• In a significant move toward fostering inclusivity and accessibility, the Donegal County Library Service has introduced C-Pen Readers, now available for borrowing at local library branches. This initiative aims to facilitate independent reading for individuals facing challenges such as dyslexia, aphasia, visual impairments, and those learning a new language. The C-Pen Reader, a portable and […]

    By Published On: December 7th, 2023
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  • By Patrick Sharkey The City of Derry Jazz Festival, gearing up for its 23rd year in 2024, reveals a collaborative funding approach aimed at ensuring the event’s financial viability. With a budget of £120,000, the Council’s Business and Culture Committee has established a financing model that involves local venues in sharing the financial responsibilities. Next […]

    By Published On: December 6th, 2023
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  • By Izzy Bland Local food partnership, the Acorn Food Network, has won a prestigious Sustainable Food Places Bronze award. Their success in promoting healthy, local and sustainable food in the Derry City/Strabane council area has led to their recognition for the award. The Sustainable Food Places programme is funded by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and […]

    By Published On: December 6th, 2023
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  • By Anne Kelly A special all inclusive deal for access to leisure centres in the North West has been announced by Derry City and Strabane District Council. The Christmas promotion is offering discounted three month all inclusive membership packages for its leisure centres for £85 or £65 concessionary. All inclusive members who sign up to […]

    By Published On: December 6th, 2023
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  • By Sean Kelly The Western Trust had a total of 249 compulsory admissions related to mental illness in the past year, according to new data from the Department of Health. Of those, 20 were in the Waterside hospital, and a further 89 were at Grangewood, according to statistics released by the Department of Health. In […]

    By Published On: December 4th, 2023
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  • By Ramy Abou-Setta Victims of domestic abuse in the Derry City and Strabane District area will be offered home and personal security items to help keep them safe. These items come as an addition to the CCTV cameras from the prior year and includes personal safety alarms and motion detectors. This is a Derry & […]

    By Published On: December 4th, 2023
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  • By Laura O’Neill Desk job to designer! Derry woman Lisa McLaughlin will showcase her eco-friendly children’s bedding and accessories brand at her local craft fair in the Guildhall this November. After 20 years as a civil servant Lisa returned to education to study Textiles at North West Regional College. During the Covid pandemic, after deciding […]

    By Published On: December 4th, 2023
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  • By Liz Kearney  Supports for conserving thatched roofs and promoting the Irish language are among the initiatives that will be the focus of a new Culture and Creativity Strategy to be launched by Donegal County Council this year. The strategy will invest in resources and arts workers, and enable public engagement in culture and creativity. […]

    By Published On: December 4th, 2023
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  • By Sean Kelly John Hume almost quit politics the year before the Good Friday Agreement. The Nobel Laureate and former SDLP leader went as far as to type up a letter of resignation in 1997, according to a new book by BBC Journalist Stephen Walker. Following a period of mounting criticism, John Hume faced a […]

    By Published On: November 29th, 2023
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  • By Liz Kearney Handbags made of recycled leather are among a unique range of sustainably made accessories that will be showcased at this month’s Guildhall Craft Fair.   Orla Vera Accessories was founded and developed by Buncrana fashion designer Orla O’Hagan in 2020 during the pandemic. Her lockdown project of making purses and handbags quickly […]

    By Published On: November 21st, 2023
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