SHEELAGH MARY RATLIFF

13 APRIL 1948 - 5TH JANUARY 2023

Sheelagh was born on 13th April 1948 in Newcastle upon Tyne, the daughter of Charles and Margaret (nee Gilliead) Ratliff. She had an older brother, David, and two younger brothers, Michael and Stephen. Post-war Britain was hard, and both her parents worked whilst raising their family. Sheelagh’s mum made many dresses and clothes for them both, with large paper patterns spread across the floor. This was to be great experience for Sheelagh in her future life, although she never really stuck to the patterns. She was always “tweaking” them to make them more trendy, or simply making her own for secret nights out at the Club a GoGo in Newcastle. Quite how she explained to her mother that she had acquired Dave Clark’s (as in Dave Clark Five) drum sticks, or that she had seen The Beatles and Rolling Stones, when she was supposed to be at the local Catholic youth club, I’m not sure. She won a place at the local Catholic Convent Grammar School, La Sagesse, which had a reputation for academic success and strict regulations. Needless to say, Sheelagh quickly challenged the length of the skirt and wore her straw hat at a most irregular angle. Whilst many of the nuns saw this as a challenge, one, Sr Carmel her art teacher, recognised her creative talent and encouraged her to enrol on the Fashion Design course at Newcastle College of Art. This was a forerunner of the prestigious Northumbria University where a later graduate was Jonathan Ive, Apple’s chief designer from 1997 to 2019. Sadly, Sheelagh never quite mastered her i-phone or i-pad, but that’s another story.

Sheelagh excelled under the leadership of Professor Mary Bromley who always hoped that Sheelagh would return to the college as a teacher and maybe successor. That was not to be. By 1966 Sheelagh was in London, which was THE place to be for a fashion designer. She quickly established herself in the work and social life of Swinging Sixties London. She went on to put on fashion shows in Paris, Milan and New York, designing outfits for Tina Turner, Lulu and others, and working closely with her friend Jeff Banks.

Sheelagh acquired the accent of the Capital, to much teasing from her brothers back home, but she could always slip into Geordie to give a rendition of The Blaydon Races or Keep Yer Feet Still Geordie Hinny, especially after a G&T or glass of red wine. Guests at the hotel might remember her telling off her father, Charlie, for singing; then joining in herself.

The creative bug never left her and in 1984 she headed off to Spain, then Menorca, for a new adventure and career in hospitality. With Sandy Dallison from London, she took over Tamarisk, near Es Grau. Then in 1994, she took on the greater challenge, along with local artist Lindsay Mullan, of converting a set of derelict farm buildings into the magnificent Biniarroca Hotel Rural, one of the first Rural Hotels on the island. Her vision included an environmental and sustainable philosophy, which is still maintained.

It soon gained a reputation for tranquillity, beauty, fine cuisine and a superb welcome from hostess Sheelagh and her excellent staff. It became the “Go To” hotel for many regular guests as well as a special venue for celebrating weddings, engagements, birthday parties and anniversaries. Its guests have included many well known international figures from the world of music, sports, politics, literature, and TV. Sheelagh took pride in treating every guest equally. She had a rule that mobile phones were not allowed in the restaurant or by the pool, and she would, gently, enforce that with everyone!

Sheelagh was widely known on the island and was involved in a number of charitable events, donating dinners and mini-breaks. She also supported many charity shops, spotting bargains which could be turned into fabulous and unique outfits. This habit could drive her brothers mad if they ever went with her to the shops. Her sewing machine never retired as she also turned her skill, learned literally at her mother’s knee, to creating clothes, especially animal prints, curtains, bed covers, cushions and throws, always in her particular style.

Poor health in the last few years meant that Sheelagh was less involved in the day to day running of Biniarroca. But she had built up a team of skilled and dedicated staff, many of whom have been with her for over 20 years. Led by Director Nuria Sintes, the hotel was able to bounce back after Covid. Her weekly meetings with Nuria, and her forensic eye for detail, meant that standards were maintained and that the future of the hotel is assured.

Sheelagh’s family are delighted that, together with Nuria and her team, the hotel will continue to be successful and build on her vision and legacy.