The Ballance House - Ulster New Zealand Trust

24/08/2026

We’re open this coming Sunday 30 August, 2 – 5 pm for tours of The Ballance House & Exhibition. Experience 19th century rural living and find out about local people who played a pivotal role in developing New Zealand. Finish your visit with a look at our restored farming machinery exhibition and a cup of tea in our tea barn. (Last public open afternoon for this season).

21/08/2026

Pregnancy Wellness Retreat with MamaFit NI
Venue: The Ballance House
Sat 26 September

A morning of movement, creativity, connection and calm - a special retreat designed to support you through pregnancy and help you feel prepared, empowered and nurtured as you journey towards motherhood.

Join us for a beautiful, intimate experience at the tranquil Ballance House in Glenavy, where you’ll have space to slow down, connect with other mums-to-be and enjoy some well deserved time for yourself.

Book here:
https://www.mamafitni.co.uk/service-page/pregnancy-wellness-retreat-26th-sept?referral=service_list_widget

www.mamafitni.co.uk

18/08/2026

New Crochet Workshop added - Friday 23 October.

This popular workshop is suitable for beginners or those looking to develop existing skills. Materials provided. Starting at 10.15 am with tea/coffee until 12.30 pm. £15 per person.

Places limited. To book, email [email protected].

16/08/2026

Learn to use a peg loom as a beginner at the Textile Weaving Workshop on Sat 19 Sept 10.30 - 12.30 pm, in The Ballance House, Lisburn Rd, Glenavy.

Come home having woven small coasters or mug rugs using mixed fibres, and make a colourful ‘Ojo de Dios' symbol using locally sourced willow and Donegal yarns. Ideal for beginners and all materials provided.

£15 course fee, including tea/coffee from 10.15 am; just a few spaces left. To book email [email protected].

11/08/2026

Congratulations to Leslie from Anahilt who won the hamper (thanks Eurospar, Glenavy!) at our recent Strawberry Fayre and Allana from Belfast who won the competition M&S voucher.

Thanks also to Tesco Community who sponsored the strawberries and Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council for supporting the event.

02/08/2026

02/08/2026

Fun in the sun! Vocal Chords & Baillies Mills Accordion Band entertained families and social community groups yesterday at the Strawberry Fayre. Thanks to everyone who joined us and helped support our annual summer fund-raising event.

09/07/2026

Introduction to Textile Weaving workshop, Sat 19 September, 10.30 - 12.30 pm, at the Ballance House.

Learn how to use a peg loom to weave a small coaster or two, or a mug rug using a mix of fibres. Make a colourful 'God's Eye' symbol using locally sourced willow and Donegal yarns. Both options suitable for beginners and all materials provided.

£15 per person with tea/coffee on arrival (from 10.15 am). Booking essential as spaces limited. Email [email protected]