Ulster Tatler February 2023 by Ulster Tatler

ULSTER TATLER

NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY

FEBRUARY 2023

£3.20

FEBRUARY 2023

INTERVIEW: LOUISE KENNEDY DON’T MOVE, IMPROVE

VOLUME 57 NO.2 ULSTERTATLER.COM

FOCUS ON: RANDALSTOWN

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C R E AT I N G W AV E S W I T H I N E D U C AT I O N & A P P R E N T I C E S H I P

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February 2023

CONTENTS Features

COLUMNIST – KATHY CLUGSTON Speech Therapy

QUEEN'S GRADUATIONS

ART'S DIARY

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW Louise Kennedy

ULSTER TATLER WEDDINGS

DON'T MOVE, IMPROVE

112

MY TOP TEN Ciara Connolly

113

FOCUS ON: Randalstown

122

FOCUS ON: A Helping Hand

128

LOOKING BACK February 1987

UT Style

113 This month's cover features a striking hairstyle created by Andrew Mulvenna Hair. Andrew Mulvenna 161-163 Victoria Street, Belfast T: 028 9024 9191 www.andrewmulvenna.com Hair Styling: Andrew Mulvenna Art Team. Clothes styling by Ellie Hawkes.

Keep In Touch With Ulster Tatler At:

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STYLE WATCH

STYLE RULES Danielle Magennis

GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

BEAUTY OBJECTS

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION UK - £30.00 RoI - £60.00 Overseas - £60.00 ULSTER TATLER ISSN 0049 5107 39 Boucher Rd, Belfast BT12 6UT Full Colour Tel: (028) 9066 3311 www.ulstertatler.com e-mail: info@ulstertatler.com

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Ulster Tatler Groups is a name used by Ulster Journals Ltd. Company registered in Northern Ireland, registration number NI005037, registered office as listed.

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EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITOR: Christopher Sherry

Write On

DEPUTY EDITOR: Joanne Harkness EDITORIAL MANAGER: James Sherry SALES & MARKETING MANAGERS: Lorraine Gill Gerry Waddell

Over the last few years I have developed some pretty poor reading habits. For example, I am constantly starting one book, abandoning it, starting another book, only to discard it, before I pick up yet another book. Mostly it is not the various books’ shortcomings, rather my inability to invest enough time in each of them. Thankfully, one book I cannot say this about is Louise Kennedy’s excellent debut novel Trespasses which I came across by chance. I read an interview with the author in The Irish Times and was intrigued. I bought a copy of the book and had ﬁnished it within a week. The novel is set in 1970s Northern Ireland and concerns an affair between a middle-aged married man and a younger woman. On the surface, the story seems quite commonplace but there is a lot more going on than might ﬁrst appear. The novel manages to be thought-provoking and, at the same time, very readable. I am therefore delighted that Jane Hardy has managed to interview Kennedy for this edition of the Ulster Tatler as I was interested in learning some more about her. If you haven’t read the book yet perhaps Jane’s interview will prompt you to do so.

COPY CONTROLLER: Gemma Johnston EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Kate McGowan PRODUCTION MANAGER: Richard Sherry PHOTOGRAPHER: Ian Campbell PRODUCTION/DESIGN: Tatler Type

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COLUMN February 2023

LIFE & TIMES EDITED BY KATHY CLUGSTON

Kathy Clugston is a freelance radio presenter. She chairs the long-running BBC Radio 4 programme ‘Gardeners’ Question Time’ and presents the weekly entertainment show ‘The Ticket’ on BBC Radio Ulster.

Speech Therapy This month, Kathy gives her top tips for public speaking – just think TOAST.

One of the things I love most about life as a radio presenter is being invisible. Many of us in this particular section of showbiz are ‘introverted show-offs’ – we do like to make ourselves heard but don’t like everyone looking at us. Because of my job people assume I wouldn’t give public speaking a second thought but actually I find getting up in front of an audience incredibly nervewracking. A radio studio isn’t the same at all; there may be thousands of listeners out there, millions even, but when it’s just you and the microphone it’s as if you are speaking to just one of them. Appearing in front of a live audience has become a greater part of what I do in recent years. Gardeners’ Question Time (which I’ve hosted on BBC Radio 4 since 2019) is usually recorded in front of a couple of hundred people, and I am being asked more and more to give talks or host events here in Northern Ireland. As I stand quaking in the wings listening to the murmurs of the crowd, trying to keep nausea at bay, I try to remember why on earth I thought saying yes to this was a good idea and if there’s any way I could quietly slip out the back and leg it. Experience has taught me, though, that the nerves will pass and once I get going I’ll be fine. Heck, sometimes I even enjoy myself. For many people though, giving a toast or speech or presentation is on a par with having all their teeth fall out in terms of worst nightmare scenarios. Somewhere, sometime, someone told me about the acronym TOAST, a series of things to remember when you have no choice but to stand up and enter the spotlight. Here it is, as best as I remember it.

T is for Tell A Story. An anecdote is a great way to start and get your audience on side. It should be short and relevant to your reason for being there - the people or occasion. O is for Optimism. Don’t leave us on a downer. A wedding toast is not the time to mention that your dog has just died. Even at a funeral or memorial, where the tone is sombre, it is nice to leave people with a positive message about the person. A is for Authenticity. Honesty and sincerity will go down much better than hastily assembled jokes. A speech is not a chance for you to practise your stand-up. (We’ve all been there, haven’t we, rolling our eyes at rambling, off-colour stories about the groom’s younger days.) Humour is a fantastic tool of course, but the most powerful and affecting speeches I have ever heard were spoken from the heart. S is for Study (and also for Sober). A little preparation will stand you in excellent stead. Practise a few times, in front of someone you trust if possible. Don’t stand with your head down mechanically reading out your speech. You don’t have to memorise it, just have a few notes to refer to. That will free you to look at the audience - and smile! A bit of Dutch courage is tempting but wait until afterwards. A stiff drink coupled with nerves can make you inclined to mumble, ramble and think you’re more hilarious than you are. T is for Timing. No one ever complained about a speech being too short. Unless you have a set duration, for a presentation,

Illustration by Megan Rafferty.

for example, less is usually more. That said, nerves are inclined to make you speak faster so be careful not to gabble. Pauses are powerful. And remember to breathe! If you remember the last time you listened to someone giving a speech, you most likely admired them for getting up and doing it, listened with interest to what they had to say and promptly forgot all about it. No one will be sitting in judgement, willing you to fail. So take a deep breath, push your shoulders down, smile and step up with confidence.

THIS MONTH’S OBSESSIONS: Deeply Human – a podcast from the BBC World Service about why we do the things we do. Subjects include dress codes, pulling rank and déjà vu. It’s hosted with wit and warmth by the American musician Dessa.

Instant Miso Soup – I’ve never got around to making my own but found a good packet variety online. Great for a fast, low-calorie umami hit. Supposed to be good for gut health but can be high in salt, if that’s an issue.

This Garden is Only Temporary – The latest album from Northern Ireland’s Andy White, who burst onto the scene in the late ‘80s and is still going strong. He now lives in Australia but comes home often to perform his poignant and heartfelt songs.

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Chair of Monkstown Community Association Mr David McCrea accepting the Queen’s Award Crystal from His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Mr David McCorkell.

Vice Chair of Monkstown Community Association Councillor Mark Cooper accepting the Queen’s Award Certiﬁcate.

An evening of celebrations for the Monkstown Community Association committee and volunteers. Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross with the presentation party.

Knit & Natter Group, Mary Hall, Linda, Lily Mawhinney, Eleanor Walker, Pat and Murial Bruce.

Volunteers from Monkstown Community Association receiving their Queen’s Award lapel badges.

A ROYAL AWARD FOR LOCAL VOLUNTEERS Volunteers from the Monkstown Community Association were presented the prestigious Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services at a special ceremony held in the Courtyard Theatre, Ballyearl, in January. The group chair, Mr David McCrea and Vice-Chair, Councillor Mark Cooper, received the award on behalf of the Association from the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, Mr David McCorkell, for their efforts to develop a range of activities and support to beneﬁt their local community. Full details available via antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk/ queensawardmonkstown

Diane Irvin, Eddie Judson, Gillian McCrea and Debbie Smyth. 14

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Brittany Cooper, Sandra Graham and Jeanette Cummins.

Mervyn Cooper, Helen Cooper, Jessica Cooper, Stacey Dinnen, Alison Cooper, Shirley Young.

Deputy Lord Lieutenant James Perry, Queen’s Award Representative Sandra Adair, HMLL Mr David McCorkell, Sea Cadet Adam Barr, Deputy Lord Lieutenant Fred Hall with the Mayor.

Chair David McCrea alongside members from the Carson Project.

Invited guests who have helped support Monkstown Community Association over the years.

Councillor Robert Foster, Bobby Higgins, Rosemary Higgins, Betty McCrea, Elizabeth Meek.

Councillor Alison Bennington, Councillor Victor Robinson, Councillor Sam Flanagan, Matthew and May.

Representatives from Monkstown Community Association and guests welcoming HMLL Mr David McCorkell.

Sam Patterson, Clare Patterson, HMLL Mr David McCorkell, Cadet, Mayor, Betty McCrea, David McCrea.

Gordan Lyons MLA, Phillip Brett MLA, Sandra Adair, June McKee, HMLL David McCorkell, Cadet, Mayor, Sammy Wilson MP, DL Fred Hall, Rev McGinn. 15

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Sonia Owens, Niamh Byrne and Lauren Grimley.

Tony Del Pinton, Ryan McMonagle and Shannon Elliott.

Patricia McCrum and Pamela Matthews with Patrick and Sandra Durand.

Caitlin Meade, Rachel Pepper, Kian McKervey, Brooklyn Parke and Corey McKitterick.

Katie Bell and Megan Brown.

Katrina Dinsmore, Lauren Drafﬁn and Kirsty Leathem.

Alice Armstrong and Reece Sommerville.

Emily Ferris, Chloe Ferris and Sarah Armstrong.

Laura O’Keefe, Katie Grogan and Evie Sinclair.

THE RACE IS ON Down Royal’s final fixture of 2022 took place on Boxing Day. The Boxing Day fixture is one of the busiest in Down Royal’s calendar. It has become an extremely popular event for those seeking a fashionable and fun day out. Despite the chilly weather a good days’ racing was had by all. The next races are scheduled for St Patrick’s Day on 17th March 2023.

Seamus McKillop, Joanna Woods, Sandra McKillop and Andrea McKillop. 16

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Deputy Mayor CCAG BC Kathleen McGurk and Dr Satyavir Singhal, Chairman of the Indian Community Centre.

UU Chair of Council Jenny Pyper with retiring PVC Alastair Adair.

The UU Derry-Londonderry Choir perform.

Attendees at the gala dinner.

Michael Fitzpatrick, UU Director of Estates with Mayor of Mid&East Antrim BC Alderman Noel Williams.

The UU Derry-Londonderry Choir perform.

Retiring Pro Vice Chancellor Alastair Adair with Denis Moloney, Senior Partner at Donnelly & Wall.

Vice Chancellor Paul Bartholomew addresses the attendees.

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER AT ULSTER UNIVERSITY

John Farrell, UU Gaelic Academy, Chancellor Colin Davidson, Sister Mary Turley, Director of The Flax Trust and Ronnie Kells, former Group Chief Executive of Ulster Bank.

December 15th was a night to remember for the eclectic crowd in attendance at an exclusive black-tie event held in celebration of the completion of Ulster University’s new campus building. At a gala dinner hosted within the atrium of the brand new York Street facilities, the guests - who counted aldermen, community stakeholders and university representatives among their number - were treated to a performance courtesy of the Derry Campus University Choir. The evening also marked the achievements of the institute’s winter graduates. Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Bartholemew and Dr Jenny Pyper were present to address the invited audience, as was the Pro Vice-Chancellor, Professor Alastair Adair.

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Alastair Petticrew, Piper Miller Speers, Linda Petticrew and Fiona Speers.

Eva and Denver Gage.

Dr Jane Simms and Robert Simms, with Raymond and Barbara Lewis Banks.

Scott McKeague and Laura O’Boyle with Rachael O’Boyle and Cillian Darragh.

Alison McMurtry and Chieftan Peter McMurtry.

Irene, Ian, Debbie and Ruth Halligan.

Ryan and Claire Lavery with Jennifer and Greg Surgenor.

HASTE YE BACK

Curley and Ann Morris, Rosie Ford Hutchinson, Helen and John Minford.

William and Theodora Cross.

Magheramorne Estate held its Burns Night Supper on Saturday 28th January. Guests were treated to a ﬁve-course long table Burn’s supper followed by pipes, drums and dancing. Magheramorne Estate is located just 23 miles from Belfast and is one of the most exclusive venues available for private hire in Northern Ireland. The estate dates back to 1880 and is a Grade B1 listed building which boasts 35 ensuite rooms.

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Hazel Hyde and Avril Suckling.

Patricia Goldblatt and Terry Crowthers.

Trine Shaw and Natalie McCoubrey.

Mary Corry and Margaret Rea.

Cathy Henderson, Ian Killen and Kerry Goldblatt.

Kate McCormack and Mark IrwinWatson from Action Cancer.

Catherine Fetherston and Ciara Ralston. Seated left-right Louise Menary and Sarah Mitchell.

Action Cancer Holywood group committee left-right Joan Eakin, Patricia Goldblatt, Terry Crowthers, Zoe Wilcox, Tracey Haldane, Kathryn Miller, Pauline Clarke, Sarah Stout and Reyna Herron.

ACTION CANCER COFFEE MORNING The Action Cancer Holywood Group recently hosted their Annual Coffee Morning and Christmas Fair in the Culloden Hotel. Guests enjoyed coffee, scones, musical entertainment and shopped from a selection of lovely stalls. This event and others like it help the charity to support thousands of local individuals and families affected by cancer.

Carole Allen, Helen Mercer, Mary Weston, Janet Walmsley and Margot Gilchrist. 22

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Chaplain of the Guard, Captain Rev Dr Stanley Gamble CF, with Lady Downshire.

HFG SM Paddy Shields and the Rev Stanley Gamble.

Lord Downshire and Sjt Andrew Carlisle.

Mr Edward Legard, Lord Downshire and HFG Serjeant Major Paddy Shields.

HFG Serjeant Andrew Carlisle explains the workings of the P 1853 musket to Lord Downshire.

Lord Downshire inspects the P 1853 socket bayonet with Sjt Andrew Carlisle.

A/Wdr Simon Nichols, A/Wdr Howard Walker and A/Wdr Don Bigger.

SM Paddy Shields addresses the troops.

NEW YEAR CELEBRATIONS AT HILLSBOROUGH January 2nd saw the Marquess of Downshire, Colonel Arthur Francis Nicholas Wills Hill, attend the annual Hillsborough Fort Guard New Year’s luncheon at the Hillside Pub. As Commanding Ofﬁcer and Constable of Hillsborough Fort the Marquess presented the Guard with a large framed Downshire Coat of Arms. Sixteen Warders were in attendance to mark the Guards’ 362-year anniversary that took place in the picturesque grounds of St Malachy’s Hillsborough Parish Church.

HFG Cpl Robert Finn, Wdr Alan Finn and A/Wdr Gary Adams. 24

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Lord Downshire unveiling his presentation.

Lord Downshire’s presentation address.

Lord Downshire and Sjt Andrew Carlisle.

Pride of place the Downshire Coat of Arms.

SM Shields, Lord Downshire and Sjt Carlisle with the Downshire Coat of Arms presentation.

The Fort Guard in front of St Malachy’s Parish Church.

Members of the Hillsborough Fort Guard sporting their regimental ties.

The presentation on display. 25

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Joanne Treacy (20/20 kitchens) and Una Orr.

Suresh and Karen Tharma.

Jude and Stephen Law.

Alice Snow, Stephen Jeffers and Clare Edwards.

Clare Edwards from SMEG.

SMEG cookery demonstration by chef Stephen Jeffers.

SMEG home economist Alice Snow.

John Leckey, Louise Smyth, Emma Abernethy, Jonathan Hill, Richard Torbett, Cyril White and Lee Williamson.

BODEL DISTRIBUTORS SMEG COOKERY DEMONSTRATION Bodel Distributors recently hosted a Christmas Cookery Demonstration in their Lisburn Showrooms. Clare and Alice from Smeg UK, along with local Chef Stephen Jeffers prepared some fantastic food using the latest Smeg appliances. These models included the new Galileo ovens, blast chillers, stand mixers, and induction hobs. A full Christmas dinner was prepared followed by a delicious Yule Log.

SMEG cookery demonstration. 26

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Outgoing BDA (NI) President, Peter Crooks and Murial Crooks, BDA (NI) President Philip and Debbie McLorinan, and President elect Gerry McKenna and Jill McKenna.

National President Prof Liz McKay with outgoing BDA (NI) President Peter Crooks and Murial Crooks.

Ross Livingston, Lynsey Redpath and Ross McConnell.

Lee-Anne and Andrew Jess (NI Optometric Society President).

Martin Curran and Kyle McClintock.

BDA (NI) President Philip McLorinan and children Kiera, Andrew, Maria, and wife Debbie.

BDA(NI) PRESIDENTIAL INAUGURATION

National BDA President, Prof Liz McKay and BDA (NI) President Philip McLorinan.

The British Dental Association (BDA) NI welcomed its new Branch President for 2023, Philip McLorinan, at a ceremony in the Great Hall at Queen’s University Belfast. The evening was attended by family, friends, and colleagues from the dental profession across Northern Ireland and beyond. Philip has been practising dentistry for over 20 years, is principal dentist and owner of Dunmurry Dental Practice, he is also a part-time clinical tutor at Queens University. Philip was awarded a Certiﬁcate of Merit by the BDA in 2021 for his work for the association. Philip was presented with the BDA NI Presidents Chain of Ofﬁce by the outgoing 2022 President, Peter Crooks. In his acceptance speech, Philip said ‘The past few years have been challenging on many fronts for all, I hope that in my year as President that the programme we have put together will give our colleagues from all aspects of the profession the opportunity to re-connect and build relations with others.’ BDA (NI) would like to thank their 2023 sponsors who provide invaluable support to the work of the NI Branch within the dental community of Northern Ireland: Denplan, DMI, Marlborough Clinic Lab, M&D Financial Services, Haleon and McDowell & Service. 28

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BDA (NI) President Philip McLorinan, Louise Mallon (DMI), Tracy Doole (BSDHT NI) and Simon Shawe (DMI).

Jennifer Kendrick, Betty Cowan and Anne Stevens.

President of Pharmaceutical Society NI, Geraldine O’Hare and BDA’s Johan Warwick.

Debbie, Kiera, Andrew, Philip McLorinan, Nuala McLorinan, Greg McLorinan, Lucy Serene and Maria McLorinan.

Niki Quinn, Stuart Grattan, Gemma Taylor and Karen McConnell.

Jamie Toole, Joanna Smyth, Edel Hughes and Kevin McGarvey.

BDA (NI) Presidents, past and present.

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31/01/2023 17:03

Fiona Crory, Alan Bloomer, Marcia Graham, Stuart Bell and Karen McIntyre.

Lesley Magee and David Hall.

Paul Murphy and Jennifer Platt.

“GOOD FOOD AND SCOTTISH CRAIC” AT ULSTER REFORM CLUB

Louise and Sean McGrath.

The Ulster Reform Club celebrated Burns Night early with a black-tie supper that lived up to its promise of “good food and Scottish craic.” The function, which took place on the evening of January 19th, saw the club play host to pipers, a Soprano singer and a Scottish speaker and, true to theme, attendees were presented with a dram of hot whisky half an hour before dinner was served.

Angela and Niall Kelly.

Patricia and Denis Connolly with Agnes Dempsey.

Michael and Eileen McKeag with Douglas Gibson.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY LECTURE WITH LORD BEW The Ulster Reform Club Historical Society recently hosted a talk by renowned historian Lord Paul Bew. Bew, who is Professor of Irish Politics at Queen’s University Belfast, spoke on Sir Winston Churchill and Ireland. The over-subscribed, hour-long talk was held in the Old Billiard Room at the Reform Club. Among those in attendance were the Reform Club President Diana Fitzimons and Past President Jim Neilly.

Historical Society President Jim Fitzsimons, Diane Fitzsimons, Lord Bew and Jim Neilly. 30

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31/01/2023 15:49

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30/01/2023 15:23

Allison Dowling, Anne McReynolds and Alia Akkam.

Simon Hutchinson, Ryan Crown and Saul Dufﬁn.

Moira Loughran and Tessa Breslin.

Sarah Kennedy and Lisa Doyle.

Maeve Hawkins and Aine McVerry.

Liam Craig and Jack McGarry senior.

Elaine Forde and Suzie McGlade.

DEAD ON MAC Belfast, in partnership with the Dead Rabbit, launched Friends of the MAC on Thursday 19th January. Drinks were served by the Dead Rabbit’s Jack McGarry who hails from Belfast. The Dead Rabbit is a multi-award-winning bar in Manhattan. Friends of the MAC aims to make Northern Ireland a better place “by creating space for people to imagine, enjoy, participate in and create art”.

Adrian McLaughlin, Jack McGarry (from Dead Rabbit, New York) and Ciaran Sheehan. 32

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30/01/2023 15:24

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Jeremy and Clair Logan with Isla and Scarlett.

Interior designer Jemima Eastwood (J’Adore 05 Decor) and artist Aly Harte.

Gwen and Doug Jarvie.

Nicole Wills, Pearl Dickson, Jonny Dobson, Jen Mitchell and Doug Jarvie.

Esther-Ruth and Mark Crymble and children Eliana, Jude and Micah.

The Strand showhome at Ferndene Road.

Interior designer Jemima Eastwood from J’Adore Decor.

Jonny Dickson and Samuel Dickey from Simon Brien Residential.

Interiors by Jemima Eastwood (J’Adore Decor).

LOVE WHERE YOU LIVE Local property developers, Strand Homes, recently launched a new show home in their Ferndene Development. Ferndene is a development of four and ﬁve bedroom homes that include green energy packs. J’Adore Décor provided the interior design for the show home, with paintings supplied by local artist Aly Harte. Ferndene is nestled in a quiet neighbourhood on the edge of east Belfast with great views of Scrabo Tower and the surrounding countryside. For further details visit strand-homes.co.uk

Interiors by Jemima Eastwood (J’Adore Decor). 34

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30/01/2023 15:28

Images by Andrew Towe, Parkway Photography Ltd.

CONTRIBUTIONS TO MEDICINE, SPORT AND PUBLIC SERVICE HONOURED AT QUEEN’S Leaders in the fields of medicine, sport, business and public service are among those to receive Honorary Doctorates from Queen’s University for their significant contribution to society in Northern Ireland and further afield. Amongst them are the Lord Lieutenant of Belfast, Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ, Chief Medical Officer Professor Sir Michael McBride and Northern Ireland footballers Steven Davis MBE and Julie Nelson BEM. Also being honoured are Stephen Clarke, former Chief Executive of IVC Evidensia and former CEO of WH Smith, and voluntary sector leader Olwen Lyner. The full list of honorary degrees to be awarded is as follows: • Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ, Doctor of Laws for distinction in Public Service • Professor Sir Michael McBride, Doctor of Medical Science for distinction in Medicine • Stephen Clarke, Doctor of Science in Economics for services to Business and Commerce • Steven Davis MBE, Doctor of the University for distinction in Sport • Olwen Lyner, Doctor of the University for distinction in Public Service • Julie Nelson BEM, Doctor of the University for distinction in Sport • Suzanne Wylie OBE, Doctor of the University for distinction in Public Service Also honoured by the University at a special ceremony in November was industrialist and philanthropist Mark Pigott KBE, KStJ who was awarded a Doctor of Laws for services to Business and Commerce and distinction in Public Service.

Dame Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle DBE DStJ.

Olwen Lyner.

Stephen Clarke.

Julie Nelson BEM.

Professor Sir Michael McBride.

Steven Davis MBE.

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ER_Valentine_Ad_AW.indd 1

09/01/2023 12:20

Lee-Anne McAleese and Emma McDowell (BA Early Childhood Studies).

Kristina O’Neill gaining Masters in Education at St. Mary’s pictured with parents Pat and Nuala.

Niamh Harley (Masters Educational Leadership) with Steven Johnston.

Masters graduates Sean Ennis and Mark Digney.

Méabh McGleenan and Marian Barker graduating with Masters in Education from St Mary’s College.

Erin Darragh and Padraig Hanna

Jenny Ann George MSc and Zinha Nabate.

Devan Davis and mum Denise.

St Mary’s BEd graduate Caoimhe Kelly with mum Veronica Kelly.

GRADUATING IN STYLE

Daniel McDonald and Kirsty McGrath (Masters education).

Meave Devlin BEd with parents Ruth and Peter from Lurgan.

Queen’s University Winter Graduations took place in mid-December 2022. The graduation ceremonies took place over several days and covered, among others, the School of Nursing and Midwifery and the School of Social Sciences. Queen’s was established in 1845 and is a member of the Russell Group of researchintensive universities. The university offers over 300 academic degree programmes at various levels. Continued on page 40

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www.tensquare.co.uk | reservations@tensquare.co.uk | 028 9024 1001 10 Donegall Square South, Belfast, BT1 5JD

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John Poole, Emma McLarnon and Tugay Arslan gaining Masters in Data Analytics.

Learning Disabilities Nursing graduates and tutors celebrate at Queen’s University winter graduation ceremony.

Dara McKay BSc with mum Donna Muckian 05 and Laura Muckian, from south Armagh.

Masters graduates Ciaran O’Sullivan and Conor Hogg.

Peter Hanna (Masters Quantitative Finance) with Granny Maureen, mum Joanne and Lucy, from Ballynahinch.

Mum and daughter Paula and Caroline Devlin.

Matt Strachan, Ellie Fulton, Euan Strachan MEng and Fiona Strachan, from Dundee.

Dylan Do Conto, Rosie Connell and Lauren Toni Connell PhD.

Shannon Morgan BSc (Business Economics) with family.

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30/01/2023 15:33

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Cooking Up A Storm T

imes and Amazon No. 1 bestselling cookbook author Nathan Anthony, aka Bored of Lunch, is cooking up a storm! Over the last two years the Belfast-based cook and author has amassed nearly two million followers across Instagram, Facebook and TikTok and last month saw the official release of his first cookbook, Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Slow Cooker Book, topping the UK and Ireland sales charts, with only Prince Harry’s memoir ahead! Not bad for the Portadown born boy! The official book launch was held last month at TETTO. Fans including Cool FM presenter and social media star Melissa Riddell, Cathy Martin and Conor Hogan, aka Belfast Food Blogger, joined family and friends to celebrate. Nathan’s meteoric rise started during lockdown, when he set up a lockdown food blog “Bored of Lunch” to help people start cooking, with simple, easyto-follow healthy recipes to focus on during the pandemic. Initially aimed at busy professionals, his legion of fans grew to everyone working from home, busy parents and those who want quick, calorie-controlled recipes. Offering simple, fool-proof methods and no fancy or hard-to-find ingredients, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants delicious meals that make you feel great too. Calorie-counted and perfect for anyone enjoying a slimming lifestyle or following a diet programme, satisfying, flavourful food has never been so easy and affordable. Watch out folks, Nathans second book, Bored of Lunch: The Healthy Air Fryer Cook Book, will be released next month!

Romilly and Jim Moore and Lynn Hunter.

Aaron Grimley, Chandara Kerr, Cathal O’Neill and Kelly Devlin.

Nathan’s mum and dad Lisa and Eamonn Grimley.

Nuala Meenehan and Nathan Anthony. Nathan with his family left-right Aaron, Lisa, Nathan and Eamonn Grimley.

Sophie Windebank, Tanya Austin, Joelle Curoe and Megan Tumelty.

Aaron Grimley, Chandara Kerr and mum Christine Kerr.

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THE CAST LE | T H E LODGE | T H E OLD STAB L E MEWS

A rural retreat in the heart of Ireland…

ESTLED ON 1,000 ACRES of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate is one of the last great Irish estates still in the hands of its founding family. Steeped in history, full of character and charm, it is the ultimate Irish rural escape.

Only 80 minutes from Dublin and 60 minutes from Belfast, Castle Leslie Estate boasts a variety of accommodation and activities to suit all tastes. The Castle, at the heart of the Estate, offers authentic original interiors and old-style hospitality and is a complete respite from the world. The Lodge is the social hub of the Estate, a country house boutique hotel that brings locals and guests together in an atmosphere of conviviality and comfort. The Old Stable Mews are the perfect spot for groups that want the convenience of hotel living combined with private luxury home rental.

Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Monaghan

Castle Leslie Estate offers an idyllic setting for outdoor activity and adventure. A host of activities are on offer including pike fishing for the nature enthusiast, exceptional walking trails for those who want to breathe in fresh country air, archery and clay target shooting for the more adventurous, falconry for those to experience nature up close, a fabulous spa for rejuvenation and of course the famous worldclass equestrian centre - just some of the choices that await you in this hidden corner of Ireland.

t: + 353 47 88 100 www.castleleslie.com

February 2023

ARTS DIARY

“These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold.”

EDITED BY KELLIE BURCH KELLIE@ULSTERTATLER.COM

NI Science Festival Launch Established in 2014, the NI Science Festival has grown to become the largest celebration of its kind on the island of Ireland. Now in its the 9th year, the NI Science Festival returns from 16-26 February 2023 to celebrate the Science of You, The Universe and Everything in between. The launch of this year’s colourful and jam-packed programme took place at the Crescent Arts Centre. Guests were treated to platters of tasty treats before being warmly welcomed by Science Festival Chair Bill Connor, and Festival Director Sarah Jones. The festival, which has become the second largest festival in Europe behind the Edinburgh Fringe, offers a stimulating and wide range of events focusing on the wonders of science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics. These events present some of the best scientists from NI and beyond to discuss their work, cutting-edge research and what the future might hold. To give a taster of what was on offer, Professor Lukey Luke gave a whistlestop tour of the programme, performed on a unicycle, invited guests to a workout in the brain gym and gave a visual representation of atoms by juggling with glow in the dark balls. With over 200 public events, there is something for everyone, from the family show Bakineering from A-B, and Madeline Finlay’s Beetles for Breakfast which explores exciting inventions and ideas of the future, to a one-off intimate concert with NI producer, composer and multi-instrumentalist Rory Friers, and drag queen Sassy Science’s exploration of the LGBTQIA+ queens in STEM who came before her. The closing day of the festival will feature a highly anticipated slice of wildlife as Hamza Yassin takes the audience Behind the Lens. Delving into the festival programme were Belfast Lord Mayor Christina Black; Terry Moseley of the Irish Astronomical Association; and Kellie Bryson, Conal Melarkey and Vittoria Cafolla from NI Festival Partner the Nerve Centre. The NI Science Festival programme launch took place on 12 February.

Niall Kerr, Festival Director Sarah Jones and Orry

Alan Montgomery and Lucy Mullan.

Robinson.

Belfast Lord Mayor Christina Black and Science Festival Chair Bill Connor.

Ruth Bennett and Ian Getgood.

Kellie Bryson, Conal Melarkey and Vittoria Cafolla.

Roisin Daley, Jillian Thompson and Professor Lukey Luke.

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Alan Clarke, Anthea McWilliams, Philip Poleon, Zara Lyness, Mags White-O’Kane, Anto O’Kane and Robert Martin.

Philip Poleon with Zara Lyness and R

Space gallery curator Robert Martin.

Philip Poleon and Anto O’Kane.

Csilla Toldy, Philip Poleon, Alistair Livingstone and Robert Martin.

Corinne Price, Mossy Price-McClelland and Andrew McClelland.

Philip Poleon with Robert Marten and Clare Novaes.

A Life in Dub Lisburn-based visual arts and crafts space, R-Space Gallery, recently hosted a preview of A Life in Dub Exhibition. The expertly curated exhibition, which runs until 10 February, explores the career of musician, Philip Poleon, and explores the memorabilia gathered from his journey around the globe with music. Hailing from Peckham, Poleon has performed with many of Jamaica’s most established acts such as Horace Andy and Gregory Isaacs, appearing on the “Later with Jools Holland Show” in the 90s. He has also been involved in album projects with these international acts, and has toured both nationally and internationally with them. He currently leads the band Indika, who have played with a host of legendary Reggae artists, most notably being the backing band for Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry.

Behind the stage, Poleon is an integral part of Kage One and Class Act, where he works with artists at all stages of recording, production, engineering and performing at recording sessions. He supports other artists, which involves co-ordinating recordings, co-writing and arranging songs and compositions. The multi-talented musician also has a long history of community related practice, providing music workshops as a music tutor, youth worker and is currently a Mental Health Advisor in South West London. The gathered crowd at the preview of this vibrant exhibition included R-Space’s co-founders Robert Martin and Anthea McWilliams; writer Csilla Toldy; director of the Light Theatre Company Alistair Livingstone; artistic director of Clare Novaes School of Ballet, Clare Novaes; and biochemist Anto O’Kane. A Life in Dub previewed on 14 January and runs until 10 February.

“The expertly curated exhibition explores the career of musician, Philip Poleon, and explores the memorabilia gathered from his journey around the globe with music. ”

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ARTS DIARY

Rosemary Kirk, Ronan Gallagher and Emma Gallagher.

Author Natalie Haynes.

Joyce-Ann MacCafferty, Sean Kelly and Eliza MacCafferty.

Hannah Ibrahim and Sebastian Arias.

Kellie Burch and Claire Holmes.

Bill and Brooke Sloss.

Natalie Haynes: Medusa The 18th Out to Lunch Festival was back, and it was even bigger and better than ever before. The month-long feast of live music, comedy, theatre, ﬁlm and good food brought a buzz to the heart of Belfast - adding muchneeded light relief to the dreary month of January. Acts taking this year’s Out to Lunch festival by storm included Reginald D Hunter, Isy Suttie, Nine Below Zero (acoustic set), Rob Newman, The Third Policeman, Dark Tropics, Josie Long, Opera for Lunch, Blue Rose Code, Manukahunney, Una Monaghan, Special Consensus, No Oil Paintings, Mick Flannery and Rosie Holt. One of the highlights for me was Natalie Haynes. After venturing out in the snow

Sophie Graham and Orla.

during the cold snap, I made my way to the sold out Black Box where guests, including festival organiser Sean Kelly, were eager to see the English writer, broadcaster, classicist, and comedian take to the stage. To tie in with her latest novel, Natalie Haynes took the audience on a fast-paced tour through the history of Medusa, who she was and why we still see her all around us today. Medusa is one of the most recognisable ﬁgures in Greek Myth: her face has stared out at us for millennia, from Agamemnon’s shield in the Iliad to Versace’s logo now. Gorgons and gorgon heads were an enormously popular feature on ancient statues and temples. So was Medusa always

the terrifying monster we have made her? As someone who knows very little about the history behind the famous ﬁgure of Medusa, I have to say Natalie Haynes was absolutely captivating. Her talk truly brought the ﬁgure of Medusa to life whilst also providing a lot of thought-provoking points about the treatment of this ‘monster’ and how the skewed perception of her prevails today. Her classicist background and attention to detail combined wonderfully with her unique and refreshing sense of humour to deliver an unforgettable performance. Natalie Haynes: Medusa took place on 17th January.

“Her classicist background and attention to detail combined wonderfully with her unique and refreshing sense of humour to deliver an unforgettable performance.” 46

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Jane Hardy is a feature writer who has interviewed a few of the big names from Arlene Foster to Mrs Thatcher.

February 2023

INTERVIEW

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EDITED BY JANE HARDY

Meeting the Muse in Middle Age Acclaimed author of Trespasses, Louise Kennedy, discusses the difficulties of writing romantic scenes, her hopes Northern Ireland approves of her novel set here, and her unusual route to writing success in middle age, in an interview with Jane Hardy.

he Sunday Times recently plugged a feature with the splash ‘The end of the novel?”. It’s been predicted for a long time. But anybody who noticed the ecstatic critical and popular success of Louise Kennedy’s debut novel Trespasses (Bloomsbury) couldn’t possibly agree. Was the author, 55-year-old Ms Kennedy who was brought up in Holywood, surprised? She had, after all, spent some thirty years of her career as a chef and restaurateur. “Yes, totally surprised, I didn’t expect it at all.” Of course, working in a restaurant is another form of creativity. “It is at the start, when you’re making things. My restaurant, The Silver Apple, named after the Yeats’ quote as his granny lived down the road, was French style as my training was in cordon bleu. But it’s the same with lots of jobs, the higher you go up the ladder, the less it’s to do with why ever you went into it. And you have to do horrible things like admin, you’re in charge of hiring, training, you deal with staff and food control, and also cook.” The story of how she came to take up writing is unusual. Kennedy joined a writing group with her friend, Niamh MacCabe. “I had no ambition to write. It was run by a mutual friend of ours. Niamh pestered me for a day or two, then she actually parked outside my house and said ‘get in the car.’” Kennedy did just that, took to the subject like the proverbial duck to H2O and began writing short fiction which soon achieved recognition. The class had an unexpected side effect on her well-being. “I’m not sure I thought it was fun but I went from being deranged with worry about what would happen if our business closed, the effect on our family life, to not giving a s***. The early stories were desperate and weren’t published.” Kennedy expands on her first attempts: “They were attempts to dramatize anecdotes connected with my family, so

undoubtedly one would have been set in 1920s Ardoyne as that was where my granny lived, and she never stopped talking about it.” The restaurant closed in August 2019 and Kennedy and her husband both ended up on the dole. But in Ireland, you get the chance to get into further education and Louise Kennedy signed on for the acclaimed creative writing course at the Seamus Heaney Centre at Queen’s. Is Louise’s friend still talking to her after Kennedy’s success? Yes, fortunately MacCabe has become successful too as a short story writer – “she’s won loads of prizes”. The author gives a resounding “no” when asked whether she wishes she had begun writing sooner. “No, in my teens and twenties I would have been too self-conscious. I had my first baby at 32, another one at 35, and was running a business and restaurant and running about like a mad person, so couldn’t have written then. In my forties I had a business that was going down the tubes and was really depressed. I think now is probably just about right.” The Troubles is the brilliantly evoked backdrop to Trespasses, which is set in and around Belfast in the 1970s. It’s partly a love story between Cushla Lavery, a young teacher, and a barrister, Michael Agnew, older, married and Protestant. It’s also a picture of a society in turmoil. There has been a debate recently, instigated by playwright and fiction writer Rosemary Jenkinson, that maybe writers here should move on and, in a sense, stop picking the scab. Kennedy doesn’t share this view, and there is no doubt the meeting of a conflicted political situation and people damaged by the violence and division has psychological mileage. “It’s the idea of constraint, (that period) did constrain people and made it harder to step outside their community. It’s about class and geography and economics. People

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INTERVIEW

who are young, and poor, are sitting ducks.” This comes across well via the family of Davy McGeown, a pupil of Cushla’s whose family she helps in tough times. Kennedy reveals the subject chose her in a way. “Well, I think writers can only write where there’s heat for them. I didn’t think that I’d be writing about the Troubles but it turns out that my early life here was a lot more significant than I realised. Maybe it was that time frame that I wanted to write about more than the Troubles or the politics of it.” She adds: “As for the topic being a hobby horse I’m not sure. There wasn’t that much written about it and I’m told there was a period when bringing a book about the Troubles to a publisher was like dragging a dead dog in. Maybe Anna Burns winning the Booker prize for Milkman meant that editors and agents sat up a bit, particularly when work by women from Northern Ireland appeared on their desk.” Louise Kennedy says firmly Trespasses is fiction. Yet there is a tough realism, including news headline fodder such as bombs, the dangers of people’s allegiance, nervous reactions to being observed. Kennedy says: “The characters are works of imagination, but the place, the bar, the way Cushla and her family and the McGeowns operate as a class within a class is real.” Louise Kennedy’s grandfather’s pub, on which the Laverys’ bar is based, was attacked twice during this period. As a girl growing up in a minority group, Kennedy says she noticed how Catholics operated in their own community. Kennedy reveals she was worried about how her portrayal might go down in the North, saying: “I was nervous about how Trespasses would be received in Belfast, where it’s set.” But she wasn’t so concerned about its reception down South. The whole novel reads easily and could be happily consumed in one sitting. You wonder which sections were easiest to write, which most difficult. “Sex, definitely. The dialogue was easy, it comes naturally to me, but that was hardest as I didn’t want to be writing pornography and I didn’t want Cushla to be passive. Some writers, even very good ones, use images about sex that are laughable. It had to be real.” Kennedy needn’t have worried, as the affair is very believable, including a dirty weekend in Dublin. Then Cushla wears a long white near-bridal nightdress. Later, after a night of passion, Cushla goes into the corridor to collect their pre-ordered breakfast and encounters a brace of nuns. She greets them and her lover, like the reader, is amused. “You just said ‘Good morning, sisters.’ to the nuns. With no drawers on.” “Yeah.” Louise Kennedy’s first published work was The End of the World is A Cul de Sac (Bloomsbury), an unusual, unsettling collection of short stories. She says now the two forms work differently. “I think short stories are really intense, the novel’s a journey. It’s persistence, and you have to keep going – it’s a hell of a mess to clear up if you get something wrong.” Kennedy admires Edna O Brien (“better known for her novels, but she’s an incredible short story writer”), Anne Enright (“similar”) Bernie McGill from Portstewart, also Wendy Erskine (“very funny”). Louise Kennedy’s short fiction is dark, superbly described and owes quite a bit to her powers of observation. There is a tale of a couple sampling a backwoods life, her more reluctantly, which ends with a hunting scene and the splayed form of a beautiful hare on a draining board you won’t forget. Although Louise Kennedy’s own narrative has included dips, including cancer, she says that her treatment for melanoma is going well, although slowly. There is a second novel in the pipeline. She writes on a computer, she used to borrow an old laptop, with stickers on, from her daughter Anna. “She’d say ‘Give it back, I want

to get on iCarly.” Getting back into novel number two, after periods in hospital, Kennedy says she’s handwriting then typing it up. “This is about a character who is awkward, and will probably continue to be heedless. I am two months back in and it’s wonderful but you have to start again. Seven thousand words in, I’m already finding problems I didn’t have with the first one.” She says that she sometimes reads poetry for inspiration. Lockdown was beneficial for Kennedy. “I worked morning, noon and night, worked through about four drafts of the novel, finished my PhD. It was bloody marvellous, although I don’t want to be locked up with a laptop again!” Kennedy’s son Tom and daughter Anna are following her into the arts “Let me tell you, she’s doing English and media, he is doing history and politics, there’s no obvious career path. We need readers and thinkers, but they need to be able to pay the rent.” When Louise Kennedy was regularly visiting Belfast while studying, she enjoyed the café and pub culture. “I like Mourne’s Seafood Bar, Madden’s, the café called The Fruit Shop, The Woodworker’s next to Lavery’s and Stove on the Ormeau Road, plus The Errigle Inn with its handsome ‘30s main bar.” It’s back to work for Louise Kennedy, having entranced the Out to Lunch festival crowd at lunchtime. “They say the Muse won’t visit if your backside isn’t in the chair.”

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February 2023

STYLE

EACH MONTH ULSTER TATLER SHOWCASES OUR FAVOURITE LOOK SNAPPED AT ONE OF NI’S HOTTEST EVENTS.

Maeve Hawkins and Aine McVerry opted for stylish looks at the Friends of the MAC event.

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STYLE Danielle has an impressive acting CV including credits on both stage and screen. You will have seen Danielle in television productions: The Secret, Scup and Six Degrees as well as in the docudrama ‘Hope’. Danielle also has extensive stage experience, appearing in many stage productions including: Hang In There, The Ballymurphy Massacre, The Importance of Being Earnest and School for Scandal. Danielle is represented by Shelley Lowry Talent.

Style Rules Wardrobe Staple - Leather Jacket, £44.99, threadbare.

Go-to Makeup Product Laura Mercier translucent loose setting powder, £34.00.

How would you describe your style? It depends on my mood or occasion, my day- to-day look is casual. I love nothing more than trainers, jogging bottoms and an over-sized coat. That’s my comfort zone and where I feel most myself. For a night out, though, I do like to get my gladrags on and glam up. My style is a bit like myself, experimental! I tend to not stick to one style or trend. My wardrobe has a bit of everything ranging from classic, boho-chic and street. What are your wardrobe staples that you can’t live without? My leather jacket, it’s a staple piece in my wardrobe, you can dress it up or down and it always remains on trend! Do you have a favourite designer or high street brand? Primark, Zara, H&M and JD are my go-to shops! I don’t really look for brands, if I like something I buy it. Recently I’ve been loving Oh Polly, on nights out you can be sure I’m wearing a dress from there or boohoo Man! I love the men’s oversized T-shirt’s, I’d

pair that with knee boots and a coat. Do you have any style icons? Audrey Hepburn, her style is timeless and classic. I grew up admiring her as an actress and style icon. She epitomises beauty and grace and her distinctive, elegant style still inspires women around the world today. Do you have a skincare regime? Skincare is my thing! I cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and evening religiously! I use Kiehl’s and Your Good Skin products. SPF is a must – if only I had listened when I was younger! I also use a mask and skin oils as part of my routine. Anything skincare related is usually the type of gifts my family and friends would buy me because they know I’ll be happy. What is your signature scent? I love Chance by Chanel. I’m all out at the minute just in case anyone needs to know… Valentine’s Day is just around the corner if I have any secret admirers!

Danielle Magennis Actress

Are there any haircare products you recommend? Olaplex and coconut oil. I’ve been bleaching my hair for years and it’s still in great condition but that’s down to my amazing hairdresser, Cori from Zuni Hair. What is your go-to makeup product? Laura Mercier translucent powder is my holy grail! If you don’t know, then get to know and thank me later. How do you keep ﬁt and healthy, are there any exercises or health foods your swear by? I love juicing. I juice veg – usually leafy greens, raw beetroot, cucumber and carrots. I love good food because it makes me feel good on the inside. I would love to say I was a fan of exercise, but I’m more of a couch potato. I am active and on the go all day but I do need to exercise more. I’ve signed up to do a leg of the marathon so I guess I’ve no choice now! It’s the simple things for me when it comes to health: juicing, staying hydrated and getting a good night’s sleep.

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Summum Woman

On-trend and timelessly classic designs

We are moving to: Former Ulster Bank Buildings 39 Main Street, Ballyclare BT39 9AA

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February 2023

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

Be Gone Dull Winter

Green Fleur Mini Cloud Clutch Bag with gold chain @MRBaffordablefashion-sam Instagram

Nuala Meenehan works in the media and is a leading model.

Puffer, My Forever Favourite!

This grey weather is not for me! To bring some muchneeded spring cheer I’m opting for colour and lots of it! The power of a popping bag, a pair of shoes or socks is remarkable.

I can’t remember a time when I haven’t had a puffer coat in my wardrobe. It’s my forever favourite item.

I’ve fallen in love with these dopamine-hit pieces from Essentiel Antwerp at east Belfast PEEL Fashion Store and these lush bags from MRB Affordable Fashion on Instagram.

While it’s cold and damp there’s nothing more comforting, like wearing your duvet outside! This little beauty from Ilse Jacobse at Cameo Boutique, Ballyclare, ticks all the boxes. Head to www. cameoboutiqueni.com

Oversized Multi Colour Cardigan, Essential Antwerp PEEL Fashion Store.

Ilse Jacobsen Long padded coat Cameo Boutique.

Bubblegum Pink Cape Dress, Essential Antwerp, PEEL Fashion Store.

Nails Go Micro

At long last we’re saying goodbye to long nails (I don’t care what anyone says, this trend has hindered even the simplest of tasks). Practically is back, go short and square with a skinny French manicure and you’re running with the fashion set!

Pouch bag in orange @ MRBaffordablefashion-sam Instagram

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Second-Hand Lover Second-hand clothing is now the fashion industry’s hottest trend. From charity shops to online pre-loved retailers, it’s easier than ever to get your hands on preowned treasures. Legions of fashion activists are discovering that secondhand clothes are not only an environmentally friendly option but incredibly stylish, too. In fact, if internet searches for preowned clothing are any indication, second-clothes are some of the most fashionable items around.

Some of my clothes which are for sale on Vinted.

The popularity of online platforms such as Depop, and Vinted have surged as we search to buy pre-owned. Streamlining your wardrobe is not only good for the soul but good for the environment too! I discovered Vinted before Christmas and I am obsessed. It’s a great platform for passing on your pre-loved items, making some money and joining a like-minded community!

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31/01/2023 10:34

PERSONALISED PRESCRIPTION SKINCARE Dr Storm has a no-nonsense approach to skincare. The Dr Storm skincare range provides the basic products most people use in their skincare routines, at an affordable price.

he Dr Storm skincare range was developed by Dr Judith Storm MBChB (Edin.) MRCP, with the aim of spreading the word that prescription skincare is the only thing that will actually change the quality and function of the skin. Her mission is to educate people about skincare and highlight the fact that you don’t have to spend a fortune on cleansers, moisturisers and SPFs to get products that are nice to use and gentle on the skin. Dr Storm believes there is no need for 20-step skincare routines consisting of serums, eye creams, masks and other unnecessary skincare products and that less is more when it comes to skin. The ﬁrst products in the Dr Storm skincare range products are a gel cleanser, light daytime moisturiser and ointment based night time moisturiser. Products are suitable for all skin types and are already getting rave reviews! Skin health can affect emotional and mental wellbeing. Skincare conditions can negatively impact people’s daily life and social interactions. There are so many skincare brands that promise to have the magic formula and offer to “cure” common conditions such as acne. Dr Storm skincare aims to dispel myths that exist within the skincare industry. Being able to help people with their skin, achieving real results and having a positive impact on people’s lives is why this skincare brand matters so much to Dr Storm. The Dr Storm skincare products compliment prescription skincare and minimise any irritation that can occasionally be caused by prescription skincare and are nice to use even without prescription skincare!

The Dr Storm prescription skincare service is a truly unique, personalised solution to common skincare conditions. Prescription skin care is not available on the high street and must be got from a prescribing medical professional. Following consultation with one of the Dr Storm medical team, patients can avail of personalised prescription grade skin care treatments to manage a variety of skincare conditions including ageing, photodamage, pigmentation, acne and rosacea. Dr Storm prescription skincare is bespoke to each patient, with creams and medications made fresh in a compounding lab. The new Dr Storm website www.drstorm.co.uk is easy to use and allows patients access to prescription skincare, from experienced medical professionals, avoiding expensive consultations with a dermatologist. The service includes telephone consultation, prescription skin care delivered straight to your door and follow up with our medical team.

What is Dr Storm skincare all about? • Personalised skincare advice

• Affordable skincare products • Simpliﬁed skincare routines

• Bespoke prescription skincare creams

• Easy access to medical professionals trained in skincare

Contact details: 665 Lisburn Road Belfast E: team@drstorm.co.uk W: drstorm.co.uk Tel: 02894571840

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31/01/2023 16:36

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULT* TODAY

Change your 2023 with a Cranmore Dental Implant Cranmore regularly accepts referrals from other dentists for all aspects of dental implant treatment. Cranmore is fully equipped with a Cone Beam CT scanner to accurately plan your treatment. We use an intra oral scanner for appropriate cases which eliminates the need for gooey impression material. Complimentary, no obligation consultations are available with our Patient Care Coordinator.

Lifestyle: 1. Allow you to speak naturally. 2. You can enjoy your favourite foods again including biting and chewing naturally. 3. Helps you to appear younger and healthier.

Practical: 4. Dental implants have over 95% success rates in long-term function. 5. More beneficial than conventional removable dentures, which have little or no stimulation of the bone causing deterioration over time. 6. Resolves the problems of pain and discomfort caused by removable dentures.

Clinically: 7.

Provides a stable foundation for replacement teeth. 8. Preserves neighbouring teeth and bone structure. 9. Helps keep the bone healthy.

When you decide it’s time to replace a missing tooth or teeth, we are here for you. We accept nothing less than the best for our patients. Talk your decision through with us, book a complimentary consultation today on 028 9038 1822.

15 Windsor Avenue Belfast BT9 6EE 028 9038 1822 www.cranmoredental.com *Non clinical consultation with Patient Care Coordinator.

COLUMN February 2023

H E A LT H M AT T E R S

EDITED BY REBECCA NELSON

Rebecca is founder and Director of Physiotherapy at Apex Clinic and Apex Headache Clinic.

Don’t let vertigo get your head in a spin this Valentine’s Day This month, Rebecca Nelson, founder and Spinal & Headache Physiotherapy Specialist at Apex Clinic & Apex Headache Clinic, discusses how getting the correct diagnosis for your vertigo is vital for treating it correctly, and how the practice has been clearing this debilitating condition for years.

Vertigo has devastating effects At Apex Headache Clinic, Belfast, we have over 24 years of extensive experience in treating vertigo or dizziness. Approximately 20% of all patients we see suffer with this common health complaint which has devastating symptoms such as poor balance, especially when walking, light headedness or a sense of ‘being removed’ from the world. In the most severe cases sufferers are conﬁned to their homes and it can ruin their lives. Getting the right diagnosis is vital Clearing your vertigo begins with getting the right diagnosis. What is commonly unknown is that there are in fact two main causes of vertigo: vertigo stemming from an imbalance in the inner ear, called vestibular vertigo, and vertigo originating from the upper neck region of the spine, called cervical vertigo. Cervical vertigo is often overlooked as a cause of vertigo even though its occurrence is extremely common. It is usually the result of stiffness or damage of the upper neck joints of the spine but usually the individual

manual regimes of treatment that I use to clear it, called The Nelson Vertigo Approach™. This treatment is very successful in targeting cervical vertigo at its source and clearing it or significantly improving it in the vast majority of cases. Your initial consultation at Apex Headache Clinic will involve one of our experienced specialist physiotherapists assessing your neck to determine if it is the source of your vertigo. If the assessment confirms that your vertigo stems from your neck, a treatment plan will then follow. Our unique regime of manual physiotherapy treatment involves gentle and safe mobilization techniques of the specific targeted segments of the upper neck region. Patients often start to feel relief within just a few sessions. could be stemming from your neck.

experiences no actual neck pain, only dizziness. Cervical vertigo is often misdiagnosed and treated as vestibular vertigo. One of the features of cervical vertigo is that is does not respond to drugs used to treat inner ear vertigo, so if your vertigo hasn’t cleared up with medication, it is deﬁnitely time to consider if it

Clear your vertigo for good At Apex Headache Clinic, we have been successfully diagnosing and treating cervical vertigo for over 24 years. Furthermore, I have extensively trained our whole team of physiotherapists in my

apex

Don’t let vertigo ruin the quality of your life. At Apex Headache Clinic, we have a high success rate in clearing this complaint, even in patients who have suffered for years. If you would like to book an appointment at Apex Headache Clinic contact us on: 028 9048 4153. No GP referral is necessary.

apex

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headache clinic

physiotherapy

podiatry

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HEALTH MATTERS

“Apex Clinic cleared my jaw pain!” 33-year old Karolina Blair from Belfast was suffering from severe pain, tightness and clicking in her jaw. Karolina thought that this was something she was going to have to live with but when she heard about Apex Clinic, Belfast, with nothing to lose she decided to give their specialist physio regime a go. Here, she shares how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist manual physiotherapy treatment, called The Nelson Jaw Approach™, cleared her jaw pain, meaning that she could ﬁnally enjoy life again. Karolina, when did the pain in your jaw begin? At the beginning of last year, I began having pain, tightness and clicking in my jaw in the morning when I woke up. This got worse to the point where I was scared to yawn or open my mouth wide as it would cause me such severe pain. How did the pain affect your life? I was very conscious of the jaw clicking when I was out in public and I had to be careful with the foods that I ate, especially if I was going out and socialising. I had to pick foods that didn’t need much chewing, even a bread roll would cause me intense pain when eating. What led you to Apex Clinic? I did my own research online to see how I could help myself with my jaw pain. I didn’t want

physiotherapist, Abigail, took my medical history and she assessed my jaw. She checked my jaw movements and how wide I could open my mouth. She also checked what type of movements were causing my pain. She then started the manual physiotherapy treatment which eased the tightness in my jaw and my movements, and the pain began to improve. While I was having treatment I stopped eating certain foods which I found increased my pain. However, over the course of treatment I was able to start eating these foods again. I’m now painfree and can enjoy all foods without any clicking at all. Furthermore, I don’t have to worry when I need to yawn

to keep taking painkillers as this wasn’t going to cure the problem. During my research for a solution to my pain I came across an article on the Apex Headache Clinic website which was about someone who had jaw pain and I read some more information about how the clinic specialises in treating jaw pain as well as headaches and vertigo. I phoned Apex Clinic and made an appointment for an initial assessment a couple of weeks later. How has your life changed since having treatment? Once I started having the physiotherapy treatment, I started to see results quite quickly. My specialist

apex

which used to be so painful. What advice would you offer someone suffering from jaw pain? I would highly recommend Apex Clinic to anyone suffering from jaw pain to try physiotherapy treatment. My specialist physiotherapist was always very kind and knowledgeable during my sessions. She always answered any questions I had and gave me advice to help me manage my pain. I would say try Apex Clinic, as the outcome has been excellent! To book an appointment at Apex Clinic, call 028 9048 4153. No GP referral is necessary.

apex

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headache clinic

physiotherapy

podiatry

chiropody

massage

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UT Health

Feel the V1BE at Lifestyle Fitness Ballymena! LSF Ballymena has had a massive upgrade, including an improved cycling studio, free weights expansion and a brand new HIIT studio for their signature boutique class concept, V1BE. V1BE classes combine speed intervals and strength training to give you an energetic and efficient workout, all in 30-60 minutes. The V1BE studio in Ballymena launched in January. You can expect four core class concepts: STR1KE, IGN1TE, ADRENAL1NE and BOOT1E. STR1KE combines boxing drills, strength training on the floor and short bursts of speed on the treadmills to give you V1BE’s most popular class. STR1KE is designed to improve your full body strength, endurance, and power. IGN1TE your body with both weighted and bodyweight exercises on the floor and short bursts of speed on the treadmill. This class will improve your strength, stamina, and speed. ADRENAL1NE tests your body with strength exercises using both weights and just your bodyweight to get your adrenaline pumping. No treadmills in this class… more time on the floor! BOOT1E is designed to help strengthen & shape your booty with weighted, bodyweight and booty band exercises. Set your glutes, legs, and core on fire in true V1BE style. Join today and pay no joining fee using code NJF2023 to take advantage. For more information, email us at: manager.ballymena@lifestylefitness.co.uk Please link to: https://www.lifestylefitness.co.uk/club/ballymena

REST, RELAX, AND WRAP IT UP Whatever you’re doing, stop. It’s time for you. Because, yes, we all know the importance of self-care. But our busy lifestyles make it easy to forget about ourselves. Well, not if it’s up to us. This is your reminder to take that break. Prioritise and pamper yourself. Because looking your best is amazing, but feeling your best is perhaps even better. And there’s no better way to do that than with some TLC for your hair. So treat your hair with the gentle Keune Care products. Cosy up with the exclusive hair towel for a sense of luxurious downtime. This towel, made from ultra-absorbent microfibers protects your hair structure and shortens drying time. Put your feet up and care for yourself and your hair without lifting a finger. Whether you grab that book or binge that series, Keune have got your hair covered. Literally. In participating Keune salons, clients receive a luxury Care ‘Coco’ towel with any two Keune Care products. www.keune.com

53230E

BUY 2 CARE PRODUCTS AND GET A HAIR TOWEL 62

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LIFESTYLE

FITNESS

Upgraded cycle studio Improved stretch area Free weights expansion

Use code:

NJF2023

. /7 N F E B 24 E E I N ING F PE I N O NO JO

New V1BE™ studio

Y PA

New. Upgraded. Improved.

B A L LY M E N A

STYLE

BEAUTY Love is in the air with these fabulous beauty picks. Whether it is a Valentine’s Day gift for that someone special, or you are getting your glam on for a romantic date, these products will see you through the season of love.

Be My Valentine 04

1. Miracle Gel nail polish, £11.99, Sally Hansen. 2. No1 De Chanel revitalising cream, £84, Chanel. 3. Lipfinity Liquid Lipstick, £11.99, Max Factor. 4. Fearless face & eye palette, £29.95 and Radiant Glow Skin Enhancer, £16.95, BPerfect x Ekin-Su. 5. Cheek popper blushing highlight, £28, Too Faced. 64

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ALLSKIN SKINCARE SIMPLIFIED

Shop by skin type, budget or skin concern

allskinstore.com Created by dermatologists and skin therapists at Belfast Skin Clinic

The Word

Nestled on 1,000 acres of undulating Irish countryside, dotted with ancient woodland and glittering lakes, Castle Leslie Estate in County Monaghan is one of the last great Irish castle estates still in the hands of its founding family. The estate is home to some of the most unique and enchanting accommodation on one of Ireland’s most breathtaking estates. This February, Castle Leslie Estate is celebrating Valentines all month long! February is their month of LOVE, so why not whisk your loved one away for a luxurious and romantic getaway? Rekindle your love and create memories to treasure. Castle Leslie Estate is also the perfect place to hear the words ‘I do’ and champagne popping! Whichever your romantic reason to visit us, the scene will be set for romance and they can arrange rose petals and candles, champagne, chocolate dipped strawberries, exquisite dining and Afternoon Tea and many, many other thoughtful touches. Just let them know! They have an abundance of dreamy indulgent breaks for you to enjoy.

Month of Love at Castle Leslie

From £159 per room, the Hotel and History Experience is valid for stays from Monday to Sunday, subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply. For further information visit www.titanichotelbelfast.com, or call +44 (0)28 9508 2000 or email reservations@titanichotelbelfast.com.

Hotel & History Experience

A unique offer has launched at Titanic Hotel Belfast, perfect for history buffs and Titanic enthusiasts alike, the Hotel & History Experience is an exclusive way to enjoy a Belfast city break in the former headquarters of Harland and Wolff. First, you will be shown into the Presentation room where Harland and Wolff historically displayed their detailed blueprint drawings to potential clients and investors, cleverly located overlooking one of their renowned Drawing Ofﬁces. Next, you will sip on Titanic Hotel’s signature ‘Jack and Rose’ inspired cocktail while relaxing in the luxuriously comfortable surroundings of the Presentation room. It’s no secret that the hotel has often been coined as part-hotel and part-museum, and their knowledgeable concierge team will take you on a journey through time in an exclusive tour of the building, sharing the lesserknown facts about Harland and Wolff, its wealthy and notable owners who designed the famous ‘unsinkable ship’, delving deep into the shipbuilding history of Belfast. After your tour, you will kick back and relax in an art-deco inspired, nautical themed bedroom for the night. The following morning you’ll wake up to a buffet-style Titanic sized breakfast with all the trimmings, and a selection of fresh dishes made to order. The package also includes a one-of-a-kind Titanic themed gift to take home with you.

To view their ‘Month of Love’ breaks and to make a booking, visit www.castleleslie.com or call +353-47-88100. Castle Leslie Estate, Glaslough, Co. Monaghan.

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Photography: Lit Photography NI

Weddings at Magheramorne Estate start, and finish with love and laughter! Your exclusive day for you and your family & friends. To enjoy in our formal gardens, homely Drawing Rooms, Grand Ballroom, and open forest trails. Recently engaged? Contact our experienced wedding team today. Congratulations to Lynsey & Grant.

59 SHORE ROAD, MAGHERAMORNE, LARNE BT40 3HW

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(028) 9538 0895 EVENTS@MAGHERAMORNEESTATE.COM

30/01/2023 15:06

WEDDINGS

Donnelly & Mullan Miss Fionnghuala Donnelly, daughter of Michael and Briege Donnelly, recently married Jordan Mullan, son of Colum and Margaret. The ceremony took place on 30th December 2022 at Christ the Redeemer Church, followed by a reception at Tullyglass Hotel. Fionnghuala wore a stunning gown from Perfect Day, Lurgan and Jordan wore a suit from The Black Tie Showroom. Photography by Jervis Wedding Photography.

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WEDDINGS

Diamond & Cassidy Miss Kerry Diamond, daughter of Gregory and Angela Diamond recently married Johnny Cassidy, son of Anne Cassidy. The ceremony took place at St Treas Church, Newbridge, followed by a reception at Four Seasons, Monaghan. Photography by Cathal McOscar Photography.

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R E C E N T LY E N G A G E D ? . . . W H Y N O T C O N S I D E R T H E R O S S PA R K M AG I C A L

L U X U R I O U S

S C E N I C

Weddine g Fayr

SUNDARYCH 12TH M-4APM 1PM

•

IN THE HEART OF COUNTY ANTRIM • ONE WEDDING A DAY

• BEAUTIFUL DEDICATED WEDDING ARRIVAL GARDEN LOUNGE • PURPOSE-BUILT WEDDING PAVILION FOR CEREMONIES • STUNNING FUNCTION SUITE • LUXURIOUS HONEYMOON SUITE

20 Doagh Road, Kells, Ballymena, Co Antrim BT42 3LZ T +44 028 2589 1663 E info@rosspark.com W www.rosspark.com PAGE71.indd 1

30/01/2023 15:08

WEDDINGS

McGuigan & Goold Miss Katy McGuigan, daughter of Jacqueline and Kieran McGuigan from Belfast, recently married Conor Goold, son of Cora and Conor Goold from Upper East Side, Manhattan. The wedding ceremony took place at St Anthony’s Church, Manhattan, followed by a reception in Belfast on 23rd December 2022 at The Merchant Hotel. Katy wore two dresses, one by the atelier, Safiyaa, and the second by Viero Bridal. Conor wore a suit by Hugo Boss. Photography by Kirth Ferris.

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WEDDINGS

Kirk & Law Chelsea Kirk, daughter of James and Roberta Kirk, recently married Laird Law, son of Laird Law senior and Deborah Mitchell. The wedding took place on 26th August 2022 at the Ivory Pavilion, Galgorm. Chelsea wore a beautiful gown by Liri from La Bodal Bridal shop and Laird wore a custom made suit by Richard William. Photography by Tentwentyone Wedding Photography

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UT WEDDINGS

Mr & Mrs Brown Angela daughter of Sandra and Jeff, recently married Billy Brown, son of Shiela and Billy Brown. The wedding took place on 26th June 2022 at Leighinmohr House Hotel, Ballymena. The couple honeymooned in Dubai. Photography by The Backyard Photography Company.

Create Your Perfect Wedding List • Online and in store buying facilities • Free gift wrapping & delivery

Gift List Evening

Thursday 9th March 5pm - 8.30pm Register your list on the evening and receive a fantastic gift

45 - 47 High Street, Newtownards, BT23 7HS www.wardenbros.com | Tel: 028 9181 2147

Bridal Inspiration Just two of the stunning gowns, which are available at Naomi’s Ballynahinch.

To view the full selection of dresses that are in-store you can make an appointment by calling 028 9756 1899. 2 Belfast Road, Ballynahinch, BT24 8DZ 75

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31/01/2023 14:45

Paul Larmour.

Alison and Stephen Craig.

Karen Latimer and Paul Mongan.

Sara Love, Adam Doherty and Aisling Madden.

Lois Shannon and Beth Wilson.

Paul Harron and Paul Larmour.

ALTERNATIVE ULSTER Renowned architectural historian, Dr Paul Larmour, gave a lecture on his recently published book, Architects of Ulster 1920s-1970s, at the Old Museum Building in College Square Belfast in mid-January. The book recounts the life and works of a select number of architects who played a signiﬁcant part in forming the architectural landscape of Ulster. The Old Museum Building is home to the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society (UAHS), publishers of the book. The book was designed by Ulster Journals Ltd, publishers of the Ulster Tatler, and is available to purchase from the UAHS. Jane Larmour and Nora Shortall. 76

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30/10/2020 14:13

Alex Brown and Dean Presho.

Anne Henderson, Fleur Jackson and Jacqui Kerr.

La Bottega staff Robert McClay, Jeevan Acharya, Francesco Iaquinta and Pier Paolo Orru.

THE ITALIAN JOB

Giada Tagliamonte, Fleur Jackson and La Bottega owner Francesco Iaquinta.

La Bottega was the venue for an exhibition by the artist Fleur Jackson. Belfast born Jackson’s work is deeply inspired by her love of space and connection with home and garden. The exhibition was curated for La Bottega by Giada Tagliamonte. La Bottega is a fantastic Italian café, bistro and mini-market selling traditional and fresh food, located on the Lisburn Road, Belfast.

Michael Weir and Alexandra Klisa.

Golden Thread Gallery Shortlisted For One Of The UK’s Largest Arts Awards Belfast’s Golden Thread Gallery has been shortlisted for the prestigious Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation Award for Civic Arts Organisations 2023. The £100k award recognises organisations championing co-creation with communities for a better, more creative and connected future. GTG Deputy Director Sarah McAvera says: “For a growing arts organisation like the Golden Thread, an honour like this is a huge boost! Co-creating with communities here has become integral to what we do. We will continue to co-create supportive, empowering projects through art.”

B e i n s p ir e d b y c o n t e m p o r a r y a r t .

FREE ADMISSION 84-94 GREAT PATRICK STREET, BELFAST BT1 2LU WWW.GOLDENTHREADGALLERY.CO.UK

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The Word

MARGEY SET TO UNVEIL NEW COLLECTION AT TITANIC HOTEL EXHIBITION Portrush based artist Adrian Margey will be returning to Titanic Hotel Belfast with his latest one-man exhibition and sale of work from Friday 24th – Sunday 26th February. The diverse showcase of more than forty original pieces being staged in one of the hotel’s magnificent Drawing Offices is sure to attract an enthusiastic crowd. Collectors have come to expect an eclectic mix of work from Margey’s solo shows in recent years. Well known for his bold and colourful contemporary depictions of Irish landscape, landmarks, cityscapes and musical traditions, the artist has been gaining attention for his more subtle impressionistic works of late. From over-sized canvases to smaller works, art lovers will be treated to depictions of Belfast City, Donegal, the North Coast, Glens of Antrim and the Mournes alongside representations of traditional Irish musicians and dancers. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. Opening times as follows: Friday 24th February: 6pm – 9pm / Saturday 25th February: 11am – 8pm & Sunday 26th February: 11am – 6pm. Parking for Titanic Hotel visitors is located in Titanic Belfast Museum underground car park. For more information telephone Margey’s Portrush studio on 07841593762 or visit www.adrianmargey.com.

Ballintoy Harbour.

Portballintrae Jumble.

Infinite Portstewart Skies.

Artist Adrian Margey.

Whitepark Bay.

Evolving Belfast.

Autumn at Minnowburn.

Commercial Court, Belfast.

Evening Exhilaration at Whiterocks.

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Sanjay Ghosh (Image Nation NI), International Humanitarian Una Tohill, Alfred Abolarin (NI African and Carribean Consortium), Darren Ferguson (Beyond Skin), Grainne McCluskey (Eden Project), Sidra Idrees and Shoaib Sarwari.

Juanita Rea and Ali Ashkar.

Mustafa Shariﬁ, Masomah Nasari and Patricia Donald.

Hadia, Mustafa, Masooma, Homaira and Shoaib Sarwari.

Darren Ferguson from Beyond Skin charity

Tim McCullagh and Deborah Faulkner.

Launch of Alghochak (Afghan Association Northern Ireland).

Musicians Saphwat Simab and Junaid Ali.

ALGHOCHAK The Long Gallery at Parliament Buildings in east Belfast was the venue for the launch of Alghochak. Alghochak is the Afghan Association for Northern Ireland. Among those in attendance were Darren Ferguson from the charity Beyond Skin and the MLA Peter McReynolds. Afghan musicians Saphwat Simab(Rubab) and Junaid Ali(Tabla) came from London to perform on the evening. The event was part of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Festival which took place in December.

Tim McCullagh, Junaid Ali, Aghochak founder members Bagher Maghsoudi and Mustafa Sarwari, Rahmat Simab (The Music Room), Saphwat Simab and Darren Ferguson (Beyond Skin). 80

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PODS AS AUTHENTIC AS YOU. Founded in 2010, Pod Camping Ireland are one of Ireland’s leading suppliers of Glamping Pods to sites across the UK & Ireland. We take great care and pride in the construction and design of each of our luxurious glamping pods which is why you’ll find our Pods in some of the most beautiful camping sites, hotels and outdoor adventure centres across Ireland, Scotland, England & Wales. We are constantly innovating and making sure our Pods are the best they can be. Hand - crafted by our expert craftsmen on the shores of Strangford Lough, Co. Down and designed with sustainably sourced red wood timber, our pods are as authentic as they are eco-friendly. All our models are built exactly to your requirements which means that they are the perfect addition to your site and for your customers. Our Pods allow you to open new revenue streams for your campsite, Caravan Park, holiday village, marina, outdoor adventure centre, hotel, B&B and more.

To get more information on our Luxury Glamping pods or Shepherds Huts please call Declan: 0793 805 1558

Lilli Pod

Lodge Pad

Luxe Pod

Lavish Pod

4m (L) x 3.1m (w) x 2.55m (H)

5m (L) x 3.1m (W) x 2.55m (H)

6m (L) x 3.1m (W) x 2.55m (H)

7m (L) x 3.1m (W) x 2.55m (H)

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Pod Camping Ireland, 17 Killinakin Road, Killinchy, BT23 6PS info@podcampingireland.com www.podcampingireland.com ONE OF IRELAND’S LEADING SUPPLIERS OF GLAMPING PODS TO SITES ACROSS THE UK & IRELAND

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The Word

GES Group is an essential and critical element in maintaining and strengthening the backbone of the power generation, industrial, manufacturing and agri sectors of Ireland and the UK.

Services

Large selection of School Uniforms covering from Nursery to Secondary. Also stockists of School shoes for Boys’ and Girls’. Discounts are available in June and July as part of the ‘Back to School Club’. Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 9.30am5.30pm. During July and August extended evening opening hours are available by appointment only. Please call the store on 028 91 270516 to arrange. Should you have any specialist requirements we will do our best to accommodate your individual needs.

24 Central Avenue, Bangor BT20 3AF Phone: 028 9127 0516 Email: info@robertsofbangor.com

18a Pennybridge Industrial Estate, Ballymena BT42 3HB Tel: 028 25656406 info@ges-group.com www.ges-group.com

Home

Business

Embedded

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Simply NUC Ltd is a technology company with locations in Bangor, North Dublin, and Austin, Texas. Focused on the design, build, configuration and customisation of Small Form Factor PCs. We provide products and services across all industry sectors across the world. Our products are used in a wide variety of use cases from Home, Office, Digital Signage, Transportation, Automated intelligence, Augmented reality, Embedded, Manufacturing equipment, Education environments, IoT, and Gaming. “I am extremely proud of what we have achieved since we opened our UK facility in 2018 and our EU facility in 2021. Our growth, both in our customer reach, as well as our revenue and our customer retention has been amazing to be part of, but this is only possible because of the hard work, dedication, and success driven attitude from an amazing team. With our drive for continued growth in Simply NUC, we are committed to growing our people, both in number and ability. I am delighted that the efforts of the team are recognised in winning these awards“.

Well done team – you are Simply Amazing! Jonny Smith – Chief Executive Officer at Simply NUC, Ltd.

www.SimplyNUC.co.uk

Medical

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UlsterTatler

Don’t Move

Improve In this edition of Ulster Tatler we look at companies that can help you to transform and reinvent your home. It is important to feel happy and comfortable in your living space, so sometimes it is good to refresh your surroundings. A home improvement can be on any scale; from an extension, to putting new tiles down, garden landscaping, to fitting a new kitchen – this feature has you covered.

UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

Improve Your Renovation Experience Ulster Tatler speaks to Jeremy McKinney from Kitchen Pod Hire. How would you describe Kitchen Pod Hire for those who don’t know? Kitchen Pod Hire is a brand new service to households, providing a temporary highquality kitchen during a renovation project. We simply roll our kitchen pods onto your driveway, then the electrics, water and waste are connected to your house and a gas bottle supplies the cooker. The beauty is that our pods are non-invasive so there’s no damage to your property and we can locate it wherever it’ll work best for you. What facilities are included in a kitchen pod? All our pods come well specced with a full gas cooker and oven, fridge, washing machine, sink with hot water, radiator, sockets for your appliances and a great amount of bench space to allow you to prepare meals. The colour changing lighting is also a big hit but that’s just for fun! How long can you hire a pod for? There is no time limit to how long you can hire a pod. We’ve hired out to events who needed it for only a weekend and we have clients who’ve used a pod for over two months. We typically find most kitchen

project hires are between three and five weeks but this very much depends on the type of worktop specified and how much building work is involved in a project. How did you come up with this idea for a business? Not that long ago, we lived in our own kitchen renovation. We cooked meals in a microwave in the living room and washed dishes in the newly refurbished bathroom. Honestly, it was an awful experience. I couldn’t accept that the traditional ‘it’s just the way it is’ attitude was the only way and, over several months in 2022 we designed and built our first pod. We shared it with a few people and the feedback has been tremendous so we know that we’re able to make a difference and that this solution is really going to help people. Enough hard earned money is spent creating your dream home that I truly believe you should be able to enjoy the renovation process. Yes, there will still be moments of stress but our passion is to see homeowners journey more comfortably through a renovation. What do you love most about your job? It was a real heartache for us when we suffered through our live-in renovation and so it’s a genuine joy to be able to help

families through theirs. I get a buzz watching people discover it for the first time and see their reaction. Most can’t quite believe this didn’t already exist. It’s really rewarding when the feedback is so positive and I’m excited to grow our business over the next few years and serve even more families. What’s the best way to get in touch with you? You can go to our website (www. kitchenpodhire.com) and find details to message, call or email; or you can find us on Facebook and Instagram (@kitchenpodhire). We’re always happy to chat, even if someone just wants to find out a little bit more.

Time To Revamp From a full renovation, to simple interior tweaks – there are so many things you can do to improve your home and give it a muchneeded facelift. It can be a bit overwhelming thinking about all the things that go into maintaining your home and it can be hard to keep up with the ever-changing trends. The trick is to take one room, space or task at a time and enjoy the process. There are other things to keep in mind when it is time to revamp your home: 1. Set a budget – Costs can quickly add up, so make sure you know exactly how much you want to spend before you start. 2. Safety First – Over time, structures inside and outside our home can become unsafe, whether it is crumbling ceilings or old boilers, so it is important to prioritise these home improvements. 3. Reflect Your Style – Sometimes home improvements are needed simply because your style has evolved – perhaps you are no longer enthused by the carpet that was fitted in the 90’s and you want to try something different. Go for it – embrace your creativity and style intuition. 84

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You really can have it all. Kitchen Pod Hire is a new and revolutionary solution for anyone renovating their home or repairing their kitchen. Recently established in spring 2022, Kitchen Pod Hire is already seeing large demand for their high quality temporary kitchens. They now allow homeowners to comfortably remain living in their homes during a renovation project. Over the last year, their ﬂeet of pods has rapidly grown and is limited only by how quickly they can be built. Jeremy McKinney founded the business after his own stressful live-in renovation left him feeling frustrated with the experience. “I just couldn’t accept that tolerating the discomfort was the only way to do a renovation. So much hard earned money is spent doing up our homes, we deserve it to be as enjoyable as possible.” FEEL AT HOME Their pods come equipped with everything you need to see you through a renovation. There’s a full cooker and oven, sink with hot water, fridge and washing machine as well as ample bench space for preparing meals. “We have deliberately designed them to be homely and provide as much comfort as possible. It’s a real joy to watch the ‘wow’ reaction when our clients see how much they’re getting,” Jeremy shares. On delivery day, the pods are rolled onto your driveway; and the electrics, water and waste are easily connected to the services already in your house. This is all managed during the delivery and, reassuringly, no damage or extra work is required to your property. CLIENT FOCUSSED The quality of the pods combined with Jeremy’s passion and solution-driven attitude mean that clients’ needs are always accommodated. “Every homeowner is unique and we always work hard to make our pods work for our client, after all, that’s why we’re here,” he reassures. It’s evident that the heart of Kitchen Pod Hire is to empower a more relaxing experience and allow you to focus on creating your dream home. With the high quality of the pods and professional customer service, at less than the price of a family takeaway, the daily cost to hire a pod is still very accessible. Having your own kitchen space and an ability to prepare any meal now means takeaways or microwave meals are no longer the only thing on the menu.

hello@kitchenpodhire.com PAGE85.indd 1

www.kitchenpodhire.com

07774 379 159

@kitchenpodhire 30/01/2023 15:29

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WHAT DREAMS MAY COME.

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UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

and varied. There are some new colours, new textures and new materials, but most importantly, there are new moods. New Colour Alert: Warmer colours are going to be big in 2023. After years of grey and white, many are turning to a more soothing colour palette to furnish their homes. Pantone has released their colour for the year – Viva Magenta, so we shall be seeing lots of this colour implemented through wall colours, wallpapers and furnishings. Browns, caramels, terracottas also seem to be nudging their way back into design schemes, as we all seek some warmth and cosiness back into our spaces.

Ulster Tatler Speaks to Jennifer McCreesh from Ultimate Interior Design Where do you draw your creativity at the start of each project? During the initial consultation with our client, we would discuss at length elements of design schemes, budget, colour preferences etc to determine my clients’ likes and dislikes. From that I would carry out a detailed survey of the area to enable me to formulate a design that would fit and align with my clients’ taste and budget. I would evaluate the property style, functionality of the room layouts, lighting etc and take into consideration any element that exists within the property that the client wishes to retain. How would you describe your style? Although we favour a sleek contemporary style, we do not push this style upon our clients. Each home and client is different, and it is imperative that we design and create rooms that fit with the home’s style as well as the clients’ tastes and budget. We are flexible and are led by our clients’ requirements. In most instances, our clients require us to undertake projects from start to finish without any input in the design and execution of a project. This affords us the opportunity to showcase our contemporary style using our extensive fabrics, interior accessories and furniture products. How do you stay up to date with the latest trends? At Ultimate Interior Design we keep abreast of new trends by attending trade shows throughout the UK, Ireland and beyond. We attend courses and seminars to further our professional development and have meetings throughout the year with all our

trade suppliers so that our clients receive the most current designs, highest quality of goods and services at a competitive price. Apart from our interior design consultancy service we also retail an extensive range of fabrics, trimmings, curtains poles, wallpapers, carpets, flooring, furniture, home accessories and lighting. Who has been your biggest inspiration to you professionally and personally? Professionally I admire many architects. Architecture forms the basis from which interior designs and ideals flourish. My all-time favourite architects are Frank Lloyd Wright, Ludwig Mies van der Rohe and more locally Dermot Bannon. I have been inspired by the many buildings they have designed, and the ingenious ways they have tested the architectural capabilities of building structures. On a personal level my family have and continue to be my inspiration. My grandmother made a huge impression on my life from an early age. She worked alongside my grandfather and assisted him in building a successful family business in the construction industry back in the late 1940s. She always said, “Never say you cannot. Always say you will try.” My own parents and family have always been a backbone of support for everything I have done and achieved. Without their constant support and assistance, I would not have had the confidence to set up my own business and grow it successfully.

Kitchen Design: The use of larger slabs of marble as a splash back in kitchens are fast becoming the alternative to having a tiled splashback. With no grout lines they are more purposeful to maintain and keep clean. The “scullery” kitchen is also back, offering a secondary kitchen (for those that have the space) as an extra prep and storage area. We are also seeing more of the classic and timeless framed kitchen units being implemented using natural and durable materials such as wood, stone and steel which will stand the test of time. Biophilic Design: We continue to see the positive effects of being closer to nature; we look to the rising trend in biophilic design to help us bring some of the natural world into the comfort of our homes. The use of natural materials such as bamboo, cork, sisal and wood can add texture and character to a space.

What trends are big for 2023? Interior design trends for 2023 are vast 88

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UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

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For some the bathroom is the most difficult room in the house to plan. Co-ordinating their practical use of space, function and cutting edge design at Terra Firma Tile & Bath, they aim to take away the stress of designing your bathroom whether the project is refurbishing or new build. With over thirty years experience in the industry and with a wide range of sanitary ware to custom fit vanity units and bespoke baths, Terra Firma offers an on site survey to fully understand your planning requirements. Expert advice is on hand from planning to creating your luxury five star bathroom. Terra Firma has a vast range of mosaic, porcelain and ceramic wall and floor tiles to cover every area in your home or commercial project. From the hand made designer kitchen wall tiles to the latest in modern parquet wood effect porcelain floor tiles, their aim is to bring an excitement into transforming your surfaces, both floor and wall, in kitchen and bathroom. Terra Firma has an unrivalled portfolio of suppliers from around the globe and a wealth of technical expertise built up over thirty years in the ceramic tile and sanitary ware industry. Terra Firma is the perfect partner for all your tiling and sanitary ware requirements from design to installation.

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UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

NICDAR TILES BATHROOMS & WOOD FLOORS Sitting Pretty – The Joy of Garden Seating Award-winning garden designer and National Garden Scheme Trustee, Arit Anderson and interior design expert Susie Watson give their top tips and advice on creating the perfect seating area in any garden. Making space for garden seating is a priority for award-winning garden designer and National Garden Scheme Trustee, Arit Anderson. “When designing a garden, I do like to incorporate areas to sit,” she says. “Think about the views and try to place seating facing a favourite vista. But, if like me, you have a small garden then the position of the sun will guide you to the best spot; sun drenched or shady, marry it to your favourite time of day and you’ll make a bee line to immerse yourself in that seat. If the space allows, have multiple places to relax. An area that is social and allows seated dining is always fun, and another for a little more solitude, if only a patch to put a deckchair. Seats in the garden allow us to be a human ‘being’ instead of a human doing!” For Susie Watson, Designer and Founder of Susie Watson Designs, who is opening her Wiltshire garden (pictured) for the first time in June 2023 with the National Garden Scheme, seating for eating al fresco is a must. “Whether it’s afternoon tea, a family lunch or a lovely supper, using a colour palette that blends well with the garden surroundings works best,” she says. “I tend to use lots of greens, pinks and reds in the garden with touches of saffron.” As to setting the scene, Susie suggests using lots of cushions in the suggested colour palette and that a tablecloth is a must. “It doesn’t matter if the crockery and glasses match – a mixture can add to the charm and rugs are colourful and cosy and perfect for when the evening chill sets in. Complete the look with hurricane vases for candles and tealights to protect them from the wind – they work really well and look lovely twinkling at dusk. Lots of flower bottles dotted around the table with a few stems also means you can use less flowers and spread the floral impact, but I usually have a big jug of flowers in the centre as well.”

Nicdar Tiles is a family run business based in East Belfast. Our showroom in Dundonald offers an array of porcelain & ceramic tiles, to suit your style and budget. Our extended showroom now offers over 150 ranges of laminate ﬂooring and LVT. We also supply all bathroom sanitary ware for your bathroom needs. Our 25 years experience as Tiling Contractors means that we know our products well and can give you the best advice on materials, design, installation and maintenance. We love to create bathrooms, shower rooms, kitchens and interiors that are modern, unique, and affordable. We offer installations services for all products we sell. Commercial contracts of any size are welcome. Please don’t hesitate to contact our sales team for any quotes on materials or ﬁtting.

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UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

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The Ceco showroom in Carryduff was the venue for the ﬁrst Ulster Tatler Interiors Networking Dinner of 2023. Ceco is a design-led ﬂoor and bathroom product consultancy, providing solutions for commercial and residential projects. The event was attended by a cross section of people from the interiors and design industry. The catering was provided by Jane’s Kitchen, owners of Magheramorne Estate in Larne.

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Comber Road, Carryduff BT8 8AN Carryduff Business Park, 8 Comber Road, Carryduff BT8 8AN @cecoproducts.com T +44 28 9081 7272 E info@cecoproducts.com www.cecoproducts.com

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UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

Quooker introduces the new and improved CUBE Quooker has introduced its latest product development, the new and improved CUBE. An accessory that fits easily onto any existing Quooker tap, the CUBE provides instant chilled and sparkling water. Following the successful launch of the CUBE in 2019, the new CUBE is lighter, more compact and easier to install, whilst taking up less under-sink space. It also boasts a state-of-the-art touch screen digital display panel that will show how much sparkling water is left, alerting users when cartridges and filters need replacing. The new CUBE also features an improved water flow for the chilled water mode. The improved CUBE comes with two different effervescence levels – the same strength as the current CUBE and a softer level with fewer bubbles. Users can now pick their preferred level of fizz in their drinks, meaning better flavour and versatility. The system is also equipped with a new and improved Active Carbon and Hollow Fibre filter. Easier to install and replace thanks to its easy-to-access placement, the new filter optimises the taste and odour of tap water. CUBE delivers super chilled and sparkling water that can be enjoyed without having to wait or waste any water. Furthermore, one cannister of CO2 yields 60 litres of sparkling water, eliminating the need to buy single-use plastic bottles. Dispensing precisely the amount of sparkling and chilled water needed at any given moment, the CUBE ensures responsible consumption, offering a sustainable solution in the kitchen. The new CUBE delivers a revolutionary and intuitive system to create a tap that truly does it all.

Looking Forward To 23 At Alwood they are starting to get really excited about 2023, there are real world things happening here and abroad, with progress in design and manufacturing, with furniture and appliances. With lockdown feeling like a distant memory the work that has been happening in the background is starting to pay off. Alwood are celebrating the opening of their new showroom in Bangor soon and the new kitchen collections shown are both bold and elegant. The best furniture exhibition in the world is on this summer in Italy and Alwood will be attending to ensure their designers are inspired and enthusiastic, ready to create something unique for you and your home. Keep an eye out later in the year for their show report. They have now installed and commissioned their new edging machine that uses the most durable, heat and waterresistant glue available making Alwood’s furniture even more durable and practical. On the appliance side of things, many of the brands have new products – Alwood now have the first Bora oven in the country that is fully plumbed in and out, taking the method of cooking to the truly professional level. Siemens are about to release a full-size oven with a microwave and steam function, it even has a camera that it uses to turn off the cooking once the food browns properly! Just as they look forward to the rest of the year, they’d love you to do the same. If you are going to be planning a new kitchen, please take the time and do it early, so you know what choice you really have.

For more information, visit www.quooker.co.uk/CUBE

Give Alwood a call and visit their Lurgan showroom, there may be something to surprise you! www.alwoodkitchens.com

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UlsterTatler Don’t Move, Improve

Curate Character With A Gallery Wall Finally, before picking up the hammer and nails, find a large area of floor space and lay out your chosen works of art, starting from the centre and working your way out. This way, you can move your frames about until you settle on an arrangement that you’re happy with.

A local landscape captured in brushstroke, a charcoal sketch etched out on canvas, a candid snap in black and white. Regardless of the style, level of accomplishment, or even surface value, framed art wields a transformative capability when it comes to designing your home. When grouped together, prints, paintings and photographs can create truly characterful gallery walls, and leading interior design house Neptune have created a guide on how to begin. In terms of location, a large blank wall is the obvious choice, but you can utilise smaller spaces just as effectively. The area above a door frame is a great example, and the same goes for the space above your headboard. Narrow vertical spots, like those that run alongside wall cabinets or windows, also lend themselves well to smaller-scale gallery walls. In terms of what to include, your choices are only as limited as your imagination. Incorporating different types of media will add interest to your wall and give it a relaxed and eclectic feel. Pair original art with prints or posters, framed textiles, masterpieces by the kids and family photos. In terms of scale, by incorporating both large and smaller pieces, you will create a wall that has a more natural feel. If you prefer a looser style of gallery wall, it is fine to mix frames – it adds to the eclectic nature of the wall and will also help to make it look like your collection has been built over time. Of course, if you prefer a slightly more considered look, keep to just one colour of frame, but vary the widths and textures. To soften all those corners, Neptune suggest including a few circular pieces alongside your square and rectangular frames. Mirrors, vintage trays with handles and plates will all work well - you could even update a simple side plate with a lick of paint rather than buying new.

Neptune’s collection of framed and mounted prints, photographs and sketches – made using accurate reproduction methods – is available to explore in stores and at Neptune.com.

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My Ciara is the founder of My Townland.ie which enables you to turn your townland into a meaningful, unique and personalised map print created by you.

Ciara Connolly 1. What do you love most about your job? I absolutely love what I do. Especially when I get the chance to chat to people about the meaning and stories behind each townland print. I have to say I can’t help but do a little research into the townland prints that come through. I look them up and see what the townland name means, I just find it fascinating that these wee places are more than just locations. There’s a story behind each and every one. 2. What has been your career highlight to date? We attended a few shows last year to show off our prints and I’ll never forget the reaction of one of our customers when I showed her ‘home’ townland on screen. By the end of the conversation we were both in tears. To think that our product evoked that emotion in that lovely lady is something that will stay with me for a very long time. 3. What are your favourite hobbies/ activities outside of work? To be honest myself and my other half are spending most of our time running my children to their hobbies and social life so in a round about way you could say I like camogie, football, youth club, viola, tin whistle and visiting Inflatable World. But honestly, I do like to get out for a walk most days. At the weekends I drag the family around Rossmore Park in Co. Monaghan for a walk and visit the park there. There’s just something about being surrounded by trees that I love! 4. What is your daily routine? I used to get up early and get a walk or a wee run in before everyone is up and I felt great after it. I really want to get that routine

established again, but we moved house recently and our routine is ‘up the left!’ We have been taking time to find our feet and not rushing things, though, and now that my two eldest are back at school, our routine is slowly falling into place. My three year old is at home with me so I try to get as much work done as possible in between making snacks. I’m so glad and grateful I get to do what I do, I always craved that flexibility that would enable me to ‘balance’ work and family life. The work day consists of checking and updating the MyTownland website, dealing with townland queries, social media and making maps and processing orders. There is a live chat on the website and I like to be available for that and give people a response as soon as I can. It is handy that it is all connected to my phone so I can deal with queries anytime, anywhere. Once the kids are home and all is eventually settled for the evening, I’d like to say I settle down with a good book but I get on the laptop again and answer any questions coming in from the website or social media, but I just love it. I love helping customers find their townlands if they are unsure of them and helping them decide on what style of map they prefer. 5. Do you have a specific fitness regime? I go through phases. I do enjoy walking as often as I can and I do like to go for a run. I’m definitely an all or nothing type of person though. I could run every day for a year and then take a few days off and next thing you know I haven’t ran in six months. I just need to find a balance. 6. Do you have any tips for staying positive? I have a great family and a brilliant bunch of friends and any time spent with them is always good for the soul. I also absolutely

believe the old cliché ‘life is short’. Some people don’t get the luxury or privilege to experience it so why not live it how you want to and to its fullest? I don’t think realistically you can be positive all the time though. Life isn’t always easy. When it gets a bit hectic its okay to go easy on yourself. 7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland? For me it’s family, friends, and support from a community when it was needed most. The wee traditions and customs that make us who we are. The way that we can see humour even in dark times. 8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by? Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. I read the following somewhere and it has stuck with me too, albeit it took a while to sink in - ‘Never take criticism from someone you wouldn’t ask for advice’. 9. Who has been your biggest influence? The people closest to me; it’s so hard to name anyone in particular.

10. FAVOURITE Movie: The Wizard of Oz – ‘There no place like home.’ Gets me every time.

Band/musician: My playlist is a bit of a mixed bag consisting of Fleetwood Mac, Elton John, some Florence and The Machine but also a few dance tracks from the ‘90s and early 2000s that I’d be too embarrassed to share! Book: Did Ye Hear Mammie Died by Séamas O’Reilly or the Midnight Library by Matt Haig. Restaurant: McNean House, Blacklion, Co.Cavan. Holiday Destination: Connemara or Co Kerry. It’s only really now that I fully appreciate the beauty of these places we were taken to as children. Drink: Copious amounts of tea. Meal: The homemade vegetable soup Daddy used to make when he came home from work early as a bricklayer because he was rained oﬀ!

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30/01/2023 17:00

FEATURE

Ulster Tatler

FOCUS ON

Randalstown I

n a world where nothing surprises us any more and where there is often too much concerning news in the media, it is refreshing to take stock of the blessings on our own doorstep. There are not many towns that have a viaduct at its centre, a river with an enviable ecosystem, lots of sustainable bee-loving plants and a population which is generally rather happy with its lot. Well… that’s Randalstown! With a beautiful social space in the viaduct’s ‘Elevation’ garden; a wealth of sustenance in the River Maine for herons, little dippers and ducks; various pocket gardens (with bees and butterflies in summer); and often a friendly smile or nod from its residents – who wouldn’t want to live or visit here? Randalstown is just a 25-minute drive from Belfast and there is a wonderful range of local shops. Exploring on foot (this is a must) and using finger posts for direction you can choose to do nature walks or shopping (but preferably both), immerse yourself in the history using the many interpretive boards and QR codes or just sit and watch the world go by over a coffee or while having a picnic. Look out too for the yellow-vest brigade – Tidy Randalstown’s volunteers. Passionate gardeners and ‘busy bees’, they happily lend a hand wherever they can make a difference and put community and a good visitor experience at the heart of all they do. A warm welcome awaits you.

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31/01/2023 12:23

SPECIAL FOCUS

Randalstown

Over 12 Years of Tidy Randalstown Environmental Group The familiar saying ‘Rome wasn’t built in a day’ is used mostly when we are trying to bolster conﬁdence and to remind each other that it takes shared goals and a lot of determination to see things through to a successful outcome. That is the case for the Tidy Randalstown Environmental Group. Now over 12 years since inception the volunteers are seeing fruits for their labour. With a team of 47 volunteers (25 of whom do twiceweekly volunteering all year around) they have clocked up a very creditable 9219 hours between them in 2022. As well as doing many horticultural projects Tidy Randalstown (supported by Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council) has immersed itself in community projects such as: • Young Citizens of the Future – young people are made aware of the natural environment, develop gardening abilities in an inter-generational setting, and learn about citizenship • The Nature Corridor Project – a nature trail and ﬁtness experience for accompanied children.

• The wonder of nature • The desire to improve the environment, their town and the quality of life • The belief that they can make a difference • The opportunities to learn from each other • The satisfaction and joy which the activities bring and of course the coffee break – full of laughter, sharing cake and encouragement. There is never a dull moment. Looking forward in 2023 the group hope to: maintain and improve existing gardens; strengthen the palpable community spirit, which already exists, be ﬂexible and deﬁnitely drink more coffee.

What motivates this hardy group of happy workers?

T. DEVLIN Coffee, Tea, Frappe, Ice-cream and food to go

Thomas Devlin Car Sales are an independent new and used car dealership. A wide selection of vehicles in stock and can source any new or used car at extremely keen prices. Finance packages available from different finance companies Motonovo and Northridge Finance The service department operates an extensive workshop packed full of state-of-the-art technology that is operated by our highly trained and motivated staff.

R A

N D A L

O W

The

coffee co.

Services include:

• General servicing • Wheel Alignment • Body Repairs • Brakes • Clutches • Tyres • MOT Preparation • Batteries • Replacement Exhausts

22.24 New Street, Randalstown BT41 3AF Tel: 07809 717385

DOG FRIENDLY

117 Staffordstown Road, Randalstown BT41 3LH Tel: 028 9447 2537 Email: info@tdevlincarsales.co.uk W: tdevlincarsales.co.uk 114

PAGE114.indd 2

31/01/2023 12:21

Greenfields Daycare Greenfields Day Care is an award-winning family run nursery, which has been serving the local community in Randalstown for over 16 years. It caters for children, aged six weeks, to school age. The out of school club located in Central Primary School caters for children primary one to primary seven, with pick ups from local schools, it offers holiday club during school holidays also. Greenfields has a baby room, pre-toddler room, toddler room and a preschool room, all of which are age appropriately designed to encourage overall development of children. In addition to this, Greenfields has a sensory / story room and a vast outdoor play area, including lots of water play equipment, climbing frames, mud kitchen, bikes and cars, sand and sensory trays, playhouses, shop, boat, sensory music garden, a vegetable patch, the nursery goldfish and much more. As well as a large range of toys in each room, children take part in a number of other activities including circle time, movement to music sessions, art & crafts, story time with props, sensory play, messy play, dressing up, and that’s just to name a few.

www.greenfieldsdaycare.co.uk E: greenfieldsdaycare@hotmail.co.uk

GREENFIELDS DAY CARE: 41 Caddy Road, Randalstown 028 9447 2522

PAGE115.indd 2

& Afterschool Club

AFTERSCHOOL CLUB & HOLIDAY CLUB: Randalstown Central Primary School, 4 Church Road, 075 4879 7688

30/01/2023 16:50

SERVING THE COMMUNITY Randalstown Central Primary School has been serving the local market town and the surrounding area for 87 years. The school has always set and maintained high standards for its pupils, with the school consistently sending over 1/2 of its pupils to the local Grammar Schools. The school has eight classes catering for the 180+ children: a separate pre-school reception class and seven classes for the Primary 1-7 pupils. In our most recent, full inspection the ETI concluded, ‘in the areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this school is very good. The school is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children and has demonstrated its capacity of sustained self-improvement’.

Randalstown Central Primary School | 4 Church Road, Randalstown | Telephone: 028 9447 2519

PAGE116.indd 2

31/01/2023 12:24

Come visit our 10,000 plus square foot showroom Leather & Fabric Suites • Upright & Grand Pianos Dining, Living, Kitchen, Bedroom and Occasional furniture

131 Moneynick Road, Randalstown BT41 3HU Email: info@carsonsofduneane.com Tel: 028 7965 0212 Opening hours: Tuesday - Saturday 9am - 5pm. Closed Sunday and Monday

www.carsonsofduneane.com PAGE117.indd 1

30/01/2023 16:53

SPECIAL FOCUS

Randalstown

Why I Love...

Randalstown Shona Mulholland, Managing Director of John Mulholland Motors.

What do you love most about living/working in Randalstown? People always think Randalstown is further away than it is but our picture-perfect town is just 20 minutes from Belfast. I love being so central and that customers from all over the country return again and again to enjoy gorgeous test drives in the open countryside. Likewise, we are close to the airport and large neighbouring towns like Ballymena and Magherafelt. It’s a great day out with many eateries, a forest, historical sites like Shanes Castle – and best of all, parking is never an issue in Randalstown. When I do feel like venturing into the city, Value Cabs get me there and back without any hassle. Growing up in the town I got the best of both worlds – the safety and security of country living but the option to explore the bright city lights in the knowledge home was only ever a hop, skip and a jump away. John Mulholland Motors showroom is just off the M2, at the entrance to the town, meaning the building is your warm welcome into the town, which is kept beautiful by Tidy Randalstown. We have been welcoming customers to our family’s Skoda, Hyunda, UFirst Sales and Service Department for 35 years.

in the fact that from every car sold we donate £10 to local cancer charity, Friends of the Cancer Centre and £2 from every car serviced. To date we have donated over £125,000 to fund specialist nursing hours for local people affected by cancer. The most satisfying part of my job is welcoming back so many repeat customers. It’s a great compliment and testament to the Skoda and Hyundai brands, and we work hard to deliver a high level of customer service throughout the car-buying journey and ownership cycle. I think this is why we have won UK Skoda Retailer of the Year three times!

Does Randalstown have any hidden gems? Further to the gorgeous scenery, Randalstown is a treasure trove of family businesses. PMD contracts is only ever a phonecall away for building work and essential maintenance. Hurrells Electric and McManus Hardware are like stalwarts of the town with expert staff who always have the answer to any query. Elle Beauty never lets me down for a last minute nail appointment and the Kandy Shop is heaven to visit – sweets in jars like the good old days! The crown jewel is Randal-Hounds, a dog groomer based at the mouth of Randalstown Forest. Take your dog on a beautiful countryside walk and then drop them off for some pampering! Anna was a finalist in the Dog Groomer of the Year awards and has an ability like no other to make all dogs feel at ease when getting groomed. My Labrador, Elsie, loves her. Where do you like to dine or go out in the area? We have a Friday tradition in work where we treat ourselves to a Waves chippy at the end of a hard week’s work… funny story, someone saw my younger brother there so often they thought he worked there! The Coffee Co is also great to provide a caffeine fix and Maria Bakes never disappoints for a sweet treat on a special occasion. How would you describe Randalstown in three words? Accessible, picturesque, impressive. Tell us about your role in John Mulholland Motors and what you like most about your job? I stepped into the role of Managing Director of John Mulholland Motors after the untimely passing of my father, John, in 2019. Thankfully I had always worked for my Dad and always paid close attention to his every move so I had the best teacher to train me for the role. After graduating from university Dad gave me a job in the valeting bay washing cars and from there I completed a stint in every department within the business which gave me a brilliant grounding and understanding of every moving part within the business. My role is so varied and no two days look the same, which I love, particularly the mix of customers I get to know on a daily basis. It’s also such a pleasure to be surrounded by what I believe to be the best cars on the market every day. At John Mulholland Motors we specialise in Skoda, Hyundai and all brands of used cars. I am very lucky to enjoy what I do, along with a fantastic and very friendly team, which is made even easier by a genuine love and admiration for the products we offer. Whether it’s a large fleet operator starting their electric vehicle journey or a first time buyer about to make their biggest ever purchase, it’s so lovely getting to know a customer, identifying their needs and helping them choose the perfect car. We take great pride 118

PAGE118.indd 2

31/01/2023 14:09

JOHN MULHOLLAND MOTORS

www.johnmulhollandmotors.com

028 9447 3903

SUPPORTING THOSE WHO SUPPORT US. OVER £125,000 RAISED SINCE 2019 FOR

Proudly established in Randalstown and Celebrating 35 Years in Business

PAGE119.indd 1

j 06/02/2023 10:42

SPECIAL FOCUS

Randalstown

GOING FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH Randalstown Rugby Football Club (RRFC) recently celebrated its 75-year anniversary. The club was founded in 1947 and continues to thrive. At present there are three teams and a very strong youth set-up. The club’s new clubhouse was opened recently by Ulster Rugby Chief Executive Jonny Petrie. Below we feature a selection of the Clubs current events and prizegivings. RRFC is situated at Waddell Park, Neillsbrook Road, Randalstown, BT41 3AE. For further details visit randalstownrugbyclub.uk.

William Allen, John Curry, Debbie McCartney Logan, Glenn McCluggage and Rodney Logan pictured handing over the match ball which was sponsored by McCartney Tiles.

Ulster Rugby CEO Jonny Petrie (centre) with chairman Ian Boyd (right) at the opening of the new clubhouse in August 2022.

Presentation of The Derek Waddell Cup by Derek’s widow Margaret to Sam Moore, President of Ballymoney RFC. Also pictured is Dr John Curry, President of Randalstown RFC. 05

MARRION’S BAR & OFF LICENCE Full range of Beers, Wines and Spirits. Premium Gins a speciality LOUNGE AVAILABLE FOR PRIVATE FUNCTIONS L-R William Allen, Jimmy Parkhill, Hudson Foster, John Waide, David Smith, Donna Foster. Pictured at the pre-match lunch before the Derek Waddell Cup.

8–12 Main Street, Randalstown, BT41 3AB Phone: 028 9447 2487 Email: marrionsbar@yahoo.co.uk 120

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31/01/2023 14:28

Happy, Safe & Successful Learners

PAGE121 new.indd 5

31/01/2023 17:02

SPECIAL FOCUS

A Helping Hand

A HELPING HAND

sking for help can be hard to do, but there are so many people, businesses and organisations out there who will offer a helping hand when we need it most. There are a number of times throughout our lives when we will face challenges, whether it is obstacles with our physical or mental health, overcoming grief, or living with a disability. These issues shouldn’t stop us from living our lives to the best of our ability, so it is important to know where to go for help and advice. This month Ulster Tatler looks at a range of services available to vulnerable members of the community.

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Do you have a lingering issue you would like to resolve once and for all? Then I can help you. Hi, I’m Andrew, founder Of Right Mind Hypnotherapy. Of Right Mind Hypnotherapy is based in Bangor, County Down. I help people every day to overcome their issues and live the life they deserve, people like you. Serving the greater Belfast area, Holywood, Hillsborough, County Down and indeed the whole of Northern Ireland through face-to-face or online sessions. I also see clients all over the world as far afield as Australia and America, England, Scotland and the Netherlands online. I specialise in resolving issues such as insomnia, weight loss, smoking cessation, phobias, stress and anxiety, managing chronic pain, or simply just removing that “stuck” feeling. Utilising natural, safe, and cutting-edge techniques supported by neuroscience and scientific evidence I work in a way which offers long-term results rather than short-term fixes. This is achieved by guiding your unconscious mind to find its own solutions to the problem facilitating fast, effective and long-lasting results for my clients. Just because something has been around for a long time doesn’t mean it needs to take a long time to go away. Fast effective change can easily be achieved in as little as three sessions! Why put up with it any longer get in touch today for your free consultation to see how we can fix your issue together. FAST.

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www.ofrightmind.com 30/01/2023 17:01

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A Helping Hand

Sport For Good Schools Programme Mental Health Workshops Lidl Northern Ireland has selected 25 secondary schools across the region to benefit from a dedicated Mental Health Athlete Mentorship programme this academic year as part of the retailer’s award-winning Sport for Good initiative, with each school also scoring £1,000 worth of brand-new sports equipment. A team of Northern Ireland’s best-known athletes have been selected and specially trained by the Youth Sport Trust, the UK’s leading charity improving young people’s education and development through sport and play, to run a series of workshops targeted at secondary school pupils, with a focus on boosting young people’s social skills, self-esteem and body confidence through sports participation. Representing a strong cross-section of sport and boasting an impressive array of achievements, the stellar line up of NI sports stars delivering this year’s mental health workshops include four-time Paralympic athletics champion Michael McKillop MBE, Olympic steeplechase athlete, Kerry O’Flaherty, Olympic hockey heroes, Shirley McCay MBE and Eugene Magee, Northern Ireland netball international and Armagh ladies’ Gaelic footballer, Caroline O’Hanlon, and female rugby union international and Olympian, Ashleigh Baxter. The Lidl Northern Ireland Sport for Good programme is also supported by three local sporting heroes and long-standing Sport for Good Ambassadors - six-time Paralympic gold medallist swimmer, Bethany Firth OBE, Gymnastics World Champion, Rhys McClenaghan and Olympic runner and European and Commonwealth silver medallist, Ciara Mageean. Lidl Northern Ireland’s Sport for Good Schools Programme launched last year after research revealed that 45 per cent of young people in Northern Ireland said their mental health worsened since the start of the Covid-19 pandemic*. Developed in partnership with the Youth Sport Trust, the

programme has supported more than 5,200 secondary school pupils across Northern Ireland to date. Survey feedback revealed that 83% of participants felt Lidl Northern Ireland’s programme boosted their overall confidence and 100% of teachers committed to changing their mental health support programmes as a result of the workshops. This year, the programme aims to include a wider representation of lower ranking schools for Income Affecting Children’s Deprivation (IACD) in a bid to level the playing field for those most disadvantaged and to support schools to build back healthier, happier and more resilient students. For more information please visit lidl-ni.co.uk/ lidl-community-works *Source: 2021 Prince’s Trust Youth Index

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Ballyrobert is regulated by the and Financial Conduct on vehicle selected. Terms conditions apply.Authority (“FCA”) and is registered with the FCA as a credit broker of Motability Operations Limited, who is the lender in relation to the Motability Contract Hire Scheme. The Motability Contract Hire Scheme is administered by Motability Operations Limited (Registered Company No. 1373876). To qualify you must be in receipt of the Higher Rate Mobility Component of Disability Living Allowance, the Enhanced Rate Mobility Component of Personal Independent Payment, the War Pensioners’ Mobility Supplement or the Armed Forces Independence Payment, which will be taken in lieu of the four weekly rental. Prices vary depending on vehicle selected. Terms and conditions apply.

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A Helping Hand

RICHMOND NURSING HOME

Thinking of a break? Let Richmond Help Richmond Nursing Home is a family run private nursing home located on the seafront of Cultra, overlooking Belfast Lough. We have been providing the highest standard of nursing care to our residents and their families for over thirty years. As well as providing long term care for our residents we also specialise in oﬀering care for a respite period whether this be for post-operative recovery or simply to provide a break for family members/carers. With our idyllic coastal location our residents can enjoy fresh sea air walks (assisted as required), a wide range of activities led by our activities coordinator, an extensive library of books and movies, afternoon tea, or why not simply relax and enjoy the view. If the stresses and strains of daily life are proving diﬃcult for you or someone you care for then why not book a relaxing break at Richmond where we will attend to all of your daily care needs.

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One in ten eating disorders sufferers are male. One in five Anorexia sufferers will die. Anorexia kills more people than any other mental health condition. Men are vulnerable. Are you concerned about someone you know? Contact the Laurence Trust

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30/01/2023 17:10

ON NI LY R S E IN ER STA DI VI U AN NG RA CU SO NT IS UT IN IN H E

Experience the magic... ...of traditional Indian cuisine and all its exotic aromas with us here at Bites of India. Welcome to Bites of India our food is as full of variety and has as many faces as the sub-continent itself, from fiery curries to piquant kormas and tandoori (clay oven) specialities. Experience the magic of traditional Indian cuisine and all its exotic aromas with us here at Bites of India. Our experienced chefs use only the finest, freshest ingredients to create specialities which will enchant you. Let us surprise you, let us spoil you, and who knows, perhaps you too will be seduced by Indian cuisine at Bites of India. You wouldn’t be the first.

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LOOKING BACK ISSUE: FEBRUARY 1987

OLD BUSHMILLS CHRISTMAS PARTY AT DUNADRY INN

Eric Brunton, Michael McKenna, Nixdorf; Rosemary McCambridge, Softcom; W. MacKay, OBD; Claire Faulkner, Project Planning; Frank Hewitt, IDB.

ROCAS OFFICIAL OPENING

Nicola McCafferty – Director of Roca, Beverley Kane – Manageress, Kate Lavery – Model and Manus McConn – Director.

SURPRISE FOR TREVOR!

A surprise 50th birthday party for Trevor McClintock, the Managing Director of W&A Gilbey Ltd. Trevor McClintock with his daughter Lindsey, wife Margaret, daughter Clare and mother Mrs McClintock.

LESLEY HOUSE, BELFAST

Pictured at Arabian Knights restaurant are Gill Roy, Bharat Sharma, Brij Sharma, chef Tony McNamara and his assistant Bill Sloan.

MID-ANTRIM HUNT

The Master of the Hunt, Roddy Bamber, receives the Stirrup Cup from Mrs Iris Hill.

ST LOUISE’S SCHOOL FORMAL

Joseph Shortt, Elaine Johnston, Gary Armstrong, Ann Marie Kane, Anna Maher and Ali Campbell. 128

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30/01/2023 17:12

Naomi’s OF BALLYNAHINCH

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