PRL wishes to hire an Office Administrator on a temporary, part-time basis – please see job description for details. Closing date for application: Friday 16th December 2022
Shoppers, Sun and the Speciality Market Open for Business in Portaferry
It was a very welcome return to business for the Market on the Square in Portaferry on Saturday 3 July after 18 months and it didn’t disappoint! Large numbers of residents and visitors took advantage of the fabulous array of local produce and craft makers showing their wares and having a good time with the childrens free craft activity and a great play list by John McMullan kept the shoppers entertained!
Tilly, the balloon modeller were kept busy creating magical creatures for all the little ones to emulate the amazing lobsters being prepared on O’Neill’s of Strangford Lough stall, while the delicious goodies from Sprinkles & Crumbs, Mange Tout, and Peninsula Kelp Co were snapped up by eager shoppers. The Urban Community Chef and Gayanne (from Georgia) were showcasing a Georgian traditional delicious Khachapuri bread which went down a treat with everyone!
When a coffee fix was needed we had a great choice as Pete and Claire from ‘Paws for Coffee’ were full steam ahead with their hot drinks whereas AP from Nitro Coffee had a great set up with his cold brew on tap and for those who wanted the raw ingredients then the hand roasted coffee beans by Shirt & Tie, teamed up with a Wee Choco fix – a great take home treat for anyone!
Beautiful plants and shrubs adorned the market and Ivan from Ballyhenry Baskets & Blooms was on hand to offer hints and tips on how best to achieve the perfect blooms this summer. With many staycation visitors from across NI and beyond visiting Portaferry the local Visitor Information Service was on hand to offer great ideas to keep all the family entertained around Strangford Lough and the wider Ards & North Down Borough.
It was a pleasure to welcome the Deputy Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Robert Adair, who said, “I was delighted to officially reopen the Market on the Square. This popular Market started in 2018 and is based from Portaferry’s beautifully restored Market House. The area is renowned for its talented art, craft and food producers, so it is in the perfect location to showcase the very best that local traders have to offer. There is a wide variety of traders, each offering unique treasures and produce, and I encourage everyone to support our local traders and visit the Market on the first Saturday of the month.”
The Deputy Mayor enjoyed the market and spoke with many traders, locals and visitors and as the Upper Ards is steeped in the creative arts, it wasn’t surprising to see so many fabulous craft makers host their businesses and chat to eager shoppers who wouldn’t find these beautiful hand crafted pieces on the high street, which always makes our market that little bit special! A blissful Blend, Belfast Candle Company, Pretty Crafty Ceramics, Little Things by Gillian, Tidal Treasures, LG Jewellery, Tansy Craft, and Made with Love by MJB didn’t disappoint as there was a constant buzz at their stalls.
For that indulgent treat the multi award winning Echlinville Distillery were showcasing their linen inspired ‘Weavers Irish Gin’ which as Haley Sloan described as “Crisp, cool and clean as the linen it is inspired by.”
Chairman of Portaferry Regeneration, John Dumigan commented, “It’s great to have the market up. and running again and to see so many supporting both the market traders and the local businesses. This event is a great opportunity to showcase the amazing producers and makers and of course highlight picturesque Portaferry and Strangford Lough with all it has to offer”.
If you’ve missed out this time, don’t worry as we’ll be doing all again on Saturday 7 August and the first Saturday of each month, through to December and we look forward to welcoming you!
Artisan Market Makes Anchor in Portaferry
Portaferry Regeneration Ltd will open the Artisan Market on Saturday 3 July from 10am – 1.30pm with 25 food producers, craft makers, and drinks providers on hand to sample and sell.
We are delighted that Echlinville Distillery, with more than 30 international awards and accolades and home to their iconic Dunville Irish Whiskey, Jawbox, Echlinville, and Weavers Gins, will be joining us at the Market.
O’Neill’s of Strangford Lough will definitely delight you with the opportunity to pick your own lobster from their tank, sample their chowder and chat to their chef, who may even share a favourite recipe with you!
To offer some helpful culinary hints and tips, the Urban Community Chef will be joining us while the ever popular French patisserie, Mange Tout, will have a fabulous array of goodies of breads, sweets and savoury treats. Peninsula Kelp Company will tempt you with their environmentally friendly and sustainable kelp-based products which are sourced by hand diving in Strangford Lough, keeping your food miles to a minimum!
We also have Sprinkles & Crumbs cakes with their bakes and speciality sausage rolls to name a few. You’ll be able to accompany all your goodies with some fabulous coffee delights from Nitro Coffee Co, Shirt & Tie, and Paws for Coffee!
There’s even something for the gardeners as Ivan from Ballyhenry Baskets & Blooms will be on hand with a fabulous range of shrubs, perennials and annuals to add a splash of colour to any garden space.
If you’re looking for a special gift then we have that covered, too! A Blissful Blend and Belfast Candle Company will have lots to ensure you have the perfect pamper session. While Pretty Crafty Ceramics, Tansy Crafts, LG Jewellery, Made with Love by MJB, Little Things by Gillian, Wooden it be Nice, Portaferry Pottery, JB Photography, and Tidal Treasures will lure you in with their individually crafted and beautifully presented gifts for any occasion that you won’t find on the High Street!
The Woofternoon Tea Company with Carolyn Hamill will showcase her wide range of doggie treats, just perfect for your pooch!
There will be free children’s craft activities, live music and when you’ve enjoyed the array of local produce, picked up some beautiful crafts, you can enjoy some of the many attractions, activities and eateries in and around Portaferry to finish off a great day out for all the family!
If you can’t make the July Market, then catch us on the first Saturday of each month, through to December 2021. Find out all the latest information at Facebook/MarketontheSquare or Portaferry Regeneration Ltd on 028 4272 9598 or email info@portaferryregeneration.com
We Bake, We Grow, We Make at Portaferry Artisan Market
After 18 long months Portaferry Regeneration Ltd will open the Artisan Market on Saturday 3 July at 10am with 25 food producers, craft makers and drink outlets on hand to sample, demonstrate and sell at their stalls, we’ve no doubt that you will have a fabulous day out for all the family!
It has been a particularly difficult period during covid-lockdown for SME businesses as there was extremely low economic output and many businesses have had to adapt to survive.
Ballyboley Dexter meats, O’Neill’s of Strangford Lough with their locally sourced shellfish and seafood, French patisserie from Mange Tout, hand dived and sustainable kelp-based products from the Peninsula Kelp Co, Sprinkles & Crumbs cakes, bakes and speciality sausage rolls to name a few. You’ll be able to accompany all your goodies with some fabulous coffee delights from Nitro Coffee Co, Shirt & Tie and the new kid on the block, Claire Walker in her mobile Paws for Coffee!
Meanwhile we’re delighted to have Mark Humphries aka Urban Community Chef, join us to cook up a storm and to provide handy culinary hints and tips – which we could all do with! We will have ‘free’ art and craft activities for the children and music to get everyone in the holiday mood!
If you’re planning to spruce up your garden, then we have the perfect man. Ivan at Ballyhenry Baskets & Blooms will have a plethora of shrubs, perennials and annuals to add colour to any garden space.
If you’re looking for a special gift then we have that covered, too! A Blissful Blend and Belfast Candle Company will have lots to ensure you have the perfect pamper session. While Pretty Crafty Ceramics, Tansy Crafts, LG Jewellery, Little Things by Gillian, Wooden it be Nice, Portaferry Pottery, JB Photography, and Tidal Treasures will lure you in with their individually crafted and beautifully presented gifts for any occasion that you won’t find on the High Street!
Lets not forget our canine friends, as we welcome The Woofternoon Tea Company to Portaferry. Carolyn Hamill produces a wide range of doggie treats, just perfect for your pooch!
Finally, Portaferry VIC will be on hand to offer advice and suggestions on the fabulous array of tourism facilities in the Ards Peninsula and across NI and enable us all to ‘support local’ this year!
To win a £25 shopping voucher for Market on the Square then follow us on Facebook to have a chance to win and find out all the latest information. Portaferry Regeneration Ltd on 028 4272 9598 or email info@portaferryregeneration.com
Artisan Market on the Square Prepares to Set Sail in Portaferry
Portaferry Regeneration Ltd is delighted to confirm that the very successful Artisan Market on the Square in Portaferry will commence again on Saturday 3 July from 10am – 1.30pm and subsequent first Saturdays of each month thereafter through to December 2021.
Many of our popular artisan traders will be joining us to celebrate on Saturday 3 July from health and beauty, candles, jewellery, ceramics, gardening, wood craft, soft furnishings, and lots of wonderful speciality food and drink, so add this to your to do list, get outside and enjoy!
John Dumigan, Chairman of Portaferry Regneration Ltd says, “As domestic restrictions are being lifted across NI, we would expect a steady footfall from the day tripper visiting Exploris Aquarium, The Portico of Ards, Mount Stewart, Castle Ward, Nugent’s Wood, Echlinville Distillery, and many other attractions and activities on the Ards Peninsula and surrounding Strangford Lough – which having recently been voted top 3 place to live by The Sunday Times is a must see destination for domestic!”
With the continued support of Ards and North Down Borough Council in getting our Market back up and running in time for the summer season, John says, “There’s no better way to start your July holiday than visiting the traders and snapping us some of the amazing crafts and food/drink provisions that will be on offer, and of course, meeting some old friends and familiar faces that we haven’t seen for a while! There will be music and children’s entertainment so you’ll feel like you’re on holiday!”
In line with public health advice the Market will continue to encourage social distancing measures and if possible encouraging everyone to mask up.
So, if we’ve whet your appetite and you want to hear more about our artisans and their amazing produce… and win some free vouchers to spend at the Market, then follow us on Facebook/MarketontheSquare for all the latest information or contact Portaferry Regeneration Ltd on 028 4272 9598 or email: info@portaferryregeneration.com
Portaferry Embraced the ‘Giant Spirit’ of Keep it Local during Covid
As Northern Ireland slowly emerges from the public health restrictions, one thing we have all learned throughout our Covid pandemic journey is that Community really means everything. Here in Portaferry we have witnessed the ‘giant spirit’ of kindness and generosity from business, community, church leaders and from friends and strangers alike.
John Dumigan, Chairperson of Portaferry Regeneration Ltd said, “We may be a small village on the tip of the Ards Peninsula, but we have a big heart and it was amazing to witness our retailers, many of whom have been established in the town for decades, whilst others more recent, work tirelessly to help and support the local needs of everyone. Even going the extra mile to deliver to homes when it wasn’t possible to visit in person.”
“From foodbanks to welcome packs, hot meals to food parcels, treats and virtual music events, podcasts supporting our young people, neighbourly gestures, and connecting with our friends and family overseas via our Ferry FM radio, these are just few of the acts of kindness and generosity which have been so important over the last year, and we thank each and everyone who contributed to this giant spirit during our long lockdown periods.”
Portaferry Regeneration Ltd we launched our ‘Keep it Local’ campaign in 2018 which was extremely successful. Little did we know how important that launch would become in March 2020, when we all were so reliant on our local shops and services.’
John continued, “By way of support and acknowledgement to our many retailers and staff who worked tirelessly to help us through the pandemic, this is the perfect opportunity to show our continued support for the local businesses by ‘Keep it Local’ as we continue to emerge from restrictions and help rebuild their business and our local economy.”
Another great initiative, ‘The Market on the Square’, will be returning on Saturday 3 July with a fabulous range of quality local food and drink produce alongside a wonderful selection of art and crafts and it is hoped that this will bring an additional boost to Portaferry. We hope to welcome many residents and visitors to the Artisan Markets, our local shops, attractions and activities to help kick start the local economic recovery.
Follow us on Facebook/MarketontheSquare for all the latest information or contact the Portaferry Regeneration Ltd on 028 4272 9598 or email: hannah@portaferryregeneration.com
Update on Public Realm Scheme
Ards and north Down Borough Council has finally granted planning permission for the Portaferry Public Realm Scheme.
The business case for the scheme has been completed and will be considered by the main funders, the Department for Communities.
Provided funding is agreed the scheme should start on site by the end of this year.
Public Realm refers to the paving, lighting, planting, seating, and signage. Improvements to these features will greatly enhance the appearance of the town and should stimulate investment, new businesses, and tourism.
The scheme is focused on the Market Square and includes Ferry Street, Castle Street, High Street and Meeting House Lane.
Portaferry Community COVID 19 Response
Together Spreading Kindness Not The Virus
DO YOU NEED ESSENTIAL SHOPPING?
Several Local Business are offering a FREE Home Delivery Service to Portaferry and surrounding areas to those vulnerable in our community – ie Older People, People with Health Conditions and those Self isolating. However, remember to be aware of scams these businesses will not be calling you, if requiring a delivery please contact them to discuss requirements. See below:
| Name of Business | Tel Number | Milage Radius | Payments | Other Relevant Information |
| Centra, Portaferry | 028 427 28840 | 3 Miles | By Card Over Phone, in exceptional circumstances can take cash on delivery | Orders by email to – watsonsportaferry@centra.co.uk |
| Eurospar, Portaferry | 028 427 28163 | 3 Miles | By Card Over Phone, in exceptional circumstances can take cash on delivery | Orders by email to – spar.portaferry@henderson-group.com |
| Portaferry Costcutter & Post Office | 028 427 28201 | 2 Miles | Cash on delivery | Contact them to discuss |
| Hugh Mullan Butcher | 028 427 28734 077 667 40700 | 8 Miles | By Card Over Phone | Contact them to discuss |
| B Arthurs Butcher | 028 427 28240 | Local | Cash on delivery | Contact them to discuss |
| Country Garden | 028 427 28149 | Contact them to discuss | By Card Over Phone, in exceptional circumstances can take cash on delivery | Order before 12 noon, to receive same day delivery, also have logs, coal, plants, compost, flowers. |
Business: Centra, Portaferry
Tel: 028 427 28840
Milage Radius: 3 Miles
Payments: By Card Over Phone, in exceptional circumstances can take cash on delivery
Info: Orders by email to – watsonsportaferry@centra.co.uk
Business: Eurospar, Portaferry
Tel: 028 427 28163
Milage Radius: 3 Miles
Payments: By Card Over Phone, in exceptional circumstances can take cash on delivery
Info: Orders by email to – spar.portaferry@henderson-group.com
Business: Portaferry Costcutter & Post Office
Tel: 028 427 28201
Milage Radius: 2 Miles
Payments: Cash on delivery
Info: Contact them to discuss
Business: Hugh Mullan Butcher
Tel: 028 427 28734 or 077 667 40700
Milage Radius: 8 Miles
Payments: By Card Over Phone
Info: Contact them to discuss
Business: B Arthurs Butcher
Tel: 028 427 28240
Milage Radius: Local
Payments: Cash on delivery
Info: Contact them to discuss
Business: Country Garden
Tel: 028 427 28149
Milage Radius: Contact them to discuss
Payments: By Card Over Phone, in exceptional circumstances can take cash on delivery
Info: Order before 12 noon, to receive same day delivery, also have logs, coal, plants, compost, flowers.
DO YOU NEED HELP?
Portaferry GAC have teamed up with other organisations and are ready to help in any way they can. Therefore if you need help getting essential products or prescriptions (the latter being worked on at the moment) they have a team of volunteers ready to help. Just contact one of the following members. These people are just a point of contact and will liaise with a larger team of volunteers at the ready.
Mary Jo Mallon 07706093002
Anne Sands 07917787233
Dom Mason 07874714253
FOOD BANKS
Anyone wanting to spread the kindness, Eurospar has a trolley in their shop accepting donations for Food Banks. Portaferry Men’s Shed are working with Bangor Foodbank, providing for those in need. They can be contact on T: 028 427 28731 between 10 am–2 pm on Mon, Wed and Friday. Check out their facebook page for deliveries of fresh produce @PortaferryMensShed. If you are experiencing hardship or struggling to cope financially, ring St Vincent de Paul – T: 075 0854 9701.
FERRY FM
The station will be carrying local news and information on updates on the Breakfast Show 7-10am and on the 8-10pm evening programmes. There is a national radio station carrying information and news, Health Info Radio. Ferry FM is carrying items from this service, around the half hour. Any groups who wish to promote what plans they may have in place should contact them.
PORTAFERRY LOCAL CHURCH SERVICES
All our local churches are closed to the public, however, many are offering spiritual support and guidance through online streaming services, if you need to contact them they can be contact via:
Church of Ireland, Parish of Ballyphilip and Ardquin
Tel: 028 427 29307
Web: https://www.facebook.com/St-Saviours-and-Holy-Trinity-with-Ballyphilip-and-Ardquin-1478955422344564/
Portaferry Methodist Church
Tel: 028 427 38210
Web: http://www.portaferrymethodistchurch.org/talks-from-portaferry/
Portaferry Presbyterian Church
Tel: 077 189 32333
Roman Catholic Church of Ballyphilip
Tel: 028 427 28373
Web: http://www.mcnmedia.tv/camera/portaferry-parish
USEFUL CONTACT NUMBERS
Portaferry Pharmacy 028 427 28226 (Opening Hrs: 10am–1pm and 2pm–6pm)
St Vincent de Paul Helpline 075 0854 9701
Portaferry Credit Union 028 427 28671
Hospital Coronavirus Service 111
PSNI 101 (Non-emergency)
Emergency Services 999
Citizens Advice Ards & North Down 0300 123 9287
HELPFUL WEBSITES
Public Health Agency – provides regular health update from their website at https://www.publichealth.hscni.net/
NI Direct Government Website – provides a range of information.
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-overview-and-advice
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-and-benefits
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/hand-hygiene
https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/articles/coronavirus-covid-19-advice-older-people
Ards and North Down Borough Council – will provide regular updated information on Council services. Website at https://www.ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk/
Libraries NI – Go onto their website and complete the form and you will automatically become a virtual library member. This means you can borrow eBooks, eMagazines and Audiobooks, browse the online catalogue, register for updates and make use of the virtual services. Website at https://www.librariesni.org.uk/_layouts/LNI_CustomPages/CreateLMSUsers.aspx
BBC – provides opportunities for continued learning at home for children and young people. Website at https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize
County Down Rural Community Network – advice and guidance for community volunteers responding to COVID 19. Website at www.countydownruralcommunitynetwork.com
STAY AT HOME
PROTECT THE NHS
SAVE LIVES
AGM 2020
Portaferry Regeneration Limited agreed at its Annual General Meeting on 15th February 2021 to amend its Articles of Association to better describe the charitable work of the company and comply with changes in Company Law.
You can find the amended document and the Chairperson’s Report from the AGM in the links below:
Portaferry Plein Air Festival 2020
A 5 Day Experience, with 3 Days of Outdoor Painting with Portaferry Art Society.
Portaferry Regeneration have teamed up with Portaferry Art Society in order to sponsor this event with money from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. We want locals and visitors to enjoy this amazing village and realise the potential of their creative skills. The idea of the festival is about experiencing being part of an artistic community, connecting with the heritage of Portaferry; a vibrant, historic village and having fun!
For several years, members of Portaferry of Art Society have been painting together outside and have found the experience both convivial and challenging. A die-hard core, over many cups of coffee (and stronger) developed the idea of creating a Plein Air Festival based in the town to take place from 21st to 25th May 2020. We are excited to bring our first festival of outdoor painting to all lovers of painting “en plein air”. Portaferry has much to offer the artist with its “village” feel and its proximity to Strangford Lough, a marine conservation site and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Dates – Thursday 21st May – Monday 25th May 2020
Feel free to travel to Portaferry each day, or stay over in local accommodation. Details are on the website, for more information check out: https://portaferrypleinair.com/
For those who book before the 7th May, there is an early bird discount of £30 for the entire event! After this date it will be £40.
