Ulster Tatler April 2021

NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY

Ulster Tatler APRIL 2021

£3.20

BOOK EXTRACT JAN CARSON BACK TO SCHOOL PREP & PRIMARY GUIDE WE CHAT TO ACTOR GLEN WALLACE

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PAGE6-7.indd 2 Your Lakeside Retreat DPS Advert_Ulster Tatler2.indd 1 The Rabbit Hotel_

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15/04/2021 29/03/2021 12:20 10:32

GERMAN& KITCHEN M BEDROO M O O R W O H S

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www.newmacinteriors.co.uk Phone: 028 8723 7172

Styled with a quality, homely feel, small living spaces can also be designed to suit any individual preference. It demonstrates that elegance cannot be measured in square metres or the size of a room. A splashback finished in stone decor looks particularly classy. Rotating shelves and internal pull-outs behind unit doors and drawers provide the key to bespoke organisation. Wall shelves and open shelf units loosen up the overall impression with stunning effect.

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Contents

April 2021

60

34

92 UT STYLE

FEATURES 14

COLUMNIST – KATHY CLUGSTON Just a Coincidence?

16

INSIDE TRACK Our top picks of coffee pop-ups

20

PARK LIFE Also throughout the magazine

22

MY TOP 10 Also throughout the magazine

26

GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

34

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW Glen Wallace

37

STYLE WATCH

54

SOCIETY WEDDINGS

58

ARTS ROUND-UP

38 52

STYLE RULES Fashion inspiration for local trendsetters

60

BOOK EXTRACT The Last Resort

61

SPRING MUST-READS

41

HAIR MATTERS With Andrew Mulvenna

65

PREP & PRIMARY SCHOOL GUIDE

96

LOOKING BACK April 1994

44

BEAUTY PICKS

Full Colour

This month’s cover features the stunning lakeside view at The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat. The idyllic lakeside retreat; a laid back home from home and an open-air spa with character is launching 18th June 2021.

The Rabbit Hotel & Retreat 882 Antrim Road, Templepatrick, Ballyclare T: 028 9443 2984 www.rabbithotel.com

Keep In Touch With Ulster Tatler At:

follow us on twitter @ulstertatlermag or like us on facebook CIRCULATION VERIFIED BY THE AUDIT BUREAU OF CIRCULATIONS

Black

Reverse

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION UK - £30.00 RoI - £60.00 Overseas - £60.00 ULSTER TATLER ISSN 0049 5107 39 Boucher Rd, Belfast BT12 6UT Tel: (028) 9066 3311 www.ulstertatler.com e-mail: info@ulstertatler.com Ulster Tatler Groups is a name used by Ulster Journals Ltd. Company registered in Northern Ireland, registration number NI005037, registered office as listed.

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01/04/2021 12:51

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Editor’s Letter

Should I Stay or Should I Go? With international travel looking unlikely anytime soon, the demand for holiday rentals in Northern Ireland this summer appears to have gone through the roof. If you haven’t already booked your staycation, a tent may be your best option. Ever the optimist, though, I’m hoping to make it to London at least; unfortunately we had to cancel our Christmas visit there. We have now moved our flights to August and I do hope we make it this time – it’s still one of my favourite cities in the world.

Holiday rentals aren’t the only sector that

seem to be enjoying something of a boom during this, seemingly never-ending, period of restrictions. Garden furniture, dogs, bikes and anything to do with the great outdoors also seem to be impossible to come by. A few weeks ago, I had a bit of a notion to buy a new bicycle as my old one was starting to show its age. The gears were slipping etc etc and, let’s face it, I just fancied an upgrade. A quick look online soon put paid to the idea of buying a new bike anytime soon. They simply weren’t available. I didn’t seem to be able to even place an order for one. The same thing happened when I tried to purchase some garden furniture.

It seems that everyone is having the same idea.

I will just have to wait until the shops reopen, which may be no bad thing.

EDITOR: Christopher Sherry DEPUTY EDITOR: Joanne Harkness EDITORIAL MANAGER: James Sherry SALES & MARKETING MANAGER: Lorraine Gill Gerry Waddell COPY CONTROLLER: Gemma Johnston PRODUCTION MANAGER: Richard Sherry PHOTOGRAPHER: Ian Campbell PRODUCTION/DESIGN: Tatler Type

Only NI based social magazine audited by ABC.

QUOTE FOR THE MONTH

“I dislike feeling at home when I am abroad.”

George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) Irish dramatist

Room for more Start your fostering journey with us

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COLUMN COLUMN / LIFE & TIMES

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.

JUST A COINCIDENCE?

This month, Kathy Clugston discusses a string of coincidences that popped up in her day-to-day life.

Something strange has been going on this month. It wasn’t just my seeing a long spiky object advertising itself as an ‘onion holder’ and thinking “ooh, that looks useful!” or spending a full hour gazing at YouTube videos of cats and dogs cuddling tiny babies - no, I have been beset by odd coincidences.

We all experience synchronous happenings from time to time: you suddenly think of someone you haven’t thought of in ages and they phone you; a song comes into your head and you hear it on TV; you bump into your neighbours in a remote foreign location - well, not these days but you know what I mean. This is what happened lately.

1. I was out walking in the park with my friend Nuala, when she used a word I had never heard before. The word was palimpsest.

It literally means an old manuscript that has been used more than once after earlier writing has been erased, but is used metaphorically to describe something that bears traces of its previous form. Hats off to Nuala for casually dropping it into a sentence. Later that day, I asked my Mum if she’d ever heard it. She hadn’t, and we talked about how unusual it was to hear a word in conversation that we couldn’t even hazard a guess at. That evening, I had a spare ten minutes before a Zoom call and decided to have a quick go at the dishes. I flipped on the radio. A Radio 4 comedy drama called Incredible Women, starring Rebecca Front, was on and I was just in time to hear her say: “Old houses are a sort of palimpsest, each inhabitant writes over the history of the previous generation…” I nearly dropped a cup.

2. One of my Mum’s many hobbies is giving off about the contestants on the TV quiz The Chase. She was amazed that some young chap didn’t know the phrase “in a blue funk”. I had to confess that I didn’t know the ‘blue’ part and ventured that it was an oldfashioned term. That very evening, I picked up a biography I’ve been meaning to read for ages and… you know the rest.

“There is no such thing as accident; it is fate misnamed,” said Napoleon Bonaparte (in French, presumably), while Albert Einstein believed that “coincidence is God’s way of remaining anonymous”. I’m afraid I can’t believe God is at work, sneakily trying to increase my word power. I think we crave patterns and meanings in this crazy old world. There are plenty of statistical explanations for what we experience as coincidence, and yet… I had turned on the radio at that precise moment...

3. I did a radio interview with Belfast actor Maria Connolly, who’d written a play about the American art collector Peggy Guggenheim. I had scant knowledge of Peggy and when I looked her up I noted that Maria bore a striking resemblance to her.

Maria explained that this was how the play came about – she’d been in the Guggenheim museum in Venice and was stopped in her tracks by a portrait of Peggy. They were both wearing a blue dress and a silver necklace. I was telling all this later to my partner Jim and he said, “Oh. I’m writing something for work and just before you rang I typed the words Peggy Guggenheim.”

These are the most striking events, there were

Illustration by Jacky Sheridan

other, smaller things too. I don’t know where it’s all leading. I might vanish in a puff of smoke into an alternate universe. I’d better leave a bit of space at the end in case the Editor needs to write a short but heartfelt tribute.

In the meantime, let us consider the words of the author Deepak Chopra: “When you live your life with an appreciation of coincidences and their meanings, you connect with the underlying field of infinite possibilities.” I think I’ll go with that in future. I like the idea of a world of infinite possibilities. Let’s hope we can get out into it and bump into the neighbours some time soon.

[Note from the Editor: At time of publication, Kathy still exists in this dimension. No heartfelt tribute required.]

THIS MONTH’S OBSESSIONS: Cribbage – Mum and I fancied teaching ourselves another game, to build on our Gin Rummy skills. So far I have learned that cribbage is where the term ‘level-pegging’ originated, and that I am very bad at mental arithmetic.

Power: The Maxwells - A podcast about the dubious dealings of Robert Maxwell & family. Aimed at the US market – references to British newspapers and public figures are carefully explained – but great storytelling.

Fifty/Fifty by Steve Cavanagh - The latest page-turner from the Belfast crime writer centres on two sisters who accuse each other of murdering their father.

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ULSTER ORCHESTRA Advert (Ulster Tatler) – (w)210mm X (h)297mm +5mm bleed, CMYK

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InsideTrack

Ulster Tatler gives you our top picks for this month for coffee and refreshments on the go!

THE FOXY TAIL

KOFFEE HUB

COFFEE BOX

Tazmin and Alanna are pictured from The Foxy Tail Coffee & Prosecco Company. The family run business have been in the wedding industry since 2005, but they quickly realised they could go beyond weddings and have expanded ever since. Their vintage airstream is a coffee bar by day and cocktail bar by night.

During this lockdown they are currently serving fantastic coffee and treats from the Stormont Hotel carpark. The don’t forget your four-legged friends as well, offering up a ‘puppiccino’.

Pictured is Alice Venn from Koffee Hub, which was established in October 2020. The hub, which is located on Dublin Road, Belfast, serves specialist and international coffees – keeping coffee lovers going throughout the pandemic.

It is the perfect to grab a barista prepared coffee, as well as some delicious homemade traybakes.

It is good news for students, who can avail of the 15% discount on hot drinks. Koffee Hub is open Monday-Friday from 8.30am-4pm.

Pictured above is Barbara Lamb and Livvy McCrea. Barbara has spent 30 years running a successful promotions business, but during the pandemic has found a new venture. Her new business, Coffee Box started back in June 2020 at the Belfast Boat Club beside the new Lagan gateway bridge, spanning the river Lagan at Stranmillis. Open seven days a week, you can pick up a beverage and treat during your daily walk along the towpath.

www.thefoxytail.com

65-69 Dublin Road, Belfast

@coffeeboxbelfast

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Mad About Fabrics 16 - 18 Dargan Crescent, Duncrue Ind Estate, Belfast Contact T. 02890 370 390 E. hello@madaboutfabrics.com Shop Online madaboutfabrics.com Social Media Facebook Instagram

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Mad About Fabrics Curtain Fabric Upholstery Fabric Jacquards . Silks . Faux Fur . Knitting Wools Linen . Craft Fabric . Curtain Lining Cotton Prints . Velvets . Satins . Fleece Tweeds . Leatherettes . Pure Wools Sheepskin Throws

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THE SCENE

Aideen Murphy, Laura Ponsonby, Marie-Louise Gowdy and Sandy the six month old Cockapoo.

Stephen and Emma Scott with Ben and Grace.

MONTALTO ESTATE This privately owned historic estate set in magnificent natural surroundings near Ballynahinch has reopened to welcome visitors this spring. Active families can enjoy its Woodland Trail and the impressive tree house featuring rope bridges, monkey bars and treetop views. For tranquil and picturesque walks you can enjoy the stunning views of The Lake Walk and The Garden Walk.

Montalto Estate has been shortlisted for the 2020 Historic Houses Garden of the Year, the only Northern Irish garden to be nominated.

Lucy and Brian Williams enjoying the spring day on Montalto’s ancient woodland trail.

Joanna Curran with daughters Autumn and Abigail.

Martin, Tracey and Riley McGeown.

Noah, Matthew and Maeve McCann celebrating Maeve’s birthday.

Danny O’Hare, Sadie and Katie Hall.

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THE SCENE

Montalto regulars Jean Spurgeon and Kathleen Morrow. Jean used to attend the lavish Christmas concert parties at the house and Kathleen remembers camping with her fellow brownies on the estate.

Amanda Ramsey and Ozzy, Ruth Early and Tara.

Laura, Andrew, Leah and Alex Hutchinson.

Alan Johnston with Jess and Nala, Kelsa Speers with Evee and Lola.

Margaret Hanna and Sue McCrum.

Theo and Lindsay Wylie with Finlay and Tracey Burdock.

Bea, Thora and Ivan Lewis.

Emily and Neil Conlon with Jane and Susanna.

The Ward family Paul, Natalie, Amelia and Ellie with four month old Ollie.

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MY

but you must stay focused and believe there is a light ahead. Show gratitude, be thankful and be happy. Happiness is a choice not decided by circumstance.

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

The people. Through their wit, determination and can do attitude.

KERRYANN WILLOUGHBY

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

Don’t let not knowing stop you, just work it out.

Principle of Willoughby Bespoke Protection

1. What do you love most about your job?

The opportunity to help people to protect themselves and their families if the worst was to happen. For me it is about empowering people with the knowledge to make the right decisions for them.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

The growth in the business over the last year, epecially during the pandemic. As a new business it was tough to stick with it and continue with your plans. But getting over the obstacles and coming through the other end is very rewarding.

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

Spending time with my family. We love eating out and going to the cinema. But now its movie nights and pizza at home.

4. What is your daily routine?

Every day is so different that’s why I love what I do, but it always starts with gratitude and getting my mindset right for the day ahead. It ends with a family dinner. From checking emails in the morning to a day of client meetings. It also can include reviewing marketing, liaising with the team, organising training, researching for the business and overseeing its day-to-day workings.

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

My husband and kids. They have kept me going and are a massive postive influence in my life. They empower me to keep pushing forward and their believe in me has kept me focused.

10. FAVOURITE Movie: Bridge to Terabithia Band/Musician: I have a real eclectic taste in music, so my spotify has pretty much all genres

5. Do you have a fitness regime?

I did prior to starting the business but it has taken a back seat for now. However, I do try to make a point of doing a 5k walk every other day. And if all else fails a few laps of the office stairs counts – right?

Book: ‘There is a bird on your head’

by Mo Willems. Great memories reading this to my kids.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?

Having faith in yourself and in what you are doing. It can be hard especially in tough times

Drink: Martini

Restaurant: The Courthouse in Lurgan Holiday Destination: Bali Meal: I love a Sunday roast

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

Welcome to Milford House Collection Milford House Co. Armagh was the world-famous former home of the McCrum family & later home to the Manor House School.

Today, you can view many of the beautiful artworks, grand furnishings, and personal possessions of the McCrum family at 3 Victoria Street Armagh.

With tales of mass kidnapping, cutting edge technology and invention, feminism, and football, Milford House Collection is a warm welcoming historic house where you can explore the lives of one of Ireland’s most fascinating families.

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

Harriette McCrum (1867-1951)

Cavanagh Free Range Eggs Ltd.

Celebrating International Womens Day with the story of Harriette McCrum (1867-1951). The only daughter of Robert G. McCrum of Milford House. She was a founding member of the Women’s Suffrage Movement in Ireland and was a good friend with Millicent Garrett Fawcett- who gave her a magnifying glass as a wedding present. She later wrote to Stalin told him how to run Russia and he was so impressed he wrote back personally.

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

3 Victoria Street Armagh BT61 9DS Tel: 028 3752 5467 / 07854 784 256 Email: milfordhouse57@gmail.com www.heritagetrustnetwork.org.uk 23

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THE SCENE

.The Sweetie Rush man Gavin Dunlop.

Darren, Scott, Reid and Lynsey Crawford.

. The Krazi Bakers George Armstrong, Bella McKnight and Mark Douglas.

. Graham and Andrea Gannon

. Lyndsay Spence with Granny Peggy Spence.

from Peninsula Kelp.

ARDS FOOD HUB, NEWTOWNARDS Ards food hub are local artisan food producers, purveyors of great craic and culinary adventures who can be found at Ards market. The weekly Saturday market is held in Conway Square in the centre of Newtownards town.

Portavogie fishmongers Matthew Coffey and Edward Murray with Ards market manager Clive O’Neill.

Neil, Maisie and Stephanie Morrow.

Karen and Trevor Walsh.

Brother and sister Frank and Margaret Matthews with Tara the Siberian Husky.

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NEW FAT DISSOLVING TREATMENT Cosmetech are delighted to introduce the new, revolutionary fat dissolving treatment – Aqualyx.

A

qualyx is a fat dissolving treatment that targets fat removal from certain areas. Excess fat in localised areas can be an issue for many men and women, despite exercise and a good diet. These localised fatty deposits are sometimes hard to remove, liposuction may seem too extreme.

That’s when Aqualyx Fat Dissolving Injections can help!

Q. Aqualyx FAQ’S An alternative to liposuction is Aqualyx Lipotherapy Injections they can be used to treat the following areas: Chin • Thighs • Arms • Stomach Q. How does the treatment work?

A solution is injected into the localised deposits of tissue into areas which liquefies the fat cell and destroys it permanently. The lipids are then released and eliminated through the lymphatic system.

BEFORE

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Q. How long will It take before I see the results?

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Other treatments available at Cosmetech include: Anti-wrinkle Injections, Dermal Fillers, Thread-lifts, Cryolipolysis, Skin Treatments, Thread Vein Removal, Skin Tag and Mole Removal , Micro-pigmentation.

Cosmetic Surgery is available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast. For surgical enquiries, please contact 028 9066 7878 or visit www.kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com (Cosmetech is a partner company of Kingsbridge Private Hospital, Belfast).

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

01/04/2021 09:56

GIRL ABOUT TOWN

EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

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

C O M E IN T H E , W A TE R I S L O VE L Y!

I

remember taking a walk along the coastline at Crawfordsburn last year, in and out of various lockdowns and spotting a group of swimmers bobbing about in the bay! I also remember thinking, are these people crazy? This is the Irish Sea. Well it appears not! There’s a growing trend across Northern Ireland for daring dippers who are taking the plunge. People of all ages are donning their togs and dipping their toes in our waters in increasing numbers. Sales of wet suits, dry bags, buoys, water shoes and Dryrobes (fleece-lined, tent-like coats to change under) are all on the increase. Rafts of swimming groups have been formed, from the Ballyhalbert Bathers, the Millisle Dippers, Donaghadee Chunky Dunkers, the Portrush Menopausal Mermaids and the Portstewart Seabirds.

Last month, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council announced they are to explore the possibility of creating open air, safe swimming areas at Lough Neagh and the benefits of bathing are bountiful; better sleep, better circulation, increased metabolism and glowing skin! Join a group, don’t swim on your own, otherwise come on in, the waters lovely (apparently). Queen of the sea Eva Wilkinson set up the Crawfordsburn Lobsters in October last year, since then the group has amassed over 300 members on their Facebook group alone. You’ll find them in the water as soon as Government restrictions relax and their regular swim ups resume.

Kyla Phillips and Ruth Irvine from the Crawfordsburn Lobsters enjoying the winter sunshine in the sea at Crawfordsburn.

Kristine Cooke and Sarah Harvey.

TO INSANITY AND BEYOND! Kyla Phillips and Eva Wilkinson.

Kyla Phillips keeping warm.

Lukas Wilkinson and Colin McCard (Swell Swimmers Open Water Swim Coach).

Apparently the next big holiday destination for the worlds 1% is outer space! Plans are underway for Voyage Station, the first ever luxury hotel in space.

The company behind the project plan to build the hotel with all the amenities you would expect from a luxury property – guests can even take a space walk! Right now I’d be happy with a tent overnight in my neighbour’s garden, but I guess i’m not in the 1%.

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FEE L I N ’ GRO OV Y Right now we’re having a full-on 1970s love affair. The age of boho and disco has come back in full force, and it’s hitting home – literally. From rattan to wicker, home décor has seen a big shift from minimalist and modern to “eclectic hippie,” and we are loving it. If you’re been looking for an excuse to look in your grandparents garage, now is the time.

LE FREAK, C’EST CHIC Looking for bespoke up cycled vintage retro furniture at its best! You’ll be inspired at Betty’s Lounge. For inspo pop over to socal media channels @Bettyslounge or mobile 07563092668

FLOWER POWER Not only do plants boost concentration and mood, they can reduce stress and purify the air. Trending right now are anything that has “elephant ears”. Try alocasia zebrina, or alocasia polly, any Monsteras, snake plants, calatheas (prayer plants) or any fern, especially a Boston fern. Look no further for inspo than Penelope Flowers, Kings Square, Belfast. Celebrating 20 years in business this is a heavenly flower and plant emporium. Watch out for their new expanded boutique and vintage workshop space. Shop and visit www.penelopeflowers.co.uk.

Penelope flowers.

Alison Pascoe, Astrl Fibres.

MACRAMÉ Our love for Macramé is far from waning, in fact last year #macramewallhanging was the most popular search on Instagram.

From wall hangings to lamp shapes, plant pots, to baskets. While we might think this trend originated from the 70’s, the craft of macramé, actually dates back to several centuries ago. One of the earliest recorded uses of macramé style knots as decoration is in the carvings of the ancient Babylonians and Assyrians. Alison Pascoe, a self taught macramé artist and a lifelong creative runs a business from her home in Belfast. An artist in residence at Born and Bred, Alison shares her passion for macramé and promotes wellbeing through regular workshops, although the pandemic has halted these. From this month Alison will be offering a series of simple tutorials from her website. Look out for the updated Macramé Your Own Plant Hanger Kit and a brand new Macramé Your Own Wall Hanging Kit. Both kits come with everything you need to make your own including materials and a guide with simple tutorials to assist. Astrl Fibres also offers a collection of pre-made textiles, made to order and bespoke commissions as well as workshops - more information available at: www.astrlfibres.com 27

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6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?

For me, I always get aware of my surroundings, if I am feeling stressed and negative, podcasts are great to refocus the mind and distract me so I might go for a walk with one or, I have a great group of friends so texting or calling them is always a great distraction and puts me in an instant good mood.

The beauty of being self-employed is, if the day is not going my way, I can get up and out for a little distraction and reset and then come back to the problem or issue later with a better frame of mind.

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Ireland?

I moved back to Ireland six years ago after living in London for many years. I love that, in Ireland you are always so close to the countryside and the sea. In the London there was never any escape from city life and it has made my appreciate Ireland and all that we have on our doorstep even more.

JANE ASPLE Founder and owner of Emma by Jane jewellery company

1. What do you love most about your job?

My job is so varied, but I love seeing things that I have planned and designed and sometimes dreamt of for a long time, come to life and then, be successful.

Every year I do a “Vision Board” of what I would like to achieve both professionally and personally. It sits beside me on my desk so I look at it daily and it is a great way to stay focused on future goals while also reflecting on the things I have already achieved and how far you have come.

I would highly recommend it to anyone, even if you don’t have a business.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I am lucky to have a few, some more glamorous than others, being featured in British Vogue as a “Brand to Watch” is definitely up there, and being awarded “Best young Entrepreneur” in my first year of business and Businesswomen of the Year then last year. These awards are all incredible but for me, the biggest award is the feedback from our followers and customers and seeing them come back time and time again to buy our latest collections. We are a young brand with big plans and the customers are the backbone of that.

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

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

‘You get in life what you have the courage to ask for”.

I love to chat, so anything that involves catching up my friends I will always say yes to.

I love sports and play tennis. In the last year I have taken back up reading, it has been a great hobby to get me through the long lockdowns and we have even created a Monthly Book and Podcast Club on Emma by Jane that anyone can be a part of, you just need to subscribe to our website; emmabyjane.com 4. What is your daily routine?

I always start the day with a walk with my dog Bailey and a podcast, I love listening to inspirational podcasts as they inspire me for the day ahead.

Its then quick shower and get ready for the day. I work at home so a routine has been key and ever since I set up Emma by Jane three years I have kept the same routine I would have had when I was a buyer for Primark.

At the moment, I will end the day with another walk or I am obsessed with This Is Us on Amazon Prime so if there is a an episode to watch, you will find me on the couch!

5. Do you have a fitness regime?

Pre-lockdown I would have been a gym goer especially as we were due to get married in Spain last year, I found it really hard to keep it up at home so I am now what my husband would call me “a power walker” and I have just started a prenatal pilates class, which I am really enjoying.

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

There are so many, I really look to women who have set up businesses and are a few steps ahead of me or are where I would like to be. I find them really inspiring to follow on Instagram or read articles about them. I also love following women who have stood up for something and set to change things for the women that will follow.

There is room for everyone and we can all learn so much from each other.

10. FAVOURITE Movie: Father of the Bride Band/Musician: Forever a Westlife fan Book: Where the Crawdaddies Sing – I couldn’t put it down Favourite restaurant: I would go to McDonalds at the moment if it meant I could ‘eat out’ Holiday Destination: Spain, we were due to get married there last year, but we ended up getting married in Wicklow instead Drink: Espresso Martini Meal: Pizza

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The Word

The Perfect Summer Staycation at

Margaret’s Cottage

BB &

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The Queen’s University of Belfast Foundation is a registered charity which helps fund local research, staff, equipment and clinical research trials which change lives here in Northern Ireland.

BECOME PART OF THE SOLUTION

Gifts in wills are a simple way you can support this vital work in the Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research at Queen’s. This research is used to help improve outcomes and quality of life for patients in the Northern Ireland Cancer Centre at Belfast City Hospital.

We understand that the causes closest to your heart are often personal, which is why you can choose to give to the area of research that means the most to you.

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Contact Susan Wilson Legacy Manager Development and Alumni Relations Office, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN T: +44 (0) 28 9097 3162 E: susan.wilson@qub.ac.uk www.queensfoundation.com/legacygifts

Professor Joe O’Sullivan Professor of Radiation Oncology, Queen’s University Belfast Consultant Oncologist, The Northern Ireland Cancer Centre, Belfast City Hospital Registered Charity Number: NIC 102044

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31/03/2021 16:12

ISSUE: APRIL 2009

LOOKING BACK ULSTER TATLER

Pictured at the Grand Opera House reception for the Lyric Theatre’s version of Brian Friel’s ‘The Home Place’, are Hanna Slatna, Mick Duke, with Martin Lynch and daughter Breige.

Lagan College Belfast held a charity fashion show and pictured at it are Zoe Latimer, Sarah Wood and Kate Hollywood.

Pictured at a Gala Civic concert to celebrate the refurbishment of the Ulster Hall are John O’Neil, Marie McGovern, Gwynneth and George Bain.

llan Gallagher re-opening of Mu event to mark the McGivern, Julie ria the an Ma , at ins ed gg tur Pic trick, are Anne Hi pa wn y and Fiona Kirk.

Do en e, De tic ry ac Dental Pr Gallagher, Ma ara Ci n, lla Mu ter Etchingham, Pe

Pictured at an event to celebrate Designers at Debenhams are Mary and Sheila Devlin.

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There was cause for celebration at Hutchinson Care Homes recently as they were awarded EFQM ( European Foundation Quality Thethe Gold accreditation meansforthat theManagement recipients) Recognised have got the for Excellence Award at a ceremony at The Clandeboye Lodge Hotel , Bangor.

policies in place but more than that, it means that everyone – from Directors to the latest recruit takes ownership for making them come to life.

s they were ) Recognised , Bangor.

Hutchinson Care Homes Gold Accreditation

by Investors Homes Celebrate First awarded Care Home EFQM in People to Hutchinson Care Homes ome EFQM Recognised for Excellence AWARD nce AWARD Some of the benefits this award brings are:

• Help and advice from an expert practitioner to help develop an action plan designed to build on our strengths and tackle the areas where we can improve

• Measure the impact of our people strategy and initiatives and how they benefit our people.

The Directors, Nurse Managers and Senior Managers of Hutchinson Care Homes celebrating their award.

The Hutchinson Care Homes Group are delighted to have been awarded ‘We Invest in People’, Gold Accreditation by Investors in People. The Gold accreditation means that the recipients have got the policies in place but more than that, it means that everyone – from Directors to the latest recruit takes ownership for making them come to life. Only 17% of accredited organisations achieve gold.

Hutchinson Care Homes Group operate 7 nursing homes and a domiciliary care service to the most vulnerable in the wider community and as they celebrated their 30th year of doing so in 2020 this award is very much appreciated.

Paul Devoy, CEO of Investors in People, said: “We’d like to congratulate Hutchinson Care Homes for achieving the ‘We Invest in People’

accreditation and this is a fantastic effort for any organisation, and places Hutchinson Care Homes in fine company with a host of organisations that understand the value of people.”

Commenting on the award, Eddy Kerr, Managing Director of Hutchinson Care Homes said: “This award recognises not just one person but all our people who are invested in striving to provide a quality service to all our residents and clients. It is recognition of the Director’s vision and the staff team’s commitment to continuous improvement and learning about how we meet the needs of others. As a group we are pleased to have achieved this recognition and believe it will further inspire our staff to greater things.”

• Attract better talent. Good people want to work for good companies.

• Stand out from other employers. Our accreditation is a recognition of how we put our people first.

• Online survey and faceto-face interviews (that can be done remotely) to gather valuable information from our people • An action plan designed to support the evolution of our strategy For more information visit hutchinsoncarehomes.com

Rest assured you’re in good hands! od hands!

It’s an age old dilemma…And one that can be difficult to face.

But no matter how much you care about your loved ones… there may be a time when you can no longer offer the longterm practical care they may require. At Hutchinson Care Homes you can rest reassured that we care as much about your loved one as you do.

At present we operate seven private care homes – all conveniently located in Antrim, Randalstown and Ballyclare. We would be happy to show you how we care, just contact the Home Manager to arrange a visit.

one that can be difficult to face. care about your loved ones… can no longer offer the longequire. At Hutchinson Care that we care as much about your

rivate ocated

y to ntact the isit.

www.hutchinsoncarehomes.com

oncarehomes.com HEAD OFFICE ANTRIM CARE HOME

AF.

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23/03/2021 10:13 13:19 31/03/2021

THE SCENE

Charlene and Jacob Welsh.

Jamie, Isla and Niall Orr and Puppy Teddy.

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31/03/2021 10:13

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GLEN WALLACE’S CONTINUING DRAMA Soaps, continuing dramas as they’re known in the business, are what Belfast actor Glen Wallace does best - that and hushing a Sex and the City movie crowd - as he reveals to Jane Hardy.

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INTERVIEW

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

A

ccording to actor Glen Wallace, his profession is a Lottery ticket. He adds that it can be life changing: “In terms of the people you meet or the money you make, but we all know the statistics.

Over 95% of actors are out of work at any one time”.

Yet since graduating in musical theatre from The Royal Academy of Music in 2001, Wallace (44) has not just been in pretty much constant work, but has carved out a career as a member of the soap aristocracy. Hollyoaks, Casualty, EastEnders, Holby City, he’s graced them all. He’s now in the granddaddy of the genre, Coronation Street. When he got the role as Lucas Kempton at the start of the year he described it as a light at the end of the COVID tunnel.

Why has he constantly been in demand, does he think? We discuss the need for talent, obviously, accompanied by the right personality. Even through my modest PC screen, you know that Wallace has charm. “You have to fit in. One casting director told me he’d imagine whether he wanted to spend two hours on a train with an actor. Because that’s what you’re doing, inviting somebody into your home. It’s quite simple: learn your lines, turn up on time (I’ve only been late on set once), learn your lines and don’t be an idiot.”

Zooming from the West Midlands, where he lives about 20 minutes from Stratford-upon-Avon, Wallace says that soaps have a particular place in the national psyche: “They represent a bit of release and escapism, familiarity even in the time of lockdowns and the pandemic. As soon as you hear the theme tune, you can relax a bit and you know everything’s going to be ok.” Interestingly, a recent viewers’ poll revealed over 60% of viewers wanted their favourite continuing dramas to avoid a coronavirus story line.

Glen Wallace’s favourite, other than the one he’s currently acting in, would probably be Hollyoaks. “My first telly role was actually in Casualty, where I played a character called Bill Tree but unfortunately didn’t meet Charlie. It was a big step up from 30-second commercials with no dialogue to guest artist in a 30 minute programme. But it was Hollyoaks that was my repertory theatre.”

He played Malachy Fisher, remained for three and a half years, and is remembered for introducing a vital HIV plot line. Soaps contain great characters but tend not to be character-based, as Wallace notes: “The major difference between soaps and single dramas is primarily money. With money comes time, but soaps have to shoot so much content, they tend to be more plot-led. But I think they have almost a duty to reach out into different communities and tackle important subjects.”

He adds that Malachy tweaked the public perception of living with HIV. “It was important,

especially given the demographic that watched Hollyoaks, to show, may I say, a very ignorant, heterosexual experience of HIV, which hadn’t been done before. The subject hadn’t been tackled since the mid-80s with Mark Fowler (in EastEnders), and back then it was a death sentence but I spoke to people living with the condition.”

Glen says that he learnt his craft on Hollyoaks. “It was like a repertory theatre. Back in the day, you’d go to The Lyric Theatre, Belfast, earn your Equity card and learn your craft. Going to drama school was about going on stage but now you can leave college and not set foot on stage in the age of Netflix and Amazon Prime. We had one week’s training in TV acting in my course. Then you arrive on set, pick up your script, learn about hitting your mark, they mention bananas and you think it’s tea break time.” It isn’t, as Glen explains. Doing a banana means taking a curved walk from point A to point B so that one of two cameras on set will register you properly.

He’s now playing the latest Weatherfield romeo, no doubt with curved camera approaches, cast in an intriguing love triangle with Carla Connor and her alcoholic on-off partner Peter Barlow. As Wallace says, although he’s been part of what he calls the “soap family” for a while, he’s still had to pinch himself, acting in scenes with certain Corrie stars.

“We were in the hospital and I was acting but still had to stop myself thinking ‘There’s Bill Roache sitting on the bed’ rather than ‘Here’s Lucas Kempton talking to Ken Barlow who’s getting in the way of his relationship.” Coronation Street happens to be Glen’s mother Sandra’s favourite soap opera, which adds to the thrill of treading the familiar Northern cobbles.

There have been romantic scenes between Glen and Alison King as Carla, and there are rumours of a super -dramatic storyline emerging that may show Lucas in a less favourable light while trying to eliminate his rival.

The anger shouldn’t be a problem for Glen who filmed some stormy episodes of EastEnders a while ago with actor Jake Wood, aka Max Branning. Who can forget the scene when DS Bryant punched lothario Max, who had been seeing quite a bit of his fiancée? Wallace says: “The way you find the anger is really by going back to the script, you don’t have to fabricate it.” What you do have to do, though, is fabricate the punch. That’s important, not just to save Jake Woods’ face, which turned realistically bloody, but because of continuity. Wallace says: “As the character you might want to punch Max but as an actor you can’t actually punch him as they may be shooting out of sequence.”

Although born in Ballymena, the actor left after a year as his family moved to Belfast. But he’s used the

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INTERVIEW

shorthand link to Liam Neeson’s birthplace.

Once, though, Wallace came unstuck. He was introducing himself at a theatrical event and using the Ballymena line. He recalls: “I’d noticed some sixty-something ladies nearby.

Somebody said to me ‘You do know who that is, don’t you?’, indicating one lady. It was Liam Neeson’s mother - but she was very nice about it and said ‘I’ll let him know you speak highly of him’.”

Glen Wallace has a pleasing accent and has promoted the Northern Irish brogue. “The first commercial I spoke on was the Maltesers one with the pregnant mum where the husbandstroke-boyfriend puts the bag onto her bump, which is kicked off. I say ‘That’s my boy!’ which is what my dad always said to me when he ruffled the hair.” He says he was happy they used his voice. “This was about 20 years ago. I was pleased a major company like Mars would accept the accent. It’s about regionality and we’ve since been having important conversations, about male/female actors, people of colour. It’s about representation.

When you see Jimmy Nesbitt and Charlie Lawson onscreen, you think ‘If they can do it, maybe I can do it’.”

Glen Wallace got into acting at school.

He later trained as a graphic designer at the University of Ulster’s art college and remembers playing pool at Frames, off Royal Avenue, but the smell of the greasepaint clearly appealed to him from an early age.

That, and missing maths. “I went to the Boys’ Model where I think Derek Thompson, Charlie in Casualty, went. We could only do school plays from the second year, but the week before it started was production week and you didn’t go into class at all. I went ‘So I don’t have to do maths for a week?’”

Wallace signed on to act in shows like Oklahoma! His English teacher, Leonard Anderson, was involved in the amateur musical theatre circuit across Northern Ireland. “So at 15 or 16 I got the opportunity with Michael Poynor’s Ulster Theatre Company to act in front of a lot of people.

The alumni from there included Conleth Hill, Jimmy Nesbitt, Marty Maguire, more recently Packy Lee of Peaky Blinders and Johnjo O’Neill.” Handily, Mr Wallace also used his artistic skills and helped paint sets.

In terms of celebrity and the public’s reaction to actors they see on the small screen, Wallace says the c-word sits ill with him. “I’m a jobbing actor, I didn’t get into this to maybe get recognised in a pub.” But once, when going to see Sex and the City the movie in London with his flatmate, he sensed the strength of the public ownership of actors.

“I’m quite Victor Meldrew about going to the cinema. All phones off, peace and quiet, you’re there to watch the film. We were the only two men in the cinema, it was all women. They started calling out halfway through at the guy, Steve, who had the affair. But then I realised they felt they knew these people.”

Professionally, the last time Glen was in Belfast was to film the dark hit-drama Marcella with Anna Friel. “Yes, It was quite

Glen appeared as Matthew Gaskill in the gritty drama, Marcella.

dark, but we’ve had Scandi-noir and I guess this is Nordi-noir. I enjoyed working with Anna Friel, and didn’t have enough time with her. Seeing the way she plans her day and how she gets into character, which I think she finds difficult, is impressive.” He adds that he enjoyed playing alongside the tough godmother figure, Mrs Maguire, acted by Amanda Burton. “I remember seeing her on telly with my parents as a kid. It was like acting with your hero, your parents’ hero even. But

she was the opposite of her character, a gentle hug of a person, a beautiful soul.”

The last time Glen was in Northern Ireland for pleasure was over Christmas. He says that he watched The Crown with his mother.

“Friends recommended it. I know it’s fiction but my mother and I enjoyed it. I have two younger brothers who are married with families and it was nice to get over and see people. I normally come home every three months.”

In terms of the current royal family’s story line, Wallace admits he did watch Oprah Winfrey’s interview with Meghan and Harry.

“I won’t speak about (Meghan) directly but I think they’re entitled to have their say. It’s their lived truth. You access this when you analyse a character. I think there are three truths: yours, the other person’s, and what probably actually happened.”

In lockdown Wallace has learnt things, including how to rehearse for Coronation Street while masked up. He says: “The first six months were ok although you couldn’t visit the gym. You kept going. But under COVID rules, and shows like Emmerdale and Coronation Street are very good with contained bubbles, you have to rehearse while only seeing somebody’s eyes. We were discussing this in the green room. In a way, it makes the take more real, unscripted. But Chris Gascoyne (Peter Barlow) was very good and asked if I wanted to go through the lines.

Actually, it makes your reaction more real.”

What next for Mr Wallace? “I’m in a nice place at the moment. But you never know what’s round the corner.”

Glen pictured on Weatherfield’s famous cobbles, as character Lucas Kempton.

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31/03/2021 10:23

ULSTER TATLER

STYLE

Style Watch EACH MONTH ULSTER TATLER SHOWCASES OUR FAVOURITE LOOK SNAPPED OUT AND ABOUT.

The stylish fashion, beauty and lifestyle blogger, Louise Vance was spotted out and about at Ballyholme beach, Bangor.

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U T

S T Y L E

STYLE RULES Go-to Makeup Pr o d u c t - L’ O r e a l antiredness CC cream.

Fa s h i o n M u s t Have - Levi jeans (available f r o m Ve r y. c o m )

Hazel McWall

Psychic Medium

Signature Scent Ve r s a c e , B r i g h t C r y s t a l

How would you describe your style?

Although I’m 50 years old, I would like to think that I’m still trendy and I don’t dress ‘mumsie.’ Nor do I dress like a fortune teller with big hoop ear-rings and baggy clothes. I like to stay on trend and classy.

going to work, complete with full makeup and false eye-lashes! Being dressed up, even at home, made me feel like I was going to work and I believe helped me to get into my zone, before the readings, which shows respect to my clients.

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

I love well fitted skinny jeans and tailored jackets. Levi Jeans are the best fit for me and although they are skinny jeans they hug and accentuate my curves. I have loads of skinny jeans and I couldn’t live without them.

Do you have a skincare regime?

Yes, I’m very particular about my skin.

I regularly attend ‘Beautified by Paula Smyth’ in Newry, who is amazing. The first thing I’m doing after lockdown is booking a Tropic Skincare Retreat Facial in her salon. This treatment is magical and helps to promote collogen in your skin and rejuvenate it. Then I’ll treat myself to a hot stone massage with her too. For my event in The Crumlin Road Gaol, I’ll definitely get Paula Smyth to do my make-up. Martina Collins in Belfast also gives me botox and fillers a few times a year, which helps to turn the hands of time.

Do you have a favourite designer or high street brand?

The Pearl Hanger in Forkhill is undoutedly my favourite shop. They have the most stunning collections from Cavalli and Vivienne Westwood. I like their dressy outfits which you can also dress down, such as my Vivienne Westwood jacket. It’s multi-coloured and goes with everything – it’s a timeless classic.

Do you have any style icons?

Not really, I dress for me and what I feel comfortable in. I change my style to suit my mood. Even over lockdown, when I was doing phone readings from home, I could have been sitting in a tracksuit or loungewear, but I dressed like I usually do

What is your signature scent?

Versace Bright Crystal. It’s a very fresh scent, not over-powering, and lasts all day. I also love Gucci Rush and Coco Mademoiselle. I usually change my scents every five years.

Are there any haircare products you recommend?

Tresemme Day Two is fantastic. It’s a spray on dry shampoo and is so reasonably

priced. When you’re in a rush, or even during lockdown and you can’t be bothered or have time to wash your hair, this treatment will make your hair look and smell as if it’s freshy washed.

What is your go-to makeup product?

L’Oreal’s anti-redness cream, CC Magic, clears any imperfections. I put it on before I apply makeup, even if I’m getting my makeup done professionally for a photo shoot, TV interview, podcast or event.

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

I swear by Brenda Feron’s Curves classes in Newry and I’m looking forward to starting back. I haven’t been in a while with the lockdowns and a back injury, but before my car accident I went five times a week. I lost 20 inches within 12 months and went from a size 12 to a size 10. I also drink a lot of water and take vitamins C and D. Cronium tablets from Holland and Barrett help take sugar cravings away too.

Psychic Medium Hazel McWall will be doing a live show at Crumlin Road Gaol on Saturday, 26 June. Tickets available from www.ticketsource.co.uk

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31/03/2021 10:26

FASHION

BAGS OF STYLE Mini Iris in pale s l a t e , M u l b e r r y, £850.

‘ D r y c o t e ’, D u n e London,£75.

Orange woven shoulder bag, Marks & S p e n c e r, £ 2 5 .

‘Bom’ handbag with chain, Yu z e f i , £ 3 8 0 .

Immortal in ripple, Native Dubai.

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31/03/2021 10:26

The Word

COSMETIC SKIN TAG AND MOLE REMOVAL Consultant Plastic Surgeon Mr. Chris Hoo specialises in the removal of cosmetic moles and skin tags. In the vast majority of cases all of these lesions are benign. But if there is any clinical concern about the nature of the lesion it can be sent off for testing.

Q: Does it hurt having these removed?

“Since these are treated under local anaesthetic it shouldn’t! The worse bit is having the injection of anaethetic, which many patients describe as a mild stinging sensation. Cryotherapy does not even need an anesthetic.”

Q: How are skin lesions removed?

“In most cases these can be done under a local anaesthetic. If there are no concerns about its nature they can be either shaved off, or excised. Some skin lesions can also be treated by freezing the skin – termed cryotherapy. All options are discussed with the patient beforehand.”

Q: How long does the procedure take?

“This depends on what’s being done, but most procedures take between 15 and 30 minutes or so.”

Q & A with Chris Hoo

Q: Can I drive home afterwards?

“That depends on you! If you are the sort of person who can drive home after a filling at the dentist then there should be no reason why not. But if you are a bit squeamish, best to bring someone with you. They can at least tell you how brave you were, even if they don’t need to drive!”

Q: What about aftercare?

“If stitches have been necessary these are generally removed after 5 – 7 days. For best results a combination of steristrips and scar massage are required and which you need to do will be discussed.”

Q: Will I have a scar?

“Scarring is an inevitable consequence of surgery in anyone’s hands, so yes. But of course the whole point is to be cosmetic and so everything is designed to minimise this. It’s best to consider this as replacing one cosmetic blemish with another one, which should be much better. But it is unrealistic to expect an invisible scar no matter who your specialist is.”

For further information or to book a consultation please call Cosmetech on 028 90423200 or visit www.cosmetech.co.uk

AT GRATTAN'S ONLY Grattan’s is your award-winning greengrocers in Donaghadee that stocks the highest quality fruit, veg and artisan produce that Northern Ireland has to offer. With 99% Irish products, the store is renowned for its focus on amazing local produce.

The other 1% is GIMBER, the ginger drink with an unparallelled bite! Grattan’s is the first and only store in Northern Ireland to stock this brilliantly versatile and unique drink. Try it mixed with sparkling water, tonic, in cocktails or even in cooking.

Visit Grattan’s to try GIMBER for yourself or download their app to order!

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31/03/2021 15:21

COLUMN / HAIR MATTERS

Hair Matters... with Andrew Mulvenna

Andrew Mulvenna has been a hairdresser for over 30 years and his career has spanned the full spectrum of product development, global campaign shoots and shows, international education, session-styling and creating runway collections.

His true passion is working at his three storey salon [a converted Victorian bank] in Belfast City centre, developing his 30+ team and making clients very happy.

GROWN OUT FRINGE For many this has been a ‘nochoice’ style for the last year, but trust me when it’s freshly cut into shape rather than just grown into, it really delivers on that Bo-ho chic.

Great for lengthening and softening squarer, more angular bone-structure.

For colour ‘Micro highlighting’ is perfect this summer, as it creates a wistful more softer texture.

This month is the month of possibilities, so I would like to show you some of the key inspiring looks for this summer. This could be the best time to make that change as we all emerge into what will hopefully be a liberating and slightly more social of summers... regulations permitting of course.

THE 21 PIXIE CUT Undeniably confident and super sexy this little cut is back. Now this time around it’s a little longer than the ‘scissor crop’ and has a touch of the 60’s. Balancing this ‘uplifting’ shape around your bone-structure and neckline is essential, as is keeping it boxy. Keeping the fringing longer and crown longer (for height) will add a fresh 2021 touch.

With this 2021 style, try to keep the colouring more solid and strong, an all over ash-cool brown, creamy-blonde or rich-red will look great.

THE BOB The ultimate ‘lock-down winner’ for it’s sheer last-ability, but also because (like a little black dress) if cut really well, it can be exquisite. The bob is back in 2021, but a little more French, looser and not afraid to be cut at the mouth and not just under the chin.

SUPER-LONG / SHOW PONY / MERMAID HAIR This trend is not budging as a super-popular look for summer 2021, and with it’s endless beautiful varieties, accessories and textures who are we to argue. Just make sure it gets the preening and attention deserves. Definitely not stringy this summer, but more thick and luxurious.

AIR DRIED HAIR A really fresh look that uses ‘seamless layering’ and a ‘wet to dry’ approach. The point is to create a lighter, fluffier and softer look.

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TRIEDCOLUMN & TESTED

“MY VERTIGO IS BETTER THAN IT HAS EVER BEEN THANKS TO APEX HEADACHE CLINIC.” 68 year-old Eileen McConnell from Jordanstown had been suffering with vertigo for years, but when it started having a terrible impact on her everyday life, she became desperate to find a cure. After trying medication, which only left her feeling worse, Eileen visited Apex Headache Clinic, in the hope of getting some relief. Here, she shares how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist manual physiotherapy treatment for vertigo and dizziness, called The Nelson Vertigo Approach™, cleared her dizziness, meaning that she could finally start to enjoy life again.

Eileen, when did your vertigo begin?

I have had vertigo for years, but in November 2020 it became much worse. I had never had it to the extent I did then, previously it would have come and gone within a couple of days. This time however I had dizziness, nausea, headaches, and a tight feeling in my head. I went to my GP and they gave me medication to try treat my vertigo, but this only made me feel worse.

How did the dizziness affect your life?

I couldn’t do anything; I couldn’t sleep because when I would lie down the room would start spinning. I had to spend my time sitting in a chair to try to stop the dizziness. The dizziness would get so bad that if I moved around, I would be physically sick. It also stopped me from driving so that I couldn’t go anywhere, and I lost my interest in everything I used to enjoy. Something I always enjoyed was walking and I couldn’t even do that because I was staggering due to the dizziness and my balance was also affected.

What led you to Apex Headache Clinic?

My sister had read an article about Apex Headache Clinic as she had been researching to find something that could possibly help me. When she told me there was a clinic in Belfast, I phoned and made an appointment for an initial consultation. After this initial consultation I left feeling better and the tight feeling I had in my head felt like it had lifted. I then started seeing my specialist physiotherapist twice a week for a few weeks which was then spaced out further once my symptoms started to improve.

How has Apex Headache Clinic changed your life?

The change since having treatment at Apex Headache Clinic is unbelievable! I have been able to get all my interests back. I am back driving and walking. I even walked 10 miles yesterday, which was fantastic. My vertigo is better than it has ever been.

the medication they prescribed would help my vertigo and when it didn’t, I felt I had no where else to turn until I found Apex Headache Clinic.

What advice would you offer someone suffering from vertigo or dizziness?

Go to Apex Headache Clinic. I went to my doctor and they hoped

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

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31/03/2021 15:24

COLUMN

Rebecca Nelson

Rebecca is founder and Director of Physiotherapy at Apex Clinic and Apex Headache Clinic.

IS YOUR PILLOW DAMAGING YOUR HEALTH?

This month, Apex Clinic Founder and Spinal & Headache Physiotherapy Specialist, Rebecca Nelson reveals the hidden secrets on pillows and discusses the Apex Sleepwell Pillow range, her own orthopaedic pillow collection, clinically proven to reduce or clear neck pain and headaches in the majority of cases.

The wrong pillow can have catastrophic consequences Did you know that sleeping on the wrong pillow can mean much more than simply just a bad nights sleep? For over 30 years I have been treating patients suffering from neck and shoulder pain, as well as headaches, migraines and vertigo, and for many of these people their sleep is disturbed due to their pain. It is commonly unknown that soft or flat pillows can actually increase or even trigger the onset of neck pain, shoulder pain, arm pain, stiffness, pins and needles or numbness in the hands and arms, painful headaches, migraines and vertigo or dizziness.

Fighting the war against poor pillows To combat the awful effects that poor pillows have on our health, the Apex Sleepwell Pillow range is my own collection of orthopaedic pillows, uniquely designed in thickness and firmness to match the individual needs of sleepers according to their build. Each pillow has been technologically innovated to include the latest high-density core that unlike other pillows on the market, runs throughout the pillow’s entire width. This central core plays an important role in ensuring the precise level of support needed for the optimum sleeping position for a healthy and pain-free neck, head and shoulders.

Prevention is better than cure At Apex Clinic, we firmly believe that prevention is always better than cure. For

adults or teens who are fortunate enough to have never suffered with neck pain or headaches, the Apex Sleepwell Pillow is highly recommended to help prevent the onset of neck related pains in later life.

Sleeping on a pillow which is too soft or flat causes the neck joints to be compressed and placed under excessive load by the weight of the head. When lying down, the optimum neck position can be achieved by lifting the head very slightly upwards to an angle of between 30° to 45° from the horizontal.

This allows the neck joints to open up and is physiologically the best sleeping position for a healthy neck and spine.

Finding your perfect match The Apex Sleepwell Pillow collection incudes a range of pillow sizes so that you can find your perfect match. It is essential that your pillow supports your body shape and size to ensure your neck is at the correct angle while you sleep. The Apex Sleepwell Pillow range does just that with our two pillow types dependent on the height/ thickness of the pillow. The H2 pillow is suitable for lightly built adults and teenagers, or for those who don’t like their pillows to be too fat. The H3 pillow is for average and larger builds, or simply for those who prefer a slightly fatter pillow.

to help with a painful shoulder at night, I was not at all keen. I thought it would be far too hard, thus uncomfortable. However, in desperation I decided to give it a go and to my amazement I had my first good night’s sleep, in ages. I have had the Apex Sleepwell Pillow for well over a year now and can honestly say it has made a real difference to my neck and shoulder. Definitely money well spent.” - Julie Handley from Belfast.

To purchase your own Apex Sleepwell Pillow please visit our website, www. apexclinic.co.uk or call us on 028 9048 4153. Alternatively, you can pop into our Belfast clinic in the Stormont area of Belfast.

Five-star reviews for the Apex Sleepwell Pillow “Goodbye marshmallow pillows! I have always liked ‘marshmallow type’ pillows so when I was recommended the Apex pillow

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31/03/2021 15:24

BEAUTY

SKIN SAVIOURS 1 2 3 1. IMAGE – Iluma intense lightening cleanser £34.

2. Seoulista Beauty – Fr e s h s k i n f a c i a l m i s t , £13.95.

3. Dermalogica – powerbright dark spot serum, £89.

4. Caudalie – Concentrated brightening glycolic essence £30.

4 5 5 . Pa t c h o l o g y Flashpatch® hydrating lip gels, £14.00.

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31/03/2021 10:36

BELFAST SKIN CLINIC

A unique clinic offering treatments for all skin conditions in all age groups.

DERMATOLOGY PLASTIC SURGERY AESTHETICS LASER VASCULAR RHEUMATOLOGY Skin surgery including excision of skin cancer by Mohs surgery Skin Cancer screening and full body mole mapping • General Dermatology Varicose Vein Surgery • Hand Surgery • Laser Treatment • Allergy Testing Excess Sweating • Hair Loss • Rheumatology • Aesthetics • Nutrition • Skin Products For more information or to book an appointment, please call +44 (0)28 9066 7077, email: info@belfastskinclinic.com or visit www.belfastskinclinic.com

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31/03/2021 10:25

The Word

HAND SURGERY AT BELFAST SKIN CLINIC

Logan Wellbeing and Medical is the only combined naturopathic and medical clinic in Northern Ireland and is led by fertility consultant Ruth-Ellen Logan.

Belfast Skin Clinic now offers assessment, investigation and treatment of an extensive range of common conditions affecting the hand.

These include: - Carpal tunnel syndrome - Dupuytren’s disease - Inflammatory neuropathies (eg rheumatoid arthritis) - Benign swellings involving the hand - Skin malignancies involving the hand - Botulinum used as treatment for hyperhidrosis of palms and axillae - Medicolegal assessments following injury

LOGAN WELLBEING: HELPING BATTLE ENDOMETRIOSIS

The clinic has access to an extensive range of diagnostic investigations including USS, CT, MRI and plain X-rays. Surgery is performed in a state-of-the-arttheatre designed for local anaesthetic procedures. Post-operative rehabilitation is provided by an experienced, registered hand physiotherapist in addition to meticulous wound care by experienced nurses. All enquiries are screened prior to appointment to ensure appropriate treatment can be delivered by the clinic. All surgeons are on the GMC Specialist Register in plastic surgery and hold substantive NHS posts in N Ireland.

Everyday in Logan, we meet numerous women who are struggling with endometriosis. Endometriosis is a condition that is thought to affect 200 million women worldwide, however the very painful, even debilitating side effects are often hidden and can take up to seven years to get a diagnosis.

At Logan, we are passionate about helping women with endometriosis. There is currently no cure for endometriosis, but we have seen really promising benefits through our bespoke treatment plans, including IV infusions and pelvic realignment treatments. We want to educate and empower women so they can live with the condition and are not forced to choose between debilitating suffering or surgery. We will devise a protocol for you, teach you self-care so you can treat yourself at home, and also give you advice on diet to manage your symptoms.

For more information or to book an appointment visit: www.belfastskinclinic.com or email: info@belfastskinclinic.com

TOP IRISH MAKEUP BRAND IS NOW AVAILABLE ON BEAUTY BAY

An initial consultation with Ruth-Ellen costs £180, and a 6-week treatment plan starts at £350.

Ruth-Ellen For more information on any of Logan’s services or to book a male or female fertility consultation please call us on 02890 687467

Top Irish Makeup Brand, KASH Beauty, has landed on the (virtual) shelves of Beauty and Skincare haven BeautyBay.com, giving us yet another place to stock up on one of Ireland’s fastest growing beauty powerhouses.

Named in the top 1% of over 1 million brands on Shopify, and one of the highest growth brands in 2020, after only launching in September, there’s no stopping the meteoric rise of KASH Beauty.

When talking about their arrival on BeautyBay.com, KASH Beauty creator Keilidh Cashell says “It’s an honour to partner with one of the largest online beauty retailer’s just seven months after KASH’s launch.

The demand for KASH Products is growing worldwide, it’s great to partner with a retailer that can deliver to our customers wherever they are!”

Logan Wellbeing and Medical 354 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 6GJ Tel: 028 9068 7467

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01/04/2021 09:47

THE PERFECT REMEDY Ulster Tatler speaks with Diet and Nutritional Adviser and Founder of Perfectly Pure, Kathie McCausland.

Perfectly Pure is a family-run business, set up

by Kathie McCausland and co-owned by her son Josh. The immune-boosting super drink is taking the market by storm, and we have taken the opportunity to speak to Kathie about how this business idea came about.

How did you come to set up Perfectly Pure?

My journey began quite accidentally. Before this I worked in the caring profession, Nursery nursing, Women’s Aid, DePaul for homeless and a drug and alcohol community support worker. I never intended on running a business, I always just wanted to care for others.

I was always an avid juicer from when I was younger, I always truly believed in the power of juicing vegetables.

Then my brother became severely ill with M.E/chronic fatigue syndrome. His body was too weak to absorb nutrients from solid foods so I started making him fresh juices to help heal his body.

A few years later, when my father was sick with terminal cancer, I developed my signature Immune Support. I wanted to create an anti-inflammatory juice to ease the discomfort he was feeling. After much research and development, my signature Immune Support was created, which is where he got great strength from.

So really my business started from wanting to help others get healthy.

What do you love most about your job?

The fact that it helps so many people feel healthier and feel good. Secondly, it’s not a job to me, I absolutely love what I do, helping others makes me feel happy.

What ingredients are in the Perfectly Pure Immune Support?

I am the only person who knows how to make the Immune Support or ‘miracle juice’ as my customers call it. But, what I can tell you, is that it is 100 per cent natural. Some of the ingredients I use are freshly sourced turmeric, black pepper, garlic, lemons and ginger. Perfectly Pure Immune Support is classed now as a food supplement, which I’m very proud of – and a recent test carried out by Loughry College revealed a 30ml shot has the equivalent Vitamin C levels as eating five oranges.

As well as helping to support your immune system, what other benefits are there from taking Perfectly Pure’s Immune Booster?

People take Immune Booster because they say it helps them greatly with all types of ailments. My customers are my ambassadors.

They tell me how they feel my juices help them, they tell their friends and then share their experiences on social media. Some of the ailments which people say my juices have helped with includes; psoriasis, arthritis, skin conditions, fibromyalgia... the list really does go on. I have Oncologists, doctors, pharmacists, nurses and natural health practitioners who recommend their patients to take our product, which is just amazing.

How often should you take Immune Support?

People tend to take one 30ml shot per day so one bottle is a month’s supply. My customers tell me that they notice a difference after a few days.

What is the best time of the day to take it?

I advise to take their shot in the morning.

Why is it important to look after our immune systems now more than ever?

Our immune system is what helps our bodies stay healthy. I personally advise a healthy diet and exercise to my clients and I feel that taking a daily shot of Immune Support may help nourish our body a bit more, as it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and high amounts of Vitamin C, which contributes to the healthy function of our immune system.

Where can people buy Perfectly Pure’s Immune Support?

We have a full list of stockists on our Facebook page, which includes independent retailers, farm shops, delis, health food shops. People can also order directly by private message on Facebook – not just for Immune Support, but also for our juice cleanses. We also post to the rest of the UK, the south of Ireland, America and Canada.

What do you have planned for Perfectly Pure for the rest of the year?

Organic business growth has led to the relocation of Perfectly Pure from a small commercial kitchen to a much larger unit – the refurbishment is nearing completion, which is great. I am nervous, but excited. My son Josh is my rock in the business and has recently become a co-owner of Perfectly Pure, which I’m very excited about – a mother and son business.

Stockists who sell our signature natural, anti-inflammatory IMMUNE SUPPORT health food supplement – £30 for the month supply, just £1 a day, to help keep the doctor away: - Emerson’s Supermarket, Armagh - Daly’s Spar, Eglish - O’Kanes Spar, Carrickmore - McKenna’s, Aughnacloy - Jackie’s Nisa, Sixmilecross - Sillis Green Veg Farm Shop, Glaslough - Bawn’s Meats, Richill - Simply Fresh Farm Shop, Omagh - Bellaghy Pharmacy - Moneymore Pharmacy - Dolans Pharmacy & Health Shop, Monaghan - Forbes Spar, Ardboe - Linwoods Shop, Monaghan - Apperleys Butchers, Antrim - Woosleys, Portadown - Ward & Co Fine Foods, Stranmillis - Mace, Newmills - The Kabin, Warrenpoint

- Today’s, Fivemiletown - The Grange Farm, Moy - The Loft in Linen Green, Dungannon

T: 07512 683 164 Find Perfectly Pure on:

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01/04/2021 09:56

MY

DR PAMELA MCHENRY Medical Director at Belfast Skin Clinic

1. What do you love most about your job?

The impact of skin diseases on quality of life is hugely underestimated. I love to see the change in demeanour and confidence of my patients and their families when their skin condition improves.

4. What is your daily routine?

I start the day with my list of to dos and usually have a number of things done before heading to work. Every day is different and work varies depending on clinics, procedures and staff meetings. I like to be home in time for us to have a family dinner together.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I wanted to become a dermatologist from my early days as a medical student, so my first career highlight was being appointed a Consultant Dermatologist. After five years of medical school, this required three years of general medical training and seven years of dermatology training. I was privileged to train and work with Professor Rona Mackie in Glasgow, who was renowned worldwide for her research on melanoma, and during this time I was awarded an MD for my thesis on Skin Cancer in the Elderly. Another highlight was being appointed President of the British Society of Paediatric Dermatology. My most recent career highlight was fulfilling my vision of opening my own clinic dedicated to providing a closely integrated environment for all specialists involved in skin care.

5. Do you have a fitness regime?

I walk regularly, cycle and do yoga.

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

Pre-COVID, I loved to travel with my family.

Having grown up on a farm, I love being outdoors and going for long walks or cycles.

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

Never give up!

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try and try again” – Robert the Bruce.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?

I am very aware of the impact the COVID crisis has had on mental health, as the impact of stress often exacerbates skin conditions. A lot of people are really struggling. In general I think regular exercise, good sleep pattern, healthy eating, and limiting screentime can help. Talking to somone also helps, don’t wait for people to contact you, there is always someone ready to listen.

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Northern Ireland?

The best thing for me is the people, particularly family and friends, who provide a great support network.

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

My parents from whom I learnt to “plough my own furrow” and my husband who is a great motivator.

10. FAVOURITE Movie: It’s a Wonderful life Band/Musician: ABBA Book: Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl Favourite restaurant: The Oak Room at Adare Manor Holiday Destination: Borneo.

Kayaking in the Mangrove swamps, hiking in the rainforest and seeing orangutans and other animals in the wild was amazing Drink: Champagne Meal: Picnics of any kind.

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31/03/2021 10:27

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY VIRTUAL IMPLANT CONSULT* TODAY

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Talk your decision through with us, book a complimentary virtual dental implant consultation today on 028 9038 1822.

15 Windsor Avenue Belfast BT9 6EE 028 9038 1822 www.cranmoredental.com *Non clinical consultation with Patient Care Coordinator.

LUXURY CARE FOR YOUR HAIR DESIGNED WITH KINDNESS IN MIND Ulster Tatler chats to Charlene Hawthorne, owner of Haus of Hair.

“I have been in hairdressing for 15 years, I first started training at SRC and then I worked at Scissors salon in Newry, before moving to Brighton where I managed a busy salon for four years. Here I had the opportunity to style hair for some local celebrities and style photoshoots, including being part of the Heart FM launch.

Upon returning home, I opened my own salon and ran it successfully for six years, with my work being regularly featured in Ulster Tatler and Ulster Bride, and I was delighted to be the head stylist at the Ulster Bride fashion shows.

When I got married and had my first child I struggled with the work/life balance, so decided to take a step back from running a business and rented a chair at a salon instead. Three years later, and one more child later I decided to take the leap back into running a business, and Haus of Hair was born.

I focussed heavily on education, becaming an Easilocks ambassador and hair extension specialist. At Haus of Hair we pride ourselves in continued educationand skill. We are colour and extension specialists and have an amazing highly talented team, who are also barista trained – so not only do you get to absorb our bubbly atmosphere, but we will make you the best cappuccino or latte you have ever tasted. We aim to build a bond with our clients through consultation, understanding, professionalism and a touch of humour.

Our salon has a very chilled and relaxed vibe, which puts our clients at ease. Our expert team are trained in our retail range, and prescribe the correct aftercare for any hair or scalp type. We believe

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in an authentic approach, holding the integrity of our salon at a high standard, so we will only stock products that we truly believe will work for our clients.

We are counting down the days to our return to work! I spent the first month of lockdown wallowing in self pity, then one morning I decided enough was enough, I needed a new project – so I decided to get my teaching qualification. I also completed the most difficult course to date, the Alfaparf masters degree in chemicals and colour, finishing top in my class.

Thoughts of launching my own brand had been brewing in my mind and this gave me the confidence boost I needed. I found a new passion and worked day and night researching our range of products.

Our range includes; the Haus waver dress out comb, which is designed to comb and dress out curls to give you beautiful waves.

We have our machine washable OMG headbands, designed to keep hair out of your face during your skincare routine, makeup application or tanning.

My next project was my 100% mulbury silk scrunchies. After researching the benefits of silk these weere born from a need to be able to safely tie up hair extensions securely and tightly. Our hair extensions can range from 450-£600 so only the best should be used to protect them. We have a strong, durable antisnap hair tie wrapped in 22mom silk. Not only are they hypoallergenic, they are the anti-snap, anti-kink and can be used in all

01/04/2021 12:52

Our website was launched in December and we are in the top 16% of websites that launched in the same week as us.

For product information/ demos/reviews you can find us at www.hausofhairhq.com Hausofhairhq hausofhairhq

hair types to prevent damage from tying your hair up.

I seen the need for a universal brush, so the detangler was born. It can be used wet or dry, and used to blowdry. With the antisnag design you can brush hair extensions root to tip without pulling or causing damage. It has both intelli-flex bristles covered in poly tips, which is proven not to damage hair and within those we have shorter boar bristles, which is the gold standard in distribution of products throughout your hair. It’s my favourite item from the collection and I use it daily – it effortlessly glides through long hair and detangles with ease.

We also launched our CREASLESS clips collection, which comes as a pack of 5 clips, used to pin hair back or create waves and mould hair into shape without causing kinks/dints or lines.

Our most recent product to arrive is our scalp massager, this is a game changer for washing your hair! Perfectly moulded to sit in your palm, this scalp massager uses gentle silicone tips to stimulate the follicles on the scalp by boosting blood circulation, encouraging all the nutrients to rush to the surface. And the more nutrients available, the more your hair will grow and the healthier it will become! The massaging movement also helps dislodge stubborn product build-up, grease and sweat so

you can feel confident your scalp will be sparkly clean when you step out of the shower.

Our biggest product yet is to be launched mid-April, our pro curler – the easiest way to curl your hair.

Compact and easy to carry, it easily fits in your handbag to use it anytime and anywhere. The Haus of hair pro curl comes with a micro USB cable to easily plug it to

your laptop or your car to achieve perfect curls on the go.

Although I can’t wait to be back behind the chair in a busy salon I am greatful for the time lockdown has given be to develop my thoughts and ideas. It took having to stop and adapt, but I’ve finally got around to having the time to do all the things I wanted to do!

10% OFF ANY ORDER SITE WIDE USE CODE: TATLER10

Brands we work with:

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01/04/2021 12:53

UT MAN

STYLE RULES M U S TH AV E FA S H I O N ITEM – Pe a c o a t jacket, Te d B a k e r, £299.

Interior Designer and Co-Owner of Atelier Interior Design, Victor Branco chats to Ulster Ta t l e r a b o u t his style rules.

FAV E SKINCARE Humanity Cosmetics.

S I G N AT U R E SCENT Bleu De Chanel.

How would you describe your style?

The nature of my job is very variable on a daily basis, I could either be meeting contractors on site, meeting clients, or leading project presentations in the office.

So, I try to dress in comfortable clothes and footwear in a way that it can be suitable for any of the daily tasks that comes with the job. I would describe my everyday style as smart/casual and for evening wear a sharper and more tailored look.

What item of clothing could you not live without?

I love coats... a lot! My wardrobe staples are definitely Peacoat jackets, as they are a classic and timeless garment. A good pair of well-fitted jeans are always a ‘must have’ in my wardrobe. I love Tommy Hilfiger slim cut jeans, which I normally pair with a nice shirt and a smart blazer or a Peacoat Jacket.

Do you have a favourite fashion brand or shop?

I have a bit of a weakness for Yves Saint Laurent, the pinnacle of Parisian Chic and also

the exquisite elegance of Hermès. I also love Thom Browne’s classic forms with a futuristic twist. Other favourites include designer lifestyle brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, which are classic in essence but cool in style and the understated elegance of Massimo Dutti. Tom Ford is also one of my faves.

Do you have any style icons?

Daniel Craig and David Gandy. They are elegant gents who are ageing very well and always look great and stylish in a suit! Also, Ryan Gosling and Simon Porte Jacquemus would be on my list.

Do you have a skincare regime?

I didn’t have any up to now, as my skin has always been good but lately, I have started to pay a little attention to my skincare regime. I use a fantastic London brand called Humanity Cosmetics, a high-end skincare range of male grooming products containing natural ingredients combined with the latest in skincare technology. I use their face moisturiser and eye restore and my skin definitely feels more hydrated and

smoother with a beautiful healthy glow. It also smells wonderfully too!

What is your signature scent?

Blue de Chanel every time.

Are there any haircare products you recommend?

I have used the Kérastase haircare range for some years now.

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

I do not have a specific fitness routine or a trendy diet programme. I have a terribly sweet tooth, which isn’t the best when you want to follow any diet programmes.

My diet would be a Mediterranean style diet followed by cake! Before lockdown I would go to the gym maybe twice a week and occasionally go swimming. Presently, because all gyms are closed and with summer just around the corner, I have substituted the gym for an evening run two to three time a week.

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31/03/2021 10:38

UT MAN

DESTINED FOR DENIM Crewe Clothing – White shirt £55 and jeans £69.

River Island – Denim shirt, £40

TK Maxx– Denim jacket, £29.99

Marks & Spencer – Jeans, £49.50 Matalan– Denim shirt.

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31/03/2021 10:38

IN N E W V O LO K D C O L

SOCIETY

WEDDINGS

Taylor & Rogan Miss Sarah Taylor, daughter of Carole and Wesley Taylor from Bangor, married Philip Rogan, son of the late Alec and Peggy Rogan.

The wedding ceremony took place on 12th March 2021 at West Presbyterian Church, Bangor, followed by a reception at the family home due to COVID restrictions.

Photography by Jervis Wedding Photography

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SOCIETY

WEDDINGS

LO LO CK VE DO IN W N

Hamill & Kennedy Miss Rebecca Hamill and Steven Kennedy from Bangor were married on 8th February 2020. The ceremony took place at Anahilt Presbyterian Church, followed by a reception at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel. The couple then honeymooned in Orlando and the Bahamas.

Photography by Fran Duff

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IN N E W V O LO K D C O L

SOCIETY

WEDDINGS

Lynam & McFaull Miss Rebecca Lynam and David McFaull from Bangor were married on 1st October 2020.

The ceremony and reception both took place at Clandeboye Lodge Hotel after their original plan to get married at Harvey’s Point, Donegal was cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions. The couple plan to honeymoon in New Zealand.

Photography by Angel Photography

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Arts Round-up SOOTHING STORIES Tourism NI has launched an audio-series of enchanting Soothing Stories from Northern Ireland, bringing listeners on a tranquil journey through beautiful landscapes, rich culture and extraordinary heritage.

Some of Northern Ireland’s finest talents were involved in the production of the four-part series, with actors Conleth Hill and Bronagh Waugh lending their voices to bring the local terrains, mythical tales and stories to life.

As we all yearn to travel, Tourism NI is providing the ultimate armchair travel experience from the comfort of your own home. These new calming audio-originals are an opportunity for listeners to escape and embrace unique magical adventures from Northern Ireland, even for a short while, as a bedtime story or on a daily walk.

Designed to inspire discovery of Northern Ireland’s Giant Spirit, you can unlock your wanderlust and stride through the Narnia inspired Mourne Mountains, then on to Armagh’s blossoming orchards. Transport yourself to the Fermanagh Lakelands and the magnificent Sperrin Mountains through to the walled city of Derry~Londonderry, the Causeway Coastal Route, Belfast City and the Ards Peninsula.

The stories have been written by author and acclaimed travel writer, Seth Linder, from his home in Rostrevor, County Down.

You can listen to the four Soothing Stories of Northern Ireland for free on the Discover Northern Ireland Spotify channel: http://bit.ly/SoothingStoriesNI For more inspirational places to visit in Northern Ireland, visit www. discovernorthernireland.com.

Conleth Hill

BLACKSTAFF AT 50 At the end of March, the Imagine! Belfast Festival kicked off the 50th anniversary celebrations for local publisher Blackstaff Press with an online event.

Former managing director, Anne Tannahill, and current managing editor, Patsy Horton, chatted to Dr Eamonn Hughes about some of Blackstaff’s most influential books and authors. The event also saw contributions from author Paul Arthur, designer Wendy Dunbar and Head of Literature and Drama at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, Damian Smyth.

In 1971, at the height of the Troubles, Jim and Diane Gracey took a huge leap of faith and founded the publishing house in Northern Ireland. Fifty years and one thousand titles later, Blackstaff Press continues as one of the most important publishing houses on this island, with a reputation for originality, quality and tenacity.

Next month Blackstaff will publish Susan McKay’s Northern Protestants: On Shifting

Ground. Comprised of almost 100 interviews and incisive commentary, this book creates a portrait of a surprisingly diverse community against the backdrop of social justice movements, Brexit and the centenary of the foundation of the State. Also due for release is a new collection of short stories, Moving About the Place, from the brilliant Evelyn Conlon. And there are more short stories in the autumn – from Jan Carson, Bernie McGill, Carlo Gébler and others – specially commissioned for a new anthology of strange stories from Northern Ireland, The Black Dreams. Also in the autumn Blackstaff will publish the third and final part of Colin Breen’s hugely successful series, A Force Like No Other; a new book from the team at the Ulster Fry; and Stand Up, Speak Out, a memoir from the peace activist, human rights defender and former politician, Monica McWilliams.

For more information: www.blackstaffpress.com

NEW DIRECTOR OF FIGHTING WORDS Hilary Copeland joined Fighting Words Northern Ireland, the creative writing network for children and young people, as its new director in March 2021.

Hilary has worked in the arts sector since 2008, for festivals, arts and theatre companies in Edinburgh, Belfast and Dublin. She has worked across business management, strategic planning, creative programming and event delivery. Hilary started her career in literature at the Stanza Poetry Festival and The Byre Theatre before joining the Programming Team at the Edinburgh International Book Festival, working on the Children & Schools Programme.

As a freelance arts manager, producer and programmer, she has worked for clients including Belfast International Arts Festival, NI Science Festival, Kabosh, Culture Northern Ireland, Whittrick Press, Belfast Book Festival and Young at Art. Hilary led long-standing arts and cultural charity, The John Hewitt Society, from 2013 - 2019, where she ran the John Hewitt International Summer School and founded the Hillsborough Festival of Literature & Ideas. In 2019 she joined the Irish Writers Centre as acting director, where

she successfully led the IWC team during the COVID-19 pandemic, moving to remote online delivery to continue offering courses, resources and support to writers throughout the crisis.

Visit www.fightingwords.co.uk

Hilary Copeland

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HOMEWARE LINE FOR CO DOWN ARTIST

Louise Mathews

REVIEW: IMMACULATE

By Kellie Burch

Like Channel 4’s It’s A Sin, the new production from Louise Mathews is a compelling and powerful piece of storytelling about the tragic AIDS pandemic which destroyed so many lives in the 80s/90s.

Immaculate, a digital theatre performance produced by Tinderbox, directed by Patrick J O’Reilly and premièred as part of the Féilean Earraigh 2021, is based on the true story of Louise’s uncle Anthony.

A gay illegitimate Irish Catholic man, Anthony was born in Belfast in the 1940s but headed for London in the 1960s to be somewhere where he had the freedom to be himself. However, with the arrival of the 80s, Anthony found himself living through the “gay holocaust”. During a period of time when everything he stood for was denounced, Anthony shrouded much of his life in secrecy. This continued with his passing in the early 1990s, with his cause of death still remaining a mystery to Louise and her family.

This two-hander production sees an emotive performance from Louise complemented by a superb portrayal of ‘Anthony’ by Rhodri Lewis. Music by the talented Stuart Robinson soundtracks the journey Louise goes on to uncover the fate of her beloved uncle and to celebrate the man she adored.

Louise’s motivation for creating the piece is very evident from one of her opening lyrics: “I didn’t want the memory of you to be lost in time.” Entitled Immaculate after her uncle’s impeccable appearance, the production, which was to be a full stage show, has been re-imagined during lockdown as a virtual production comprising of seven songs which explore Anthony’s life and Louise’s journey to honour who he really was.

From start to finish, it is clear how much Louise adored her uncle Anthony. From the words she sings to her expression when she utters his name, the bond she feels is clearly as strong now, almost 30 years after

his death, as it was when she was a child.

One particularly telling moment is when she recounts how Anthony held her, and a room full of relatives, captive by his stunning rendition of ‘My Way’ at a family wedding.

Whilst there was no evidence that Anthony had HIV, it affected his community, friends and lovers. In writing Immaculate, Louise spoke to the National HIV Story Trust. With their help, Louise not only tells the story of Anthony but also of “a lost generation, abandoned by the nation”.

Words are at the heart of this production.

Not only does Louise use them to capture the essence of her uncle, but they play a visual role as well. The stunning costumes and set, emblazoned with words, strike a stunning balance of light and dark. The effect is dramatic: on one hand it shows how words can be used to cause hurt. One particularly powerful moment sees Louise buried under piles of handwritten paper.

Whilst she is initially restricted by their weight, she eventually breaks free and the moment is truly glorious. Immaculate also shows how words can give strength and literally act as a form of armour to protect yourself. Louise reveals Anthony re-appropriated derogatory terms, aimed at gay men, and transformed them to have positive connotations.

Immaculate is a remarkable production.

The music pulsates with humanity as it effortlessly switches from light and upbeat to frantic and intense. Multi-level storytelling combining the visual with the auditory creates a compelling, engaging and utterly captivating performance. The result is that by the end, Anthony is a name you will never forget. Although he remains somewhat elusive, he is a multifaceted, fabulous and tragic character whose story will stay with you, long after the music stops.

Immaculate premièred on 12th March 2021.

A Co Down artist is branching out and launching her own homeware line thanks to the popularity of her colourful prints and paintings.

Jacqueline Rooney, a former art teacher, has enjoyed steady success since going full-time with her craft three years ago, but it was an encounter with furniture designer and presenter of BBC’s The Repair Shop, Jay Blades, that really sparked her creativity and entrepreneurship.

Jay reached out to Jacqueline during lockdown last year to compliment her work and express an interest in collaborating. After he shared a picture of one of her paintings to his 95,000 Instagram followers the Rostrevor artist’s sales trebled almost overnight and the pair discussed combining their passions and working together on a project.

Jacqueline explained: “During our first phone call we discussed our mutual passion for colour and interior design and he told me he would love to collaborate.

He used one of my paintings on the seat of an old designer chair he had upcycled and reupholstered and I was just blown away seeing my work on one of his amazing pieces of furniture.”

The chair sold within hours of going on sale and kickstarted the idea for a homeware line. Jacqueline has since had her vibrant designs printed onto luxurious velvet fabric which will be used in the range of new furniture designs, including on chairs, cushions, lampshades, curtains and other soft furnishings.

Jacqueline now has plans to open her own shop in the not too distant future and has received support from far and wide including from TV presenter Eamonn Holmes who owns one of her paintings.

To check out Jacqueline’s artwork search for Jacqueline Rooney Art on Facebook, the @jacquelinerooneyart handle on instagram or visit www. jacquelinerooney.com/jacquelinerooney-home

Jacqueline Rooney

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EXTRACT

THE LAST RESORT

Below is an extract from The Last Resort, by award-winning Northern Irish writer, Jan Carson. The Last Resort is a series of short stories, which were aired on BBC Radio 4.

Jan Carson.

Maggie toddles along behind me, sniffing and pausing to dribble on the grass.

Sometimes she veers dangerously close to the edge. I’ve nothing against her. As far as dogs go, Maggie’s grand, and there’s been times when Mummy’s tearing strips off her that I’ve even felt a bit of solidarity. But, if she were to totter over the cliff’s edge, would that be such an awful thing? There are worse ways for a nineteen-year-old dog to go. On a selfish note, it’d free me up. At least I tell myself it would.

Would it really? I doubt it. The problem is Mummy’s got to me. She’s spent so long telling me I can’t manage myself I’ve actually started believing her. I’m a homebird. I’m not cut out for socializing. And, when it comes to men … Well, Mummy says there’s no point setting myself up for a disappointment. I’d like to have got married, maybe even had weans. For a while I was seeing Leonard from church. He wasn’t good-looking or anything, but he was awful kind. And he’d his own house and the plumbing business. I could’ve been happy with Leonard but he wanted to get married right away. I couldn’t abandon Mummy. It wouldn’t have been right. Those last few years she needed me for everything.

Feeding. Bathing. Helping her to the toilet.

Leonard said I needed to draw a line.

Mummy was asking too much of me. Leonard’s with Michelle now. She’s younger. They’ve a wee one on the way. I’m happy for them. At least, I’m trying to be. It’s too late for me to be happy myself. I’ll be fifty soon. I’ll hardly be making any big changes now.

There’s a word for the day after tomorrow: overmorrow. It was on Eggheads yesterday.

I’m forever accumulating useless facts off Mummy’s programmes. I’ve been thinking about overmorrow all day. It’s depressing me. Nothing’s going to change tomorrow or the day after or any time soon. What have I got to look forward to? Work. Church. Home.

Caravan at the weekend. Same old, same old for the next thirty years. Then eternity with God and Mummy. Hopefully God’ll stick us in different bits of Heaven. Knowing my luck, we’ll be sharing a caravan.

I’m standing on the clifftop, right in front of poor Lynette’s bench, feeling sorry for myself, when the foreign fella grabs me from behind. I don’t hear him. I don’t see him. One second I’m alone in the dark, the next I’m being dragged backwards by the shoulders.

Everything happens so quickly I don’t even think to scream.

‘I got you,’ says the man. He speaks English with an accent: Polish maybe, or Romanian.

I turn to look at his pale face, looming out of the dark. He looks straight at me. I recognize that look.

It’s the way people always look at me: Leonard, Michelle, the girls in work. This stranger pities me. He sees a frumpy, middle-aged woman, standing alone on a cliff edge, looking sad, and he’s made the assumption most people would make.

I’m mortified. I begin to mumble incoherently. ‘I wasn’t … I wouldn’t … I’m just out here walking my dog.’

The man’s embarrassed too. He’s misread the situation. Or perhaps he hasn’t. He doesn’t know how you move away from a cliff edge. He seizes upon the dog.

‘You’re walking dog?’ he repeats desperately.

We’re both clinging to this line.

‘Yes,’ I say. ‘Maggie. My mother’s dog.’

‘Where is dog?’

I look around. Maggie’s nowhere to be found.

I call her name. She usually comes when I call. Tonight, she doesn’t.

I know instantly, we won’t find her. Maggie’s gone. She’s toddled over the cliff or those horrible children have taken her. Still, I let the man help me search. Anything to delay the moment when I have to tell Mummy I’ve lost her dog. She’ll go ballistic. Even The One Show won’t be able to distract her and Mummy never misses The One Show, although she says it’s not the same since Christine whatsername went over to Loose Women. (Mummy doesn’t approve of Loose Women, neither the concept nor the show.)

We spend ages searching for Maggie. We go all the way around the site. The man’s English isn’t great and I’ve no idea what he’s doing here. But he is kind and I am grateful for this. I won’t tell Mummy about him. It’d be nice to have something of my own. Beneath my anorak, my shoulders are still throbbing where he grabbed me. It is years since anyone touched me. Literally years. I wonder if he’s left a mark.

The Last Resort by Jan Carson is published by Doubleday.

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NEW IRISH LITERATURE

SPRING MUST-READS

Here we look at some of the latest releases which are sure to make it onto your spring must-read list.

MAXOL: CELEBRATING 100 YEARS

BENJI BLUE

Benji is a beautiful little Robin Red Breast with one big problem. His little red breast sometimes turns a bright shade of blue! Benji must go on a journey to discover why his chest changes colour and how to stop it!

Local primary school teacher, Rachel McCoy recently selfpublished her first children’s story entitled; ‘Benji Blue.’ It tells the tale of a little Robin Red Breast whose chest turns blue when he is feeling sad. The aim of writing the book was to help children gain confidence in expressing and sharing emotions and to celebrate difference, encouraging children to be proud of who they are.

Maxol 1920–2020: Celebrating Can the BenjiFirst ever be Hundred a true Robin Red Breast?

Years of an Irish Family Company written by bestRachel McCoy is a primary school from Northern Ireland who selling author Turtle Bunbury is the storyteacher of Maxol, the gained a First Class Honours in English Literature alongsideby her BEd. Teaching family-owned Irish company that is owned today is her vocation but she has always loved write creatively and has combined her the same family who founded itteaching backexperience in to1920. with her writing to bring her first children's story to life. Rachel is married with two daughters As Turtle Bunbury writes in the book: who love to listen to stories from their mummy. Rachel has used her personal experience in combination with her “Maxol’s evolution over the last hundred years is a teaching experience to explore emotions lived and felt by children in their formative years. story abounding in brilliance, ingenuity, serendipity and triumph. There have also been battles, both personal and corporate, in which true grit, hard work and honest ambition did much to overcome situations of tremendous adversity.”

The book charts the formative decades of the company including its division into two separate companies in the 1930s; enduring the Second World War; the birth of the Maxol brand in the 1960s; their navigation of the 1970s global oil crisis; and the transformative integration of the two companies in the mid – 1990s.

The story is brought bang up to date with the company’s evolution into a global leader in terms of food innovation and convenience and with a move into the green energy sector, with the launch of bright energy in July 2020, as it transitions from fossil fuels to renewables.

THE GARDEN

U S I N E S S | 19 2 0 – 2 0 2 0 T H E S T O R Y O F A N I R I S H FA M I LY B

Paul Perry is an award-winning poet and novelist. He has published several collections of poetry, most recently Blindsight.

He also co-authored four international bestselling novels as Kareen Perry, including The Innocent Sleep.

Paul Perry’s first solo novel tells of smothering power, loyalty and agency thwarted by the tragic patterns of memory and behaviour.

The Garden is a modern fable, and a warning against trespassing upon nature in the name of profit.

an new d paraffin. ers, n, on the eve a popular

truck day as The iggest energy ovation and s.

stribution, stry, where

ple sports ll-Ireland’

complete ement other

C E L E B R A T I N G 10 0 Y E A R S

nd success, this ative years of crises, political s to climate

020 The story of an Irish family business | 1 9 2 0 – 2 TURTLE BUNBURY

odcaster

TURTLE BUNBURY

ish Diaspora,

e Vanishing

The Garden

by Paul Perry Publishing May 2021, New Island Books

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THE SCENE

Mum and daughter Gail and Holly Hadson with Athena.

Sandra and Norman Little with Jodie and Chloe.

Stacey Bowman with Ollie and Toby.

BALLYHOLME The mile long crescent of sandy beach at Ballyholme esplanade in Bangor was recently enjoyed by families paddling and building sand castles during the recent fine spring weather. As well as couples and dog walkers enjoying a brisk walk the beach was also popular with more adventurous sea bathers and wet suited kite surfers.

Janet and Chris Calvert.

Kite surfers Blade and dad Kyle Cromie.

Norma and Steven Granet.

Jack and Victoria Wilson.

Adrian Quinn and Louise Vance.

Bill and Gill Geddis and daughter Vivienne Moore with dogs Molly and Dolly.

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DRESS MY BUMP M A T E R N I T Y

H I R E

Finding the right occasion dress is hard enough. Finding the right occasion dress when pregnant is an even bigger challenge! My name is Karen and I am a mum to 3 beautiful girls. Dress My Bump Maternity Hire was born after becoming frustrated at the lack of local, affordable, comfortable and stylish maternity occasion dresses when searching for the perfect dress to wear to a friends wedding.

I wanted to create a place where pregnant women could come to try on a range of beautiful dresses, as most maternity dresses nowadays are only available online. It’s not always easy to dress your bump when you can’t try the items beforehand and I had become fed up of the never ending buy and return cycle!

At Dress My Bump we only stock high end designer dresses and make them affordable to everyone. The labels that we stock are the very best in terms of quality, style and most importantly comfort. We also hire matching headpieces to complete your outfit for that special occasion whether it be wedding, christening, graduation, work dinner, birthday or any other special event.

I hope we can help you to find the dress you are looking for!

In the past year we have also expanded to sell preloved maternity and nursing clothes in excellent condition through Dress My Bump Preloved.

263 Corkey Road, Cloughmills, Co. Antrim, BT44 9JB Phone Call Karen on 07968 474963 www.dressmybumpmaternityhire.com www.dressmybumppreloved.com

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Image credit: Priory Studio.

MY

head in the sands of the past. I wrote a book called ‘The Irish Diaspora’ during lockdown and found it much better to be thinking about 7th century Europe or the American Revolution than listening to the daily tally of infection and death all around me. I’m not sure if that’s living in utter denial but I certainly felt a lot more upbeat by taking a break from the day-to-day challenges of the present and losing myself in another world.

TURTLE BUNBURY Author and historian

1. What do you love most about your job?

Historians are basically detectives in disguise.

It’s all about piecing together the evidence.

Whether I’m researching the layout of a stone circle, the cause of a war or the evolution of petrol pumps on a Maxol forecourt, I still get a tremendous kick out of discovering the clues scattered through the annals of the past. It’s also wonderfully unpredictable. History is such a vast and multidimensional canvas that I never know what I am going to learn next.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I’ve been immensely lucky in my career; highlights keep happening. The launch of each new book has its own charm but it’s hard not to single out ‘The Irish Pub’, a collaboration with the photographer James Fennell. We launched it at the Guinness Storehouse in Dublin and got a sponsor on board so that all our guests had access to a free bar. I dedicated the evening to a teacher who once told me I couldn’t organise a piss up in a brewery.

Writing the cover story for National Geographic Traveler in the same year that I had historical features published in Playboy and The World of Interiors felt like a hat-trick not many are likely to achieve.

I was Writer-in-Residence at the Princess Grace Irish Library in Monaco for a stint, which was fab, and I also love being spoiled rotten when invited to speak in places like New York, Chicago and Savannah, Georgia.

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

Since lockdown began, I have obsessively

explored the landscape around our home in County Carlow. Tracking the flow of every stream, clambering to all the highest points, trying to make sense of old ruins and other stone shapes scattered in the fields and gathering up any records of such places in the history books.

I spend a huge amount of time with my family, which I adore, but at this stage in the lockdown proceedings I am deeply looking forward to a weekend of rambling hills, historical sites and river swims, followed by an evening of inspirational pints and succulent dinner with pals unseen for far too long.

4. What is your daily routine?

The notion of a routine used to fill me with fear but these days I’m a sucker for it … no two days are ever quite the same, but this is the approximate way it works in the week.

7:25: Awaken.

7:45: Reawaken.

9: Coffee pot burbling in my studio and computer cranks up. (Postpone to 9:15 if doing school run.) Work through until 1:30.

1:30: Lunch (ideally outside, reading a magazine).

2-6/7: Back to office, with a 1-hour walk of the dog in the midst of it all.

6-12: Hang with Ally and the daughters, maybe a hot bath. We’ll all bundle around a telly for a double dose of something like ‘Modern Family’ or ‘Fawlty Towers’ before bed.

5. Do you have a fitness regime?

Yes. And no. I have fitness binges. I’ll jog every day for two weeks, or do an online pilates workout every day for a week. And then I’ll let it slide and the weeks since my last jog or pilates session somehow become months. I do go for a hearty walk every day but I know that’s not enough. I used to swim quite frequently in a nearby pool, which was excellent, but the pool has been closed since lockdown began.

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive during this time?

During the bleaker hours of this pandemic, I’ve been a complete ostrich and buried my

7. What do you think is the best thing about living in Ireland?

I was a travel writer for a decade and visited many gorgeous lands but traveling around Ireland presents landscapes that are as fine as any. It’s also a historian’s paradise because we not only have 10,000 years of humanity to puzzle over, but Ireland is also the source of origin for huge numbers of people who made their mark in the US and other lands which, to my mind, helps to give us a strong sense of place. We have humour too. It’s kind of buried a little at the moment but it will be back.

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

In my 20s, it was ‘Living dangerously is half the fun.’ That course of action put me behind scehdule on my ambitions so I nabbed a line from Elvis: ‘A little less conversation, a little more action please.’ I turn 50 next year so that will call for a new mantra.

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

I’ve always been quite good at befriending old timers and I greatly value what they have to say. I volunteered to live with my grandfather for a year when I was 30, which gave me a lot of perspective. My history teachers inevitably exerted an influence, as did my family. I’m the third son so I undoubtedly had an eye on my big brothers growing up, although actually my younger sister ended up being a tremendous mentor also. Our hippy-ish aunt taught me a lot of wise things like if you haven’t got a good word to say about someone, don’t say it.

10. FAVOURITE Movie: ‘Midnight Run’ with Robert de Niro and Charles Grodin.

Band/Musician: The Kinks.

Book: Gabriel Garcia Marquez, ‘100 Years of Solitude’, or any Flashman novel.

Restaurant: The Oak Room, Adare Manor.

Holiday Destination: The next one.

Drink: The second pint of stout.

Meal: Seafood chowder.

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Ulster Tatler

PREP PRIMARY INTEGRATED SPECIAL SCHOOLS GUIDE2021 Decision making is a big part of parenthood and choosing the right school for your child is one of them. Northern Ireland is lucky to have a wealth of excellent schools to suit a range of needs, whether it is a Primary school, a Preparatory school, Integrated or a Special school – there is something to suit every child to help them flourish.

CLARAWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL

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66

UT SCHOOL GUIDE 2021

PUTTING EDUCATION FIRST

PREPARATORY SCHOOLS

Looking for the right Primary school is an important step to take as a parent, so doing your research is vital. Schools have been unable to host their usual open days, however a lot have switched to virtual tours instead. Most schools have websites, which are great for checking out all the latest news and events from the school, as well as providing a lot of useful information. Another indication of whether a school is right for your child is word of mouth. Perhaps you know a neighbour or a family member who already has a child in Primary school, you can get advice and opinions on what they think of the school and what it has to offer.

To enrol your child for Primary school all you need to do is fill out a form from your local education and library board. This will allow you to list at least three primary schools in order of preference. To get your first choice, things that will be taken into consideration include; the distance the school is from your address, whether you already have family in the school.

Integrated schools, which are overseen by NICIE, the Northern Ireland Council for Integrated Education educate children from both Catholic and Protestant backgrounds, as well as other faiths or those with none. This allows children to be educated together no matter what their religion, promoting an inclusive and welcoming learning environment.

Through their Admissions Criteria they enrol approximately equal numbers of Catholic and Protestant children, as well as children from other religions. With a generation of kids learning and growing together with no cultural or religious boundaries, it has a positive impact on our shared society.

Preparatory schools are independent, fee-charging primary schools. Prep Schools give parents the reassurance that their child will be prepared for the transition into a Grammar School, with the high education standards on offer. Preparatory Schools range from either day only, to boarding. The option of boarding is beneficial for busy parents and it also encourages the introduction of students from overseas. They also range in age intake, with many offering places from the age of two.

Special schools cater for children with specific needs, whether it is a physical disability or learning difficulties. These schools aim to help children with special needs achieve higher education and thrive in their abilities, getting all the extra care and attention they require.

Laura Walker B.A Hons A.R.A.D

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

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

Contact Laura Walker

028 9076 3953 : 07711643958 : laurawalkerballet@hotmail.com

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LI CAR SLE COACHING

67:

Holywood-Steiner

70:

Campbell College Kindergarten

68: 71: 72: 74: 76: 77: 78:

Inchmarlo

Penrhyn, Strathearn Preparatory Department Victoria College

The Wallace High School Preparatory Department Ben Madigan

Downey & Fullerton House Schools Royal School Armagh

INTEGRATED SCHOOLS 81: 82:

Seaview Primary, Glenarm Mill Strand Integrated School and Nursery

PRIMARY SCHOOL: 79: King’s Park Primary 83: Enniskillen Model Primary SPECIAL SCHOOL: 84: Clarawood Special School

MORE THAN JUST SPORT

EXTRA CURRICULAR CLASSES PHYSICAL EDUCATION SUPPORT HOLIDAY CAMPS 1-1 COACHING MULTI-SPORT SESSIONS Contact today for further information

www.carlislecoaching.co.uk 07740340827

01/04/2021 14:57

Time and Space to Learn and Grow Holywood Steiner School, established in 1975, delivers a co-educational, integrated and international experience to children aged 3-17 years.

Education at Holywood Steiner School is immersive, inspiring and creative in the truest sense, as children experience a hands‑on, experiential approach to learning.

The school provides a rounded education that inspires children to develop a love of learning, the courage to question, the ability to express their individuality and to make a positive contribution to the world around them.

Recognising that each child is unique, the Waldorf curriculum is designed to be unhurried and age appropriate, using the outdoors, song, music and art, alongside traditional teaching methodologies, to educate and inspire your child.

Peter Chambers, Headteacher, Holywood Steiner School

If you wish to find out more about Holywood Steiner School please visit

holywood-steiner.co.uk

To arrange a walk-through and meeting with Headteacher Peter Chambers, please contact the school at info@holywood-steiner.co.uk or 028 9042 8029. facebook-square holywoodsteiner Instagram holywood_steiner_school

DESTINY IS DETERMINED

BY CHOICE, NOT CHANCE…

Choose wisely.

Aristotle once wrote,

“IT IS CHOICE NOT CHANCE THAT DETERMINES YOUR DESTINY.“ One of the biggest decisions that any parent faces very early on in their child’s life is the decision of how and where to educate them. Do you send them to the local primary school because it is convenient? Do you send them to somewhere close to your work? Do you send them to where you went to school? Do you send them to the same school as all their friends?

These are choices that you have to make - quite often with very little information to help you.

As we are all aware, the education system is fragile. We are seeing a lack of investment in schools, class sizes are getting bigger year on year, with many children not getting a nursery or P1 place. Setting your child on the right educational path cannot be left to chance.

BY CHOOSING INCHMARLO, YOU ARE GIVING YOUR CHILD EVERY ADVANTAGE…

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YOU ARE CHOOSING SMALLER CLASS SIZES. We continue to provide small class sizes - up to a maximum of 24 in each class. In the mainstream education climate (of overcrowded classrooms), this provides much needed reassurance that every boy will be noticed and individuals will be catered for.

YOU ARE CHOOSING SPECIALISTS. With 14 specialist teachers at Inchmarlo, there is expertise throughout the curriculum. Our teachers are experienced and deliver an excellent curriculum, but adding Music, Science, Sport, Art and Drama teachers (from RBAI and externally) to the teaching staff raises the bar even higher for the boys. Our own class teachers are very experienced in teaching boys and the different approaches required to bring out the very best in them.

YOU ARE CHOOSING THE OPTION OF WRAPAROUND CARE. With 28 different afterschool activities, the boys are never short of things to do.

Wraparound care is provided on-site for boys in the form of a morning breakfast club (8am – 8.40am) and then afterwards from the end of school until 5.45pm. It is preferable for boys to spend more time in an educational environment, than in basic childcare elsewhere.

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YOU ARE CHOOSING FULL T IME NURSERY PROVISION. Our Pre-Foundation class is in school for a full day: 9am – 2.10pm. This is over 5 hours’ of nursery age provision per day, following the preschool curriculum. It’s a great way to start off your child’s education at Inchmarlo.

By picking Inchmarlo you are choosing 2 schools in 1.

As the preparatory department of RBAI, we start our boys on a journey, beginning in Pre-Foundation and 94% of the boys in the last 4 years transferring to the main school, the journey to RBAI excellence undoubtedly starts at Inchmarlo.

YOU ARE CHOOSING ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE. Our recent Education & Training Inspectorate (ETI) report stated:

DON’T LEAVE YOUR SON’S EDUCATION TO CHANCE… CHOOSE INCHMARLO!

“The children have access to excellent, well-planned opportunities for the progressive development of problem solving skills in numeracy and in other areas of the curriculum.”

With national data showing that our boys are achieving standards in both literacy and numeracy that are proving to be an excellent choice.

YOU ARE CHOOSING 100 YEARS OF TRADITION AND HISTORY. At Inchmarlo, we are about blending the traditional with a modern twist. The ability to take all that is good from a modern, progressive curriculum and underpin it with traditional methods (focused on reading, writing and arithmetic) makes us the school we are.

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App f r Apply ly y now fo Pre-Foundat io on ennrtolment P1 enr e rrolment en lmen INCHMARLO

RBAI Preparatory Department Cranmore Park, Belfast BT9 6JR www.inchmarlo.org.uk info@inchmarlo.belfast.ni.sch.uk Tel: 028 9038 1454

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CAMPBELL COLLEGE KINDERGARTEN

TAKING THE FIRST STEPS… One of the most memorable moments of a child’s early development is when they take their first steps. Taking the first steps on their educational journey is just as momentous, and deciding upon the best choice of pre-school setting for your little one at this crucial time can prove challenging.

Ensuring that your child will be happy and well cared for is paramount, but it is coupled with the need to make it work for the family - emotionally, financially and physically.

Parents of children under 3 are facing difficult decisions in terms of pre-school choices. The lack of availability of places is one thing, but even when a place is awarded it is often only for a couple of hours a day - creating a logistical nightmare for working parents who are then faced with the need to arrange pick-ups, drop-offs and alternative childcare.

At Campbell College Kindergarten we believe we have the answers to keep everyone happy. Our modern Kindergarten building provides two small classes for boys and girls in one dedicated building. Small classes mean that our highly experienced and qualified teaching staff can dedicate plenty of one-to-one time with the children.

The setting is stunning, as our Kindergarten is nestled in its own private space within our 100 acre woodland campus, offering plenty of nature right on the doorstep; our own private outdoor classroom. Exploring the world around us in puddle suits and wellie boots is a regular feature of the Kindergarten day!

Campbell College Kindergarten also offers flexible wrap around care on site, with a Breakfast Club from 8.00am and an After-School Club until 6.00pm each day. All operated by our own staff, this in situ childcare means that your child never has to move from one location to another. It is safe, easy and great value for money, at only £6.20 per hour.

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

Our Kindergarten ticks all the boxes: small class sizes, fantastic teachers, superb outdoor learning environment, great flexibility for parents and a safe and nurturing experience for the little ones. We understand the importance of first steps and strive to ensure that each child’s first steps pave the way for a successful educational journey.

If you would like to take a step into our Kindergarten to see for yourself, we would be delighted to welcome you. Please contact Amanda on 02890 763076 to arrange a visit.

Campbell College Belmont Road, Belfast BT4 2ND Tel: 02890 763076 www.campbellcollege.co.uk

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PENRHYN, STRATHEARN PREPARATORY DEPARTMENT Excellence in Teaching and Learning

Explore Dream Discover “You have something very special here, Mrs Mawhinney”

Visitor Feedback

• Family atmosphere with a focus on positivity and pastoral care • High quality teaching resulting in, on average, 97% Grammar School entry • A broad, well-balanced and relevant curriculum • Personalised Learning Support provision • Music and Drama opportunities for all • PE specialist teaching • Excellent range of extra-curricular clubs • Early morning supervised care from 8.00 a.m.

• After School Club until 5.45 p.m.

• Strathearn Senior School canteen, state of the art sports facilities, ICT Suite along with Science and Language links

“There is a wonderful atmosphere in the school, the girls are so enthusiastic and happy” Parent Feedback

“I was pleased to hear the Head of Department emphasising the importance of developing self-confidence” Visitor Feedback

OUR VIDEO

T: 028 9047 4684 E: info@penrhyn.belfast.ni.sch.uk W: strathearn.org.uk

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VICTORIA COLLEGE Margaret Byers was a formidable lady who championed the right for education and opportunities for girls during the Victorian era. Establishing Victoria College School in 1849, she encouraged pupils to strive towards achieving their goals, to develop their skills and abilities and to fully embrace their place as leaders in society. Today, Victoria College Preparatory School still emulates those values. A lively, purposeful and pupil-centred school, it encourages students to develop a sense of curiosity, to value academic and extracurricular endeavour and to demonstrate positive attitudes and behaviour.

Our highly qualified staff are committed to supporting your daughter’s education and to making learning fun.

She will benefit from the excellent resources within school and from teachers who are subject specialists as well as Key Stage experts. Smaller class sizes allow us to meet the individual needs of all our pupils and to stretch and support each girl so that she makes progress commensurate with her ability. Our outstanding Key Stage results reflect the natural outworking of happy, confident girls who thrive in an inclusive atmosphere. You can be assured that we will prepare your daughter to be an independent thinker, ready for post primary school.

Pupils benefit from expert tuition from specialist staff who deliver Music, Sports, Modern Foreign Languages and Classics. Victoria girls participate in a range of sporting events including hockey, cross country, netball and swimming galas and regularly compete at a high level.

Preparatory School pupils are confident, articulate and caring. Our core values of respect, courtesy and understanding permeate everything we do. Pastoral care in the school is recognised by ETi as ‘outstanding’ with every girl valued for who she is and encouraged to reach her full potential. The Preparatory School holds both the Inclusion Quality Mark and Investors in Pupils awards with assessors noting the dedication of staff to ensuring each pupil is empowered to develop and grow both academically and at a personal level.

The Preparatory School encompasses an onsite Pre-School class led by a specialist Early Years teacher and overseen by our Early Years Leader. In addition to the wide range of extracurricular activities on offer, we also provide daily after school care for all pupils within the School until 6pm to support working families.

We currently have limited places in some classes for our September 2021 intake. Private visits to the School can be arranged by contacting our admissions officer, Ms Mawhinney via email: nmawhinney170@c2kni.net or by telephone: 028 90661506. Our pupils are our best ambassadors so we hope you will call in to meet the girls, view the facilities and experience the teaching and learning provided.

Victoria College 2A Cranmore Park, Belfast BT9 6JA Northern Ireland

ntial

ote P g in k c lo n U .. l. o o h c S ry ictoria College Preparato

V

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VICTORIA COLLEGE

Prep 5-7 Choir were named Primary School Choir of the Year 2018 at the St Anne’s Trust competition.

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THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATORY AND PRE-PREPARATORY CREATING CONFIDENT CHILDREN We Are Ambitious… are you?

We are a purpose-built facility surrounded by playing fields, tennis courts, nature and garden areas and lots of open and planned playing space.

Full-day Pre-School In September 2019, after many years of successful parttime provision, we were delighted to launch our new, competitively priced and flexible full-day pre-school.

Operating from 8:15am through to 4:15pm daily, we pride ourselves in offering families the convenience of having all of their children educated within the one school, whether they are in pre-school or studying A-Level! No more running between schools for different pick-up and drop-off times, these can be simultaneously arranged for all.

With no set timeline for applications we can offer immediate decisions on your application, therefore eradicating any of the associated stresses or worries that come with applying for a school place. Furthermore, we offer guaranteed places in Primary 1 for all our pre-school children without the need to reapply.

The early years are critical in terms of successful intellectual, social, emotional, physical and creative development.

At Wallace Pre-Preparatory we provide a very effective introduction to those concepts which are central to successful learning without subjecting the children to any feeling of pressure; learning is presented to these young children in an enjoyable, easily assimilated way.

Preparatory Department At Wallace Preparatory we are very proud of our family ethos, our reputation for academic excellence, learning support, breadth of extra-curricular sporting, musical and artistic provision, ICT facilities and the quality of pastoral care.

From Primary 1 - Primary 7 the Preparatory Department offers a combination of small, non-composite classes as well as experienced and enthusiastic staff. Emphasis is on developing the whole child through an extensive range of extra-curricular sporting and non-sporting activities including STEM, gardening, rugby, football, swimming, hockey, cricket as well as music and speech and drama tuition.

We offer a Breakfast Club and flexible After School Care until 5.45 pm. Our school has been graded as ‘Very Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ in all areas by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI). A school nurse is onsite and our Pastoral Care and Safeguarding arrangements have been deemed

by ETI as Outstanding.

We recognise that all pupils have different talents and strive to ensure that every pupil has an equal opportunity to find and develop the talents they do possess.

Pupils have access to Grammar School facilities including sports pitches, ICT Suites, Gymnasiums and Nutrition and Food Science rooms. These Grammar School facilities have recently been enhanced further by a £3.2m investment.

Our experienced team shapes the curriculum to suit children’s needs and interests to ensure they leave us as confident, well-prepared and highly motivated learners, ready for Primary 1.

It is never too early to register your interest in either our Pre-Preparatory or Preparatory Departments.

Applications from 2021 onwards are now open so please get in touch. Our Head of Preparatory Department, Mr J. Harper would be most willing to show you around our thriving Department.

Our Pre-School Educator, in following the pre-school curriculum, plans the structure of activities carefully in order to develop the children’s self-confidence and nurture an enjoyment of school. The addition of social experience and plenty of play provides a fully rounded educational foundation during the vital early years.

The Wallace High School Preparatory Department 12a Clonevin Park, Lisburn, BT28 3AD T: 028 9267 2311 www.wallaceprep.org

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THE WALLACE HIGH SCHOOL PREPARATORY AND PRE-PREPARATORY

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BEN MADIGAN PREPARATORY SCHOOL

A TRADITION OF EXCELLENCE SINCE 1829 Ben Madigan, situated on the lower slopes of Cave Hill, is the Preparatory Department of Belfast Royal Academy, the oldest school in the city. Surrounded by beautiful scenery and superb grounds, pupils enjoy a school site, which is unrivalled in Belfast and have access to the excellent facilities at the grammar school site.

The aim of the school is to provide a happy, stimulating and structured environment in which all children have the opportunity to develop academically, socially, emotionally, morally, spiritually, physically and culturally to their full potential. To encourage pupils to develop respect and mutual understanding, Ben Madigan is non-denominational and caters for children of all ethnic backgrounds and a wide range of abilities. In this beautiful setting, Ben Madigan fosters the potential of its pupils in a happy, caring environment and prepares them for successful futures.

What Ben Madigan has to offer: • A family atmosphere • Small classes for Preps 1-7 • Pre-prep (nursery age) class • Pre and after school childcare can be provided extending the day from 8.00am to 5.30pm in order to facilitate working parents • Experienced, dedicated and caring staff • Excellent AQE preparation and results • Registered Forest School • A wide extra-curricular programme • Specialist teaching in P.E., Music and instrumental tuition in drums, guitar, piano and singing • A stimulating environment in which pupils can develop good communication skills and enjoy exploring different activities designed to develop and nurture their talents.

We warmly invite you to come for a tour of the school.

Please telephone for an appointment.

Ben Madigan Preparatory School 690 Antrim Road, Belfast BT15 5GP T: 028 9077 1139 www.benmadigan.com

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Methodist College Belfast Preparatory Department Downey & Fullerton House Schools

learning in the heart of the city

100% of our P7 pupils went to grammar school in 2020 Fullerton House 1 Malone Road, Belfast BT9 6BY 028 9020 5217 fullerton@methody.org

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Downey House 9 Pirrie Park Gardens, Belfast BT6 0AG 028 9028 6660 downey@methody.org

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ROYAL SCHOOL ARMAGH

STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE, LEARNING FOR LIFE, ACHIEVEMENT FOR ALL The Royal School Armagh Preparatory Department is part of the Royal School Armagh, a school with over 410 years of educational history and tradition. The ‘Royal School Armagh Prep’ wants pupils to grow up with confidence, to enjoy success, to strive for high standards and to respect themselves and each other. The school offers a rich and varied curriculum, inside and outside the classroom, with small year group sizes, enabling all pupils to receive the attention they deserve. Access to the senior school facilities including the computer suites, music and language department and sporting facilities are available to all pupils. Boarding opportunities are available from P5 onwards.

The Headmistress of The Preparatory Department, Dr. K.G.G Carson-McClenaghan would be delighted to personally tell you more about this wonderful school. The staff are experienced, enthusiastic and caring. ETI commented upon the exceptional teaching and learning that evolves from this environment in their recent inspection.

The Prep children always display such enthusiasm with all their extra-curricular activities, both academic and sporting. They demonstrate exuberance, pride, determination and willingness to participate as team players - ‘Team Prep’ is their motto. They enjoy Spanish, French, horse riding, hockey, rugby, football, cricket, music, ICT, swimming, cross country, orienteering, school residentials to Paris, Shannaghmore and the Share Village, and many more extras that they all have the opportunity to try.

A 100% of the P7 class gained a grammar school place in 2020.

Less expensive than you think, more valuable than you know.

College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DH T: 028 3752 2807 E: info@armaghroyalprep.co.uk W: www.armaghroyalprep.co.uk

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KING’S PARK PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL, LURGAN All Different All Equal

Tournament Winners.

Playtime in the sand.

School Production.

PUTTING THE CHILDREN FIRST King’s Park Primary School was established in 1936 with a prime location at Lurgan Park, an extensive green field town park, which enables pupils to learn, exercise and grow within a natural environment. Over the years the school has grown and expanded with new facilities being added, such as the purpose-built nursery block in 2011 and the Multi-Use Games Area in 2013.

The aim at King’s Park is to provide each child with a broad and balanced curriculum in a safe, stimulating environment, with highly qualified and dedicated staff. There is an emphasis on academic excellence and we thrive to develop each individual’s talents and abilities to their full potential.

At King’s Park we have the ethos of putting ‘Children First’ and of playing a central role in the community of Lurgan and helping the children to develop academically, socially, emotionally, spiritually and physically. Our mission is to: • Promote and support the Christian ethos • Value and respect each child

Plant Study.

Learning through technology.

• Create a happy and secure learning environment • Challenge and stimulate each child • Address individual needs • Create equal opportunities for every child In addition to highly structured teaching and learning policies and creative classroom experiences, children have the opportunity to join: • Senior/Junior choirs.

• Recorder/percussion groups and guitar tuition.

• Brass, woodwind, upper and lower strings.

• Drama, dance, art, technology club.

• Weekly swimming lessons.

• Cycling Proficiency, Scripture Union and French Tuition.

• Computer, cookery, running, netball and short tennis clubs.

• Hockey, football, mini rugby, orienteering and choral speaking.

We believe that extra-curricular activities are a significant aspect of a child’s school experience, helping to develop skills and relationships.

Eco Flag Award.

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

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MY VIEWS ON INTEGRATED EDUCATION BY SEAVIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL PRINCIPAL, BARRY CORR “It was Friday afternoon, 12th March this year around 3PM when I received the phone call I’d been waiting patiently on for months.

We did it! It was historic. The Minister for Education had approved our development proposal to transform to integrated status, making Seaview PS Glenarm the first catholic school in NI’s history to achieve such an accolade.

The parents and governors initiated the processes, which led to a parental vote in June 2019 when 95% of parents supported the move towards integration.

Immediately we set about a process of transformation. Pupils made new school prayers and teachers changed the religious education and PE curricula. Assemblies had invited guests, which included all the local clergy. Small steps; big impact. Our enrolment doubled in two years to 80 pupils.

We knew the benefits. Pupils from all backgrounds, faiths and cultures would naturally learn and celebrate together the ideals that makes them different and the same. Children from the village and surrounding area would have the chance to grow, learn and develop in a climate of love, respect, appreciation and tolerance together in their local school. There would be no more ‘us’ and ‘them’ and ‘others’ to contend with. We would be all one. Seaview Integrated Primary School. www.seaviewpsglenarm.co.uk

IF YOU ARE BUYING A SCHOOL BAG, BUY ONE THAT CAN CHANGE A LIFE Ten Foundations is a charity that was set up in 2012, with the aim of helping women from the Balayan region in the Philippines get out of impoverished situations, by providing them with the necessary skills and resources to learn how to use an industrial sewing machine. With this knowledge, they are then able to work and provide for their families in a sustainable manner. Each woman in Ten Foundations is given the tools to help lift herself and her family out of the cycle of poverty, effectively helping to break it.

Their focus is not on raising money for the short-term and providing easy aid, but instead to work towards a sustainable future for these women in need by providing them with lifelong skills that can help them earn money in ways they would otherwise be unable to. They buy industrial level sewing machines for the women to make schoolbags with and develop their own skill set, enabling them to create a path towards earning and caring for their families and themselves.

Each bag is handmade by a woman in the Philippines who is getting a fair and decent wage, making each bag as unique as each woman making it, and as unique as you!

Better yet - for every bag that they sell, they are able to give one school bag to a child in need in the Philippines. While there are many circumstances that they cannot change in every child’s life, they can make it easier from them to go to school and encourage them to continue their education by giving them a tool to carry all their school supplies.

For more information visit www.tenfoundations.org

Why Schoolbags?

Because it epitomises their vision- education paves the path to a brighter future. By educating the women who make up the foundation with skills that they never had before, they are given a lifeline out of a situation in life that they had no control over. More often than not, this situation includes severe poverty, no electricity or running water, and not having the resources to formally educate their own children.

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SEAVIEW PRIMARY SCHOOL

MAKING A MARK AT SEAVIEW PRIMARY, GLENARM At Seaview Primary in Glenarm we are delighted to become the first Catholic Primary School in Northern Ireland to transition to integrated status. Our vision is that together we can achieve more. We have an integrated outlook and welcome pupils from all sections of the community. We wish to share our vision with all those who form part of our school community now and in the future – pupils, staff, parents, governors, churches, businesses and everyone else connected with our school.

Seaview Primary School, Glenarm, 11 New Road, Glenarm, Ballymena BT44 0AA Phone: 028 2884 1372 www.seaviewpsglenarm.co.uk

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MILL STRAND INTEGRATED SCHOOL AND NURSERY

WELCOME TO MILL STRAND INTEGRATED SCHOOL & NURSERY ... CELEBRATING OVER 30 YEARS OF INTEGRATED EDUCATION ON THE CAUSEWAY COAST. Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery is built on a simple yet fundamental value… “We believe in every child, in the personalities, talents and qualities that make them uniquely special.”

The school strives through on-going reflective practice to further raise standards in all aspects of school life and to provide a child centred environment that allows pupils to not only fulfil their potential but actually enjoy school. As the area’s only Integrated School, Mill Strand benefits from a rich and diverse school community that enables it to not only recognise and accept difference but to actually celebrate it.

In doing so, Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery provides its pupils with a positive disposition for future learning, enabling children from the school to excel in all aspects of life and education after they leave primary education.

Overlooking the beautiful West Bay in Portrush Mill Strand Integrated School & Nursery has recently been given approval to double in size in a new, modern school, due for completion in the Spring of 2023, to meet ever increasing demand for integrated education on the Causeway Coast.

With so much to offer, from high standards in Learning & Teaching to an inclusive, caring, integrated and child centred approach, international acclaim for its work in outdoor learning, exciting school residential and extra-curricular opportunities as well as award winning science & historical projects, the school is working towards its 2023 Vision and securing a high quality integrated education for all prospective families seeking a place in the school.

With an open-door policy, the school encourages pr ospective pupils and their parents to visit the school at any time and see it during a normal operating day rather than a pre planned ‘open day’. Alternatively, you can visit the school’s web site www.millstrand.co.uk or visit it on Facebook at any time.

Mill Strand Integrated School 33 Dhu Varren, Portrush, Co Antrim BT56 8EW Telephone: 028 7082 3090 Fax: 028 7082 4226 e-mail: info@millstrandintegratedps.portrush.ni.sch.uk Web: www.millstrand.co.uk

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ENNISKILLEN MODEL PRIMARY SCHOOL

MOTIVATING – SUPPORTING – EDUCATING Enniskillen Model Primary School’s 450 pupils will be returning after Easter to a new school building, which now incorporates part of the original building dating back to 1867.

The Model has a long tradition of dedicated service from teaching and non-teaching staff – they are committed to the education and welfare of the children. This school is well supported by parents and actively promotes their involvement. The school has a self-contained Language Centre catering for primary aged children who have specific speech and language problems.

Enniskillen Model Primary School 3 Castlecoole Road, Enniskillen, Co. Fermanagh BT74 6HZ Tel: 028 6632 4865 www.enniskillenmodel.co.uk

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CLARAWOOD SPECIAL SCHOOL - KEEP ‘ER LIT Clarawood staff Shane Johnston, Elaine Moore and Carl Rae.

. Clarawood pupil Tyler.

P5 pupil Seth.

The pupils and staff of Clarawood School and Service undertook a mammoth fundraising challenge using bike power to illuminate a light bulb for 24 consecutive hours to raise money to support the Health and Social Care Trusts in Northern Ireland.

Clarawood School and Service is a unique special school, catering for primary pupils who have complex Social, Behavioural, Emotional, and Well-being (SBEW) needs.

“We are working together to do our best for those who have sacrificed so much during this pandemic and to show our support to the doctors, nurses, porters, cleaners, caterers and everyone else who has been nose to nose with the pandemic from the very start.”

Clarawood Special School Clarawood Park, Belfast BT5 6FR Telephone: 028 9047 2736 Email: info@clarawood.belfast.ni.sch.uk

zzzz Vice Principal Drew Bradley and teacher Lydia Easton.

Gary Fitzsimmons.

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A Private Tutoring Company With A Difference Belfast based teachers Trevor & Jenine Jamison launched their education consultancy company Learning Unlocked Ltd in March 2020. Trading as Tutortoo they have been on call every day providing support, advice and guidance to both parents and students across the Province. Tutortoo is marked by excellent customer care and an individualised approach to tuition, this is evident from their client reviews.

Birthing the company prior to a national lockdown has had it challenges and successes in equal measure, according to Trevor “We had no idea in the planning stages that for the first 3 months of trading we would not be able to leave the house, however this has given us the space to build the type of business we could be proud of. We have been meticulous in our approach to selecting the highest quality tutors for our register, parents can be assured that every tutor has been interviewed, referenced, AccessNI enhanced checked and selected for their track record of effective teaching. Their knowledge of

the curriculum and examination processes coupled with their ability to support students as they navigate that curriculum is exemplary. Jenine added “We have also been able to take time to be a listening ear for parent’s, this has helped us to build a raptor with our clients and that is crucial if we are to provide targeted support. In order to plan for a student’s success, you must know where they are currently and where they are hoping to be.”

With any new business there are challenges even without a Pandemic. Trevor said ”for us having three school aged children at home requiring support with home-schooling, while setting up the company required teamwork and a lot of patience, the lockdown restrictions made it difficult to get out among the community to promote the service, however this is where your creativity comes into its own and our Social Media has been a lifeline. We are due to launch our new website by the end of the month and are looking forward to things opening up again.” Working in the

Trevor and Jenine Jamison

community and alongside their colleagues in schools is part of the wider picture for the couple, this year they have already provided community based weekly tuition groups to Post 16 students, preparing them to resit GCSE Mathematics. Ever conscious of the tremendous pressure upon schools Tutortoo are investigating innovative ways to provide support to schools across Belfast and beyond so watch this space!

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Ulster Tatler chats to Daniel Carlisle, owner of Carlisle Coaching.

Have you always been involved in football?

For as long as I can remember my life has revolved around football, ever since my father introduced me to playing at Ballymena United Mini-soccer at 5 years old. I started at Ballymena United and I believe its poetically fitting that I am sitting here today as a coach at the club my father played for. I began coaching at the age of 16 and ever since then coaching, educating and inspiring the next generation has become my one true passion.

Why is it important for kids to be involved in sport?

It is massivley important, not only from the physiological standpoint, the psychologial and social skills that young people can learn through sports are vital for positive development throughout your lifetime. That is why I believe that by providing high-quality, affordable sports coaching to all within our society is vital.

PROPER FOOD FOR YOUR KIDS Ulster Tatler chats to Tish Dorman from Moon & Spoon.

I want everyone to have that feeling of love for sport and physical activity that I have always had.

What make Carlisle Coaching unique?

We believe sport is not just ‘sport’, it is so much more than that. We want to provide an environemnt for all, not just children, where people can explore the social aspect, maintain and build upon positive mental wellbeing, and most importantly have a smile on their face throughout their time with Carlisle Coaching.

The business is named after my family name, we believe that we are a family, and we will treat all who come along in our journey as our ‘sports family’. That’s what I believe makes us unique.

What was your main inspiration for setting up Moon & Spoon?

I have always held an interest in nutrition, but having children sparked something much deeper. The question as to what my children would eat in a childcare setting prompted the first ‘kitchen table’ discussion with my then business partner whose children were at a similar stage. We wondered if we could provide a service not yet available in Northern Ireland for the provision of wholesome and nutritious dishes dedicated to crèches and after schools – dishes that children would love and thrive from.

What makes your food different?

We offer quite a varied menu,

which include vegetarian and special dietary requirements and off course all the usual favourites. Our two new dishes reflect the growing demand for more vegetarian choices and children’s love of pasta, especially Italian recipes.

Simply put, our dishes just don’t taste good but also are varied in texture and flavours, and some classic dishes have a twist to the norm. Most Moon and Spoon children eat chickpeas, quinoa, lentils and some eat haricot beans as easily as baked beans!

Do you cater for all ages?

Yes we cater for preschool to after school ages mostly 1 year to 10 years.

What is the highlight of your job?

Clean plates – simple. And feedback from crèches, after schools and parents to say the children love the food.

We are a unique catering service dedicated to providing créches and after schools across Ireland with delicious dishes packed full of nutritious ingredients.

Please call or email us for more information and if you would like to taste some of our yummy dishes.

Find out more about Moon & Spoon: T: 028 4175 4646 M: 0788 6218195 E: info@moonandspoon.com www.moonandspoon.com

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UT PREP SCHOOL GUIDE 2021

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THE MAJESTY OF SPACE FROM INSIDE YOUR CLASSROOM WITH ARMAGH OBSERVATORY AND PLANETARIUM Armagh Observatory and Planetarium is excited to bring the wonders of the solar system direct to schools with their brand-new online offering of ‘Cosmic Classroom’.

Students will learn how to navigate the night sky and travel to their favourite planets all from the comfort of the classroom. They will also visit constellations and journey to the moon during the immersive virtual class.

Suitable for KS1 and KS2 classes, pupils can test their knowledge with a quickthinking quiz and get the chance to ask experts from Armagh Observatory and Planetarium questions about space which have always intrigued them.

Armagh Observatory and Planetarium Senior Education Officer, Helen McLoughlin, said: “We are very excited to have the facilities and the opportunity to bring this truly spectacular educational online offering to primary school pupils and space enthusiasts across Northern Ireland.

“We really think it is a fun yet very informative way of introducing pupils to science and to the workings of space. What can be a science-heavy subject is delivered in accessible and easy-to-understand ways which really reveal the magic of space to these young people.

“Cosmic Classroom has proved popular with a number of schools already, but we really want to reach out to more primary schools across Northern Ireland and let them know this fantastic resource is available.

“We’re looking forward to the time when we can welcome the public back to the Planetarium but with schools preparing to re-open, we felt it was an ideal opportunity to package our Cosmic Classroom in such a way that the session can be delivered in a virtual manner.”

At an introductory price of £80 per one-hour session for one class, all you need is access to Zoom, preferably on a laptop or computer with a microphone.

For more information, please contact reception@armagh.ac.uk.

cosmic classroom Bring the wonders of the universe to your school!

Contact us on 028 3752 3689 or email reception@armagh.ac.uk to book your out of this world session!

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Award-winning Dental Hygiene

I

n 2013 the government changed the rules allowing the general public to access a dental hygienist directly, without the need for a referral from a dentist. When this change in legislation happened, Joanne Knox saw the opportunity for hygienists to become a more accessible independent entity.

She has always been fortunate to work in practices that embrace dental hygiene. Their support and encouragement helped her win Dental Hygienist of the Year at the 2018 Northern Ireland Healthcare Awards.

Having her own practice has always been a dream of Joanne’s, and dreams don’t just happen, they require courage, risk and ultimately passion. So Pure Dental Hygiene was born, and so far there is only two practices in the whole of Ireland that operate this way.

This is your opportunity to see a hygienist and stay with your own dentist. No waiting lists. No extra charges. Free onsite parking.

In the times we are currently living through we all understand more how important it is to control bacteria and maintain good hygiene and your mouth is no different.

Joanne Knox, Company director and principle hygienist

They have set up the surgery with the most stringent COVID policies, so the only people you will come in contact with will be Joanne and her nurse. They have a one person out, and a one person in policy, so you’re getting our undivided attention, and social distancing will not be an issue.

So feel reassured that this surgery is built around protecting you and our staff especially in these uncertain times.

www.puredentalhygieneni.com Pure Dental Hygiene 14 Sandel Village, Coleraine BT52 1WW T: 028 7087 8060 | E: info@puredentalhygieneni.com

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01/04/2021 14:57

UT Living

A STUNNING TILE COLLECTION McCall’s showrooms in Clough, Portadown and Carryduff have an extensive range of bathrooms on display from an array of leading brands. The fabulous bathrooms are of course complimented by a stunning tile collection.

McCall Tiles & Bathrooms offer a vast selection of luxury imported floor, wall, kitchen and bathroom tiles. Under tile heating is also available along with a wide range of laminate, engineered and solid wooden flooring. The wide range of mirrors, cabinets and bathroom accessories on display will complete your bathroom makeover.

The staff’s extensive product knowledge, excellent customer service and attention to detail have made J & W McCall Supplies an award-winning, leading supplier in Ireland. Visit one of the showrooms today to experience innovative, unique tiles and bathrooms to suit all tastes and budgets. Why not take advantage of the free 3D design service to help you bring your ideas together.

Owing to current restrictions, showrooms are open by appointment only to service new builds, essential renovations and repairs. To make an appointment please call 02844 811999 or email info@jwmccall.com.

NEW IN INTERIORS

A STUNNING NEW EXTENSION ADDED AT CREATIONS

The latest collection in home interiors from John A Shannon including Organic vases, green and white baskets and hanging frames.

The full collection can be bought online at: www. johnashannonshop.co.uk

Creations is a spectacular furniture store that has been family run for over 35 years. It has two branches; the main flagship store is in Boucher Crescent, Belfast and a smaller satellite store in Ballymena.

The Boucher Crescent location was opened around five years ago, and recently had a stunning extension added, due to the volume of product Creations have to offer. There is so much to choose from in dining, living, bedrooms and sofas. They are bursting with ideas and unique pieces to completely redecorate your room, or if its just that finishing touch that you need. Within the new extension there is now a dedicated divan showroom with models from all the top suppliers, such as Silentnight, Sealy and luxury brand Hypnos.

All Creations staff are welcoming and knowledgeable on what they sell, providing excellent customer service to help their customers make their decision on what they need. Many items are also kept in stock so there’s no need to have to wait. Check out their newly designed website to view just some of the great pieces on offer.

While they are closed simply order by emailing the dedicated email address info@creations-interiors.com or ring the Boucher Crescent store on 028 95215899. Creations look forward to welcoming all their loyal customers back soon. Stay Safe!

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01/04/2021 16:23

ULTIMATE INTERIOR DESIGN

Defining Interiors with vision led design At Ultimate Interior Design we aim to meet and exceed all interior design aspirations of our clients in the residential and commercial sectors.

The business has evolved from an interior design consultancy to now offering a vast range of fabrics, wallpapers, furniture, lighting and home accessories.

Ultimate Interior Design provides a full interior design service, from project inception through to final completion and commissioning.

Our service is bespoke, to suit all budgets and styles.

25 Lough Road, Newtownhamilton Newry Co Down BT35 0QR Tel: 028 3087 9376 Mob: 07553 383 978 Email: ultimateinteriordesign@yahoo.com www.ultimateinterior.design

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THE COMEBACK OF THE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL KITCHEN AS WE USE THEM NOW MORE THAN EVER The Covid-19 pandemic has forced us to spend more time at home, which inevitably means that our kitchens have never been have been used, probably more than ever in our lifetimes. People are changing the way they live, work and socialise within their kitchen space. Kitchens have become home offices, classrooms and restaurants. New clients at Mode German Kitchens are more focused on functionality and practicality but also the aesthetics of the whole room.

Previous clients, meanwhile, are enjoying their kitchens more than ever before – baking their own breads, cooking meals and eating together.

Lockdown has reminded families of the importance of spending quality time together and we have found different activities to differentiate between the days and weeks while we are ‘staying home’. Spending more time in the home has meant that open-plan kitchens have been used extremely well.

We have needed multi-functional spaces, which facilitate cooking, dining and living as well as the new office or schoolroom, which has arisen in recent months! For the past few years, we have been linking the kitchen, dining and living furniture in open-plan houses to create unique and multi-functional spaces.

At the beginning of the pandemic, it seemed like everyone simultaneously thought ‘let’s make banana bread or our own pasta’ because it created a family activity as well as meeting a need due to the lack of supplies in shops. As our recipes changed and we bought more mixers, our kitchen storage needed to adapt. At Mode German Kitchens, they think deep drawers are one of the ultimate storage solutions and regularly add an internal drawer with a cutlery insert to

allocate spaces for all your necessary utensils.

Their deep drawers, larders and corner units are much more efficient storage spaces than regular cupboards as you can see and access everything so much more easily and nothing gets lost for a decade at the back!

Maybe you are also thinking of continuing with the baking and cooking when the restrictions are lifted and are considering updating your kitchen to suit your new lifestyle?

Mode German Kitchens 162 Lisburn Road, Belfast, BT9 6AL www.modegermankitchens.co.uk E: studio@modegk.co.uk T: 028 9066 0011

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The Word

FOSTER CARERS URGENTLY NEEDED IN NORTHERN IRELAND Action for Children have made an urgent call for potential foster carers to come forward in Northern Ireland.

Avery Bowser, children’s services manager, explained: “The need is very great in Northern Ireland at the moment but the numbers coming forward have been too small.

“We know that there are lots of people who have the space in their home to foster but they are often put off by myths about fostering. They think it’s only for certain types of people.

“We need people from different backgrounds and communities to become foster carers because our children are all so different.

“At Action for Children we provide foster families that have the warmth and stability that enable children to cope with the changes that life brings them. We do that by recruiting ordinary people, from all walks of life, who do something extraordinary – become a foster carer.”

Avery is asking readers to think about fostering or encourage someone else who could foster.

“All kinds of people can foster. You have to be over 21, have a spare room, the ability to work with children and have the time in your life to give.

“So please give our friendly fostering team a call. The need in Belfast is very urgent and I am appealing for your help.”

If you are interested in becoming a foster carer or would like to find out more, please contact Action for Children’s fostering team on 028 90460500 or email fostercareni@actionforchildren.org.uk

QUEEN’S UNIVERSITY JOINS FORCES WITH ONLINE WILLS SERVICE ‘BEQUEATHED’

A GREAT ACHIEVEMENT FOR FOUR SEASONS HOTEL SPA & LEISURE CLUB, CARLINGFORD

Legacy gifts fund lifechanging research at Queen’s, tackling the major health problems of our time, and ensure that young people with talent can come to Queen’s, regardless of their background, and benefit from a world-class education. If you are thinking about supporting Queen’s with a gift in your will, we want to make it easy for you. Queen’s have joined forces with Bequeathed, an online will writing service which allows you to write your will for free, and from the comfort and privacy of your own home.

A gift of only a few per cent in your will to Queen’s University can change the lives of talented students for generations to come and support life-saving local research.

“The weddingsonline Awards recognise the professionalism, dedication, exceptional service and all-round excellence of wedding venues and suppliers,” says Jonathan Bryans of weddingsonline.

Amongst the winners was the four-star Four Seasons Hotel, Spa & Leisure Club, Carlingford who picked up the ‘Hotel Venue of the Year 2021 Leinster’ award with their sister hotel, Four Seasons Hotel & Leisure Club Monaghan winning ‘Hotel Venue of the Year 2021 Ulster’.

Their general manager, Dermot Redmond adds, “We are extremely proud and honoured to win this award for ourselves and our sister property in Monaghan in such trying times. Our team have been working tirelessly behind the Pictured are; Linda Scott, Seidy Kaasik and scenes during these Laura Bizna at last year’s Weddings Online unprecedented times to accommodate every Awards in February 2020. couple and ensure they have the wedding of their dreams and we are delighted that our teams hard work has been acknowledged by weddingsonline.”

To find out more, and start your will today, visit www.qub.ac.uk/alumni/bequeathed

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The Word

OUR PHILOSOPHY We understand that no-one wants to think about their own funeral and similarly we recognise the distress associated with planning a funeral for a loved one when you’re left grieving and heart broken by their passing. Some of the thoughts you may have:-

Why are people choosing direct cremation?

With the spiralling cost of a funeral, for some, a direct cremation is simply a cheaper way to go than a more traditional funeral. For others, it’s a question of choice. Some people simply don’t want the fuss of a full funeral service.

• Do you want a burial or a cremation?

What’s included?

• Do you want a religious ceremony or not?

• Who is going to pay for it all?

A Direct Cremation with Direct Cremations Ireland costs £1,150 and includes:

• What about my own funeral when the time comes?

• All cremation fees and costs

Here at Direct Cremations we may have the answers to these and many other questions.

• Care and preparation of the person who • has died

TEL: 028 028 9187 TEL: 91872798 2798

Bringing the person who has died into our care

A simple wood-effect coffin • A suitable vehicle to the creamatorium • Any required doctors’ fees

Direct cremations remove the most expensive elements associated with a traditional funeral cremation. Our caring approach allows you to celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that meets the needs of you and your family.

Celebrate your loved one’s life in a way that suits you and your family from £1,150.00 We cover the whole of Northern Ireland www.directcremationsirelandltd.com

www.directcremationsirelandltd.com Email: enquiries@directcremationsireland.com

• A scatter tube for the ashes

OUR SERVICES More people are choosing to take a personal approach to their funeral, as opposed to the traditional funeral and burial, with direct cremations becoming more common.

This type of cremation involves the deceased being taken directly from the place of death to the crematorium without a viewing or funeral service. While funerals are seen by some people as the perfect way to say goodbye, others find them distressing and want to separate their memory from the distress of their passing.

Without the pressure of a funeral service, family and friends are free to plan a more personalised memorial service at a time and in a place, that suits them, if they so wish.

Extra Costs There would be a fee of £195 if extra staff are required to carry out a non-hospital removal and if an XXL coffin is required £250 is added to cover this request.

Celebrate you loved one’s life in a way that suits you and your family from £1,150.00 We cover the whole of Northern Ireland www.directcremationsirelandltd.com

www.skeaeggs.com

Jacqueline Hamilton - Seaforde Interiors

www.seafordeinteriors.co.uk Mobile: 07740 304310 95

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ISSUE: APRIL 1994

LOOKING BACK ULSTER TATLER

Pictured at the 20th anniversary Dinner of Magee College Mature Students Foundation at the Broomhill Hotel are Ms Geraldine Canavan, Mr Brian Keenan, Ms Kate Kelpie and Mrs Collette Nelis.

wein, Ms Helena Schlind s Audrey Mr n, rso de An Gerry Lacey. ian Br Mr d Keenan an

Pictured at the Sullivan Upper Formal at Culloden Hotel, are Gregory Fulton, Lizzy McDonald, Erin Ferguson and Neil Kennedy.

Dr. Barnardo’s Belfast Helpers’ Group held a dinner dance in Belfast. Four young musicians from Victoria College entertained guests.

Caroline Dixon, Kristin Lemon, Joanne Mooney and Louise Murphy.

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Visit our showroom 14–16 Newry Street, Kilkeel, Co. Down BT34 4DN T: 028 4176 2315

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Stockists of ercol furniture www.johnashannon.co.uk

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