Christmas a time for family - no matter where in the world they are
Christmas a time for family - no matter where in the world they are
Welcome to the Armagh I newsletter, which falls into your inbox every Tuesday and Friday mornings. This Friday morning is a special one, as we begin the countdown to the big day! - ps. be sure to subscribe below 👇
For many families with relatives abroad, Christmas can be a bittersweet time.
If loved ones are coming home for the festive period, there's all the excitement of meeting them at the airport, catching up on news and having that longed-for hug - before waving them off again in a few weeks.
For others, where distance and cost make travel home impossible, technology such as Facetime is a godsend, making it easier to exchange greetings across the miles.
And, of course, gifts and cards will currently be winging their way all over the world - just to let family and friends know they are in our thoughts and hearts.
Former Tassagh man Tommy Cullen, who now lives in Melbourne, Australia, is a regular Armagh I reader and Newsletter subscriber.
He has not only emailed Armagh I season's greetings but also a copy of a poignant poem he has penned which will be his Christmas card to family members.
It relates a story which is probably familiar to many Irish emigrants - a journey from the security of home and childhood to the challenges and joys of growing up, making friends, finding work, becoming independent and finally, moving on to a new life overseas.
So many young people are moving abroad at present. Australia seems to be one of the main draws - and why not. It offers exciting opportunities for work, travel and meeting new people.
Many will come home again after a year or two. Others, like Tommy, will forge a new life in a new country.
Tommy is right - nothing stays the same, whether you stay at home or move away. Life is constantly shifting under your feet.
The trick is to embrace change, enjoy the ride and discover what's right for you.
In the meantime, we lift a festive glass to family and friends everywhere this Christmas. May we all find peace and joy, no matter where we are.
AND NOTHING STAYS THE SAME From my birth in a country cottage Surrounded by love and care My life somehow was about to change With four brothers we would always share As time went by the paths stray And nothing stays the same. Off to school and a new world The road ahead was tough to start Survival was the target each day As time went by we made our mark Very soon friends would join the fray And nothing stays the same. The journey took many twists and turns As one matured confidence built The rough and tumble risks saw many burns At the end of each day there was a warm quilt The crossroads would become a T intersection And nothing stays the same. Pull on a Suit and Tie for the job interview Secure the Role and earn the first pay Work hard and enjoy the new crew Learn the skills as you make your way Secure a better role and move out of home And nothing stays the same. The big city lights twenty-four seven Movies, dances plus booze and sport What a challenge for a teen in heaven Illness and loneliness begin the rort Bloodshed and death too much to handle And nothing stays the same. Finally, a ticket for the long journey Australia offers freedom and new lives 12,000 miles with good offer of money Many who leave end up with wives A new generation of family opens up And nothing stays the same.
Headlines
Unlocked: £16.2 million confirmed for Newry City Park
Police launch investigation into allegations of fraud at Mid Ulster District Council
Three remain in custody on suspicion of Lurgan murder as victim still to be formally identified
Armagh autism group ‘Triple A’ going from strength to strength – and they need your help!
Victim in alleged domestic abuse attack ‘made to eat food off floor’
Co Armagh soldier killed while off duty in Kenya was ‘a shining light’
Armagh man exhibits work at Ireland’s largest arts fair
Car catches fire in Armagh city centre in early hours of morning
Markethill Swifts mustachioed men raise £1,300 for Cancer fund for Children
Newry, Mourne and Down Council gets behind Christmas ‘Make It Local’ campaign
Former youth leader avoids prison for child communication and indecent images
Family gym to take on Armagh’s newest drive-thru café on edge of city
Driver walks away from Newry crash uninjured – second vehicle fails to stop
Armagh business owner’s dismay after elderly customer issued with ‘unfair’ parking ticket
Man charged with stealing in excess of £264,000 during ATM heists in a month
Armagh Jobs
🆕 Armagh Timber Products require Pallet Makers
🆕 P.I.P.S. Hope and Support require a Counselling Coordinator to be based in Newry.
🆕 Mount Charles require several Cleaning Operatives for Game of Thrones Studios Banbridge.
✅Armagh City Hotel require Temporary Seasonal Staff.
✅ Re-Gen Waste have require a Construction Coordinator and General/QC Operatives.
✅ Armagh City Hotel require a Kitchen Porter and Fitness Instructor.
🛎️ If you have a job and want to advertise it to 40,000 daily users on www.armaghjobs.com and www.armaghi.com, as well as more than 8,000 people on this newsletter and our 100,000 social media followers, get in touch.
Housekeepers celebrate success with Armagh City Hotel’s NVQ programme
The Armagh City Hotel are delighted to celebrate two members of their dedicated Housekeeping team upon completion of their Level 2 NVQ Diploma programmes.
The hotel have long been in partnership with programme facilitator, People’s 1st and pride themselves in helping their valued employees to progress professionally through the deliverance of an array of industry-specific courses.
Notice Board
👕 Pre-Loved Market | Hosted by Second Hand Sal | Market House, Main Street, Middletown | Thursday December 7 | 6pm | Clothing, shoes and accessories. Raffles prizes on the night with all proceeds going to Alzheimer's NI.
🎄Armagh City Choir Christmas Concert | St. Patrick's Church of Ireland Cathedral | Friday December 8 | 7.30pm | £10 admission, pay at door or tickets available from choir members. The Christmas Festive period is approaching, and Armagh City Choir is preparing for its Annual Christmas Concert. “We may not be Santa’s Little Helpers, but we do our best to help create a festive spirit for Armagh city and surrounding areas.”
🌟Twilight Christmas Market | Vibe, Armagh | Thursday December 7 | 6 - 9pm | The indoor market will have 25+ local vendors supplying handcrafted gifts, food and drinks. Outside we will have food and coffee trucks so that you can enjoy some treats. Free admission.
🎅Christmas Fair and Coffee Morning | St. Mark’s Church Hall, Killylea | Saturday December 9 | Doors open 10am- 1pm | There will be a variety of stalls, ideal for getting that special Christmas gift, as well as Santa's Grotto. Admission £5 and under 12 free. Any children wishing to visit Santa's Grotto there will be a small cost of £2. Each child will get a selection box and you can take your own photo.
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