The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is celebrating World School Milk Day by highlighting the importance of milk consumption for school children across Northern Ireland.

With approximately 60% of pupils making use of the EU scheme in which milk is offered at a subsidised rate, the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland is calling for this to increase by approximately 10% to ensure that more young people in nurseries, key stage one and two classes benefit.

Dr Mike Johnston, Chief Executive of the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland, said: “A carton of school milk provides children with a natural source of many nutrients needed for their good health and development.

“As well as being fantastic value for money, milk is a rich source of calcium, essential for healthy bones and teeth. A carton of break-time milk provides half of a five year old’s daily calcium needs. Milk also contains protein, potassium, iodine, phosphorus and B vitamins.

“It is important that we establish a routine for young people of drinking milk from an early age so that they will continue this habit into adulthood and benefit from the fresh, local milk that is on offer. Break-time milk provides a great opportunity to do this as well as offering children a good source of fluid to keep them hydrated and help maintain their concentration levels in the classroom.”

The Dairy Council for Northern Ireland has been involved in running a number of initiatives in primary schools across Northern Ireland to make people aware of the benefits of milk for growing young people.

For more information and advice about the importance of milk consumption please go to www.dairycouncil.co.uk

Picture shows: Kayleigh Watt and Adam Hunter from Elmgrove Primary School help Emma Beacom from the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland to highlight the benefits of drinking milk for young people on World School Milk Day.

Picture shows: Joel Dickey and Bethan Jardine from Elmgrove Primary School, Belfast help the Dairy Council for Northern Ireland to highlight the benefits of drinking milk for young people on World School Milk Day.

Over this special weekend, many Larne cafes, restaurants and shops will be participating in the Larne Loves Food Event – look out for posters in premises to let you know that they are participating and check out the website – www.mainstreetcentralarne.com – for up to date details; this will be updated on a regular basis to let you know who is taking part. There may be a special “meal deal”, a new product to taste, new menus to try or other special promotions.

On Saturday 27 September there will be plenty happening at Broadway in Larne town centre, so make sure that you come and visit the stalls, watch the chef demonstrations and listen to the live music. The event starts at 10.30am and runs until 3.00pm so there is lots of time for you to drop by and enjoy the day.

Chefs from these restaurants will be demonstrating their culinary expertise:-
Café Riva, Redlands Road, Larne
Carriages Bistro, Main Street, Larne
Daniels @ The Five Corners, Rashee Road, Ballyclare
Billy Andy’s, Raloo and Sleepy Hollow, Newtownabbey

There will be a range of foods to try and buy with stalls including the following:
Island Shellfish – oysters available
Matassa and Carville – Italian street food
Ann’s Pantry – breads, cakes and lots more
Eleanor Craig’s Homemade Fudge
Londonderry Arms Hotel – promotions, wheaten bread samples
Sleepy Hollow Farm Shop – locally sourced items from the finest artisan producers
Café Riva – promotions and specials
Rose Cottage Homemade Jams and Chutneys

Plenty of other activities are taking place to help you enjoy the day:
Live Music by “Odibal” – playing at various times during the event
Giant paella by Carriages Bistro – come and try a taste of Spain
Larne Food Bank – find out how you can help the local community
Balloon modeller
Giveaways and many promotions

The first Larne Loves Food Weekend took place in September 2011 as a means of encouraging businesses to promote the wide range of great food available in the local area and build on an Oyster Festival event which taking place. This year is the fourth Larne Loves Food Weekend and all the activities continue to provide an opportunity for local food producers to showcase their talents, recipes and products. Everyone is welcome, local shoppers, visitors, family and friends.

For further information, contact the Town Development Office – 28263041 or 28263042 – bellh@larne.gov.uk or mcauleyp@larne.gov.uk

Enjoy a tasty recipe of signature menus, sensational culinary events and delicious local food in Belfast’s fabulous restaurants and cafés from 4-11 October.

Throughout the week, Belfast’s finest eateries will be hosting exclusive events and showcasing special menus using the finest local produce.

Events at Canteen at the MAC
Make Canteen at the MAC one of your hot spots during the week and try something new with our specially created events

Craft Beer & Cider Tasting
Taste a selection of NI craft beers & ciders with some well-matched food bites. A night of fun where you can test your knowledge.
Date: Sat 04 Oct
Time: 20:00
Price: £10
Call us on 028 9023 5053 to book your place.

Meet the Brewer
Join Rick LeVert from Kinnegar Brewing, Rathmullan, Donegal, as he talks you through 5 excellent craft beers from Kinnegar Brewing. The beers will be paired with 5 tasting courses.
Date: Wed 08 Oct
Time: 19:00
Price: £25
Call us on 028 9023 5053 to book your place.

The Art of Food and Wine
A special night of food & wine with guest chef Joery Castel. This culinary journey presents 5 courses with wine pairings to be enjoyed in the surroundings of the beautiful, award winning MAC building.
Date: Thu 09 Oct
Time: 19:00
Price: £ 65
Call us on 028 9023 5053 to book your place.

Coffee Brew Bar Masterclass
Ever wondered why the coffee tastes so good at Canteen? Now is your chance to find out why. Join us for our Coffee Brew Bar Masterclass. Enjoy extensive coffee tasting and discover the brewing methods from the experts.
Date: Sat 11 Oct
Time: 10am
Price: £10

Call us on 028 9023 5053 to book your place. Event almost sold out so hurry!

Professor Bob Elwood QUB Chair of Sloane 350 and Sir Hans Sloane visit Finnebrogue to personally thank Christine Lynn for the wonderful support the company continually show towards the Sloane 350 Chocolate and Fine Food Festival and as a token of his appreciation Sir Hans presented Christine with some Hans Sloane Chocolate Beans. The beans will be used by the chef to create a magical venison accompaniment. Professor Elwood explains ‘Finnebrogue have been the main sponsors of the festival since its inception in 2010 and their continual support has ensured its success. This year for the first time our festival will run over three days and it has something for everyone!

Our festival starts with a grand Chocolate Ball in the grounds of Killyleagh Castle on Friday 19th September. Our location is second to none Killyleagh Castle is the jewel in the crown of Strangford Lough an AONB and the Rowan-Hamilton family have been unfailingly generous in their support of our festival. We pay for the marquee from the proceeds of this ball and it will be used in a two day chocolate and fine food festival. Importantly, we have wonderful sponsorship from various organisations. Our main sponsor is Finnebrogue Foods, owned by Christine and Denis Lynn, are a shining example of how quality products lead to success. We also thank Food NI, Down District Council, Northern Ireland Tourist Board, Rickety Bridge, Flo Gas, H3, Kings Bridge, Killyleagh Development Association, Elvis Kirk, Mash Direct, SD Bell’s, Simplicity Group and EE for their help in so many ways.

Our Charity

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month
This weekend we celebrate the life and legacy of Sir Hans Sloane in Killyleagh with a Chocolate and Fine Food Festival but Hans Sloane was also an eminent physician, collector and naturalist. He was doctor to Queen Ann, George I and George II but he still found time to treat those less fortunate than himself free of charge. He was involved with the establishment of the first Foundling Hospital in London which cared for abandoned children such was his benevolence. It is in this vein that we are proud to announce that this month which is Childhood Cancer Awareness month we are supporting the work of Cancer Fund For Children, Northern Ireland’s leading children’s cancer charity.

Gillian Creevy, Chief Executive explains,
“We understand the devastating impact a cancer diagnosis and its treatment can have on the entire family and that beyond the essential medical care, there is a family life that needs rebuilt both at home and in the community.”
“This year Cancer Fund for Children opened Daisy Lodge, a unique therapeutic short break centre, offering 500 families a year a relaxing short break during or after their child’s treatment.
All the proceeds from The Hans Sloane Festival will go directly to help support families like this. We urge everyone from around the Killyleagh area and beyond to come out and support the festival especially as September is Childhood Cancer Awareness month”.

Our Festival Programme

Saturday 20th September
11.45am Official Opening by DDC Chairman Councillor Billy Walker with invited guests
12.00am Gates open to the public

Saturday & Sunday
12 – 6pm Chocolatiers & Artisan Food Producers exhibit and sell in Fine Food Marquee. We have 14 chocolatiers and 25 artisan food producers attending
12 – 6pm Hot Food Artisan Producers exhibit and sell outside to the left of the Fine Food Marquee.
Our hot food providers include our sponsors The Good Little Sausage Co., SD Bells and Mash Direct.

Children’s Entertainments, Saturday & Sunday
12 – 2pm Stilt Walker welcoming attendees
12 – 6pm Climbing Tower
12pm, 2pm & 4pm Babcock & Bobbins Spectacular Show
1pm, 3pm The Great Mefiesto’s Circus Academy
1pm, 2.30pm & 4pm The Gathering Drum Circle
1 – 5pm Story Telling (Saturday Only)
2- 5pm Children’s Balloon Modelling
1 – 5pm Choc Chip Cookie Competition – Judging 5pm each day
1 – 5pm Children’s Art Area
1pm: 25 Down Recorder Competition Winners attend Aunt Sandra’s Chocolate Workshop
3pm: 25 Down Recorder Competition Winners attend Aunt Sandra’s Chocolate Workshop

Adult’s Entertainments, Saturday and Sunday
12.30 to 5pm Food NI Demonstration Kitchen on Stage within Marquee.
Well known chefs from leading Co. Down restaurants have been given the challenge of cooking something savoury using chocolate. Four Chefs per day with one Kitchen Confidential Session where ‘Jilly Dougan talks to chocolatiers and producers about their story – the pride and the passion!’

Saturday Chefs
12.30: Niall McKenna – James Street South
1.30: Will Brown – The Old School House Inn
2.30: Kitchen Confidential Session ‘Jilly Dougan talks to chocolatiers and producers about their story – the pride and the passion!’
3.30: Danny Miller – Balloo House
4.30: Paula McIntyre – BBC Radio Ulster

Sunday Chefs
12.30: Fritz Machala – Harrison’s
1.30: Joery Castel – The Boat House Restaurant
2.30: Kitchen Confidential Session ‘Jilly Dougan talks to chocolatiers and producers about their story – the pride and the passion!’
3.30: Stephen Jeffers – Belfast Cookery School
4.30: Fernando Correa – Quails at the Gallery

Further information from: www.hanssloane.com or follow us on FB and Twitter
Prof Bob Elwood QUB Sloane 350 Chairman e-mail: r.elwood@qub.ac.uk
Meave Davison Chocolate and Fine Food Festival Organiser e-mail: meave62@hotmail.co.uk
Ann Fee Sloane 350 Press Officer e-mail: ann_fee@hotmail.com