Independent supermarket launches new foundation to transform the community

AN independent supermarket has launched it’s own foundation in order to donate money which will help transform the community.

Emerson’s Supermarket, a 125-year-old supermarket, has created The Emerson’s Foundation which will directly benefit people living and working in the area through charitable donations. The foundation was launched today in conjunction with Uluru Bar & Grill to highlight the positive contributions both businesses make in the community.

£150,000 investment announced for Markethill High a ‘step in the right direction’

The Department of Education have announced a £150,000 investment for Markethill High School – a move which has been welcomed by the school.

Principal James Maxwell said the £146,300 investment for the provision of prefabricated accommodation shows the Education Minister is taking positive steps to provide better facilities for the school and its pupils. Mr Maxwell reiterated the school’s sights are firmly set on a new build and sixth form provision.

INTO slams 1% pay offer for teachers as an ‘insult to the teaching profession’

On March 4 and 5, Ireland’s largest teachers’ union, INTO, will host its much anticipated annual Northern Conference in Templepatrick.

Hot on the agenda will be today’s pay rise offer of one per cent for teachers which has been described by the INTO’s Northern Secretary, Gerry Murphy, as ‘an insult to the teaching profession’. Mr Murphy describes the ‘derisory’ offer as a pay cut in real terms and says teachers deserve better. Read the full story here:

Arlene Foster told new build and admissions increase is a ‘must’ for Markethill High

Markethill High School has been vigorously leading a community campaign to get a new build school and sixth form provision on the Mowhan Road site in Markethill.

First Minister Arlene Foster paid a visit to the school recently where principal James Maxwell told her the that the school’s current high standards in educational outcomes are being achieved in spite of the school’s infrastructure. Mr Maxwell said it is no longer acceptable for pupils to be taught in fabricated mobile huts.

Tyrone student says investment in teaching gives graduates confidence

There has been a lot of debate in Northern Ireland after the Education Minister John O’Dowd announced the Investing In Teaching Workforce scheme.

We interview a student teacher from Tyrone who says the scheme will give graduates like him some hope that there will be jobs available once they leave teacher training college. Jack Hughes from Killyman, agrees with the INTO that the scheme is a genuine attempt to help teachers who are not in full time employment.

INTO says proposed £33m teaching scheme is a ‘genuine attempt’ to create full time jobs

Teachers across Northern Ireland have been reaction to the proposed ‘Investing in the Teaching Workforce’ scheme which would potentially see a £33million investment in teaching.

The scheme, announced by Education Minister John O’Dowd, has been described by INTO as ‘a genuine attempt to create full time jobs. INTO representatives are in talks with the Department encouraging them to place teachers who are not in full time roles at the heart of the scheme.

Markethill High School hailed ‘one of the best’ for attendance ahead of Open Day

Markethill High School will host its annual Open Night on January 13 where the principal, James Maxwell, will welcome parents and prospective pupils to Mowhan Road.

The school has recently been identified by the Education and Training Inspectorate as a school which is one of the best in Northern Ireland for attendance rates. Markethill High School’s attendance is a priority in the school’s Development Plan and is key in the school’s pastoral system. Here’s the story:

INTO hails £33m investment ‘a step in the right direction’ for region’s economy

The Education Minister has given approval to a scheme initiated by the Ireland’s largest teachers’ union which will see a £33million investment which will be used to refresh the education system.

Gerry Murphy, Northern Secretary, says the ‘Investing in the Teaching Workforce’ scheme is a major investment in addressing underachievement, raising standards and delivering 500 professional jobs to the economy in Northern Ireland. Here’s the full story:

Substitute teachers face another Christmas with no pay as inequality strikes again

A senior official at the Irish National Teachers’ Organisation says the rights of substitute teachers in Northern Ireland are being side-lined because employers continue to ignore their rights.

INTO says sub teachers are being held at ransom because employers are not offering them full time contracts, and, in spite of having more than four years’ teaching experience, their rights are being side-lined. Tony Carlin of INTO says equalities must be addressed. Here’s the full story:

New build school in sight as Markethill campaign continues for its pupils

The Education Authority has confirmed this week that Markethill High School remains on its priority list for a much needed new build school – a campaign which has been ongoing for over three years.

The school, headed by principal James Maxwell, has full community support for the campaign for a new build and a sixth form. Markethill High School is sustainable, viable, achieves academically and is in a strong financial position to grow. The school says a new build school must come soon.

IFEX exhibitor sees huge growth thanks to increased uptake in E-Learning training

The Training and Recruitment House Ltd in Portadown will be exhibiting at IFEX 2016 where the training and recruitment team will showcase the secrets to their success over the past year.

Business has multiplied massively for this consultancy practice as a result of its introduction to E-Learning for its clients who operate in a variety of sectors including food producers, companies in the leisure and tourism sector, engineering companies, charitable and social enterprises.

Canapes and cocktails at Uluru before corporate screening of 007 Spectre

Uluru Bar & Grill is a perfect location for corporate functions. It’s ideal location in Armagh’s historic city centre means businesses wishing to host a corporate event at the Marketplace Theatre, or the Omniplex Cinema, can enjoy the funky interior of Uluru.

Donnelly Land Rover, based in Dungannon, recently hosted an evening of canapés and cocktails for customers before hosting a private screening for customers of the 007 blockbuster, Spectre.

Cycle Sperrins – 90-year-old cyclist urges tourists to ‘get on yer bike’

Annie Slane is a 90-year-old woman who has lived in the Sperrins all of her life. Annie loves the Sperrins and continues to cycle every day in the rustic mountain range which she says is keeping her young.

Annie recently attended the launch of Cycle Sperrins – an initiative which is aimed at attracting international touring cyclists to the Sperrin Mountains.

We interviewed Annie who tells us her story of her love for cycling in the Sperrins.

Armagh in top nine tourism destinations as harvest fayre crowned a huge success

Terence Brannigan has described Co Armagh as one of nine key designated visitor destinations in Northern Ireland and said he was proud to stand side by side with the people of the Orchard County at this year’s Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre.

The Tourism NI chairman, was guest speaker at this year’s fayre, which celebrates the end of the harvest and showcases what County Armagh food and drink producers have to offer. The Fayre is an authentic celebration which connects us with our land.

Richhill Apple Harvest Fayre to contribute to export growth says Tourism NI boss

Terence Brannigan, the chairman of Tourism NI says food and drink producers in Armagh county will play a significant role in turning tourism from an £800million industry to a £1billion industry over the next five years.

Tourism is currently an £800million industry but Tourism NI expect this to grow to become a £1billion industry over the next five years. It is hoped the sector will be responsible for 50,000 jobs in our region as our development towards a growth in export continues to be a major focus.