29 minute read
NATIONAL BED MONTH
...At Sound Asleep Beds
Discover the finest, luxury beds money can buy at Sound Asleep Beds.
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1. The new Vispring Studio at Sound Asleep Beds has nine different Vispring models, with 18 different mattress tensions making it Ireland’s largest Vispring retailer.
2. Vispring Altas Headboard in Gem Prussia.
3. Vispring Tiara Superb with Sovereign Divan, Heaven Luxury Topper and Aldo Headboard in Soft Cotton Mist fabric.
4. 16 headboard styles, over 80 fabric options, 9 leg options with 6 height options.
5. All Vispring beds are covered by a 30 Year Guarantee.
6. Vispring Tiara Superb with Sovereign Divan with the Achilles headboard in Plush Teal.
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Vispring at Sound Asleep Beds
1 Glenford Road, Newtownards BT23 4AU T: 028 91822544 www.soundasleepbeds.com
Mandy Cowan and Guylene Thionville.
Joy Donnelly and mum Maureen Clifford with Rosie.
PORTADOWN
Portadown’s old town quay on the river Bann is one of Portadown’s oldest and most historic sites, dating from 1742. The refurbished modern riverside area has transformed the prime, central riverfront location.
Boasting new paths, lighting and landscaping and the installation of a new, innovative fl oating pontoon means access to the River Bann for locals, visitors and business users.
Alex Lyle and Adele Tate.
Janet and Paul Hanna. Karen McConville and Barry Owens.
George and Gertie Vennard. Tristan Weir and Nigel Finlay.
FINISHING TOUCHES
1. 1. Field Day – Winter collection with cinnamon, clove and orange scent
£17.95-£41.95
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3. Neptune –
Sefton throw in rust with the Larsson low chest of drawers which is priced at £725
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2. The Irish Country Home – luxury faux flowers
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Janis and Hubert Blair with granddaughter Ellie.
Leo Mooney with nephew Coulter Hagans, nieces Mylee and Cleo and dogs Max and Ellie.
LARNE PROMENADE
Ulster Tatler readers enjoy the exhilerating winter scenery at Larne Promenade. The fi rst town on the scenic Antrim Coast Road leading to the Glens of Antrim.
Eamon, Nicola, Jamie and Molly Crawford.
. Mary Orr and Noelle Rea.
Caroline Blair and John Grayston with Benji. Angela and Colin McCormick with Alfi e. Vicky, Naimh and Alice Erdis with dogs Axl and Rosie.
ZOE WILSON
Defender in the Ireland Hockey Team
1. What do you love most about your playing hockey for Ireland?
I love getting to compete against world-class opposition. I get to play hockey with my best friends and get to travel to places I never thought I would go.
2. What has been your career highlight to date?
My career highlight has to be the hockey World Cup in 2018. We went into the tournament ranked second bottom and ended up winning a silver medal – it is still hard to believe it happened.
3. What are your favourite hobbies/ activities outside of playing hockey?
I enjoy going on big walks and have most recently taken up gardening.
4. What is your daily routine?
I am currently a full-time student at Ulster University studying Human Nutrition, whilst also training full time with the Irish women’s hockey team, so if I am not doing one, I am doing the other.
5. Do you have a specifi c fi tness regime?
We work very closely with the team S&C and physio who plan both our team sessions and individual sessions according to our specifi c needs. It usually consists of mobility, gym and running.
6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?
I think having a plan and setting a goal to achieve each day, no matter how small it is, and don’t forget to smile... it’s free.
7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?
The people in Northern Ireland are so friendly, and there are so many beautiful walks within driving distance.
8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?
Everything happens for a reason.
9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?
My family, they are very supportive and always push me to achieve my best, while keeping my feet fi rmly on the ground.
10. FAVOURITE
Movie: Grease
Band/Musician: Ed Sheeran
Book: The Hunger Games Restaurant: The Ramore Wine Bar, Portrush
Holiday Destination: Florida
Drink: Rosé wine
Meal: Sunday roast dinner
Daiva, Vilte and Nerejus Malinauskai.
Catherine Wright and Wayne Kelly.
TYRONE FARMERS’ MARKET
Tyrone Farmers Market at Tesco Car park, Dungannon meets on the 1st Saturday of the month. Produce includes fresh fruit & vegetables, home-grown organic produce, naturally produced meat and home-baked goodies.
Julie-Ann, Harry and Colin Ferguson.
Shay Mullan and Hugh Cushinan.
.Kieran and Paula O’Neill.
Raymond and Gemma Carolan with Finn and Theo. Daughter and mum Ashleigh and Linda Haydock from Linda’s Bakery. Breda Treanor and Junior Boyd.
PEOPLE POWER
Your people are your most valuable commodity. Central to the success of any organisation – whatever their size or sector – is the right blend of talent, motivation and leadership.
And for this reason, investing in your people is not only the right thing to do, it is proven to be essential in delivering sustainable results, especially in a crisis. Organisations that lead, support and develop their workforce effectively are 17% more productive and 21% more profi table. Employers who get this wrong not only suffer the performance consequences, but also see a detrimental impact on the wellbeing of their employees.
The purpose at Investors in People is to make work better. Central to achieving this goal is the ‘We Invest in People’ accreditation, which has been developed and refi ned over nearly 30 years to help companies, leaders and employees work together to create better, more productive workplaces.
What are the benefi ts?
• Help your business to grow faster. 60% of companies we have accredited, predict their business will grow (compared to the national average of 47%). • Gain detailed insight into how well you are currently leading, supporting and developing your workforce to achieve business results • Help and advice from an expert practitioner to help you develop an action plan designed to build on your strengths and tackle the areas where you can improve • Measure the impact of your people strategy and initiatives and how they benefi t your people. • Attract better talent. Good people want to work for good companies. • Stand out from other employers. Our accreditation is a recognition of you putting your people fi rst. • Online survey and face-to-face interviews (that can be done remotely) to gather valuable information from your people • Automatic entry in the Investors in People Awards where we celebrate the best and the boldest organisations, rewarding their great work. • An action plan designed to support the evolution of your strategy • Standard, silver, gold and platinum award levels, valid for three years • 12 and 24-month check-ins with your practitioner
Investors in People hold an awards ceremony every year to highlight the good work that companies are doing across the UK. The 2020 ceremony took place online, but to fi nd out more about the 2021 awards visit www.investorsinpeople.com
Heron Brothers pictured at the 2017 awards when they won their Investors in People Platinum status.
PLATINUM EMPLOYER OF THE YEAR 2020
Construction and property specialists, Heron Bros were proud winners of Platinum Employer of the Year at The Investors in People Awards 2020. Heron Bros fi rst achieved Platinum status in 2016, the highest accolade that can be achieved and is currently held by only 1% of IIP accredited organisations world-wide. Heron Bros were the fi rst business in any sector in N Ireland and the fi rst construction company within the UK to achieve Investors In People Platinum status. Being recognised now as Employer of the Year Platinum 2020 demonstrates the excellence and highest standards which continue to drive Heron Bros.
Heron Bros specialise in: - Construction - Property - Manufacturing - Building Merchants - Facilities Management
‘Master Dunker’ outdoor swimmer Fionnuala McCourt with Auntie Nuala Kavanagh
Heather McCorry with Cora and Finn
OXFORD ISLAND, LURGAN
Oxford Island is a gateway to Lough Neagh’s southern shore near Lurgan. It has a network of walking trails, bird watching hides and discovery centre where the public can enjoy the sounds and sights of nature. It is also the venue for the Lough Neagh monster dunkers cold water skins swimmers club who were out in force.
Dom and Sarah McGeough prepare for a dunk in Lough Neagh.
Cold water swimmers in Lough Neagh. Keeley and Karina Lough with Penny
Stephanie Lyness and Brian Uprichard with Penny and Alfi e. Nicola Collins and Jackie Prior with Aoife and Jack.
.Eamon and Olive Cunningham with Max.
NEW APPOINTMENT AT MAGHERAFELT HIGH SCHOOL
Newly appointed Head Teacher and mum to two teenagers, Grace Anderson shares her leadership story.
“I began teaching in an integrated post-primary. Inspired by visionary principals, I learned how to set high standards and to build capacity for improvement. I was appointed to Senior Leadership nine years later and relished the challenge. I completed the Professional Qualification In Headship 2015 and after that, became Head of Junior School with almost 500 students in my charge.
My personal and professional life converged in 2017 when my daughter joined Year 8. I had the privilege of watching her settle in, seeing the little things other parents missed. When my son joined my school two years later, I became the mum that could hear the stories travelling to and from school and be ‘on tap’ when they forgot lunch money. It offered the best of both worlds as a parent, as I could see my children grow and work at the same time.
In March 2020, a colleague shared an advertisement for Principal of Magherafelt High School, knowing it would appeal to me with its family feel and strong community spirit. After plenty of soul-searching and prayer, I applied. COVID-19 delayed the process, so it was later in 2020 before I was appointed.
I am the first female Principal of the school, which is soon to celebrate its 70th Birthday. Around 70% of the post-primary workforce is female but less than half of all principals are women. There is much debate over gender equality, but I don’t believe women are being held back by anything other than their own fear of guilt. They fear that if they are pursuing leadership roles, they will be in some way doing their family a disservice. It’s a myth too that women are the only ones to feel guilt. I have worked with some outstanding men who equally worry they are putting work before family. Magherafelt High School’s newly appointed Principal, Grace Anderson.
I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many incredible role models that I have been inspired to push onwards and that’s the version of ‘me’ that I want my children see as they grow up. The pandemic has enabled us to see other’s perspectives. The teachers became ‘stay at home parents’ and the parents became ‘kitchen-desk teachers’. The most important lesson we should learn is that we are all different but with praise and encouragement, we can bring out the best in ourselves, our colleagues and most importantly, our children.”
BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION
Professor Joe O’Sullivan
Professor of Radiation Oncology, Queen’s University Belfast Consultant Oncologist, The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital
The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation is a registered charity which helps fund local research, sta , equipment and clinical research trials which change lives here in Northern Ireland.
Gifts in wills are a simple way you can support this vital work in the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s. This research is used to help improve outcomes and quality of life for patients in the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital. We understand that the causes closest to your heart are often personal, which is why you can choose to give to the area of research that means the most to you. When you choose to leave a charitable legacy, you become part of the solution. You inspire the greatest minds and invest in world-class research. You change lives.
Contact Susan Wilson Legacy Manager Development and Alumni Relations O ce, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN T: +44 (0) 28 9097 3162 E: susan.wilson@qub.ac.uk
www.queensfoundation.com/legacygifts
SPREADING THE NEWS
We look at some of the stories making headlines this month.
THE BIG PICTURE
2020 and recurring lockdowns have caused many issues for the property market but one Lisburn-based estate agent has come up with a solution to help make the moving process a whole lot easier.
One of the fi rst in Northern Ireland and at no extra cost to the vendor, Bill McCann Estate Agency has introduced superior 3D virtual viewings on its website to the benefi t of both buyers and sellers.
Established in Lisburn in 1997, the company prides itself on being a forward thinker in an ever-evolving sector but it was when this, normally, fast moving market ground to a halt during the fi rst lockdown in March 2020 that the team at Bill McCann’s had the chance to come up with their most innovative idea yet.
Using Matterport software, a prestigious powerful 3D platform and a 360º camera Bill McCann Estate Agency are able to recreate your home in a digital space for anyone to view at any time, providing they have a connection to the Internet.
This unique service is integrated into the usual registration fee and offered to all vendors, irrespective of the value of their home. As viewers are able to get a feel for the property without leaving their own home, it saves on time and reduces wasted viewings for both the homeowner and prospective buyers.
For further information check out www.billmccann.com Pictured are Simon McCann (left) and Ross Moffett.
RECORD GROWTH
A huge increase in online sales has helped deliver record results for Four Star Pizza (FSP) during 2020.
Despite a very challenging year, in which a number of stores had to temporarily shut their doors due to Covid-19, the Irish-owned pizza chain today announced a total year-on-year sales increase of 6%.
This represents FSP’s best annual performance since it was founded in 1986 and was driven largely by a huge jump of 34% in online orders made via the company’s own website and app. Online orders now account for almost 65 per cent of all sales.
The fi rst Four Star Pizza store in Ireland opened in Crumlin, Dublin, in 1986. Now the company employs more than 1,000 people on the island of Ireland, with locations across Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kerry, Wicklow, Donegal, Clare, Kildare, Kilkenny, Limerick, Louth, Mayo, Meath, Waterford, Westmeath and Wexford.
TOP MARKS
Mrs Louise Hanvey, Principal of Ashfi eld Girls’ High School in East Belfast, received an Honouree award at the 9th Blackboard Awards. The ceremony, which was held virtually in association with Aisling Events, recognised the efforts of school communities to support not only their pupils during this year of pandemic but also families and the wider community. Mrs Hanvey applauded her staff who have gone above and beyond to respond to the challenges of the pandemic, from donating safety equipment to local nursing homes in the early days, to opening its doors to the children of key workers, vulnerable pupils and those with special needs whilst also maintaining daily contact with pupils and parents. Ashfi eld Girls’ High School has also invested an extensive period of time training staff on Microsoft Teams to streamline the learning platforms so that when the second lockdown occurred, all staff were ‘ahead of the game’ in terms of being ready to deliver quality, innovative lessons.
Gilbert Law & Co.
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Investigators
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John Montgomery Tel: 07732 846886 Email: john@gilbertlaw.co.uk Web: www.gilbertlaw.co.uk
GILBERT LAW INVESTIGATORS are licensed by the Offi ce of Fair Trading and registered under the Data Protection Act.
John is a member of the Association of British Investigators.
Gilbert Law is based in Mid Ulster and is Northern Ireland’s oldest established Security & Investigative company founded in 1889.
Established 1913
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ASHLEY FULTON
Vocal Coach, Musical Director and Performer.
1. What do you love most about your job?
That’s a tough question. I love the variety and experiences that being a Vocal Coach and Musical Director brings. I love mentoring young people and, as their singing teacher, being the catalyst to ensure they realise their full vocal and performance potential. I love the experiences and artistic creativity that comes with being a Musical Director. Hearing something in my head and making that a reality is wonderful. I love music and theatre, what I do isn’t work. It’s my life and my passion.
2. What has been your career highlight to date?
There have been so many, but I’ll highlight this, as a Vocal Coach I’m so proud that 80 of my students have gone on to study Music Theatre at many of the leading UK Drama Schools. 420 of my students have achieved their London College of Music Diploma in Music Theatre or Classical Singing and over 2500 have achieved a graded 1 - 8 exam. That’s 3000 in total to date. I’m very proud of that.
As a Musical Director my highlights would include directing my incredible vocal group Adoro in performances for HM Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee and 90th Birthday Services as well as Lady Mary Peters 80th Birthday Gala. Over the past 12 years, since founding Adoro, we have raised nearly £50k for various charities including £25k for The Mary Peters Trust. the time I enjoy reading, especially thrillers, it’s hard to beat a classic Agatha Christie whodunnit. Eating out and shopping are defi nitely at both the top of my ‘favourite things to do’ list and I will very much enjoy those again when it’s safe to do so.
4. What is your daily routine?
Every day starts with coff ee! I’ll have to confess that my usual routine has had to alter to fi t in with lockdown but after coff ee I’ll shower and do usual skincare regime. I’ve been doing all my teaching online from home during the pandemic but still like to get properly dressed for online work and continue to be completely professional in my appearance and attitude. I still wear fragrance everyday even though no one smell it except me! Generally speaking my working day ends late so it’s usually a light supper, some TV to relax and a phone call to my parents ends each day.
5. Do you have a fi tness regime?
I do like to walk and try to get out for a walk every day. I’ve found it much harder in the winter to motivate myself but have been trying to do appropriately 5km most days.
Singing can be considered as part of my daily wellbeing activities. When you sing you inhale quickly with a slow exhilaration as you are singing. This helps to slow the heart rate and promotes calmness.
6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?
I try to always appreciate what I have and be thankful for the many wonderful opportunities life has aff orded me. My parents are my world so I speak to them several times a day and this really helps my positivity. I have my house full of photos of family and friends, a constant reminder of all the love and wonderful people in my life.
Getting out in the fresh air is great, and it has been proven that long country walks increases your receptiveness for learning.
I also keep a journal where I record things I’m thankful for or reasons to celebrate.
7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?
Northern Ireland is such a beautiful country with breath-taking scenery. I appreciate this more and more as I get older. I was brought up in the country and couldn’t wait to experience city life. Now I’m contemplating eventually retiring to the country!! The thing I like most about this wonderful place are the people, they are warm, caring and friendly. People are the essential ingredient that make any place unique and special.
8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?
‘Life isn’t a dress rehearsal’, I tell all my pupils to be the best version of themselves and to make the very most of every opportunity that presents itself.
9. Who has been your biggest infl uence?
My biggest infl uences were three wonderful woman from very diff erent periods of my life. The fi rst was a lady called Ethel Benson who discovered my musical ability when I was 5 or 6 and she nurtured and encouraged it. The second my inspirational music teacher from school Sylvia McMenemy who was so encouraging.
When I went to Queens University in 1992 to study a Bachelors Degree in Music the wonderful soprano Irene Sandford who became my singing teacher and mentor.
I should also mention the very positive and supportive infl uence my parents and family have been throughout my career.
10. FAVOURITE
Movie: Original Stars Wars trilogy Band/Musician: Bucks Fizz when I was younger but have always loved Abba Book: The Woman in White by Wilkie Collins
Restaurant: Deane & Decano
Holiday Destination: Italy or South of France Drink: White Wine especially an Italian Pinot Grigio Meal: Christmas Dinner
DANSKE PARTNERS WITH AWARE TO HELP IMPROVE TEENAGE MENTAL HEALTH
Danske Bank has announced AWARE NI as its new charity partner of the year, with a focus on supporting the charity’s work to help young people.
AWARE is a depression and mental health focused charity with an established network of support groups across Northern Ireland. They deliver wellbeing programmes to all generations, and work daily to reduce the stigma surrounding the topic of mental health so that it can be discussed more openly.
The impact of the pandemic and restrictions, such as the closure of schools, is likely to have a big impact on the mental health of many young people. A recent study of children and young people in Northern Ireland showed that rates of anxiety and depression are around 25% higher than in other parts of the UK, with 1 in 8 experiencing emotional difficulties.
AWARE’s Mood Matters Young People programme gives young people knowledge and skills that they can use to maintain good mental health and build resilience in order to better deal with problems and challenges. AWARE are currently delivering their Mood Matters workshops online due to the current lockdown restrictions.
In addition to raising funds to enable AWARE to reach thousands more young people across Northern Ireland, Danske will work with AWARE to help raise general local awareness of the challenges around managing mental health.
Karen Collins, Chief Executive of AWARE said:
“We are delighted Danske Bank has chosen AWARE as their charity partner. Their support will make a phenomenal difference in expanding the reach of people we can help. The partnership comes in a special year for AWARE, as we are celebrating our 25th anniversary.
“The past year has been a difficult one for everyone, with lockdown leaving many feeling isolated. We have seen a 46% increase in demand for our support group services. Danske’s partnership will help us expand these services so that we can provide even more support to those who need it.”
Danske Bank’s Chief Executive Kevin Kingston added:
“Even the most optimistic of us will have at times struggled with our mental health over this past year. It impacts everyone to varying degrees, no matter who you are. That includes our own colleagues, our customers and wider society. We want to use our influence as Northern Ireland’s biggest bank to help address the issue.
“We support AWARE’s vision for a future where everyone can talk about their mental health openly, access services appropriate to their needs and develop the skills and knowledge to maintain positive mental health. We also look forward to learning from AWARE’s 25 years’ experience and knowledge to better support our colleagues and customers.”
FOSTER CARERS URGENTLY NEEDED IN NORTHERN IRELAND
Action for Children have made an urgent call for potential foster carers to come forward in Northern Ireland. Avery Bowser, children’s services manager, explained: “The need is very great in Northern Ireland at the moment but the numbers coming forward have been too small. “We know that there are lots of people who have the space in their home to foster but they are often put off by myths about fostering. They think it’s only for certain types of people.
“We need people from different backgrounds and communities to become foster carers because our children are all so different.
“At Action for Children we provide foster families that have the warmth and stability that enable children to cope with the changes that life brings them. We do that by recruiting ordinary people, from all walks of life, who do something extraordinary – become a foster carer.”
Avery is asking readers to think about fostering or encourage someone else who could foster.
“All kinds of people can foster. You have to be over 21, have a spare room, the ability to work with children and have the time in your life to give.
“So please give our friendly fostering team a call. The need in Belfast is very urgent and I am appealing for your help.”
If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or would like to find out more, please contact Action for Children’s fostering team on 028 90460500 or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk
LIVE LESSONS WITH ‘EVANGELISCHES GYMNASIUM’ 10 KILOMETRES IN 10 DAYS!
German exchange from 2019.
During the current period of extended online learning, Grosvenor Grammar School’s German department has made the most of opportunities afforded to it by inviting pupils from its German partner school, ‘Evangelisches Gymnasium’ in Lippstadt, to interact with its pupils during live lessons.
During the week beginning Monday 8th February, for instance, a Year 11 GCSE German class was joined by Lina Böhme and Otto Eling, from a rather snowy Lippstadt. Lina and Otto were able to discuss the topic of ‘Daily Routine and Household Chores’, which is currently being studied by Year 11 pupils. In Year 12, meanwhile, Lisa Bertram and Elisa Wagner were invited by their Exchange partners, Grace Dugan and Erin Young, into their GCSE class and contributed to a very valuable discussion about school life in Germany – the topic currently being studied by the class. On 25th January, in preparation for Mental Health Awareness Week, members of Grosvenor Grammar School’s 8E tutor group were set a challenge to walk or run 10km in ten days. Despite treacherous conditions of snow, ice and frost, class members braved the elements and completed the challenge, uploading evidence of their achievements from apps and smart watches. Some in the Year 8 pupil Ellen Patton who, along with her classmates in 8E, has been participating in the ‘10km in 10 days’ initiative. class took to task on the Comber Greenway, snapping magical shots of glacial ponds, whilst others exercised against the splendour of the Cregagh Hills while escaping the confinements of their houses.
The impact of lockdowns on the mental health of young people is as yet unknown; however, Dr. Ellen Townsend, Clinical Psychologist at the University of Nottingham, has expressed concerns about a rise in negative thoughts amongst young people during such times. Because of this, staff at Grosvenor have been adopting a proactive approach, holding weekly live lessons with their tutor groups to keep its young people talking with each other whilst following the School’s pastoral care schemes of work.
Well done to all of the pupils in 8E on their success in completing this challenge - they have proven themselves to be excellent ambassadors in maintaining good mental health and they now look forward to whatever challenge awaits them next.
