Something special is happening across our borough

Welcome to issue #14 of the Antrim & Newtownabbey Post.

Fun fact: Did you know that Sentry Hill Historic House contains one of the most important collections of rural Ulster history, with artefacts and diaries dating back over 200 years?

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.

Projects getting under way in the current financial year include drainage works at Ballyearl and Mossley pitches, changing facilities at Abbey College, improvements to Carmoney Cemetery, solar panels at Mossley Mill, and the Cloughan Project in Ballyclare.

Looking further ahead, planned projects include a new skate park at Antrim Forum, a 3G pitch at The Diamond in Rathcoole, the Dunanney Centre and Community Hub, small areas revitalisation schemes, public realm improvements in Crumlin and Whiteabbey, and development works across the Steeple site in Antrim.

Council approved an Occasional Outdoor Entertainment Licence for the Breaker Breaker Truck Show, taking place at Nutt's Corner Market on Saturday 4 July 2026 from 10am to 3pm.

The event, run by Leanne Lyons, can welcome up to 2,000 visitors and will feature music, singing, dancing and other entertainment.

It has been running annually at the same location since 2019, taking a break in 2025, and has operated without incident throughout its history.

The event is a charitable, family-friendly occasion raising funds and awareness for men's mental health.

More info: https://breakerbreakertruckshow.com/

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has taken a major step toward putting local voices at the heart of decision-making, with the official launch of a new borough-wide Community Forum.

Community representatives, voluntary organisations, residents and stakeholders gathered at The Old Courthouse in Antrim to mark the milestone, a significant moment in building a more connected and collaborative borough.

The Forum forms part of the wider WEAVE initiative. We Educate, We Empower, We Engage.

It will be delivered through the PEACEPLUS Local Community Action Plan, with over £445,000 invested to strengthen community development across the area.

Building on seven existing forums already operating across the borough's District Electoral Areas, the new borough-wide Forum will bring everyone together to share priorities, exchange best practice and shape the future of local communities.

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 been living with joint pain, knees that ache on the stairs, a shoulder that won't cooperate, or a heel that makes every morning a struggle, you'll know how long the wait for NHS treatment can feel.

Dr McQuillan Steroid Injections, based at Antrim Business Park, is offering a welcome alternative.

Dr McQuillan (MBChB, MRCGP) is a GP with a decade of medical experience, including seven years working across hospital departments such as acute medicine and cardiology.

He now specialises in musculoskeletal care and his passion for the personal touch is front and centre.

From the moment you book to your post-treatment aftercare, you deal directly with Dr McQuillan himself. No receptionists, no handoffs.

The clinic offers standard steroid injections across a wide range of joints.

Shoulders, knees, hips, elbows, wrists, feet, and more, as well as the highly regarded ultrasound-guided method, which uses real-time imaging to place the injection with exceptional precision.

Diagnostic ultrasound scans are also available for injuries that aren't improving with exercise or physiotherapy alone.

Prices start with a £30 consultation fee, with discounts for multiple joints in one visit and for returning patients.

Can't travel? Home visits are available too. Dr McQuillan can come to you, ultrasound equipment and all, for an additional call-out fee.

For anyone frustrated by waiting lists and looking for fast, professional pain relief close to home, this could be exactly what you need. More info: nisteroidinjection.com

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 upcoming events happening across the borough this week and beyond. If you would like to see a full list of events for this week, click below.

Founded in 1957 by the trailblazing Gladys McCabe, who was barred from the Royal Ulster Academy simply for being a woman, the Ulster Society of Women Artists (USWA) is celebrating its 69th year with a stunning exhibition at the Oriel Gallery, Antrim Castle Gardens, running until 20th July 2026.

Featuring oils, pastels, watercolours, ceramics and more from talented members, many of whom exhibit with the Royal Ulster Academy and Royal Hibernian Academy, and five of whom are supported by Belfast's prestigious Gormley's Gallery, this is a showcase not to be missed.

Browse the full online exhibition at uswa.co.uk and visit in person before 20th July. With a landmark 70th anniversary celebration planned for 2027, now is the perfect time to discover this remarkable society.

ANBC is inviting you to lace up and join their free Nordic Walking sessions, running throughout the summer from June to September, 5.30–6.30pm.

Explore some of the borough's most beautiful parks, from Antrim Castle Gardens to Hazelbank and Valley Park, while discovering the health benefits of this low-impact exercise.

Nordic poles reduce joint pressure and give you a full-body workout, making it perfect for all fitness levels. No registration needed, just turn up, poles provided!

👉 Find out more and see all locations here

Home and Garden Show Ireland | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. Northern Ireland's leading home and garden event returns across three days, with expert talks, floral displays, foraging, local food, live music, shopping and family-friendly fun both indoors and out.

Randalstown Community Festival | Main Street, Randalstown | 3:00 PM. Two weeks of community-led events kick off today, with live music, local markets, family activities, a duck race, a Colour Run and much more across the town for all ages.

Charity Fundraising Gala | Dunadry Hotel and Gardens | 6:00 PM. Organised by All About Us ASD Teens, this annual gala takes a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory theme, with sweet surprises and treats to celebrate the year and raise funds for a great cause.

Mobile Roller Skating Disco | Sixmile Leisure Centre Ballyclare | 7:00 PM. Kelly's Mobile Roller Skating Disco brings skates, music and great atmosphere to the leisure centre for a one-hour session; tickets are priced from £8 and can be booked online.

Spring Birding Support | Antrim Lough Shore | 7:00 PM. BTO Northern Ireland leads this free, relaxed shore walk helping birdwatchers of all experience levels build confidence in identification and Breeding Bird Survey skills in a low-pressure group setting.

Think Twice – Celine Dion Tribute | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Europe's number one Celine Dion tribute, fronted by the acclaimed Angie Lang with a full live band, brings powerhouse vocals and hits including My Heart Will Go On, Because You Loved Me and It's All Coming Back to Me Now.

Home and Garden Show Ireland | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. The three-day show continues with expert demonstrations, family activities, local produce, plant sales and talks from ambassadors David Domoney and Suzanne Garuda, with 70% of the show undercover.

Open Farm Weekend | Greenmount Campus | 11:00 AM. CAFRE opens its specialist farming facilities to the public, with sheep shearing demonstrations, a dairy centre, ice-cream samples, floristry displays, the Walled Garden and family games across the afternoon.

Pool Competition | The Burnside Tavern | 3:00 PM. Everyone is welcome to enter this friendly pool competition; it costs £10 to enter, there is a cash prize for the winner, and entry fees go towards the lodge.

The Teddy Swims Experience | The Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl | 7:30 PM. Catch this tribute to soul and R&B star Teddy Swims, celebrating the genre-blending sound and emotional performances that made hits like Lose Control a global phenomenon.

Home and Garden Show Ireland | Antrim Castle Gardens | 10:00 AM. The final day of the show offers a last chance to enjoy the gardens, expert talks, hands-on demos, local food stalls and shopping across the beautiful grounds of Antrim Castle Gardens.

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.

Speed Friending Mix and Mingle | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. Think speed dating, but for friendships: this adults' coffee morning uses curated icebreaker questions to help you meet your next brunch buddy, with tea, coffee and biscuits provided. Booking essential.

NIPS Ombudsman Drop-In Session | Greenisland Library | 2:00 PM. If a public service such as a school, council, or health and social care provider has let you down, call in to speak with the NIPSO Engagement Team. No booking required.

Marketing Using AI for Business | Mallusk Enterprise Park | 10:30 AM. This free, hands-on Go Succeed NI workshop shows business owners how to use AI to generate content ideas, design infographics, produce short-form videos and build a stronger marketing strategy.

Foods From Around the World | Greystone Library | 10:30 AM. In celebration of Refugee Week, this coffee morning takes you on a bite-sized tour of eight or more countries — bring an adventurous appetite and come ready to explore. Booking essential.

Patient and Client Council Drop In | Ballyclare Library | 2:00 PM. PCC team members are on hand at the library for this drop-in, offering information, advice, support and advocacy to anyone with questions about health and social care services.

Invitation Pairs Bowling | Randalstown Central Primary School | 6:30 PM. Clubs from across the area are invited to enter pairs in this well-loved bowling competition, part of Randalstown Festival 2026; entries of £10 per pair should be submitted via Club Secretaries before 6th June.

ABP Angus Youth Challenge | Greenmount Campus | 10:00 AM. Semi-finalists in the ABP Angus Youth Challenge enjoy a VIP campus visit to explore CAFRE's state-of-the-art agri-food facilities, hear from past Challengers now studying there, and discover career pathways in agriculture.

Go On – 1-2-1 eClinic | Greystone Library | 10:00 AM. Library staff offer one-to-one IT support for beginners, covering help with mobile devices, general IT queries and information about library e-services. Booking essential.

Let's Go Walking | Randalstown Library | 2:15 PM. Set off from the library for a gentle, sociable weekly walk connecting participants with fresh air, nature and good company. Booking is essential.

Randalstown WI Night of Entertainment | St Macnissi's Parochial Centre | 7:30 PM. Randalstown WI presents an evening of sketches, choir performances and drama raising funds for Angel Wishes and ACWW; tickets cost £10 from WI members and supper is provided.

Summer Country with the Stars | Theatre at The Mill | 7:45 PM. Six top Irish country performers including Robert Mizzell, Owen Mac and Kathy Durkin take the stage together, backed by the Keltic Storm Band, for a big-hearted evening of classic and contemporary country music.

2026 BuildHealth Conference | Dunsilly Hotel | 8:30 AM. This free conference on sustainable occupational health is open to all sectors, covering fatigue, mental health, musculoskeletal disorders and new technologies, followed by a buffet lunch and networking.

History and Horticulture Walk | Randalstown Library | 9:30 AM. Join this free, approximately one-hour guided stroll through Randalstown's gardens, planting schemes and local landmarks, blending gardening interest with local historical stories in relaxed company.

Made with Love for Dad | Greenisland Library | 2:00 PM. Children aged 4 to 11 design a colourful tie-shaped card for the dad or father figure in their life, using paper, stickers and personal messages, with all materials provided. No booking required.

Little Green Gardeners | Greystone Library | 2:30 PM. Children aged 6 to 12 get their hands messy decorating their own plant pot and sowing seeds that will grow into beautiful flowers; children aged 8 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Booking essential.

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

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Next edition will land at the same time next Friday.