Year: 2015

Agricultural Workers to receive pay rise

Posted by | Jan 27, 2015 |

Farmers and agricultural workers have a hard job to do. Come rain or shine there are tasks and jobs on a farm which need to be tackled day and day out. This month the Farming Life magazine has reported on a review of current terms and conditions for agricultural workers. The Farming Life report: The Agricultural Wages Board (AWB) for Northern Ireland has announced proposed changes to pay for agricultural workers. Following a meeting on 9 January 2015, the AWB proposes to increase existing minimum rates for agricultural workers across all grades by 2% from 6 April 2015 as follows: Minimum rate, applicable for the first 40 weeks cumulative employment – £6.63 per hour. Grade 2 – Standard worker – £6.91 per hour. Grade 3 – Lead worker – £7.59 per hour. Grade 4 – Craft Grade – £8.15 per hour. Grade 5 – Supervisory Grade – £8.63 per hour. Grade 6 – Farm Management Grade – £9.34 per hour. The Board will meet again on 6 March 2015 to make an Order to introduce the new rates, which would come into operation on 6 April 2015.   More information can be found at the Department of Agriculture and Rural development website. Click here to find out more about Current Terms and Conditions of Employments, Wages and pay increase for agricultural workers....

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Follow Ballymena Today on Instagram

Posted by | Jan 27, 2015 |

Ballymena today love instagram and we would love you to follow our instagram account. What are you missing out on if you don’t? Well we believe that a picture does indeed paint a thousand words and we love the visual aspect of the App. This Christmas we enjoyed a month of Christmas gifts ideas which were posted exclusively from our Instagram account. We are often out and about in town and the villages which surround us snapping pics of whatever we see along the way. Click here to follow Ballymena Today on Instagram. Also once you follow us be sure to join in and add #Ballymena to your pictures from town. Maybe you caught a beautiful Ballymena sunrise, or bagged a bargain on Ballymoney Street, won a football match, or enjoyed some great customer service in a coffee shop or local business. Be sure to take a quick snap on you smart phone and get your pictures uploaded with the Ballymena hashtag. Keep an eye on our account for beautiful pictures of our town and information about local businesses and organisations. Follow Ballymena Today on Instagram and keep connected with our town....

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Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range

Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range

Posted by | Jan 26, 2015 |

Kids clothing shop Bluebird in Ballymena stock the Billieblush range. Billieblush is a adorable french brand who make fun, cheerful and chic clothing for little girls. We think that any girlie girl would love something from Bluebird’s Billieblush range. This new range will take your little girl from play to a special occasion, from parties to family time and everything in between. Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range Bluebird Ballymena – Billieblush range We think that any girlie girl would love...

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Ballymena Bookclub share their favourite books of 2014

Posted by | Jan 26, 2015 |

Readers at Ballymena Bookclub have collected their favourite reads from 2014. We love the winter and sometimes our favourite winter pass time is curling up in a blanket with a pot of tea and a great book. But what to read? We have collected some titles recommended by members of Ballymena Bookclub, Waterstones Booksellers and the Ballymena Today team. Here is the lowdown on what to add to your reading list this winter. We met these keen readers and discussed their favourite books from 2014. We trawled through their bookshelves and borrowed their kindles, and over a hot chocolate, ended up with this list. We came up with these: How to be Both by Ali Smith – Bob’s pick is already an award winner, this cleverly written novel is really two novellas entwined together – One set in the 15th Century and one in present day. The gimmick – this book is available in two versions. Very clever – find out more here.  Stoner by John Williams – Chosen as Waterstones book of the year for 2013 it was on all our reading list for 2014. Not a lot happens, it has to be said, but what does happen is so well written that it is worth picking up. This book split the bookclub, half loved it while half weren’t so keen. The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt – This is a bog...

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Slemish Market Supper Club – Ballymena

Posted by | Jan 23, 2015 |

Ballymena’s Slemish Market Supper Club have planned their next food themed evening. Have a romantic treat at the Slemish Market Supper Club which will be held on Saturday 14th February – Valentines Day! Book now for a treat for two or grab a group of friends and fill a table. We cant think of a better excuse for a great meal! Chef Rob Curley will be cooking up some seriously mouth watering dishes using a range of local produce and a special dish will be available using porter from Barrahooley Microbrewery. By using local produce grown at Slemish Market Garden your meal should taste amazing. The produce hasn’t been shipped in from a remote location. They come from just down the road meaning you aren’t losing out on any of the flavour, taste or nutrients.   Slemish Market Supper Club Held at Ballymena North Centre, the Slemish Market Supper Club will kick off at 6.45pm. The best way to book is directly at Slemish Market Garden which is located at the Ecos Centre in Ballymena or by calling or texting 07720 541720. The cost is £40 per person and if you have any specific dietary requirements. Find out more about Slemish Market Garden by clicking here to follow their Facebook page. We think that Valentines Day is the perfect time to enjoy a beautiful meal at the Slemish Market Supper Club in Ballymena....

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