Local Women Mid-Ulster Edition April 2021

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Arlene & Michelle

ARLENE FOSTER AND MICHELLE O’NEILL ANSWER LOCAL WOMEN READERS’ QUESTIONS.

● WHAT’S IT LIKE BEING A FEMALE LEADER? ● WHO DO THEY TURN TO FOR SUPPORT? ● ARE THEY REALLY FRIENDS? ISSN 2050-859X 9 772050 859006

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AUSTRALIA'S MOST WANTED SEE OUR REVIEW OF THIS WINE ON PAGE 92 MERLOT

The grapes for this Merlot were picked and crushed during the cool of night, thus ensuring the retention of varietal character, while modern winemaking techniques were employed throughout. Much of Merlot’s popularity is derived from its juicy flavours, and mellow mouth feel. Therefore, this wine was fermented in rotary fermenters, which helped bring out the wonderful colour and flavours, but ensured that the tannins were soft and fine. Minimal oak handling was also an important feature inclusion of the winemaking allowing for the fruit to be the primary feature of this wine. The of some central Victorian fruit in the blend has further intensified both the colour and flavour, creating a wine of increased complexity and quality.

PINOT GRIGIO

This wine is made from a blend of fruit grown in the Goulburn Valley and South East Australia from a combination of our own vineyards and our contract growers. Following crushing of the grapes during the cool of the night, the Pinot Grigio juice is cold settled and racked clean ready for fermentation. An aromatic yeast was used for inoculation and the juice is cold fermented in stainless steel tanks. The resulting wine is fresh and vibrant displaying applesand pears with floral spicy notes. The palate is clean, displaying green crunchy fruit with a crisp long finish.

CHARDONNAY

SHIRAZ

The grapes for this Shiraz were picked and crushed during the cool of night, thus ensuring the retention of varietal character, while modern winemaking techniques were employed throughout, all of which help to create the signature McPherson style. Fermentation took place in sweeping arm red fermenters, giving the wine a denser, richer colour and allowing for gentle flavour extraction. Softer tannins are also a result of this process, an important feature of the McPherson Shiraz style. Careful attention was also paid to the oak selection for the Shiraz. This wine was aged on American oak for approximately 8 months, giving the wine a noticeable, but not an excessive oak influence. The inclusion of some central Victorian fruit into the blend has boosted both the colour.

The fruit for the Kelly’s Patch Chardonnay was sourced from the Goulburn Valley on the vineyards neighbouring the winery. This region has long, warm sunny days and mild evening temperatures which are perfect for the growing of good quality Chardonnay.

The grapes were harvested during the cool of the night to maintain fruit freshness and gently pressed to minimise phenolic characters.

The wine was fermented in various parcels, with a small portion receiving careful oak treatment, with extended lees contact to build structure yet retain good fruit balance.

KELLY’S GANG SHIRAZ

Kelly’s Gang Shiraz is bold and full of flavour.

The nose displays sweet plums, cassis, chocolate and spice. The exuberant palate delivers ripe berry fruit along with a touch of pepper and spice. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 3-4 years. Enjoy with pizza, pasta or your favourite BBQ dish.

KELLY’S GANG SAUVIGNON BLANC

Kelly’s Gang Sauvignon Blanc is vibrant and refreshing. The nose displays lifted passionfruit and citrus notes. The fruit forward palate delivers ripe fruit flavours balanced by some lovely crisp acidity on the finish. Enjoy now or cellar for up to 2-3 years. Enjoy with salads or your favourite seafood dish.

SAUVIGNON BLANC

This wine is made from a blend of fruit grown in the Goulburn Valley Eastern Australia from our own vineyards. Following delivery and crushing of the grapes during the cool of the night, the Sauvignon Blanc juice was cold settled and racked.

An aromatic yeast was used for inocculation and this parcel was cool fermented for 7 days. The resulting wine is fresh and vibrant showing lovely tropical fruit flavours with a hint of typical herbaceous Sauvignon Blanc characters.

KELLY’S GANG The Last Word

At Kelly’s Patch we are increasing the outlets where you can buy our wines daily.

At present you can purchase at Tesco’s, Sainsbury’s and Chill off licence.

Check www.kellyspatch.com new outlets.

‘We are all sisters… with split ends’ Did you ever imagine that in the midst of a worldwide health crisis, hair would take on such importance?

five minutes you are discussing childbirth and whether or not you had stitches?

Editor Kim Kelly

Soon, she knows about your relationship problems and you know that she is desperately worried about her elderly mother who may be showing signs of Alzheimer’s. You don’t exchange names, but you exchange stories and experiences.

I can honestly say I have never talked about my hair so much.

Yes, I know it’s not life or death (it’s more important than that!) - but no matter where I am, if I meet another woman, we touch our heads, roll our eyes and exchange tales of whose hair looks the worst.

Go onto social media and you will see ladies sharing stories of breakdowns, prolapses and the menopause.

Some call it oversharing – we call it bonding.

“Aw, sure mine’s like straw!”… “Och, I’m like Cher in her Sonny and Cher days!”…. “Don’t look at my roots, I’m like a badger!” we moan to each other.

Women often stand accused of being superficial because of our perceived love of makeup, hair, beauty, and fashion – but yet our conversations are far from superficial.

While men banter about football, we as women find common ground – right now it’s our hair – and then we move swiftly on to more personal matters.

This initial openness of course leads on to much more personal topics. In no time we are discussing relationships, children, and health problems … yet we have only just met.

During lockdown we have missed this daily social interaction, this glorious oversharing, this woman bonding. And where’s the one place we can do a lot of our oversharing? The salon. Let’s face it, your hairdresser knows more about you than your GP does!

In 2021 with all the salons closed, hair has become the new way in which women bond. We stand in solidarity with each other with our frazzled ends and grey streaks.

We are sisters … with split ends!

The way in which women bond is something that men really don’t understand. I get the impression that men think women talk about recipes or what’s on television or makeup. News flash: We don’t! When women meet, they talk – I mean… they really talk.

So, let’s rejoice in the knowledge that salons will soon be open, and we can once again talk to strangers about the most intimate details of our lives – oh, and sort out those roots!

Until next month,

How many times have you sat down beside a woman you don’t know in a waiting room or on a bus and within

Calling all lockdown wedding couples During these dark days, your beautiful lockdown weddings have been a beacon of hope.

We love it when you send in your pictures and share the joy of your special day with Local Women readers.The pictures of your lockdown ceremonies that appear in this magazine are all so full of love – it’s heartwarming.

So, if you have recently married, had a civil partnership, or had your civil partnership converted to a marriage, get in touch. We’d love to share in your celebrations by printing the pictures of your big day.

Don’t worry if it was a lowkey event and you’re planning a bigger celebration in the future, we are happy to print both weddings – double the fun!

All you have to do is email 10 of your wedding pictures to editor@localwomensnews. com with details of your bridal party. There is no charge for this.

MANAGING EDITOR: KIM KELLY editor@localwomensnews.com DESIGNER: AIDAN NELIS design@localwomensnews.com SALES: salesmid@localwomensnews.com ACCOUNTS: accounts@localwomensnews.com

4 | Local Women Magazine

SALES

0845 241 1640

Local Women Magazine

Unit 6, Springrowth House, Derry~ Londonderry, BT48 0GG

w www.localwomenmagazine.com The publisher does not guarantee the accuracy of statements by contributors or advertisers, or accept responsibility for any statement that they may express in this publication. The publication of an advertisement does not imply endorsement of a product, service or promotional event.

WOMEN IN FINANCE

on providing ethical financial services for those in our local community. We want to develop financial education among our members, allow them access to credit at affordable rates and be flexible to respond to pressures they face.

SPOTLIGHT ON:

Feedback from members about our services is what drives us to develop our Credit Union

LISA MCCLOSKEY

within the local community.

Has your work within the community given you

Manager, Dungannon Credit Union Ltd

a different outlook on the world around you?

The last year has proven how important

How long have you been involved with the

local communities are in times of need. We

credit union at any level?

have been astounded at the generosity,

I have been a member of my local Credit

great work and support which has been

Union since primary school, and have been

given freely to the most vulnerable and are

in my current role for nearly four years now.

Working closely with an experienced Board of Directors and an excellent team of staff, who are all genuinely committed to our members, helped me to settle in quickly.

Can you tell us about a role model who has inspired you over your career?

into practise what they taught me and hope that in the future I can be that inspiration for others to develop in their careers also.

What makes working for the credit union so special?

very proud of how Dungannon has reacted to this pandemic.

What is the most important message you want to send out to women?

Life goals should not be gender specific.

Decide what you want to achieve and do

Working in the Credit Union is very rewarding.

not let anyone put you off course. Surround

We can see first-hand the difference we can

yourself with positive people and don’t believe

make in our members lives. We have helped

career, however two notable people stand

everything you see or hear. In the current

members purchase their first car, to get them

out. Both previous female managers, working

trend of influencers on social media platforms,

to their first permanent job; helped to finance

remember most of that contact is filtered,

full time mums, that I reported to, demonstrated

their big day; to cover the costs of equipment

especially the images, so don’t compare

every day how to develop and mentor staff

for their first child. In those important occasions

yourself to others to make you feel less worthy.

to get the best results for the members, the

in our members lives, we have supported them.

Be kind in everything you do, we are all just

business and the team. Every day I try to put

We are not driven by profit; we concentrate

trying to survive after all!

I have been lucky to have worked with a number of amazing people throughout my

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ARLENE AND MICHELLE:

WORKING TOGETHER FOR WOMEN

First Minister Arlene Foster and Deputy First Minister Michelle O’Neill come together to speak exclusively to Local Women Editor Kim Kelly about their lives behind the headlines, dealing with internet trolls and who they turn to when things get tough.

Portraits by Alexandra Barfoot

“I ADMIT, I CRIED”

It’s fair to say that Arlene Foster is not prone to tears.

“SIX DAYS AFTER GIVING BIRTH I SAT MY GCSES”

When we meet at our appointed time at her office in Enniskillen, the First Even as a teenager Michelle O’Neill was prepared to stand up for herself Minister is as calm and collected as she appears on television. when she thought something was wrong.

She is busy fielding Zoom meetings and phone calls, but she exudes When she was advised that she would probably have to stay back a year an air of a woman very much in control. In fact, she’s ready for us five in school because she fell pregnant at just 15 years old, she said nothing minutes early.

– but she knew that was simply not going to happen.

Today she is carrying out constituency work from her office. It’s far from Instead, she quietly threw herself into her studies and six days after the grandeur of Stormont but she is clearly relaxed in her hometown and giving birth to her daughter Saoirse she was sitting her first GCSE – just tells us about the kind of day-to-day work she does from here. for context she spent four of those days in intensive care.

This isn’t the kind of work that will ever make the headlines, but is, she says, the reason why she became involved in politics.

“There was no way I was repeating the year,” says Michelle. “I worked extra hard all of fifth year because I knew I wanted to go into sixth form with my friends.”

CONTINUES ON PAGE 10

CONTINUES ON PAGE 11 Local Women Magazine | 9

“I ADMIT, I CRIED” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

“By the time people contact us here, they are often desperate and have exhausted all other avenues,” she explains. “They need help, and we try our best to advocate for them.”

She tells us about working with someone in need just before Christmas – a woman who was desperate for help.

Arlene explains: “She had a child, and it was Christmas – she had no money, and she didn’t know what to do. We managed to get her sorted so that she could have a proper Christmas.

“Not long after she came back to say thank you and she had a bunch of flowers with her. It was a little bunch from Tesco’s but I knew she could ill afford them.

“Her gesture really touched me and after she had gone, I admit, I cried. The fact that she had gone to the trouble to thank me really touched me.

“This is what my job is really about. Yes of course a part of it is what you see on television but much of it – and the part that I like best – is

“I think I’ll sneak off and call my hairdresser before I announce the reopening at the press conference so I can get the first appointment!” here in the constituency office advocating for people. Helping people who can’t speak for themselves for various reasons.”

This is a softer side to Arlene that we don’t see on our television screens. In person, she is younger looking and isn’t as serious as you might expect.

She’s witty and surprisingly sassy – but it’s not hard to imagine she doesn’t suffer fools gladly.

She admits that she isn’t one for procrastination and likes to see things through with as little fuss as possible.

What is perhaps more surprising is that Arlene (and every other female politician in Northern Ireland) doesn’t cry more often, given the daily abuse she receives online.

Imagine a life where someone else has to manage your Twitter account so that you don’t wake up each morning to a barrage of insults, threats and sexist comments.

Of course, being in the public eye, you would expect a certain level of criticism – but if you type Arlene’s name into Twitter, you couldn’t fail to be shocked by the horrendous, violent language and personal insults in reply to even the most mundane of posts that she puts out.

The rather unsatisfactory solution to this problem is for Arlene to remove Twitter from her phone and allow a staff member to monitor the account.

That particularly unpleasant daily job falls to Deborah in Arlene’s constituency office. A mild mannered, friendly young woman, she is clearly uncomfortable with what she sees online.

“It’s horrible,” she says simply. “It’s not the kind of thing you would want your children or parents to read. We delete most of it.”

The more threatening comments, says Arlene, are sent to the PSNI to deal with, including one recent comment which was

posted after she did a joint press conference with Michelle O’Neill in Armagh in front of a row of trees, and someone commented that they would “like to see her hanging” from them.

“Twitter in particular is a cesspit,” she says.

“What people seem to forget at times is that I am a mother, a wife and a daughter. I have an 87-year-old mother who doesn’t need to see this kind of thing, I have to protect them.

“Of course, this is upsetting for my children, they are at an age where they are able to see this kind of thing. There’s been tears of course and I don’t want them to have to worry about this.

“And how do we encourage young women to get involved in politics if this is what they will have to face?”

So, what’s the solution? As regular users of social media know, online trolling has never been worse.

We are talking just days after the documentary about the suicide of TV personality Caroline Flack aired. Someone who, according to her family, was tormented by the disgusting comments written about her on social media and in particular Twitter.

“Right now, anyone can set up a Twitter account and say anything to anyone. I’d like to see the social media companies regulating this,” she says. “I understand that some people want to remain anonymous online but at present not even the people who own Twitter know who owns certain accounts. That can’t be right.

There’s no accountability.”

Not that Arlene has completely given up on social media. She recently set up an Instagram account where she shares more candid pictures and in particular pictures of her new rescue cat India.

“I could count on one hand the negative comments I have received on Instagram. It’s a totally different environment and probably more like the reception I get in real life.

“When I am walking about Enniskillen the majority of people are perfectly nice. They like to come up to me and chat and often they tell me they are praying for me, which is lovely.

“Outside of my area people tend not to recognise me as much but I can see them looking and asking each other – is that her? Overall people are extremely pleasant in real life.”

But does the abuse ever make her feel like giving up? Are there days she feels like pulling the covers

CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

10 | Local Women Magazine

“SIX DAYS AFTER GIVING BIRTH I SAT MY GCSES” CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Those of you reading this who are over 40 will of course remember what it was like back in the 80s and 90s when a schoolgirl found herself pregnant.

Generally, she was allowed to continue her education in a limited fashion, with little support from the school, while her boyfriend, even if he attended the same school, was usually allowed to carry on as normal.

To our modern minds it seems grossly unfair and to 15-year-old Michelle it certainly seemed wrong.

However, in her quiet way she beat the system.

“I was home schooled for a year in case I ‘contaminated’ the other children,” she says with a wry laugh.

“The other day my mum told me to stop wearing the same coat all the time on television because she was sick looking at it!”

Obviously, that was the way it was then for Michelle’s face fills with emotion when she talks everyone. I didn’t like having to work with a about her parents who she describes as “just tutor at home, but it was better than nothing. lovely, kind people.”

“One thing I did know though was that I was On our television screens Michelle can appear not going to drop out or repeat a year. I was serious and a sometimes a little stern - hardly determined that wasn’t going to happen.” surprising given the year we have been through!

But in real life she is much softer and warmer.

She’s a real people person and describes herself as a natural optimist. And she’s clearly at her most relaxed at her constituency office in Cookstown She made sure she had done enough work so that where people wave at her as she crosses the street. the short break she had to give birth didn’t affect her exams. By September she was back in school with her She says she enjoys her constituency work and loves the contrast between that and her work classmates, ready to start her A level course. in Stormont.

Michelle says that by sharing her story of being a teenage mum, she hopes to reach out to other “I like that one minute I could be talking to the US Vice President Kamala Harris and the next I’m young women in the same position. talking to a woman from the local area who is “If even one young girl reading this is facing a maybe having a problem with her housing. teenage pregnancy and is feeling bad, please know there is light at the end of the tunnel. Things “I enjoy meeting people from all backgrounds and being in politics allows you to meet such a diverse will work out. Just keep on going,” she says. range of people. It’s fascinating.”

Thankfully, attitudes have changes to teenage mums over the years and these days Politics was never the big plan for a young women are supported through their young Michelle - but with her dad pregnancies by schools and various different Brendan being a local councillor, it was something that came to her government agencies. naturally as she enjoyed seeing And while Michelle had to stoically deal with him helping people in her area. the old-fashioned attitudes of people on the outside world, at her home in Clonoe, Co Tyrone She began attending rallies. she was supported completely by her partner “When I was young and full and by her mum and dad who wrapped their of energy,” she laughs. She herself became a local teenage daughter up in their love and care. councillor before becoming From the moment she told them her news, they the first female mayor of made sure she was safe and happy. her area – something of “Mum and dad were so lovely about it. They never which she remains very once shouted or were angry. They just wanted the proud. best for me. They made everything alright.

“It was a great year being “With their support and the support of my partner, mayor and something I will I was able to be a mum and continue with school. treasure forever. I met people “They made sure I never missed out. When from every background and area.

I went back to school, I was able to socialise It was an honour,” she says.

And so, she found herself sitting her first GCSE six days postpartum – at home with an outside invigilator.

sometimes with my friends while mum looked after Saoirse. She gave up work to help me.”

transformed. It’s a hectic lifestyle, with long hours and relentless pressure.

“I wake up in the morning thinking I know what the day has in store for me,” she says.

“Everything is planned out. Then it all changes.

No two days are the same.

“Politics is tough, leadership is tough, but I am motivated by the goals I have yet to achieve. I have so much left that I want to do and so many people that I want to help.”

But of course, with that comes the fact that she is now one of the best known and most recognisable women in the country.

How does she cope living her life in the public eye, particularly in this world where social media plays such a huge role?

“Social media really is an ugly world but it’s not real life,” she says. “I manage my own social media accounts and to be honest I don’t read the comments. Who has time for that? Haters gonna hate,” she says with a laugh.

Now, as Deputy First Minister, Michelle’s life has been

CONTINUES ON PAGE 12

Local Women Magazine | 11

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10 back over her head and saying – not today!

“Of course,” she laughs. “Anyone who says they don’t want to take a day off at times would be lying. But the good outweighs the bad and if I am one thing, I am someone who sees things through, so I continue!”

Arlene says her support network helps her through citing her “long suffering husband” Brian as a great source of comfort – along with her three best friends with whom she shared a flat at Queen’s University and who have enjoyed a lifelong friendship.

These are the people she turns to when she needs to unburden. I ask her if it’s true that there are no friends in politics, and she laughs.

“That’s probably accurate, we are there to do a job. I have known Peter Weir (Education Minister) since my first day at Queen’s when he encouraged me to join the Young Unionists. In terms of work colleagues, I am probably closest to Peter, but my main network remains outside of politics.”

It’s interesting that with so many hot debates raging right now about Covid-19 restrictions, Brexit, the Northern Ireland Protocol and so on, that much of our conversation revolves around mental health.

It’s clearly something that is weighing on

Arlene’s mind and she admits that she is concerned about the impact of lockdown on the mental health of the nation.

She says: “When I was younger there was certainly a stigma about admitting you had mental health problems, I’m glad that seems to have changed to a degree and there is a lot of work being done behind the scenes.

“Everyone these days has their own story to tell about mental health.

“On a personal level the sudden death of radio presenter Stephen Clements shocked me. I am still shocked - in fact, I can remember where I was when I heard the news. I couldn’t believe it. He was such a lovely man, so funny and full of life. If someone who appeared so happy was clearly suffering, that puts it into perspective.

We must find ways of reaching out to people there is work to be done.”

Before we end our conversation, Arlene tells me that she is well aware of the frustrations of many of you Local Women readers – business owners, beauticians, hairdressers, gym owners and others who have been forced to close for much of the last year.

“There is light at the end of the tunnel. As soon as we can get you safely back open, we will. Things are moving in the right direction - don’t lose hope.”

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 11 “There should be more accountability on social media. I am only human so of course it is annoying when someone writes nasty comments.

But it is worse for my mum and kids. It’s not fair on them. Social media needs properly regulated.

We shouldn’t have to accept this.

“As woman politicians we are somehow held to a higher standard than men. If I have a disagreement with another female politician, it’s reported like it’s a cat fight – this is so utterly sexist and it’s not true. People can have disagreements without it being personal.”

In real life Michelle says that people are generally perfectly pleasant to her and like to come up for a chat, usually telling her they would hate to do her job!

During these most trying of times, Michelle is very aware that it is not only she who has a hard job. She recognises that everyone has a daunting job – particularly women.

“Women have been at the front line of the pandemic,” she says. “We more often than not take on a caring role, so women are the ones who have more than likely been looking after elderly relatives, homeschooling and then trying to do a day’s work.

“It’s a worry that there is so much pressure on the shoulders of women right now. Some very

12 | Local Women Magazine

positive work in being done on mental health within the Executive. On a personal level I want women to know they are not forgotten. We are standing up and fighting for you.

“We need to look at the long-term effects of lockdown and make sure resources are in place post pandemic to reach out to women.”

And so, who does Michelle reach out to when times are tough, and she needs to get away from the stress of the job?

“Within the party I have some good colleagues who I have known for years so I can always turn to them for advice,” she says.

“My family are a terrific source of support. My two children Saoirse and Ryan are living back at home, so we have been in lockdown together.

We get on so well, and I love having them home.

“Outside of work I have a couple of great girlfriends who I have known since I was a teenager. We go back a long way and there’s a total trust there.

“They aren’t in the political world, which is great, so we talk about ‘real’ things. With them I’m just Michelle.

“I’m not a great sleeper – I wish I was better – so early in the morning at about 6am, I pull on my runners and meet one of those girls. We walk for miles and just talk and talk about everything. That’s priceless.”

LOCAL WOMEN

READERS ASK…

HERE’S WHAT LOCAL WOMEN READERS WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT ARLENE AND MICHELLE WHAT IS THE GREATEST MISCONCEPTION ABOUT POLITICIANS? ARLENE: That people from all parties are just in politics for a salary. I was a solicitor before I was a politician, and when I look back at the steady job, standard office hours etc, the life of a politician is as far from a regular job as we can get. Whether someone is a councillor, MP or MLA they put their name on a ballot paper because they are trying to build a better community and they have a vision for their area.

MICHELLE: I laugh when people say: “It’s well for you up there in your ivory tower!” Believe you me, I do not and have never lived in an ivory tower. I know what it’s like to struggle. Also, that anyone would do this job for the ‘fame.’ Seriously, if this is fame – no thanks!

ARE MICHELLE AND ARLENE FRIENDS? ARLENE: We have missed out on a lot of the social interaction and joint engagements that would normally happen. Due to Covid, we now work together on Zoom, WhatsApp etc.

Whilst we are opponents, we have a job to do to represent the people who voted for us.

We’re both daughters and mothers so there is that commonality.

MICHELLE: Obviously, we have very different political views and ideologies, but we also have an awful lot in common as female leaders. Last summer we got to work more closely together in a ‘bubble’ and our worries and concerns about our elderly mothers and grown-up children are identical. The pandemic means we have missed out on a lot of day-to-day social interaction and hopefully we will make up for this soon.

WHERE DO YOU GET YOUR CLOTHES, AND DO YOU WORK WITH A STYLIST?

Dungannon and here in Enniskillen have great boutiques. I love the personal service you get in independent boutiques. I’m not a talented shopper but my sister is great. She’s got skills that I don’t have!

Michelle:

MICHELLE: Retailers like Next Online are good for work clothes but being from Mid Ulster means that I have access to some great local boutiques.

This area really is fantastic for locally owned independent retailers. I haven’t worked with a stylist before, but I think it’s an interesting idea.

It’s an area of expertise and some people are just amazing at it.

WHAT WERE YOU LIKE AS A CHILD?

WHAT IS A SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOU? ARLENE: I sang at the weddings of my two best friends. I’m not sure I still have the same good clear voice I had in my 20s, but I really enjoy singing.

MICHELLE: I am a good cook and I love cooking for friends. I love throwing together dinners for my family from whatever is in the fridge or making a special meal to share with friends. Cooking is the glue that holds the family together.

WHAT’S THE FIRST THING YOU ARE GOING TO DO WHEN LOCKDOWN IS OVER? ARLENE: Go to the hairdresser! My poor hairdresser has to see me on television with my hair like this. I think I’ll sneak off and call him before I announce the reopening at the press conference so I can get the first appointment!

MICHELLE: I’m going to book a holiday... hopefully! I love Portugal, it’s my favourite holiday destination.

I’ve missed holidays.

WHAT HAVE YOU MISSED MOST WHILE WE HAVE BEEN IN LOCKDOWN?

ARLENE: As a female politician LK Bennett and Hobbs ARLENE: have great wardrobe staples but I really like I miss being able to go to church and worship shopping locally. Towns like Fivemiletown, and just generally meeting friends and family.

I messaged my hairdresser the other day and told her I missed her! I used to like getting my hair done on a Saturday and having a good chat and meeting people, I miss that.

ARLENE: I was a tomboy. I had this great blue racing car with a number 7 on the front that you could pull along. I remember it so well. My birthday is in July, so I remember great sunny birthday parties in Dernawilt where we lived. I often wonder if that is right, and it was always sunny or if I have just imagined that.

MICHELLE: I was really inquisitive. My mum says from no age I was always asking: “Why? Why? Why?” Growing up I was very close with my brother and my parents and we were a happy little group of four. I had a very happy childhood. I learned a lot from my mum and dad.

WHAT DO YOUR FAMILIES THINK OF YOUR JOBS? ARLENE: I think this is best summed up by a story my late mother-in-law used to tell. She was looking after my children one day when they were little and said to them, ‘Come and see mummy on the TV.’ They said no thanks they wanted to watch something else! They have pretty much always known me as a politician so it’s not a big thing for them to see me on television. All parents embarrass their kids and I’m no exception.

MICHELLE: There’s nothing like your family to bring you down to earth. My mum is proud of me of course, but the other day she told me to stop wearing the same coat all the time on television because she was sick looking at it!

My two children Saoirse and Ryan are back living at home at the minute, so I see a lot of them now which is great. We are so close, and I have a great relationship with them both. They are used to me being in the public eye by now, so it doesn’t bother them too much. When I walk in the door, I’m just mum.

They are probably more interested in what’s for dinner.

Local Women Magazine | 13

EU Citizens must act NOW! Advice NI is calling on all EU, EEA or Swiss Citizens living in Northern Ireland to make an application to the EU Settlement Scheme before the deadline of the 30th June 2021 and to contact us for free assistance if they need it. The EU Settlement Scheme gives immigration status to EU, EEA and Swiss citizens and their family members, allowing them the right to continue living and working in the UK. Successful applicants will receive either settled or pre-settled status, which means they will be able to: ● Work in the UK.

NOTES •

For further information contact Fiona Magee, Deputy Chief Executive, Advice NI on 028 9064 5919

•

Advice NI is the umbrella body for the Independent Advice Network in Northern Ireland and its members dealt with 540,983 enquiries in 2019/2020, the majority being social security benefits related.

•

To date 81,000 EU Citizens have applied to the EU Settlement Scheme from Northern Ireland

•

If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss Citizen living in Northern Ireland, please contact Advice NI FREE multi-lingual service to check if out are eligible for the EU Settlement Scheme.. Advice NI can provide free assistance with proof of identity, eligibility and suitability as well as completing the online application. Call 0800 915 4604 or email advice@adviceni.net

•

*People with disabilities, people with mental health capacity issues, victims of crime [domestic violence, trafficked, hate], people that lack language/digital skills, people with no internet or devices compatible to the Home Office EU Exit app, children in care/left care, homeless

•

To find out more about the work of the Independent Advice Network or to obtain copies of the various publications produced by Advice NI, please contact us on 028 90 645919, email comms@adviceni.net or visit our website www.adviceni.net

● Continue using the NHS for free. ● Enrol in education or continue studying. ● Access public funds such as benefits and pensions, if eligible for them. ● Travel in and out of the UK. There have been five million applications to the scheme to date, with 83,000 applications coming from Northern Ireland. Currently, there is an under-representation of applications from older people and those deemed as vulnerable* and people who may be digitally excluded applying to the scheme in Northern Ireland.

Fiona Magee, Deputy CEO, Advice NI, said: “We are urging any EU Citizen living in Northern Ireland who hasn’t already applied to the scheme to contact us immediately. It is vital that no EU Citizens loses out on the ability to continue to work, access health services, and sending their children to school as a result of not completing the EUSS application prior to the deadline. We have a dedicated FREEPHONE number 0800 915 4604 with trained advisers who have supported lots of people from different nationalities to make the application and secure their status. Some of these people needed language support, had criminal records and had difficulty proving their identity or residence in NI. There is no fee for completing the application and all Advice NI services are free to the public. We aim to assist anyone who needs to apply to the scheme to gain either settled or pre-settled status and are calling on anyone who knows, works with or lives beside an EU national to let them know of our service and the need to apply before the 30th June 2021.

adviceni the independent advice network

She added, With less than four months left to apply for the scheme, those living in NI must seek advice on what they need to do and act now to allow time to obtain the relevant documents required.

Need help with gaining Settlement status in the UK? Are you an EU, EEA, Swiss citizen living in Northern Ireland who needs to apply to the EU Settlement Scheme before June 30th 2021? The Independent Advice Network provides free advice & information on the following:

• Immigration advice • Practical assistance and support to complete EUSS application/s • Language support & interpreting services • Digital support & equipment/digital provision • Information sessions for EU nationals, NGOs, service providers, employers, trade unions, embassies/consulates Contact our FREEPHONE helpline to speak to an adviser

0800 915 4604 Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Text action to 81025 Email:

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For further information or to find your local advice centre visit www.adviceni.net Regulated by the OISC. Ref No. N201900041

14 | Local Women Magazine

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TREAT YOUR HAIR

Armagh hair expert and salon-owner, Claire McManus, shares her tips on how to get through lockdown with great looking hair.

We’re all tearing our hair out about salons being closed – although hopefully not literally!

Thankfully, Claire, hairdresser of 13 years and owner of salon Claire McManus Hair, is here to help.

Claire has a wealth of experience, having trained and worked in the hairdressing industry since she was aged just 19.

She has also owned her own salon for eight years, so there’s nobody better to help us through these trying times.

Whether you have issues with your dark roots, or your colour has faded or gone brassy, Claire has the answer.

But she also has some hair horror stories, too – so put that box dye down!

She explains: “I had one girl who dyed her hair during the first lockdown. She was blonde and put a root colour in it and it turned ginger, so she was in the salon all day to sort that.”

This story shows us what not to do in lockdown, but Claire has some helpful suggestions for what we should be doing and how to survive lockdown

without hairdressers.

get a salon look at home.

“Keep treating your hair. Looking after your hair and using the right products is a big thing. If you’re not sure what the right products are, Claire McManus Hair is here to help,” she explains.

“A lot of people are now blow-drying their own hair so I’m working on a range for people to make it easier to get a professional look at home.”

“We do consultations, so message me, and I’ll send you a form to fill in and recommend what kind of products to use, whether it’s thinning hair, or dry hair, or overprocessed hair.

Although she has been keeping herself busy at home with training and research, Claire can’t wait to get back into the salon when restrictions are lifted.

“The salon can supply you with what you need, I can recommend ranges of products to solve all sorts of issues and to maintain condition and colour.”

Claire specialises in balayage and blonde hair, so she will have her work cut out for her getting everyone’s hair back to its former glory.

And during lockdown Claire has been busy and has released her own range of children’s shampoo.

She also specialises in hair loss treatments and can’t wait to see her customers again for a good catch up.

“I’ve spent so much time with my children in lockdown and I discovered that all the shampoos I was using on them were leaving their hair very greasy, or weren’t very moisturising, or were leaving their hair tatty all the time.

“I spent months testing shampoos before releasing my range, called Hairsmetics, which is available to buy from my website, www. clairemcmanushair.com.”

Claire is also planning another range to help people

Shop online now at

“I miss hairdressing so much. I really miss my clients. I just want to get back into work as soon as possible.

“People haven’t had their hair done in months, so I imagine it’s going to be crazy. It’s going to be great fun though and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Contact Claire on Instagram @clairemcmanushair, or via Facebook page, Claire McManus Hair.

www.clairemcmanushair.com

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KEEVA’S FIGHTING FIT!

Keeva Neely from Swatragh felt a failure at school - but then she created a dream career for herself in the fitness industry.

By Maibh Shiels At school Keeva Neely struggled with exams.

“When I was in school and going through failures, I always would go to the gym, and I was like a new person coming out.”

So much so, that after she failed all but one of her AS levels, she left school early before her A level year.

Keeva says that repeating her AS Levels would have taken too much Keeva from Swatragh, says that she felt like a failure of a toll on her mental health because she found her schoolwork so difficult. so she took the “I found A levels so tough, and it was so decision to stressful for me,” she explains. “It just wasn’t leave school. for me and I knew that. But at the time it was decided soul destroying. I was seeing everyone else She to go to Ballymena doing so well and I was just thinking, ‘Why Northern Regional College is that not me when I’m putting in the same to study BTEC Applied amount of effort with studying?’”

Medical Science. She also But while school was not working out got a job working part time as for her, there was one area in which she a receptionist in a gym at the excelled – fitness. same time.

“I went to the gym from a young age. I always went with my sisters and my mum and I was obsessed with the feeling you get after it,” she says.

18 | Local Women Magazine

“I would see people coming into the gym and leaving as a completely different person. I would think, ‘Imagine making people feel that good after just

do, so why not take one that might turn into something amazing for you?”

The young entrepreneur is a perfect example of someone who took a risk and reaped the rewards. But soon after she set up as a personal trainer, the pandemic struck.

So, she quickly moved her business online, and has been working from home for a year now.

Keeva started on social media and then moved onto her own website. She marketed her first monthly home workout programme and had a total of 10 participants.

45 minutes of exercise.’”

Because of this, Keeva began a course to become a personal trainer. She admits that she was hesitant initially, but her parents and coach were so supportive that she decided to do it.

She completed her course and took the test, and soon was a qualified personal trainer.

She says: “I was so excited about it. It was definitely a learning curve. I took onboard every piece of constructive criticism and comment. I always asked people what they thought.

“By June I had 250 people on one of my online packages, and when you compare that to the 10 that I started with it is honestly mind-blowing.

“Even now I can’t believe it, and we’re still going strong.”

Keeva says she will probably make online plans available even when restrictions relax as her clients come from a range of places, She decided to apply for university to study including Newry, Donegal, and Dublin. She Dietetics but disappointingly there was even had some clients from Australia join one another setback, and she didn’t get into the of her online plans. course she wanted to do.

However, the coach is looking forward to She also completed her course at Northern Regional College with three distinctions.

“It was another knock back; it was just getting back to the gym. “I definitely miss the horrible,” says Keeva. “I felt like I was never face-to-face interaction. I always saw all my clients as my friends. We would do a hard getting yes as an answer.” session, but we always got a gossip between However, Keeva credits the setbacks with our sets. giving her the motivation to succeed.

“It wasn’t work to me. It was laughing with She set up as a personal trainer and she went people that I loved for the whole day. I love on to create a successful business for herself. the online training and I’d like to be able to She now has over 10,000 followers on her do both.”

Instagram page, Fitness With Keeva, and her Until we can all go to the gym again, Keeva home workout plans are hugely popular. tells us to “hang in there.” She says we should “I would rate my educational years as very all look at workouts as something that can tough mentally, but I wouldn’t be here without help us to get through lockdown. them, honestly,” she explains.

“Exercise is scientifically proven to improve “Looking back now, I thought that I had to mental health, so that is why I really push it. be like my friends, and go to university to get Whatever you are struggling with is forgotten somewhere in life, which is not the case. about whenever you are working out so if you haven’t already tried it, do a workout. You will “You don’t have to follow the crowd. If you feel so much better.” have an idea for a side hustle you want to do, go for it. Don’t even think of the risks. There’s Follow keeva on Instagram @keevaneely1. www.keevaneely.com. always going to be risks with everything you

Local Women Magazine | 19

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Claire McMullan BDS is a partner at Dental 32 with a special interest in Dental Implants

MENTAL HEALTH AND OUR DENTAL HEALTH

We are here to help - The team at Dental 32 in Magherafelt are reaching out to those who may be feeling anxious, depressed or concerned about their dental health.

In recent years it has been very welcome to see much more open discussion in the media surrounding mental health issues. As one in four of us will experience a mental health problem each year, these issues are not rare. I have previously discussed how poor dental health can affect your general health, and vice versa.

So today, let’s look at the impact of our mental health, and what we can do to help.

•

Brushing actions: Over-vigorous brushing actions by those with bipolar and similar disorders could result in them brushing away the enamel on the surface of the tooth.

•

Medication may produce adverse oral effects, especially dry mouth as a result of reduced salvia flow.

Great dental health and a good oral hygiene routine can have a very positive impact on our mental well-being. And there are simple things we can do, no matter how we are feeling:

As dentists we treat wide variety of patients with many general health conditions. Some of • the main issues for those suffering with mental illness include: •

Neglect: Research has shown that those suffering from mental illnesses tend to avoid dental care, so their oral hygiene is • neglected. This can result in gum disease and tooth decay.

•

Anxiety: Many people suffer from some form of dental phobia and as a result, stop seeing their dentist regularly.

Infrequent dental visits have a severe impact on oral health.

•

Eating disorders: Those who suffer from conditions such as Bulimia often experience dental erosion from the acidity in vomit.

Malnutrition can affect the health of the teeth and gums.

Tooth brushing is a great act of selfcare, giving a simple action every day to improve our confidence, general health and sense of wellbeing. We all feel better when our mouth is clean.

If you are anxious, having a loved one make a dental appointment for you and coming along for support is a great first step. At Dental 32 all our staff are very experienced the first step in talking to us before making an appointment with their GP. If you are ever at treating anxious patients. feeling anxious, depressed or concerned about • If you are concerned about your dental your mental health, please feel confident that health, come to see the hygienist for advice you can discuss any issues with your dental on tooth brushing, how to protect your team. We are all caring health care professionals teeth from acid erosion, or the effects of and are here to help. dry mouth from medication.

If any mental health issues have been holding Many of us will see the dental team more you back from getting the dental treatment you than our doctors. For this reason, many of need, please, just take the first step and make an our patients can feel more comfortable taking appointment, even if it’s just for a chat.

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24 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 25

“I LOVE WHO I AM”

As a mixed-race woman from Dungannon, Sara Keenan discusses the difficulties she faced growing up and how she is finally embracing her true, authentic self.

But where are you really from? Dungannon student Sara Keenan has been asked this question many, many times. Because as a person of colour, she says, it’s often the first thing people want to know when they hear her strong Mid Ulster accent.

As someone who has one white parent and one black parent, she says she has often been made to feel like she has to explain herself – that somehow, she isn’t really black but also that she isn’t the same as everyone else in her hometown.

As a little girl she says she can remember being quizzed for five minutes by a teacher in front of the whole class about where she was from – even though she was born and raised in Dungannon.

Sara says it is only recently that she has truly begun to identify as a black woman. She has stopped straightening her hair and is finally embracing her natural curl with an Afro style.

Here Sara talks about her experiences of Sara, 21, who is a student at Queen’s University says growing up in Mid Ulster with dual Irish and it is only in the past year that she has felt comfortable African heritage and how she hopes that by to talk about her experiences of racism and of being speaking out she can help people understand how uncomfortable it can be to be faced with made to feel different while growing up. questions about your background.

ƒ With her mum

“A few weeks ago, I decided to start writing about my feelings and experiences. Things had been annoying me for a while – mainly because I had been too scared to speak out.

Fast forward an hour and I posted my feelings on my social media. A sense of relief came over me and I cried for the first time over something that I didn’t even know had the power to upset me. I knew that I had been hiding my feelings for a long time about the situation. I finally accepted that I do have a right to speak about it.

ƒ Sara

26 | Local Women Magazine

ƒ Sara as a little girl

when two boys shouted it to me out the window for no reason.

Although I’ve only faced name calling once or twice, people need to understand that being racist isn’t just calling someone names.

that makes me feel Although I have always said that I have not Anything uncomfortable to do with my skin colour I been a victim of racism - actually, I have. would classify as racism.

I think it’s only been once or twice I’ve been called the ‘n word’. I remember one of the These are just some examples of questions times clearly, outside a bar in my hometown I have been asked in the past and still now I

hear these questions and comments often.

•

Where are you really from?

•

Where are your mummy and daddy originally from?

•

You’re not really black though.

•

You can’t say you’re black.

ƒ Sara and her family

I remember begging my mummy from then on to let me get my hair permanently relaxed, to get rid of my curls forever, but she said no. I’m forever thankful that she said no. We compromised on getting what is called a Brazilian Blowout. This would relax the curls slightly to make them more manageable and to make it easier to straighten my hair myself when I wanted to. I remember sitting for hours in the hairdressers in complete pain, getting this treatment that I begged for. It’s sad looking back to see a young me going through actual pain just to have straight hair like everyone else. My straight hair wasn’t even nice.

You actually have a very strong Irish accent.

When I say I am from here, I often get a funny look and I know I’m going to have to explain once again my whole background.

I’m still learning about my own background myself - so for me to have to explain to a complete stranger, something that is none of their business and that I’m still figuring out myself, is draining and confusing.

After that from first year onwards I went to my local hairdressers every Saturday for a wash and blow dry. I paid every Saturday to get my hair straightened out. I remember, even when I did straighten my hair at the start, it would still be bushy, and it still looked nothing like the other girls’ hair. My resolution was to soak my hair in baby oil after I straightened it to make it look more flat and ‘normal’, when in reality it just looked greasy. It was not nice at all, but it was better than curly hair for me at this time.

However, what is most annoying are the little comments that I get from people I may not even know, the questions I shouldn’t have to answer, the stereotypes that I’m not from Ireland because I have a different colour of skin, and the suggestion that as I am mixed race I can’t classify as being black.

This may seem silly or unreasonable to some people, but I have heard a really good saying for those who are not people of colour: “I understand that I will never understand.”

It’s so strange to me now that I did not identify as being black in any way, shape or form until the past year.

I remember feeling scared towards the end of primary seven about going to secondary school. For many reasons that all children face, it’s a big change. But, for me it was an even bigger change. I was going to a new school with my friends, who I knew were my support system, but there would now be five times as many people in my year group. It was daunting going in as a black 11-year-old as a minority where 90 per cent of people were white.

This past year has been one of the best for me, despite the current circumstances. Lockdown was a chance for me to truly be myself. It didn’t matter how many times my mummy and my family told me my curly hair was amazing or I was perfect the way I was, it took me to realise it and to learn to love myself. It takes time but it’s worth it in the end.

It is now important to me to be aware of racism in all its forms. When I got asked questions about my background in the past, I blamed myself for not knowing the answers. But now I’ve learned that this is not something I have to explain, and I won’t go into details of my history because I don’t want to and that’s fine.

Again, in secondary school I never faced any harsh racism. It was again the small comments, the questions I got, making me feel awkward and uncomfortable. But I never was bullied or left out due to my skin colour.

It’s actually crazy to me even writing this. Why would I have been left out because of my skin colour? How are things like this actually happening? Racism will never make sense to me and it should never make sense to anyone!

When I was younger in primary school, I didn’t mind my curly hair. I remember people in school loved my hair, they were almost amazed by it.

Then it was coming up to my confirmation day and if you look at the pictures, I had my hair straightened. It must have been around then

that I started noticing that I didn’t look like the rest of the girls.

I’m glad I’ve finally spoken out and I hope this is just the beginning. I want to learn more about racism and become more aware myself. I also want to make others aware about what is happening here in in regard to racism. A lot of people assume it doesn’t happen here. It does. ƒ As a baby with her mum

I love who I am regardless. I love my hair and I love my skin colour!”

Local Women Magazine | 27

28 | Local Women Magazine

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Local Women Magazine | 31

“WE ARE ONE BIG HAPPY FAMILY” A single parent from North Down who thought she was too old to foster has not only finally found her vocation but a new lease of life too.

Foster mum Julie with her own daughters, Carly Lee and Hollie

By Mandi Millar

also has five grandchildren.

Bangor gran Julie Anderson was 50 before “My family was everything to me but when she even thought about fostering. they started to leave home I wondered what on earth I was going to do. Around that time In the decade since, the single mum has opened her home – and her heart I became a Christian and I really started to – to some of Northern Ireland’s most think about what I was doing with my life. vulnerable children.

“When my husband at the time – we’ve Indeed, only since then, she says, has her life since divorced - first suggested fostering I automatically thought I was too old but he felt fulfilled. already worked with children in the care “Until I started fostering I never really felt system so he knew it wasn’t an issue at all. fulfilled by any job. Married with three children by the time I was 24, I went from “Many of these children have really quite one job to the next, everything from shop horrific backgrounds and are extremely work to support work with people with damaged as a result of totally dysfunctional learning difficulties,” says Julie, who now family situations.

32 | Local Women Magazine

“When I saw all this I just thought, oh I’d love to give some of these wee ones a home...”

The couple got in touch with Action for Children, a charity which supports young people and organises foster placements, and began a six month training programme.

“There was initial training in things like foetal alcohol syndrome, which affects children whose birth mums have struggled with alcoholism during pregnancy,” explains Julie.

“Then we looked at issues including ADHD, challenging behaviours, autistic spectrum disorders and trauma awareness training; then things like how to move and handle young people if that’s required.

“You need to be alert to boundaries and what’s appropriate behaviour and what’s not. For instance, the social worker noticed that one of the wee girls in our care was becoming over-familiar with my husband so we had to keep an eye on that.

“Such inappropriate behaviour can be indicative of what’s happened in the child’s past so you have to be aware of that even though all you want to do is love them like a parent. We were just trying to be loving but we had to ensure there was enough space.

“You have to handle situations like this very carefully because they are often so damaged to start with. I’d have said to my own kids to ‘go away and give my head peace’ if they were annoying me but you can’t force these young people to do anything - in a sense you can feel quite powerless.

“But that’s why the support of Action for Children and social workers is there 24/7,” says Julie who’s had some particularly challenging times to deal with.

“One little girl we fostered had especially challenging behaviour, the result of foetal alcohol syndrome and ADHD, among other things. She was around 10 but a big girl for her age and could become violent. She wrecked and destroyed things around the house on a number of occasions.

“I’ve had kids come here who couldn’t even clean themselves properly after the toilet, who didn’t shower. But when you build their confidence and they start showering, even asking for hair gel, that’s the difference!

“I remember one little girl found it really hard to make eye contact and we did a lot of work on that. One day I happened to say something without looking at her and she replied, ‘Julie... eye contact!’.

We both had a good laugh,” says Julie who’s also keen to point out that that not every placement is as challenging.

“I’ve had other children too who have been an absolute blessing in every sense.

As my own grandchildren have got older, for instance, often the foster children are around the same age and they’ve formed really close friendships with them so we really are like one big happy family!

“My own children and my parents, who are the backbone of our family, are very supportive as well.”

But for all that Julie knows she needs to be aware of her limitations too.

Julie with her grandchildren baby Jordan and sister Georgia “No matter how steep the challenges it still breaks my heart when a child moves on.

One wee girl needed more help than I could give her. It just broke my heart. I adored her,” admits Julie for whom saying goodbye to her foster children is the hardest part of the job.

“Sometimes, for instance, the children still have contact with parents but that can be challenging – for me and them – for you’d maybe see that child’s behaviour deteriorate around the time of those visits as parental contact has always meant dysfunction.

“And yet for all that the children would often go back to their parents if they could and that’s hard too as a foster mum because you get so attached. You end up loving these kids so much and yet they just want to go ‘home’,” continues Julie who’s been a single parent for most of the time she’s fostered.

“After my marriage broke down the child we were fostering at the time stayed on with me. Being on my own though made

no difference because of the support that’s always there and foster parents are paid so you’re not out financially, but I am a bit of a softie too on that score!”

For all that though Julie believes her calling as a foster mum has been her life’s vocation.

“I might’ve been 50 before I found it but this is the first job I’ve ever done that fulfilled me personally and has enriched my life above anything I could’ve imagined,” she says.

“The first wee girl I fostered is now living independently with her own little boy. She still sends me Mother’s Day cards and I’ve become something of a granny to the wee one as well!

“Over the last 10 years I’ve just felt that this is what I was meant to be doing. To see the difference you can make in the kids’ lives is transformative in your own.

“And sure, what would I be doing if I didn’t have these children - only rattling around the house. The kids give you a new lease of life.

They keep you going!”

Contact our friendly fostering team today on 028 9046 0500 or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering

@AFCNIFostercare Local Women Magazine | 33

DALRADIAN – NURTURING WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP ROLES

Local Women meets some of the team behind the Dalradian gold-silver-copper mine plan in Co Tyrone which aims to provide 1,000 new jobs.

PETER MCKENNA IS THE COMMUNITY RELATIONS MANAGER AT DALRADIAN

PETER MCKENNA

WHO ARE DALRADIAN? Dalradian is a mineral and exploration development company which has been working on the Curraghinalt site since late 2009 in in the parishes of Gortin and Greencastle in Co Tyrone. In late 2017 we submitted a planning application to the Department of Infrastructure to build an underground gold-silvercopper mine in Tyrone. The project is in its final stages of planning, we are hoping for a decision to be made later this year.

IF PLANNING IS APPROVED, HOW LONG WOULD CONSTRUCTION TAKE? Construction of the mine and related infrastructure will take up to 24 months to complete and cost approximately £160 million. The peak headcount on site during this period will be over 250 people which will be a major boost for the construction sector. Tyrone has a rich heritage of designing and manufacturing mining and quarrying equipment some of the equipment needed will be sourced locally.

made changes to the project, such as removing the use of cyanide and smelting, and the project is better as a result. We will operate a carbon neutral facility, meaning that all carbon produced on site every year will be offset by our support of an internationally recognised carbon offsetting programme. The steps we have taken to minimize environmental impacts are detailed in our planning application.

WILL THE MINE PROVIDE JOBS FOR LOCAL PEOPLE? Our operational mine will need at least 350 full-time employees. We recently announced a three-year, £15m skills development package to help support local hiring. Based on the experience of other mines, we anticipate that up to 90 per cent of those roles could be recruited from the local area. Already the company employs extensively from the locality.

WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF THE PROPOSED MINE? We expect the mine to bring a host of social and economic benefits to Tyrone and the west of Northern Ireland.

HOW LONG WOULD THE MINE BE IN OPERATION? Similar deposits in other countries have been mined for generations. The mines’ operations are extended as more minerals are discovered, we have yet to find the full extent of the deposit. However, our planning application is for a specific amount of mining, carried out over approximately 25 years. Any additional mining would require new planning permission.

WHAT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT WOULD THE MINE HAVE ON THE LOCAL AREA? Our operation has been planned with great care and acknowledges that we are proposing to operate in 36 | Local Women Magazine

a highly regulated, first world environment. For that reason, we have designed out many of those parts of the process that are the more high-risk aspects of mining across the world. We will not use tailings ponds, we will not have any dams, we will restore the dry waste pile as we build it, and we will use a stateof-the-art reverse osmosis water treatment facility which will enable us to discharge water back into the environment consistent with the existent water quality. We have also listened to stakeholders, and

Total employment boost of 1,000 jobs. 350 direct and 650 indirect and induced jobs. The careers we offer will stem the flow of young talent from the west of Northern Ireland.

We will offer an average salary of £40,000 – nearly twice the average salary in Northern Ireland. £15 million training programme to support local hiring.

We’re investing in excess of £750 million to build and operate the mine, creating supplier opportunities in West Tyrone and Northern Ireland more broadly.

This is a Brexit-proof project – you can’t move a mine.

Our exports will reduce Northern Ireland’s trade deficit by 2.4%

ANGELA CONEY

A minimum of £4 million committed to future community funding.

ANGELA CONEY IS HR MANAGER AT DALRADIAN

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR CAREER PATH SO FAR? I came from a background in cross border business development promoting cross border business opportunities which later developed to become an all-Island programme. After spending 11 years based at the Enterprise Centre in Omagh I started to look for a change and an opportunity arose within Dalradian Gold. I was very nervous at first, not knowing anything about the mining industry and I certainly had no knowledge about exploration activities, but it was just too exciting not to take the chance. I started with Dalradian in 2011 where we had a small team of 4 working from the Gortin office.

I now look after a team of 40 employees. At its peak we had 120 people employed.

all our staff to upskill and update their training portfolios and to be the best that they can be. I get great satisfaction from helping others achieve their career development and the company provides full assistance to make this happen.

DESCRIBE A TYPICAL WORKING DAY. Lockdown has somewhat changed my typical working day and we have all had to adapt to online working instead of being able to have face-to-face conversations and meetings all whilst managing home schooling. It has brought challenges to my role, but I work with a great team of people. On a dayto-day basis I support all the departments, whether this is with wellbeing programmes, arranging training or developing policies and procedures around best practice and people management.

HR has moved away from the more traditional style of management to encompass a more flexible and holistic view to working with people and how they would like their workplace to be. Wellbeing is becoming more and more relevant as businesses begin to understand the links between wellness, productivity, attraction, and retention. I enjoy organising staff initiatives although during lockdown we like other companies had to move all our staff initiatives/work online which was certainly a learning experience.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE? Acquiring my chartered institute of personnel

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT YOUR JOB? This is an exciting prospect for our current team to work on a project of this scale. For our youth who have emigrated abroad and would like to return home with their families and for local people who currently travel the length and breadth of Ireland and England to work. To think that we could have a World Class Gold-Silver-Copper Mine operating on our doorstep, built by local hands and employing local people for generations to come is a very exciting project to be part of. and development qualifications. I started in administration and as the company began to expand its team, I got the opportunity to grow with the company too. Through day release and night classes I have acquired my CIPD qualifications.

Work, study, and family life were a challenge at that time which made it more rewarding when I achieved the qualification. I work now as the HR manager within the company and continuous learning is something that I believe in. I like to encourage

HOW DO YOU ACHIEVE A HEALTHY WORK LIFE BALANCE? Flexible working and comfortable working conditions promote a positive working environment. The company participates in many schemes available such as the childcare vouchers, cycle to work scheme, eye care vouchers, private healthcare, cash plan and life insurance for staff. Providing good working conditions and benefits along with a flexible attitude all help when trying to achieve that elusive work-life balance. As a working mother with young children this has a hugely positive impact on my outlook towards my work and family life.

HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE MORE WOMEN INTO TOP INDUSTRY ROLES? Inspiring women from a young age to pursue careers in the mining sector is one of the industry’s challenges.

Diversity undoubtedly helps businesses to grow a greater and more varied talent pool. As a company, Dalradian has participated in a number of STEM initiatives where our female ambassadors actively promote STEM in schools and the community.

Diversity is good for all workplaces and inclusivity is an ethos that we have instilled from the beginning.

The industry has varied exposure to different cultures, nationalities, and work backgrounds which I think has encouraged diversity within the company. Many women occupy Head of Department roles which is supported by the company through its flexibility and practices to encourage, nurture and foster women in these leadership roles.

Local Women Magazine | 37

THE WORLD OF WORK POST COVID-19

Group Marketing Director of Staffline Naomh McElhatton shows how to take a positive and proactive approach to your job search to maximise your chances of landing that dream job.

Have you already lost your job or are you facing redundancy? Maybe you had entrepreneurial plans to start your own business, but those dreams had to take a back seat due to the pandemic? Maybe you are a stay-at-home mum, who now more than ever would like to get back into the world of work. I know firsthand that home-schooling brought a host of challenges unknown to humankind until 2020!

The problem with losing your job is that aside from the financial set back, it also knocks your confidence. Over the last nine months we have witnessed people who have lost their jobs, one that perhaps they have been in for over a decade. Most people in long term employment do not have an up-to-date CV, let alone know who to contact when looking for their next career move.

A friend recently shared with me how her husband has fallen into depression after he was laid off from his job during the pandemic last year. He’d worked hard all his life, thrived on the pressures and challenges of his work, and enjoyed the money he earned. Becoming unemployed for the first time in his mid-forties was a huge kick in the gut, and one he didn’t cope with very well. This situation unfortunately is becoming a reality for more and more people on a daily basis.

SO HOW DO WE COPE? There is no magic potion that will take the pain away from losing your job. However, like any setback you need to take a step back and get some perspective. Failure is merely temporary. Success in life is measured far less by our opportunities than by how we respond to life’s setbacks and challenges, and let’s face it, we all have hurdles to overcome.

TO LOOKING FOR A NEW JOB:

read up on your potential new employer will allow you to find out if the culture, benefits Focus on the future: there is no point in and salary range work for you. Maybe there dwelling on the past. Put your efforts and are jobs available that you could do based attention on moving forward. on your skill set but you never thought to Be kind to yourself: Looking for a new apply until now. job, the right job can take time, so be Expand your network: Let people know kind to yourself. There is no time for wallowing you are available for work, talk to in self-pity. Keep active and allow yourself colleagues, family and friends. Be confident some breathing space, mental and emotional in your ability, if you can’t sell yourself, no one resilience requires physical resilience. So else will do it for you. Take time and update be intentional about taking care of YOU and your LinkedIn profile. Be confident and tell doing whatever it takes to feel strong and fit. people your key skills and the type of work Register with an agency: Let the experts you are after – let your profile shine. Never identify the latest roles available for you. underestimate the power of your network to Working with an agency means you will also open up opportunities. receive the additional support you need when it comes to updating your CV and if required some pointers on how to interview confidently, they are onside to support you through the process from start to finish!

1.

2.

5.

3.

When it comes to a successful job hunt, attitude is everything.

A proactive and positive mindset will differentiate you from the Research: It might not feel like it masses, identifying your transferable skills is initially but looking for a new job fundamental to showing just how adaptable present lots of new opportunities. As you find and amazing you are! job listings that interest you, research the HERE ARE MY 5 TIPS WHEN IT COMES company before applying. Taking time to

4.

In the words of Albert Einstein “In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity”

If you need advice on how to prepare for your next job search or maybe you would like guidance on getting your LinkedIn profile setup, please email: Naomh.mcelhatton@staffline.co.uk

Naomh McElhatton - Group Marketing Director of Staffline E: Naomh.mcelhatton@staffline.co.uk

www.staffline.co.uk

40 | Local Women Magazine

Joanna Denton

Mind the gap!

Business Mentor Joanna Denton has the expertise to tackle your work-related problems head on. This month she shows how stay at home mums can combine soft skills with technical skills to plug that CV gap and get back into the workplace.

Dear Joanna, I have been a stay-at-home mum for the last fifteen years, and now is the time to get back into the work force. I am looking for a full time administrative or IT admin kind of job, but I’m worried about how to talk about my time as a stay-at-home mum, and what skills to put on my CV. Can you help?

Michaela,

Dear Michaela,

I am really glad that you asked this question because I know it can be tricky for many women to know what to put in that “gap”. After a career break it can be easy to underestimate what we have to offer and that employers are crying out for our skills.

If I may, I want to focus here on how to identify your skills.

The perspective of a recruiter Firstly, I wanted to get the perspective of a recruiter, and so I reached out to Gillian Baxter, Branch Manager for Lisburn and Newry at Staffline, for her thoughts.

Here is what she had to say: •

First of all, it’s always better to explain the “gap” than leave a blank, so don’t be afraid to let an employer know that you have been bringing up the family.

•

Focus on the transferable skills, like flexibility/ time management, resilience, multi-tasking , prioritising.

•

Take up some classes – in person or online – to update skills or qualifications as necessary.

•

Include any voluntary work that you might have done over the last years, particularly positions of trust – for example in an office environment or for clubs, sports groups or relating to the school.

Brainstorming on the skills I think what is key to Gillian’s advice is to focus on the transferable soft skills, knowing that technical skills can be learned.

But how do you know what skills the employer is looking for, and what you can bring to the table?

you might not think about. Add those to your list too.

Email a small handful of trusted friends and ask them to tell you what strengths and talents they think you have. Notice the themes that come up, and if not already on there, add them in.

3. Match these skills and talents to what the employer is looking for.

Here are some things to think about 1. Do your research into the skills needed.

For each of the soft skills and talents that you have now soft identified, match them skills are k to what the employer ey; the t is looking for and echni brainstorm examples cal on es can b where you have had e tau to demonstrate those ght” skills, e.g., the project management skills from the Where needed, look into any relevant kitchen renovation last summer; courses to update skills. the budgeting and excursion 2. Think outside the box for examples of the soft skills. planning for the annual family holidays; the IT skills from home schooling this year.

Think about all the skills that you need to bring up a family– negotiation, budgeting, organisation, Finally, formulate and practice a story around prioritising, multi-tasking, and the rest. These each example using the STAR acronym: might seem “normal” to you – it’s just what you Situation, Task, Action you took, the Result and do as a mum. But many administrative or IT use these in an interview or your cover letter. admin jobs will be looking for these kinds of soft Get comfortable talking about them.

Research adverts for jobs you would be interested in and take a look at the skills and qualifications that they are looking for. Speak to friends doing similar roles and ask them what they do on a daily basis. Compile a list of the skills and qualifications needed, as well as the likely responsibilities.

skills. List them all down.

Check out the VIA Institute Character Strengths tool and the Gallup CliftonStrengths finder tool to identify inherent personality and character strengths (like creativity, ideation, learning) that

“The

I hope these thoughts are helpful. For guidance on writing your CV, with a little research online, you will find many great articles to help you.

Remember you have a lot to offer the workplace, and do not underestimate what you are capable of. Good luck with your job hunt and keep us posted.

JD Speaking and Strategy Ltd River House | 48-60 High Street | Belfast | BT1 2BE T: +44 (0)7795085297 |E: joanna@joannadenton.com For further information check out

www.joannadenton.com Local Women Magazine | 41

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9

Summer

FASHION MUST HAVES

Fashionista Ann Doyle from Gasp Boutique talks us through our summer capsule wardrobe - guaranteed to bring those positive vibes.

Hello ladies, I hope you’re all keeping well and managing to get through lockdown. Hopefully soon there will be light at the end of the tunnel – but in the meantime there is one thing that keeps us ladies right retail therapy!

This month I thought we needed to see some bright colours that will give us positive vibes. There is nothing better than a new summer wardrobe to help cheer us up. Here are some fabulous bright casuals that will bring you right through the summer whatever the occasion.

I will show you how to create the ultimate capsule wardrobe with essential basics.

These are key pieces that provide the unshakable foundations of any capsule wardrobe.

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£55 44 | Local Women Magazine

FLORAL MAXI

Basics are the glue that bind our ensembles together. They are the pieces that offer personality and elevate the most basic of buys. Amilia is one of those key pieces - it can

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be worn casually with runners or dressed up with high heels or wedges. This dress looks fabulous with a belt as well.

MAXI DRESS

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DENIM JACKET

Jackets are a huge weakness of mine, but I think it is a necessity to have a few in your wardrobe, especially a denim one.

A good denim jacket is fabulous over your white shirt or summer floral dress.

WHITE TRAINERS

This year more than ever we have all been in runners more than normal. I wonder will us ladies ever be able to wear heels again? White runners match all your basic key pieces in your summer wardrobe, and we have a great selection online.

LEISURE WEAR

Leisure wear has been the most worn items of clothing during lockdown. Here at Gasp, we have a fabulous new range of leisure wear online. Although it is very comfortable and cute, I am sure we will all look forward to dressing up again for special occasions.

SHIRT

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Love

Ann Doyle

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HOODIE

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BOTTOMS

£39.98

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WHITE T-SHIRT

£22

Local Women Magazine | 45

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A L CKDOWN BIRTHDAY…

What better way to celebrate during these crazy lockdown times than with a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party… like Local Women Columnist Lesley McGarrity!

It’s Spring, so I think I am going to shake this column up a little over the next coming months.

But firstly, I wanted to welcome you and let you know I appreciate you spending time here reading my column each month. Everyone is so busy, and life moves pretty fast, so I really do appreciate you taking time out of your busy day to check out my column! Thanks.

I will always do my best to bring you content that will interest, inspire, motivate and maybe even have you walking away thinking about and seeing things in a different way than before you came. I want to write about more than just diet and exercise. Life is so much more than that and I want to touch on everything because I think our lives are more than fitness and eating right. I believe good health begins in the heart, mind and in the soul. So, my column will be as much devoted to those parts of our lives, personal, heart, etc. as health and fitness.

I will never suggest anything to you or for you that I haven’t either tried myself, believe in or have researched and know the facts about.

I will always research my topics and bring you content that is honest and real life.

This column will always be changing because I am. You are. The world is. So, don’t get too comfortable.

I like to surprise you from time to time, so I will be taking you behind the scenes of to see what happens in some local business in the County Antrim, but whilst we are waiting for the column overhaul, check out my birthday lockdown birthday celebrations, that took place this month!

There’s no greater theme for a tea party than Alice in Wonderland.

It’s definitely a license to go a little crazy and be extravagant. Whether for grown-ups or kids, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party for any occasion will definitely make your celebration much, much more than a run-of-the mill get together.

So, being a little but crazy and extravagant myself, I knew this theme would not disappoint. My cake

from the Sugar Room in Belfast was no exception and would knock spots of any Great British Bake-Off creation for sure. The detail in the decorations were amazing, and I adored the four different flavoured cakes brought together in one huge creation, It consisted of - 1st Tier -Strawberry vanilla cream (vanilla sponge, fresh strawberries, white chocolate ganache and vanilla cream) 2nd Tier Fifteen (vanilla and white chocolate sponge, toasted marshmallows, cherries , digestive and Oreo crumb and vanilla cream ) 3rd Tier Belgian Chocolate, salted caramel and fudge (Belgian chocolate sponge, dark chocolate ganache, salted caramel and fudge pieces , chocolate cream) 4Th Tier - Vanilla paradise (vanilla sponge, white chocolate ganache, vanilla cream , fresh raspberries, strawberries, blueberries and blackberries).

It was a truly mouth-watering masterpiece.

And I can tell you I fed the whole of NI with my cake drop offs and every person said it tasted truly divine and I totally agree, do not pass these guys if you are looking for something a little special.

My brunch and tea party were supplied by guys at Home Place Café in Bellaghy, the heart of Mid Ulster, within the Seamus Heaney Homeplace exhibition centre. Fantastic

coffee, great food and a beautiful, inspiring space to relax. During lockdown they are locally delivering their fabulous food and I could not have wished for anything better. Perfection delivered safely to the door with super 5-star service, it really is a true credit to Jonny and his team. Check out their Instagram, they do brunch boxes and tea boxes which are amazing. They do afternoon tea boxes , Harry Potter themed afternoon tea boxes, Antipasto sharing platters, party bags and dare I say it the world’s best artisan picnic sausage rolls as well as popping candy chocolate strawberries.

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Wedding Planner Kristal Olphert from Maiden Weddings gives you her step-by-step guide to planning your wedding.

So, you’ve said YES… now what? It may seem overwhelming especially at the moment but planning a wedding is fun. Start with a timeline, give yourself enough time to plan your dream day and arrange the tasks in your personalised wedding checklist available via my consultations.

Start as early as possible because the wedding boom is on the way and 2021, 2022 and 2023 will be the biggest wedding years for some time.

you the people whose opinion you value and appreciate.

Step Seven - Stationery Choose stationery that matches your colour scheme or links-in in some way to your theme. You will need, save the dates, invitations, RSVPs, order of service, table plans, table numbers, menus, signage and thank you cards (don’t forget the stamps). If you are having digital invites, set up your website and put all the necessary details on there. Ensure that you order a few more pieces of everything in case of damages or losses in the post. When you sign up with me, I create a detailed list of all guests attending, their requirements and any additional needs that they have requested.

Step One - Set the budget Determine your budget. It is vital to figure out who’s paying for what and how the break down will be allocated. Over the course of planning the numbers will change, so it’s essential to set-up your Excel budget spreadsheet so you can keep track of everything. (Sign up to my email service on the website www.maidenweddings.com to receive your free copy).

Step Eight – Book the honeymoon Booking your honeymoon is so exciting. Be adventurous, try new destinations, consider doing something you’ve never done before.

Check out my blog on the website to see what’s available right here at home. My services include the planning and arranging of all your travels from drop offs at the airport to the perfect itinerary of where to go and what to see ensuring you won’t miss a thing.

Step Two - Hire your wedding planner Many couples think this is an expense that they can do without but it’s not as costly as you think. Consultations are £35 and will always be tailored to you. Contact me at Maiden Weddings to have a helping hand along the way. You will receive weekly advice and coaching.

I will be on hand to answer all your questions, give you peace of mind and guide you to the right decisions for you and your partner. I can help at any stage of the planning so even if your wedding is just a few weeks away, don’t hesitate to reach out for some reassurance and a friendly chat.

Step Three – The guest list You will need the guest list in order to answer many of your overall questions - venue size, where to have the

pictures, travel and accommodation.

With restrictions currently in place the guestlist can be tricky. Remember you have time to make the final decisions, so I’d suggest making a list of everyone you would like to invite and discuss as a couple how this will fit into the overall budget and compromise from there if necessary.

Step Nine – The finishing touches Decide on your wedding songs, readings, timings, speeches, thank you gifts etc. Get your hair and makeup trials done, speak with the dressmaker and get the pickup date for any alterations. Go back over the budget and see what’s left and if you want to add in anything you didn’t consider before.

Step Four - Theme and venue

Step Ten – Get married

Talk over your ideal day with your partner. What kind of ceremony do you want? If you want to get married in a modern city hotel or a grand country estate, explore your options and visit the top five contenders.

Select a venue that really speaks to you both.

Its finally here - the day you’ve been planning and looking forward to for so long. Get up early, take a stroll in the garden or somewhere private and just clear your mind, then it’s time to get ready with your bridal party. I will be on hand throughout your day, calming your nerves, fixing your dress, helping the bridal party and solving any issues along the way.

Step Five - Suppliers Take the time to look at the work of photographers, videographers, florists, transport, jewellers, cake makers, room décor and stylists, make-up artists and hairdressers etc. Contact them to see if they have your date available, compare prices and see what fits well with your overall vision. Put together a saved list on your Instagram and Pinterest pages, which you can share with your suppliers, so they know exactly what you want. Ask other couples who they would recommend. When booking ensure that you have a copy of your contracts as soon as you pay your deposits.

Step Six – Dress shopping.

Many girls have an idea of what style of wedding dress they want however when you start to try on dresses you can be surprised at the one you end up with. Be open to all styles, work with your dress shop and try on as many dresses as you can. When visiting the shops, take with

www.maidenweddings.com E: maidenweddings@gmail.com

Local Women Magazine | 49

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Make working from home work for you

With working from home on the rise, it’s time to look at creating an office space in your house, with a little design know-how from Houstons Homewares.

After a year of working from home, or in and out of the workplace, there’s a definite sense that remote working will become more common for many in the future.

Whilst a makeshift setup in the spare bedroom or at the kitchen table may have done as a quick fix, we are now seeing more and more requests for office decor. Whether it’s adding in some decorative accessories or a full office design. A comfortable working environment is key to productivity and motivation, so a home office that’s stylish, comfortable, and practical is a step towards a happy work life balance. If you have the luxury of a spare room or have commissioned a bespoke garden office pod to work from, there’s a lot more to consider than simply a desk and chair.

To maximise your comfort and convenience during work hours investing in office design may just pay off in the long term.

Offices don’t need to be huge spaces to be luxurious. Compact workstations that are carefully thought out can be stylish and convenient too.

LAYOUT

As with all room designs the first step is deciding on a layout, make a list of the things you need first before thinking about the decorative side.

Furniture layout is extremely important in an

office. Think about how you will use the space, where are the power sockets?

What lighting will be best for the type of work you’ll be doing? Do you want the desk facing towards a window or is that going to be another distraction? When you have a layout that works for you and the practical issues considered then have some fun with the decorative elements.

GET CREATIVE

If you’ve been conservative with decor in other parts of your home and have always wanted to make bolder choices, then a home office is a great place to get creative. We usually don’t get to choose our working conditions or environment so embrace the chance to create a space that is very personal to your needs and a space that you actually like spending time in.

COLOUR SCHEMES

When choosing a colour scheme, consider the type of mood you want to create. Pastel and neutral tones will have a calming effect while deeper tones will be more intense but cosy. Following on from home interior trends navy/blues and greens tend to be a popular choice for office decor. These colours are ideal for offices given their reputed calming properties. In Feng Shui, green is the colour of renewal, fresh energy, and new beginnings, it calms your nerves and balances your body and mind, and blue is considered to be calming and peaceful, as well as creating a sense of relaxation and healing.

I’m always a huge fan of quality faux plants however the real ones may be the best option for an office as real plants have been found to make us feel comfortable and soothed and having an organic life form that requires some attention and maintenance may be a welcome task in a solitary workplace.

If you would like to avail of our office design services or any other room design, contact us via our Facebook or Instagram pages @ houstonhomewares or via our website at

www.houstonhomewares.com

ACCESSORISE

Accessories are the finishing touches to any room and are a chance to display items that inspire you or simply add a softness to an office. Adding in some potted plants and greenery is an absolute must for an office space.

Local Women Magazine | 51

STOCKISTS OF

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54 | Local Women Magazine

Local Women Magazine | 55

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STAY ON TRACK – EVEN IN LOCKDOWN! Your local Slimming World team are here to help with some amazing, practical tips to help us all get through lockdown and stay healthy and fit along the way.

• FALL IN LOVE WITH FOOD It’s so easy to get stuck in a bit of a rut when it comes to cooking. Do you find yourself making the same handful of meals on repeat every week? If so, you could take this time to try something new. It doesn’t have to be too complicated or time consuming – just something that makes you feel excited about cooking again. Or maybe it’s finally finding something to do with that ingredient that’s been lurking at the back of your store-cupboard for a while – that tin of chickpeas could make a delicious homemade hummus or that bag of quinoa could be your new salad superstar! Many people have found solace in baking, too – and there’s no need to miss out on that because you’re following Slimming World! Banana bread seems to be the hottest trend at the moment, so why not have a go at the Slimming World-friendly version which you can find on the Slimming World blog. If you’ve got kids at home, they’re sure to enjoy helping out too. Just call it home economics!

• STAY IN TOUCH Staying connected is now more important than ever – and not just for your weight loss. Sometimes you just need a laugh with your mates to lift your spirits! Video calls are, of course, hugely popular during lockdown – things like scheduling a date with your mates and coming together online to replace that monthly night out, or booking a family quiz night and testing your loved ones’ general knowledge. Don’t forget to make some healthy snacks to nibble while you’re catching up too! Lots of Slimming World members have made firm friends at their local groups and when we took the difficult decision to temporarily suspend our groups it was clear there would be thousands of Consultants and members missing the camaraderie and support of their Slimming World groups, too. That’s why we’ve launched virtual groups. Whether it’s attending your weekly group, chatting via a closed Facebook group or sharing successes via WhatsApp, it’s so important to make the most of every ounce of support if you’re trying to manage your weight. Visit slimmingworld. co.uk for more information on our virtual service, or contact your local Consultant directly.

58 | Local Women Magazine

• TAKE CONTROL

• SOOTHE YOUR MIND

It might seem silly to suggest taking time out when many of us are spending more time at home than ever, but it’s still important to practice a little self-care. There’s a lot happening in the world that we can’t control and that can start to impact our motivation to stay in control of our eating and activity habits, but actually looking after ourselves is something we can control. So as well as staying on track with any healthy eating plans or keeping up with your regular activity, it’s important to schedule in some ‘me’ time too. Run a hot bubble bath and give yourself a pamper, pop on your favourite podcast (have you subscribed to the Slimming World Podcast yet?) or settle down with a book or magazine (we highly recommend Slimming World Magazine, of course!).

In these challenging times, people will be feeling more worried and anxious than usual, and these feelings could have an impact on us making healthy choices and see us turn to food for comfort. If current events on the news are a trigger for you, try to limit your exposure. Make your own playlists rather than listening to the radio, scroll through just one social media channel, and enjoy a Netflix fix rather than watch live TV. Let those around you know if it makes you feel uncomfortable to talk about current affairs, too. Focusing on the present moment – mindfulness – to calm your mind in times of uncertainty can be really helpful. Colouring books, jigsaws and word puzzles are useful activities for this. Also, there are apps that guide you through techniques to help ease anxiety or panic.

• GET ACTIVE

As we approach the end of lockdown, our groups will be back in a safe secure environment for you to join us and we cannot wait for that day. We say that group is where the magic happens and we look forward to seeing current and new members alike walk back through our doors, if you would like to book your space our find out more about our current groups log on to www.slimmingworld.com for more information.

Your usual gym might be closed but there are still plenty of ways to get active in lockdown, if you’d like to. Remember exercise isn’t just good for your body – it’s a great mood-booster too. There are loads of online classes you can try out – from HIIT to salsa-cize. Current guidelines also suggest we can get out limitlessly in our local area to be physically active, so fit in a daily walk if you can, or set yourself a challenge like completing Couch to 5K. Of course, activity doesn’t have to mean running or aerobics though – it can be something as simple as weeding in the garden (harder than you’d think!) or getting some DIY and spring cleaning done. Anything that raises your heartrate counts!

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Local Women Magazine | 59

FORGET HAIR LOSS SCALP MICROPIGMENTATION AN EFFECTIVE AND IMMEDIATE HAIR LOSS SOLUTION

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Introducing HydraFacial Keravive At SKiN Private Aesthetic Clinic in Draperstown, there’s an amazing new treatment to give you fuller, healthier-looking hair.

Created by The HydraFacial Company, a leading aesthetic skin health technology manufacturer, HydraFacial Keravive is a unique, relaxing treatment designed to cleanse, stimulate, nourish and hydrate the scalp for fuller and healthier− looking hair.

The NEW HydraFacial Keravive treatment uses vortex technology and Keravive Peptide Complex Solution to cleanse, exfoliate, stimulate, and deliver a proprietary blend of growth factors and skin proteins to hydrate, nourish and stimulate the scalp.

The result? Thicker, fuller, healthier−looking hair!

3-STEP PROGRAM HydraFacial Keravive, like the original HydraFacial treatment, is a 3−step program:

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WHAT IS HYDRAFACIAL KERAVIVE? HydraFacial Keravive is a unique, relaxing treatment designed to cleanse, stimulate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp for fuller and healthier–looking hair.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED A KERAVIVE TREATMENT?

HydraFacial Keravive is indicated for people who are suffering from scalp flaking, itchiness, dryness, or irritation. It also benefits people who are experiencing hair thinning or loss due to hormonal, environmental, or physiological factors such as stress or preparing for a hair transplant or undergoing hair loss treatments such as Rogaine, Propecia, PRP, or Laser Therapy.

CAN I BLOW DRY MY HAIR AFTER APPLYING THE SOLUTION OR SPRAY? For best results, allow the scalp/hair to fully absorb the solution and spray before applying heat. It is recommended that clients do not use a hair dryer within an hour of receiving the treatment or applying the spray.

HOW LONG AFTER THE TREATMENT WILL MY SCALP/HAIR DRY? Your scalp/hair should be dry 15–20 minutes after the end of the treatment.

HOW LONG AFTER THE TREATMENT CAN I APPLY HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS? You can use hair styling products as soon as product is absorbed, and your hair/scalp has dried.

WHAT ARE THE KEY BENEFITS OF STEP 1: CLEANSE + EXFOLIATE (In− A HYDRAFACIAL KERAVIVE SCALP Office) HydraFacial Vortex Technology extracts HEALTH TREATMENT?

HOW SOON CAN I WASH MY HAIR AFTER A TREATMENT OR AFTER USING THE SPRAY?

dirt, oil and impurities from the scalp and hair follicles while stimulating circulation.

For best results, it is recommended that you wait at least 6–12 hours before washing your hair.

STEP 2: STIMULATE + NOURISH (In− Office) HydraFacial Keravive Peptide Complex Solution nourishes and stimulates the scalp and hair follicles with growth factors and skin proteins to promote thicker, healthier−looking hair.

STEP 3: EXTEND + ENHANCE (At−Home) Daily use of the HydraFacial Keravive Peptide Complex Spray enhances the in−office treatment and delivers daily stimulation and nourishment to the scalp and hair follicles.

The combination of in−office cleansing, exfoliation and hydration, and daily use of the take−home spray improves circulation and nourishes the hair follicles for thicker, shinier, healthier−looking hair.

66 | Local Women Magazine

HydraFacial Keravive cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates the scalp and hair follicles. The treatment removes dirt, oil, flakes, dead skin cells and impurities from the surface of the scalp and from hair follicles and stimulates scalp circulation.

Keravive infuses the scalp with growth factors and skin proteins designed to nourish and stimulate the scalp and hair follicles.

TREATMENT EXPERIENCE CAN I WEAR HAIR STYLING PRODUCTS BEFORE THE TREATMENT?

For best results it is recommended you come to the treatment with clean, dry hair without styling products.

HOW DO I USE THE HYDRAFACIAL KERAVIVE TAKE–HOME SPRAY?

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT THE TREATMENT TO FEEL LIKE?

Following the in–office treatment, you will apply the HydraFacial Keravive take–home spray daily beginning the day following your in–office treatment. Apply 1–2 sprays per area of concern once a day by placing nozzle directly on the scalp while spraying. After spraying, massage solution into scalp for 30–60 seconds. For best results, apply in the evening and allow solution to remain on the scalp overnight.

The treatment is pain–free, gentle and relaxing. You will feel some suction on your scalp and a cooling sensation from the solutions that are administered during the treatment.

HOW LONG WILL THE IN–OFFICE TREATMENT TAKE? The treatment takes approximately 30 minutes.

CAN I HAVE THIS IN CONJUNCTION WITH PRP? IF SO, WHAT IS THE RECOMMENDED REGIMEN?

BEFORE

For best results, it is not recommended to administer HydraFacial Keravive and PRP treatments in the same visit. The recommended regimen is to alternate HydraFacial Keravive and PRP treatments and to allow 2–4 weeks in between treatments.

WHAT SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER ARE RECOMMENDED? IS THERE A TYPE I SHOULD AVOID?

CAN I HAVE THIS IN CONJUNCTION

There are no shampoos or conditioners that need to be avoided with HydraFacial Keravive. For optimal results, shampoos and conditioners that contain AHA/ BHA, or exfoliating properties are recommended.

CAN I HAVE THIS IF I’M PLANNING TO HAVE A HAIR TRANSPLANT? This treatment can be beneficial in improving scalp circulation. People considering a transplant can do a series of treatments in the 3–6 months preceding hair transplant surgery to optimise scalp health.

WILL THE TREATMENT DAMAGE OR PULL OUT HAIR? Some clients may experience minimal hair shedding as the vellus (non–growing hairs) are uprooted and fall out. These hairs would have fallen out on their own, regardless of having the treatment. Vellus hair shedding is a sign that the scalp is entering a healthier state.

IS THIS EFFECTIVE TO HELP CARE FOR MY SCALP AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT? IF SO, HOW SOON AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT CAN I HAVE THE TREATMENT?

AFTER

WILL THE TAKE–HOME SPRAY STAIN CLOTHES/PILLOWCASES? The spray is colourless and odourless and will not stain clothes or bedsheets.

BEFORE

AFTER

Due to the sensitive nature of transplanted hairs, it is not recommended to have a HydraFacial Keravive treatment until 6 months after the hair transplant.

The HydraFacial Keravive take–home spray can be used 4 weeks after a hair transplant.

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THE TRUTH ABOUT COVID AND HAIR LOSS

New Local Women hair columnist and industry expert Charlene Hawthorne from Haus of Hair HQ reveals hair loss can be one of the worrying side effects of Covid.

Welcome to my first advice column where I am excited to share everything I have learned during my career as a stylist.

But first a brief introduction, my name is Charlene Hawthorne, owner of Haus Of Hair HQ. I have been a stylist for longer than I care to admit. I hold my advanced teaching qualifications, Alfaparf Colour Master’s degree, I am an Easilocks Ambassador and hair extensions expert. My job is to advise, recommend and educate - so let’s get stuck in!

With salons closed and clients desperately seeking advice on a range of issues I see it only fitting to base my first column on an issue that has been raising its ugly head.

Everyone is talking about the symptoms and side effects of COVID but I’m going to address one of the long-term side effects – hair loss.

According to a study conducted this year and then later published in The Lancet medical journal, 1 in 5 people suffer hair loss within 6 months of contracting COVID with women at higher risk. With the added stress of isolating, working from home and juggling homeschooling it’s no wonder some of us are experiencing hair loss.

THE FACTS

The CDC reported that hair loss as a result of COVID is a temporary form of alopecia known as Telogen Effluvium (TE) brought on by hormonal stress. Severe systematic infection shedding normally accounts for 5-10% of hair loss however TE can drastically increase this to 30% leaving a notable difference.

It is advised that your hair should return to normal within 6-12 months but in the meantime what can we do?

Unfortunately, there is no ‘one size fits all’ magic treatment (the person who invents that will be a millionaire) but if you attack from all angles you will likely see an improvement.

NUTRITION

Feed your hair from within, a nutritional diet high in protein and vitamin C (to help absorb iron.) I also recommend a supplement for hair, Hair Gain supplements come in capsule or gummy form which offer a clinically driven formula that is proven to improve hair growth, strength and thickness from within. The edible range contains powerful organic pea shoot, which reduces hair loss and promotes strong, shiny hair.

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Adopting a mindfulness practice to support your mental health (I personally use the Headspace app, available on Apple and Android.) Reducing cortisol (the stress hormone) through exercise. Not all exercise has to be vigorous, yoga is great for destressing and loosening your mind and body and of course, a healthy sleep routine is always beneficial.

HEALTHY SCALP EQUALS HEALTHY HAIR

There are many different brands available for hair loss, I personally recommend the Alfaparf Energiser shampoo, which is designed to strengthen, re-densify and stimulate growth, giving renewed vitality to weak hair that is prone to falling out.

Use in conjunction with a course of their energising lotions, 4 vials a week for 3 weeks then 2 vials a week for 5 weeks. These will stimulate growth, slow down the shedding process strengthen the hair shaft and scalp and contains a macrobiotic complex for a healthy scalp. I recommend using a scalp massager to apply lotions as this stimulates blood flow to the root of your hair feeding the hair with the nutrients needed.

A TEMPORARY FIX Using a tinted root spray is a quick and effective temporary solution to fill out finer areas of hair and disguise the appearance of your scalp. I recommend the Joico Tint Shot, available in four custom coloursblack, dark brown, light brown and blonde it does more than just cover greys. It has a fast-drying formula that is resistant against humidity while filling in thinning areas to create the illusion of thicker, fuller hair.

You can also send me a message on Facebook at hausofhairhq or Instagram @hausofhairhq if you have any questions.

Until next month

Charlene x DISCOUNT All of the products mentioned in this article are available at www.hausofhairhq.com with a unique discount for my readers. Use code localwomen10 to receive 10% off your order and if I’m feeling generous, I may throw in a freebie!

Once you have completed the course of lotions, I suggest using Alfaparf Scalp Renewal Energising Tonic, this treatment is to help maintain the optimal state of the scalp.

Find us at www.hausofhairhq.com Haus of hair HQ

hausofhairhq

Advice on Breast Augmentation Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Chris Hill MB BCh BAO FRCS(Glasg) FRCS(Plast) from North West Independent Hospital on how to choose the correct surgeon and clinic for your breast augmentation.

Breast augmentation is one of the most popular cosmetic procedures in the UK and Ireland and at North West Independent Hospital, skilled surgeons regularly carry out the procedure that many women describe as “life changing.”

Any cosmetic procedure is a big step and Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr Chris Hill MB BCh BAO FRCS(Glasg) FRCS(Plast) advises that anyone seeking surgery should do careful research before committing.

Although breast augmentation has been around since the 1960s, procedures have changed, and it is important that you fully understand the process.

Mr Hill also strongly advises against seeking surgery abroad due to the possibility of unregulated clinics or complications that can arise post-surgery when you have returned home.

Here Mr Hill answers your questions on breast augmentation surgery.

I’M THINKING OF BREAST AUGMENTATION WHAT IS THE FIRST STEP I SHOULD TAKE? Do some online research. Useful and impartial information can be found on the websites of BAPRAS (British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) , BAAPS (British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) or IAPS (Irish Association of Plastic Surgeons.)

These websites provide impartial patient information and advice and can also allow you to search for a local and appropriately qualified surgeon. Book a consultation with a local surgeon and be wary of free consultations.

WHAT DOES A CONSULTATION ENTAIL? The consultation should discuss your desired outcome from the surgery and also the risks and complications. You should in no way feel pressured to proceed with booking surgery. In fact, a ‘cooling off ‘ period should be in place, to allow you to process the information and make an informed choice.

Mr Chris Hill MB BCh BAO FRCS(Glasg) FRCS(Plast)

from silicone. This is an inert substance and has been used for breast augmentation since 1962. With regard to the specific implant type, size, and shape, this should be discussed as part of a consultation, and the options should be discussed and reasons for specific recommendations should be explained.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS INVOLVED? As with all surgical procedures there are general risks associated with surgery in general and risks specific to having a breast implant. These should be explained in detail at the consultation, and it should be explained that further surgery may be needed in the future and that this will involve further cost.

HOW LONG DOES THE SURGERY TAKE?

IS THE OPERATION SUITABLE FOR EVERYONE?

This depends on the patient; in most cases it would vary between approximately 60 and 120 minutes.

No. The consultation should outline the options available and the risks. The surgeon should outline any specific risks and contraindications based on the individual’s anatomy and medical history.

HOW MUCH DOWNTIME IS NEEDED FOR RECOVERY?

WHAT ARE IMPLANTS MADE FROM? Various types of implants are used in the UK and Ireland. In the UK, all implants have to be approved by the MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) The most common type of implant used is made

Generally, one to two weeks off work after surgery is recommended. You should be mobile immediately after the surgery and back to normal exercise after six weeks.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A BREAST AUGMENTATION AND A BREAST LIFT? An augmentation involves increasing the breast size by insertion of an implant , whereas an uplift

(Mastopexy) corrects droopiness and does not increase the breast size. Where size and droopiness are an issue, an augmentation mastopexy can correct both.

INCREASINGLY PEOPLE ARE TRAVELING ABROAD FOR SURGERY - WHAT ARE THE RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS? Traveling abroad for surgery is not recommended.

There is good advice on this topic on the BAPRAS website. Consideration needs to be taken involving regulation of hospital safety abroad, training of the surgeon and what happens if a complication develops.

I have dealt with many serious complications from cosmetic surgery abroad within my NHS practice which have been life threatening carried out in unregulated ‘clinics.’ One of which involved the patient being taken by taxi from the airport to a unit in an industrial estate in Europe.

IF YOU HAVE ALREADY HAD SURGERY ABROAD AND ARE EXPERIENCING PROBLEMS, CAN YOU GET HELP AT NWIH? It would depend on the nature of the problems you are experiencing. If you are unwell you should immediately attend an Emergency Department as this might suggest a serious complication such as infection.

North West Independent Hospital Church Hill House | Ballykelly | Limavady | Northern Ireland | BT49 9HS T +44 (0) 28 7776 3090 F +44 (0) 28 7776 8306 E info@nwih.co.uk

www.nwih.co.uk

With This Ring…

Choose your wedding ring with the help of the experts at Hall & Guild Specialist Jewellers.

H

i everyone,

This month our sister store Hall & Guild Specialist Jewellers is going to take the reins and talk everything wedding rings!

Throughout lockdown brides-to-be remain resilient and are continuing with their wedding planning, so much so that we have been inundated with enquiries about wedding rings. In particular couples want to know the time it takes to order and collect their rings, especially at short notice if a new rescheduled wedding date becomes available to them.

When choosing your wedding ring its useful to consider the following points:

try on and get a really good idea of styles. If you are looking for a style unique to you, we will design this for you to ensure you have the ring you love for many years to come.

I would always advise keeping the metals the same so in effect if your engagement ring is 9ct white gold then choose a 9ct white gold wedding ring. There is no rule when it comes to identical metals for your partner and you - for example if your rings are yellow gold, your partner can opt for a platinum band instead. Their ring does not need to match yours, its personal choice if you both are happy. Why not consider engraving the inside of your wedding rings with your wedding date as a personal touch? We can do this for you at any time.

•

Firstly, think about the style of wedding ring you would like and what would compliment your engagement ring. Would you prefer a more timeless traditional band with no detailing or embellishment, or would you prefer diamond set wedding band with plenty of sparkle?

With regards to lead time, if you need your wedding rings at short notice, do not worry. We carry a stock of stunning wedding rings in a variety of styles and sizes. If you would like to opt for a bespoke style, then allow five to six weeks from the date of order. Rest assured you will have your rings for your special day.

•

Is your engagement ring a unique style? Will you need to have your wedding ring specially designed and made to fit perfectly beside your engagement ring? Would you like your wedding ring and engagement ring to sit flush together like a perfect set or are you happy with a slight space in between both rings?

We have moved…..

•

Think about your lifestyle and occupation. Does your job allow you to have a diamond set band?

If you opt for a shaped band to compliment your cluster style engagement ring would you be happy wearing this style on its own when you are at work?

There is lots to consider but the good news is, we are here to help. For over 16 years now we have specialised in wedding and commitment rings. We have a vast range of traditional, diamond set and shaped rings in store for both yourself and your partner to

We are waiting patiently on a more definite timeline of when we can expect to open our doors again and we cannot wait to welcome you to our exclusive new premises and get back to doing what we love so much!

After 16 years in Cookstown Main Street we have relocated Hall & Guild Specialists Jewellers and No.8 Bridal Boutique to new purpose-built premises in Coagh, Co. Tyrone just outside Cookstown. We are so excited to take appointments and get back to business when lockdown is over!

Check out next month’s edition for pics.

Until next month,

The Holmes 73 Urbal Road, Coagh Co. Tyrone, BT80 0DP

T: 028 8676 7109 www.no8bridal.com michelle@no8bridal.com

The Holmes 73 Urbal Road, Coagh Co. Tyrone, BT80 0DP

T: 028 8676 7109 www.hallandguild.com michelle@hallandguild.com

LEARN TO BE A PRO

FEATURED FOLLOWERS

Check out this month’s handpicked PROlovers.

If you have created a look inspired by Make Up Pro Store or using any Make Up Pro Store products, make sure to tag us on Instagram using the hashtag #makeupproinspo in your caption to be in with a chance to be featured next month.

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PRODUCT OF THE MONTH MAKE UP STUDIO FACE IT LIGHT CREAM FOUNDATION £27.50 If you want coverage, but do not have the time to invest in ‘buffing’ and want a quick application, a cream foundation is definitely for you. These build instantly on the skin and take a minimal amount of product for a fabulous finish. For this check out Make Up Studio Face It light Cream Foundation £27.50. This is a creambased foundation that builds coverage in seconds, simply apply using a stippling brush and apply in light circular motions for a flawless and fabulous finish.

WANT TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON MAKE UP PRO STORE ONLINE OFFERS? SIMPLY SCAN OUR QR CODE TO RECEIVE MORE INFORMATION ON WHAT IS COMING UP.

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HAVE YOU HERD ABOUT THE HR ELEPHANT?

Our mission is the three E’s- We want to Embrace, Educate and Enable every business on this island to effectively lead and guide their ‘herd’ to success.

We are a Human Resource Consultancy based in Newry, Northern Ireland. We are a local professional service, helping business owners ensure that they comply with employment regulations and best practice guidelines in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner. We will educate and empower business owners to successfully manage their people, taking the jargon out of HR whilst providing straightforward practical solutions!

HR CONSULTANCY

RECRUITMENT & SELECTION

•

Do you need help to manage your staff?

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Are you struggling managing staff? feeling overwhelmed?

•

What is probation and how I use it in my business?

•

My staff don’t have contracts – Do I need contracts?

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I only have part-time staff; I don’t need to issue contracts?

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What are HR policies and procedures – what do I need in my business?

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How do I calculate holiday pay?

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I think I might have a disciplinary case but I am not sure?

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How do I conduct an investigation?How do I issue a formal warning to staff?

CONTRACTS & WORKPLACE POLICIES

TRAINING

CV BUILDING, COACHING & CAREER GUIDANCE

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57 Monaghan Street | Newry | BT35 6AY T: +44 2830 825304 E: info@thehrelephant.com @TheHRElephant

thehrelephant

HOME TO THE WONDERBRUSH Powered by a passion to bring you the best quality haircare accessories in the land!

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OMEGA 3 - NOT ALL FATS ARE BAD

Chemist Connect on the importance of Omega 3 on the health and wellbeing of children.

Fats historically have received poor press. Everywhere we go, food brands are pushing their newest ‘reduced fat’ or ‘fat free’ varieties. It’s on everything, from dairy products like yogurt, cheese and milk, to meat products like sausages and mince. While there is justifiable reasoning for reducing our fat intake as adults, how does this thinking apply to babies and growing children? With such negative messages surrounding fats, it would be easy for parents and guardians to assume the same rules apply – not necessarily!

Fats are considered one of three macro nutrients alongside proteins and carbohydrates. It is in essence a general term for essential fatty acids, which have many uses. Not least, they are a major source of energy, help build cell structures and are essential for blood clotting. As such, not all fats are ‘bad’.

As a group, ‘fats’ can be divided into two sub types; saturated and unsaturated. Without going into the chemistry, they are characterised by the bonds that hold them together. Saturated fats tend be more solid at room temperate, for example animal fats, while unsaturated fats tend be liquid at room temperature, for instance olive oil.

Unsaturated fats are further characterised as monounsaturated or polyunsaturated.

Omega 3 is a polyunsaturated long chain fatty acid and forms a crucial part of a healthy diet. Essential fatty acids, or EFAs, are fatty acids that cannot be manufactured in the body and must be consumed through diet or supplementation. The two particularly vital Omega 3 essential fatty acids are eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which are clinically proven to deliver certain key health benefits.

Omega 3 fatty acids are therefore key to the growth and development of babies and children. They are essential in the normal development and functioning of the brain. Proper brain development influences many aspects of the central nervous system, including cognitive function. This in turn influences tasks like learning, thinking, problem solving skills and concentration. Additionally, they provide anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects that enables the production and preservation of healthier brain cells.

Aside from the benefits associated with cellular development, studies have shown that consuming Omega 3s can provide other health benefits to support existing health conditions such as asthma and inflammatory

Foods high in Omega 3 include oily fish like salmon and mackerel. Other food sources include walnuts and pumpkin and flaxseed oils which are great alternatives for children who may not have a preference for fish. There are also a wide variety of Omega 3 food supplements that are easily accessible from community pharmacies.

High quality supplements are key. Fatty acids are deliciated molecules that break down easily and many cheaper products use harsh extraction methods, often involving heat. This results in a cheaper product but one which is normally of a much lesser quality and nutritional value.

skin conditions. According to a 10-month study reported by Healthline from the European Respiratory Journal by Nagakur et al, asthmatic symptoms such as cough, wheeze and breathlessness were shown to be reduced in children who consumed fish oil capsules.

Of concern is the widespread number of children who are deemed to be deficient in Omega 3 fatty acids. In one study at the University of Oxford by Montgomery et al, almost nine out of ten children were shown to eat fish less than twice a week, and nearly one in ten never ate fish at all.

The daily requirement for Omega 3 for a healthy diet is at least two portions of fish per week, as stated by UK government guidelines. The results further highlighted that Omega 3 fatty acid deficiency correlated with reduced reading skills and capacity to focus, among the children studied. Blood samples were further taken from 493 school children aged between seven and nine years, which showed that on average a total of 2.45 per cent of fatty acids found in the blood were comprised of Omega-3 DHA (acid) and Omega-3 EPA. This is below the minimum 4% recommended by leading scientists to maintain optimal health and wellbeing.

Further research at Oxford considered the correlation between low levels of DHA and poor sleeping patterns in young children. Studies have shown that taking Omega 3 supplements can help increase the length and quality of sleep by increasing the concentration of DHA present in the blood, thereby reducing tiredness and improving mental performance.

In the UK and Ireland, the recommended intake of Omega-3 fatty acids is around 400mg-600mg daily of DHA and EPA combined, for adults and children over 12 years old, while children aged four to six years should consume half of this amount and those between the ages of seven and eleven should consume two thirds. Corresponding studies however have shown that the average fish intake is well below the national recommendation.

Paradox Oil is one such supplement that is of high quality. Paradox Omega School Chewable Capsules provides a pure and natural source of Omega 3 as well as Vitamin D3, providing help with brain function and concentration, as well as maintaining general wellbeing and helping to protect a child from common conditions such as asthma and obesity. Paradox Omega Liquid is another excellent alternative, consisting of a sustainable source of pure and natural fish oils, within a formula containing no additives or concentrates. Both products contain fish oils that leave no fish after taste or repeat and utilise citrus flavouring to mask the fish taste. HealthAid Kidz Omega is another great alternative, available as an oral solution in a range of flavours. It also contains vitamins A,C,D and E, in addition to Folic acid, all of which help contribute to brain development and functioning, while boosting the immune system and optimising overall well-being.

Visit our website chemistconnect.com or chemistconnect.ie for a wide range of these products for children and adults.

EASTER TREAT Get 20% OFF your total order at chemistconnect.com or chemistconnect.ie using discount code LocalWomen20 Offer valid until 5th April 2021 T&C’s Apply

www.chemistconnect.com | www.chemistconnect.ie Chemist Connect

Chemist Connect IRL

48% less carbon emissions than oil *

I love the gas, there’s no more dipping the tank or running out of heating on a cold dark night.

Susan, Coleraine

Register your interest today at

firmusenergy.co.uk/gas Call: 0330 024 9000 *Estimate based on converting from inefficient oil boiler to efficient gas boiler and assuming annual average fuel consumption

GOODBYE OIL TANK, HELLO SPRING! Gardening can seem like a never-ending chore, so start the season with a good Spring Clean to guarantee a full bloom summer!

After months of working, living, and cooking in the house you’ll soon be caught up outdoors in a frenzy of seed sowing, growing, and nurturing as spring reawakens your garden.

Do you dream of more space to enjoy your garden, space to relax, cook or entertain on those long summer evenings?

If so, did you know that natural gas will offer you a solution? If you haven’t already got natural gas you can get more space at your place by installing it. That’s because when you switch to natural gas from oil as well as removing indoor tanks you can also get rid of the oil tank and oil boiler in the garden – allowing you to reclaim a whopping c.

75sq feet of space from your home which opens up lots more space for all of your family. That’s enough room for a greenhouse, an outdoor dining area, or even a fancy floral display!

Say Goodbye to your oil tank and Hello to your

So what are you waiting for? Find out if you can

green fingers with fantastic florals, herb havens,

say Goodbye to your oil tank and gain more space

and luscious lawns, with firmus energy you can!

at your place by heading to firmusenergy.co.uk/

firmus energy natural gas is the ultimate home

gas or calling the team on 0330 024 9000.

to get more from your outside space this season.

1.

Sort your soil: Soil is the backbone of the garden. Without great soil, you can’t grow

great plants. Dig in plenty of organic matter when

improvement. Not only do you get more space at

To date, over 100,000 customers now use natural

you prepare new beds. Add loose, bulky material

your place but you’ll get all the normal benefits too

gas supplied by firmus energy and are enjoying

like leaf mould for clay soils and rich compost for

including instant heat, smart controls, endless hot

the benefits that natural gas brings - from constant

other types.

water, and the peace of mind of never running out.

hot water to more space in the garden, more

You’ll also be doing your bit for the environment

efficient boilers to simply being a better choice

by reducing carbon emissions by up to 48%*.

for the environment. Homes and businesses

Right now firmus energy has a number of brilliant

interested in making the switch to firmus energy

cut back the old dead growth of deciduous

natural gas can find out more by calling 0330 024

grasses and perennials.

offers making it even easier to switch. Choose from 0% finance which means you can spread

9000 or visiting www.firmusenergy.co.uk

the cost of installing natural gas over two years

Getting your garden ready for spring should be a

or £200 cashback.

pleasure, so follow these Spring cleaning pointers

2.

Tidy the trenches: Have a general tidy-up, removing leaves and other

debris from flower beds and borders. You can

3.

Sow your seeds: Sow summer-flowering bulbs and seeds now - it’s the perfect

task for a breezy spring day. Flowers such as Pansies, Lilies and Gladioli are perfect for earlyspring planting.

4.

Manicure your Lawn: Spring is a good time to feed and rake your lawn and

scarify the ground. You can also use this time to level off any uneven areas and add new grass seed, to maintain any damages.

5.

Trim and prim: Many plants could do with a little TLC to get them ready for spring.

This might involve re-potting, moving to a more protected area of the garden, or trimming to encourage new growth.

6.

Care for chairs: Whether made of plastic, wood, or rattan, your garden furniture will

need some TLC. Start with a simple clean with some warm soapy water and a sponge to revive, if you use cleaning products, make sure you protect your plants.

80 | Local Women Magazine

The Power Heart

Magnetix consultant Karen Acheson from Ballymoney reveals that the ‘Power Heart’ is the most popular product with her customers who are seeking relief from pain and hormonal conditions.

SCHOOL UNIFORMS

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THE MAGNETIX BEST SELLER Since becoming a Magnetix consultant I have found the ‘Power Heart’ is definitely my best seller. It is the most powerful single magnet and clips onto clothing or a support bandage reliably to target specific areas of pain ie. shoulder, neck, back, knee etc.

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WHAT ARE NEGATIVE IONS?

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The one with copper (£37) has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties whereas the negative ion one (£33) is ideal for sports and hormonal problems.

HOW DO MAGNETS WORK?

Negative ions are mainly found in nature whereas positive ions are found with usage of computers, mobile phones, and other technology devices. Excess of positive ions may lead to low mood, fatigue and stress and negative ions help to counteract this.

WHAT CONDITIONS ARE POWER HEARTS KNOWN TO HELP WITH? Back pain | Hip pain | Joint pain | Muscular tension | Arthritis Frozen shoulder | Low mood/depression | Sports injuries | Hormonal issues Headaches/migraines | Limb/joint swelling | Sleep problems

CUSTOMER TESTIMONIALS Gretta from Loughgiel says:

“I purchased a power heart for shoulder pain and definitely notice a big improvement.”

Frankie from Portglenone says: “My power heart with copper has become vital to my routine both day and night and has helped my neck pain immensely.”

Shirley from Carrickfergus says:

“I no longer have the nagging pain in my upper neck and shoulders. A great purchase.”

3 FOR 2

ON PEX SOCKS & TIGHTS

Also check out my Facebook page to view live recordings and more information at ‘Karen Acheson Magnetix.’

HOW TO PAY? Payments can be taken by card over the phone or if you prefer bank transfer or PayPal. Minimum charge for p+p.

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Email enquires to sales@fabricworld.ie Tel. 028 7186 4901 E: sales@fabricworld.ie

Follow us on Facebook/Fabric World Maydown Local Women Magazine | 81

MONTHLY COLUMN

Women’s Health WITH DR MARK MCCOMISKEY

Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon.

Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester. His work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to managing all general gynaecology conditions with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.

Each month Dr McComiskey provides Local Women readers with healthcare advice, dispelling some of the many myths surrounding women’s health.

ADENOMYOSIS

Each month Dr Mark McComiskey MD MRCOG discusses gynaecological conditions and women’s health issues.

Dr Mark McComiskey is a specialist gynaecologist and gynaecological surgeon who trained at the world-famous Christie Cancer Hospital in Manchester. His work has been published widely in peer reviewed journals in obstetrics and gynaecology and his work has been presented at international meetings throughout Europe and North America.

Dr McComiskey takes a holistic and caring approach to managing all general gynaecology conditions with the aim of maximising women’s quality of life.

This month Dr McComiskey looks at Adenomyosis, a non-cancerous condition of the womb.

WHAT IS ADENOMYOSIS? Adenomyosis is a non-cancerous condition where the cells normally found lining the womb are found deep in the womb muscle. It is common, affecting one in 10 women of reproductive age and often affects women aged 40 to 49 years old who have had children.

Adenomyosis is likely a condition caused by genetic and immune system factors.

Hormonal factors are suspected to be involved also. The womb can become enlarged and adenomyosis tissue swells up and causes bleeding and pain with menstruation. Endometriosis can co-exist with adenomyosis and adenomyosis is sometimes referred to as ‘internal endometriosis.’

WHAT ARE THE MAIN SYMPTOMS OF ADENOMYOSIS? Some women have very few symptoms however others may experience: ● Heavy periods

KINGSBRIDGE PRIVATE HOSPITAL Tel: 028 9066 7878 www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

● Painful and irregular periods ● Pelvic pain

desire for children and preserving fertility.

Treatments include:

● Feelings of heaviness in the pelvis

•

Taking no action is a possibility, especially if symptoms are mild.

•

Non hormonal medications including painkillers and tranexamic acid are designed to relieve pain and bleeding.

•

Hormones such as the oral conceptive pill or progestogen treatment (for example contraceptive injection, implant, or coil) or injections to induce temporary menopause.

•

Hysterectomy for women not wishing to preserve fertility and who have failed with non-surgical treatment.

•

Uterine artery embolisation, a procedure whereby uterine blood supply is reduced using a specialist x-ray procedure. This causes adenomyosis to shrink.

● Pain during sexual intercourse ● Pain with bowel movements and passing urine frequently Symptoms will cease after the menopause however they can cause wide-ranging negative impacts on a woman’s life.

HOW IS ADENOMYOSIS DIAGNOSED? Diagnosis can be difficult as symptoms are variable and common among many women.

A consultation with a specialist, including an examination is an important first step.

An ultrasound scan, often performed vaginally, and possibly an MRI scan can be useful in diagnosing adenomyosis.

WHAT ARE THE TREATMENT OPTIONS? There are a number of options and treatment should be tailored to each individual and depends on symptoms, age,

Dr McComiskey can be contacted at

www.drmarkmccomiskey.com E: info@drmarkmccomiskey.com

HILLSBOROUGH PRIVATE CLINIC Tel: 028 9268 8899 www.hillsboroughprivateclinic.com

THE ‘MUMMY MATTERS’ POSTNATAL CHECK

Local Women columnist, Pelvic Health Physiotherapist Anne-Marie Campbell from Health Hub Professionals NI, is an expert on women’s health problems. This month she explains why women should have a complete postnatal health check following the birth of their baby.

Every woman’s journey through pregnancy and childbirth is different. There can be an expectation for women to ‘bounce back’ after having a baby and this can be hugely influenced by social media. Some people think ‘9 months in, 9 months out’ and recovery is complete after these 9 months, whereas some literature would say it can take up to 2 years for a woman’s body to completely recover from pregnancy and childbirth.

REASONS TO SEE A PELVIC PT AFTER BIRTH Get back to exercise safely

In the weeks and months after having a baby some women resume normal life and activities without any great difficulty, but others struggle to get back to anywhere near where they were pre-pregnancy.

Improve pooping problems

Reduce scar tissue sensitivity and pain

SOME RECENT STATISTICS SHOW THAT FOLLOWING CHILDBIRTH:

and often ineffective in the later stages of pregnancy.

• 1 in 3 women experience stress incontinence

LOW BACK – the muscles must adapt as pregnancy progresses and posture is often affected.

• 1 in 10 experience anal incontinence (gas or stool) • 1 in 12 experience pelvic organ prolapse • 91% experience sexual dysfunction (that big taboo subject!)

In an ideal world all women should have access to a full and comprehensive postnatal check by a Pelvic Health specialist so that they can make as complete a recovery as possible. In the postnatal period a lot of the emphasis is on the baby’s health and how they are thriving, and on the mum’s mental health, but not on her physical health.

SO, WHAT DOES THE ‘MUMMY MATTERS’ POSTNATAL CHECK INVOLVE?

Improve painful sex

Stop leaking pee!

Prevent future problems

Once issues have been identified, a treatment programme is agreed, and a personalised home exercise programme is provided. Advice is also given to support return to work and return to sport or running.

This check doesn’t have to be in the immediate postnatal period although the earlier it’s done the more beneficial it will be. Therefore, it doesn’t matter if you’re 12 weeks, 12 months, or 12 years postnatal, but it DOES MATTER if you: •

Leak when you cough/laugh/sneeze

•

Run to the toilet a lot

•

Feel that ‘things’ are down a bit

•

Have difficulty with wind and bowel control

• At Health Hub Professionals NI, I offer the ‘Mummy Matters’ postnatal check which is a full • • comprehensive assessment of your:

Experience pain or discomfort during sex Have very weak abdominals Have a separation of your abdominals.

PELVIC FLOOR - it is overstretched during These symptoms are quite common but should delivery and can sometimes be affected by an never be considered normal! episiotomy or tear.

Mums very often put themselves to the bottom of ABDOMINALS - they become overstretched the queue and get caught up with a new baby, a

young family, or a busy home, but sometimes it’s ok to take a bit of time out for self-care.

It’s quite easy to ignore these symptoms when life is busy, but they won’t go away and have the potential to get worse.

So, come on ladies speak up, reach out and book your ‘Mummy Matters’ postnatal check – your future self will thank you for it. Or why not gift it to a family member, friend or loved one? Contact the clinic for a gift certificate.

1 Hyde Business Park, Pennyburn Industrial Estate, Derry, BT48 0LU T: 075 9324 0194

www.healthhubprofessionalsni.com Follow us on Facebook/@healthhubprofessionalsni Local Women Magazine | 83

A treasure trove of jewellery and gifts At McCloys in Kilrea you can shop local online from the comfort of your own home and enjoy a UK-wide delivery service.

Hello April!

There’s a ‘quare aul stretch’ in the evenings and aren’t we all glad to see it? Even more so this year!

Summertime is just around the corner and we’re certainly ready to make the move from indoors to outdoors in our gardens.

Hopefully, the return to normality is edging ever closer to us all!

We have some super exciting news to share with you all this month. We finally did it - we now have a UKwide delivery service option on www. mccloyskilrea.com. In the middle of March, months of planning and hard work came together, and we welcomed this new tracked service to our website.

What’s available on www.mccloyskilrea.com you may ask? Well, there is all your favourite jewellery and gifting brands, such as Nomination Italy, Rebecca Italy, Pilgrim, Tipperary Crystal and so much more, With time the ranges that

are available online will continue to expand.

Don’t forget, you can still avail of our complimentary gift-wrapping service with this new delivery option, where we can beautifully gift wrap any presents, completely free of charge. It goes without saying that now you can support and shop local with us from the comfort of your own home, without even having to put a foot out your front door.

Delivery options starting from £2.99 or FREE delivery on all orders over £50. Free click & collect service also available.

Day in and day out, we are adding new Spring/Summer 21 products to our amazing brands available online. Nomination Italy have just launched their new season collections, containing beautiful rainbow-coloured charms, sparkly designs such as robins and balloons as well as some new additions to the best-selling Milleluci bracelet collection.

Another hit is the Rebecca My World Range, these necklaces and bracelets can be styled with a range of pendants, from initials to hearts and everything in between. This collection in particular has been flying off the shelves and it doesn’t show any sign of stopping soon.

What we love most about these two brands, Nomination and Rebecca, is the personalised aspect of these ranges.

This adds an extra special touch to a gift when you have essentially picked out

84 | Local Women Magazine

As always, if you ever need any advice or gift inspiration, don’t hesitate to get in contact with us and our dedicated staff will certainly try to lend a helping hand!

Call us on 028 295 40247, send us a WhatsApp on 07554 927370, or message us via our Facebook or Instagram pages.

and designed it yourself.

Here at the Diamond in Kilrea, we have a treasure trove of products to suit all price ranges, just waiting to be discovered.

Perfume, accessories, cosmetics, and giftware, you name it, there’s something here for everyone. As an essential business, we are open six days of the week and have all the social distancing and hygiene measures in place to protect both our customers and our staff.

On a final note, head over to our website and sign up to our mailing list subscription via the pop-up (or alternatively via linktree in our Instagram bio) and you’ll receive a welcome treat delivered straight to your email inbox right away!

We hope you have a safe and relaxing month ahead!

The Team at McCloys

In store, we’re stockists of some of the hottest beauty brands around, such as the Polished London teeth whitening products, including the Polished x LMD Ultra White Whitening Toothpaste, the Voduz hairstyling products and the latest beauty must-haves from popular cosmetic brands such as SOSU, L’Oreal, Oh My Glam and Maybelline.

Scan here to browse our website

www.mccloyskilrea.com Local Women Magazine | 85

We’ll be back with a bigger and better retail unit at our Warrenpoint location, but for now we’re happy to help through our website

www.iconicaccessories.co.uk Margot £6

Bee £15

Callie £6

Blakely £15

Minnie £5

Mickey £5

Shop online now at

www.iconicaccessories.co.uk

FOR A NATURALLY PERFECT POOCH

If you are interested in a more natural approach to pet grooming, Pet and Country have a wide selection of brands inspired by nature.

We are now more conscious than ever of the ingredients in products we use on our bodies, to clean our homes, and of course the products we use on our children and furbabies. Many people are exploring products with a more natural ingredient list as they feel these contain fewer allergens and irritants.

high concentrations so be wary of using them on very sensitive skin.

The important thing when choosing products for grooming your pet at home is that they are safe and effective, so if you are interested in products that have excellent functionality but use ingredients sourced from nature, we have some fantastic brands and products at Pet and Country.

Firstly, we should be clear, all of the products available in Pet & Country are safe for you and your pets unless your dog has an allergy to a specific ingredient. (If this is the case chat to a member of a team about products suitable for your pet.) None of the products have been tested on animals and all the ingredients are safe for use – they are either functional (deep cleaning, moisturising, deodorising, conditioning, etc), preservative (so the product doesn’t lose functionality over time), or add fragrance (we know you love our scents).

While natural grooming products may cause less irritation even natural ingredients can be allergens.

Ingredients such as Limonene, found naturally in citrus fruits and used for scent, is flagged as a potential allergen. This shows that just because something is natural does not mean it will not cause irritation. On the other hand, natural ingredients may also have additional advantages, for example Lavender is useful for more than just adding scent, it also doubles as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory.

INGREDIENTS AND ACRONYMS Many natural shampoos are SLS free and instead contain different cleansers which are less likely to cause drying and irritation. SLS, along with SELS, is also an effective foaming agent. Some people think a good lather works deeper into the coat to help break down dirt more easily but SLS and SLES free shampoos will do as good a job at cleaning the coat - just make sure to fully soak before you add the product and add more water, not more product to get a truly deep clean.

GROOM PROFESSIONAL FRESH This new range of shampoos incorporates everything you love about Groom Professional - value for money, fantastic scents, and great cleaning, but with a more natural ingredient list. These products are created with 100% natural fragrance.

They are free from SLS and SLES so will be less drying, and they are infused with antioxidant-rich ingredients to revitalise the coat and soothe the skin. These shampoos are scentsational – the combination of essential oils creates a range of exotic and earthy scents you will love!

TROPICLEAN Tropiclean products are made from 100% natural ingredients (70% of which are organic). These products are gentle on pets as well as being great for the environment.

Tropiclean uses superfoods such as coconut, papaya, pomegranate, mango, and aloe vera, which are natural deep cleaners, cleansing the skin and leaving a wonderful shine. All Tropiclean products contain Neem Oil so will have an element of prevention from fleas and ticks.

They have a broad range of products, from targeted shampoos and conditioners to coat care products, and oral care products and wipes. They have just released a new range called PerfectFur which is simple and easy to use at home as each shampoo targets a specific coat type.

EARTHBATH Earthbath has been producing gentle and effective formulas for pet grooming since 1995. Their cruelty-free products are top quality, non-toxic, paraben & sulphate free. They never use soap in their shampoos, which can be drying and may remove natural skin oils.

Earthbath’s comprehensive line of products includes shampoos, grooming wipes, and spritzes.

These products not only have a heavenly scent but provide targeted solutions for the unique needs of pets such as cleansing and coat conditioning, relief from itching or hot spots, combating fleas and ticks, sensitive skin or allergies, odour relief, and more.

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Often fragrance is where synthetic chemicals are added. Many of your favourite human perfumes and aftershaves will contain these. If you are keen to avoid these, or you find that they are drying on your dog’s coat, look at products with natural fragrances created using essential oils. These can be harsh on skin in

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HOME & GARDEN STORE

THE DEVIL IS IN THE DETAIL

It’s the little things that make a difference to the overall look of your home – and, now that spring has arrived, it’s time to make some changes with a little help from Paula Sweeney at Fabric World.

By Paula Sweeney at Fabric World, Maydown

Fabulous fabrics and bold botanicals With spring in the air it’s that time of year when we freshen up our homes. It’s also the time of year when we receive all our exciting new spring and summer ranges.

This year we’ve had some fabulous new fabrics from bold botanical prints to classic toning designs.

To complement these we’ve taken delivery of some fab new accessories’ ranges.

They’ll inspire you to add design detailing that will add a touch of luxury to your interior projects.

Framing your windows Choose from simple detailing with curtain poles or add layers of interest with tassels and trims. The choices are endless.

When choosing a pole or track, make sure it functions well for the window in question.

Think about scale and make sure the size suits the window.

Choose colours carefully make sure it coordinates with your curtains and accessories.

If you need help, we can guide your choice. Call us for some virtual advice.

Trim it!

We’re loving all the new season’s trim at the minute.

Classic trim has been relaunched in new season colour combinations.

So you’ll see lots of toning pinks, minks and neutral shades. Also, a sea of blues across the ranges to accent the hot colour trend of the season.

With so much choice we had fun putting together new displays for the store, getting ready to greet you when we reopen.

In the meantime you can avail of our click and collect service or virtual appointments Some of our interior projects...

HOME & GARDEN STORE

Local Women Magazine | 91

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Christmas Gi�t READY TO WELCOME YOU Christmas Gi�tGuide Guide Christmas Gi�t Guide for Art Lovers for Art Lovers for Art Lovers BACK AT GALLERY 1608 Give a loved one the gift of stunning local art this year Givea aloved lovedone onethe thegift giftofofstunning stunninglocal local art art this year Give this year With restrictions looking set to be lifted soon, with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide. with Gallery 1608’s Christmas Gift Guide.

Gallery Local Art… 1608 is ready to welcome you back with Northern Local Art… With Christmas just around the corner, this month Local Art… Ireland’s largest selection of artwork on display.

With Christmas just around the corner, this month we have picked favourite Christmas gifts from With Christmas justour around the corner, this month some of our top Irish artists.Christmas This year, gifts whygifts not we have picked our favourite Christmas we have picked our favourite fromfrom

We hope everyone safe andstreet managed the homogenous high presents some of top our topisIrish artists. notbuy someavoid of our Irish artists.

ThisThis year,year, whywhy notand to stay something sanethe during latest lockdown. whichthe is both unique and presents collectable forbuy avoid homogenous high street and

avoid the homogenous high street presents and buy

your loved ones. A bit of extra thought will provide a

something which is both unique and collectable It has been a long but we have something which is winter, both unique and collectable for for gift which keeps on giving. your loved ones.

A bit of extra thought will provide been working hard behind the scenes your loved ones. A bit of extra thought will provide a a gift that which keeps on giving.

Top of keeps ourwhen list thisgiving. year are limited prints by to ensure we finally getedition open gift which on of Ireland’s most well-known artists.

Belfast again, two your 1608 experience will Top of Gallery our list this year are limited edition prints by Top of our list this year are limited of edition prints byand artist, Bradley’s dock workers be as enjoyable as possible. two ofTerry Ireland’s mostdepiction well-known artists.

Belfast

two of Ireland’stype most well-known artists.

Belfast burlesque women are always popular and we

Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost,

artist, Terry Bradley’s of dock workers and With no certainty asdepiction todepiction when will artist, Terry of dock workers and Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. have all Bradley’s of his most recent prints inwe stock. burlesque type women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, open fully, type we are continuing to offer burlesque women are always popular and we Maguire, Robert Spotten, NUA, JG, NI Silver, Ghost, Keith limited edition is also very have Drury’s all on of his most recentwork prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. freehave shipping all purchases over £100 all of his most recent prints in stock.

Bonesetter and Spirit Jewellery. collectable and popular with our clients. His work is from our website.

This will ensure you Ceramics are also a very popular gift and again we Keith Drury’s limited edition work is also very both quirky and contemporary, depicting Drury’s limited edition work isthe alsosafety verydifferent canKeith continue toand buy art from can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from collectable popular with our clients.

His work is local scenes seamlessly brought together oneispiece.

Ceramics are also a very popular giftpieces. and again we collectable and popular with our itclients.

His in work functional pottery bespoke sculptural of your ownquirky home have delivered both andand contemporary, depicting diffFall erent Ceramics are also to a very popular gift and again we The artwork has appeared on television’s The can accommodate all budgets.

Pieces range from both quirky anddoor. contemporary, depicting different and Represented are household names such as Sharon straight to your local scenes seamlessly brought together in one piece.can accommodate all budgets. Pieces range from

Local Ceramics…

LocalCeramics…

Ceramics…

Local

even inseamlessly the collection of Princess Anne.inPrints from localisscenes brought together one piece.

functional pottery to Shearer, bespokeLeona sculptural pieces.

Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Devine and

The artwork haseases on television’s The Fall and functional pottery to bespoke sculptural pieces. both artists can beappeared bought framed or unframed.

As The theartwork lockdown and click and Represented on The Fall and Patrick Colhoun. are household names such as Sharon isbecomes even inhas theappeared collection of television’s Princess Anne.

Prints from Represented areCarty, household names such Sharon collect available we will be Reagan, Ian Rory Shearer, LeonaasDevine and is even in the collection of Princess Anne.

Prints from both artists can be bought framed or unframed.

Reagan, Ian Carty, Rory Shearer, Leona Devine and able to show you artwork from our Patrick Colhoun. both artists can be bought framed or unframed.

Patrick gallery door, if like many, you prefer to The giftColhoun. of a book never fails and at Gallery 1608 we see art in the flesh before committing to have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books under the never whole fails of Northern Ireland. 1608 we buy. All works can be preselected from Theone gift roof of a in book and at Gallery Thehave gift of a bookthe never fails selection and at Gallery we the website and a quick email will allow perhaps largest of Irish1608 Art Books have perhaps the largest selection of Irish Art Books us to have it ready for viewing. under one roof in the whole of Northern Ireland.

Local Books…

Local Books…

Local Books…

Irish Paintings…

When we finally get open, be assured that we will continue to put safety at the forefront. Social distancing will be in place and everyone If jewellery is more yourwill ideabe of required a giftfacemasks why not support our entry. local to wear on Hand makers?

We available have a wide range of gloves sanitisers will be as will If jewellery is more your idea of jewellery availabletouch at many different for clients wishing If jewellery is moretoyour ideagoods. of

Local Jewellery…

Local Jewellery…

Local Jewellery…

a gift why not support our local price points, ranging from costume a gift whyreally notWe support local makers? have aour wide range of We are looking forward to jewellery to more bespoke pieces. makers?

We have a wide range of erent jewellery available at manyand diff welcoming everyone back We have sourced many of Ireland’sseeing price available points, ranging from jewellery atour many diffcostume erent gallery new customers inand friendly finest jewellers have work available jewellery tolargest morenames bespoke pieces. pricehas points, from costume which theranging selection of work from well-known such as Louise We have sourced manypieces. ofIreland.

Ireland’s Our to more bespoke on jewellery display across Northern finestsourced jewellers and have have work available We stable have many of Ireland’s large of artists been using well-known names such Louise nestfrom jewellers and the have work available this fitime wisely and gallery isasstocked well-known namesto such as Louise withfrom many new pieces view.

Finally,one ourroof painters been tirelessly under in thehave whole ofworking Northern Ireland.

to ensure have new works available for the IrishwePaintings…

Christmas season and the range and qualitytirelessly of our Irish Paintings…

Finally, our painters have been working

current show is amazing.

Finally, our painters tirelessly to ensure we havehave newbeen worksworking available for the toRemember, ensure wewehave new works available for the of our Christmas season and the range and quality can offer 10 months interest free Christmas season theover range andand quality of our current show amazing. credit on is alland pieces £100 you can current showtake is amazing. the work away immediately.

Remember, we can offer 10 months interest free A great way to spread the cost of Remember,credit we can 10 months interest onoff aller pieces over £100 and free you can Christmas. credit ontake all pieces over £100immediately. and you can the work away WeAwould like totowish all our take the work immediately. great wayaway spread the cost of customers a very happythe Christmas Christmas.

A great way to spread cost of andChristmas. a peaceful New Year!

We would like to wish all our happy Christmas Wecustomers would likeatovery wish all our and a peaceful Newhappy Year! Christmas customers a very and a peaceful New Year!

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83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, T: 028 2073 1324 E:info@gallery1608.co.uk W:www.gallery1608.co.uk 83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD See you all soon and stay safe.

83-85 MainE:info@gallery1608.co.uk Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T:team.

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83-85 Main Street, Bushmills, Co. Antrim, BT57 8QD T: 028 2073 1324 | E: info@gallery1608.co.uk | W: www.gallery1608.co.uk 96 | Local Women Magazine

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Victoria McClements and Conor Taggart

SINGING THEIR WAY THROUGH LOCKDOWN… Conor Taggart and Victoria McClements from Kells have gone from singing on their doorstep during shielding to selling singles and an album as the operatic act Bello Duo.

By Maibh Shiels A Kells couple are spreading hope, love, and music during lockdown, despite having to shield due to medical conditions.

What started as Conor Taggart and Victoria McClements singing to the neighbours on their doorstep has turned into Bello Duo and their audience has grown into a global one.

Conor, 23, originally from Jordanstown and Victoria, 20, from Antrim, met when they were working as singing waiters performing at weddings, tripping over, and dropping trays before bursting into song as a surprise.

Victoria McClements and Conor Taggart

Carers’ and were surprised by how much support there was for their singing.

Before long, Bello Duo was born, and soon after singles and an album were on sale. The pair share their story, and some of their struggles, as well as the successes of Bello Duo. Conor jokes easily about his and Victoria’s relationship as they shielded together: “Nearly a year on and we haven’t killed each other. Arguments are very rare as Victoria just gets her way.”

He adds: “We just compromise with each other. We try and avoid confrontation which makes us work very well.”

From this, their friendship flourished, and then became something bigger, as they became a couple.

Victoria shares how the couple living together in lockdown led to their new venture.

Despite only being together for a few months when the pandemic hit, the young couple chose to shield together. While in lockdown, they shared songs when everyone was ‘Clapping for our

“The neighbours knew that we both loved to sing, so that’s how it all started. We would come and stand on the doorstep every Thursday night and sing a couple of songs.”

98 | Local Women Magazine

Victoria says that they wanted to give everyone something to smile about: “We always tried to pick songs that would be really uplifting during a difficult time, to give people that little glimpse of hope.”

Conor adds: “We would do some upbeat songs as well and they would dance in their little bubbles on their doorsteps. It was really nice, actually. It gave everybody something to look forward to each week.”

The pair posted videos of them singing to Facebook, and one video went viral, reaching 150,000 views. The outpouring of support inspired Conor and Victoria to take their singing further and make an album.

They had low expectations, Conor admits: “When we originally did the album, we were thinking my mum might buy 50 copies and Victoria’s mum might buy 50 copies and that might be it, but it really took off.”

These expectations were definitely exceeded, though.

The album, ‘Out of the Darkness’, has sold almost 700 copies worldwide, including in the US and Canada.

The duo has had some success outside of Ireland and the UK before, with their single ‘Danny Boy’ reaching number one in the South African charts.

“The intention was never really Bello Duo or an album.

We were just singing to the neighbours,” Conor says.

He adds that creating the album came with challenges: “It’s not easy. It’s definitely not.” But, in Victoria points out how when they started it was as some ways, the pandemic had helped, with people much for them as anyone else: “It was nice to have being on their phones and social media so much. that thing to focus on during lockdown to lift the The pair have a positive outlook about their time spirits a wee bit.” spent shielding. “If Covid hadn’t happened we She explains that they both had to shield during wouldn’t have had the time or the need to try this. lockdown, as Conor has asthma and Victoria has It was one of those moments where you think, ‘Well, Addison’s Disease. we’ve got nothing to lose.’

“I don’t know what way my body would actually react Victoria says their support for each other helped to Coronavirus, so that’s why we thought it would be them through shielding. “We’ve kept each other best to shield,” she says. company, and we’ve kept each other sane.”

“Although I do have my health condition, it’s She says that their relationship shows when they sing, something I never let get in the way. I don’t let it too. “It is nice for people to see, when we’re singing, hold me back from doing things and I still live my our love for each other, and our love for the singing life to the fullest, so it’s been really great getting as well. I think people do enjoy that.” to do all the Bello Duo stuff, and just having Conor, too, talks about his love for his job. “The something to focus on.” lockdown suddenly makes you realise that we love The singers share some of the struggles of having to what we do.” shield, too. “We lost our jobs as wedding singers and there was no income,” Conor says.

Despite any difficulties, the two talk positively about

the pandemic, and add that there is light at the end of the tunnel for them, as they have both received their first dose of the vaccine now.

When they are finally free to stop shielding, the pair have many plans.

“We have a lot of weddings that have been moved, plus the ones for 2021 already. We’re currently working on our next album, which hopefully we’ll release in September or October. We’re planning a UK and Ireland theatre tour hopefully in January depending on how things go.”

It is unsurprising, with the success of Bello Duo, and the postponement of numerous weddings, that Conor and Victoria will be busy when the world returns to normal.

Yet, they have made plans in their personal lives alongside their profession. “We got a wedding booking in Tuscany for June next year, so we’re going to try and make a holiday out of that.”

It seems clear that, in spite of the circumstances and the challenges, Conor and Victoria have cemented their love for each other and their music during the Coronavirus pandemic.

Victoria sums this up: “We’ve both been very grateful, although it has been such a difficult time with Covid, to have this time together to work on our music.

“We’re very lucky that we share the same passions.

It is something that we definitely want to take further and keep doing it. We do really enjoy it.”

Conor concludes, “I think every musician’s dream is to be known for your own music and known for your own voice. We just want to share our music and get it out there.”

Bello Duo’s album is available to buy on their website, www.belloduo.com, and some singles, including ‘Danny Boy’ are available on Apple Music and Spotify.

They can also be found on their Facebook page, ‘Bello Duo’, and on Instagram @belloduovoices.

Use the discount code ‘belloduo20’ for 20% off the digital album.

Local Women Magazine | 99

IT’S TIME FOR DAISY LANE

Bertha Ashfield has set up an exciting new ladies’ boutique and coffee house in Aughnacloy where you will get a warm welcome, stylish fashion and amazing customer service.

They say timing is everything and for Bertha Ashfield from Daisy Lane, it was the perfect time to follow her dreams and set up a new boutique and coffee house in Aughnacloy.

The stylish lady has used lockdown to get ready for her new career as a boutique owner and she can’t wait until restrictions are lifted and customers can visit her gorgeous new store.

Life has always been busy for Bertha, 51, but with her three children now aged 25, 18 and 13, she felt the time was right to embark on a new chapter.

And so, with the support of her husband and family, Bertha has thrown herself into her new project, decorating her new premises, sourcing amazing fashion lines, as well as setting up a gorgeous coffee shop.

Bertha is now the proud co-owner of the independent family run ladies’ boutique and coffee shop which incorporates a giftware section and a footwear department all under one roof. She went into business with her husband’s cousin Paul Coote and the pair are looking forward to getting the boutique open to the public.

She is currently trading online using social media channels to showcase the clothes. Her 18-year-old daughter Jasmine is her main model for the boutique

Bertha and daughter Jasmine

and shows off the clothes beautifully online. Jasmine had been due to travel to New Zealand on a scholarship but sadly Covid ruled that out. On the bright side, she has been able to help her mum with the boutique and has selected lots of the younger designer brands for the store.

How would you describe a Daisy Lane customer?

I would hope that our Daisy Lane customers will enjoy every minute browsing and purchasing when we are allowed to open up again. Fashion in my opinion should not be put into Local Women talks to Bertha about boxes of who can wear what. For me I her new business venture and how she would love if each person through our used lockdown as the perfect time to door would come away with perfect make her dreams a reality. outfits to enhance their beauty on the outside in their own unique and individual way.

Why did you decide to start your business?

Daisy Lane came about during the third lockdown. We started after Christmas, so we had lots of time to fully renovate and refurbish the previous business premises into something much more stylish and contemporary. Probably one of the main reasons that I agreed to go into a business partnership was that the time felt right. My three children are now 25, 18 and 13 so their demands for my time are much less than before. I also received great encouragement from my husband and family to take this step out into a new challenge in the fashion industry as my previous career had lasted 23 years. Now seems the perfect time to make a move into something different.

What clothing ranges are your most popular?

Are you trading online right now?

Two of the most popular brands so far online have been Ichi and B.Young.

Both are very much on trend with Our new website is currently under current fashion and very affordable construction but hopefully it will be up which helps in this current climate. and running in a few weeks. This makes it more difficult to sell the clothes, but we are using our social media platforms to advertise our clothes.

Our coffee house seats approximately 40 to 45 people and boasts a wide and varied menu, from breakfasts to full lunches, sandwiches and wraps. The most delicious homemade traybakes, Lockdown I hope will have changed scones and desserts adorn the counter people’s shopping habits in that they every day and are a firm favourite will show more loyalty and support among the Daisy Lane customers. Our to local retailers. Supporting local is speciality is afternoon tea which is so vital because it keeps money within popular and some weeks we have the community and locally owned three or four lots of family and friends businesses often purchase from other enjoying the special treat. local businesses therefore creating What do you miss most more jobs in the area.

Tell us about your cafe at Daisy Lane?

How important do you think is it to shop local?

about your job now that we What plans do you have are closed for lockdown?

The everyday contact is something my staff and I miss with the lockdown rules. The coffee shop has such a loyal and regular customer base and there are people we would see three or four times a week who have become more like friends than customers. It’s those folk who we miss, and we can’t wait to welcome them back.

for the future?

Once we get opened, we want to see Daisy Lane becoming a central focus for many in the local area as well as people passing by. Somewhere that everyone who enters can be assured of a friendly welcome, amazing fashion with a nice cuppa in the coffee house, among family and friends.

122/124 Moore Street | Aughnacloy | BT69 6AA | T: 028 8555 7598 WEBSITE CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION

www.daisylaneclothing.com

LOGANAIR SAFEGUARDS CITY OF DERRY AIRPORT’S LIVERPOOL ROUTE Loganair has announced it will step in to safeguard the popular air link between City of Derry Airport and Liverpool following Ryanair’s recent decision to step back from the route.

The new Loganair service, with flights starting at £44.99 one way, will commence from 24 May. The Glasgow-based company - now the UK’s largest regional airline - will initially offer flights on four days of the week: Monday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Weekday flights will leave City of Derry at 10.50 arriving Liverpool at 11.50, and return from Liverpool at 12.20 arriving City of Derry at 13.20. The frequency of flights will increase to daily from late June.

The new flights will be operated by Loganair’s dedicated team of pilots, cabin crew and engineers already based at City of Derry Airport (CODA), at which Loganair was the very first operator when the airport opened for business in April 1980. The basing of the 49-seat Embraer 145 regional jet at CODA already supports 15 direct jobs for pilots, cabin crew and engineers in the area.

In a further clear signal of its commitment to the airport, Loganair will also be increasing flights linking CODA with Glasgow from late June. Services will gear up from four days per week to daily as extra flights on Tuesday,

and a 6kg hand luggage bag on their journey. In addition, there is complimentary refreshments on board, discounts available on child and student fares and passengers can sign up to the Clan Loganair loyalty programme which rewards frequent flyers with points to be used towards a Steve Frazer, Managing Director of City of Derry flight of choice.

Airport, said: “We are pleased that Loganair have again shown their commitment to regional To celebrate the launch of this Liverpool connectivity from the North West of NI. Increasing route, Loganair are giving away three pairs the frequency to seven days a week from the end of return flight tickets for their routes from of June will give maximum choice and flexibility City of Derry Airport – Liverpool, Glasgow & London Stansted. Enter and find more to both business and leisure travellers”. information here: www.cityofderryairport.com/ Loganair offer an all-inclusive fare system, so win-one-of-three-loganair-flight-giveaways/. passengers can bring a 15kg hold baggage Loganair are also offering 50% off kids fares until 5th April, find more information here: https://www.loganair.co.uk/campaign/ kids-fly-for-less/.

Wednesday and Saturday are introduced to the timetable. The move will secure the long-standing airbridge between City of Derry and Scotland despite Ryanair’s decision to withdraw its flights from CODA to Edinburgh.

Find more details on Loganair here:

www.loganair.co.uk.

For more details on City of Derry Airport visit:

www.cityofderryairport.com.

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Creating scents and making memories

Lockdown inspired Gail Lynas to follow her dream of 30 years and start her own luxury candle business. As proud owner of Buick House Candles, Gail is evoking memories and encouraging self-care with her beautiful range of candles hand poured in Co Down.

Gail Lynas is preparing for Christmas…

love her candles.

It may only be April but already Gail’s plans are well underway for a festive range for her newly launched Buick House Candles.

Gail has big plans for her brand and wants to expand her business locally and further afield.

She is passionate about supporting local traders and would like to see her range stocked in shops and boutiques provincewide.

And as owner of her own business Gail couldn’t be more excited about the future and relishes every moment of the hard work that goes into developing her brand and product range.

Owning her own luxury candle business has been a life-long dream – in fact, it has been 30 years in the making.

Just over a year ago Gail, 51, from Banbridge was working in the corporate world of banking, but she decided to put her career on hold to concentrate on a house move – but of course like all of us, she didn’t predict a global pandemic.

But instead of waiting it out, Gail has used her time in lockdown productively and decided the time was right to follow her dreams.

With months of time on her hands, she threw herself into research and development, finally launching a bespoke range of beautifully scented candles.

She creates scents that evoke and create memories and, at a time when self-care has never been so important, her customers simply

Here, Gail talks to Local Women about following her dreams and creating a business that has become her passion.

TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO START YOUR BUSINESS? The global pandemic actually gave me the time I needed to follow a life-long dream. I’ve never been someone to just sit around, so, I decided to look at how I might use my time and start a luxury candle business. For as long as I can remember I have always been fascinated by fragrance, by the fact that a smell can evoke so many memories. I recall reading a quote: “Nothing is more memorable than a smell.” So, it became my aim to use fragrance to evoke and create memories.

I picked the name as it was the maiden name of my great-great grandmother and also of our home. I did a lot of research and finally found a local chandler who agreed to work with me on developing the fragrances, and using his extensive knowledge, to pour the candles.

HOW LONG DID IT TAKE YOU FROM INITIAL IDEA TO ACTUALLY SELLING YOUR CANDLES? Would you believe I have had the idea for about 30 years? My career was always my focus and the candles were a dream that I thought would never materialise. When I did finally decide to pursue making this a reality it took nine months – that was research, fragrance development, brand development, packaging design, website design and months of testing. Starting a business in the middle of a pandemic has definitely not

been ideal as there has been a global shortage of wax, of wicks and delays in getting fragrance shipped, but the feeling of actually seeing your final product, of seeing your website go live and receiving that first order – well, it’s something I will always remember.

CAN YOU TALK US THROUGH THE PROCESS OF MAKING THE CANDLES? Buick House Candles are double poured in a Co Down workshop. Hand pouring the candles is an old-fashioned process, but this makes a difference to how the candles burn and throw their scent. The wicks are trimmed and straightened by hand once the candles have sufficiently cooled. Finally, they are cleaned, labels are applied, and each candle is then hand-wrapped in our branded paper before being boxed and ready for shipping.

WHAT INSPIRES THE SCENTS? The names of the candles themselves are inspired by our home and the beautiful Irish countryside that we are so lucky to have all around us.

The fragrances are all personal to me and I describe them with my own memories. My father loved classic cars and the smell of leather just takes me back to driving with him as a child. Wednesday was laundry day at my granny’s, and I tried to create that lovely fresh yet comforting smell that reminded me of piles of bedlinen and towels.

SELF-CARE HAS NEVER BEEN SO IMPORTANT AS IT IS NOW, DO YOU HAVE PLANS TO EXPAND YOUR RANGE? I truly believe self-care is important at all times and it is something I have always aimed to incorporate into my life, no matter how busy I have been. There will soon be eight fragrances in the range, and I am at the final stages of testing to introduce both wax melts and reed diffusers.

HOW IMPORTANT DO YOU THINK IT IS TO SHOP LOCAL AND SUPPORT LOCAL TRADERS, PARTICULARLY AT THIS TIME? This was such an important premise for me in setting up the business. I worked with a local design company, Mooney Media to develop my branding, my packaging design, and my website; all of the packaging is produced locally, and the candles are poured locally.

My aim is to have the candles stocked by independent retailers, to encourage everyone to support local shops and buy local products.

Covid may have potentially changed the face of retail forever with more and more companies offering an online presence. I feel it is still important to support the local traders whether online or through traditional bricks and mortar once shops re-open. Shopping local helps regeneration of the local economy, supports local employment and ensures that our high

streets retain the independent stores that make our towns so great.

WHAT DO YOU MOST LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB? I adore the creative side of the business - developing fragrances, coming up with new names. It’s all so different from the timecontrolled, meeting orientated world I have been used to. As cheesy as it sounds, I love hearing feedback from customers and seeing candles lit in their homes. I ask people to share their photos with me on social media and seeing one of my candles lit, hearing people’s feedback and what the scent reminds them of - that’s what it’s all about, creating memories and filling homes with fragrance.

WHAT PLANS DO YOU HAVE FOR THE FUTURE OF THE BUSINESS? My goal is to have Buick House Candles available in each major town in Ireland and to become a locally recognised brand that people enjoy. I’m already looking ahead to the festive season – the fragrance is in the last stages of development; I’m deciding on colours for the packaging and the plan is to have this as a limited edition. After that, who knows? But I’d love to take it from a local brand, to a recognised European or even global one.

WHERE CAN I BUY YOUR CANDLES? Trading is predominantly online at www.buickhousecandles.com.

I have several stockists, mainly in the Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council area and am looking for additional stockists, so if anyone is reading this and is interested, do get in touch.

When restrictions are lifted, the candles can be purchased from Alanna Interiors (Lurgan), Bella Rosa Cottage (Newry), Cafe Marmalade (Banbridge), Julie Elliott Design (Hillsborough) Milk & Honey (Belfast), Vera & Ernie’s (Rathfriland) and Wedding Hair NI (Belfast).

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JACQUELINE’S BRUSH WITH SUCCESS Successful Rostrevor artist Jacqueline Rooney is inspired

by TV star Jay Blades to launch a new homeware range.

A

Co Down artist is branching out and launching her own homeware line thanks to the popularity of her colourful prints and paintings.

Jacqueline Rooney, a former art teacher from Rostrevor, has enjoyed steady success since going full-time with her craft three years ago but it was an encounter with furniture designer and presenter of BBC’s The Repair Shop, Jay Blades that really sparked her creativity and entrepreneurship.

Jay reached out to Jacqueline during lockdown last year to compliment her work and express an interest in collaborating. After he shared a picture of one of her paintings to his 95,000 Instagram followers the Rostrevor artist’s sales trebled almost overnight and the pair discussed combining their passions and working together on a project.

Jacqueline explained: “During our first phone call we discussed our mutual passion for colour and interior design and he told me he would love to collaborate. He used one of my paintings on the seat of an old designer chair he had upcyled and reupholstered and I was ƒ Jacqueline Rooney just blown away seeing my work on one of his amazing pieces of furniture.” shop in the not too distant future and has The chair sold within hours of going on sale received support from far and wide including and kickstarted the idea for a homeware line. from TV presenter Eamonn Holmes who owns Jacqueline has since had her vibrant designs one of her paintings. printed onto luxurious velvet fabric which will be used in the range of new furniture designs, including on chairs, cushions, lampshades, curtains and other soft furnishings.

“I have shipped my paintings all over the world and I’m hoping this new homeware line will appeal to both my existing clients and a new audience as there will be a range of Currently working from her home studio, pieces to suit everyone’s taste and budget,” Jacqueline now has plans to open her own comments Jacqueline. ƒ Jacqueline’s work was inspired by TV star Jay Blades

“This last year has been like a dream come true. I’m indebted to Jay for inspiring me and I’m determined that this is just the start of it – Jay has passed me the gauntlet and now I’m going to run with it. The most impressive thing that I have done for my business has been building a strategic alliance with UK interiors and furniture influencer Jay Blades to elevate my profile and develop a joint project in the homewares market to mark my entry into the homewares’ range via my own label. Watch this space, all will be revealed soon!”

neck. The only way that I can explain it, is that I saw the future – she has a certain quality and deserves every success. Jacqueline and I are kindred spirits, she’s someone I connect with and now she’s like part of my family. She’s like my sister in Ireland. I love what she is doing and I’m looking forward to coming to Ireland in the near future.”

Commenting on the collaboration Jay said: “When I saw Jacqueline’s artwork on Instagram, the fur went up in the back of my

To check out Jacqueline’s artwork search for Jacqueline Rooney Art on Facebook or the @ jacquelinerooneyart handle on Instagram.

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Weddings at the 4* Ballyliffin Lodge & Spa Start your wedding adventure now!

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LW WEDDINGS

Cathrine Richard BRIDE: Cathrine Spence from Newmills GROOM: Richard Gilmour from Castledawson BRIDE’S PARENTS: Nigel and Joanne Spence, Newmills GROOM’S PARENTS: Paul and Barbara Gilmour, Castledawson WEDDING DATE: Saturday, 25th July, 2020 CEREMONY AND RECEPTION: Groom’s Family Garden, Castledawson BRIDESMAIDS: Clare Spence, Rebecca Winter and Ruth Sloan BEST MAN: Craig McAuley GROOMSMEN: Steven Henry and Jonathan Brooks PHOTOGRAPHER: You Them Us VIDEOGRAPHER: Andrew Glendinning HAIR: Scissor Sisters, Eglish MAKE UP: Jennifer Allen - Blush Beauty, Castlecaufield DRESS: Serendipity Bridal, Fivemiletown FLOWERS: Steven Mallon - Flowers for All Occasions

Our lockdown story: We had our wedding in July 2020. We had so many hard choices to make because of the restrictions.

We moved our wedding from our church and hotel, which was planned for 170 guests, to my inlaws back garden with 35 guests and a marquee and we showed it all live on Zoom. It was all replanned within four weeks of our original date being cancelled.

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Our lockdown story: We got married at the height of a ‘circuit breaker’ with the restrictions consisting of 25 people and no reception. The restrictions came out 10 days before our wedding day. It was as though everything had been taken from our day, but we had decided from the start of the pandemic that we wanted to get married on that date, and that is what we did. We had to rework the wedding service, change the readings and the music, and work around what we were allowed. The church was fantastic, a close friend, Laura Kerr sang all the songs from the balcony, alongside solos from my daddy, Peter Law, and cousin, Ryan Calvert. We had readings from family and close friends. The service was beautiful, so intimate, so personal and so special - we streamed the service live online for all those who couldn’t be with us and asked them to send us their selfies of them watching the service for our guest book.

LW WEDDINGS

Joanne Mark BRIDE: Joanne Law from Moira GROOM: Mark Doody from Omagh BRIDE’S PARENTS: Peter and Gillian Law, Moira

We got our photographs taken on the grounds outside the Lough Erne in Enniskillen and we brought a speaker and had our first dance and father daughter dance on the terrace outside with all social distancing rules and regulations being followed, and it was honestly so special.

GROOM’S PARENTS: Brendan and Loretta Doody, Omagh

We are very blessed to have had the day we had, and the support we had from all our family and friends.

CEREMONY: St Mary’s, Killyclogher, Omagh

WEDDING DATE: 24.10.2020 RECEPTION: Unable to have reception due to tightened restrictions BRIDESMAIDS: Emma Harper, Caroline Kidd, Maeve Doody, Lucy Kerr, Rosie Calvert BEST MAN: James O’Brien GROOMSMEN: Brian Devlin, Stuart Law PHOTOGRAPHER: Darryn J Bradley Photography HAIR AND MAKEUP: Due to guidelines at the time, we had to do our own on the morning of the wedding DRESS: Divinity Bridal, Lisburn, Sew Handy, Banbridge FLOWERS: Wilnor Tennant

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Our lockdown story: We were due to get married on 3rd May, 2020 and it had been planned for almost three years. We had been together for eight years with two daughters. When lockdown hit in March our wedding was postponed and I was devastated. We rearranged our wedding at the Leighinmohr House Hotel for May 2021, but deep down I didn’t want to wait that long. At the beginning of September lockdown restrictions were eased, so we decided to cut our numbers from 130 to 55 and brought our wedding forward to 24th October, still at the Leighinmohr. Then on the 14th October, disaster struck again.

I was working at the A&E in Antrim Hospital and new restrictions were announced that meant our venue was to shut. I was in tears, I couldn’t believe it was happening a week before our third wedding date, but I was so determined that I was still getting married. With great support from the nurse in charge, I made a lot of phone calls and I was able to book a civil ceremony at Carrickfergus Town Hall where we could have 25 guests on the 20th October. We quickly contacted our immediate families to let them know.

The ceremony was amazing. Although there was only a few of us, it was perfect. I was so laid back and just wanted to be married.

Compared to what we had planned, it was so completely different, but Neil and I both agree we had the best day ever and we have absolutely no regrets.

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LW WEDDINGS

Roisin

Neil

BRIDE: Roisin McLarnon from Antrim GROOM: Neil Murdock from Antrim BRIDE’S PARENTS: Robert and Susan McLarnon from Antrim GROOM’S PARENTS: Derek and Joanne Murdock from Antrim WEDDING DATE: 20/10/2020 CEREMONY: Carrickfergus Town Hall RECEPTION: Neil’s parent’s house and our own house MAID OF HONOUR: Aine Woodman BRIDESMAIDS: Aoife McLarnon and Summer Murdock FLOWER GIRLS: Our daughters Tilly and Georgie BEST MAN: Glenn Steele GROOMSMAN: Marshall Murdock PHOTOGRAPHER: Katrina Coulter HAIR: Shauna O’Kane MAKEUP: Nicola Johnston DRESS: Ivory grace Bridal Ballymena FLOWERS: Let’s Face It Creations – Foam Flowers

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Mary

Conor

BRIDE: Mary C McEldowney from Slaughtneil GROOM: Conor McGuckian from Maghera BRIDE’S PARENTS: Gerry and Mary Rose McEldowney, Slaughtneil GROOM’S PARENTS: Johnny and Linda McGuckian, Maghera WEDDING DATE: 05/12/20 CEREMONY: St John Baptist, Swatragh RECEPTION: Our garden MATRON OF HONOUR: Karen Donaghy BRIDESMAIDS: Francesca McStravock, Helena Laverty, Jolene Bradley JUNIOR BRIDESMAID: Brianna Donaghy BEST MAN: Conor Clearly GROOMSMEN: Stephen McGuckian, Johnny McGuckian, Jason Downey JUNIOR GROOMSMAN: Johnny McGuckian PHOTOGRAPHER: David A Scott HAIR: Rebecca Mulholland MAKEUP: Danielle Loughlin DRESS: Wedded Bliss Bridal House FLOWERS: Mary McNicholl

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LET’S GO OUTSIDE Outdoor living spaces have been growing in popularity and amenities for years, but the restrictions imposed by the coronavirus are spurring even greater demand

T

he orders to stay at home and shelter have made homeowners keenly aware of both their indoor and outdoor space. The spell of good weather and nowere else to go has forced us to see the potential within our own spaces.

Our gardens are an extension of our home with outdoor living potential, we can eat, entertain, work, relax and spend a large part of the day and evening outside. Year after year we throw good money after bad buying disposable outdoor accessories instead of investing in long term key pieces. Last year I bit the bullit and bought good outdoor furniture after the teak dining set rotted and the plastic one blew over and broke, so iv changd my attitude to outdoor spaces and treat it the same as indoors.

antibacterial protection, and resist mould and mildew build-up.

They will look like new, even after years of use – coated fabrics can be cleaned easily with just soap and water, and you dont have to run out and put them away with threat of a shower.

Osborne and Littles unique collection of outdoor fabrics have a diserable mix of intriguing geometircs and statement designs. This playful collection brings invigorating colour combinations and exciting textures to outdoor settings.

After spouts of hot weather we often see sudden downpours of heavy rain showers which makes us all retreat back indoors until it passes. There are various solutions to create outdoor living spaces that can be used no matter the weather. To get the best of our outdoors we can make the space more usable with screened porches, gazebos, canopies, garden rooms etc.. To add Luxury and comfort we are seeing an increasing amount of outdoor fabrics available on the market. This means we can add the softness, texture and comfort associated with living spaces.

There are some waterproof premade cushions on the highstreet, The technical spec of romo fabrics is much more advanced to include:

Osborne and Little along with several other fabric houses are now specialising in coated fabrics so we can style our outdoor living spaces as we would our indoor living spaces.

• Breathable

Coated Fabrics can to provide a barrier

be manufactured to stains, provide

• High colour fastness to light (grade 7-8) • Mould & Mildew resistant • stain resistant • High colour fastness to chlorine & sea water • Dermatologically friendly substances used in production • washable at 40 degrees

Not to mention the wide range of colours and patterns and ability to cover chairs, loungers and make up in whatever you wish! Time to get creative with that extra living room on your door step!

Consultancy by Appointment Only Tel: 077 3441 9535 | Email: interiors@elledesignsni.co.uk Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Elle-Designs Follow us on Instagram: Elledesigns_louise

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LET’S GO

OUTSIDE

TEL: 077 3441 9535 CONSULTANCY BY A PPOINTMENT O NLY E: interiors@elledesignsni.co.uk Follow us on instagram Elledesigns_louise

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