He's trained 15,000 dogs and he's based in Ballyclare

Welcome to issue #13 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

Fun fact: Did you know that Antrim Castle Gardens contains one of the longest herbaceous borders in Ireland? Stretching for hundreds of metres, it showcases thousands of colourful plants throughout the summer months.

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.

Do you fancy a day out this summer surrounded by beautiful gardens, great food, live talks, and plenty to keep the kids entertained? Garden Show Ireland is back, and it's shaping up to be a wonderful local event for everyone.

Taking place on 12–14 June 2026 at the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens, the show offers three days of inspiration, fun, and community. Whether you're a keen gardener, a lover of interiors, a foodie, or just looking for a great family day out, there really is something for everyone.

This year's show features TV horticulturist David Domoney — familiar to many from ITV's Love Your Garden — who'll be sharing his passion for plants and the outdoors. Award-winning interior designer Suzanne Garuda is also joining as a show ambassador, bringing her expertise in home design to inspire visitors.

Throughout the weekend you can browse a huge range of traders and plants, enjoy cooking demonstrations, take part in workshops and hands-on activities, and even enter the Wheelbarrow Garden Challenge or the Make a Really Rubbish Scarecrow competition. There's food and drink on site too, making it an easy, enjoyable day from start to finish.

Groups of 12 or more can get in for just £10 per ticket, a lovely option for community groups, clubs, or family gatherings.

It's a brilliant chance to get outdoors, pick up new ideas, support local traders, and enjoy a slice of something special close to home. Tickets are on sale now, so don't leave it too late.

Read more and get tickets: https://gardenshowireland.com/

Just in time for the summer holidays, Hazelbank Play Park has been officially reopened by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick.

The upgraded park nestled beside the beautiful Coronation Garden forms part of a £2 million Council investment to deliver safe, accessible and inclusive play spaces for children of all ages across the Borough.

Three other local parks have also recently been given a new lease of life as part of the same programme. With school holidays just around the corner, now is the perfect time to plan a visit!

A brand-new Beer Festival is coming to the stunning Antrim Castle Gardens on Friday 19 & Saturday 20 June (12pm–10pm) and it's shaping up to be the summer event of the year!

Delivered in partnership with CAMRA, the festival will pour more than 40 cask and keg beers from Northern Ireland and beyond.

Not a beer fan? No problem, expert mixologists from The Stone Hound Bar and fine wines from The Vintage Wine Merchants have you covered too.

Add in live music, tasty street food and one of the Borough's most beautiful outdoor settings, and you've got the perfect summer day out. Tickets are just £7.50, including a commemorative pint glass. Over 18s only.

👉 Book your tickets here

Over 75 years after two young Belfast sailors survived one of the Royal Navy's most dramatic ordeals, their bravery has been permanently honoured on home soil.

A memorial plaque and storyboard were unveiled at Hazelbank Park by the Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick, commemorating those aboard HMS Amethyst during the 1949 Yangtze Incident.

The ship came under fire during the Chinese Civil War, losing 27 crew members before making a daring escape to freedom.

The memorial came to life thanks to the tireless campaigning of the sailors' own sons, and family members travelled from across the country to share stories of courage and sacrifice at the ceremony.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council recently hosted a heartfelt celebration for parent-carers of children with disabilities and complex needs.

The "We See You" event, held at Theatre at The Mill, brought together inspiring speakers, personal stories, and practical advice all aimed at helping families feel recognised, supported, and empowered.

Mayor Councillor Leah Kirkpatrick moved the audience by sharing her own experience as a parent-carer of autistic children, while broadcaster Paul Clark MBE hosted proceedings and opened up about caring for his son with Down's syndrome.

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 struggled with a boisterous puppy or a dog with a few too many bad habits, Robin Bates has almost certainly seen it before, all 15,000 versions of it.

Robin started out training his own Airedale Terrier at a local dog club, went on to become an instructor, and eventually competed at Crufts with his dog Poppy as part of the Northern Ireland Obedience Team.

That passion never faded, and more than 21 years later, Robin Bates Dog Training has grown into one of Northern Ireland's most trusted names for puppy and dog training.

Based in Ballyclare, classes run across venues throughout the region in small groups of no more than eight, so your dog (and you) actually get proper attention.

Whether you've just brought home a new puppy, adopted a rescue with some baggage, or simply want to deepen your bond with an older dog, there's a route in for you.

Can't make it in person? Three online courses are available too.

For those dealing with trickier behavioural issues like anxiety or aggression, Robin offers one-to-one home visits; coming to you so the dog can be assessed in its own environment.

There's even a membership community, the Happy and Healthy Dog Society, offering round-the-clock access to expert advice.

Robin's commitment to dogs goes beyond the classroom too. He's a board member of Mid Antrim Animal Sanctuary and volunteers with Barnardo's and Lucy's Trust.

Robin is also a published author and has appeared on BBC Radio Ulster. You'll find classes, courses, and booking at robinbatesdogtraining.com or call 07730941989.

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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.

Beginners Pottery Workshop | Sentry Hill | 10:30 AM. The first session of a four-week course covering pinch and coil pots, slab building, and coloured glazes for those aged 16 and over; all materials provided and tickets are £102 for the full course.

Studio 86 | Theatre at The Mill | 6:00 PM. Studio 86 celebrates 10 years of dancing, cheerleading and acro gymnastics with a show honouring every child in the studio; tickets are £16.50 and the event is open to all ages.

Anyone for Marriage | Courtyard Theatre | 8:00 PM. Patrick Sheenan's hilarious comedy follows a fortune-teller, a bug-spotter and an Englishman who descend on a rural farm guesthouse, with misunderstandings and romance ensuing; tickets from £14.50, age 12 and over.

Tabletop Games Club | Antrim Library | 10:30 AM. Board games for kids, adults and families are all on offer at this weekly drop-in; no booking needed, just ask at the desk and join in the fun.

Sponsored Walk | Crosskennan Lane Animal Sanctuary | 11:00 AM. Walk approximately 4 miles through Tardree Forest to raise funds for over 100 animals at the sanctuary; dogs on leads welcome, and you can donate £5 on arrival or collect sponsorship in advance, with light refreshments to follow.

Paws and Play | 161 Ballyrobert Rd | 12:00 PM. Treat your dog to an hour of supervised off-lead fun in a secure field with agility, sand pits and water play; one ticket per dog at £15, humans come free, and refreshments are available on site.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Valley Leisure Centre | 1:00 PM. Kelly's roller skating disco rolls into Newtownabbey for an energetic hour of music and movement; book your place online at £8 to £9 per ticket.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Join a ranger for an easy hour-long walk through the 350-year-old gardens, uncovering the colourful history of the Massereene family dynasty; meet at the Wolfhound Statue in Clotworthy Courtyard, entry is free.

Paddy McDonnell - Gout's Out | The Old Courthouse | 7:30 PM. Belfast comedian Paddy McDonnell brings his brand-new show to Antrim, turning the everyday trials of getting older, raising kids and dodging gout into a brilliantly funny night out.

Anyone for Marriage | Courtyard Theatre | 8:00 PM. The second and final night of Patrick Sheenan's comedy, with a cast of loveable mismatched characters colliding at a rural holiday farm in search of laughs and, perhaps, love; tickets from £14.50, age 12 and over.

Lough Neagh Artisan Market | The Lock Keeper's Cottage, Toome | 12:00 PM. Over 30 artisan traders, street food, live music from Rock Choir and Orange Blossom, boat trips along the Bann, and family activities including alpacas and a bouncy castle make this a brilliant free day out beside the river.

Family Fun Sunday Lunch | Rabbit Hotel | 12:00 PM. Enjoy a relaxed Sunday lunch while the little ones are entertained with face painting and a magician, rounded off with live music in Hunter's Bar from 1pm to 4pm.

Children's crochet club | The Yarn and Craft Emporium | 1:00 PM. Young crocheters aged 9 to 13 meet for a friendly weekly group running through to the end of June; you don't have to attend every week but do let them know you're coming. Tickets £5.

Ranger Led Tour | Antrim Castle Gardens | 2:00 PM. Take in the stories behind one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful historic gardens on this free ranger-guided walk through the 350-year-old grounds; meet at the Wolfhound Statue in Clotworthy Courtyard.

JMDA Presents "Shine in the Spotlight" | Theatre at The Mill | 3:00 PM. JMDA takes to the stage at Theatre at The Mill for a showcase performance; full details are available via the booking link.

Crossword Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Settle in with some satisfying puzzles alongside a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits in good company every Monday morning.

Connect North Drop-In Session | Greenisland Library | 10:00 AM. Chat informally with Link Workers about local health and social care services, discover nearby groups, and get tailored advice. No booking required.

Lego Club | Greystone Library | 3:00 PM. Children aged 6 to 12 can build and create every Monday and Thursday afternoon; children must be accompanied by an adult.

Chess Drop-in | Glengormley Library | 10:00 AM. Find an opponent, pull up a chair, and enjoy a relaxed game of chess. All ages welcome, refreshments provided, and no booking needed.

Quiz Morning | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Put your general knowledge to the test in a lively, friendly atmosphere at this monthly quiz morning. Just turn up and take part.

Ballyclare Scribblers | Ballyclare Library | 12:30 PM. Writers and poets of all levels gather weekly to share ideas, find fresh inspiration, and enjoy a well-earned creative break from the day.

Knit and Natter | Randalstown Library | 1:30 PM. Share tips, swap patterns and learn new skills every Tuesday in a relaxed, sociable crafting session open to all, free of charge.

Pitch a Crime | Ballyclare Library | 6:45 PM. Crime writing enthusiasts pitch their ideas in this evening session at Ballyclare Library, a great opportunity for writers to share and develop their stories.

Rhythm and Rhyme | Randalstown Library | 11:00 AM. Parents and carers bring children aged 0 to 4 to explore songs, stories and rhymes together every Wednesday. Booking is essential.

Knit and Natter | Glengormley Library | 2:00 PM. Crafters of all abilities are welcome to knit, crochet and stitch together every Wednesday afternoon. Phone ahead to book your place.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Lace up and join a gentle weekly walk to connect with others, enjoy fresh air and nature, and build new friendships. Booking is essential.

Jigsaw Club | Greystone Library | 9:30 AM. Every Thursday, take some time out to relax over a beautiful jigsaw in a peaceful and friendly library setting.

Empathy Connect and Care Bingo | Greenisland Library | 2:00 PM. Drop in to Greenisland Library for this community wellbeing session, a welcoming space to connect with others and take part in a friendly game of bingo.

Busy Hands and Bright Minds Group | Glengormley Library | 6:45 PM. Sensory stories, hands-on play and neurodivergent-friendly activities for ages 6 to 11, delivered in a relaxed, supportive setting. Booking essential; children must be accompanied by an adult.

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.

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Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.