Tourism Minister Arlene Foster welcomed 100 international delegates to the Imperial Orange Council of the World triennial meeting in Belfast, today. The Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland hosted the meeting which saw delegates travelling from as far afield as New Zealand, Ghana, Togo and Canada.The meeting takes place in a different country every three years and this year Northern Ireland was selected. Welcoming the Council, the Minister said: “This is a fantastic opportunity for the international delegates to experience our tourism offering and hopefully, take time to visit some of our world class visitor attractions. “Today’s meeting is proof that we have world class conference facilities and that we can compete with the best venues across the globe.” The Minister also commended the Grand Orange Lodge of Ireland for their ongoing engagement with the Northern Ireland Tourist Board (NITB) and Tourism Ireland.

Statistics released by ICC Formations reveal that there was a 20% drop in the number of New Business Start Ups in Quarter 2 2009 compared to Quarter 2 2008. With the exception of ‘Telecommunications’ and ‘Electricity, Gas & Water’ all sectors saw a decrease in the number of companies being formed.‘’Replicating the trend from Quarter 1, the housing sector continues to be the hardest hit with ‘Real Estate and Renting’ and ‘Construction’ once again showing the biggest decreases of 57.5% and 35.5% respectively. In total 402 fewer companies were formed in these sectors in Quarter 2 2009 compared to Quarter 2 2008’’ explained Head of Professional Services at ICC Formations, Jon RockIn total there were 826 fewer companies formed in the Republic of Ireland in Quarter 2 2009 compared to Quarter 2 2008. ‘’Not surprisingly, the biggest drop was in Leinster with 517 fewer companies formed here - Dublin alone accounted for 326 of these. There was a drop of 17% in Munster and 24% in Connacht and whilst Ulster saw the biggest % drop of 40.9% this was with relatively low numbers’’‘’However, it was not all bad news, as some Counties did see an increase in the number of Companies formed. Tipperary saw an increase of 32.5% with 25 more companies formed here than in Quarter 2 last year. Wicklow also had a small increase of 8.5%, whilst the figures for Kilkenny remained fairly static.’’ Concluded Rock.

BRITS CHOOSE OLD FAVOURITES AS SOUNDTRACK TO SUMMER IN SAGATIBA SURVEY

Bryan Adams’ 1984 hit Summer of ‘69 has been named the UK’s favourite summer song of all time in a survey for Sagatiba, the Brazilian premium cane spirit. Narrowly beating Mungo Jerry’s In the Summertime, legendary hit Summer of ‘69 topped the poll with 22% of the vote, making it the UK’s favourite summer song.  However, Northern Ireland bucked the trend with 23% of music lovers preferring Katrina and the Waves Walking on Sunshine as their top tune for summer.

Sagatiba asked credit-crunched Brits what they will be doing to lift their spirits this summer, and the survey revealed that 60% will listen to music to improve their moods. Pop and Brazilian samba were voted the two most uplifting musical genres, taking 60% of the vote, and almost half of those surveyed said a great song defines their summer.

As a result of the research, Sagatiba has developed the unique Sagatiba Spirit Lifters service – a completely free mobile pop up party bringing the music and spirit of Brasil straight to your home or office.

The Sagatiba Spirit Lifters service includes top Brasilian MTV DJ, DJ Limao, a squad of buff Capoiera dancers and Sagatiba’s head mixologist, who will whip up authentic Sagatiba Caipirinhas straight from the portable bar. So even if the sun doesn’t shine, you are guaranteed a taste of the Brasilian party spirit.

The following eclectic mix of pop and rock hits emerged as Northern Ireland’s Top 10 Summertime hits:

1.  Katrina and the Waves – Walking on Sunshine (23%)

2.  Bryan Adams – Summer of ‘69 (19%)

3.  Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer in the City (17%)

4.  Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime (10%)

5.  Wham – Club Tropicana (9%)

6.  Beach Boys – Good Vibrations (7%)

7.  Otis Reading – Sitting on the Dock of the Bay 5%)

8.  DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith – Summertime (5%)

9.  The Beach Boys – California Girls (3%)

10.  John Travolta and Olivia Newton John – Summer Nights (2%)

Whilst the rest of the UK voted for the following as the songs of their summer:

1. Bryan Adams – Summer of ‘69 (22%)

2. Mungo Jerry – In the Summertime (20%)

3. Katrina and the Waves – Walking on Sunshine (15%)

4. Beach Boys – Good Vibrations (11%)

5. DJ Jazzy Jeff and Will Smith – Summertime (8%)

6. Otis Reading – Sitting on the Dock of the Bay (7%)

7. Lovin’ Spoonful – Summer in the City (7%)

8. Wham – Club Tropicana (4%)

9. The Beach Boys – California Girls (4%)

10. John Travolta and Olivia Newton John – Summer Nights (2%)

The survey comes as Sagatiba launches its Spirit Lifters service - a completely free mobile pop-up party bringing the music and spirit of Brasil straight to your home or office. Visit www.sagatibaspirit.com to book.

The Millennium Forum has recently announced that The Tower Hotel Derry has come on board as Show Sponsor for its annual pantomime ‘Aladdin’ the biggest show in the soon to be launched Sept – Dec programme of events.  Aladdin will be appearing at the Millennium Forum from Friday 27th November to Sunday 3rd January.  This magical adventure story will be brought to life in a spectacular production featuring the return of William Caulfield as everyone’s favourite Dame plus a star studded local and Northern Irish cast.

Cara Mc Cartney, Sponsorship and Development Officer at the Millennium Forum said:

“There are numerous mutual benefits to be gained by joining forces in sponsorship with the Millennium Forum; our theatre has a footfall of over 350,000 people per annum and can offer excellent brand raising opportunities for local businesses.  We can align business brands with the values associated with individual shows and events, the Aladdin Pantomime being one of them”.

Our Pantomime has all the hallmarks of outstanding quality and value for money.  These values align well with the Tower Hotel who has been operating within the City walls since 2002.  The Tower Hotel is sponsoring the longest running show of the year for the Millennium Forum and our audiences come from all over Ireland. This sponsorship will help The Tower Hotel access new markets and reward their customers with VIP tickets and privileges while at the same time show their commitment to the development of local arts and culture.  Plans are also being put into place to develop a community out reach project on the Tower Hotel’s behalf.

David Mc Laughlin – Chief Executive of the Millennium Forum added:

“The Tower Hotel’s financial and in-kind support and support of other sponsors and funders plays a significant role in supporting the Millennium Forum’s varied programming. Pantomime sales last year grew by over 2o% we hope that with the continued support of our patrons this years pantomime will be equally successful.”

The Tower hotel is delighted to be sponsoring one of the Derry’s favorite events. It will be fantastic for the Tower Hotel to work alongside the Millennium Forum, ensuring that the theatre and the hotel have a prosperous festive season.

I am hoping that people from outside of the city will take advantage of our fantastic accommodation offers throughout Christmas to stay at the hotel, watch the show and have a fantastic Christmas weekend in Derry-Londonderry

Tickets are on sale from the 27th of July for what is sure to be the Forum’s best ever panto. Contact Box Office on 02871 264455 or book on line at www.millenniumforum.co.uk, or contact Cara on 02871 272785 for great group booking deals.

SDLP Mid Ulster MLA Patsy McGlone has backed a campaign to have an educational DVD depicting the horrors of joyriding shown in schools here.

The campaign ‘Live Now, Drive Later’, which originated in York and was brought to Stormont this week by York Young People’s Champion, Councillor James Alexander, aims to have the DVD rolled out in every school across Ireland.

Mr McGlone said:

“I welcome this campaign as, in my own constituency amongst others, there is a problem with joyriding and there has been all too graphic examples of the carnage joyriding can inflict on lives.

“This is a worthwhile venture as we must try to educate people of the consequences joyriding can cause on the lives of innocent people.

“The SDLP backs this campaign and hopes it makes immediate impact on the mindset of young people who think it is acceptable to joyride but have not thought properly about the ramifications.”

Councillor James Alexander said: “I am extremely honoured and inspired by the leadership shown by the SDLP on this matter who agreed to meet me at Stormont to discuss the campaign and how this can be rolled out across Northern Ireland.

“I hope this campaign will help educate many young people and save lives in Northern Ireland as it has done in Yorkshire and across other areas of Britain and Ireland.”

Passengers can now recycle unwanted mobile phones and printer cartridges in return for flights

Another ‘Flybe first’ has been announced today, as Europe’s largest regional airline and largest scheduled low cost carrier at the George Best Belfast City Airport signs up to a two year deal with mobile phone recycling experts, Redeem Plc.  The move is to encourage passengers to recycle their mobile phones by picking up a freepost envelope from its in-flight magazine, ‘Flybe Uncovered’, when on board.

The airline, which flies some 190 routes serving 13 countries, is demonstrating its commitment to both its chosen charity, Cancer Research UK and the environment through the innovative scheme that offers all its customers the opportunity to recycle mobile phones and printer cartridges in exchange for valuable Flybe Reward Points.

The recycling programme allows customers to earn  up to 15 Flybe Reward Points for each handset they turn in, which can then be exchanged for return flights or access to the airline’s Executive Lounges across Europe, as well as earning money for the airline’s partner charity Cancer Research UK.

In the UK alone it is estimated that there are around 90 million unused mobile phones thought to be abandoned in drawers and cupboards and every year 1,500 tonnes of mobile handsets containing hazardous substances such as cadmium, lead and beryllium end up in landfills. Across Europe this increases to over tens of thousands of tonnes of landfill waste that could easily be diverted if more people recycled.

Andrea Hayes, Flybe’s General Manager Market Development comments: “Flybe is delighted to be working with Redeem on yet another Flybe first. We expect our passengers to respond very positively to the opportunity to recycle their old phones and printer cartridges and help Cancer Research UK at the same time.”

Jamie Rae, chief executive of Redeem Plc commented: “We are very pleased to be working with Flybe to introduce the first mobile phone recycling programme undertaken by a commercial airline. Being able to earn Flybe Reward Points that can easily be converted to flights is an excellent incentive to encourage customers to recycle. It is an easy programme to get involved in and particularly as we head into summer with more people heading off on holiday, the timing of this programme is perfect.

“We welcome Flybe’s dedication to minimising its environmental impact and look forward to working together on this programme.”

For every phone and printer cartridge recycled, £1 will be given to Flybe’s charity partner Cancer Research UK to help it continue its life-saving work

To find out how many Flybe Reward Points you will receive for your mobile phone visit www.flybe.com/recycle or call 08453 70 7017.

Traditional Unionist Voice held its AGM last nigh and elected officers for the incoming year. The officers elected were William Ross (President), Jim Allister (Leader), Ivor McConnell (Chairman), Keith Harbinson (Vice-chair), Karen Boal (Secretary) Kenny Loughrin (Treasurer) and Samuel Morrison (Press Officer).Speaking after his re-election as leader Mr Allister said:“Tonight’s meeting showed that Traditional Unionist Voice is not going away. Our phenomenal performance in the European Election – gaining almost 14% of the total vote and 30% of Unionism – has given hope to tens of thousands of Unionists throughout our Province.“We will build on this result and go forward to victory in future elections. Much attention in the media has focused on North Antrim. However, that is far from the only seat TUV will be targeting come the Westminster election. While the DUP voted for a general election last night in the Commons everyone in Northern Ireland knows that they only did so only because the motion had no possibility of success. If the DUP were genuinely concerned about governments facing a crisis of confidence they would call an immediate Assembly election. It’s not just the Westminster administration has clearly lost the confidence of the people it is evident that a large swathe of Unionists – who are not currently represented by a single MLA – do not support Stormont’s terrorist inclusive government.”Party chairman Ivor McConnell announced the formation of a working group to examine the way ahead for the party. The working group, which will explore the strategy for future elections among other issues will report back to the party executive after the summer.

Northern Ireland Water Ltd (NIW) was given a conditional discharge for a period of two years and ordered to pay £46 court costs at Newry Magistrates’ Court today.NIW was found guilty of making a polluting discharge and making a discharge to a waterway in contravention of the Department’s consent conditions.On 17 February 2008 a Water Quality Inspector acting on behalf of the Northern Ireland Environment Agency (formerly the Environment and Heritage Service) found a tributary of the Clanrye River to be cloudy in appearance.The source of the polluting discharge was traced to the Rathfriland Waste Water Treatment Works.A sample taken at the time of the incident confirmed that the discharge contained poisonous, noxious and polluting matter which would have been potentially harmful to fish life in the receiving waterway.

Tory MPs are continuing to promote a Bill to abolish the minimum wage, which is due to be debated tomorrow.Usdaw is calling on its members to lobby the MPs who are supporting the Employment Opportunities Bill to withdraw their support and for David Cameron to condemn it.It follows a concerted campaign by the pressure group Wage Concern, led by John Prescott MP and supported by Usdaw and Unison. This grassroots campaign saw more than 12,000 people sign a petition or join the Facebook group; the online lobbying of more than 300 MPs and 139 MPs back an Early Day Motion calling on David Cameron to renounce the bill.All this pressure led to the bill being pulled from its original slot on May 15th after Gordon Brown told MPs during Prime Ministers’ Question Time to voteagainst it.Usdaw General Secretary and Low Pay Commission member John Hannett said:”I can’t believe that Christopher Chope is still promoting this legislation when he didn’t have the bottle to debate its consequences with me on the radio. Wewill continue to defend the national minimum wage from all those who seek to destroy it.”This Bill will leave Britain’s most vulnerable workers at the mercy of rogue employers who will pressurise them into opting out of the minimum wage. Itoffers no choice to low paid workers. Tory MPs are insulting our intelligence by suggesting that there is a human right to pay lower than the legal minimum.”This Bill will remove the floor of minimum wage protection and that means everyone’s wages will spiral downwards.”John Prescott added:”I am delighted that Tory Nigel Evans has seen sense in the face of union pressure and backed down on the bill.  It is a shame that his leader has refused our call to publicly renounce this bill too.”The national minimum wage was one of this Labour Government’s greatest achievements.  If this Tory bill were passed it would take us back to the badold days of poverty pay and a race to the bottom of the pay scale by employers.”

The streets of Banbridge will be paved with gold on Saturday 20th June 2009 for the much anticipated Banbridge Buskfest competition which, with a tempting £3000 prize pot, is expected to attract over 100 buskers from across Ireland and beyond.  If you want to strike gold with your busking act, then don’t leave it too late - the event organisers are now making a final call for entries!   Anything goes at Banbridge Buskfest, which is a Banbridge District Council event supported by Tesco, whether it’s mime, street theatre, dancing, music or even playing the comb, as event organiser, Paul Tamati explained;“Banbridge Buskfest attracts talent of all types and ages, and it really doesn’t matter what your act is – if you have the X Factor you’ll shine out from the crowd!  The junior competition is for those aged between 10 -16 years and for the open competition entrants must be aged 17 years or over.  Judges will be looking for a number of things including skill and ability, passion, entertainment value and audience interaction. However, the best advice I can give is to show off your personality, play to your audience and just be yourself. We are now making a final call for entries – our website www.buskfest.com has all the registration details or you can call the event information line on 028 4066 0626 to secure a busking spot.”The fun and entertainment doesn’t stop when the busking ends, a free outdoor concert and prize giving ceremony will take place in the grounds of Banbridge Leisure Centre. Starting at 5pm -10.30pm,  immediately after the Banbridge Buskfest Competition on 20th June,  the ‘Gig on the Rig’ will be headlined by acclaimed Dublin rock band, Aslan and supported the superb Lee Hedley Blues Band and popular local group, Last Known Addiction.To find out more about Banbridge Buskfest event on 20th June 2009 visit www.buskfest.com or contact the information line at Banbridge District Council on 028 4066 0626Banbridge Buskfest is a Banbridge District Council event supported by Tesco.