👼 ** MUM & ME – LOUGHGALL ** 👼
Buggy Fit Programme will take place at Loughgal Country Park & Golf Course
📅 Wed 22nd May @ 10.00am to 11.00am for 6 weeks
Costs £2 per session
Includes:
🌳Walk in the Park
👟Exercises with Mums
🎼Songs and rhymes with Babies babies.
Anyone interested, can register by emailing Kirsty on kirstylouise.brankin@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Children from local Primary Schools across Armagh took to the water on Friday 10 May at the Orchard Leisure Centre for the annual Apple Blossom Swimming Gala.
Competitors from Primary 6 & 7 took part in a range of different races including freestyle, breast stroke and back crawl in both individual and team events. The finale of the event was a 6 person team relay which was won by Christian Brothers Primary School.
Emma Crawford, Swimming Co-ordinator, Orchard Leisure Centre said “It is great to see the swimming pool utilised to its full potential; numbers attending the gala have increased steadily each year. Swimming is a lifelong skill and it is fantastic to see children of this age who are competent in the water”.
Family, friends and teachers gathered to show their support for the swimmers. The atmosphere was amazing as the crowd cheered each race right to the wall. Well done to all swimmers who took part.
A selection of kids who took part in Orchard Leisure Centre’s Apple Blossom Swimming Gala on Friday 10 May. Pictured alongside sponsors Sainsbury’s Armagh, Duty Manager Karen Cunningham and Swimming and Life Saving Coordinator Emma Crawford.
Pictured Shield Winner’s from Christian Brother’s Primary School Armagh at Orchard Leisure Centre’s Apple Blossom Swimming Gala on Friday 10th May alongside their teacher Mr Paul Doyle, Swimming and Life Saving Coordinator Emma Crawford and swimming teachers Laura Simpson, Mark King and James Nesbitt.
Did you know that without bees and other pollinating insects we wouldn’t have many of the fruit and vegetables we take for granted – we wouldn’t even have coffee or chocolate! For more fascinating facts and hands-on experience of these amazing creatures do not miss out on the ever popular annual ‘Bee Curious’ event at Oxford Island!
Organised by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, Bee Curious will take place on Saturday 18th May from 11am to 4pm.
This FREE family day out offers an exciting insight into the magical world of pollinating insects, including honey and bumblebees, hoverflies, butterflies and moths and celebrates the importance of these creatures to local food producers.
Local beekeepers will have a live demonstration hive where you can see bees working at first hand, learn all about bee keeping and check out the equipment used, how to make your garden friendly for these pollinators as well as having the opportunity to buy wax products including delicious honey and luxurious cosmetics!
For fascinating facts on our magical minibeasts visit Lough Neagh Discovery Centre and discover the important role these small creatures play in our lives and the contribution they make to the foods we eat.
As well as learning about buzzing bees and other pollinators, there will a range of workshops and demonstrations including flower arranging, photographing insects and butterflies, candle making, willow and straw craft and there will even be a workshop on beekeeping for young people!
Add in art and craft activities, face painting, lively music, the wonderful food served at the Loughside Café and the beautiful setting of Oxford Island and you have the perfect combination for a great day out for all the family. Bee Curious is an event not to be missed!
Entry to the event and car-parking is free and a shuttlebus will operate on site to bring visitors from car parks a little further away.
For further information please contact the Lough Neagh Discovery Centre on 028 3832 2205, check out www.oxfordisland.com or visit our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/oxfordislandnaturereserve.
MAY BANK HOLIDAY 2019 ARRANGEMENTS
Changes to the facilities and services provided by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council across the wider Craigavon area during the May holiday period are:
Monday May 6th 2019
| Ardmore Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Banbridge leisure Centre | Open 9am to 5pm |
| Cascades Leisure Complex | Closed |
| Cathedral Road Leisure Centre | Closed |
| Craigavon Leisure Centre | Open 9am to 5pm |
| Dromore Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Gilford Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Keady Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Orchard leisure Centre | Open 9am to 5pm |
| Rathfriland Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Richill Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Tandragee Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Waves leisure Complex | Closed |
| Lough Neagh Discovery Centre | 9am – 5pm |
| Oxford Island Site | 9am – 9pm |
| Kinnego Marina | 9am – 9pm |
| Golf & Ski Centre | 9am – 9pm |
| Watersports Centre | Closed |
| Gosford Forest Park | 9am – 9pm |
| Loughgall Country Park | 9am – 9.30pm |
Monday May 27th 2019
| Ardmore Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Banbridge leisure Centre | Open 9am to 5pm |
| Cascades Leisure Complex | Closed |
| Cathedral Road Leisure Centre | Closed |
| Craigavon Leisure Centre | Open 9am to 5pm |
| Dromore Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Gilford Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Keady Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Orchard leisure Centre | Open 9am to 5pm |
| Rathfriland Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Richill Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Tandragee Recreation Centre | Closed |
| Waves leisure Complex | Closed |
Calling all Colour Dash participants!!
The countdown is on to the ever popular Colour Dash in Lurgan Park on Sunday 12th May. Race packs will be available for you to pick up from Lurgan Park Tennis Pavilion (located next to the tennis courts in Lurgan Park) on:
- Wednesday 8th May – 9am to 9pm
- Thursday 9th May – 9am to 9pm
- Friday 10th May – 9am to 9pm
- Saturday 11th May – 9am to 6pm
Your race pack will contain a white t-shirt which you MUST wear at the event. You will not be allowed to start the run without it.
Also included in your event pack will be eyewear to protect your eyes and a scarf you can wear over your mouth and nose. Please ensure you bring them with you and wear them during the event.
And remember – bring valid ID and your confirmation email with you when picking up your race pack!
- Parking available at Waves Leisure Complex and Windsor Avenue.
- Please note, all tickets are now SOLD OUT and there will be no registration on the day available.
- For more information on the event visit Heart & Sole Colour Dash 2019 event page.
Forget about the world, unwind and begin your journey to better health with a FREE six week Chi Me programme in the beautiful setting of Lurgan Park.
Starting on Friday 31st May, from 10am to 11am, the series of Tai Chi influenced exercises will help put a spring in your step as you relax, breathe deeply and perform graceful upper and lower body moves that flow into each other.
Chi Me exercises can help improve muscular strength, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and relaxation – so why not give it a try!
Meeting at the Fountain, the Chi Me sessions will take place every Friday until 5th July. Please wear flat footwear and comfortable trousers.
Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment please book early by contacting Leanne McShane on 07766 740 427 or leanne.mcshane@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Forget about the world, unwind and begin your journey to better health with a FREE six week Chi Me programme in the beautiful setting of Portadown People’s Park.
Starting on Thursday 23rd May, from 10am to 11am, the series of Tai Chi influenced exercises will help put a spring in your step as you relax, breathe deeply and perform graceful upper and lower body moves that flow into each other.
Chi Me exercises can help improve muscular strength, balance, co-ordination, flexibility and relaxation – so why not give it a try!
Meeting at the Pavilion, the Chi Me sessions will take place every Thursday until 27th June. Please wear flat footwear and comfortable trousers.
Places are limited, so to avoid disappointment please book early by contacting David Mayers on 07425 632172 or david.mayers@armaghbanbridgecraigavon.gov.uk
Join us at an exciting celebration to mark the momentous return of the #TheOpen to our shores. On Thursday 9th May from 11am – 1pm, we will be teeing off at the Shambles Yard, Armagh to proudly show how Northern Ireland is truly Made for Golf and ready to warmly welcome the hundreds of thousands of visitors from all over the world to Northern Ireland for The 148th Open.
Local schools, golf clubs, sports stars and stakeholders from the local community, will join together at the Shambles Yard to celebrate all that Northern Ireland has to offer and show their support for the return of the historic Championship to Royal Portrush this July.
We would be delighted if you could support “The Epic Journey to The 148th Open” and join us for this special celebration from 11am -1pm.
Rory McIlroy’s replica Claret Jug from his Open win in 2014 at Royal Liverpool will be on show and there will be opportunities to be pictured with it and our huge #TheOpen letter sculpture. You can also learn about the Championship and stand-out Stay and Play breaks in the local area, meet our local sports personalities and enter our “pitch and putt” competition to win a Tourism NI Made for Golf goody bag.
By sharing your picture with #TheOpen letters on the day and sharing on social media, you will be in with a chance to win two complimentary tickets to the sold-out Championship!
For any queries please visit www.TheOpen.com
Keady Recreation Centre revealed the winners of their 4 week Spring into Fitness Challenge at a presentation night on Monday 8 April. Emma Mone was crowned the overall female winner with 106 points and Matthew McQuillan, the overall male winner with 113 points.
The challenge commenced on the 1 March, it was based on a points system, points were awarded for weekly challenges, class attendance, gym session attendance, weekly challenge winners and weight loss. Over the 4 weeks, an impressive 45 people actively participated in the challenge.
Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Julie Flaherty was delighted with the uptake in the challenge, “Congratulations to everyone who completed the challenge and well done to the overall winners. It’s so important the Council runs initiatives such as this to give people the opportunity and encouragement to lead a more active lifestyle in a fun and competitive way”.
The weekly male and female challenge winners were provided with a protein recovery pack sponsored by Centra in Keady. All participants of the challenge were presented with a Certificate of Completion, a Matrix towel and Water bottle.
The overall male and female winners were presented with the Sara-Jayne Memorial Cup, a 1 month getactiveabc All Inclusive membership and a hamper sponsored by Rice Supermarket in Keady. Kate Berry, won the raffled for a 1 month getactiveabc Gym membership.
Keady Recreation Centre received a £55,000 investment in new gym equipment last May, the equipment includes treadmills, cross trainers, ski-ergs, rowers, elliptical trainers, climbers and bikes. Some of the equipment is Inclusive Fitness Initiative (IFI) accredited, meaning disabled as well as non-disabled people can benefit from a full body, cardiovascular and resistance-based workout.
For more details on Keady Recreation Centre, please visit here
Residents are invited to come along and have their say on a proposed new play park at Rectory Park Play Area.
Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council is hosting a public meeting at Regenerate, 1B Ardress Park on Tuesday 16th April 2019 to discuss the equipment, layout and design.
At the meeting residents will be given the chance to have their questions answered about the proposed play area and learn how council aims to implement the good practice design principles outlined within its play strategy, enhancing play value at existing sites and ensuring the future new development delivers a quality play experience for everyone.
For more information, contact the play development officer on 0300 0300 900.