at Whitespots Country Park this August!

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮 𝗕𝗶𝗼𝗕𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘇?

A BioBlitz focuses on finding and identifying as many species as possible in a specific area over a short period of time.

📅 Friday 16 and Saturday 17 August 2024
⏰ 10am to 4pm

𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁

Join local experts for themed walks and talks to explore and record the biodiversity of Whitespots Country Park. Sessions include:

👉 bird, plant and tree identification
👉 minibeast/bug hunts
👉 pollinator counts....and more!

Please wear suitable outdoor clothing.
Children under 16 to be accompanied by adults/guardian. Due to the nature of Whitespots, this event may be more suitable for older children (aged 6 years+).

For full schedule/timings etc please visit: https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/Whitespots-BioBlitz

14/08/2024

Claire Whyte Architect, building for you…
Claire Whyte Architect has been designing bespoke buildings for over 20 years.
Current and past projects include one-off house designs, extensions and refurbishments as well as housing & apartment developments and commercial design.
Working from her Comber studio at Mount Alexander, in a bright, lofty workspace designed to animate and inspire, CWA continues to focus on client-centred, contemporary, thoughtful design that is respectful of place and purpose.
Claire takes the time to listen, working alongside clients to develop a strong project brief before finding innovative, cost effective solutions that best meet your requirements.
Time and again the Comber architect is reassured to receive feedback from clients who welcome the transparency of her approach to the design process, the willingness to listen and ability to transform their ideas into reality whilst always keeping them informed of progress.
Every project is equally important no matter the scale or budget and is developed in phases, beginning with an initial meeting prior to Claire’s appointment. A scheme then proceeds through appraisal and if required a dimensional survey, before developing into concept sketches.
CWA will prepare planning and building control applications and can provide tendering and contract administration, tailored to suit respective clients.
Should you require a feasibility study, concept sketches, or if you would prefer CWA to take control of a full build for you, a bespoke service can be tailored to meet every client’s needs.
If you are looking for an Architect to begin your adventure, please contact Claire.

13/08/2024

Celebrating the fantastic abundance of heritage in Portaferry

13/08/2024

05/08/2024

03/08/2024

Olympic Champion 🥇

25/07/2024

22/07/2024

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes a free Padel 1hr lesson for 4 people together with an expert coach!
At Padel54
To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠
Competition Closes 31st July 2024. Terms & Conditions Apply. Winner will be notified after closing date via Private dm, EDA Media will not ask for bank details!!!

Introducing Padel54 – the new activity just down the road in Moira!

Ever thought about trying Padel for your next friends, family, team-building, customer or corporate event? Whatever your preference, we're here to make it happen.

Played by celebrities and sports -stars padel is the fastest-growing racquet sport across Europe. The BBC recently highlighted the sport and its growth across the UK & Ireland.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-68607780

It's perfect for team building because it combines fun and physical activity in an easy-to-learn game suitable for all ages, fitness levels, and skill sets. And, it's great for socializing and networking.

Situated in Moira, less than 20 minutes from Belfast with easy access from the motorway, Padel 54 has six indoor courts ensuring your team event takes place no matter the weather.

At Padel54, our primary mission is to ignite the passion for Padel by introducing this sport to as many members of the community as possible. Our special focus lies in introducing the game to the younger generation, and we're actively seeking sponsors for our youth and local school programs.

https://www.instagram.com/padel_54/
https://www.facebook.com/Padel54N/
www.padel54.com

04/07/2024

🎉🎉 COMPETITION TIME 🎉🎉
Prize includes a family pass (2 adults and 2 children /concession) to attend Peter Pan: The Musical on Friday 2nd August 2024 at 7:30pm. The performance will take place at Belvoir Studio Theatre! This competition closes on Wednesday 24th July, winner will be notified Thursday 25th July via Private dm, EDA Media will not ask for bank details!!! Terms & Conditions Apply.

To enter: Like!⁠ 😎 Tag your friends!⁠ 📲 Share!⁠

East Broadway Theatre Company brings Peter Pan to Stage this summer!
East Broadway Theatre Company is a local theatre group based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Founded in 2016, they began their journey in a living room with a vision for performance. In their inaugural year, they staged a delightful “Night at The Musicals” and also performed a play they had written at Sunflowerfest. Their motto is simple yet powerful: “teach, inspire, perform.”
This cross-community, non-profit charitable organization aims to provide theatre opportunities for all and want to instil confidence in the young people who work with them through, singing, dancing and acting. Whether you’re passionate about theatre or simply want to learn more and make friends, East Broadway invites you to join them as they create together.
ALEX MCKELVEY is CO-OWNER AND MUSICAL DIRECTOR of East Broadway Theatre Company. Alex studied at Bath Spa University and obtained a Certificate of Higher Education in Musical Theatre in 2018. He started his passion for performing at Belvoir Players Theatre Academy, where he has been a member for 15 years. Alex also musically directs for many theatre companies in Northern Ireland including, NISMAT, Rainbow Factory, New Lodge Arts and Queens Musical Theatre Society.
KATIE-ROSE SPENCE CO-OWNER AND CREATIVE DIRECTOR Katie-Rose was trained in classical and theatre style singing by Leila Webster from age 9. She has performed with the Opera House Summer Youth Project and was a member of Belvoir Players for 5 years performing in both their academy musicals and pantomimes. Katie has most recently obtained a high distinction in her grade 6 musical theatre exam. She hopes that through East Broadway she can bring her passion for mental health awareness and the benefits of theatre to young performers.
Development officer Chloe Moreland has been in theatre for 10 years, playing roles from ensemble to leads. She achieved highest in her class for GCSE and A-Level drama which gave her the passion that she now has for theatre. Chloe was a member of The Rainbow Factory from the age of 13 and has been a dance captain for 5 shows. In Chloe's most recent show, she played Janis Ian in a miniature version of “Mean Girls the Musical”.
This Summer Eastbroadway Theatre will present three performances of Piers Chater Robinson’s Peter Pan on the weekend of 2nd/3rd August.
If you’re curious about their shows, you can explore more on their website www.eastbroadwaytheatre.co.uk. And remember, the magic of theatre knows no bounds—it’s a place where dreams take centre stage!

03/07/2024

Comber Fringe Festival Fun Day at Parkway on 10th August from 1pm -6pm
Rodeo Bull. Bungees, Cup & Saucer Carousel, Bouncy Castle Face Painting etc
All free rides.
Hot Food. Ice Cream, Music, Games,Stalls etc.
If interested in being part of this new addition to the Fringe Festival contact Roy at
[email protected]

WOULD ANYONE BE INTERESTED IN A KIDS FANCY DRESS AT IT?

25/06/2024

Today we had the Privilege to attend the ‘champions reception’ for the countryside alliance awards at the House of Lords! We are delighted to have got this far and be recognised on this national level.

We would like to thank everyone who voted for us and also to Countryside Alliance Ireland for the opportunity to promote rural businesses, like ourselves! 🏆

21/06/2024

Please be prepared for possible travel delays and disruption tomorrow evening (Friday 21st) around Comber due to the annual 10K race.

The race is due to commence at 19:30 hours and the route is as follows:

· Castle Lane (Start)

· Mill Street

· Old Belfast Road

· Comber By-Pass

· Cherry Valley Link

· Newtownards Road

· Bridge Street

· The Square (2nd lap for 10k)

· Castle Street

· Mill Street

· Old Belfast Road

· Comber By-Pass

· Cherry Valley Link

· Newtownards Road

· Bridge Street

· The Square (Finish)

There will be local road closures in place and marshals as well as police will be assisting in the traffic management. We would advise motorists to seek alternative routes and follow diversions.

Thank you for your cooperation.

20/06/2024

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07/05/2024

Green As A Neutral

Green is transcending its botanical roots to become a versatile neutral. Neutrals create a timeless look, but that does not mean we’re confined to only beige, ivory, taupe and grey. Green is just as universal as most classic neutrals and adds a sense of calm and harmony. Whether it’s your main furniture pieces or added as an accent, varied shades of green will bring a touch of organic sophistication to any room.

Nature
Green cultivates a nurturing environment that forms a soothing connection to nature. Especially at this time of year, a sense of calm and relaxation is welcomed into our homes. Green brings about reminders of renewal, with its connection to grass and plants budding in spring.

The Truman Oslo Pine Leather Power Recliner Sofa is a stunning green centrepiece to add to your living room. It features lush leather upholstery that radiates elegance and is the perfect green hero piece to add to your living room.

New Neutrals
Greys are being swapped for more earthy tones; green makes the perfect addition to this mix. This is branching from the evolution of Scandi-inspired designs from minimalist and cool, to warm and cozy. The usual greys are being changed out for warmer colours like off-white and taupe’s, to create an overall more cocooning vibe in homes. Green adds the perfect amount of freshness to a new neutral ensemble.

If you’re looking to dip your toe into this trend and incorporate a splash of green, accent chairs are the perfect choice. The Scandi inspired Copenhagen Green Fabric Chair captures a cool, contemporary look. Its compact footprint enhances any space without overwhelming your existing scheme.

03/05/2024