Local Women North West & Down August 2020

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AUGUST 2020 AND DONEGAL

Hero of the High Street Marion Lewis from Equivalenza and Mermaid Cove

MARCH 2020 EDITION

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GLENOWEN MUM JOANNE HENRY ON HER

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from Houston Footwear www.localwomenmagazine.com ISSN 2050-8611

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Bioremodelling hydration treatment Smoother Tighter Skin Suitable for the face, neck & hands It stimulates the production of 4 different types of collagen and elastin for a visible lift Hydration and stimulation action Combat ageing, dull or tired looking skin Smoother, tighter skin Quick, comfortable treatment.

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Before 1 month after 2nd treatment Courtesy of Dr. Emma Ravichandran (Glasgow, Scotland)

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Local Women Magazine | 3

There has been a lot to get used to so far this summer.

Getting my hair cut with a mask on, handing over my phone number to sit in a cafe and socially distanced visits to the Botox clinic – this new normal is weird!

The summer of 2020 is one we won’t forget in a hurry – lockdown may have eased but normality still feels a long way off.

KAREN DALY JOINS LOCAL WOMEN

It looks like summer holidays are off the agenda for the time being, so I have been making the most of what we have on our doorstep and opted for a staycation.

Welcome to the Academy Masterplan column only in Local Women Magazine I am delighted to introduce a new columnist to Local Women who I know you are just going to love.

To get into the holiday mood, I took a trip to Lusty Beg Island Resort & Spa where - if you had a cardigan on - you would have felt like you were abroad!

Karen Daly runs The Academy Masterplan and her knowledge and expertise of healthy eating and fitness has helped hundreds of women lose weight, keep it off and live a healthier life.

I had such a relaxing time there – I can thoroughly recommend it. No airports, no fuss – what could be better?

We really have so much beauty right on our doorstep that I have never really appreciated. I’m looking forward to a few more local holidays.

Inside this month you will see how local businesses have been adapting to the new safety measures. I have been so impressed at how quickly traders have responded to the crisis. It’s so good to get back out and about shopping and visiting salons and it’s great that business owners are looking after their customers so well. It’s amazing how quickly you get used to the new normal. Hopefully we never have another lockdown.

In this month’s magazine brides and grooms have been sharing their wedding pictures with us. Even a global pandemic can’t stop true love. It’s so lovely that some couples are going ahead with their ceremonies in these very difficult circumstances.

Don’t forget if you would like your wedding to be featured in the magazine, contact us. We print all weddings free of charge and we just love sharing your happy days.

Until next month,

Karen, who herself lost four stone, is committed to helping each woman be the best version of herself.

Through classes and online tutorials, Karen helps people make positive changes to their lives.

Karen has created a community of people who share the same goals – to lose weight, be healthier and feel amazing.

Through her advice, recipes and personal experiences Karen will motivate you to stay focused and committed to being healthier.

Now to add to her classes and online presence, each month in Local Women Karen will share recipes and give you advice on starting your journey with The Academy Masterplan.

What are you waiting for?

Cover Couple MODELS: Mark and Paula Houston from Houstons Footwear PHOTOGRAPHER: Gerard Gormley

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THREE TIMES THE CHARM Strabane mum Maria Patton tells Local Women about the heartache she endured before welcoming her miracle triplets into the world.

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By Lisa Smyth ringing a new baby home is a thrilling but exhausting time for the whole family.

Sometimes it can feel like life has turned into an endless slog of nappies, night feeds and dirty laundry.

But imagine what it’s like when it’s not one but three newborn babies needing constant love and attention.

Maria Patton is finding out how much triplets can turn your life upside down.

But after the long and difficult journey she endured before welcoming Noah, Alex and Reece into the world, she is more than happy to go through the upheaval.

“It’s just amazing having the boys here,” she said.

“Don’t get me wrong, there are good days and bad days – I’m not going to sit here and say that everything is perfect.

“I have three babies at the end of the day.

“But the boys are here, they are alive and well and that’s all that matters.”

Maria (32) went through two harrowing miscarriages before finding out she was expecting triplets.

It was a devastating ordeal and Maria, who is also mum to sevenyear-old Mia, struggled to come to terms with her loss.

“The first time was horrible but when it happened twice in a row, it’s really, really tough,” she explained.

ƒ The happy family ƒ Maria has had to buy three of everything

“I know that miscarriages are quite common but it’s really hard to try and understand why it happens twice like it did to me, especially the second time because I was eating well and trying to do everything to be healthy.

“It was really starting to stress me out and after the second miscarriage, they told me that if I had a D&C it would take a long time to get pregnant again so I decided to let it happen naturally.

“I was laughing, I was crying and laughing again and then worrying about how we would cope.”

8 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ Going home

“Nothing can prepare you for it, it isn’t nice, and then worrying about how we would cope. but a lot of women go through a lot worse.

“It was all very surreal.

“Still though, it took a lot out of me – the “We were referred to see a consultant first time around was hard, but the second after that because it was deemed a high-risk time knocked me for six. pregnancy.

ƒ The boys getting a bath

“It happened at the end of the year and in “I don’t know if it was my stubbornness that January I decided I would buck myself up kicked in but every appointment after that the and thought that if it was going to happen, doctors seemed to tell me about all the risks it would happen and I would let fate decide.” with the pregnancy.

So, Maria was stunned and delighted when, “They kept telling me that just because I just a few months later, she discovered that was pregnant with three babies, it didn’t she was expecting. mean that I was going to walk out of the She immediately made an appointment with hospital with three babies, but I just refused her doctor but was told she would have to to accept that. wait until she was 15-weeks pregnant before “They even asked me if I had her first scan. thought about cremation Given her history, Maria wasn’t prepared to or burial, it was awful. wait so long for the reassurance that her baby “I would tell them All three were was healthy, so she booked in for a private scan. that there were three whisked away for She continued: “It was actually with the in there and I wasn’t specialist help and woman who scanned me when I’d had one of standing for anything Maria and her else, there were three the miscarriages, which was strange. partner, Brian, had to coming out and that “And then when she started to scan me, wait until the following was just it.”

I could see her really concentrating on the afternoon before they ƒ Miracles Noah, Alex and Reece It wasn’t all plain sailing screen and I just assumed the worst. were given the news that for Maria, however. the boys were alive.

“I asked her what was wrong, and she She was monitored closely, with said there was nothing wrong, that it was However, they weren’t out of congratulations, not once, not twice but scans every fortnight. the woods, and Reece in particular, who was three times.

It was during one of the scans that doctors “I nearly fell off the bed, I told her to stop voiced concerns about the blood flow to the placenta. counting, I just couldn’t believe it.

“I was laughing, I was crying and laughing again

She was admitted to hospital straight away with a view to her potentially delivering the babies the following day.

However, Maria actually spent a long and anxious couple of weeks in hospital, giving her babies more time to develop and hopefully thrive when they were finally born.

As Maria faced up to the possibility that her boys might not survive, she made the decision to have them baptised.

“I’m not really holy but I do have faith,” she said.

“I gave them that gift in case anything did go wrong, so that at least I was able to give them that.

“I was nil by mouth from 10pm every night until I was scanned the following morning to make sure everything was okay,” she said.

“They actually shot straight up after that, so getting them baptised was definitely the right thing.”

“The nurses were fantastic, I had good days and bad days and they were always there with hugs.

Noah and Alex spent 53 days in, while Reece was there for 66 days, with the boys spending their first Christmas in hospital.

“It was hard being away from Mia, but I knew it was something I had to do for the babies.”

Maria continued: “It was hard, Mia only got to see them on Christmas Day, but actually New Year’s Eve was harder because we were all split up.”

Then, in November, doctors decided they couldn’t delay the birth any longer.

ƒ Mia has made the perfect big sister

born weighing a delicate 1lb 10oz, faced an uphill battle to survive.

Unfortunately, there were no neonatal cots in the hospital, so Maria was transferred to hospital in Dublin and the boys were born by caesarean section in the early hours of November 30.

Maria, Brian and Mia are now adjusting to life with six under their roof.

“It isn’t easy, there are hard times, but I fought so hard to get them here and they have fought so hard themselves, they really are my little miracles.”

Local Women Magazine | 9

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Profhilo® at Elite:

A truly natural look

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With years of experience in aesthetic treatments, the experts at Elite Clinic believe Profhilo is a game changer for those wanting natural-looking, rejuvenated skin.

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

or cosmetic procedures by significantly improving the tissue quality. It has one of the highest concentrations of HA on the market .

How does Profhilo® work?

By Emma Heaney, Elite Aesthetic Clinic RN RM PHNS INP

Two years ago, I introduced Local Women readers to a game changer in aesthetic treatments – Profhilo®. It was the new kid on the block and was threatening to take the non-surgical aesthetics world by storm.

Well, it hasn’t disappointed, and Elite’s clients are loving their results. As we gradually came out of lockdown, last month at Elite, Profhilo® was one of our top requested treatments.

Towards the end of last year, I was humbled to be invited to several prestigious aesthetic events in Barcelona, Scotland, Ireland, London and Rome and it is apparent the trend in aesthetic medicine is for a truly natural look.

So, why is Profhilo® so popular? It’s known in the industry as the injectable moisturiser and it supports this new trend in aesthetics.

Profhilo® certainly seems to have the effect of jump-starting the body’s own rejuvenation process - offering fantastic hydration and triggering collagen and elastin production. Unlike fillers, the Profhilo® flows and distributes itself, integrating with the tissue, rather than being placed by an injection. Profhilo® slowly evolves the patient’s own tissue, without creating immediate volumisation or augmentation and because of this action, the result is a better quality and more elastic dermis, which fills and volumises naturally.

Profhilo® literally engages with the body’s receptors and causes collagen stimulation; a much more natural reaction.

Who is best suit for this treatment ?

We start losing a significant amount of collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid after we reach 30, and it is at this age that we start to consider preventative treatments.

This is the time when many people would consider their first anti-wrinkle injections as the first lines start to appear. If you feel your facial tissue quality has dropped significantly, and that you may look older for your age, but are not ready for or want dermal fillers , Profhilo® may be the best treatment for you.

Before

After

I for one am absolutely delighted as this has been Elite’s ethos for the last eight years. It is hoped that we will see fewer over-filled lips and a further rise in the ‘tweakment approach.’

Where can Profhilo® be used?

Profhilo® is most commonly used for facial areas, but can also effectively be used for rejuvenating the neck, décolleté, arms, knees and hands.

What results can you expect?

Improves skin tone, texture, hydration and radiance .

Increases firmness and elasticity – for healthier and softer skin, the skin will glow and fine lines reduce.

How long does Profhilo® last?

The results last for up to six months, but results can differ for each individual.

Is there any downtime?

You can have Profhilo® treatment and continue with your day to day activities. However, we do advise you to avoid wearing make-up , do not go to the gym, sauna, steamroom or swimming on the same day as treatment; and avoid touching the injection site.

Will people be able to tell I’ve had work done?

If subtle and natural enhancements are your aesthetic goal, then Profhilo® could be the treatment for you!

Most patients say they were complimented on how fresh they looked, but hardly ever asked what they had done.

Is Profhilo® a filler ?

What is the cost of the treatment ?

Profhilo® is not a filler – It is a new Hyaluronic Acid gel, one of the latest innovations to treat the skin’s laxity by skin bio-remodelling. It actually compliments all other aesthetic

Each session cost £250-£300, costs vary through the UK and Ireland.

How many treatments are required ?

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If you would like a consultation, please contact Elite Aesthetic Clinic 07712332154.

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Elite Aesthetic Clinic, Glenaden Business Complex, Altnagelvin Business Park, Trench Road, Derry-Londonderry, M: 07712332154 T: 02871349337 W: www.eliteaestheticclinic.co.uk E: eliteaestheticclinic@hotmail.co.uk

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PROFHILO TREATMENT RESULTS

Thanks to the unique characteristics of Profhilo®, remodelling skin laxity is possible in just two sessions a onemonth interval between each treatment. The treatment cycle can then be performed twice a year for optimum results.

Some people may see the results within the first week, but the best outcomes of the treatment will be visible four weeks after the second treatment.

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Before

I feel Profhilo® is an EXCLUSIVE skin remodelling treatment that will give you visible natural results in just two visits.

Great for people wanting to subtly combat ageing, dull or tired looking skin and loss of facial volume. Some say this revolutionary treatment could rivals dermal fillers, I feel in the right practitioners skilled hands, they could compliment each other. I do like that it stimulates four different types of collagen and elastin due to the slow release of hyaluronic acid, and it is this stimulation that results in significant improvement of tissue quality. This hydration treatment is where I feel Profhilo® finds its place in the aesthetic portfolio. Our multi-award winning clinic feels this product/ treatment has earned its place on the Elite treatment menu .

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That I’m Home feeling John Houston from Houston Homewares brings us his top tips for creating that perfect home environment

If the last few months have taught us anything it’s the importance of home comforts. Whether we are cooped up for weeks or months at a time or coming home after a long days work, having a space that gives us that “I’m home feeling” can really positively impact our mood. Interiors are a chance to be creative and express our individuality. Although summer isn’t yet over, now is the time to get planning if you want a whole new room by Christmas.

Good decorators, curtain makers etc need to be booked well in advance and with many companies facing supply chain issues at the moment being prepared is key.

A great way to add texture and warmth to a room is with wallpaper. There’s an endless number of style and colour options for an accent wall or covering on all walls. Linen effect or seagrass coverings are a popular choice for entire rooms, adding a luxurious feel and softness to a space. If the thought of papering all walls is daunting or you working to a budget, adding a picture rail around

the upper perimeter of the room and a trim above the skirting board will give less wall space to paper and can save on a few rolls overall but will still give that luxurious look. Painting the ceiling and wall above the picture rail in the same tone will give a grander sense of space in the room. Likewise paint the wall above skirting including the trim the same as the skirting to create that deep skirting board look without having to change what you have.

If it’s just a single wall or area in a room that’s being papered then it’s a good opportunity to go for something bolder. Small rooms like WC’s or back halls are a good place to get creative with bold colours or prints. These are usually the most neglected rooms and won’t take a lot of paint or paper to transform. Test out a strong colour or patterned wallpaper in these areas before diving into a full home re-decorating project.

If you have gone down the “All grey everything” route that’s been a staple of interiors for the past few years and want to introduce some colour then good news! Grey is a neutral and very easy to add a complimentary colour. Whether it’s on the walls or in the accessories the right colour balance can make a room much more welcoming and can have an impact on your mood. Blue and green tones are having a moment in interiors right now and it’s probably not a coincidence that these are often classed as calming colours. As the world may seem a little chaotic, creating the perfect nest for ourselves and our families is not just a good way to pass the time but may also have a positive effect on our mindset.

As always I’m happy to offer advice on all things interiors so if your planning a decor project call into our shop on Market Street Strabane to see our range of quality wallpapers and fabrics. And don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook @ houstonhomewares Shop a selection of our products online at www. houstonhomewares.com

John 12 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 13

STEPPING FORWARD WITH

Meet our cover stars Mark and Paula Houston who are busy keeping Houstons Footwear one step ahead of the competition.

By Kim Kelly

T

Pictures by Gerard Gormley

aking over an established business is never easy. Particularly when that business is Houstons Footwear - one of Derry’s favorite shoe shops that many people grew up with and have fond memories of visiting over the years.

But for Mark Houston, taking over his family business was always the dream.

Now with his gorgeous wife Paula at his side, he is working hard to make sure Houstons Footwear will be there for years to come for further generations to enjoy.

And Mark is clear that he has no plans to drastically change the already successful business but rather to enhance it and get it ready for a future that, due to these unprecedented times, is rather uncertain.

“For as long as I remember I have been involved in the family business,” explains Mark. “Even when I worked in Belfast and had a different career path my heart lay with Houstons. This is what I wanted to do and it’s amazing to be back in Derry doing what I love.”

Of course, these have been difficult trading times for everyone. In March like all businesses, Houstons closed its doors due to lockdown.

But although they were at home, for Mark and Paula the enforced break from the shop was an opportunity to expand their online business.

They quickly set up a website and started to trade online.

“We were surprised how well our online business did.

Using Facebook and other social media platforms we promoted our shoes and accessories - and they sold really well. It was a good opportunity for us to invest in the future of the business.

“Online is such an important part of retailing these days, and if it hadn’t been for lockdown, we would never had had the opportunity to do this. This is one side of the business we will continue to focus on even though we are back trading in store again.”

Keeping the Houstons Footwear brand strong is also at the forefront of Paula’s mind. Although she works fulltime at a local charity, Paula’s spare time is spent working alongside her husband and, with a degree in marketing,

14 | Local Women Magazine

she is well placed to offer her expertise.

She has a vast knowledge of retailing as well, having held a management position at Hollister in Victoria Square.

Paula, who is originally from Ballycastle, and Mark met in Belfast and married six years ago.

They took the plunge and moved back to Mark’s hometown five years ago to take over the business.

Paula explains: “Even though we had other jobs, Mark always talked about Houstons. We both knew this would be what we would do. It was a big move for us both, but it is great to have something we are both passionate about and can work on together.”

But of course, as well as their flourishing business, the Houstons have a busy life at home with three children. There’s teenager Leah, three-year-old Zara and little Georgia who is 18 months old – and by all accounts quite a character!

businesses are keeping the High Street alive.

Mark says: “Oh dear me, Georgia! The other girls are so laid back and then we have Georgia who is a force to be reckoned with. She is completely mad! She runs the house. I have honestly never met a child like her. I don’t know where she gets it from!”

“It has been a tough trading time for everyone, but I think the future of the Hugh Street lies within the independent sector.

“Customers are discerning. They want great service and something personal. It’s great to see a return to the independent sector because it is us who will keep the High Street going.

Mark and Paula are clearly devoted parents – they show me a great picture of Georgia – apparently one of the very few she ‘allowed’ to be taken and she’s covered from head to toe in food!

“Online shopping is great – but customers want real shopping too.

Juggling family life and businesses life can be difficult, but, these two work well as a team and they even found time to build a house in the Footwear which had been trading in Derry middle of all the chaos. since 1973 when it was established by Mark’s Mark says: “We took over the business, had kids, built a house and then lockdown! It’s been a grandfather Bernard. rollercoaster. It’s been such a hectic time but to be Mark and Paula say they are both dedicated honest we wouldn’t have it any other way.” to keeping the family business thriving and

“We know and love our customers and when we are buying, we choose shoes with them in mind.

Many of our customers have become friends and we know what they want, and we want to attract the next generation of shoppers too.

“With online sales, the marketplace is much wider than before, and we always have a lot of work to do. But we enjoy it and we are excited about So, what does the future hold for Houstons are delighted to see that locally owned family the future.”

Find us at The Riverfront, next to Derry & Strabane District Council Offices

110 Strand Road Derry BT48 7NR | T: +44 (0) 28 7127 9922 Browse and order online at

www.houstonsfootwear.com Local Women Magazine | 15

HIDDEN DISABILITIES SUNFLOWER SCHEME LAUNCHED AT CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT

ƒ Steve Frazer, Managing Director, and the Customer Service team are proud to welcome the

Sunflower initiative as City of Derry Airport becomes the first NI Airport to introduce the scheme.

City of Derry Airport has introduced the Hidden globally, having been adopted by many UK and Disabilities Sunflower Scheme as an aid to international airports, as well as the NHS, and a any passengers or visitors to the airport with number of supermarkets, railway stations, leisure a disability or impairment this is not visible. facilities, and an increasing number of small and As the first NI airport to launch this customer large businesses and organisations.” service initiative, Sunflower lanyards are To date, the Sunflower team has supplied over now readily available at key customer points one million lanyards both to businesses as well as to allow anyone who would like to provide directly to the general public. With this increased a subtle but visible sign to staff and other awareness, Sunflower Lanyard wearers benefit passengers that they may require some extra more widely from help being offered to make time or assistance during their airport journey. their daily living a little easier.

Steve Frazer, Managing Director at City of Derry Airport, expressed his delight: “It’s fantastic that we now offer this service at City of Derry Airport.

The Hidden Disability Sunflower lanyard was first launched at London Gatwick Airport in 2016 and we are proud to be the first NI airport to introduce the scheme as it’s now starting to be recognised 16 | Local Women Magazine

“This new initiative is in addition to the provision of our pre-familiarisation visits, and our special passports and activity books developed for passengers with Autism, following our team receiving an Impact Award for training previously undertaken with Autism NI.”

As regular Ryanair services from City of Derry Airport to Edinburgh and Liverpool and Loganair services to London Stansted and Glasgow are now back in operation, there are a number of new health and safety precautions in place at the airport to ensure a safe, friendly and convenient The dedication to customer service excellence travel experience, and as always, staff are is evident at City of Derry Airport as Mr. available at all times to assist passengers through Frazer added: “Our team have undertaken the airport journey. training to better understand the broad ranging spectrum of hidden disabilities and For more information on the Hidden how we can provide assistance specific to Disabilities Sunflower Scheme at City of Derry each person’s individual needs.

Airport, visit www.cityofderryairport.com.

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EMER IS PERFECTLY IMPERFECT Emer Gallagher speaks to Local Women about the inspirational social media post that has proven to be a vital part in her journey of self-acceptance.

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By Lisa Smyth

While the images capture a moment of perfection, that’s exactly what they are – ow many times have just a moment in time that don’t reveal the you looked at a post on hours of effort that went into achieving Instagram and wished your such a faultless image. life was just as picture perfect?

And that is exactly why 25-year-old Emer A photograph of a gleaming kitchen with Gallagher, who lives in Derry city centre, the requisite vase of fresh flowers on the has rebelled. counter, the fitness enthusiast showing off While her Instagram account, her rock-hard abs, or a homemade meal theconcertqween, is dedicated to her love that is so eye-watering that it wouldn’t look for live music, she has taken a deep breath, out of place in a Michelin star restaurant. stepped away from her usual theme, and Let’s face it, they all make an appearance posted a refreshingly honest photograph on the Instagram feed - but how much is that reveals her struggle with agony. for show and how much is reality?

“It was actually the first time I posted something like that, and it took me a long time to build up the courage to do it,” she explained.

“I kept thinking that people would look at it and think badly of me, putting it on Instagram really took me out of my comfort zone, I’ve never put anything like that on social media before.”

Like so many people, Emer began to suffer from acne during her teenage years.

ƒ Emer would spend two hours getting ready to go out

“I don’t want to be that person who pretends to be someone they’re not.”

“From a young age, I was insecure It took a toll on her self-esteem and she searched desperately for a cure – but found about my skin, I really struggled with my nothing that helped her keep her acne confidence and I always wanted to have clear skin. under control.

ƒ Emer posted a selfie revealing her battle with acne 18 | Local Women Magazine

“It was especially hard with social media “It probably started when I was about 13 and when you saw pictures of celebrities or 14,” she continued. and I really wanted skin like them.

“I suppose that, out of my friend group, “I spent years trying to find ways to fix it, there were a few people who had skin that I tried so many things that I’ve lost count I wanted.

“The song is about compromising yourself for everyone else, she is constantly battling with self-worth and she’s her own worst critic.

“It really inspired me to be honest on my own social media and I was really keen to be the real me, I don’t want to be that person who pretends to be someone they’re not.

“It has been a really big deal for me, a big step to take.

and I exhausted every one.

“Over the years, I have got good at makeup and I use it to try and cover up any spots that I get.

“I can spend anywhere between an hour and a half and two hours getting my makestage, but I turned it down because I felt I up right before going out. was too young to take medication that can “I would even have done my make-up have such a serious effect. before going to the corner shop, I just “I know that it works for a lot of people, wouldn’t go out without it, it was like my but it just wasn’t right for me, so I ended way of hiding, so I built up the courage to up researching so many different options. go out without the make-up.

“The doctor offered me Roaccutane at one

“I stopped eating different foods, I tried “It was really, really hard the first time but home recipes, I tried everything I could it has become more easier the more I have find but nothing has worked so far. done it and now I can go out and not worry “I would get so anxious when I had really about how I look. bad skin, I wouldn’t want to go out, I had

“Putting up the picture on Instagram was no confidence. really hard as well but it has been part of “I would try and cover it up with make-up my journey where I become more confident but I would still feel really self-conscious, I and love how I look. could still feel bumps on my skin and I felt

“It is another step in accepting who I am, as if I was ugly.

I’m trying to challenge myself with what I am saying online and the reception has “But now I have just tell myself that I been really, really good. shouldn’t need to keep trying to fix my skin “I’ve had people get in touch to say it is and I tell myself instead that I should be wonderful that I have put such an honest building up my self-confidence. post up and that has meant so much to me.

“I can go out now with spots and I’ve “But I just want to say to everyone that realised that no-one really cares.” they are beautiful no matter what, we need So, what has changed for Emer? to stop comparing ourselves to other people The answer lies with one of the most and trying to match the beauty standards famous singers in the world. that we’re being constantly fed.

Emer explained: “I was actually “It’s our differences that make us and encouraged by my favourite artist, Demi we shouldn’t be afraid to be ourselves, Lovato, who released a song I Love Me and hopefully I will help more people to build up their confidence to do that.” that really hit home with me.

ƒ She has started going out without make-up

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Self-help techniques that may be useful to address acne include: •

Do not wash affected areas of skin more than twice a day - frequent washing can irritate the skin and make symptoms worse.

•

Wash the affected area with a mild soap or cleanser and lukewarm water - very hot or cold water can make acne worse.

•

Avoid using too much make-up and cosmetics - use water-based products that are described as non-comedogenic as this means the product is less likely to block the pores in the skin.

•

Completely remove make-up before going to bed.

•

If dry skin is a problem, use a fragrance-free water-based emollient.

EMOLLIENTS Emollients are moisturising treatments applied directly to the skin that are often used to treat skin conditions...

Regular exercise cannot improve acne, but it can boost mood and improve selfesteem. Shower as soon as possible once finished exercising as sweat can irritate acne.

Wash hair regularly and try to avoid letting it fall across the face.

Although acne cannot be cured, it can be controlled with treatment.

ƒ Emer is on a journey to love the skin she is in

If these methods do not work, contact your pharmacist or doctor.

Local Women Magazine | 19

HOT TRENDS FOR

SUMMER 2020 Paula Sweeney from Fabric World looks at the hottest colours that will make your summer sizzle!

By Paula Sweeney at Fabric World, Maydown What a strange year it has been so far.

With all that going in in outside world we are retreating more and more into our homes and gardens in search of sanctuary.

Since we’ve re-opened we’ve been helping you transform your interior and exterior spaces with all the fab new trends for 2020

THINK PINK

One of my favourite trends is the pretty pastel palettes we’re seeing in fabrics and paints.

Pink in particular is one of the strongest colour trends around. Teamed with vibrant mint tones or teal and petrol shades it certainly packs a punch.

LOOK OUT FOR: The beautifully romantic collection Grand Botanical

by Prestigious. Seen here in this stunning Roman blind manufactured for a client and teamed with soft silver toned voile as a dreamy complimenting fabric.

Alternatively choose from their funky new geometric collection Collage. The Mabel and Rae options are particularly strong designs and the colour options are stunning from the pretty pink to the bold blues.

20 | Local Women Magazine

THE PANTONE COLOUR OF THE YEAR 2020

There are so many fabulous choices in the cool blue shades. Look out for lots of stunning prints in the blue family.

FRESH DIVE

SUMMER DIP

COOL POOL

LIGHTING UP I’ve also picked up on these colour trends for our garden chandelier upcycle.

Simply: Scrub with sugar soap. Then Paint with two of my favorite shades from Frenchic - Al Fresco - Wise Old Sage and Lazy - Love Letter.

Add detail with a little finishing coat mixed with Frensheen My Recipe - 1Part Sexy Silver + 1Part Gorgeous Gold + 1Part Cool Copper Achieving a warm gold with a hint of Rose Then simply add solar fairy lights, Candles or flowers to complete the look.

A fun addition to any outdoor garden party.

Local Women Magazine | 21

THE LAUNCH OF THE

Elite Aesthetic Clinic is offering two amazing free memberships to the exclusive Elite Skin Club.

We believe that consistent skincare is better than one-

WHAT IS THE ELITE SKIN CLUB? The Elite Skin Club is an exclusive facial subscription along with great savings so that you can keep on top services making healthy skin more accessible to of your skin care needs - just like a gym membership everyone. I want to de-stigmatise the cost of professional facials via monthly membership packages, making but for your face. high-end, high tech facials and treatments affordable.

We had planned to launch our new and exclusive skin Skin membership clinics have proven extremely club in late March to run parallel with my mum’s special popular in New Zealand, LA and NYC and now we birthday, however a more pressing issue changed not are delighted to launch Elite’s skin membership clinic only ours, but everyone plans! in the North West off treatments. Our Elite Skin Club provides consistency

Fast forward three months and we have decided we

Fortunately for our clients, Elite’s overall goal is will now launch our exclusive skin club, with a fabulous accessibility. We are aware aesthetic facial treatment competition. We plan to give away two 12-month can be expensive, enrolling in a facial treatment memberships each prize equates to over £3500 each membership programme means you will be receiving results driven facials at a fraction of the cost.

- this is our biggest give away to date.

TM

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

problematic and anti-aging concerns.

We will tell you more about the competition in a minute Elite medical-grade, high end facials can be slightly It does beg the question: Is it really necessary, or even intimidating, and our goal is to break down barriers so - but first more about the Elite Skin Club good for your skin, to get a facial every single month? we can provide skincare plans to everyone that are, as It might seem excessive, but if you ask just about any approachable and accessible, as they are affordable. aesthetic practitioner, aesthetician, beauty editor or We want to help our current and new patients place skincare expert, the answer is a resounding ‘yes.’ their focus on their skin health with a multi-modality “Just like any other area where you want to see holistic approach to skin care and rejuvenation. results—like working out—you have to go regularly,” The truth is, no matter what your skin concerns are, explains Emma. regular treatments are better than one-offs. Consistency In addition to consistency, which we can all agree is gets results. We work with clients to plan out a regular pretty important in all aspects of life, the benefits of a schedule of treatments, so they know what to expect, monthly facial membership also have to do with the and how much it will cost. skin cycle. Skin cell production and replacement slows The idea is to make assessing skin, looking after it as we age. It takes approximately 28 days for the and maintaining results an attainable, habitual ritual, average adult cell turnover—longer as you get older— much like joining a gym. Membership options involve and the results are cumulative. This is what motivated monthly rolling plans or yearly subscriptions and all Elite to create a service that people can afford to do include prerequisite perks as you’d normally be privy monthly, because that is when the real, long-term to with any leisure club enrolment, but instead of PT changes happen. sessions and café discounts you’ll be benefitting from We are promoting good ongoing skincare routines preferential prices on skincare, treatments and takerather than a quick fix. Our ethos regarding injectables, home product kits. are they are fab in moderation, but we believe less is Emma and her team have put together the facial/ more, the best injectable is undetectable. Focusing treatment menu - targeted facials for the clients on youthful health glowing skin is key but this process EMMA AND CHLOE ranging from those chasing the glow-boosting skin, to takes time and investment.

22 | Local Women Magazine

Before

HYDRO FACIAL RESULTS

After

TM

TM

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

Who is The Elite Skin Club suitable for?

It’s a unisex programme suitable for everyone over 18 years old.

How much are the monthly subscriptions?

As mentioned earlier we are giving away

£100 monthly subscriptions – you can save up to and over £300 a month

TWO AMAZING 12-MONTH MEMBERSHIPS VALUED AT OVER £3500 EACH

However, this club is exclusive membership and it is limited to 100 clients

What’s included in the monthly membership?

• Skin analysis and detailed treatment plan

One prize will go to a front-line worker as this is Elite’s way of saying thank you and it’s your turn to let Elite treat and spoil you. The second prize will be open to everyone - we have all been affected either personally or in business by the impact of this global pandemic whether it’s physically emotionally or even financially, we just want to embrace the importance of selfcare and share that with another lucky winner.

• One customised facial treatment monthly or two Mini Treatments • 10 % discount on skin care products • 10% discount on all other treatments • Priority booking • Automatically entered into all our competitions

To enter

• Complimentary treatment or product on your birthday • Free skincare gift on joining

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram. Like and share the competition post.

• First to know about all future treatments and offers • VIP pass to all Elite champagne events

What are the treatment programme options available?

We have two programmes you can choose from.

PREMIUM PROGRAMME

PLATINUM PROGRAMME

Unlimited waxing and tinting

Unlimited waxing and tinting

ONE FACIAL/TREATMENT FROM THE

ANY TWO FACIAL/TREATMENTS

LIST BELOW

FROM BELOW

Elite Red-carpet facial

JA chemical peel

Fire & ice facial

Medical microdermabrasion

Bio C glow peel

LED Facial

Micro-needling

IPL facial

Skin recovery peel

Vitamin B12 injection

Competition Name:____________________________________ Nominees Number: ___________________________

Vitamin C iv infusion

Biotin Hair and Nail booster

IPRF facial

JA skin booster facial (toxin/filler facial)

Aqua gold facial

Skin Response Facial

Hydro facial

Elite Skin Club Competition

Nominated by:_______________________________

Business of the Year

AESTHETIC TREATMENT CLINIC

LOOK YOUR BEST, FEEL YOUR BEST...

Glenaden Business Complex, Altnagelvin Business Park, Trench Road, Derry-Londonderry

Lo ca

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n ome MAG A

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M: 07712 332 154 T: 02871 349 337 W: www.eliteaestheticclinic.co.uk E: eliteaestheticclinic@hotmail.co.uk

FREE PARKING

OPENING HOURS: Tuesday-Friday 10am – 9pm Sat 10am – 4pm

Payment Plans available

Email Address: _______________________________ Key Worker? [ ]

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TM

Alternatively fill in this form and nominate yourself or someone you feel would like this prize. Please tick if they are a key worker. T&Cs apply, and postal entries must be in by 29.8.20.

One treatment can give your skin a temporary boost, but we know to achieve great skin it’s a journey not an overnight quick fix, this programme focuses on cumulative treatments.

You can find out more about our skin club on our website.

Subscribe now and let’s take your skin to the next level.

Follow us on

10% discount for all NHS staff Terms and Conditions apply

www.eliteaestheticclinic.co.uk Local Women Magazine | 23

A FROCK SHOCK FOR RACHAEL Rachael Finlay got the surprise of her life while she was browsing in the Cancer Focus Shop in Newtownstewart and found her much loved long lost formal dress.

saw it, I knew it was meant to be and nothing else compared. My lovely parents splashed Co Tyrone woman has had a surprise out and bought it for me, I was that desperate. reunion with a very special first formal dress which she discovered “At the formal my friend accidentally knocked over a candle and a flame flared up. in a charity shop.

Everyone jumped back and I caught my dress Rachael Finlay (27), from Victoria Bridge on something and ripped the netting. near Strabane, was delighted when she saw her beautiful dress hanging up in the “Later on I brought the dress to a dressmaker Cancer Focus Northern Ireland charity shop in to have it repaired. She was to send away for Newtownstewart - 12 years after she’d lost it. some material to fix it but somehow time went by and I never picked it up. I lost touch with The dress was extra special because she was the dressmaker, so I suppose she eventually wearing it in one of the last photos she had had a clear out and gave the dress to charity.” taken with her granny, Carrie Finlay, who Rachael happened to be in Newtownstewart passed away from cancer a few years later. one day and popped into the Cancer Focus “I was about 15 or 16 and a friend asked me NI shop with a few donations. She got the to go to her school formal with her. It was a late surprise of her life when she spotted her old invitation so I hadn’t much time to buy a dress dress hanging up on a rail – but this time with and I just couldn’t find anything,” says Rachael, a price tag of just £10. who works in special education and is also a “Apparently it had just been donated. I respite carer for adults with disabilities. recognised it straight away because the tear is “Eventually I saw this dress but it was quite still in it. I was totally amazed,” says Rachael. expensive, over £200. It fitted like a glove and I felt like a princess in it. As soon as I “It’s still torn and damaged and it’s a size six so it doesn’t fit me any more but I love having it as a reminder of my granny. She was very much one of a kind, she loved McDonald’s and drove a sporty Honda Civic! It’s her 10th anniversary this year.”

A

By Maureen Coleman

ƒ Rachael Finlay in her first prom dress with her granny Carrie.

24 | Local Women Magazine

Cancer Focus NI has recently re-opened its 12 shops all over Northern Ireland and is encouraging the public to pop in and have a browse.

The charity is still providing greatly reduced counselling and family support to as many vulnerable people as possible but urgently needs your continued support to save its services.

Each year, Cancer Focus NI supports 6,000 cancer patients, their families and carers across Northern Ireland. During COVID-19, the charity has had to suspend most of its services and has had to cancel fundraising events. As a result, it’s facing an 80% loss of income over the next six months.

To find your nearest Cancer Focus NI shop visit https://cancerfocusni.org/fundraising/ shops/shop-locations/ You can also support the Cancer Focus NI by making a donation today on cancerfocusni.org/ appeal, text FOCUS to 70660 to donate £5 or text FOCUS £10 to 70660 to donate £10.

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Local Women Magazine | 25

GORDONS CHEMISTS 99P SALE IS BACK!

I

f finances are a bit of a touchy subject at the moment, then FEAR NOT! Treat yourself to a spending spree at Gordons Chemists and still have change from a pound! Because the eagerly awaited Gordons Chemists 99p Sale is BACK with even bigger and better SAVINGS than before! Grab BIG BRANDS for LESS from health & beauty to everyday essentials for ONLY 99p!

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With 53 stores across Northern Ireland - we have a store near you, or if you want to avoid the crowds, you can get our great deals online at www. gordonsdirect.com.

Get set to stock up on the BIGGEST brands for LESS so you can get on with enjoying the last of your summer. Don’t miss out! Gordons Chemists’ NEW 99p Sale ends Saturday 5th September 2020.

Keep up to date with our FABULOUS weekly offers, competitions and exciting product launches, by following us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/gordonschemists.

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26 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 27

A DRIVE FOR SUCCESS Foyle Taxis is in the driving seat when it comes to making safety a priority for customers.

The coronavirus lockdown was a time of great change for all of us - but while many people stayed at home during lockdown, at Foyle Taxis, the drivers were on the road helping key workers get to work.

The taxi firm played an important role during lockdown keeping the people who had to get to work moving.

Throughout lockdown Foyle Taxis kept its doors open to provide a 24-hour service for front-line staff and facilitating all other essential journeys the public needed to make.

It has been very much business as usual for the city’s favourite taxi firm which immediately put new safety measures into place for the protection of both drivers and customers.

Foyle Taxis took a proactive approach to the pandemic, immediately putting precautions in place in line with government advice.

Many vehicles were fitted with protective screens to give passengers peace of mind when travelling.

Extra cleaning now takes place after passengers end their journey. These days drivers wear masks and gloves and the taxi offices have been fitted with screens to protect telephonist and dispatch staff. Extra cleaning

also takes place before and after shifts to again make sure all preventative measures are in place.

tours for those not wanting or able to explore

At Foyle Taxis, they were determined that the pandemic would not close the business because so many people rely on the service.

Once the safety precautions were put in place, they were able to get on with what they do best – keeping people moving across the north west.

new school term putting plans in place to

And now we are entering the post lockdown phase and life is returning to a new normal, bookings are strong. Corporate customers are back booking taxis and many of the customers who travel to and from work by taxi on a daily basis have their repeat bookings back in place.

will adapt to new procedures as required.

With many of us taking staycations this year, Foyle Taxis is geared up to restart taxi tours and looks forward to welcoming tourists from other parts of Ireland. They specialise in taxi 28 | Local Women Magazine

on foot and can take you to all the tourist hotspots and hidden gems across the country.

As well as that, Foyle Taxis is planning for the transport kids to and from school. It is still too early to know what social distancing measures will be in place in schools, but Foyle Taxis will work with schools and parents to get the children there as required. The company has years of experience transporting children and So, as life returns to normal and we adapt to our new circumstances, Foyle Taxis is looking to the future. Safety is of paramount importance and they are committed to keeping you moving!

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www.foyletaxis.com Local Women Magazine | 29

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Local Women Magazine | 31

THE BIG VIRTUAL LUNCH

Even lockdown could not stop locals connecting online for the annual Big Lunch

R

esidents of Farland Way held their 10th annual Big Lunch as part of the annual get together for neighbours - but this year they went virtual.

Cunningham who organises The Big Lunch each year said: “We thought we might have to cancel but then the children started asking about it and really wanted it to go ahead. Sure, when you have a four-year-old phoning you to come out The neighbours look forward to this date each and play, you know you need to make it happen. year - from grandparent to grandchild everyone “So, with financial support from Habinteg has fun together, so when lockdown left it looking like it would be cancelled, children were very Housing, we delivered groceries to houses in Farland Way, Inch View and St Eithne’s disappointed. and organised for residents to make their own Mayor of Derry City and Strabane council Brian lunch and virtually connect at the same time.

Tierney said: “This is a fantastic community We shared a video of previous years’ fun and initiative, residents getting to know each other enjoyed the memories. more and making strong bonds that really make “The community spirit in this area has been a difference at times like these.” overwhelming during lockdown and we have Habinteg Housing support officer Margaret come to value the small things like conversation 32 | Local Women Magazine

with your neighbour all the more. I’m glad we didn’t cancel The Big Lunch we had great fun.”

“Habinteg has participated in The Big Lunch for 10 years and have a virtual lunch organised for residents across Northern Ireland organised by Margaret Mc Laughlin for Monday. Habinteg prioritise homes lives and community,” said Margaret.

The Big Lunch, an idea from the Eden Project, made possible by The National Lottery, usually attracts millions of people across the UK. Last year over six million people took part in 100,000 Big Lunch events. This summer for the first time in its 10-year history that The Big Lunch became The Big ‘Virtual’ Lunch, with events running online, on the phone and on the doorstep.

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Our Lockdown Wedding What happens when your plans for a big white wedding are dashed due to a worldwide pandemic? For some people it means cancelling your big day but for bride Siobhan Page it simply meant adapting.

Newly wed Siobhan opens her wedding album and shares her lockdown wedding memories with Local Women readers.

Y

By Kim Kelly

ears of planning goes into every wedding – venue, dresses, suits, food, flowers, and guests flying in from all over the world.

On average it takes over 18 months to coordinate your big day, but 2020 hasn’t been your average year, as any bride will tell you.

With restrictions on social gatherings due to Covid-19 regulations, all plans for weddings since March have been thrown into chaos.

Many couples have chosen to postpone or

even cancel their weddings but for Siobhan Page – not even a pandemic could halt her plans!

In March Siobhan, 28, who is originally from England and is a doctor at the Ulster Hospital was happily putting the finishing touches to her plans to marry fiancé Eoin Carey, 35, from Portstewart.

But as the rumours of the onset of a lockdown began, Siobhan slowly began to realise that her wedding plans were about to be thrown into chaos.

Siobhan says: “I think it must have been the same for all brides. Everything happened so fast it was hard to know what was going on. One minute we had everything arranged and we were ready to get married – the next minute we didn’t know what we were doing.

34 | Local Women Magazine

“It was so confusing but what we did know is that we still wanted to get married.”

So, Operation Lockdown Wedding swung into action!

All safety precautions had to be adhered to and the first problem was finding a new venue.

The couple planned to get married at The Crannagh with an outside ceremony, but the Derry diocese wouldn’t allow outdoor weddings, so they settled on St Malachy’s in Coleraine with Father Austin McGirr from Portstewart officiating.

Siobhan explains: “St Malachy’s is a lovely spacious church so it worked out really well for social distancing, and Father Austin couldn’t have been more helpful. He made it so easy for us and was a pleasure to deal with.”

With wedding suppliers closed, it made things all the more awkward, but Siobhan says she was treated with kindness wherever she called, and everyone went out of their way to help her.

“I was so impressed with how helpful local suppliers were that I created a free wedding directory. I’m all for boosting local businesses, especially in such uncertain times.”

“I had to get a bouquet with four days’ notice. When I contacted Lavendergreen in Portrush they couldn’t have been nicer. In fact, I found this the same wherever I went. People were just lovely.

“There were a lot of things we had to do, like measuring ring sizes ourselves then having to find an online jeweller who could deliver ‘temporary rings’ within two weeks surprisingly, the rings both fit!

“We even had to print our own wedding service booklets the night before wedding.

“We basically had to do everything ourselves, Crannagh for a reception and dinner. but it was fun, and I enjoyed the preparations.”

During the reception Siobhan arranged a Luckily, Siobhan already had her dress surprise for Eoin with a ‘should have been bought, although she had to do her hair and there’ video featuring guests sending in virtual make up herself as all the salons were closed. toasts.

Siobhan looked absolutely radiant as she Siobhan says she and Eoin thoroughly walked down the aisle at St Malachy’s – to enjoyed their big day even though it was quite music by Spotify as singing was not allowed. different to what they had originally planned.

After he walked her down the aisle – in line Siobhan says: “We had such a special day. with social distancing, Siobhan’s dad ‘elbowIt is definitely something that we will always bumped’ Eoin at the altar when he was giving remember. Getting married in the middle of her away. a pandemic is not how I imagined things, but Sadly, the full bridal party and groomsmen I really couldn’t have asked for a better day. were not able to attend but the couple plans “We were among special friends and family to have a big wedding reception when it is and everyone stayed safe. We are so thankful safe to do so. for everything.”

However, Siobhan says the ceremony felt And Siobhan had so much fun planning her very intimate and she was delighted to last minute lockdown wedding that she has celebrate with close friends and family. decided to share her expertise by creating a Afterwards the small group went back to The website www.causewayweddings.com.

BOUQUET & BUTTONHOLES: Lavendergreen, Portrush CARS: C4 Wedding Car Hire PHOTOGRAPHER: James Hislop SUITS: Burns Outfitters, Coleraine CAKE: Georgina’s Cakes CATERING: Arbutus Catering CHURCH CEREMONY: St Malachy’s, Coleraine PRIEST: Father Austin McGirr MINI RECEPTION VENUE: The Crannagh SEAMSTRESS: Lorraine McGonigle Dressmaking GAZEBO: EventCo Marquees

Local Women Magazine | 35

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Local Women Magazine | 37

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HELP YOUR PUP AVOID HEARTBREAK AFTER LOCKDOWN During lockdown your pet will have enjoyed spending more time with you.

Instead of the morning hustle and bustle followed by hours of alone time, they have relished additional love and affection and grown more accustomed to it. As owners start to return to work The Dog’s Trust are concerned that some dogs will suffer severe separation anxiety unless steps are taken to prepare them.

SIGNS OF SEPARATION ANXIETY Chewing - some pups get [ ]Destructive up to mischief when they are left alone at home, but generally dogs are well behaved.

Dogs suffering from separation anxiety tend to chew when they are upset and often this is on something that smells like you, maybe your favourite jumper!

friends, but there are some steps that you can take now to make this transition less stressful for them.

TIPS TO HELP YOUR PUP and keep as normal a routine as [ ]Try possible – walking time, feeding time, and play time. If you’re working from home and can’t get out for a walk, then make time for games and activities. from home try not to [ ]Ifgiveyouyouaredogworking more attention than normal – I know this is hard (they are super cute!), but showering them with affection will make things more difficult when you return to work.

[ ]

It is particularly important that your pet has time each day without human

Pacing – nervous energy can [ ]Excessive make dogs pace randomly around the before you leave – [ ]Panicking shadowing you before you leave the

you go as this can be understood as rewarding the dog’s nervous behaviour. And as tempting as it is, don’t make a big announcement on your return.

house, frantic walking round the house and leaning up against you. vocalising – Some anxious [ ]Constantly dogs will make constant noise while you

your dog to exit cues by [ ]Desensitize mixing up your exit routine and practising

are away - some dogs are just noisy but if this is unusual for your pup this can be a sign of separation anxiety.

is constant and elevated when you are not there, it could be separation anxiety.

As lockdown eases, a dog who was previously content while you were at work, may exhibit some of these signs, and those with mild anxiety might suffer more severely.

Big changes are hard for us to process as humans and this is no different for our four-legged 38 | Local Women Magazine

Exercise is fun, it releases endorphins but it also will tire your dog so they are more likely to sleep while you are away. We have a wide range of collars, leads and harnesses in store to suit all sizes of dogs from top brands such as Julius K9, Rogz, and Ancol. make a big deal of coming or [ ]Don’t going – don’t comfort too much before

house or walking the same line repeatedly.

indoors – this can happen [ ]Accidents with even the best trained dog but if this

is easing and you return to [ ]Asworklockdown more exercise may help your dog–

alone time for your pup. your dog occupied – Check out our [ ]Keep range of toys instore to keep your dog contact, whether in a different room, in their crate with a toy, or outside on their own in a secure garden.

[ ]

Try leaving your dog to go outside alone for a few minutes, to the garden or just outside the front door. This will make these exit cues familiar again and so hopefully not as much of a shock when you return to work.

As lockdown restrictions are lifted you may find it takes your pet some time to readjust to the new routine.

Here are some tips to help them once you have returned to work.

entertained. Check out our range in store from brands such as Kong, Rogz, and Rosewood. their crate fun and a safe space [ ]Make – If you use a crate for your dog you could add toys to entertain them or an item of your clothing or a favourite toy for comfort.

Often cave-like crates can be more comforting, but make sure these are secure and 100% safe for your pet with plenty of ventilation and no dangerous parts they can chew. using a calming supplement [ ]Consider such as YuCalm or Serene-Um or introducing a relaxing cologne such as Groom Professional Lavender.

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Local Women Magazine | 47

PACKING FOR

A STAYCATION Staycation: noun INFORMAL A holiday spent in one’s home country rather than abroad, or one spent at home and involving day trips to local attractions.

W

Essentials Checklist • Comfortable shoes • Waterproof coat • Socks & underwear

ith travel plans on hold, staycations are the flavour of the month. Everyone’s planning their road trips down the country, and rightly so.

We’re finally allowed out and about again, and we can’t wait to celebrate by packing up the car and heading off for a few days.

• Toothbrush & toothpaste

Thankfully, we live in a beautiful country that has lots to offer when it comes to tourist attractions, good food and stunning landscapes.

• Pyjamas

Whether you want to stay close to home and visit Donegal, or make a week-long road trip out of it and travel down the Wild Atlantic Way, you’re in for a treat.

But what does one pack for a staycation?

We’ve got you covered in this month’s column 48 | Local Women Magazine

• Phone charger • Toiletry bag • Earbuds & eye mask • Book

Road trip It doesn’t matter if you’re heading over the border into Donegal, or you’re tackling the six-hour car journey to Cork, you’re going to want to be comfortable during a road trip.

Leggings, layers and trainers are what you’ll need to endure hours in the car. As well as good music, a podcast or two and perhaps a travel pillow for a little midafternoon nap.

Ted Baker have a huge selection of trainers which are perfect for trips away.

They’re comfortable, but will easily take you from the car to the bar with the metallic and floral details.

Outdoor activities With so much to see and do in Ireland, you’ll be spoilt for choice no matter what county you decide to visit. But let’s face it – just because its summertime doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed good weather so it’s important to always remember a waterproof coat just in case. This pink and navy one from The North Face is perfect for those Summer activities as it’s lightweight but will still keep you dry should the odd shower come on.

Dinner & Drinks Tourist activities can build up an appetite and with the number of beautiful restaurants around Ireland, it would be hard not to indulge. You’ve been out and about all day in your activewear, so not it’s time to get a little dressed up for a lovely dinner & drinks date.

A pair of leather-look trousers are perfect for several reasons - they match almost everything; they won’t wrinkle in your case and if the weather isn’t the greatest (hopefully not) then you’ll be able to stay warm. A dressy top and a comfortable heel will complete the look perfectly.

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The perfect gift idea at the minute is a backpack or a weekend bag. Both are necessary for weekends away or spurof-the-moment road trips. A backpack is great for day trips as you can stock up on water, snacks and sunscreen while keeping your hands free.

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Local Women Magazine | 51

A WARM WELCOME AT TRACEY’S FARMHOUSE KITCHEN Local Women enjoys a foodie day out in Co Down where we learn to bake traditional Northern Irish breads.

It’s the perfect day out for foodies – but as someone who burns oven chips, I’m a little nervous about trying my hand at breadmaking at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen in Killinchy.

ƒ Tracey Jeffrey and Kim Kelly

With foreign travel looking increasingly unpredictable, 2020 really is the summer of the staycation.

Never have days out and trips a little closer to home been so important as we search for activities to make the summer feel more special.

Luckily, we live in a country where nothing is too far away and it’s the perfect opportunity to visit all those places you have only heard about.

Northern Ireland really is the perfect staycation location – our weather may not be great, but we have so much right here on our doorstep. It’s time to get exploring!

This summer I’m keen to combine learning new skills with my days out – so this is a great opportunity for me to get into the kitchen and lose the fear of baking.

Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen owned by Tracey Jeffery is just half an hour from Belfast. Master baker Tracey – she once worked in a patisserie in France, so she’s an expert! – has been baking all her life and is passionate about showcasing Northern Ireland fresh produce. Her baking skills have been passed down through the generations and she is keen to keep these traditional methods alive.

Tracy, who is originally from Ballymena, gives us a warm welcome into her beautiful home which has a stunning rural setting. I imagine her foreign visitors just adore coming here to learn how to bake. It’s so quaint and pretty – and very restful.

We sit down for tea and fruit loaf (freshly baked of course) and learn a little more about what we will be doing today.

Tracey runs courses for groups or individuals to teach them traditional Northern Irish baking. She welcomes foreign visitors and locals alike who are keen to learn about the amazing array of breads we have in Northern Ireland. She also offers self-catering accommodation at Horseshoe Cottage on site.

Her courses are popular with corporate groups 52 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ Michelle McTernan and Kim Kelly

looking to boost their team building skills and hen parties who want to spend some quality time together.

Today our group – there are seven of us - will learn to make soda bread, wheaten soda and potato bread.

You don’t need any prior experience of baking and the classes are perfect for children and complete novices. I am here today with my friend Michelle and her daughter Katie. This is such a nice way to spend time with friends and little Katie is more than able to keep up with the recipes. The pace really is suited to everyone.

Tracey’s kitchen is spacious, and we all have our own workstations where our ingredients are waiting for us, along with an electric griddle.

TRACEY’S TRADITIONAL IRISH BREAD RECIPES

ƒ Katie McTernan had a

great time learning to bake

SODA BREAD AND TREACLE BREAD

Tracey is so patient as she shows us how to make soda bread - it is literally two ingredients - how did I not know this?!

Use a griddle for this recipe. You don’t need a bowl as the best and traditional way of making soda bread is mixing your ingredients on the table.

She is very laid back in her approach - there is no weighing and she uses her hands to measure out the flour. In a post lockdown world, she has taken all the necessary precautions to keep her pupils safe. The work benches are pushed further apart than usual to maintain a social distance. And there are individual hand sanitizers and towels on each person’s area. Each family grouping is put on a different bench, so it all feels nice and safe.

INGREDIENTS: • 150g /1.5 cups soda bread flour – flour with raising agent – bicarbonate of soda.

•

150ml /3 quarters of a cup of buttermilk.

POTATO AND CHAMP BREAD Champ Bread was a staple foodstuff in Ireland pre and post Famine. It is a very nutritious meal using simple ingredients.

Tracey keeps a watchful eye on us all, offering advice as she goes to each workstation. I’m surprised at how well I am doing and soon my bread is baking on the griddle and rising beautifully.

INGREDIENTS: • 250g /2 cups of seasoned mash – {salt pepper and butter} •

60g/half a cup of plain flour

METHOD: Mix both of these ingredients together. Really work your potatoes into the mix. Flour the board and roll the dough with a rolling pin. Cut into 4 farls. You can add scallions/ chives or bacon pieces to the potato bread.

While the soda bread is cooking, we move onto the wheaten. I am gaining confidence as we go along. I am enjoying myself kneading out the bread. It feels very therapeutic and I like that I am not terrible at it!

GRIDDLE WHEATEN BREAD/ OVEN WHEATEN BREAD

ƒ Birthday girl Gilly enjoyed a birthday cake to celebrate

INGREDIENTS: • 150g / 1.5 cups coarse wholemeal flour

The time flies past quickly and soon it is time to sample our wares. Well, not actually ours, as they are boxed up to come home with is. We are treated to a lovely afternoon tea of Tracy’s baking. It is great to relax and enjoy a catch up. The house and gardens are so relaxing and rustic – there’s even chickens outside – it really is idyllic.

And I have to say, Tracey’s baking is amazing!

We have had a lovely morning at Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen – and who knows? I might even try this at home!

Tablespoonful of melted butter.

METHOD: Sieve the flour. Make a well in the middle and pour in half of your buttermilk and your melted butter. If you’re making treacle soda bread, then at this point add a dessert spoonful of treacle. Add the rest of the buttermilk and mix to a soft consistency. Cut into farls and put onto griddle.

Of course, Tracey makes baking look easy.

She effortlessly throws the ingredients together and creates Instagram worthy bread. Now it’s my turn and actually…I’m not bad.

My favourite bread to make is the potato bread.

I decide to make mine nice and thin and cut is into little circles with a cutter. I am quite proud of my creation! While we are finishing up the potato bread, Tracey shows us how to make soda focaccia bread which again is super easy and makes a great pizza base.

•

•

100g / 1 cup soda bread flour

•

1 tsp salt

•

1 tsp of baking soda

•

Approx 260 ml / 1 cup of buttermilk

•

50g / 3 quarters of a cup of butter

•

50g / 3 quarters of a cup of caster sugar

•

Handful of sesame seeds

METHOD: • Mix all dry ingredients. Rub in the butter, and gradually add buttermilk to a porridge like consistency.

ƒ Learning to bake

•

Oven – 190 degrees / 375 Fahrenheit for 50 minutes.

•

Griddle – put mix on a floured board – work into a circle and cut into 4 farls. Place on griddle – 5/7 minutes each side. Enjoy with homemade jam.

Find out more about Tracey’s Farmhouse Kitchen at www.traceysfarmhousekitchen.com or call 07711484850.

A breadmaking course costs £50 per person and a reduction is available for groups of six or more.

A two-night stay at Horseshoe Cottage is £180.

Book via for www.horseshoecottage.co.uk for the best rate.

Local Women Magazine | 53

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Christmas Gi�t Guide ChristmasGi�t Gi�tGuide Guide Christmas Christmas Introducing the sculptors who are displaying their work at Gallery 1608, Bushmills.

for ArtLovers Lovers forArt Lovers for Give art this this year year Givea loved a lovedone onethe thegift giftofofstunning stunning local art

It has been a busy month at Gallery 1608, Northern Ireland’s premier art gallery.

Customers are getting used to the social distancing guidelines and have been enjoying viewing the new pieces that have arrived.

a sculptor and further developed her technique of working with bronze. Through her work at Pangolin Editions, she was exposed to the work of other sculptors and also had the opportunity to work on bronze pieces by notable sculptors, such as Lyn Chadwick.

Sara Cunningham Bell

Give a loved stunning local this year Give a loved oneone thethe giftgift of of stunning local artart this year withGallery Gallery1608’s 1608’sChristmas Christmas Gift Guide. with Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Local Art… Local Art… As ever Gallery 1608 is at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s art scene with new works arriving on a daily basis.

Her own bronze sculptures, whether they feature figures or animals, as her subject matter are characterised by their elegant modelling and As well as paintings and drawings, Gallery 1608 With Christmas just around the corner, this month With Christmas just around the corner, this month has some amazing sculptures available from highly distinctive and unique patination, a skill With Christmas just around the corner, this month we have picked our favourite Christmas gifts from With Christmas just around the corner, this month we have picked our favourite Christmas gifts from some of the finest artists inartists. theChristmas country. that she still employs for Cast Foundry in Dublin. some of our top Irish This year, why not we have picked our favourite gifts from we have picked ourtop favourite Christmas gifts why fromnot some of our Irish artists.

This year, avoid the homogenous high street presents and buy some of our top Irish artists.

This year, why not This month we learn a little more about some some ofavoid our top artists. This year, whypresents not and buy ANNETTE HENNESSY the Irish homogenous high street which is both unique and collectable for ofavoid thesomething sculptors whose beautiful creations are the homogenous high street buy avoid the homogenous high street presents and buyandfor something which is both unique and presents collectable Annette Hennessy is from Cork your loved ones.

A bit of extra thought will provide a available at Gallery 1608. something which is both unique and collectable something which both and collectable your loved isones.

Aunique bit of extra thought willfor providefor a now living in North Antrim. gift which keeps your loved ones.

Agiving. bitonthought ofgiving. extra thought will provide a your loved ones.

Akeeps bit ofon extra will provide a gift which She is a sculptor who has Freda Gilmore gift which keeps on giving.

Top of our list this year are limited edition prints by gift which keeps on giving. worked internationally, and on Top of two our of listIreland’s this year are limited edition prints by mostare well-known artists.prints Belfast Top of our list this year limited edition by public sculpture commissions twolist ofartist, Ireland’s most well-known Belfast Top of our this year are limited editionartists. prints byworkers and Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock two of Ireland’s most well-known artists.

Belfast Ireland. She has artist, burlesque Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers andwe throughout wo of Ireland’s most well-known artists.

Belfast type women are always popular and Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, artist, Terry Bradley’s depiction of dock workers and broad experience in NUA, working burlesque women always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, artist, Terry Bradley’s of dockprints workers and havetype all ofdepiction his mostare recent in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. burlesque type women are always popular and we with Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NIinSilver, Ghost, wax and bronze particularly have all of his most in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. burlesque type women arerecent alwaysprints popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, limited edition work also very haveKeith all ofDrury’s his most recent prints in isstock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. figurative sculpture.

Local Ceramics… have all of his most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery.

Keith Drury’s limited also veryHis work collectable andedition popularwork withisour clients. is Annette was a former Executive Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also very both quirky and contemporary, depicting diff erent collectable and popular with our clients.

Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also very His work is Member of Association of Artists. can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces range from Ceramics arethe also a very popular gift and again we collectable and popular withbrought our clients.

His work is local scenes seamlessly together in one piece. Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we bothand quirky and contemporary, depicting diff collectable popular with our clients.

His work is erent pottery bespoke sculptural pieces. canfunctional accommodate alltobudgets.

Pieces range from both The quirky and contemporary, depicting diff erent Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we CUNNINGHAM BELL artwork has appeared on television’s Thepiece.

Fall and SARA can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces range from localand scenes seamlessly brought together both quirky contemporary, depicting diff erentin one Represented are names such as Sharon functional pottery tohousehold bespoke sculptural pieces. localisscenes seamlessly brought together in Prints one piece. can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces range from FREDA GILMORE even in the collection of Princess Anne. from Sara is a North Irish artist functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces.and The artwork has appeared on television’s Fall and ocal scenes seamlessly brought together in one The piece.

Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine Represented are household namespieces. such as Sharon The artwork hasnow appeared on television’s The Fall functional and who pottery bespoke Freda Gilmore, aofretired teacher a sculptor both artists can be bought framed or isunframed. works to out hersculptural North Represented are of household names such as Sharon is even in appeared the collection Princess Anne. from The artwork has on television’s The FallPrints and PatrickIan Colhoun.

Annette Hennessy Reagan, Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and even inAs theacollection Anne.

Prints from Represented are household names such as Sharon in isbronze. teacher of Princess young children for many Coast studio, herRory figurative Reagan, Ian Carty, Shearer, Leona Devine and both can be bought framed or unframed. s even years, inboth theartists collection ofbePrincess Anne.

Prints from Patrick Colhoun. artists can bought or importance unframed.

Freda is very familiarframed with the of sculptural Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and and painting practice Local Books…

Patrick Colhoun. both artists be bought framed or unframed. play.can “People often bemoan the loss of children's Patrickendeavours Colhoun. seek thefails beauty and strength.

The gift of atobook never and at Gallery 1608 we games of the past. I have portrayed some of Media applied are diverse from bronze to steel, have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books these in Ring a'rosies, Hopscotch, swinging round calcined The gift of aclay booktonever fails and at work Galleryhas 1608 we oil been under onea roof the paint. whole ofHer Northern Ireland.

The gift of bookinnever fails and at Gallery 1608 we the lamppost, skipping etc,” she says. have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books The giftprivately of a book never andinternationally. at Galleryof1608 commissioned have perhaps thefails largest selection Irish we Art Books under one in the whole ofofNorthern Ireland.

Smaller pieces bear witness to Freda’s own have life perhaps theroof largest selection Art Books Irish Paintings… under one roof in whole of Irish Northern Ireland.

Sara studied atthe Edinburgh College of Art David McGlynn experiences like children playing street games.under oneFinally, painters have been working tirelessly roof inour the whole of Northern Ireland. receiving the Andrew Grant Award for her Last year a piece depicting children playing from degree to ensure we later have new works available for the work, representing Ireland at the our painters have been working tirelessly the series ‘No Toys Just Us’ toured Ireland as part Finally, Christmas season and the range and quality of ourin Petr Holecek Finally, our painters have been working tirelessly Grands et Jeunes D'Aujourd Hui Salon 2000 ensure we have new works available for the of the Local art collection of Finance and Personnel.Finally,toour Jewellery… current show is amazing. painters have been working tirelessly to ensure we have new works available for the Paris, Luxembourg, Japan.

Christmas season and the range and quality of our If jewellery is more your idea of to ensure we have new available for the Christmas range andthe quality of our ANNA CAMPBELL Remember, we works can offthe er 10 months interest free Her work isseason held inand collections of Edinburgh current show is amazing. a gift why not support our local Christmas season and the range and quality of our current show is amazing.

Anna Campbell is an Irish sculptor, born in Newry, on all pieces over £100 and you can University, credit Fraser-Smallwood, Bass Ireland, If jewellery is more youraidea makers?

We have wideofrange of currentCauseway show is amazing. but who nowislives and works If jewellery more your ideainofDublin. She studied takeand the work away immediately.

Remember, we can off erGlens 10 months interest free Coast Council.

Remember, we can offer 10 months interest free jewellery availableour at many different a giftiswhy not support sculpture the Crawford College f jewellery your idea ofourlocal a giftmore whyatnot support local Aall great wayover to spread the cost 10 MONTHS INTEREST credit oner £100 and youofcan Remember, can off 10pieces months interest free price points, ranging from costume credit onyear all pieces over £100was and you can Inwethe last Sara's work selected makers?

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We have a wide range of diff jewellery available at many different A great way to spread theallcost 10 INTEREST PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wish our ofof We have sourced many of Ireland’s Luxembourg, Sligo, take theAwork away immediately. great wayDublin. to spread the cost 10MONTHS MONTHS INTEREST price points, ranging costume England, where shefrom worked price points, from costume ewellery available at ranging many diff erent Christmas.

FREE LOANS NOW THE PIECE TODAY customers a very happy Christmas fi nest jewellers and have work available A great way to spread cost ofsculpture as10 MONTHS FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE AVAILABLE INTEREST for four to years Pangolin jewellery moreatbespoke pieces.

Presently Sara Christmas. is working on athe kinetic jewellery to more bespoke pieces. price points, ranging from costume and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise PLUS YOU TAKE HOME Editions, Gloucester.

It of was Christmas.

FREE LOANS NOW AVAILABLE We would like to wish all our We have sourced many Ireland’s a learning tool for genocide victims.

Her last public PLUS YOU TAKE HOME We would like to wish all our have bespoke sourced many ewelleryWe to more pieces.of Ireland’s PIECE TODAY here that she gained customers aavery happy Christmas finest and have sculpture Towards Tomorrow has been short listedPLUSTHE THE PIECE TODAY YOU TAKE HOME customers very Christmas fisourced nestjewellers jewellers and havework workavailable available We would like to wish allhappy our We have many of Ireland’s valuable experience as Anna Campbell and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise for the Irish Sculpture Concrete Award.

THE PIECE TODAY and a peaceful New Year! from well-known names such as Louise

Local Local Art… Art…

Local Ceramics…

Ceramics…

LocalLocal Ceramics…

Local LocalBooks…

Books…

Local Books…

Irish IrishPaintings…

Paintings…

Irish Paintings…

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Jewellery…

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83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD customers a very happy Christmas T: 028 2073 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk and a peaceful New Year!

83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 BT57 8QD 8QD 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T:T:028 0282073 20731324 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk

finest jewellers and have work available rom well-known names such as Louise

T: 028 2073 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk

54 | Local Women Magazine

SPA AT

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NOT GOING ON HOLIDAY THIS YEAR? NOW’S THE TIME TO GET THE GAS IN Natural gas allows go ahead for garden transformation in Galgorm

L

uckily for one Galgorm family SS20 has been an outdoors affair having created a brand new outdoor living space in what had previously been an unused dark and gloomy spot in their garden.

Family of five, the Stevensons, embarked on the project back in January of this year after installing natural gas suddenly opened up new opportunities to create more space in their home and garden.

“It really was incredible,” says mother of three Louanne. “When the water cylinder, pipework, water tank and oil tank were removed we suddenly had all this space both inside and outside our home which could be repurposed, and with a family of five; that added space has come in really useful.

When lockdown happened I thought about how to reuse the space in my garden. We are lucky to have a fair sized garden where we previously had erected a large fence which joined with our shed to hide the oil tank. Who wants to look at their oil tank daily? With the help of BRM Services I decided to take down this structure and in this space create a sitting room outside with a table and chairs which could be used for family lunches and dinners and for the kids to play. We even added a roof for shelter so we can all be outdoors when it rains.”

It’s definitely made the family’s lockdown experience more bearable.” Louanne continues. “We are very lucky to have this space and are grateful for it. Just being able to go outdoors and enjoy some of the sunny weather and be in the garden during the height of lockdown has made life much more enjoyable. And as the lockdown restrictions have eased we have been able to invite other members of our family and friends to join us there. It really has become the heart of our home this summer.”

hot water is there. I’ve also made a storage cupboard in the space where the water tank used to sit. I’d urge anyone to make the switch from oil to gas!”

Not going on holiday this year? Invest in your home instead. Natural gas with firmus energy is the ultimate home improvement.

Not only will you get extra space but also a host of other benefits too including instant heat, smart controls, endless hot water and the peace of mind of never running out. You’ll also being doing your bit for the environment by reducing carbon emissions by up to 50%*.

To date, over 100,000 customers have connected to natural gas with firmus energy and are enjoying the benefits And it’s not just the extra space that she that natural gas brings each and every loves. “As a child minder and mother of day. Homes and businesses interested in three, having access to infinite hot water making the switch to firmus energy natural has been great. I never have to worry gas can find out more by calling 0330 024 about heating up the water for bathing, it’s 9000 or visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk as easy as turning on the shower and the * When compared to oil 56 | Local Women Magazine

e now d a

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THE NEW ACCESSORY TREND

“THE FACE MASK” While I find these masks to be uncomfortable on the nose bridge and especially for those who wear glasses and have to deal with the fogging issue, I still feel it is vital that we all wear one now to protect the most vulnerable especially when we all sneeze, cough, talk or even just breath because we all emit small particles into the air and those particles can easily contain the virus that causes covid to spread.

Hello, all my lovely readers this month I have decided to write about face masks.

If 2020 Dominates as an accessory of the year it will probably come in the form of a face mask. Amid the Covid 19 outbreak, the governments have now advised everyone to wear facemasks on public transport in shops and shopping centres and where social distancing is tricky to help stop the spread of the disease. I find here in Gasp that most people are looking for facecovering options that fall in line with their lifestyles. So with this demand mask accessories have been on the rise as some people would prefer to have something fashionable yet very functional.

60 | Local Women Magazine

When I am choosing Mask coverings for my clients in Gasp I have been looking for breathable materials such as cottons to minimise the sweat and oil getting trapped that could cause a skin rash so all the reusable cloth face masks should be ideally cleaned and disinfected after each use, it really is essential you are not walking around wearing a mask for two or three days in a row as it could contain tiny droplets which could expose particles.

I would advise the best thing to do is have a couple in your wardrobe as you would with your selection of socks and remember to wash them regularly in a hot wash with your laundry because that is what I have been doing, I have been wearing one every day in Gasp so it nearly becomes a necessity now leaving the house along with making

sure I have my mobile phone in hand ! I have to be honest I find face masks very reassuring for people out and about who are extremely vulnerable or nervous and when they come into the boutique wearing a disposable one they are shopping to look for a trendy one that they can wash easily a reuse with quality fabric .

I really think that face masks are definitely here to stay for a while so it is worth investing in a good quality reusable ones , I see some people wearing bandanas , please don’t chose this option as most of them are made of polyester and after doing some research I have found that this choice is the least effective

face mask you can wear to protect yourself and others, I have read that droplets from a bandana travelled three feet seven inches, holding a double handkerchief over ones mouth was more effective, so that is why I have stocked and sourced 100 % cotton or inner cotton that is tightly woven because the cotton fibers have a more three dimensional structure than synthetic materials which in turn makes them more efficient to stop the incoming particles .

It is really important that your mask seals snuggly to your face , if gaps open up where the mask touches the skin its effectiveness is going to definitely be compromised , when doing my research on buying I found that folded, pleated masks allow more air flowing through the fabric and less leaking out if the side compared to a flat front mask.

If you would like to see our range our of trendy and designer facemasks please log onto our website www.gaspboutique. com where you will find all of our collections instore along with our mother and groom of the bride, smart and casuals along with an array of footwear and accessories to keep you scrolling and intrigued.

I hope you are all enjoying what is left of our summer and keeping safe.

Until Next month Regards

Ann Doyle

Proprietor of Gasp Boutique Armagh

Mother of the Bride/Groom

SALE NOW ON Local Women Magazine | 61

62 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 63

ACADEMY SPICY BEEF NACHOS SERVES: 4

INGREDIENTS ● 30g Tortilla Chips ● 500g Mince less than 5% fat ● 2 peppers ● 1 red onion

THE ACADEMY MASTERPLAN WILL EDUCATE, EXCITE AND EMPOWER YOU TO LIVE A LIGHTER, HEALTHIER AND HAPPIER LIFE!!

Masters led by Karen Daly MSc Weight Management Karen has over 11 years experience helping men and women achieve their weight loss goals

● 1 large carrot ● 2 celery sticks ● Passata/tin of chopped tomatoes ● 1 Beef/ Oxo stock cube ● 120g Mozzarella cheese Spices: 1tsp - Chilli powder, paprika, garlic salt, cumin, cayenne pepper, dash of tabasco sauce Tomato Salsa: 4 tomatoes, 1 red onion, fresh coriander, seasoning, drizzle of rapeseed oil and squeeze ½ lime.

METHOD • Finely dice all veg and add to pan with low calorie cooking spray. Once vegetables are nicely cooked add in the mince and when it starts to brown stir in all spices, oxo and 200g of passata and allow to simmer until cooked.

• Meanwhile prepare your homemade salsa.

Chop and deseed tomatoes and dice finely.

Also finely dice red onion and stir into a bowl with coriander and a teaspoon of oil.

• Measure out 30g of your favourite tortilla chips per person into a nice serving bowl. (may be best to buy multipack rather than large bags!) Layer with cooked mince and add 30g of your favourite cheese and pop into the grill for a few minutes.

● Karen won Best Social Media in Healthcare 2019 at the NI Social Media Awards ● State of the art APP ● Live sessions delivered to you in the comfort of your own home ● Weekly emails with written and visual content ● Live cookery demos and workouts included ● All the support and motivation you will need to reach your goal ● Learn how to eat better not less whilst enjoying the most delicious meals ever!!

• Serve with Salsa, and perhaps light garlic mayo or garlic and herb sauce just be sure to check calories. Opt for light versions of creamy sauces where possible.

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JOIN OUR SIX WEEK COURSE NOW! LOTS OF MEMEBERS LOSE ONE STONE IN SIX WEEKS 64 | Local Women Magazine

GIVE YOUR BATHROOM A MAKEOVER IN 2020 OPTION 1: BATH OPTION

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Includes shower enclosure, electric shower, flexiseal, floor standing unit & basin, basin mono with waste, pan, cistern, seat chrome towel rail & valves, H1200 W600, mirror H800 W600, 25 yards of tiles (a number of options available) including adhesive, grout & chrome trims.

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T: 028 7141 8087 E: henrysbtb@gmail.com Follow us on Facebook/Henry’s Tiles & Bathrooms Local Women Magazine | 65

66 | Local Women Magazine

We are back!

It’s back to the business of beauty at the Make Up Pro Store.

WHO IS READY FOR WHAT’S NEXT BY #PATRICKTABEAUTY 1. Major Glow - Softening Lip Masque

boasts a smoothing and volumising blend to help your lips achieve their plush and plump potential.

2. Major Glow - Dewy Milk Mist

Glass skin in a mist - weightless, replenishing spray with a subtly luminous finish to instantly grant an ethereal glow.

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BE YOUR OWN BOSS! It’s BACK and BETTER than EVER! The Fashion and Photographic 9-10 Week Academy is back.. and starting in September! Held in Belfast this course will begin for 9-10 Sundays you will begin your journey into the World of Make Up Artistry!

TIME TO BRUSH UP! As our Local Women readers will know, we love to include new and exciting product releases for you all! Here is news hot off the press. He-Shi have released a brand-new luxury Kabuki Brush to ensure a perfect finish and flawless finish for any tan application. This product is in collaboration w i t h someone you may know.... yes, you guessed it - Make Up Pro Store and HeShi are delighted to collaborate on this exciting new product! This is a silky soft multipurpose face blender for applying finishing products or tan giving a perfectly airbrushed flawless finish!

Make Up Pro Store are delighted to have reopened our doors to our amazing PROlovers. It has been a long couple of months, but we have missed each and every one of you!

We have an array of offers available both in store and online, however one of the most exciting releases is Make Up Pro Store is delighted to release a brand-new online course.

This is an online Beginners Course with PROeducator Ellen Lunney, who will guide you via an informative module tool kit which includes video tutorials to ensure you are fully immersed in the world of make up.

You can purchase this course online at www.makeupprostore.co.uk

Start a new career in 2020 and become your own boss, Learn and expand on your skills and key techniques during this intensive Academy all whilst finding and nurturing your own creativity!

Train alongside International Educator Paddy McGurgan and his Make Up Pro Store team and receive career opportunities, unlimited support and priceless training !

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COME AND VISIT THE TEAM

We are delighted to open our doors at Make Up Pro Store, we have worked tirelessly over our closure period to ensure a professional and safe environment for all clients and customers. Do not hesitate to come into our Make Up Pro Store on Royal Avenue and allow Paddy, Ursula or Melissa and the team to recommend products that will best suit you. Whether it be skincare, colour correction, foundation help and much more! Or call us on 02890 434007.

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SuperBoost your Hydrafacial Does your skin need an extra boost?

Two of the boosters have been developed in partnership with Zo Skin Health. The HydraFacial Rozatrol Booster aims to minimise inflammation and redness, and the HydraFacial Brightalive Booster Serum is designed to block the production of pigmentation.

You know about our best-selling service, Hydrafacial, but what you probably don’t know much about are the boosting options you can receive during your service. The boosters are designed to offer unrivalled personalisation to your treatment, harnessing name-recognition skincare pioneers with scientifically validated ingredients, all delivered through the trusted HydraFacial technology.

HydraFacial has also partnered with Nassif MD Dermaceuticals to create the NassifMD Hydraglucan Intense Hydration Booster, which is designed to hydrate the skin while restoring plumpness, according to HydraFacial.

The HydraFacial uses Hydradermabrasion to flush out the skin and leave that perfect template for putting makeup on – which you can do straight afterwards. The process also uses a gentle vacuum-like technology to clean out pores and supply the skin with the moisture and active ingredients it’s craving for a plumper, dewier, smoother look.

Developed in-house, the fourth booster, called the ReGen GF, is a bioidentical growth hormone designed to support collagen synthesis and restore skin elasticity.

Your clinician can advise which one is right for you!

Book your consultation now by calling 07590 290222!

Plus, it can help smooth fine lines, discoloration and wrinkles. The entire facial is a four-step process (with a couple of optional steps tacked on at the end): It begins with an exfoliation stage, followed by a glycolic and salicylic acid peel, then my favourite part, the extractions, before the final step which is a serum packed with peptides, antioxidants and hylauronic acid. LED light therapy at the end is optional as is our additional Boosters.

The first step, the exfoliation, eliminates dead skin cells on your top layer of skin. The second and third steps, the glycolic and salicylic peels with extractions provide all the benefits of a chemical peel – clearing and minimising pores, enhancing collagen production, smoothing fine lines, improving and tone and texture. The intensive serums replenish the skin in the fourth step, leaving it plumped and shiny, now that everything has been removed from the skin and pores.

Finally a quick round of LED light therapy. Blue light helps to diminish the p.acne bacterium present on the skin and red light helps calm and repair the skin.

68 | Local Women Magazine

Le e An n e X The Hydrafacial Booster options consist of: • Lip treatment • Eye treatment • Zo Brightalive Boost • Zo Rozatrol Boost • Dr Nassif MD Hydraglucan • ReGen Growth Factor Boost • Dermabuilder Boost • Britenol Boost.

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PAYMENT PLANS AVAILABLE Local Women Magazine | 69

SHOULD I CUT MY PRICES?

Roisin and Shauna from McAvoy Molloy Chartered Accountants answers your questions about your business and finances during these difficult times.

Hello Isobella Hello Mc Avoy Molloy I started a Restaurant business in Banbridge, two years ago and registered for VAT having hit the threshold. When Covid arrived, we had to close our doors and the business took a huge hit.

We are ready to open again and it is important to us that we implement social distance guidelines, but this will result in a reduction in footfall.

We are now ready to go but I have been told that the vat rate for restaurants has dropped and I need to know if I must cut my prices on my menu?

Isobella

I hope you are keeping well in these difficult times.

We appreciate this has been a very difficult time for business owners but has been especially significant for those businesses operating within the area of hospitality. Restaurants, as social businesses, have the difficult job of implementing social distance guidelines as advised by the government whilst continuing to create an inviting ambience in which customers can enjoy food in a relaxed but safe environment.

Prior to 15th of July 2020 meals in restaurants, cafes and pubs charged vat at 20%.

Now Rishi Sunak made this eye-catching announcement that this has been reduced to 5%, which takes effect from 15th of July running until 12th January 2021. It is important to note that alcoholic drinks are exempt from this reduction and remain at the previous vat charge of 20%.

on, making their purchases cheaper.

In reality a lot of smaller restaurants like yourselves may use the reduction as a way to get back on your feet. The price you have on the menu are the prices that the meals are sold to the customers – a price which will include vat. The vat reduction does not mean you must reduce your prices.

This new measure is aimed at supporting business and protecting jobs so it is up to you if you want to retain this vat saving for yourselves rather than reduce your prices. This six-month saving on vat may be just the thing that keeps your business afloat.

It is important that the vat rate is updated on your till systems. Good Luck with the opening of your restaurant and stay safe!

Roisin and Shauna

Many major outlets such as Mc Donald’s have McAvoy Molloy Chartered said customers will see reductions passed Accountants & Registered Auditors

28 Castle Meadows, Gilford, 4 Millvale Road, Annaclone, Craigavon, Co. Armagh Banbridge, Co. Down Tel: 078 4265 4263

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47-55 Killyleagh Street, Crossgar, County Down, BT30 9DQ Call us on 028 4483 2880

Local Women Magazine | 71

Building their future together Louise and daughter Caithlen of The Furniture Store NI.

Meet our cover girls, Louise Loughran and her daughter Caithlen, who are working together at The Furniture Store NI in Cookstown to make their business the best.

BY KIM KELLY PICTURES BY ALEXANDRA BARFOOT

C

aithlen Loughran is definitely her mother’s daughter.

Hardworking, sassy, and beautiful, Caithlen and her mum Louise share one more very important trait – they aren’t scared of hard work!

Their ability to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in is why the hardworking mum and daughter team work so well together.

Louise and Caithlen have built up The Furniture Store NI into one of the country’s leading showrooms with customers flocking to the Cookstown store and shopping online on their

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website to avail of some of the finest furniture at the best prices around.

Louise and Caithlen are determined to offer their customers real value for money at The Furniture Store NI while never comprising on quality and style.

It was Louise, 48, who started the business more than 20 years ago, building it up from a ‘side hustle’ to a successful family business.

Louise was working in banking when she decided to branch out into selling furniture all those years ago. And even the fact that she had five small children and a full-time job didn’t stop her from living out her dream.

With her husband Brendan at her side Louise took the plunge and began her dream career.

She explains: “I enjoyed my job at the bank, but it wasn’t what I wanted to do.

I wanted to work for myself and own a business. I wanted to work towards my own goals.

“The opportunity to start The Furniture Store NI presented itself and

I knew I had to take a chance on it.

“I started off with 20 suites of furniture in a basement below the house and it took off from there. As soon as I came home from the bank, I was in there. Often there would be a queue of customers waiting. Right from the beginning it was nonstop.

“I didn’t have a background in furniture, so I learned as I went along which is probably the best way.”

After five years when the business grew too big to be accommodated at her house, so Louise moved to premises in Cookstown town centre where she stayed for seven years.

And for the past eight years, as the business has grown from strength to strength, she has traded from a purpose-built showroom beside her own home.

“Looking back, the journey was very hard going. I had small children and was working full time but as I always say, I am my mother’s daughter. She wasn’t scared of hard work and neither am I.”

And Louise’s work ethic is something that she has instilled into Caithlen who has joined her mum in the business.

Caithlen and Louise complement each other beautifully in business – Louise enjoys leading up the sales team and takes a very hand on approach to selling, dealing with orders and suppliers.

Meanwhile, Caithlen focuses on the online business and has fully embraced social media and The Furniture NI website which became increasingly important during lockdown when the showroom closed.

Caithlen says: “I have worked hard to expand the market for The Furniture Store NI. In this day and age, we are no longer restricted to the local area. We can trade all over the UK and Ireland with an online presence and it has really expanded our business.

“Mum and I work really well together as we focus on different aspects of the business. I am always looking to the future and keeping up to date with new technology and marketing ideas.

“I do Facebook and Instagram videos and it has brought new

business to us from across the country. I have really enjoyed evolving the business and moving it on as trading conditions change.”

Keeping up to date with the latest trends and styles is of paramount importance and indeed The Furniture Store NI were the first stockists of Hollywood Mirrors in Ireland and continue to be the leading suppliers of the much-coveted product.

Louise believes that the success of the business is knowing her customers. As an independent retailer she understands exactly what her customers want. She knows the trends that people want locally and stocks furniture accordingly.

She also works with local interior designers to stock more high-end ranges – and The Furniture Store NI has its own instore interior designer who can help customers achieve their dream look.

“Years of experience has given me and my sales team the ability to help get our customer what they want. They often come in with pages from a magazine or a vague idea of

something they may have seen on television and we pride ourselves on being able to source it.

“We have suppliers all over the world and I love the challenge of finding what a client wants.

We are also very competitive on price and pass savings onto customers.

“Furniture can be a big outgoing, so we run savings schemes and a Christmas Club to keep things affordable.”

So with these two savvy ladies at the helm, it is clear the future is bright for The Furniture Store NI as they constantly expand and grow their business.

Louise says: “There is a lot of work to be done both instore and online. We can never stand still as the market is constantly changing and evolving. It is hard work, but Caithlen and I enjoy the challenge and wouldn’t have it any other way.”

2 TEEBANE RD, COOKSTOWN, TYRONE, BT80 9PJ 14 MILES FROM OMAGH 10 MILES FROM COOKSTOWN INFO@FURNITURESTORENI.CO.UK CALL US ON 07810 063932 OPEN BY APPOINTMENT ONLY MONDAY - FRIDAY 10AM TO 5PM SATURDAY 10AM TO 3PM LATE OPENING THURSDAY

Little Ella-May shows off her cochlear implant WWW.FURNITURESTORENI.CO.UK

Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 73

CAN’T COOK… BUT NOW YOU HAVE TO! Lockdown forced us all to get busy in the kitchen – with a little help from the brilliant new YouTube channel from Millside Kitchen, Cloughmills.

With restaurants closed and takeaways with queues a mile long, we all had to become chefs during lockdown.

So, thank goodness for the amazing new YouTube channel from the team at Millside Restaurant who kept us busy with our favourite recipes.

Chefs Stephanie and Daryl, along with barman TT, showed us how to make gorgeous dinners and delicious cocktails direct from their own kitchens.

RECIPE: SALT AND CHILLI CHICKEN STIR FRY INGREDIENTS • 2 cups crumbs • 1-1/2 tables spoons of each of the rest • Corn flour • Cajun spices • Chilli flakes • Onion salt • Chilli powder • Icing sugar • Pinch salt • Chicken Fillets • Noodles Subscribe to our YouTube channel for instrucitons on how to make.

Glasses of wine in hand and with loads of banter, the trio kept us entertained.

And even if you never make any of the recipes, it’s well worth a watch just for the entertainment value!

COCKTAIL: FRENCH MARTIN

Customers requested their favourite Millside recipes and the chefs got to work preparing them in their kitchens, while TT served up the cocktails.

TT really is the King of Cocktails and has been on numerous courses to learn new skills. He is also great at using substitutes in his recipes so you can use alcohol you have in your house rather than buying lots of new ingredients.

Even for a non-domestic goddess, the recipes are simple to follow and use food you will have in the house rather than items that a r e tricky to source.

With a great deal of humour, the Millside team talk you through the recipes step by step – it really

couldn’t be easier!

Millside owner Stephanie Grey says: “We really missed being at work so this helped us keep connected to our customers. As you can see, we had great fun doing our channel. Everyone found it easy to follow and make and it proved extremely popular.

Send in your requests and we will make some new videos.”

Although restaurants are largely back up and running, some people still prefer to stay at home, so this is the perfect way to keep in touch with all the goings on at Millside.

Subscribe today!

Search Millside Kitchen on www.youtube.com www.facebook.com themillsidecloughmills www.instagram.com/millsidecloughmills 74 | Local Women Magazine

INGREDIENTS • 35ml Vodka • 35ml Chambord • 50ml pineapple juice • 20/25 ml sugar syrup • 25 ml lime Subscribe to our YouTube channel for instrucitons on how to make.

Subscribe to Millside kitchen YouTube channel for full recipe and cooking instructions

“IT FEELS GOOD TO BE OUT” Local Women’s food and drink columnist Paula Gracey ventures back out to some of her favourite restaurants as lockdown eases.

A

nd we are out! The long-awaited release from lockdown finally happened! Socially distanced of course – but we can at last go to

FLAVOURS OF THE MONTH

restaurants now and eat food that we haven't actually cooked ourselves. Bliss!

I couldn't have cared less if I’d been served beans on toast as long as I hadn't made it myself. We had thought long and hard about our first night out and as we were bringing mum and dad (bored out of their scones pottering in the garden) it had to be good so we chose an old favourite, the Windrose in Carrickfergus as we knew it wouldn't disappoint.

Hubby had already ventured into town, having heard the pubs had opened, serving drinks outside or

The weather was rubbish but we didn't care – all

through a hatch, and ended up enjoying his first post

that mattered was getting the glad rags on again! I

lockdown pint in a plastic glass, in a bus shelter in the

was a tad concerned that I might have forgotten how

rain, having ordered it on his phone from the Ulster

to wear heels as it had been over three months since

Sports Club annex of the Merchant Hotel. He sent

their last outing but it turned out to be just like riding a

me a WhatsAp pic of it – I actually think he was quite

bike… you don’t actually forget how.

emotional! It tasted like sweet milk, he said! Maybe it

I also had a new pair of Ben de Lisi striped palazzo

was indeed an illusion.

trousers chomping at the bit to get out, so they won

A much more successful online transaction than

the vote. Our meal was superb, cocktails to start for

when he tried to order a takeaway meal from Just Eat

mum and I – the first sip of that Margarita was delish

and inadvertently ended up applying for a job as a

– gazing out at a lovely view of Carrick Marina, soggy

delivery driver. He is still getting application forms.

as it was. But we had a ball, there was a great atmosphere and buzz about the place – it just felt so good to be out again.

After that, there was no stopping us. Pizza On The Square by Belfast City Hall was next on the list, by way of reciprocating their delicious doorstep deliveries during the horrible lockdown… I made up my own creation of tuna, onion, sweetcorn and mushroom (no cheese in accordance with my lactose intolerant weirdness) while the aroma of the pizza oven cooking it up told us we were well and truly back to the old normal.

If pink is your thing, check out your local Lidl for their new range of summer spirits. Their Hampstead Strawberry Gin, at £14.99, is fresh and aromatic – great as a long summer drink, served cold with some strawbs floating in it to impress guests. Lidl also have their Hortus gin liqueur in Rhubarb & Ginger flavour for £9.99, pop some in a champagne flute and top up with prosecco for a fab fizz. Or, if you are planning a picnic grab some of their tins of flavoured gins in a can for £1.29 each and three flavours to choose from – easy peasy.

There is nothing I enjoy more than a chilled glass of Rose outside in the sun but as my personal default setting is cold, it needs to be sunny and at least 25 degrees so my feet don't turn blue.

That said, I am still enjoying a glass of wine at home and I discovered a lovely Sicilian Rose from the Santa Teresa winery which is a blend of 50% Nero D'Avola and 50% Frapatto. It is a beautiful pale shade salmon pink with notes of berries and hints of rose and violet. Its fresh and fruity with good acidity and a perfect aperitif or paired with seafood, fish and white meat dishes.

For the beer drinkers out there, I have become acquainted with a certain Samuel Adams during lockdown and have since introduced my dad to it.

It’s a Boston Lager full of lovely nutty flavours – you’ll find it in all good off licences. I poured mine into a posh

A refreshing new drink for summer, if it ever comes back. Kopparberg, the Swedish cider people, have just launched a delicious range of Hard Seltzers. The alcohol infused sparkling water range is 5% alcohol, 93 calories per can, carb and gluten free, and vegan friendly – meaning your summer is sorted!

My Windrose restaurant starter… Piri Piri Prawn Pepperonata with toasted focaccia, so spicy and full of flavour it reminded me of long, hot Spanish summers.

glass as I was watching football and didn’t want to be totally blokish!

Until next time…..

Local Women Magazine | 75

With foreign holidays looking uncertain for the time being, Local Women Editor Kim Kelly heads to Lusty Beg Island Resort & Spa for a girls’ weekend away.

As the little boat arrives at Lusty Beg Island The resort is completely self-contained Resort & Spa, we are in holiday mode. on an island but it’s hassle free to get there - the boat only takes two minutes Children are playing along the beautiful to transport your car over. lakeside shoreline; friends are enjoying drinks outside (socially distanced of It’s situated in a remote location near course) and families are taking part in Kesh but yet it is easily accessible from swimming and watersports. the motorway and the journey itself At Lusty Beg in Co Fermanagh, you are stepping into a world of relaxation and tranquility, but there’s lots to do whether you are here for a family break or for a romantic getaway.

is breathtaking as the amazing lakes appear before us.

For my first post-lockdown staycation I am visiting Lusty Beg with my best friend Sandra – we are in desperate need of a Summer 2020 is one we will never good catch up, having only seen each forget…but sadly for all the wrong other via Facetime for months. reasons. As we slowly emerge from We have a great road trip to the resort, lockdown after months in the house, the stopping off for snacks (£90 worth!) and urge to feel normal again is strong. It’s barely noticing the miles passing as we summer – it’s holiday time. Never has a get started on four months of gossip! staycation been so appealing!

As we arrive, I notice all the new safety Personally, I have no intention of travelling protocols in place. Hand sanitiser abroad at the minute. For me things are stations, screens, staff in visors, signage, still too uncertain, but I still want a holiday and a new one-way system through the and within Northern Ireland, Lusty Beg main building has been implemented.

Island is the ideal location.

Luckily Lusty Beg naturally lends itself to social distancing. The accommodation is in self-contained chalets and apartments, so there are no common areas or hotel corridors to navigate, reducing the chance of contamination.

ƒ Kim and Sarah at the Island Spa 76 | Local Women Magazine

The accommodation is spacious and luxurious. You will hardly want to leave your chalet and indeed if you don’t want to, you could easily eat here and enjoy drinks on your veranda. It’s so private and with views over the lakes, you barely notice the other holiday makers around.

ƒ Kim and Sandra enjoyed a road trip to the Island

But we are feeling a little more sociable and head over to the main area of the restaurant where there is an outside terrace, a bar area and a more formal dining room.

The outside area is busy, but people are staying within their social groupings and right now if you want to eat here you have to book in advance.

We opt to eat in the bar area and there’s a great menu, all very reasonably priced.

We enjoy a delicious steak dinner with salad, and it is delicious. The bar area is great to eat in particularly if you have kids. It’s got a very laid-back vibe and you don’t need to dress up – after all

you’re on your holidays!

We had great plans to sightsee and ‘do things’ in the local area however we didn’t actually leave the island. We seemed to spend our two day visit just wandering about the island, drinking coffee by the lake, sitting staring at the water, chatting and generally relaxing.

It’s a really great place for children and there were lots of little groups of young ones enjoying their freedom. But the island is nice and spacious, so it was never noisy or overcrowded.

The next morning, we get our first taste of the new style breakfast set up. Due to Coronavirus precautions, the breakfast buffet is gone – and I for one am delighted! There’s nothing like a buffet to make you overeat. We had to book our place at breakfast and when we arrive, we are shown to our table and brought hot drinks and menus to choose from. We both opt for smoked salmon and scrambled eggs which is perfect.

Other choices are a full Irish breakfast, pancake stack, a vegan breakfast and porridge – and it’s all fresh and made to order – who needs a buffet?

After breakfast we head to The Island Spa. This is a return visit for me and a long awaited one. The spa at Lusty Beg is amazing and I had one of the best ever facials here previously using the Comfort Zone range of products which are exclusive to the spa. Their range of treatments is exceptional.

ƒ The Lakeside Tubs

and Lusty Beg staff clearly love working here. They take time to get to know their guests and nothing is a problem.

It’s raining outside and not very warm – but Sarah takes us over to a wooden bathtub where the water is steaming hot and there are scented rose petals floating on the surface.

We spend a blissful hour in the tub which has beautiful views over the lake and is perfectly private.

It really is so relaxing. Sandra isn’t really a ‘spa kind of girl’ but even she loves it and says she would definitely do it again.

We have a quick freshen up back in our room, then get ready to meet friends for dinner. At Lusty Beg, you don’t really need to get dressed up.

If you want to dress casually you can but equally you can get dressed up – there really are no rules!

A couple of old friends have seen our story on Facebook and come and join us for another great dinner. It’s so good to be out in the company of ‘people’ after being locked up for so many months.

We have a great evening in the busy restaurant where the staff work hard to maintain social distancing. If you want to stay up and have drinks, the bar and terrace are great places to socialise and there are lots of people of all ages having a great time.

There have been a few additions to the spa since my last visit and today we are trying the new lakeside tubs which are outside and have wonderful views.

But we decide on an early night after our busy day at the spa. After another blissful night’s sleep and another huge breakfast, followed by a walk, we head ƒ Enjoying the peaceful location home. The drive home is great – aren’t We are greeted by the lovely Sarah we lucky that nothing is too far away in who is in charge of the spa today. After Norther Ireland? ƒ Kim changing into robes we are led into the relaxation room where we chat and We can thoroughly recommend Lusty Beg for a mini-break – or even longer. It enjoy a cup of herbal tea. is so relaxing, and you definitely get that Sarah is the perfect host and puts holiday vibe. us at our ease. She is great fun and We arrive home refreshed and I feel we end up spending hours lounging like I have been on holidays. We will about chatting to her, taking up lots be back! of her time!

For more information on Lusty Beg see But that’s the great thing about Lusty www.lustybegisland.com where you Beg, the staff always have time for a will find the most competitive prices chat. A hotel is only as good as its staff for accommodation.

Local Women Magazine | 77

To pee or not to pee, Myra’s grandson demonstrates his potty training success as she ponders the bard’s 400th anniversary to conclude that all’s well that ends well

By Myra Dryden

S

drydenmyra@gmail.com

o late at night – or so early in the morning – is it that I am at this precise moment in time able to declare, like Sinatra but with a certain degree of poetic licence, that it is quarter to three and there’s no one in the place except you and me, so fill ‘em up Joe ‘cos I got a little story I want you to know.

But there I have to part company with Ole Blue Eyes for while he has indeed an interesting tale to relate to the longsuffering bar-tender I don’t. Well not really. Unless you count the fact that this month Patricia and Jenny her cat

caught up with me in as much as we are now all seventy years of age. And we have to thank God that we are reasonably hale and hearty; although only one of us is still able to enter and exit the house via the kitchen window, catch running mice, and stay out all night returning triumphantly from an obvious fight with only a torn ear. But that’s Patricia for you, at least when she’s not hoovering.

With regards to the latter, the walls of the venue where her birthday party was held were covered with pictures of Patricia at various stages of her life, and believe it or not one of those had caught her in the act of hovering. Yes, hovering! And as avid followers of this column (and why wouldn’t you be) you will realise the significance of that.

I pounced on it at once and ran all the way down to Local Women to show it to the editor, Darinagh, who agreed with me that it was indeed a fantastic find; although due to the age and quality (of the paper not Patricia) she was not sure about being able to include it here. So I have to wait until publication day to find out.

Another fantastic event this month involves my grandson, Jack, who is now almost potty

78 | Local Women Magazine

trained. When he got here last weekend he climbed out of the car covered in stickers, rewards from the nursery for each potty visit. There were so many I didn’t know whether to hug him or read him (sorry). But you notice I said almost so you can imagine what his stay was like for us: people rushing from all arts and parts of the house when those three little words – I go potty – echoed up and down the stairwells. And during those three harrowing days we had more accidents than he did as we endeavoured to keep him dry to maintain his nursery record.

In the rush to his aid I careered into my daughter at least three times, on the last occasion skidding on the bathroom mat to end up in the shower cubicle entangled in the curtain, and losing consciousness for two seconds into the bargain; echoing that time in Dunnes when I plunged out of the small changing area after getting both lower limbs caught up in the same trouser (a great bargain) leg. I don’t think they’re over it yet – I know I’m not.

One writer, though, who has achieved such an accolade, and whose life story I have just now viewed on Sky Arts, is Harper Lee, who received the Pulitzer Prize You’ll be delighted to in 1961 for her much acclaimed hear, however, that and celebrated novel, To Kill a Jack retained his Mockingbird. At the highest end potty reputation, aw, of the literary scale it deals with a and sure that’s all that number of ideas and themes among which counts; I mean, what’s a black eye, a poke in the are Racism, family, small town America, and ribs, numerous contusions ( thank God for Holby growing up in that same small town of Maycomb in City and the knowledge gained therein) and a pair the Southern United States during the depression of wonky glasses – sure wasn’t it all in a good cause? years of the thirties.

You have to say those things, don’t you, although Most readers remember it for the main plot I have collected photographic evidence for future where a white lawyer defends a negro who has reference: Like years down the line when I been falsely accused of raping a white want my grandson to do something girl. The man, Tom Robinson, for me, because only Charlotte is of course in this racist era has the right to quote Dolly found guilty; but despite this Parton’s No Charge when she negative, pessimistic ending wants the garden raked or the there is a suggestion of hope rubbish taken out. and change coming in the Yet another noteworthy manner in which the jury event this month was conclude: international book day; although “Tom’s jury sho’ made up its I didn’t even know that (Yes, you’re mind in a hurry”, Jem muttered. right, shame on me) until I collided Atticus’s fingers went to his watch-pocket. “No it in town with Jenny Doherty, of Little Acorns bookshop, as she was hurrying to talk to Mark didn’t”, he said, more to himself than to us. “That Patterson about it on his radio show. Joke alert, was the one thing that made me think, well, this second time out: I was in Specsavers yesterday and may be the shadow of a beginning. That jury took a few hours. An inevitable verdict, maybe, but guess who I bumped into? Everybody! usually it takes ‘em just a few minutes.”

Apropos of the book business, I have started It is often wondered why such a brilliant author using the library again in my search for other did not produce another novel after that; and when novels by Anna Jacobs, in which I was successful to the question was put to Lee the tune of three more volumes. And may I remind you what I have already said of this author: The herself her answer was plots are weak with situations repeated over again “When you have a hit in each story: one in particular involving old ladies like that, you can’t go being done out of their various assets by wicked anywhere but down.”

And finally, this nephews, but who are rescued in the nick of time by the numerous good characters who traverse the month saw the four pages; characters who restore your faith in human hundredth anniversary nature, even if only in fiction, for those same of Shakespeare’s death, characters are sadly lacking in real life. But for that and if he had adopted that same short length of time it takes to read these novels attitude we would not have had the huge body of you can hope that individuals such as they do exist work which he wrote in his lifetime: thirty seven somewhere. You’ve gathered, then, that she won’t plays and, if I remember correctly, one hundred and fifty seven sonnets. get the Man Booker.

In the hundred or so words left to me here I could not possibly do justice to that oeuvre, but I would like to dwell for a few moments on a small excerpt from one of my favourite soliloquies, the much and often quoted “To be or not to be”, where Hamlet toys with the idea of suicide but decides that the uncertainty of what comes when we have “shuffled off this Mortal Coil” is too off-putting. In what appears to be cool, sane reasoning we get a glimpse of Hamlet’s philosophy of life, and four hundred years on we can still join forces with him in his frustration and anger towards “The slings and arrows of [sometimes] outrageous fortune” which most of us have been subjected to in our lives; some of which include,

The whips and scorns of time, The oppressor’s wrong, the proud man’s contumely, The pangs of despised love, the laws delay, The insolence of office…

Of the above “the law’s delay” stands out, and I can just imagine the unfortunate individual who has tripped over a broken pavement in Shipquay Street – witnessed by the world and his wife, been carried home by two men and a wee fella, was in plaster for three months, submitted numerous photo shots through his solicitor of the offending massionary , suffered Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome ever since, yet four years later has still not seen so much as a scoric (as my father would have put it) from his claim.

And as Hamlet further puts it:

Who would [such] fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death – The undiscovered country from whose bourn No traveller returns – puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than fly to others we know not of?

So, good luck with that then, yee poor criter (me mother there).

At this point my son comes in to see how I am progressing; and just when I thought I was inches from a clean getaway (if Jack Nicholson will permit) he scans the screen and declares, you

Local Women Magazine | 79

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with Anna Nelis

H

ey, everyone, it’s your girl Anna back!

We are now literally in week 1 million of lockdown‌ HELP ME!!!! Lockdown is getting so much easier- thank god!

We can go out on day trips now, and I have been playing with my friends more and visiting my fam.

I can`t wait to go back to school on the 24th of August. I`m going into primary seven. Hip hip hurray! One thing that I love, is picking my new shoes and school bag. I don`t want to go through the stress of tying my shoelaces, so this is the reason why I chose slip on vans this year. Sadly, we are not allowed a school bag or stationery this year, but my choice was either a Hype bag or a Harry Potter one.

Last week I went on a family staycation to Dublin. I woke up at 5:30 in the morning and my dad drove all of us to the zoo. Thanks mum and dad! When we got to the zoo, it was a lovely day and we were that excited, we were jumping up and down. I loved the baby rhino. It was chasing it`s mummy and we were laughing. I loved the painted dogs, they were so cute. After seeing all the animals, we went to the hotel. I would recommend the zoo.

I loved exploring around Dublin. My fav street was Grafton Street because it had a Lush store, the Disney store, and a really nice cream shop.

Of course, my mummy took me into Pennys, hun! I love shopping, especially without my two annoying little brothers being there!

I got a really nice surprise this month, when my second cousin, Bronach made a beautiful poster about 10 Derry girls and used my picture in it. I am very happy with it. Thank you, Bronach!

82 | Local Women Magazine

Chocolate Spread Cake

I love watching craft hacks, fashion hacks and food recipe hacks on YouTube. It gives you ideas for really cool hacks and 5 minute recipes.

The craft hacks teach you that you don’t have to dump old dolls and clothes, instead you can reuse and upcycle them. Some of the ideas are really easy and I love trying them out on rainy days. And we’ve had lots of those in July!

This month I will show you the Chocolate Spread Cake in a Mug 5 minute recipe.

As soon as I watched the video, I was busting to make it! There are only 3 ingredients- chocolate spread, one beaten egg and self-raising flour.

3 tbsp chocolate spread 1 beaten egg 2 tbsp self-raising flour

Mix the chocolate spread and egg together in a mug, then add the flour, mix again, and put it in the microwave for 1 to 1 and 1/2 minutes.

If you love chocolate spread, then you will loooovvveee this!!

TOP TIP ADD ICECREAM AND STRAWBERRIES FOR A DELICIOUS DESERT.

Sis V Bro Pizza Challenge

M

e and my bro, Lorcan, did a Sis vs Bro pizza challenge on a rainy day. It was lots of fun, because you are competing against someone else to see who can make the best pizza. We went to the shop and bought our toppings, and then it was time to beat Lorcan at the challenge!

For my pizza I used Bbq sauce for the base.

My toppings were,

• • • • • •

Smoked chicken Bacon Cheese Sweetcorn Tobacco onions Pineapple

Lorcans toppings were,

• • • • •

Chorizo Ham Cheese Sweetcorn Bacon

My Daddy said that pineapple on pizza should be illegal, but it is sooo good!

Lorcan made a face on his pizza from chorizo, cheese, ham, bacon and sweetcorn. We let Faolan choose the winner and he picked Lorcan. Booooo!

See you for the next challenge, Lorcan!

Maybe you could do your own challenges and tag us on Facebook or Instagram.

Local Women Magazine | 83

BAR AND RESTAURANT HOP ON OVER TODAY rabbithotel.com

86 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Mary

Mark

BRIDE: Mary Kane, from Belfast ; Daughter of Bobby Kane from Belfast; Patricia Kane from Coleraine GROOM: Mark Delaney, from Belfast; Son of Kevin Delaney from Belfast; The late Bernie Delaney Dundrum, Dublin WEDDING DATE: 31/12/19 CEREMONY: St Patrick and St Brigids Glenariffe, County Antrim RECEPTION: Kilmore Country house, Glenariffe County Antrim CHIEF BRIDESMAID: Frances Kane BRIDESMAID: Niamh Mccann BEST MAN: Peter Delaney GROOMSMAN: Barry Venus PHOTOGRAPHY: E Media & Photography (Edel Fearon) FLOWERS: Kathryns flower barn MAKEUP: S.A.K designs (Stacey Kirkpatrick)

Local Women Magazine | 87

88 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Laura-Jayne

Adam BRIDE: Laura-Jayne Watson, from Bangor; Daughter of Helene and David Watson, Bangor GROOM: Adam McNeill, from Coleraine; Son of Ivreen and Bryan McNeill, Coleraine WEDDING DATE: 17/08/19 CEREMONY: Culloden Estate and Spa RECEPTION: Culloden Estate and Spa BRIDESMAIDS: Joanne Canning, Ruth Watson, Carly Watson and Jane Cunningham BEST MAN: Kris McNeill and Mark Longshawe GROOMSMEN: Adam Stringer, Darren Fillis, William Parsons, Gary McNeill and Jack McNeill PHOTOGRAPHER: Clement Dealey HAIR: Gemma Irvine Hair Boutique MAKE-UP: Stephanie Burns, Lisburn DRESS: Jenny Lindop, Bangor FLOWERS: Country Bumpkin, Bangor

Local Women Magazine | 89

90 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Alexis

Liam

BRIDE: Alexis McKendry, from Loughgiel; Daughter of Seamus & Anna McKendry, Loughgiel GROOM: Liam McCann, from Glenravel; Son of Willie & Deirdre McCann, Glenravel WEDDING: 1st November 2019 CEREMONY: St Patrick’s Church, Loughgiel RECEPTION: Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine BRIDESMAIDS: Eimear McKay, Tanisha McKendry, Kacee McKendry BEST MAN: Peter Hughes GROOMSMEN: Kevin Gallagher, Martin Higgins PHOTOGRAPHER: John Curly McIlwaine HAIR: Shaunie McAuley, Shaunie’s Hair Salon MAKE-UP: Make-up by Julie Smith DRESS: Logans Bridal

Local Women Magazine | 91

92 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Denise

Lee

BRIDE: Denise Gourley, from Garvagh; Daughter of Bert & Maisie Anderson, Kilrea GROOM: Lee Boreland, from Garvagh; Son of Hugh & Mabel Borland, Aghadowey WEDDING DATE: 31.12.19 CEREMONY: Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine RECEPTION: Bushtown Hotel, Coleraine BRIDESMAIDS: Karen Black, Amy Gourley, Caitlin Gourley BEST MAN: Gary Davidson GROOMSMEN: Aaron Boreland, Kyle Gourley PHOTOGRAPHER: Clement Dealey HAIR: Angles Hair Design, Garvagh MAKE-UP: Heavenly Beauty, Garvagh DRESS: White Gold Bridal, Broughshane FLOWERS: Blooms By Nikki, Bangor CAKE: Sugar Rush Cakes, Coleraine CARS: Perfect Day Wedding Cars NI, Cullybackey

Local Women Magazine | 93

94 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Hollie

Daniel

BRIDE: Hollie Powell daughter of Derek & Elaine Powell, Ballykelly GROOM: Daniel Kelly son of Anthony & Freda Kelly, Aghanloo, Limavady WEDDING: 5th October, 2019 CEREMONY: St Mary’s Chapel, Limavady RECEPTION: Roe Park Resort, Limavady BRIDESMAIDS: Demi Moore & Robyn McKeegan FLOWERGIRLS: Kaci & Khloe Kelly BEST MAN: Gerard Kelly GROOMSMAN: Kieran Kelly USHER: Jamie Powell PHOTOGRAPHER: Clement Dealey, Coleraine

Local Women Magazine | 95

96 | Local Women Magazine

LW WEDDINGS

Grace

Mark

BRIDE: Grace Campbell, from Moy; Daughter of George & Anne Campbell, Moy GROOM: Mark King, from Desertmartin; Son of Robert Campbell & Margaret King, Desertmartin WEDDING DATE: 03rd July 2019 CEREMONY: St James’ Parish Church, Moy RECEPTION: The Renaissance Suite, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort BRIDESMAIDS: Joanne Kirkland - Bride’s Best Friend, Charlotte Willis - Bride’s Cousin FLOWERGIRL: Jane Campbell - Groom’s Cousin BEST MAN: Simon King - Groom’s Brother GROOMSMAN: Gary Campbell - Bride’s Brother PAGE BOY: Luke Campbell - Groom’s Cousin PHOTOGRAPHER: Michael McKay Photography, Randalstown HAIR: Hair & Beauty Lounge, Moy MAKE-UP: Allison Weir Make-Up BRIDE’S DRESS: White Gold Bridal, Broughshane BRIDESMAIDS DRESS: Creative Ideas, Cookstown FLOWERGIRL’S DRESS: Petticoat Lane, Hillsborough FLOWERS: David McConkey Floral Couture, Ballynahinch

Local Women Magazine | 97

Using our architectural skills, the team at Gravity Architects are re-creating workplace layouts to maximise space and safety – and get you back to work With the Covid-19 crisis an ongoing battle, social distancing is of paramount importance. Never has ‘keeping apart to stay together’ been more important. But, as businesses gradually get the green light to reopen, the problem of how to keep employees and customers safe within your workplace is proving problematic.

Going forward businesses need to ensure that safety is the number one priority and a significant change in how we operate as a society is underway.

That’s why you need to ‘future proof’ your business to keep the spread of Covid-19 to a minimum so you can keep trading. But the new social distancing guidance is throwing up a myriad of problems for businesses who operate in confined spaces, or with many staff, or who are customer facing.

That’s where UK and Ireland based Gravity Architects can help you. The team at Gravity Architects are using their specialist design skills to make sure your business is compliant and your staff and customers are safe. Architects work every day to maximise space in small buildings and are perfectly placed to show you space saving ideas. Years of design experience means that Gravity Architects have the ability to find solutions to your problems. They can help with office or shop layouts and show you the space saving tricks of the trade

that will make your business operate more means that we can help you find solutions efficiently while staying safe. to your problems right now.

Liam Nelis said: “Architects test their skills every day working on floor plans of buildings to maximise function and utilise every inch of space. “We are well versed in working to strict guidelines and have the ability to cut through the red tape and get projects moving.

“Many businesses have said they feel their layout means they will never be able to open their doors again – but we believe there is a solution to every problem.

SHORT-TERM SOLUTIONS

MEDIUM-TERM SOLUTIONS

LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS

Our short-term solutions will ensure your business can start to operate at the earliest opportunity whilst maintaining safety for colleagues and customer.

Medium-term solutions will provide an opportunity to start operating with a higher level of staffing whilst maintaining safety and social distancing protocol.

Long-term solutions will maximise your operational opportunities whilst minimising the risk and disruption in the future.

“We will work with you to make your business work. We will ensure that your business is fully compliant with government guidance “There is nothing we love more than a so that we can all get back to work as soon challenge and our years of design skills as possible.”

For more information call on 028 7126 3206 or email Liam at lnelis@gravityarchitects.co.uk

www.gravityarchitects.co.uk 98 | Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 99

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