They Came In Shaking. They Left Glowing.

Welcome to issue #11 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post, we’ve just reached 500 subscribers.

Shoutout to our 500th subscriber, Steven Hylands, for discovering A&N Post on the 19th May.

Here’s a preview of what’s waiting for you in this issue:

Hope you enjoy!

~ Mark McKnight, Editor.

P.S. If you enjoy this newsletter, please feel free to forward it to a friend’s email who might find it useful.

If you're a parent or carer of a child with a disability or additional needs, you'll know that the role can be both rewarding and exhausting and that it often goes unrecognised.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council wants to change that, even if just for a day.

The Council is hosting a free event called We See You on Wednesday 27 May, running from 9.30am to 2pm at Theatre at The Mill and Museum at The Mill in Newtownabbey.

It's been designed specifically for parents and carers of children with disabilities, additional needs, or complex needs and it's been designed to feel relaxed, inclusive, and welcoming.

Hosted by broadcaster Paul Clark, the morning will bring together guest speakers including a law lecturer from Ulster University, representatives from Contact Northern Ireland and Caleb's Cause, and a special performance from the Hillcroft School Makaton Choir.

The Mayor, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, will also speak sharing her own personal experience as a parent-carer of autistic children.

The event is a chance to connect with others who truly understand what daily life looks like, pick up practical advice, and simply feel seen and valued. Carers are welcome to attend with the person they support.

Whether you're looking for information, connection, or just a few hours in a room with people who get it, this could be a really worthwhile morning.

If you know someone who would benefit, please do pass this on. Places need to be booked in advance.

Have you ever thrown something away wishing you could have fixed it instead?

This June, there's a brilliant local event that could help and it's completely free to attend.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is hosting a Reuse and Repair Fayre at the Lilian Bland Pavilion in Glengormley on Wednesday 3 June, from 12 noon to 4pm, as part of Northern Ireland Repair Week.

The event is open to everyone and brings together a range of helpful services and activities.

You can bring along broken or damaged items to get repaired on the day, from clothes to bikes to small electrical appliances. Local groups including Repair Café Antrim and Newtownabbey, Make it Fab, and East Belfast Mission will all be on hand to help.

There will also be a fermentation workshop with The Edible Flower (registration recommended), bulb planting, family activities, and free Fairtrade tea and coffee, just bring your own cup.

Even if you have nothing to fix, you are very welcome to come along, learn something new, and enjoy the craic.

Events like this are a lovely reminder that communities can come together to save money, reduce waste, and share skills.

Whether you pick up a new hobby, fix a favourite jacket, or just have a good natter, it is a chance to be part of something positive and practical right on your doorstep.

Some activities have limited spaces, so it is worth booking ahead where you can.

More than 1,800 P7 pupils from 44 primary schools across Antrim and Newtownabbey have taken part in this year's Bee Safe programme, a hands-on safety initiative that has been empowering young people for over 25 years.

Delivered by the local Policing and Community Safety Partnership, this year's interactive workshops covered everything from public transport safety and fire prevention to drug awareness and emotional wellbeing, helping children build the confidence they need as they prepare to move up to secondary school.

Read the full story →

The Council's hugely popular Summer Schemes are returning this July and August, packed with sports, creative workshops, and outdoor adventures across leisure centres, community venues, and the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens.

Open to children aged 5–14, spaces are always in high demand, so mark your calendars: bookings open online on 21 May.

Find out more and plan your summer →

Every week, we shine a light on one of the brilliant independent businesses that make our community what it is. The hidden gems, the passionate makers, and the hardworking locals who keep our high streets alive.

If you've ever felt embarrassed bringing your reactive or nervous dog to a groomer, dreading the phone call afterwards, wondering if they'll even take you back, Oliwia Zebrowska knows exactly how that feels.

She's lived it. And it's precisely why she opened Pawsh & Polished in Antrim Town this April.

Oliwia has been volunteering in animal rescues since she was 18. Now 21, and freshly qualified with a Level 3 in Animal Welfare, Salon Management and Dog Grooming, she has built her business around one simple belief.

Reactivity isn't a dog being bad, it's a dog trying to communicate.

Her one-to-one grooming sessions are designed specifically for dogs who don't trust strangers, who've had difficult grooming experiences, or who come in heavily matted because their owners have been too nervous to brush them at home.

There's no clock-watching here. Sessions are longer, calmer, and completely led by the dog in front of her.

Sometimes she can't even touch a dog without a warning growl at the start.

But with patience, positive reinforcement, and a whole lot of understanding, she builds trust and over time, dogs that once trembled begin to relax, sometimes even falling asleep in her hands.

Oliwia also gives back to the rescue community that shaped her, grooming dogs monthly for Almost Home Animal Rescue NI and supporting Animal Connexions NI at their local markets.

New clients get 10% off their first appointment. Book via WhatsApp 07999959216 or Instagram @pawshandpolished.

Wednesday to Saturday and full time from summer onwards. No judgement. Just kindness, patience, and a very good blow dry.

If this week's feature caught your eye, show them some love. Pay them a visit, spread the word, or give them a follow online.

Supporting a local business takes just a moment, but it makes a world of difference. If you want to feature your local business here and get it in front of 500+ subscribers for free, click the button below.

These are a selection of the best events happening this week across the borough. If you would like to see a full list of events, click below.

BMF 26 – It's a Knockout | Six Mile Leisure Centre | 6:00 PM. Get your team together for the ultimate It's a Knockout competition. Tickets are £20 per team and application and terms and conditions forms must be completed before the start.

Mayhem at the Mill Presents Metal Night | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Sounds of Sabbath and EZ/DC bring thunderous riffs and big energy to this 18+ metal night. Grab your tickets at £13.50 and prepare to headbang.

BMF 26 – Classic Car Show | Asda Carpark, Ballyclare | 10:00 AM. Pre-booked cars compete for Best in Show, Mayor's Choice and American Beauty awards in this May Fair classic car display. Entry is £5 per car and spaces are limited.

BMF 26 – Family Friendly Rave | Ballyclare Town Hall | 10:30 AM. Bring the whole family to this daytime rave packed with pop and dance tunes, colourful lights and plenty of dancefloor space. Children's tickets are £2.50 and accompanying adults get in free.

BMF 26 – Family Friendly Rave | Ballyclare Town Hall | 11:45 AM. Second session of the family rave, with big beats and bright visuals in a safe, welcoming space for all ages. Children's tickets are £2.50 and adults don't need one.

Little Mill Fest | Theatre at The Mill | 2:00 PM. Young fans enjoy tribute performances from Taylor Swift, Sabrina Carpenter and Chappell Roan, plus a disco dance showcase and neon mini rave. Tickets are £10 or £34 for a family of four or five.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Walk through 350 years of history with a knowledgeable ranger who shares the stories of the Massereene family across these beautifully preserved gardens. £5 per adult, under 12s free, walk-ups welcome if space allows.

30+ School Reunion | Top Of The Town, Antrim | 7:00 PM. Former pupils of Massereene Community College and Ardnaveigh High School reunite for a fun night of cheese party tunes with DJs Johno and Sammy Todd. Tickets are £10 and include a free shot on arrival.

May Bank Holiday BBQ | Hunter's Bar, The Rabbit Hotel | 12:30 PM. No booking needed for this dog-friendly bank holiday BBQ, with burgers, hot dogs, live music, face painting, a balloon artist and a magician running from 1pm to 5pm.

Children's Crochet Club | The Yarn and Craft Emporium | 1:00 PM. Young crocheters aged 9 to 13 are welcome to join this friendly group running through to the end of June. No need to come every week, but let the shop know you're coming.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Explore the beautifully intact 17th-century gardens on this easy, flat guided walk, hearing colourful tales from the Massereene family dynasty. £5 per adult, under 12s free, walk-ups welcome.

Bank Holiday - Some public places are closed.

Go On - 1-2-1 eClinic | Crumlin Library | 10:00 AM. Get one-to-one help with your mobile device, general IT queries and library e-services in a relaxed setting. Booking is essential, so call 028 9442 3066 or email the library to reserve your slot.

Gardening Club | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Share your gardening knowledge, swap tips and learn from fellow green-fingered neighbours over complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits at this friendly monthly get-together.

Happy Feet Walking Group | Greystone Library | 11:45 AM. Lace up and join this monthly walk for health, fresh air and good company. A gentle way to connect with nature and meet new people in the local area.

Ballyclare Scribblers | Ballyclare Library | 12:30 PM. Whether you're a first-time writer or a seasoned wordsmith, this weekly creative writing group offers fresh prompts, friendly company and a relaxed hour to escape and let the imagination run.

Music Appreciation - 60's and 70's Session | Antrim Library | 11:00 AM. Step back in time at this warm reminiscence session celebrating iconic hits and memories from the 1960s and 70s. Booking is advised, so ring the library to secure your place.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Join this weekly gentle walk for fresh air, a connection with nature and the easy pleasure of good company. Booking is essential, so contact the library beforehand.

Community Safety Programme | Glengormley Library | 10:30 AM. Redeeming Our Communities (ROC) drops in to explore how to stay safe at home, online and in the community. Booking is essential via [email protected] or 02890 351020, with light refreshments provided.

Voices of Glengormley Past | Glengormley Library | 6:30 PM. Spend an evening exploring local childhood memories, poetry from a beloved community writer, and the rich history of the area. Booking is essential, so call 028 9083 3797 or email the library.

Do you have a local event coming up that you’d like to share with us?

That’s it for this issue. If you want to get in touch, just hit reply to this email and I’ll get back to you asap.

If you found this useful, feel free to share it with someone else around the Antrim and Newtownabbey area who might appreciate some new local events to try each week.

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Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.