A relative of a Co. Armagh football player who contracted coronavirus has also tested positive.

Tandragee Rovers have this morning (Tuesday) issued a further statement saying the relative also watched last weekend’s game against Laurelvale also tested positive for CORVID-19.

“It has been brought to the clubs attention that a relative of our senior player who tested positive yesterday for CORVID-19 has also received a positive test,” a club statement read.

“The person watched the first team game against Laurelvale from inside the clubhouse on Saturday.

“Please note that anyone that was in the clubhouse on Saturday afternoon between the hours of 2pm and 4pm and 5pm and 6pm are asked to follow Public Health Authority published guidelines with respect to their health and well-being.”

‪If anyone has any concerns they should contact the Public Health Authority on 111 or visit http://www.publichealth.hscni.net

Meanwhile St Patrick’s Day parades in Newry and Downpatrick have been cancelled amid coronavirus concerns.

In Northern Ireland, 222 tests have been carried out with 12 positive cases confirmed.

More than 300 cases of the coronavirus have been confirmed in the UK with 24 people having tested positive for the virus in the Republic of Ireland.

Meanwhile, every country in the European Union now has cases of coronavirus, with Cyprus having detected two cases today, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control said.

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The 60th Anniversary of the Tandragee 100 has been postponed because of the coronavirus Covid-19 outbreak.

The organisers have said the “safety of our society, more than ever, has to come first”.

The committee behind the popular Co. Armagh road race have been liaising with the governing body the MCUI UC, the MCUI UC Medical Liaison Officer, our the ABC Council, as well as the Public Health Agency.

“Today’s announcement to postpone the Tandragee 100 National Motorcycle Road Races has been taken with the intention of keeping people safe,” said course clerk, Anne Forsythe.

She added: “It is important not only to consider the safety of our volunteers and officials, local residents and landowners, local businesses, the competitors and of course our spectators but also the wider general public.

“If we are to collectively delay the spread of the disease, ‘flatten the curve’ and ultimately reduce the impact Covid-19 will have in the longer term we believe to gather in large numbers for our event is not appropriate given the circumstances.

“At a time when our Health & Social Care Services are putting plans in place to manage increased demand we must not place an additional strain on their precious resources.

“Many of our event medical team and first aiders will be needed to contribute to the HSC response across Northern Ireland and we also would not wish to potentially divert HSC ambulance and hospital resources to deal with any event related requirements. To all those involved in the response to Covid-19 we thank you.

“As a Club we are of course disappointed to have to take this decision to postpone our 60th Anniversary Celebrations, however, it is the right thing to do.

“We believe it is important to let everyone involved know at the earliest opportunity, so they can make alternative arrangements or possibly transfer any bookings which they may have made.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal sponsors for their understanding and support. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this announcement causes.

“Our message to everyone is to put your health first, don’t take any unnecessary risks. Keep up to date with and follow the advice given by the Public Health Agency. Think about the vulnerable in our society and act with compassion towards each other.

“To anyone who is currently affected by Covid-19 and to those who will later become so, you are in our thoughts and prayers not only now but in the coming weeks and months.”

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Two Co. Armagh amateur football players who tested positive for the coronavirus Covid-19 have been given the all-clear by the Public Health Agency.

Hanover FC and Tandragee Rovers were two clubs who announced positive tests earlier this month.

However, both clubs have today said the players and those forced into self-isolation as a result have all now tested negative.

A spokesperson for the Tandragee club stated: “We are pleased to confirm that our senior player and his relative that tested positive for COVID-19 were given the all clear on Friday by the Public Health Agency.

“Anyone tested after being in contact with them thankfully all received a negative test result.

“At the end of the week we also had the clubhouse and toilets deep cleaned by a professional cleaning contractor. The clubhouse and playing facilities will now remain closed until further notice.

“The IFA have suspended the current football season at both domestic and grassroots level until 4th April 2020. As a result all training within the club is also suspended until further notice.

“Finally we encourage all our players and supporters to look after themselves, their family and friends and to follow advice provided by the authorities.”

Hanover FC also released a similar statement. It read: “Following what has been a difficult time for our club and in particular our members who were affected by the recent outbreak of CoVid-19 we are pleased to confirm that all of our members who were required to self-isolate have now tested negative for the virus and have been released from the self-isolation process.

“The clubhouse also underwent a deep clean from professional contractors.

“Going forward the club will continue to monitor and adhere to all Public Health Agency advice and also the advice of the Irish FA regarding footballing activities.

“We would ask all club members and the wider community to look out for one another. Especially the elderly and vulnerable within our community.”

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Scarva Primary School is undergoing a deep clean following a positive test for coronavirus Covid-19.

The case, from a family member closely connected to a member school staff, was detected over the weekend.

The School’s principal, Heather Lindsay, also confirmed another member of staff informed the school this morning (Monday) that they are self-isolating, as they are experiencing symptoms.

The school has been advised to open as normal on Wednesday.

A statement released by the school said: “Over the weekend it has been brought to the school’s attention that a family member of school staff, has been confirmed positive with Covid-19.

“The family is following the advice of medical staff and the PHA. Another member of staff has just informed the school this morning that they are self-isolating, as they are experiencing symptoms, which suggest they might have the virus themselves.

In light of this information the following steps have been taken:

– Advice has been sought from the EA, PHA and 111 Help Line
– A precautionary deep clean of the school is currently taking place this morning (Monday 16th March 2020)
– The members of staff concerned are not to return to school before at least Monday 23rd March 2020 (this will be kept under review)
– The school has been advised to open as planned on Wednesday 18th March 2020.

The statement added: “Obviously, this is a rapidly changing situation and if any decision to close the school is taken, parents will be informed as soon as possible.

“The school is committed to being as transparent with parents as possible so that they can make informed decisions about their children’s attendance at school.

“This is a very concerning time for all but be assured that the school has the best interests of its pupils, staff and community at heart.

“We wish to take the best decisions to protect all those connected with the school. All we can do at the moment is follow the current advice of EA, PHA, 111 Help Line and government ministers. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all as we face this challenging situation.”

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Work is due to start shortly on a £5 million waterworks upgrade in Co Armagh which will take in the Tandragee, Portadown and Lurgan areas.

NI Water says it is currently engaged in an ongoing process of improving and upgrading the water supply infrastructure throughout Northern Ireland.

The works – which will get underway in the coming months – will centre around the Portadown, Lurgan, Craigavon, Gilford, Tandragee and Scarva areas.

Work is due to get underway later this month in Lurgan, with improvements in all of these areas to be delivered during the next two years.

An NI Water spokesperson said: “This £5 million investment will benefit customers in the local area, as the upgraded watermains will improve the quality, reliability and security of the local water supply, while reducing leakage and improving pressure in the area.

“The work will involve improving approximately 29km of watermains, with the overall programme of work progressing throughout the wider area until 2022/23.

“NI Water and our contractor Meridian Utilities Ltd would like to thank the public for their patience and cooperation while we complete this essential programme of work and we will do everything possible to keep any disruption to a minimum.

“Letter drops will be completed as we move in to affected areas to advise residents of this work and traffic management and signage will also be in place as the work progresses.

“NI Water is calling for further investment in our water and sewerage infrastructure and the Watermains project is an excellent example of what can be done when the necessary funding is in place.

“Continued investment in our water and sewerage infrastructure will help the population, economy and the natural environment to thrive and develop over the next 25 years.”

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The daughter of a Banbridge man who passed away from Covid-19 on Sunday has warned people to take the virus “seriously”, calling it a “silent killer.

Bobbie Davidson, who was also a member of Poyntzpass Silver Band, became one the latest Northern Ireland victims to succumb to the deadly virus on Sunday, passing away shortly before 2pm.

His daughter Miriam took to social media to announce the news, but also to warn others of the severity of the coronavirus.

“Please take this virus seriously, it’s a silent killer,” she wrote. “[It] robbed me of a much-loved father earlier today (Sunday) at 13.50hrs.

“God knows why this island hasn’t been totally locked down, locked off, whatever,” she add. “Mum and I are lost; my father – a Banbridge man – was much much-loved and will be forever missed.”

Miriam explained how her father was high risk and had been self-isolating for almost three weeks.

“I’m begging people to please be very wary and take care,” she commented.

“It’s a horrible thing to see happen, it’s cruel and very vicious, and you can’t go in the ambulance, you can’t visit in the hospital, you can’t attend a cremation and only two can attend a burial.

“You can’t have flowers, you can’t say a personal goodbye and spend time with them at a funeral home.

“It’s taken out of your hands; my father’s funeral would have been enormous – he was extremely popular and well-known. You can’t have a church service of any kind. So again, please don’t put yourselves through what we and many others are going through because we have no idea how to cope.

“My Father leaves a beloved wife, granddaughter Danielle and one-year-old great grandson Henry. Please please read and re-read, I’m reaching out to people. It would have been easy to test and trace but nothing. Remember people this could be you in my situation.”

Poyntzpass Silver Band also paid tribute to their former member.

“News just through that our conductor Bobbie Davidson has passed away. Bobby was in Craigavon Area hospital and his condition had worsened.

“The band members are all shocked to loose Bobbie who was a friend to everyone and had time for young and old.

“Sincere sympathy from us all to his wife Pearl and family. We will all miss him very much.”

They added: “Terrible times so soon after the tragic news [on Saturday} of the passing of Morris Wilson, Grandfather of Anna, Jonathan, Peter and Jack Finch. Sympathy also to the Finch and Wilson Families from everyone at the Band. Morris was a great supporter of the band and attended all band events with his wife Francis.”

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Tandragee Free Presbyterian Church today ordered £50,000 of PPE items to help alleviate some of the front line pressure on the NHS created by Covid 19.

Speaking about the donation the Minister of the church in Tandragee Rev John Gray said: “Following a discussion last week our Church Committee took the decision to donate £50,000 toward the supply of specialist PPE equipment for frontline staff at Craigavon Area Hospital.

“We appreciate the tremendous work of the NHS staff and the many others across the community who are playing their part on the frontline as they battle this awful virus.

“We continue to pray and remember all of our specialist services in these days.

“As a church we are indebted to God for His faithfulness to our congregation down through the years and we felt at this time of unprecedented crisis in our land that it was only right and proper that we try and do something practically to help. We pray that when this new equipment arrives that it will be of great benefit to the staff and patients alike and that many lives might be saved.”

Clerk of Session of the church Mr Lavelle McIlwrath went on to say: “Tandagee Free Presbyterian Church has always sought to put feet to its prayers whether through missionaries or ministers in God’s work, local evangelistic efforts or simply helping missionary causes financially.

“Over the years the church has supported the Tsunami Appeal, raised thousands for the Children’s Hospital at the RVH and given generously to local charity appeals. Our Committee felt that this was an unprecedented situation and with Craigavon hospital on our doorstep then it was only right and proper that we should help practically where we could.

“Scrubs, face masks, gloves and sanitiser are all included in the order and the church is very grateful to a local company who are coordinating the delivery of the products on our behalf. Many of us may not be on the front line of this battle but as a church and community we can do our bit to help those who are.

“We continue to pray earnestly for all of our people in these difficult and trying times and that God indeed would intervene.”

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Laurelvale man Mo Robinson has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of 39 Vietnamese nationals in October.

He changed his plea this afternoon at the Old Bailey.

Thirty-one men and eight women – including two 15-year-old boys – were found in the back of a refrigerated lorry container at Purfleet in Essex.

The lorry had arrived from Zeebrugge in Belgium.

In November he pleaded guilty to acquiring criminal property and plotting to assist illegal immigration and it was alleged at the time he was part of a global smuggling ring.

Robinson has been in custody since a short time after the gruesome discovery on October 23.

He entered a guilty to the 39 manslaughter charges this afternoon.

But he has denied a charge of transferring criminal property and could yet stand trial for that, with prosecutors requesting three weeks to give this consideration.

Four other co-defendants – including 23-year-old Christopher Kennedy, from Corkley Road, Darkley, Co Armagh – are expected to go on trial in October. He denies conspiring to assist illegal immigration and the trial could last for up to eight weeks.

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A Tandragee woman is not letting the cancellation of this year’s London Marathon stop her from going the distance!

Instead, Natalie Bowbanks is planning to complete the full 26.2 miles by running around her garden.

And not just that, kind-hearted Natalie is putting her marathon efforts to good use as she intends to raise money to support our NHS Heroes.

She has set up a GoFundMe page in the hope people will make donations to support the vital work our health care professionals and frontline workers are carrying out during the COVID-19 crisis.

Natalie, like so many others, had been looking forward to the world-famous Marathon, which was due to take place later this month.

A seasoned runner, she has completed dozens in the past and always for a good cause.

Natalie told Armagh I : “I love long distance running and have ran 64 marathons, some locally and some abroad.

“I do try to fundraise as much as I can for the big events I do. In the past I have raised money for various charities and causes including Autism NI, Knockmore Primary School in Lisburn, where my nephew Max attends, Mourne Mountain Rescue, RBL, The Meadows Day Centre in Portadown for the elderly and those with dementia and others too.

“I believe that some good may as well come out of the punishment I like to put my body through!”

Natalie is planning not to let the disappointment deter her and it will be all the more special this year.

Instead of pounding the streets of London with tens of thousands of other runners, Natalie will be completing laps of her gardens and has already mapped out what will be required.

In fact, it comes in at an eye-watering 2,096 laps to be precise.

But it will sure be worth it!

Added Natalie: “I take part in the London Marathon every year and I’m also a pacer for the Belfast Marathon.

“I kind of knew when both events were cancelled I would complete them ‘virtually’ somehow on the dates they were meant to be held.

“I’d seen others setting themselves running challenges in their garden, and thought why not give it a go and fundraise money for the NHS at the same time?

“I have friends and neighbours who are nurses and I can see the strain it is putting them under.

“I am doing this to raise money for our NHS workers, who are working tirelessly and literally putting their lives at risk every single day.

“I had hoped to raise £1000, however in less than 24 hours my page has over £500 already and I’d love to get as much as I possibly can and people can generously donate too at this difficult time.”

Natalie’s ‘virtual’ London Marathon will take place on Saturday, April 26, starting at 10am.

What a brilliant effort and a fantastic fundraiser – please do show your support if you can by clicking on the link and giving whatever you can afford.

Let’s get behind Natalie as she runs to help our NHS heroes save lives! To donate to her cause just click the link here.

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Residents in Tandragee awoke to find a number of cars badly damaged after a motorist went on a vandalism rampage in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Several cars were hit after a reckless driver ripped through the town centre at high speeds at around 2am.

The cars were parked at the corner of Cornmarket Street/Austin Drive.

One local resident, speaking to Armagh I on Sunday morning, said: “This is terrible; as if people haven’t enough to worry about. For all anybody knew these could have been key-worker cars providing vital services to the community – disgraceful.”

Independent unionist councillor Paul Berry condemned the act of vandalism and disregard to public safety.

Speaking to Armagh I he commented: “I would first of all express my utter disgust at this despicable damage to cars in the Cornmarket Street / Austin Drive area of Tandragee on early Sunday morning.

“I know all the owners of these vehicles, in fact one was my cousin’s family car and understandably they are all shocked and disgusted at the considerable damage done to all the cars.

“These good folk have worked hard and it is really annoying that their cars have been damaged needlessly. In the early hours one of the residents heard a loud bang and when they looked out to the car parking area she could see that the cars had been pushed sideways, thankfully they acted quickly and contacted the PSNI.”

He added: “I would commend the PSNI as they apprehended the perpetrators soon after and now they are thankfully in custody and hopefully appear in court soon to face the penalty they deserve.

“It seems there was two cars involved and possibly racing each other, the drivers where not local to the area.

“At a time when people are worried about the whole implications of the COVID 19 the actions of these thugs showed just how disgusting they are causing so much damage to other people’s property and the distress they’ve caused to the owners and neighbourhood.”

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 as soon as possible.

A Tandragee lecturer says she was “completely surprised but totally delighted” after receiving an MBE in the New Year Honours List.

Marilyn Warren, a lecturer at Southern Regional College, was awarded an MBE for her services to education and children.

Marilyn lectures within the Faculty of Health and Science at the College.

Upon speaking about her award, Marilyn said: “I was completely surprised but totally delighted when I learned of receiving this fantastic award and recognition. It was certainly a fabulous and uplifting way to end such a challenging year.”

Brian Doran, Principal and Chief Executive at Southern Regional College added: “I am absolutely thrilled to hear that Marilyn has received an MBE for her services to education and children.

“Marilyn has dedicated her life to teaching others and her career has spanned 43 years working in primary to higher education. She is a member of staff whose enthusiasm and passion for her area of expertise is infectious and consistently goes above and beyond to meet the needs of her students.

“On behalf of the College’s senior management team and governing body, I would like to extend our warmest congratulations to Marilyn.”

Marilyn is no stranger to receiving awards, having been awarded the prestigious Lion Award for Lecturer of the Year 2019 as part of the annual City & Guilds Medals for Excellence programme.

In 2018 Marilyn also received a coveted Medal of Excellence for not only being a champion for learning, but for her ‘enthusiasm and outstanding subject knowledge’.

It is hoped that Marilyn will receive her award at Buckingham Palace when the Covid-19 restrictions ease.

The Tandragee 100 Road Races has been cancelled for the second year in a row.

The 2021 event has once again been called off with organisers citing health and safety concerns over Covid-19 for the difficult decision.

The news was announced in a statement from Clerk of the Course Anne Forsythe.

She said: “First and foremost, the safety of our society, more than ever, has to come first. Tonight’s announcement to cancel the 2021 Tandragee 100 National Motorcycle Road Races has been taken with the intention of keeping people safe. We look forward to returning in 2022.

“It is important not only to consider the safety of our volunteers and officials, local residents and landowners, local businesses, the competitors and of course our spectators but also the wider general public. If we are to collectively reduce the spread of the disease and lessen the impact COVID 19 will have in the longer term we believe to gather in large numbers for our event is not appropriate given the circumstances.

“Whilst the implementation of the COVID 19 Vaccines is welcome news, it is likely that only the most vulnerable and our precious HSC workforce will have received the first dose by the end of February with the second dose not completed until potentially the end of May. This will mean the full effect for these groups won’t be galvanised until June. In addition, it is likely that the rest of the population who want to avail of it won’t be vaccinated until autumn 2021.

“At a time when our Health & Social Care Services are once again managing significantly increased demand we must not place an additional strain on their precious resources. Many of our event medical team and first aiders will still be needed to contribute to the HSC response across Northern Ireland and we also would not wish to potentially divert HSC ambulance and hospital resources to deal with any event related requirements. To all those involved in the response to COVID 19 we thank you.

“As a Club we are of course very disappointed to have to take this decision to delay our 60th Anniversary Celebrations for a second time, however, it is the right thing to do. We believe it is important to let everyone involved know at the earliest opportunity, so everyone is not disadvantaged in any way. We will need everyone’s continued support in 2022 to enable us to celebrate our 60th Anniversary and deliver a truly exciting event.

“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank our loyal sponsors for their understanding and support. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this announcement causes. Our overall sponsor Gerard Rice from Around A Pound has indicated his support for this decision and agrees that the health of the population is just too important to jeopardise.

“Never has the phrase ‘all in it together’ been so pertinent and just so important. The COVID 19 vaccines provide the long-term hope and the current lockdown offers the opportunity to shorten the duration of the current surge. We can all play our part too by staying at home, practising social distancing, good hand hygiene and wearing face coverings. We must all put our health first, don’t take any unnecessary risks. Keep up to date with and follow the advice given by the Public Health Agency. Think about the vulnerable in our society and act with compassion towards each other.

“To anyone who is currently affected by COVID 19 and to those who will later become so, you are in our thoughts and prayers not only now but in the coming weeks and months.”

Firmus Energy has announced it will start two significant projects in Armagh City Centre and Tandragee to make gas available to a further 481 homes and businesses in the area.

The £166,000 investment in Armagh city centre will see the completion of mains laying in the area, bringing Firmus Energy’s total investment in the area to £1.073 million, enabling 194 additional properties, including the Market Place Theatre, to connect to Firmus Energy’s natural gas network.

The 1,500m network extension will start at Abbey Street and Market Street on the week commencing January 18 in order to coincide with the current lockdown and minimise disruption in the area.

The project will also include Castle Street, Callan Street, Vicars Row and The Mall.

The 19-week work programme has been agreed with Transport NI in consultation with Armagh City Centre Management Panel, and electronic road signs will also be in place to advise motorists of any diversions.

The £245,000 Tandragee project will involve laying 3,500m of mains to pass an additional 287 properties in the Richmond, Knightsbridge, Ballymore and Coburn Drive areas of the town. Work is scheduled to start at the end of January and last approximately three months. This is the first of five programmes planned for Tandragee in 2021.

A further £51,000 project in the Broomhill area of Richill has just commenced, bringing a new 750m pipeline past almost 100 additional properties.

Aiden McElroy, Network Engineer for firmus energy said: “The investment in Armagh City Centre follows last year’s work at Upper English Street, Dawson St, and Cathedral Rd and will allow us to complete our final major project in the area. These works are necessary to complete the development of our natural gas network and secure our network in the City Centre.

“The Tandragee and Richill projects will provide a significant number of homes and business with the opportunity to enjoy the environmental benefits of cleaner energy and help meet existing and future demand in the area.

“We have engaged extensively with Transport NI, Armagh City Centre Management and other utility providers and agreed a traffic management plan for the duration of the three programmes to minimise disruption to residents, businesses and road users.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank the local businesses for their understanding and co-operation and we will continue to work with all the appropriate authorities and make every effort to ensure that any disruption is kept to an absolute minimum.”

Lane and road closures will be required at various stages as the work progresses, but diversions will be in place and firmus energy and its main contractors Kier Utilities have committed to minimising disruption as much as possible.

All local businesses will trade as normal during the construction period.

Independent Councillor for the Tandragee and Richhill areas, Paul Berry says the £300,000 to his constituency is to be welcomed.

“It is great news for the general Ballymore Road area of Tandragee and Broomhill area of Richhill,” said Mr Berry.

“They have also confirmed that this is the first of 5 Projects for Tandragee over 2021 and for that it is very welcome.

“As a local councillor and estate agent I am aware how gas has become more popular and it will provide more choice for local residents with 287 properties could benefit from this project.

“Of course with such projects there is always traffic distribution and I will be liaising closely with the project officer from Firmus to ensure there is no massive distribution locally when it commenced at the end of this month.”

A large blue pick-up truck stolen from a property in Portadown on Friday evening was last spotted in the Tandragee area a short time later.

Police are appealing for help in locating a blue Toyota Hilux VRM with a registration number ‘MXZ 8950’.

It was taken from the within the vicinity of Knock Road in Portadown around 5.45pm.

Commenting on the theft of the pick-up, Tandragee DUP Councillor Gareth Wilson, stated: “This is another worrying theft and once again the rural community is preyed upon by criminal elements.

“Hopefully those behind this latest theft can be apprehended and the pick-up recovered and returned to the owners. I would appeal to anyone who have have witnessed any suspicious activity in the Knock Road area to contact the PSNI and assist with their inquiries.”

If you see this vehicle or have seen anything suspicious around this time please contact police through 101 quoting serial 1369 15/01/2021.

Whether it is concerns about plastic polluting the oceans or the global impact of our carbon footprints many of us are trying to be more environmentally conscious.

Often it is hard to know where to start, but not to worry, for a Tandragee mother-of-three is on hand to give advice and suggestions on how to be ‘Greener’.

Emma Erskine, who goes by the moniker ‘The Greener Guru’, set up her website during the first lockdown but has been blogging and using social media to help people make small changes for a few years.

The 36-year-old, originally from Bangor, found herself in Co. Armagh via Portsmouth, High Wycombe, Liverpool and London.

The return back to Northern Ireland was prompted by the ill health of her husband and Tandragee man, Darren, around eight years ago.

Speaking to Armagh I, Emma explained that her concern for the environment was not a new development and it was something she was conscious of from her teenage years.

“Before there were kerb collections in Bangor, I used to have boxes sitting in my mum’s kitchen and I made everyone put their recycling in them and we would go every other week to the centre to drop them off,” said Emma.

“I was always a bit eco-conscious. Then when my first daughter came along, she is 14 now, it was cloth nappies and thinking of more environmentally friendly ways of raising children.”

She admitted to being the friend or family member that people often turned to when looking for more eco-friendly or sustainable alternatives.

Upon arriving back on home shores, Emma retrained as a beautician and this is where the origins of The Greener Guru began.

“I initially started a blog which was about how it was like to study beauty therapy. From that it just sort of spiralled into what it is today,”  she explained.

“The Greener Guru is to help people make simple swaps to live more sustainable lives.”

Emma found work with Lush through which she was able to learn more about cruelty-free beauty products, along with gaining knowledge of ingredients and sourcing.

As we entered lockdown, Emma took the opportunity to purchase her own domain and launch her website.

“I was seeing that people had a bit more time to think about things, I wanted to make facilitating change a bit easier for people by noting down some simple swaps,” she explained.

“There were some easy recipes, I put up one on how to make dandelion honey and that was a really popular one in the summer.

“People have had more time for simple things like meal planning which has meant less food waste, whereas when people are working and commuting it is very hard for them to cram it all in.”

And it would appear that the appetite for the content was definitely there, now with over 6,000 followers on Instagram, around double the number she had pre-lockdown.

“It is definitely a bigger increase that most would see in such a short period of time, especially when it is such a niche topic. It’s not fashion, it’s not mainstream beauty.

“It’s very pigeon-holed as environmentally friendly, vegan living, cruelty free. When I am buying something I have so many tick boxes which means others are relieved that someone else has done it for them.”

Emma said that mainstream media, with help from the likes of Sir David Attenborough and Zac Efron, have brought the idea of making green choices to the fore.

“They are spreading a positive message. It is not all doom and gloom, there are solutions out there. We just need to shout a bit louder, give feedback to companies and push a bit more to encourage them to make changes.”

Many may be reluctant to move towards a more eco-friendly or sustainable choice due to cost implications, but this is oft-times a myth which Emma has moved to dispel.

She said: “I would never judge somebody for their budget. If all they have is a budget which allows them to buy from Primark, that is what it allows. They can make their changes in other ways.

“Maybe they could walk or take the train instead of driving, maybe cook from scratch without using plastic. It is all about picking your battles.

“It is not necessarily the consumers doing the wrong in the world. I think it is something like 100 companies make up around 70% of the global emissions in the world. Making them change will have a far greater impact.”

Another way suggested by Emma is shopping locally which can have a positive impact both environmentally and for the local independent economy.

Emma said: “People would find that there is not much difference in price shopping locally. There are other simple things like growing plants on your windowsill so you don’t have to buy packaged herbs.

“There are always simple swaps, it is just about finding which ones that work best with your own lifestyle, your own budget and where you are in your journey.”

So where to start? Well, Emma says that the easiest place with which to begin is the bathroom.

“Everything in your bathroom, it is not going to necessarily be there for a long time but it is something you use all the time. So, shampoo for example, you might buy a few bottles a year but you can swap that for a bar.”

Once you have mastered that, you can move on to the kitchen.

“Whilst it is easy to make swaps there, you might be waiting a bit longer. With the likes of tupperware, you might want to swap it out but if it is there and working there is no point in throwing it out until it is broken.”

Another often overlooked simple change according Emma is that of fast fashion.

She said: “People have this misconception that they have to go for expensive eco-friendly brands but it is as simple as going second hand.

“You can go on eBay and instead of buying a £20 pair of jeans from a high street store, you can get a designer pair of jeans which will be second hand but better quality for the same price.”

In this case, Emma is speaking from experience because in 2019 her family gave up buying new clothes, with the exception of school uniform.

She said: “I managed to do that with the kids needing new wardrobes for summer and winter, because they are still at that age where they are growing that fast. I found I could get that wardrobe for around £35.”

Emma added: “The reason I called myself the Greener Guru rather than the Green Guru is because it is about making yourself greener, no one is perfect.

“I am not perfect I still have plastic rubbish that goes in the black bin, I still drive a car. We are all part of the problem collectively but we can reduce it with simple swaps but all together that makes a big impact.”

Emma advised anyone thinking about making swaps to start by using the calculator on the WWF website which gives a breakdown of your emissions.

To get more handy swaps you can check out Emma’s website or alternatively check out her Instagram.

A Tandragee teenager who was bullied so badly while on work placement at a garage said he was forced to left because of anxiety and subsequently depression.

Nineteen-year-old Luc Davidson was out of work for 13 months as a result of the horrendous experience.

This, alongside the lack of jobs due to the Covid 19 pandemic, left Luc feeling worried about his future and how he was going to pay his bills.

And according to a new Prince’s Trust report today (Tuesday), more than a quarter of young people in Northern Ireland admit to feeling “unable to cope with life” since the pandemic.

“I was studying a lorry mechanics course at college and got a work placement in a garage,” Luc explained. “But within the first few days it was clear that I was being bullied by my supervisor. Things got so bad that I was actually sick with the anxiety, so I had to leave.

“It was awful being out of work after that. My mum was so worried about me, she said she had never seen me at such a low point because I was depressed, and my anxiety was so bad I couldn’t leave my room. It was a horrible time. I had bills to pay for my car but had no money coming in, it just kept getting me more and more down. Then the pandemic began and I didn’t see how I was ever going to find work.”

A friend of Luc’s told him about The Prince’s Trust Get into Retail with Tesco programme.

Get into Retail is a training and mentoring scheme that gives young people aged 16-30, not currently in full time employment, education or training, the skills, experience and confidence they need to find a job. During the programme participants complete on the job training in a Tesco store and receive regular feedback and guidance from a dedicated buddy.

“If you look at me two months ago and me now I’m a totally different person. My mum is over the moon, she has no words for how happy she is,” said Luc.

“One of my friends did the programme previously. He had anxiety and no confidence at the start but at the end of the programme I was amazed at the change in him, that inspired me to give it a try.

“Part of the programme was online and it made me feel anxious just thinking about taking part, but when I was in the store on placement it gave me a new lease of life. The staff are all lovely, interacting with them and the customers has really boosted my confidence at the end of the programme I was delighted to be offered a contract in the Craigavon store. It feels great to be working again.”

According to the Prince’s Trust, 45% of 16 to 25-year-olds in Northern Ireland say their mental health has got worse since the start of the pandemic, while 55% say they “always” or “often” feel anxious. 65% also report feeling like they are “missing out on being young.”

Mark Dougan, Northern Ireland Director at The Prince’s Trust, said: “The pandemic has taken a devastating toll on young people’s mental health and wellbeing. They face a disrupted education, a shrinking jobs market and isolation from their friends and loved ones, and as a result, too many are losing all hope for the future. As ever, it is unemployed young people – and those with few qualifications and little confidence – who have an even more negative experience.

“The Prince’s Trust will always be there for young people across Northern Ireland, giving them a lifeline to overcome the toughest of challenges. At this critical time, we need businesses, government, and individuals to work with us to help as many vulnerable young people as possible. It is only by working together that we can stop this generation of young people giving up on their futures – and themselves.”

The Prince’s Trust and Tesco are working together to provide mental health resources and support in schools across the UK. The partnership also helps young people into jobs through The Trust’s employability courses.

Emma Taylor, UK and ROI People Director at Tesco said: “The findings of this year’s Youth Index highlight how vital it is to support young people to develop skills and build their confidence, to support their future. Through our existing partnerships with The Prince’s Trust and other charities, we have already supported over 40,000 young people in secondary schools to develop essential employability and life skills, such as teamwork and communication.

“In these extraordinarily difficult times, supporting young people’s mental health is paramount and as a business, we are committed to helping many more young people in the coming years to build their skills and secure employment.”

The Prince’s Trust provides support for young people’s mental wellbeing across all of its programmes and its youth support workers are online every day to help those in need.

The Prince’s Trust helped more than 70,000 young people last year to build the confidence and skills they need to realise their potential. The employability courses offered by The Trust, which are run both in person and online, give young people the practical and financial support needed to stabilise their lives. Three in four young people on Prince’s Trust programmes move into work, education or training.

Police are urging parents to ensure they know where their children are after receiving “multiple reports of anti-social behaviour” tonight in Tandragee.

The activity has centred in the vicinity of Tandragee Recreation Centre.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “This is an ongoing cause of concern for local residents.

“We would ask parents to be vigilant about their children’s whereabouts.”

Tonight’s reports come as part of a long-running problem.

Just last month local councillors highlighted the matter when they said hordes of teenagers were being transported to a children’s play park in Tandragee to partake on drink and drug-fuelled parties at weekends.

Independent Unionist Paul Berry, speaking then, said: “This has been ongoing for many years on and off but of late it has got out of control with underage drinking and the use of drugs which is very concerning.”

And he added: “This must be dealt with urgently and we as councillors have asked the PSNI to immediately step up controls, implement a good police operation and deal with this matter once and for all.

“I would also appeal to the parents to know where their children are and to those who drop them of then wise up because someone is going to die if this continues.

“The ambulance has been at this location at least on two occasions recently as a result of drugs and drink so urgent action is required. I would also appeal to local residents who have been tortured by this behaviour to report future incidents to the PSNI so we can get them to respond sooner.”

DUP Alderman Gareth Wilson had added: “This has been a growing and concerning issue for some time and I know that both the recreation staff and local residents are getting very tired of the continued annoyance this is causing.”

Police are now asking parents to ensure their children are not engaging in this type of activity.

A Tandragee family-run Spar shop is to undergo a major extension after plans for the development were approved.

The Henderson Group had submitted an application for the works at the property at Mill Street back in the summer of 2019.

Amended plans were subsequently drawn up and advertised and considered by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council planning officials.

Now the council’s planning committee has endorsed the application for the works, which are estimated by Construction Information Services to be in the region of £100,000.

The store is based at number 20-24 Mill Street, Tandragee, with parking to the side.

As part of the proposals, permission was originally sought to change the elevations and demolish numbers 2 to 14 Mill Street, which includes the former Paddock Bar, as well as a charity shop and private house.

But the professional planners’ report – which lays down conditions on various issues including parking – indicates that the demolition will be of numbers 4 to 14, with a change of use of the former pub – situated at number 2 – for retail use at ground floor level with “associated alterations and an extension to the existing premises”.

The overall plans would allow for the construction of a new retail unit – measuring over 112 sq metres – and associated parking, and facilitate alterations and extension to the existing Spar shop.

Noice impact studies, bat survey and traffic assessment were among the considerations carried out as part of the determining process.

And it was in relation to the latter that several objectors turned and members of the public raised questions.

One raised the question over whether existing parking restrictions in the area would remain unchanged, with a response from council official pointing out: “Compliance with parking restrictions is a civil issue rather than a planning issue.”

And when questions were asked in relation to the car park on site, the letter-writer was informed: “The management of the car park will be an issue for the occupants.”

Department for Infrastructure has neither raised any traffic management concerns at the earmarked location.

Concerns had also been raised over lighting at the site, and it was confirmed additional lights would be provided, something which the applicant deemed “essential for the health and safety of our customers and employees”.

According to the planners report, the existing access to the shop would be removed and a window put in its place.

It adds: “A new entrance to the shop would be created at the existing access to the flat above. This access to the flat would no longer exist and the existing door would be blocked up.

“The new shop access makes substantial use of glazing and the walls surrounding it would be finished with stone cladding.”

Internally, changes would see a larger food prep area created and moved to the front of the store. Wall to create new stores would also be erected.

A 26-page report from planners details responses to concerns raised and how they arrived at their recommendation.

Officers reported having “placed greater determining on road safety and easing congestion rather than on the townscape in this instance”.

The decision to approve has now been formally passed.

For over 80 years, Dublin airport has been a place of occasion and intrigue; a gateway to another land; a long-awaited return; a joyful reunion.

It’s been a source of many historic moments, from transatlantic flights to VIP arrivals: and so, it was on Sunday, October 11, 2020 Dublin Airport saw witness to another historic moment; a first in the annals of Irish Aviation, well, a first for a long time anyway!

At 9:03am, with little ceremony or audience, a set of wheels touched down on runway 28. Not arriving from distant lands, or with crowds of travellers, this small Sports Cruiser aircraft, a 2-seat aircraft weighing only 600kg, landed from Tandragee, County Armagh.

This was its first stop on an epic cross-border flight organised by an intrepid team in memory of a beloved daughter and friend.

Co Armagh man Raphael O’Carroll and friend Liam Lynch are no strangers to Irish records: in May 2017 they became the first people in Irish aviation history to land an aircraft in all 32 counties in the one day.

Jacqui, Raph and Liam

Now, they have taken it one step further: landing in every commercial airport in Ireland, a feat that it is believed has never been done before; and one only possible due to downturn in air traffic due to the current Covid-19 pandemic.

This flight was a very special one: flown in memory of the pilot Raphael’s daughter, Christine, who sadly lost her battle with a brain tumour, aged just 31.

The flight was to raise funds in her memory, for the Christine O’Carroll Research Fund, helping to fund research into a cure for brain tumours, the leading cancer killer of young people under 40.

For the flight to take place on the day, it took months for a team of people to secure the necessary permissions, and because these aircraft fly by visual flight rules, there was a time delay waiting for a suitable weather window to allow this daring feat to happen.

Jaqui Lawerence works as an air traffic controller at Dublin but in her spare time, is a student of Raphael and Liam’s, learning to fly at their Microlight flight school at Kernan, Tandragee.

With her extensive experience in the Dublin tower, Jacqui, who’s more used to dealing with Jumbo jets, worked with Raphael to develop the flight plan, sequencing and permissions to bring a light sport aircraft onto the main runway at Dublin as part of this record – a feat itself!

On the day, Jacqui was working tirelessly in the background from long before they made their 8am took off: tracking progress, monitoring the handover between each ATC sector, and coordinating each subsequent sector for their arrival, such that they could have unimpeded passage through Irish Airspace.

On the day, the planning paid off, with their flight touching down first in Dublin, and subsequently routing around the coast via Waterford, Cork, and Kerry.

Dublin arrival

After the briefest of Covid-secure fuel stops in Kerry (for which the team there generously dated all costs to the charity), they were back on their way to Shannon, Ireland West (Knock), Sligo, Donegal and Derry, before the home stretch via Belfast International and City airports.

With over 6 hours and 45 minutes in the air, and 6 months to plan, this really was an historic event, and one that could not have taken place without the current downturn in air traffic due to Covid-19.

Raphael, Liam, Jacqui, and their team would also like to sincerely thank the IAA team; CEO Peter Kearney, Darren Pollard and Neil Branagan for their support made it possible to undertake this project; Kevin Conheady, Dave Allen and airside operations at Dublin Airport Authority; the team at Kerry for their hospitality and generosity; all the controllers from North to South, East to West, who were so accommodating in assisting with the flight; and NATS Belfast for their professionalism and generosity.

A long-form version of this remarkable story can be found here.

Route flown around Ireland

It feels like DIY SOS has been on our televisions for an eternity, so it would be a surprise to hear the team has never visited Northern Ireland.

However, next week’s big build will feature the McCreight family from Bangor, who had almost given up hope of sorting their housing issues.

Mum, Mandy (48) has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, Postural Orthostic Tachycardia Syndrome, Fibromyalgia and Gastroparesis and she had spent 80% of her time bed bound.

Son, Ben (18) is working hard at school but has a learning disability, Autism and Ehlers Danlos Syndrome and daughter, Kara (15) also has an Ehlers Danlos Syndrome diagnosis.

Caring responsibilities for the family fall on medically retired dad, Davy (59), who has a back injury, burning feet syndrome and problems with his knees.

Now, 20 months on from the transformation by Nick Knowles, the Purple Shirt team and a legion of volunteers, the show will be aired on TV.

Part of the cohort who arrived to take on this mammoth task in June 2019 was Tandragee firm, Crannymore Construction.

Speaking to Armagh I, owner Neil Odgers said that he would jump at the chance to volunteer again and admitted there wasn’t a dry eye in the house after the family’s reaction to the final reveal.

The 39-year-old commented: “The big question people always ask is did you finish it in the nine days? The truth is we finished it a day early, it was some turn around!”

Neil saw an advertisement for the project in early 2019 and decided to tentatively throw his hat into the mix.

Left to right: Neil Odgers, Mark Miller, and Kenton McKitterick

“We initially applied for a few days, simply because it is all voluntary and I knew that we would have our own work to be doing as well,” he said.

“Then we got called to go do an interview with Mark Millar in Bangor. He gave a us a run down of the work and was just checking to see if everyone was clued in.”

Neil was then contacted by Mark and was asked to get involved, initially agreeing to help out at the start and end point of the project.

However, on day two Mark spoke with Neil and persuaded him to have his team offer their services throughout the week.

On the first day, 100 volunteers descended on the home and, according to Neil, within an hour and a half the property was gutted and ready for the real work to begin.

“It was really good craic, every tradesman who was there was very switched on; there was never anyone standing about,” he said.

“We were maybe upstairs doing structural work or doing steels or putting doors in and then coming down for your 10 o’clock break and there was a wall there that wasn’t there before.”

Describing the whole crew as a “family”, Neil, who has worked in the industry for over 20 years, revealed it was an experience like no other.

“With it being voluntary, it was funny,” he said. “If you go to a normal building site the spark would be giving out about the plumbers and the like but it wasn’t like that because everyone was doing it off their own steam.

“I have never seen it before, the sparks were actually bending backwards to help the joiners and the joiners were helping with brickwork, everything just worked really well.”

Due to speed, as regular viewers will be aware, mistakes do happen but they are always put to right on time.

“There has to be mistakes which has a knock-on effect but, because of the manpower, it can be done and redone three times but still be ready in time,” Neil said.

He commented that the environment was relaxed, with the SOS team on hand to feed the volunteers with bacon rolls, dinner and even a bun with their builders’ brews!

The typical day for Neil and his team started at 7am, with them making the trip to Bangor and not returning until 7pm, but their work was not finished there, as they continued making bedroom units until midnight.

Speaking about the final reveal, he said: “When the family come back it would bring a tear to a stone. I am telling you these guys are big strong massive builders and the majority of them had a tear in their eye. They were crying.

“If you are watching on TV and you don’t see the process of it all, you think to yourself look at them children but if it didn’t bring a tear when the family came back there would be something wrong with you.”

According to Neil the “feel-good factor” made the whole project worth it.

He added: “It will be exciting to see it all, the family were ever so nice, ever so grateful and really appreciative of us.

“People ask would I do it again and my hand on my heart if someone asked you, you couldn’t not do it again. Doing work, doing it free just makes you feel like a king.”

Left to right: Neil Odgers, John Carroll (front) Kenton McKittrick , and Nick Knowles.

Neil said that all of the Purple Shirt team were “down to earth” and always had time to speak with the volunteers.

“They are under a lot of pressure, with the camera on them, they are doing their own work and running the site. They always had time for you, it is only five minutes of their time but it means a lot.”

Turning to the issue of the building trade at the moment, Neil said: “We have been busy. At the start [of the pandemic] it was a bit scary going into people’s houses. A lot of our work is private but we have been working with people to find the best solution.

“Brexit has also had a big impact. Some standard building materials have not been available and then there have been price hikes.”

He added: “We did a lot of pricing say four months ago before Christmas, then got asked to carry it out. A lot of the materials have gone up in price but we honour our initial price. We wouldn’t ask people for more but it leaves us in a sticky situation.”

You can catch the DIY SOS Big Build next Monday on BBC One at 9pm.