Issue 246 - East Down BT24 • BT30 • BT31 • BT33
Help to ‘keep the air ambulance flying’ With an increase in callouts this year, Air Ambulance NI’s Agribusiness Group is urging the agricultural community to rally behind the charity and help keep the air ambulance in operation. The group, which is made up of agricultural enthusiasts and advocates, has been actively fundraising and raising awareness for the charity since 2020. The agri group representatives include Aurelie Moralis of Castlewellan, Co Down who is a qualified vet now working in the animal health pharmaceutical industry. The very first call out of Air Ambulance was to a farming incident and farming and agricultural incidents account for up to 11% of call outs. This includes accidents involving farm machinery, slurry or cattle. Unfortunately, on average, there is a farming call every week. Other ways to support include organising a
Saintfield took 3rd place in the Large Village category in the awards.
Saintfield Scores well in Translink Ulster in Bloom
Green fingered community gardeners and dedicated council staff from across Northern Ireland were commended for their hard work and dedication as the results were announced for this year’s Translink Ulster in Bloom, with a special focus on the importance of community spirit and friendships formed through teamwork. In an event hosted at Old Market House, Bangor, the popular horticultural competition celebrated the fantastic work of committed gardening enthusiasts across the country and officially recognised the most beautiful plant and
floral displays across local cities, towns and villages. The 2024 Award winners by category were: City - Derry City (Derry City & Strabane District Council); Large Town - Coleraine (Causeway Coast
and Glens Borough Council); Town Donaghadee (Ards & North Down Borough Council); Small TownRandalstown (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council); Large Village - Cullybackey (Mid & East Antrim Borough
Council); Village Donaghmore (Mid Ulster District Council); and Small Village Ballyeaston (Antrim & Newtownabbey Borough Council).
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tractor run or coffee morning, quiz or collection. The charity also encourages individuals to become a member by registering a monthly direct debit as a Club Member – you can do that here: https:// airambulanceni.org/ club-aani-membership/ Air Ambulance NI, in partnership with the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), provides lifesaving care to critically ill and injured patients across the region. With an average of two callouts per day, the service is often the critical difference between life and death. For more information on how you can support this essential service, please visit www. airambulanceni.org.