Ulster Tatler May 2022

NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY ULSTER TATLER

MAY 2022

£3.20

MAY 2022

UT CHATS WITH BLU HYDRANGEA UT FOCUS ON THE NORTH COAST & PORTRUSH A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

VOLUME 56 NO.5 ULSTERTATLER.COM

TATLER MAY 22 COVER SECTION.indd 1

£3.20 (€4.55)

29/04/2022 12:56

Blackwater Private Clinic is a new independent provider of healthcare services in the heart of the City of Armagh

Our expert medical practitioners are committed to providing the highest quality medical care for women and men for a range of medical specialities

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Alumier MD – we have exclusive Northern Ireland consultant status for this multi-award winning professionally-dispensed medical grade skincare

Find out more about us at blackwaterprivateclinic.com – or why not give us a ring on +44 (028) 3760 5020 for a free, no obligation consultation. Virtual consultations also available.

TATLER MAY 22 COVER SECTION.indd 2

29/04/2022 14:50

028 2954 0119 www.traceyjaneni.com

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29/04/2022 09:43

“We are now supplying and installing luxury outdoor tiles, creating ultimate indoor/ outdoor living spaces.”

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29/04/2022 09:49

2 The Diamond, Ballycastle BT54 6AW Telephone: 028 2076 2311 Email: info@ballycastlehomecare.co.uk

www.ballycastlehomecare.co.uk

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the tile refinery, 11–19 blythe street, belfast BT12 5HU T. 02890 232136 davidscotttiles.com

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28/04/2022 09:27

102-106 Main Street Moira BT67 0LH www.beaufortinteriors.co.uk info@beaufortinteriors.co.uk

Tel 028 9261 9508 beaufort_interiors

LONDON / The Beaufort Collection - 367a (Top Floor, North Dome) Design Centre Chelsea Harbour, Lots Road, London SW10 0XE - Showroom: 020 7352 3573

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28/04/2022 09:28

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

With a Quooker in your kitchen you always have 100 °C boiling water alongside regular hot and cold.

Add a Cube and you will also have chilled, filtered sparkling water – all from the same tap. Interested?

Book a virtual experience with a Quooker expert.

You control the appointment and what you see.

For further details and to book your appointment, scan the QR code or visit quooker.co.uk

Vascular Service Belfast Skin Clinic offers a range of Vascular treatments for both thread and varicose veins. All of the procedures offered are done so without the need for general anaesthetic, meaning patients can have their veins treated and walk out of the clinic with no downtime.

Microsclerotherapy And Thread Veins

Radiofrequency Ablation Of Varicose Veins

Sclerotherapy is a safe and well-established treatment for

Radiofrequency ablation is a minimally-invasive procedure

thread veins on the legs. Although there are a number of

used in the treatment of varicose veins and is an alternative

alternative treatments, it remains the most reliable and

to the traditional stripping operation. Results suggest that it is

successful of them all.

as good as a surgical operation for the treatment of varicose veins, and it is recommended by the National Institute of

What does a microsclerotherapy treatment session involve?

Clinical Excellence (NICE) as the first line of treatment for

Patients require a consultation and full assessment of veins

varicose veins. It has a number of advantages over the

before treatment can commence. Around one quarter of

standard operation. These include:

thread veins are caused by a problem in larger veins. If that is

•

It is performed using local anaesthetic

the case we need to deal with the cause at the same time as

•

The procedure is performed as an outpatient/day case,

treating the thread veins or they will just recur soon afterwards.

and takes approximately 25 minutes for one leg •

You are able to return to work either the same or following day

•

There is typically very little discomfort or pain after the procedure

Ms Gemma McKevitt is a Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon. She is the first trainee in Northern Ireland to complete training solely in Vascular surgery. She has completed a fellowship in the prestigious Royal Adelaide Hospital gaining experience in open and endo vascular work alongside venous intervention treatment before returning to take up a substantive consultant post in the Royal Victoria Hospital. She offers treatments for all venous conditions and will tailor treatment based on patients’ needs from minimally invasive microsclerotherapy to radio-frequency ablation treatments.

Foam Sclerotherapy Foam sclerotherapy is a treatment for varicose veins which involves injecting ‘Foam’ directly into the vein. The foam is made by mixing a solution called Fibrovein with air.

What does the procedure involve?

Depending on the number of varicose veins you have you may need 2 or 3 sessions of treatment, and occasionally more than this.

The main surface vein to be treated will be marked on your leg initially using ultrasound scanning. Local anaesthetic will then be injected into a small area of skin, usually in the lower thigh or mid-calf, and a needle will be placed into the vein, again using ultrasound scanning.

Once enough foam has been injected the needles will be removed, pieces of sponge, gauze or bubblewrap (compression pads) will sometimes be applied to your leg followed by a bandage in order to compress the treated veins.

An elastic compression stocking will then be put on your leg.

To book an appointment simply call us on 028 9066 7077 or email us on info@belfastskinclinic.com Ms Julie Reid is a Consultant Vascular and Endovascular Surgeon, based in the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. She offers treatments for all aspects of venous disease and has a large amount of experience in the latest minimally invasive techniques for treating varicose veins and thread veins. Treatments offered in Belfast Skin Clinic are tailored to the patient’s specific needs whether that is cosmetic improvement, relief of symptoms or prevention of future complications such as bleeding and ulcers. These treatments include radiofrequency ablation, ultrasound guided foam sclerotherapy and microsclerotherapy for thread veins.

18 Deramore Drive, Belfast, BT9 5JQ, N.Ireland.

Approved by RQIA and all leading Insurance companies

www.belfastskinclinic.com

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Future-proof your bathroom renovation Experience a toilet with features such as heated seat, automatic cleaning, odour extraction and warm air drying – with the ability to program your individual preferences via remote control.

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28/04/2022 10:23

A Taste of Galgorm Collection A unique collection of hotels with award-winning spas, a golf club and 2 city centre restaurants, we offer amazing places to rest, meet and dine.

Our destinations have something different to offer you, from ultimate relaxation and wellbeing retreats to adventurous and outdoorsy country escapes. Our delicious foodie experiences lie at the heart of what we do, with dining to suit any occasion.

When you’re not indulging your taste buds, there is a wealth of experiences to discover and enjoy in our hotels, each perfectly situated to explore the region's most renowned attractions and world class golf courses.

GALGORM, COUNTY ANTRIM

FRATELLI BELFAST

THE RABBIT HOTEL & RETREAT, COUNTY ANTRIM

Menus boast inspiring Italian cuisine with the freshest pasta, finest pizza, delicious cocktails, handcrafted mini desserts and much more. Make it a family day out with the kids as they get creative and build their own pizza before enjoying a mini bambinocino whilst reading the story of the three little boars. Elevate your evening with drinks on the 2nd floor terrace as you take in the hustle and bustle of the city, paired perfectly with cocktails and cicchetti to while away the hours with friends.

Switch off, disconnect, and rest your head in luxury at Galgorm, County Antrim. Set within 163 acres of lush parkland with the spectacular River Maine flowing through the estate, Galgorm Resort has a truly unique setting. Boasting world-class hospitality and unrivalled spa, accommodation and golf facilities, the renowned Galgorm is the jewel in Northern Ireland’s hospitality crown.

Burrowed lakeside in the heart of Templepatrick, County Antrim in Northern Ireland, The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat is an idyllic haven, a quirky laid-back home from home with a show-stopping open-air spa that exudes a mix of sophisticated luxury and Bohemian glam. Grab a bite noon to night in The Restaurant, promising fresh, innovative and seasonally led menus with a warm welcome.

THE OLD INN, COUNTY DOWN

Nestled in the charming village of Crawfordsburn in beautiful County Down, The Old Inn offers the perfect rural retreat. A historic property harking back to 1614, The Old Inn embodies a playful blend of the old with the new, the local with the worldly.

With luxurious bedrooms individually decorated to their own traditional style, a quintessentially comfy laid-back 1614 Bar and The Restaurant guaranteeing delicious dining from seasonal menus that marry homely classics with modern dining, The Old Inn is home to time-honoured hospitality.

Ristorante, Pizzeria & Bar, Fratelli oozes rustic Italian charm with a contemporary edge. Perfectly positioned on Great Victoria Street, we promise a family friendly informal environment where the focus is on simple yet quality cookery and a warm welcome.

PARISIEN, BELFAST

Taking prime position in Belfast city centre with unrivalled views of City Hall, Parisien is your cosmopolitan destination made for relishing the moment. With a chic yet comfortable ambience and style in abundance, gather with friends for a leisurely lunch, celebrate life’s milestones with family or host your private event or wedding with loved ones. For summer evenings, the 2nd floor terrace is Belfast’s most sought-after spot for sipping cocktails and soaking up the city vibes.

So, what are you waiting for? Our collection is full of places perfectly located to fill your Spring with fresh adventure.

GALGORM.COM

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May 2022

CONTENTS Features

70

26

COLUMNIST – KATHY CLUGSTON Take Note

36

ROYALLY REWARDED

62

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW Blu Hydrangea

81

UT INFLUENTIAL WOMEN OF THE YEAR

84

SOCIETY WEDDINGS

94

EAT, STAY, RELAX

105

FOCUS ON: North Coast and Portrush

118

STAYCATIONS

123

A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

138

ARTS DIARY

143

BOOK EXTRACT Lenny

144

MY TOP TEN Helen Merrigan Colfer

146

UT AWARDS 22

151

FSB AWARDS 2022

160

LOOKING BACK May 1984

UT Style

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This month's cover features the Anais sofa by egoitaliano® which is available from Algram. Algram provide high quality, fresh furniture that helps make your home a haven.

Algram Bridgewater House, 1-5 Railway Street, Ballymena BT42 2AA T: 028 2564 0206 Photographer: Paul Jervis, Jervis Wedding Photography Model: Katharine Walker Makeup: Sarah Walker

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STYLE WATCH

66

STYLE RULES Fashion inspiration for local trendsetters

68

GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

Keep In Touch With Ulster Tatler At:

follow us on twitter @ulstertatlermag or like us on facebook

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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

Black

Reverse

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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29/04/2022 11:27

Do you suffer from Do you suffer from loose dentures or loose dentures or missing teeth? missing teeth?

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Schedule Contact us us today: today: 028 028 9568 95680446 0446 Scheduleaa FREE FREE consultation consultation — Contact PAGE23.indd 1

28/04/2022 10:25

EDITOR’S LETTER

Vinyl Solutions

EDITOR: Christopher Sherry DEPUTY EDITOR: Joanne Harkness EDITORIAL MANAGER: James Sherry

One of my all-time favourite pastimes has to be buying and listening to vinyl records. I find it hard to rationalise, but since age 13 I have loved buying records. Although I now pay a monthly subscription to a music streaming service – which means that I can instantly listen to practically any music anywhere – I still enjoy the process involved in buying and listening to vinyl. I totally accept that records are inconvenient, (sometimes) unreliable and an absolute pain to store but still…

I have even found myself in the ridiculous situation of holding a vinyl record in my hand whilst listening to the same album on my streaming service. I think it must be something to do with the time, effort and investment in the artist that I have to make that attracts me.

The beauty of some of the artwork and the sound of the needle on the record are also hard to beat. If it is a musician I really admire, simply streaming them on my phone just doesn’t cut it for it for me. I know it’s impractical and expensive but there is definitely something about investing in the actual record and sitting down to listen to it.

Judging by the steady stream (pardon the pun) of customers at my local record store it appears I am not the only one. I have even noticed an increasing number of teenagers seem to be developing a vinyl habit. Long may it continue.

SALES & MARKETING MANAGER: Lorraine Gill Gerry Waddell

QUOTE FOR THE MONTH

“Happiness is good health - and a bad memory.”

Ingrid Bergman, Swedish actress (1915-1982).

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

Only NI based social magazine audited by ABC.

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28/04/2022 10:30

COLUMN May 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.

TAKE NOTE

This month Kathy discusses her plans to start learning the art of note-making.

Does anyone know how to use a notebook? It’s embarrassing to admit it, but I need help. I have been diligently carrying one around in my bag for years - not the same one, obviously, but I’ll get to that - and am in a state of permanent disarray.

I would dearly love to learn the secrets of the successful notebook user. Mine contains half-done to-do lists, un-fulfilled grocery needs and scribbled notes that may or may not relate to work. It’s hard to tell. Words are encircled and underlined, stabbed with arrows and scribbled out. Most of it is illegible. Like everyone who spends 98% of their day hunched over a keyboard, my handwriting is now so bad that words trail off into a wavy line as though I simply couldn’t be bothered to finish them. There is no order to the contents, no way of finding anything. There will suddenly be two pages left blank between full ones. This is not the person I want to be. I want to be the kind of woman who dips into her notebook for bon mots and doodles pictures of interesting-looking strangers in cafes while knocking out a poem about the changing urban landscape and sketching out ideas for a series of genredefying podcasts. I want to be the creator of lists of plants for house and garden, clothes for a capsule wardrobe, books I’ve been recommended (no more

blinking at shelves in bookshops trying to remember the name of that spy thriller so-and-so really enjoyed) where items can be checked off and new ones added without fuss and, above all, neatly.

Side note: Before you suggest it, using my phone is not an option. I’m already goggle-eyed and broad-thumbed enough and refuse to make a show of myself recording voice notes in the street.

I thought bullet journalling - or BuJo for short - might be the answer. A bullet journal is a notebook on steroids. It has dotted pages for creating neat lines and shapes. You number all your pages and make an index at the front isting all the various sections you would like, adding symbols and colours to characterise and distinguish them. You then create a space for long-term plans and tasks.

Then a diary section wherein you lay out each month, each week, each day. You can add fitness, sleep, work etc. goals as required and throw in the odd positive affirmation for good measure. There are thousands of online BuJo tutorials in which earnest young women with stationery obsessions show you how to turn your life into an organised, calligraphic work of art, complete with gratitude lists, tofu recipes and delicate illustrations. The problem is that all this organising takes an

Illustration by Megan Rafferty.

awful lot of time. I spent half a day numbering all the pages of my luxurious new journal and drawing boxes for each month of the year before realising that BuJoing my life would be a fulltime occupation, leaving me no time to have, well, a life. Mindful it may be, but speedy it is not.

So I said no to the dotted BuJo and went back to square one.

I believe there is hope. I just need to sort out a few simple things. Like finding the perfect notebook: neither too heavy nor too insubstantial, big enough to hold a decent amount of information, small enough to pop in a coat pocket,

inexpensive enough to keep replacing. Then there’s the perfect pen, which will be weighty in the hand and easy to find in a bag. It will make my handwriting beautiful and never get lost. Once these things are in place I will devise the perfect system so that when my neat and ordered notebook is full I can transfer the information I need into a new notebook, while still being able to locate any previous notes among its gargantuan pile of predecessors. Then I will learn how to write poetry and draw and there will be no stopping me.

THIS MONTH’S OBSESSIONS: The Chestnut Man – This Danish series on Netflix is a great addition to the ‘nordic noir’ canon. Two detectives hunt for a serial killer linked to a politician’s missing child. At each grisly murder scene, they find a figure made out of chestnuts.

Welcome To Your Fantasy – True crime meets male stripping in this excellent US podcast series about buff dance troupe The Chippendales. A darker tale than you might expect as host Natalia Petrzela uncovers a tale of drugs, exploitation and murder.

Conversations From A Long Marriage – Jan Etherington’s Radio 4 sitcom from BBC Sounds stars Joanna Lumley and Roger Allam as a middle-class couple who’ve been married for 40 years and continue to bicker, flirt and try to keep the passion alive. Wittily written and beautifully played.

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28/04/2022 10:31

SAIL INTO A SHORT BREAK Titanic Hotel Belfast is located in the historic former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, and situated in a stunning waterside location in the heart of the Titanic Quarter, just minutes from Belfast City Centre.

THE MIDWEEK SAIL Enjoy an overnight stay for two in a nautical-themed bedroom, with a Titanic-sized breakfast the following morning.

Complimentary car parking for 24 hours is also included.

FROM ONLY £119 PER ROOM

For further information and to book, visit www.titanichotelbelfast.com Subject to availability. Terms and conditions apply.

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CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS ULSTER SOCIETY ANNUAL DINNER Chartered Accountants Ulster Society recently held its Annual Dinner at Titanic Belfast. An audience of 400 members and guests were addressed by the Society’s Chairperson, Maeve Hunt, who called for an end to political uncertainty and the need for a shared vision for Northern Ireland. Entertainment at the event, sponsored by Danske Bank and MCS Group, included award-winning local comedian Paddy Raff and musicians and dancers from Belfast BeO.

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1. Sian and Paul Henry (Chartered Accountants of Ireland President). 2. Jennie Kealey and Katrina Wall. 3. Judith Aiken, Mike McEvoy and Gillian McQuaid. 4. Gina McIntyre, Law Society President Brigid Napier and Pamela McCreedy. 5. Karen Conway, Reuben Young, Lyndsey Mulgrew, Zac Coleman, Claire McElduff and Rachael Salter. 6. Alan Stewart, Emma Hunt, Maeve Hunt (Chartered Accountants Ulster Society Chairperson), Andrew Field, Aisling Spain and Mark Hunt. 7. Damian McElholm, Emma Copeland, Christine Martin and Peter Canavan. 8. Mary Dunning-Browne, Madeleine Swart and Louise Cooke.

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28/04/2022 10:32

c r a f t ARMAGH

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#TEAM DANIEL SHAW CHARITY DINNER #Team Daniel Shaw charity night was an evening to remember. Guests at the Europa Hotel enjoyed food, dancing, a raffle and entertainment from hilarious host John Linehan (May McFettridge). The night was held to raise funds for Daniel Shaw who was recently diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just eight months old.

1. David and Caroline Shaw, Jonathan and Marion and Cathryn and John Shaw.

2. Gary Mason, David Wilson, Clinton Boyd, Rajeev Shah, Philip Culbert and Ben Wilkinson. 3. Jonny McDonald and Colette McEvoy. 4. Brothers Gareth, Aaron and Graeme Shaw. 5. Kiera and Marc Kerr. 6. James Todd, Jackie Barrett, Chelsea Cousins and Jonny Gibson. 7. Daryl Maguire, Bill and Rachel McGowan, Jonathan Gibson, Chelsea Cousins, Ashleigh Woods, Stuart Craigan, Lauren Moucka and 08 Brian Johnston. 8. Vernon and Susan Taylor, Tracy and Paul Ford.

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28/04/2022 10:33

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GLENLOLA FORMAL Pupils and teachers from Glenlola Collegiate School, Bangor enjoyed a glamorous formal at Clandeboye Lodge.

Photos by Phil Smyth.

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1. Jodie Taylor, Finn Moore, Jessica Kinley and Kai Boyd. 2. Molly Vaughan, Katie Vaughan, Aimee Boyd and Rebecca Culbert. 3. Faye Anderson, Emily Cousins and Fay Bryans. 4. Katie Clarke, Cara Larmour, Amy Gray, Kaitlyn McNeill and Rose McGreevy. 5. Aaron McConville and Katie Fisher. 6. Arianna Grace Rea, Eva Albarengo, Rachel McClintock, Martha Still, Lydia Turemen and Sakura Gibson.

7. Marc Harding, Pauline Honniford, Joanne Wilson and Sarah-Jane Flannigan.

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28/04/2022 10:33

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

I

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 June 30 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

PAGE33.indd 5

AFTER MID FACE AND BROW THREADLIFTS

Cosmetech Maypole Clinic 5-7 Shore Road Holywood BT18 9HX

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.

T: 028 9042 3200 E: frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk www.cosmetech.co.uk

29/04/2022 15:54

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SPAR 60TH ANNIVERSARY EVENT RAISES OVER £160,000 FOR LOCAL CHARITIES SPAR NI celebrated 60 years in Northern Ireland, and the milestone was marked with a gala ball at the ICC, raising over £160,000 for Marie Curie NI and Cancer Fund for Children in just one night. The money will be split equally between the two charities which partner with SPAR, EUROSPAR and VIVOXTRA retailers in NI. Bringing together over 700 retailers, suppliers, special guests, directors and employees from across the SPAR and Henderson Group network, the SPAR 60th Gala Ball turned out to be a big hit for all who attended, with sixties entertainers, tribute acts, a live and silent auction and a lot of dancing to the headline act – Billy Ocean!

1. Mollie and Frank Gordon. 2. Gez and Karen O’Neill. 3. Brian and Elaine Brannigan. 4. Brenda Mulligan and Bronagh Luke. 5. John Agnew and Violet Morgan. 6. Ron and Judith Whitten. 7. Paul McAlinden, Charlene McGonagle, Aisling Vallely, Wilma Farrell and Fergal Diamond.

8. James and Corinna Trainor, Naomi Lavery, Brenda and Martin Daly. 9. Paul and Deborah Holder, Dervla Leonard and Nathan Holder.

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10. Liam and Donna McMahon. 11. Jonny Moore, Susan, Eamon, Nadelle and Sean McKillop, Kelly-Ann McCrory, James Carlisle and Pauline Millar. 12. Trevor Davies and Julie McMahon. 13. Judith and Martin Agnew. 14. Carol and Trevor Culbertson. 14. Andrew and Jenny Davis.

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28/04/2022 10:52

HONOURS

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

KAREN MOORE MBE

PAUL TERRINGTON CBE

The Head of Quality Enhancement at North West Regional College (NWRC), Karen Moore, says she is deeply honoured after being awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Karen, who has been described as having a “heart of gold” by her former students, has been honoured for her services to education during the past 30 years.

Karen Moore previously worked as a General Nurse and Midwife in Altnagelvin Hospital, before joining the college as a part time lecturer, and later a full time lecturer in 2002 when she became the Curriculum Manager for Health and Social Care and Co-ordinator of Health Science. Under Karen’s leadership, the course exceeded expectations, rapidly increasing student numbers with the vast majority of her students progressing to Degrees in Nursing and Midwifery and the Allied Health professions such as Radiography, Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy.

After a long delay due to Covid, Paul Terrington was delighted to attend his investiture at Windsor Castle for the presentation of his CBE for services to the economy in Northern Ireland. Paul is PwC’s Head of Consulting for the UK and EMEA, and led the firm’s practice in Northern Ireland from 2011-20 and was the Management Board member responsible for Regions from 2016-20. Under his nine year tenure as regional leader, Paul helped to establish PwC Northern Ireland as a key hub for innovation, technology and service delivery both for the UK and globally. Growing the practice from 600 people to more than 2,300 people, Belfast office is now the firm’s largest UK office outside London.

MARK LITTLE MBE HRH Princess Royal recently presented Portrush man Mark Little with his well-deserved MBE at a special Order of the British Empire investiture, at Windsor Castle.

Mr Little was recognised for his distinguished Services to Policing in Northern Ireland in the Queens Birthdays 2020 Honours List, however the ceremony was delayed because of the Covid crisis. Speaking about receiving this national honour Mark said “I was truly humbled and honoured to be presented with my MBE by a Senior Member of the Royal Family. I had a great conversation with Princess Anne. The setting for my investiture was very historic and helped to make this a most memorable occasion.”

Mark was a Founding Member of the expert Police Learning Advisory Council (PLAC) and during his 17 voluntary service, he became PLAC Vice Chairman and then its Chairman.

Always keen to recognise individual talent, as a former academic, Mr Little championed a service-wide Awards recognition scheme to promote and share best practice throughout the PSNI. Indeed his pioneering scheme became so popular, within the uniformed services community, that it was subsequently extended to both the Northern Ireland Prison Service (NIPS) and the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFS).

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Clare Johnston and Elizabeth Sheridan.

Joan Morris and Peggy Smith.

Sisters in law Geraldine McIlwee and Geraldine McIlwee, past pupils and retired teachers.

Carol Black and Eilish Harkin.

Gary and Joanne Sheehan.

Bronagh and Joanne Cappa.

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Teachers Claire Conlon, Amanda Willoughby and Mary Jo McKenna.

Mary Smith, Anne Montague, Pat Comerton and Eithne McElroy.

ST. DOMINIC’S CELEBRATE 150 YEARS ANNIVERSARY

Angelina Fusco, Malachi O’Doherty and Maureen Boyle.

After two years postponement because of Covid, St. Dominic’s Grammar School celebrated its 150th Anniversary with a Gala Dinner organised

by St. Dominic’s Past Pupils’ Union (PPU). Thanks was paid to Belfast City Council for hosting the drinks reception. The event was attended by the Dominican Sisters, the new principal of St Dominic’s, Orla O’Neill, and former Principals, members of the Board of Governors, retired and current school staff and past pupils from a range of decades, including guest, Minister, Nichola Mallon MLA. PPU President, Geraldine McIlwee, welcomed the guests and paid tribute to the Dominican Sisters who opened the school on the Falls Rd on 29th April in 1870 with 4 pupils and developed it into the successful school with over 1,000 pupils that it is today. A most enjoyable evening was had by all.

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Former principals Anne O’Neill and Sister Lucina Montague.

Mary McGregor and Maire McGrath.

St Dominic’s Principal Orla O’Neill with former principals Anne O’Neill and Sister Lucina Montague.

Mary Farnan and Rosemary Copeland.

Una Monaghan and Geraldine Patton.

Former and current teaching staff from St Dominic’s.

Kelly Moore, Mary Toner, Geraldine Hume and Claire Doherty.

Colette and Paul McGlade and Geraldine Beirne.

Macha Monaghan, Meadhbha Monaghan, Noirin Nic Alastair, Una Monaghan and Ita Monaghan.

Stephen Rooney, Matt Deighan and Chris Cowan.

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IVEAGH HUNT BALL Iveagh Fox Hounds recently held their Hunt Ball at Belmont House Hotel.

The night involved drinks, dinner and dancing, with music by The Bizz.

There was also a raffle and auction prizes up for grabs.

1. John Livingstone and Tamlyn Calvert. 2. Leah Dougan, Felicity Ferris and Niamh Doyle. 3. Julia Lyttle and Mark Donnelly. 4. Declan Mulcare and Holly Curran. 5. Graham and Sheila Duncan. 6. Ellie McCann and Samuel Phillips.

7. Lia McKenzie with Helen, Paul, Lorraine and Claire Sinton. 8. Colin Boggs, Sarah Dawson, Faith Stewart and Joe Dawson

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QUB BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES SOCIETY FORMAL Due to the covid-19 pandemic the QUB Biosciences Society had unfortunately come to an end, however, in September 2021, that changed. A group of students from the School of Biological Sciences came together to recreate this society to provide the students with the opportunities they deserve, for example, being able to socialise and come together again at the QUB Biosciences Society Formal at the Clayton Hotel.

1. Sam McCormick and Erin Hughes. 2. QUB Biological Sciences Society committee Rebekah Bennett, Daniella McCourt, Gerard Tate, Abby Collins and Lenna Mallon. 3. Rebecca Alhadeff and Christine Williamson. 4. Jack Martin and Sarah Hasslett. 5. Jade Kirkpatrick and Anna Thompson. 6. Rose Cousins and Caelan Travers. 7. Kevin O’Kane, Ellen McNally, Maria Buckland and Patrick Magee.

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Laura Schlappa, Ann Cassidy, The Very Rev Shane Forster, Dean of Armagh.

Deputy Lord Mayor of Belfast, Alderman Tom Haire and The Very Rev Stephen Forde, Dean of Belfast.

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Alexander Hamilton, Nora Whitaker and Trevor Whitaker.

Ivan-Bogdan Reincke, Broadcaster Liz Kennedy, Mona Rozdestvenskyte and Johannes Krahl.

Richard Gowers at the organ of Belfast Cathedral.

Dr David Hill MBE, Richard Jay BEM and Lord Lieutenant Fionnula Jay-O’Boyle.

Back Row: Johannes Krahl, Richard Gowers, Ben Bloor and Andrew Forbes. Middle Row: Alexander Hamilton, Ivan-Bogdan Reincke, Gillian Morrow, Ben Comeau, Fr Eugene O’Hagan, Neale Agnew.

Front Row: Mona Rozdestvenskyte, Deputy Lord Mayor Tom Haire, Lord Lieutenant Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Richard Yarr, Laura Schlappa and Nick Tall.

NI INTERNATIONAL ORGAN COMPETITION’S 10TH BIRTHDAY

Richard Jay BEM, Lord Lieutenant of Belfast Fionnuala Jay-O’Boyle, Gillian Morrow (NIIOC Patron) and Richard Yarr.

Belfast Cathedral’s organ rang out in April to celebrate the Northern Ireland International Organ Competition’s (NIIOC) tenth birthday. The gala concert featured NIIOC’s first 10 winners from Germany, Hungary, Lithuania and the UK, in a diverse programme of music. It was introduced

by Fr Eugene O’Hagan of The Priests.

“NIIOC stemmed from a desire to recognise and support the talents of young organists, aged 21 and under” explained Richard Yarr, Founder and Chair of NIIOC. “Over the last 10 years we’ve done that through professional feedback, financial packages and setting up international engagements, with competitors joining us from the likes of Australia, China and the USA. A moment to delight in”.

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28/04/2022 11:30

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THE PRESIDENT’S DINNER The President’s Dinner at the Ulster Reform Club was held in the dining room at the Club in early April. On the evening of the dinner, which dates back to 1885, guests were treated to a seven-course meal with wines. The President, Chris Sherry, welcomed everyone to the event and the guest speaker was the architectural historian and conservationist Marcus Patton OBE. Marcus gave a speech on the statues in Belfast city centre. Back after a hiatus of two years, the event is the highlight of the Club’s social calendar.

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1. Marcus and Joanna Patton, Roisin and Chris Sherry. 2. Terry Winnington, Ruth Hagan and Paddy Shields. 3. John and Carolyn Caldwell. 4. Uel Hardy, Diana Fitzsimons, David Frazer and Douglas Gibson. 5. Lesley and Tony Macaulay. 6. Arthur Henderson, Jim Neilly and Michael Copeland. 7. Reform Club President Chris Sherry with Marcus Patton and past Presidents. 8. Richard Whiteside and Kenneth Brewster.

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QUB CENTRE FOR PUBLIC HEALTH RETIREMENT DINNER Queen’s University Centre for Public Health hosted a retirement dinner in the Piano Restaurant, Europa Hotel. The dinner celebrated Mrs Pauline Nolan (Clerical Officer), Professor Peter Maxwell (Professor of Renal Medicine), Professor Chris Patterson (Professor of Medical Statistics and Epidemiology) and Professor Usha Chakravarthy (Professor of Ophthalmology and Vision Sciences) who retired during lockdown.

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1. Peter Maxwell, Usha Chakravarthy, Frank Kee, Pauline Nolan amd Pascal McKeown. 2. Kathy McCrory, Pauline Nolan, Mervyn Nolan, Sheree Hanna and Frank Kee. 3. Ruth Hogg, David Wright and Vikki O’Neill.

4. Niamh McElherron, Amy Jayne McKnight, Tunde Peto and Roisin Corr.

5. Usha Chakravarthy and Peter Maxwell. 6. Jacci Allison, Tunde Peto, Leandro Garcia and Margaret Cupples. 7. Chris Cardwell, Dermot O’Rielly, Jayne Woodside, Gareth McKay and Damian Fogarty. 8. Nigel Hart, Roisin Corr, Peter Maxwell and Terry Lappin.

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Shannon Campbell, Fr Dominic McGrattan (Chaplain) Professor Ian Greer, Gerard Scullion, (Ryan prize winner) and Bishop Noel Treanor.

Alban Maginness and Kevin McVeigh.

Fr Dominic McGrattan, Professor Ian Greer Anna Murray (Macaulay prize winner) and Bishop Noel Treanor.

Catherine Gribbon and Laura Whinnery.

Katie Grieve and James Grieve.

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Noreen Murray, Anna Murray and Kevin Murray.

Gerard Scullion, Blathnaid French Anna Murray and Mark McDonnell.

Patricia Walsh, Fiona Donnelly (pianist), Fr Edward O’Donnell, Nora Donnelly and Marcella Walsh.

GOLDEN JUBILEE GALA On Friday 8 April, the Catholic Chaplaincy at Queen’s University gave a Golden Jubilee Gala. The event, held in the University’s Great Hall, marked 50 years of Chaplaincy at its iconic site situated at the very heart of the Queen’s campus. Distinguished guests and friends included the Bishop of Down and Connor, Dr Noel Treanor, Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, and the University’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Ian Greer. All gathered were treated to a rich programme of art, poetry and music, much of which was performed by current students and alumni.

The evening was hosted by UTV’s Sarah Clarke and BBC’s Jim Fitzpatrick.

Professor Michael Longley, perhaps Ireland’s best living poet, recited a specially commissioned poem, ‘Canticle’, and world-renowned artist and newly appointed Chancellor of Ulster University, Dr Colin Davidson, unveiled a commemorative painting. University Chaplain, Fr Dominic McGrattan, commented: “With the support of generous benefactors, we have engaged the best of creative talent across these islands to help us celebrate this important milestone in our distinguished record of service to the University. We hope to honour past achievements and envision the future with confidence.”

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Thomas French, Blathnaid French (Ryan prize winner) and Lisa French.

Breige Kinney and Anna Murray (prizewinner).

Shannon Campbell, Gerard Scullion, Fr Dominic McGrattan, Blathnaid French, Professor Ian Greer, Anna Murray, Mark McDonnell (Macaulay prize winner) and Bishop Noel Treanor.

Jamie Nugent, Alanna Bradley and Moses Chan.

Father Dominic McGrattan, Shannon Campbell, Rachael Wilkinson and Nicola Skelly.

Helen Heart, Edna Longley, Patricia Slevin and Michael Longley.

Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Moses Chan, Alanna Bradley, Jamie Nugent, Aine Lee, Fr Brendan Ludlow and Fr Dominic McGrattan.

Blathnaid French (The Ryan prize winner) and Shannon Campbell (Chaplaincy Director).

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RBAI FORMAL RBAI (Royal Belfast Academical Institution) hosted their annual school formal in the Clandeboye Lodge. Pupils and friends had a wonderful night filled with food, dancing and fun.

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1. Emily McKinnon and Luca McGreevy. 2. Jack Darby and Cameron Knox.

3. Portia Aiken and Josh Park. 4. RBAI Principal Janet Williamson and Gavin Monteith. 5. Conor McGrath and Chrissy King. 6. Peter Wallace and Rachel McDonald. 7. Olivia Rea and Adam O’Neill. 8. Matthew Marron and Georgie Kuropat. 9. David Crawford, Max Moore and Josh Greene.

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CIYMS MINI RUGBY BALL CIYMS Rugby parents and friends donned their gladrags, kicked their heels up and enjoyed some bubbles at Ten Square, Belfast recently. The stunning gala was part of CIYMS annual fund raiser for the P7 mini rugby tour. The well attended event boasted an impressive raffle, a delicious 3 course meal, and the guests danced the night away with live music from Vixen.

1. Laura-Ann Barr and Caroline Kane. 2. Matt and Suzie Williams with Joanne and Ian Corry. 3. Catherine Campbell and Jodie Stewart 4. Anne Rea, Susan Taylor, Nuala Cully, Claire Pollock and Jody Marshall. 5. Stephanie McComb with Mark and Mary-Kim Spottiswoode. 6. John and Janice Sharpe with Paula and John Doak. 7. Martina Murry and Carrie Steele.

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TASTE AND FOOD HEROES AWARDS 12

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Local food and drinks producers have been recognised at the inaugural TASTE AND Food Heroes Awards, hosted by Ards and North Down Borough Council at Clandeboye Estate.

1. Gareth Irvine, Tim McKee (Copeland Spirits) and Mayor Mark Brooks. 2. Leslie and Lewis Waterworth (Bow Bells) with with Food Development Officer Conal Stewart. 3. Karen Boyd (Pizzado) with Mayor Mark Brooks. 4. Fiona McMullan, Maria Hamill (Willowbrook Foods) and Mayor Mark Brooks. 5. Carolyn Stewart (Totally Hot NI) with Mayor Mark Brooks. 6. Paul Leyburn, Nichaan Brice (Earth Rainbow) and Mayor Mark Brooks.

7. Will and Cynthia Taylor (Glastry Farm) with Mayor Mark Brooks. 8. Lady Dufferin Award: Ballyboley Dexters Stephen, Lorraine and Hannah Alexander with Sir Ian Huddleston and Mayor Mark Brooks. 9. Sir Ian Huddleston, Karen Kane, Bryan Boggs and Mark Logan (Clandeboye Estate Yoghurt). 10. Echlinville Distillery - Peter Rogan receives award from Mayor Mark Brooks. 11. Mash Direct - Tracey Hamilton receives award from Mayor Mark Brooks. 12. McWhinneys - Ivan Bond receives award from Mayor Mark Brooks. 13. Rock A Doodle Do - Mayor Mark Brooks with David Kernaghan.

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The Word

Graduations

Leonie Adamson, daughter of Brigid McDonald and the late Joseph McDonald from Portadown, graduated from University of Derby with a post graduate certificate in Clinicial Supervison. Leonie is practising as a Therapeutic Counsellor. Leonie is pictured with her brother Dr. Noel McDonald .

Photo by Marie Allen.

Lucy Morwood, daughter of Suzanne and Randal Morwood from Portadown, graduated from Queens University with a 2:1 BSc Hons in Adult Nursing. Past pupil of Moyallen PS , KJH Craigavon Senior High.

Photo by Marie Allen.

Contact Marie Allen at T: 028 3835 1055 E: marie@marieallen.co.uk or check out Facebook for more details.

www.skeaeggs.com

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WARRIOR KID’S FIGHT AGAINST LEUKAEMIA Local charity ‘Warrior Kid’s Fight Against Leukaemia’ recently raised over £65,000 with their gala fundraising ball held at Armagh City Hotel. The fundraiser was lead by Niall Smyth’s family from Ballymacnab, who has faced a leukaemia battle from six years old.

The event has raised an outstanding amount in aid of The Children’s Cancer Unit; Young Lives vs Cancer; and Angel Wishes.

Photos by Liam McArdle.

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1. Ruairi Smyth, Orla O’Hare, Edel O’Hare and Nicola Dooris . 2. Niall Smyth, the Warrior Kid with Marie & Brendan Toner. 3. Gerard and Paula Enright. 4. Chris and Michelle O’Callaghan with Gill and Paddy O’Brien. 5. Lady Mayoress Andrea Barr, Lord Mayor Glenn Barr with Alex Dale and Courtney Gant. 6. Pierce Toner and Elisha McBride. 7. Niall Smyth, the Warrior Kid, with the Organising Committee Siobhan Smyth, Dean Skinner, Edel O’Toole, Simon Hawkins, Aine Smyth, 58

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Jack Grugan Dette Hughes, Kevin Smyth, Eimear Smyth and Eoin Smyth. 8. Declan and Antoinette McAlinden. 9. Jacqueline and Sean King. 10. Ciara McGinnity and Brona Haughey. 11. Paul and Sharon Flynn. 12. Fedelma and JJ Sheridan. 13. Niall Smyth with Mairead McNiece, Brenda Carroll and Niall McGeown. 14. Sean and Claire McArdle. 15. Stephanie Meegan, Ciara Beagan and Niamh McClelland . 16. Clare Conlan, Una and James McArdle, ansd Sheena Woods. 17. Catherine Bradley, Brid Hughes, Naoise Hughes, Olive McGeown, Louise McCone, and Sally Rafferty.

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KROW ‘KLICK’ FOR UKRAINE Leading advertising agency Krow recently held a photography competition ‘Klick’, which was judged by Adam Smyth (BBC NI) and Bradley Quinn (Photographer). Following the judging each entry was auctioned off to raise money for the British Red Cross to help with their work in Ukraine.

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1. Ian and Julie McCartney with Julie’s photograph ‘Rainbow of Hope’.

2. Michael Keenan and photo competition judges Bradley Quinn and Adam Smyth. 3. Aine Goodman and Stephen Boyd. 4. Alan Wilson and Chris McKeown. 5. Rebecca Rogers and Julie McCartney. 6. Michael Keenan, Julie and Stephen Roycroft. 7. Judges Bradley Quinn and Adam Smyth with the winning photograph. 8. Jenefer and Colin Maguire.

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28/04/2022 11:52

May 2022

INTERVIEW

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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.

LIFE’S A DRAG ... and Blu Hydrangea, the noted drag queen from Hillsborough who won Ru Paul’s first Rest of the World v. UK competition, is having a ball, as she tells Jane Hardy.

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ou can’t help wondering where Blu Hydrangea (26) acquired the charming name. The presenter of Stitch, Please – the new sewing show on BBC NI devised

by Waddell Media – explains. It was all to do with her grandmother. “We’d always had a big hydrangea bush outside our house.

My Nana told me you had to put a rusty nail in the soil to get that colour. I was told that story many moons ago. I had a blue streak in my hair too and the name seemed a lovely way to link back to my family.” It seemed symbolic to Blu, born Joshua Cargill, who suffered an amount of bullying at school.

Blu says now: “I was chubby, I was gay and I was teacher’s pet, good at school.” It was the perfect storm, psychologically speaking.

Now Blu, who appropriately has blue eyes and points out to me the aforementioned blue streak in her fringe, has acquired a massively successful career in drag. It involves quite a bit of globetrotting. “I do openings, special appearances, and I’m off to Australia, Canada and Berlin in the next few months.” Blu Hydrangea boasts the sort

of celebrity status that leads to recognition.

She says proudly: “I went with my husband Johnson to Paris and I was recognised loads, it was fabulous. But it was a question of the gayest person on earth going to Paris, the gayest place on earth. Everything smells of popcorn there.” The couple stayed in central Paris, then had an ace trip to Disneyland.

We discuss clothes, influences, and the new show. “The contestants, who all have good back stories, have twelve hours to produce a head-to-toe outfit on a £100 budget.” Ms Hydrangea is both host and lead judge, laughingly revealing that she sometimes creeps up behind people as they’re sewing. “It keeps them on their toes although I don’t want to be the scary judge.”

And of course, it produces good telly. She goes on to say that the programme may have her added glamour, but the focus isn’t her. “It’s about these young people using their talent to produce something that cheers them up and gets them through experiences. They produce incredible

outfits, including one bodice in plastic and foam. That was a bit of an ecological statement and all the contestants are judged on sustainability. But people also used leather and materials that are second hand.

I learnt a lot.” Blu Hydrangea is skilled at putting outfits together, and has sewn and altered clothes, admitting to a liking for charity shops. “They’re amazing, you can get all sorts of things there.”

What does she wear on the programme – magnificent drag outfits, naturally. “I have probably hundreds of frocks and have a whole room full of boxes of dresses.”

So what does it feel like to be in drag and when was Blu Hydrangea born? “It builds confidence and it’s a creative thing. I love to use my body - and my face with make-up to create this new person. It’s an alter ego.”

We all dress up, but some dress up more than others. Blu Hydrangea agrees, quoting her biggest influence and mentor. “That’s what Ru (Paul) says, ‘We’re born naked and the rest is drag’.” The enthusiasm for big style began young, as Blu explains. “I always

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INTERVIEW

remember as a child I used to like mood musicals like Hairspray. I’d always play the female parts and I’d get my sister Jessica to play the male roles.” She adds: “My mum said we went to watch the Tweenies live and I wanted to dress up as a female character.”

But the point at which Josh Cargill became Blu Hydrangea was when her partner Johnson signed Josh up for a make-up course. Initially, the clever student signed on for a course in animation. “I thought it was going to be drawing cartoons all day but it turned out to be a bit more complicated than that. I was going through a rebellious phase, so I stopped after a year.

Then Johnson signed me up for this makeup course and Blu was born.”

Before becoming a star of Ru Paul’s Drag Race, Blu Hydrangea had a day job.

This was using the knowledge gained in her second course on the MAC cosmetic counter. She remembers the job with a certain amount of affection. “I put blusher on lovely ladies but had no time for it after my first time on the show.” Appearing with Ru Paul has opened doors for Blu. “You do make a lot of money and it’s opened up opportunities to travel, make public appearances, put on performances. I do meet the fans and belong to a girl group, the Frock Destroyers. You also get to travel the world.”

Blu Hydrangea says she takes her partner along as Johnson is her manager. “We’ve been together eight years and he works in my management. He gets me home at the end of the night.”

Language is nowadays a gender issue and we talk about they/them as pronouns

indicating people may not belong to obvious male or female categories. In other words, aren’t binary, to use the current terminology. “I was asked onto a show about this and as Blu I can fulfil the feminine side I wasn’t able to show growing up.” Coming from a country area in Northern Ireland wasn’t easy for Josh. “We lived in Hillsborough but I went to school in Dromore, which is full of farmers. Northern Ireland is a bit old-fashioned, especially the government which wants to keep us from being equal.” Yet the Belfast drag scene is well-established featuring figures like Lady Portia, also an arts journalist at the BBC. We move onto the slightly risqué language that Blu Hydrangea deploys in the act. She laughs: “Yes, I use Frock off! And refer to being the Queen of the MotherTucking World. Drag is part of entertainment, and if it makes people laugh…” It is also liberating in the way that putting on a spangly outfit can be. The performer adds: “Drag is all about having no inhibitions.”

Blu Hydrangea had to come out twice, once as being gay, once as liking wearing

women’s clothes. “I thought I’d put my parents through enough, so waited.” Her father was totally cool, saying if she made enough money and was successful, that would be grand. Her mother was initially worried for her son. “She was scared for me, but now she loves drag. In fact, I watched the winning episode of Ru Paul’s Drag Race: UK vs the World with her. She was so proud and can’t stop talking about me.” Blu had to do an impression as part of the show and did a positively shagadelic Austin Powers.

One of Blu Hydrangea’s proudest moments was singing a Ru Paul song in a recording booth with the artist. “That was amazing.” Life in drag is clearly empowering and Blu Hydrangea has transformed Mr Cargill’s world. “For a bit, I was two people.

Josh was often shy and lost for words, but as Ru says the power you have in drag, you can have out of it. You are after all the same person you were 10 minutes ago.”

Stitch Please started on April 20 at 10.45pm on BBC NI and is available on iPlayer.

It builds confidence and it’s a creative thing. I love to use my body - and my face with make-up - to create this new person. It’s an alter ego.

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May 2022

STYLE

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

Looking dapper and effortlessy cool at the Fabulous Fashion Tea were Q Radio DJ, Ibe Sesay and Paddy Raff, aka Nigel from BT9.

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Fashion Must Have Pearls and cream knitwear.

STYLE

Orelia Jewellery.

V by Very Knitted Polo Jumper

Style Rules

Claire McKay

Pharmacist and author of Nourish With Taste

We speak to Co. Tyrone pharmacist and writer of Nourish With Taste cook book Claire McKay. How would you describe your style?

My preferred style would definitely have to be classic glamour. I tend to shy away from trends opting for a more timeless chic look that never goes out of fashion. Obviously I have my leggings and trainers, but when it’s time to go out, the heels go on!

What are your wardrobe staples that you can’t live without?

Anything cream with pearls to accessorise.

Cream knitwear, my oversized cream fur coat and pearls are my signature look.

Do you have a favourite designer or high street brand?

I don’t have one designer that stands out.

I love browsing independent stores that offer a range of unusual, limited items.

There are a couple of great little boutiques near me, Rose Hanger Dungannon and Saretta, Moy. I’m quite the speed shopper, scanning rails for colours or fabrics that catch my eye.

Do you have any style icons?

When looking for style icons, I don’t think you can overlook the older Hollywood stars. Audrey Hepburn is the obvious icon

Favourite skincare Dermalogica

but watch any of those old movies and the style just jumps off the screen.

Do you have a skincare regime?

I have always had issues with my skin, so skincare is top priority. I always invest in good quality skincare products and Dermalogica is the one brand that never fails me. My top tip for skincare is to thoroughly cleanse and moisturise every night regardless of the time you are getting to bed!

What is your signature scent?

I love fragrances derived from nature so for me its L’Occtaine Green Tea during the day and the more robust Terre de Lumiere in the evening.

Are there any haircare products you recommend?

It has to be the Kerastase. Currently I’m using their Discipline range, its sulphate free and so gentle on your hair, its a total gamechanger. Their Elixir Ultimate oil is also great for smoothing and nourishing your hair.

What is your go-to makeup product?

I’m rarely out without my ‘face’ on but I prefer a more natural look, so I use the NARS pure radiant tinted moisturiser with a touch of glow thanks to the Laura Mercier Golden Mosacic shimmer bloc.

How do you keep fit and healthy, are there any exercises or health foods your swear by?

I am by no means a gym bunny but being a GP pharmacist I am very aware of the importance of staying fit and healthy.

I practice yoga daily and do regular home HIIT workout to stay fit and supple.

Maintaining a healthy diet is key to health and weight management but I don’t see why healthy food should mean boring or bland meals. Cooking tasty, nutritious food is my passion and most of our family eating consists of the recipes in my charity cookbook Nourish with Taste. The book has been really well received since its publication last year with a 5-star review on Amazon and with all profits going to UNICEF, we have raised over £7000 to date! I also share new ideas regularly on my Instagram page @NourishedwithStyle.

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1 . G reen p ais ley m in i dres s , £ 3 8 , Riv er I s l an d .

2 . W h it e w in ged s u n glas s es , £ 8 , Pretty L ittl e Th in g.

3 . Jacket , £ 3 9 . 9 9 , s h o rt s , £ 2 3 . 9 9 , N ew Loo k .

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4 . Bro w n Par is dres s , G aal a.

5 . Cas s ie h eels , £ 9 0 , D u n e Lon d on .

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May 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

Time To Man Up Ladies, it’s time to man up! Women, wearing men’s clothes is so hot right now! History shows that women dressing in men’s clothes isn’t new, all hail Coco Chanel, but it’s one of the hottest trends this season. From slouchy trousers and loafers to oversized jackets and ties. Bulky blazers and oversized shirts have come as an evolution in the athleisure space, paired with tracksuit bottoms and a tank (a la Hailey Bieber) is street sophistication at its best, and that’s the beauty of the oversized men’s shirt and blazer. So, here’s a challenge for you lovely readers! Search online for oversized women’s shirts or jackets – you’ll see all the usual high street names, then, compare the prices. Next, visit your local charity shop, and go straight to menswear shirts and jackets. I guarantee you will ALWAYS find a gem of a bargain for around £5. Take note, go larger always.

Amazing oversized shirts and statement jackets, all of them far superior quality and at a snip of the price and here’s a tip, if you find the sleeves too long or too big, buy yourself a pair of men’s sleeve garters (most cost around £12) and voila! You’ve got a bespoke piece created just for you! Time to show your masculine side.

Get A Grip!

Good news! The fashion packs’ new favourite accessory is within all of our reaches. This time it’s not a new exclusive designer handbag or must-have shoe or trainer but something we can all buy in multi-packs. Enter the hair clip!

Plain metal hair clips and grips have been given the highfashion thumbs up by the style set! Stack them through your hair in black metallic and silver clips or a rainbow of pretty pastel colours. For high-end options at £220 per clip! Try Chanel’s oversize snap clips in blue, or Gucci’s pink and tortoiseshell resin clips with crystal-embellished hearts.

Come on girls time to get a grip!

One of the looks for the May front cover photoshoot.

ANINE BING x Irina Shayk collection.

Suits You! Ask any fashion editor worth their Miu Miu suede platforms if there was one takeaway from all the BIG designer shows in London, Paris and New York, it’s that suits are taking centre stage this Autumn/ Winter! If you’ve not noticed the rise of two-piece tailoring in fashion bible Vogue or on your Instagram feed it’s time to get suited – and look sharpish. Tailoring wizardess, Patricia Grogan at The Cut, Chichester St. Belfast will create a made-to-measure suit just for you and it won’t break the bank!

Tailoring at its best! Head over to: www.cut-tailoring.com.

Bespoke tuxedo from The Cut Belfast.

Pearl and resin slides, Oliver Bonas, £15.

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28/04/2022 12:42

Bow Tie Like A Boss

Strictly For Lounging

Northern Ireland designer and winner of the BBC NI’s ‘A Stitch Through Time Thomas Irwin is launching a beautiful range of luxury bow tie sets. Crawford and Irwin will offer handmade contemporary, chic bow ties with all of the quality you’d expect from a luxury heritage brand. Individually sourced and handpicked fabrics including Irish linen, the best of Irish, Scottish and English wool and rich English velvet sourced from one of the only velvet producers remaining in the UK, are used to create this contemporary sustainable collection. I recently spent an afternoon shooting the designer’s launch collection and was like a child in a sweet shop! The perfect gift for the dapper dresser! Look out for Crawford and Irwin, luxury heritage bow ties. Watch this space!

Crawford and Irwin collection launch. Photography by Klara Åhman.

Shoot Assistant: Duibheasa Ní Dhomhnaill.

Statement swimwear is set to become the main event this summer, but stay clear of the fast lane at your nearest leisure centre, this trend is strictly for poolside only.

The swimwear market valued at £12.5bn in 2020 is forecast to hit a whopping £20bn by 2025! Poolside dressing in Aura Bianca One Piece, Paolita. statement swimwear is an Instagram head-to-toe look, heels and oversized hats only, no flip flops!

For myself, I’ll opt for an understated, unInstagram worthy one piece, simply made for swimming!

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

8569 Balmoral Show 2022 - Ulster Tatler v4.indd 1

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28/04/2022 12:13

May 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

Fabulous Fashion Teas in Support of Ukraine I

t’s been THE fashion event of the year! The famous series of Fabulous Fashion Teas at The Merchant returned for a special one-off event in support of Ukraine. The team at The Merchant Hotel headed by Petra Wolsey and Bill Wolsey along with a host of generous sponsors and wellknown media personalities came together to support those affected by the current situation in Ukraine. Glamorous guests donned their best to join some of Northern Ireland’s famous faces from the worlds of media, television, cinema, hospitality and sport for the one-off charity event. Moet & Chandon corks popped as celebrity chef and Michelin star restaurateur Michael Deane, comedian Paddy Raff, Q Radio presenter, Ibe Sesay, TV star Gemma Garrett, former Miss NI Fiona Hurley, broadcaster and journalist Claire McCollum joined TV and Hollywood acting star James Nesbitt showcasing Spring Summer collections from Blush Boutique, The Style Gallery and Grainne Maher Millinery. The entire proceeds from the afternoon were donated to the DEC Ukraine appeal. Sponsors included Moet & Chandon, Style Gallery, Stephen McCusker Hair, Makeup Pro Store, Collette Creative Photography, La Rousse, Draynes Farm and Odaios, Jameson, Henderson and more. Ballot prizes included fabulous donations from The Merchant Hotel, Bullitt Hotel, Eipic, Art Loves, NIHF, Heston Blumental, Bill and Petra Wolsey and James Black Restorations.

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1. Back row (L-R); Julian Simmons, Claire McCollum, Paddy Raff, Ibe Sesay, Nuala Meenehan, Fiona Hurley and Michael Deane. Front row (L-R); Suzie Lee, Gemma Garrett and Bill Wolsey. 2. James Nesbitt.

3. Neil McManus. 4. Petra Wolsey and Andy Jarvis. 5. Michelle Flynn and Clare MacManus.

Images 1-3: Photographer Chris Neely at Modafoto.

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6. Shannon Bradley, Caoimhe Kennedy, Anna McMahon and Barbara Bradley. 7. Natasha McGreevy, Emma Beattie, Ashleigh Robinson and Jo Ferguson. 8. Robyn Foster, Marian Devlin, Jackie Storrie and Jean Foster. 9. Hayley Rogers, Rosemary Rogers, Laura phillips and Yeva Gilroy.

10. Carrie Neely, Alison McElroy with Blue Belair and Grainne Maher. 11. Gillian Adams, Petra Wolsey and Kelly Henning. 12. Merchant Hotel GM Gavin Carroll and Tracy Hall. 13. Michael Deane, Kate Smith and son Marco. 14. Ibe Sesay with Paddy Raff as Nigel from BT9.

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May 2022

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

Wearable Truth

L

ocal designer, Melanie Bond, really gives her word when it comes to her designs as she has named her latest collection ‘Wearable Truth’. Launched last month in a stunning showcase, which took place in Central Church in Belfast. The evening was compered by Cate Conway, models included Rebekah Martin, Jade Topping with hair from Natalie Chettleburgh and team at Paul Meekin. Makeup was by Caroline Jayne and there was live music from Maria Gilpin and Steve Bond. Sound and lighting came from Forfey Ltd and decorative flowers by Edith Hamilton, Eden Flowers and Crafts. The collection was initially inspired by Proverbs 3:3 – “Don’t ever forget kindness and truth. Wear them like a necklace. Write them on your heart as if on a tablet.”. The jewellery designer also found inspiration in the writings of St. Patrick and the work of C.S. Lewis. Melanie’s collection can be found online at www.melaniebond.co.uk

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1. Fashion model styling team Rachel Stevenson, Connor Adams and Natalie Chettleburch from Paul Meekin Hair. 2. Paula Cahoon, Mary Warden and Maureen Martin. 3. Melanie Bond with show host Cate Conway. 4. Ellen Watson and Beth McDaniel. 5. Melanie Bond with mum Rose Sambrook. 6. Stephen Bond and Stuart Hawthorne.

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28/04/2022 12:54

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.

STYLE

Fe a t u r e d i s o u r t o p picks in nail care, with polishes and press-on nails to complete your look.

BEAUTY

Nailed It 01 02

Skincare Simplified Allskin is a Dermatologist-led company with skin products selected carefully by Belfast Skin Clinic’s dedicated and highly experienced Dermatologists and Aesthetic Practitioners. We have tried and tested many products and selected the best, to provide what we consider to be, the best skincare ranges for all ages, budgets, and skin conditions.

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Shop your skin type by visiting our website: www.allskinstore.com

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1. Good . K ind . Pure nail polish i n Cryst al Blue , £8.99, Sal l y Ha nse n. 2. Acrylic Fre nch nai ls , £9.75, Kiss. 3. Mast e rpie ce X pre ss Q ui ck dry p o l i sh in N ud e’itude , £ 5 .9 9 , Max Fact or.

4 . Vinylux long wear polish i n Among t he M a r igold s, £11.95 , CND. 74

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COLUMN May 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.

We cure headaches and migraines Apex Headache Clinic, Belfast, is Ireland’s first drug free headache and migraine clinic, and has been clearing headaches and migraines for over 20 years. An experienced team of specialist physiotherapists is led by clinic founder and Spinal & Headache Physiotherapy Specialist, Rebecca Nelson. Her unique approach of treating and clearing headaches/migraines, called The Nelson Headache Approach™ is offered in no other clinics and its high success rate explains why people travel from all over the UK and Europe for this treatment. This month, Apex Headache Clinic Founder and Spinal & Headache Physiotherapy Specialist, Rebecca Nelson offers some interesting facts on headaches and shares how the clinic’s team of specialist headache physiotherapists have been treating and clearing headaches and migraines for years.

Headaches ruin lives At Apex Headache Clinic, Belfast, we know the devastating impact that headaches and migraines can have on people’s lives, leaving the person desperate to find a cure to relieve their pain.

Tension and stress are frequently blamed as the cause of these headaches, which often leads to people taking painkillers on a daily basis. However, painkillers don’t provide a long-term solution. What many people are unaware of, is that there is often a physical cause for their headaches, which actually stems from their neck. The great news is that, in the vast majority of cases this can be successfully treated and cleared without the need for medication.

Neck-triggered headaches and migraines are often the result of poor posture, hours spent hunched over desks and computers, repeated heavy lifting or a previous injury.

Sometimes there is no known reason why the neck became stiff and tight in the first place.

countries worldwide for our specialist treatment, called The Nelson Headache Approach™.

This approach is offered in no other clinics at this time. Along with my team of specialist headache physiotherapists, we have been successfully treating headaches and migraines for over 20 years and we’re very proud of our high success rate.

The first drug-free headache clinic in Ireland Apex Headache Clinic opened its doors years ago, and people travel from many different

GET CLEAR ON THE FACTS SURROUNDING HEADACHES Too many painkillers can cause headaches.

It is uncommonly known that

excessive medication can actually make headaches worse. In fact, 50% of migraine sufferers will receive no relief from medication used to treat migraines in the first place. Of those patients who do respond to medication, they are very likely to become used to it and therefore, over time, the medication will become less effective. But the good news is that my Nelson Headache Approach™ has been shown to be a highly effective, drug-free method of clearing or significantly reducing headaches and migraines in the vast majority of cases.

Poor pillows may be causing you damage Apex Headache Clinic, we have witnessed repeatedly how poor pillows make headaches worse. Pillows are supposed to support the head and neck, and reduce compressive stresses on the structures of the neck whilst sleeping. However, many pillows are too soft or too flat and so headache sufferers may find they wake up with a headache the next day.

To fight the war against poor pillows, I have designed the Apex Sleepwell Pillow range, clinically proven to reduce

apex

neck pain and headaches in the majority of cases. Each pillow is uniquely designed in terms of thickness and firmness to match needs of sleepers according to their build, from children to teens, right through to mediumsized adults and larger builds.

Headaches affect children too Parents often contact Apex Headache Clinic, after trying many other approaches, including consulting GPs, paediatricians, neurologists or opticians, with no relief. We offer hope to families who are at the end of their tether, thanks to our drug-free, specialist approach to clearing headaches and migraines in all ages.

Treat pain at its source At Apex Headache Clinic, our motto is to always treat pain at its source. With the correct treatment, Apex Headache Clinic’s specialist physiotherapists should be able to clear your headaches and migraines, allowing you to enjoy life again.

To book an initial assessment and treatment, call Apex Headache Clinic on: 028 9048 4153.

No GP referral is necessary.

apex

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clinic

headache clinic

physiotherapy

podiatry

chiropody

massage

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UT Health

Surgical Skin Clinic

Same Day See And Treat Service

Providing Evidence Based Psychological Interventions and Tailored Support Packages

Call 028 9042 3200 today or e-mail frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk to book a Consultation with one of our Consultant Plastic Surgeons.

Treatments available include: Facial Threadvein Removal Thread-Lifts Dermal Fillers Anti-Wrinkle Injections Aqualyx - Fat Dissolving Injections Hyperhidrosis (Excessive Sweating) Bruxism (Teeth Grinding) Migraines and Headaches Cosmetech Maypole Clinic 5-7 Shore Road Holywood BT18 9HX

Pinnaplasty Skin Biopsy Mole Removal Tag Removal Cyst Removal Lipoma Removal Surgery Split Earlobe Repair Leg Vein Removal

Specialising in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Psychological and Behavioural Therapy for Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome

T: 028 9042 3200 E: frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk www.cosmetech.co.uk

Cosmetic Surgery is also available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast. For more information please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

www.antrimpsychologicalservices.co.uk Email: kmcfaul@antrimpsychologicalservices.co.uk

Cosmetech is a partner company of Kingsbridge Private Hospital Group

COMPOSITE BONDING

Smile with confidence with Mercer Dental Care

At Mercer Dental Care our team of experienced clinicians are well equipped to enhance your smile with composite bonding. Composite bonding is a minimally invasive way of improving the shape, colour, and symmetry of your teeth. This straightforward treatment involves gently applying tooth coloured filling material directly to your tooth surface to change the overall shape, size, and appearance of your teeth.

Composite bonding is the treatment of choice in many situations, including: • Chipped or wearing teeth • Uneven or asymmetrical edges • Discoloured teeth • After completing orthodontics • Spaces between teeth or small teeth

Benefits of Composite Bonding • No injections • Often completed in a single visit

• Minimal or no drilling to natural teeth

Composite bonding is a simple and efficient way of boosting your smile confidence!

Contact our team at Mercer Dental Care to arrange a Cosmetic Consultation today.

Call us: 028 9127 0634 www.mercerdentalcare.co.uk

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29/04/2022 11:45

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.

T

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

For appointments contact: The Belfast Rheumatology Clinic | Medical Associates | 25 Derryvolgie Avenue | Belfast | BT9 6FN 028 9038 2202 | www.thebelfastrheumatologyclinic.co.uk | secretary@medical-associates.co.uk

PAGE77.indd 1

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LUSSO TAN LAUNCHES NEW PRODUCT The team at Lusso Tan, led by the passionate, forward-thinking trio of Leah, Lynsey, and Sarah, has again reiterated their commitment to “helping people look and feel their best with the addition of a healthy glow,” as the brand recently launched The Summer Meadow Tanning Balm. Surrounded by skincare therapists and beauty enthusiasts from all over the UK & Ireland the live launch took place at The Treehouse at AMPM in Belfast city centre.

The new product is an advanced and versatile formula that combines skincare with tanning to deliver an all-inclusive experience to female beauty enthusiasts.

Photos by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye

06

1. Catriona Smyth and Aimee Oliver - Bodyfit Mums. 2. Lusso Tan Co Founders Leah White, Sarah White and Lynsey Bennett. 3. Kim Constable and Laura Hutchinson - The Sculpted Vegan. 4. Eimear Mulholland, Lisa Rooney and Colleen McKenna.

5. Gemma-Louise Bond and Rachel McCully - BTY Cosmetics. 6. Evan Mulligan and Nicole Adams. 7. Tara Conaboy, Mandy Davis, Laura Agnew and Michelle Byrne.

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rkle a p s r u o y r e v o c s Di barb! u h R y k e e h C with Cheeky Rhubarb recently launched with an exciting new range of Super Sparkly Glitter Lip Glosses and Long Lasting Matte Liquid Lipsticks. The Belfast based cosmetics company offers a fantastic selection for you to mix and match to create hundreds of combos so your look is as unique as you are!

Take your lips on a glistening journey with Cheeky Rhubarb Super Sparkly Glitter Lip Gloss: wear them on their own to show off the glitter or use them as a lip topper for an imaginative new look.

Just one swipe of Cheeky Rhubarb Super Pigmented Long-Lasting Matte Liquid Lipstick delivers a powerful pop of colour that will stay in place beautifully. These lipsticks are velvety soft, fast drying, smudge resistant and are nourished with coconut oil and vitamin E to keep lips feeling soothed.

Inspired by the joy of self-expression and happiness, Cheeky Rhubarb provides great quality, vegan friendly, cruelty free and paraben free products that will spark creativity and fun for all!

eky Stay Che

www.cheekyrhubarb.com

@cheekyrhubarb

PAGE79.indd 1

Cheeky Rhubarb Ltd, Forsyth House, Cromac Square, Belfast BT2 8LA

28/04/2022 13:00

Emma Meehan, CEO Down Royal Racecourse

Ready, Set, Race Ulster Tatler’s Michaela Colgan speaks to Emma Meehan, CEO Down Royal Racecourse about race meeting preparation and what to expect this year at Down Royal.

Tell us a bit about the background in preparing for a race meeting?

The fixtures are ratified by Horse Racing Ireland a year prior. We cannot race unless we are granted fixtures and we cannot race if we are not licensed to do so by the Irish Racing Regulatory Board. We work hard to ensure we meet their exacting criteria to ensure the safest surface for runners and riders at Down Royal.

The industry at large is heavily involved in the operation at Down Royal with officials and third parties moving from track-to-track across Ireland to ensure all facets of the oncourse operation are controlled.

It is paramount that I ensure the track is in

the very best condition for those who come to run at Down Royal. The work on-course is all year round and the approach to its maintenance is very science based; my Head Groundsman, Shane Webb works tirelessly with his team to ensure the seasonal preparation of the course is delivered to the highest of standards at Down Royal.

The off-course/public facing side of the business is just as intense. The whole site must be cleaned and set, with additional infrastructure such as marquees in place, race day staff and suppliers briefed, security and safety measures all aligned. It really is a huge task and there is always a learning taken, no matter how many times we do it.

What does your day entail?

My day starts off long before I arrive at the track. As mum to Oliver (8), Sadie (6) and dog mum to Winnie (7 months) my alarm goes off at 6 am to allow time for a coffee and quick email check before the morning madness of getting children out the door for school begins.

A day in my job is so incredibly varied it is hard to describe a ‘typical’ day at work.

As CEO I have oversight of all elements of the business, so not only the racing side, but all the elements required to run a successful business – from leading the teams, Finance to HR, Site Maintenance to Capital Development, dealing with government entities to commercial partnerships. There are a myriad of responsibilities – it’s a role that I enjoy thoroughly. I am very proud to work for such a well-regarded brand and the good feeling there is for Down Royal makes my job an extremely rewarding one.

Anything new to look out for this year?

This year the primary focus is getting the race day experience back to pre-Covid levels and growing our corporate market. We will also host a 13th fixture this year in September.

However, we are operating our first outside of racing event on the 21st May. Food Truck Fest is a first of its kind festival celebrating all things Food Truck related. It is going to be a very family friendly event which will include, live music, Cool FM roadshow, craft and food stalls, along with up to 20 food trucks all vying to be crowned Northern Ireland’s favourite.

Tickets are £10 (children go free) and are available to book via our website.

Our much-anticipated Ladies Days are back with a bang this year! Racegoers love the colour and glamour of Ladies Day and we are very much looking forward to the activation over the weekend of the Summer Festival on 17th & 18th June 2022.

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28/04/2022 13:00

NO TIC W KE ON TS SA LE !

12.30pm on Saturday 11th June, Ulster Reform Club, Belfast

Tickets £65 (per person) 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

REBECCA MCKINNEY (HOST), CHRIS SHERRY (ULSTER TATLER) AND TRISH TWEEDIE (GALGORM).

EVENT PARTNERS

PAGE81-83.indd 1

Revolution Productions

29/04/2022 12:26

TITLE SPONSOR

GALGORM Open up a world of new discoveries, adventure and memorymaking moments with an indulgent short break at Galgorm.

Boasting world-class hospitality and unrivalled spa, accommodation and golf facilities, the globally renowned Resort is the jewel in Northern Ireland’s hospitality crown.

Located just 30 minutes from Belfast, Galgorm Resort is nestled in the idyllic countryside just outside Ballymena in County Antrim. The Resort is set within 163 acres of lush parkland and boasts breathtaking views of the River Maine which flows through the estate, offering the perfect setting to enjoy a tranquil and relaxing escape.

The Resort’s range of luxury accommodation spans Superior, Deluxe and Suite guestrooms, with a range of lodging accommodation stays, providing the perfect luxury retreat for all tastes. Cottage Suites, Log Cabins, Shepherd’s Huts and three exclusive Residences offer larger groups a home away from home in idyllic surroundings.

The award-winning Thermal Spa Village, the first of its kind in Ireland, is the jewel in the crown of Galgorm embodying an authentic Irish spa experience, perfect for the first timespa-goer and zen-seekers alike.

With luxurious facilities to enjoy and our renowned warm welcome, Galgorm is the perfect escape. www.galgorm.com

CONTRIBUTION TO FASHION SPONSORED BY

PH20 LUXURY TANNING Sinead O’Donnell, former owner of a hair and beauty salon and mum of four put her time in lockdown to very good use setting up her very own line of tanning products. After the passing of her father Patrick Hughes in 2020, Sinead decided to dedicate her new project in memory of him and so by taking his initials, PH20 was born. www.ph20luxurytanning.com

WOMEN WHO HAVE OVERCOME ADVERSITY SPONSORED BY

DIVERSITY

Pauline Hawthorne, Managing Director

With a reputation for accuracy, security and reliability through a continued commitment to both the public and private sectors, Diversity is one of NI’s largest accredited interpreting and translation companies.

Established in 2010, Diversity operates a database of over 700 fully qualified interpreters offering 75 global languages, ensuring delivery of services for NI’s growing diverse communities. In addition to its translation and interpreting services, Diversity specialises in the provision of accredited training programmes. The company is the only business to operate a Chartered Institute of Linguistics exam centre in Northern Ireland. www.diversityni.co.uk 82 PAGE81-83.indd 2

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ENTREPRENEUR SPONSORED BY

BEAUTY CULTURE Beauty Culture is a multi award winning team of ten beauty therapists, lead by salon owner and therapist Caroline Purdy, who are passionate about all aspects of beauty especially skincare. They are based on Bloomfield Road in the heart of East Belfast and are recognised as a Guinot Crown and Dermalogica gold circle salon and a five star by the Good Salon Beauty Guide.

Beauty Culture are previous winners of the Ulster Tatler Beauty Salon of the Year in 2019 and also received ‘highly commended’ in the NI Beauty Excellence Industry Awards in the same year. www.beautyculture.co.uk

CONTRIBUTION TO BEAUTY/AESTHETICS SPONSORED BY

RADIANCE BEAUTY & DAY SPA

Christine Mackin

When it comes to aesthetics, award-winning Radiance Beauty and Day Spa in South Belfast is at the forefront of NI’s beauty industry. With over 19 years experience, Christine Mackin is the powerhouse behind this thriving business.

The salon houses 11 fully equipped treatment rooms for clinical procedures such as CACI, micro-needling, Thermavein, Doublo Alumier Peels, LED light therapy, stem cell treatment and is soon to be one of the first NI beauty salons to offer the highly acclaimed radio frequency micro-needling treatment, described as the ultimate “double-barrel” treatment. When asked why Radiance is so popular Christine replies “we offer clients a host of treatments from nails to waxing to skin rejuvenation. We are a ‘One Stop Shop’ experience.” www.radiancedayspa.co.uk

MOST FASHIONABLE LADY SPONSORED BY

GARDINER BROTHERS Gardiner Brothers Jewellers has been situated in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter, Belfast for over 85 years, with a reputation second to none for supplying the finest quality jewellery at wholesale prices.

Having supplied many other jewellers across the country and beyond, they are proud to be one of the only genuine wholesalers in Belfast.

Known for having one of the largest stocks, with the ability to also custom make any design, there really is only one stop when searching for the perfect engagement ring or piece of jewellery. www.gardinerbrothers.co.uk

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO HEALTH SPONSORED BY

THE COURTYARD, CARRICKFERGUS Across from the sea but sheltered from the wind, The Courtyard Carrickfergus is an eclectic community of local businesses.

This unique shopping centre provides the full range of retail experience whether you are looking to vamp up your wardrobe or your living room, including JAVART who are one of only four exclusive NI stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint! Take five to relax in the wonderful suntrap garden, and pair this with some food and drink from their café, Angie’s Corner. Looking for some pampering? Choose from the nail bar, hairdressers or barbers where your relaxation and personal preferences are the focus. www.thecourtyardcarrickfergus.com

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29/04/2022 12:28

McAuley & Jones

WEDDINGS

Lucinda McAuley and Christopher Jones, from Ballyclare, recently married on Saturday 10th October 2021, following a year’s delay due to COVID-19. The reception took place at Kilmore House, Glenariffe.

Lucinda wore a Paul Zeni gown from The Bridal Company, Templepatrick and Christopher wore a suit from Bogart Menswear, Belfast. They are planning to honeymoon in South Africa this October, travelling along the Garden Route.

Photography by Ewan and Jayne Harkness Videography by Pro-Motion Productions.

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28/04/2022 13:38

Motown Sensations The

Quality musical entertainment that’s fresh, unique, energetic and professional

Proudly presented by

Darryl Hendricks, Bongi Lolwana and Wesley Adams bring you this amazing vocal tribute to all things Motown. You can expect to hear all those classic hits from iconic acts such as The Temptations, The Fourtops, The Drifters, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, Lionel Richie, Marvin Gaye, Jackie Wilson and so much more. Delivered with the charisma, vocal harmonies and the on stage choreography that you would expect to hear straight from the Hitsville office.

Weddings l Corporate Events l Private Functions Email: info@ghentertainment.co.uk | Mob: 07711 890085 www: ghentertainment.co.uk | f: TheMotownSensation

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UT WEDDINGS

Jervis Wedding Photography: Different Perspectives from A Husband and Wife Team Paul loves being part of the Ulster Tatler cover shoots. He said, “It gives me the opportunity to take my skills and apply them in a different way from our main business of wedding photography.

I can then take this cover shoot experience and weave it into our weddings.”

Paul & Judith have been married for nearly 28 years and their wedding business is a two-person team. This gives a unique perspective to the wedding day as they can capture the same scenario from their own unique point of view. While Paul may be more involved in the direction and set up, Judith finds a different outlook and takes photographs from a more observational point of view. Ultimately, their aim is to capture memories that help their couples remember how they felt on their wedding day.

Paul explains, “If you look at these two wedding images, both were taken of the same set up, but one was from Judith’s perspective while I was photographing from the front. This is a great example of how we work on a wedding day.”

Paul concluded by saying, “It has been a year since my first cover shoot and I am delighted to be part of another Ulster Tatler cover shoot and having the chance to work with Katharine Walker again.”

If you would like to find out more you can contact them on: T: 07840948685 E: info@ jervisweddingphotography.co.uk You can visit jervisweddingphotography.co.uk or find them on social media

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.

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M AG I C A L

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LU X U R I O U S

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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

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28/04/2022 13:41

WEDDINGS

Anderson & Blaine

Miss Jessica Anderson, daughter of Raymond and Nicola Anderson from Donaghadee, recently married Daniel Blaine, son of Alistair and Valerie Blaine from Ballynahinch. The wedding took place on 18th December 2021 in Silverbirch Evangelical Church, Bangor, followed by a reception at the Wool Tower, Raceview Mill, Broughshane.

Photography by Calvin Craig Photography.

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.

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WEDDINGS

Kielt & Doyle Miss Amy Kielt, daughter of Barney & Celine Kielt from Kilrea, recently married Stephen Doyle, son of Eoin & Colette Doyle from Cookstown. The wedding took place on 10th December 2021 with a stunning reception at Killeavy Castle Estate.

Photography by Steven Neeson.

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WEDDINGS

Moore & McDonald Cheryl Moore from Liverpool and Martin McDonald from Dromore were married on Thursday 21st April 2022 with a ceremony and reception at The Stillhouse, Moira.

Photography by Paul Breen Photography.

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AB

ALEXANDRA BARFOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

WWW.ALEXANDRABARFOOT.CO.UK PPAN I Comme rcia l Photog ra phe r of t he Year 2022 1st Ru nne r Up PPAN I Wedding Al bum of the Year 2022 2nd Ru nne r Up

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SMARTS HOST EXTRAORDINARY STAFF PARTY AT MAGHERAMORNE ESTATE PAGE92-93.indd 2

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At Magheramorne Estate, set in 43 acres, we offer a fully flexible and diverse event space, which gives private and corporate clients the opportunity to transform the venue and create their vision. Our experienced sister company, Jane’s Kitchen, can create menus to complement the house.

Smarts Agency’s groovy 70’s theme was a fun-filled night of drinks, dancing, and good food.

If you wish to host a corporate event at our stunning, Victorian house, please contact us via email.

Events@magheramorneestate.com Photo credits – Bradley Quinn Photography

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

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29/04/2022 15:21

Eat : Stay : Relax

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

Welcome to Milford House

Milford House Co. Armagh is the former home of the fascinating McCrum family and later home to Manor House School. Famous as the first house in Ireland to be lit with hydroelectricity and even a proper waterfall in the Dining Room. World famous as the home of William McCrum inventor of the penalty kick rule. Now one of the top ten listed buildings at risk in Northern Ireland. Today you can view many of the beautiful artworks, grand furnishings and personal possessions of the McCrum family at 3 Victoria Street Armagh. A warm welcoming historic house which has something of interest to everyone. House tours reveal the stories of the people who lived there and there always something new to discover Enjoy a great day out at Milford House for all the family.

3 Victoria Street Armagh BT61 9DS Tel: 028 3752 5467 / 07854 784 256 Email: milfordhouse57@gmail.com www.milfordhouse.org.uk

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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

4355 - Johnstown Spa Exper. U.Tatler 297 x 210mm.indd 1

02/02/2022 16:21

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NUGELATO ANDERSONSTOWN STORE OPENING The queue was out the door at 135 Andersonstown Rd, BT11 9BW as Nugelato opened their 11th store in NI. The Nugelato ice cream boutique chain manufacture all their icecream from scratch. Each store has a hot chocolate sauce tap and offers a range of luxurious ice creams, milkshakes, hot drinks, crepes and waffles but are most famous for their freshly made vanilla and their creative and fun Nuggy Pots! Other locations include Newcastle, Newry, Kilkeel, Bangor, Stranmillis, Portadown, Cookstown, Ballymena and Crumlin Road.

07

1. Peaky Blinders actor and West Belfast local Packy Lee with Tracey Gilligan. 2. Caoimhe, Lorraine and Orla Kelly and Meadhbh Thornbury. 3. Roisin McCarthy with Aoife and Orla.

4. Anna Stewart and Samantha Sagataite.. 5. Caitlin Crawford and Jack McKnight.

6. Boutique manager Darren Gilligan with staff Meabh, Ella and Sophia.. 7. Catriona and Michael Nugent.

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29/04/2022 10:32

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

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Eat : Stay : Relax

Samuel Gelston’s Launch New Cream Liqueur Irish whiskey brand, Samuel Gelston’s has unveiled its latest expression – a decadent Irish Cream liqueur which will sit alongside its award-winning range of whiskies. The finest Irish whiskey, smooth rich cream and luscious chocolate have been expertly blended to create the indulgent new expression.

Bottled at 17% ABV, flavours of milk chocolate and vibrant vanilla are underpinned by smooth, rich Irish whiskey. With a delicate spiced finish, this versatile liqueur can be enjoyed chilled on its own, in coffee and hot chocolate, or as a delicious dessert ingredient.

Established in Belfast in the 1830s, and purchased by Harry Neill in 1869, the Samuel Gelston’s brand is synonymous with sourcing, bonding and blending some of the finest single malt and pot still whiskey from across Ireland. It has remained in the Neill family for five generations and is currently owned by Harry’s great, great grandson Johnny Neill who commented: “The launch of our first liqueur is a historic moment for my family who have been making quality artisanal spirits for generations. Our latest offering is a real testament to the passion, skill and craftmanship of our team who have created what I believe is a perfect blend of Irish whiskey, chocolate and cream. We are confident that it will be a real hit with drinkers and marks what is set to be both a busy and exciting year for the business.”

Samuel Gelston’s Irish Cream Liqueur is now available from selected Tesco stores across Northern Ireland and The Drop Store RRP £14.

The wider range is also available in Booths, Waitrose and specialist whisky retailers, and also online via: www.samuelgelstons.com

Cocktail Recipes The Belfast Shake 50ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur 60ml almond milk 10ml Orgeat/almond syrup 1 scoop of vanilla ice cream 1 scoop of ice Garnish: grated dark chocolate & chopped hazlenuts Glass: hurricane - Blend all the ingredients - Pour carefully into the hurricane glass - Garnish with some grated dark chocolate

The Irish Meadow 30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur 30ml Crème de Menthe Verde (such as Briotette) 10ml Crème de Cacao 20ml half/half Garnish: mint Leaf & cubed ice Glassware: coupe

Coffee & Cream 30ml Samuel Gelston’s Cream Liqueur 30ml vanilla vodka 40ml expresso 10ml caramel syrup Garnish: coffee beans on foam Glass: Coupe

- Add all ingredients to a cocktail maker - Shake and Strain into glass with ice - Garnish with a mint leaf

- Add all the ingredients to a cocktail shaker - Shake without ice, add ice then shake again and strain into a coupe glass - The cocktail should have a layer of foam on top, garnish this with a few coffee beans

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Reviewing Unique & Quality Accommodation www.jimandevelynreviews.com

Promote Your Accommodation with our unique professional service.

Videography & Drone Imaging Experienced Presenter reviewing your property Photography Complimentary promotion on our social media platforms & website PAGE99.indd 1

28/04/2022 11:54

May 2022

REVIEWS

Bon Appétit Ulster Tatler’s Joanne Harkness visits Parisien restaurant, Belfast.

G

algorm’s well-loved Parisien restaurant was closed throughout the course of the pandemic, but has recently re-opened to the public with a brand new, exciting menu to tantalise the taste buds and I couldn’t wait to try it!

I invited my sister along for a much-needed girls day out, starting with a spot of shopping in the city centre, followed by a sophisticated meal in Parisien. The weather was glorious, with the spring sun brightening the mood in Belfast.

When we entered the restaurant, which is situated directly opposite City Hall, we were shown to a window seat, where we could continue to soak up the buzz of Saturday night in the city. It was great to see people out and about, enjoying everything that Belfast city has to offer. Although with the sun, the French inspired décor and overall elegantly relaxed atmosphere it felt like we had been transported to Paris!

First port of call was ordering a drink, and as it was our ‘girls day out’ we went for a refreshing pink gin and lemonade, which came garnished with fresh strawberries and blackberries.

Whilst sipping on our drinks, we perused the magnificent menu. It included a range of French inspired dishes such as mussels mariniere, roast gammon croquet monsieur and duck á l’orange – I wish I could have tried it all.

For starter I opted for the salt cod croquettes, while my sister went for the classic French onion soup. The cod croquettes came served with a tomato and green bean salad, with saffron aioli and it tasted absolutely divine. It was fresh and light, with contrasting flavours from the saltiness of the cod against the sweetness of the tomatoes.

The French onion soup of course came served with the traditional gruyere crouton and my sister noted that it was very rich, hearty and flavoursome.

Onto the main event and I decided to go for the chargrilled ribeye steak, and the special of fish and chips was my sister’s choice. The steak was cooked perfectly and it came served with a melting slab of Café de Paris butter on top, which oozed over the dish deliciously. The triple cooked fries on the side were addictively moreish. My sister enjoyed what she called her posh fish and chips, which came served with a tangy tartar sauce and mushy peas.

The pièce de résistance of the meal was the stunning desserts. I went for the crepe suzette, which came served with orange segments, orange caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream. The crepes were sumptuously soft and I loved the bitter sweetness of the orange throughout, it was what I would describe as ‘chef’s kiss’. I of course had a sneaky spoonful of my sister’s dessert, which was the crème brulee and raspberry sorbet. It had the perfect crisp top and creamy filling, and the lemon shortbread on the side was a lovely addition.

Throughout the meal the restaurant staff were incredibly attentive, including topping up our water and advising us on the menu – first class service indeed. Even after our meal was finished we didn’t want to leave, we were enjoying taking in the ambience of the restaurant. It boasts an outdoor terrace on the upper level, which unfortunately wasn’t open on the evening we were there, but is due to re-open soon. This will

be a great reason to visit again; I can already picture myself sitting out in the summer sunshine – with a cocktail in hand of course!

Cleaver House, Donegall Square North, Belfast, BT1 5GA www.cafeparisienbelfast.com

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May 2022

REVIEWS Ulster Tatler’s Chris Sherry visits Westin Hotel.

Afternoon Delight

U

ntil recently, I must confess to having had a culinary blind spot when it came to Afternoon Tea. I was, obviously, aware that it is a ‘thing’ but I just never felt the urge to partake of this particular dining ritual. However, following a recent trip to the Westin in Dublin, I am now among the initiated.

We had a reservation for Afternoon Tea at 1pm, and although we left Belfast around 10am we still made it in plenty of time, even with the obligatory stop at the Applegreen, and despite the fact that the hotel is situated right in the heart of Dublin. Once happily ensconced in the Atrium Lounge, which boasts a magnificent five-storey glass ceiling, time just seemed to melt away as we relaxed to the sound of the pianist and enjoyed the delectable array of sweet and savoury treats on offer, not to mention the speciality teas and superb range of cocktails. Afternoon Tea is an extremely popular and stylish event at the

Westin; it is redolent of a bygone age when the privileged wrote off the afternoon doing little more than gossiping and nibbling on all sorts of delicacies. It is definitely not to be rushed and is a great way to while away an afternoon with friends. It also presents you with the opportunity to get dressed up for the occasion. On the afternoon we visited the vast majority of diners were female, but I did spot at least a few other males. At one stage I half expected to see Oscar Wilde enter stage left sporting a velvet jacket with a libation in hand.

I have stayed in the Westin several times and have become increasingly fond of it with each visit. During lockdown the hotel took the opportunity to carry out a multi-million euro extension and refurbishment and it is looking all the better for it. We stayed in one of the new rooms, on a corner site, with a view of Trinity College to the left and the famous Palace Bar just

across the road. The location is second to none and noise from outside has been eradicated with reinforced double glazing. The room was absolutely splendid – spacious, airy and luxurious; it just really worked.

The lobby has also had a major facelift and showcases the work of a number of Irish craftspeople, for example, an eye-catching etched brass map of Dublin city in 1830 which hangs behind the main reception desk was commissioned and designed by ArtLoves, while the 19th century bank building in which the Westin is housed is depicted in architectural drawings. These images give a sense of the history of the hotel and its historic environs.

Although we had to get back to Belfast on the Sunday afternoon the idea of Sunday brunch at the Westin was too hard to resist. We managed to get a late check out which meant we could have an early lunch before heading back north.

The meal was extremely tasty and the service was excellent, as always. As we tucked into lunch we watched the city start to come to life on Sunday afternoon ahead of the Ireland v Italy rugby international that was taking place that afternoon at the Aviva Stadium. It was with much reluctance that we left the luxury of the Westin to head back home.

Fact file The Westin College Green Westmorland Street Dublin DO2 HR67 Web: www.thewestinhoteldublin.com Tel: 00 353 1 645 1000

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N e w Ro o m s N e w E xpe rie n ce s BOOK DIRECT FOR THE BEST RATE GURANTEED AT MARINEHOTELBALLYCASTLE.COM

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29/04/2022 10:13

Coole Swan announces First Ever Winner of Northern Ireland Summer Cocktail Competition

COOLE SWAN WINNING COCKTAIL

On April 26th, 2022, Coole Swan, the multi-award winning, independent Irish cream liqueur, announced the winner of their Northern Ireland Summer Cocktail competition, which took place in House, Belfast. Jorden Wint of La Taqueria Bar Belfast was crowned the victor on the night with her winning cocktail, Flor De Manzana having triumphed over the 7 other finalists and taking home the coveted prize package.

The judging panel, which comprised Mark Craig from Criterion Drinks, Rachel O’Donoghue from Coole Swan, Rebecca McKinney and Katharine Walker from Cool FM, Michael McKeown from Anzac Wine & Spirits and Ronan Collins from It’s Ronan Drinks Consultancy, marked the 8 finalist’s cocktails on four criteria: originality, technique, taste and presentation.

These exceptionally innovative eight finalists created their Coole Swan summer cocktails using ingredients such as sesame, tonka and apples with each taking inspiration from Coole Swan’s fresh and luxurious texture to create a delicious summer drink.

Each of the finalists received a Coole Swan hamper for participating in the event with Jorden walking away with the top prize of an overnight stay in a 5-star Dublin hotel, a gift voucher for £150 and the opportunity to showcase her winning cocktail at an exclusive Coole Swan VIP summer event later this year.

Speaking about the winning cocktail, the panel remarked – Jorden’s cocktail pushed the boundaries of traditional Irish ingredients, to create a modern and contemporary Irish classic! The cocktail blend seems simple, but there was a lot of skill, experience and technique brought to the forefront with this delicious pour!

Mary Sadlier, CEO of Coole Swan said, ‘Coole Swan prides itself on quality, originality and innovation, and these finalists had it all in spades, the winner especially! We were searching for a Coole Swan summer cocktail that excited the palette and that is precisely what we achieved with the winning cocktail, using a homemade Irish syrup as a key ingredient. It demonstrates that there are no limits to what can be created with Coole Swan!’

An independently owned and family run Irish company, Coole Swan is a unique blend of single malt Irish whiskey, Belgian white chocolate, and fresh dairy cream. Coole Swan, which takes inspiration from The Wild Swans at Coole by W.B. Yeats, has its roots in County Meath. The cream liqueur already has numerous awards under its belt such as World’s Best Liqueur and Double Gold Winner at the World Spirits Competition in San Francisco.

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Flor De

Manzana

Jorden Wint of La Taqueria Bar and Philip Brady, Coole Swan.

For more information visit cooleswan.com and keep up to date with the latest Coole Swan news by following them on social media @coole_swan.

29/04/2022 10:20

FEATURE

Ulster Tatler

FOCUS O N

North Coast/Portrush

T

he North Coast is one of the most beautiful parts of the country, complete with picturesque beaches, gardens and impressive leisure facilities. From stunning scenery along the coastal paths forming an Atlantic promenade to the bustling town of Portrush, the North Coast has something for everyone.

With countless leisure activities such as the newly reopened and rebranded, Curries Fun Park, the breath-taking views from the Giant’s Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede Rope bridge and the Old

Bushmills Distillery, the oldest continually running distillery in all of Ireland, it’s no surprise the area is a huge hit with tourists and locals alike.

If you are planning a staycation within the area, you will be spoilt for choice. From quirky independent B&Bs to 5* hotels. Whatever your budget, an unforgettable getaway is possible.

With so much on offer, it is no wonder so many people are opting to rediscover the North Coast across the Summer months.

Image: Arthur Dodds

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FOCUS ON

North Coast/Portrush

Dean and Rachael Rainey with boys Travis and Zane enjoying the beach after school.

Anne Lyons from Hoods Shoerack

Jill Johnston and Lisa McMullan.

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ER_A4_Advert_AW.indd 1

25/04/2022 10:39

FOCUS ON

North Coast/Portrush

WorldFamous Red Arrows to headline International Air Show on the Causeway Coast ‘Bigger and better’ NI International Air Show 2022 makes welcome return to the Causeway Coast and Glens.

Why I Love...

The North Coast

The largest air show on the island of Ireland will make an action-packed return to the Causeway Coast and Glens with a headline aerobatic performance from the world-famous Red Arrows – their only local date this summer. The NI International Air Show 2022, organised by Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council as part of its Platinum Jubilee programme, will welcome spectators to the seaside towns of Portrush and Portstewart on Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th September for two days of aviation attractions and family fun.

To mark the return of the hugely popular event, it is moving to a new location along the 3-mile coastal stretch between Portrush and Portstewart, offering visitors panoramic views and a chance to get closer to the attractions in the sky.

The Red Arrows will headline the opening day of the show to perform their trademark

formations, close-passes, and dynamic loops.

The fast and furious Typhoon will appear on both days demonstrating its rip-roaring power with a collection of jaw-dropping manoeuvres, along with the Battle of Britain Memorial trio of Spitfire, Lancaster and Hurricane performing their mesmerising flypasts.

Along the breath-taking coastal route, a wide range of captivating and family friendly activities will expand the entertainment offering to include an array of vintage aircraft, live music, trade stands, fun zone, artisan food markets, and arts and crafts stalls.

The exciting STEM Village will make a welcome return and bring together word-class local employers and education providers aimed at inspiring young people to consider a STEM orientated career with interactive, fun and engaging displays and tasks.

for being the last one out when everyone else had turned blue. When friends come to visit for the first time, they are always amazed at how much this small corner of Northern Ireland has to offer and I think traditionally it has been underrated but that is beginning to change now.

harbour in Portrush—I love their colours and style.

Does the North Coast have any hidden gems?

This might be shameless self-promotion but our cocktail bar Vi’s at Elephant Rock is certainly a hidden gem. Located at the back of the hotel, we have an outdoor terrace that gets the evening sun and the interior of the lounge is so bright and beautiful, with palm greens and bright oranges. We have just launched a casual dining menu up there, which is worth checking out.

Ulster Tatler speaks to Managing Director of Elephant Rock Boutique Hotel Charlotte Dixon.

What do you like most about the North Coast?

For me, it has got to be the view. The coastline we have is stunning and I feel so lucky to have grown up here. I love it most as the longer evenings start to come in and it is still light out at 10 PM—it feels like you have so much more time to live! I also have a great love for the sea. Growing up, I would spend hours in there at a time and was notorious

What is your favourite beach in the area?

That is so hard to say, we are spoilt for choice for fantastic beaches around here and they all have their different merits. I’ll mention Whitepark Bay - mostly for the cows!

My partner and I visited last year between lockdowns and he was pretty amazed that we would have cows lying sunbathing on a beach in the summer. It is something I always remember from childhood too. You just have to be careful to check the tide times or you can get stuck there like we did!

Where do you like to dine and socialise in the local area?

Harry’s Shack is in the most gorgeous setting right down on Portstewart Strand and does fantastic food. I love to have brunch at Lost and Found; the people are lovely, the food is great and the view they have from their Portstewart outlet is to die for. Native Seafood and Scran are doing really exciting and excellent seafood and are such a fantastic addition to the area. It is not open quite yet but Shanty over in the old lifeboat shelter in Portrush is one to watch, the views they will have from their restaurant will be incredible.

I think we can tell I like a view! Babushka is a lovely and popular cafe located down in the 108

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28/04/2022 11:53

FOCUS ON

North Coast/Portrush

giftware Ireland

KENNEDY & WOLFENDEN Stunning selection of antique & modern jewellery, paintings, porcelain, silver & furniture.

Traditional Irish Gifts

● AVOCA ● GUINNESS LICENSED PRODUCTS ● IRISH LINEN ● IRISH GIFT & SOUVENIRS ● TITANIC ● SPORT

As a leading retailer of all things Irish we offer some of the most affordable prices of any online retailer of specialist Irish products.

Open: Monday - Saturday.

R&J HILLIS

27/29 Main Street, Portrush BT56 8BL T: 028 7082 3203 E: sales@giftwareireland.com W: www.giftwareireland.com

86 Main Street, Portrush BT56 8BN | Tel: 028 7082 2995 Contact Eleanor 078 3145 3038 eleanor@kennedywolfenden.com

Moving to the North Coast?

We've got you covered!

Residential Sales Lettings Property & Block Management Energy Performance Certificates (EPC'S) 51 Causeway Street, Portrush

028 7028 2040

www.brankins.com

info@brankins.com

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28/04/2022 10:48

FOCUS ON

North Coast/Portrush

Why I Love...

The North Coast Ulster Tatler speaks to Anne Lyons from Hoods Shoerack

What do you like most about the North Coast?

My Dad opened the Hoods shoe shop in Portrush in 1973, after a fire, caused by an electrical fault, put the main shop in Coleraine, out of action for a while. I went to work there permanently in 1996. Driving to work, when I reach the coast road, I think how lucky I am to have such fabulous views over the sea, on my regular commute. Many a morning, I have been strongly tempted to veer off to the White Rocks and have a walk along the beach instead of heading to the shop! How lovely to have beach just across the road, for a quick lunchtime stroll. Even on a wild, winter’s day, it’s great to be able to just stand and watch the waves.

Where do you like to dine and socialise in the local area?

We are really spoiled for choice when it comes to eating out around the North Coast. My personal favourite is Amici, on the way into Portstewart from Portrush, where I can indulge my love of Italian food. Particular favourites being the Arancini starter, followed by the Scallopine Milanese with grilled asparagus.

Does the North Coast have any hidden gems?

It is pretty difficult to think of an area on the North Coast that could be called a hidden gem, as the area is so well known. However, Portbradden is a little bit off the beaten track and well worth the effort. Head out round the coast towards Whitepark Bay, and go down the steep and windy road to the harbour. You will be rewarded with stunning views across the bay to Rathlin.

100 years in business Hoods is a family business, selling quality footwear, established by George Hood, in Bridge Street, Coleraine, in 1922. Son Tom, joined the business in 1948, after completing his senior exams at CAI, and wife Margaret gave up teaching to join him, some years later.

After completing a degree in languages in Liverpool, in 1978, their daughter Anne joined the business . When the Coleraine shop shut in 1996, the business was transferred to the Portrush shop, where Anne’s daughter Karen now represents the fourth generation.

Hoods Shoerack stock men and women’s footwear. Brands include Rieker, Remonte, Skechers, Gabor, Ecco, Jana, Tamaris, S.Oliver, Caprice, Adesso, Josef Seibel, Mustang, Ara, Lotus, Igi & Co, Imac, Cipriata. They specialise in comfortable casual and smart casual footwear and have a great range of top brands to suit different tastes and feet.

Customers are offered a very high level of service by the knowledgeable and friendly staff. Combine a visit to the shop, with a chance to spend some time on the beautiful North Coast.

For more information email hoodsshoerack@gmail.com or call 02870825137 110

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North Coast/Portrush

Personal custom pieces in any style.

Tee Off

From hand poked to realism, traditional to new school, cover-ups, portraits and all One Love

Royal Portrush Golf Club is home to one of the best and most challenging links golf courses in the world - the Dunluce Links, and the hidden gem - the Valley Links. The only club in Ireland to have hosted The Open Championship, Royal Portrush is a members’ club which welcomes visitors all year round to face the challenges of its courses and to brave the testing conditions.

The Dunluce Links has hosted the Open Championship on two occasions in 1951 and 2019. The 2019 Open which saw Irishman Shane Lowry lift the prestigious Claret Jug, was a huge success attracting golf fans from all over the world. We are delighted that the Club has once again been announced as the venue for the 153rd Open Championship in 2025 and we look forward to welcoming the world’s leading golfers to challenge themselves on the Dunluce Links.

Available 24 hours a day get in touch for more info!

3a Causeway Street, Portrush, BT568AB | 07845322447 oneloveink.com Facebook, Instagram , Twitter @1loveinktattoos

For more information visit: www.royalportrushgolfclub.com

Royal Portrush Golf Club

Host of the 153rd Open Championship Dunluce Road, Portrush, Co. Antrim | Telephone: Office/ Tee Times - 028 7082 2311 Club Shop - 028 7082 3335 | Email: info@royalportrushgolfclub.com | Web: www.royalportrushgolfclub.com 111

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29/04/2022 14:22

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North Coast/Portrush

Rohdich Jewellers The Souvenir Shop

Rohdich The Souvenir Shop

Rohdich Jewellers/The Souvenir Shop is an established family jewellers and gift shop based in the centre of the beautiful town of Portrush since 1887 with 135 years trading on Main St. Entering its 5th generation, we are so very proud of our heritage.

Our well stocked shop, still with its many original features, offers a wonderful range of traditional, contemporary and Irish crafted jewellery and giftware: Aranware, Nicholas Mosse Pottery and stunning Gold and Silver jewellery.

No journey to the North Coast is complete without a visit and a welcome from the Rohdich family!

Rohdich / The Souvenir Shop is a family run business operating since 1887. We stock a huge range of jewellery, gifts and souvenirs to suit all occasions. Our jewellery includes Gold and Silver Costume Vintage Traditional and Modern.

We also offer in house engraving services to make that gift extra personal and special!

Contact details : thesouvenirshop@hotmail.com : The Souvenir Shop Portrush : Rohdich Jewellers

Tel: 028 7082 3274

ENJOY A RELAXING BREAK BY THE SEA

Inn On the Coast Portrush Inn On the Coast Portrush, the North Coast’s Premier pet friendly Hotel is happy to announce the return of our extremely popular Outside Inn, now even bigger and better. The newly extended beer gardens will be serving fresh food and drinks from 12noon every weekend.

Why not treat someone special to an overnight break. Give us a call for the best available rates and with 10 dedicated pet friendly rooms on the ground floor there is no need to leave your furry friend at home.

Once again nominated for the Northern Ireland Pet Awards , Pet Friendly Hotel Of the Year!

30 spacious and comfortable hotel bedrooms • Pet- Friendly • Ideally situated to pay a visit to the Royal Portrush Golf Club • Many opportunities for Cultural excursions and also a spot of Shopping in Coleraine • Pet- Friendly • Large off road car park

50 Ballyreagh Rd, Portrush, Co.Antrim, BT56 8LT

Tel: +44(0)28 7082 3509 Email: info@innonthecoastportrush.com

Email info@innonthecoastportrush.com or call 028 7082 3509 for more info 112

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29/04/2022 12:07

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North Coast/Portrush

FIVE STAR RATED SALON BY THE GOOD SALON GUIDE

VICTORIA KING HAIRDRESSING, MAKE-UP & TANNING STUDIO

Exclusive professional Joico salon that only uses the best products and maintaining a professional standard throughout.

The services available are hair and stand up tanning beds.

Hair Extensions LA Weave & Naked Weave extension specialist.

Jaspers is a Local run Family Gift & Beach shop established over 17 years in Portrush.

Keratin Therapy - Lisse Design The 3-month Blowdry Keratin Therapy is a treatment which can last 12 weeks. It helps to de- frizz your hair and make it more manageable to smooth out curls.

Jaspers stock a wide and diverse range of Products including souvenirs, Surf & Beach apparel, nautical range, Toys and sweets.

Often called an Aladdin’s Cave.

You never know what you might find, and all with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.

Services • Specialising in Balayage and Blonding Techniques • Colour Specialist Qualified • Creative Upstyling / Bridal Hair • LA & Naked Weave Extensionist • Lisse Design 12week Keratin Treatments

Pop in and say hello.

Hairdressing and Creative Colouring Victoria, our qualified master colour technician will consult and help choose the correct shade and achieve that superior coverage with a healthy and shiny appearance. Specialised colour expert in Balayage and Blonde hair. Also adding a new restyle cut to compliment your new colour.

Jaspers gift shop

1 Causeway View, Portrush BT56 8AT Tel: 078 0852 8010

Victoria King Hairdressing also provides the ultimate tanning solution with the IXTREME sunbed. Designed to offer an extraordinary tanning experience with outstanding results! The packages we offer are single or block sessions set with timing to allow you to get optimal exposure. Available also are effective tan accelerating ointments and lotions along with moisturisers to help your skin become supple, moisturised and bronzed.

• Credit/Debit Card Facilities • On street Car Parking • Wi-Fi • Gift vouchers Opening Hours Monday 8:30am - 4:00pm Wed/Thursday 8:30am - 5:30pm Friday, Saturday 8:00am - 4:00pm

Booking available online via www.victoriakinghairdressing.co.uk Or by calling 02870 825211

Fas h i o n w i t h an Edge

starlightandstone@yahoo.com www.starlightandstoneportrush.com 58 Main Street Portrush BT56 8BL Tel: 028 7082 2424

Find us on Facebook

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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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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

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

28/04/2022 10:22

Margey & Bjourson Launch Summer Season with Joint Exhibition in Portrush North Coast husband and wife artists Adrian Margey and Evana Bjourson are looking forward to a busy summer in their Portrush Studio & Gallery where they will welcome visitors to watch them at the easel and to view their latest work. To kick-start the season, the artistic duo will be staging a major joint exhibition and sale of work at the neighbouring Atlantic Hotel on Main Street Portrush over Bank Holiday Weekend: Thursday 2nd - Sunday 5th June. This will be the couple’s first joint exhibition in three years.

The exhibition will offer a tantalising mix of Margey’s dynamic portrayals of Northern Ireland’s landscape and landmarks and Bjourson’s stunning interpretations of human interaction, seascapes and coastal experiences observed through the lens of transience.

The show runs Thursday 2nd, Friday 3rd & Saturday 4th June: 11am – 8pm and Sunday 5th June 11am – 6pm at the Atlantic Hotel, Main St. Portrush. Admission Free – Everyone Welcome. Visit: www.adrianmargey.com | www.evanabjoursonart.com or telephone 078 4159 3762 for more information.

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1. ‘East Strand Solitude’ by Adrian Margey. 2. Artists Adrian Margey & Evana Bjourson. 3. ‘Mermaids of Portstewart Strand’ by Evana Bjourson.

4. ‘Porthole to a Sunflower Field’ by Evana Bjourson. 5. ‘Portholes to Portrush: Arcadia’ by Evana Bjourson. 6. ‘View from Arcadia’ by Evana Bjourson. 7. ‘Ballintoy Sunset’ by Adrian Margey. 8. ‘Kerr Street, Portrush’

by Adrian Margey. 9. ‘Whiterocks Vista’ by Adrian Margey.

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www.adrianmargey.com | www.evanabjoursonart.com Tel: Portrush Studio on 078 4159 3762 for more information

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28/04/2022 10:24

FOCUS ON

North Coast/Portrush

Why I Love...

The North Coast Ulster Tatler speaks to Arthur Dodds, financial advisor at Arthur Dodds & Co Ltd.

The beaches: Take your pick from any of them. Wherever you have been you’ll always return wondering where on earth has anything better.

The water sports. What’s your fancy? Surfing, paddle boarding kayaking, open water swimming. Opportunities galore for all.

The Causeway Coastline – it’s something like 26 miles along the pathway from Portstewart to Ballintoy. Every single one of those is a joy.

Do them all over a day or three and use the Causeway Rambler bus (the good old 402!) to shuttle you to where you want to be.

The great sporting events. The magic of the Nortwest 200 ; the prestige of the Open. “The Port” punches above its weight.

The opportunities for great cycling – forget the coast road – there are choices galore along the quiet laneways. West to Magiligan Point past Castlerock and Benone and on to Donegal, or East to Glenshesk and Ballycastle. Magical.

The craic. Always good cheer to be had in the bars with a genuine friendly vibe everywhere. My favorites? The front rooms in the Harbour Bar for friendly craic, the Gin Bar for the superb live music and the vista from the terrace at the Yacht Club

The golf. Some of the best golf courses anywhere.

The food and wine. Tons of choice and lots of variety.

The amusements! Barry’s is back! And we’ll forgive it for being called Curry’s now, will we?

The memories! Great to see the same sights as 50 years ago and see how much has not changed.

Portrush Dental Care RUTH NESBITT

BMSc (Hons), BDS (HONOURS), MFDS RCSEd, PGCHET (PRINCIPAL DENTIST)

SARAH GLASS

BDS

CLAIRE MCGUIGAN BDS

COSMETIC - WHITENING - CROWNS - VENEERS - BONDING - FACIAL AESTHETICS PORTRUSH DENTAL CARE 22 Dunluce Avenue Portrush BT56 8DW 028 7082 5000 117

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STAYCATIONS We chat to local radio presenters Cate Conway, Declan Wilson and Pete Snodden about why the island of Ireland is the ultimate staycation location.

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oing to Lusty Beg is like stepping into another world. If you’ve never been or never heard of it, do yourself a favour and check it out! It’s on Boa Island in Kesh, in the Fermanagh lakes. It is only accessible using a tiny dedicated ferry that only holds a couple of cars at once. The journey is just a few minutes but enough to transport you away from everything! The island has everything you need for a completely relaxing staycation. We stayed in a gorgeous self-catering lodge complete with one bedroom, an excellent kitchen and a wooden terrace overlooking the lake. However, there are a few different types of accommodation including chalets and en suite bedrooms.

There’s something for everyone - if you want to just totally chill you can spend time in the spa - complete with CATE CONWAY pool and private hot tubs as well as many treatments. If you want to be a bit more active you can explore the island following the trails or take a trip on a rib boat for an adrenaline rush.

There’s also clay pigeon shooting, archery and kayaking on offer!

IPortrush recommend the afternoon tea - with cocktails! It’s the perfect getaway with your friends, partner or families.

It was so peaceful to spend the evening in the restaurant and bar (where the food is excellent!) then dander back to the cabin and sit outside in the dark with a wee drink or two and feel completely chilled.

A

lthough we may be allowed to travel again, we cannot forget how beautiful Northern Ireland is! When it comes to staycations I love to pamper myself not just by getting a massage or a treatment. I also love to pamper myself with quality food, drinks DECLAN WILSON and scenery.

We spent the night before and day after our wedding here!

They even let me pour my own pint! You’ll usually find me milling about Newcastle on my spare days!

That’s why I spend most of my time in Newcastle, Co. Down.

Newcastle has become a second home to me as well as the perfect staycation destination. For accommodation I would highly recommend “Apartment 3 by the Sea”. It offers stunning views of the beach and Mourne Mountains and is situated right in the heart of the town. The facilities in the apartment are second to none and you are made to feel right at home. It holds great memories for me too as I spent the night before my wedding in this apartment with my closet mates.

For food there is a hidden gem at the top of the town called “Mackens”. This place does the freshest and nicest food you could imagine at a reasonable price. Oh! And if you’re a Guinness fan like me…I can hand on heart say they do the nicest pint in NI!

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29/04/2022 11:22

Things to do at the North Coast Discover the top attractions and activities this summer at the North Coast...

PETE SNODDEN

T

The North West 200 The International North West 200 is Ireland’s largest outdoor sporting event. Taking place within the coastal towns of Portrush, Portstewart and Coleraine, access arrangements of the NW200 allow visitors to experience an excitingly close view of some of the world’s best races. The event begins on Thursday, 12th of May and ends on Saturday the 14th May.

he Coast line is spectacular. I love the drive from Portrush around to Whitepark Bay and the beaches. I would run along white rocks beach or we would take the car onto the Strand at Portstewart and set up camp for the day and bodyboard or take a walk in the dunes and BBQ. We discovered paddle boarding over lockdown so would often set off from the harbour in Portrush. We love taking a walk from Whitepark Bay to Dunseverick Castle and often stop by the Bothy for some pizza.

We would frequently visit the Ramore and enjoy a drink in the Gin Bar before Dinner. Amicii in Portstewart is brilliant as well.

Ochos Tapas and the restaurant at Kellys are also often on the agenda. For coffee we would stop by Babushka in Portrush and Guilt Trip in Portstewart. West Strand in Portrush is my favourite, particularly when the big waves are in town. It’s great for bodyboarding and a short dander into town.

For more information visit: https://www.northwest200.

Taste Causeway Chocolate Experience Participants of the Taste Causeway Experience will be introduced to an exclusive, mouth-watering selection of local artisan products and be taught to pair these products with the finest chocolate. You will also be guided through making a range of delicious treats such as chocolate truffles.

For more information visit: https://thechocolatemanor. com/events/taste-causeway/

Curry’s Fun Park Formerly Barry’s amusements, Currie’s Fun Park has now opened. If you are after a fun-filled day out why not visit the popular amusement park which welcomes new rides as well as old favourites such as the Big Dipper.

For more information visit; https://www. facebook.com/ CurrysFunpark/

Shoreline Stories This is an accessible, family-friendly guided walking tour following the shoreline of Rathlin Islands Church Bay and Mill Bay. Participants will enjoy hearing about the history and heritage of the island as well as explore the natural delights of the island and its surrounds.

For more information visit: https:// nineglensadventuretours.co.uk/ Wildbay Retreats A relaxing three-day Meditation and Yoga Retreat, all inclusive of food, luxury accommodation and activities.

This retreat promises to restore clarity and balance to your life, offering wholesome activities such as Hatha Yoga sessions, mindful hikes and guided meditation.

For more information visit: https://wildbayretreats.com/

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28/04/2022 14:15

The Word

Outdoor Dining Corfu Woodash High Back Reclining Dining Set.This and other items available soon In RightPrice Coleraine. www.rightprice.co.uk

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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28/04/2022 10:25

... for busy people who want the convenience of choosing carpet from the comfort of their own home

Inside the mobile showroom

A spacious purpose built mobile showroom Mark McCallister Carpets has been supplying and fitting carpet throughout Northern Ireland for over 20 years. The unique service we provide is ideal for busy people who want the convenience of choosing carpet from the comfort of their own home.

lifestyle, Mark or Lisa will visit your home with the showroom, measure up the various areas and provide a free consultation on carpet type, weight, fibre, texture and colour. Once you place your order, the carpet will usually be fitted within 7 - 10 days.

Carpet isn’t something that can be bought online…you want to touch it, feel it and see it under the lighting in your home, along with your colour scheme and furnishings. For most people a new carpet is a major investment and something which will not be changed again for some time, so it is important to get it right. To help you make the right choice to suit your interior scheme and

In line with the shift towards warmer neutrals and textured carpets, we carry hundreds of samples of quality British wool and easy clean synthetic carpets, handpicked to suit traditional and contemporary schemes. Our high standards and attention to detail have led us to develop a strong relationship with private home owners, interior designers and property developers.

To arrange a FREE home visit or to find out more: Tel: 07818 094 040 Email: hello@carpetni.com PAGE121.indd 1

28/04/2022 11:31

SPECIALISING IN

LIVE EDGE | SLABS | DINING TABLES KITCHEN ISLANDS | HEADBOARDS SINK BASES | COFFEE TABLES

RESIDENTIAL • COMMERCIAL • HOSPITALITY @cardytimber

PAGE122.indd 1

@touchedwood

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28/04/2022 11:32

A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN THIS MONTH ULSTER TATLER IS GIVING YOU A COMPREHENSIVE KITCHEN DESIGNERS GUIDE, PACKED WITH THE INDUSTRY’S BEST SUPPLIERS TO HELP YOU CREATE YOUR DREAM KITCHEN.

Image courtesy of The 1810 Company.

T

he kitchen has always been the heart of the home, and now more than ever we appreciate our kitchen spaces and what they have to offer – not only for practical and domestic use, but for a place to socialise and interact with friends and family.

The kitchen, serving so many different functions, is most certainly the centre of any home. Thus, the quality of the space matters – perhaps more than any other room in the home.

It is important when choosing your next kitchen that you find the perfect balance between creating a timeless, yet striking aesthetic – but also take into consideration the practical elements, such as storage and space.

Kitchens have never been as stylish and innovative as they are now, so there are certainly some key design elements to consider when you go for your kitchen design consultation. New technology is a big part of emerging trends in 2022, whether it be boiling water taps, hidden extractor fans or touch screen

refrigerators – life is being made easier with these forwardthinking details.

Colour is always top of the list when it comes to kitchen design. Everyone has different tastes when it comes to colour, but for 2022 and beyond it looks like grey and neutral tones are being replaced with darker tones, which have especially become popular for worktops and furnishings. Pops of colour are always a great way to break up the room and add a quirky twist – green and blue shades are particularly stylish for 2022. If you want to keep up with trends, the ‘industrial’ look is ever-present, with combinations of metal and concrete features, giving your kitchen a stripped back appearance.

No matter what your budget, or style, leading kitchen suppliers will be able to advise you on the right kitchen for you and will guide you through the process from the first consultation to completion.

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A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

I knew what I wanted... until I saw what’s new!

AFTER HALF AN HOUR IN THE SHOWROOM, THE CLIENT SAID, “I’M STARTING TO LISTEN TO YOU NOW.” With so much choice out there, anyone about to design a new kitchen for themselves, its often difficult to see the wood from the trees.

There are more opinions online about trends, function style, material, character etc… than anyone could ever read. Their showroom gives

Alwood the opportunity to really demonstrate what is possible.

• New materials for the worktops and doors • Different layout options • Up to date appliances and accessories • Fresh opinions from professional designers

1) Try to think how you want to use your kitchen.

2) Come with an open mind. www.alwoodkitchens.com

Nobody regularly buys a new fitted kitchen for themselves so the offerings tend to be very different or completely new. Looking round full-size room-sets allows and experience yet unmatched by tech or drawings. The use of textures can only be fully experienced by touch and the true character of a room by being in it.

There are 2 recommendations that stand out when visiting the showroom:

Interior Pieces To Invest In In an ideal world, everything that fills your home would be something special - the sort of considered designs that you will keep forever.

While that is not always possible, knowing where to focus your attention when you invest in your interior means that your favourite pieces will last through moves, changes in style and hopefully, be passed down and treasured again.

From statement pieces that are as “you” as can be to steadfast and well-loved staples, leading interior design house, Neptune, have curated a guide for pieces that are worth seeking out.

Offering storage and display space as well as a focal point for a room, dressers are as useful now as they have been in homes for hundreds of years, and are not a bit out of style either.

Choose a timber one – be it an antique or a new design – and it will age beautifully, and as the years go by, you can refresh the paint colour, change the handles and even move it to a different part of the home.

One element of your home that is used day in, day out by every member of the family, and has to stand up to the messiest room in the house, is kitchen cabinetry, which has to be the hardest working of all interior pieces.

It needs to be durable and function

effortlessly, and it should look good too, being the heart of the home and on show to just about everyone who stops by.

Which is why, even if this is not your forever home, we think kitchen cabinetry is a worthy investment: the cabinetry in Neptune’s collection is built in such a way that you can easily move it, be that from room to room or to a different home altogether.

Neptune’s most traditional and the most country kitchen collection, Chichester kitchens work together or as standalone pieces, with prices starting at €12,000. See neptune.com for Irish stockists.

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Alwood TATLER Full Page 210x297 v.3dfinal.qxp_Layout 1 26/04/2022 20:07 Page 1

Ireland’s Original Kitchen Company

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

NOW IN OUR

90th YEAR

A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

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KBB IS BACK At the start of March, KBB returned to the NEC Birmingham. Day one of the event went off with a bang, with thousands of visitors flowing through the doors to meet face-to-face and discover all of the latest innovations the industry has to offer. Bringing the kitchen & bathroom community together once more after such a challenging period it was important to keep the cogs of the industry turning and they did just that as we take a look at some of the show highlights.

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1. Colleen Burns.. 2. John Leckey. 3. Colleen McStravick & Ronnie McCullough.

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

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A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

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 user-friendly, 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. 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.

From earliest concept and consultation stage through to precision installation, the team at Wrights will guide you through your kitchen design process seamlessly. Initial drawings will help pin down your design brief, with Articad drawings helping you visualise the space. Taking the design experience to another level, Wrights provide a state-of-the-art Virtual Reality experience where you get to put on the headset and immerse yourself in a VR version of your future kitchen design and layout! Wrights Design House is the only kitchen showroom in Northern Ireland providing this service. This allows you to walk around your future space to get a feel for how the room will function and flow, seeing

how positioning of cabinetry will work within the space. Every Wrights Design House kitchen is not only designed but crafted on site in their dedicated workshop. This truly bespoke service allows total freedom with your design, meaning no room shape or existing architectural detail will restrict or dictate your new kitchen scheme.

Embracing existing features and working with your footprint, each kitchen is tailored to suit its surroundings.

The Handmade Kitchen As one of UK and Ireland’s premium kitchen design and manufacturing studios, Wrights Design House are masters of ‘the handmade kitchen.’ Designing and creating custom crafted kitchens from the ground up, each kitchen is a one-off. Taking each unique client brief into careful consideration, every kitchen project is carefully considered and meticulously designed to reflect the style of its owners; from streamlined, handle-free contemporary furniture to classic Shaker hand painted cabinetry with dovetail drawer boxes and solid wood internals throughout, no two kitchens are the same.

For more information or to arrange a consultation, contact the showroom on 028 9263 9964 or email: info@wrightsdesignhouse.com

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A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

A. ROBINSON INTERIORS

Robinson Interiors has been voted ‘Kitchen Retailer of the Year’ on five occasions. Mark Robinson heads up one of the most talented kitchen design teams in the country. Established over 30 years ago, Robinson Interiors is a multi award-winning company, driven to the top by Mark and his brother Stuart.

Mark holds prestigious accolades such as the first Irish kitchen designer to win the coveted No.1 U.K. Master Kitchen Retailer Award.

The design team at Robinson’s includes five professional designers including architectural graduate Mike Grant. Modern techniques are used for designing, and are prepared using both ‘hand drawn’ and Computer Aided techniques. The team at Robinson’s are a group of professionals that are not only technically

astute but are also highly creative. “A dedicated interest in the entire cooking process is critical to achieving a safe and ergonomic environment,” Mark believes.

“As kitchens are increasingly part of open plan dining and living spaces, Robinson Interiors’ full interior design skills are even more sought after. We bring added value to the client with advice on lighting, flooring and general décor,” says Mark.

Design Passion Here, every designer is as passionate about food

as they are kitchen design and this matters.

It provides real insight into the purpose, form and function you desire. It’s not simply about kitchens, rather creativity and detail. It’s about ensuring storage and food preparation areas work together, about the precise integration of ‘multi-purpose’ cooking, dining and living spaces – including flooring and lighting. Above all, it’s about your experience, about giving you a space that looks great and performs equally well – every day!

Business Expertise As you’d expect, Robinson Interiors has perfected the home transformation process.

From first consultation, to final install, each step is a carefully co-ordinated, tried and tested process offering you total peace of mind, reassurance and minimal disruption. Don’t take the company’s word for it! Look at the industry recognition backing its claims. These awards prove exceptional quality standards and offer you absolute confidence in Robinson Interiors’ financial strength, professionalism and management expertise.

Mark’s award-winning showroom at 10 Boucher Way has over 5,000 square feet of lifesized contemporary and classical kitchens on view. The smell of freshly brewed coffee and the sound of light jazz in the background help clients relax and focus on choosing their dream kitchen design.

A Robinson Interiors 10 Boucher Way, Belfast, BT12 6RE design@robinsoninteriors.com www.robinsoninteriors.com 028 9068 3838

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Bodum St onePor cel ai nPaver s60x60x2cm

ar mat i l e i nnovat i oni nt i l edesi gn

Woodcr et eTi l eCol l ect i on Amoder nf usi onofconcr et eandnat ur alwood t ext ur est ocr eat eapat i nat edwor nef f ect .

A RECIPE FOR A GREAT KITCHEN

Kitchen The woodgrain breakfast bar tones excellently with the worktop and cabinetry in this modern kitchen.

Available from Mode German Kitchens www.modegermankitchens.co.uk This stunning kitchen ses soft white finishes and exquisite natural timber to deliver a light and airy atmosphere within this open plan space.

Designer Kitchen by Morgan www.designer-kitchen.com

POPLAR DESIGN STORAGE SOLUTION

The devil is in the detail in each kitchen design, we have a place for everything.

Available from Poplar Design www.poplardesign.co.uk

CHIC, VERSATILE AND ECONOMICAL

The Minerva 4-in-1 Electronic tap from Frankeis guaranteed to introduce a touch of style to your kitchen Available from Bodel www.bodel.com

BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Solid wood Inframe door

from Mountfield Kitchens www.mountfieldkitchens.co.uk

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...Quality You Can Be Proud Of www.jwmccall.com Dundrum Road Clough 028 4481 1999

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RightPrice Coleraine Bushmills Road Coleraine, Co Londonderry BT52 2BN 02870344482 | www.rightprice.co.uk

03/02/2021 14:41

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BALLYMACNAB GAA PRESENTATION DINNER

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Ballymacnab Round Towers GFC and St. Brenda’s Camogie Club, from Armagh, recently held a presentation night to celebrate the clubs’ achievements, in particular the three county championship winning camogie teams – seniors, minors and U16s.

1. Ballymacnab Round Towers GFC officers Mickey McGivern, Chair; Nelius Boyle, Secretary and Brian Short, Treasurer. 2. Daniel, Edel and Paddy O’Toole. 3. Áine Maguire and Tierna Maguire. 4. Emma and Philly Gribben. 5. Damian and Orlagh Barrett. 6.

Kathleen O’Hare, Secretary St Brenda’s Camogie Club; Orla O’Hare, Chair St Brenda’s Camogie Club and Edel O’Hare Armagh Camogie Childrens Officer. 7. Pete Beagan; Lorcan Beagan, Ballymacnab Round Towers GFC U19 Player of the Year; Aine Beagan, Captain St Brenda’s Camogie U16 Championship winning team and Bronagh Beagan. 8.

Saoirse O’Hare and Scarlet Lennon.

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Exclusive furniture collection to Celebrate 145 Years

The Scrabo

The Copeland

To celebrate 145 years of trading, Wardens of Newtownards has launched an exclusive furniture collection. The 1877 Collection comprises three ranges inspired by the local area – The Scrabo, The Copeland and The Strangford. With a variety of fabrics and sizes you can view this beautiful collection in Wardens now.

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

The Strangford

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May 2022

ARTS DIARY

“Getting them to think about what they are trying to achieve and helping them to take their own work seriously - I think that’s really important.”

EDITED BY KELLIE BURCH EDIT@ULSTERTATLER.COM

Seamus Heaney Fellows Evening Each year the Seamus Heaney Centre appoints three Fellows from the world of poetry, fiction, music, film and television to work with students to explore creative writing in all its forms. For 2021/22, the impressive line-up of Fellows consists of author Wendy Erskine, poet Denise Riley and musician Tim Wheeler. As well as hosting workshops and one-toone tutorials, the visiting Fellows also participate in a number of events, such as the engaging Seamus Heaney Centre Fellows: In Conversation. Taking place in the opulent surroundings of the Great Hall at Queen’s University, the event attracted an impressive audience including poets Leontia Flynn, Padraig Regan, and Michael McCann; Bloomsbury Publishing’s Liza Thompson,, an No Alibis bookshop’s David Torrans.

Guests were warmly welcomed by the Director of the Seamus Heaney Centre, Glenn Patterson, before he handed proceedings over to the Fellows who discussed everything from their first audience experience, and the writing process to whether it is possible to ‘teach’ creative writing. The conversation was interspersed by readings of selected poems including ’1948’ - by Denise Riley; a stripped back performance of song’s including ‘Shining Light’ and the, as yet, unrecorded ‘My Favourite Ghost’ by Tim Wheeler; and an extract from ‘Gloria and Max’ a short story included in Dance Move by Wendy Erskine.

After the event, I had the pleasure of chatting to all three Fellows. Discussing the role she wanted to play for the students, Denise Riley said: “The part I really enjoy is sitting down with a student and trying to intuit what they are trying to do with their work and to see if something might flash across my mind that might be helpful.” With a background in storytelling, Wendy Erskine, meanwhile, wants to help students to value their work. She said: “Stories are our currency. A good storyteller is someone who can convey their meaning effectively and with a degree of clarity - but also has the ability to effectively use ambiguity when necessary.

What I really like doing is asking students about their work, getting them to think about what they are trying to achieve and helping them to take their own work seriously - I think that’s really important.” Tim Wheeler, meanwhile, revealed that although he’s mentoring students, the role as a Fellow actually has also taught him a lot.“I was interested to help the poetry students and what I found was that there was a lot in common in the process (between poetry and song writing) even though the shape of things can be very different.

I enjoyed trying to help edit some poems and offer insight and ideas of different ways of looking at things and I’ve learned a lot from doing that as well.”

Seamus Heaney Centre Fellows: In Conversation took place on 14 April.

Tim Wheeler, Glenn Patterson, Wendy Erskine.

Padraig Regan and and Micheal McCann.

Anne Getz Eidelhoch, Akshay As and Gianna Sannipoli.

Sam Bailes, Niamh Scullion and Garrett Carr.

Eoghan Totten, Milena Williamson, Jake Hawkey and Eoin Kelly.

Hannah Wilks, Tim Wheeler and Liza Thompson.

Leontia Flynn, Mimi Patterson and Ali FitzGibbon.

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Clare Murray, Katelyn Hamilton, Jill McDermott, Celia Felix and Lisa Gowdy.

Leah Davis, Dr Colin Davidson, Kaitl

in Murphy and Sam Robb.

Ryan Connor, Aimee Gracey and Carla Davis.

Alisha McGeown, Alex Nolan and Andrea Kerr.

Amber Rossi and Robert Millar.

. Harry McAnulty and Emma Hargreaves.

Lucy Clarke, Caitriona Clarke and Calvin Wells.

Inception Exhibition Opening

number of diverse subject matter from eco feminism and environmentalism to Queer art. For me, one of the most fascinating themes which ran throughout the exhibition was the exploration of childhood memories from a generation of artists connecting to the term ‘Ceasefire Babies’. As someone who was born at the tail end of the Troubles and remembers the declaration of the Ceasefire, I found it extremely impactful to explore the works of this generation to gain an insight into the consequences such a complex youth has had on their experience of identity.

Speaking of the exhibition, which included painting, sculpture, lens-based media, drawing and print making, Sam

The Belfast School of Art BA Hons Fine Art end of year showcase has always been a highlight in the cultural arts calendar as it allows emerging artists the opportunity to display their talent to the public. However, due to the pandemic, the class of 2021 were unable to host this annual exhibition until now.

Inception, which featured 27 artists such as award-winning Amber Rossi, Robert Millar, Kaitlin Murphy and Leah Davis - to name a few - was presented by Arts for All in Cityside Retail Park, Belfast.

Curated by Sam Robb, one of the talented graduates, the celebratory exhibition saw a rich collection of work which explored a

Juste Bernotaite and Kate Forbes.

Aodhfionn and Maire McCambridge-Geraghty.

Robb said: “After the disappointment of not having a physical Degree show, we are so excited that Arts For All have given this opportunity to present our work to the public.”

The exhibition opening was attended by the exhibiting artists and was strongly supported by friends and families, as well as key figures in the arts world such as Dr Colin Davidson, globally renowned artist and Chancellor of Ulster University, and Jill McDermott, arts co-ordinator at Arts for All. Inception at Arts for All opened on 14 April and ran until 28 April.

“After the disappointment of not having a physical Degree show, we are so excited that Arts For All have given this opportunity to present our work to the public.”

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ARTS DAIRY

Mark and Lynsey Richards with children Wren and Arden.

Imelda Casey and Emma McIvor.

Mave Dempster-Neil, Glenn Patterson and Louise Dempster-Neil.

Sam, Max, Claire and Tom Hastings.

Daphne, Gutie, Rex and David Chang.

Cristal Palace An outdoor chandelier. An airborne orchestra. A troupe of acrobats.

Pyrotechnics. Cristal Palace, the unforgettable opening event of the 60th season of the Belfast International Arts Festival (BIAF), had it all.

Over one weekend, almost ten thousand people flocked to the Titanic Quarter, which saw the Titanic Paddocks, adjacent to Titanic Slipways on the Maritime Mile, transformed by renowned French company, Transe Express, into a spectacular open-air night-time ballroom.

Guests were in for a unique treat as live music (from seven airborne musicians perched on a giant chandelier and a house band located firmly on the ground) was creatively fused with jaw-dropping circus (from flying trapeze to aerial silk dancing) with lashings of dance (from European waltz to the Latin American tango, and

Noel McCann with Petros, Michael and Sthanos.

American Charleston to rock ‘n’ roll and techno). The end result was mesmerising.

The sell-out spectacle was presented by BIAF as a gift to thank the people of Belfast for their support over the last 60 years.

The event also included opportunities for volunteers from across the city to take part in the production, with Circusful, Belfast’s own circus arts centre, directly helping with recruiting members of the community cast.

The stunning outdoor spectacle was hosted in association with Belfast City Council, Maritime Belfast Trust and Titanic Belfast. BIAF’s principal funder, The Arts Council of Northern Ireland also provided additional support through the Arts Development Fund.

Cristal Palace was a real family-friendly affair which saw an audience that spanned

Pier Morrow, Anne, Tara and Jonny O’Brien, Kate Fergus and James O’Brien.

all generations dancing along as the sun set on this magnificent ballroom. Guests spotted in the crowd included novelist Glenn Patterson, Belfast City Council’s Pier Morrow, and the Crescent Arts Centre’s Mave Dempster-Neil, to name a few.

This high flying production will be followed by a series of festival events in May, including Between Tiny Cities (6–7 May) at The MAC, an exhilarating hip hop b*boy battle between two dancers, one from Cambodia and one from Australia. BIAF will also make further announcements about its expanded 60th season in the weeks ahead, including the core festival provisional dates of 19 October – 6 November. Watch this space.

Cristal Palace, presented by Belfast International Arts Festival, took place on 23&24 April.

“Cristal Palace was a real family-friendly affair which saw an audience that spanned all generations” 140

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The Word

The Earl and Countess of Erne Are Hosting An Art Exhibition and Sale

by Lois Eadie and R J Brian Coulter at Crom Castle, Thursday, 19th May 2022, A One Day Event Only.

Official Opening at 7.30 p.m.

Preview 2.30 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.

&

contact@coulterart.uk

Artist w i l l i a m o’k a n e

tel. 07546 836071

williamokane.com

Bespoke Furniture Maker

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THE ROYAL ULSTER ACADEMY OF ARTS LUNCHTIME TALKS The Royal Ulster Academy of Arts is currently hosting a series of lunchtime talks that explore contemporary living in Northern Ireland. This talk was given by guest speaker Lady Mary Peters. The talk celebrated 50 years since Lady Mary won her Gold Medal at the Munich Olympics.

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1. Wendy Austin, Dan Dowling and Lady Mary Peters. 2. Joanne Magee, Jennifer Willis, Lady Mary peters, Noelle McAlinden and Renee Jeffers. 3. Wendy Austin and Wendy Phillips. 4. Lady Mary Peters talk at the RUA offices. 5. RUA President Dan Dowling and guest speaker Lady Mary Peters. 6. Amanda Croft and RUA President Dan Dowling. 7.

Renee Jeffers, Joanne Magee, RUA President Dan Dowling, Jennifer Willis, Betty Brown and Noelle McAlinden. 8. Ruth Graham, RUA Vice President Simon McWilliams and RUA exhibitions manager Mary McCaffrey.

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May 2022

BOOK EXTRACT

LENNY This month’s extract is from Lenny, the story of a young homeless boy in the bayou, who helped by the classic tale The Little Prince, seeks to repair his broken family and save his hometown, Roseville, from destruction. Lenny is by County Down author, Laura McVeigh.

False River, Louisiana, 2012 Lenny slid out of the bald cypress tree, dropping the large cardboard box that swung off the end of his sneakers into the dust below him. Hunkering down beside it, he turned the old Plaquemine orange box over, opening it up, clambering in – ready for flight. His arms were held tense out in front of him as he buried down, his father Jim’s pilot cap slipping down low over his eyes as he rocked from side to side.

‘Va-vrooooooom, neaaaaaaaoww ...’

He tipped a little to the left, steering at a sharp angle. ‘Du-du-du-du-du-du-du.’

He machine-gunned right, one hand pulling back the controls as his plane shot up into the blue cloudless sky, evading the enemy.

‘Ha! You’ll never catch me.’

He was the King of the Sky. Lenny was free, travelling at the speed of light, gone now from the bayou, looking down on the winding silver ribbons and the smiling oxbow gleam of False River, before veering away towards the woodlands further upriver, earth once thick with trees, now yellow and scorched at the edges, dying. A gift to the land, some said, from the chemical companies.

Circling back in the other direction, Lenny flew over the twisting branches and early morning mists of the swampland, swiftly and at altitude, eager to be far from where trapped souls lay in wait, mournful and forgotten. He squeezed the agate stone he held in his fist. His mama Mari-Rose had given it to him – a gris-gris to keep him safe (it’ll protect you Lenny – I can’t do no more for you, I just can’t ...).

As the sunshine soaked into the morning, he flew over the oak forests to the north,

then the marshlands and wetlands that edged the land, circled over the sinkhole as it bubbled in the bayou below, until finally turning back once more he followed the river home – the water a sludgy silver-grey catching in the sunlight – leading him back to Roseville. He imagined he was flying over sand dunes, cutting through a blue cloudless sky. He saw the shadows below.

‘Come in, major.’

He held his hand to his mouth, radio control aloft.

‘Do you read me?’

Silence crackled down the receiver.

‘Looks like it’s just you and me then.’ Lenny scrunched up in the box that carried the faint scent of sunshine and oranges, leant further forward, the cap slipping down a little, his eyes narrowed, scanning below for the enemy combatants he knew were waiting for him.

He breathed deep and let the air press down on his chest and ribs. It was a late autumn morning, unexpectedly cold and damp, with the trees glowing – russets, golden, reds and greens, and the sky, blue and unbroken. Lenny rubbed his fists on his frayed jeans and his T-shirt worn thin; light summer clothes, which made him shiver in the dappled shade. He tilted Jim’s cap back from his forehead so that he could see out. His fingers were still stiff from the damp night before and he pulled the cuffs of the denim jacket down low over his hands as best he could for warmth.

‘You’ll not get away ... I see you. I see you down there.’

His shout carried on the breeze down to the river’s edge and the grass banks below, causing an egret to startle and take flight. Lenny locked on to the enemy. He punched the air in joy as he pressed down

hard with his thumb on the trigger, releasing the missile that followed through the air, down, down, down, locked on the target, imagining the hangars of the chemical companies below, and then a moment later, smoke and white phosphorus flared up from the earth below. Fire-and-forget. That’s what Jim had called it: fire-and-forget.

Lenny pulled the fighter jet sharply to the left, veering away from the plumes of smoke, looking back over his shoulder to make sure the job was done.

‘Major, sir, can you read me?’

Lenny made a sssssssssh sound, his tongue clicking as he spoke once more into the radio.

‘Coming home, sir. Lockhart is coming home.’

Lenny, by Laura McVeigh Published by New Island Books £13.99

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My consists of 37 sculptures, which were created over a six year period with some short sculpture verses that accompany some of these sculptures.

Helen Merrigan Colfer Artist & Sculptor

1. What do you love most about your job?

I absolutely love the physicality of my work! I love modeling and shaping things...seeing something forming before my eyes in my hands. I love the practicality of solving structural problems, trying to resolve how to get something to work a certain way. I love that my time is so flexible. I love that I have the freedom to literally create anything that my imagination comes up with! I also get to work alone in my own space and call the shots! I love that I can literally create something from nothing, I love that I can express my thoughts and feelings through my work, this is really the most important of all my loves...it can be a source of healing and conduit for problem solving.

There is always a reflection of myself in my work. It reinforces my self confidence when I finish a piece and I’m really content with it. I have the most loyal followers and it gives me great joy to know that I am doing something positive with my time here on earth. I love that the sculptures I create can connect with people not only on an aesthetic level but also on an emotional level. Art can transcend and break through so many walls and I love that I can play a part or role in that aspect of it.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I’m really very lucky to have had a few amazing highlights! I was delighted and privileged to be elected a full member of the Ulster Society of Women Artists (USWA) in 2021. I was privileged to be elected an associate member of the Society of Women Artists (SWA) in 2021.

I’ve received five awards over the past five years: 2021: The Elizabeth Morrow Award from USWA 2020: The Fine Art Award for a body of work from SWA 2019: The Elizabeth Morrow Award from the USWA 2018: The Mill Cove Gallery Award for a sculpture of distinction in Sculpture in Context, Dublin.

2017: The Cosgrove Award from Cairde Visual in Sligo.

I’ve also got a touring exhibition called Tribes & Tribulations, which

3. What are your favourite hobbies/ activities outside of work?

I’m pretty much hobby-less! If there’s a good film on in the cinema we’ll book our reclining seats, drive the 50 minute journey into Wexford town and I’ll use that opportunity to munch my way through as much popcorn as I can! I enjoy reading but I can do that at breaks and at night time, so it’s not a hobby as such. To be honest my artwork is my hobby as well as my work...I’m one of those lucky few where I love my work, but that’s not saying that my work is easy. If it is going well it’s just a pure joy, I love making progress through the various stages and seeing something materialise from literally nothing! It reinforces a feeling of positivity and achievement.

As a result of my creating art we also get to travel around Ireland delivering my work to galleries and exhibitions, and in doing this we get the chance to stay in different places and meet wonderfully interesting people.

4. What is your daily routine?

Alarm goes off at 6am, my Husband gets up and goes off to his work.

During the winter months when it’s dark at that hour I turn over and go back to sleep until about 7.30am (the advantage & disadvantage of being your own boss!)

During the summer months it’s impossible to go back to sleep so my day begins at 6am. I start the day with some apple cider vinegar in water, I dislike it to be honest, but live in the hopes that it’s doing my body some good! I feed the birds, change their bath water and feed our two indoor cats, they are my pride and joy! Storm is a 12-year old feisty female tabby and Frick is a 14-year old ginger softy!

Then I try to get internet stuff out of the way before I go down to the studio such as Facebook and Instagram, checking emails etc. I dislike that end of being an artist to be honest, it’s very stressful having to ‘self promote’ and I’m not always in the mood to face it or be very good at it – my technological prowess is very basic and survival level at best!

I’ll be in the studio by 8.30-9am, sometimes earlier if I can’t face social media and usually try to do work first that will need drying time in the heating press so that things can still be progressing while I eventually have my breakfast anywhere between 11am - 1pm.

I loose track of time when I’m in the studio and I won’t leave until I’ve completed whatever stage I’m working on so my schedule is very fluid.

I tend to take a coffee break anywhere between 3.30pm - 4pm and read a few pages from The Wheel of Time just to switch off, then head back into the studio again until my Husband rings around 6pm to let me know that he’s on the Passage East car ferry on his way home, giving me time to finish whatever I’m at and start thinking about dinner! After that everyone is piled high on the couch (both cats on me) and we watch TV before it’s time for me to sort out our two indoor fur balls and feed somebody else’s cat outside (I call him Cassidy!).

Then it’s more bedtime reading with a mug of warm water before the pink noise is turned on through the speaker and lights out at 10pm.

5. Do you have a specific fitness regime?

Once upon a time I used to have a ‘fitness regime’! We live in an amazingly picturesque rugged coastal setting on the Hook Head

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7. What do you love about Northern Ireland?

I only know Northern Ireland from the vantage point of being an exhibiting artist. There’s such life, energy and excitement surrounding the arts up in Northern Ireland. Events such as FLive Fermanagh Live Arts Festival and Northern Ireland Mental Health Arts Festival are a few of the wonderful initiatives that give artists and the public amazing opportunities to become involved and nurtured. Also the annual exhibition held by the Royal Ulster Academy is quite simply amazing, it’s so diverse and an absolute joy to experience. I’ve met the most wonderful people through my art and I am so grateful to have had so many positive opportunities directly as a result of art work being exhibited and welcomed by the people of Northern Ireland.

Peninsula so it’s perfect for coastal walks and a feast for artistic inspiration. I used to do quite a lot of early morning walking, so much so that my joints rebelled. Unfortunately health took a dive for a few years and I found it very difficult to return to my previous levels of activity, though as I look out the windows of our home I can see the ocean and the coastline just a few yards from our door. We are so close to the shoreline that at night I can literally feel the vibrations of passing container ships traveling up into Waterford harbour! I absolutely adore hearing the sound of the ocean, that deep rumbling roar at night and that rushing rollicking sound as the ebbing tide rushes in and out over the stoney surfaces! The tang of salt in the air, especially first thing in the morning or late at night when it’s dark and your senses are all the sharper. We live right up close to the Hook Head lighthouse so it can be very atmospheric and dramatic!

Now I count climbing the stairs, coughing, sneezing and sometimes just breathing as a fitness regime! My work in the studio can also be quite physical...does that count?

I think the short and most honest answer to having a specific ‘fitness regime’ is NO! However I try to counteract my current lazy streak by having a fairly healthy vegetarian diet, no alcohol or soft drinks, no smoking and sweet treats only on celebratory occasions!

Not quite a rock & roll life style!

8. What is your mantra or favourite quote that you live by?

While I am most definitely a work in progress regarding positivity there are three that I try really hard to live by: - There is always a silver lining.

- We live in a house of words, speak kindly to yourself.

- There is always a reason why this is happening...breath, it’s the universe at work.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive?

Probably the best tip I’ve got is to keep remembering that whatever has happened to make your day darker it will always pass.

If it’s a tip relating to artwork then it’s got to be always go into your studio everyday whether you feel like it or not! Even if it’s only to sit with a mug of coffee to look at whatever it is that you’re currently working on and then to walk out again!

This is never time wasted. Thinking time is as important as the physicality of the making. I’m blessed that my studio is attached to our home so it’s just a matter of opening that connecting door! I have days when I just don’t seem to be able to make the ‘magic‘ happen or I’m unsure of the direction a piece is going in.

If I force my way through it I will inevitably end up destroying whatever it was that I was making! On those days I go into the studio and do the repetitive work of sanding and cutting steel, physical work that I tend to avoid when I’m on a good sculpting day! Jobs that don’t involve my creative mood which may have gone off for a wee wander!

Once you realise that our creative moods can ebb and flow like the tide and that it will always return like the tide you’ll be able to harness those ‘blaa’ days productively and not beat yourself up over them!

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

I suppose the most important influence would have to be Gehard Demetz, an Italian wood sculptor. When I first saw his work it was a case of perfect timing really. I felt I had nothing to say, but also had far too much on my mind, then I saw his work. It helped me see how my art could be directed and used as another language, a way to unpack my thoughts. Kirsten Stingle an American mixed media sculptor is another wonderful artist whose had an influence on my work, to see figurative work used in such an imaginative and playful way but to also have such a deep narrative was inspiring. Little did I know that we would end up following each other on Facebook and Instagram! She admires my work too and has suggested that we do an exhibition together! Dare to dream it and it can become a reality!

Another amazing artist that I wish I had known existed sooner is Graham Gingles an Irish mixed-media sculptor up in Antrim. How did I not know about him until 2021! I had already started my series of Temple sculptures when I saw a retrospective exhibition of his work in the F. E. McWilliams Gallery in Banbridge.

I simply stopped in my tracks and literally shed tears of joy at seeing his work in that gallery space. His work touched something deep within me.

10. FAVOURITE

Holiday Destination: It’d be Paris if I was organised enough! Oh to be in Paris long enough to be able to saunter about like I wasn’t a tourist!

Movie: The Pelican Brief & The Matrix

Drink: Lemon & ginger Kombucha

Band/Musician: Aldous Harding, Christine & the Queens and Billie Eilish

Meal: It’s got to be breakfast! Which is pimped up porridge! I pile on loads of fresh fruit (chopped ginger, blueberries, strawberries & banana), a tablespoon of milled mixed seeds, some walnuts and as if that wasn’t enough fabulousness I pour rhubarb yogurt on top!

Book: Definitely The Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan!

Restaurant: Franco’s Restaurant in Fermanagh 145

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

THE CATEGORIES

01 FASHION BOUTIQUE

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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

Where have you had your best meal lately?

Just let us know the name of your favourite restaurant.

INTERIOR DESIGNER 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.

05

OF THE YEAR

08

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

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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.

11

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.

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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.

13 BUSINESS MAN 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.

14 ARTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 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

15 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.

16 SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

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.

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT 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

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FIBRUS PASSES OVER 100,000 PREMISES Northern Ireland’s fastest growing full fibre broadband network, Fibrus, celebrated reaching a major milestone at Crumlin Road Gaol in Belfast on the 7th April. The evening marked passing over 100,000 premises as part of the company’s national full fibre infrastructure roll-out, which is being delivered across rural and regional parts of Northern Ireland. Over 300 people including staff, partners, suppliers and friends were in attendance, enjoying an evening of food, drink and local entertainment to celebrate the achievement.

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1. Anita Walsh, Aisling Duffy, Grainne McKernan, Dominic Kearns, Jim Doyle, Ana Olivera, Martin Clayton and Colin Dalton. 2. Nigel Abraham, Dominic Kearns, Jim Dwyer and Frank McNamara. 3. Mike Snee, Dominic Kearns and Aidan Gunning. 4. Gemma Kennedy, Claire McAllister and Tammy McKeown.

5. Erin Donnelly, Ben Snelling and Eimear Casey. 6. Katie Sankhalpara, Steve Turner, Elliot Mills and Gemma Reynolds. 7. The team at Fibre Optics with 148

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Fibrus CEO Dominic Kearns. 8. Andrea Garcia, Christophe Bouchet, Conal Henry, Martin Hopkins and Neil Atack. 9. Mike Krzysztofowiez, Sharon Bolton, Kenn Larkins, Conal Henry, Shane Haslem, Mick Kinsella.

10. Shane Donaghy, Kevin Lynch, Dominic Kearns, Kyle Colgan, Berach O’Hagan and Colleen Burke. 11. Stephen McCallum, Martin Downing, Conal Henry, Tracey Sarikaya and Jordan Bell. 12. Clare Loye, Rebekah Lilbern and Gemma Stewart. 13. Michael Brady, Kevin Lyttle, Matt Clarke and Stefan Gunning. 14. Kevin Law, David Ramsey, Dominic Kearns, Michael Lagan and Niall McGill. 15. Danny Thompson, Damien Gallagher, Conal Henry, Sinead Loughrin and David Thompson. 16. Conal Henry, Steve Edwards, Dominic Kearns and Chris Johnston

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Aaron McVitty, Prof Ken O’Neill and Mary McVitty.

Heather and Jim Lavery.

Heather Stanley (PRONI) and Ciaran Elizabeth Doran.

NI Assembly speaker Alex Maskey MLA with historian and exhibition curator Dr Eamon Phoenix.

Pauline Bell and artist Tony Bell.

Patrick and Mary McNeill.

Nicole, Alice and Mary-Alice Phoenix.

Fiachra, Fionnuala, Bernie, Grainne and Emmett McGuinness pictured with the painting of their dad Martin McGuinness, deputy First Minister 2007-2017.

LAUNCH OF NEW HISTORICAL EXHIBITION AT STORMONT

NI Assembly Chief Executive Lesley Hogg and Andrew Muir MLA.

March saw the Stormont launch of a new permanent historical exhibition featuring the personalities and events which have marked the history of Parliament Buildings. Guests were welcomed by the speaker, Mr Alex Maskey, MLA while Dr Éamon Phoenix, historical adviser on the exhibition, recalled some key moments in the history of devolution. The exhibition includes portraits of major elected political figures including Unionist founding-fathers Craigavon and Brookeborough; the Nationalist leader, Joe Devlin and Sinn Fein’s Eamon de Valera and Michael Collins (both elected to the first Northern Ireland Parliament in 1921). It also focuses on the role of women in local politics, including the careers of Dame Dehra Parker (first female Cabinet Minister) and the Liberal MP, Sheelagh Murnaghan. The exhibition is now open to the public.

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FSB AWARDS 2022 The winners of FSB’s Celebrating Small Business Awards demonstrate the huge breadth of talent across the small and self-employed business community in Northern Ireland.

At a ceremony in the Crowne Plaza Belfast, renowned journalist and broadcaster, Wendy Austin MBE announced which SMEs took the top spot in each of the 12 categories. The event, which was attended by a capacity audience of business owners, finalists, and sponsors from right across Northern Ireland, provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate the extraordinary contributions made by small businesses across various sectors of the economy.

Chris Slowey, right, (Managing Director Manfreight Ltd), who won Family Business of the Year.

Tamar Ravelli, Talingual receives International Business of the Year award from Tina McKenzie, FSB.

Senstec, part of the Classic Marble Group were recognised in the Business and Product Innovation category for their non-slip shower tray.

Fish City won the Environmental/ Sustainability Award.

Ross Companies Ltd won High Growth Business of the Year.

The Lighthouse Bar and Grill won the Micro Business of the Year.

Among the winners on the day were Senstec, part of the Classic Marble Group who have nearly 40 years experience, recognised in the Business and Product Innovation category for their non-slip shower tray.

Donaghadee restaurant favourite, The Lighthouse Bar and Grill won the Micro Business of the Year.

Jenna Hill took home the highly coveted Young Entrepreneur of the Year accolade, for her role as Managing Director at Chill Gas Ltd. Belfast Physio and Massage on the Lisburn Road, won the Self Employed/Sole Trader of the Year category.

Also recognised at the event were Talingual, the specialist multilingual recruitment company, who were awarded the International Business of the Year Award.

Ross Companies Ltd, who have nearly twenty years experience in the quarry industry, food factory fabrication and aggregate industries, came away with the High Growth Business of the Year.

Amongst the various other categories, Manfreight Ltd, were awarded the sought after Family Business of the Year, and White Ink Architects were particularly notable for their entry in the Wellbeing Award, whilst the hugely topical Award for Environmental/Sustainability went to Fish City.

employed people and SME owners throughout Northern Ireland. After the multiple challenges of the last couple of years, it is more important than ever that we champion those SME owners who have gone above and beyond.”

Brendan Kearney, FSB NI Regional chair continued: “The calibre of entrants this year was just outstanding. The judges had an incredibly difficult job trying to select just one winner in each category. We look forward to seeing if some our Tina McKenzie, FSB Chair of Policy & Advocacy who Northern Ireland winners will go even further by delivered an address at the awards said: vying for the overall UK titles later in the year. I am “It has been an honour to celebrate the also delighted and grateful that our celebration achievements of all our business owners at today’s has been so generously supported by a number of ceremony and, from within them, to have the key sponsors including local businesses Staffline privilege of identifying and championing our Ireland, Kith & Kin Financial, Pinnacle Growth Award category winners. They really do showcase Group, Tilney Financial Planning and Ulster the strength, diversity and resilience of selfUniversity Business School.”

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Host Wendy Austin MBE.

Belfast Physio and Massage won the Self Employed/Sole Trader of the Year.

FSB Awards Winners.

SENSTEC Anti-Slip Shower Tray Due to the excellent membership benefits, Classic Marble (Showers) Ltd, based near Ballygawley, has been a member of the Federation of Small Businesses for 14 years.

Aiming to increase awareness and recognition of our marketchanging SENSTEC anti-slip shower tray, we were keen to enter into their annual awards.

The recently formed company marketing department put together our application. This included the creation of a video telling the story of the conception of SENSTEC anti slip shower trays, which overcomes the issue of slips and falls, one of the most common and dangerous problems in showers.

Research to solve this problem was completed along with aerospace industry experts and Ulster University, resulting in the patented dimple design of SENSTEC, a shower tray that is safe, comfortable and easy to clean. The design is protected by UK, US and European Patents.

Christopher Hackett, MD goes on to say “Winning the Northern Ireland Business & Product Innovation award for SENSTEC is acknowledgment of our great product and something everyone is incredibly proud of. We look forward to representing NI in this prestigious category at the UK finals in Glasgow and meeting the other finalists” For more information visit www.senstecshowertray.com/utmay 152 FSB joby original.indd 2

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“

SENSTEC is a wonderful product, we can’t praise it highly enough or recommend it strongly enough.

” CASE STUDY Ballyclare, Northern Ireland

Christopher Hackett, Managing Director of SENSTEC, interviews Paul and Julie, who are one of the first customers to have a SENSTEC Anti Slip shower tray installed in their own home.

C: Before we begin, the world is full of sceptics and fake reviews. For the purpose of this interview can you both confirm that you are in no way connected with SENSTEC, or any of our employees?

P: No one is more sceptical than me!

To confirm, neither of us knew anything about you or your business.

C: How long have you lived here?

P: We moved in nine months ago, with the youngest of our children starting University in October and having not long retired, it was the right time to downsize.

C: What made you decide to use a SENSTEC tray?

C: How do you find the cleaning of the tray?

J: Once we became aware of your product it was an exceptionally easy decision to make. Shower trays are notoriously slippery and what you had developed seemed to me to be long overdue. Anyone who gets help from the aerospace tooling industry to develop their product and gets help from the Ulster University for user experience feedback, in my opinion, had something really special.

P: Cleaning is no issue at all.

Another benefit. Since retiring we have been able to do a bit of travelling and I have noticed some of the textured trays in hotels looking grubby. This is not the case with your tray - it is as clean as the day I fitted it. We clean it the same as the other trays in the house.

C: Did the SENSTEC tray meet your expectations?

J: Absolutely and then some.

Paul and I Iove it, we both feel exceptionally safe when we shower and the comfort is truly amazing.

Both of us will never grow tired of massaging our feet on the dimples!

C: So to wrap up - in a few words, how would you summarise SENSTEC?

J: A few words can’t give it justice, it is a wonderful product, I can’t praise it highly enough or recommend it strongly enough. I really hope that this helps you get the message out of how wonderful and potentially industry changing that SENSTEC is.

FSB AWARD NORTHERN IRELAND WINNER

BUSINESS & PRODUCT INNOVATION AWARD www.senstecshowertray.com/utmay

professionalism excellence timeliness

CHILL Gas are a family owned and operated plumbing and heating firm working across Northern Ireland.

We offer complete plumbing, central heating, oil, and gas services for both domestic and commercial customers. We recognise the need for timely, efficient and cost effective services so to meet the needs of our customers, we have worked to introduce systems and processes to deliver these needs.

We are proud to be on the Gas Safe register as well as being OFTEC (Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry) registered. We are also very excited to be an approved installer and service engineer for Grant NI Oil and Air Source Heat Pumps as well as an Ariston Repair Agent for Northern Ireland.

www.chillgas.co.uk info@chillgas.co.uk 02892789258

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TALINGUAL WINS INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS OF THE YEAR AWARD With clients in 20 countries and growing, Talingual's phenomenal success in international markets and its commitment to professional development were recognised as meriting the FSB's International Business of the Year award.

1. Celebrating Talingual's success (left to right) Hilary Graham, Nicola Dugan, Leanne McAfee, Tamar Ravelli. 2. Tamar Ravelli, Talingual receives International Business of the Year award from Tina McKenzie, FSB. 3. Representing Talingual (L to R): Leanne McAfee, Tamar Ravelli, Hilary Graham, Pamela Gunn, Conor McStravick, Nicola Dugan.

www.talingual.com | info@talingual.com | T: +44 (0)28 9600 2197

FSB’s NI Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 Jenna Hill, managing director of CHILL Gas, recently won FSB’s NI Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2022 award. Jenna commented on the experience, “It’s a phenomenal feeling. I was honoured to be featured as a finalist alongside some incredible young Entrepreneurs. Just to have my name printed alongside theirs was a huge pinch me moment for me.”

Jenna discussed how 2021 was a challenging year for not only herself but the company. She said, “Not only did we have Covid19 to contend with in CHILL Gas but I also gave birth to my third child after experiencing some pretty challenging health complications so to now be recognised with the FSB award alongside the Women in Business Young Businesswoman of the Year 2022 award is incredible and makes the challenges worthwhile.

Within CHILL Gas we are very excited for a huge year within the company.

2022 has served us well so far and we cannot wait to see what the next 7 months bring.”

Lighthouse ad 1/4

• FSB NI Micro Business of the Year is the 3rd award we have won this year • Beautiful sea view dining in Donaghadee • Online booking available via the website www.lighthousebarandgrill.co.uk VOTED CO. DOWN’S MOST OUTSTANDING BAR & RESTAURANT BY SME NEWS IN 2020 & 2021

Jenna Hill from Chill Gas Ltd won Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

W lighthousebarandgrill.co.uk

T 02891 884316

@thelighthousebarandgrill

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Award Success for Ross Companies Limited

Ross Companies Limited received the High Growth Business 2022 in recognition of their ambi-tious drive and determination. Recently they tripled their workforce, expanded factory facili-ties and secured significant contracts. They received a visit from the Economy Minister and fea-tured on GB New Money Talks.

William and Nicole Ross

A special thanks to our team and customers who helped us achieve the

Ross NEW High Speed 3D Digital Laser companies Scanning now available 1/4

FSB High Growth Business of The Year

Scan to BIM, BIM to Field, Point Cloud Scanning, and RTS Survey Setout Call for more information, or if you are interested in joining our growing team contact us today

Call: 028 9358 0444 www.rosscompanies.co.uk

Belfast Physio and Massage takes home award

ADDRESS: 427A LISBURN ROAD, BELFAST, BT9 7EY EMAIL: HELLO@BELFASTPHYSIOANDMASSAGE.CO.UK PHONE: 028 9066 3294 SOCIAL MEDIA: @BELFASTPHYSIOANDMASSAGE

Belfast Physio and Massage opened in November 2017. Shari started promoting herself and operating in a tiny therapy room. Although being from abroad and starting from scratch was a big challenge for her, she found the place of her dreams; a twostory building in a great location (Lisburn Rd.).

By September 2018, her business was growing, so she hired four therapists and decided to expand and rent three therapy rooms.

Since opening, the company has gone from strength to strength with a team of Massage experts and qualified, passionate professionals. The bohostyle clinic stands out from the crowd, offering trending massage techniques as Scrapping, Lymphatic and CBD Massage.

Shari has recently also been awarded the Northern Ireland SelfEmployed/Sole Trader of the Year 2022 in the FSB NI awards.

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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!

T

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

Graduation News

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

Erin Boomer from Lisburn recently graduated from Ulster University with a 2:1 in Psychology.

• 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

Abbie Burnett from Comber recently graduated from Ulster University with a 2:1 in Computing Systems.

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LOOKING BACK ISSUE: MAY 1984

NORTHERN IRELAND SMALL BUSINESS CLUB FIRST ANNUAL DINNER DANCE

Stephen Thompson, Gay Taylor, Mr. and Mrs. H. Smyth, Mr. and Mrs. M. Houston.

KNOCK MOTOR CYCLE CLUB ANNUAL DINNER - LA MON HOUSE Harry Morrison, Mr. and Mrs. D. R. Felton, Hugh Fleming (U.S.A.), Mr. and Mrs. Donald D. H. Fleck.

ST. JOSEPH’S SCHOOL, CARRYDUFF P.T.A FASHION SHOW IN DRUMKEEN HOTEL Mrs. May Trueman, Mrs. Betty Sloan and Mrs. Gertie Kelly.

NORTH DOWN HARRIERS POINT TO POINT MEETING AT CLANDEBOYE

Harry Morrison (Managing Director Irish Bonding Company), Miles McDowell (winner of heavyweight division), Dereck Hayman (Managing Director of Buchanans) and Bill Montgomery (Master of North Down Harriers).

HOCKEY QUEEN 1984 IN THE LA MON HOUSE

Roberta Stewart, Elizabeth Goudie, Irene Rennie, Helen Carr, Elaine Fox, C. Peyton.

ULSTER WOMEN’S UNIONIST COUNCIL SPEAKERS’ COMPETITION Speakers from Strathearn with their teacher Mrs. F. Cray from left Nicola Frew, Julie Morrow, Wendy Turner, Jill Hanlon, Sian Smyth and Sharon Stewart.

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