A great weekend at The Ballance House

ISABEL Duncan was the lucky winner of a Waterstones book voucher at the recent Ballance House Autumn Fair.

Though every visitor seemed a winner as Glenavy Accordion Band got feet tapping and Lisburn Ukes led a hearty sing along session.

Meanwhile tours of the new ‘A World Away’ exhibition of links between Ulster and New Zealand were totally booked out.

The historic farmyard on the Lisburn to Glenavy Road was packed with families enjoying the many book and craft stalls, including Love Olive and an array of Armagh apples.

Visitors also saw The Ballance House orchard replanted by the 1989 All Blacks Kiwi rugby team.

A team that made a point of visiting the home farm of NZ Prime Minister John Ballance. The man, who ensured women in New Zealand had the vote a generation before those back here.

Visitors clearly enjoyed seeing skilled hands in action. The spinner proving especially popular as were the pumpkin flower decorations, the amazing Li’l Magic and woodturners making unique Christmas gifts.

The Ballance House volunteers host their legendary annual Christmas Fair on Sat, Nov 25. An affordable afternoon of fun for all generations. For details browse www.theballancehouse.com