Experience Country Life at Randox Antrim Show
Experience Country Life at Randox Antrim Show
A host of family-friendly country fun will descend on the majestic setting of Shane’s Castle on Saturday 27th July as Randox Antrim Show comes to town.
The event offers an enjoyable day out in the country as the best horses, cattle, sheep, fruit, vegetables, craftwork and baked goods are brought to one location for a public showcase. It also involves children’s entertainment, dog agility displays, a petting zoo, live music, sheep shearing, and stalls, to name just a few of the things made possible by the support of many sponsors, including that from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council.
In the ‘Festival of Food’ marquee local produce will be promoted by celebrity chef Paula McIntryre and local chef Jonny Clarke from The Holestone, Parkgate, who will be hosting cookery demonstrations throughout the day. They’ll be joined by local food producers keen for the public to sample their wares.
The show is indebted to the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme for providing sponsorship in this area, which has also enabled, in conjunction with the McKeever Hotel Group, a schools’ competition to promote local produce. The top three entrants in the primary and secondary sections receive complimentary access to the event to discover who won.
Randox Antrim Show is an event where children and pets are welcome. The popular Children’s Pet Show accepts £1 entries from U16s on the day, just ahead of the 1.30pm judging in the cattle ring with the ‘Pet Show’ sign. Note, large animals may be refused entry for health and safety reasons. A free Children’s Treasure Hunt for U12s has also recently been introduced.
The entertainment marquee is home to live music and the jiving competition that annually crowns the Show’s ‘King & Queen of the Castle.’ The show’s entertainment is made possible by support from the Enkalon Foundation. For the winning jiving couple there is a cash prize of £200 on offer, £100 for second and £50 for third place. Entries are taken on the day of the show.
In the Horticulture and Home Industries section, as well as a new ‘Jim McKay Trophy’ for best exhibitor in the vegetable section, there is a new Young Farmers’ Clubs Craft class to make a ‘Kitchen Memo Board’. The section includes a range of new classes including some in Photography.
As one of Northern Ireland’s leading regional one-day agricultural shows, Antrim is delighted to be hosting four Northern Ireland championships in its cattle section: The Thompson’s NISA Dairy Cow Championship; the Aberdeen Angus Ulster Championship; the Dexter Group’s Premier Show; and the Northern Ireland Limousin Championship.
Visit the show’s website for the full schedule and ultimate close date for entries, however, entries for the horticulture section are still accepted up until Friday 26 July by contacting that section direct on 075 2609 9966. Only show jumping classes (and in exceptional circumstances other equine classes) can be entered on the day of the Show. For enquiries email secretary@antrimshow.com.
Randox Antrim Show takes place on Saturday 27 July at Shanes Castle, from 9am until 5pm. Admission at the gate is £10 per Adult, £5 per Youth (12-17 years), YFC member is £5 by showing card, and Under 12s go free when accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is free. Discounted Adult tickets are available only in advance until 25 July on the show website.
For further information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
We Are Randox | Biosciences Placement Student Kathryn Wilson
For our 2018/19 placement students, their year with Randox is almost at an end.
To mark their time with us and wish them the best of luck with their future studies, we took the opportunity to speak with one of our placement students in the sales team, to give us an insight of her experience during a Randox placement year.
Meet Kathryn Wilson, Business Placement Sales Executive for Randox Biosciences.
Hi Kathryn, can you tell us a little bit about yourself?
I am a 21-year-old student studying Bsc Equine and Veterinary Bioscience at Aberystwyth University in Wales. In September 2018 I began working in the Biosciences division of Randox Laboratories, specifically working on the release of new molecular technologies for clinical diagnostics. As part of a newly formed sales team, my focus is on the diagnostics market in Ireland.
Why did you want to forge a career in sales?
Whilst studying my bio-veterinary degree my only focus had been on science, so I was keen to broaden my horizons and explore opportunities in a business role for a company involved in the life-sciences industry. Initially, I was tentative of a role in sales, but I knew it would be a good way to develop a broad knowledge of business and the industry, and develop new skills.
Why did you decide to take your placement year with Randox?
Randox was a perfect fit for me, as a global scientific company based in Northern Ireland. I was looking for a placement that would allow me to spend time at home before returning to Wales for university.
I was intrigued by their range of products and diverse market presence in industries such as pharmaceuticals, biotech, research and healthcare. It seemed like a good company to gain an insight into new research in a variety of career sectors.
Describe a typical day as a Business Placement Sales Executive.
My role has evolved as we have moved through the different stages of product development throughout the year. Initially, when I first joined the team, we were in the planning stage. This involved mapping potential contacts and key sites in Ireland, and developing a sales strategy.
As this is a new venture for Randox the role also involved educating the market on our technology and creating awareness in all potential points of sale. This educational aspect of my job involved regular trips and meetings across Ireland, and frequent UK team meetings to discuss market feedback and problem solve. It’s important that we have been able to adapt our sales strategy for the specific healthcare areas -from public to private and point-of-care to large laboratories. Coming into the final month of my placement we are now prepared for product release with confirmed validation studies and initial placements, and significant interest across Ireland.
What are some examples of the tasks and responsibilities of your role?
There has been a range of ongoing tasks throughout the year to facilitate a busy and growing division. I was given the responsibility of forecasting, logging orders and organising meetings, and have been involved in internal decision-making processes alongside management. I have also helped to manage the university contracts in Ireland for our lab equipment, reagents and outsourcing some testing for specific studies.
Before I finish my placement I’m researching the market for upcoming arrays for launch next year, and planning a final trip in Ireland.
What was the most exciting part of your placement with Randox Biosciences?
The opportunity to travel around Ireland and London has been excellent. To date I have participated in over 10 conferences on behalf of Randox. Highlights for me have been corporate hospitality with potential customers at the Randox Health Grand National, and presenting at the first Infectious Disease Forum for Randox, in front of representatives from microbiology sites across Ireland.
I was also trusted to conduct a trip on my own around Donegal and Sligo, coupled with a visit to our Donegal R&D site, Randox Teoranta in Dungloe, to learn about future veterinary arrays in development.
It has been a privilege to be able to work with such a diverse range of people – from the scientists developing the products, to the sales team specialising in markets across the globe. There are so many different career paths here at Randox.
What has been the most challenging aspect of your time at Randox Biosciences?
I have been challenged to quickly adapt to the business environment and gain an in-depth understanding of the wide range of products. I have been pushed outside my comfort zone to discuss with customers, present to the team and take responsibility of the day-to-day tasks.
Knowing the new molecular diagnostics range, infectious disease panels, and competitors in the market well enough to be confident in front of potential customers on my own, has also been a challenge. Hard work at Randox is acknowledged however, and I was awarded runner-up Business Student of the Year.
What is the best thing about Randox and would you recommend this placement to other students?
The best thing about a placement with Randox is that you will be given as many opportunities as you are willing to take. They are very supportive and will push you as much as any other member of the team.
As a non-business student this year has given me a wealth of insight into the workings of a global company, as well as furthering my scientific knowledge and interests in many aspects of the industry.
I would recommend a Randox placement for students who are keen to gain as much experience as possible in a global company focused on new and exciting health research.
What are your goals for the future?
My experience at Randox has given me an excellent insight into the world of business in the biosciences industry, and has prepared me well to build a career in this exciting industry. I think that the experience gained through Randox will be applicable to many life sciences sectors which I would like to explore further.
Although I am not sure what the future may hold, in the shorter term I am looking forward to returning to finish my final year at Aberystwyth.
For more information about Randox Biosciences and what career opportunities we offer please contact info@randoxbiosciences.com
Workplace Alcohol and Drug Testing Solutions from RTS
At Randox Testing Services our workplace drug & alcohol testing programs are designed with the customer in mind. We tailor our packages to ensure that every company has the testing program in place that suits the needs of their business. We find that no two companies have the same requirements. What works for one may not necessarily work for another, so our experience in helping companies craft tailored packages has afforded us knowledge that has allowed us to build long-term customer relationships.
Have a read below about how we help companies across various markets in their efforts to provide safer workplaces by reducing the impact of drugs & alcohol.
Workplace Drug & Alcohol Testing
With the widespread availability of drugs and alcohol, there is an increased risk of substance abuse in the workplace leading to huge ramifications for a business and its employees. Jeopardising the safety of not only the user, but also their co-workers and in some cases the public, it affects the whole business environment and puts those present at serious risk of harm.
It is estimated that 1 in 20 people aged between 15-64 used an illicit drug in the past year. What’s more concerning is that 10% of these people are considered to be problem drug users. In the UK, it is estimated that £7.3 billion is lost each year due to the amount of lost work and productivity through alcohol abuse alone.
To counteract the negative effects substance misuse can have on a company, many organisations implement a policy that outlines their expectations concerning working whilst under the influence of alcohol and drugs. Employers hold the responsibility to ensure employees are fully aware of the company’s rules, regulations, testing and disciplinary procedures.
Our complete testing solutions ensure companies are provided with the necessary support and information in their efforts to implement workplace testing. Our drug & alcohol testing experts can provide information on sample types, types of testing, policy and drugs we test for; all of which are designed to ensure needs and requirements are met.
Medico-Legal Drug & Alcohol Testing
Medico-legal testing for drugs and alcohol may be required by various professional bodies involved in child custody cases, care proceedings or child protection cases. Drug & alcohol testing is important to ensure child protection from the detrimental effects of parental substance misuse and to ensure they have a quality of life they deserve.
At Randox Testing Services we provide drug & alcohol testing to all professionals within the family law and medico-legal sector. Our hair drug testing service utilised accredited testing methods and is made more cost-effective through the patented testing methods we have developed.
Our drug and alcohol testing solutions are flexible and can be tailored to our customer needs with a choice of testing methods. We offer a comprehensive drugs of abuse test menu and our service also includes expert witness reporting where applicable.
Randox Testing Services
Want to know more about the drug & alcohol testing services we offer for workplaces and professionals in the medico-legal sector? One of our experienced business development executives will be happy to discuss your requirements. Contact us using any of the below methods.
Web: www.randoxtestingservices.com
Email: testingservices@randox.com
Tel: +44 (0) 28 9445 1011
We Are Randox | Staff Newsletter April-June 2019 Edition (Q2)
Staff Newsletter April - June 2019 Edition
We are delighted to be able to share with you the Q2 2019 edition of our We Are Randox staff newsletter!
Click here for a range of company and staff news from April to June 2019 – including photographs from the Randox Health Grand National 2019 and all our staff fundraising for AWARE NI and Mind Your Mood.
** Please note that image links work most efficiently in your Google Chrome browser**
Could you have a Helicobacter Pylori Infection?
2nd July 2019
Helicobacter Pylori (H. pylori) Infection
Improve Your Understanding
Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection – we all know what it is, right?
It occurs when a type of bacteria called Helicobacter pylori infects your stomach. This most commonly happens during your childhood. It’s a common cause of peptic ulcers. Did you know that H. pylori infection may be present in more than half the world’s population?
The majority of people don’t realize they have H. pylori infection, because they’ve never been sick from it. The exact way that H.pylori infects someone is still unknown at this time but the symptoms of H. pylori infection may include:
- An ache or burning pain in your abdomen
- Abdominal pain that’s worse when your stomach is empty
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Frequent burping
- Bloating
- Unintentional weight loss
Should you get checked?
There are a number of complications that are associated with this infection.
These include ulcers, inflamed stomach lining and stomach cancer.
- Ulcers: Damage can be caused to the protective lining of your stomach and small intestine causing an ulcer, around 10% of people with H. pylori will develop an ulcer.
- Inflammation of the stomach lining: The infection can irritate your stomach, causing inflammation (gastritis).
- Stomach cancer: H. pylori infection is a strong risk factor for certain types of stomach cancer.
If you present with any of the symptoms of H. pylori you should get tested straight away. However, even if you have not shown any symptoms at all you can still have the infection. It can be very beneficial to get tested for H. pylori, symptoms or not, as it could cause future complications for your health.
Specialised Testing
Our division Randox Health offers specialised tests, one of our specialised tests is a H. pylori breath test. This test can help you have peace of mind or identify if you have the Helicobacter Pylori Infection. All Randox Health packages give you a comprehensive look into your health, not only now but how it could look in the future. You can read more about our packages here or contact a member of our team for more information!
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We Are Randox | Randox sets sail in AWARE NI’S Dragon Boat race
It was all hands on deck on Saturday 29th June 2019 as Team Randox competed in a Dragon Boat Race on the River Lagan for our charity partner AWARE NI.
The race took place at Cutter’s Wharf on Stranmillis Embankment in Belfast and featured fourteen different boats from ten NI businesses all vying to claim the top spot.
Other businesses taking part included Suki Tea, Anytime Fitness, Mivan, First Stop Solutions, Nanthealth, ABL Insurance, Rapid 7, Smiley Monroe and BNP Parabis.
Randox’s two boats fared well against their eager competitors. Randox Boat 1 won one of their two races against ABL Insurance Boat 1 while Randox Boat 2 impressively won both of their timed races against ABL Insurance Boat 2.
Randox Boat 2 even sailed in to the top four boats taking part, and the semi-final of the day’s events. However, the team narrowly missed out on a place in the final after a close defeat by Mivan Boat 2.
Timed heats:
Randox 1 v ABL Insurance 1
Randox 2 v ABL Insurance 2
Semi-Final:
Randox 2 v Mivan 2
Congratulations to the team from Rapid 7 who were the overall winner on the day and of course a massive well done to all the Randox staff members who took part. A fantastic day was enjoyed by all with over £10,000 being raised collectively by all the teams taking part.
AWARE NI is one of Randox’s charity partners and is the depression and bipolar charity for Northern Ireland. We have been proud to partner with them throughout 2018 and 2019, raising awareness and funds for this vital work through a range of different events.
For further information about our work with our two charity partners, AWARE NI and Ulster University’s Mind Your Mood, please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com
New test for accurate differentiation of stroke types launched at Goodwood FOS Future Lab
A ground-breaking new test which improves the accuracy of stroke diagnosis has been developed by Randox scientists.
The rapid and highly sensitive blood test, which is due to be unveiled at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed, can uniquely differentiate between ischaemic strokes (a blood clot) and haemorrhagic strokes (a bleed) and subsequently enable clinicians to rapidly administer the most effective treatment, which is a vital factor in limiting permanent damage.
What’s even more remarkable is that the pioneering diagnostic, appearing as part of the festival’s Future Lab exhibition, takes less than 30 minutes to complete – making sure patients get the right diagnosis as fast as possible.
Dr Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director of Randox Laboratories, whose team developed the test, commented;
“There is great tragedy in the fact that the majority of stroke damage can be minimised if intervention is delivered on time, yet too often the window closes before a diagnosis is made. For doctors, nothing is more frustrating.
“Excellent work has been undertaken to assist the public in recognising the signs of a stroke so people can get to hospital as quickly as possible. Our stroke test is the vital next step – assisting clinicians in making a rapid diagnosis and differentiation between haemorrhagic and ischaemic stroke, so their patients get the right treatment at the right time.”
Traditionally the first step in a stroke diagnosis is a CT scan, which, despite its ability to successfully diagnosis haemorrhagic stroke, is significantly less capable of identifying ischaemic stroke.
Yet ischaemic stroke is the most common type of stroke and affects almost nine in ten patients. Its diagnosis and differentiation from haemorrhagic stroke is vital in enabling thrombolytic treatment to break down blood clots, which, given its nature, could be fatal if administered to a patient suffering from a haemorrhagic stroke. Worryingly though, in some areas of the UK, as little as 15% of eligible stroke patients receive this therapy in time.1
This is caused by a number of factors, including difficulty in determining stroke onset time, exceeding the appropriate time window for thrombolysis administration (4.5 hours from stroke onset), and importantly, not being able to differentiate ischaemic stroke from a number of other ‘stroke mimics’ including severe migraine, brain tumours, drug overdose and seizures.
The Randox Stroke Biochip successfully identifies ischaemic stroke in a rapid test which measures eight markers from a single blood sample simultaneously, in just 30 minutes.
John Lamont, R&D Director for Randox Laboratories, explained;
“While patients undergo a CT scan to confirm either the presence or lack of a haemorrhagic stroke, a blood test on the Randox Biochip can be run on our innovative point-of-care analyser, the MultiSTAT, to identify the same for an ischaemic stroke.
“For the almost 90% of stroke patients who are ruled out for haemorrhagic stroke2, the Randox Biochip will then accelerate decision making for clinicians with regards to thrombolytic therapy.
“Any treatment is most effective if started as soon as possible after the stroke occurs, and so every minute that passes without a diagnosis is likely to leave a permanent mark on a stroke patient’s future health and lifestyle. The vitally important diagnostic information from the Randox Stroke Biochip facilitates accurate stroke classification, directs the appropriate patient care pathway, and enables rapid thrombolytic therapy, ensuring a better patient outcome for ischaemic stroke sufferers, for whom time is of the essence.”
Whilst the Randox Stroke Biochip is currently being used as complementary testing in parallel with CT scanning, Mr Lamont is confident of a more prominent role for the test in the future patient pathway;
He commented;
“The Biochip has the potential to really revolutionise the stroke diagnosis pathway as we currently know it. The accessibility of this type of blood testing could potentially extend its use beyond the A&E department, to ambulances and even the home, in the form of a hand-held testing device.”
For further information about our pioneering new stroke test, or about the Goodwood Festival of Speed Future Lab, please contact Amy McIlwaine in the Randox PR team by emailing amy.mcilwaine@randox.com
References
1 Royal College of Physicians Sentinel Stroke National Audit Programme (SSNAP). Clinical audit Jan – Mar 2016 report prepared by Royal College of Physicians, Clinical Effectiveness and Evaluation Unit on behalf of the Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party.
2 Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party. National clinical guideline for stroke, 5th edition. London: Royal College of Physicians 2016.
China’s harmful antibiotic use within seafood & chicken
Recent studies have found harmful water and food contamination throughout China due to the country’s large use of antibiotics.
In June 2006 an infant receiving treatment for a fungal infection and pneumonia in Guangzhou City was found to be infected with a kind of super bacteria resistant to seven types of antibiotics. The Epoch Times reported that Dr. Song Yanyan, who was involved in the treatment, told Chinese media Sina that nowadays many newborn babies are found to be carrying super bacteria. In antibiotic susceptibility tests, 70% of newborns were found to show resistance to one or more antibiotics, a huge increase when compared with previous figures.
Epoch times reported that; Dr Ying – lead researcher of antibiotics at the Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, led a research team all over China to investigate the scale of antibiotics consumption and discharge into the environment. They produced an “antibiotics pollution map” and the findings were that in 2013 alone, 162,000 tons of antibiotics were consumed in China—52% for veterinary treatment, and 48% for human treatment. The researchers mainly focused on 36 types of the most commonly detected antibiotics. The annual consumption of these antibiotics was more than 90,000 tons, of which 84% was given to livestock.
It was found that because of the large number of animals in pig and chicken farms, farmers have been adding a variety of antibiotics to the feed to reduce the chances of infectious diseases. Similarly, aquaculture farmers often add antibiotics when feeding fish, shrimp and crab. The export of these chicken, fish and seafood products from China pose health concerns for consumers because of their high antibiotic levels.
In order to help the industry, Randox Food Diagnostics developed the revolutionary multiplexing Biochip Array Technology, allowing the screening of up to 54 individual meat, seafood, feed or cereal samples for multiple drug residues, growth promoters and toxins on the Evidence Investigator analyser in under 2 hours and 30 minutes. This high throughput allows the user to save on time and consolidate costs in comparison to confirmatory laboratories.
For more information, contact us by email at info@randoxfooddiagnostics.com.
Winners unveiled at Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards 2019
Causeway Chamber, in partnership with principle sponsor Randox Health, hosted the 2019 Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards, which was held Friday 21st June at the Lodge Hotel, Coleraine. As all enjoyed the drinks reception from Old Bushmills Distillery, the evening provided a chance to network whilst the anticipation grew before the awards presentation.
This prestigious ceremony recognised and honoured the best of the Borough’s businesses on a local and national level.
In the opening address Murray Bell, President of Causeway Chamber said;
“We have a wealth of businesses within our borough, organisations large and small, entrepreneurs, start-up innovators, all who compete at the highest level they can, and tonight is an opportunity to celebrate those talents – recognising the progress made and reaching forward to further excellence and creativity, underpinning our Chambers message that Causeway Coast & Glens Borough is an ‘Outstanding Place to live, work and play.”
350 guests attended the event including Mayor Cllr Sean Bateson, Deputy Vice Chancellor Alastair Adair, Chief Executive David Jackson, Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox Laboratories Ltd, local businesses, award sponsors and the 61 finalists who eagerly waited to see if they were successful as winners of their category.
Dr Peter FitzGerald CBE FREng DL, Managing Director, Randox commented;
“It is a great honour to be here once again for the Business Awards for the Causeway Coast and Glens, a region with whom we have become closely engaged since opening the newest division of our multi-faceted company; Dundarave Estate in Bushmills. Dundarave’s collection of jams, chutneys, ciders and meats has proved very popular with both the local community and other businesses, together with whom we are able to demonstrate what Northern Ireland has to offer to a global business market.
“We are proud that through our sponsorship of this event, we can not only bring together the best local businesses, support one another and celebrate our collective achievements, but also encourage all those involved to proactively think about their health. For all of us, our health is our wealth, and indeed for the entrepreneurial finalists, many of whom are self-employed, their health is their livelihood. We might all usefully consider how we can live better for longer, to fully enjoy what life has to offer, in both our business and our personal lives. I must also say that we have been very impressed with the nominees of each category and the calibre of finalists, each of whom absolutely deserve their place in the Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards. Congratulations to all the award winners.”
Sarah Travers who was delighted to once again host the event said;
“The Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is unique in its ability to offer a variety of locations for business development. The Chamber has truly embraced the diversity of the local business talents and rewarded each sector individually.”
Annette Deighan, Chamber Operations Manager added;
“Causeway Coast and Glens Business Awards would not have been possible without our businesses and continued support of all our sponsors. It is an honour to host these awards, to recognise the achievements and success in our region. It shows as a Borough we are continuing to excel and compete at a regional and national level.”
There were 18 awards comprising of many categories sponsored by individual companies. The judges were overwhelmed with the level of entries received which is a testament to the success of these biennial awards and the achievements of all businesses within the Borough. The awards highlighted that the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough is continuing to grow, compete and provide services at a local and global level. Congratulations to all the winners and finalists on the evening.
For further information about the Causeway Coast & Glens Business Awards 2019 please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413
Randox Antrim Show 2019 open for entries
The country is set to come to Antrim town on Saturday 27th July when Randox Antrim Show will once again take place in the beautiful setting of the Shanes Castle Estate, Antrim.
Sponsors, members and supporters gathered recently at Shanes Castle to officially launch the 2019 event and call for entries to its competitions.
Speaking at the launch of Randox Antrim Show, Chairman Fred Duncan, said; “Our committee of volunteers all work hard to put on a Show that will welcome more and more people each year to come and experience the pleasures of our country way of life.
“As a not-for-profit organisation, sponsorship and funding is extremely important to the Society and we are indebted to each and every sponsor, new and long-standing. Their valuable support is what makes it possible to run the show and offer prize money to attract the best to enter our competitions. I want to add a particular note of thanks to Randox, our title sponsor, whose additional support has allowed us to add features in recent years to improve our event’s offering and attract even more people.
“The Show is also greatly indebted to our many show stewards and the local Young Farmers’ Clubs who help us in the run up to the event and on the day itself.”
Representing the show’s title sponsor at the launch, Marc Coppez, Randox Health Business Development Manager, commented;
“We are delighted to partner with the Randox Antrim Show in this our third year of sponsorship. This much-anticipated agricultural event is a popular landmark in the Borough’s summer calendar and, as an Antrim-headquartered company we are proud to once again work alongside the local community to bring this great event to fruition.
“We look forward to another successful Randox Antrim Show on Saturday 27th July as we bring our message of preventative health to attendees, enabling them to extend their lives and, crucially, to live healthier for longer.”
The new Mayor of Antrim & Newtownabbey, Ald. John Smyth, who supported the provision of the Show’s Launch, in addition to new and invaluable funding that the event has been awarded this year from Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council, said;
“Randox Antrim Show attracts over 6,000 visitors which is a welcome boost to the local economy. It also gives the local town people the opportunity to see what the agricultural community has to offer and that sirloin steak doesn’t come in a plastic bag!
“The future lies in taking on the challenge to connect with all visitors to and residents of the Borough and let them know that Randox Antrim Show is happening and encourage them to visit.”
FINALS, QUALIFIERS AND NEW CLASSES
The Society is delighted to be hosting four Northern Ireland finals this year. The prestigious final of the Thompson’s NISA Dairy Cow Championship will take place at Antrim. This final is the culmination of nine rounds of qualifiers and showcases the very best of Dairy Cattle in the province.
For the first time the show will also host the Aberdeen Angus Ulster Championships. The NI Dexter Group has once again chosen Antrim to host its Premier Show, and for the sixth year, Randox Antrim Show will host the Northern Ireland Limousin Championships.
Antrim is also a qualifier for the Linden Foods/NISA Pedigree Beef Heifer Championships and the Bank of Ireland/NISA Pedigree Junior Bull Championship.
In the equine section, Antrim will again host a qualifier for the Equestrian & Farm Feeds/NISA Clydesdale Championship. Also, the Working Hunter classes will return after their successful introduction last year. These are in addition to the Show’s normal equine classes and show jumping section which has a total prize fund of just over £2,000.
In the sheep section, Antrim has introduced a new category for Dutch Spotted and will, once again, see the return of the NI Sheep Shearers Association Shearing Competition.
NEW CUP AND DONATION
The Horticulture and Home Industries section has been presented with the Jim McKay Trophy, a brand-new trophy for the best exhibitor in the vegetable section. The late Jim McKay from Larne, was a steward and exhibitor in the Horticultural section of the Show for many years. He’d bought the trophy before Christmas but sadly passed away very suddenly in March 2019.
About Jim, David Crawford, Home Industries Director, said, “Jim was a gentleman, who enjoyed encouraging young people and new gardeners to exhibit at Shows. We will really miss his help and cheerful banter.”
Entries in the Horticulture and Home Industries section, with the exception of home baking entries, eggs and horticulture, will once again be judged on the Friday evening, with entries being taken up until the afternoon of Friday 26th July.
There are a few new classes to look out for in the baking section of the Show’s schedule this year as well as a new YFC Craft class to make a ‘Kitchen Memo Board’.
At the show launch, Antrim representatives of Macmillan Cancer Relief were presented with a £1,000 donation by the directors of Antrim Agricultural Society. As a charity that provides invaluable physical, emotional and financial support to cancer patients it is a cause that is close to committee members’ hearts.
FAMILY ATTRACTIONS
Randox Antrim Show wants to enable visitors to literally take a stroll through country life during the event. Aside from a wealth of farm animals and pets to peruse, the family event offers a wide and eclectic mix of stands including craft and home industries marquees, alongside agri-products and machinery.
The ‘Festival of Food’ village returns thanks to new support from the Northern Ireland Regional Food Programme to showcase local food, where you’ll find cookery demonstrations and samples by local celebrity chef Paula McIntrye in her signature kitchen and local industries promoting local produce.
There’ll also be a dog agility display, an Animal Farm petting zoo, an enter on-the-day children’s pet show, family-friendly amusements, a children’s treasure hunt with goody bags for completed entries, and live music throughout the day.
If you like to ‘keep ‘er country’ with a bit of jiving, make sure you enter on-the-day for a chance to be crowned the next ‘King & Queen of the Castle’ in the jiving competition. Thanks to invaluable support from the Enkalon Foundation to help provide the wider bandstand marquee and its contents, the jiving competition’s live music will be provided by the ‘Jive Chicks’ and there’ll be prize money as further incentive.
YFC Games
The YFC County Games Competitions Day is also held at the event. You can expect tug-of-war, tractor handling, gator challenge and slippery football. They also plan to host the Final of the YFCU Build-It Competition.
This year Young Farmers’ Clubs members who are 18+ years can enter the event for the reduced fee of £5 on production of a valid YFCU membership card at the entrance gate.
Entries Open
A copy of the Show Schedule is available from the Show Secretary or can be downloaded from www.RandoxAntrimShow.com.
Times and Prices
The action takes place on Saturday 27th July from 9am to 5pm. Admission to Randox Antrim Show is £10 per Adult, £5 per Young Person (12-17 years), and Under 12s go free and must be accompanied by a paying adult. Car parking is also free.
For further information about the Randox Antrim Show please contact the Randox PR team by emailing randoxpr@randox.com or phoning 028 9442 2413.
