Ulster Tatler October 2024

UlsterTatler OCTOBER 2024

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ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS

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ULSTER TATLER AWARDS SPECIAL INSIDE

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October 2024

CONTENTS Features

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COLUMNIST – KATHY CLUGSTON Skip Skip Hooray

36

ARTS DIARY

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THE LAUNCH OF THE IVY RESTAURANT

62

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW Colin Bateman

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ULSTER TATLER AWARDS SUPPLEMENT

128

REVIEW Germaine facial at The Rabbit

134

SOCIETY WEDDINGS

163

FOCUS ON: Kilrea

176

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW Melanie Harrison

191

ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS

203

WONDERFUL WALLS

176

LOOKING BACK October 2005

UT Style

46 N O RT H E R N I R E L A N D ’ S N O 1 G LO S SY £3.95

ALL THINGS CHRISTMAS UT CHATS TO COLIN BATEMAN FOCUS ON KILREA

SOCIETY WEDDINGS

ULSTER TATLER AWARDS SPECIAL INSIDE

This month's cover features a sparkling display of exquisite and classic jewellery from the award-winning Jack Murphy Jewellers.

Jack Murphy Jewellers 63/65 Hill Street Newry www.jackmurphyjewellers.com

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GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

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EDITOR’S LETTER

EDITOR: Christopher Sherry

Bowled Over

DEPUTY EDITOR: Joanne Harkness EDITORIAL MANAGER: James Sherry

T

he 17th Ulster Tatler Awards took place on Thursday, 3rd October, of which we have loads of coverage in this edition. Among the VIP guests in attendance was the celebrated chef Paul Rankin, who picked up the ‘Outstanding Contribution’ award on the night. I managed to grab a quick word with him and he revealed that he is back on home turf and will be leading a new food kitchen, The Belmont, at Belmont Bowling Club in east Belfast. I would imagine that once word gets out, there will be a growth in interest in bowling in that part of the city. This is yet another example of the surge in creativity in east Belfast; lots of interesting things are happening in reimagined and repurposed spaces. See also the Banana Block events space on the Newtownards Road and Scott’s Jazz Club in Ballyhackamore Working Men’s Club on the Sandown Road. As a once-diehard Southsider, I am finding that I am increasingly heading east these days.

DIGITAL MARKETING & SALES MANAGER: Julie Patterson DEPUTY SALES MANAGER: Lorraine Gill COPY CONTROLLER: Gemma Johnston PRODUCTION MANAGER: Richard Sherry DIGITAL & EDITORIAL ASSISTANT: Daniel Bolton PHOTOGRAPHER: Ian Campbell PRODUCTION/DESIGN: Tatler Type

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COLUMN October 2024

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.

Skip Skip Hooray This month, our columnist Kathy Clugston is jumping for joy.

Like many of you, I aspire to be as fit and healthy as possible. The problem is I’ve never much liked exercising. Over the years I’ve tried them all: aerobics, zumba, barre, hot yoga, cold yoga, pilates (with and without reformer), gym circuits, spin. I embrace the new challenge with gusto but soon get bored and miss one class, then two, then can’t be bothered going back.

Swimming seemed a good option for a while but sorting my face and hair out afterwards was just too much faff. I downloaded the Couch to 5K app and puffed and panted my way round the park three times a week in all weathers, waiting, hoping to be bitten by the running bug. I never was.

So I returned to square one, all too aware of time passing, my middle-aged bones weakening by the day, my waistline spreading by the snack, my heart ticking into torpor. By sheer chance I came across a YouTube video by a middle-aged woman called Gail McNeill (@Fiftysister) who had transformed her figure from stout and frumpy to lithe and lean using – get this – a skipping rope! These days they call it ‘jump rope’ rather than skipping, which I like as it sounds less like something I used to do in kneesocks in the playground. I watched all of Gail’s videos then moved on to others by the likes of @laurenjumps, @officialjumpropedudes, @ kathyjumps and more. It turns out there’s a huge community of people out there skipping for fitness, which makes sense when you consider that boxers have been jumping rope forever. Think of all those Rocky montages with Sly working up a springy sweat. It is serious exercise and is widely reported to have less impact on the joints than running as well as burning more calories and improving coordination. A ten-minute skip is the equivalent of running one mile. Could this be it? Could skipping be my thing?

When you first take up any sport the temptation is to go mad and get all the fanciest equipment. You really don’t need it. Having the right kind of bag does not a better athlete make. You can get a good PVC rope for £10-15 and then all you need is a flat surface, some decent trainers and if you have boobs, a sports bra is crucial. I don’t have room to skip indoors in my flat so I took myself out to the back entry where I thought no one would see me. I had no idea how many people use our entry to walk dogs, take kids to school, run and cycle off the main road. I’ve had reactions ranging from shock to laughter to top tips from a builder who’s a boxing coach on the side. When I went to see my partner in England, I packed a rope and, since his garden is quite bumpy, took myself out to the front path. It’s a quiet street, but a few people passed by and all passed comment. “I haven’t done that since I was about 8!” laughed one woman. A neighbour came out of his house brandishing a rope he said he’d had for 20 years and never used. It was in a mouldy old box but still functional. He insisted on giving it to me, although I said I’d only take it if he had a go himself. Turned out he’d been a boxer in his youth and was still able to cut a rug, despite his dodgy knees.

So it has been a win on all fronts. I warn you that skipping is harder than it looks. I spent a lot of time tripping over myself before making any progress, but I jump most mornings now for ten or fifteen minutes, which leaves me nicely out of breath and feeling good. I’ve downloaded a few apps that give me different routines to do and am starting to learn tricks like side swings, heel kicks and scissor jumps to keep the neighbours entertained. Jump rope is cheap, portable and you can do it almost anywhere. I just need to find a local friend with high ceilings for the winter.

Illustration by Megan Rafferty.

THIS MONTH’S OBSESSIONS THE WONDER CINEMA – A six-part podcast by filmmaker Brian Henry Martin and cinema historian Dr. Sam Manning about the glamorous Ritz cinema in Fisherwick Place in Belfast, which was opened in 1936 by Gracie Fields and closed in 1977.

MOZZARELLA – A great source of protein and calcium. Makes a nice lunch with a drizzle of olive oil, a splash of balsamic vinegar, fresh tomato, basil and a hunk of sourdough bread.

TOM JOAD AND ME – Cracking debut novel by the Irish comedian and actor Owen O’Neill about a 17-year-old boy who leaves his large working-class family in Co Tyrone to follow his dreams in London.

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90 YEARS IN THE MAKING

Joanne McCarthy, Shaun Burns and Deborah McKelvey.

Lorraine McCormac, Bill Niven and Jane Robinson.

Bobby and Leah Singleton.

Catherine Higgins, Diana and Jo Turkington and Anne Stewart.

Noreen McBride, Adele Smith and Gina McHugh.

Donna McCullough, Liz Hynes and Fiona Browne.

BLACK TIE AND DIAMONDS BALL Friday 27th September 2024 marked the 60th anniversary of local charity Leukaemia & Lymphoma NI, with a Black Tie & Diamond gala ball at Titanic, attended by 440 guests from across the province and beyond. LLNI is the only locaI charity dedicated to funding education, research and clinical support for blood cancer, which is the 3rd highest cancer killer and affects three new people every day in NI. Guests enjoyed a drinks reception, delicious dinner and array of entertainment, before raffles and an auction kindly run by Wilsons Auctions. Highlights of the night included welcoming two supporters who had just completed a 100km run from Newcastle and Eleanor Orr drawing the lottery winner of the £20,000 diamond necklace she had donated to the charity.

Richard Buchanan, Brigid Napier, Eleanor Orr, Sam Orr and Michael Cafolla

Gillian Finlay, Kim Singleton and Stephanie Singleton.

Yaser Atlasi, Sarah Maguire, Dessi Malinova and Colin Adrain.

Lorraine and Des McCormac.

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Ruairdhri McIlroy and Claire LeVelly.

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Aodhan McCullough, Michael Nolan, Tyler Welton-Stewart and Paddy Doris.

Tony and Sally Boyd; Gerard Boyd and Caoimhe Scullion.

MCGUIGANS CELEBRATES 30 YEARS

Katie Clarke, Sarah Heath and Emma Hopps.

VIPs and guests from the licensed trade across Northern Ireland attended an exclusive party at The Perch in Belfast to celebrate the 30th birthday of McGuigan Black Label - Australia’s top-selling red wine over the last five years. Organised by Craigavon-based drinks distributor and wholesaler, United Wines, guests were treated to a fun evening with complimentary drinks, food, music and party games. Owned by Australian Vintage Limited, McGuigan Black Label is renowned for its smooth, easy-drinking style and has become a staple in households and a favourite choice among wine lovers.

Shaun and Fidelma Gormley and Ciaran Meyler.

Andrew Hollywood and Graeme Kelly.

David Greenlees and Lyndsay Glenn.

Caoimhe McPeake, Grainne Campbell and Nicole Caldwell.

Sheena Copeland and Jackie Mallon.

Andrew Hollywood and Melissa Riddell.

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We’ve Been Picking

for Four Generations

Tea

In 1896, from a tea warehouse near Belfast docks, founder Robert S Thompson, trained in the art of tea tasting and soon became known for his uncompromising devotion to quality.

"An independent, family business of 4 generations, born and blended in Belfast since 1896" Today, Thompson’s Tea, who make Northern Ireland’s favourite tea, Punjana, have been blending and packing their award-winning range in Belfast for over 125 years.

Northern Ireland's favourite cuppa, nestled in a tea bush in India.

So, where did the Punjana name come from?

It was in the 1950’s that second generation, James Thompson, asked his wife, Elizabeth, to come up with a name for the tea company. One day, when on a shopping trip to Comber, inspiration came from the top of the Gillespie Memorial statue. Here, there is an inscription that mentions a place in India called ‘The Punjab’, and after a little playing around with the name, Punjana Tea was born. Such was the belief in this new brand name that they decided to feature an advert on the very first night of UTV in 1959 with their now famous Pick Punjana Tea jingle.

N o r t h e r n Ir el a n d 's

F a v o u ri t e T e a

On a recent visit to India...

Arriving at the tea gardens is like diving into a sea of pure, green leaf. It’s truly astonishing to see the uninterrupted acres of luscious tea leaves, growing rapidly in the heat and humidity of Assam. Growing tea in Assam is a way of life! On these gardens, we had the pleasure of meeting people who had dedicated their life to learning about tea, and it was inspirational to see the true passion that they had – they are truly steeped in tea.

Jamie Thompson

Fourth generation, Camille and Jamie Thompson share this same passion for Punjana and take great pleasure in continuing to select teas from only the very finest gardens in Assam, Kenya and beyond.

Irene Ringland, Valerie Stretton, Trevor Ringland and Marilyn Hopper.

Colin and Claire Mitchell.

John and Debbie Moore; Albert Hall.

Alan and son Andrew McWhirter.

Ben Deering and David Mark.

LAUNCH OF AMELIA HALL

Alina and Michael Donnelly.

Andrew and Naomi Stevenson.

One of the most anticipated new bars in Belfast, Amelia Hall on Belfast’s Howard Street, opened its doors in September. The beer hall, pizzeria and terrace, owned by the Ringland Group, invited guests along before opening to the public. Amelia Hall features an expansive beer hall with a uniquely curated selection of beers, a pizzeria serving artisan pizzas, and an outdoor terrace fronting Howard Street. With its striking interior design and inviting atmosphere, the venue offers a fresh and dynamic setting for both locals and visitors to Belfast.

Josh and Jen Bannister.

20

Terry and Sheila Moore.

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Paolina Hawthorne, Gerardette McGivern, Jennie Wallace, Aedin O’Neill and Shannon Wong.

Danny McKay, Erin Leneghan, Shannon Mitchell and Kieran McKay.

VAVA AWARDS On Saturday 28th September, VAVA Influence held the 3rd annual VAVA Awards, sponsored by luxury fragrance brand Thomson Carter, in Titanic Belfast. The ceremony was hosted

by CoolFM’s Stuart Robinson and Rebecca McKinney. Guests were welcomed to the Venetian Masquerade-themed event with a drinks reception, sponsored by iStil38 Vodka and Three Cents, followed by a delicious three-course meal and live entertainment from Pitched Bespoke Wedding and Events DJs. MEDIA PARTNER

Ulster Tatler

Rayna Jacinta.

Chloe Henning and Francesca Morelli - VAVA Influence.

Jordan Wilson and Ali Carson.

Sophie Harris and Ellie Francis.

Megan Dooris, Niamh Murphy and Abigail Vance.

Tori Deasy.

Sarah and Richard Sherry.

22

Continued on page 24

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Zara Deasy, Ella Deasy, Tori Deasy.

Leigha Coade, Patrice McVeigh, Nicole Adams.

VAVA awards show hosts Stuart Robinson and Rebecca McKinney

Alana Canavan and Simon Ferguson from MACC Hair.

Lucie Boal - Thomson Carter.

Gemma Mailey.

Maebh O’Hanlon and Mia McKee.

Ella Neeson and Leah Conlon.

Molly Rogers, Laoise McNulty, Leah Wilson, Rachel McKeown and Charlotte Heron from bBold Tan. Continued from page 22

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Abigail Parkinson.

Colin Cleland, Stephen Bristow, Sam Bailie and Dan Hanna.

Eleanor Parr, Vaida Babaaskiene, Egle Usanova and Laura Bell.

MUSGRAVE RACE MEETING AT DOWN ROYAL On Friday 30th August, the familyowned business with a 147-year heritage took on title sponsorship of Down Royal Racecourse’s summer meeting.

Musgrave NI have been partnering with Down Royal Racecourse for the past 12 years, showcasing their remarkable and longstanding relationship.

Brendan Skillen celebrating his 50th birthday with family and friends.

Aidan Hawthorne and Dessie Flood from Belfast 89FM.

Gary and Bride Hooks.

Three generations of race goers: Gillian Vaughan, Jennifer Magowan and Katie Jackson.

Ciara and Gerard Butler.

Edna and Sam Clarke.

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Elizabeth Lundy and Ciara Maguire.

CELEBRATING 40 YEARS OF INTERIOR DESIGN 661 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7GT 028 9066 9069 www.ianthompsoninteriors.com Instagram: @ianthompsoninteriors

Award winners celebrating their success at the 27th IoH Awards.

Aaron Logan FIH SJS, NI Regional Chairman.

Aaron Logan (IoH Chairman), Laura Wells, Robert McKenna, Ioannis Pantelidis (Ulster University), Margaret Byrne (Red D Recruitment).

Awards Evening host Ibe Sesay, Q Radio.

Matthew Hynds, James Kenny, Connor Shields from Killeavy Castle Estate celebrate their win as Hospitality Management Team of the Year.

Tourism Northern Ireland representatives join IOH HQ team and NI Regional Committee Member, Eoin McGrath FIH.

Aaron Logan (IoH Chairman) alongside Caitriona Lennox (Head of Springboard & IoH Secretary) welcome industry guests from LCN, Vicky Green (NIHF) and Colin Neill (Hospitality Ulster).

NI Regional Committe members Nikki Looby FIH, Anneka Allen MIH, Sinead Scott MIH and Robert McKenna MIH celebrate with IoH Sponsors - Mad March Poitin, Irwin’s and S.D. Bells.

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE

Over 400 guests attending the night of celebration at the Culloden Estate and Spa.

The best of Northern Ireland’s hospitality, leisure and tourism industry was celebrated at the 27th Institute of Hospitality Awards for Professionalism, as over 400 people from Northern Ireland’s bustling hospitality sector gathered at the Culloden Estate and Spa to applaud 17 deserving award winners from across the province. The Department of Hospitality, Tourism and Events at Ulster University was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Industry Award, sponsored by Red D Recruitment, for their commitment to delivering excellence in education, engaging with industry and in recognition of their achievement of being ranked number one in the UK by The Guardian.

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Irish Retail Showroom of the Year Winner 2022 Established 1979. Celebrating 45 years in Business 2024 3 Mulnafaye Road, Mountfield, Omagh BT79 0PG Tel: 028 8077 1226 www.mountfieldkitchens.co.uk

Mark and Noelle Mitchell; Heather and James Burnside.

Trevor, Stephen, Alannah and Julie Finlay.

Chef Stephane Delourme with Paula McIntyre and Anne Marie McAleese.

Shirley and Adrian Sterne.

Ericia Heywood, Cathy McCombe and Valerie Jenkins.

STEPHANE DELOURME ROCKS

Charlotte Dixon, Peter McGahan, Joanne Boyle.

2024 Olympic gold medal rower Hannah Scott with her mum Sharon.

Phillip and Carlene Kelso; Lisa and Matt Cooper.

On Saturday 21st September, Elephant Rock Hotel, Portrush, hosted an exclusive kitchen takeover with world-class chef Stephane Delourme. The 54-year-old Frenchman has spent the last 25 years working as head chef of Rick Stein’s Seafood Restaurant in Padstow, Cornwall. Embarking on his new chapter with Stephane’s Gastronomic Adventure, he is passionate about sustainable seafood and bringing people together over fantastic food and wine, focusing on the best of local producers. A seafood lover’s dream, Stephane served up local Ballycastle lobster, hand-dived Rathlin scallops as well as local brill and monkfish, creating a magnificently memorable evening for Elephant Rock hotel guests.

James Sandford and Lydia Hall.

Gala dinner at the Elephant Rock hotel.

Deborah and James McIlreavy.

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Errol Jenkins, Ronnie McCombe and Alistair Heywood.

Michael and Marion Lamont.

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Jane Allen with Lesley Pim and Fergal Morris.

Lesley Pim and Anne-Marie Carr.

Janice Harbison, Cari McKinley, Jamie-Lee Mark, Charlotte Wylie and Katie Forde.

Clara Duffy and Pauline Barker.

Rebecca O’Reilly, Keira Tait and Lauren Collins.

LAUNCH OF BRAVECTO INJECTABLE Fergal Morris, managing director of MSD Ireland (Animal Health), was warmly welcomed at Magheramorne Estate for the highly anticipated launch of Bravecto injectable. MSD hosted an unforgettable evening for 180 guests who travelled from across Northern Ireland and beyond to attend. The highlight of the night was a meticulously curated six-course meal paired with fine wines, crafted by the talented Jane’s Kitchen team, adding an extra touch of elegance.

Magheramorne Estate felt honoured to be chosen as the venue for this significant launch.

Jane O’Neill and Alison Baxter.

Michael Pratt, Joy Crawford and Lance Woods.

Leeann Getty, Jen Campbell and Julie Bristow.

Rhonda Robinson and Noleen Douglas.

Rachel Finlay, Martin Webb, Steven Robinson and Emma Chambers.

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Dr Lavinia Boyce BEM, Jonathan Hill, Catherine Vint, Jason O’Neill, Deirdre McCauley.

Rosemary Rainey, Daphne Rainey, President Louise McMahon.

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY WOMEN GRADUATES CENTENARY DINNER

Peter Watters, Angela Kelly, Janet Bailie, Roy Bailie.

Mary Morrissey and Grace O’Malley.

Queen’s University Women Graduates celebrated their centenary with a stylish dinner in the elegant surroundings of Riddel Hall.

Guests included the president of the Irish Federation of University Women, Gisele Scanlon, Trinity College Dublin (TCD), the president of the University College Dublin (UCD) Women Graduates Association, Joan McCudden and a number of others members from Trinity, UCD and University College Cork. Orla Smyth, Queen’s law graduate, Transplant Games World Record holder and founder of successful chain of coffee shops, Kaffe O, astounded, moved and challenged in her after-dinner speech on the night.

Annette Durkan and Joan McCudden.

Fiona Ahern, Ann Hayes and Gwen Roberts.

Joanne Harvey and Margaret Boyce.

Angela Kelly, Jonathan Hill and Elizabeth Miller.

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October 2024

ARTS DIARY

“The thoughtfully curated programme features special performances in unique venues across the city” EDITED BY KELLIE BURCH KELLIE@ULSTERTATLER.COM

Sound of Belfast Launch The Oh Yeah Music Centre was buzzing recently for the unveiling of the Sound of Belfast 2024 festival programme. Guests on the day included the Oh Yeah Centre’s founding CEO Stuart Bailie; the godfather of punk Terri Hooley; Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray; and musician Ciaran Lavery.

The Oh Yeah Centre CEO Charlotte Dryden officially welcomed guests with a snapshot of what they can expect over the 10-day festival, which takes place 7-17 November. With an impressive line-up of 82 events spread across 43 venues across Belfast, Sounds of Belfast is a testament to the city’s thriving and diverse musical landscape.

After being declared a UNESCO City of Music, the pressure was on for Sounds of Belfast to deliver something truly remarkable. And that is exactly what the creative team have done.

The thoughtfully curated programme features special performances in unique venues across the city, such as Lilla Vargen in the historic Linenhall Library, a specially commissioned Grace and Glory gospel music event at St. Rosemary’s Church led by the creators of Soultrane, a Sacred Sounds event at Shankill Mission which combines yoga with a live ambient DJ set, and a Factory Sessions set by ROE at a top secret location yet to be revealed.

The flagship event of Sound of Belfast, the NI Music Prize, takes place on Wednesday 13 November at the Ulster Hall, with an Oh Yeah Legend Award presented by PRS For Music to Thin Lizzy’s founding member Eric Bell, followed by a special performance.

The exciting launch event culminated in a mesmerising performance from electro pop artist Chubby Cat. With such raw and powerful talent, this taster fully whet my appetite for what’s to come. The Sound of Belfast festival is guaranteed to be the perfect opportunity to uncover new artists and celebrate established talent. I can’t wait!

Sound of Belfast was launched on 19 September. The Festival runs from 7-17 November.

For the full programme, visit: www.soundofbelfast.com

Chubby Cat .

Joe Ricketts, photographer Njambi, Carmen Owens, Leo Miyagee, Chris McKenna and Israel Lawson.

Terri Hooley.

Joe Ricketts, Ciara McEvoy, Ciaran Lavery and Nikki MacRae.

David and Siobhan Brown with photographer Njambi.

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Robbie McCammon, Ruairi Richman, Gemma Bradley, Shauna Ennis and Oliver Wilson.

Oh Yeah centre CEO Charlotte Dryden and Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murrray.

Continued on page 38

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Alternative Culture Night

Frank Fitzpatrick, Imelda Connolly and Pat Walsh (Irish Woodturners Guild), Katherine McDonald (Craft NI), Ulster Woo dturning Chairman Stephen Dow ie and Eugene Gormley.

Roxy Stanczyk, Katie Hamilton, Sophie Rice and Antonia Wright.

Paul and Frances Haughey.

Stephen and Michelle McCabe and Frank Fitzpatrick.

Emma Marshall and Sophie Rouyer.

Turning Turns 40 Exhibition Opening September’s edition of Late Night Art saw Belfast buzzing. But there was one place at the top of my ‘to visit’ list: Craft NI Gallery.

Late Night Art coincided with the opening of a special exhibition, ‘Turning Turns 40’.

Celebrating the Irish Woodturners Guild 40th Anniversary, the exhibition featured 40 exceptionally turned wood forms that demonstrate excellence in craftsmanship and design, as well as carrying a message about the threat to the native ash tree from ash dieback disease.

The exhibition was born out of a technical challenge which saw the distribution of over 360 uniform cubes of ash. An independent Continued from page 36

Culture Night Belfast is dead and buried.

Or at least it looked that way in the Cathedral Quarter recently as The New Orleans Funeral Band paraded the cobbled streets with a coffin emblazoned with ‘Culture Night 2024’.

Once the highlight of the culture scene in Northern Ireland, attracting thousands of people, Culture Night has been missing from the capital city for the past three years despite still being celebrated in other towns and cities across the island. However, local publican Willie Jack filled the void this year by launching an exciting Alternative Culture Night. With a programme of free entertainment spanning across The Duke of York, The Dark Horse and The Harp Bar, this innovative celebration of the arts attracted a diverse crowd who were delighted by the vibrant talent on display with notable performances coming from The Major Sinclair Memorial Pipe Band, the Causeway Shantymen, the Cushendun Rapparees and the Rare Oul Stuff.

Alternative Culture Night took place on Friday 20 September.

judging panel comprising of Stephen O’Connell (Ireland) and woodturners Barbara Dill (USA) and Ulf Jasson (Sweden) selected 40 of the submitted pieces to make up this timeless exhibition.

The exhibition was a remarkable and creative way to not only mark the Guild’s anniversary, but it’s also a lasting tribute commemorating the native ash tree, which is in peril from ash dieback disease. First detected in Ireland in 2012, the disease is rapidly threatening the future of this wondrous tree throughout the island.

This exceptionally curated exhibition was a wonder to behold, celebrating creative, intricate and talented craftsmanship. Each piece on display is striking but favourites of mine had to be a peacock-like ‘Looking into Nature’ by Paul Finley; the quirky ‘A Rocketship’ by Rob Steen; and Jim Stevens’ beautiful ‘three sided bowl’.

The opening of ‘Turning Turns 40’ took place on 5th September.

Karen Kissane, Alan Graham and Stephen Emerson.

Karl, Jamie, Harry, Sam and Sarah Reynolds.

The New Orleans Funeral Band.

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John Greene, Dawn Conn, Simon Hayes and Anna Campbell.

Joan McQuillan, Evelyn Jones, Eileen Smith and Helen Martin.

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Noleeen Toal, Eamon Higgins, Gemma Overend.

Alicky Hess, Ken Folan, Stephanie Hess.

Roberta McFarland, Ruth Liddle, Karen Patton.

On 5th September, Kildare Gallery opened its first sculpture exhibition at the Galgorm Hotel. This extraordinary collection features breathtaking works from talented aritsts from all around the world, each piece telling its own unique and captivating story. The Galgorm is Northern Ireland’s premier luxury hotel and spa, providing exquisite experiences both within the hotel and on its beautiful grounds, where these amazing sculptures are displayed.

Jill Lamberton and Helen McKeown.

Savannah and Maxine Bracewell.

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Michael Conaghan and Jane Hardy.

Donna Collins and Inga Donaldson.

Caroline Carr (Donegal County Museum), Ann Doherty, Niamh Brennan (Donegal County Archives) and Rebecca O’Neill from PRONI.

Ryan Brown, Grace Gordon, Rosita Murchan and Colin Graham.

THE ANN DOHERTY COLLECTION AT PRONI

Ciaron McConnell, Ann Doherty and Chris Sherry.

On 12th September, PRONI hosted ‘A Common Humanity’, their latest exhibition featuring the work of renowned photojournalist Ann Doherty. This curated selection of her photographs features ordinary people often living in extraordinary situations across the world, from Ireland to Sierra Leone, from Italy to Armenia and Ukraine to Egypt.

Her images bring the lives of people from many different nations and cultures sharply into focus against backgrounds of conflict, poverty, social deprivation, hardship, trauma and remoteness.

Stephen Scarth (PRONI head of public services) and Trevor Parkhill.

Photographer Ann Doherty with former Sunday Times deputy editor Cathy Galvin.

Ann McVeigh and Colin Shaw.

Ann Doherty and Chris Sherry.

Collection at PRONI.

Photographer Ann Doherty.

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Malachi O’Doherty, Trish Bennett and Clark Chambers.

Erin Nesbitt and Anna Gordon.

Poet Paul Maddern and Poetry Ireland board member Maria McManus.

Kasandra Ferguson, Kyle Mulholland and Megan Johnson.

Heather Fleming and poet Alanna Offield.

Emma Must and Padraig Regan.

Poetry Ireland Review issue 143 editor Micheal McCann.

POETRY IRELAND REVIEW

Peter Wilson and Stephen Sexton.

Poetry Ireland Review Issue 143, edited by Mícheál McCann, is now available to purchase. The issue features new poems from Stephen Sexton, Vona Groarke, Emily Cooper and Paul Muldoon, as well as work from emerging poets Isabel Dwyer and Rafael Mendes, among many others. Irish-language editor Aifric Mac Aodha’s selection includes poetry from Mícheál Ó hUanacháin and Orlaith Ní Icí.

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Dancers Emily Doherty and Charlotte Hayes at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

Irish dancers at the official opening of the Ivy Belfast Brasserie.

THE IVY BELFAST GRAND OPENING Launched on 17th September, Belfast’s newest brasserie,The Ivy, is the 42nd restaurant in the expanding Ivy Collection. Occupying the historic Cleaver House on Donegall Square North in the city centre, The Ivy is open seven days a week for breakfast through to dinner, offering a mix of classic dishes and innovative creations in a stunning setting.

Renowned for its delicious food, sophisticated athmosphere and high quality service, The Ivy will create a further 100 jobs for the local hospitality sector.

Mark Irvine and Brian Haslett.

Jackson Whistle and Holly McCoubrey.

Waiting staff.

Matt Forsythe and Michelle Baird.

Tim McGarry and Lady Mary Peters.

Colleen and Ibe Sesay.

Victoria Brown and Rebecca McKinney.

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David Downes, Kevin Scruby, David Harris, Uel McCrea, William Russell and Kieran Cunning.

Paul Murnaghan, Leeanne Whaley, Valerie Wilson and Niall Powderly.

The team from Vision Fabrications took home the first-place prize on the day.

Simon Mann, Will James, Helen Tweedie, Patrick Beatty and Jack Walker.

NI CHAMBER GOLF DAY Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Golf Day returned to Malone Golf Club on Friday 13th September. The day was sponsored by G4S and MCS Group who joined players on the green for some friendly competition with Vision Fabrications taking home the first-place trophy. With over 25 businesses represented on the day, it was the perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues and enjoy one of the last days of summer.

John Johnston, Nicola Johnston, Mark Burns and Lauren Johnston.

Max Porter, Barry Lyttle, Sean Slane and Kevin Houston.

Adam Macklin, Chris Overend, Simon Markey and Nik Simon.

Kevin Scruby, Suzanne Wylie and Simon Markey.

Patrick McMahon, Con Oliver, Nicola Walker and Mark McConkey.

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100 YEARS OF DOUGLAS & GRAHAME What a year it has been for Carrickfergus-based menswear company Douglas & Grahame. Marking its centenary this year, the company also notched up two historic wins from the fashion industry bible, Drapers.

A lifetime achievement award was bestowed on chairman Donald Finlay for his contribution to the menswear sector while the company’s flagship brand Remus Uomo secured menswear brand of the year at the Drapers Independent Awards in London last month.

More than 500 guests attended the Roaring 20s-themed centenary gala in Belfast’s ICC for dinner and entertainment hosted by the new generation at the helm, Donald’s sons, Adam and Michael Finlay.

Michael, Donald and Adam Finlay.

Alan and Charlene O’Donovan with Conor McKenna.

Hannah Gibson and Nick Pepper.

Chris Hayes and Karen Archibald.

Catherine Stewart and Katherine Lynn.

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Lauren Rice and Conor McCartan.

Paul and Linda Cooley.

Shirley, Robert, Catherine and Lynne Wilson.

John and Barbar Lambert, Stuart Pearce and Brian Winterburn.

Back row (L-R): Sam Patterson, John Butler and Richard Finlay.

Front row (L-R): Phyl Butler, Evelyn Finlay and Janine Patterson.

Mike Harrington and Kevin Bowens.

Emma Finlay, Carla Finlay, Callum and Yasmin Montgomery.

Raju and Michele Purswani.

Bill and Christine Melville, Raymond and Christine McMurran, David and Vivien Lovell.

Eddie Kocharian and Jen Choi.

Robert and Alastair Brooks with Christine and Bill Melville.

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Guests included country music fans Downtown Radio’s Kirstie McMurray and radio and TV presenter Robin Elliott.

VO, Shirley Cudabac, Rosie Cudabac , Valerie Vanostenbridge, Alastair Bell (Irish Black Butter).

Anthony McNulty and Colleen McNulty.

Nashville Tenors.

Chris Rankin, Rachel Rankin, Sara Louise Bowman and James Bowman.

Christine Cousins, Hama Davidson (O’Reilly).

Jill Andrews.

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Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne presents Tony Dobbin with a Civic Award in the Sport category.

Councillor Pete Byrne presents Willow-Rose Elliott with a Civic Award in the Arts and Culture category for her amazing achievements as a Pipe Band Drum Major, most recently in the Pipe Band Championships 2024.

Councillor Pete Byrne presents Sean (Rocky) Byrne with a Civic Award in the Human Endeavour Category for his outstanding achievement of 200 platelet donations to the Northern Ireland Transfusion Service.

Dromintee Senior Citizens Club won a Civic Award in the Community and Voluntary Category. Pictured (L-R) Brea McShane, Stephen McDonald and Margaret Boyle.

Darren and Sharlene Oldroyd holding a Civic Award in the Sport Category.

Councillor Pete Byrne presents LGBTQ+ Women’s Group Newry with a Civic Award in the Community and Voluntary Category.

Pictured (L-R) Cara Finnegan, Jenny Deane and Daria Nifhaoláin.

Councillor Pete Byrne presents Friends of Ward 15 with the Civic Award in Community and Voluntary Category. Pictured (L-R) Chairperson of Friends of Ward 15, Colum Polly and devoted volunteer Jim Mageen.

Annette Kelly from Little Penny Thoughts was Compere for the event.

Councillor Pete Byrne presents Margaret Morris with a Civic Award in the Human Endeavour Category.

CHAIRPERSON HONOURS LOCAL ROLE MODELS AT CIVIC AWARDS CEREMONY Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Pete Byrne, welcomed 33 fantastic individuals and organisations to the Canal Court Hotel in Newry on Friday 27 September for a special Civic Awards Ceremony. This annual Council event serves as a platform to recognise those people who have demonstrated outstanding service to the community, made significant contributions to public life in Newry, Mourne and Down and have shown real dedication in helping local residents. The Civic Awards provides the Council with a unique opportunity to spotlight those who work tirelessly behind the scenes within the local community to help others, often without seeking recognition. This year’s recipients were nominated for their exceptional contributions in the following four categories: Arts and Culture, Community and Voluntary, Human Endeavour and Sport.

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Claire and Patrick Marshall, Marilyn Patterson, Jonny Millar, Claire Goldring, Helen Trainor, Daren Millar and Jamie Patterson.

Club Commodore and family: (L-R) John-Jo, Eva, Jonny, Alice and Daren Millar.

RNIYC REGATTA BALL The Royal North of Ireland Yacht Club celebrated Regatta Day at the end of August with ideal conditions. The sunshine and perfect winds provided excellent racing for all participating fleets, both from the club and visiting yacht clubs. The day was filled with activities: members and guests enjoyed the Cadet Regatta in the morning, followed by afternoon races and tea on the lawn, culminating in a Regatta Gala Dinner in the clubhouse.

The festivities continued with dancing late into the night.

Alice Millar, Daren Millar, Marilyn Patterson, Sarah Hinds, Victoria Bell and Eva Millar.

Sam Hughes and Ivan Nicholl.

Tara Higgins, Claire and Kevin Cronin.

Anna McCollum and Niall Hickey.

Neil Hughes and Julie Brien.

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Molly, Bill and Helen Kerr.

Vice-Commodore Lindsay Nolan with Ellie and Niamh Coman.

Tara Higgins, Neil and Jessica Hazle, Jamie Patterson and Claire Marshall.

Victoria Bell, Claire Marshall, Helen Trainor, Gillian McCollum and Daren Millar.

Lex lowry, John-Jo Millar, Lorcan Hanratty, Callum White, Liam Black and Cameron Nannery.

Simon Brien, David Gomes, Jonny Millar, Bob Stinson and Michael Park.

David and Sarah Hinds and John Stevenson.

Club Commodore Jonny and Daren Millar.

Karen Hughes, Jill Campbell, Fred Campbell, Simon and Claire Goldring.

Club Honorary Secretary George Higginson and Dr Lynn Gilmore.

Ivan Nicholl, Anthea Matthews, Sam Matthews and James Robb.

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Nuala McMenamin, Charmaine Filmer, Virginia Mendez, Fiona Stuart and Franchine Young.

Mark O’Kane, Bjorn Sandstrom and Gareth Nixon.

AESTHETIC LAUNCH PARTY

Jeanette Haglund, Shauna Monteith and Hazel Devine.

An exclusive launch party celebrated the opening of Belfast’s premier natural facial aesthetic clinic, led by the esteemed Dr. Stuart. With her prestigious London training, including expertise in the renowned ‘salmon sperm facial’, Dr. Stuart was among the first clinicians qualified in Ameela polynucleotides. Her luxury clinic offers a comprehensive range of elite treatments, such as: anti-wrinkle solutions, dermal fillers, polynucleotide therapies, no-peel chemical peels, and advanced microneedling. Guests experienced the epitome of skincare and aesthetics as she prepares to unveil her longevity clinic later this year. Don’t miss your chance to book an appointment and indulge in transformative beauty. Booking can be done directly on Instagram @aestheticsartistsbelfast

Melanie Harrison and Franchine Young.

Hazel Devine, Fiona Stuart, Linnéa Nixon and Gareth Nixon.

Fiona Stuart, Virginia Mendez and Christina Johnston.

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Louise with Lauren Toal (Lauren Toal Brand & Marketing) and Maurica Mackle (Mackle Communications).

Audrey Tuck (Bellamianta) and Claire Lyle (Bellarose Beauty).

Cara McLaughlin and Cara Murphy.

Louise with Fairhill centre manager, Valerie McLernon.

Faith and Fiona McDonnell, Emma Wilson and Beth McErlean.

Louise with her daughter Alara.

Louise McDonnell and Katie Greene.

MAKE-UP POWERHOUSE Magherafelt businesswoman and social media powerhouse Louise McDonnell opened the first-ever LMD Beauty Superstore in Northern Ireland. The store, located in the Fairhill Shopping Centre in Ballymena, brings together her own LMD Cosmetics brand alongside other major international beauty brands that she has worked with since launching her career.

Guests at the launch of the new LMD store.

Louise and her dad Michael McDonnell.

Louise McDonnell and Brenda Valentine.

Louise with sisters Micheala Duffy and Una Duffy.

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INTERVIEW

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

WRITE ON BY JANE HARDY

This month, Jane Hardy talks to writer Colin Bateman about his acclaimed TV drama, Dead & Buried, and his brilliant career.

T

V is enjoying something of a golden age. And one of the top hits with critics and viewers this autumn is Dead and Buried, by Colin Bateman. Bateman agrees with the theory, pointing out television has “so many more outlets” and is quicker to produce than a movie. Dead and Buried was, for example, filmed earlier this year, taking just months to reach our sitting rooms.

We meet in downtown Bangor, Colin Bateman’s home town that he celebrated, tongue-in-cheek, in Thunder and Lightning: A Memoir of Life on the Mean Streets/Cul de Sacs of Bangor.

He takes the photographer and me to a large new mural of him adorning the side of a commercial building. It’s part of the Sons of Bangor series, with Gary Lightbody somewhere else.”

It’s at eye level, whereas the others are high up. “It won’t be long before somebody draws something rude on my forehead.”

Johnny Hammond’s work is humorous, like the original, massive as an Eastern European dictator’s replica, and well executed.

Friends greet the novelist from a café, and back at the Court House, now an arts centre, we get into the success of this writer’s prolific latest venture. “I’m working on six or seven projects, with

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a film, but often have about twelve ideas in mind.” He attributes this multi-tasking ability to early journalistic training at the Bangor Spectator. “When you’ve finished a story, they don’t say Stop. You’re on to the next one.”

The idea for Dead and Buried came from a short story Bateman wrote for Radio 4. “It was a story, then a play, a one-woman show, and my script was eventually sold to the BBC.” Apparently television isn’t so much an individual artistic act as a team effort.

“When I publish novels, they go out exactly as I’ve written them, but when you write for TV or film, things change, that’s part of the process.”

In this case, the process has produced a nail biter. Cathy, a primary school teacher, accidentally bumps into Michael, the man who killed her brother in a hideous murder involving a torched car twenty years ago. She becomes obsessed with the man, played brilliantly by Colin Morgan, and sets out to wreak an emotionally complicated revenge, In a way, it’s a modern revenge tragedy. And although the idea of necessary forgiveness or at least accommodation hovers over the piece, Bateman says he isn’t religious. “No, not at all.” Yet he has created a plausible, over-the-top, male religious group, the Brothers of Canaan, who have helped the sinner Michael and now hold him to their standards when he’s suspected of having an affair with Cathy. In fact, she, under the alias Molly, is invading his home, sussing out his wife and attempting to inflict on him a version of the loss she suffered.

Unsusprisingly, Bateman, also executive producer on the project (“Sometimes that means nothing, sometimes a lot.”), says he is pleased with the result. “They send you a three-hour draft after it’s finished, then the edited series. I watched it with my girlfriend.”

It is a dark TV offering but Bateman claims never to scare himself. The devil though is in the detail of scenes such as the one where Cathy, having broken into Michael’s house, removes the batteries from the TV remote in a petty gesture of revenge.

“She wants to mess with his head.”

And reveals that his trademark humour filters through the psychologically challenging thicket. “There’s always humour in what I do.” He is not wrong. When Cathy’s best mate, played with trademark panache by Keri Quinn, first sees Michael’s image, she says : “In another context, I wouldn’t kick him out of bed!” The famed bleak Northern Irish sense of humour, we agree, is how this country has survived. You can’t help wondering, though, about

INTERVIEW

It won’t be long before somebody draws something rude on my forehead. the legacy of the Troubles, and whether the country still suffers from a kind of collective post-traumatic stress. Although Cathy’s obsessive interest stems from a non-sectarian murder, the pattern of aftershock is similar. Apparently, psychological experts advised on what the psychiatrist who treats Cathy should and should not advise. Early on, we learn she should try to lock her pain into a box in a shed at the bottom of the garden, but of course the hyper drama begins when this personal Pandora’s box explodes.

Bateman praises all the actors, saying, correctly, that they are brilliant, including Annabel Scholey as our anti-heroine who makes her unsympathetic path compelling, watchable and frightening. Director Laura Way also gets a good word but we consider the puzzle that directors only gain kudos normally for film work, not television. “I don’t know why that is…”

Bateman attended Bangor Grammar School and left at sixteen to become a journalist on the Bangor Spectator. Here he thought he had found his metier, but events much later proved otherwise.

In 1992, a massive bomb was left on the High Street and Bateman recalls being woken up by the noise. As deputy editor, with the editor absent, he had to step up to the mark, “We’d finished the paper on the Wednesday, but I had to go in and redo the front page. We produced a good edition but when I went to the scene I panicked. I realised then journalism wasn’t for me.” But writing certainly was, with ten novels pouring out of him so far.

Did he spend his profits on a memento of literary success?

Definitely when his first novel, Divorcing Jack, unexpectedly won the Betty Trask award for romantic or traditional fiction, “I don’t know how they worked that out,” Bateman says now with a smile.

But they did, he pocketed £10,000 which made a difference to his honeymoon destination. “Instead of going somewhere like Portrush, we went to Barbados.” He points out the film poster on the boardroom wall for his novel’s 1998 film adaptation which he scripted and which starred David Thewlis.

Bateman’s style, witty yet pithy, a kind of Northern Irish Chandler at times, was there from the get-go. “It was a shouldn’t with a hint of should.,” and “Two big bottles of this and you wake up in the morning with a pile of vomit in your slippers and six hours pregnant.” Indicate his form, Not a TV addict, as he points out, but the youthful 62-year-old is someone who makes us addicted. Bateman still enjoys some programmes: “I like Colin from Accounts.” What Colin Bateman is is a creative addict, keen on his work (“I love what I do.”), committed to the next film and novel. His next film includes none other than Al Pacino, in a movie about attempts on a young Fidel Castro’s life on his trip to New York. So does the great man play the great man? “Nom as castro is in his twenties!”

The writer exits the arts centre, having thanked the staff, takes a phone call and is off on what he has ironically described as Bangor’s mean streets to frighten us some more.

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LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT RECIPIENT

IAN McELHINNEY Ian McElhinney, Chris Sherry, Nigel Smith

Citation:

“Our Lifetime Achievement recipient is one of the most acclaimed and distinguished actors that Northern Ireland has ever produced.

He was born in Belfast in 1948 and is married with three children. His father was a Church of Ireland clergyman, from Donegal; his mother was a teacher.

He first caught the acting bug as a teenager when he was asked to participate in a school play. However, his parents were concerned about the insecurity of such a career and, given that he was academic, encouraged him to follow a more conventional path.

So, when he finished school he went to university in Edinburgh. While there he became involved with the drama club and realised that acting was his passion. However, upon completion of his degree he decided to further his education in an American university.

Upon finishing university he returned to the UK and took up a teaching position in England.

He enjoyed teaching, but by age 30 knew that he wanted to give professional acting a go.

He made the brave decision to move back to N Ireland and to embark upon a full-time acting career

at a time when the Troubles were in full swing. He has said of that time: “This is my home. I lived and worked away from home from time to time, but it was always good to come home - even when it was shit.”

He has gone on to achieve remarkable success, winning numerous awards and accolades along the way.

He has graced our screens and appeared on theatre stages around the world, gaining global recognition and much critical acclaim.

He is a prodigious talent and has contributed massively to our cultural life, not only here in N Ireland, but also much further afield.

His portfolio of work is hugely impressive; you name it, he’s done it: live theatre, popular TV drama series, sci-fi, comedy, critically acclaimed movies, the list goes on, everything from small-scale productions to blockbusters...

And it hasn’t been all about his good looks. With his rich distinctive voice, he has been in demand for voice-over work for animated and video game characters.

He has also had success as a director. He was nominated for Broadway’s 2001 Tony Award as Best Director for “Stones in His Pockets”.

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and Marie Jones.

He is also a highly respected stage actor, and live theatre remains one of his foremost passions.

He’s done everything from Shakespeare to local drama, and has contributed enormously to the Arts in N Ireland. With his imposing presence, whether on stage or on screen, he has an uncanny ability to capture the essence of the character he is playing.

The roles he has played have been wide-ranging: from his hilarious portrayal of Grand-Pa Joe in the huge hit, Derry Girls, to Superman’s greatgrandfather in the TV series Krypton.

He is probably best known for shows such as The Tudors, Game of Thrones, Unforgotten, Derry Girls, Cold Feet, Taggart, The Fall, High Country and even Star Wars.

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T: (0)28 9032 3864 Visit us at: wilson-nesbitt.com

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Emma Hamill, Beth McIlwrath, Robert and Heather Jenkins (A Slice of Heaven).

Deborah Mortimer, Emma Heaney and Mandy Hume.

Julie and John Herron with Andy and Caroline Rea.

Nicci McLune, Sarah Sivakumar, Arun Sivakumar and Duvessa Cochrane.

Lisa Millar and Caroline Purdy.

Gemma Rice (Function Design), Kelly McComb (Function Design), Fiona Kennedy, Ali Boston, Sara Thompson, Jaynie Lynch, Madeline Pollock, Emer Tumelty, Lauren Robinson and Emilia Whiteside, from Thompson Clarke Interiors.

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Introducing Lavender...

Evocative of the soothing warmth of Provencal fields, we are delighted to announce our new colourway for 2023 - Lavender.

PROUD SPONSOR OF INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

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From Häfele Ireland - www.everhot.co.uk Find us on:

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Dave Whaley, Darren Taylor, Glenn Carthy, Dean Williams, Mick Smith (MD Hafele Ireland), Nyree Kennedy, Mark Kennedy, Sheila Tang, Judith Taylor, Joe Cleland, Liz McTasney and Denise Donaldson.

Nicola and Michael Moffatt (Man 1984, Coleraine).

Bethany Fletcher, Evelyn Kelly, Wendy Belam, Joanne Topping, David Topping, Linda Hutchison, Norma Blackburn, Aisling Canavan, from Martha Jaynes Rathfriland.

Kasia Simpson and Leanne Leeper (Thompson Travel International).

Christina Taggart, Katharine Patton, Janine Bill, Judith Hinds and Rebecca Bodell.

Chloe Spence, Rebecca Cardwell, Gemma Parker, Angela Boyle, Megan Jamison, Chantelle Tennyson and Michelle Schreuder, from Rosnashane House, Ballymoney.

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Incomparably R OMA N T IC Nestled in forty acres of woodland, formal gardens, and water features, Magheramorne Estate offers a romantic, luxurious, and exclusive setting for your special day.

Our exquisite venue is built on a love for family, friends, food, and nature.

To arrange your private viewing call (028) 9538 0895

MAGHERAMORNEESTATE.COM

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PROUD SPONSOR OF

Image courtesy of Adam&Grace www.adamandgracephoto.com

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD

OSCAR-WINNING

by Ulster Tatler’s Nuala Meenehan.

It’s by far the most glamorous and hotly-anticipated awards ceremony in Northern Ireland’s business and social calendar and there was no shortage of Oscar-winning style on the red carpet!

Full-length gowns reigned supreme, with shimmering silver, sequins, emerald green, cobalt blue, crimson red and classic black dominating. All eyes were on this year’s winner, ‘Celebrity of the Year’ Rebecca McKinney, who looked every inch the Queen of Style in a shimmering floor-length gown. Miss Northern Ireland Hannah Johns sparkled in champagne sequins. Amanda Mitchell, from The Courtyard in Carrickfergus, wore the most spectacular layered tulle and bodice full-length gown in soft white, then slipping into a stunning black shift dress for the after-show party. Former Miss Northern Ireland, Meagan Green, shone in a full-length forest green gown. Best-dressed couples included Ibe Sesay and his gorgeous wife Colleen, along with awards’ sponsor Elizabeth Sands wearing Nadine Merabi and partner Godfrey Nellins.

Christine Mackin, Radiance Day Spa, who always steals the style show, made no exception as she stepped onto this year’s red carpet wearing a stunning cobalt blue gown by Dublin designer Claire Garvey.

This year’s worthy “Best Dressed Winner” was Tara Jamison in a crimson layered floor-length gown.

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w Barry Kane, Nicky Hanna, Lauren Robinson, Laura Beatty, Allan Davis, Dawn Ralph, Kenny Bradley, Julie Carson, Sean McCarry OBE (Founder of Community Rescue Service) and Leigh Osborne (Aware NI).

Teresa Dunlop, Heather Hamill-Vaughan, Megan Hamill, Wendy Stubington and Lesley Anderson.

Catherine Madden, Fiona Mitchell, James McBroom, Amanda Mitchell and Annette McAlister.

Sarah and Steven Kilgore, The Lobster Pot. Dee McMahon, Michelle Gleeson and Emma Heaney (BTL Aesthetics).

Denise Watson, Colleen Sesay and Sarah Sherry.

Nuala Meenehan and Tony Axon.

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Evie Reynolds and Lucy Baillie (Ginger & Berry cafe, Bangor).

WINTER SKIN The drop in humidity, prolonged exposure to indoor heat, and freezing outdoor temperatures all combine to make this the season that’s hardest on our skin. This means it is especially important to up our skincare game during these months to keep your complexion healthy and glowing.

Winter Treatments Winter Hydration Facial £49 Winter Warmer Full Body Massage £55 Oxygen Glass Skin Facial £55 Radio Frequency Micro Injector Face £150

Friday 25th October & Friday 29th November 5% OFF Gift Vouchers 15% OFF Treatment Courses 15% OFF Products

Winner of large salon of the year and Contribution to beauty

Contact Us:

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028 9060 0031 Radiance Beauty & Day Spa 78-80 Upper Lisburn Road

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Michael Sherry and Rhys McClenaghan.

Alex Romaniuk, Pinar Akdag, Kathryn Kerr, Ruth Wilson, Robert Wilson and Aliona Fedorenko.

Brenda McCaskie, Roisin Thompson, Adrian Bailie, Emma Miller, Eileen Teague, Eugene Teague, Gary McGinn.

Elaine Gilmer, Graeme Kelly, Johanna Montgomery, Caroline and Mark McCallister.

Mary Maxwell, Chloe Maxwell and Tracey McKay (Ignite Empire LTD).

Rachael Harriott and Denise Watson.

Seanna Smyth, Katie Tumelty, Christine Mackin, Dana Kane and Frances McKenna, from Radiance Day Spa.

John, Susan and Peter Steele from Performance Breakthrough.

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Some of the staff and extended team enjoying our night at this year’s Ulster Tatler Awards!

The Secret Garden of Carrickfergus With two fabulous eateries and an array of award-winning shops and services, The Courtyard is an eclectic mix not to be missed.

Both our eateries have beautiful outside spaces (pictured above) so don’t feel like you have to leave the dogs behind!

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PROUD SPONSOR OF

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR

38 Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus BT38 7DP l 077 2586 2565

UT Partnership

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AESTHETIC CLINIC OF THE YEAR

Ulster Tatler speaks to Dr Arun Sivakumar and Nurse Duvessa Cochrane from A Aesthetics, winners of Aesthetic Clinic of the Year.

AWARD-WINNING AESTHETICS Q. Congratulations on winning Aesthetic Clinic of the Year at the Ulster Tatler Awards; how did you feel when your name was announced?

A: Duvessa (co-owner and clinical director): “Initially when our names were announced I was shocked, but also exhilarated to be recognised in this way. The team has put a huge amount of work into the clinic over the past 18 months.”

Q: Tell us how setting up A Aesthetics North Coast came about.

A: Arun (medical director): “I set up in Derry initially and wanted to expand in another town.

I met Duvessa on one of our courses in Belfast; she became a business partner I could rely on to look after the clinic. We chose Coleraine as we felt that there were few aesthetics clinics there. We wanted to build an established clinic offering a variety of devices, so that’s how Coleraine was born.”

Q: You are the medical director and aesthetic doctor within the clinic - how do you balance running the business and performing treatments?

A: Arun: “It’s actually, how do I balance running the clinic and the full-time NHS job! I’m a fulltime NHS doctor in orthopaedics (staff grade) in Altnagelvin Hospital. But I am also full-time in aesthetics. I run my clinic in Coleraine on Tuesdays and then I do evening clinics in Derry.

I do about 50 hours in aesthetics and 40 hours in the NHS. A 90-hour week is my average week. When it comes to the actual business side of things, Duvessa looks after most of that but we share the responsibility, plus we do have an excellent team. We have Nikki McCune, who’s our marketing manager and David Martin, our photographer. We have another injector in the clinic, Alice. We’ve just employed a new physio, Ashley, and we have another skin therapist, Sarah, so we have a large team around us, but managing the actual clinic is shared by both of us. And then I treat patients on Tuesdays and weekends, whenever I can.”

Q: When you set out in your medical career, did you always see yourself specialising in aesthetics?

A: Arun: “No, definitely not. I started my foundation year one in the Royal Victoria Hospital and completed year 2 in Altnagelvin.

I never left there because I fell in love with orthopaedic surgery, but I didn’t want to go down the training route as it would involve a lot of travelling and I have a family with two kids. So I decided to undertake a course in

aesthetics and immediately fell in love with it. I then basically did every available course, really expanding my skills and knowledge. I have a hunger for aesthetics and we ended up opening a training academy where we educate medical professionals in aesthetics.

Q: What do you love most about your career?

A: Arun: “Making patients happy, simple as that. I don’t do this for a wage. Neither of us takes a wage from the business. For the last year and a half, anything that we earn, we’ve been reinvesting in the clinic, building it and expanding what we can offer to patients. I do what I do and Duvessa does what she does, essentially to make people happy. That is our priority.”

Q: The aesthetics industry has taken off in recent years - do you feel that greater importance is being attached to looking after the skin and staying youthful in appearance?

A: Duvessa: “Absolutely! Aesthetics has grown tenfold in recent years. It depends on the clinic that you go to, but I believe that in addition to treating the patient, injecting them, we also have a responsibility to educate our patients. It’s important, for example, to explain the pathology behind ageing, so that patients understand the signficance of the treatments they are undergoing.

can be treated in a wide variety of ways: natural methods, or with the use of regenerative medicine, more traditional techniques, or newer technologies. It’s important that we are able provide a wide range of options for treatment, allowing the patient to make informed decisions based on the information that we have given them.”

Q: What sets A Aesthetics apart from other clinics?

A: Arun: “We offer a variety of treatments and we want to really look after our patients. Our motto is: ‘Professionalism, Ethical Treatments and Aftercare.’ So, no matter what the time of day or night, if a patient has a concern they can ring us. We only provide ethical treatments and patients must be able to give informed consent, so we make them fully aware of what a treatment entails and any possible complications which could arise. It is our responsibility to treat that patient. We value our professional standard of care to our patients. Every one of us working in the clinic is a healthcare professional so we have to stand by the code of conduct of our professional bodies.”

I believe your knowledge and education as an injector or practitioner is hugely important and the reason myself and Arun are such advocates of continuous professional development. Both Arun and I have a level 7 in aesthetic medicine, which is a postgraduate diploma. Arun is obviously a prescriber, but I am off to university again in January for my independent nurse prescribing training.

Q: When seeking aesthetic treatments, why is it so important that you do your research and visit a reputable clinic such as A Aesthetics?

A: Arun: “So it comes down to the possibility of complications. No matter what aesthetic treatment you get, there’s always a risk, therefore it is extremely important that you seek out an injector who will be able to deal with that complication, should it arise. That is essential because, as a patient, you don’t want to be left in the lurch, unable to access help. Also, you must go to a reputable clinic, one that can provide you with a full, comprehensive consultation, where they will understand your expectations regarding treatment. Patients may have concerns that 85

Q:

UT Partnership You have a great team of staff, how integral have they been in the success of the business?

A: Duvessa: “| would say that A Aesthetics North Coast wouldn’t function without the team.

Whenever we had just started, it was only me and Arun but, you know, we had a foundation of friendship and trust and as we grew we started to grow our own team. It’s not one person that makes up a business or a clinic, it’s a multitude of people.”

Q: What are your plans for the clinic over the next 5-10 years?

A: Arun: We are launching our new medical clinic, which will focus on pain management, reconditioning and safe and effective weight loss management. Our current venture involves the effective treatment of pain,

whether that’s joint pain, migraines or back pain. We have a spinal decompression bed, which is a non surgical way of decompressing a disc in the spine. We’ve also acquired a class two laser device for safe and effective weightloss management, which is FDA approved, up to a BMI of 40.

We are opening this clinic with the help of our newly employed physiotherapist.

Cutting-edge technology will be utilised in the treatment of patients. In the next five to 10 years, or probably sooner, our next venture will be RQI registration and the implementation of a class 3b/4 laser so that we can provide services for skin resurfacing, laser hair removal and skin tightening. That will be our next venture, and then we hope to expand to another location in Northern Ireland.”

Dee MacMahon, (BTL Aesthetics), Ahrooran Sivakumar, Duvessa Cochrane and Nicci McClure (A Aesthetics North Coast).

We are opening this clinic with the help of our newly employed physiotherapist. Cutting-edge technology will be utilised in the treatment of patients. In the next five to 10 years, or probably sooner, our next venture will be RQI registration and the implementation of a class 3b/4 laser so that we can provide services for skin resurfacing, laser hair removal and skin tightening. That will be our next venture, and then we hope to expand to another location in Northern Ireland.”

DERRY/LONDONDERRY CLINIC 50 VICTORIA GATE, DERRY BT47 2TP

COLERAINE CLINIC 6-8 DUNMORE STREET, COLERAINE BT52 1EL

E: CONTACT@AAESTHETICS.NET WWW.AAESTHETICS.NET

GLOBAL INNOVATOR OF MEDICAL AND AESTHETIC SOLUTIONS Founded in 1993, BTL Industries has evolved into a global powerhouse in the manufacturing of medical and aesthetic equipment, boasting a presence in over 80 countries. Their continuous commitment to innovation and excellence has now brought forth a new line of advanced rehabilitation devices, aimed at transforming patient care and recovery. Dee MacMahon, the Managing Director of BTL Medical Ireland, proudly unveils these state-of-the-art devices, designed to set a new benchmark in medical rehabilitation.

We have become a market leader in noninvasive treatments, the fastest-growing segment of medicine," MacMahon states.

Our cutting-edge devices combine stateof-the-art technology with user-friendly design to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the quality of life for patients undergoing rehabilitation." This new line promises to cater to the diverse needs of patients and healthcare providers, ensuring more effective and efficient treatment processes.

Pioneering Rehabilitation Solutions While BTL has become synonymous with leading in aesthetic devices, the medical wing is showing the innovation which continues to impress. These cutting edge

treatments will help stroke survivors, sports injuries and have multifaceted uses and incredible technology, which combine noninvasive procedures, and patient comfort at their core.

trials have demonstrated up to a 90% improvement in a variety of orthopaedic conditions. This high success rate underscores the potential of RSWT to become a staple in rehabilitation practices.

BTL Medical Ireland's new suite of devices includes revolutionary technologies such as Spinal Decompression, the Super Inductive System (SIS), Radial Shockwave Therapy (RSWT), and Lymphastim. Each device is engineered to deliver superior therapeutic benefits while being remarkably user-friendly.

Leadership and Expertise Driving Success

Spinal Decompression: Relieving Pain at the Core Spinal Decompression technology mobilises joints, alleviates pressure on neuro-spinal structures, and relaxes and elongates soft tissues in pain-relieving positions. This advanced method has shown a 60% greater effectiveness in relieving pain and disability for patients with lumbar disc herniations compared to conventional treatments.

Remarkably, once set up, which takes less than five minutes of a therapist's time, the device operates autonomously, allowing healthcare professionals to focus on other critical tasks.

Radial Shockwave Therapy: Breaking the Pain Cycle

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RSWT, or Radial Shockwave Therapy, delivers high-energy pneumatic shockwaves to targeted painful spots, stimulating cells and disrupting chronic pain cycles. This leads to soft-tissue regeneration and significant pain relief.

Randomised, controlled double-blind

www.btlnet.com enquiriesireland@btlnet.com

Dr. Karl Fullam, the Clinical Lead and Head of Sales for BTL Medical Ireland, is at the forefront of delivering these groundbreaking devices to Ireland's physiotherapists and allied health professionals. Dr. Karl Fullam is available to provide more information and support. Contact him at 087 490 5792 or via email at fullamk@ btlnet.com to discover how BTL Medical Ireland can help transform your rehabilitation practices and improve patient outcomes.

PROUD SPONSOR OF AESTHETIC CLINIC OF THE YEAR

AESTHETICS

BEST DRESSED ON THE NIGHT TARA JAMISON

FASHION BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR PRETTY ROBIN

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Nuala Meenehan, Tara Jamison, Lucy Smith (Holywood Dental Care).

Andrea Robinson (Pretty Robin) and Ciara Brolly (Wilson Nesbitt).

Judges’ Citation

“This boutique has a stellar offering. It has recently seen its business skyrocket, managing to adapt successfully in an ever-changing retail market.”

Tara’s stunning red gown caught the eye of our style spotters – it was perfectly styled with red lipstick, giving an old Hollywood feel to the outfit.

INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR THOMPSON CLARKE INTERIORS

SPA OF THE YEAR THE SPA AT SLIEVE DONARD

Mick Smith (Hafele) with Sara Thompson (Thompson Clarke Interiors).

Mary Maxwell (Ignite Empire), Gemma Reilly (The Spa at Slieve Donard) and Chloe Maxwell (Ignite Empire).

Judges’ Citation

Judges’ Citation

“This interior designer has the ability to produce a rich and eclectic range of looks. Their diversification of design shone through each project.”

“This spa is commited to innovation and team education.

Its expansive offering of holistic treatments to clients makes it a stand out winner.”

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IGNITE EMPIRE

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PROUD SPONSOR OF COFFEE HOUSE OF THE YEAR

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OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION AWARD PAUL RANKIN

HAIRDRESSING SALON OF THE YEAR HAIR & CO

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Jane Allen (Magheramorne Estate) and Paul Rankin.

Lynsey Cleland (Hair & Co) with Michael Rafferty (Duffy Rafferty Communications).

This award acknowledges the enormous contribution of someone from this part of the world who has made it to the very top of his chosen profession.

With a phenomenal career, the award was given to the inspirational talent that is Paul Rankin.

Judges’ Citation

“This salon is one of a kind. They are continuously seeking to improve their skills and to add to the client experience.”

BEAUTY SALON OF THE YEAR FABULOUS BEAUTY

DUFFY RAFFERTY Communications

HOTEL OF THE YEAR THE RABBIT

Christine Mackin (Radiance Beauty and Day Spa) and Noelle Lyons (Fabulous Beauty).

Gareth Scott (David Scott Tiles) and Catherine Marsden (The Rabbit Hotel).

Judges’ Citation

“This hotel clearly has an exceptional understanding of their target market and fantastic community relations.”

Judges’ Citation

“This clinic has experienced steady growth in their business.

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Caldwells Est. 1895

PROUD SPONSOR OF SPECIAL MERIT AWARD

98-100 Church Street, Ballymena, Co. Antrim BT43 6DF 02825 652810 • www.caldwellsjewellers.co.uk

COFFEE HOUSE OF THE YEAR BRIDEWELL COFFEE

SPECIAL MERIT AWARD CLIFTONVILLE FC

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Mark McCallister (Mark McCallister Carpets) with Carla Schofield (Bridewell Coffee).

Richard Caldwell (Caldwell Jewellers), Jim Magilton (Cliftonville FC manager) and David Begley (Cliftonville FC, chief operating officer)

Judges’ Citation

Judges’ Citation

“This coffee house is brewing up the perfect cuppa, with creativity and style evident in everything they do.”

After a 45-year wait, in what was the most high-profile and exciting final in decades, they defeated arch-rivals Linfield 3-1 in dramatic fashion to win the Clearer Water Irish Cup.

BUSINESSWOMAN OF THE YEAR CHERRY LOVE, LOVELY LOOKS

Caldwells

BUSINESSMAN OF THE YEAR STEPHEN MCKENDRY

Amanda Mitchell (The Courtyard) and Cherry Love (Lovely Looks).

Elizabeth Sands and Stephen McKendry (Your Physio Derry/Londonderry).

Judges’ Citation

Judges’ Citation

“This businesswoman is a proven guiding light for people in her industry and a very worthy winner.”

“This businessman has set the bar high in the North West and over the last decade has continued to go from strength to strength.”

THE COURTYARD, CARRICKFERGUS

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ADVERTISING FEATURE

IGNITE EMPIRE Mary Maxwell a Belfast native born and bred and is a certified 10x business coach speaker and mentor to billionaire Grant Cardone. Mary holds the accolade of being Grant’s first and only female facilitator leader throughout Ireland and the Uk for the company.

Mary and Chloe Maxwell had the pleasure to attend Billionaire Elena Cardone’s event in Miami where hyper-successful and powerful woman around the world shared the stage. They both joined over 800 women around the world, both Mary and Chloe were the only two ladies from Ireland.

Mary described the surreal experience of providing Elena Cardone with a copy of her promotional piece on the Elena’s 10x ladies event, which Mary advertised in the Ulster Tatler.

Mary had the honour of sponsoring and presenting the ‘Spa of the Year’ award and I couldn’t be more proud to support such a deserving business.

Mary is thrilled to be bringing her business coaching and expertise all the way from Miami to Ireland and the UK, where she brings transformational experience that brings all businesses to new heights.

Mary’s unique approach will help you achieve your goals, from strategic planning, to leadership development. She works with you on every level to unlock your full potential and maximise your success.

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Mary wants to remind you to be proud of yourself in achieving your goals and determination and don’t forget to celebrate your success along the way.

Believe in your abilities and trust you have what it takes to reach your full potential.

Stay focused, stay motivated and most importantly stay proud of how far you’ve came.

NEVER FORGET THE FEELING OF ACCOMPLISHMENT IS TRULY UNBEATABLE.

RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR STOVE BISTRO, BELFAST

ARTS PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR GEMMA O’NEILL

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John Herron (Mode German Kitchens) and Simon Toye (Stove Bistro).

Chris Sherry (Ulster Tatler editor) and Gemma O’Neill.

Judges’ Citation

Judges’ Citation

“This restaurant is cooking up a storm in a quiet corner of south Belfast. The food and service are second to none.”

“Having met all the criteria this winner is a passionate and inspirational artist who is a sterling example to us all.”

FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR THOMPSON TRAVEL

AESTHETIC CLINIC OF THE YEAR A AESTHETICS NORTH COAST

Dee MacMahon, (BTL Aesthetics), Arun Sivakumar, Duvessa Cochrane and Nicci McClure (A Aesthetics North Coast).

Laura Beatty (Watershed) and Kasia Simpson (Thompson Travel).

Judges’ Citation

“Their innovative and creative product development set them apart.

A strong local and international reputation with strong family values at their core.”

Judges’ Citation

“This multi-award-winning clinic is a cut above the rest and a very worthy winner.”

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*SUNDAY OFFER* in conjuction with The Plough Dinner and bed & breakfast Includes Sunday Roast 2 course in The Plough.

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Fit for Royalty Arthur’s Boutique Guest Accommodation and Coffee House sits in the heart of Royal Hillsborough. It boasts 12 stunning suites and every room is testament to their appreciation for beautiful architecture and their understanding that modern, comfortable living can blend perfectly with history, antiques and charm. Located in Royal Hillsborough, there are plenty of things to see and do. You can visit Hillsborough Castle, the Fort and Hillsborough Forest Park – not to mention the numerous bistro restaurants, bars and cafés in the town.

4-6 Main Street, Royal Hillsborough BT26 6AE Tel: 028 9244 0751 Email: hello@arthurshillsborough.com

PROUD SPONSOR OF CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR

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SPORTSPERSON OF THE YEAR RHYS MCCLENAGHAN

CELEBRITY OF THE YEAR REBECCA MCKINNEY

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Steven Kilgore (The Lobster Pot) and Rhys McClenaghan.

Lynne McCabe (Arthurs of Hillsborough) and Rebecca McKinney.

Judges’ Citation

“This golden boy has proven to be the best in his field. A true champion and a role model for aspiring athletes.”

Judges’ Citation

“This sassy lady has had a fabulous year. She is a class act whose career is on an upward trajectory.”

THE LOBSTER POT, STRANGFORD

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS AND SUPPLIERS

Caldwells

THE LOBSTER POT, STRANGFORD

THE COURTYARD, CARRICKFERGUS

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Revolution Productions

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PROUD SPONSOR OF RESTAURANT OF THE YEAR

C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO STO V E R E STAU R A N T U L ST E R TAT L E R AWA R D S R E STAU R A N T O F T H E Y E A R W I N N E R

028 9066 0011 | studio@modegk.co.uk 162 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6AL | www.modegermankitchens.co.uk

Ryan Hand and Patricia McVea.

Richard and Sarah Sherry.

w Tara Jamison and Darren Gray.

Michelle Schreuder, Anna O’Neill, Aoife Brennan, Erinn O’Neill, Alena Brogan, Angela Boyle, Niamh McLaughlin, Leanne Hayter and Gemma Duffy from Rosnashane House, Ballymoney.

Maria and Chris Sherry with Miss NI Hannah Johns.

Catherine Devine, Zara Davis, Shellee Bowman, Stephen Davison, Rachelle Harris

Daisy Lindsay and Georgia Combe.

Colleen and Ibe Sesay.

Catherine Devine, Miss NI Hannah Johns, former Miss NI Meagan Green.

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Joanne Harkness and Ian McElhinney.

PROUD SPONSOR OF FAMILY BUSINESS OF THE YEAR

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Bangor 70 Balloo Road BT19 7PG T 028 9127 8930

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

TAKING THE LEAP

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Ulster Tatler speaks to Cherry Love, winner of Businesswoman of the Year.

What inspired you to go down the route of being a business owner?

When I was 18 years of age, my friend worked in a boutique and it was then I realised that is what I wanted to do – open my own shop – but life throws curve balls and it was nearly 30 years later when I realised my dream of opening my boutique.

What was your career path up to this point?

I worked in finance for 24 years and this gave me a great background, not only in finance, but the importance of customer service which has ultimately made me who I am. In Lovely Looks boutique, great customer service is our strength and defines us. Together with the unique customer experience we provide by way of a 1-1 styling service in our own unique way.

What do you love most about your job?

What I love most about my job is seeing our customers come out of the changing room looking and feeling confident , shoulders back and feeling great about themselves. Our motto is “confidence is your best accessory” because when you feel good you look great!

Congratulations on winning businesswoman of the year at the Ulster Tatler awards, how did you feel when your name was announced?

When you hear your name called out it’s just unbelievable and you immediately think “was that me?” Then the shock, disbelief and absolute astonishment kicks in and you are suddenly walking up to the stage with no recollection of how you got there. It was truly unbelievable to bring this award to Limavady!

When did you first set up your business, Lovely Looks Boutique?

I started my business Lovely Looks Boutique nearly nine years ago in Limavady after testing the market with craft fairs and pop-up shops, but from the first moment I knew this was what I was meant to do.

What are your words of advice for other women looking to take the leap and start their own business?

I would advise anyone who was thinking about starting your own business to give it a go! If you never try you will never know, and we are never failures as we always learn something from every experience and you never know where that experience will take you. Do your market research and set yourself a budget and give it your best shot!

What are your plans for Lovely Looks in the next 5-10 years?

Over the next few years I have a few things

“Always very helpful when I go in, brilliant service and I always leave with a smile on my face, bursting with confidence that I didn’t have when I went in.”

Customer Review

LOVELY LOOKS BOUTIQUE 1 FLEMING WAY, LIMAVADY BT49 0FB 100

in mind, but ultimately I plan to keep doing what I do and grow my business – keeping our values and continuing to provide the best experiences for our customers and the best customer service, keeping our ladies looking and feeling great.

How has the business landscape changed over the past few years and how have you been able to adapt?

The high street stores have changed vastly over the past few years with more people working from home. This ultimately impacts town services such as boutiques, hairdressers, beauticians, nail technicians, coffee shops etc, so we now need to reach out to these potential customers via social media marketing channels, by way of videos and posts to Facebook, Instagram TikTok etc, and I don’t see this changing as it’s now expected.

It’s our new shop window, which we have to keep changing to engage our customers. This is where we provide videos of new arrivals and try to educate and inform customers of new styles and styling hints and tips.

We stock casual and occasion wear for weddings and events from sizes 6-22 and we can dress ladies from head to toe with jewellery, accessories, handbags, shoes hats, scarves, gloves and fascinators. Our strength is our 1-1 personal styling service which is given to each and every customer. We pride ourselves on an honest and trustworthy approach ensuring that our customers leave feeling a million dollars and excited to wear their new outfits No appointment required but if you have any special requests contact Cherry on: 077 9508 5729

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Ellie Adair, Jill Hobson, Kara-Lyn Macaulay, Faye Cantley and Madison Kelly-Sadler (Karan Francis, Moira)

Siobhan McKay, Nicola McClean, Noelle Lyons, Dovile Janaviciene, Anthony McShane and Teresa-Ann Rooney.

Yasmin Forsythe, Avril Forsythe and Jenna Forsythe, from The Goldmine Jewellers, Omagh.

Julie Patterson.

Ludmila and John-Michael Greeves.

Victoria Withers and Victoria McKay.

Ian and Cherry Love.

Kurt Milligan, Hollie Graham, Morgan Phillips, Biddy McCartney, Gareth Scannell, Gemma Reilly, Shannon Murray, Bronagh McErlean, Amanda McBride and Jason Doherty.

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ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

SETTING THE Elizabeth Sands, Ulster Tatler’s Business Woman of the Year 2023, and owner of the Elizabeth Sands Beauty School, a renowned academy in the beauty industry, continues to set the standard for excellence in education and training. With an impressive track record of success, the multi-award-winning institution has received accolades for its commitment to quality education and has garnered over 800 5-star reviews from satisfied students.

Boasting a comprehensive range of face-to-face and online courses, the school has established itself as a go-to destination for aspiring beauty professionals across the UK. It is partnered with many organisations across the UK, with their most recent partnership with Make A Wish Foundation for critically ill children.

As one of the leading beauty schools in the region, it has launched over 18,100 new beauty careers since 2020 - equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in the competitive beauty industry. With a focus on practical, hands-on training, students gain real-world experience under the guidance of industry experts.

your existing expertise, the online courses deliver high-quality content that is both comprehensive and engaging.

Aspiring beauty professionals who choose Elizabeth Sands Beauty School can be confident in the quality of their education.

The institution is fully accredited and recognised within the industry with ABT and CPD Accreditation Group, ensuring that graduates receive certifications that are valued and respected. This accreditation not only validates the credibility of the school but also enhances the employability of its graduates.

Elizabeth Sands remains committed to providing exceptional education and empowering individuals to pursue their passion for beauty. Her motto quite clearly ‘By Building People You Build Your Business’ and a commitment to all-inclusive learning has cemented the schools award-winning reputation, outstanding reviews, and comprehensive range of training options, it’s no wonder the beauty school continues to be a top choice for aspiring beauty professionals across the UK. Please see our website for more information www.elizabethsandsbeautyschool.co.uk

One of the distinguishing features of the Beauty School is its award - winning online training platform. Students benefit from blended learning with tutor support ensuring a supportive learning environment and the opportunity for individualised feedback.

Elizabeth Sands Beauty School offers a diverse selection of over 50 online accredited courses, with more planned for the future – including a hair extensions course. These courses provide flexible learning options for students UK wide, allowing them to study at their own pace and convenience. Whether you’re looking to acquire new skills or enhance

CONTACT US 07736 595580

Elizabeth pictured wit h Businessman of the Year, Stephen Mc Kendry from Your Physio.

BUSINESS WOMAN OF THE YEAR

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Caroline and Mark McCallister.

Tim Bassett, Sara Bassett, Nicole Gordon, Chris Lavery and Thomas McBurney, from Thomas Neill Hairdressing , Banbridge.

Brendan Gallagher and Catherine Devine.

Elizabeth Sands and Godfrey Nellins.

Janet and Jonny Lucas.

Andrew and Jodine Gordon.

Roslyn McCrea and Katie Hamilton.

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Matthew O’Neill, Catherine Marsden and Lynsey Gordon.

Amanda and Fiona Mitchell.

Kellie Burch, Rachael Harriott and Jane Hardy.

Patricia McKendry, Pamela Ballantine and Stephen McKendry.

Chris Morrow and Ian McElhinney.

Laura Beatty and Barry Kane.

Tracey Johnston and Sarah Sherry.

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Lynne McCabe and Denise Wilson.

The Ulster Tatler award for 2024 is inspired by nature’s pink hues, embodies the serene beauty and delicate charm found in nature which is all around us here in Northern Ireland. The soft, pink glaze captures the essence of blooming flowers and tranquil sunsets, evoking a sense of calm and wonder. Encircling the jar is a subtle, yet profound, ‘wishing line,’ reminiscent of the smooth, circular patterns found on wishing stones. This line symbolises the continuous flow of hopes and dreams, inviting the beholder to reflect on their own aspirations. Handcrafted with care and precision, this jar is a reminder of the simple beauty that nature reveals to us.

Tracey Johnston is a ceramic landscape artist with an anthropological approach to research. She seeks to make work that reflects the Ulster coastline and our emotional need to walk its shores and swim its waters. She presently is the resident artist at Castle Espie where she has set up a studio to research and develop a new body of work combining the historic brickworks and potteries with the importance of what this natural space represents today.

Tracey is always open to commissions and collaborations.

You can view Tracey’s work on her website, Craft Gallery NI, Gallery 1608

www.traceyjohnstonceramics.com

AWARDS PIECE DESIGNER

17TH

Olympic gold medal winner Rhys McClenaghan.

Ibe Sesay (Q Radio) with Lord Mayor Micky Murray and Rebecca McKinney (Cool FM).

Kevin Kelly, Gordon Cross, Linda Cross, Mona Mitchell and Philip Mitchell.

Jim Rodgers and Sonia Copeland.

Nicci McCune, Duvessa Cochrane and Sarah Shivakumar.

OFFICIAL HARPIST ULSTER TATLER AWARDS

Cars supplied on the night by Charles Hurst, Land Rover.

Contact me on: 07712250140 or Facebook.

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BEAUTIFUL INTERIORS TO RE F L E C T T H E W AY W E L I V E

17TH

INTERIOR DESIGNER OF THE YEAR

PLEASE CONTACT THE STUDIO TO ARRANGE AN APPOINTMENT PORTVIEW, NEWTOWNARDS ROAD, BELFAST 028 9045 0060 | INFO@THOMPSONCLARKE.COM | THOMPSONCLARKE.COM

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

D E S I G N I S N O T A T H I N G YO U D O .

I T ’ S A WAY O F L I F E – ALAN FLETCHER

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

GETTING YOU BACK TO YOUR BEST

Something For

Unique

I am honoured to be named Ulster Tatler Businessman of the Year 2024. Since I founded Your Physio ten years ago, the journey has been incredible. I am extremely grateful for the support we have received from our clients and local community. Also, I am immensely proud of our dedicated team of professionals at the clinic, whose expertise and commitment have been integral to our success.

Your Physio was established in 2014 from a single room in a community centre. I have always envisioned the business becoming one of Northern Ireland’s leading providers of physiotherapy. With that vision, we have steadily expanded, moving into a larger premises and growing our team.

Today, we are proud to employ a mixture of full-time and part-time physiotherapists, a practice manager, and a skilled admin team. We have broadened our services, bringing in additional healthcare professionals, from podiatrists to general practitioners, to continue meeting the growing needs of our clients.

This year marks a major milestones for us, not only is it our ten year anniversary, we opened a state-of-the-art physiotherapy clinic in Derry-Londonderry, with a private gym, studio and numerous treatment rooms. We have introduced a variety of classes such as Pilates, over 60’s fitness and Yoga to name a few. Our mission has always been to provide the highest quality care and facilities for our clients and this new space enables us to continue to elevate the level of service we offer.

Ulster Tatler speaks to Cherry Love, winner of Businesswoman of the Year.

I opened Pretty Robin on 10th September 2018 as I felt that there was a real gap in my local area for an independent young ladies’ clothing boutique. I wanted to offer something different; a unique and more personal shopping experience compared to the high street.

Pretty Robin Boutique has achieved remarkable success in the last couple of years, quickly establishing itself as a popular shopping destination, known for its distinctive style and personalised customer service.

The brands we feature in Pretty Robin Boutique are renowned for their high quality and have become highly sought after by other boutiques. Each brand is carefully selected for its innovative design and use of sustainable materials. The stylish and unique selection of clothing and accessories is carefully curated by myself and my mum.

We were absolutely delighted to be awarded ‘Fashion Boutique of the Year’ at this year’s Ulster Tatler Awards.

Andrea pictured with Ciara from Wilson Nesbitt.

If you are interested in any of our services or have any enquiries please get in touch:

www.yourphysioderry.com Instagram: @your.physio_ Phone: 07749987826 Email: reception@yourphysioderry.com

17TH

BUSINESS MAN OF THE YEAR

Andrea Robinson and her mum Anne.

FASHION BOUTIQUE OF THE YEAR

17TH

20 Caledon Road, Aughnacloy, BT69 6AL T: 028 8555 7601 www.prettyrobinboutique.co.uk 112

STYLE

October 2024

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

The Ulster Tatler Awards brings out the best style – Amanda Mitchell from The Courtyard, Carrickfergus is pictured in a showstopping textured tulle gown.

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October 2024

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

Wear Your Wine!

A nod with lips and nails If all you want is a simple demure nod to this season’s hottest colour palette, go for a lip and/or nail to tick this trend box.

You can’t go wrong with a mulberry lip — especially when it’s paired with a tailored suit and streamlined make-up.

You know you’re on trend when the hashtag #burgundynails has hit over 14 million views on Tik Tok.

Unless you’ve been hiding somewhere unknown under a rock, this season burgundy is THE colour to wear. From catwalks to the high street you’ll find shades of Bordeaux, Merlot and deep oxblood everywhere!

Take note: you don’t have to go out-and-out burgandy, or rush out and change your entire wardrobe! One of 2023’s most talked-about styling tricks was ‘a pop of red’. Wearing this season’s palette of burgundy and dark cherry follows the same principle. Chic and sophisticated burgundy can be simply added to your much-loved wardrobe staples: neutral tones, shades of grey, camel, ivory and biscuit: and let’s not forget denim! Lighter shades and darker washes all work really well.

Bellamianta ‘Speakeasy Deepest Desire’ lipstick - £15.

Head-to-toe Merlot Shades don’t have to match exactly; when you wear shades of burgundy, they will blend together when worn head-to-toe, and the benefit of sticking to one colour is that you can play with textures to add depth and dimension to your outfit.

Bellamianta ‘Fantasy’ lip liner - £10.

Colour clash For those who love to wear bolder colours, pair oxblood and cherry tones with shades of electric blue and bubble-gum pink.

Essentiel Antwerp over size loop-stitch cardigan, £465, Peel Boutique.

Deep plum accessories Although black handbags will always be a classic investment purchase, rich burgundy offers a clever way to add more depth and colour to neutral, more minimal looks.

I’ve fallen in love with this oversize 70s– inspired slouch tote bag from sustainable luxury leather handbag brand Taylor Yates.

This simple classic from Emme Marella offers the perfect vegan leather option.

Say ‘I Do’ Multi-award-winning luxury niche, genderinclusive, fragrance house STORIES PARFUMS are offering a complimentary perfume bottle engraving service when you book your Private Wedding Scent Experience with STORIES Founder & CEO, Tonya Kidd-Beggs. Elevate your loved one’s signature scent with a personal touch when you say ‘ I do’. storiesparfums.com 114

Agnes Plum Tote £475.

Emme Marella mock croc vegan leather bag £120, Peel Boutique.

Your Local Destination for Hair Transplant Surgery Hair loss is a concern that can affect anyone and like many conditions, there is no singular explanation.

A hair transplant moves hair to an area of the scalp that is thin or bald. It can be an effective

Andrew McCleery

MB, BCH, BAO, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG

procedure for those who have lost hair and have already tried other hair loss treatments.

The hair transplant technique available at Marlborough Clinic Belfast is called Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). FUE is a minimally invasive treatment (no cutting of a strip) and is carried out under local anaesthetic

by Dr Andrew McCleery.

Our bespoke hair transplants are designed to meet your individual hair restoration goals, beginning with a comprehensive informative clinical consultation with Dr McCleery.

Why Choose Marlborough Clinic Belfast?

RQIA approved clinic for hair transplant surgery GMC registered hair transplant surgeon Procedure completed in one day Accessible aftercare Local, independently owned

Patient Review “I had spent a considerable amount of time researching various clinics to have a hair transplant carried out. I decided to book a consultation with Dr McCleery at the clinic.

The appointment was everything I had hoped it would be, Dr McCleery was extremely helpful, advising me on what he thought would give me the best end result, I decided there and then I would get the procedure done at Marlborough Clinic.”

Contact us to arrange a consultation.

1 Marlborough Park, Belfast, BT9 6XS | 028 9002 2000 | www.marlboroughclinicbelfast.com

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

Style Sunday Autumn Season

T

he sun shone as Veuve Clicquot champagne corks popped for Style Sunday Fall ’24.

The award-winning Waterman Restaurant was again the stylish backdrop for the highlyanticipated lunch and fashion event.

Every table throughout the restaurant was festooned with beautiful autumn arrangements, courtesy of my favourite flower and plant emporiumn, Memento, on Belfast’s Ormeau Road, along with gorgeous goodie bags from main event sponsor Bellamianta.

The popular series of events, organised by Belfast Fashion Week founder Cathy Martin, saw chef Niall McKenna and his wonderful team serve a sumptuous 3-course lunch of beetroot, goats curd, apple and hazelnuts; roast chicken, artichoke, truffle and mushroom cream; followed by dark chocolate mousse, raspberries, and pistachsio (of which I polished off TWO pots). Chilled tunes were courtesy of Q-radio’s Ibe Sesay.

Models including Aimee Boyle, Tiffany Rea and Rebecca Maguire showcased this season’s collections from Jigsaw and Blush Boutique. Bellamianta provided models’ make-up.

Special discounts were available throughout the afternoon at pop-up shops from Blush, Bellamianta, and Belfast based e-commerce site Tullyhaize, specialising in USA brands, slogans and witty wearables.

The last in this sell-out series of Sunday lunch events will be back this November with a special festive edition. Tickets are selling fast! Pop over to the Waterman website for more details.

Jigsaw AW ‘24, modelled by Aimee Boyle.

Rebecca Maguire, Tiffany Rea, Sarah Maguire, Aimee Boyle, Jane Hastings, Jessi Thompson and Nuala Meenehan.

Alison Conlon, Aine McCusker, Ella Birney, Deirdre Burns and Sheila Birney.

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Bellamianta’s Linda Stinson, Cathy Martin.

Linda Woods and Cheree Gale.

Jackie Nelson and Rebecca Linder.

Catherine Williamson, Shirley McCay and Anne McMullan.

Aimee Oliver, Catriona Smyth and Linda Stinson.

Sandy Keane and Ashley Bradley.

Carolyn Edgar and Louise Tully.

Models Jessi Thompson, Aimee Boyle, Aileen Wilson Blush Boutique, Rebecca Maguire, Nuala Meenehan.

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Jacquie Martin, Hama Davidson, Jacqueline Baker.

10th birthday celebrations at Beauty Culture salon.

The Beauty Culture team at the salon.

Kelly Kingsberry, Margaret McKenzie and Suzanne Minnis.

Stephanie Lennox, Caroline Purdy and Heather Roberts.

Beauty Culture owner Caroline Purdy with neice Caitlin Bell-Porter.

Caroline Purdy and Nicola McMahon.

Margaret McKenzie and Laura Wells.

Beauty Culture salon.

TEN YEARS OF BEAUTY CULTURE

Pamela Bell, Caitlin Bell-Porter, Jasmine Purdy, Caroline Purdy and Stella Bell.

Celebrating ten years of Beauty Culture on Bloomfield Road, east Belfast, the beauty salon held a lovely celebratory evening, full of bubbles, an amazing cake and cupcakes by @cakeartistrybyjemma along with goodie bags and special event offers. The salon extends a huge thank you to their amazing team members, past and present, and also to their lovely clients for supporting them over the last decade.

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The Belfast

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

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

ULTIMATE SKIN REJUVENATION

Lecale Clinic is a private GP and medical aesthetics clinic in Downpatrick, with a wide range of aesthetics and laser solutions.

Founded in 2017 by Dr Angela McGreevy, it has gone from strength to strength, bringing the best technologies and expertise to County Down. Lecale Clinic now has the full skin suite of Cutera laser devices, which can be used to target hair removal, ageing, skin pigmentation, veins, redness and acne.

Dr McGreevy graduated from Queen’s University in 2007, and after completing basic surgical training, with a focus on ear, nose and throat surgery, she then completed her GP training in 2015. She continued to work in ENT surgery for eight years, alongside her GP work. She has a passion for skin and has a Diploma in Dermatology. “I like to use a holistic approach to skin care and anti-ageing treatments and look at the full picture with patients. This may include general health and lifestyle, diet, skin supplements, and at-home skincare – all of which help us to get the best from our in-clinic treatments, whether this be injectables, lasers or other energy devices.”

Dr McGreevy tells us: “As we age our skin loses collagen and elastin which means our skin has more laxity. Our bone structure and some of the fat pads in our face also reduce with age, meaning that our skin has less scaffolding to support it. As the signs of ageing become more visible, many people seek aesthetic treatments to reduce or correct these signs. I found my clientele had high expectations and these could not be met by injectables such as dermal filler and anti-wrinkle injections alone. Energy devices would be needed to help stimulate more collagen and elastin, to give greater skin tightening and rejuvenation.”

In 2022, Lecale Clinic invested in the first Secret Pro device in Northern Ireland. Its advanced technology and unique combination of radiofrequency microneedling and fractional CO2 laser offers the ultimate anti-ageing solution. Both treatments can be used independently or combined, with the intensity tailored to meet the patient’s needs and their lifestyle.

Dr Angela McGreevy

DR MCGREEVY EXPLAINS ‘THE SCIENCE BIT’…

“Radiofrequency microneedling has a dual mode of action. Microneedling alone creates controlled micro-traumas to the skin to stimulate healing and the formation of collagen and elastin, while delivery of the radiofrequency energy to specific layers of the skin causes heat and coagulation which helps to stimulate the process of collagen remodelling and new elastin production even further. The CO2 laser makes micro-channels in the skin that triggers the skin’s regenerative response. It treats a fraction of the skin area at a time while leaving the surrounding tissue intact, allowing the skin to heal. All of these effects help to resurface and tighten the skin.

I decided on the Secret Pro device as it allowed me to vary and precisely treat various depths of the skin, depending on the patient’s skin concern.

There are a variety of minimally invasive, goldplated microneedling tip cartridges to choose from, with the semi-insulated options allowing me to treat deeper layers of the skin, causing minimal trauma to the epidermal layer, as the radiofrequency energy is emitted from the very tip of the needle, thus only treating the depths we need to treat.

With the Secret Pro device’s unique mechanism, the needles glide in and out of the skin in a smoother motion, providing a more comfortable experience compared to other leading devices on the market. The addition of CO2, which can also be used as a light or more aggressive treatment depending on skin condition, is really the icing on the cake.

Secret Pro is for everyone, whether it be for the younger client looking for ‘prejuvenation’ to help prevent lines and wrinkles and ‘bank collagen’, or for revitalisation, anti-ageing and treatment of fine lines and wrinkles, with deep dermal remodelling. It is the perfect option for clients who would prefer not to go down the path of injectable treatments.

Secret Pro treatment

We have so many options with the Secret Pro platform. The Secret Pro Refine treatment is using radiofrequency microneedling by itself. This improves some of the most visible signs of ageing, by reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, large pores, stretch marks, acne scars and other conditions, and is ideal for rejuvenation of the face, neck, decollate, hands, knees and other areas of the body.

Secret Pro Ultra is a deeper CO2 laser treatment which reduces sun damage, improves texture and promotes collagen fibroblast production, thus stimulating 120

collagen, which can reduce the appearance of scars and crepey skin. The Secret Pro UltraLight treatment uses a less aggressive CO2 laser treatment to treat uneven skin tone, texture and overall complexion.

Secret Pro Revive treatment really is the ultimate skin rejuvenating treatment, combining both radiofrequency microneedling and CO2 laser technologies. The microneedling targets the deeper layers of the skin while the CO2 laser resurfaces the top layers. Combining these treatments gives us the power to help improve conditions such as lines and wrinkles, scars including acne scarring, stretch marks, skin texture, pore size, and crepey or sundamaged skin. We can tailor each of these treatment options in depth, strength, duration of treatment, and number of passes, depending on the skin condition and desired result.

Secret Pro is suitable for all skin types. In addition to ageing, Secret Pro can also be used to treat a wider variety of skin concerns including scars, sun damage, stretch marks, large pores, and overall skin quality, texture and brightness.

We’ve also been using it to treat ageing in the neck, stretch marks on the stomach and legs, ageing signs around the knees and also hands.”

Dr McGreevy is currently offering free consultations for Secret Pro treatments for a limited time. This includes a lifestyle and indepth skin analysis on our Visia Skin Analysis scanner. A consultation can be arranged by contacting Lecale Clinic directly.

For more information visit www. lecale.clinic

TAKE ANTI-AGING TO NEW DEPTHS Resurface and renew with customized treatments for face and 2 body. This treatment combines the power of CO 2 laser and RF microneedling to provide treatment options to refresh the skin or help fully address a range of anti-aging concerns.

The Secret PRO Difference*: ddress the signs of aging Address the signs of aging mprove photodamage Improve photodamage educe pore size Reduce pore size mooth scars and treat stretch marks Smooth scars and treat stretch marks reats all skin types Treats all skin types *Based on the published findings below:

Schedule your free consultation at Lecale Clinic Telephone number: 02844612737 Email address: infor@lecale.clinic Website: www.lecale.clinic

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

Melanie Bond Celebrates

W

ell-known jewellery designer Melanie Bond celebrated the first landmark birthday of her retail store, Melanie Bond Boutique.

The sun shone throughout the day of celebrations, which kicked off with an alfresco fashion show compered by Cate Conway, with live music from Stephen and Rosa Bond.

The pretty yellow-fronted boutique nestled in Bridge Street, Dromore stocks a range of clothing and accessories including Melanie’s own jewellery and fashion brand, Wearable Truth. The designer also specialises in bespoke commissions, perfect for special occasions and gifting.

Models Rebekah Martin, Jade Topping, Laura McIlhagger, Marie McDonald and Alyson Johns showcased AW24 fashion, accessories and handmade jewellery, including newly arrived British knitwear brand Cara & The Sky, quirky leather handbags by Nephele, local brand Madlug bags, and the new collection of clothing and accessories from Wearable Truth.

The event was supported by Dromore Chamber of Commerce.

Models hair and make-up were provided by Lisa Davey and Chloe McKinstry, MUA of the Beauty Bank. Photography courtesy of Picturskew Photography, Dromore. Browse the collection at melaniebond.co.uk.

Back: Marie McDonald, Alyson Johns, Jade Topping.

Front: Rebekah Martin, Melanie Bond, Laura McIlhagger.

Alexis Totten and Edna Moore.

Sorcha Eastwood MP for Lagan Valley, Melanie Bond, Cate Conway and Councillor Kyle Savage (Deputy Lord Mayor of ABC Council).

Rebekah Martin.

Marie McDonald, Alyson Johns, Laura McIlhagger, Rebekah Martin and Jade Topping.

Rose Sambrook, Cate Conway, Melanie Bond, Lois Walker, Rosa Bond, Charis Walker and Lindsay Moorhead.

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ADVERTISEMENT

Travelling abroad for dental treatment:

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW An increasing number of people from this part of the world are travelling abroad to undertake lower-cost dental treatments which they could not otherwise afford at home.

We have all, however, heard the warnings around the risks involved in availing of such services far from home. If you are thinking about going abroad for dental work, it is essential that you consider a range of factors other than just cost e.g. a clinic’s reputation with other overseas patients, the qualifications of the practitioners, your rights and protections in the country of treatment should something go wrong. Before committing to treatment, you must receive a fully costed treatment plan including information on any risks associated with the treatment and details of follow-up care.

Kreativ Dental Clinic in Budapest, Hungary has been treating patients from Ireland and around the world for over 20 years. Mary Flanagan, the clinic’s representative in Ireland, outlined that the clinic has an expert team of dental specialists offering high-quality care using state-of-the-art technology.

They have a proven track record when it comes to patient safety and quality of treatment and, importantly, there is an after-care service in Ireland.

Planning for overseas treatment can take some time and effort but it is crucial that you get the right advice and support beforehand. Ideally, speak to someone who has travelled to the clinic before; Mary Flanagan of Kreativ Dental Clinic is a former patient herself and will happily share her experiences and answer any questions. The clinic offers a free consultation, including an OPG X-ray and a full breakdown of the treatment plan. It is then your decision if you wish to proceed with treatment or not.

AFTER CARE IN

Ireland

For more information, contact Mary Flanagan who is the ROI and NI representative for Kreativ Dental Clinic.

Call Mary on 00353 86 0299998 or 028 9530 0100 or email: mary@kreativdentalclinic.eu or visit kreativdentalclinic.eu

COLUMN October 2024

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.

Are Headaches or Migraines Destroying Your Life?

Apex Headache Clinic, Belfast, is Ireland’s first drug-free headache and migraine clinic, and has been clearing headaches and migraines for over 30 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 clinic and its high success rate explains why people travel from all over the UK and Europe for this treatment. This month, Rebecca explains why getting to the source of the problem, rather than taking painkillers, is always the best solution to curing headaches and migraines.

Headaches devastate lives At Apex Headache Clinic we see patients daily whose lives have been destroyed by headaches or migraines, leaving them desperate to find a cure for their pain. In the UK alone, a staggering 10 million people suffer from daily or frequent headaches.

Many people blame tension or stress for their headaches and so they reach for painkillers which offer them no long-lasting relief. What many people are unaware of, is that there is very often a physical cause for their headaches stemming from their upper neck, even when the person may experience no neck pain at all. Poor posture or hours spent slumped over desks and computers commonly cause persistent neck-triggered headaches or migraines, as can repeated lifting or a previous neck injury.

Headaches and migraines can stem from your neck While spending the early part of my career in New Zealand, over 25 years ago, I sought treatment for my own migraines, which were diagnosed as stemming from my neck. I had no idea that my neck was involved, and this treatment was life-changing for me. I’ve had no headaches or migraines ever since.

When I returned to Northern Ireland, I later launched Apex Headache Clinic with the sole

aim of providing a cure to other migraine and headache sufferers like myself.

The Nelson Headache Approach™ Inspired by my experience of treating headaches in New Zealand and later the UK, I designed and further developed my own regime for treating headaches and migraines, called The Nelson Headache Approach™. My specialist regime of manual physiotherapy treatment for headaches and migraines has been successfully used in patients of all ages, from children to elderly folk. All our highly specialist physiotherapists have been extensively trained in this approach by myself and we have a very high success rate in curing persistent, longstanding headaches and migraines. The Nelson Headache Approach™ is a unique treatment regime, which is not offered in any other clinic. My treatment for headaches and migraines is evidence based and fits into a medical model of management, that is why we receive a lot of referrals from consultant neurologists, ENT consultants and paediatricians.

as long as she could remember. After having treatment for her headaches and migraines, Caroline said, “For me treatment has been life changing. It has helped in every aspect of my life and I don’t have to worry about getting a migraine. I am migraine free over 98% of the time and I only get the odd niggle of a headache which doesn’t stop me doing the things I enjoy. I would definitely tell anyone suffering with migraines to attend Apex Headache Clinic for specialist physiotherapy treatment.”

Get to the source of the pain If you suffer from persistent headaches or migraines it is important to get to the source of the problem. Book an initial assessment and treatment today with one of our specialist headache physiotherapists and Apex Headache Clinic could clear your headaches and migraines, allowing you to enjoy life again.

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

Say good-bye to your headaches 53-year-old Caroline Woods, from Ballyward, Co. Down, had been suffering with migraines

apex clinic

physiotherapy

apex

headache clinic

podiatry

chiropody

massage

Ireland’s leading physiotherapy & sports injury clinic info@apexclinic.co.uk www.apexclinic.co.uk

info@apexheadacheclinic.co.uk www.apexheadacheclinic.co.uk 124

5-11 Summerhil Avenue, Belfast BT5 7HD Tel: 028 9048 4153

October 2024

H E A LT H M AT T E R S

My migraines have almost gone, thanks to Apex Headache Clinic!

29-year-old Stephanie Carson, from Saintfield, suffered with severe migraines which affected every aspect of her daily life. After thinking migraines were something she would have to live with, she visited Apex Headache Clinic in the hope that she would get to the source of the problem. Here, she shares how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist manual physiotherapy treatment for migraines and headaches, called The Nelson Headache Approach™, treated her migraines, meaning that she finally got her life back on track.

Stephanie, tell us how your migraines began?

I’ve been having migraines since I was 16-years-old. The migraines got worse when I was doing my GSCEs, but, after that I just lived with them until last year, when they became unbearable. I had 13 migraines in one month. I attended my GP who prescribed medication to help with my migraines, however, it didn’t help significantly on its own.

How did the migraines affect your life?

My migraines affected my day-to-day life really badly. I would get a visual aura with the migraines and I wouldn’t be able to drive until this passed. This started happening so often that I was afraid to drive as it was so unpredictable and I didn’t know when a migraine would come on. It affected my whole life, I would have to leave work early when I took a migraine and I missed out on social events, and even had to spend days on holidays inside, unable to go out and enjoy myself.

What led you to Apex Headache Clinic?

When I was on holiday, I was really suffering badly with my migraines, and I was desperately googling, looking for a solution. That’s when I came across Apex Headache Clinic and thought I would book an appointment and give their specialist headache physiotherapy treatment a go.

How has Apex Headache Clinic changed your life?

My migraines have almost gone completely! I went from having 13 migraines in one month to only one migraine in the last six months, which is amazing! I am so glad that I bit the bullet and tried Apex Headache Clinic. My appointments are now spaced out once every two months and, along with the manual physiotherapy treatment to my neck, I have also been given advice on sleeping with the right pillow and on my posture to help keep my migraines away.

What advice would you offer someone suffering from migraines?

Give it a go, I am so glad that I did! In my opinion, you’ll be surprised at the difference it can make to your life. The experience I have had at Apex has been great – from my specialist physiotherapist to the reception team, everyone has been so kind and caring, always making me feel comfortable and welcome.

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

apex clinic

physiotherapy

apex

headache clinic

podiatry

chiropody

massage

Ireland’s leading physiotherapy & sports injury clinic info@apexclinic.co.uk www.apexclinic.co.uk

info@apexheadacheclinic.co.uk www.apexheadacheclinic.co.uk 125

5-11 Summerhil Avenue, Belfast BT5 7HD Tel: 028 9048 4153

UT Beauty

THE NUMBER ONE WIG SPECIALIST IN IRELAND

WIG & HAIRPIECE BOUTIQUE HAIRLOSS CLINIC

Make-up Artistry We were delighted to have Sophie Hamilton join the team, doing the make-up for our September Ulster Tatler photoshoot.

Sophie has been a makeup artist since 2016. At the beginning of her make-up journey she fell in love with beauty/fashion make-up and did client make-up for occasions such as weddings, birthdays and nights out. After Covid, she took the leap and started doing editorial and high-fashion make-up. She has worked with various photographers, brands, stylists and has done a few magazine features, including: Mob Journal, Vogue and now Ulster Tatler. She also got into modelling herself – working with brands such as Bperfect.

“I have been honoured and blessed to make the connections which led to these experiences. They have made me the well-rounded artist I am today. I have truly found my love and passion for photographic artistry and creative spaces, especially in Northern Ireland.”

Before

HAIR LOSS, FASHION, CHEMOTHERAPY, ALOPECIA, TOUPEES FOR MEN & TRICHOLOGY BELFAST: 64 Lisburn Road.

Tel: 028 9033 2221

After

NEWRY: 34 Water Street.

Tel: 028 3026 7925

www.wigs-ireland.ie info@wigs-ireland.ie

Proprietor: Therese Hughes, MBE

If you ever require photographic makeup you can contact Sophie on: littlesophmakeup@gmail.com

Tresses Supports Breast Cancer Awareness

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Sophie Hamilton Captured by @lucylenss

Captured by @framed.by.tolu Makeup by @littlesoph_ Modelled by @tateyannaa As seen in @vogue

Captured by @macystewardstudio Makeup by @littlesoph_ Modelled by @grace_feeney_ Styled by @laurennmstylist As seen in @mobjournal

Captured by @bry_coles Makeup by @littlesoph Modelled by @lolaabensonn

A SPECIALIST PRIVATE CLINIC IN BELFAST Cranmore Excellence in Dentistry is a multi-disciplinary referral practice and education facility, which provides patients and referring dentists with quality patient care and a comprehensive choice of treatments.

Your comfort is our priority and our practice has been designed to provide you with the optimum level of care.

Start your dental journey with us.

Call to book a consultation on 028 9038 1822.

Our Treatments: • Dental Implants • Restorative • Cosmetic Dentistry • Periodontics • Endodontics • Orthodontics • Oral surgery • IV Sedation • OPT • CBCT

15 Windsor Avenue Belfast BT9 6EE 028 9038 1822 www.cranmoredental.com

October 2024

REVIEW

Face Time Ulster Tatler’s Joanne Harkness reviews the Germaine De Capuccini facial experience at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

We all know how vital vitamins are for our physical health, but what we might not realise is how beneficial vitamins are for the appearance of our skin. I found this out when I got to experience the newlylaunched Germaine De Capuccini facial at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat.

My appointment was booked for a Sunday morning and, to my delight, I got to use the spa facilities beforehand.

To say it was a relaxing start to my day is an understatement. I had a swim in the pool, where the water was the perfect temperature, before heading over to submerge myself in the hot tub which overlooks the lake... true bliss! The spa contained couples, groups of friends, and mothers with daughters – it really is a place for everyone. There were plenty of spaces and spa facilities for everyone to enjoy. One of my pet peeves is a spa that is heaving with people – there is nothing relaxing about being squeezed into a sauna with strangers – but this certainly wasn’t the case.

While I could have stayed in the spa all day, it was soon time for my treatment. I filled out my details and preferences on the iPad (very efficient), before being taken to the tranquil therapy rooms. My therapist talked through the process of the treatment and provided a complimentary hand and foot treatment.

I opted for the tailored Radiance C

treatment, a cutting-edge facial designed to boost firmness and stimulate collagen production while minimising dark spots and pigmentation. It uses the Pure C10 range by Germaine De Capuccini, which incorporates vitamins C and D as well as ferulic acid. Each stage of the facial was extremely soothing but I especially enjoyed the use of massage balls – a unique technique that I had not come across before. They are used to lift facial muscles, release tension and improve blood flow for an increased glow. I also thoroughly enjoyed the application of the anti-fatigue, illuminating mask as it had a soothing, cooling effect on my skin. I didn’t want it to end – for over an hour it provided the ultimate serenity.

My therapist provided advice and recommendations for looking after my skin, explaining how we can all benefit from more vitamin C in our skincare regimes.

Afterwards I noticed a glow to my skin which gave me the confidence to go make-up free.

Like many women, I sometimes use make-up as a mask for hiding redness and blemishes on my skin. The timing was perfect as I had an up-coming holiday to Italy and wanted to look my best in the Italian sunshine.

To round off my visit to The Rabbit, I headed to the Palm House for lunch. It was a novel experience – we all dined in our robes, something new to me but all part of the spa experience! I tucked into a delicious portion

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of pulled beef nachos, with a refreshing glass of lemonade – keeping the vitamin C theme going!

With The Rabbit only a five-minute drive from my house, I think I’ll be making a habit of trips to this wonderful hotel.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat 882 Antrim Rd, Templepatrick, Ballyclare BT39 0AH www.rabbithotel.com

BALLYMENA OPEN 24/7

PAY £0 JOIN TODAY JUST £26.99 /MONTH USE CODE:

NJF2024 UNLIMITED GYM ACCESS + FREE CLASSES (INC. V1BE), SAUNA AND STEAM ROOM

ADVERTORIAL FEATURE

Deep Diving Into Your Health…

When Is a Bad Mood More Than Just a Bad Mood?

As World Mental Health Day approaches this October, it’s the perfect time to shine a light on the emotional imbalances that many of us experience but often overlook. Moods can fluctuate for many reasons, but when should you be concerned that a “bad mood” is something more? As a functional medicine doctor, I want to explore how emotional well-being is intricately connected to our physical health, and how factors like cycles, hormones, and lifestyle choices play a significant role.

Understanding Emotional Imbalance: When to Take Notice We all have off days, but when a bad mood persists, it might be a sign of something deeper. Emotional imbalance can stem from various sources, including hormonal changes, nutritional deficiencies, and even underlying health conditions. It’s essential to pay attention to the duration and intensity of these mood swings. If you or someone you know is experiencing prolonged periods of irritability, sadness, or anxiety, it may be more than just a passing phase.

This is particularly important for men, who might not always recognise or address these symptoms as readily as women.

Cycles and Hormones: The Unseen Drivers of Mood While we often associate hormonal fluctuations with women, men also experience cycles that can impact their mood. Testosterone levels, for example, can influence everything from energy levels to emotional stability. Stress, poor diet, and lack of sleep can exacerbate these fluctuations, leading to mood swings that might be mistaken for just having

a “bad day.” Regular bloodwork can help identify imbalances in hormones like testosterone, cortisol, and thyroid levels, providing a clearer picture of what might be driving these emotional ups and downs.

The Male Angle: Recognising and Addressing Mood Imbalances Men are sometimes less likely to seek help for emotional issues, but understanding that mood imbalances can be linked to physical health is crucial. Factors such as stress from work, relationship pressures, or even societal expectations can contribute to emotional distress. Encouraging men to take their mental health seriously, just as they would their physical health, is a step towards better overall well-being. Simple changes, like incorporating regular exercise, ensuring adequate sleep, and considering natural supplements, can make a significant difference.

Approaching Winter: Understanding and Managing Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) As we transition into the colder months, it’s important to recognise the impact of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), a type of depression that occurs at the same time each year, typically in winter. Shorter days and reduced sunlight can lead to a drop in serotonin levels, which affects mood. Symptoms of SAD include fatigue, low energy, and irritability— often exacerbating existing mood imbalances. Managing SAD involves a combination of lifestyle changes, such as light therapy, maintaining a regular exercise routine, and optimising vitamin D levels through diet or supplements. Acknowledging the seasonal impact on mood and proactively addressing it can make

the difference in maintaining emotional balance throughout the winter.

Supplements: Nutritional Support for Emotional Balance When it comes to mood regulation, nutrition plays a vital role.

Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and vitamin D have been shown to support brain health and emotional stability. For men, in particular, ensuring adequate intake of zinc and B vitamins can also be beneficial. Before starting any supplement regimen, it’s important to conduct bloodwork to determine what your body truly needs. This personalised approach can help address any deficiencies that might be contributing to mood swings.

Movement and Mental Health: The Exercise Connection Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to improve mood and combat stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood elevators, and helps regulate hormones like cortisol, which can become imbalanced in times of stress. Whether it’s a daily walk, lifting weights, or practising yoga, incorporating movement into your routine is a powerful tool for maintaining mental health across all ages.

Bloodwork and Supplements: Personalised Approaches to Mood Management Understanding the root cause of mood imbalances often starts with a comprehensive blood panel. This can reveal deficiencies or hormonal imbalances that may be affecting your emotional well-being. Additionally, emerging research highlights the crucial role of the gut microbiome

in mental health. Imbalances in gut bacteria can influence the production of neurotransmitters like serotonin, which are key to regulating mood.

Testing your gut microbiome can provide insights into whether digestive health may be contributing to mood issues. From there, targeted supplements can be introduced to address specific needs. For instance, if low testosterone is contributing to irritability, a natural testosterone booster might be recommended.

Alternatively, if stress is the primary issue, adaptogenic herbs could be beneficial. Probiotics and prebiotics may also be advised to support gut health and, consequently, emotional balance.

The Takeaway As we recognise World Mental Health Day, it’s a reminder that our emotional well-being is just as important as our physical health.

Mood imbalances are not something to be ignored, and by understanding the factors that contribute to them—such as cycles, hormones, and lifestyle choices—we can take proactive steps to manage our mental health. For men, in particular, acknowledging these issues and seeking help when needed is vital.

Remember, there’s no shame in addressing your mental health—after all, it’s a cornerstone of living a balanced and fulfilling life.

If you’re experiencing persistent mood swings or emotional distress, consider speaking with a healthcare professional who can guide you through bloodwork, supplements, and lifestyle changes tailored to your needs. Your mental health deserves attention, not just on World Mental Health Day, but every day.

Personalised Solutions for Your Health, Performance, and Longevity 5 Prince Regent Road, Lisburn, BT5 6QR E: hello@themovementmedic.org T: 07793 718809

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ADVERTORIAL

Meet Your Surgeon - Dr Kevin McDonald of Tir na nÓg Clinic Welcome to Tir na nÓg Clinic, a family-run establishment specialising in hair transplant surgery. At the forefront of the clinic is Dr. Kevin McDonald, a highly skilled and dedicated surgeon with an unwavering commitment to his craft. Hailing from Baldoyle in Dublin, Dr. Kevin pursued his medical education at the University of Galway (then UCG), where he completed his studies in 1999.

His expertise lies in cardiothoracic surgery, the field he delved into after graduating.

During his time in Galway, fate intervened, bringing Dr. Kevin together with his now-wife, Natasha, who was pursuing engineering studies at the same university. After obtaining his medical degree, Kevin initially embarked on his professional journey in the UK, where he and Natasha spent five transformative years. It was during this period that they tied the knot and started their family. In 2005, an opportunity arose in Dr. Kevin’s specialisation, beckoning him back to his beloved Ireland. Eager to return home, the family embraced this chance, leading Dr. Kevin to practice surgery at a number of prestigious hospitals, including the Mater Private and Blackrock Clinic, over the following decade.

Restore your hair and confidence like you never lost it

Surgical and non-surgical hair loss treatments provided by an experienced surgeon with the focus of achieving a natural look. We are a surgical hair loss clinic in Ireland, owned and run by an Irish surgeon.

However, the year 2014 proved to be a pivotal moment in Dr. Kevin’s career trajectory as an increasing fascination with hair transplant surgery took hold. Determined to explore this innovative field further, Dr. Kevin committed himself to extensive training, thus embarking on a transformative journey to become a hair transplant surgeon.

In 2015, driven by a resolute vision, Dr. Kevin made the bold decision to leave his position at Blackrock Clinic. With the support of his wife Natasha, he redirected his skills and expertise towards establishing Tir na nÓg Clinic. Since its inception, Tir na nÓg Clinic has flourished, catering to the needs of its clientele and relocating to its bespoke premises in 2016.

Dr. Kevin is not only a fountain of knowledge in his field but also a passionate advocate for his patients. Frequently asked why he chose to transition from major surgery to hair transplant surgery and running his own business, Dr. Kevin explains that his decision was multifaceted. From a logical standpoint, he recognised the declining demand for cardiac surgery due to the advent of cardiac stents, while hair transplant surgery has experienced a consistent surge in popularity. Additionally, the long hours and commute associated with his previous speciality were crucial factors that Dr. Kevin considered, given his dedication to his young family of five.

However, the heart-led aspect of his decision proved equally compelling. Dr. Kevin was motivated by empathy and a desire to alleviate the struggles of individuals battling hair loss. Often affecting relatively young individuals with their lives stretching ahead, the emotional toll of hair loss on their confidence and self-esteem struck a chord with Dr. Kevin. In his eyes, the value of helping these individuals is just as significant as providing care for those with heart conditions. Moreover, he enjoys the personal connections he establishes with his hair transplant patients, during consultations and where the patient is awake during treatment — an invaluable experience not possible with cardiac patients.

Cost of transplant pictured is €3,500 €3,500

Cost of transplant pictured is €2,500

At Tir na nÓg Clinic, you will find not only a skilled surgeon but also a compassionate professional dedicated to helping you achieve your desired results. Dr. Kevin’s commitment to his patients, his extensive knowledge, and his genuine care make him the ideal surgeon to guide you on your journey toward renewed confidence and a brighter future.

To get in touch please fill out an online consultation form at www.tirnanogclinic.com/consultation for free. Our prices are between €2,000 and €4,000 Call 01-8489159, WhatsApp 086-8755979, email info@tirnanogclinic.com, Instagram / FB @ tirnanógclinic. Alexandra Henry

2nd Floor, Grange Clinic, Grange Road, Dublin 13, D13F7H9 www.tirnanogclinic.com

GIRL ABOUT TOWN EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

The Art of Perfumery

T

onya Kidd-Beggs, trailblazing founder and CEO of STORIES Parfums and Culloden Estate and Spa, hosted a chic evening soirée to celebrate the hotel appointing STORIES as their very first fragrance partner. Bubbles and canapés were served during an intimate reception.

Guests were treated to complimentary STORIES hand and arm massages before Tonya immersed a packed room in her insights into the art of perfumery, sharing her vision, the story of STORIES, and how she came to launch a global luxury, niche fragrance house with sustainability at its core.

It was through her own transformative experience whilst being taught in a perfumery in Grasse, south of France, that Tonya learned the power of our sense of smell in relation to our memory, mood and emotions. lt was here she learnt her passion for fragrance and decided to share her STORIES through her scents in the hope that others would connect with their own stories – past, present and future – through her creations. She guided guests through a captivating scent discovery journey. Friends of STORIES attended alongside Culloden Estate & Spa members. The gender-inclusive, sustainable luxury perfume brand has much to celebrate, having received multiple awards for all of its products: Pure Beauty Global, Pure Beauty London, and Marie Claire UK, to name a few. The luxury fragrance brand is soon to launch in the US!

Harleigh Skinner, Lauren Skinner, Tonya Kidd-Beggs.

Naomi McGurk and Dillon Cordoba.

Culloden spa manager Judith Hogg and Tonya Kidd-Beggs.

Ali Fair and Rachel Perry.

Gracie Beggs and Jemma Leeman.

Sharon Knox and Roisin McCluskey.

Eli Yeung and Jonathan Lee.

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PROMOTIONAL PROFILE

Female Exclusive Gym in Moira Ulster Tatler speaks to Emma Spiers from GRL Health and Fitness.

and further, with our online coaching platform.

How important do you think it is for women to join a gym like GRL, especially when everyone has such busy lives?

We know attending the gym or getting involved with any form of exercise is so important for mental and physical health. We pride ourselves in not just being a ‘gym’, but a sanctuary for women who have such heavy work and life demands, which is why our warm and welcoming atmosphere, approachable and friendly members and coaches, make GRL so encouraging to attend, even when life is very busy!

Tell me about GRL Health and Fitness, when did it first open, what does it offer and what makes it special?

GRL first began in July 2019, with myself coaching exclusively women in person before lockdown hit and we moved everything online. I was a one-woman band until I opened the gym in October 2020, offering a range of services including standard memberships for ladies of all ages to train in a safe and comfortable environment, in their own time. In addition to this, we offer online coaching, also known as ‘100 Day Slay’, and semi-private coaching, which is our in-person coaching service. With opening our doors, this provided new employment opportunities for women who were like-minded in my vision for supporting females in the local area and further, in achieving body confidence through a realistic and sustainable approach to exercise and nutrition.

We feel GRL is special as it welcomes women of all ages, abilities, experiences and backgrounds. Our clients support one another in their achievements and in all aspects of their training- no matter the age, ability or accomplishment.

Our team collaborates in dedicating our energy to ensure all clients receive exceptional service and outstanding, realistic and maintainable knowledge on their health and fitness, from all staff.

How many PTs/coaches are there?

We have four coaches and two admin staff.

How long have you been a coach and what was it that made you want to get into the fitness business?

I began coaching when I finished my degree as I loved the gym, the energy it brought to me and the uplift in not only my physical health, but my mental health too. Having that time to focus on myself and taking a breather from the day was my sanctuary, and still is to this day! I developed such a passion for fitness and endeavoured to pass my love and knowledge onto like-minded women of all ages who wanted to improve their lifestyle, energy and health as a whole.

My qualifications enabled me to do this and since that point in 2018, I’ve never looked back! Now, we have a fantastic, motivated and dedicated team of staff who work together in the same vision of empowering women across NI,

GRL Health and Fitness, 20 Lisnabilla Road, Moira BT67 0JW Follow us on social media: @grlhealthfit

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With so many more people having mental health issues, do you think being active and training can help?

1000%! The feedback we receive on how GRL positively impacts our clients’ mental health has us smiling from ear to ear. As much as our members love the physical changes to their bodies and their health, the mental health benefits commonly outweigh the physical.

We work regularly with our clients to improve their mental health on a 1-1 basis, run workshops, discuss this topic within our GRL Talk podcasts, and share content across our social media pages to help ladies far and wide with their mental health.

Can having the accountability of signing up to a programme at the gym help get ladies back on track or started with their fitness journey?

Having the RIGHT support and accountability will absolutely enable and encourage anyone to be consistent, or begin their fitness journey. We pride ourselves in understanding women’s health, such as menstrual cycles and the impacts this has on the female body.

This is just one of the many reasons our coaches develop a close bond with our clients, as clients feel comfortable, supported and heard when it comes to their own individual needs, abilities, injuries and illnesses.

Lasota & Devlin Miss Josefa Lasota, daughter of Anne and Stan Lasota, from Fátima, Portugal, recently married Nolan Devlin, son of Mary and Joseph Devlin, from Lisburn. Their wedding took place on 3rd August at Jerónimos Monastery, Lisbon, followed by a reception at Palácio de Tancos. Josefa wore an ivory wedding dress from Loft Bridal, Omagh, with a veil from Olivia Bottega. Nolan wore a classically styled tuxedo from Hugo Boss.

Photography by Robitnytskyi Andrii, Lisbon.

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Wedding Showcase SATURDAY 16TH NOVEMBER 1PM - 4PM BALLYGALLYCASTLEHOTEL.COM IMAGE COURTESY OF TREASURE AND HEART PHOTORAPHY

SCAN QR CODE ABOVE FOR YOUR FREE TICKET

Kyle and Hannah Tumelty and son Harrison who married at Tullyveery House in August 2023.

Shirley and Cherith Gilliland from Adorn Dress Hire.

TULLYVEERY HOUSE WEDDING FAIR On Sunday 1st September 2024, Tullyveery House hosted their open day and wedding fair. The event offered an opportunity for guests to explore one of Northern Ireland’s most sought-after wedding venues, nestled in the rolling hills of Co. Down, just 30 minutes from Belfast. The fair allowed guests to explore the grounds, both indoor and outdoor spaces, and also included the official launch of Tullyveery’s brand-new event space, The Orchard.

Tolson Sherwood from Posh Nosh with Tullyveery guests Catherine Byrne, Nicola Byrne and Maria Gallery.

Sophie and Danny Murphy who married at Tullyveery in June 2024.

Charlie Heron and Tara from Tullyveery House.

Sarah and Francis Meaney.

Vicky and Paul Magowan who married at Tullyveery House in August 2023.

Florist Janet Broome with Jill Heron from Tullyveery House.

Recently engaged couple Sarah Johnston and Timothy Beattie.

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RECENTLY ENGAGED? ...

WHY NOT CONSIDER THE

In the heart of County Antrim One Wedding a Day Beautiful dedicated Wedding Arrival Garden Lounge Purpose-built Wedding Pavilion for Ceremonies Stunning Function Suite Luxurious Honeymoon Suite

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

Crawford & Horn Miss Carolyn Crawford, daughter of Ernest and Heather Crawford, from Stewartstown, Tyrone, recently married Nicholas Horn, son of Alan and Angela Horn, from Tynemouth. The wedding took place on 17th August 2024 at Titanic Hotel, Belfast. Carolyn wore a stunning Justin Alexander dress from Pronuptia Bridal Boutique.

Photography by Jervis Wedding Photography.

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W E D D I N G S AT R O E P A R K R E S O R T TO FIND OUT MORE OR BOOK YOUR APPOINTMENT E M A I L W E D D I N G S @ R O E P A R K R E S O R T. C O M OR CALL +44 (0)28 7772 2222

Photoshoot

Photoshoot

Local Vendors Shine in Wedding Shoot

HILLMOUNT HOUSE

Hillmount House, home to beautiful events, was the

location for the shoot. This privately-owned Georgian

house and barn with sea-view gardens, in Co.Antrim, offers a unique venue for a stylish wedding.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY LOVE AND LOREEN

Loreen is a photographer from Northern Ireland who

works with couples, specialising in intimate weddings, transforming love stories into works of art.

The makeup was created by Lynzi Claire Makeup Artist. Lynzi is a University of The Arts, London and Chanel Academy graduate and has over 17 years

experience in the makeup industry. Her ethos is makeup

should enhance your natural beauty, not distort, mask or cover. Her makeup style is fresh, natural and wearable.

After a stint in London, Lynzi is now based in Co.Antrim.

Photoshoot

Deon Hunter Hair styled the hair on shoot. Deon works

within Shek Hair Group, Larne. With eight years’ experience, his services range from cuts, colours and keratin, to extensions and special wedding hair.

Bridal Elegance is a 10-year-old, family-owned bridal

boutique which helps brides find the perfect wedding and bridesmaids’ dresses. “We were thrilled to take part in this styled shoot, collaborating with some of the most talented local vendors to create a stunning bridal look. It was a

pleasure to showcase our gowns alongside such beautiful

details, and we hope it inspires brides to envision their own dream day.”

One Small Seed Flower Farm provided the floral

arrangements. Based just outside Ballyclare, they offer a

unique wedding experience for couples by hand-selecting

their home-grown wedding flowers straight from their farm.

They offer flowers for elopements and small-to- medium-

sized weddings throughout the local growing season, AprilSeptember.

Cobwebs Antiques & Jewellery supplied

the freshwater pearl jewellery for the shoot.

Cobwebs is a small family business in Larne,

established for over 25 years. They specialise in

new, pre-loved, vintage and antique gold and silver jewellery. A bespoke jewellery-sourcing service is available for your dream items and budget.

Rural Beauty provided the manicure for the bride.

Based in Co.Antrim, with 24 years experience,

Lynsey also provides a mobile beauty service for all your beauty needs.

Location: Hillmount House – enquiries@hillmounthouse.com Photography: Love and Loreen Makeup: Lynzi Claire Make Up Artist Hair: Deon Hunter Hair Flowers: One Small Seed Flower Farm Dresses: Bridal Elegance Jewellery: Cobwebs Nails: Rural Beauty Suit: Red Models: Kerrie and Darren

Engagement News This engagement story weaves together the threads of two worlds – one rooted in the shores of Bangor, Co. Down, and the other in the bustling heart of New York City.

Taylor Nicole Stephens, a resident New Yorker and masters student in Opera Performance at the Manhattan School of Music, and Nathan Johnston Lockhart, a serving Royal Navy Officer, privileged to be born-and-bred in Northern Ireland, have been blessed to write a love story that defies distance.

Their engagement, a surprise proposal aboard a private yacht during a tranquil sunset cruise on the Ionian Sea, off the coast of Corfu, Greece, was a moment of pure serendipity.

The couple’s first date was a winter’s eve spent ice-skating beneath the towering Christmas tree at Bryant Park in Manhattan, which felt like something out of a New York holiday film – another testament to the remarkable journey they’ve embarked upon together (some 74,000 air-miles later).

Photography by Maria Katapodi.

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Love in Every Season...

Elegant Civil Ceremonies | Private Pre-Reception Suite Opulent Draped Banqueting Suite | Luxurious Honeymoon Suite 4am Complimentary Bar Extension | Stunning Picture Opportunities

www.4seasonshotel.ie

|

+353 (0)47 81 888

|

weddings@4seasonshotel.ie

ALEXANDRA BARFOOT PHOTOGRAPHY

Stylish photography and content creation to promote your business

CELEBRATING 13 YEARS IN BUSINESS

www.alexandrabarfoot.co.uk www.alexandrabarfoot.co.uk

The Foxes Den Has A Brand New Look Ulster Tatler speaks to Declan Holmes, Managing Director at Nightcap Event Group.

Nightcap Event Group has relaunched The Foxes Den – how did this come about?

We took over The Foxes Den restaurant in September 2023 and used the first 12 months as a period for us to get our feet under the table, assess the overall business and see how it could intertwine with our other events group business. It also gave us the opportunity to measure demand, which luckily, continues to grow.

We felt the time was right to invest further in the restaurant, putting the Nightcap stamp on it. The refurbishment also allowed us to increase the seating capacity and better utilise the space, which has resulted in a 50% increase in table availability, accommodating the demand of our loyal customer base.

What can we expect from the new and enhanced Newtownards venue?

In addition to a refresh of the branding, we enhanced the interior of the restaurant, elevating the ambience by introducing a more intimate and cosy dining experience.

Our customers can expect the same highquality food, curated by our experienced chef, Darren Currie and the kitchen team, but with the introduction of some delicious new additions to the menu. We are also launching a new drinks menu, in association with local brand, Copeland Distillery, that will offer a wider range of cocktails.

Later this month will also see the return of our ‘NightFox’ themed events, before our ‘Christmas Nights’ launch on 29th November offering three courses for only £34.

What does it mean to you to be able to invest in the area and create jobs?

It means a lot to be able to invest in the area, given that I live in Comber, which is fairly local.

Newtownards is also where my girls go to school and where my wife, Jenny’s family is from.

Additionally, when we took over the restaurant last year, it allowed us to protect 20 jobs – many staff live within the Greater Newtownards area, so it’s great to support employment within the local area. We are also currently undertaking a recruitment drive for staff for our ‘Christmas Nights’ and outside events, so there is even more opportunity to invest in the local area.

What elevates a restaurant to the next level?

A high quality of food will always be central to success; however, I believe that Nightcap’s extensive experience has elevated The Foxes Den to the next level.

We have the ability to offer customers an enhanced dining experience, and utilising our 11 years of events and bar experience, we can create a range of carefully curated cocktails and drinks, bringing a different feel to the venue.

Our people at The Foxes Den also set us apart – as well as our kitchen team, our restaurant manager, Megan Coalter and her team ensure

www.thefoxesden.co

the smooth running of the venue, offering a high level of customer service.

Who was involved in this rejuvenation project?

The restaurant fit-out was completed by Newtownards-based, Nordica Design, which did an incredible job. From design to installation, the whole process was seamless, and the team accommodated the refurbishment overnight to minimise any disruption to customers and ensure the business was not commercially affected.

We also worked with Page Setup Design to refresh The Foxes Den branding, which we are delighted with, and the team is also currently working on a new, updated website. Both partners understood the urgency of the task in hand and rose to the challenge admirably.

What has been the highlight(s) of the project?

For me personally, it has been putting our own stamp on The Foxes Den, creating character through the newly refurbished space and refreshed brand, and aligning the restaurant more closely with Nightcap’s brand values.

This project, which was our first fixed licensed premises, marks the first phase in our next period of growth. It has given us the confidence to pursue other collaborative opportunities and locations as we continue to grow the Nightcap Event Group.

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Peter Collen, Ken Hood, Michael Keane and Jason Hamilton (Carnbrooke Meats).

John McCague, Mark McCague, Willie McCague and Tony Stokes.

CHARITY GOLF DAY AT LISBURN GOLF CLUB The Rotary Club of Lisburn held their annual Charity Golf Day on Thursday 5th September 2024 at Lisburn Golf Club. A beautiful and sunny day saw 100 golfers compete for a range of sponsored prizes. The evening meal and auction were compered by Gene Fitzpatrick.

The generosity of the corporate and individual sponsors will allow for significant donations to be made to this year’s chosen charities – Air Ambulance NI and Cancer Focus NI.

Charity golf day committee John Haycock, Henry Wilson, Billy Regan, Colette Greenhalgh, Lisburn Rotary President John Crawford, John Gilliland, Kevin Devlin and Patrick Coyle.

From Donnelly Brothers: Raymond Craig, James Magee, Tony Magee and Paul Dickson.

Lisburn Golf Club Captain Neil Roulston, Lisburn Rotary President John Crawford and Lady Captain Christine McCullough.

Alan Kilpatrick, Dennis Thornberry and George Lutton.

Stephen Stewart, Graham Elliott and Stephen Elliott.

Ian Fawcett, Michael Montgomery, John Magee and Will Miscampbell.

Leonard Pollock, Joanna Denton and Helen Coulter.

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Mrs Claire Howell, Aoibhe Carr (Year 10 prize for RE), Nicole Cruz (Lucy Smyth prize for GCSE RE), Abigail Murray (AS-level prize for RE), David Heasley (Canon Elliott Memorial prize for A-level RE) and Mrs Paula McKeown (HOD RE).

Mr David Castles (Principal) and David Heasley (Harrington Cup).

Patrick Cooper (Head Boy and recipient of the McAlpine Trophy for AS-level Chemistry) and Rabeekah O’Connor (Head Girl and recipient of the Simon Caughey Initiative Award).

Patrick Cooper (AS-level prize for Mathematics), Eva Somerville (GCSE prize for Mathematics), Aimee Elliott (GCSE Prize for Further Mathematics), Mrs Cara Clarke (HOD Mathematics), Ellie Moore (Year 10 prize for Mathematics) and Tom Keery (Blair Cup for A-level Mathematics).

Mr Dale Walmsley, Matthew Deeney (Fleming Cup for A-level Geography) and Mrs Sharon Wilson.

Mr David Cardwell and Logan Campbell (Carson Cup for GCSE Physics).

Claire Murdock and Nurefsan Altay (recipients of the Patricia Gordon Community Cup).

Mrs Joanne Fitzpatrick (AIB) and Corey Guinn (recipient of the AIB Perpetual Award).

WELLINGTON COLLEGE PRIZE DISTRIBUTION 2024

Corey Guinn (Percival Tougher Prize for Best performance at A-level) and Aimee Elliott (Percival Tougher Prize for Best performance at GCSE level).

Mr Tom Scott, David Heasley, Zuzanna Szurmak, Max Downing, Mrs Patricia McNeill, Lorenzo McGarry, Corey Guinn and Mr David Hopley.

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On Friday 27th September, the College held the annual Prize Distribution to recognise and celebrate the successes and achievements of pupils, both past and present.

The guest speaker was Mr Conrad Kirkwood, President of the Irish Football Association. Mr Kirkwood regaled the audience with experiences from his own career and provided an insight into the work of the IFA and possible future career paths that it can offer to young people.

Adam McVeigh (A-level prize for French), Elliott Dalton (AS-level prize for French), Miss Lauren Irvine (HOD French), Chris Elembe (Patricia Gordon Salver for French at GCSE).

India Steen and Imogen Magee share success.

Sarah Wallace is congratulated by her dad on her outstanding achievements in both Further Mathematics and Physics.

Sophie Du Boulay, Captain of Marlborough House collects the House Cup for 2023-24.

Victoria hockey stars Lucia Steen and Anna Ellerby.

Isabella, pictured with her parents Roger and Maureen O’Dowd, received the Naca Rosa Award for representing school at international level, coupled with the Erin Kinnear Cup for Track & Field national achievement.

Prize-winning students with mums and grandmothers left-right Lesley McGuire, Rosie Mawhinney, Erin McGuire, Rebekah Oberholzer, Debbie Hasluck and Samantha Oberholzer.

Alizeh Usman celebrates her GCSE success with her brother and dad.

Elsie received a Year 8 Prize and is pictured with her dad Mr Jerry Staple.

Olivia is awarded The Watson Swimming Cup, pictured with her parents Andrew and Christine Mooney. Also pictured is Catherine Hunter.

Jean and Phil Smyth with prizewinning daughter Polly, who was awarded the Timmins Drama Cup. She also received an award for her GCSE achievements.

Ellie Gray recipient of the Bombardier Award for most promising progress in woodwind, pictured with her parents Mr Gray and Dr Tamlin Lizius.

School Principal Karen Quinn, Head Girl Olivia Chandler, guest of honour Dr Jackie Henry MBE and Board of Governors Chairman Mr C McCrory.

VICTORIA COLLEGE BELFAST PRIZE DISTRIBUTION On 26th September, Victoria College celebrated a wide range of academic and extra-curricular achievements at their annual Prize Distribution Ceremony. Pupils, parents, carers and family members were joined by staff, invited guests and governors to share in this special afternoon, recognising the talent, success and achievements of pupils across an array of curricular and extra-curricular domains. Guest of honour, Dr Jackie Henry MBE, managing partner for People and Purpose at Deloitte, distributed prizes and engaged the audience with her motivational speech, encouraging everyone to embrace opportunity whilst prioritising equilibrium.

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Contact us for further information: SkillSET Cedar: skillset@cedar-foundation www.cedar-foundation.org

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Mr Richard Pengelly CB (Chief Executive, EA).

Head Girl Eva Royal, Principal Dr Frances Vasey, Guest Speaker Mr Richard Pengelly CB, Board of Governors Chair Miss S. Rosemary Rainey OBE and Head Boy Reo McKnight.

Amelia Wirzynkiewicz, Ruby Glover and Vanshika Kotaprolu

Margaret Coey, Leah Gamble and Sonia Hewitt.

School Principal Dr Frances Vasey and Guest Speaker Richard Pengelly.

Special guests with Head and Deputy Head Boys and Girls.

Finn, Jenny, Erin and Andrew Cross.

Abbie Carson, Ruby Glover, Mya Lemon and Martha Orr.

Colin, Ben and Gillian Sykes.

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL PRIZE DISTRIBUTION CEREMONY 2024 On Wednesday 18th September Grosvenor Grammar School was delighted to welcome Mr Richard Pengelly CB, Chief Executive of the Education Authority, and former pupil, as Guest Speaker at its annual Prize Distribution Ceremony. Along with speeches from Chairperson of the Board of Governors Miss Rosemary Rainey OBE and Principal Dr Frances Vasey, those in attendance enjoyed Mr Pengelly’s engaging address, including his own memories of his time at Grosvenor Grammar School. The event provided the perfect opportunity to celebrate another year of superb all-round achievement at the School, during which time its pupils have continued to enjoy a plethora of academic and extracurricular successes.

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The Word

Christmas Promotional Photoshoot The annual Christmas photoshoot starts on Friday 1st November with Marie Allen photographer. Fun! festive shoot for all the family.

E: marie@marieallen.co.uk or T: 028 3835 1055

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

You can also book through Sofia Cairns Classical style at the tree.

George Houston Enjoying the hot cocoa bar.

Multi award winning, including Great British Food Awards, Great Taste Awards, Irish Quality Food Award and Blas na hÉireann 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 Twi er: @cavanagheggs Phone: 028 6773 7889 Mobile John: 078 5796 4436 Mobile Eileen: 078 5796 4468

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The Killymoon team in the new showroom.

Hugh, Maria, Ciara and Michael Doyle.

Kathrina, Zara and Robert McAllister.

Graeme Kelly and Steve Wilson.

Katie Wilson, Helen Wilson, Ella Black and Ingrid Hamilton.

Emma and Andrew Creaney.

Sonia McGurk, Geraldine Conway and Annette Mulgrew.

Charles Wemyss, Jane Brodison, Amanda Coyle and Pamela Ferguson.

NEW SHOWROOM OPENED Killymoon Bespoke Living, Cookstown, have recently remodelled and extended their beautiful showroom, providing the perfect opportunity to have an evening of celebration to showcase their new designs and luxurious handcrafted furnishings, which are made on-site in County Tyrone. During the evening the team proudly showcased the diverse range of both upholstered and wooden furnishings, demonstrating the talent of both the craftspeople and design team in bringing visions to life.

The new Killymoon showroom.

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CREATORS OF BESPOKE HANDMADE FURNISHINGS

INTERIOR DESIGN SERVICE AVAILABLE VISIT OUR SHOWROOM: Unit 4, Derryloran Industrial Estate,

+44 28 867 69451

Cookstown, Co. Tyrone,

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Northern Ireland, BT80 9LU

info@killymoonliving.com

BB Old Boys’ Pipes, drums and bugles leading a short parade to the service.

Former members of Ganaway Maintenance Committee.

Past members parading to the service.

Platform party, Rev Colin Morrison (Battalion chaplain), Roy Nesbitt (Battalion president), Trevor Smyth (Battalion vice-president).

Friends and family look on at the parade.

Members of The Boys’ Brigade Centenary Male Voice Choir singing their anthem.

CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

Rev Colin Morrison giving his address.

Members of The Boys’ Brigade Centenary Male Voice Choir leading the praise.

The Belfast Battalion Boys’ Brigade celebrated 100 Years of BB camping at its Ganaway Training & Activity Centre near Millisle Co. Down on Sunday 29th September 2024.

Former members of The Boys’ Brigade joined current members for the special thanksgiving service in recognition of the past 100 years and commitment for the years ahead.

Thousands of boys, mostly from Belfast, would have descended on Ganaway for their annual boyhood summer camps. Ganaway today is a thriving residential activity centre for many BB and non-BB groups.

Elected representatives in attendance from the Strangford constituency.

Paul McCarroll (Battalion chief executive) shares reflection of the past 100 years of Ganaway.

Drum corps of the 10th Bangor BB Old Boys’ Association Band.

Buglers playing Reveille.

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a e r l i K

SPECIAL FOCUS

Kilrea:

Kilrea

Kilrea is a commercial market town situated in County L’Derry, centred around ‘The Diamond’, with plenty of shops and services to suit your every need. It gets its name from the ancient church that was located near to where the current Church of Ireland is situated on Church Street overlooking the town. Each year they hold The Fairy Thorn Festival: an Irish dancing festival named after the fairy tree in the town.

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Kilrea

Family fun day.

Additional fancy dress winner.

Europa big breakfast.

Glitzy Glamour.

Sofa talk.

FAIRY THORN FESTIVAL In 1992, Kilrea launched a cross-community week-long series of events called the Festival of the Fairy Thorn.

It was hugely successful and ran until the mid-2000s.

Over the years many activities were run for the benefit of all in the community: from sports to entertainment, history to music, food and drink to crafts, all designed to bring footfall into the town centre, involve local businesses and provide ‘something for everyone’ in the local community and surrounding areas. The 2024 festival was a roaring success, with a multitude of activities and events for everyone to enjoy.

Vintage rally.

Demi Crawford as Matilda.

Memory Lane - winner of best shop window display.

Woodhall.

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Maria Shields, Emma Martin and Kenny Bradley, propreitor.

Kenny’s Convenience Stores are found in Coleraine, Magherafelt, Garvagh, Kilrea, Randalstown and Newtownabbey .

26 Garvagh Rd, Kilrea, Coleraine BT51 5QP

Kenny and Debra McDonald

Eileen McGrath, longest serving team member with over 27 years experience Kenny Bradley and Holly McCombe.

Mrs McLenaghan, Kenny, Tony Gibson, Eileen McGrath, Holly McCombe

Kilrea

Our passion is creating beautiful interiors in collaboration with our clients We are an award-winning luxury interior design house operating since 2001. Renowned and recognised for our customer service and professionalism.​​Our​head​office/design​studio​is​located​on​the​ historic Diamond in Kilrea’s town centre. We have a second design studio at our Business Partner’s premises, Ballycastle Homecare.

Ballycastle Homecare supply high-end kitchen, bathroom and tiling solutions. Our partnership with Ballycastle Homecare, means that we offer a comprehensive design service. Additionally, we can supply and deliver every element within your home: a unique level of project support from the initial drawings of a project to the drawings of the curtains.

EUROPA FOODS DISTRIBUTION LTD U16 – 19 Kilrea Enterprise Centre, Kilrea, BT51 5QU Tel: 028 295 41586 Email: info@europa-foods.co.uk Website: www.europa-foods.co.uk

KILREA BALLYCASTLE

028 2954 0119 www.traceyjaneni.com 166

Kilrea Primary School is proud to be a warm, welcoming community that fosters a lifelong love of learning. We celebrate our students’ achievements, help form lasting friendships, and create memories that will stay with our children for years to come. Our deep connection with the local community, as well as our participation in Shared Education programs, emphasises collaboration, inclusion, and respect for everyone.

We truly see ourselves as a family, and we would be delighted to welcome you to visit our school and experience firsthand the environment we are so proud of. Kilrea Primary is the only school in Northern Ireland to receive 12 consecutive Eco Flags and was ranked in the top 15 schools in the UK for an intergenerational poetry competition. Come see why we are so passionate about our school and the wonderful community we’ve built!

5 Lisnagrot Road, Kilrea, BT51 5SE Mrs M McCombe (Principal) info@kilreaps.coleraine.ni.sch.uk 028 295 40636

Kilrea

Kilrea GAC – An Ever-Growing Club Kilrea GAC was formed over 85 years ago, since then they have grown to have over 600 registered members. In 2023/24, they formed a mixed Rounders team and introduced Ladies Football (LGFA), this has now expanded to include underage teams ranging from U10, right up to Senior level.

They have a newly refurbished gym, a fully floodlit walking track and run classes for singing and musical instruments. They offer mixed circuit training that caters for all ages and abilities and their hall is available for local community events.

For more information follow Kilrea GAC on Social Media, @KilreaGAC or email PRO.Kilrea.Derry@gaa.ie

We are a small family run business in Kilrea, providing flowers for all Those special occasions Birthdays, Anniversaries.Weddings Weddings& Anniversaries. &Sympathy Sympathy

Oran McAtamney’s Family Butchers

29 Maghera Street, Kilrea BT51 5QL

07719 280 608

The McAtamney Family have been part of the Kilrea business landscape since 1933, when John McAtamney Snr began his butchery business. The shop is now ran

by Oran McAtamney, who learnt his trade by working along side his Grandfather and Father, before taking over the business in the early 1970's. Oran’s son, Declan now works along side him, overseeing the daily operations of the business. We are proud to be a 4th generation family business serving the community of Kilrea.

While the needs of our customers have changed over the years, we continue to strive to offer quality meats at affordable prices, along with excellent customer service. We have excellent value packs which offer variety and value, as well as a full range of locally sourced meats and products. Our Gourmet Kitchen range was developed by our team of Chef’s to provide home cooked meals, with added convenience.

A family-run business that has been serving the local community for over 100 years.

24-service 11-13 Coleraine Street, Kilrea BT51 5QA E: info@dempseyfunerals.co.uk T: 028 2954 0226

6-8 Bridge St, Kilrea

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Claire, Stephanie, Maria, Diane and Emma.

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Kilrea

Kilrea

A Step Back In Time...

Old photos from April 1993, when Kenny Bradley took the business over from the late Sam Collins.

We design and manufacture high integrity fabrications subassemblies for global Hutchinsonand Engineering machinery brands.

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• Supplier of choice for clients in crushing and screening, recycling, agricultural machinery, coachbuilding, and electric and hydrogen vehicles.

• In Business Over 50 Years • Skilled and Dedicated Workforce • Investors in People and Operational Excellence 58 Drumagarner Road,Kilrea BT51 5TE T: 028 2954 0302 E: info@hutchinson-engineering.co.uk www.hutchinson-engineering.co.uk

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SPECIAL FOCUS

Kilrea

Property Experts H.A. McIlrath & Sons was established in 1917 by Hugh Arthur McIlrath. John E McIlrath is the third generation currently running the family business. They are one of the area’s largest independent land and estate agent, and have developed a wide reaching knowledge of the local area and pride themselves in having built up a loyal customer base.

Time to Tee Off

Services: Rural Sales | Residential Sales Residential Rentals | Land Letting Valuations | Machinery Sales Livestock Market 46 Maghera Street, Kilrea T: 028 2954 0269 E: info@mcilraths.com www.mcilraths.com

Kilrea Golf Club was founded in 1919. It was the only golf club in Ireland to open for play in the year after the Great War. Lying close to the edge of the town, the course occupies a unique landscape and is home to a rich variety of wildlife. A beautifully maintained heathland course, recently described by one expert as ‘the most interesting 9 hole layout in Ireland’, Kilrea Golf Club is renowned for being one of the very driest inland courses in the area.

An enjoyable challenge awaits all ranges of golfing ability at Kilrea Golf Club.

2024 GREEN FEES: Monday - Friday: £20 (£15 if playing with a member) Saturday/Sunday/Public Holidays: £25 (£20 if playing with a member) MEMBERSHIPS (2024 rates): Full Membership: £440 Young Adult (21-29): £235 Youth (18-20): £130 Juvenile (Under 18): £95

Art & Soul Edenbane Art is a local family run business based in Kilrea.

We offer a fine array of quality traditional, modern and contemporary works of art from some of Ireland's well known artists, past and present. Arrangements to view any of the artwork can be made by contacting Brendan by email: brendan@edenbaneart.com or phone 07703452405.

Edenbane Art also offer a picture framing service at affordable prices.

Membership application forms can be found online at:

www.kilreagolfclub.com GOLF SOCIETIES WELCOME!

205 Edenbane Road, Coleraine, BT51 5XF T: 07703452405 E: brendan@edenbaneart.com www.edenbaneart.com

KILREA GOLF CLUB 47A Lisnagrot Road, Kilrea, BT51 5SF T: 028 2954 0044 | E: kilreagc@hotmail.co.uk www.kilreagolfclub.com 171

Ulster Folk Museum general manager Susan Starrett, Joe Boyd (brother of Castle Espie volunteer George), willow sculptor Bob Johnston and centre manager Paul Stewart.

Matthew Anderson, Peggy and Michael Graham.

James Orr (WWT) and Emma Ruddock.

Castle Espie volunteer Tara Mackie, Kellie Armstrong MLA, centre manager Paul Stewart and Cllr Patricia Morgan.

UNIQUE BRENT GOOSE SCULPTURE UNVEILED

Susan Starrett (Ulster Folk Museum), Folk Museum volunteers John and Glynis McConnell and sculpture artist Bob Johnston.

Former centre managers Karl Hamilton and Jeff McCoy.

A stunning new sculpture of a light-bellied brent goose called ‘The Spirit of Strangford Lough’ has been unveiled at WWT Castle Espie.

Developed in collaboration with WWT Castle Espie and Ulster Folk Museum in Cultra, the sculpture will not only welcome all visitors to the WWT Castle Espie visitor centre in Comber but is a fitting tribute in memory of much respected WWT volunteer, George Boyd.

The hand-crafted sculpture was constructed in public view at the Ulster Folk Museum by willow sculpture specialist Bob Johnston, whose previous work includes the ‘Deadly Dragons’, which can be seen at the Ulster Museum.

Castle Espie volunteer Tara Mackie pictured with the portrait of her father and Castle Espie founder, Paddy Mackie, by artist Colin Davidson.

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Ulster Folk Museum general manager Susan Starrett, Joe Boyd (brother of Castle Espie volunteer George), willow sculptor Bob Johnston and centre manager Paul Stewart.

Whistledown proprietors Colum and Sarah McAvoy and family.

Whistledown proprietors Colum and Sarah McAvoy.

Staff and guests at The Whistledown Hotel, Warrenpoint, are marking a very special occasion this month as the award-winning hotel celebrates its 30th anniversary. The Whistledown welcomed its first guests in 1994 and has become a cherished landmark on the shores of Carlingford Lough, renowned for its commitment to excellence, coastal charm, and guest satisfaction.

David Lawless, Sarah McAvoy and Rachel Lawless.

For more information about The Whistledown Hotel’s 30th anniversary celebrations, special offers, weddings or corporate offerings, or to make a reservation, please visit www.thewhistledownhotel.com or contact info@thewhistledownhotel.com

Jana, Guna and Solvita.

Matthew and Ruth Newell; Leeanne and Gareth Chambers.

Gia Malocca, Kevin McFerran and Kim Keenan.

Pamela and Wayne Martin.

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Mary Thompson and Ciara Dalton.

Margaret Doherty and Beth McAvoy.

Rosemary Connolly, Paddy Burns, Catherine Murphy, Anne McCormack, Catherine and Cathal McAnulty.

Majella Fitzpatrick, Denise Byrne, Sarah McAvoy and Suzanne Tinnelly.

Mairead McCaul, Katie and Ann McAvoy.

Connor O’Hare and Aisling O’Connor.

Anne and Jennifer Collins and Ewan Lawless.

Studio 41 Dress Hire showcase: Margaret Doherty, Jillian Mackin, Tara Brennan, Sarah McAvoy, Berni Lively, Beth McAvoy

Michelle and Ciaran Deeney.

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

October 2024

INTERVIEW

BY JANE HARDY

Unique Style Jane Hardy chats to boutique hotelier, Melanie Harrison.

B

illy Bragg has stayed at Harrison’s Hotel in Windsor Gardens, Belfast. In the musical Ruby Murray room, of course. With her vinyl on hand, Bro Gallagher has been here and a host of other creative names. But not Take That, although the band asked for rooms on one occasion. Owner Melanie Harrison, the woman behind this boutique hotel’s unique style, says that there were quite a few demands. “They wanted a low rate, then asked whether there would be other bookings as the management didn’t want the stars to be mobbed.” You sense the majority of customers at Harrison’s would not be the mobbing kind. But in the event, Take That didn’t drop by.

They missed out big time as a visit to Harrison’s Chambers of Distinction is a unique experience. As Harrison says, “It’s a different style of hospitality, and all the staff are allowed to be themselves.” So no insincere ‘have a nice day’ on these premises. On my arrival, I’m seamlessly offered and presented with coffee and croissants before the interview. The night before, guests were serenaded to Barbra Streisand numbers on the baby grand in the foyer, with Marion Jordan on vocals. Harrison says there are quite often impromptu gigs with musicians taking over. Once, Noah Stewart, appearing in Northern Ireland Opera’s La Boheme, serenaded her on an upper floor. It’s that kind of hotel.

Reconstructed and lovingly restored to its Edwardian elegance, near the Bot and Post House, it is about to expand. Harrison is

adding eleven new bedrooms, a piano bar and conservatory. “I’m in full renovation mode,” she confides. These will again have individual identities, with the intriguing Murder, She Wrote room added to pay tribute to Angela Lansbury’s mother who was from Belfast. “She lived here, was a famous actress in the black and white movies, then went to America where she had little Angela.”

Harrison’s background isn’t, surprisingly, in hospitality. “I’d never worked in a hotel in my life.” Brought up in Armagh City, Mel Harrison was originally a food scientist (“not a very good one”) having trained at the University of Minnesota, but learnt she didn’t want to go on testing goods for human consumption. She had stayed in quite a few hotels and had developed her own idea of what makes one great. Although well travelled and conversant with great hotels such as the Georges Cinq, Harrison declares that her favourite hotel overall is Castle Leslie in County Monaghan, “It’s run by the amazing Sammy Leslie and is incredible.”

So is this hotel. “People say when they come here, they feel at home,” she adds. Harrison’s definition of home is quite quirky though and all the rooms have different identities. There is the Heaney room, the Lavery room after the artist Sir John Lavery, the John Hewitt room as he lived in the big house back in the day, and so on.

We do a tour of inspection. accompanied by Melanie’s dog, Blue.

Passing through a generous single room, with double bed, Harrison notes visitors might like to bring other halves or lovers with them.

“A bit of a bargain…” Her definition of a hotel is revealing. “I think of it as a big story book, with its own stories. And visitors bring their stories too – everybody, whether famous or not, has a story.”

The narrative at the Harrison gets glitzy come Christmas. Mel Harrison is partnering with Cameron Menzies, CEO of Northern Ireland Opera, to produce some seasonal events and treats. She has also arranged for Big Telly Theatre Company to bring their highly acclaimed production, Granny Jackson is Dead, to the hotel.

Other events are equally creative and the writer’s residency with author Paul McVeigh is returning to Windsor Gardens. The winner gets expert tuition from writer McVeigh, known for novels and great plays, a night or two at the hotel and to finish, some advice on presentation from the great Mel Gidreoyc, another contact Mel Harrison is bringing to the Harrison.

Named for her father Derek – “he’s my inspiration, encouraged me to do this when I was thinking will I or won’t I?, and took up rally driving at 71.”

After all, the place is a kind of salon or creative hub. Return visitors respond to that, including quite a few Americans and international crowd; also locals who know a good thing when they experience it. One thing they won’t get is TV, as there are no televisions here. “That’s kind of controversial,” says the owner, “and something else that’s controversial is the fact we don’t do an Ulster fry for breakfast.” No matter, feast on pancakes, porridge and boiled eggs with soldiers instead. www.chambersofdistinction.com 176

Martin Close and Timothy Kerr.

Philip and Yvonne Jackson with Martin Close.

Martin Close and Neil McMurray.

Nigel and Briannan Rowland.

Hilary Doyle and Alanna Doyle.

Gareth Matthews, Timothy Kerr, Martin Close, Ross Follis.

MII CLOTHING CELEBRATES 20 YEARS MII Clothing recently celebrated twenty years in business.

The Banbridge-based supplier of exclusive men’s fashions has built a loyal customer base over the last two decades, support that has made MII the success it is today.

Timothy Kerr and Stephen Doyle.

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Martin and Ben Close.

Lady Captain Diane Bigger, Hilary Rea and Sharon Nelson.

Annmarie Patterson, Lynne Reid andJoni Chan.

LADY CAPTAIN’S DAY AT DUNMURRY

Maureen Hunt, Lyn Jackson and Carol Taylor.

Past lady Captain Patricia Brennan and Club President Chris Simpson.

This year’s Lady Captain, Diane Bigger, welcomed members and guests to her big day on Friday 9th August. Thankfully the weather was kind and a very enjoyable day was had by all. Sincere thanks to the day’s sponsors, United Wines, for their refreshments at the Halfway House, which washed down some excellent home baked goodies baked by a number of members.

Well done to all prize winners who were heartly congratulated at the evening’s dinner enjoyed by around 100 members and guests of the Lady Captain.

Trish Rockett and Olivia McCrystal.

Paula Grant, Elaine McConnell, lady Captain Diane Bigger and Christine O’Reilly.

Helen Blackley, Angeal Hobson and Helen McHugh.

Hilary Ferguson, Jane Fleming and Janet Moffitt.

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Team of volunteers.

Dancer Deepika Gupta and Kuhumita Sarkar.

Kumar Sharma and Kathak Rockers.

SuKi Tamanna and Mithil.

Dibya Basu (founder of Rhythms of India Dance and Performing Arts).

INDIAN DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA

Monorshi Mahanta, Mudra Academy of Performing Arts UK.

Rhythms of India Dance & Performing Arts proudly presented Belfast’s biggest Indian dance extravaganza, Nritya Sutra—The Art of Indian Dance, in collaboration with the Belfast Asian Women’s Academy (BAWA). The event was inaugurated by the Chief Commissioner of the Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission, Alyson Kilpatrick, and was beautifully hosted by the talented Lata Sharma. The night took the audience on an extraordinary artistic journey, headlined by the legendary Kumar Sharma and his renowned group, Kathak Rockers. Known for his exceptional mastery of Sudhh Kathak and his innovative fusion and Sufi performances, Kumar Sharma mesmerised the crowd with his unique blend of traditional classical dance infused with contemporary elements, transcending cultural boundaries. The event was generously sponsored by Andras Hotels, Hampton by Hilton Belfast City Centre, Namaste Belfast, and Bhingi’s Kitchen. The evening was a joyous celebration, filled with vibrant performances, lively crowds, and the delicious flavours of Namaste Belfast. It was an unforgettable night of culture, art and community spirit, marking a milestone in Belfast’s embrace of Indian dance.

Northern Ireland Human Rights Commissioner Alyson Kilpatrick launching Nritya Suttra. Also pictured, Dibya Basu (Rhythms of India Dance and Performing Arts), Ana Chandran (Belfast Asian Women’s Academy).

Kumar Sharma and Kathak Rockers with organisers.

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Celebrates 70 years in Business

The Duchess of Gloucester cutting a special 70th Anniversary Celebration Cake.

Katie Rush, Suzanne Laverty and Johanne Maxwell pictured with Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester.

Alexander family; Jane Maze, Suzanne Laverty, Johanne Maxwell and Richard Alexander.

Giftware Staff at Alexanders.

Alexanders of Markethill are celebrating 70 years in business this year and had a very exciting visit recently from Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Gloucester. The Duchess enjoyed meeting staff and received a tour of the shop, including a first look at the much-anticipated, highlypopular Christmas shop. Her Royal Highness also enjoyed delicious, homemade refreshments in Alexanders’ Coffee House before cutting a 70th Anniversary cake to mark this huge milestone.

Iris Laverty, great-granddaughter of founders Iris and Norman Alexander, presenting a posy to the Duchess.

Suzanne and Johanne state: “We would like to thank Her Royal Highness The Duchess of Gloucester for visiting our business. It was a privilege to share our family story and the history behind Alexanders and mark this special year with such a memorable event. We also want to thank our loyal and hard-working staff and our incredible customer base who support us, not only at Christmas but throughout the rest of the year. Without their dedication, enthusiasm and encouragement throughout the years we would not be able to celebrate this incredibly special occasion.”

Alexanders 2024 Christmas shop officially launches on Saturday 12th October with special discounts not to be missed.

Alexanders of Markethill, 3 Keady Street, Markethill, BT60 1PN Tel: 02837551261 E: sales@alexandersgiftstore.com

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Romantically nestled on the shore of Keenaghan Lough, Belleek, County Fermanagh, yet a stone's throw into County Donegal, it really is the perfect base to explore these two stunning counties.

The island of Ireland's only 5* Traditional Thatched Cottage and newly crowned the 'Best Self-Catering Accommodation' in Northern Ireland.

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The Word

New Commissioning Project Wants Musicians and Composers to Tell Stories of Belfast Belfast Buildings Trust, the heritage regeneration charity, has announced details of a brand new music project called ‘Notes from Belfast’. It is seeking composers and musicians, with a connection to Belfast, to take part and participate in the commissioning of new music inspired by the city’s people and places.

With connection to the city’s stories being central to the project, BBT seeks songwriters with any relationship to Belfast. ‘Notes From Belfast’ will celebrate Belfast’s creativity through its rich and mixed music heritage. From jazz, pop, folk, classical, electronic and everything in between, the new music will be informed by stories from the city’s people.

Successful applicants will be paired with a Belfast-based community group for people to share their stories, which the selected musicians and composers will use to shape their commissions. By sharing local and personal stories, community groups will become the inspiration behind commissions.

Across the project, the commissions will represent the diverse experiences of life in the city, set to music.

The commissions will be premiered (subject to funding) in performances in some of Belfast’s landmark buildings in 2025 and 2026, including BBT’s Carlisle Memorial Church. The plan is for the sounds of ‘Notes from Belfast’ to reverberate around the city that inspired it.

The closing date for entries is 21st Oct 2024 at 5pm. For more information and how to apply, visit BBT’s website: www.belfastbuildingstrust.org/notes-from-belfast-opencall/.

Clíona Donnelly, Timmy Stewart, Jo Wright and Cara Jones from BBT (who form the commission selection committee) outside the Trust’s offices, Ormeau Road.

A Legacy Gift With Impact A gift in a Will can become many things at Queen’s: the Buchanan’s gift is keeping us safe from asteroids.

When Richard Buchanan’s father died, Richard and his wife Julie were in an unusual position: they could give a legacy gift during their lifetime. By varying the terms of Richard’s father’s Will (via a Deed of Variation) they made a generous donation to support the study of physics at Queen’s in memory of their daughter Catherine, a keen physics enthusiast who died suddenly from leukaemia aged 17.

A part of the legacy gift was used to support the Catherine Buchanan Scholarship that Richard and Julie had established in 2019 to support young women in physics. The remainder was used to help refurbish the university’s astrophysics lab which is used to scan the sky on a daily basis, searching for hazardous asteroids, planets around other stars and the most energetic explosions in the cosmos.

This generous legacy gift is not only supporting female physics students with an aim to increase representation of women in science, but is also helping to monitor our sky for potentially hazardous space rock.

To find out more about leaving a gift in your Will contact Louise at l.carey@qub.ac.uk or visit: go.qub.ac.uk/legacy-gift.

Richard and Julie Buchanan.

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Once October comes around and before we even get a chance to say goodbye to Halloween, the

‘C’ word is already on the tip of our tongues... yes, that’s right Christmas is fast approaching! Now is the perfect time to think ahead and get festive duties organised – whether that is buying gifts, refreshing your home interiors, booking festive

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activies/parties, or stocking up on food and drink for the big day. In this feature we take a look at local companies who are offering up Christmas experiences, or make products that would be the perfect gift for a loved-one. This guide will allow you to get into the spirit of the season and inspire some wonderful ideas.

All Things Christmas

Top Five Things To Do this Christmas

An Unforgettable Family Experience

1. The Belfast Christmas Market returns to City Hall Gardens in November 2024, bringing with it a traditional taste of Christmas.

2. Making Christmas: Traditional Treats at Ulster Folk Museum, Holywood. 23 November 2024. From chocolate truffles to traditional mincemeat, make some tasty treats !

Bring your family down to Titanic Belfast this autumn, where you can see more, hear more and feel more as new light is shed on Titanic’s story and the hopes and dreams of those connected to her. Watch as the Ship of Dreams comes to life for a spectacular and unforgettable family experience!

Continue your journey on-board SS Nomadic (included in Titanic Belfast ticket), the last remaining White Star Line vessel. Restored to her original 1911 glory, a visit to SS Nomadic combines the authentic heritage and atmosphere of this historic ship with the intriguing stories of her passengers and the ups and downs of her dramatic career. The story is told through a wide variety of interactive, hands on, technical and traditional story telling methods, perfect for keeping guests of all ages entertained!

3. Armagh Georgian Weekend - 28 November to 1 December 2024. Step back in time as the Georgian Festival returns to Armagh.

Delve into the Georgian history of Armagh through the buildings, characters and customs of the latter half of the 18th Century.

4. Enchanted Winter Garden at Antrim Castle Gardens 29 November - 21 December 2024. As the winter sun sets over Lough Neagh, Antrim Castle Gardens comes alive with lights and magic for the perfect Christmas experience suitable for everyone.

5. Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market 13 December 2024 3pm 9pm. Celebrate the season with festive fun, artisan food and discover the perfect gift from our local makers at the Royal Hillsborough Christmas Market.

Book your visit today at www.titanicbelfast.com

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PROMOTIONAL PROFILE

Ulster Tatler speaks to

Kathryn McLean,

creator of Fire & Fae jewellery.

Designing and making jewellery is a unique skill, how did you get into this field?

I have always loved jewellery and, in the past, have dabbled with a few different forms of jewellery-making, but I really got involved in the field in 2019, when one of my favourite ever jewellers (Susan Lenart) decided to put some of her courses online. Susan’s style of teaching really appealed to me, as her classes focus on building talisman pieces, to help find a signature style and to embrace non-traditional jewellery styles. I have continued taking online courses, as I love experimenting and learning in order to find the best way to express myself in metal.

At what point did you transition into turning it into a business?

I had my first collection release in August 2020 (after some gentle persuasion from my other half!), and my first in-person event followed in August of the following year.

Where did the name Fire & Fae come from?

Fire is for the forging of the metal with flame and Fae is a nod to the faery mythology of Ireland.

Where do you draw your inspiration for your work?

I think a lot of the inspiration for my work stems from where I am in the world – the island of Ireland – with its rugged and dramatic coastlines, as well as the strong Irish spirit. Travel is always a big influence on anything I do in life – the culture shift definitely influences the creative mind – I love being somewhere with a different language, culture and I relish the colours, sounds and experiences that come with travel. And my contrary personality definitely influences my work – sometimes I want to make neat, detailed pieces, sometimes the more organic and rugged forms come through.

You use recycled materials, how important is it to promote sustainability?

At the moment the main material used in my work is silver – I use recycled sterling silver for all my jewellery, and my fused pieces are made from the remnants of silver left on my bench after my other projects. I love the fused pieces as the process means absolutely nothing goes to waste, and I do not need to send silver scraps back to be recycled - I can do it in my own studio. It also produces some lovely organic forms.

Rhiannon collection

Gemstones are the trickiest part for a sustainable jewellery brand, as there are so many ethical issues involved with a lot of the gems in the industry. If I have any doubts about gemstones I simply will not use them. There are also parts of the world I refuse to buy stones from, either because of their mistreatment of workers or because of what the trading of gemstones might be funding. I have done a lot of research over the years to make sure my gemstones come from reputable sources, and I generally buy from smaller businesses who have less of an environmental impact. It is an ongoing learning process, but I am trying my best. I love using vintage pieces, repurposed items and other interesting items that I find on my travels – anything that makes my jewellery more interesting and unusual.

Your work has been selected for two European jewellery exhibitions, Milan and Bucharest – how did this come about?

I actually came across a jewellery call for the Romanian jewellery week event online, and I decided to put myself forward for consideration. My Blackthorn collection was chosen by the jury to be part of this event – it is a small collection of five pieces, all of which incorporate my interpretation of the blackthorn tree, an important tree in Irish mythology. I was then approached by one of the organisers of Milan jewellery week to see if I would be interested in showcasing a collection at their event as well. I jumped at the chance to be a part of this event! I have sent two of my larger pieces to Milan – they are part of my Rhiannon collection – a collection that focuses on the art of fusing silver remnants to make them into something new. This is to mirror the ‘repurposing’ of older goddesses into the Goddess known as Rhiannon – the ‘Night Queen’ who is associated with the moon, re-birth and fertility.

What are you most looking forward to when showcasing your collections in Europe?

I have a really lovely and loyal following who regularly buy my pieces and who have supported me to get to here, so I am very excited to represent them and Ireland on a global stage at these events, and to reach a wider audience. I am keen to show that the craft and skills in producing alternative forms of jewellery are just as relevant as traditional, conventional forms - everyone has a story to tell and a way of expressing those stories.

What are your plans and aspirations for Fire & Fae? I’ve always been drawn to producing statement pieces. My interest is in creating fashion and art jewellery, and I would love to see some of my pieces on the stage or screen. My hope is to make jewellery making my full-time career.

Blackthorn collection

www.fireandfae.com

Christmas PARTIES

Join us for an unforgettable evening of festive fun, delicious cuisine, and joyous entertainment.

Saturday 7th December The Lively Lads Friday 13th December The Grinch’s Christmas Game Show Saturday 14th December The Untouchables For more information on Christmas at La Mon Hotel Please Scan Below

CONTACT US : T: 02890448631 E: info@lamon.co.uk W: www.lamon.co.uk

apples from the orchards of County Armagh and Tyrone, it’s just like apple pie in a glass!

You can sample all the delicious products in the range at Symphonia Spirit’s stand at the Belfast Christmas Market, at the City Hall, from November 16th until Christmas. If you’re looking for a unique gift for a loved one or treating yourself this Christmas, Symphonia Spirits offers an exceptional taste of local heritage and craftsmanship that is sure to delight and impress. Pick from a range of gift sets including glasses, candles and jams as well as premium hampers.

Cheers to a ‘symply’ perfect autumn and winter spent with loved ones, filled with the warmth and good times!

You can check out the full range online at www.symphoniaspirits.com

Enjoy ‘symply’ wonderful get-togethers with Symphonia Spirits from Woodlab Distillery, Moy As autumn mists start to settle over Northern Ireland, our thoughts turn to the cosy comforts and festive fun that come with the season. Halloween is just around the corner and it’s the perfect time to get together with friends and family and indulge in some delightful, locallymade treats.

While kids tuck into their toffee apples, adults deserve a special apple treat as well. This Halloween, treat yourself and your guests to the delicious flavours of Symphonia Apple Rum and Symphonia Apple Gin, both made with Northern Ireland apples. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply enjoying a quiet night in, these spirits are the perfect way to celebrate the season.

Nestled in Moy in the heart of County Tyrone, The Woodlab Distillery has been crafting its range of Symphonia

Spirits since 2018. The different flavour ‘symphonies’ are composed by ownerdistiller Ulrich Dyer using a highly sustainable distillation process. His unique, low carbon, cold distillation method ensures that every bottle is crafted with care for both the environment and the local community.

For gin enthusiasts, Symphonia Apple Gin offers a truly distinctive flavour. Handcrafted in small batches using local Armagh Bramley apples, blended with classic botanicals of juniper, coriander seed and angelica and fresh herbs and flowers from the garden, the crisp apple flavours will elevate any Halloween celebration.

In addition, Symphonia Apple Rum is a delicious treat for Halloween or a Christmas party, with warm, spicy notes of nutmeg and cloves. Made with Caribbean white rum mixed with locally-grown Jonagold 198

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Flavour That Stands Above The Rest Scotts Crispy Onions – flavour that stands above the rest! With a Great Taste Award under their belt for their steak flavour, they are setting the standard for crispy onions. They are also offering gluten-free crispy onions, and they’ve just added a gluten-free steak flavour to the range.

Whether you are glutenfree or just love great taste, Scotts is the name to trust.

Perfect Christmas Gifting As Christmas approaches, the search for the perfect present is in full swing and innovative powder candle brand, The Candledust is here to remedy all your gifting needs. The Candledust, brings a unique and eco-conscious twist to your holiday gifting. Born out of their own sensitivity to fragrances, the founders crafted Candledust to offer something special: natural wax powder candles and reed diffusers that not only smell divine but are kind to the planet. This Christmas, The Candledust’s innovative sand candle concept makes the perfect gift for home decor enthusiasts, DIY connoisseurs, and eco-conscious individuals alike. The powder candles allow for complete customisation – simply pour the wax dust into a container, insert a wick, and light it. Not only are these candles refillable, but they also provide a mess-free, safe, and sustainable alternative to traditional candles.

If knocked over, the flame extinguishes, making them ideal for homes with children and pets.

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UT CHATS TO COLIN BATEMAN

A dozen ways to keep in touch!

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CRISPY ONIONS

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UlsterTatler FOCUS ON

T

he empty walls in your home present endless design possibilities. It doesn’t matter how big or small the room is – everyone is faced with the same difficult decision on how to spruce up a blank wall and add a touch of character.

A bare, fresh, clean wall can often feel refreshing, especially in a room where the furniture is the centrepiece feature.

However, a blank wall can often feel a bit bare and add a cold feel to a room.

If you are ready to turn those stark walls into stylish, feature walls then our Wonderful Walls feature is the right place for you. In this edition of Ulster Tatler, we are featuring a range of wall art, lighting and tiles – giving you the chance to see what is on offer and some design inspiration.

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H&W.

AUTUMN EXHIBITION & SALE OF WORK Adrian Margey BY

Donaghadee Shelter.

AT THE CULLODEN

Portrush-based artist Adrian Margey will be returning to the Culloden Estate & Spa with his latest Exhibition and Sale of work from Friday 1st – Sunday 3rd November.

The artist will be displaying his most recent depictions of North Down, Ards Peninsula, Mournes, North Coast, Belfast and Donegal. Margey’s signature ‘contemporary’ style combines a kaleidoscope palette with lazy brushstrokes and expressive knife work. His use of bold colour, strong shapes and expressive texture conjures up moods and often evokes an emotional response from the viewer. In his most recent work, Margey has been using hand and finger painting techniques and been experimenting with a more naturalistic colour palette. Margey’s reputation is growing both at home and overseas, having exhibited it the USA in 2022 and live painted at the Experience Ireland Showcase in Milan this Spring. The artist’s commission diary is now open for Christmas and visitors to the show are welcome to discuss their ideas for bespoke pieces with the artist at the exhibition. Admission is free – everyone welcome.

Scrabo Tower.

For more information visit adrianmargey.com Crown.

or telephone the Portrush Studio on 07841593762

Portrush Harbour.

Evening light, Portstewart Strand.

Artist Adrian Margey.

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Up The Wall

LIGHT UP IN STYLE

Have you been wondering what to do with that large, empty wall in your house? Well we have three suggestions that might help brighten up your mood and your home.

Barrett Castle Lighting is Ireland’s specialist stockist of quality lighting and interior accessories. Choose from fairytale chandeliers to abstract pendants, designer table lamps to eye catching wall lights.

1. Large wall art for your living room: If you have a room with tall ceilings, you may want to consider having one main wall décor piece. A large, colourful feature piece can brighten up a plain wall bringing your living room to life. Make sure to fit this to scale – meaning it fits proportionally to the size of your wall.

2. The rule of threes: The rule suggests that groups of three pieces together are more attractive to the naked eye than even numbers!

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3. Use mirrors for more light: When it comes to interior design, mirror placement can really impact the light in your house. When placed adjacent to a window you can double the amount of light while creating the illusion of larger space in your home.

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www.galleryone.co.uk @galleryonegalleries 206

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LOOKING BACK ISSUE: OCTOBER 2005

A GREAT DAY OUT

Keri Patton and Sinead Mayne, Urban Skincare Centre; Joanne McGregor, Ramada Hotel.

CHAMPERS AND HAMPERS AT CLANDEBOYE FESTIVAL

Mr Barry Douglas and Mrs Barbara Black.

A DAY AT THE RACES

Joanne Rodgers from Belfast pictured with Sir Richard Needham. Joanne was awarded the Best Dressed Woman prize.

CAMPBELL COLLEGE CELEBRATES ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS

UK PHOTOGRAPHER OF THE YEAR OPENS SECOND STUDIO

Retiring from the College staff was Mr John Knox, seen here with Mrs Knox and Chief Guest Tim Martin.

Julie Emerson and Michelle McTernan.

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Feel festive at The Rabbit

rabbithotel.com