6 minute read
TOWN FEATURE
FOCUS ON Saintfi eld, Carryduff and Ballynahinch
The County Down village of Saintfield lies halfway between Belfast and Downpatrick and features the stunning Rowallane Garden, a National Trust site. Carryduff is nearby and is known for its having been awarded Best Kept Small Town twice by the NI Amenity Council. Nearby Ballynahinch was originally a market town. The town lies on the main A24 Belfast to Newcastle road, 15 miles south of Belfast. Ballynahinch includes a leisure centre, trendy shopping boutiques, bridal boutiques, interior design showrooms and a host of delicious restaurants and quaint cafes.
Ballynahinch
MISSION AND VALUES St. Mary’s Primary School is a caring school, serving the community. Our mission is to enable each child to reach their full potential.
We encourage our children to: • Be loving, kind, and charitable • Have a growth mindset • Confidently develop their unique gifts and talents • Become resilient, responsible citizens • Learn how to make reasonable and informed decisions in life, based on an appropriate awareness of global events, and an understanding of their rights as children; and • Develop a lifelong love of learning – and have fun whilst they learn.
OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING At St. Mary’s Primary School, we pride ourselves on encouraging each child to explore their interests and maximise their own unique talents. Our staff are highly qualified, motivated, caring, and professional.
We believe every child should have access to education in a safe environment where they can be supported in reaching their full potential. With Christian values at the heart of our children’s education, we deliver a broad, balanced, skills-based curriculum. our approach to give extra classes and learning time when needed. We can offer small-group or one-to-one learning.
SCHOOL HISTORY St Mary’s Primary School is approaching its 150th anniversary; we have been educating the children of Saintfield and the surrounding area since 1873. The school was originally located on Comber Street in the town, and its first teacher was a Mr Terence Monaghan. The school relocated to its current site in 1964.
LOCATION AND AMENITIES St. Mary’s Primary School is conveniently located – easily accessible from Crossgar, Downpatrick, Belfast and Lisburn.
The school enjoys an attractive elevated site on the outskirts of Saintfield, close to Rowallane Gardens.
School accommodation is wheelchair accessible and comprises: three classrooms, a multi-purpose gym assembly hall/dining hall, a designated library/computer area, staff room and administration block. Visitors are assured a warm welcome and will see children’s work showcased throughout the school.
Spacious playgrounds are surrounded by fields and mature trees and amenities available to the children include a climbing frame, balance beams, sensory garden, and pond. We look forward to welcoming children to our nurture room.
We offer tuition in violin, keyboard, and flute from visiting tutors. Children can avail of a range of extra-curricular activities including arts and crafts, sport, and ICT.
A community playgroup is located onsite. The school also provides a Breakfast Club which runs from 8am and After School Care for children until 5pm daily – something that has proved invaluable to parents!
ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL IN THE COMMUNITY We at St. Mary’s Primary School are proud of our links with the local community, particularly our long-established relationships with Saintfield High School and the Academy Primary School.
St. Mary’s Primary School contributes richly to community events such as Saintfield’s Summer Fair and Christmas Fair - and we regularly welcome visitors from local government, businesses, and charities to share in the life of our school.
CHOOSE ST. MARY’S PRIMARY SCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD We would be delighted to welcome your child to join our school. To make enquiries about sending your child to St Mary’s, please contact our Principal, Ms. Catherine Downey on 028 9751 0578 or cdowney732@C2ken.net. In the meantime, we invite you to enjoy a virtual tour of our school at www.stmaryssaintfield.co.uk.
Friends and family enjoyed days out at Saintfi eld Market, Montalto estate in Ballynahinch and Ardnacashel Equestrian spring festival!
Stephen and Emma Scott with Ben and Grace.
New arrivals New arrivals
A fun and lively colour palette which creates a fresh and contemporary aesthetic for your home. aesthetic for your home.
JACKSONS
OF SAINTFIELD
Jacksons of Saintfi eld T. 028 9751 1429
19 year old Megan Dumigan and Rhyd Ddu Buster.
Watsons Wedding Specialist
• Friendly efficient service • Wedding specialists •Bespoke design service • Venue styling • Chair cover, candelabra and fairy light backdrop hire • Complete floral package
Main Street Ballynahinch Telephone Louise: 028 9756 1444 www.watsonsweddings.com | watsonsweddings@outlook.com
WHY I LOVE BALLYNAHINCH Q&A
Ulster Tatler speaks to All Play’s Hollie Dowling.
What do you love most about your job at All Play Ireland?
I love the variety, every day is different and every scheme we deliver is unique.
How do you like to relax outside work, do you have any hobbies?
My 18-month old keeps me pretty busy, but I enjoy going to the gym and the cinema when I can!
I grew up in the Ballynahinch area and have been at Allplay for almost 10 years. I also sit on the board for ‘The Edge’ youth centre so it is great being involved in the community in that way. I try to support local businesses where I can – including our Friday work breakfasts from Holly’s!
Are there any hidden gems in the area?
Montalto Estate has some beautiful walks and does some great food.
Site: The Ark Open Farm
Allplay
12 Crabtree Rd Ballynahinch BT24 8RH T +44 (0)28 9756 5129 E info@all-play.com @Allplay
all-play.com
Andrew and Tracy Tindle and son Harry from Bangor.
Gareth and Joanne Kidd celebrating lockdown baby Amber’s fi rst birthday.
. Nuala McMorrow and Colette Roberts. . Frank and Muriel Martin.
CLANDEBOYE LODGE
We’re good to go! Clandeboye Lodge has reopened its Coq & Bull restaurant for dining again and couldn’t be happier to welcome you back for long lunches, dinner or cocktails on the terrace.
Leave all the cooking or clearing up behind at yours, make a date to relax and soak up that special blend of Clandeboye Lodge hospitality.
Irene Davidson, Joan Henderson, Liz Hall and Rita Boyd.
Moira and Alan Kennedy. Kathleen Blair and Jim Taylor.
Pam and John Megarry. Mum and daughter Tina and Rachel Thompson.
