Ulster Tatler April 2022 by Ulster Tatler

NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY

APRIL 2022

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UT CHATS TO GARDEN DESIGNER DIARMUID GAVIN NI WEDDING AWARDS 22 SPRING INTO SUMMER PREP & PRIMARY SCHOOL GUIDE 22

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AWAKEN YOUR GIANT SPIRIT THIS SPRING Discover a world of memory-making moments with an indulgent break at Galgorm. Boasting unrivalled hospitality and a world-class spa, accommodation and golf facilities, Galgorm is the jewel in Northern Ireland’s hospitality crown. Come and immerse yourself in the natural surroundings and beautiful parkland location for a luxurious spring getaway, complemented by the inimitable spa facilities of the resort’s famous Thermal Spa Village. RECONNECT WITH NATURE Visit this spring and try our new Shepherd’s Hut accommodation, bed and breakfast experience from £250. New and exclusive to Galgorm, these one-bed huts are located in the Secret Meadow, adjacent to Galgorm Wood and come fully equipped with everything you need for a woodland retreat. Experience the healing and restorative benefits of forest bathing as you take in the surrounding forest setting from the comfort of your private outdoor tub. Enjoy a complimentary gin and tonic by the fire pit on the terrace as you observe the fiery sunset, framed with magical festoon lighting. This package includes access to the Thermal Spa Village from check-in until check-out, Celtic Sauna Infusion and full Irish breakfast in Gillies Grill. AWAKEN YOUR SENSES Voted Best Spa Experience across the UK and Ireland at the Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellence 2021, Galgorm is home to the world-class Thermal Spa Village. Boasting a smorgasbord of heated and cool spa experiences including a stunning vitality pool on the shores of the River Maine, a Palm House relaxation area and bar, Elements Café and a brand-new Salt Cave for halotherapy experiences, alongside private riverside tubs, saunas, steam rooms and pools.

AWAKEN YOUR TASTE BUDS As one of only a handful of restaurants in Northern Ireland to achieve 3 AA Rosettes for Culinary Excellence, seasonal produce is at the heart of The River Room Restaurant, where head chef Chris Rees creates sumptuous produce-driven dishes that showcase seasonal ingredients sourced carefully from local artisan suppliers and the resort’s kitchen garden. For a more casual affair, guests can choose to dine at the resort’s family-friendly Fratelli Ristorante serving up pizza, pasta and authentic Italian cicchetti. While Gillies Grill is the go-to destination for guests and locals alike thanks to the warm and relaxed ambience. Located a stone’s throw from the hotel, Castle Kitchen + Bar is a space for all tastes and occasions – offering an eclectic mix of pub classics peppered with speciality dishes from the grill and homemade desserts to finish. A two-night dining retreat in our Shepherd’s Hut, from £650 for two guests, offers a stay in a Shepherd’s Hut, Thermal Village relaxation, breakfast, evening meal on one evening and a seasonal afternoon tea in The Conservatory on an afternoon of your choice. The perfect blend of luxurious living with a rustic feel.

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YOU ONLY GET ONE SKIN So, protect it

You only get one skin. It is the most precious garment, so look after it. Remember that the sun shines everywhere and that harmful UV rays can still damage your skin, even when it doesn’t feel hot outside. 7 Things To Know About sun exposure 1. Between ½ and ¾ of our total lifetime sun exposure is before the age of 18. 2. Children’s skin is delicate and prone to sun damage. 3. Tanning and sunburn both indicate sun damage. 4. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in Northern Ireland, and it is becoming more common. 5. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can pass through thin cloud and cause skin damage and burning. 6. Sand, water, and snow can reflect UV radiation and cause burning. 7. Children are usually unaware of their skin burning and need constant reminders to take care in the sun.

Protect your skin Step out of the sun before your skin has a chance to redden or burn. Keep babies and very young children out of direct sunlight. When the weather is warmer, spend time in the share between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its brightest.

SAVE OUR SKIN SPLIP

SLOP

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SLIP ON A SHIRT Protect your skin with clothing, which can be one of the most effective barriers between our skin and the sun. Clothing should cover as much skin as possible. SLOP on the SPF 50+ SUNSCREEN When choosing a sunscreen, look for: • High protection SPF to protect against UVB rays from the sun, which cause sunburn. • The UVA circle logo and/or 4 or 5 UVA stars, to protect against UVA rays, which cause skin ageing and sun damage. • Apply plenty 15 to 30 minutes before going out in the sun, and reapply every two hours and straight after swimming and towel-drying. SLAP ON A HAT To protect your hair, eyes, and skin from the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays. SLIDE ON QUALITY SUNGLASSES Solar UV radiation can be damaging to the eyes, so it is important to wear quality sunglasses. SHADE FROM THE SUN WHENEVER POSSIBLE

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO TO A SUNNY COUNTRY TO DAMAGE YOUR SKIN.

ALL EYES ON THE PUBLIC EYE PODCAST One of Northern Ireland’s foremost business podcasts, featuring those in the public eye, is celebrating its seventh season. Recorded at the state-of-the-art Granite Podcast Studio in Newry, The Public Eye is hosted by presenter, Sarah Travers. Ulster Tatler speaks to host, Sarah Travers, from Bespoke Communications, and Granite Podcast Studio Manager, Colleen O’Hare, about the journey to date in creating a podcast with thousands of downloads, their favourite moments and what’s in store for The Public Eye. UT: Colleen, what’s the story behind The Public Eye podcast? Our Founder, Jonathan McKeown, is a true entrepreneur, always progressing and innovating. With podcasting really growing in popularity, back in 2019, Jonathan set about building a high-spec podcast studio in our fully serviced office space in Granite Exchange. We opened the incredible Granite Podcast Studio in early 2020, full of vigour and big plans… and then the

world paused. Once we adjusted to a new world of restrictions, we decided that the time was right to create our very own, inspirational podcast featuring leading lights in business. We have amazing businesses right here on our doorstep… world-class companies and entrepreneurs. The Public Eye was born in October 2020, and our first episode was launched on 1st October 2020, featuring Caroline Willis, Financial Director of Shelbourne Motors. UT: How has The Public Eye podcast evolved over the past seven seasons? We never imagined that almost 40 episodes in, over 18 months later, that Sarah would still be asking people about Covid, but here we are. Initially our guests were leading lights from our locality but as The Public Eye has evolved, we’re now attracting guests from a broad spectrum of businesses across Northern Ireland, and we have guests coming to us to be featured. To see the listenership figures grow

Colleen O’Hare, Sarah Travers and Greg Bradley, BLKBOX Fitness.

and know that thousands of people have downloaded The Public Eye, brings great pride to Jonathan, Sarah, the entire team and I. The goal is to become known as Northern Ireland’s leading business podcast, and that our listeners are primed and ready for our next episode. UT: If you had to name your top three ‘must listen’ episodes, what would they be? This is a difficult one to answer. There’s something special about every single episode as our guests are so different, coming from diverse backgrounds and sectors. However, some of my personal favourites are the episodes featuring Gemma Murphy, Partner of Jack Murphy Jewellers; Caroline O’Neill, Founder of Digg for Success and Chris Suitor, entrepreneur, DJ, Speaker and now coffee shop owner. UT: Tell us in one sentence why people should download an episode of The Public Eye? For those in business, studying or with career ambitions, The Public Eye is a platform that inspires others through the stories and learnings of local businesspeople who honestly share their successes, risks, challenges and words of wisdom. UT: Sarah, you have had the pleasure of interviewing all of the inspirational guests. What are your most memorable moments to date? Oh goodness, there have been so many. I love the stories behind the businesses from Guiseppe Fallone who overcame a debilitating stammer he’d had from a child

to become a successful restauranteur to Zara McLaughlin, a young woman from the North Coast who’s passionate about ceramics to artist Jacqueline Rooney who made the massive move to give up the day job and follow her dream. Then the determined success of Greg Bradley from BLKBOX Fitness who is now kitting out gyms for Manchester United and Arsenal and much more besides. It is so powerful hearing their words of wisdom and advice. So many entrepreneurs have no business knowledge at the start but just know they’ve got a great idea and belief!

The Public Eye Episodes include:

UT: Is there anything that’s surprised you from the guests? Not surprising as such but I’m continually in awe of the passion, determination and resilience of each of our guests. No-one has had a smooth journey to get to where they are today, but it’s their mindset, drive and passion for their business that’s helped them to overcome obstacles and challenges. UT: What do you think The Public Eye offers to listeners? Why are so many people tuning in? We’re a nation of story tellers and everyone has a unique story to tell. The Public Eye gives a voice to those in business who have travelled what’s often been a demanding, but rewarding, road. From sole traders, to growing businesses, and those heading up multi-million-pound companies, there’s learnings from every story. There have been so many nuggets of wisdom, and I have personally learnt so much for many of our guests. For our listeners, I aim to set the scene through understanding a guest’s background, their upbringing, what makes them tick, their passions and how they came to be where they are today. If we can inspire just some of our listeners, then we’re on to a good thing. UT: What’s next for The Public Eye? As the podcast matures, the team and I have really found our groove. The amount of people tuning in to every episode is increasing every single month, and this year, we’re committed to recording almost 50 episodes! It’s a true privilege to host The Public Eye and meet so many inspiring businesspeople. Working with the incredibly professional team at Granite Podcast Studio is a dream as they ensure that every element of the podcast is managed, from the recordings to the editing, the marketing of each episode and uploading The Public Eye to all platforms.

Annette Kelly, Little Penny Thoughts.

Caroline O’Neill, Digg for Success.

Chris Suitor, Suitor Brothers and Suitor Coffee.

Linda Stinson, Bellamianta.

Tanya McGeehan, MCG Investments.

Tom Smyth, Dream Apartments.

Granite Podcast Studio is already the studio of choice for many quality podcasts, including podcasts specialising in crime stories, fitness, law and sport. The Granite Podcast Studio is available for hire, and the team manages the end-to-end process including recording, production and distribution. All episodes of The Public Eye sponsored by Granite Legal Services are available on major streaming platforms, including Apple, Spotify and Podbean. To listen in, search for The Public Eye. www.granitepodcaststudio.com

The tap that does it all 100°C BOILING, CHILLED AND SPARKLING WATER

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April 2022

CONTENTS Features

COLUMNIST – KATHY CLUGSTON Meeting Your Idols

ROYALLY REWARDED

20 YEARS OF ULSTER TATLER INTERIORS

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW Diarmuid Gavin

SOCIETY WEDDINGS

NI WEDDING AWARDS

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN AWARDS

GOOD FOOD GUIDE

107

SPRING INTO SUMMER

125

BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME

136

UT AWARDS 22

144

ARTS DIARY

148

BOOK EXTRACT WJ Barre, 1830-1867: A Vigorous Mind

153

PREP AND PRIMARY SCHOOL GUIDE 2022

176

LOOKING BACK April 2005

UT Style

62 NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY

APRIL 2022

£3.20

UT AWARDS SHORTLIST REVEALED

This month's cover features Northern Ireland's premier hotel and spa, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort. Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort Galgorm, Co. Antrim BT42 1EA T: 028 2588 1001 www.galgorm.com

THE RETURN OF BALMORAL SHOW INTERVIEW TV CHEF PAULA MCINTYRE FOCUS ON BALLYHACKAMORE TYRONE

STYLE WATCH

STYLE RULES Fashion inspiration for local trendsetters

GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

Keep In Touch With Ulster Tatler At:

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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 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

Fully Functioning

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

After a hiatus of almost two years, I am delighted to see that the social scene in Northern Ireland is ﬁrmly back up and running again. Since early March our social diary has been brimming with social functions. On any given night, especially at weekends, our photographers have been doing their best to get around the various events that have been going on. On one Friday in mid-March we covered seven large-scale events. Thankfully we have a team of eager socialites who are more than happy to be out and about. As you ﬂick through the pages of our April 2022 edition you will get a sense of the sheer variety of gala dinners, book launches, art gallery openings etc. I didn’t manage to make it to all of them but I have been out a lot recently. On Thursday 24th March I attended the Ulster Tatler Interiors 20th Anniversary bash in the Old Billiard Room at the Ulster Reform Club. It was a memorable evening. As well as marking the magazine’s 20th birthday, we also used the night as an opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of some key people from the architectural and interior design sectors. To see who was there and who received what, turn to page 50.

QUOTE FOR THE MONTH

“It is impossible to enjoy idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do.”

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

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07/02/2022 15:59

The Art Of Facial ThreadLifts With tweakment requests on the rise thread lifts can help to enhance and lift the face. here’s how.

f overblown lips and chipmunk cheeks spring to mind when you think of facial rejuvenation, it’s time to look at Threadlifts. Cosmetech Clinics are focused on creating subtle results using Threadlifts making them the perfect choice for those looking for a natural look. “This approach has become increasing popular within the practice“ says Mr Smith,

that a good practitioner should always encourage an assessment of the whole face before preparing a treatment plan to rejuvenate the face. Product selection is also key, he adds. In his clinics he favours a combination of Passive and Active Threads to create the best results.Threads can be used for a number of Cosmetic purposes from contouring the jawline to lifting the brows and defining

Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon Mr Gerard Smith BDS, MBChB, FDSRCS(Eng), FRCS, FRCS (OMFS)

READER OFFER Quote Tatler 12 when booking to redeem your £50 voucher off your Threadlift. One voucher per person Valid until May 31 2022.

BEFORE MID FACE AND BROW THREADLIFTS

Senior Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon at Cosmetech Clinics. Rather than plumping up the face with dermal fillers the aim is to add definition with Threads and then to restore lost volume if required. Of course this requires an expert eye and advanced knowledge of the anatomy of the face, the Threadlifts are tailored to each individual to achieve the best results. Mr Smith says that jawline contouring, tear trough rejuvenation and lip enhancements are the three types of most requested procedures by his patients, he emphasises

AFTER MID FACE AND BROW THREADLIFTS

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the shape of the lips. It can also be used to tighten the skin under the eyes. One of Cosmetechs most innovative offerings is the Active Cog Lift which uses Active Threads to lift and reposition sagging skin to reshape the face. This is a great procedure for patients who don’t have the downtime for a surgical face-lift.

Other services available at Cosmetech include:

Cosmetech are leaders in their field pioneering a new approach to facial rejuvenation at their Holywood, London and Sligo Clinics. Our Consultant Surgeons and Doctors also work within the NHS.

Anti-wrinkle injections, Dermal Fillers, Threadlifts, Aqualyx (Fat Dissolving injections), Skin Tag and Mole Removal, Lipoma and Cyst Removal Varicose and Thread vein removal, Semi-permanent Make-up.

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COLUMN April 2022

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.

Meeting Your Idols

This month Kathy discusses her experience of meeting Dallas’ Patrick Duffy.

Some scientists think the faces we find most attractive relate to our parents’ physiognomy. I wonder, though, if they factored in the actors and pop stars we devoured on telly in our peri-pubescent years. I had many loves in the early 1980s, a bizarre mix of the fey and the macho: Adam Ant, Doyle from The Professionals, John Taylor from Duran Duran, The Fonz, Bowie, Starsky and, most of all, Bobby Ewing from Dallas. The glamorous residents of Southfork appeared on our TV screens in the late 1970s and hordes of boys and girls fell head over heels for the curlyhaired, twinkly-eyed, morally upright Bobby played by Patrick Duffy. It was oddly and unexpectedly heart-fluttering, then, to see him forty-odd years later, now in his 70s with white hair and a slight stoop, standing mere feet away on the stage of Grand Opera House in Belfast. Patrick was starring in a touring production of a play called Catch Me If You Can, nothing to do with the Spielberg film of the same name, but a 1960s murder mystery based on a French farce. The play is dated, with a frankly ridiculous plot, but thanks to Storms Dudley and Eunice (such cute names for bringers of destruction) some of us got a lot more than we had bargained and indeed paid for. I was booked for the opening night and duly arrived to be informed that the play would

not be going ahead. Patrick, his co-star (and new love) Linda Purl and the actor playing the priest had arrived in Belfast. However, due to the extreme weather conditions, the set and the rest of the cast had not. Rather than taking the night off and languishing in their hotel suite, Patrick and Linda found an alternative play to put on that didn’t require a set or any line-learning. “A sort of a play,” according to the author AR Gurney, Love Letters is designed to be read from the script with minimal rehearsal, the actors seated side by side on a bare stage. It’s a series of correspondence between two friends over a period of fifty years, beginning in the late 1930s when young Andy accepts an invitation from his classmate Melissa’s mother to her birthday party. The letter writing continues through summer camp, college, marriage and parenthood, charting the highs and lows of a friendship as it flows in and out of intimacy and resentment, longing and silence. The very act of writing letters and some of the racial and sexual stereotyping is reflective of the time the play was written (1988), but there was a modern resonance in two people connecting whilst unable to be together, and the quiet vulnerability the actors brought to their performances was profoundly moving.

Illustration by Megan Rafferty.

Afterwards, Patrick and Linda took questions from the audience. Most of them were for Patrick and mostly about Dallas. He answered them with courtesy and wit, clinging tightly to Linda as he extolled her virtues as an actress, mentor and life partner. He was kindness itself to a woman whose oftrepeated question could not be deciphered by their American ears through her broad Belfast accent. He showered us with thanks for welcoming and supporting them. We left, smitten. The original play went on a couple of nights later. The ‘priest’ came on to tell us that although the set and the cast were all present, there was

no sound, so we would have to imagine the doorbell, the honking of horns, the crunching of tyres etc. “The telephone might ring,” he added, nervously, ”but then again, it might not.” The uncertainty added a frisson and a lot of unscheduled laughter to proceedings. It must have been nerve-shredding for the cast who ploughed on gamely and were rewarded with a standing ovation. Patrick twinkled warmly at us all, the embodiment of grace in the face of adversity and a reminder that no matter who you are sometimes things don’t go according to plan. And sometimes, as in the case of Love Letters, it yields an even better result.

THIS MONTH’S OBSESSIONS: Wild Things – US podcast about the flamboyant magic duo Siegfried & Roy, who used white lions and tigers in their act. Roy was attacked by a big cat in 2003, effectively ending his career. Host Steven Leckart delves into the story.

reuse or recycling. How did I ever live without this? Trespasses – The debut novel by Belfast writer Louise Kennedy is the story of a love affair during the bleak days of the Troubles and so much more - class, community and connection. The sort of book you stay up late into the night to finish.

Mini spatula – This small strip of silicon gets every last scrap of peanut butter, jam, relish etc out of glass jars, making it easy to clean them for 28

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07 09

ROYAL VISIT TO CS LEWIS SQUARE

The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall were greated by cheering crowds during their visit to CS Lewis Square, East Belfast. The four day trip was part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Celebrations. 1. Event organisers from Eastside Partnership. 2. Annemarie Boukari, Betty Kirk and Valerie Duff. 3. Eastside Arts volunteers Wendy Rodie and Gaynor Kane. 4. East Belfast locals waiting to meet the royal visitors. 5. Gavin Robinson MP with sculptor Ross Wilson. 6. Jim Bailey, Linda Armitage, Ashleigh Roberts and Richard Maguire from East Belfast Community Development. 7. Ashfield girls school pupils Alex, Katy, Rebekah, Hope, Paige, Nicole and Grace. 8. The Eastside community choir who welcomed the royal guests. 9. The Duchess of Cornwall and Prince of Wales during a public walkabout at CS Lewis Square. 30

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REGENT HOUSE SCHOOL FORMAL Regent House recently held their school formal at Clandeboye Lodge, Bangor. Sixth form students and teachers pulled out all the stops to have glamorous, fun-filled evening. 1. Harry Welsh, Kenzie McMaster, Ryan Miskimmin, Kate McKeaveney and Jack Grundy. 2. Arianna Weir, Carrie Hughes, teachers Linda Callender and David Thompson with Katie Holmes and Abbi Pollock. 3. Abi Adair, Skye Tufts and Leah Lyons. 4. Madlena Belozerova, Aidan Keenan and Grace Wallace. 5. Julia Sterritt and Hannah Derrick. 6. Rebecca Hughes and Jade Hillen. 7. Kate Muiree, Amelia Tyler, Rachel Huddleston and Maddie Bell. 32

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BDA WELCOME NEW PRESIDENT British Dental Association (BDA) NI welcomed its new Branch President for 2022, Peter Crooks, at a ceremony at the exquisite Riddel Hall, Queen’s University Belfast. The evening was attended by family, friends and colleagues from the dental profession across Northern Ireland and beyond. Peter practiced in and owned a very successful general dental practice in Ballymena for 30 years, since 2019 Peter has been the Northern Ireland representative on the BDA Board at national level and has since been elected as the Deputy Chair of the BDA. Peter continues to work tirelessly to raise the profile of dentistry within Northern Ireland. Peter was presented with the BDA NI Presidents Chain of Office by the outgoing 2020/2021 President, Paul Brennan. BDA Northern Ireland would like to thank their 2022 sponsors who provide invaluable support to the work of the NI Branch within the dental community of Northern Ireland: Denplan, DMI, M&D Financial Services, GSK and McDowell&Service.

1. Past President Anne Stevens, President Peter Crooks and Guest Speaker Judith Gillespie CBE. 2. John Williamson, Heather and Kenny Graham and Neil Farmer. 3. Tony Stevens with Ruth and Ed Livingston. 4. Danielle Magee, Jamie Toole, Edel McGarvey and Philip McLorinan. 5. James Lundy, Conor Shields, Tracy Doole and David McCaughey. 6. Anne Stevens, Peter Crooks, Darren Collier and Michaela Robinson. 7. Mary McAuley and Anne Stevenson. 8. Tony Stevens, Brid Hendron, Paul Brennan (immediate Past President), Siobhan Magill and Irish President Clodagh McAllister. 9. Suzanne and David Crooks, Deborah and Matt Wright, President Peter Crooks, Muriel Crooks and Mark Crooks. 10. David Hussey, Roz McMullan, Tristan Kelso, Johan Warwick and Julie Williams-Nash. 11. Declan Convery, Judith Gillespie, Peter Kilpatrick. 12. Current and Past BDA Presidents. 13. Amanda Willis and Philip Lamey with Jenny and Philip Henderson. 14. Rowan Campbell (IDSA President) and Nuala Brogue. 15. Andrew and Lee-Anne Jess, NI Optometry Society. 16. Nuala Maguire, Brid Hendron and Caroline Lappin. 34

09 11

HONOURS

Royally Rewarded This month Ulster Tatler features a selection of photographs from those members of the community recognised in the Queen’s Honours.

CLAIRE HENDERSON MBE

MICHAEL BRIGGS MBE

Claire Henderson, who is Chief Officer Quality, Excellence and Development at South Eastern Regional College was awarded an MBE in the Queens’ New Year Honours List for her services to further education, in a career that spans twenty-two years. She received her MBE from the Princess Royal at Windsor Castle on Wednesday 9th February 2022. Here she is pictured with her husband Graham Henderson after receiving her award.

Michael Briggs, Executive Director of East Belfast Community Development Agency was awarded an MBE in the 2021 New Years Honours list for over 40 years service to the community of East Belfast. Due to the impact of Covid-19, his investiture was delayed in 2021 and took place on Wednesday 9th February 2022 at Windsor Castle. Michael was presented with his MBE by Princess Anne.

ALISTAIR MCGOWAN MBE Alistair McGowan wa awarded an MBE for services to Sport and Reconciliation in the 2021 New Years’ Honours List. Alister is CEO of the RUC AA (Police Sports Association) based at Newforge Lane, Belfast. Here is he pictured with his wife Erin at his investiture, which took place on 2nd February at Windosr Castle. Alistair was presented with his MBE by Princess Anne.

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SAY “I DO” AT TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST

AV AI

The multi award-winning hotel has become one of Northern Ireland’s most unique wedding venues, steeped in history and romance. The historic Drawing Office One, with its breathtaking three-storey barrel-vaulted ceiling and large overhead skylights, highlight the beautifully ornate architecture within and provide a wedding venue unlike any other. After sundown, the venue glows under glimmering stars and reflections of the iconic Titanic Belfast building, setting a romantic backdrop for that all-important first dance as a married couple, marking an exciting and memorable start to the rest of your lives together. “The way we were looked after in the run up to our big day meant we were SO relaxed and happy. We knew our guests would be looked after to the highest standard, and they were! Excellent food and service: a warm, relaxing, friendly atmosphere that put all our guests at ease and made for the best possible experience: both in the run up and on the day. Thank you all so much.” ~ Rachel & Andy

The hotel offers various wedding packages, allowing you the flexibility to choose the package that perectly suits your needs. The hotel’s friendly, welcoming wedding experts are eager to hear your ideas to ensure your dream day becomes reality.

Wedding packages start from as little as £8,995 Request our wedding brochure and prices by emailing weddings@titanichotelbelfast.com or call +44 (0)28 9508 2000 www.titanichotelbelfast.com

MID AND EAST ANTRIM’S SPORTS STARS CELEBRATED AT AWARDS The best in local sport were celebrated at the sixth annual Mid and East Antrim Borough Council Sports Awards. Shortlisted athletes, teams, coaches and others from across the borough’s sporting community gathered at Carrickfergus Amphitheatre to contend the awards across eight categories. Addressing guests at the ceremony, the Mayor William McCaughey of Mid and East Antrim commended the borough’s players, athletes, coaches, managers, volunteers and administrators for “their hard work, dedication and determination throughout what has been an extremely tough two years.”

1. Ryan Eagleson (Cricket), Manager/Coach of the Year and John Wilson (Wilsons of Rathkenny). 2. Tom Coulter (Sailing), Junior Sportsperson of the Year and Geraldine Hastings (Hastings Financial Services). 3. Claire Taggart (Boccia), Sportsperson/Team with a Disability and Damien McAllister (Pollock Lifts). 4. Larne Grammar School 1st XI Hockey, School Sporting Performance Award presented to Emma Knox (Coach) by Mayor Cllr William McCaughey on behalf of Ryobi Aluminium. 5. Mayor’s Charity Raffle winner Rosemary Agnew, with Julie Allen (P&O Ferries). 6. Latharna Og (Camogie), Community Participation Award presented to Danielle Bergin and Nicola Black by Niall Curneen on behalf of Boomin’. 7. Robert McCaughey (Ballymena Runners Athletics Club), Services to Sport Award and Gary O’Sullivan (Rainbow Signs). 38

8. MEA Sports Awards 2022 Award recipients. 9. Balon Sportswear bursaries to Adam Courtney (Athletics) and Hannah O’Toole (athletics) with David McAlinden (Balon Sportswear). 10. Larne Football Club, Team of the Year Award presented to Jeff Hughes (captain) by Ricky Lee (NFU Mutual, Larne). 11. Claire Taggart (Boccia) Sportsperson of the Year Award with Don Stirling (Stirling Trophies).

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NORTH DOWN HUNT BALL The North Down Hunting Club welcomed members and friends to their annual Gala Ball which took place at the Clandeboye suite. 1. Nick and Jill McCann. 2. Thomas and Kirsti Welshman. 3. Amanda and Peter Lowry. 4. Hamilton and Andria Cleland. 5. Peter and sarah Bond. 6. Alice Salters and Sophie Ennis. 7. Martin and Geraldine Bell. 8. Andrea Gibson, Maggie Shaw, Lynn Cooke and Jenny Coulter. 9. Tracy O’Hagan, Mark Webb and Ursula O’Hagan. 40

Photography is ©Escape Fitness Ltd. and for illustrative purposes only.

50 GOLDEN YEARS Jack Murphy Jewellers Celebrates 50 Golden Years in Business, in their Newry showroom. To mark the occasion, Gemma, Jack, Pat and the Murphy Family hosted a dazzling event, where they celebrated a huge milestone for their business, with their team, friends, family and customers in attendance. From one generation to the next, Jack Murphy Jewellers took this event as an opportunity to look back at their achievement and the relationships they have built over the last 50 years.

1. Brendan Watters and Caoimhe McAteer. 2. Jack Murphy and Richard Moore. 3. Sinead Sands and Laura Donnelly. 4. Aoife Fergus, Eoin Hughes and Bethany Falloon. 5. Gemma and Kate Murphy. 6. Christopher and Charlotte McAteer. 7. Alan and Kay Costello and Pat Murphy. 8. Gerard Fitzgibbon, Jack Murphy, Emma and Willie O’Connor. 9. Emma Sloan, Gemma Murphy and Margaret Donnelly. 42

Diamond House, 63/65 Hill Street, Newry, BT34 1AF T. +44 (0)28 3026 3379 | E. info@jackmurphyjewellers.com www.jackmurphyjewellers.com

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ST PATRICK’S DAY RACE MEETING AT DOWN ROYAL The annual St Patrick’s Day race meeting took place at Down Royal with a sold out crowd ready to see if luck would be on their side for the much anticipated races. 1. Belinda Widocka and Nicholas Gibson. 2. St Patrick’s day race goers. 3. Niamh Ward, Corey Laverty, Kieran McStay, Shannon Mitchell, James Ward and Kerri Cunningham. 4. Marianna Holdane, Declan, Kelly, Cara and Paula Phillips. 5. Orla Magennis, Shannon Owens and Niamh McDonald. 6. First race winner Billable Grant in the winners enclosure with owner Pamela Ballantine. 7. First race winner Billable Grant in the winners enclosure with owner Pamela Ballantine. 8. Linda McCormick, Deirdre Magerr, Sandy Jones and Colette Greenhalgh-Noblett. 9. Michael Walker and Courtney Fee. 10. Alana Morrison and Caoimhe Lynch. 11. Tasha Braiden, Sammy Jones and Claudia Braiden.12. Caoimhe, Emma, Jenny, Claire, Emma, Catherine, Alana and Briege-Anne. 13. Daniel Sloan, Devon Craig and Lewis Cusment. 44

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April 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

Plastic Awareness Project at QUB A

team of staff and students at Queens University Belfast have developed the QUB Green Comic project. Issue 1. “Tales of Educational Terror, Plastic Nightmare Chaos on Campus” was presented at a special launch event at the Naughton Gallery at Queens. Funded by the QUB Green Fund Initiative in 2019 / 2020, the project involved hosting in-person and online workshops with QUB students and staff from diverse disciplines. The aim of the workshops was to co-design an “educational” comic that strives to raise awareness of the harmful impact of plastic waste and the importance of waste reduction and recycling. Workshops were facilitated by the project lead Dr Emma Berry, School of Psychology and local comic artist, Jim Lavery, Papercrane Comics.

1. Bronagh and David Berry with Nuala Meenahan and Tony Axon. 2. Jackie Patrick, Alaina Macri, Emma Berry, Jim Lavery, Denise Price and Bronagh Millar. 3. Fionn Dempsey with David, Bronagh and Emma Berry. 4. Jim Lavery and Emma Berry. 5. Paul McKee and Ife Bolaji. 6. Connor Rutledge and Greta Delfino. 02

Visit our showroom 14–16 Newry Street, Kilkeel, Co. Down BT34 4DN T: 028 4176 2315 Stockists of ercol furniture www.johnashannon.co.uk

April 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

#NIBloggerBrunch

orthern Ireland’s social butterflies were out in force for the #NIBloggerBrunch hosted by PR queen, model boss Cathy Martin. The glamourous event at Waterman House is the brand new events space owned by James Street South’s Niall and Joanne McKenna, who have moved the popular restaurant’s cookery school to the new Hill Street location. Guests including media personalities Gemma Garrett, Jordan Humpries and Katharine Walker and those wonderful Gourmet Boys were given a generous brunch and a taste of award winning locally made food brands from Genesis bread, Moocha Kombucha, Linwoods, Flahavan’s, Clandeboye Yoghurt, and Taste Joy Co nut butters as well as the delicious pastries created by James Street’s in house pastry chef Marion. Watch out for exciting new additions by James Street South with a further restaurant, retail store and a small cinema planned for the new Hill Street space at Waterman House.

1. Nuala Meenehan, Harleigh Lagdon and Jacqueline Baker. 2. Rachel Perry, Tori White, Nikki Rainey, Rachel Gleeson, Christine McKeever, Chloe Patterson and Karen Parkinson. 3. Yaan. 4. The Gourmet Boys Brian Haslett and Mark Irvine. 5. Jordan Humphries and Katharine Walker. 6. Lisa Hetherington and Donna McManus. 7. Nuala Meenehan with James Street owner and head chef Niall McKenna. 02

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ULSTER TATLER INTERIORS CELEBRATES 20 YEARS WITH LIFETIME AWARDS 2022 The Ulster Tatler Interiors Lifetime Awards recently took place in the Ulster Reform Club, Belfast. The event was sponsored by home solution specialists Hafele. Guests were treated to a sparkling drinks reception sponsored by Copeland Distillery on arrival, followed by a three-course meal, an awards ceremony, hosted by Cate Conway and entertainment by Darryl Hendricks. Ulster Tatler Group Managing Director, Chris Sherry made a speech and some of those from the interior design and building industry were honoured on the night with awards made by local artist Stephen Whalley. 1. Graeme Kelly, Cate Conway and Stephen Whalley. 2. Alison Brown, Glen and Lisa Wright. 3. Cate Conway, Rob Smith and Ian Haldane. 4. Cate Conway, Mandy Little, Cathy Fay and Mick Smith. 5. Des Ewing with family left-right Olivia, Charles, Christina and Sebastian. 6. Cate Conway, Patricia McCann, Mick Smith and Seamus McCann. 7. Graham Lowry, Eammon McCarthy and Paul McDowell. 8. Laura and Steven Frazer. 9. Norman Massey and Helen Scott. 10. Chris Sherry, Cate Conway, Mick Smith and Graeme Kelly. 11. Emma and Darren Davison, Mandy and Colin Little, Cathy and Stephen Fay. 12. Armatile group with company founders Patricia and Seamus McCann. 13. David Whaley and Stephen Whalley. 14. Alex Longridge and Chris McCann. 15. Chris Sherry, Mark McCallister. 16. Amanda Atkinson, Thomas Vaughan, Christine Baker and Melanie Harrison. 50

17. Adrian Bailie and Peter McCaughey. 18. John and Julie Herron. 19. Suzanne Garuda and Des Ewing. 20. Cate Conway with Joanne Chambers and Emma Miller. 21. Darryl Hendricks. 22. Damian and Anne Marie Gill. 23. Emma Stewart, Claire Wilson and Hannah McVeigh. 24. Krzysztof Tomaszewicz, Dee Agnew and Ralph Dickey. 25. Lauren Cullen and Martin Mallon. 26. Conor Byrne, Johnny Parks and David Fulford. 27. Bernie and Ian McCreery. 28. David Loughran and Tara McKeown. 52

2020 2021 Best of Houzz Design

Best of Houzz Design

2021 2022

Best of Houzz Design

porcellana tile studio.com 028 9024 0040

Studio B, The Carnegie Building 121 Donegall Road, Belfast, BT12 5JL

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ULSTER BRANCH IRISH GUARDS ASSOCIATION The tradition of the Irish Guards receiving the shamrock on SPD was started by Queen Alexandra in 1901, the tradition continues to this day. On St. Patricks Day at Ards Bowling Club, Newtownards the Irish Guards Association Ulster Branch were presented with the Shamrock by special guest, Kate Quill. 1. Karl Frizzell, Gary McKenzie and Trevor Donnell from frontier pipes and drums band. 2. Irish Guards association members Les Fergus and William Hogg. 3. Major Paddy Shields and warrant officer class two Tommy Major. 4. Guest of honour Kate Quill receives the shamrock presentation. 5. Shella McGaffin with Willow. 6. Stephen Hoy and RIR veteran Trevor Mulgrew. 7. The Wright, Graham and Shields families with Willow the wolf hound. 8. Guest of honour Kate Quill presents shamrock to cadets. 9. Irish Guards veterans and families. 56

The Word Winning Photograph - Rosie the Cocker Spaniel pictured with her beautiful Cockapoo Puppies.

Award Success For Marie Allen Photography

Multi Award Winning company dedicated to producing the finest free range eggs in the industry

Marie Allen Photography is delighted to have won awards at the Professional Photographers Association Awards weekend at the Dunadry hotel. Marie Allen Photography took home the award for Pet Photographer of the year for the third year running as well as coming 2nd runner up in two categories, Newborn & Children Photographer of the Year and Pictorial Photographer of the Year. Marie said “I am really delighted with these awards and being part of such an incredible association and community of the best photographers of Northern Ireland. I encourage people all the time to get that very important family shoot, we run promotional shoots at our studio in Bridge Street giving families the opportunity to get it done.” Commenting on taking home first place in the Pet Photographer of the Year category for the third year running Marie said, “We offer a pet promotional shoot which has been popular for quite a years. I enjoying doing the pets and of course the Puppy challenge, I am asked all the time How do you get those pups to sit and look at the camera?”

• Multi award winning, including Great Taste, Irish Quality Food Awards and Blas na hÉireann Gold awards • Family run business • Farm to fork • All hens are free range • High welfare standards • British Lion accredited

Cavanagh Free Range Eggs Ltd. 58 Clonkee Road, Cavanagh, Newtownbutler Co. Fermangh, BT92 8FH Website: www.cavanagheggs.co.uk Email: hello@cavanagheggs.co.uk Facebook: facebook.com/cavanaghfreerangeeggs.co.uk Twitter: @cavanagheggs Phone: 028 6773 7889 Mobile John: 078 5796 4436 Mobile Eileen: 078 5796 4468

elebrating and championing the

achievements of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough’s diverse,

innovative and energetic business community took centre stage at the 2022 ABC Business

Awards in partnership with Power NI, on Thursday

24 February 2022 at the Seagoe Hotel, Portadown. Emer Donnelly and Stella Kelly.

Best Business Growth Award, sponsored by GMcG Portadown. Winner - Alternative Heat Ltd.

The Sir Allen McClay Young Business Person Award, sponsored by Almac Group. Winner - Bill McAtavey.

Excellence in Customer Service Award, sponsored by Power NI. Winner - Maxx Life Gym.

Best Apprentice Employer Award, sponsored by Southern Regional College. Winner - Almac Group.

Best New Business Award, sponsored by Armagh Business Centre, Banbridge District Enterprise, CIDO. Winner - ConstructTuition Ltd.

ABC Business Ambassador Award 2022, sponsored by Power NI. Winner Mairead Mackle MBE.

creative events specialists live | virtual | hybrid

Seamless, captivating events don’t just happen – they’re plannd.

plannd.co.uk

Conor Donnelly, Laura Kelly, Niamh McCann and Lorcan McGillan.

Melanie Dawson and Lorna Hagan.

THE WINNERS WERE: BEST NEW BUSINESS AWARD – CONSTRUCTTUITION LTD, MAGHERALIN BEST SOCIAL ENTERPRISE BUSINESS AWARD – INCREDABLE (INCORPORATING INCREDABLE ENTERPRISES), RICHHILL EXCELLENCE IN CUSTOMER SERVICE AWARD – MAXX LIFE GYM, ARMAGH BEST INNOVATION AWARD UBLOQUITY, SCARVA

BEST TRANSPORT AND LOGISTICS AWARD – MANFREIGHT LIMITED, CRAIGAVON

EXCELLENCE IN MANUFACTURING AWARD – ALTERNATIVE HEAT LTD, BANBRIDGE

BEST HOSPITALITY BUSINESS AWARD – SINTON’S AT THE BRIDGE, SCARVA

BEST PLACE TO WORK – HOME INSTEAD, BANBRIDGE

COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY AND RESPONSIBLE BUSINESS AWARD – IRWIN M&E LIMITED, PORTADOWN

THE SIR ALLEN MCCLAY YOUNG BUSINESS PERSON AWARD – BILL MCATAVEY (AZIL RACKING AND SHELVING LTD, ARMAGH)

BEST APPRENTICE EMPLOYER AWARD – ALMAC GROUP, CRAIGAVON

BEST FAMILY BUSINESS AWARD – DONAGHY SHOES LTD, BANBRIDGE

BEST AGRI-FOOD BUSINESS AWARD – ARMAGH CIDER COMPANY LTD, PORTADOWN AND LONG MEADOW CIDER, PORTADOWN

BUSINESS AMBASSADOR AWARD 2022 – MAIREAD MACKLE MBE, ARMAGH

BEST BUSINESS GROWTH AWARD – ALTERNATIVE HEAT LTD, BANBRIDGE

CMY

Irwin M&E provides a full range of mechanical and maintenance services to clients across both public and private sectors, throughout the UK and Ireland.

T: 028 3839 7990

www.irwinm-e.com info@irwinm-e.com

C E R T I F I C AT E D

April 2022

INTERVIEW

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

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Garden designer, Diarmuid Gavin caught up with Jane Hardy at the launch of Garden Show Ireland, where he discussed his appreciation of nature, his reservations about the Chelsea Garden Show and Bono.

he weather was idyllic when Garden Show Ireland was launched (or relaunched after Covid put a stop to things) at Castle Antrim Gardens last month. The food was delectable, with scones and miniature éclairs. The crowd, including founder Claire Falconer, was in a sunny mood. And the celebrity guest, Diarmuid Gavin, was knowledgeable and charismatic. He explained the rationale behind his Clockwork Garden, due to be installed during the Show as a permanent feature. “The garden is quirky and it holds a surprise which is revealed every fifteen minutes. It came about when Harrods asked me to produce a garden that reflected British culture in 2015. I thought ‘Have they looked at me, I might as well be from France or Saudi Arabia.’” This comment from the uber-Irish star gardener gets a laugh from the visitors at the launch. Fortunately, the organisers held their nerve and Diarmuid Gavin devised something British and not terribly traditional, although he was inspired by the Festival of Britain

and a familiar Plasticine dog. “It’s slightly Wallace and Gromit.” So we’ll see trees that suddenly begin to dance, hedges that move. As Diarmuid Gavin explains later to a dog walker in the courtyard, who claims that nature and mechanical features do not mix, the combination dates back to the Renaissance. “It’s there in the Villa d’Este,” he says, naming the Papal villa where the famous cascading fountains are controlled by machines. His Clockwork Garden sounds slightly Alice in Wonderland, a story which after all contains talking flowers, and Gavin has created what you might call off piste gardens before, including the British Eccentrics’ Garden, influenced by Heath Robinson. He also won a gold medal at the Chelsea Garden Show in 2011 with his unconventional Irish Sky Garden. Built in an ovoid container, it was suspended 25 metres above the ground, with groups of eight lucky people able to ascend at any one point. While he likes remembering that Chelsea, Mr Gavin is not a great fan 63

of the establishment event overall. He says with conviction: “They’re not even the best gardens in London. But you have to go there once. I’m not keen on the medal system, either, although yes, my Sky garden won gold. The team celebrated with some wine afterwards and that was fine, but I did say I didn’t think it was that important.” Diarmuid Gavin says it’s the making that counts. And the original ideas. Wit is Gavin’s key garden feature, clearly. His start in gardening came via seemingly routine trips to the local park near the family home in Dublin. You could say that the seeds of his brilliant career were sown. “I’d just go in there and dig, but you could change the landscape.” He adds that his family wasn’t artistic. “They weren’t terribly creative. My dad was a personnel manager, my mum brought the five of us up.” The tragic loss of his older brother Conor in a car accident naturally cut into his boyhood. “It affected everyone but I was there. Conor shared the same birthday as me and was exactly a year

INTERVIEW

older.” Family life with his three siblings continued and Gavin also kept pursuing his love of nature. After school, Gavin went to horticultural college and discovered a holistic approach to gardening. “It was all about chemicals. Not just pesticides but what was used to make plants bigger or whatever.” The keen student rebelled and vowed not to use anything that wasn’t organic and natural. Now Diarmuid Gavin smiles and reveals that his purist principles as a garden designer do not extend to the rest of his life. “I’m not purist overall – I have a big car.” We touch on climate change and Gavin asserts that it will affect our approach to gardening longer term. Gavin notes gardening in general, digging in particular, is a sensuous experience, getting your hands in there; he also notes its healing properties. “A garden is a healing place.” The landscape gardener’s own horticultural taste runs to the romantic. I ask about his garden, shared with wife Justine and daughter Eppie, in Dublin, and am shown some gorgeous images on his phone. It’s jungly, with trees and large shrubs surging in a green wave towards the house, which its owner describes as not terribly interesting. “Going into a jungle is a wonderful thing. I designed this to wrap around the house and there’s a bath under there.” We move onto the classiness of certain plants and flowers. Are dahlias or possibly Edna Everage’s gladis (gladioli) well, a bit declasse? Diarmuid Gavin laughs and immediately defines lower class flowers. “Polyanthus!” he explodes. It’s particularly droll as we’ve all walked past beds of the preferred municipal plant on the way in, but artfully arranged with earth in between rather than crowded together in the usual manner. Gavin is often commissioned to design or redesign gardens and worked with the late Duchess of Devonshire, chatelaine of Chatsworth. He says she wasn’t grand or snobby, went about in wellingtons, although her son had a different take on things. On learning I’m from Kent – “three of the most important gardens in England are in Kent” – we move on to Sissinghurst, the acme of good taste and modern landscape gardening created by Vita Sackville-West pre-World War Two. Its famous white garden comes in for some stick and Gavin is not keen on the way Sackville West laid down the law.

One rule Mr Gavin seems to follow is keep going. He works non-stop on projects, including some high-profile ideas that have yet to come to fruition. How does he relax? Not necessarily with music, although he enjoys sounds which add up to, in his words, the worst musical taste imaginable. “I like U2 and I know Bono’s wife a bit. I think Paul Weller is the sort of musician you feel you ought to like, although I enjoyed Wild Wood.” Yet as the garden designer relates, he presented an edition of Top of the Pops in the early ‘90s. How did this come about, I wonder? “Oh, I just asked them,” reveals the savvy operator, adding with amusement that he didn’t really know any of the music being played. He does like the Cure, though, saying “Robert Smith is someone you really don’t want to get old”. And Gavin reveals he enjoys Jools Holland’s Hootenanny. Diarmuid Gavin is somebody at ease with being a celebrity. You sense, watching the generosity with which he poses for photos with people and the way he works the room, that he doesn’t take it for granted. But why are gardeners so trendy, does he think, like chefs? “It’s something to do with working with the soil…” Then Gavin says modestly, “I’m not Alan or Monty Don. But I was considered a dunce at school and not expected to succeed. So I feel lucky to be here, having this platform.” Gavin likes working in Northern Ireland and says that when he appeared on the TV show ‘Who do you think you are?’ he found some Ulster roots. “I’m partly Scottish and Ulster and there was this wealthy Edinburgh industrialist who built this house that was bigger than Buckingham Palace. It doesn’t exist any more but we found the garden.” I get to see the impressive images of the property and its surroundings. “This guy looks just like my brother.” Coming back to the present, we discussed the key Irish date approaching the following week. So what was he doing for St Paddy’s?

Not downing a Guinness as the man is teetotal, having given up drinking when his daughter was born “so I’d be totally there at weekends, as I often worked away during the week.” Gavin says he’ll be working. “I am off to Marrakesh where we’re doing a garden, I’d like them to do something different in style but it may not happen.” Garden Show Ireland runs from April 29 to May 1 and tickets can be bought from gardenshowireland.com.

I’m not Alan or Monty Don. But I was considered a dunce at school and not expected to succeed. So I feel lucky to be here, having this platform. 64

April 2022

STYLE

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

Aislinn Sweeney, Hanna Murray and Clare Timoney bringing glamour to the Bredagh GAC 50th Anniversary event.

Wardrobe Staple - White Trainers – Dune London, Throne White Trainers, £90.

STYLE

Signature Scent - Louis Vuitton Ombre Nomade

Style Rules

Must Have Beauty Product - BPerfect 10 Second Tan in Dark Watermelon

Brendan McDowell

We speak to Brendan McDowell, the Annalong entrepreneur who set up the globally successful BPerfect Cosmetics.

CEO of BPerfect Cosmetics

office in the morning or coming home after a mental day I always forget. I recently picked up Boots’ new own-brand skincare range, which is infused with Retinols and have tried hard to get into a routine and so far I’m really loving it.

How would you describe your style? I think the best way to describe my style would be cool and edgy. I tend to go for high quality and unique pieces that stand out. I think it is similar to how I created BPerfect Cosmetics and the vibe it portrays.

What is your signature scent? It has to be Louis Vuitton Ombre Noumad – it’s a very earthy scent with Oud Wood and Incense. A go-to at the moment.

What are your wardrobe staples that you can’t live without? I absolutely love trainers, especially a classic pure white pair, they just go with absolutely everything in my wardrobe for both day and night. I have a good few pairs in my closet that I rotate between.

What is your go-to haircare product? Our Voduz hairspray. We actually have a full men’s range coming very soon that we have been working on and I cannot wait to see what everyone thinks of it. At the minute I also use a paste by a local salon here in Lisburn, JFH Belfast.

Do you have a favourite designer or high street brand? At the minute my favourite brand would have to be Palm Angels. I’m obsessed with their products and vibe, especially the teddy bear collections, it’s slick and really unique to anything else I’ve seen on the high street.

What makeup product would you recommend? Although I own a beauty brand with a lot of makeup products available, I personally don’t wear make up, but I do wear BPerfect 10 Second Tan in Dark Watermelon. I find the colour is very natural and it sits really well on guys in particular.

Do you have any style icons? When it comes to style icons I really love Magic Fox on Instagram. Although his style is quite different to my own, I like how he puts pieces together to create a look. In terms of celebrities, I really gravitate towards David Beckham’s style as well. It’s very cool and laid-back, similar to my own.

How do you keep fit and healthy, are there any exercises or health foods your swear by? I try to eat a high protein diet, and keep track of my calories, I aim to hit 2300 calories a day, although some days I do less and save them up for the weekends. In terms of training, I run 2-3 times a week and I go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week as well.

Do you have a skincare regime? I am a nightmare when it comes to skincare. I have purchased every lotion and potion under the sun, but between rushing to the 66

Flawless Finish

BEAUTY

Fe a t u r e d i s o u r t o p p i c k s f o r c r e a t i n g t h e p e r f e c t f l a w l e s s m a k e u p base, from prepping to coverage and concealing.

PREP 01

COVER 04

CONCEAL 07

09 06 03

1. Long-la sti ng hydrati on - circul ar hydrat io n s er u m , £ 5 5 , D erm al ogic a. 2 . Prem ier C r u A n t i- age i n g moistur iser, £ 8 5 , Caudali e . 3 . Bubbly ey e gels , £ 3 , Patc h ol ogy. 4 . C h ro m a co v er m att e fo un d at i o n , £19.95, BPerf e ct . 5 . No1 Re vit al isi ng Fo u n dat io n , £ 5 5 , C h an el . 6 . Per fect Sk in Fo u n dat io n , AYU Co smetics. 7 . Full cove rage st ick concealer, N ote Co s m etic s . 8 . C h ro m a liqu id co n cealer, £9.95, B Pe r fe c t . 9. B oi- ing c ake le ss conceale r, £ 2 1 .5 0 , Ben ef it.

April 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

Blooming Marvellous I’ve fallen in love with an Irish designer so much that you’ll hear me talk about it A LOT! Kindred of Ireland, created by Northern Ireland designer Amy Anderson is taking the fashion world by storm. Featured in British Vogue, the designer is breathing new life into the Irish linen industry. Linen has been a big part of Amy’s heritage. Her grandmother, grandfather, great-uncle, great-aunt and father all worked at the famous Moygashel Linen Mills in Dungannon, where flax growing and linen spinning have been taking place since the 17th century. The designer has opened her first design studio and boutique in an old Butchers shop in the Smithfield and Union Quarter, at North Street, Belfast. I bought my first Kindred of Ireland piece at Christmas, the Cadhla black beetled linen shirt. Clever, standout and a wow factor statement shirt to dress up, or dress down. I now have a wish list that could take me around Belfast City Hall 200 times, twice! This season’s spring collection from the linen only sustainable brand is nothing short of blooming marvellous! Discover the bespoke bridal collection too. Treat yourself and shop the collection at, Kindred of Ireland, 108 North St, Belfast or online at www. kindredofireland.com

From beach to Paris catwalk Flip-flops are called the “poor man’s shoe” and are one of the world’s worst polluters of the ocean. But a leading luxury French fashion house in Paris is helping a resourceful African community step up with a new range of footwear. Each year thousands of flip-flops wash up on to the world’s beaches. Ocean Soul, a social enterprise scheme, upcycles washed-up flip-flops found along the beaches and waterways in Kenya into art. The flip-flops have now roamed from an African beach to the catwalks of Paris as part of the upcycled Lou range by Chloé. The flat sandal is tied with recycled laces in a “statement piece” that makes a virtue of layers of bright recycled flip-flops. At £410 a pair they’re unlikely to end up in a dump or wash up on a beach somewhere!

Come Shop in Ballymena! It feels like such a long time since we’ve been free to do the things we love! It’s been brilliant to be at all the best events again, doing all my favourite things. I had an absolute blast with Melissa Riddell shooting the spring/summer TV campaign for Ballymena Town Centre, by Ballymena Bid. The campaign is running on TV and social media this month to encourage fashion fans and shoppers alike to re-discover the fantastic shopping and hospitality experience that Ballymena has to offer, from the fresh new wave of fashion boutiques to quirky coffee shops and more! I for one will be back!

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULT* TODAY

EXPERIENCE MATTERS CRANMORE DENTAL IMPLANTS 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 dental implant 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.

April 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

Strike a Pose

elfast’s first ultimate selfie funhouse is officially open. A host of picture perfect guests including my old buddy Jane McCoy and Ulster Tatler ‘Best Dressed Man’ Jim Gracey gathered for opening night of Selfie City and immersed themselves in selfie heaven! Situated on Belfast’s Donegal Quay, Selfie City offers 12, regularly changing, themed rooms with multiple picture opportunities throughout the building. On the ground floor there is the LEUD (Love Everything You Do) positivity cafe offering up delicious (and very Instagrammable) Cake Shakes. The building also has The Penthouse, a versatile private white studio space that can be hired for fashion shoots, maternity shoots, engagement pictures and more. Just make sure you have your phone fully charged and you are ready to go. In-house influencers are on hand to make sure you get the best out of your time at selfie city. Strike a pose and head to Selfie City: www. selfiecity.co.uk

1. Nuala Meehan, Sarah Jane Hughes and Jane McCoy. 2. Julia Bickerstaff, Gemma Todd and Joanne Meneely. 3. Yasmin McClean and Lilian McClean. 4. Joanne Scallan, Lewis Atcheson, Ciara McCabe. 5. Jenna McCormick and Lewis Atcheson. 6. Ellie Stewart, Molly Stewart, Victoria Potter and Jordan Robinson. 7. Ms Northern Ireland, Anouska Black, Miss Crown and Glory UK, Shannon Hutcheon, Miss Teen Galaxy Ireland, Yazmin McClean and Miss Grand Armagh, April Richardson. 02

We are a specialist physiotherapist and podiatry clinic between Lisburn, Hillsborough and Moira. We are well known for our treatments of Spinal pain, but we would like to let you know of some of the other services we are offer, and which our clients are finding of particular benefit. OHI Gait Scan & Custom Made Orthotics Our team of physiotherapists and podiatrists work closely together to provide a combined treatment approach for biomechanical problems. How the foot interacts with the ground during walking or running can cause or contribute to many lower limb pathologies. Good foot posture is essential for pain free walking and running. We introduced the GAIT SCAN system in August 2020 and both we and our clients have been extremely happy with the resulting custom made orthotics, made locally on Cookstown by the International Company OHI.

Shockwave Therapy

Shockwave is a non-invasive, nonelectric, high energy sound wave which breaks down scar tissue, stimulates cell regeneration, promotes healing and rapidly reduces pain. Clinical research has shown its effectiveness in the treatment of shoulder and knee pain, plantar fasciitis, trochanteric bursitis, tennis elbow and hamstring tendon pain. Cosmetic Nail Reconstruction

Cosmetic reconstruction builds a new toenail when the original is damaged, unsightly or lost. The reconstructed nail is flexible and can be filed and polished if you wish. This treatment, which lasts for 6-8 weeks, is perfect for people with fungal nail infections, cracked, split or discoloured nails. Wilde Pedique is an innovative UV gel

containing anti-bacterial micro silver. The gel allows the nail to continue to grow but helps it appear healthy and attractive. Diabetic assessment and treatment We have introduced a new diabetic service which includes the following: • Full assessment and check of skin and nails. • Vascular/doppler assessment. • Neurological assessment. • Identification of risk status. • Tailored plan and written report given. • Full routine treatment of skin and nails. Reflexology is based on the principle that different areas of the body correspond with reflex points on the hands or feet. The reflexologist works these reflex points with light pressure techniques to stimulate the areas and help restore balance to the body as a whole. Research has shown that it can promote deep relaxation, improving sleep patterns, mood and general well being. It can revitalise body energy, improve circulation and reduce swelling. It can be beneficial in the management of stress, anxiety, headaches, sinus congestion, digestive disorders and other conditions.

BOOK NOW BY PHONE 028 9262 2912 BOOK NOW BY EMAIL at info@theclinicatvicryn.co.uk BOOK NOW ONLINE at our website www.theclinicatvicryn.co.uk

UT Health

Delivering exceptional care

HOLYWOOD PRIVATE CLINIC

The Clinic at Vic Ryn, Moira Road, Lisburn is a family owned business that specialises in delivering high quality Physiotherapy and Podiatry services to both the local community and anyone from further afield wishing to avail of our specialist expertise. The Clinic was founded in 2009 by the owners, husband and wife team, Campbell and Kerry Mulholland and has evolved substantially throughout the past thirteen years. Campbell is a Spinal Specialist Physiotherapist, well known throughout Northern Ireland for his vast experience particularly in relation to spinal problems. He sets very high standards ensuring all staff within the business deliver exceptional care. Kerry is the Practice Manager as well as providing Speech and Language Training for early years and educational staff. Through expansion over the years they have now a team of three other associate Physiotherapists and two associate Podiatrists. They are also privileged to have a part-time Practice Promotion Manager/Reflexologist and a part-time Receptionist. The service at The Clinic ensures quick access to treatments, an individual treatment plan, a competent, professional and personal delivery of treatment and the opportunity to develop excellent relationships with the therapists. They feel it is important to work with clients and involve them in their care and help them self-manage their recovery. The trust and confidence of each and every client is their priority. Ever since their business was established, the ambition to continually grow and provide excellent client care has been the core essence of all they do and this has never diminished. As the Clinic has expanded so have the range of treatments available. Through investment and training a great variety of essential treatments are available. They have been able to invest in equipment that provides shockwave treatment, a clinically proven and highly effective treatment for chronic soft tissue injuries and some bone conditions. The introduction of shockwave treatment has proved to be a great help for many clients with specific and stubborn conditions. In August 2020 they introduced the OHI Gait Scan system which both their Physiotherapists and Podiatrists use to scan and prescribe custom made orthotics, working with the International OHI company which is conveniently located in Cookstown. This has been an exciting new development and they are so pleased that their clients are achieving excellent outcomes as a result. Their Podiatry service has also expanded adding to the experience of total care for their clients. Their podiatrists can offer a wide variety of podiatry treatments including nail surgery, cosmetic nail surgery and diabetic assessments in addition to regular podiatry treatments.

SERVICES • SAME OR NEXT DAY GP APPOINTMENTS • FULL HEALTH & WELLNESS CHECKS • HGV/TAXI/DRIVING MEDICAL • EAR WAX REMOVAL • PSYCHIATRIC CONSULTANT • MINIMALLY INVASIVE VASECTOMY • MINOR SURGERY FOR CYSTS MOLES & LIPOMAS • DEDICATED MENOPAUSE CLINIC • STEROID JOINT INJECTION • ACNE/ROSACEA LED THERAPY

LOCATED WITHIN CULLODEN MEDISPA 028 90 422 500 INFO@HOLYWOODPRIVATECLINIC.COM WWW.HOLYWOODPRIVATECLINIC.COM

They would be privileged to help anyone who feels they would benefit from their services and look forward to hearing from you. Tel:- 02892622912 Email:- info@theclinicatvicryn.co.uk

ANTIWRINKLE & DERMAL FILLER AVAILABLE AT SATELLITE CLINIC 72

HOLYWOOD PRIVATE CLINIC CELEBRATE ONE YEAR AT CULLODEN MEDISPA

Simon Bryans, Nurse Sharon Magee and Dr Simon Beatty with Culloden Spa Manager Niamh Rice.

he clinic has gone from strength to strength in the past 12 months, expanding their GP & Minor Surgery offering to include even more in demand services… The clinic’s Minimally Invasive Vasectomy procedure is a quick and effective treatment for those with a busy lifestyle led by Dr Simon Beatty, allowing for limited downtime and Dr Grainne Doherty’s dedicated Menopause Clinic has offered relief for those struggling with symptoms that can be disruptive to everyday life. Director Simon Bryans tells us “We are fortunate to have opened at a time when Health is very much at the forefront of people’s minds and we strive to continue adding essential services that people are struggling to access as our health system continues to operate under immense strain. I feel extremely blessed to have such a talented team of doctors and nurses at Holywood Private Clinic, they are certainly to credit for the success of our brand which offers a caring but professional approach to healthcare” Holywood Private Clinic

and their staﬀ for such a warm welcome to the MediSpa area of the Culloden Hotel. To open in such a luxurious setting within a hugely respected Northern Irish 5 star hotel has certainly helped the clinic hit the ground running. They hope to continue this partnership for years to come.

Nurse Sharon Magee and Dr Simon Beatty.

were extremely pleased to welcome their first consultant, Dr Edward Noble to the team at the end of 2021 who offers Psychiatric consultations. With their beautifully designed clinic in a refined setting, they hope to attract more consultants and medical professionals to use their versatile rooms in 2022. The company has also opened a satellite clinic with an antiwrinkle and filler aesthetics offering to meet the growing demand of those not just wanting to feel good but look good too! This is an area of the business they hope to build upon in 2022 and add to their already loyal client base.

The team at Holywood Private Clinic would like to thank the Hastings family

If you have any health issues you have been putting oﬀ bookings can be made online at www. holywoodprivateclinic.com or you can call the friendly team on 02890422500. Nurse Sharon Magee, Simon Bryans and Dr Simon Beatty.

You do not need to register with the clinic to attend, simply book an appointment online at www.holywoodprivateclinic.com

COLUMN April 2022

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.

Apex Headache Clinic successfully treating headaches, migraines, vertigo and tinnitus for over 20 years This month, Apex Headache Clinic founder and Spinal & Headache Physiotherapy Specialist, Rebecca Nelson, discusses headaches, migraines, vertigo and tinnitus and how Apex Headache Clinic, the ﬁrst drug-free headache and migraine clinic in Ireland, has been successfully treating and clearing these debilitating conditions.

Are headaches or migraines destroying your life? At Apex Headache Clinic, we witness daily how persistent headaches and migraines can ruin the quality of people’s lives, leaving them desperate to ﬁnd a solution that brings relief to their pain. Many people don’t realise that headaches or migraines can be triggered from damage or stiffness in the joints of the upper neck region of the spine. Poor posture or hours spent slumped over desks can cause recurrent neck-triggered headaches and migraines, as can repeated heavy lifting or a previous fall or injury. In many

Is vertigo or dizziness getting you down? At Apex Headache Clinic, we have extensive experience in treating vertigo or dizziness. Dizziness originating from the upper neck region of the spine is called cervical vertigo and is commonly overlooked as a source of vertigo. It originates from stiffness or damage of the upper two neck joints of the spine. Usually, the person has no actual neck pain, only dizziness. At Apex Headache Clinic, we have been successfully diagnosing and treating cervical vertigo for over 20 years. During your initial consultation, one of our specialist physiotherapists will assess your neck to establish if it is involved in causing your vertigo and to differentiate it from vertigo from the inner ear. A treatment plan can then be started to clear it. One of the features of cervical vertigo is that it doesn’t respond to drugs or any treatment given for inner ear vertigo. With our specialist treatment regime of physiotherapy, The Nelson Vertigo Approach™, patients usually begin to experience relief within just a few sessions.

cases the person has no neck pain at all, only headaches or migraines. At Apex Headache Clinic we understand your pain. We know from years of treating headaches and migraines, that our specialist manual physiotherapy regime called The Nelson Headache Approach™, which is offered at no other clinic in Ireland, is very likely to be the long-term cure that you’re looking for. We take a ﬁrm stance that the cure for pain isn’t painkillers and getting to the source of the problem is much more effective.

Is tinnitus causing you frustration? Tinnitus can be heard as a

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ringing, hissing, whistling, buzzing or clicking sound that can be intermittent, or constant. It’s an intrusive, annoying and, in some cases, devastating condition for sufferers. Although commonly associated with damage to the hearing system, tinnitus can also be caused by injury or stiffness of the upper neck joints and this is often overlooked as usually there is no neck pain. The good news regarding tinnitus which is triggered from the neck is that, in most cases, it can be treated and cleared at Apex Headache Clinic. Treat and beat pain at its source As with all niggles, aches and pains, we recommend that you get to the root cause of your symptoms as soon as possible. Once diagnosed, Apex Headache Clinic’s specialist manual physiotherapy treatment regimes can clear all of these conditions, restoring your quality of life, allowing you to get on with enjoying life again free from your symptoms. If you would like to book an appointment at Apex Headache Clinic, contact us on: 028 9048 4153. No GP referral is necessary.

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April 2022

H E A LT H M AT T E R S

“I have got my life back thanks to Apex Clinic ” For 65-year-old Valerie Hamilton from Ballygowan, life was a struggle. The onset of back and leg pain was having a devastating impact on her life. After trying many different treatments to get to the source of her pain, she visited Apex Clinic, Belfast desperate to ﬁnd a cure. Here, Valerie describes how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist manual physiotherapy treatment, called The Nelson Spinal ApproachTM, cleared her back and leg pain, meaning that she could ﬁnally get her life back on track. Valerie, when did your back and leg pain begin? The pain in my back and right leg started originally in June 2020 and then suddenly it worsened in the summer of 2021. The severe leg pain came on very suddenly and I couldn’t think of anything that I had done to cause it. I attended my GP who gave me medication which didn’t help and I also saw an orthopaedic spinal surgeon privately who carried out various tests including an MRI scan. He

Apex Clinic herself and she could see how much pain I was in. She spoke about my condition with the Director of Physiotherapy, Rebecca Nelson, who is a Spinal Physiotherapy Specialist and she said that it was likely that they could help me from the information that she had. I had nothing to lose, so I made an appointment for an initial assessment as I was willing to try anything to help my terrible pain. How has your life changed since having treatment? The change has been huge. I no longer need to use crutches for walking which allows me to take my dogs out for a walk again as I wasn’t able to do this for months. My back and leg pain are now 99% better and I’m thrilled! I feel like I have got my life back. I now attend Apex Clinic once every 6 weeks for maintenance treatment.

didn’t recommend surgery but instead sent me for spinal injections. Unfortunately, there was no signiﬁcant relief with these and I was still in constant pain.

What advice would you offer someone suffering with leg pain or back pain? If you are suffering with spinal problems I would deﬁnitely say book an appointment at Apex Clinic as the relief I’ve got from my treatment there is wonderful.

and it had an awful impact on my life. I couldn’t stand up straight and I had to use 2 crutches to help me walk around. I tried physio elsewhere which didn’t help either.

How did the pain affect your life? The pain I had was horrendous

What led you to Apex Clinic? A friend of mine attends

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To book an appointment at Apex Clinic, call 028 9048 4153. No GP referral is necessary.

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April 2022

REVIEWS Ulster Tatler’s Joanne Harkness reviews the new Epionce Luminous Eye Serum. Voted the number one anti-ageing skincare in the United States, award-winning skincare brand Epionce has launched their new, transformative Luminous Eye Serum in Northern Ireland. I had heard rave reviews about Epionce skincare with people rating the remarkable results, so I couldn’t wait to try it for myself. The eye serum came perfectly packaged in a beautiful ﬂoral toiletry bag, this alone even brightened my day! I have an established skincare routine, using a moisturising serum and my early defence anti-ageing moisturiser every morning and evening. However, a good eye cream was something that was missing and with the under-eye area being the most delicate part of the face, it was a step in my routine that I shouldn’t be forgetting. The serum comes in a pump bottle, which I love as you can get the most out of the product with no waste. The serum comes in a pump bottle, which I love as you can get the most out of the product with no waste. Immediately the serum felt silky and

confidence when the lines start to appear. I find that the lines around my eyes become particularly prominent when wearing makeup and heavier foundations, however this serum has provided the perfect base to reduce the appearance of these wrinkles. In fact, an incredible 91% of panelists involved in a clinical trial for the serum saw a highly significant improvement in crow’s feet wrinkles. As someone with very fair skin I am also a big advocate for wearing SPF and sun protection, so I was thrilled that one of the key benefits of the eye serum was protection against visible light, as well as blue light and pollution. This serum has now firmly found its place in my skincare regime and with my mum’s birthday around the corner I am thinking it would make the perfect gift!

hydrating to the touch, which made it very refreshing to apply. I would have pufﬁness around my eyes when I wake up and I found that applying the serum in the morning really helped with this. Skincare products rarely give instant results, but for this aspect it really did. My eyes appeared brighter and more awake…which can be hard when I feel groggy on a Monday morning! My eyes would be easily irritated, sometimes just applying eye makeup can make my eyes itchy and red. With this in mind I always aim to use gentle products with gentle ingredients. I could be reassured that the Epionce serum would deliver this as it was sulphate-free and paraben-free. It contains a range of natural ingredients such as; astragalus extract, watermelon, spilanthes, lentils, red algae and cacao. One of the earliest signs of ageing can be lines, or ‘crow’s feet’ wrinkles around the eye area. Of course it is a natural part of ageing and can be a beautiful expression of years of smiling, however it can still knock your

Epionce Luminous Eye Serum is available to buy online at www.epionce.co.uk

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VOLUME 10 ISSUE 1 2022

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The Belfast

Rheumatology Clinic Joint, tendon and muscle pain or stiffness can be due to many different rheumatic conditions ranging from those that are mild and self limiting to more serious inflammatory disorders. In many cases the earlier these conditions are diagnosed and treated the better the long term outcome.

he Belfast Rheumatology Clinic has been established by a partnership of three Northern Ireland Consultant Rheumatologists, Dr Andrew Cairns, Dr Adrian Pendleton and Dr Gary Wright. It is the first clinic in Northern Ireland dedicated solely to the investigation, diagnosis and management of patients with arthritis and musculoskeletal conditions. There are over 200 rheumatic disorders ranging from common musculoskeletal conditions such as tendonosis and bursitis (often related to work or sport) and arthritis (osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and gout) to rare complex multi-system immune -

mediated disorders such as vasculitis and connective tissue disease. The partners have over 30 years of combined clinical experience at consultant level in rheumatology, both in the National Health Service and the private sector. The driving principal of the Belfast Rheumatology Clinic is to provide a centre of excellence for the diagnosis and management of patients with rheumatic disorders. All patients will have access to the skills of the multidisciplinary team of nurse specialists, physiotherapist, occupational therapist and podiatrist.

Dr Adrian Pendleton

Dr Andrew Cairns

Dr Gary D. Wright

DERMALOGICA OPENS FIRST FLAGSHIP STORE IN BELFAST Dermalogica recently opened its ﬁrst ﬂagship store in Belfast. Located in the heart of the city, the new store offers an engaging retail brand experience with expert skin thera-pists on hand to educate and take customers on a personalised skincare journey.

1. Lord Mayor Kate Nicholl and Jen Morris. 2. Jennifer Brown, Melissa Riddell and Melissa Elliott. 3. Nicole Osborne and Susan Jackson (Dermalogica Ireland). 4. Karen Clifford, Paula McAreavey and Eloise Johnston. 5. Aisling Gallagher, Laura McCormick and Jen Morris. 6. Sinead Quinn with the Pro skin treatment. 7. Niamh McEneaney and Grainne McGarvey. 8. Dermalogica ﬂagship team Jen Morris, Louise Green, Charlotte Sinnerton and Angela Steenson. 9. Susan Jackson, Emma Dickson and Olivia McAleenan. 78

The Word

What can guests expect to see at this year’s Balmoral show? As Northern Ireland’s largest agri-food event, the Balmoral Show will be jam packed with something for the entire family. Shop til you drop in the Eikon Shopping village, watch livestock compete for prestigious titles or enjoy the best of local produce in the NI Food & Drink Pavilion. Visitors can look forward to the return of the Children’s Farm, Downtown Show Stage, Healthy Horticulture Area and BBC Roadshow. Soaring into the Main Arena will be the RAF Parachute Display Team as well as special performances from the Band of the Royal Irisih Regiment and the RAF Police Military Working Dog Team. This year the Show will also be marking the Queens Platinum Jubilee with a number of special activities. Tickets are available online at www.balmoralshow.co.uk so come along and visit the Show, it is an event that is not to be missed!

The Greatest Show

What competitions are taking place? There will be hundreds of livestock and equine competitions taking place across all four days and this year the Show welcomes back the return of International Show Jumping to the Main Arena. On Saturday the popular “Most Appropiately Dressed” competition sponsored by Dubarry of Ireland and Ireland’s Blue Book will wow crowds as stylish country ladies and gents take to the stage and dress to impress Cool FM judge, Katharine Walker, for the chance to win some amazing prizes! For more information visit www.balmoralshow.co.uk

Ulster Tatler’s speaks to Nicola Cully about The Balmoral Show 2022. What date is the show taking place this year? The Balmoral Show in partnership with Ulster Bank will take place from Wednesday 11th May to Saturday 14th May 2022 at the Eikon Exhibition Centre, Balmoral Park, Lisburn promising to be four fun-filled days of family fun.

SATURDAY 14TH MAY 2022

DRESS TO IMPRESS THE COMPETITION IS ON TO FIND THE MOST APPROPRIATELY DRESSED COUNTRY LADY & GENT FOR FURTHER INFORMATION VISIT BALMORALSHOW.CO.UK

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16/03/2022 14:58

MAKING MEMORIES AT MAGHERAMORNE

MAGHERAMORNE ESTATE IS YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME TO CELEBRATE YOUR SPECIAL DAY. We value sharing those all important moments with your family and friends. Witness love and joy being spread throughout the Estate whilst experiencing the welcoming atmosphere we have to offer. Our vibrant drawing rooms and immaculate gardens are host to cherished moments with loved ones. With our ballroom being transformed into the perfect dancefloor, waiting to be filled with smiles and laughter.

59 SHORE ROAD, MAGHERAMORNE, LARNE BT40 3HW (028) 9538 0895 EVENTS@MAGHERAMORNEESTATE.COM

UT WEDDINGS

Celebrate your wedding in style, in the unique and historic surroundings of Northern Ireland’s Leading Hotel, Titanic Hotel Belfast

The hotel is fully registered to host civil ceremonies or partnerships, giving you the freedom to plan your entire day at Titanic Hotel Belfast. The team of in-house wedding experts will be with you every step of the way and with their attention to detail, we will ensure that your dreams become reality. Situated opposite Titanic Belfast and in the shadows of the iconic Harland and Wolff cranes, there are many opportunities for outdoor photography within the immediate area. The talented chefs at the Titanic Hotel Belfast use only fresh, local produce to inspire a selection of menus that will ensure you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. The hotel offers various wedding packages, allowing you the ﬂexibility to choose the package that perfectly suits your needs. To ﬁnd out more information and to book, visit www.titanichotelbelfast.com/weddings-venuebelfast, or email weddings@titanichotelbelfast.com.

Located in the magnificently restored former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, shipbuilders of RMS Titanic, the hotel can host weddings from 20 guests in the heritage rooms to 250 in the spectacular Drawing Office One. Drawing Office One has its own private reception area and features a breath-taking three-storey, barrelvaulted ceiling with large overhead skylights that highlight the views towards the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction.

True to You Bridal Makeup

Sarah Walker has been working in the wedding and beauty industry for four years, with her main focus being on bridal makeup. Sarah has worked in the fast paced environment of Belfast Fashion Week and editorial photo shoots. She also provides beauty packages from a salon in Galgorm for her brides to help prepare them for their wedding day. Sarah says; “My main aim is to help brides still feel like themselves on their wedding day, with a focus on making their best features “pop”. Skin is so important to still look like skin, and keeping it fresh to give brides the true ‘bridal’ glow.” For more information email swalker472@hotmail.co.uk or call 07849334729.

WEDDINGS

Clements & Gibson Rebekah Clements and Chris Gibson, both from Lisburn were recently married at The Rosspark Hotel, with the ceremony conducted by celebrant, Annette Scott. Rebekah wore a beautiful dress from Perfect Day, with hair by Valerie King and makeup by Miceala Goudy. Flowers were by The Flower Boutique, Lisburn. Photography by Rebekah Collins

WEDDINGS

Smedley & Turkington Miss Rachel Smedley from Canterbury, Kent recently married Mr Matthew Turkington from Belfast. The wedding ceremony took place at St Augustine Church, Honor Oak, followed by a reception at Brunswick House, Vauxhall. The happy couple honeymooned in Paris, France. Photography by Oliver Holder Photography, London

350 wedding specialists gathered at The Europa Hotel in Belfast recently to find out the champions of The Northern Ireland Wedding Awards 2022.

More than

Image by: Vicki Maher Photography

The Northern Ireland Wedding Awards 2022 recognised exceptional Beverley Halliday wedding suppliers that go above and beyond to ensure the uniqueness of every wedding. These suppliers are from a variety of industries and they work their hardest to ensure that wow factor is present at every wedding they’re hired for. The Awards provided a platform to showcase those who promote excellence in the industry, inspire others by their achievements and add the fairy-tale sparkle to any wedding. They celebrated the best stop-shops for our big day: from boutiques and cake designers, to jewellery providers and much more, the Awards recognised businesses across Northern Ireland that meet the needs of their customers with many items and services on offer under one roof. Among those who were celebrating an award on the night was Oliver Mort from Kilmore Country House in Glenariffe who picked up Wedding Steven Reid and Ryan Annett. Coordinator of the Year. First Dance NI, a dance studio in Ballyclare, won the Wedding Specialist of the Year award. Prestige Wedding Solutions from Bangor were awarded the overall Wedding Entertainment of the Year. Bridal Elegance Boutique picked up the Wedding Boutique of the Year for County Antrim and Dunadry Hotel and Gardens were awarded Wedding Venue of the Year, County Antrim. Laulo Cakes from Rostrevor won the overall Wedding Cake Designer of the Year. Vera McCullough Jewellers from Broughshane won the Wedding Jeweller of the Year and finally Margaret Mallon Hairstyling from Lisburn won the Freelance Wedding Hair Specialist of the Year. A Spokesperson for The Northern Ireland Wedding Awards 2022 said: “The winners represent the industry’s gold standard that work tirelessly to meet the demands of the couples and their guests. “The Awards showcase some of the best wedding specialists that operate in the industry, whose excellence and commitment brought them at the forefront of the industry. “These champions are tried and tested specialists that know how to create a stress-free wedding experience, keeping the romance in the air. We would like to congratulate all finalists and winners for their amazing achievements.”

Kilmore Country House, is a multi award winning Wedding venue and dates back to the 17th Century. Situated in the stunning Glenariffe Glen, Kilmore Country House is an exclusive Wedding venue offering a bespoke Wedding experience, allowing our award winning Wedding coordinators to tailor every aspect of your day.

Kilmore Country House, 10 Glasmullan Road Glenariffe, Ballymena BT44 0QZ Tel: 028 2177 1356 www.kilmorecountryhouse.com 85

Vera McCullough Jewellery

Northern Ireland’s Jeweller Of The Year 2019 and 2022 BESPOKE JEWELLERY CREATED AT THE FOOT OF SLEMISH MOUNTAIN.

Appointment only - Please call 0779 626 2736 Email: veramccullough@gmail.com veramcculloughjewellery

veramcculloughjewellery

WEDDING VENUE OF THE YEAR 2022 County Antrim

SEEING IS BELIEVING

Book your wedding showround: weddings@dunadry.com

Find us: 2 Islandreagh Drive, Dunadry, County Antrim | 028 9443 4343

hairstyling

THE WINNERS WERE: Freelance Wedding Hair Specialist of the Year: Margaret Mallon Hairstyling (Lisburn) Wedding Coordinator of the Year: Oliver Mort Kilmore Country House (Glenariffe) Wedding Cake Designer of the Year County Down: Laulo Cakes (Rostrevor)

Expert in Hairstyling for all your Special Occasions

Vera McCullough

Wedding Specialist Supplier of the Year: First Dance NI (Ballyclare)

Specialist in Bridal Hairstyling 5* Luxury Service

Wedding Entertainment of the Year County Down: Prestige Wedding Solutions (Bangor) and Wedding Entertainment of the Year

Elegant and Contemporary Hairstyling WINNER! Freelance Hairdresser of the Year

Wedding Boutique of the Year County Antrim: Bridal Elegance Boutique (Larne) Wedding Venue of the Year County Antrim: Dunadry Hotel And Gardens (Dunadry)

Laura Logina

Wedding Jewellers of the Year: Vera McCullough Jewellery (Broughshane)

Tel: 079337 49080 Instagram: Magsmallonhairstyling Web: margaretmallonhairstyling.co.uk

Northern Ireland Wedding Cake Designer of the Year 2022 w: www.facebook.com/bylaulo e: laulocakes@inbox.lv m: 0747 222 5810

• Multi award winning boutique • One to one appointments • Private Bridal Suite

• Wedding First Dance Lessons & Choreography • Dance Classes • Dance Fitness • Strictly Events • Inclusive Dance

E: info@firstdanceni.co.uk

Bridal Elegance

Tel: 077 0229 7034 Ballyclare, Co. Antrim BT39 9HA

Fall in love with your dream dress

find us on Facebook

18 Main Street, Larne Tel: 028 2832 9402 www.bridalelegance-boutique.co.uk

www.firstdanceni.co.uk

Spe cialising In Wedding Entertainment

Ryan, Melissa, Holly, Rebecca and Steven.

Multi award winners for entertainment in the Northern Ireland Wedding Awards 2020 and 2022 Facebook - PrestigeWeddings

T: 07904 977746 |

Instagram - _PrestigeWeddings

E: prestigeweddingsolutions@gmail.com 89

08 09

MID ANTRIM HUNT BALL The Mid Antrim Hunting Club recently hosted their annual Hunt Ball at the Rosspark Hotel. 1. Tommy Caves, East Antrim Master Bob McKnight and huntsman Joe Hamilton. 2. Ian Hamilton and Ruth Brown-Kerr. 3. John and Dianne McNeilly, Elizabeth and Sam Watson. 4. Jacqui and Stephen Lewis, Sharon Francey. 5. Gregor and Justine Adamson. 6. Grace Moore, Orla O’Kane, Catherine McBurney and Jessica Mark. 7. Judith Hamilton with sons Joe and Bob. 8. Grace Morton, Erin Dunseath, Rachel Crawford, Katelyn Irvine and Charlotte Smiley. 9. Charlotte Wylie, Laura Cubitt, Sarah Wylie and Claire Wylie.

M AG I C A L

L U X U R I O U S

S C E N I C

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 F +44 028 25 89 1477 E info@rosspark.com W www.rosspark.com

INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THE YEAR 2022

SATURDAY 11th JUNE 22

Venue ULSTER REFORM CLUB, BEL FAST

Hosted by REBECCA McKINNEY

TO NOMINATE SOMEONE VISIT WWW.ULSTERTATLER.COM

Do you know an influential woman who deserves to be recognised for her outstanding contribution she has made to life in Northern Ireland? All we need is her name, relevant category and a statement (up to 200 words maximum) on why she should be recognised. TO NOMINATE SOMEONE VISIT WWW.ULSTERTATLER.COM

CATEGORIES 1. ENTREPRENEUR

SPONSORED BY

Recognising those women who have taken a leap of faith and developed their business within the last three years.

2. OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO HEALTH Recognising those women who have made a contribution to society through their work in the health sector.

3. WOMEN WHO HAVE OVERCOME ADVERSITY

SPONSORED BY

Who in your opinion stands out in their contribution to the fashion industry in Northern Ireland?

SPONSORED BY

THE COURTYARD CARRICKFERGUS

SPONSORED BY

This award is to recognise women who have overcome adversity in their personal life.

4. CONTRIBUTION TO BEAUTY/AESTHETICS

5. CONTRIBUTION TO FASHION

MOST FASHIONABLE LADY

SPONSORED BY

This accolade will be judged and awarded on the day. This category is not voted on by the public.

INFLUENTIAL WOMAN OF THE YEAR 2022 This award is given to someone who has made a significant contribution to life in Northern Ireland. This award is not voted on by the public.

SPONSORED BY

We want to hear about women who play a key role in the advancement and developments in the Beauty and or Aesthetics Industry.

TICKETS

Ticket price includes: drinks reception, two course lunch and a goodie bag. Numbers limited, tickets will be sold on a first come first serve basis.

For further information contact: Geraldine Waddell on 028 9066 3311 or email Gerry.waddell@ulstertatler.com

Tickets £65 (per person)

EVENT PARTNERS

THE COURTYARD CARRICKFERGUS

HOW TO NOMINATE SOMEONE? It’s simple, just pick the category and woman you want to vote for at ulstertatler.com, following the guidelines below. Just remember we are looking for women who had made a significant contribution to life in Northern Ireland(no matter how big or small). You can nominate someone in as many categories as you want but you can only nominate someone once in each category. A shortlist for each category will be published in the June UIster Tatler. An independent judging panel will then decide on the winner in each category. Please note that the decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Whoever you nominate must be from Northern Ireland or based here. All the short listed nominees must be prepared to take part in pre and post event publicity. In order of your nomination to count you must fill in your contact details.

VOTING CLOSES 30TH APRIL 2022, TO NOMINATE SOMEONE VISIT ULSTERTATLER.COM.

FRATELLI IS BACK Fratelli, the popular ristorante, pizzeria and bar located in Belfast city centre, had a launch party to celebrate its re-opening, with an all-new authentic Italian menu and a luxurious refurbished interior being unveiled. Guests had the opportunity to sample the Fratelli favourites and soak up the atmosphere of the trendy split-level restaurant and outdoor terrace.

1. Emily Roberts and Louise Jamison 2. Clodagh Keegan and Karen O’Hare. 3. Nicole Fitzpatrick and Anna Lena McPhillips. 4. Ryan Murphy, Tiarnán O’Neill and Emma Murray. 5. Kayleigh Tinney, Geri Wright and Nikki Larkin 6. Alanna and Bethany from Fire Angels. 7. Tanya Austin, Nathan Grimley, Lauren Hannigan and Danny Loughnane 8. Tina Duffield, Stephanie Sheerin, Janine Gelston, Aimee Wilson and Christiane Stitt. 9.Barry Smyth, John Keane, Louise Smyth and Trish Tweedie. 94

Out & About

Good Food Guide If there is one thing we do well in this country, it’s food. Foodie culture has really taken off and farmers’ markets have become increasingly popular with many people travelling far and wide to attend and gather the freshest ingredients for their meals. Some of the most popular and longest running farmers’ day markets take place at St George’s in Belfast. St Georges dates back to 1890 and remains one of the most popular markets in the UK and Ireland. After the recent Covid-19 pandemic which saw people across the country unable to dine out, it’s heart-warming to see that people are finally getting the opportunity to get back out and out to enjoy the delicious cuisine this country has to offer. It’s also great to see that a number of unique and quirky cafés and restaurants have been popping up across the country in locations such as Belfast, Ballymena and Portstewart to name just a few. This month the Ulster Tatler took advantage of the opportunity to explore the best that Northern Irealnd has to offer.

Belfast’s Longest Established Chinese Restaurant The Wong family opened their first Welcome Restaurant in Northern Ireland in 1973. The Stranmillis restaurant was opened in 1982 by the then Lord Mayor, Tom Patton. Now in its second generation, it is the longest established Chinese restaurant in the country. Charlie Wong, son of the founder, took over the restaurant in 2016 after working for over 10 years abroad in places such as USA, Bhutan, Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. The Welcome Takeaways are now independently run by his cousins. The Welcome restaurant has won a range of awards throughout the years, including Best Belfast Restaurant, Master Chef and Egon Ronay Awards. Other recent accolades include: • Golden Chopsticks Awards 2018 Best Restaurant in Ireland - Finalist • Golden Chopsticks Awards 2019 Best Restaurant in Northern Ireland - Finalist • Licensed & Catering News Awards 2018 - Outstanding Customer Service of the Year Finalist • Licensed & Catering News Awards 2019 - Outstanding Customer Service of the Year Finalist

• The Northern Ireland Food Awards 2018 Best Oriental Establishment - Winner • The Northern Ireland Food Awards 2019 Highly Commended Recognition Award - Winner • OpenTable 2018 - Diners’ Choice Award • OpenTable 2019 - Diners’ Choice Award • Good Food Awards 2019 - Winner • Good Food Awards 2020 - Winner • Tripadvisor - Travellers’ Choice Awards - Winner Top 10% of Restaurants Worldwide • Good Food Awards 2021 - Gold Seal Winner

22 Stranmillis Road, Belfast BT9 5AA T: 028 9038 1359 E: hello@welcomebelfast.co.uk www.welcomebelfast.co.uk 95

April 2022

REVIEWS

A Taste Of India

y partner and I visited The Jharna restaurant situated on the thriving Lisburn Road, Belfast on a Tuesday evening. When we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the waiting staff and shown to our seats by the window. Despite attending the restaurant on a weeknight, the atmosphere was lively with a number of hungry guests from families and couples to larger parties. The restaurant features a modern décor with a spacious yet intimate and family feel. The space offers some quirky features such as a gas fire pit and contemporary art adding colour to the walls. We browsed the extensive drinks menu offering a fantastic range of wines, spirits, cocktails and soft beverages. After bringing us our drinks, the waiting staff allowed time for us to study the impressive menu, which provided dishes to suit all tastes. As a vegetarian, I found the list of options to be very impressive. The menu also offers a taste strength chart which is perfect for those like myself who aren’t too adventurous when it comes to spice to navigate their way through the menu. When taking our order, our waiter was very helpful with providing recommendations. This was a lovely personal touch as it shows the staff are genuinely passionate about the food and want to make your dining experience as enjoyable as possible. After much deliberation, I

opted for the Khum Ki Seekh for starters and my partner had the Chicken Pakora. While we were waiting for our food our waiter brought over some homemade poppadums accompanied by three different dipping sauces; the chilli sauce which was sweet with a kick, the mint sauce was refreshing and the mango sauce, a firm favourite, was zesty and rich. Our starters arrived and aside from the stunning presentation, both tasted delicious. The Khum Ki Seekh, a roasted vegetable dish

Ulster Tatler’s Kate McGowan visits The Jharna Restaruant.

with a delicate hint of nutmeg and cumin, which were complementary to the dish without being overpowering. My partner thoroughly enjoyed the Chicken Pakora which was cooked to perfection. A perfect amount of time passed before our mains were served. On our waiter’s recommendation, I had the Paneer Pasanda, a cottage cheese stuffed with spinach served in a mouth-watering almond sauce. This dish did not disappoint, the sauce was rich and creamy without being overpowering and the subtle saltiness of the paneer cheese complimented this perfectly. My partner opted for the Chicken Jal-Frezi (traditional style) which was a beautiful balance of flavours and heat. We both had a side of pilau rice and shared some garlic naan which complemented our dishes. Although our meals were very filing, my partner and I could not resist sampling the tempting desert menu. My partner had the sticky toffee pudding which was light and fluffy and I opted for a Bailey’s coffee which was the perfect conclusion to our meal. When leaving the restaruant, we both agreed we couldn’t wait to return. If you haven’t tried the Jharna Restaruant you are definitely missing out. I cannot recommend the delicious food, friendly sevice and the welcoming atmosphere enough.

April 2022

REVIEWS

Fine Dining Ulster Tatler’s Michaela Colgan visits The Titanic Hotel.

rriving at the Titanic Hotel Belfast, there were countless tributes to the era of the ship from the colour of the walls, reminiscent of the sea, to the flat peak caps worn by some staff members resembling the ship workers of 1912. The hotel is in the listed building of the ‘Harland and Wolff’ headquarters where the designing of all that happened on the slipways was done. The Jute rope and pulley style light fittings are again reminders of the building’s original function. Escorted to The Wolff Grill by the deligent staff, my guest and I were seated in the Chief Draughtman’s office, another nod towards the shipyard’s time. The location of the restaurant and the full length windows allowed us to admire the adjacent Titanic Museum lit up beautifully in the night. All the aforementioned provided ample scope for convivial dinner conversation. The Wolff Grill menu offered a wide variety

of dishes for each course and for all tastes, with starters ranging from cured salmon or quail to mozzarella or duck pate. My guest and I opted for the soup of butternut squash, red chillis and coconut served with rustic rolls. The flavour combinations worked beautifully. This was followed by a lemon sorbet palate cleanser with a hint of gin (very refreshing). Main course choices included beef fillet, duck, seabass, guinea fowl breast or celeric with fennel, blue cheese and mushrooms, all offered with a side choice of chips, butter baby boiled potatoes, broccoli with chilli and garlic butter or rocket and parmesan salad. I had the seabass with celery, spiced red grape, clams and roast hazelnut alongside the baby potatoes while my guest chose the duck with braised red cabbage, celeriac, smoked aubergine, whiskey blackberries and the salad. Both were cooked perfectly. The seabass had moist flesh and crispy skin and

the duck was exactly medium rare. The serving accompaniments gave perfectly complemented flavours and textures to the creatively presented plates. For desserts, I had a hard time in choosing as they all sounded delicious especially the chef’s blueberry and white chocolate cheesecake and the apple compote with orange mousse, gingerbread crumble and raspberry coulis. Also offered was crème brûlée with lemon curd and shortbread or the cheeseboard with chutney and crackers. My guest chose chocolate ganache with soft meringue, pear puree and almond crumble while I decided on the apple compote. These were firstly a feast for the eyes and then a delight to the tongue. Every aspect of the meal was excellent, including the courteous, friendliness of the waiting staff who checked up regularly to ensure everything was running smoothly and drinks were always topped up. The wine list offered a wide choice from across the globe. I hope to return again to try the other menu choices and explore even more of the hotel!

coming soon...

028 9447 1950

Slemish Bakery By Craig Foods

April 2022

REVIEWS Ulster Tatler’s Joanne Harkness visits Bengal Brasserie.

elfast’s Lisburn Road is thriving with activity, it is the place to be for shopping, coffee dates and of course dining. Some of the province’s best restaurants are located on the Lisburn Road, and it is here you will find Ireland’s largest Indian restaurant, Bengal Brasserie. After an afternoon of shopping in the city on a sunny Saturday, my fiancé and I booked in to Bengal Brasserie to relax and refuel. The city comes alive in the sun and it was great to see people out and about, enjoying the best that the area has to offer. Bengal Brasserie is unmissable, as it stands overlooking the hustle and bustle of the Lisburn Road. As you enter the building and climb the stairs to the first floor the elegance of the restaurant is immediately evident, with modern décor that still had nods to traditional Indian interiors. Our waiter greeted us with a smile and showed us to a table for two at the window. We love a window seat, as you get to observe the hustle and bustle of city life while you dine. We arrived at 5pm, just as the restaurant was opening for the evening. Before our eyes the restaurant quickly filled up with all types of people; couples (young and old), families, friends – testament to how popular this restaurant is! To whet our appetite a glorious plate of poppadoms and dips arrived at our table to nibble on. Our drinks order then swiftly appeared – I ordered a bramble cocktail, which was fruity and refreshing… just what I needed after a day of hitting the shops. The menu was extremely extensive, with dishes to suit all tastes and dietary requirements. I loved that the menu had a ‘heat scale’ against each dish to indicate how spicy it was. I can’t handle

Ultimate Dining Experience anything too hot, so it was good to know which dishes woud be suited to my tame palate. To start, my fiancé and I chose to share the Bengal Tapas for two. I always find it difficult to decide what to have for starter, so this was the perfect solution! Included in this sharing platter was; a tandoori chicken and vegetable kebab, chicken pakora, crispy deep fried prawns, lamb tikka, a dipping sauce and salad. We ate every last bite and managed to share it evenly… although I could have stole his portion of the prawns, they were my favourite part! For main course my dish of choice is a creamy vegetable curry so I went to the vegetarian section of the menu to see what Bengal had to offer. The dish that stood out to me was the Nav-Rattan Korma, which was fresh seasonal vegetables cooked with tropical fruits – I was intrigued to see how the fruit would work along with the vegetables. My finacé is a creature of habit, and stuck with the classic chicken tikka masala – it is a dish that is hard to beat.

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When the dishes arrived the aromatic smell filled the air, I couldn’t wait to dig in. My dish had a range of vegetables as well as paneer cheese, and scattered throughout were sweet pieces of pineapple, grapes and other fruit. I was pleasantly surprised at this unlikely combination, as the fruit gave beautiful bursts of sweetness against the creamy, savoury sauce. I would absolutely order it again! Dessert is always a must, so we decided to share the double chocolate mousse. It was sweet, creamy and moreish, the perfect end to the perfect meal. As we finished up our meal the restaurant was really starting to fill out, which created a great buzz and atmosphere. Although it was starting to get busy, the service did not falter at all, as the staff were so efficient and attentive to everyone throughout their dining experience. The Bengal Brasserie certainly is the ultimate weekend spot for dining out – a must visit!

The Speckled Hen

The Speckled Hen, A Multi-Award-Winning Pub Is One Of Ireland’s Oldest Pubs Dating Back To 1660. Situated in the ancient Parish of Derriaghy (Doire Achaidh – Field of Oak) on the edge of Milltown Village, the Speckled Hen has a warm, cosy atmosphere and a passion for simple, rustic cuisine, craft beers, ciders and a friendly welcome. Relax in the old bar; enjoy a drink in front of the fire. Or relax in one of the pub’s beer garden cabañas. Try a beer from the pub’s Black Mountain Brewery or savour one of our Hen’s Blend spirits. Choose from a selection of great pub food presented at its very best in one of our dining rooms or eat on the outdoor patio. We look forward to welcoming you to The Speckled Hen.

47 Derriaghy Road, Lisburn BT28 3SH Tel: 028 9061 1113 Email: speckledhenlisburn@gmail.com

www.speckledhenlisburn.com Opening Hours Mon – Thurs from 4pm Fri – Sun from 12noon

April 2022

REVIEWS Ulster Tatler’s Michaela Colgan visits Killeavy Castle Estate to learn about their sustainability approach and try their selection of fresh local produce.

Get Closer To What’s Important

lthough already familiar with the ‘The Ring of Gullion’, one of Northern Ireland’s Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty I had not yet visited its hidden gem tucked into the forest – Killeavy Castle’s 350 acres with the restored 19th century castle and 45-bedroom boutique hotel. Only a one hour commute from Belfast and just ten minutes from Newry, it is the perfect escape location. From arrival I felt like I was in a little bubble away from the stresses of everyday life. Originally from the countryside myself, it was so refreshing to return to nature. I was greeted by the courteous concierge and met the welcoming staff during a quick tour before my check in. My first impression of the bedroom was the luxurious softness of the carpet. The area was spacious with two windows capturing the surrounding views. The carefully selected wall colours and landscape pictures worked perfectly to further bring the outdoors in. If anyone is looking for an even more enhanced countryside experience, guests can see calves and lambs being delivered, shear sheep, extract honey and meet the two Irish wolfhounds who happen to star in the new upcoming film ‘The Northman’ starring Nicole Kidman. Killeavy Castle Hotel offers a ‘farm to fork’ dining experience with a variety of produce grown on site including fruit and herbs from the

historic Walled Garden. This bottled produce adorns the restaurant to further enhance the wholesome ambience. The estate farm provides fresh vegetables and rears cattle and sheep to service the hotel kitchen. Thus 90% of the food served is either grown on site or sourced within a 30-mile radius from suppliers such as Mourne Seafood, Ballylisk Cheese, Armagh and McPolin Eggs to name a few. Naturally fallen trees are also utilised to provide plating options for some dishes. In addition, Killeavy castle estate has taken further steps to promote sustainability and fight climate change, working with The Woodland Trust to increase the level of broadleaf trees planted in Slieve Gullion. They are beginning

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to invest in green energy in the form of solar panels and hydro power, taking them ever closer to their goal of being carbon neutral by 2027. Futhermore, Killeavy Castle Estate has partnered with charities such as the ‘Bolster Community’ helping general fundraising and by selling Bolster Community’s handmade candles in the hotel itself. Armed with all the food source knowledge, I felt excited to avail of the seven-course tasting menu dining experience and I was not disappointed! From the first bite of cured salmon, radish mousse and crumpet with citrus emulsion, the freshness of the ingredients and the striking taste was tantalising. This first course was complemented by one of the most delicious kombucha teas I have ever tasted. Followed by braised estate lamb cooked to perfection and a seafood salad with fennel, carrot and tarragon bursting with flavour. The presentation of everything was outstanding, especially the fourth course sorbet palate cleanser served on the aforementioned tree parts. I loved this uniqueness. For the fifth course choice of monkfish or beef I opted for the fish but didn’t pass up on trying some of the beef, which my guest was also a fan of. Both were superb. The skill of the chef really celebrated the fresh local produce delightfully. The attentiveness of the waiting staff must also be commended. Finishing with the dessert dishes of rhubarb rice pudding with pistachio and honey sabayon along with petit fours, the presentation was even more outstanding with the dry ice effect creating a special finale. After a peaceful sleep in the cosy bed and the delicious meal the night before, I was relishing breakfast. There was a wide choice on offer– hot buffet, selection of cereals, pastries, cheese, cured meats, yoghurts and fruit not to mention the menu options of smoked salmon with scrambled eggs, eggs benedict, or pancakes. I couldn’t resist trying the eggs benedict but also got a pancake for good measure. Being Pancake Tuesday, the hotel had expanded their accompaniment choice for the special day with added options of Nutella or Lemon and sugar alongside their usual mixed berry compote and maple syrup. I can’t wait to return in summer to visit the estate’s new farm store and café. www.killeavycastle.com

April 2022

SPEAKS

Dine & Stay at Me & Mrs Jones Ulster Tatler speaks to Chris Furey, Head Chef at Me & Mrs Jones and Matthew Adams, the Restaurant Manager at Me & Mrs Jones. Why should people visit Me & Mrs Jones if they havent been before? Perfectly situated at the top of Portstewart promenade, Me & Mrs Jones is a quirky, boutique hotel known for its individuality and unique style. This fanfare is carried throughout the hotel with over-the-top décor, indisputable theatrical artifacts and fanciful explosions of colour lavishing your eyes as you walk around every corner. The restaurant has a glamorous yet contemporary feel which showcases chairs in bright pink, purple, yellow and blue. The vibe features a mixture of blues, jazz and ragtime music covering anything from old classics to modern acoustic covers, genres that may be hard to find in the surrounding area. The north coast and Portstewart is a thriving foodie area, what makes the restaurant at Me & Mrs Jones stand out?

The restaurant at Me & Mrs Jones has been gaining momentum in the local area for ‘good food’ with many weekends filling weeks in advance. Known for flavourism food, Head Chef Chris Furey bases his kitchen artistry on using the very best of local fresh produce delivering big and bullish flavours with an ethos of seasonailty being a key factor when developing menus. “Local producers and suppliers are paramount in our creations” says Chris “we work on a collaboration with local company ‘The Green House Brothers’ who specialise in growing micro greens and flowers in completely oganic material to produce the finest of micro chives, red sorrell and borrage leaf specifically for our dishes here at Me & Mrs Jones”, this is just one example of the many local suppliers used on the Me & Mrs Jones menu. Do you offer breakfast, lunch and dinner in the restaurant? Yes, yes and yes – we serve food to the public from 12pm daily. Breakfast is always a talking point for residents on check out, many glad they can avail of the extended 12 noon departure to have a post breakfast nap. Offering all the classics such as Mrs Jones Ulster Fry to freshly baked pancakes or Eggs

Benedict – no one ever leaves hungry! Approaching summer, we are just about to re-launch our summer brunch menu which was a huge success in 2021 says Matthew. “Diners can choose from a selection of tapas-style small plates which can be enjoyed in either our restaurant or, weather permitting, on our roof terrace including our famous Beef Arancini with white truffle mayo or my personal favourite, whipped Carraig Bán Goats cheese with pickled pear, candied walnutes and Irish pale ale drizzle” Our evening A La Carte menu is what we are famed for, this alongside the recent addition of our monthly tasting events, created to further showcase the very best of local produce, with perfectly selected drinks to accompany each course, booking a table early is always advisable. What about afternoon tea? Me & Mrs Jones has been a popular venue for Afternoon Tea within the local area with our vibrant lounge area lending itself perfectly to the grandure of an Afternoon Tea booking says Matthew. “Our Afternoon Tea includes a selection of finger sandwhiches, homemade

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scones, clotted cream and strawberry jam and our selection of delicious sweet treats, with your choice of Mr Jones Tea. For those wanting to indulge that little bit more, we have a G&Tea or Sparkling Tea add on’s.” Is there a particular dish that is a Me & Mrs Jones favourite? With an emphasis on sea to plate, we have found customers have been enjoying our roasted monkfish served with fennel, samphire, new potatoes and dill butter sauce. “We purchase freshly caught fish from right here on Portstewart harbour from local fish supplier Brian McGuinness who supplies us with fantastic produce caught in local waters, as a chef you can’t find much better than that” says Head Chef Chris Furey. Do you offer any dine and stay deals coming up for spring/ summer? Our Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package is by far our most popular. Keep an eye on our website for news of promotional offers for the 2022 season and tasting event dates on our website Meandmrsjonesportstewart.com.

Ardavon Park.

Work begins on New Luxury Homes at Ardavon Estate in Cultra Construction work has begun on the development of new homes in Glen Road, Cultra, one of Northern Ireland’s most sought-after addresses. In the latest phase of its landmark Ardavon Park scheme, Valor Homes has revealed that it is building five new luxury apartments, a gate lodge and seven coach houses around a shared courtyard in the stunning Ardavon Estate near Holywood. Designed by Warwick Architects of Templepatrick, the new Ardavon House Apartments will include four three-bedroom apartments and a penthouse in a beautiful new building on the site of the former Ardavon House. Measuring between 2,055 sq ft and 2,235 sq ft, the apartments have been designed to take full advantage of the sunlight and aspect, with details reflecting the heritage and style of the original Victorian house that once stood on the site. The gate lodge at the entrance to the site has been designed using proportions and detailing also found in the main apartment building. Situated around a shared yard, the seven townhouses of The Courtyard provide another turn-key addition to the development. Ranging from 1,690 sq ft to 1,830 sq ft, the three and four-bedroom homes have been designed around a converted stable courtyard using brick and natural stone to create a distinct identity

for the properties. High quality materials, landscaping and lighting will also be used to create a community space for residents to enjoy. Valor Homes began work on the project at the start of the year, with the first completions expected in summer 2022 and development likely to be ongoing until early 2023. Magherafelt-headquartered developer Valor Homes strives to create beautiful homes of exceptional quality that both

stand the test of time for purchasers and enhance their location. With an emphasis on innovative design Valor Homes uses only the very best materials and experienced local tradesmen to ensure meticulous attention to detail in each and every new home. The company’s overall development of the Ardavon Estate represents a significant investment in the local area, with six separate sites already being marketed within Ardavon Park which have planning approval for spacious, 5-bed family homes.

Pictured at the new Ardavon Park development on the Glen Road in Cultra are David Menary from Colliers, Darren Donnelly of Valor Homes and Tiffany Brien from Simon Brien.

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Warwick Architects is a multi-awardwinning practice located in Templepatrick, which specialises in traditional and contemporary architecture and is renowned for some of the most exclusive homes in Northern Ireland. The design of Ardavon House as a luxury apartment building has been carefully considered with detailing to reflect the history of the site. The apartment layouts are designed to take advantage of their orientation in terms of the sun, view and elevation. Garuda Interiors, based in Belfast has selected all hard finishes, kitchen design and bathrooms, architectural joinery and paint colours to create a high quality, classic contemporary style for each of the homes. The new properties are being marketed by Simon Brien Residential and Colliers New Homes with prices starting from £ 675,000. Darren Donnelly, managing director of Valor Homes, said: “We are really excited to have started work on bringing these fantastic homes in Ardavon Estate to life. We believe this development is the very definition of stylish and elegant living in a stunning location and by adding these luxurious apartments and coach houses we are offering people the chance to buy into a very exclusive area at a more affordable level. “Set in a stunning landscape, Ardavon is just a short distance from Holywood and a wide range of activities and amenities, which will appeal both to those already living in the area and buyers who are new to County Down or looking to move to Northern Ireland.” Tiffany Brien from Simon Brien Residential said: “We are delighted to be marketing these exceptional new homes at Ardavon Estate which comprise luxury high end apartments and townhouses. The specification and detail that Valor Homes have put into these properties lead them to be some of the finest available on the market. Situated in the heart of Cultra, a stone’s throw from the North Down coastline, a stroll into Holywood town and only ten minutes from Belfast city centre, the location could not be better. We have received a huge amount of interest from our initial marketing and advise anyone who is keen to get in touch to find out more information.” David Menary from Colliers added: “These

The Courtyard.

whomes are tailor made for those interested in aspirational and unique living in Cultra, the coastal area of Holywood - which was voted as the best place in Northern Ireland to live by the Sunday Times. The detail, design and style of these houses and apartments are all of an exceptional quality and ideal for all purchaser requirements. Location,

Ardavon House Apartments.

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convenience and quality are part of what all uncompromising buyers can expect in Ardavon Park.” For more information on Ardavon Park go to www.valorhomes.co.uk or call Simon Brien Residential on 028 9042 8989 or Colliers on 028 9024 4000.

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MARY PETERS TRUST CELEBRATING 50 YEARS OF WOMEN IN SPORT The Mary Peters Trust kicked off a year of celebrating women in sport with an inspiring event at the Waterfront Hall. The ‘In Conversation with’ Women in Sport event, hosted by sports journalist, Ruth Gorman, featured a panel of extraordinary sportswomen. The panel Q&A was headed by Lady Mary Peters, who was joined by Olympic gold medallist runner, Dame Kelly Holmes, Women’s Northern Ireland Football Team manager, Marissa Callaghan, and six-time Paralympic gold medallist swimmer, Bethany Firth. 1. Marissa Callaghan and Nuala Meenehan. 2. Jim and Paula Gracey. 3. Amy Palmer, Ionagh McEvoy, Domilia Timonyte, Kate Morris and Joanne McMaster. 4. Carla Brennan and Louise Chettle. 5. Nuala Meenehan with Lady Mary Peters and Dame Kelly Holmes. 6. Sophie Kelly and Tracey Martin. 106

! r e m m Su o t n i g n i Spr

Take your litter home

Only park in designated spaces and consider locals

Avoid starting open fires

Keep your dog on a lead

Only camp or light a BBQ in designated areas

Take your dog poo home

Check the weather and bring the right equipment

Spring into Summer FOCUS ON

Recharge On The Emerald Isle Ulster Tatler’s Michaela Colgan speaks to Daniel Mckee about WildBay Retreats.

What other services do you offer? I run tailored day retreats and meditation workshops for corporate events and private groups. I also facilitate online meditation classes. Tell us about WildBay Retreats. Wildbay retreats are crafted from a lifelong passion and interest in meditation and the need to provide people with the opportunity to detox from their hectic lives and reconnect with themselves. So often daily life is full of pressure and distraction. We forget to pause, breathe, and tune into the present moment, this then leads to feelings of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. By creating an all-inclusive, tailor-made experience that combines health, wellness, and meditation it removes distractions and allows you to focus solely on you and embrace the restorative practices that will return a once preoccupied mind back into balance.

Daniel McKee.

What makes it unique? There is nothing like this in Northern Ireland. Health and wellness retreats are incredibly popular in America, Australia, and other parts of the world with positive life affirming attributes. Combine the expertise of some of the best retreats worldwide and the warmth and friendliness of the emerald Isle and you truly have a unique retreat that is unlike any other. A programme solely designed to take you on a restorative journey, it harnesses the unique beauty and natural calm of the Causeway Coast. It shines light on the incredible local produce and promotes a more mindful way of living. The facilitators at the retreat create a relaxed, welcoming setting making for a fun, rejuvenating, and deeply rewarding experience for beginners and experienced retreaters alike. For more information visit www.wildbayretreats.com

Adventurous Outdoor Activities With the lighter evenings and brighter weather now upon us, the Ulster Tatler has put together some adventurous outdoor activities to help you make the most of your Spring and Summer season. Under The Rope Bridge Tour Experience the Carrick-a-Reed Rope Bridge like you’ve never seen it before. You will kayak along the beautiful Ballintoy coastline and get the opportunity to travel under the rope bridge. For more information visit: https://www. causewaycoastkayakingtours.com/ Let’s Go Hydro Aqua Park For an adrenaline-filled day out, visit Let’s Go Hydro and make a splash in Ireland’s largest inflatable park. For more information visit: https://letsgohydro.com/aqua-park The Gobbins Cliff Path Walk Explore an exciting adventure along The Gobbins cliffs. The elevated path runs across bridges, through tunnels and if you are lucky you may catch a glimpse seals, dolphins or the seasonal puffins who occasionally inhabit the paths. For more information visit: https://thegobbinscliffpath.com/ 110

Todds Leap Zip Line If you are brave enough why not visit Todds Leap Zip Line. At its peak the zip line is 500 metres long and hangs 50 metres off the ground at its peak. For more information visit: https://toddsleap.com/ Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trial Also popularly nicknamed the Stairway to Heaven Walk is an enjoyable hike across a boardwalk and staircase. Although a rather strenuous climb to the top, on a clear day the viewing platform is definitely worth it. For more information visit, https://walkni. com/walks/cuilcagh-boardwalk-trail/ Taste and Tour Exclusively offering a great range of food and drink tours across some of Belfast’s best hospitality establishments. Tours include Belfast Food Tour, Belfast Whiskey Walk and much more. For more information visit: https://tasteandtour.co.uk/

Relax, rejuvenate, and restore with WildBay Retreats

ome nourish the self on one of WildBay’s three-day restorative retreats. Situated along the enchanting Causeway Coast. Relax, rejuvenate, and restore in equal measures.

All inclusive of vegetarian cuisine crafted to nourish the mind and body, detox with organic herbal teas, breakfast smoothies and awaken the taste buds with the vibrant menu of breakfast, lunch and dinner all prepared by our in-house cook. Awaken to the morning sun with gentle hatha yoga in the zen studio and learn effective meditation techniques that reinstate calm and rejuvenate the body. Melt into music with our in-house harpist as you are guided on a deeply restorative healing meditation on this journey through sound. Find your flow with our conscious movement meditation workshop and move through the playful practice, to release body and mind tension and restore inner balance. Manifest positive change and awaken to more through the art of empowerment circles and embrace the powerful cleansing qualities of the Atlantic Ocean, as we reset, and recharge through this holistic practice. Reconnect on the discovery, mindful hike while you are guided on a journey through the senses as you experience the beauty of the Causeway Coastline and allow yourself to fully embrace the present moment. Journal by the pond, read by the fire or relax in one of the many spacious rooms within the estate. Book a massage with one of our holistic practitioners during down time or simply lie back and relax in your spacious double room within the luxurious Cloughorr Estate. WildBay Retreats is facilitated by meditation instructor and avid adventurer Daniel McKee, who understands the immense benefits of retreat life. From growing up on the Causeway Coast and having travelled extensively throughout the world Daniel has been on countless retreats and has handpicked the itinerary and chosen the Causeway Coast as WildBay’s home, as its immersive beauty is like non other. Aided by his partner Matthew, who both met one another on the popular television series ‘Married at First Sight’, Matthew ensures the smooth flow of the retreat as they lovingly work together alongside some of the destination’s best practitioners to make the retreat a repeat success. We keep our groups small so each guest can have a personalised, individual experience and dietary requirements can be catered for. Each activity is optional, and retreats are inclusive of all levels of ability and designed to introduce each practice with guidance and care so guests can move through the three days with calm, ease, and clarity. Groups, couples, individuals, and friends are welcome to embark on this restorative journey.

Meditatiо

Sustainability

Community

June Retreat Date: June 29th – 1st July 2022 September Retreat Date: 2nd – 4th September 2022

For all inquiries, details of future retreats and to express your interest please see the below contact details: daniel@wildbayretreats.com | www.wildbayretreats.com | : WildBay Retreats | : wildbayretreats | : 07707070433

Spring into Summer FOCUS ON

What makes it unique? Se7ens Car Hire is the only company in Ireland to offer the unique experience of driving a Caterham 7. Our clients can explore Northern Ireland and beyond as we provide European fully comprehensive insurance. Take in the Mournes, discover the Causeway Coast or tour anywhere in Ireland with this beautiful 2 seater sports car. What cars and packages do you offer? We currently have one Caterham that we hire for touring, birthdays, weddings and TV work. Our future plans are to add a Bentley Continental GT or Audi R8 to our garage. As Se7ens Car Hire is a family run business we can offer individual custom packages that are tailored to suit your individual requirements! For more information visit se7enscarhire.com

Chris and Kate Wilson

Explore in Style Ulster Tatler’s Michaela Colgan speaks to Chris WIlson from Se7ens Car Hire. Where is Se7ens Car Hire based? Our premises are situated in Ballynure, a little village at the Gateway to the Causeway Coast & Glens and conveniently located only 15 minutes from both the City and International airports. To ensure our experiences are easily accessible, we can also deliver and collect the car from a location of your choice.

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EXPLORE IRELAND THE RIGHT WAY... Se7ens Car Hire is a family run business, passionate about cars and the beautiful Caterham 7. The Caterham is a specialist lightweight sports car which offers the driver a return to the simplicity of pure, exhilarating driving. A classic, open top car made for exploring. We offer the opportunity to selfdrive this legendary sports car and explore the amazing roads we have here in Ireland. To ensure our clients get the most from the driving experience, we provide insurance, breakdown cover and racing boots. We also send you on your way with a selection of snacks which are all produced locally. You have to try this totally unique driving experience for yourself to truly appreciate it… to book please contact us and we will work with you to create the bespoke experience you’re looking for!

Causeway Coast & Glens

Driving Time: 3h 43min - Mileage: 132 miles Things to See/Do: Carnfunnock Country Park, Cairndhu Golf Club, Ballygalley Beach, Ballygalley Castle, Glenarm Castle, Glenarm Forest, Carnlough Harbour, Glenariff Forest Park, Torr Head, Ballycastle Strand, Carrick-A-Rede Rope Bridge, White Park Bay Beach, Dunseverick Falls & Castle, Giants Causeway, Bushmills Inn, Royal Portrush Golf Club, Portrush East/West Strand, Harbour Bar/ Ramore Wine Bar/ Coast, Portstewart Strand, Portstewart Golf Club, The Dark Hedges, Lissanoure Castle, Ballyclare Golf Club.

Mourne Mountains

Driving Time: 4h 11min - Mileage: 145 miles Things to See/Do: Titanic Belfast, Titanic Hotel, Let’s go Hydro, Hinch Distillery, Seaforde Gardens & Tropical Butterfly House, Mourne Seafood Bar, Murlough Beach, Royal County Down Golf Club, Slieve Donard Resort & Spa, Tollymore Forest Park, Mourne Mountains, Spelga Dam, Silent Valley Mountain Park, Seascape Hatchery, Cranfield Beach, The Fairy Glen, Hillsborough Castle & Gardens, Hillsborough Forest Park, The Plough Inn, The Parson’s Nose, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat, Hilton Templepatrick & Country Club.

Fermanagh Lakes

Driving Time: 3h 43min - Mileage: 132 miles Things to See/Do: Wine & Brine, Augher, Clogher, Fivemiletown, Knockmany Forest, Castle Coole, Kilyhevlin Lakeside Hotel & Lodges, Enniskillen Castle, Florence Court, Marble Arch Caves, Cuilcagh Boardwalk Trail, Lough Erne Resort, The Boatyard Distillery, Omagh Memorial Garden, Ulster American Folk Park, Gartin Glen Forest Park, Beaghmore Stone Circles Landmark, Lissan House, Drum Manor Forest Park, Galgorm Castle, Galgorm Castle Golf Club, Galgorm Resort & Spa, Ballyclare Golf Club.

Ards Peninsula Driving Time: 4h 30min - Mileage: 134 miles Things to do: Carrickfergus Castle, Titanic Belfast, Titanic Hotel, Dirty Duck Alehouse, Holywood Golf Club, Cultra Inn, The Culloden Hotel, Royal Belfast Golf Club, The Ulster Transport Museum, Helen’s Bay Beach, Crawfords burn Country Park, Crawfordsburn Inn, Clandeboye Lodge Hotel, Clandeboye Golf Club, Bangor Castle Walled Garden, Banger Marina, The Copeland Distillery Tour, Millisle Beach, Burr Point, Portavogie Harbour, Exploris Aquarium, Strangford Ferry, Kilclief Beach, Ardglass Marina Ardglass Golf Club, Tyrella Beach, St Patrick’s Grave, The Saint Patrick Centre, Finne brogue Woods, WWT Castle Espie.

Tel: 07883872741

Ards Peninsula

Fermanagh Lakes

Mourne Mountains

Causeway Coast & Glens

se7enscarhire.com

Email: se7enscarhire@gmail.com

Social: @se7enscarhire

Spring into Summer FOCUS ON

Get ready for the new season at Glenarm Castle and Garden One of Northern Ireland’s leading tourist attractions Claire and Elsie Murray and Glenarm Castle and Garden, located in the village of Elijah Mellon launch the new Glenarm Co. Antrim, is getting ready to open up and season at Glenarm Castle. welcome visitors to the new season from Saturday 9th April 2022. With lots to do and see, visitors will enjoy discovering the historic Castle, Walled Garden, Tea Room and the many unique experiences including Ocean view glamping pods, Ireland’s first Mini Land Rover experience, E-Bike hire, the Castle Shop & Welcome Centre, Pizza Pavilion and The Milk Parlour featuring ice cream using milk from N. Ireland’s only remaining Shorthorn dairy herd located on the estate. This new season also returns with Glenarm Castle’s two major Festivals – The Tulip Festival and Camp Dalfest. The Tulip Festival (30th April - 2nd May) sponsored by Bloms Bulbs, features a magnificent display of tulips and this year includes a live performance of Alice in Wonderland. Camp Dalfest (16th - 17th July), sponsored by online property search BOOMIN and proudly supported by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, this year’s stellar line-up of chart-topping artists is not to be missed. Coming soon this new season will be an immersive visitor experience with audio guides which will enhance tours and feature a new progressive web app, A Heritage Centre telling the story of the Antrim McDonnells who have played a key role in the story of Antrim coast since the 16th Century and a Coach House Museum with displays giving insight into local life from the 1600s to the present day, including a display of some of Lord Antrim’s vintage cars. The Heritage Centre and Museum are both supported by funding from Tourism NI Experience Development Funding. For further information visit www.glenarmcastle.com

Embrace the Tastes of Northern Ireland Northern Ireland is popular for its food and drink offering and neverending new experiences to tantalise your tastebuds. Paddle and Pizza on Strangford Lough, Co Down: This is most definitely a day out with a difference. You can gobble up guilt free pizza after working up your appetite and burning the calories on stunning Strangford Lough, what more could you ask for? Tickets start from £30pp. www.traceysfarmhousekitchen.com/ product/paddleboard-pizzas/ Foodie City Cycle, Co Londonderry Have you been thinking about a city break? Get a taste for the city (quite literally) on Far and Wild’s Foodie City Cycle. If you’ve got an appetite for discovering great food and learning about local culture too, this is the tour for you. Prices start from £40pp. www.farandwild. org/foodie-city-cycle/ The Enniskillen Taste Experience, Co Fermanagh The Enniskillen Taste Experience showcases the culinary delights local businesses have to offer and will enchant customers with a memorable experience, as you are served an array of nibbles, along with a few alcoholic beverages. Tickets start from £50pp. www. enniskillentasteexperience.com The Irish Game Fair and Fine Food Festival, Co Antrim, 25th – 26th June 2022 Soak up the luscious surroundings of Shane’s Castle in County Antrim as you indulge in the flavourful foray of delicious local food and drink. Tickets are priced from £5 pp. www.irishgamefair.com/index.asp 114

WINNERS! HISTORIC TOP HOTEL RESTAURANT AWARD 2022 by Historic Hotels of Europe

• 2AA Rosette Restaurant • 4* bedrooms • Private Dining • Civil Ceremonies & Exclusive use

‘Best 100 Places to Stay in Ireland’ every year since 1998 - by John & Sally McKenna’s Guide to Ireland

National Winners ‘AA Guest Accommodation of the Year 2020’

Proud Ireland’s Blue Book member & Good Food Ireland founding member

Ghan House, Old Quay Lane, Carlingford, Co. Louth, A91 DXY5, Ireland Tel: +353 42 937 3682 www.ghanhouse.com

Spring into Summer FOCUS ON

Unwind in style at The Johnstown Estate Spa As relaxation and self-care have become more important than ever, why not unwind in style with an escape to Ireland’s newest destination spa at The Johnstown Estate. The Elemis and Gharieni flagship spa include a brand new Rooftop Experience, Thermal Suite and 15 treatment rooms, including a Rasul mud and mineral treatment chamber and a couples room. Your Spa Escape package offers a choice from three signature 50-minute treatments. Choose from a soothing Full Body Swedish Massage, a luxury Elemis Facial or a pampering Oriental Head Massage, all designed to leave you with a feeling of revitalisation and deep relaxation. Following your treatment, enjoy two hours of uninterrupted bliss at the new Rooftop Experience and Thermal Suite. Idle away the hours between the hydrotherapy pool and the heated outdoor area on the Rooftop, then enjoy the many treats in the

Thermal Suite. Move from the salt cave to the sauna, to the steam room to the reflexology pathway. Or relax on Gharieni Aqua beds which elevate rest to a new level. After a day of deep relaxation, enjoy a delicious four-course dining experience at the hotels signature restaurant ‘Fire & Salt’. The menu boasts a choice of mouth-watering masterpieces prepared from local seasonal ingredients, and signature dishes include hand-picked Irish beef and beautifully decorated desserts that look almost too good to eat. There is also an impressive selection of wine and cocktail favourites to sample before you retire for a restful night’s sleep. For more information, visit www.thejohnstownestate.com

Garden Gate Gifts

The Dark Hedges rings come in various designs, are solid silver and are hallmarked. These are great gifts for fans of Games of Thrones.

GREAT GIFTS

Garden Gate Gifts is a retailer that prides itself in bringing to the Island of Ireland a quality designer luxury range of outdoor furniture . Our furniture is designed to stay in your garden year after year bringing designer style and elegance without maintenance. Investing in our furniture ensures that you have a beautiful space to enjoy all year round whether that is catching the early morning sun, evening sun sets or garden time dining with family and friends. We have been designing and supplying furniture to the UK and Irish market for more than 15 years. Our 2022 summer season is already underway with all of our ranges restocked with same day delivery spaces available. Contact our team on 028 8775 2222 to arrange a viewing with free consultant and quotations and book your delivery today or simply call into our spacious showrooms. Open Mon - Sat 10am - 5pm Late Evening Thursday to 9 pm by appointment..

Queen’s University cufflinks are solid silver and are hallmarked. These are great graduation gifts. Both products are available to purchase from website nisilver.com 116

Escape Spa Experience Luxury overnight accommodation 50 minute treatment each (choice of full body Swedish massage, Elemis classic facial or an oriental head massage) 2 hours indoor and rooftop thermal experience Access to pool & leisure facilities 4 course evening meal in the Fire & Salt Restaurant Full Irish breakfast in the morning

To find out more, visit thejohnstownestate.com

OR CALL 046 954 0000

Silversea is committed to making your cruise unforgettable by taking you to the most beautiful destinations on the planet in the comfort and elegance that you deserve.

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Voyage: 5731C Departure date: 11 Nov 17 SILVER WIND Days: 4 | Ship: Silver Spirit

Door-to-Door All-Inclusive fare has a flexible cancellation policy. Covid-19 protection policy always applied.

VANCOUVER TOVERANDA SAN DIEGO SUITE FROM £1,250pp

Departing from Vancouver, sail to Victoria, British Columbia’s whale watching capital. Travelling south, you’ll stop off in Seattle for a trip up the space needle, Portland for an overnight and a taste of their delectable wines before a further Date Port overnight in San Fran. A final day in Santa Barbara, famous for its sandy beaches and perfect sunsets, completes your trip. 11 Nov 17 Civitavecchia (Rome),

Italy 12 Nov 17 Monte Carlo, Monaco DEPARTURE DURATION Flights from Belfast 13included Nov 17 Marseille, France 05 October 2022 11 DAY CRUISE 14 Nov 17 Livorno, Italy CLASSIC VERANDA SUITE VISTA SUITE 15 Nov 17 £7500 Civitavecchia From per person (Rome), Italy From £6500 per person

Arrive 9:00 am 8:00 am 9:00 am 8:00 am

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SILVER MUSE

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VANCOUVER TO SEWARD (ANCHORAGE, ALASKA) Just say the word Alaska and you are already brimming with excitement. Bears as big as boats. Culture over 20,000 years old. Miles and miles of wild, unspoiled nature. A never setting summer sun. To call Alaska awe-inspiring is no overstatement. DEPARTURE

01 September 2022

Flights from Belfast included

PANORAMA SUITE From £5000 per person

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07 DAY CRUISE

CLASSIC VERANDA SUITE From £5400 per person

SILVER WHISPER

QUEBEC CITY TO NEW YORK, NY The incredibly photogenic fall on Canada and New England’s east coast is something everyone should see once. This is where Mother Nature runs riot and the trees become an artist’s palette of spectacular standard. But don’t just take our word for it – join us aboard this 11-day voyage from Quebec City to NYC and travel the coasts of Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Nova Scotia. You’ll soon see what all the fuss is about.

A hop, skip and a jump across the Mediterranean to discover why DEPARTURE DURATION region is considered one of the most diverse and interesting Flights from Belfastthe included 22 October 2022 11 DAY CRUISE in the world. With the glory of Eternal City bookending this CLASSIC VERANDA SUITE VISTA SUITE compact revel in the glamour of Monte Carlo, play From voyage, £8200 per person From £6700 per person boules and taste an authentic bouillabaisse in Marseille and enjoy traditional Florentine fancies in beautiful, whimsical Firenze. A mid-winter must. HOLYWOOD 02890 279 986 | HOWARD STREET 028 90279984/985 | LISBURN 02892 635223 Fares shown are in Pound Sterling, per guest, based on double-occupancy in the lowest suite category available. Terms and conditions apply.

Monte Ca

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Coast or Country... Dream Destinations area. There are 5 bedrooms with superking, kingsize and double beds serviced by four bath/shower rooms. The master suite is on the ground floor. The mezzanine level offers a place to relax, read or listen to music. The laundry room holds the washing machine and tumble dryer. There is a large gravel driveway with parking in front of the property and a mature, secluded walled garden.

Leaving the Bushmills Distillery behind and driving into the glorious countryside along the Castlecatt Road gazing at the ever-changing shades of green, there’s an old red phone box to my left and a glorious row of beech hedging. Nestled behind it is a grand gentleman’s residence. Wow! The Old Schoolhouse at No 1 Cozies Road. This fully renovated, gated property offers an extensive, comfortable living area with two beautiful fireplaces. The large kitchen has a four oven Aga, dishwasher, fridge, freezer, and dining

No matter which road you take, you will know you have arrived in Portrush… West Strand beach capturing views of Donegal or East Strand beach with the Whiterocks, Skerries, and in the distance, the Causeway headland and even Scotland! You will have 360 degree views of our stunning North Coast. We are situated just opposite the Arcadia beach steps – and what a view – whatever the weather! This recently restored Victorian duplex apartment draws some serious reaction. The instant calm as it pulls you into the lounge with its high ceilings, original features and amazing decor is only increased with the beach views - just a five minute walk away. Along with the lounge and modern fitted kitchen, the first floor includes the master bedroom and family bathroom. The second floor offers a shower room, three further bedrooms - one KS room, a two-bed family room, and a twin. The property has the added advantage of being in the town centre, close to the beach, and a quiet place to relax at the end of a busy day. You will find virtually everything you need within walking distance (bakery, pharmacy, supermarket, cafes, buckets and spades etc). With both these properties, cleanliness, comfort and quality are a priority. We welcome our guests in person and are contactable at all times. The North Coast is a pretty special place and we believe we can provide a pretty special base to enjoy your latest adventure.

10% Discount when guests enter Tatler10 when booking. www.airbnb.com/h/northcoastandcountry-coastalliving www.airbnb.co.uk/h/northcoastandcountry-theoldschoolhouse

206 Straid Road, Bushmills BT57 8XJ

North Coast & Country T: 077 5385 1744 www.northcoastandcountry.com

Northern Ireland’s leading gardening event, Garden Show Ireland, is set to make a highly anticipated return to the award-winning Antrim Castle Gardens from Friday 29 April until Sunday 1 May.

FOCUS ON

Spring into Summer

Garden Show Ireland returns… like clockwork!

A definite highlight of the events calendar, this 3-day event has consistently attracted almost 30,000 visitors’ eager to immerse themselves in what is a festival of flowers, food and fun! Based in one of the UK’s most unique and historically intact gardens, Antrim Castle Gardens is the perfect space for Northern Ireland’s premier horticultural event. In celebration of the return of Garden Show Ireland 2022 and the impending Platinum Jubilee celebrations, renowned garden designer and TV personality Diarmuid Gavin will open Garden Show Ireland on Friday 29 April and has also been commissioned to create a Clockwork Garden for Antrim Castle Gardens. This unique garden will be similar to the ‘garden of pure imagination’ which featured at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in 2016, which won awards, was visited by Her Majesty the Queen, and drew 1000’s of spectators and huge critical acclaim. This particular installation will be the only one of its kind installed permanently in any location. Coming to life every 15mins, this new permanent Garden performs as the trees dance and plant pots move. “Dancing Trees for the Jubilee” will be part of the Queens Platinum Jubilee celebrations and the Queens Green Canopy. During the past two years, as we have all weathered intermittent lockdowns, there has undoubtedly been a surge in aspiring gardeners. Garden Show Ireland is the ideal event to hone those newly acquired horticultural skills and soak up some professional tips that will help transform your outdoor space. This year’s event will embrace the concept of ‘Grow your Own’, reinforcing our shared obligation to create a sustainable environment that meets the needs of future generations. Visitors will access the show via Scarecrow Avenue, whose residents have all been created by local primary school children using whatever pre-used material they can get their hands on! These 120

children will also have the opportunity to construct and display their very own miniature gardens, truly nurturing those mini green fingers on their journey to becoming eco enthusiasts! In addition to enjoying a weekend of gardening expertise, ideas and inspiration, visitors will also have the opportunity to visit the Food NI Food Pavilion to observe chef led food demonstrations and sample food from some of Northern Ireland leading artisan food producers. With everything from live jazz and stilt walkers to crazy golf and dog shows in the dedicated ‘Doggie Zone,’ Garden Show Ireland certainly has something for the entire family…including your pets! Tickets for Garden Show Ireland cost just £10 and are available online at gardenshowireland.com. Children under 16 go free.

Buy Right & Buy Once

California casual seating.

California dining range available in oval and round.

Boston corner sofa available in two colour ways with coﬀee table or dining ﬁrepit table.

Florida corner sofa available in two colour ways with coﬀee table or dining ﬁrepit table.

Boston dining range available in round, oval, rectangle and square with ﬁrepit option.

Garden Gate Gifts Opening Hours Garden Gate Gifts Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Linen Lodge, 4 Victoria Road Late Night Thursdays to 9pm Dungannon, Co. Tyrone, BT71 7AS Linen Lodge, 4 Victoria Road, Dungannon,by Co. Tyrone, BT71 7AS T: 028 8775 2222 appointment t: 028 8775 2222 Opening Hours Monday - Saturday 10am - 5pm Late Night Thursdays to 9pm by appointment

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GARDEN SHOW IRELAND LAUNCH

Garen Show Ireland is returning to Antrim Castle Gardens this year. The Garden Show will run from Friday the 29th April 2022 until Sunday the 1st May 2022 and promises to be a weekend filled with flowers, food and fun. Photos by Press Eye. 1. Paul Smyth, Diarmuid Gavin and Andy McCormick (sow grateful flower farm). 2. Sasha McKnight and Jane Hardy. 3. Special guest gardener Diarmuid Gavin. 4. Local bloggers Ydele White and Jill McDowell. 5. Diarmuid Gavin with Garden Show director Claire Faulkner. 6. Antrim and Newtownabbey Mayor Billy and Pat Webb. 7. Christine Cousins (Food NI) and Victoria Hill (Potters hill plants). 8. Cllr Noreen McClelland, Marretta Coleman, Mayor Pat Webb, Linda Lyons and Cllr Roisin Lynch. 9. Ronan O’Dowd and Jill Woolsey from Acheson Glover. 122

Quality Buildings Now in its third generation of family members, MacMillan of Crossgar Limited commenced business manufacturing in 1922. The range of products includes; redwood, cedarwood and aluminium greenhouses, cedarwood summerhouses, loose boxes, garages and bespoke buildings. For more information telephone: 028 4483 0262

MacMILLAN

OF CROSSGAR LIMITED ESTABLISHED 1922

All buildings Manufactured at Crossgar Cedarwood Greenhouses and Summerhouses, Potting Sheds, Loose Boxes and Sectional Wooden Buildings. We offer a full erecting service on site if required. Please visit our web site for further information.

www.macmillanofcrossgar.co.uk 240 Derryboy Road, Crossgar, Co Down, BT30 9DL, N. Ireland Tel: 028 4483 0262 Fax: 028 4483 1319 123

Spring into Summer

Bryan Hynds Garden Machinery based on the main Armagh and Portadown road has been helping customers perfect their gardens and outside spaces since 1994. The one stop shop for all your gardening needs, boasts an unrivalled choice of gardening tools, machinery and brand names such as Alpina, Castlegarden, Gardencare, Husqvarna, Mountﬁeld, STIHL, ECHO and Weibang, as well as the latest technology for robot mowers. For product aftercare and maintenance, simply contact the service and repair team at Bryan Hynds, where our qualiﬁed technicians will be able to help. For more information on the products and services available at Bryans Hynds Garden machinery, visit our website at bryanhynds.com today where you can browse, shop and order online for convenient home delivery or instore collection.

FOCUS ON

Perfect your outside space with Bryan Hynds Garden Machinery

SALES • RENTALS • MANAGEMENT • MORTGAGES

NEW ESTATE AGENT OPENS IN BALLYCLARE Nest Estate Agents are delighted to have opened their doors in Ballyclare town centre. They formally invited neighbouring businesses, friends, family, followers and colleagues in the industry along to formally celebrate the launch on Wednesday 30th March.

Business owner Cheryl McMaster with Katherine Young (Action Cancer).

David McMaster with NI property girl Eimear Gourley.

Cheryl McMaster with guests.

Julia Linton and Mark Gillespie.

David McMaster and mum Margaret Robinson, grandaughter Scarlett and Cheryl McMaster.

Gina Thomson, David and Cheryl McMaster and Julia Linton.

Address: 11 The Square, Ballyclare, BT39 9BB Telephone: 028 9343 8090 Email: hello@nestestateagents.com

SP EC IAL

GU IDE

BUYING AND SELLING YOUR HOME

ith this new season, comes new beginnings and this is why spring is a great time to take more of an interest in adding value to your home. With the brighter weather and lighter evenings, it’s easier to ﬁnd the time and motivation to invest in your home. There are lots of ways to boost the appeal of your property which don’t involve giving your home a complete facelift. The kitchen is the heart of the home for many and a great place to begin adding value to your home. Considering smaller projects such as updating kitchen drawers and doors can give your kitchen a brand new look without the brand new price tag. Investing in new signature, appliances such as a new wine fridge can help to add a touch of luxury to your home. A great design tip to add value to your home which transfers across your kitchen and bathroom is to replace taps. Replacing basin brassware is a simple and perfect way to rejuvenate your bathroom and kitchen. Why not go a step further and invest in a boiling water tap for your kitchen which will not only add value to your home but also beneﬁt your daily life on a practical scale.

In association with

www.woodfloorwarehouse.co.uk

Ulster Tatler

BUYING & SELLING YOUR HOME Due to their non-porous qualities, you won’t ever have to worry about your pavers being stained by BBQ oils, red wine or accidents left by your pets. A simple wipe with a cloth will remove the residues sitting on the surface. And any accumulation of moss and mould is easily removed by water.

Armapave – Low Maintenance Porcelain Paving Slabs! Create Gorgeous Outdoor Living Spaces Create gorgeous outdoor spaces that extend your interior designs into attractive outside rooms perfect for modern lifestyles, entertaining and relaxing. The Armapave Collection of high quality porcelain paving slabs, by industry leaders Armatile, is packed with inspirational products and garden design ideas for transforming your home. Each paving range in the Armapave Collection has been carefully chosen to help you transform your garden, patio or balcony into luxurious living spaces that will continue to look fabulous throughout their lifetime. And many of the paving ranges have matching indoor options that will help you create open, flowing floors with the same colours, shapes and sizes to seamlessly expand your usable living areas from inside to outside. Why Choose Porcelain Paving Slabs? Porcelain paving slabs are now the long term, robust paving product of choice. They’re easy to clean and maintain, aesthetically pleasing and with matching indoor options available they create beautiful extensions from kitchen and dining rooms.

Add Bespoke Details The team in Armatile can manufacture matching step treads, borders and wall copings from any Armapave porcelain paving range to provide you with unique features to uplift your garden and landscaping project with luxurious design details. Who Can Help Me Select the Right Paving? For help to find the perfect combinations of pavers for your garden and landscaping projects seek out the experts at Armatile. In their three showrooms in Belfast (Boucher), Newry (Greenbank) and Armagh (Loughgall Rd) they have the widest selection of porcelain paving slabs, and highly experienced design consultants who can advise and assist every step of the way. For more information visit: www.armapave.com

Defining A Living Space In Your Garden Outdoor rugs are the latest trend for defining a ‘living space’ in your garden. Whether you have a patio, small garden or balcony that you want to zone off, an outdoor rug is an affordable decor update and a great way to create a focal point. Think of it like bringing the inside out - you can use outdoor rugs, cushions, throws and lanterns to help create a cosy space. Kukoon Rugs have successfully launched their ninth outdoor rug collection just in time for spring 2022. Retail Manager Diana McFerran explains, “These rugs are an

excellent combination of durability and style and with prices as low as £15, you can instantly update your garden on a budget.” Depending on the style of your garden, you might want to keep things calm with plain tonal shades or liven the space up with geometric pops of colours. “We are seeing a huge trend towards tropical printing and foliage designs which add an instant designer look” In addition, an outdoor rug is a perfect cover up for any drab or dull paving and depending on its design; it can even make 126

the space seem visually bigger. Kukoon Rugs outdoor collections come in a wide choice of plain colours or printed designs and varied motifs. With their UV stable and easy to clean functions, the rugs are a practical way to add instant decoration to your outdoors. Visit their spring summer collections in their showroom at Kukoon Rugs, Carnbane Newry and Boucher Road, Belfast. For more information call: 028 3025 0027. Email diana@kukoon.com

Uniquely you Showrooms Antrim Springfarm Ind Estate BT41 4NT T 028 9448 1360

Belfast 4 Balmoral Road BT12 6QA T 028 9055 1400

Cookstown Sandholes Road BT80 9AR T 028 8676 9550

Bangor 70 Balloo Road BT19 7PG T 028 9127 8930

Coleraine 5 Loguestown Ind Estate BT52 2NS T 028 7034 5750

Eglinton 15 Killylane Road BT47 3DW T 028 7181 2582

watershedbathrooms.com

Larne 52 Circular Road BT40 3AB T 028 2826 3050

Ulster Tatler

BUYING & SELLING YOUR HOME

A Stunning Tile Collection McCall’s showrooms in Clough, Portadown and Carryduff have an extensive range of bathrooms on display from an array of leading brands. The fabulous bathrooms are of course complimented by a stunning tile collection. McCall Tiles & Bathrooms offer a vast selection of luxury imported floor, wall, kitchen and bathroom tiles. Under tile heating is also available along with a wide range of laminate, engineered and solid wooden flooring. The wide range of mirrors, cabinets and bathroom accessories on display will complete your bathroom makeover. The staff’s extensive product knowledge, excellent customer service and attention to detail have made J & W McCall Supplies an award- winning, leading supplier in Ireland. Visit one of the showrooms today to experience innovative, unique tiles and bathrooms to suit all tastes and budgets. Why not take advantage of the free 3D design service to help you bring your ideas together. For enquiries or to make an appointment please call: 02844 811999 or email info@jwmccall.com

Are Boiling Water Taps Safe? Boiling water taps have grown rapidly in popularity over the past ten years. Something that was originally viewed as an unnecessary luxury item has now become a household essential for millions across the globe. Concerns about safety used to be a significant factor in dissuading people to invest in a boiling water tap, and to this day, one of the most frequently asked questions when renovating a kitchen is ‘is boiling water straight from the tap safe?’. With constant innovation, boiling water taps on the market today are completely safe to use. With userfriendly, in-built safety mech-anisms, such as Quooker’s patented double push and twist, that make it virtually impossible to turn on boiling water by accident, they are ideal for families with small children or those with restricted mobility. Furthermore, boiling water taps are static, immovable objects which cannot accidentally be spilled or tipped over. The rotatable spouts also allow users to aim precisely, for example when filling a teapot or a pan, minimising the risk of spills. On the other hand, kettles and pans of water on the hob cause the vast majority of accidents with boiling water, as they can easily tip over. 128

Accidents can be caused, for example, by young children grabbing hold of the loose kettle cord and pouring the water over themselves, or by people bumping into the hob. Last but not least, taps dispense boiling water as an aerated flow rather than a solid jet, meaning water feels hot but not scalding to touch, should any accidental contact occur. The heavily insulated casing prevents heat from escaping and ensures the tap is not hot to touch when in use, unlike a kettle, which presents a far higher burn risk. For more information on Quooker and the safety of boiling water taps, please visit www.quooker.co.uk.

Retail Showroom of the Year Finalist 2018 CELEBRATING OVER 40 YEARS IN BUSINESS

Ulster Tatler

BUYING & SELLING YOUR HOME

Where Quality meets Value…. Northern Ireland’s premier home improvements company. Specialising in PVC windows/doors, Composite doors, luxury bathrooms, fascia, sofﬁt, gutter, cladding, French doors, Bi-fold doors and so much more.

Bathrooms With over 20 years’ experience of creating the finest bathrooms, our expert designers work with you from the outset to deliver your ultimate home retreat. As well as planning your ideal layout, we can guide you through the vast array of luxury bathroom ranges available – covering every concept from classic to contemporary – so you can pick and choose your perfect bathroom design. We can also help you select those amazing finishing touches, such as, distinctive designer taps, rainfall shower heads and led mirrors, to give your bathroom a super stylish edge.Once we’ve created your bespoke bathroom design, we offer a complete project management, which includes professional installation by our qualified fitters, ensuring a stunning, seamless finish.

Value Home Solutions started when likeminded, experienced professionals, with a combined experience of over 30 years within the Home Improvement sector in Northern Ireland, decided a different approach was needed. Experience garnered from establishing, running and working for some of the biggest names with the NI home improvement sector. Our ethos was, and is, to ensure an honest, fresh and ultimately satisfying journey for clients who embark on achieving their dream home. To complement our buildings we offer bespoke high quality windows and doors, allowing us to provide you with consistent design throughout your property. At Value Home Solutions we offer a complete package of design, build and advice; or we invite you to select particular services to suit your specific needs and budget. We’ll work with you, on your ideas or ours to achieve a stylish and practical design. Doors Our traditional composite doors are ideal for homes that have character and you are looking for a door to compliment it. Older properties often have a historic feel which you don’t want to lose when it’s time for a replacement door. Our range of traditional composite doors are a perfect choice in these circumstances, giving a classic, high quality appearance but with the benefit of top quality materials. Our Contemporary composite doors are virtually indistinguishable from a traditional timber door. The hidden difference is the added security a modern door gives to your home and the energy efficiency benefits with less heat escaping out of your home. Perfect for refurbishments and newer houses, a composite door is designed to last and gives a high quality appearance to the outside of your home. 130

Unit 2, Glenville Industrial Estate, Glenville Road, Newtownabbey, BT37 0TU Tel: 028 9086 1000

www.valuehomesolutions.co.uk E: hello@vhsni.com

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Ulster Tatler

BUYING & SELLING YOUR HOME

A Timber’s Temperature and Texture. How the measured use of wood can soften the character of any room. With the current dominant kitchen styles being paint centric, many of us are wondering how these flat tones can be balanced. The formality of the straight lines and muted painted doors is often combined with light flooring and worktops but there can be something lacking. There is a warmth and coziness to wood. Its grain is natural and its touch is comforting. Alwood was founded when cabinets were mostly made from metal, much like filling cabinets in most offices today, and when asked about his furniture, Alfred Briggs would say “It’s not veneer it’s All Wood”. He dropped one of the l’s and created Alwood. Never being restricted by tradition, Alwood were the first company in the country to use the concealed hinge. The first to manufacture fully fitted furniture and today that logic still applies. There aren’t many wooden kitchens on display right now and paint still dominates even within the Alwood showroom, but there’s a generous amount of timber that softens and highlights almost every display. Consider calling in before you decide how to design your own kitchen. Visit our Showroom: Shaerf Drive, Lurgan, County Armagh, BT66 8DD Book an Appointment: +44 (0)28 3832 3296 email: mail@alwood.co.uk www.alwoodkitchens.com

The Heart of Contemporary Living Feel at home as you step inside Creations fabulous showroom at Boucher Crescent, Belfast. There are three floors of beautiful furnishings to choose from. From dining to living to bedroom you will find what you are looking for at Creations! Creations amazing dining ranges offer styles to suit every dining room, from traditional wooden furniture to more modern designs in ceramic, glass and melamine. You can easily combine their matching furniture to create an effortlessly cohesive scheme, from your luxury dining table to your sideboard and seating. They have luxury sofa brands such as Tetrad and Himolla and many other suppliers of leather, fabric, modular sofas, recliners and more. Not to forget their dedicated Divan studio offering brands such as Sealy, Silentnight and luxury brand Hypnos. Many of Creations items are kept in stock which means you can purchase immediately. There is also a fantastic range of giftware, pictures and mirrors to add that finishing touch to your room. An established brand offering a premium service Creations is a family run Northern Ireland business established in 1984. The Boucher Showroom is open 7 days a week providing excellent customer service to help every 132

shopper ﬁnd what they need. Creations have the selection and expertise in their team to make your home a reality. Creations Boucher Crescent, Belfast really is a destination not to be missed! With their Spring Event now on why not check out their newly designed website to view some of the great pieces on offer. Creations 45-56 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU Phone: 028 95215899 Creations-Interiors.com Ample free parking onsite Find us on Facebook and Instagram

Eimear Callaghan, Caroline Feeney and Brenda Kelly.

Hugh Daly, Rosie Daly and Paddy Finnegan.

Luke Doran and Matthew Doran.

Barry Bresnahan, Ciara Bresnahan, Lisa Cross, Laura O’Keefe, Cara McCoey and Stephen McCoey.

John Kingsley and Anne Kingsley. 01

05 06

Eamon Conway, Nola Conway, Angela Amorello and Pietro Amorello.

Marian Corry, Deirdre Cunningham, Ciara Gallagher and Claire Murray.

BREDAGH GAC CELEBRATING 50 YEARS 1971 – 2021 On March 26th Bredagh GAC finally got to revel in style at the Europa Hotel where almost 400 people gathered to celebrate at their gala ball. This was their final event in the calendar to celebrate the 50 year milestone of the GAA club in south Belfast. Bredagh have grown into one of the largest GAA clubs in both County Down and the province of Ulster. The McCollum family. 134

Maeve Deery, Anna Doyle and Ciara Blaney.

The Francis Family .

Aislinn Sweeney, Hanna Murray, and Clare Timoney.

Mairead McCartam and Anne Costello.

Marie O’Keefe and Maeve O’Keefe.

Siobhan Murphy, Rosie Daly, Gemma Curran, Lisa Brady and Mairead McCartan.

Teresa McAteer and Pauline McKegney.

Bredagh GAC committee.

The O’Keefe Family.

The McCarville Family.

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VOTING NOW OPEN TO VOTE GO TO WWW.ULSTERTATLER.COM

THE CATEGORIES

01 FASHION BOUTIQUE

COFFEE HOUSE OF THE YEAR

OF THE YEAR

Tell us the best coffee shop you have been to lately? Simply let us know where you think deserves to be crowned coffee house of the year.

Tell us the name of your top locally owned boutique. The category covers everything from clothes stores, to shoe shops and everything in between.

07RESTAURANT

02 INTERIOR DESIGNER

Where have you had your best meal lately? Just let us know the name of your favourite restaurant.

OF THE YEAR

In this category just let us know the name of your favourite Interior Designer.

03 SPA OF THE YEAR

Tell us which spa you think deserves to win the title of Spa of the Year. Which spa has worked wonders for you?

04 HOTEL OF THE YEAR

Which hotel stands out to you as top class in everything from hospitality to food service? Here’s your chance to recognise their effort.

OF THE YEAR

HAIRDRESSING SALON OF THE YEAR In this category just let us know the name of your favourite hairdressing salon.

SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR All we need is the name and sport of the person you are voting for.

10 CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR

For this category just let us know the name and profession of the person you are voting for.

BEAUTY SALON OF THE YEAR

PERSONAL TRAINER OF THE YEAR

In this category you can vote for any salon in Ulster. Which beauty salon do you always leave feeling amazing.

In this category we are looking for the name of a personal trainer that you feel deserves to take home this award.

12 BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

All we need is the name and company of the person you are voting for along with a statement of up to 500 words on why they should win.

BEST DRESSED ON THE NIGHT This accolade will be judged and awarded at the Ulster Tatler Awards ceremony. This category is not voted on by the public.

13 BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR

16 SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

14 ARTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR

17 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

All we need is the name and company of the person you are voting for along with a statement of up to 500 words on why they should win.

All we need is the name of the person you are voting for along with a statement of up to 500 words on why they should win. We are looking for someone who works in any field withn the arts or an artist who has made a significant contribution to the arts scene in Northern Ireland

ST ANNE’S CATHEDRAL

Previous recipients include the Northern Ireland football team, Ulster rugby legends Andrew Trimble ,Tommy Bowe and Tyrone GAA. This award is not voted on by the public.

AWARD

This award is given to someone who has made significant contribution to life in Northern Ireland. Past winners include Pat Jennings, Ciaran Hinds, Marie Jones, Gerry Armstrong, Michael Longley, Barry McGuigan, Dame Mary Peters, Brian Friel, Sir James Galway, Gloria Hunniford, Phil Coulter, Terri Hooley and John Linehan. This category is not voted on by the public.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS IS MIDNIGHT ON SUNDAY 26TH JUNE 2022. TERMS AND CONDITIONS

How to vote? It’s simple, just pick the category and the company/person you want to vote for at ulstertatler.com, following the guidelines below. Just remember that we are looking for local companies/people who have made a significant contribution to life in Northern Ireland and you can vote for as many categories as you want. A shortlist for each category will be published in the August edition of Ulster Tatler. An independent judging panel will then decide on the winner for each category. Please note that the decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into. If you are voting for someone in categories 1 to 11, all you need to do is let us know the name of the person or company you are voting for, along with their company contact details, where appropriate. For categories 12, 13 and 14 in addition to their name, contact details and category, please forward a short statement (maximum 500 words) on why the entry should win. Categories 15-17 are not voted on by the public. Whoever you vote for must be from Northern Ireland or based here. All short listed nominees must be prepared to take part in pre and post show event publicity. In order for your vote to count you must fill in all your contact details.

Get voting and be in with a chance of winning a selection of great prizes. WWW.ULSTERTATLER.COM

THURSDAY 8TH SEPTEMBER 2022

EVENT PARTNERS

VOTING NOW OPEN! TO VOTE GO TO WWW.ULSTERTATLER.COM

JAWBOX GIN EVENING AT THE WHALLEY GALLERY Guests were able to unleash their creativity at the Whalley Gallery’s Jawbox Gin tasting, pizza and painting evening with renowned artist Dawn Crothers taking the painting class. It was a great evening with a Gin Cocktail on arrival, followed by an introduction the the brand by founder Gerry White. Guests could then unwind while creating their very own ‘Jawbox Gin’ inspired masterpiece.

1. Aoife Doherty and Lucy Richardson. 2. Katy O’Sullivan, Marcela Moreno and Roisin O’Hare. 3. Gerry Wright and Dawn Crothers. 4. Gerry from Jawbox Gin speaks to the group. 5. Artist, Dawn Crothers. 6. Gemma McNicholl, Leanne Griffin and Charlene McKeefry. 7. Dawn Crothers gives a demonstration. 8. Hannah Hooks, Jessica Fleming and Sakiena El Asri. 138

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COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS CROWNED AT COUNCIL AWARDS

There were congratulations and celebrations all round at this year’s Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough (ABC) Council Community Awards. Held at Armagh City Hotel last month, the glittering ceremony recognised and rewarded the very best of the borough’s local community champions and their leading example of good citizenship. A total of 34 individuals and groups from across the region were shortlisted for the 11 award categories, each receiving high praise from councillors and their community peers for their selfless dedication to bettering community causes and delivering positive change for people of all backgrounds. Hosted by TV presenter Siobhan McGarry, the awards ceremony received funding from The Executive Office, headline sponsors Linwoods Health Foods and many local businesses based in the borough. 1. Amy McCrickard, Volunteer of the Year Award Winner. 2. ABC Community Award Winners 2022. 3. IncredABLE, Innovation Award Winner, Gemma McKinney and Nigel Hampton. 4. 60+ Luncheon Club, Age Friendly Award Winners, Margaret Cupples, Dorothy Shannon and Margaret Mayne MBE. 5. Gordon Blevins, Lifetime Achiever Award Winner. 6. YMCA Portadown, Youth Champion Award Joint Winners, Nathan White, Abbi Haddock, Sarah Causby and Billy Fyffe. 7. Wah Hep, Equality and Good Relations Joint Award Winners, Paul Yam and Mai Luu. 8. Lorcan Lavery, Under 18 Youth Volunteer Award Winner. 9. ABC Council’s Olga Murtagh and Roger Wilson with Patrick Woods from Linwoods Health Foods, and Colleen Burns from The Executive Office. 10. Armagh Child Contact Centre Volunteers, Step Up and Stand Out Award Winners, Mary Caldwell, Betty Devlin and Pauline Muldoon. 11. ABC Council’s Roger Wilson with Siobhan McGarry and Lord Mayor Alderman Glenn Barr. 12. Aghavilly Youth Club, Youth Champion Award Joint Winners, Councillor Sam Nicholson, Michelle Boyd, Clare Kennedy and Hannah Morrison. 13. Tynan Development Committee, Eco Award Winners, Harold Edmondson, Rev Matthew Hagan and Wilfred Toal. 14. TADA Rural Network, Equality and Good Relations Joint Award Winners, Geraldine Lawless, Diane Ewart and Councillor Kyle Savage. 15. Keady Men’s Shed, Health and Wellbeing Award Winner, Oliver Harvey. 16. Keady First Responders, Community Safety Award Winners, Councillor Darren McNally, Chris Coyle, Adrian Cassidy and Kieran Deveney. 140

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W.J. BARRE : A VIGOROUS MIND BOOK LAUNCH UAH hosted the anticipated launch of W.J.Barre 1830-1867: A Vigorous Mind by Dr Paul Harron. The evening took place at 2 Royal Avenue, Belfast and featured a wine reception with musical accompaniment, speeches and concluded with a book signing by the author.

1. Paul Harron, Karen Latimer and Chris Sherry. 2. Sarah Cadden, Matthew Richardson and Ruth Cadden. 3. Pianist Alison Cadden with brother Paul Harron. 4. Victoria Sharpe, Maura Ahern and Errin McElhinney from UAHS. 5. Terence Cadden, Hannah and Aaron Abraham. 6. Dixie Dean and former AHS Chair Primrose Wilson. 7. Paul Harron with Noirin McKinney (Arts Council arts development Director) and Mukesh Sharma (National Lottery Heritage Fund’s Northern Ireland Committee Chairman). 8. Paul Harron pictured with family. 9. Marie Wilson, Paul Harron, Lesley-Ann Wilson and Alison Cadden. 142

A touch of Magic Contemporary Expressionist artist Ciara Gilmore creates a form of ‘lyrical abstraction’ inspired by the mystery of life and her need to describe it in paint form. Ciara’s art strives to portray a sense of the energy that is unspoken and unseen, often described as ethereal, divine or heavenly. Her paintings demonstrate how this celestial energy can touch our very physical realities, merging to become part of our very existence. Her paintings inspire a connection to this powerful eternal force emitting a feeling that it is right there, within reach, touching our very souls. Her work has a hypnotic quality that can soothe, uplift or simply captivate you! Painting intuitively, a sense of magic is created by the juxtaposition between celestial softness and the grounded reality of the earth. The viewer is left with a feeling of peace, love and connection. Ciara’s style is easily recognisable by gentle misty backgrounds, contrasting rich texture, golds and bronze highlights and strong sense of light and dark. Ciara Gilmore was born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and discovered her love of art from an early age. Even during her time as an occupational therapist the easel was never too far away. Following the birth of her two children, a natural break in work inspired Ciara to say goodbye to conventional employment and follow her dream of becoming a full-time artist. Self-taught, she found her groove in textile art for a while, then progressed to abstract expressionism which finally felt like home. Today Ciara paints in her garden studio complete with paint splattered hair, a mug of hot tea and her studio mutts. Ciara sells her work from her online shop, through Canvas Galleries, Belfast and is taking part in the affordable art fair this spring in London. Ciara’s art has found homes as far as Hong-Kong and the US but remains a firm favourite among local collectors. Ciara also teaches abstract art and has created 2 online courses for hobbyists and artists who want to improve their abstract painting skills. And this summer she is launching her Art Business Coaching programme for artists. You can find all details at www.ciaragilmore.com You can find original art and prints for sale at www.ciaragilmore.com. and at Canvas Galleries www.canvasgalleries.com/collections/ciara-gilmore

April 2022

ARTS DIARY

“The beautiful photography brings the viewer in limbo between the real and the imaginary, having us look into the void of separation and loss.”

EDITED BY KELLIE BURCH EDIT@ULSTERTATLER.COM

Triple Exhibition Opening at Belfast Exposed This spring Belfast Exposed unveiled not one, not two, but three spectacular exhibitions. This remarkable display was the first time Gallery I and II have opened in 2022, and what made the occasion more special was that it was with an all female showcase. Gallery I featured the collaborative ‘We, Us, Them’ exhibition (running until 21 May). Meanwhile, Gallery II housed ‘The Truth is in the Soil’ (running until 21 May), a showcase of new photographic works by Futures Awardee, Ioanna Sakellaraki. As an added bonus, the Studio Gallery, also contained Joan Alexander’s emotive ‘Proof of Ghosts’ exhibition (running until 16 April). My attention was immediately engaged by the exciting We, Us, Them. This collaborative exhibition between Belfast Exposed and the Centre for Contemporary Photography, Melbourne, acts as a platform through which five of Australia’s most contemporary female photographers and videographers, and Belfast photographer, Deirdre Robb, and socially engaged artist, Lesley Cherry explore personal reflections on communal history, identity and place. As I moved upstairs, it was hard not to be moved by Ioanna Sakellaraki’s solo exhibition. Sparked by her father’s death, her own grieving process plays a central role as it acts as a lens through which to view the collective mourning in Greek society. The beautiful photography brings the viewer in limbo between the real and the imaginary, having us look into the void of separation and loss. The final exhibition, Proof of Ghosts, continues the theme as Joan Alexander navigates a sudden bereavement with the raw ingredients of photography and a blog. This is a deeply personal yet widely resonant exploration of the dead, and the living who mourn. With such a superb offering on show, it’s not surprising that guests flocked to this special opening night, including Arts Council of Northern Ireland’s Liam Hannaway, Belfast Photo Festival’s Michael Weir, and artist Jennifer Willis. The opening night of all three exhibitions took place on 3 March 2022.

Deirdre Robb and Lesley Cherry.

Liam Hannaway and Patricia Lavery. Michael Weir and Ioanna Sakellaraki.

Julia Darcy and Jennifer Willis.

Aimee Magee and Xavier Costa. 144

Joan Alexander with family Kevin, Rosa and Martha.

Sharon Dempsey, Angeline King and Olivia Rana.

Leontia Flynn and Stephen Sexton.

Julia, Anne and Ciara Flanagan.

Alan Meban and Claire Murray.

Emily Mark-Fitzgerald and Peter Gray.

Sarah Martin, Stephen Doyle and Niamh Conlon.

Writers for Ukraine The plight of Ukraine has touched the hearts of people the world over. As the horror seems to mount, it is easy to feel helpless in the face of such adversity. However, in a show of solidarity for their peers, some of Northern Ireland’s greatest literary talents came together to host ‘Writers for Ukraine’, a fundraising event at the Lyric Theatre, Belfast. Organised by award-winning novelist Jan Carson, the stellar lineup included Booker Prize-winning author Anna Burns, Glenn Patterson, Stephen Sexton, Dara McAnulty, Leontia Flynn and Kabosh Theatre Company. The evening saw homage paid to Ukrainian literary talent as excerpts were read from

Louise Nealon, Emma Brennan and Siobhan Kelly.

works by novelists Olena Stiazhkina, Haska Shyyan and Oksana Zabuzhko; poets Myroslav Laiuk, Oksana Lutsushna and Ilya Kaminsky; as well as playwright and ﬁlmmaker Natalya Vorozhbit. Speaking of the event, organiser Jan Carson, said: “It’s an absolute honour to stand with our brave, tenacious and incredibly talented fellow writers in Ukraine as we share their words, their frustrations and hopes for the future of their home.” The theatre was ﬁlled to the rafters and it was heart-warming to see the writers on stage being supported by a diverse audience including a strong showing of their peers such as novelists Louise Nealon, Sharon

Dempsey, Angeline King and Olivia Rana. Those who couldn’t attend the Lyric in person were also able to stream the event and donate through an online platform. The emotive evening, which saw the venue, staff, performers, promotional materials, photography and streaming facility all donated for free, was an inspiring display of unity tinged with hope as over £11,000 was raised on the night for the Ukrainian Red Cross appeal. Writers for Ukraine took place on 6 March at Lyric Theatre.

“It’s an absolute honour to stand with our brave, tenacious and incredibly talented fellow writers in Ukraine.” 145

ARTS DAIRY

Best Of The Rest

Seen to be Heard

Front row: Angela McCorry, Helen McHarvey, Cheryl Graham, Jennifer Willis, Marie Louise Connolly BBC Health Correspondent, Julie Lillis, Amanda Steele, Valerie McLean. Centre Row: Nicola McWhirter, Noelle McAlinden, Joanne Magee, Elaine Miller. Back Row: Julia Darcy and Joanna Bingham.

A group of 16 ladies were ‘Seen to be Heard’ recently as they were hosted by the Health Committee at Stormont to present their manifesto advocating for vital changes to cancer services for those living with secondary breast cancer in Northern Ireland. The group were led by photographer Jennifer Willis and Noelle McAlinden. ’Seen to be Heard’ began as a campaign initiated by Jennifer Willis’s commitment and compassion to support her friend, Cheryl Graham, when she conﬁded in her about her life limiting secondary breast cancer diagnosis. The campaign rapidly evolved with Jennifer dedicating the last ﬁve months to photographing Cheryl and 15 other brave women as they share their scars and tell their stories of living with the same diagnosis. The result is the powerful ‘Seen to be Heard’ exhibition, which was previewed at Stormont and will be fully unveiled on 28 April at Belfast Exposed before making stops at various venues across Ireland. If you would like to support the campaign, you can donate at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jennifer-willisseen-to-be-heard-exhibition

Reporting the Troubles 2

Reporting the Troubles 2, which was recently launched at The Ulster Reform Club (see opposite), is the follow up to the landmark ﬁrst book from renowned journalists Deric Henderson and Ivan Little. In this volume, the duo have gathered new stories from seventy esteemed journalists who have worked in Northern Ireland during the Troubles. These contributors write powerful and personal accounts of their experiences, from the victims they have never forgotten, and the events that have never left them, to the lasting impact of working through those terrible years. This compelling compilation showcases how the scars of the Troubles still mark today’s society. Reporting the Troubles 2, which includes contributions from a new generation of journalists, covers many of the key events in Northern Ireland’s troubled history, from Bloody Sunday in 1972 to the inquest into the Ballymurphy Massacre in 2021. The purpose of the book is made clear in the opening foreword by Bertie Ahern: “This collection from journalists... is a timely reminder to the generations of political leaders, community activists and people who live in Northern Ireland 146

and beyond, that we can never again return to those days when suffering and devastation were stark and searing drumbeats for its people.” Each chapter is a chronological stepping stone in Northern Ireland’s troubled timeline with contributors such as the Sir Trevor McDonald stepping back 50 years to the 1970s to recount ‘How bombs stopped play during rooftop cricket matches’ ; Mark McFadden’s harrowing revisiting of Omagh in 1998 in a ‘Silence like no other’; and Donna Deeney’s lament for ‘Lyra’. The past is an important tool. It allows us to learn from mistakes and build a more solid foundation for the future, which is why this book is so important. It’s rich with observations from some of our most compelling journalists. The result is that the written testimonials, combined with the compelling centrefold imagery which capture snapshots of pivotal points in history, creates a moving act of remembrance to the past and a road map for how to make a difference in the future. Reporting the Troubles 2, edited by Deric Henderson and Ivan Little (Published by The Blackstaff Press, RRP £16.99) is on sale now.

01 04

REPORTING THE TROUBLES 2 BOOK LAUNCH The book launch of Reporting The Troubles 2, the follow up book by Ivan Little and Deric Henderson, based on the troubles seen through the eyes of a journalist, was recently held at the Ulster Reform Club, Belfast.

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1. Dominic Fitzpatrick, Allison Morris and Pete Snodden. 2. Hannah Dundas, Dan Dundas, Eamonn Hughes and Patsy Horton. 3. Rev Harold Good and David Millar. 4. Deaglan De Breadun with Jennifer and Gareth Gordon 5. Ursula Henderson and Anne Macmillan 6. Amy O’Donnell and Edward Henderson with Joanne and Don McAleer. 7. Charlie Bird, Ivan Little, Deric Henderson and Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. 8. Joan Little, Norma Stewart and Haydn Milligan with Kevin and Emma Lawless. 9. Jim Flanagan, Alan Lewis, Michael Donnelly and Malcolm Lindsay.

April 2022

BOOK EXTRACT

WJ BARRE, 1830-1867: A VIGOROUS MIND This month’s extract is from the conclusion of WJ BARRE, 1830-1867: A VIGOROUS MIND by Dr Paul Harron, recently published by Ulster Architectural Heritage, in its ‘Architects of Ulster’ Series. William Joseph Barre may have lived only to the age of 37 and his career tragically cut short yet his tenacious spirit, his inventiveness and panache, his eye for detail and his sheer cleverness are evident in the portfolio of buildings and structures which he left behind. His works provide architectural highpoints in a variety of styles from the energetic height of the Victorian era in Ulster. His output and the standard of his work over a mere fifteen years or so are breathtaking. Mr and Mrs Samuel Carter Hall undertook tours throughout Ireland in the first half of the nineteenth century with the genteel account of their tour of 1840 leading to the publication of Hall’s Ireland (in three volumes) in 1841-3. Of Belfast (‘Ireland’s only manufacturing town’), they wrote: ‘The clean and bustling appearance is decidedly unnational. That it is in Ireland, but not of it, is a remark often on the lips of visitor from the south and west…’, yet they stated that ‘… The public buildings are sufficiently numerous, though certainly possessing but

few architectural claims to consideration [and] the want of steeples has often been noted.’ Barre’s own personal contribution to changing that view of the city into something much more vivid and impressive during the 1860s surely promotes him to the ranks of one of Belfast’s most significant architects (though very much a man of Newry too). To support this claim consider the Ulster Hall with its commodious, sparkling interior; the palatial Provincial Bank in Royal Avenue with its marvellous banking hall; the Albert Memorial Clock, a stately focal point for the city decades before the appearance of the City Hall; the prepossessing linen warehouse in Bedford Street which set the tone for later grand city-centre warehouses; University Road Methodist Church with its exotic campanile; Duncairn Presbyterian Church with its stone Gothic Revival tower and spire and the miniature château-like Clanwilliam House (now ‘Danesfort’). All are major and memorable contributions to the urban and suburban cityscape.

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Here was an architect who had a detectable fearlessness and who could seemingly turn his hand to anything. If a patron wanted an ecclesiological makeover to a rural church they got it, as in the case of Jane Synott at Ballymoyer. If newly wealthy merchants needed residences of grandeur and individuality, they got them as at Clanwilliam for Samuel Barbour and The Moat for Thomas Valentine while a country landowner could ask for his Georgian seat to be transformed into something resembling a castle on the Loire and he got it, as at Roxborough for Lord Charlemont. Different church denominations could ask for Gothic Revival, Lombardo-Romanesque or Neoclassical – it was all feasible for Barre, on whatever scale suited the budget, with added touches to invigorate the mind and stimulate the eye thrown in. Continental European styles were brought to mid-nineteenth-century Ulster using a variety of materials: stone and brick and glass and iron, executed beautifully under the architect’s careful supervision and

Albert Clock.

Bryson House and Ulster Hall.

University Road Methodist Church.

Danesfort.

instruction, and – according to Barre’s devoted biographer and friend, Durham Dunlop – with meticulous attention to the details and pressures of budgets and timescales. Frequently, collaboration with carvers and craftspeople reaped great aesthetic dividends in artistic partnerships which confirm Barre as an artist-architect: the Ruskinian sculptural adornments at his churches, commercial buildings and big houses frequently rise above the level of mere decorative embellishment. At The Moat, the naturalistic sculptural stone capitals at the entrance loggia vary from bold and freely carved leaves to the delicate storytelling of the Garden of Eden; at Danesfort there is both refinement and quirky humour in the plasterwork; at the Belfast Provincial Bank an assemblage of figures and faces feature around the domed interior like characters out of Grimm’s fairytales; at the Albert Memorial there are angels and heraldic lions in addition to the main statue of Prince Albert by Samuel Ferres Lynn. With a Barre building there is invariably something extraordinary or rewarding to appreciate notably in his carefully considered handling of form and materials. …Aside from his architectural talent, Barre’s tenacity in getting ahead in his career and his determination to challenge attempts to thwart him by

more established figures in society (and his own profession) is notable particularly in relation to architectural competition entries. These include wellpublicised collisions with Charles Lanyon (Lanyon & Lynn from 1854) at Scrabo and the Albert Clock, and with the Church of Ireland and its competition for the new cathedral in Cork which went in the end to the flagrantly flamboyant William Burges. …Barre’s legacy on the adoption – especially by Young & Mackenzie from the 1860s to 1900 – of Gothic Revivalism, in adapted forms, for Presbyterians and other Nonconformists in Ulster is clear from his set-piece in that style at Newry Unitarian Church. …He also seems to have taken a consciously pluralistic approach to seeking out and accepting commissions from different quarters without being tied to specific sets, especially when it came to ecclesiastical projects. Moreover, Barre didn’t let being from a provincial town (albeit an historic, interesting and beautifully situated one), Newry, dissuade him from seeking work beyond his hinterland and on a large scale. He did however, eventually move to, and establish his office in, Belfast to be in a position to oversee the Ulster Hall project and to build upon the success of his growing business with a wider clientele.

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WJ BARRE, 1830-1867: A VIGOROUS MIND by Dr Paul Harron with new photography by David Bunting Published by ULSTER ARCHITECTURAL HERITAGE Hardback, full-colour, priced £28. 230pp ISBN 978-0-900457-84-5 www.ulsterarchitecturalheritage.org.uk

The Word

Make a difference to a child’s life Action for Children is dedicated to finding the best foster carers to look after the most vulnerable children in our society. Whilst the fostering application process is a commitment, it allows time to get to know carers inside and out because young people deserve the best care possible. Every child and young person is unique. Foster carers are, too. That is why Action for Children places such an emphasis on finding the best possible match between a child and a family. Doing this builds strong relationships that last. Fostering Team Manager, David Montgomery, says: “The matching process is looking at you as a family and how a particular child could fit into your circumstances of life.” When joining the Action for Children family, foster parents will be supported every step of the way. As well as being assigned a dedicated fostering social worker, they will get to know the whole service team, from administrative staff to support staff. They also have access to a 24/7 helpline and comprehensive training to ensure they are equipped with all the skills they need. David says: “It’s our role to provide you with all the training and support necessary for your growth and development.” The team at Action for Children get to know the children and their carers as individuals; this allows the service to provide wrap around care for the child and the whole foster family. The organisation also runs regular support groups for carers and organise family outings. These outings allow foster carers a space and opportunity to interact with others who know what they are going through.

Fostering with Action for Children is very flexible. Whether you have the ability to welcome a child into your home on a full-time basis or for planned short break care, your time and dedication will be instrumental in helping make a difference to that child’s life. If you would like to become part of something special, enquire about joining the Action for Children family today. For more information contact the friendly fostering team on 028 9046 0500, visit www.actionforchildren.org.uk/fostering or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

Don’t breed problems for later – neuter now!

he UK’s leading feline welfare charity is urging cat owners to get their cats snipped or spayed as soon as possible under their Assisted Neutering Scheme. Most vets in Northern Ireland can offer neutering for only £5 to people in receipt of a pension or certain benefits. Cats Protection’s Belfast Adoption Centre works hard to try and find loving homes for every feline that comes into its care but one of the charity’s main aims is to encourage the neutering of cats and kittens to ensure there will be fewer unwanted felines in the future. “Neutering offers many benefits to cats and owners alike,” explains

Siobhan McHaffie, Northern Ireland Operations Manager for Cats Protection. “A neutered cat is less likely to spray, less likely to roam and also less likely to fight. Neutering also helps guard against disease as fighting cats are more at risk of life-threatening diseases that can be transmitted through biting and saliva.” Cats Protection recommends that cats and kittens are neutered from around four months of age. Cat owners on a limited income who need to have their pet neutered are urged to contact their local vet for details of how the charity can assist. For only £5 you could protect your pet and have peace of mind.

For more information, all you need to do is contact your local vet. Alternatively, you can call the Cats Protection Neutering Team on 03000 12 12 12 (select option 2) Reg Charity 203644 (England and Wales) and SC037711 (Scotland)

OPPS_3325

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The Word

www.skeaeggs.com

JACKSONS OF SAINTFIELD & MOIRA

Jacksons of Saintfield T. 028 9751 1429 Also at 98-100 Main Street. Moira T. 028 9261 3660

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ANNIVERSARY ISSUE

ON SALE NOW

Ulster Tatler

PREP PRIMARY INTEGRATED SPECIAL SCHOOLS GUIDE2022 Decision making is a big part of parenthood and choosing the right school for your child is one of them. Northern Ireland is lucky to have a wealth of excellent schools to suit a range of needs, whether it is a Primary school, a Preparatory school, Integrated or a Special school – there is something to suit every child to help them flourish.

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VICTORIA COLLEGE Margaret Byers was a formidable lady who championed the right for education and opportunities for girls during the Victorian era. Establishing Victoria College School in 1849, she encouraged pupils to strive towards achieving their goals, to develop their skills and abilities and to fully embrace their place as leaders in society. Today, Victoria College Preparatory School still emulates those values. A lively, purposeful and pupil-centred school, it encourages students to develop a sense of curiosity, to value academic and extracurricular endeavour and to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviour. Our highly qualified staff are committed to supporting your daughter’s education and to making learning fun. She will benefit from the excellent resources within school and from teachers who are subject specialists as well as Key Stage experts. Smaller class sizes allow us to meet the individual needs of all our pupils and to stretch and support each girl so that she makes progress commensurate with her ability. Our outstanding Key Stage results reflect the natural outworking of happy, confident girls who thrive in an inclusive atmosphere. You can be assured that we will prepare your daughter to be an independent thinker, ready for post primary school.

The Preparatory School encompasses an onsite Pre-School class led by our early years leader. In addition to the wide range of extracurricular activities on offer, we also provide daily after school care for all pupils within the School until 6pm to support working families. We currently have limited spaces available in our Pre-School and P1 classes for August 2022. Please contact us via email: prep@victoriacollege.org.uk or by telephone: 028 90386490 to arrange an appointment to view the School. Our pupils are our best ambassadors so we hope you will call in to meet the girls, view the facilities and experience the teaching and learning provided. Pupils benefit from expert tuition from specialist staff who deliver music, sports, modern foreign languages and classics. Victoria girls participate in a range of sporting events including hockey, cross country, netball and swimming galas and regularly compete at a high level. Preparatory School pupils are confident, articulate and caring. Our core values of respect, courtesy and understanding permeate everything we do. Pastoral care in the school is recognised by ETI as ‘outstanding’ with every girl valued for who she is and encouraged to reach her full potential. The Preparatory School holds both the Inclusion Quality Mark and Investors in Pupils awards with assessors noting the dedication of staff to ensuring each pupil is empowered to develop and grow both academically and at a personal level.

Victoria College Preparatory School 2a Cranmore Park, Belfast BT9 6SW www.victoriacollegeprep.com

a ti en ot P g in ck lo n U .. l. oo ch S ry Victoria College Preparato

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VICTORIA COLLEGE

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Make s ie or m e M at Kindergarten

Campbell College Kindergarten is a unique learning environment where children are inspired, not only by the history and beauty of their surroundings, but also by the magic of the place! Diversity is celebrated and each boy and girl is nurtured and empowered to achieve their individual potential. The children enjoy a rich variety of stimulating, play-based learning experiences. The emphasis is on developing enquiring minds, promoting independence and building a wonderful foundation for future learning, in preparation for transferring to primary education.

As one parent commented: The quality of care is second to none. The staff are superb and the setting is breathtaking. I can go to work feeling relaxed and secure, knowing that my child is happy and settled. He often complains when I come to collect him at the end of the day and to me that says it all!

As a registered Forest School, we are committed to learning outdoors and recognise its positive impact on the physical, social and emotional well-being of our pupils. The children’s natural curiosity is nurtured and their experiences are enriched through exploration of the College’s stunning 100- acre campus.

When you join our Kindergarten Family, you become part of something special. It is the first chapter of an exciting learning adventure, as part of the Campbell Community.

Our Quirky Cottage, canopy classroom, natural playscapes, Forest School and Netherleigh Lake enhance learning across the curriculum and promote imaginative play. The boys and girls love pulling on their red puddle suits and heading off on exciting outdoor adventures! We are keen to work in close partnership with parents, in support of all the children entrusted into our care. This is fundamental to the learning process. Wrap-around provision from 8.00amuntil 5.30pm is valued by our busy Mums and Dads.

Should you be interested in enrolling your child, we warmly invited you to come for a visit and discover for yourself what makes Campbell College Kindergarten so unique. For further information, or to arrange a tour with Andrea Brown (Head of Junior School & Kindergarten), please contact us via: Telephone: (028) 90763076 E-Mail: info@campbellcollegejs.co.uk

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INCHMARLO

INCHMARLO. IT ALL STARTS HERE. The early years at school provide an opportunity to establish strong foundations which will enable pupils to excel as they progress through education. Our teachers are passionate about helping each pupil achieve his best in the classroom. Alongside learning, boys need space to grow and thrive and our outstanding facilities ensure they have plenty of opportunities to discover their skills, whilst forming life-long friendships. Whether indoors or outside, this spring term has allowed our pupils to pursue their passions. INCHMARLO RBAI Preparatory Department, Cranmore Park Belfast BT9 6JR www.inchmarlo.org.uk info@inchmarlo.belfast.ni.sch.uk Tel: 028 9038 1454

Penrhyn, Strathearn Preparatory Department Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Explore Dream Discover This school has provided everything we had hoped for and more” Parent Feedback •

Family atmosphere with a focus on positivity and pastoral care

•

High quality teaching resulting in, on average, 97% Grammar School entry

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A broad, well-balanced and relevant curriculum

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Personalised Learning Support provision

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Music and Drama opportunities for all

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PE specialist teaching

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Early morning supervised care from 8.00 am

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Strathearn Senior School canteen, state of the art sports facilities, ICT Suite along with Science and Language links After School Club until 5.45 pm

•

“My daughter loves the After School Club, she attends everyday and enjoys the arts and

craft activities”

Parent Feedback

I have been impressed with the focus on kindness. My daughter has made good friends at Penrhyn” Parent Feedback T: 02890 474684 E: info@penrhyn.belfast.ni.sch.uk W: strathearn.org.uk

Our video

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ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE, LEARNING FOR LIFE, ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL The Royal School Armagh Preparatory Department is part of the Royal School Armagh, a school with over 410 years of educational history and tradition. The ‘Royal School Armagh Prep’ wants pupils to grow up with confidence, to enjoy success, to strive for high standards and to respect themselves and each other. The school offers a rich and varied curriculum, inside and outside the classroom, with small year group sizes, enabling all pupils to receive the attention they deserve. Access to the senior school facilities including the computer suites, music and language department and sporting facilities are available to all pupils. Boarding opportunities are available from P5 onwards. The Headmistress of The Preparatory Department, Dr. K.G.G Carson-McClenaghan would be delighted to personally tell you more about this wonderful school. The staff are experienced, enthusiastic and caring. ETI commented upon the exceptional teaching and learning that evolves from this environment in their recent inspection. The Prep children always display such enthusiasm with all their extra-curricular activities, both academic and sporting. They demonstrate exuberance, pride, determination and willingness to participate as team players - ‘Team Prep’ is their motto. They enjoy Spanish, French, horse riding, hockey, rugby, football, cricket, music, ICT, swimming, cross country, orienteering, school residentials to Paris, Dublin, Shannaghmore, the Share Village, and many more extras that they all have the opportunity to try. 100% of the P7 Prep class that entered to sit the transfer test, gained a grammar school place. Personal tours can be arranged at anytime with Dr. Carson McClenaghan. College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DH T: 028 3752 2807 E: info@armaghroyalprep.co.uk W: www.armaghroyalprep.co.uk

KING’S PARK PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL, LURGAN Putting Children First

An unusual place to read a book on World Book Day!

Northern Ireland Cross County Champions for 2022.

PUTTING THE CHILDREN FIRST

King’s Park Primary and Nursery School was

Working together in Primary 6.

Tree study in Lurgan Park.

established in 1936 with a prime location directly beside Lurgan Park. Over the years the school has grown and expanded with new facilities added such as our purpose built triple unit nursery block and the large Multi-Use Games Area. Our aim in King’s Park is to enable all pupils to reach their full potential in all aspects of the curriculum and to develop academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically. We are an inclusive and caring school with a dedicated and professional staff who provide high quality teaching and learning for all pupils in a safe and stimulating environment. All pupils have access to ipads and laptops to aid their learning. There is an emphasis on academic excellence and we also strive to develop each individual’s talents and abilities. At King’s Park our ethos is of putting ‘CHILDREN FIRST’ and of playing a central role in our local community of Lurgan. Our mission is to: • Promote and support the Christian ethos

Counting time.

• Value and respect each child • Create a happy, safe and secure learning environment • Challenge and stimulate each child • Provide for each child’s individual needs • Create equal opportunities for all. • Promote the wellbeing of pupils We believe that outdoor learning and being active have an important part to play in the development of each child. Extra-curricular activities are also a significant aspect of our pupils’ school experience eg: • Senior/Junior Choirs, music tuition • Drama, Art, needlework, Science, Technology, ICT • Cycling proficiency, swimming lessons, Scripture Union • Nature, ECO, orienteering, cookery • Hockey, football, rugby, cricket, futsal, cross country, short tennis If you would like more information, please contact the school.

Boys’ hockey winners.

For further details contact: The Headmaster: Mr D.T.O.Shields, M.Sc. B.Ed. D.A.S.E. 24A Avenue Road, Lurgan, BT66 7BB Tel: 028 3832 2450 Email: dshields234@c2kni.net

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Children’s Ballet Classes Royal Academy of Dance syllabus ballet classes with Laura Walker B.A.Hons A.R.A.D. registered teacher of the Royal Academy of Dance preparing children and young people for RAD Graded and Vocational exams. Pre Primary to Advanced 2.

Venues:Monday, St Katharines BT15 Tuesday and Thursday: St Johns, Malone BT9 Wednesdays and Fridays: Old School, Holywood BT18 Saturdays, Carnmoney BT36

Contact Laura Walker

028 9076 3953 : 07711643958 : laurawalkerballet@hotmail.com

Special Education Schools

The early years in particular are a very important time in your child’s life for physical, emotional, intellectual and social development. All children progress at different rates and have different ways of learning. Children with learning problems or disabilities can often find it more difficult to learn than most children of the same age. They may have more problems with schoolwork, communication or behaviour and often require a little extra help. At special education schools, children are educated by knowledgeable staff who have specialist expertise to help with any problems a child may have and help every child reaches their full potential. When choosing a school, it’s important to get all the information, help and advice you need and talk over any worries you may have. The next step is then selecting a school that best suits you and your childs needs and wants.

Beginning the journey to excellence at Methodist College Preparatory Department Downey House and Fullerton House; Belfast’s finest prep school, part of Methodist College Belfast, is a non-denominational and co-educational school; they excel at providing a diverse and inclusive learning environment. At Methody Preparatory they inspire their children to learn, and their outstanding teaching staff are able to do this within their small class sizes and welcoming, caring and friendly atmosphere that exists in their school. They are exceptionally proud of their happy, bright, confident children who move onto secondary education confident in their abilities and skills. They are delighted with this year’s AQE results where their average AQE score was 111.2 and 48% of pupils scored above 114. They are enrolling now for their September 2022 intake. Don’t miss out on those all-important school places, book a place at their Virtual Open Evening, Wednesday 4 May at 5pm www.methody.org/prep

SCHOOLS GUIDE 2022

Jordanstown School

JORDANSTOWN SCHOOL

MEETING YOUR CHILDREN’S NEEDS Jordanstown School is a specialist school for children aged 4 to 19 who are deaf and/or visually impaired. Focusing on the individual needs of each pupil, our mission is to ensure that each child meets their academic potential, while also ensuring their social, emotional and personal needs are met. The Northern Ireland Curriculum is delivered through a wide range of specialist staff, including Qualified Teachers of the Visually Impaired and Teachers of the Deaf. There is a strong focus for visually impaired children on the development of their independence and social skills, while for deaf children, lessons are delivered using signing and other specialist techniques to promote literacy and oracy. Teaching and learning take place in a modern and well resourced environment. Throughout the school, high levels of acoustic and lighting specifications are designed to ensure that pupils’ sensory needs are met. Outdoors there are all-weather sports areas for football, tennis and athletics, and pupils benefit from lessons in our large Nature Reserve. For further information, visit our website: www.jordanstownschool.org For a tour of our school, please contact the School Principal, Dr. Catherine Scully on 028 90863541 or email info@jordanstownschool.org Jordanstown School 85 Jordanstown Road Newtownabbey Co. Antrim BT37 0QE

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PARENTS SAY YES TO ‘INTEGRATE MY SCHOOL’

SINCE THE DOORS TO LAGAN COLLEGE FIRST OPENED 40 YEARS AGO, INTEGRATED SCHOOLS HAVE BROUGHT TOGETHER CHILDREN OF ALL BACKGROUNDS, NOT JUST IN THE CLASSROOMS, BUT EVERYWHERE FROM THE PLAYGROUNDS TO THE SPORTS PITCHES. From the dream of a few visionaries at the height of the Troubles to where we are today with monumental successes in Stormont and beyond, Integrated Education has been driven by parent power. Parents are at the heart of the Transformation process, driving forward the change and having their say through the Parental Ballot. It’s not only children who benefit, there are benefits for parents, as well as staff and governors who also come from a range of religious and cultural traditions to form each single school community where diversity and inclusivity are celebrated. In 1992 the Integrated Education Fund (IEF) was set up as an independent charity to be a financial foundation

for the growth and development of Integrated Education. The IEF has gone on to raise and invest over £25 million in Integrated Education. This funding has been used to help bridge the gap in the limited government money available, as well as to support and develop Integrated schools throughout Northern Ireland and support those schools that want to explore becoming Integrated through Transformation. The IEF shares the vision, held by the overwhelming majority of people in Northern Ireland, of a united community and a shared future. Many believe that more integration and mixing between communities are

essential to building a better and more reconciled shared society. In a recent survey 71% of parents indicated that they believed Integrated Education should be the main model of education - where children from Protestant, Catholic, other faith backgrounds and none, are educated together in the same schools and where the symbols, ethos and traditions of the entire community are valued and respected. Independent research indicates that children and young people who attend Integrated schools are more likely to have positive social attitudes to, and have more friendships with, pupils from a different background to their

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own. Research suggests that extended contact between children and young people from different community backgrounds, creates the conditions for generating mutual respect and understanding. Parents can consider one of the 68 Integrated schools throughout Northern Ireland, or parents can help transform an existing school into an Integrated school by registering their support on the Integrate My School website. This has been an exciting 12 months for the Integrated family. The Integrated Education Bill was passed by Stormont in a mammoth process that included a record breaking 21 hour reading. In addition, the Fair Employment (School Teachers) Bill was also passed by Stormont, ensuring that teachers will no longer be able to be discriminated against on the grounds of religion. Four schools transformed to open as Integrated schools in September 2021 with two more schools receiving ministerial approval for Transformation to

Integrated status from September 2022, including Glengormley High School, the first post-primary school to make the change since 2009. There are also another three schools who are currently in the process of submitting their Development Proposals for Transformation following successful parental ballots with more schools planning ballots before the end of this academic year.

If you would like more information on Transformation please contact Andrew Norrie – Parental Engagement Manager, Andrew@ief. org.uk or call 028 9069 4099.

There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the Integrated Education movement.

“When Parents Act Together, Positive Change Happens.”

Integrated Education. The change to integrated school status is called Transformation. Because that’s what it does.

Visit IntegrateMySchool.com

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UT PREP SCHOOL GUIDE 2022

MILL STRAND INTEGRATED SCHOOL AND NURSERY

"Promoting Excellence, Celebrating Difference"

WELCOME TO MILL STRAND INTEGRATED SCHOOL & NURSERY... CELEBRATING 35 YEARS OF INTEGRATED EDUCATION ON THE CAUSEWAY COAST Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery is built on a simple yet fundamental value… “a belief in every child, in the personalities, talents and qualities that make them uniquely special.” Focusing on the four key areas of the school: curriculum, pastoral, integration and SEN, Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery works to provide a safe, nurturing, stimulating and engaging educational environment. One that facilitates high quality, child centred teaching and

learning, differentiated to meet the needs of every child; an education that can provide them with the skills, knowledge, understanding and disposition to continue to grow and develop, not only to realise their potential, but also their aspirations. Mill Strand is the only integrated primary school serving the three towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine. As such, it aspires for its pupils and future generations to grow and develop in a society that is peaceful, prosperous, accepting, inclusive, shared, rich and diverse; one that is united in common purpose and mutual respect, not broken and divided by religion and the past. Currently overlooking the beautiful West Bay in Portrush, Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery has recently been given approval to double in size in a new, modern school, to be situated on the Ballywillan Road in Portrush. The new school is due for completion in the Spring of 2024, to meet ever increasing demand for integrated education on the Causeway Coast. When completed, it will enable the school to continue to actively create the ethos and balance to provide children and young people with the safe space, structure, relationships

and experiences - all day, every day, necessary to foster meaningful, positive change and maximise opportunities to create a better, vibrant, prosperous and harmonious future for generations to come. With an open-door policy, the school encourages prospective pupils and their parents to visit the school at any time and see it during a normal operating day rather than a pre planned ‘open day’. Alternatively, you can visit the school’s web site www. millstrand.co.uk or visit it on Facebook to find out more. Mill Strand Integrated School 33 Dhu Varren, Portrush, Co Antrim BT56 8EW Telephone: 028 7082 3090 Fax: 028 7082 4226 Email: info@millstrandintegratedps. portrush.ni.sch.uk Web: www.millstrand.co.uk

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DUNMURRY GOLF CLUB DINNER Dunmurry Golf Club captain Mr John McAree hosted the club’s Annual Dinner in the clubhouse on Saturday 26th February. Following an absence of 2 years, during Covid, it was very pleasing to be able to hold the event once again where over 80 Members and guests enjoyed an excellent evening. The Captain welcomed everyone to the club and thanked everyone for attending. May McFetridge made a special appearance where she kept everyone on their toes with her witty comments. Captain’s Table (pictured left): Bill Miscampbell (Miscampbell & Co Chartered Accounts, sponsor), Pat McKnight (Dunmurry GC Vice Captain), John McAree (Dunmurry GC Captain), Noel Magill (Dunmurry GC, Immediate Past Captain), Peter Conlon (Malone GC Immediate Past Captain), Norman McNellis (Lisburn GC Captain) and John Boyd (Lisburn GC, President). 170

April 2022

DRIVES

Fabulous Fabia New Fabia has big car feel at small car prices, writes James Stinson The latest Skoda Fabia is a car that’s easy to bond with… it’s stylish, refined and good value. It’s a car, people will buy, perhaps feeling a little smug, knowing they won’t be duped by flash advertising but that they’ve done their homework and come home with a little gem. Like every new car, the latest Fabia is bigger than the one it replaces, now more than four metres long. That translates into a nice airy interior, with plenty of head and shoulder room throughout the cabin. The rear seats can easily accommodate two tall adults while the boot – which was already the largest in the segment – has gained an additional 50 litres to a capacious 380 litres. The styling is more grown up too. With a drag coefficient of just 0.28, a new record in the small car class, the new Fabia is both slippery and purposeful. There are lots of trendy angles and creases on the bodywork, supposedly

mimicking the characteristic triangle on the Czech flag. There are five trim levels - S, SE Comfort, SE L and Colour Edition as well as a sporty range-topping Monte Carlo version. The Monte Carlo comes with the option of a meaty 1.5 litre motor but most Fabias will be powered by smaller 1.0 litre petrol powerplants with outputs ranging from 64-109 bhp. Most buyers will opt for something in the middle, with the 94bhp turbocharged petrol delivering the best mix of performance, refinement and economy. It’s good for a 0-60 time of 10.5 seconds and claimed mpg north of 50mpg. Cheaper, less zesty versions are available but probably aren’t worth the saving. Five-speed manual gearboxes are common throughout the range with the larger 109bhp and Monte Carlo versions coming with either six-speed manual or a seven-speed DSG automatic. All are married to a light clutch and firm brakes.

The ride is comfortable without being soft, while the steering is light and nimble. This and the smallish front pillars and decent rear window make it a real doddle to drive in and around town. The cabin is typical VWgroup fare, with solid materials throughout. There are some neat, angled designs around the door handles and dash that add a bit of interest while the seats are really comfortable and supportive. Standard equipment is generous too with all models getting LED headlights, front assist, pedestrian protection and lane assist safety aids along with a DAB radio, a 6.5 inch infotainment screen with easy to navigate buttons and manual air conditioning. All Fabias have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto so you can mirror your smartphone and use selected apps on the touchscreen. There are USB-C sockets in the front while wireless phonecharging is available as an option. Higher range models get a larger

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9.2 inch colour display and a crisp 10.2 inch digital dashboard. Skoda scores well on customer satisfaction and reliability surveys and there’s nothing to suggest the new Fabia will be any different. It feels taut and solid and shares many of its parts with its VWgroup stablemate, the Polo. Skoda’s big trick, as ever, is being able to undercut its German rival. A generously specced Fabia Colour edition, with a similar engine and gearbox, is the same price as the cheapest entry level Polo. You’re basically forking out an extra few grand for a badge!

02 03

LAND ROVER BELFAST

Land Rover Belfast were delighted to host a number of customers along with Land Rover Experience Scotland for an Off-Road Experience Event at Glenarm Castle. Customers had a chance to experience off-road driving in a selection of Land Rover vehicles which was a perfect opportunity to learn the outstanding capabilities of the vehicles in such detail. Customers were also given the opportunity to drive a selection of new Land Rover models including the stunning 5.0 Land Rover Defender P525 V8 110. The event was supported by the fantastic catering provided by Ground at Glenarm Castle Tea Rooms.

1. Jenny and Alastair McIlwain. 2. James McIntosh (Charles Hurst) with Alan, Trevor and Adam Poots. 3. Caryl Love and Jenny McCrea. 4. Land Rover Discovery. 5. Kevin Munro and David Woodside. 6. The Land Rover experience fleet at Glenarm. 7. Charles Hurst Land Rover. 172

05 07

ASTON MARTIN DBX 707 LAUNCH Aston Martin Belfast were delighted to host the exclusive launch of the Aston Martin DBX707 on Tuesday 29th March. The event saw the reveal of the world’s most powerful, luxury SUV. A new ruler of adventure with 707PS, DBX707 is a new seat of power. To enquire please contact the Aston Martin Belfast team on 028 9038 5755. 1. Sam Akbar and Michael Moore. 2. The new Aston Martin DBX at Charles Hurst. 3. Michael and Charity Hall. 4. The new Aston Martin DBX at Charles Hurst. 5. Aston Martin product specialist Stephen Tomkins with Tracey and Peter Hull. 6. Dan Pearcey, Stephen Tomkins and sales Manager Mike Gimson. 7. Andrew McGrath and Jacob Stockdale. 173

NI and Scottish Secretaries Visit Discover Ulster-Scots Centre

uring a recent visit to Belfast to discuss connectivity within the United Kingdom, the Scottish Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. Alister Jack MP and the Northern Ireland Secretary of State, Rt. Hon. Brandon Lewis MP took a few hours to visit the Discover Ulster-Scots Centre in the city’s Cathedral Quarter. On arrival, they were welcomed by the Ulster-Scots Agency’s Chief Executive, Ian Crozier and greeted with a musical display from the Pipes and Drums of Campbell College.

Secretaries of State for Northern Ireland and Scotland with Ulster-Scots Agency CEO, Ian Crozier.

Agency CEO Ian Crozier and Scottish Secretary Alister Jack with Campbell College Pipes and Drums.

The expansion of relationships between Northern Ireland and Scotland was the focus of a working lunch with representatives of the UlsterScots Agency, where guests were treated to a menu of local produce including Donegal salmon and Mourne lamb. The visit culminated in a reception with representatives from a selection of more than 600 groups from the UlsterScots community sector that benefitted from additional support funding allocated by HM Treasury during the Covid-19 pandemic. Both cabinet ministers took time to talk to people and find out how the additional funds had helped their groups through a very tough period and were now helping them to get back up and running.

Telephone: 028 9023 1113 Email: info@ulsterscotsagency.org.uk

NI Secretary Brandon Lewis receives a memento of NI 100.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack receives a memento of NI 100.

William Wallace, Michelle Shilliday, Vikki Singer, Jane Barr and Alan McCormick.

Jennifer Crockard, Muriel Bowyer, David Gilliland and Helen Johnston.

Lucy Mulholland, Elizabeth Cameron MBE and Deirdre Speer-Whyte.

The Secretaries of State viewing Carson and Craig’s Ulster Covenant.

James Donaldson, Roberta Heaney and Matthew Warwick.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack talks farming with Derek Reaney.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/UlsterScotsAgency Twitter: https://twitter.com/UlsterScotsAgen Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/discoverulsterscots

Evelyn Hanna BEM and Paul Liggett.

LOOKING BACK ISSUE: APRIL 2005

COLERAINE ROTARY CLUB PRESIDENT’S NIGHT DINNER AT THE LODGE HOTEL Roddy Armstrong, Sheila Armstrong, Robert McPherson, James Nesbitt, Wes Armstrong, Gary Mabbutt (MBE), John Ramsay, Riba McPhearson, Crawford Wilson and Helen Armstrong.

BELFAST VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU MEMBERS EVENING

ANNUAL LORD MAYER’S BALL AT BELFAST CITY HALL

Rosalyn Gainsborough, John Walsh and Lisa Scott.

Tony Hibberd, Lord Mayer Alderman Tom Ekin and Claire Sweeney.

LAGAN COLLEGE CLAIM CUP GLORY

Lagan College - All Ireland U-19 Basketball Champions.

ANTRIM GRAMMAR SCHOOL 30TH ANNIVERSARY BALL AT THE DUNADRY INN Miss J. Williamson (centre), principal of Antrim Grammar School, pictured with former principals Mr Stanley Spence and Mr Jum Hunniford with their wives.

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY PHARMACY BALL AT THE CLANDEBOYLE LODGE Carla Jones, Corona Cassidy, Deborah Caldwell, Marie Bradley and Claire Higgins.

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ULSTER TATLER

APRIL 2022

VOLUME 56 NO.4 ULSTERTATLER.COM