Ulster Tatler January 2022

NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY

JANUARY 2022

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INTERVIEW CONSUL GENERAL PAUL NARAIN POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

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I’ll be back”

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Looking forward to my next visit.

RESULTS ARE FAB!”

Denise “The level of professionalism in Sisu is unmatched! I’ve returned to the clinic numerous times and can confidently recommend them to friends and family. I’ve had my lips done with both Dr. Edel and Dr. Neil and both are fantastic in their field and a credit to the Sisu team”

Stacey

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“I would give more than 5 stars if that was an option. My first experience at Sisu, I found both the environment and the doctors were exceptional.”

“I had a really good experience in Sisu today. I had my lips done with Dr. Edel. She was so nice and made me feel really comfortable”

“Visited the Sisu Belfast clinic today and was given great advice and guidance. Any question I had Dr. Edel answered perfectly. Can't wait to have my treatments done. ”

Pauline

Emma

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“From booking, to walking into reception & getting my free consultation - it all couldn't have been any smoother. I was made feel at ease immediately. Dr. Neil talked me through everything.”

5.0 Madga

Michael

“This was my first experience with any type of filler. The whole experience was great, it was painless and quick, the atmosphere was nice and I’m over the moon with my results. ”

“I had a lovely experience today with Dr. Edel for my lip augmentation treatment. It was pain free and comfortable. Love my results always.”

Stacey “The doctor that treated me was very friendly and patient and the procedure was done very quickly. I love my results!”

Rachel

Ray

Kathy

“So professional, and made sure I was 100% comfortable at all times.”

“So professional, and made sure I was 100% comfortable at all times”

“The team’s knowledge in Sisu Belfast was second to none. Every detail was discussed.

So so happy with results. Such a beautiful clinic as well!”

Natalie “Very friendly and patient and the procedure was done very quickly.”

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Michelle

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“Amazing experience starting from the reception and all the way to consultation at Sisu. Very professional and knowledgeable.

First ever painless Botox. Excellent results.”

“Sisu was brilliant. The doctor made me feel at ease during all of my visit. It was my first time getting lip fillers. It’s only day 1 post treatment and the shape is amazing! thank you Sisu!”

Lorcan

John

“Really happy with the results. I felt zero pain and discomfort after.

Staff are incredibly friendly and the environment is super professional.

I would highly recommend you pop in and visit them if you’re interested in aesthetic treatments.”

“I always look forward to my visits to Sisu as it's always a warm and friendly place to be. Any nerves you have going in are quickly gone as the staff there make you so at ease! I wouldn't go anywhere else for my procedures!!!”

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Contents

January 2022

94

64

98

FEATURES

UT STYLE

85

ARTS DIARY

88

BOOK EXTRACT Belfast Aurora: A Memoir of a Falls Childhood

97

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

98

MESSAGE FROM EDUCATION MINISTER Michelle McIlveen

24

COLUMNIST – KATHY CLUGSTON Unmarried Bliss

40

MY TOP 10 Also throughout the magazine

48

ROYALLY REWARDED

50

JANE HARDY INTERVIEW US Consul General, Paul Narain

137

GRADUATION NEWS

76

SOCIETY WEDDINGS

144

LOOKING BACK

53

STYLE WATCH

54

STYLE RULES Fashion inspiration for local trendsetters

56

GIRL ABOUT TOWN UT’s columnist Nuala Meenehan

60

BEAUTY PICKS

61

HAIR MATTERS With Kelly Cowan

Full Colour NORTHERN IRELAND’S NO1 GLOSSY

JANUARY 2022

£3.20

INTERVIEW CONSUL GENERAL PAUL NARAIN POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

ACA MODELS AWARDS AN EVENING AT THE REGENCY

£3.20 (€4.55)

This month's front cover features Northern Ireland's premier hotel and spa, Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort.

Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort Galgorm, Co. Antrim BT42 1EA T: 028 2588 1001 www.galgorm.com

Keep In Touch With Ulster Tatler At:

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Editor’s Letter

New Year, Same You? Are you planning to make a New Year’s resolution? Every year I come up with a vague plan to cut back on this or take up that, however, this year my resolution is to make no new resolutions. Over the last 22 months we have lived with unprecedented restrictions upon all our lives so I personally don’t feel like facing January and February without at least some of life’s little comforts. I think I will embark upon a plan of

self-improvement at a slightly more optimistic time of year.

Let’s face it, in mid-January things can be pretty bleak so we will all probably need a bit of whatever it takes to keep us going. If you aim to give something up in the New Year I wish you the best of luck.

My plan is to see out what is left of the winter with my feet up, balancing a large glass of wine in one hand and box of chocolates in the other.

Cheers!

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

Only NI based social magazine audited by ABC.

QUOTE FOR THE MONTH

“I can resist everything except temptation.”

Lady Windermere’s Fan (1892) Oscar Wilde, Irish dramatist and author(1854-1900)

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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.

UNMARRIED BLISS

This month, Kathy Clugston explains why marriage and weddings are not what her heart desires.

Weddings. I thought I was alone in my views about them until I tuned into Radio 4 one morning and heard a woman exactly articulating my thoughts. It’s wonderful when that happens. You have all these scattered ideas jiggling around in your brain and suddenly someone manages to condense them into a few well-formed sentences and you could weep with relief.

Call me a weirdo but I’ve never liked weddings (with a few notable exceptions) and never wanted to get married. When I was a young girl, I was always Wonder Woman or a Charlie’s Angel, never a wannabe bride. I was leaping from behind corners whirling a pretend lasso, not lying like Sleeping Beauty waiting to be kissed awake by a tardy prince.

These experiences were reflected by Jia Tolentino, a writer for New Yorker magazine, whom I heard on the radio reading one of her essays entitled I Thee Dread. In it she articulates how angry she feels about people constantly asking why she and her long-term partner aren’t married, and the presumptions they make about what those reasons might be. She gives us a short history of (straight) weddings: how they started as brief, simple ceremonies with the bride wearing her best dress, which would certainly be worn again.

The white wedding dress didn’t appear until Victorian times; in fact Queen Victoria is to blame for escalating the whole situation, making weddings an aspirational occasion where anyone who spent enough money could be Queen For A Day. As time passed, weddings grew bigger and more ornate and an industry was born. Retailers had to quickly invent some “traditions” so that we might willingly spend our hard-earned cash on special china,

engagement rings, tiered wedding cakes, elaborate floral displays, and so on and so on.

As for the state of marriage, as far as heterosexual couples are concerned, some statistics are less than heartwarming. It has been reported that married men live longer, enjoy better mental health and earn more than their wives, who fare less well, with the burden of domesticity still falling disproportionately on them, even when they work outside the home and especially if they have children.

It can sometimes be difficult to express views that don’t quite chime with the mainstream. If you don’t drink alcohol, say, or refuse to buy from Amazon, if you Illustration by Megan Rafferty.

are vegan or don’t have any children or prefer not to wear make-up or drive a car, rather than people celebrating or educating themselves about your choices, they question them, often aggressively, as if somehow by not living life as they do, you are passing judgement on their choices. So let me qualify this whole column by saying that I am delighted, nay, over the moon for anyone who is happily engaged or married or aspires to be so. I celebrate the hard-won right to become a husband or wife long denied to many. Each to their own happiness. And just because a dream wedding is my nightmare doesn’t mean I don’t believe in love and commitment. I want and value these things. I just prefer to aim for unmarried bliss.

Another writer with the knack of summing up complicated emotions in a single line was the great American lyricist and composer Stephen Sondheim, who died in November 2021 at the age of 91. I think I like his idea of connubial compromise: Marry me a little / Love me just enough Cry, but not too often / Play, but not too rough Keep a tender distance / So we’ll both be free That’s the way it ought to be You can be my best friend / I can be your right arm We’ll go through a fight or two / No harm, no harm We’ll look not too deep / We’ll go not too far.

We won’t have to give up a thing / We’ll stay who we are

THIS MONTH’S OBSESSIONS: Stuffed peppers – I improvised these with leftovers and now make them often. Fry up some finely chopped mushrooms and add cooked couscous, cherry tomatoes, chickpeas, feta cheese - whatever you’ve got really- and mix with a few good dollops of pesto. Fill some pepper skins and bake for 30 minutes.

and moving stories take place in a caravan park in Ballycastle where love and tragedy, the past and the future intertwine.

Paul McCartney: Inside the Songs - Macca has been around a lot over the last few months, with the release of Peter Jackson’s film Get Back and his own book The Lyrics. In these short programmes on BBC Sounds, McCartney takes 10 songs and tells us about how he wrote them and what was going on in his life at the time.

The Last Resort – A collection of short stories by Jan Carson, the award-winning novelist and writer based in East Belfast. These ten witty

24

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THE SCENE

from left front: Teresa McGeary, Elaine O’Donnell, Louise McGeary and Rebecca McGeary with back: Fergal Crossan, Shane McGeary and John Paul McGeary.

Bridin and Sam Ward.

John Hurson and Conor Nugent.

EDENDORK NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS GALA Edendork GAC in Tyrone hosted The Night of Champions Gala Dinner which took place in the Armagh City Hotel. The event was held in honour of three of the club’s players Niall, Conn and Darren to celebrate the men making history in being the first Edendork men to win the Sam Maguire.

Sean Quinn and Elaine Martin with Donna and Sean McCrory.

zzzz NIamh Conway, Cathy Conway and Eimear Conway.

. Bronagh Gribben and Feargal McCarney.

.Tyrone Co. Manager Feargal Logan with his wife Eileen.

Charlie and Maura McCarney.

26

.

Diane Boyle and Sean McCurry.

Frances and Francis Mooney.

Austin Mooney, Eva Strain and Daniel Mooney.

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ED

20

22

D AT ES

SAY “I DO” AT TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST

ST I

LL

AV A

The multi award-winning hotel has become one of Northern Ireland’s most unique wedding venues, steeped in history and romance.

The historic Drawing Office One, with its breathtaking three-storey barrel-vaulted ceiling and large overhead skylights, highlight the beautifully ornate architecture within and provide a wedding venue unlike any other.

After sundown, the venue glows under glimmering stars and reflections of the iconic Titanic Belfast building, setting a romantic backdrop for that all-important first dance as a married couple, marking an exciting and memorable start to the rest of your lives together.

“The way we were looked after in the run up to our big day meant we were SO relaxed and happy.

We knew our guests would be looked after to the highest standard, and they were!

Excellent food and service: a warm, relaxing, friendly atmosphere that put all our guests at ease and made for the best possible experience: both in the run up and on the day.

Thank you all so much.” ~ Rachel & Andy

The hotel offers various wedding packages, allowing you the flexibility to choose the package that perectly suits your needs. The hotel’s friendly, welcoming wedding experts are eager to hear your ideas to ensure your dream day becomes reality.

Wedding packages start from as little as £7,995 Request our wedding brochure and prices by emailing weddings@titanichotelbelfast.com or call +44 (0)28 9508 2000 www.titanichotelbelfast.com

IL

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THE SCENE

Jim Rodgers and John Quinliven.

Niall Kelly and Joe Stewart OBE.

Dr Norman Walker and Tony Cole.

REMEMBRANCE DAY LUNCH A remembrance day lunch was held at the Ulster Reform Club where members enjoyed a delicious 3-course meal. There was also a talk by guest speaker Mr. Bryan Johnston OBE, which was about Alan Turing and the Enigma Code.

.Bryan Johnston OBE.

David and Karen Weir.

zzzz Fred and Pat Penhallurick.

. Brian Gordon, John Condon, Past Presidents Timothy Quin and Harry Sproule.

Harry Walker and Steven Chambers.

Gillian Bingham, Henry Moore and Jacqueline Stewart.

Eric Cairns and Geoffrey Menary.

Brian Hanna CBE and Jim Neilly MBE.

28

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THE SCENE

Sam Raife, Robin Hetherington, Julia and John D’Arcy.

MARY PETERS TRUST – SPORTS INSPIRES LUNCH

John and Cora Stapleton, Jacqui and Jonathan Raife.

The Mary Peters Trust welcomed an array of famous sporting faces for a fundraising event with the aim of giving ‘every young person the opportunity to succeed in sport’. The Sport Inspires Lunch was attended by legendary athletes from across Northern Ireland including Northern Ireland women’s footballers Julie Nelson and Marissa Callaghan, rugby star Rory Best and Olympian Rhys McClenaghan. Lady Mary Peters’ trust helps young people across Northern Ireland, both disabled and ablebodied, achieve sporting ambitions by supporting them financially and providing access to a team of experts.

. Lady Mary Peters with hand cycling athlete Zoe Rainey and dad Paul.

Amy Foster, Wendy Phillips and Shauna Bratten.

James Nesbitt.

. Julie Nelson and Marissa Callaghan.

Gillian Hetherington and Lady Mary Peters.

Fergus Cooper, Valerie McDonough, Eilish Ward and David Abrahams.

zzzz Rhys McClenaghan and Colin McLean.

Continued on page 32

30

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CELEBRATING

88 YEARS

THE SCENE Continued from page 30

Joanne McNeill, Paula Gracey and Maureen McCrory.

Lady Mary Peters and Rory Best.

Victoria and Derek Gallop and Jasmine Callow.

Lady Mary with Siobhan Casey.

Simon Hunter and Michael Copeland.

Pamela Ballantine and Jim Gracey.

Angela Thorpe and Stanley Graham.

David Humphreys and Clyde Shanks.

32

Belfast Hilton GM Mark Cain with Lady Mary Peters.

zzzzMartin and Pete Snodden.

Stephen

Ellie McKibbin and Rosie Rea.

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THE SCENE

Teresa Doherty (CBE), Theresa Nixon, Nancy Derby, Julie-Ann Walkden, Jennifer Mussan (Regional Secretary), Vi Bowler (Regional President), Michelle Edgar, Joan Smyth (Bangor President, CBE), Jennifer Loughridge and Ann Heron.

Maureen Maguire, Miriam Murphy-Wood and Violet Bowler.

SOROPTIMIST NI CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS AT THE ULSTER REFORM CLUB The Northern Ireland Soroptimist organistion recently celebrated their 100th anniversay.

Members from across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland joined together to mark the occasion at the Ulster Reform Club.

Soroptimist is a worldwide volenteer service for women who strive for peace and to improve the lives of women and girls on a local, national and international level.

.

Soroptimists from West of the Bann are Margaret Read, Pat Brown, Jennifer Scott, Lorna Dane, Vi Leckey, Aleen Jones and Sue Hogg.

Mel Douglas Immediate Past President of Soroptimist International of Northern Ireland with President Violet Bowler and President Elect Barbara Carlisle.

Soroptimist International Lisburn members.

From SI Portadown are Jacqui McLoughlin, Maureen Maguire, Ruth Galwey and Jeanette Thornton.

zzzz Soroptimists Belfast group members.

34

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NEWEST LUXURY PRIVATE-HIRE VENUE CELEBRATES OFFICIAL OPENING

MAGHERAMORNE ESTATE, NORTHERN IRELAND’S NEWEST LUXURY, PRIVATE-HIRE VENUE HAS CELEBRATED ITS OFFICIAL OPENING, AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CHAPTER IN THE HISTORY OF THE 19TH CENTURY ESTATE.

A

historical and magical venue, Magheramorne Estate is situated just 30 minutes from Belfast, on the Antrim Coast. Set in over 40 acres of stunning grounds with a beautifully restored house, this legendary estate is the ideal location to host exquisite weddings or private, exclusive events.

The official opening of Magheramorne Estate was marked with a special event held by the Allen family and attended by guests of honour, Rory Best OBE, Mayor Councillor William Mc McCaughey and Economy Minister, Gordon Lyons MLA. Minister Lyons said: “I was delighted to attend the official opening of Magheramorne Estate. This family business has been built up with much love, passion and hard work and the high-quality venue fits so well with the Northern Ireland Embrace a Giant Spirit brand. The beautiful 40acre grounds surrounding the estate are also an excellent example of sustainable and regenerative tourism.

“As we emerge from the pandemic, consumer safety remains of paramount importance. Over the last year over 2,000 businesses have been accredited under the We’re Good to Go scheme, including Magheramorne Estate.

By working together, I am confident that we will recover tourism’s pre-Covid success and can, not only return to, but greatly surpass our record year of 2019.”

With more than 30 years’ experience as a leading caterer on the island of Ireland, the family behind Jane’s Kitchen and Magheramorne Estate has used their extensive catering and event expertise to create this stunningly unique venue.

Jane Allen founded Jane’s Kitchen in 1988 and catered her first wedding in 1995. Since then, the business has continued to grow, now providing employment for over 100 people and catering for weddings and events across the island of Ireland and the UK. Jane Allen, Managing Director, JKS Magheramorne Estate Ltd, said: “I am very honoured to have our special guests here today to help us celebrate the official opening of Magheramorne Estate and would like to thank them for their continued support.

“My family and I wanted to use our expertise to build on what Northern Ireland already has to offer in hospitality and provide a beautiful luxury, private-hire estate. With over 33 years on the road catering all over N.I and beyond, the dream of opening our own venue is now a reality!

“The past 2 years has been incredibly tough for our industry as a whole and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our investors, my family and our entire team for their dedication and hard work. Our staff at Magheramorne have been and are quite unbelievable in their support. I am delighted to be able to celebrate our official opening and I look forward to our next chapter.”

For more information about Magheramorne Estate or to enquire about a wedding or corporate event, please visithttps:// magheramorneestate.com/ or email events@magheramorneestate.com

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

THE SCENE

John Rogan and poet Moya Cannon.

Anne McMaster, Malachi O’Doherty and Maureen Boyle.

FANFARE FOR THE MAKERS The Ulster Hall Belfast hosted a special BBC invitation concert, ‘Fanfare for the Makers’. An evening of music, poetry and readings to celebrarte the BBC’s 40 year partnership with the Ulster Orchestra.

.

Mark Batchelor and Sara Long.

Composer, contributor and musician Neil Martin pictured with family.

Joe Lindsay and Anthony Toner.

Marcus Patton and Elizabeth McConnell.

Jeannine and Kevin Kelly.

38

Sarah White and grandmother Jackie Cullen.

The Word

GRADUATIONS Sister Graduation Cathy Gracey from Gilford recently graduated from Loughry College with a BSc (Hons) in Food Design & Nutrition.

Carrie Gracey recently graduated from Ulster University with a LLB (Hons) in Law. Photo by Marie Allen.

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

Alison Keys graduated from Stranmillis University College Belfast with a 2:1 B Ed degree in Religious Studios with Education. She is the daughter of Hugh and Ruth Keys from Clogher.

Alison is a past pupil of Carntall Primry school and Fivemiletown High School Photo by Marie Allen.

Contact Marie Allen at T: 028 38351055 Email marie@marieallen.co.uk or check out Facebook for more details.

• 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

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

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5. Do you have a specific fitness regime?

Yes, absolutely I do at least three runs each week, usually 5 or 6k and ideally in the forest. I also do yoga or weights at home when I can’t get out for a run. I always did a bit of exercise but I started doing “Couch to 5k” a couple of years ago and the change has been incredible, I have so much more energy and focus, and I use the run time to listen to podcasts, so I feel like I am beneftting doubly. Exercise improves my life on so many levels, it’s an essential that I can’t be without.

PROF SIOBHAN O’NEILL

6. Do you have any tips for staying positive?

Yes, don’t try to stay positive! It’s better to be firmly grounded in reality . Meditation really is so helpful, because it trains us to monitor our own thoughts, question those thoughts and practice gratitude for what we have. It is about focusing on the present moment and learning how to self-regulate, so that we can calmly focus on the things that matter. When we have goals and a sense of purpose we will naturally find the joy in the important things, people, pets, art, music and the beauty that is around us.

Mental Health Champion for Northern Ireland

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

Our landscape and coast, we are never too far away from the sea or the hills, and it is such a luxury that many people worldwide simply don’t have. The natural world is intrinsically healing.

1. What do you love most about your job?

It’s hard to choose one thing! As as University Professor, I loved teaching students and seeing them achieve. I am now seeing many of the people I taught in senior positions in our mental health services and it’s enormously rewarding. I also love doing research, finding out about the patterns of mental health problems in NI and understanding more about suicidal behaviour. There are so many changes that are already linked with my research work and that makes me incredibly proud. As Mental Health Champion, I am enjoying using research evidence to shape services here. I was involved in the design of NI’s new Mental Health Strategy and it’s now being implemented, actions which will bring treatments to people and lead to real change.

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

I try to live by the mantra “What others think of you is none of your business”, remembering that others views on anything are a reflection of them and their life experiences. The only thing that we can ever have control over is our own thoughts and actions. Of course, the flip side is that it is that some people’s views do matter and in reality, there are a few friends whose opinion I do care about.

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

There’s no single person to be honest. I admire lots of people; Nell McCafferty, Mary McAleese, Baroness May Blood, Michelle Obama, and of course Mary Ainsworth’s work on attachment theory has huge resonance for me as a mother and a trauma researcher.

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

Bringing the International Association of Suicide Prevention World Congress to Derry-Londonderry in 2019 with two colleagues was a massive highlight. This was Derry’s biggest ever conference, with over 800 delegates from around the world. We provided free places to charities and voluntary groups and, for the first time at IASP, we held a public “Ask the expert” session which was also a huge success.

10. FAVOURITE

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

I don’t have much time for hobbies as such, my weekends are spent drinking coffee with my friends and hanging out with my four-year old daughter, Annabel in forests and playparks. Before becoming a mother I loved to travel and I look forward to travelling more with my daughter when she is a little older.

Movie: I am absolutely loving Disney Pixar’s Coco at the minute.

Band/Musician: It is impossible to choose just one, in my younger days I would have said Primal Scream; but at the minute I’m listening to lots of Beatles, Villagers and John Grant.

Book: John Boyne’s “The Heart’s Invisible Fury”.

4. What is your daily routine?

I’m definitely a morning person, I get up early, usually around 6am, and this gives me a bit of time to deal with any urgent work and get some exercise. On days when I’m working from home I leave my daughter at school. My days are spent with online meetings, writing reports, responding to and writing policy papers, emails, media work, talks and writing research papers. It’s helpful for me to visit some of the mental health groups and services in person, so I try to fit that in too when I can. I have a really great team, who organise my diary, my policy work and campaign work, my days are very structured. Evenings are spent doing homework and dinner, and the bedtime routine. I try to be in bed around 10pm most nights, although sometimes I need to use that time to catch up on work too.

Restaurant: Difficult to choose one, in Dublin Yamamori, Derry Nonna’s pizza, or Brown’s. McNean House for a very special treat.

Holiday Destination: I did a photography holiday in Kerala, India, which was incredible. I also love Spain, particularly Malaga and Valencia.

Drink: Tea all day long, a coconut milk decaf cappucino when I’m out, and Rioja in a Plaza in a Spanish city.

Meal: Thai green curry with tofu. I love Indian and Thai food and the hotter the better.

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THE SCENE

Lily-Rose, Claire, Tim and Stella.

THE BELFAST CHRISTMAS CONTINENTAL MARKET RETURNS The Belfast Christmas Markets made a welcome return in the grounds of Belfast City Hall after a Covid-19 enforced break last year.

This year the market included a range of local stalls with traders from St. Georges market taking part. The market also played host to many different nationalities offering different kinds of delicious food and unique gift ideas.

Erin and Adam McDaid.

Christopher and Aneka Todd.

. Andy and Jenna McGall with daughters Daisy and Miley.

Mum and daughter Margaret and Rebecca Coyle.

Puppy Al Pacino with Velma and Agin.

. Niall Gaffney and Mairead Coyle.

Paul and Bernie Moen.

Emma Stone and Clark Chambers.

Continued on page 44

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

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

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THE SCENE Continued from page 42

Darren, Aydagh and Hayleagh O’Leary.

Emer and Justin McArdle and children Saoirse, Seanan and Donnachadh.

.

Johnny and Linda Alexander.

Gemma Maestro and Luke Thomas.

Georgia Campbell and Nicola Boyes.

Ebony and Alanna Ardis.

Sharon Newell, Aida-Rose, Chloe, Aidan, Danielle and Freddie.

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moved the office to Saintfield, which is ideal as it’s a short walk from the house.

We close the office at 5pm and I come back to the house and start dinner, I’ll usually spend a few hours working again and if I’m lucky I’ll squeeze in a show on Netflix.

5. Do you have a specific fitness regime?

Yes! I starting training at Athena Athletics in Dromore and I love the program Susie Orr has taliored for me. She’s listened to my daily routine and has taken into consideration my busy lifestyle to make my goals very realistic. It’s also an all womens gym which I LOVE. 6. Do you have any tips for staying positive?

Stop looking for happiness in other people or things, it all starts with you. If you can be happy within yourself, you’ve made it!

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

My answer is always the same. It’s the people! We have the best craic and I’ve noticed that people will go out of their way to help and be supportive, especially when it comes to business.

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

Strength can come with softness and compassion.

VICTORIA WITHERS

9. Who has been your biggest influence?

Alison Clarke, I’ve worked under her for seven years and she’s a strong business women. I’ve learned a lot from Alison and still to this day I appreciate all the advice she gives me.

Managing Director of ACA Models 1. What do you love most about your job?

I love working with such a diverse varitey of people and the work we offer is so far removed from most of our models’ full time jobs so it’s great to be able to watch them take a break from reality and thrive in a completely different role. Driving around the country and seeing our models on billboards, bus stops as well as featuring in TV commercials and social media looking absolutely fabulous is amazing!

2. What has been your career highlight to date?

I’ve always wanted to own my own company

and doing this before 30 has been a massive achievement for me.

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

I have a staffy and chihuahua so I absolutely love taking them on walks with my partner Warren around Northern Ireland. Also, over lockdown I started knitting chunky blankets and I’ve recently started that again as it’s so relaxing.

4. What is your daily routine?

I wake up at 7:30am, take the dogs for a walk then have a coffee before getting ready to head to the office. We recently 46

10. FAVOURITE Movie: 50 First Dates Band/Musician: Bring me the Horizon Book: Any Harry Potter book Restaurant: Zen, Belfast Holiday Destination: Dubai Drink: Bramble cocktail Meal: Sunday Roast

The all-new Silver Spirit has never looked better, nor felt cosier. Fully refurbished for a superlative onboard adventure, she retains their world famous standards of service and home away from home feel.

CIVITAVECCHIA (ROM ROUNDTRIP WHATS INCLUDED

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Business Class Air Roundtrip for Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages © Transfers (between airport and ship) 1 Shore Excursion per port, per day Unlimited Complimentary Wifi Personalised service – nearly one crew member for every guest Multiple restaurants, diverse cuisine, open-seating dining Beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, including champagne, select wines and spirits 24-hour dining service Onboard entertainment Onboard gratuities Complimentary transportation into town in most ports Butler service in suite.

Voyage: 5731C Departure date: 11 Nov 17 Days: 4 | Ship: Silver Spirit

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Italy 12 Nov 17 Monte Carlo, Monaco DEPARTURE DURATION 31 March 2022 NIGHTS 13 Nov 1707Marseille, France 14 Nov 17 Livorno, Itinerary highlights: Overnight Cadiz, Malaga, Cartagena, Valencia, PalmaItaly de Mallorca Nov 17 Civitavecchia VERANDA SUITE(Rome), Italy PANORAMA15 SUITE VISTA SUITE From £4100 per person

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Rome, Ita

SILVER SPRIIT

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HONOURS

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

REVD DR ISAAC THOMPSON MBE

SAM AK TROTTER MBE BEM

Revd Dr Isaac Thompson, Coleraine (formerly of Cookstown) is pictured after being presented with the insignia of the MBE

by HRH Princess Anne, The Princess Royal, at Windsor Castle.

He was awarded an MBE for services to the community of Cookstown, County Tyrone and HM Forces. Dr Thompson a native of Ringsend near Coleraine was ordained as a minister of The Presbyterian Church in Ireland in 1983, and served in First Presbyterian Church Cookstown, 1994-2017.

Mr Sam Trotter was awarded a MBE for devoting decades to the welfare of police officers and their families. A native of Carrickfergus, he followed his father into the RUC, serving for 40 year between 1955 and 1995. Here he is pictured with his wife Mary at the investiture at Hillsborough Castle.

RENE FALOON BEM

Mrs Rene Faloon was awarded with a British Empire Medal for her voluntary service through Barnardo’s and has been serving the community for over 50 years. She is pictured with the Lord Lieutenant for County Down, Mr Gawn Rowan Hamilton, and her son Mr Stuart Faloon who attended the investiture with her at Hillsborough Castle.

48

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3 Mulnafye Road, Mountfield, Omagh BT79 0PG Tel: 028 8077 1226 www.mountfieldkitchens.co.uk

US Consul General, Paul Narain.

50

INTERVIEW

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

THE DIPLOMATIC CORE Paul Narain, the US Consul General in Belfast, believes in the role of the diplomat as someone who brings people together, who listens. But he also admits to enjoying a little ABBA on the side.

R

emembering the ‘90s TV commercial about classy chocolate and the ambassador’s residence, it seemed a bit of a Ferrero Rocher moment driving to the US Consul-General’s residence beyond Shaw’s Bridge. The 1930s property, in American ownership since the ‘60s, resembles a Surrey country house but the consulate itself was founded by George Washington and dates back to 1796. The chocolate reference isn’t totally inappropriate as the current incumbent Paul Narain (45) says, when discussing New Year’s resolutions, that he has a sweet tooth.

We start in the drawing room where Mr Narain, a practised conversationalist, starts to quiz me. We turn to his and his wife Stefanie’s arrival, accompanied by their ten-year-old daughter, in Northern Ireland in lockdown in mid-August. Narain observes: “It’s the privilege of a lifetime to have this position.

It’s been an incredible fall on so many levels.

And the warmth and the welcome and the hospitality, which are world famous, we’ve experienced first-hand. Everything from school to my experience in the city and trying to make my way around the regions, it’s a blessing to live and to work in this place.”

Narain seems a good fit here as he studied for a Master’s in conflict resolution at Tuft’s University, Boston, where he met his wife, a classmate. “I’m not an expert but I did study the subject as well as economics. Interestingly I came here in the fall of 2009 with then Secretary of State (Hillary) Clinton when she gave a speech up at Stormont on judicial devolution and policing. I was her advance officer. I never imagined I would end up here

but certainly jumped at the chance when it was offered.”

The former colleagues met up again in October when Mrs Clinton was inaugurated as Chancellor at Queen’s. “We hadn’t met for some years but caught up and I said ‘It’s been a while, it’s good to see you.’”

Paul Narain talks about working for two female Secretaries of State, Hillary Clinton and Condoleeza Rice. “They’re two of the people I’ve learnt most about leadership from, I would describe them as incredibly good leaders. The office of Secretary of State never stops, it’s 24/7.”

Narain does not recall meeting Joe Biden at that stage although, as he’s quick to point out, he is in constant contact with the key department “the National Security Council”.

He adds that Northern Ireland’s peace buffer, the Good Friday-Belfast Agreement, forms part of a genuinely special relationship and that it is high on North America’s agenda.

“The US role is as an honest broker. This has been going for something like 20 odd years, building a place that’s peaceful to live and invest. It’s my job to help advance that peace and prosperity.” As Paul Narain underlines, this is a bipartisan approach. It’s something he sounds genuinely passionate about, saying “I can’t express to you how much my government cares about the communities here, about lifting people up.”

The economist adds: “Inclusive economic growth is a phrase you hear a lot”. Narain goes on to endorse the advantages of the Protocol without using the controversial term, with Northern Ireland’s potentially beneficial economic position with a foot in the EU and the UK. “If we get through the coming few weeks, and I think we will, the future has no 51

limits if you ask me.”

Mr Narain is undeniably Tiggerish, an optimist who says with a smile he likes the reference to Winnie the Pooh. “It’s hard not to be here; there’s a sense of optimism and enthusiasm. You can’t not when you meet the talented young people, who grew up in a totally different world and know in that world the sky’s the limit, and our job as responsible leaders is to give them that opportunity to succeed.” The tone is slightly Barack Obama.

“I can feel it in the air, we saw it yesterday in the City deal that was announced. I really do believe the possibilities are limitless and am excited about the future.”

Outside, during the photo session, the US flag remains flying, according to Stephanie.

They pose in front of wintry trees, with a distant view of hills, Narain joshes about his real age (“I’m 62, not, 45, is that right? The other day I accidentally aged myself when talking to someone to 47.”) The gardener’s lively ginger dog drops by to say hello. The Narains own an English shorthaired cat named Lily, white with grey spots.

On the role of diplomat and what temperament you need, Mr Narain is clear.

“Oh, an even temperament, humility, the ability to listen.” You wonder if he doesn’t want to insert his own opinion at times. “You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t but any diplomat has to bridge differences. And you don’t bridge differences by pressing your opinion. You forge solutions by bringing people together while promoting the interests of your own country.”

So the comfortable residence the Nairans currently inhabit has become a meeting-point for people to discuss different ideas. “I asked my predecessors for advice and one said ‘Your

INTERVIEW

home is a place where people come together to share ideas and forge a common future’ So this house isn’t entirely my family’s house, it is a place where people of good faith and goodwill across all communities know they can come together. It’s my and my wife’s goal to maintain that role.”

Brexit is a topic we touch on, and the Consul-General has a strong positive Stateside message. “Lots of my colleagues have been working for years (on this), the UK and the EU and Ireland are all our close friends and we want what’s best for them. In democracy, people make choices and it’s our job to help them succeed and prosper. That’s what is in the best interest of the United States.” He goes on to underline the continuing so-called special relationship under the current US President. “It’s special, as is clear, and there’s a strong, transatlantic partnership that takes on (modern) challenges.”

Mr Narain will not single out a favourite posting in his twenty years in the US foreign service - “as a diplomat would say”. He adds he’s loved his career to date (“and I say that not in order to be polite.”), in India and Pakistan and Sweden and in the hub, Washington. Then says: “How could being Consul-General in Northern Ireland not be a highlight? They’re not easy jobs but I will say the first time when I served in the office of the Secretary of State in Washington and I encountered the Secretary of State, it was both exciting, unnerving and you feel the pressure.

I need to do my best, give my utmost to the job and learn from them. I feel diplomacy is an experience-based activity, you learn from people.”

How does he relax, when his job involves four a.m reports - “this job isn’t necessarily glamorous, not when updating government on what should the United States do or not do, what should our friends do or not do.” - as Paul Nairan’s remit includes keeping the USA thoroughly updated on events here.

In terms of music, his taste includes everything (“I’m a music person but all genres.”), although the family has a piano and their daughter plays. “Having come from Sweden though, I love ABBA, we introduced our daughter to Mamma Mia - she can play that and Dancing Queen. Yes, I dad-danced to it.”

Asked whether the current incumbent of the White House, President Biden, makes life easier than his predecessor, Donald Trump, Paul Narain laughs but doesn’t comment. He is a consummate diplomat.

Paul Narain grew up in New York City and when very small lived in England when his father was in graduate school at university doing a Master’s. He reveals his wife’s family comes from Bavaria – “she’s German-American, and it’s a beautiful part of the world.” – then says he can pinpoint the moment diplomacy became his chosen career.

“I was a summer intern to the US Mission to the EU Union, ironically in Brussels. I loved it and thought ‘I can’t believe people get paid

US Consul General, Paul Narain and his wife Stefanie.

to do this job’. The idea you represented your country and worked with people who represented theirs. It was intellectually rich and stimulating, you problem solved strategically and via detail, and it mattered.

This is a job that has impact and 21 years on I feel that. I am honoured to have made a small impact on the places I’ve been.”

Although the family hadn’t decided where to spend New Year when we spoke - “My parents are elderly and when I was going to see my mom, now 80, in my previous posting, Sweden, we hadn’t seen her for 23 months, then it was cancelled, so I didn’t see them until last summer.” - but have considered their New Year’s resolutions. The Consul-General says: “It’s to get through Covid as best we can,

something that will be shared by many people.

It’s the defeat of the virus, everybody getting their lives back. I cannot say enough how great the health services have been and would wish for New Year a return to normalcy for them. Also to be back together in a way that makes you not worry about them. Vaccines have been great, the benefits are playing out in real time, we are winning and in a different place than a year ago. As tired as people are, we’ve come far fast, but we want to get back together.”

Walking out through the sizeable front garden, with the American flag on its pole, I ask the Consul-General what it means. “It shows liberal, American values. Seeing it fly on a windy day, there’s optimism, hope.”

“You wouldn’t be human if you didn’t want to express your opinion but any diplomat has to bridge differences. And you don’t (do that) by pressing your opinion. You forge solutions by bringing people together while promoting the interests of your own country.”

52

ULSTER TATLER

STYLE

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

Rebekah McBride, Terezita Doherty and Tamara White were pictured at The Broken Shaker for the ACA Models Awards and Christmas Party.

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U T

S T Y L E

STYLE RULES Do you have any style icons?

I have quite a few I follow on instagram for inspiration Lorna Lux, Tara Mays and recently Olivia Laura as she’s tall like me and has a similar style. Close to home, I love following Melissa Riddell for style inspirtation. I love how creative she is with her fashion choices.

Do you have a skincare regime?

I am very into skincare (hence owning BTY!) and after several years I have a performance skincare routine I love and doesn’t cost a fortune. I am a big fan of korean skincare and have a simplified version of their famous 10-step routine. I use products from Cerave and the Inkey List to cleanse my skin and remove my makeup. SPF is my biggest essential when it comes to skincare to ensure my skin stays in good condition. COSRX Aloe Soothing SPF is my peronal favourite. I wear it everyday as the final step in my routine in the morning.

What is your signature scent?

Jo Malone – Lime Basil Maderin, I have worn it for years it is my trusted scent. I love to wear it and I love to smell it in my home too.

Are there any haircare products you recommend?

I use We Are Paradoxx. I love that it is natural and organic and of course local. I love it so much we recently started to stock it in BTY. Their repair game changer mask really is what the name says! It keeps the shine in my hair and helps keep my naturally frizzy hair at bay.

What is your go-to makeup product?

Note Cosmetics BB cream applied with a BTY 501 Foundation brush. In the past I have tried other products and I always go back to it. It’s a versatile product and its not too heavy on my skin.

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

I do like to make sure I am fit and healthy and I need to work on a better work/life balance. I’ve recently joined a gym close to my home. It’s all about balance I eat healthy during the week and treat myself at the weekend that works best for me.

Rachel McCully

Beauty curator & Owner of BTY Cosmetics

Fa v e s k i n ca re pro du ct s CO S R X Al o e S o o thi n g S P F

We speak to Rachel McCully, beauty curator & owner of BTY Cosmetics in Victoria Square and online at btycosmetics.co.uk How would you describe your style?

Laid back and comfortable during the week, lots of leggings and oversized sweat tops with minimal makeup. If I have an event on at work or a night out planned at the weekend I love the full glam look; a dress, heels, BTY lashes and a bouncy blowdry.

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

A pair of skinny black jeans. They are my essentials for work and I can dress them up for an important meeting or dinner with the girls. River Island black high waisted skinny jeans are my go to pair.

Do you have a favourite designer or high street brand?

My favourite fashion shop is Zara as it is affordable and the clothes are always on trend. I can shop casual and glam there. I am a huge ASOS and Abercrombie & Fitch fan.

G o - t o h a i r pro du ct s We Are Pa ra d ox x

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Fa s h i o n M u s t Ha ve - B l a c k sk i n n y jea n s R i v e r I sla n d.

FASHION

LITTLE BLACK DRESS Gl e n d e v o n K n i t c ard i ga n , B a r bo u r, £99. 95

B l a c k F l o ra l B a n d ea u M i n i Dre ss, N e w L o o k ,

£17.99.

B lac k s equin dres s , R i v e r

Island, £85.

M o n so o n Ly dia S u sta i n a b l e Emb e llishe d Dre ss, a v a i l a b l e f r o m

Ve r y, £ 1 4 0

B l a c k c o n str u c te d sati n b a n d ea u r u c he d d re ss, Prett y L i tt l e Th i n g, £75.

Outfit by George @ As da.

B lac k blaz er d ress, £ 2 5 , Pr i ma r k .

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GIRL ABOUT TOWN

EDITED BY NUALA MEENEHAN

I

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

PA R T Y W I T H A PU R PO S E

t’s been an incredible five years for luxury leather brand Taylor Yates. Set up in 2016 by the mother and daughter team Karen and Ellen Yates, the passionate design duo wanted to establish a sustainable and socially conscious fashion brand. They created Taylor Yates. Their beautifully minimalistic bags are lusted after by style setters across the land. The women not only plant a tree for every handbag sold, Taylor Yates actively work with local charities and continuously support social enterprises and fellow female entrepreneurs. There’s a lot to celebrate. Champagne corks popped at an exclusive fifth birthday bash held at NOW Group office space, Grosvenor Road, Belfast. Teaming up with STORIES Parfums and GIA Jewellery, Karen and Ellen Yates hosted the exclusive preview evening with all proceeds going to charity partner, NOW Group.

With drinks and nibbles in hand, guests were given front row access to a fireside chat with the founders, hearing about each brands’ growth to success. For Taylor Yates, the journey has been one of hard work, dedication and passion. A luxury brand, founded with a beautiful purpose: authentic, socially conscious and sustainably focused, the collections inspired by the founders’ surroundings on the North Coast. At the event, the re:claimed autumn edition was revealed. With only five of each colour in each design, a piece from Taylor Yates re:claimed edition is a bag that is sustainable, made to last and utterly divine to hold.

With Valentine’s Day around the corner, show yourself some love.

Visit the Taylor Yates studio store in Bushmills, in addition to the full TY collection other luxe products stocked include STORIES Parfums, The Knotty Ones Knitwear, Maison Berger home fragrance lamps, and more. Spend some time in a little piece of heaven. Visit Taylor Yates Studio Store at 88 Main Street, Bushmills, or view the full collection and purchase online at www.tayloryates.com

Karen Yates, Ellen Yates and Nuala Meenehan.

Shauna Trainor, Meave Monaghan, Karen Yates, Tonya Kidd-Beggs and Ellen Yates.

Emma Murdock, Lucinda Graham, Lynne Philips and Tanice Elizabeth.

Dr Michael Montgomery, Maeve Monaghan, Tonya Kidd-Beggs (Stories Parfums) and Nuala Meenehan.

Kerrie -Ann Mc Elroy (RNN communications) and Diane Hill.

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Fiona Rankin, Shauna Trainor (GIA Jewellery) and Ashley McCausland.

KULAR FASHION Est. 1977

Ferryquay Street, Derry BT48 6JB 028 7126 1326 WWW.KULARFASHION.COM

Sharon Maguire andzzzz Jana O Hagan

Linda Stinson zzzz and Mikaela McNamee Tracey Atkinson zzzz and India Sasha

ICONIC BRONZE CUT CREASE QUEENS OFFICIAL LAUNCH NIGHT

Emma Kearney and Olivia McVeigh

Iconic Bronze rolled out the pink carpet and celebrated in style as they officially launched the Cut Crease Queens Collection, in collaboration with top Irish influencers Olivia McVeigh & Emma Kearney, and hosted by 2FM’s Laura Fox. The Co.Tyrone & Co Down natives let down their hair with a host of well-known faces in the newly reopened Clubland in Cookstown. The duo raised a glass to celebrate their new collaborative venture with top Irish tan & beauty brand Iconic Bronze.

Laura Fox Rebecca Monaghan and Dearbhla Lappin

Victoria Price and Catriona McAllister Paddy McGurgan zzzz and Amanda McCullough

The Word

ON SALE NOW Surgical Skin Clinic

Same Day See And Treat Service

Call 028 9042 3200 today or e-mail frontdesk@cosmetech.co.uk to book a consultation.

Quote EDA08 when booking to redeem your £25 voucher off your first procedure. Valid until 31st January 2022 Other Treatments Available include: Cyst Removal EarBuddies (Ear Correction for Babies) Lipoma Removal Surgery Aqualyx - Fat Dissolving Injections Split Earlobe Repair Pinnaplasty Facial Threadvein Removal Skin Biopsy Thread-Lifts Mole Removal Dermal Fillers Tag Removal Anti-Wrinkle Injections Cosmetech Maypole Clinic, 5-7 Shore Road, Holywood, BT18 9HX www.cosmetech.co.uk Cosmetic Surgery is also available at Kingsbridge Private Hospital Belfast. For more information please visit kingsbridgeprivatehospital.com

Check out our Winter Ulster Tatler Interiors, featuring four beautiful homes designed by:

Cosmetech is a partner company of Kingsbridge Private Hospital

2020 Architects, Adrian Interiors, Monteith Interiors and Celia Sawyer… plus interviews with design experts, and much more!

GET COSY THIS WINTER Established in 1972, McBride Fashions is a family owned and run business situated in the heart of the Northern Irish countryside. With an unsurpassed reputation as Northern Ireland’s premier supplier and specialist in quality genuine leather and sheepskin jackets and coats at highly competitive prices.

Stocking a range of versatile ladies and gents country attire and high performance outdoor clothing featuring respected brands such as Toggi, Joe Browns, Lighthouse and Hoggs.

A timeless menswear collection of durable yet practical and comfortable work and outerwear, and a comprehensive collection of ladies smart casualwear, wardrobe essentials and accessories. Genuine leather holdall bags and luxurious sheepskin rugs.

For more information, visit www.mcbridefashions.com 59

BEAUTY

A CLEAN SHEET W i t h t h e N e w Ye a r u p o n u s , n o w i s t h e t i m e t o s t a r t a f r e s h w i t h y o u r s k i n c a r e r o u t i n e .

Here our top picks of cleansers and serums to wash away the skin sins from 2021.

C o d ex – Bia facial oil, £50.

Environ – Yo u t h E s s e n t i A Cleansing Lotion, £40.

Dermalogica – Clear Start breakout clearing foaming wash £19.

Caudalie – Vinergetic C+ Instant Detox Mask £23.

6. WISHFUL – Clean Genie Cleansing B u t t e r, £ 3 1 .

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Skingredients – AHA Cleanse £28.

COLUMN / HAIR MATTERS

Hair Matters...

with Kelly Cowan

Kelly Cowan has been hairdressing for 34 years, starting her career in Hairdressing with the best in the business David and Lawrain Aumonier in Bangor Main Street. Kelly has been a business owner for 19 years, now having her first salon in Bangor but more recently moving to her home town of Donaghadee.

REFLECTING ON YOUR NEEDS KCH are now set to make changes for the future thinking about global change and what we can do to help.

No matter how small if we all do one thing every little helps.

Davines is a stunning new hair range now available in the salon. They go to the heart of sustainable hair products and this is their story.

This is only the start for the team and we are looking forward to working with the davines family Join us in that journey.

DAVINES WORLD

Founded in Parma, Italy in 1983 by the Bollati Family, Davines Group started a research laboratory, producing highend hair care products for renowned cosmetic companies worldwide.

“BY CREATING BEAUTY SUSTAINABLY, WE ENCOURAGE as PEOPLE TO TAKE CARE OF THEMSELVES, OF THE ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH THEY LIVE & WORK, AND OF THE THINGS THEY LOVE.”

After a decade of honing our expertise, Davide Bollati, President we began creating our own brand of Davines hair care products exclusively for salons, and in 1996 founded [ comfort zone ] skin care for premier spas.

Our skin care lines were further expanded in 2018 when the Skin Regimen brand was born. The Group is now a B Corp and has an international presence in more than 90 countries with a multicultural staff. In addition to the main office in Parma - the Davines Village - it has offices in New York, London, Paris, Mexico City, Deventer (Netherlands), and Hong Kong.

METÀ E METÀ

To book a hair consultation, hair appointment or for any information on any of the product ranges call or message us on social media.

The secret to this look is simplicity, colours create a subtle and harmonius contrast throughout the length of hair in its natural fall Styling products:

“AT DAVINES, WE BELIEVE THAT LIVING A BALANCE OF BEAUTY AND SUSTAINABILITY, WHAT WE CALL “SUSTAINABLE BEAUTY,” CAN IMPROVE OUR LIVES AND COLOUR! ASH OF SPLWORLD THE AROUND US.”- Davide Bollati, President

Shimmering mist

Extra strong hairspray

PARISIAN GREY

A short and Parisian flair look enables the colour to be the star. Steel grey is the shade chosen for this look, a colour that is immune to trends.

OUR COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABILITY For us, sustainability has always been a question of responsibility towards ourselves, our customers, our partners, the environment and future generations.

We have chosen to contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)defined in the UN’s 2030 agenda, for the sustainable development of the planet, projecting these goals into our corporate strategy. In this annual report we talk about our sustainable activities and projects with a positive impact,presenting the results obtained and the objectives we set for the following year with transparency.

Styling products: Shimmering mist

Shine wax

PARISIAN BLONDE

A textured French bob shape refreshed with a line which shortens towards the face combined with a shallow Jane Birkin fringe that together provide the ultra blonde colour a natural, tousled canvas to sit on.

Styling products: OI All In One Milk

4 High Street Donaghadee BT21 0AA kellycowanhair@hotmail.co.uk Tel: 028 9188 2222

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Dry texuriser

UT Health

LASER HAIR REMOVAL AT BELFAST SKIN CLINIC Belfast Skin Clinic are delighted to announce the arrival of the most advanced laser for hair removal; The ‘Splendor X’. This incredible piece of equipment, operated by experienced dermatology nurses, is a step change in hair removal treatment.

SPLENDOR X is unlike any other hair removal system in the world.

It is the first Nd:YAG and Alexandrite laser system to be powered by BLEND X™ technology for unprecedented power, speed, versatility and coverage rate.

Hair removal can be painful, messy, and ineffective. But SPLENDOR X laser hair reduction with BLEND X technology is different. It combines Alexandrite and Nd:YAG wavelengths for a perfectly tailored treatment that is fast, effective, and comfortable. It also features a unique square-shaped laser spot that safely covers every single inch of skin being treated.

• • • •

Ideal for all skin types, even tanned skin Faster and fewer sessions Long-lasting results Comfortable treatments

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

PROTECT YOUR GOLDEN GLOW WITH THE TANBAG!

Tan Republic’s TanBag is the latest innovative accessory here to revolutionise your glam agenda. Snuggle up in the 100% Satin sheet protector and pillowcase combination and wake up to a fabulously seamless faux glow by adding this final step to your tanning routine.

Available in three stylish tones; grey, black and blush, the TanBag is Ireland’s first self-tanning bed sheet protector made from 100% Satin for a luxurious and comfortable night’s sleep, ensuring your tan develops perfectly while you catch up on some much-needed zzz’s. Featuring a built-in pillow protector, it is easily washable and

comes with a handy satin pouch for safe keeping and storage. The lightweight, breathable fabric is sure to become your tanning bestie ahead of party season, helping you achieve a perfectly even glow whilst protecting your bed sheets from any tan residue.

The Tan Republic TanBag, RRP £27, is available in three unique colours, Black, Grey and Blush, from www.tan-republic.com and stockists nationwide.

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THE SCENE

Tomas O’Ciarain and Terezita Doherty.

Victoria Withers, Meagan Green, Lucy Stewart and Stacey Burns.

ACA MODELS AWARDS CHRISTMAS PARTY ACA models celebrated their Model Awards Christmas Party in the Broken Shaker on Thursday 9th December with a fabulous Schweppes drinks reception on arrival.

Although it’s been a hard year in the industry the agency has continued to sign new faces and book work for their models, promotional staff and influencers. New owner Victoria Withers who worked under Alison Clarke for seven years has rebranded the logo, as well as introducing new sections to the agency including representing influencers, acting as a Mother Agent and adding a creative section to promote our own local talent.

Winners of the Awards: Female Model of the Year – Terezita Doherty Male Model of the Year – Remi Shore New Face of the Year – Lea Danh Influencer of the Year – Melissa McDonnel Promotional Model of the Year – Kellyleigh Anderson People’s Choice – Jas Hogg Best Dressed – Seeb Gulzar Best Social Media Coverage on the night – Ross Mulhall

Miriam Koczarian and Trezanne Norwood.

. Kate Grant and mum Deirdre.

Kerri McIvor, Jasmine Ashfield and Lucy Stewart.

Tamara White and Aidan Tudreu.

zzzzMallon and Sabrina McGrinder.

Melissa Continued on page 66

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JAMES

HAIRDRESSING FOR MEN

Helping those with hair loss Having experienced hair loss herself, proprietor of Belfast City Centre’s James Hairdressing and expert in Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP), Natalie James understands the impact it can have on people and their confidence.

Natalie has over 30 years experience in hairdressing and trained in scalp micropigmentation at The Clinical Academy in Portsmouth where she even had the treatment done herself.

Scalp micropigmentation creates the illusion of thicker fuller hair by using pointillism to create tiny dots that replicate the follicles on the scalp which are colour matched to the client’s hair. The process can be used in many cases including alopecia and camouflaging on scars. The treatment also usually has immediate results from the first session.

Before treatment, a consultation, including medical forms and a patch test is carried out to ensure your safety. Post treatment, good aftercare is vital to ensure the best results. This usually requires about 5 days without sunbeds, washing and the gym.

17 Union Street, Belfast BT1 2JF T: 07856 618448 E: jameshairdressing@outlook.com

Before

After

Before

After

THE SCENE Continued from page 64

Karla Gilmore, Stacey Burns, Jessica Eastwood and Emily Ward.

Rebekah McBride, Terezita Doherty and Tamara White.

Victoria Withers and Warren McElveen.

Warren Mercer and Meagan Green.

Emir Holohan, Derek Fearon and Jane Holohan.

Naomi McGregor and Karla Gilmore.

Victoria Quinn and Lauren Leckey.

Ruth Armstrong and Jane McArdle.

Rebekah Shirley and Paul Kennedy.

zzzz Here come the girls!

Isobel Meharg and Ian McCluggage.

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Toni Gregg and Laura Murray.

BOOK A COMPLIMENTARY DENTAL IMPLANT CONSULT* TODAY

Why Choose a Cranmore Dental Implant?

Dr Nelson has a Masters Degree in Dental Implantology and his area of practice is dedicated to implant treatment.

He has been placing implants for over 17 years.

Cranmore regularly accepts referrals from other dentists for all aspects of dental implant treatment.

Cranmore is fully equipped with a Cone Beam CT scanner to accurately plan your treatment.

Dr Nelson uses an intra oral scanner for appropriate cases which eliminates the need for gooey impression material.

Complimentary, no obligation consultations are available with our Patient Care Coordinator.

What is a dental implant?

Dental implants are specially designed screws which are placed into the jaw and act like natural tooth roots. Replacement teeth can then be attached, even dentures can be made to feel more comfortable and secure.

With routine care dental implants have a high level of success with studies now recording a greater than 95% success rate (over a ten year period) as long as there are no other associated risk factors.

Dental implants can be used as follows:i)

To replace a single missing tooth.

ii)

To replace multiple missing teeth.

DAV I D N E L S O N , BDS MSC (IMP DENT) CLINICAL LEAD

iii) No teeth. iv) To stabilise dentures.

Benefits of Dental Implants -

Maintains the integrity of facial structures by preserving the bone.

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No need to grind down healthy teeth for a bridge.

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Stable replacement teeth for eating and smiling with confidence.

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Closest replacement possible to natural teeth.

When you decide it’s time to replace a missing tooth or teeth, we are here for you. We accept nothing less than the best for our patients.

Talk your decision through with us, book a complimentary 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.

TRIEDCOLUMN & TESTED

“I’M NOW BACK TO LIVING MY LIFE MIGRAINE FREE THANKS TO APEX HEADACHE CLINIC” 38-year-old ICU nurse Gemma Hunter from Belfast, suffered with severe migraines which affected every aspect of her daily life. After thinking migraines and headaches were something she would have to live with, she visited Apex Headache Clinic in the hope that she would get to the source of the problem. Here, she shares how the clinic’s unique regime of specialist manual physiotherapy treatment for migraines and headaches, called The Nelson Headache Approach™, cleared her migraines, meaning that she finally got her life back on track.

I was then having 2-3 severe migraines a week, which were horrendous.

How did the migraines affect your life?

When this severe migraine episode happened in April 2021, I couldn’t get out of bed for around four weeks. I couldn’t go to work and I had to take three months off. It affected every aspect of my life, I couldn’t do anything.

Gemma, when did your migraines begin?

I had taken the odd migraine since I was a teenager, but I was able to treat these with painkillers and after sleeping the pain would subside. In the build up to having my worst migraine episode earlier this year, I had been having headaches every day for two weeks. Just before this I had got my covid vaccine and had started a new job, which was quite stressful, so I just put the headaches down to side effects from the vaccine along with the stress of starting a new job. When this severe migraine episode hit, I had never experienced anything like it before. I had to go to A&E where they initially thought I had a bleed on my brain as the pain was so intense and I was vomiting too. They did some investigations including a CT scan of my brain but when they all came back ok, I was told it was an atypical migraine and they weren’t sure why it had presented so badly.

What led you to Apex Headache Clinic?

After having this terrible migraine episode I ended up with vertigo too and my GP recommended I try physio. After being referred for a virtual physio consultation elsewhere through my GP I was recommended some exercises to do but after being so unwell I wasn’t up to doing them. I then did my own research and came across Apex Headache Clinic online and I saw that the physios there were Headache and Migraine Specialists. I read testimonials of other patients who had been in the same position as myself and how they had got relief from their headaches and migraines and I thought I would give it a go. I had nothing to lose at that point, I was off work and I couldn’t drive due to my vertigo so I went ahead and made an appointment for an initial consultation.

How has your life changed since having treatment?

I didn’t realise I had a physical problem with my neck until I went for treatment at Apex Headache Clinic and during the

apex

initial consultation, I was told that my migraines and vertigo were stemming from my neck as opposed to stress like I had thought. I had been having a burning sensation from my shoulder, up my neck and into my head. It was so worrying for me because I didn’t know why this pain came on, I knew I hadn’t hurt myself. My specialist physio was able to find the source of this pain and over the course of my treatment this pain became less and less. My treatment sessions were frequent at the beginning and then were spaced out to once a month for maintenance. I have been able to go back to work fully and function again on a daily basis. I have had such great improvement and I haven’t had a migraine in 3 months now. It’s amazing!

What advice would you offer someone suffering from headaches?

Definitely go to Apex Headache Clinic for a consultation and don’t wait until it gets as severe as my migraines did. If you suffer from migraines which are affecting your everyday life, don’t keep taking painkillers, book an appointment and get to the root cause of the problem. After having treatment at Apex Headache Clinic, I am no longer living in the shadow of when another migraine is going to strike, and I have got back to living my life free from migraines.

To book an appointment at Apex Headache Clinic, call 028 9048 4153.

No GP referral is necessary.

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COLUMN

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

SAY GOODBYE TO YOUR HEADACHES & MIGRAINES FOR GOOD THIS NEW YEAR

Are you living with recurring headaches or migraines? Make it your New Year’s Resolution to take the headache out of 2022. This month, Apex Headache Clinic Founder and Spinal & Headache Physiotherapy Specialist, Rebecca Nelson shares her expert advice for a headache-free 2022.

source, their headaches will persist, in many cases, for years or a lifetime.

Many people are unaware that headaches and migraines can be triggered from the upper neck region of the spine, even when the person doesn’t experience any neck pain. The upper neck area of the spine could have been overloaded or injured by poor posture from hours spent hunched over desks, from repeated heavy lifting, or a previous accident.

January sparks the start of a brand-new year, but for some, the thought of another year plagued with headaches or migraines is devastating.

Headaches and migraines can destroy the quality of your life At Apex Headache Clinic, for over 23 years, patients have been travelling from all over Ireland, the UK, Europe and further afield to avail of our specialist treatment. We witness on a daily basis just how devastating the effects can be on lives, leaving sufferers desperate to find some relief.

Most people attribute tension or stress as the cause of their headaches, and so they reach for painkillers, which provide no long-term relief. However, usually there is actually a physical cause for their headaches or migraines and so without treating the

Painkillers are not the cure At Apex Headache Clinic, we adopt a very clear stance when it comes to pain: The cure for pain isn’t painkillers. We firmly believe in tackling pain at its source. Getting to the actual root of the problem will reduce the need for pain medication, which only ever masks the pain, often with terrible side effects.

Here at Apex Headache Clinic, our team of specially trained headache physiotherapy specialists have been successfully treating headache and migraine sufferers for years.

We are very proud of our high success rate in curing or significantly reducing persistent, longstanding migraines and headaches, using The Nelson Headache Approach™.

This is my own unique regime of manual physiotherapy treatment to the neck region of the spine, which is evidence based.

At Apex Headache Clinic, our specialist physiotherapists have all been extensively

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trained in this regime, which is offered in no other clinic in the UK or Ireland. We use this technique to help sufferers of all ages, including young children through to the very elderly.

Getting clear of headaches and migraines can be life changing 51-year-old Caroline Woods from Ballyward Co. Down had been suffering with migraines as long as she could remember. After having treatment for her headaches and migraines Caroline said, “for me treatment has been life changing. It has helped in every aspect of my life and I don’t have to worry about getting a migraine. I am migraine free over 98% of the time and I only get the odd niggle of a headache, which doesn’t stop me doing the things I enjoy. I would definitely tell anyone suffering with migraines to attend Apex Headache Clinic for specialist physiotherapy treatment.”

Don’t suffer in silence If you suffer from persistent headaches or migraines, help is at hand. Book an initial assessment and treatment today at Apex Headache Clinic and allow our specialist physiotherapists to restore the quality of your life. To book an appointment, call Apex Headache Clinic on: 028 9048 4153. Whilst we receive many referrals from consultant neurologists, paediatricians and GPs, patients can refer themselves.

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THE SCENE

Sophie Coyle, Carly Richardson, Phoebe Hamilton and Cathy Cowan and Alfie the dog.

Stuart Brown, Megan Hamill and James McConnell.

Bella the horse with owners Megan and Terry McKee and Nonook and Vasper.

SAINTFIELD CHRISTMAS CHARITY RIDE The 15th Annual Saintfield Christmas Charity Ride took place in December with crowds braving the weather to join in the fun. Riders from across the province came together to raise funds for underprivileged children in Uganda and Rwanda via Rock Ministries N.I.Trust. This year the event welcomed familiar faces Hugo Duncan, Boxcar Brian and Gerard Dornan who provided entertainment with live music.

Jackie Walker, Allison Wilton and Betsy Trevor.

zzzz Jackie Niblock and Ross Magill.

. Carly Richardson and Emily Hawe with five year old cob Tom.

Santa with charity ride organiser Joan Cunningham.

Elma Newberry, Pius Kulama and Mandy Pryce.

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. Rebecca and Matthew Moran, Katie and Rachael Andrews and Jonathan with French bulldogs Theo and Marco.

Evelyn Lindsay, Lilly Stewart on Exmoor pony Rita, Claire and Tom Stewart and Ross Mowbray with Dollar.

Angela Cartwright on Sky and Bree Rutledge on Jewel.

MARKET PLACE THEATRE & ARTS CENTRE, ARMAGH ______________

Jan-May 2022 Season On Sale

t: [028] 3752 1821

visitarmagh.com/marketplacetheatre

facebook.com/marketplacearmagh

Stephen Brown, Finnuala O’Donnel, Mayoress, Mayor, Cllr Leah Smyth and Nora Ann Bell.

Cllr Billy Webb, Mayor, Mrs Pat Webb, Mayoress, Jacqui Dixon, Chief Executive of Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough and Rev. Campbell Dixon MBE.

COMMUNITY AND VOLUNTARY CHRISTMAS DINNER

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The Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Billy Webb MBE JP, hosted this year’s Community and Voluntary Christmas Dinner at the Dunadry Hotel on Thursday 16 December.

This was a special evening to show appreciation and give thanks to those in the community whose services were invaluable during Covid-19. During the evening, entertainment was provided by Glengormley School of Traditional Music, Antrim Childrens Choir and Newtownabbey Arts and Cultural Network.

Moyra Mills, Pamela Walker, Mayoress, Mayor, Alderman Linda Clarke and Trevor Clare MLA.

Claire Magee, Cllr Taylor McGrann, Seamus Kelly, Mayoress, Mayor and Sean McGuiness.

Cllr McAuley, Mayoress, Mayor, Jennifer Campbell and Ald Tom Campbell.

Cllr Mark Cooper, Claire and Carol Patterson.

Cllr Alison Bennington, Thelma Jamison, Mayoress and Mayor and Virgina Davies.

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Colin Buick, Robert McQuiston, Mayoress , Mayor, Kathy Wolfe, Ald Mark Cosgrove and Alexandra Buick.

Joanne Brolly, Cllr Noreen McClelland, Mayoress and Mayor, Ciara and Chris Boucher.

Ciara Maguire, Cllr Anne Marie Logue, Mayoress, Mayor, Trevor Cushley and Maria Rock.

Mayor and Mayoress are joined by Cllr Norrie Ramsey and his family Grace, Christine and Laura Ramsey.

Mayor and Mayoress joined by Cllr Roderick Swann, Avril Swann, Carol Kerr and Rev. Terrence Kerr.

Mayor and Mayoress joined by Mark Moffat, Cllr Paul Dunlop, Belinda McVeigh and Leanne Graham.

Mayor and Mayoress joined by Cllr. Victor Robinson Vikki Robinson, Elizabeth Bell and Henry Marron.

Councillor Robert Foster joined by Lee McCord, Julie Twinem, Evan Campbell and Roy McGivern.

Alderman Paul Michael with Mrs Michael, Mayoress, Mayor and Mr Coote.

Mayor and Mayoress with Claire Weir and Councillor Jim Montgomery.

THE SCENE

Jack and Aodh Hannon and James Macintosh.

Philip Wilson,Karen and Harry Shields.

CHARLES HURST REVEAL NEW RANGE ROVER Charles Hurst Land Rover have revealed New Range Rover at an exclusive preview event hosted in their Boucher Road Showroom on 16th December 2021. With catering and drinks from Jane’s Kitchen, Shortcross Gin, Keane’s Deli and entertainment from the talented Erin Fullerton, customers were invited to be one of the first to view and explore the distinguished new model from Land Rover. True to its roots, and ready for the future, Range Rover will be available with plug-in hybrid and mild hybrid options from early 2022. For more info contact the team on 02895 175735.

. Michael Hall, Paul Herriot and Paul Allen.

David Hall, James and Andrew Reid.

zzzz Robb, Ruth and Paul Carson.

Alan Thompson, Head of Business at Charles Hurst Jaguar Land Rover and Paul Herriot, Sales Manager at Charles Hurst Land Rover.

Martin and Sharon Kelly.

Adrian and Hannah Gray with James Macintosh.

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SOCIETY

WEDDINGS Rafferty & O’Flaherty Miss Ciara Rafferty, daughter of Sean and Bernadette Rafferty from Belfast, recently married Ciaran O’Flaherty, son of John and Nuala O’Flaherty from Derry. The ceremony took place on 26th November 2021 at the Good Shephard Church followed by a reception at Titanic Hotel Belfast. Ciara wore a Jean Miller Bridal lace dress with a cathedral lace veil and a cape, which the bride crocheted herself.

Photography by Jervis Wedding Photography.

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Society Weddings

THE MALONE – A PERFECT JANUARY GET AWAY

McCombe & Allen

The Malone Hotel, Belfast is offering you the chance to banish the winter blues with a midweek B&B city break package from just £99 per room for two guests sharing. The 4-star Victorian Townhouse hotel, nestling between the city’s fashionable Malone Road and Lisburn Roads, is the perfect location for that New Year January Sales or Leisure Break. Your stay will include free parking, free wifi and a delicious made to order breakfast.

Miss Judith McCombe, daughter of William and Gillian McCombe from Newry, recently married Benjamin Allen, son of Ivor and Iris Allen from Armagh. The ceremony took place on 30th July at St John’s Church of Ireland, Newtownhamilton, followed by a reception at Corick House Hotel. Judith wore a dress from McElhinneys Bridal Rooms.

Photography by Colin Colleran

Visit www.themalonehotel.com for more information.

Enjoy a night away this winter at the Malone Hotel. Whether you're shopping in town or exploring the city, come back to our cosy hotel for a 2 course dinner, a glass of mulled wine and a full Irish breakfast, cooked to order the following day!

Winter Warmer from £149.

For booking call +44 28 9038 8000 or email info@themalonehotel.com.

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SOCIETY

WEDDINGS Wilson & McGowan Miss Gabrielle Wilson, daughter of Anne and Eric Wilson from Randalstown, recently married Peter McGowan, son of Alistair and Erin McGowan from Magherafelt. The wedding took place on 12th June 2021 at Kilmore Country House. Gabrielle wore a Stella York gown from Marie Me, Randalstown.

Photography by Sheena T Photography.

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A A quirky quirky beachfront beachfront venue venue with with Wedding Wedding packages packages from from £44pp £44pp Licenced Licenced Venue Venue for for Civil Civil Ceremonies Ceremonies Tel 02820762222 Tel 02820762222 events@marinehotelballycastle.com events@marinehotelballycastle.com www.marinehotelballycastle.com www.marinehotelballycastle.com

Society Weddings

CHOOSE YOUR PERFECT SUIT Picking your wedding suit is one of the biggest style investments any man can make, it’s worth taking the time to get it right. Irish designed label Benetti Menswear delivers yet another impressive

Simon Beige style.

groomswear collection, and grooms can look forward to a vibrant range of head turning looks that will make its mark on this season’s wedding trends.

Benetti introduces a timeless collection of mix and match wedding suits, a unique and innovative range of versatile separates that will personalize your formal look. This new collection embodies with its fresh colours, classic styles and smart designs to suit and fit all sizes. An astute choice for your big day, the new collection is tailored for both tapered and classic fit.

The new wedding collections are your first port of call for any groom planning their wedding this year.

Simon Blue style.

Full collections and featured stockists are available to view online including nationwide stockists at www.benetti.ie

CELEBRATE YOUR WEDDING IN STYLE AT TITANIC HOTEL BELFAST Located in the magnificently restored former headquarters of Harland & Wolff, shipbuilders of RMS Titanic, the hotel can host gatherings from as little as 20 guests in its smaller heritage rooms with views of the iconic Harland & Wolff cranes, to 250 in the spectacular and Cathedrallike Drawing Office One, with its breath-taking three-storey ceiling, large overhead skylights and views of the Titanic Belfast visitor attraction. The hotel is fully registered to host civil ceremonies or partnerships, giving you the freedom to plan your entire day at Titanic Hotel Belfast. The team of wedding experts at Titanic Hotel Belfast will be with you every step of the way and with their attention to detail, will ensure that your dreams become reality.

Situated opposite Titanic Belfast, there are many opportunities for outdoor photography within the immediate area. The talented chefs at the Titanic Hotel Belfast use only fresh, local produce to inspire a selection of menus that will ensure you and your guests enjoy an unforgettable dining experience. The hotel offers various wedding packages, allowing you the flexibility to choose the package that perfectly suits your needs.

To find out more and to book, visit www. titanichotelbelfast.com/weddings-venue-belfast, call +44 (0)28 9508 2000 ot email weddings@titanichotelbelfast.com

HEIRLOOM BRIDAL COLLECTION Merve Bayindir is a couture millinery brand for the chic and selfconfident female. As contemporary innovators, the brand explores the debate between architecture and fashion to develop groundbreaking designs. Founded by mother-daughter duo, Yasemin Bayindir and Merve Bayindir in 2011, the eponymous brand has produced a range of chic and striking collections from occasion wear to bridal to show-stopping pieces. www.mervebayindir.com 80

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THE SCENE

Chris Ross, Kieran Kelly and Linus Murray.

Alyson and Brian Donaldson and Mica Gould.

Stephen and Julie Kelly, Katie Jackson and Dermot Dillon.

AN EVENING AT THE REGENCY The 1846 Georgian building previously known as Regency House has been transformed into bespoke serviced residences. The renovation comprises of six bespoke one-bedroom and two-bedroom luxury private residences, complete with one communal garden and two private courtyards. It was offically opened with a launch evening hosted by the proprietors, Anthony & Andrea Kieran and Cecil Hetherington. Guests were treated to exquisite canapes, festive drinks, live music and an exclusive tour.

The String Ninjas Mick Conlon and Gavin Ferris.

Musician Raymie Eastwood and Johnny Eastwood.

Sîle Uî Chiaråin, Andrea Kieran and Francesca Morelli.

Chris McClelland and Rosie Smyth.

Cate Conway and Graeme Kelly.

Katie Jackson, Graeme Kelly and Pamela McGookin.

Cecil Hetherington and Katie Jackson with Andrea & Anthony Kieran.

Chris Latimer and Elizabeth Bonhomme.

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Wilson and Maggie Briggs.

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Arts Diary Kellie Burch kellie@ulstertatler.com

“the Vault Christmas Market is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the important Vault Artist Studios which continues to supports 120 multidisciplinary artists”

VAULT CHRISTMAS MARKET Over the past few years, the festive season for me really begins when the Vault Artist Studios’ annual Christmas Market comes to town. This year the studio on Tower Street was not only transformed for the popular day market, which ran across the weekend, but guests were also treated to Vault’s first ever night market.

The market featured 85 stalls bursting with creativity. As you wandered throughout the Studio, there was so much on display from prints, homeware, ceramics and textiles to food and drink.

So whether shopping for yourself or for some quirky Christmas presents, there was a lot of talent to chose from.

The night time market was also bursting with entertainment. Guests could enjoy drinks from the indoor bar, operated by Pedro Donald and the team at The American Bar, whilst soaking up live performances. Acts included burlesque fusion performance artist Scarlett Fever; dancers Poke Theatre; harpist Ursula Burns; and local indie band Beauty Sleep.

A visit to the Vault Christmas Market wouldn’t be the same without a visit from Santa. But this is no ordinary Santa. Santa You Deserve is top of the naughty list bringing a sprinkle of mischief to proceedings. He provoked giggles of delight as he crept amongst the stalls, posed for photos and kept the food vendors on their toes.

With a troop of excellent stewards, a plethora of superb artists, an array of international cuisine (including my personal favourite Oui Poutine), music from local artists and DJs, the standard at this year’s Market was the best yet. Organised

by Kathryn McShane, the Vault Christmas Market is a fantastic way to raise awareness of the important work Vault Artist Studios does to support 120 multidisciplinary artists - even through the exceptionally tough couple of years the arts sector has endured. So remember, supporting local artists isn’t just for Christmas, it should be all year round too.

The Vault Christmas Market took place on 4 & 5 December 2021.

Grace McMurray and Stewart McKibbin.

.

Kathryn McShane, Jacob Anderson and Rosie Mullin

Gemma Mae Halligan and Leo Boyd.

Jonathan Brennan and Ruth Crothers.

Emily Marshall and Annie Kennedy.

Santa You Deserve.

Neal Campbell.

Sarah Lee and Declan Byrne.

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Jade Hunter and Kitty.

John Baucher.

Bill Penney, Jamshid Fenderesky and Anne McReynolds.

Ronnie Hughes and Anne McReynolds.

Sacha and Heather White.

Christine Rogers and Jonathan Roper.

Alan Herbert and Jim McCarthy.

Jane Hardy and Niall Rea.

Tina Calder, Logan and Ciaran McIlhenney.

Graham Gingles and Nick Miller.

Ronnie Hughes and Thomas Wells.

EXHIBITION LAUNCHES AT THE MAC The MAC, nestled in Belfast’s Cathedral Quarter, recently welcomed two notable new exhibitions during a launch night in December.

Guests, including, The MAC chief executive Anne McReynolds; owner of the Fenderesky Gallery, Jamshid Fenderesky; and artist Graham Gingles, had the opportunity to preview the stunning ‘Isobar’ exhibition from one of Ireland’s most dynamic abstract artists, Belfast-born Ronnie Hughes, and ‘Artist & Mariner’ from the distinctive painter Alfred Wallis.

Hughes’ works, which are hung in The MAC’s Upper Gallery are a vibrant, complex and multidimensional collection. In Hughes own words they have a commonality of exposing unseen forces and focusing on

the beauty, the fragility and the violence of being”. The use of colour and shape is powerful in Hughes’ works whilst the skilled layering give many of the paintings a tactile quality. The curation and presentation of this exhibition is exquisite; each series of paintings is powerful but when viewed as a whole, the impact is palpable.

‘Artist & Mariner’, which is located in the Tall Gallery with a complementary short film in the Sunken Gallery, features works on loan from the collection of Kettle’s Yard at the University of Cambridge. Wallis, who spent most of his life in Cornwall, was a mariner, scrap merchant and painter. What made his art so distinctive was his use of unconventional materials. He often couldn’t afford canvas so he used anything he

could find to produce his creations, such as notebooks, walls and even bellows. As well as using painting as respite from loneliness after the death of his wife, Wallis used it as a nostalgic outlet to express his love of ships. Much of the exhibition contains lively artwork rich with an almost diagrammatic accuracy of the boats of his youth.

The MAC is a premier spot for a culture hit and what better way to indulge than with two phenomenal exhibitions under one roof. With both exhibitions running until the end of March, you’ve plenty of time to check them out.

The launch night of both exhibitions took place on 8 December. The exhibitions run until 27 March.

“The use of colour and shape is powerful in Hughes’ works whilst the skilled layering give many of the paintings a tactile quality.”

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Arts Diary

CINDER ON TINDER ‘Tis the season for panto. But for those who don’t have kids, or want an adult night only, GBL Productions certainly delivered with their production of Cinder on Tinder. This innuendo filled pantomime elicited as many laughs as it did blushes.

With a very modern retelling of the classic, this performance sees our heroine Cinder (cos Cinderella doesn’t rhythm with Tinder) swiping her way through dating apps to find her Prince Charming. She finds him in the shape of ‘Jamie Doorman’ at the Buckfast Ballroom. In this version, as the clock strikes midnight, it’s her mobile Cinder leaves behind instead of a glass slipper. To try and find the gorgeous Cinder, Jamie Doorman turns the Buckfast Ballroom into a speed dating event like no other.

Written by Diona Doherty and Sean Hegarty, Cinder on Tinder is rife with plenty of laughs with a few gags pushing the boundaries to the extreme. The cast all gave amazing performances, Kathryn Rutherford as Cinder had a voice like a angel carrying the big musical numbers with ease, whilst Michael Condron as ‘Jamie Doorman’ was an equal mix of dashing and bumbling. The story of Cinderella wouldn’t be the same without an appearance from the ugly step sisters, and here Cinder on Tinder really excelled. ‘Brian’, played by the wonderful Gerard McCabe - who also directed the show - and ‘Amnesia’ played by drag queen Matthew Cavan are a spectacular double act. When they aren’t making each other giggle, they are strutting their stuff to epic musical and dance routines.

Their rendition of ‘Single Ladies’ was an absolute highlight for me. The cherry on the top had to be the narration by the beloved Julian Simmons. He took his infamous risqué routine from his UTV days to a whole new level which resulted in genuine belly laughs.

The show, which was sold out, had a buzzing atmosphere which was made all the more electric by the terrific audience participation. There were some fantastic sports in the front row who became part of running jokes throughout the performance. One young man even was coaxed on stage and the back and forwards between him and Cinder had the audience in stitches.

Cinder on Tinder is Belfast’s only adult panto and with tickets selling out in record time, it’s obvious that the GBL Productions have tapped into something special.

By retelling a classic in modern times with a lot of local humour, this performance was a memorable night out that really got the festive season off to a jolly start.

Cinder in Tinder ran at the Waterfront Hall from 2 30 December 2021.

Kerri and Glynis McClements.

Sarah Ann McDonald, Jessica McNeill and Stacey Gilmour.

Lynsey Gordon and Sarah Crockett.

Ashley Millar, Lyndsey Murray and Alex Doherty.

Shannon Chapman, Sophie McFall and Lori Erwin.

Brian Haslett and Mark Irvine.

Laura Bell, Paula Speers and Claire Millar.

Julia Bradford, Lynette Logan and Rebekah Mairs.

Gemma Orford, Aoife Callaghan, Margaret Armstrong, Janine McCabe and Denise Martin.

Aimee Gillespie and Monica Agnew.

Carly McIlwaine, Lillian Hamilton, Helen Walsh, Nikki Turner and Michelle McWilliams .

Fiona Farrell and Shaneika Farrell.

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OPENING OF 2 ROYAL AVENUE The former bank building on Royal Avenue, which was home to Tesco for 25 years, has recently been transformed into a community, recreational and cultural hub. Simply known as 2 Royal Avenue, the space enjoyed a soft launch night in December.

Owned by Belfast City Council, the listed building reopened its doors a month after Belfast was named a UNESCO City of Music. This space will become a hub to nurture local musicians as well as providing a venue for music, art, workshops and markets. The opening night gave a taster of what was to come with live music from Busk Off winner Max Sloan , The Hive Choir, and harpist Ursula Burns whilst DJ Kwame Daniels mixed everything from East London to West Africa via the island of Ireland. There was also performances from Irish multi instrumentalist and session musician Terry McHugh and Belfast based drummer Henrique ‘Blackjack’ Franco.

One of the highlights of this building, which was built between 1864 and 1869 and originally operated as the Belfast branch of the Provincial Bank of Ireland, is undoubtedly the magnificent dome as you enter. 2 Royal Avenue has made this a focal point in the space with seating and a bespoke performance space underneath it.

Taking the time to view the colourful space, which includes open spaces and intimate snugs, were Director at British Council Northern Ireland Jonathan Stewart, Visit Belfast’s, Mary Jo McCanny, and Seedhead Arts’ Adam Turkington.

With Northern Ireland’s rich body of talent continuing to make positive headlines after Array Collective were name Turner Prize winners, it’s really uplifting to see such an impressive investment being made into encouraging the future of culture and arts with this dedicated space in Belfast.

The opening night took place on 10 December.

The Hive Choir.

Jonathan Stewart and Erika Clarke.

Harpist Ursula Burns.

Adam Turkington, Jonny McEwen, Gemma Reid and James Clark.

Pier Morrow, Mary Jo McCanny and Kate Fergus.

Ciara Power and Ciaran Bittles.

Conor McAuley, Lara Weaver, Neve Hutchinson and Robert Coleman.

BEST OF THE REST Ciara O’Neill

Conjuring Winter Stories – a new exhibition

by Carol Graham RUA will run at ArtisAnn Gallery from 5-29 January 2022. Carol Graham is a well-established and critically acclaimed artist whose work is held in many important collections. For more details, visit: artisann.org ‘Another Land’ by Carol Graham.

The 17th edition of the Out To Lunch Festival returns from 8-30 January 2022 with a packed programme of music, comedy, talks and drama. Highlights includes singer-songwriters Ciara O’Neill and Brigid O’Neill who will be launching new music at the Festival. Also on the line-up is classical contemporary pianist, Ruth McGinley, Norman Jay, Robin Ince, Lucy Porter plus much more. For the full programme and tickets visit www.cqaf.com

Runner-up Sadhbh Moriarty, winner Niall Bourke and runner-up Dawn Watson.

Niall Bourke from Kilkenny has won the prestigious Linen Hall Michael McLaverty Short Story Award for his story ‘The Catch’.

The two runners-up are Sadhbh Moriarty for ‘Saint Caillín and The Carwash’ and Dawn Watson for ‘The Condition of Stopped Time’.

The winning and runner up stories will be published in a limited edition anthology entitled The Catch and Other Stories, which will be available to purchase in the Linen Hall for £5.00.

122 87

EXTRACT

BELFAST AURORA: A MEMOIR OF A FALLS CHILDHOOD Below is an extract from Belfast Aurora; A Memoir of a Falls Childhood 1971-1973 by Seamus Kelters, published by Merrion Press.

FROM CHAPTER 8 – DUCK

A class trip was something spoken of as though Christmas was coming in May. From before Easter, money was collected by our teacher. I do not remember how much it cost per head, perhaps three or four pounds. It was after decimalisation, but a pound still counted for something. This was big money, so the collection was going on for weeks, anxiety building over whether we would all be able to go.

‘Have you paid yet?’ ‘No, have you?’ The questions and answers littered every conversation. The threat of being kicked off the trip hung over our every misdemeanour, so we were subdued at least in class and when teachers were around. A student teacher spent some of the time teaching us about Cú Chulainn. Here was a hero we could identify with, bold, brave and reckless. The student might have been his image, in a mirror, in reverse. Uncharacteristically for us, for we scented fear, we took no advantage of his obvious naivety even when our teacher, Micky Barr, was not watching. A class trip was not to be risked.

We had been on our first day out the previous year. About half of us had already been brought to Belfast’s zoo, Bellevue we called it back then, even before the class trip.

It was a wet day. The hillside collection of semi-domesticated elephants, giraffes and kangaroos was miserable, shrouded in mizzle.

We packed close together in front of the lion enclosure.

‘There’s no lion in there so there’s not,’ shouted one of the class.

In fact, the cage’s sole occupant, wisely, remained under the coverage of foliage at the back where, barely visible, it refused to respond to our roars.

We ventured into the monkey house, its pungency making our eyes water. There came the highlight of the day. Some classmates were taunting a huge silverback gorilla. Infuriated, it flung some of its faeces at us. We charged away, tripping over each other, laughing at those we claimed had been successfully targeted.

‘You’ve got monkey shite on you.’ ‘No I haven’t.’ ‘Yes you do.’ ‘You are monkey shite.’

Other visitors, from more well-heeled areas, viewed us with disdain. ‘They should be on the other side of the bars,’ I heard a woman say as she dragged her child away.

We had not gone far that day and there was little to marvel at through the rain.

Expectation for the new class trip was fuelled by one of the class who had been there on holiday. Dessie Burns painted a picture of a land somewhere between Glocca Morra and Shangri-La. ‘There’s big aeroplanes so there is,’ he told us, ‘and they fly way up in the sky so they do.’

Each week the stories of what we would find inflated; dodgems, a swimming pool, boats, rides, ice cream, snooker tables, toy stores and arcades. And, once you got through the gates, Dessie said, it was all free.

We were going to Butlin’s Mosney.

The day arrived. The buses arrived. We spat on board like fizzy drink shaken from a bottle, scrambling to get to the back seats beyond the view of the teachers at the front. Well before safety regulations, in some cases three or four of us piled into two seats. In the same way three classes were crammed onto two buses, more than a hundred of us accompanied by a trio of teachers and as many students. My berth was midway.

The talk was, not everyone had paid their full amount, although Micky Barr saw to it that every boy in his class got on the bus. Tickets might have been subsidised from school funds. More likely, the money came from his pocket.

Mosney was about five miles beyond Drogheda, a journey for us of about 80 miles.

The first problem emerged about 20 minutes after we left the school. We had been told to bring packed lunches. For some these consisted of chocolate of every variety, cans of fizzy orange and unlimited quantities of crisps.

As we twisted along country roads, there was an unmistakable ‘whooooahhh’ from up the front as one of our class, Paddy McIlwaine, retched into a carrier bag that had contained his lunch.

‘Wow.’ ‘Ah shite.’ ‘Move, move.’ Those around him scattered as if he had unpinned a live grenade. They fled into neighbouring rows ignoring the occupants’ protests. Paddy was left to himself. The student teacher reached back to open a latched sliding pane above one of the big windows. Air rushed down the bus, along with the smell.

Seeing the student open the window, some of those at the back of the bus did the same with a window there. Marty Breen went a step further, clambering on a seat to yell out the window. It was not so much that he actually said anything, just the fact that he made some sort of roar to startle pedestrians. Each time he saw someone walking, he would let out a high-pitched ‘yeeeeee-oow’.

The more this amused the rest of us, the more audacious he became. He shouted ‘fatso’ at a man, and ‘millies’ at two girls. The Belfast jibe might have been lost on them, but we laughed anyway at the shock on their faces.

What happened next, as somehow unlikely as it was predictable, I watched as though in slow motion. Looking out the front window of the bus, I saw a crowd waiting at a stop. A couple moved forward thinking we were the 88

scheduled service. A lot of us saw them. Marty Breen saw them and turned his head sideways to get as much out of the open window as possible. Up front, Paddy McIlwaine was not a troublemaker, not usually the centre of devilment, but others around him were hissing, ‘Go on, go on.’ To be fair, he must have wanted to get rid of the bag of boke. As we sped almost level with the bus stop, he neatly threw it out the window. His only misjudgement was the effect speed would have on trajectory. Instead of showering the bystanders, the bag slewed along the side of the bus, catching Marty Breen as he stretched for a high note. Too late someone shouted, ‘Duck!’ The bag hit him full in the face in mid gulder – ‘Yeeee-argh, argh, aww, shite, shite.’ He was drenched in vomit, his face, his neck, his hair, his pullover, the collar of the shirt he was wearing. He was simultaneously attempting to splutter and not breathe. Yells came from everywhere around him.

‘Get away, get away.’

‘Spew face, look at spew face.’

The student teacher came down the bus.

He saw the state of Marty and thought he had been sick. You could see the student almost gag himself at the overpowering smell.

‘Wooooargh.’

There was the sound of liquid splattering onto plastic. Someone else had puked into another bag. We were cheering, jeering, shouting. Anarchy threatened.

‘Quiet. Quiet all of you.’

Micky Barr had come halfway back, his voice raised, close to where I was sitting. ‘If youse keep this up, the bus will turn around and you’ll all go home.’

Silence. For the first time that day, silence.

A wet towel appeared from somewhere. Marty was told to clean himself up.

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THE SCENE

RSUA President Donal and Anne MacRandal.

Tom Hulme and Cormac McAteer.

Architecture students Imogen Erskine, Matthew McAlister, Lucy McDonald and Yashani Gohil.

RSUA ARCHITECTS AS ARTISTS EXHIBITION The Royal Society of Ulster Architects hosted a launch night for their exhibition, Architects as Artists Exhibition.

The event took place at the RSUA, Mount Charles in Belfast where guests enjoyed a drinks receiption and the opportunity to observe the work of the exhibitioners.

Architect John Reid reads some of his poetry at the exhibition.

RSUA Director Ciaran Fox with past President Joan McCoy.

Tom Hulme and Cormac McAteer.

Artist Tania Helen, Mark Crooks and Nicola Woods.

Derek and Kim Loughrey and Susan Lavery.

Michael Doherty with his abstract ‘gravity’ oil on canvas.

Jiradej Ermonfkonchia with his watercolour ‘Night Watch’.

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Lynda Crawford and Jamie Field.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

THE SCENE

The Taste & Tour diners at Mourne Seafood.

Chin Nam Soong and Abigail Parkinson.

Caroline Wilson and Alia Geagea.

Russell Laford, Patrick Hanlon and Suzie Lee.

VISIT BELFAST HOSTS MEDIA FOOD TOUR Visit Belfast hosted an exclusive food tour for a number of NI and ROI food media. The tour provided a taste of some of Belfast’s best food and drink experiences at The Deer’s Head, Mourne Seafood Bar, Home Restaurant and the Observatory at Grand Central Hotel. Tasting flavours from locally brewed beers and homemade pies, catch of the day paired with Guinness, through to classic Christmas Pudding and Baileys aperitif, the group truly embraced Belfast’s Christmas spirit!

For more food and drink experiences go to visitbelfast.com

Danielle Dunbar and Phil Ervine.

Margaret Canning and Martin Breen.

Gemma-Louise Bond and John Mulgrew.

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Scott Clarke from Mourne Seafood.

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THE SCENE

Ireland’s most capped hockey international Dr Shirley McCay with Lady Mary Peters.

Methodist College first eleven hockey squad with hockey coaches, hockey international Dr Shirley McCay, Lady Mary Peters and Methodist College Principal Mr Scott Naismith.

AT THE HEART OF THE GAME 17-year-old Methodist College Student, Anna Pim from Annahilt has launched a new awareness campaign with the goal of educating young people on the importance of CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation) and AED (automated external defibrillator).

The inspiration for the campaign came to Anna when she was only 13 years old, when a member of her rowing club suffered a cardiac arrest on the River Lagan in Belfast. Anna said, “I remember thinking if I had been there, would I have had the confidence to perform CPR and help my friend.”

Hockey international Dr Shirley McCay with Anna Pim and Lady Mary Peters.

During lockdown, Anna decided to launch her campaign, initially reaching out to Ulster Hockey and St John Ambulance. Since then, Anna has gained further support with George Best Belfast City Airport coming on board as a partner in the campaign.

Anna also welcomed leading ladies in sport, Lady Mary Peters and Dr Shirley McCay as ambassadors for the campaign.

Anna described the support she has received as, ‘overwhelming’ and discusses how she would love to see her campaign go a step further, reaching other sports clubs across Northern Ireland as well as working to raise funds to provide more AED trainers for St. John’s Ambulance cadet devisions, in order to incresae the number of people trained across communities.

You can follow ‘attheheartofthegame’ on Instagram

Methodist College Principal Mr Scott Naismith, Hockey coach Fiona McIlwaine, Anna Pim, Hockey international Dr Shirley McCay and Lady Mary Peters.

zzzzMethodist College first eleven hockey squad launch the initiative.

Pegasus hockey player and Ulster Hockey youth forum member Anna Pim who started the ‘At the heart of the game’.

94

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Ulster Tatler’s essential guide to help you make the best post primary choice for your child.

INSIDE Campbell College • The Royal Belfast Academical Institution • Grosvenor Grammar School • Victoria College • Rockport • Wellington College • St Columbanus’ College • Banbridge Academy • Antrim Grammar • St Louis Grammar • Lagan College • The High School, Cookstown • Sullivan Upper School • Ballynahinch High • Saintfield High • Loreto College • Wilsons Hospital School • Clongowes Wood College • Dundalk Grammar • Sligo Grammar • Liverpool John Moore University • St Mary’s University College • Open University • Tutortoo

CONTENTS

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2021

099 100 102 104 106 108 110 112 113 114 116 118 119 120 121 122

Campbell College The Royal Belfast Academical Institution Grosvenor Grammar School Victoria College Rockport Wellington College St Columbanus’ College Banbridge Academy Antrim Grammar St Louis Grammar, Kilkeel Lagan College Cookstown High Sullivan Upper Ballynahinch High Loreto College Saintfield High

Irish Boarding Schools 123 Wilsons Hospital School 124 Clongowes Wood College 126 Dundalk Grammar 127 Sligo Grammar Universities 128 Liverpool John Moores University 129 St Mary’s University College 130 Open University

A MESSAGE FROM EDUCATION MINISTER MICHELLE MCILVEEN

Tutoring 131 Tutortoo

“AS EDUCATION MINISTER I WANT CHILDREN TO EXPERIENCE AN EDUCATION THAT BUILDS BELIEF IN THEMSELVES AND THEIR ABILITY TO ACHIEVE THEIR DREAMS.”

M

any children across Northern Ireland will be looking forward to their move to ‘big’ school in September. It is a nervous but exciting time for young people taking this next step in their educational journey as they find out what school they will attend.

Many have already completed entrance tests and the results of those tests may influence their preferences when the time comes to apply for particular schools.

However, there are many more factors that children and parents will wish to consider at this time.

Some children will have views on where they would be happiest. Parents will also wish to consider factors such as travel arrangements; extra-curricular activities;

pastoral care arrangements; schools’ admissions criteria and how well their child meets the criteria; as well as the arrangements schools make for pupils who may require additional help. It is important to take time to select the school that best meets your needs.

I would advise parents to discuss potential options with their children and, when it comes to nominating schools, ensure that they nominate a sufficient number of realistic options. In Northern Ireland we are very fortunate to have excellent schools all delivering the same curriculum. I therefore urge parents look at a wide range of schools when deciding on their preferences.

My Department recommends that

98

parents apply to a minimum of four schools, at least one of which should be a non-grammar school. By doing this parents will maximise their children’s chances of securing a place at a school of their choice.

As Education Minister I want children to experience an education that builds belief in themselves and their ability to achieve their dreams. I assure them that they will receive excellent teaching and leadership across our schools to ensure that each and every child can flourish and reach their full potential.

Michelle McIlveen Education Minister

Join our

Virtual Open Month From Saturday 22nd January 2022 Boarding Places Available

Discover more at CampbellCollege.co.uk

THE ROYAL BELFAST ACADEMICAL INSTITUTION

VIRTUAL TOUR Join us for a virtual tour of our school from Monday 20th December. You will experience some of the highlights at RBAI and be given the opportunity to gain some interesting insights into life behind the scenes as well as receiving a welcome message from our Principal, Ms Williamson.

INNOVATIVE With specialist facilities like our Centre of Technical Innovation we can nourish inventive young minds and best prepare them for future careers in fields like design and engineering.

The next generation of world builders are having essential career cornerstones instilled right now at RBAI.

INCLUSIVE Having the best possible start in life is what everyone wants for their child, and the diverse range of friendships made at RBAI not only last a lifetime, but nurture open minds and a positive world view.

Sporting prowess is encouraged at RBAI along with academic excellence, as we seek to maximize the whole potential of a child.

INCOMPARABLE From our iconic black and yellow school ties to our premier location in the heart of the capital, RBAI is distinctively cosmopolitan without being overtly urban - an oasis of culture and learning conveniently close to the bus and train termini at Great Victoria Street.

When asked to sum up what RBAI has to offer, we simply describe it as…

INSTPIRATIONAL But don’t take our word for it...

Visit via our Virtual Tour @ www.rbai.org.uk The Royal Belfast Academical Institution, College Square East, Belfast BT1 6DL

Tel: 028 90 240461

“I WANT TO STUDY ENGINEERING AND HAVING ACCESS TO CUTTING EDGE TECHNOLOGY GAVE ME AN EXTRA PUSH.” Theo Fitch, Head of School 2020/21

“MY AMBITION IS TO COMPETE AT THE OLYMPICS. THE SUPPORT FROM MY TEACHERS HAS BEEN AMAZING.” Matthew Cheung, Year 12 Larmor

“THE YELLOW AND BLACK MAKES RBAI SPECIAL.” Oscar McGonigle, Year 8 Stevenson

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

LIFE AT GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL

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POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BELFAST

RELATIONSHIPS - RESPECT - RESPONSIBILITY learning environment in which all are inspired to achieve high standards and to become tolerant and confident adults.

Music and drama have always been two of our most successful extra-curricular fields, and events such as the Carol Service, Spring Concert and annual School Production have provided the perfect opportunity for Grosvenor pupils to showcase their amazing talent.

In sport, Grosvenor pupils have enjoyed fantastic success and the School welcomes families and friends to its Saturday morning fixtures, while the pupils have also benefitted from many sporting and educational trips to such varying destinations as Spain, Germany, France, Portugal and Poland in recent years.

Grosvenor Grammar School is located in the Castlereagh area of East Belfast and benefits from fantastic, modern facilities.

Happiness breeds success in Grosvenor and everyone is encouraged to get involved in the School community.

The School has a proud tradition of providing a high-quality education to all of its pupils, enabling them to participate in a superb range of curricular and extracurricular activities.

The school ethos is underpinned by the three values of Relationships, Respect and Responsibility. Pupils are welcomed into the Grosvenor family and its dedicated staff members work hard to ensure that pupils feel supported and encouraged at every stage of their educational pathway.

Having recently celebrated the 75th anniversary of the founding of the School, the Grosvenor community looks forward to celebrating continued success in the future under the leadership of the Principal, Dr Vasey and her committed team.

At Grosvenor, the pupils consistently achieve outstanding examination results at GCSE and A Level. The School prides itself on providing a caring and supportive

Dr Vasey, Principal.

Further information is available on the School Twitter account - @GrosvenorGS, and on the School website www.grosvenorgrammarschool.org.uk where, amongst other things, you will be able to enjoy our promotional video and virtual tour.

For more information contact: Grosvenor Grammar School, Marina Park, Belfast, BT5 6BA Tel: 028 9070 2777, Fax: 028 9097 7019 Email: info@grosvenor.belfast.ni.sch.uk, Website: www.grosvenorgrammarschool.org.uk Twitter: @GrosvenorGS PAGE 103

VICTORIA COLLEGE BELFAST YOU AN EXCEPTIONAL SCHOOL IN SOUTH BELFAST INSPIRING EACH PUPIL TO REALISE THEIR FULL POTENTIAL Victoria College is a leading nondenominational Grammar school that provides an outstanding and rounded educational experience.

The College is conveniently located between the Lisburn and Malone Roads, close to town and country bus routes and the local railway network; hence pupils travel from a wide catchment area to avail of the high quality teaching and learning.

The school takes pride in its strong record of academic achievement, sporting success and outstanding pastoral care. Pupils are inspired, supported and challenged to reach their full potential and achieve their aspirational goals.

The personalised learning needs of each pupil are met through a broad and balanced curriculum allowing each individual pupil to blossom, whilst enjoying the freedom to explore fully all the educational and cultural opportunities available.

“An exceptional school that provides high quality education.

Staff members show real care, dedication and display a high level of professionalism to ensure that the College provides a safe, secure and challenging environment for students to learn and grow academically, emotionally and personally.”

Inclusion and Quality - Mark Assessor

Please visit our school website and social media to experience our vibrant school community.

BE A PART OF VCB!

Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) is an integral part of the school experience and across the Key Stages pupils are engaged in innovative programmes.

Pupils may also avail of a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities allowing them to develop the knowledge, skills, values, attitudes and dispositions which prepare them for success in work and in life.

In sports pupils represent Ulster and Northern Ireland at local, national and international levels and in school they can enjoy an exciting range of activities from athletics, crosscountry, badminton, gymnastics, hockey, netball, squash and tennis to swimming, trampolining, rugby, golf, dance and equestrian events.

The College boosts a modern sports hall on campus and the PE Department also benefits from access to facilities at the nearby Queen’s University Belfast and Stranmillis.

“Pupils benefit significantly from the opportunities provided for participation in an extensive range of sporting, cultural and other additional enrichment activities, which further develop their personal and social skills.”

- ETI Music, theatre, languages, art and humanities are real strengths within the school as is the STEAM agenda.

The educational experience for both pupils and staff is enhanced through partnerships with schools at home and abroad and through a wide range of educational trips and visits each year, further augmenting the international dimension that permeates the school.

SCAN TO VISIT OUR WEBSITE.

SEE WHAT YOU CAN BE AT VCB

BE EXCEPTIONAL BE CREATIVE BE INSPIRED BE YOU.

www.victoriacollege.org.uk

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Do what you love Do what you love and do it and do it brilliantly...

brilliantly...

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

Pupils have many opportunities to demonstrate their musical skills.

The annual Musical allows pupils to shine both front of House and backstage.

A FLAVOUR OF WELLINGTON COLLEGE The annual Wellington Bake Off produces spectacular results.

Colour Run in aid of Habitat for Huma

nity.

n College including r activities on offer at Wellingto There are many extra-curricula Botanic Gardens. to trip al annu their at here the Photography Club pictured

Pupils have many opportunities

1st XV Rugby Squad on tour.

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to expand their horizons on Colle

ge trips.

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

WELLINGTON COLLEGE

ENGAGE - EDUCATE - EMPOWER Wellington College is a co-educational grammar school situated in one of Belfast’s most attractive and accessible locations.

The College is close to main arterial routes into and out of Belfast and its pupils benefit from dedicated transport services.

Accommodated in first class buildings, Wellington College offers superior facilities including sophisticated practice and recording rooms in the music department, state-of-the-art ICT facilities, a Lecture Theatre, fitness suite, tennis courts, sports hall and astro turf pitch.

Wellington College has a well deserved reputation as a caring school with a strong pastoral and academic ethos. The College emphasises individual fulfilment and the pursuit of excellence in all aspects of education and holds high expectations of all pupils in terms of behaviour and school work. It aims to empower young people to achieve the best results of which they are capable. Whilst academic success remains a priority at Wellington College, it believes that all students should benefit from a broad range of extra curricular opportunities.

At Wellington pupils are expected to take part in the full, rich and diverse life of the College. In music, pupils can join one of the choirs or singing groups, the concert band, orchestra or one of the many instrumental ensembles. In sport they can participate in hockey, rugby, football, netball, athletics, badminton, tennis and golf to name but a few. Other opportunities for extra curricular

Year 8 enjoying their Team Building day at Crawfordsburn.

success include debating/public speaking, ICT club, Art club, Science club, Astronomy club, Chess club, the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme, Scripture Union, the various College magazines and the annual Kids Literature Quiz which Wellington hosts each year. In addition the College puts on a musical performance each year which allows a huge number of pupils to take part both on stage and backstage.

Wellington College wants every pupil’s experience to be exciting and inspirational.

It takes every opportunity to broaden horizons and place learning in context.

Pupils take part in trips, visits and courses in a range of local, national and international settings including sporting trips to Italy, language trips to France and Spain and the annual ski trip. The College believes that to prepare all pupils for the challenges they face in the future, its job is to present them with as many different situations as possible in which they can adapt, compete and develop into successful citizens of the future.

The annual Ski Trip.

1st XI Hockey Squad.

Caring for the community with our Foodbank appeal

For more information visit our website at www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org 6th form prize winners.

For more information contact: Wellington College Belfast 18 Carolan Road, Belfast, BT7 3HE Telephone 028 9064 2539 or take a look at our website at www.wellingtoncollegebelfast.org

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POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

LIFE AT ST COLUMBANUS’ COLLEGE

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POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

ST COLUMBANUS’ COLLEGE, BANGOR

A SCHOOL FOR THE WHOLE COMMUNITY

Principal, Mrs Maria Flynn, with students

St Columbanus’ College is a wellestablished and very successful 11-19, all-ability, co-educational, Catholic college located on Ballymaconnell Road, Bangor.

We are proud that our school attracts people of all religious denominations and is a community where diverse beliefs and cultures fuse together to form a vibrant college where the academic, pastoral and spiritual growth of our students are valued equally.

At the school’s core are the values of

equality and inclusion, providing individual support and learning to all pupils, from the highest academic achiever to the child who needs more focused support and encouragement.

All children are welcome within the College both by their peers and by highly motivated teaching staff who uphold a pastoral care system which ETI have determined to be outstanding. When you combine passionate and caring staff with a highly effective pastoral structure,

Our Virtual Open Evening will be accessible via our website on Tuesday 11 January 2022 from 7pm onwards. you get a community designed to ensure that all children are included and equally valued. From the minute you start at St Columbanus’ College, you will be cared for by staff in a close-knit, caring environment, with student services and support focused on the individual needs of our children.

We have been described as “a happy school with a can-do attitude”. It is our belief that happy and contented children working in a climate of co-operation and high expectation will achieve their full potential. The College works successfully in partnership with families to promote the successful development of their children. It is a school that is firmly committed to the communities it serves, thriving at the heart of the Bangor and Ards area parishes and community life. The aim of St Columbanus’ College is to provide every child with academic knowledge and skills with a culture of challenge and success whilst maintaining an equal focus on their moral, physical, spiritual, emotional and social well-being.

Our academic success speaks for itself.

In August 2021 we had another outstanding set of GCSE and A Level results.

91% of our pupils achieved at least 5 A*C grades at GCSE level, 75% achieved 5 GCSEs including English and Maths.

At A’Level’, 84% achieved 2 A*-C Grades and 98% achieved 2 A*-E Grades.

In all of the indicators used by authorities to measure academic performance, our College performed at levels well above the National Average.

As a Catholic, co-educational, 11 -19 College, we strive to achieve success in a happy and hard-working environment. This success is evident in many ways, including our outstanding results.

The College is proud to be a strong Catholic college firmly rooted in Christian teaching and principles. We welcome children of any faith, or none, and we pride ourselves on inclusion and acceptance according to the teachings and values of the Gospel. The College’s ethos encourages young people to “Live with God’s Law in their Heart”, to have love and respect for one another and to display the values of honesty, integrity, respect and hard work in all that they do. St Columbanus’ College is committed to providing every pupil with an education for life.

For more information contact: St Columbanus’ College, Ballymaconnell Road, Bangor BT20 5PU Tel: 028 9127 0927 Email: info@stcolumbanuscollege.bangor.ni.sch.uk Web: www.stcolumbanus.org.uk Twitter: @StColumbanusCol Facebook: @StColumbanusCollege PAGE 111

Banbridge Academy “...known personally and cared for individually.”

Banbridge Academy was founded in 1786 and moved to its impressive present location, Edenderry House, in 1950. During the last 25 years there have been two major building projects which have blended the best of modernity with the school’s family ethos and distinguished heritage. The modern and attractive educational facilities, combined with a talented and dedicated teaching staff, enable Banbridge Academy to provide an excellent standard of education where high quality Teaching and Learning is prioritised.

Educational activities spread far beyond the confines of the classroom. From experiencing life in World War One trenches in Bayernwald, Flanders, to a field study in the Rocky River, Mourne Mountains, its pupils enjoy broad and varied learning experiences. Recent visits have included educational trips to Boston, Barcelona, Berlin and to New York.

The aims of Banbridge Academy are to empower and develop its pupils and it is committed to delivering an education which is an enriching and enabling experience. Pupils excel as a community of learners, in an atmosphere of academic enquiry, where they are encouraged to become articulate, reflective and independent learners.

Current and former Academy pupils have excelled in sports at regional, provincial, national and international level. Rugby continues to grow,

having won a number of trophies. In 2015-2016, the boys’ 1st XI hockey team won an unprecedented number of titles, including the Tasmanian AllIreland Title, The Burney Cup and the HDM European Cup. In 2018, they lost narrowly in the All Ireland Final. In 2016-2017, the girls’ senior hockey team enjoyed an unforgettable season, winning The Belfast Telegraph Ulster Senior Schoolgirls’ Schools’ Cup and the Kate Russell Subway All Ireland Championship. In 2018, they lost narrowly in the NI Superleague Final.

Pupils are always encouraged to get involved in as many extra and co-curricular activities as possible. Over seventy opportunities exist in the school’s rich extra-curricular provision, complemented by the school’s thriving House System, named after significant local figures: Crozier, Dunbar, McWilliam and Waddell.

In the last ten years, Banbridge Academy pupils have raised in excess of £179,000 for various local, national and international charities. The outstanding quality and variety of the Drama Society’s theatrical productions contribute to the inclusive ethos of the school. Recent productions have included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Guys and Dolls, The Sound of Music and Show Stoppers.

The Principal, Mr Robin McLoughlin, extends a welcome to our virtual Open Night. An interactive video, prospectus and brochure will be placed on our school website: details will be published following the AQE Assessments. Please take time to visit the school website and experience the warmth and energy of the friendly, caring ethos that defines Banbridge Academy.

Open Night (Virtual) Pupils and their parents are most welcome to visit the school website.

An interactive video, prospectus and brochure will be placed on our school website: details will be published following the AQE Assessments.

T: 028 4062 3220 or visit www.banbridgeacademy.org.uk

Grow With Us

ANTRIM GRAMMAR SCHOOL 10 Steeple Road, Antrim, Co. Antrim BT41 1AF Telephone: 028 9446 4091 Attendance Line: 028 9446 3432 Facsimile: 028 9442 8345 Email: info@antrimgrammar.antrim.ni.sch.uk

www.antrimgrammar.org

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

ST LOUIS GRAMMAR SCHOOL, KILKEEL

GCSE students share their successes with St Louis Principal, Mr Kevin Martin.

Global Passport.

19

2 2

20

22

Beauty and the Beast.

Senior Ladies Gaelic Football

Geography field work.

A SCHOOL WITH A GREAT TRADITION AND FUTURE

Student Leadership Team.

St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel.

Specialist school for Technology

St. Louis receive Green Flag status.

Paris Trip.

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POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022 Blessed with a view of the majestic Mourne Mountains, St. Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, has offered a high-quality education to the young people of South Down and beyond for nearly 100 years.

Celebrating its centenary in 2022, St Louis is an inclusive school for boys and girls, whose aim is to provide opportunities for all students, enabling them to develop their talents and skills to realise their full potential, academically, socially and personally.

St. Louis seeks to provide a secure and caring environment for all children whilst promoting our Catholic ethos. The provision of an academic education of a high standard under the guidance of well-qualified teachers, whilst striving to create a setting which encourages pupils’ physical, moral and spiritual well-being, is central to the ethos of the school.

The school is committed to working in partnership with parents to ensure that high expectations are met in the form of excellent examination results and high quality extra-curricular experiences.

We Care St Louis is a caring school, where students are encouraged to live out their faith by supporting a range of charities, local, national and international. Fundraising takes several forms including ticket sales, sponsored fasts, goal shoots, sponsored walks and bag packs. In the past, groups of students and staff have travelled to Rwanda and Romania to work in orphanages bringing with them substantial funds and resources to aid their development. We have strong links within the Network of St Louis schools worldwide.

Each year thousands of pounds are donated to a range of charities including MacMillan Cancer Care, Action MS, SERVE, Trocáire Lenten Appeal, the Hospice, and St Louis Mission work in less economically developed countries.

Something Extra At St. Louis there is something for everyone to join in with and enjoy, and that participation and social interaction is what really matters. There are a wide range of activities on offer including athletics, camogie, cross-country, Gaelic football (boys and girls), golf, netball, soccer, tennis, volleyball and swimming. Internal competitions in some sports are held annually and the school organises and hosts annual primary school competitions in Gaelic football and netball.

St. Louis Year 10 Boys Gaelic Football

St Louis has a strong camogie tradition with a proud record in Ulster Colleges’ competitions including two recent All Ireland semi-final appearances. Individual players have also earned 5 All Star awards and contribute to county and university teams. There has also been great success in Gaelic football including MacRory and MacLarnon cup final appearances as well as success in All-Ireland Colleges’ competitions. Students, past and present, continue to achieve tremendous success at local, national and international level in a range of sports including Gaelic football, Camogie, Australian Rules football, golf and rugby.

The school has a long tradition of music and drama. As well as regular music lessons, students are able to take part in further musical study, where they learn to play a wide variety of musical instruments taught by a team of specialist musicians. Students perform at assemblies, Masses, concerts and musicals. They also have opportunities to perform in a variety of plays and the annual Drama Festival. St. Louis have staged some magnificent musicals in recent years, such as Jesus Christ, Superstar, My Fair Lady, Oliver and most recently Beauty and the Beast.

High levels of success have been achieved individually by pupils in competitions at local feiseanna and in the annual Schools’ Irish Drama Festival. Each year a concert of music, drama, song, poetry and fashion is staged to bring together the talents developed throughout the year.

A Preparation for life St. Louis is a magnificent platform from which students go forward to a diverse range of careers. University, college and employment destinations of the recent ‘Class of 2021’ reflects the unique interests, abilities, talents and aspirations of each individual St Louis student. 91.7 % of 73 UCAS applicants gained a place on a Higher Education Honours Degree Course in August 2021 with two of those students electing to accept offers of a Higher-Level Apprenticeship. 89% of St Louis UCAS applicants were accepted onto their first-choice degree course.

Oliver

A number of students attained Higher Apprenticeships (HLA’s). This ‘learn as you earn’ salaried position offers the option of undertaking part-time degree level study often sponsored by the company.

The HLA’s gained were in Computing with First Derivatives and in Accounting with Boyle’s Finance Department.

18 St. Louis students have accepted places at Queen’s University Belfast within STEM disciplines such as Pharmacy, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Biomedical Science, Environmental Management, Accounting, Psychology & Nursing. The Arts & Humanities field is well represented with undergraduate study in Law, Sociology, Criminology, Music, English and Politics. Other students chose to study PPE and those with a passion for innovative structural design and built environment chose to study Architecture.

St. Louis students also progressed to the University of Ulster with degrees related to the construction sector such as Building Surveying, Construction Management, Architectural Technology, Architecture and Quantity Surveying. Mechatronic Engineering and Bio-medical Engineering also featured, with creative courses such as Screen Production, Animation, Music and Sound Production offering a route into a future career in creative media/film. Interest and academic successes in Food Science and Nutrition gave rise to degree places awarded in Environmental Health and Consumer Management & Food Innovation. Criminology proved a popular degree option as did degrees in Business and Marketing.

Students moving to other regions of the UK commenced degree courses in; Sport and Exercise Science at Loughborough, Archaeology and Ancient Civilisations at Durham, Physics at UCL, London, with seven students electing to pursue degree studies across the disciplines of Nursing, Psychology, International Relations, Urban Planning and Marketing in Liverpool.

A school with a great tradition and future St. Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, has certainly delivered on the vision of its founders and can look forward with confidence that it is meeting the needs of current and future generations. On the 23 June 2020 the Minister of Education announced 9 schools to advance in design under the major capital works programme, at an overall anticipated cost of £156million, £120m of which is anticipated on construction. St Louis Grammar School, Kilkeel, was included in that announcement.

The Board of Governors and the Trustees now welcome reaching a significant milestone for the project with the appointment of Hamilton Architects LLP, who have been selected to lead the project through to completion. Hamilton Architects LLP have now commenced with the design and appraisal of options for the scheme.

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St. Louis Grammar School 151 Newry Road, Kilkeel, Co. Down BT34 4EU Tel 02841762747 Fax 02841765694 www.stlouis.org.uk

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

A SCHOOL FOR ALL CHILDREN AT LAGAN COLLEGE

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ars

LAGAN COLLEGE, BELFAST

NORTHERN IRELAND’S FUTURE As Northern Ireland’s first planned integrated school, Lagan College is very proud to be a co-educational 11-18, all ability school that meets the learning style of all children within the same family. We celebrate the diverse backgrounds and cultures of children from over 50 feeder primary schools, city and countryside wide.

Our school promotes a strong integrated and inclusive ethos based on core Christian values of respect, equality, reconciliation and service and we encourage our students and their families to embrace these values. we continually strive to educate our students in an environment not only where self-esteem and independence are developed as priorities but also in an environment of self-respect and respect for others.

Lagan College continues to provide diverse opportunities and experiences available for our students, despite the obstacles the pandemic has thrown in our way. the resilience, versatility and team spirit demonstrated by the governors, staff, parent(s)/carer(s) and young people alike carried us all through. Students continued to excel academically, artistically and athletically despite the difficult year. During the lockdown, the school provided fitness challenges and Home Economics lessons and students and staff found innovative ways to raise money for various charities.

The College is fortunate to reside on a National Trust site of natural beauty and

have achieved 5 Eco Awards as well as holding the accolades of being an international, ‘Cross of Nails’ School, ‘Rights Respecting’ Community and an ICT Award winning learning hub.

Learning and developing together is at the heart of what we do. We enjoy having fun in class, on the sports fields or by being dramatic, musical and artistic! We celebrate effort, achievements and diversity and we offer a diverse range of courses designed to appeal to all styles of learner. Our students can choose from 44 GCSEs and 25 A level courses. A range of learning opportunities and educational visits are on offer beyond the classroom as well as offering over 40 different extra-curricular clubs.

We passionately believe we have something to offer every child and focus

on their strengths, interests and talents, be that in music, drama, coding or those who enjoy public speaking, debate and STEM innovation with the ultimate goal of nurturing important personal qualities of self- belief, confidence and happiness in our students.

Having close links with our alumni, it is wonderful to see the many varied pathways which they have chosen, as well as the impact that an integrated education and ethos has had on their lives. Our ‘Lagan family’ is spread across the world and it is heart-warming to hear how much of an impact the College is still having on their lives to this day.

We are winners of the JJ Riley Cup for Gaelic and All Ireland Basketball. We are the Northern Ireland Hockey Champions and often win the North Down Football Cup, in all leagues. Whilst we work hard and play as a united team, individually many of our young men and women represent Ulster in Rugby, Gaelic and Athletics and Northern Ireland in Netball, Football, Dance and Tennis, to name but a few sporting disciplines!

During our 40th Anniversary year, we welcomed a new intake of Year 8 students, as well as some new staff members, and we continue to look forward to a positive future supporting more children to learn and grow together. Lagan College is proud to play its part in peace building as an intentionally, integrated, inclusive and all ability school in Northern Ireland.

For more information contact: Lagan College, 44 Manse Road, Belfast BT8 6SA Telephone: 028 9040 1810 web:www.lagancollege.com Email: info@lagancollege.com PAGE 117

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

THE HIGH SCHOOL, COOKSTOWN

EXCELLENCE, OPPORTUNITY, SUPPORT Centre where pupils with moderate learning difficulties thrive in a supportive, nurturing environment. There is a large Sixth Form, almost all of whom progress to their first choice of university. In the last decade seventeen pupils have been offered places at Oxford or Cambridge.

The High School has been a feature of the sporting, educational and cultural life of the greater Mid Ulster area since its foundation by Rev. Thomas Millar in 1806.

It occupies splendid wooded grounds just off the town centre, is easily accessible and boasts some the finest outdoor sports facilities in Ulster including two modern hockey pitches (one sand-based, one water-based) and two splendid grass pitches, rugby pitches and a state-of-theart fitness suite.

As a combined grammar and secondary school it admits pupils to distinct grammar, secondary and vocational pathways.

Pupils are admitted to grammar provision on the basis of their academic ability as

evidenced in primary school and do not need to sit additional ‘transfer’ tests.

Secondary pathway pupils who perform highly may move onto the grammar pathway. With a strong academic performance, pupils achieve highly through the provision of an all-round education through inspirational teaching and the very best pastoral care. Parents comment that ‘there is a lovely sense of community where all feel valued, respected and well cared for as individuals’. Pupil creativity is encouraged, and different talents and gifts are celebrated to encourage fulfilment of their potential. Pupils showcase their skills in various events through the school year including competitions, House events, the Spring Concert, Carol Service and Art and Technology exhibition.

Pupils on all pathways are expected to work hard; bespoke careers provision ensures they choose the GCSE subjects most appropriate to their needs so they can succeed and pursue their life goals.

Pupils on the vocational pathway avail of the school’s links with local employers for work experience and courses at the Further Education College. The school also has an excellent Learning Support

For more information contact:

Coolnafranky Demesne Cookstown, Co. Tyrone BT80 8PQ www.cookstownhighschool.org

PAGE 118

The school places a strong emphasis on character development and community engagement with over forty extra-curricular activities on offer which contributes significantly to widening pupil experiences and opportunities. Pupils are encouraged to develop their skills in music, sport, art, science, technology and ICT through groups, teams, clubs and ensembles. Every pupil is regarded as an individual with an important contribution to make to the life of the school and the wider community, and through excellence, opportunity and support, The High School continues to meet the needs, and develop the skills of all of its pupils.

Sullivan Upper School Sullivan Upper is a co-educational, non-denominational, voluntary grammar school. The school was founded in 1877 and, since 1939, has occupied extensive grounds on the edge of Holywood.

The school’s aims remain very much as they originally were: to provide the best possible education for all pupils, regardless of race, gender, background or religious denomination. Pupils come to Sullivan from a large catchment area,

covering North Down, Ards and East Belfast.

Sullivan Upper takes great pride in providing its pupils with a broad and balanced curriculum, supported by a much praised pastoral care system – truly living up to the school motto ‘lamh foisdineach an uachtar’ or ‘the gentle hand foremost’, a constant reminder of the virtue of gentleness in dealing with others. In order to ensure that all pupils are granted a well-rounded education

in every aspect, the curriculum is extended through a wide range of cocurricular and extra-curricular activities, for example in sports, music and drama.

A dedicated team of teaching and non-teaching staff helps all pupils to develop their talents to the full and to prepare themselves effectively for the challenges and responsibilities of adult life.

Sullivan Upper School’s emphasis is strongly academic and we place a high value on academic achievement. The vast majority of pupils remain at school after GCSE to take A Level courses before heading off to universities at home or further afield, including Oxford and Cambridge. Sullivan Upper’s proud record of outstanding results in public examinations shows that all pupils are empowered to realise their potential.

To find out more, visit the school website where you can participate in the school’s Virtual Open Day.

Contact:

Sullivan Upper School Belfast Road, Holywood, BT18 9EP Tel: 028 90428780 Email: info@sullivanupper.holywood.ni.sch.uk Website: www.sullivanupper.co.uk PAGE 119

POST POSTPRIMARY PRIMARYGUIDE GUIDE2022 2021

THE HIGH SCHOOL BALLYNAHINCH

EDUCATING AND EMPOWERING OUR YOUNG PEOPLE SINCE 1955

Your child deserves the best!

• Excellent results and exceptional pastoral care • Stimulating learning environment and small class sizes • Caring and supportive teachers • 27 subjects offered at GCSE level • Successful shared education programme • Excellent public transport links

The High School Ballynahinch is a small, friendly, country school with a big heart and our pupils are at the heart of all we do. We have a holistic perspective of education and develop all of our young people’s intellectual, emotional, social, physical, artistic, creative and spiritual potentials.

At The High School Ballynahinch our motto is ‘Educating and Empowering’, we strongly believe that all of our young people are capable of great things if inspired and motivated each day. Our committed, caring and attentive staff support and encourage all our young people to reach their full potential.

Class sizes are small with a maximum of twenty pupils permitted in each class, and this ensures individual teacher attention.

Our excellent pastoral care team provides additional confidence, and our dedicated form teachers and Heads of Year will ensure a smooth transition from primary school.

We are proud of our excellent GCSE results and we are delighted to offer twenty-seven subjects at GCSE level, with our successful shared education programme providing our

The High School Ballynahinch, 103 Belfast Road, Ballynahinch www.thehighschoolballynahinch.co.uk Tel. 02897562424 PAGE 120

pupils with a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

School outings and educational visits are an important part of life at The High School Ballynahinch and we ensure everyone has an opportunity to experience a range of activities and pursuits, popular choices are Shannaghmore Outdoor Learning Centre, Let’s Go Hydro, Ulster Folk Park, Grand Opera House and the Balmoral Show. We also offer a selection of extra-curricular activities, including, Drama, Film, Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Table Tennis, Scripture Union and Breakfast Club each morning before school starts.

We are only twenty minutes from Belfast with excellent public transport links available.

Come and see for yourself at our

Open Evening

Thursday 6th January 2022 at 7:00pm. Principal’s Address at 7:00pm and 8:00pm

Loreto College, Coleraine Voluntary Grammar School Celebrating over 200 Years 1821-2022 “Spirituality and Excellence in all aspects of school life.”

Loreto College is a Catholic CoEducational all ability voluntary grammar school which has established a renowned tradition of academic excellence, extracurricular success and high standards in all areas of school life.

The College promotes a disciplined atmosphere in which mutual respect is fostered.

Within the school there is a great sense of community and common purpose.

The caring and supportive Pastoral Care system aims to develop students’ selfesteem to the full.

Our defining characteristic is our unique Loreto Ethos which makes us a warm,

friendly, welcoming and inclusive school.

The College continues to evolve, develop and adapt to an ever changing educational landscape whilst preserving its core values of “Spirituality and Excellence”. The College celebrated its 200th Year in Coleraine and is very proud of it’s fine tradition and heritage. It continues to offer students a broad and balanced curriculum via its academic and vocational pathways whilst remaining true to the traditions and values of the Loreto Order.

Preparing our young people to excel at university, further education, and the world of work.

Virtual Open Day Available to view on our school website Saturday 8th January 2022

For more information, contact: Loreto College, Castlerock Road, Coleraine, BT51 3JZ Tel: 028 7034 3611 | Email: info@loretocollege.coleraine.ni.sch.uk | www.loretocollege.org.uk PAGE 121

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL Individual success for all pupils – learning and achieving together School Pledge 1

95

2

8 – 202

M I S S I O N - Saintfield High School, together with the community we serve, celebrates personalised learning in a safe, caring and stimulating environment.

Saintfield High School is a thriving and

our pupils through a variety of effective

vibrant

partnerships.

co-educational

post-primary

school,

non-selective

and

we

have

faithfully served the local and wider area since 1958.

We are immensely proud of our long tradition of excellence, and of growing and transforming to meet the needs,

We are a community school. We are a

aptitudes and ambitions of all of our

family school.

pupils.

Saintfield High School offers children

A very warm welcome awaits you

aged 11-16 a bespoke educational

at Saintfield High School.

pathway that nurtures each individual pupil to achieve their true potential.

Every single child is supported fully in their learning and in their personal development.

‘

My son’s experience of Saintfield High School has been of a warm, vibrant, enriching school community where he is both challenged and supported to give his best . -

’

Year 9 Parent

All members of staff and parents and carers are extremely proud of our pupils’ achievements, both inside and outside of the classroom. Our reputation of

delivering

high

quality

‘

Saintfield High School is a warm and welcoming school. I have found the staff and teachers extremely supportive and they have taken time over the last five years to get to know my daughter as an individual . - Year 12 Parent

’

learning

alongside exceptional pastoral provision, cements our key position at the heart of our community.

In addition to a broad and balanced curriculum at both Key Stage Three and Key Stage Four, the school offers a wide and varied extra-curricular programme to enhance performance in the classroom, and to encourage and promote pupils’ broader perspectives. At Saintfield High School, we have a firm community focus and through effective collaborations within the wider area, we continue to improve the learning experiences of

SAINTFIELD HIGH SCHOOL 21 Comber Road, Saintfield BT24 7BB T 02897 510356 E info@saintfield.saintfield.ni.sch.uk W www.saintfieldhighschool.com twitter.com/SaintfieldHigh

officialsaintfieldhighschool

S-L Hynds Principal

Academic Excellence 95% of our students progress to 3rd Level; 22 Leaving Certificate Subjects Offered; Excellent Career Guidance; Comprehensive TY Programme.

Pastoral Care: Our extensive Care Team supporting each student’s development to their fullest potential.

Sports Facilities: First Class Sports facilities including state of the art floodlit grass rugby pitches and olympic standard hockey pitch.

Arts Facilities: Full peripatetic music and drama programme; School Choir; Drama Club.

Co-curricular Programme: Includes Craft Club, Woodwork, Debating and Coding. Annual participants in Scifest competitions.

Faith Development: Church of Ireland ethos which promotes respect and kindness to oneself and community. Students from all traditions are welcome.

Student Leadership: Student voice is actively represented by Student Council, Christian Union, Boarders Forum and Senior Prefect System.

Boarding Facilities: 24 hour supervision and care. 5-day and 7-day options available.

Financial Support: Range of scholarships and bursaries are available. Full support to attain your entitlement for S.E.C. grant. This full SEC grant covers all boarding fees at Wilson’s Hospital School.

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

A LEADING BOARDING SCHOOL IN THE HEART OF CO. KILDARE

PAGE 124

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

CLONGOWES WOOD COLLEGE

DISCOVER CLONGOWES Clongowes is a Jesuit boarding school set in 550 acres in Co Kildare. A home from home for some 450 boys from all over Ireland, the UK and further afield. All our students enjoy our 7-day boarding education with long weekend breaks.

Boarding life at Clongowes consists of a rich variety of academic and co-curricular programmes encompassing a wide variety of sports, music, drama, debating and the arts.

The school is set in beautiful grounds with state of art facilities for teaching and learning and our wide-ranging sports and cocurricular programmes. The sense of community amongst the students and staff is a real hallmark of boarding life at Clongowes. At the heart of our school is the Jesuit maxim, Cura Personalis or care for the individual. We really get to know our students exceptionally well, we get to know their strengths, their weaknesses and importantly guide and empower them to discover and nurture their talents in a safe and supportive environment.

The philosophy of “doing better” and being better at all we endeavour to do is key to life at the school. Our innovative and ambitious teachers work hand in hand with our dedicated and caring boarding team to inspire our students to achieve the fullest of their potential.

Our students are competitive but also work together as a team on the pitches

and in the classrooms and during study time. In our unique boarding setting they are constantly learning from each other.

This nurturing of co-operative learning is central to what we do at Clongowes and gives our students a huge advantage as they develop a team ethic and problemsolving skills through living and learning together. Our built environment such as the James Joyce Library and the Bellarmine Learning Centre is designed to encourage even greater cooperation amongst students as they grow and learn together.

The spirit of “doing better” stays with our graduates and drives our graduates to do more, not only for themselves but for the greater good of society.

We believe that boarding school life should mirror the very best of family life and the family home. The best homes are full of life and laughter. They offer understanding and patience; they provide support and comfort when things go wrong. The best homes give children clear boundaries. They set high expectations and they instil values by which to live. A strong family life nurtures the self-esteem that young people need to go out into the world with confidence.

This is what we aspire to do, and more, complementing modern family life in our boarding school.

To discover what makes Clongowes such a special place, please take a virtual tour of our college on our website. Contact our Admissions team to request more information, find out more about our upcoming virtual open evenings or arrange a visit to the school.

For more information contact: Clongowes Wood College, Clane, Co. Kidare, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 45 838258 Email: admissions@clongowes.net www.clongowes.net PAGE 125

SAPERE AUDE

DUNDALK GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Why board in Dundalk Grammar School?

Boarding has been an integral part of the school since its foundation. Students from Ireland and abroad have a unique opportunity to experience a wide range of cultural diversity and form friendships that will last a lifetime. Our resident staff aim to provide students with an environment that is safe and happy.

• Students from all traditions are welcome

Students come to board for a variety and combination of reasons such as their homes are too far away for a daily commute, and or they want to be away from home distractions and temptations at a time of important study.

• First class ICT facilities with high speed wireless network

Some parents wish their children to have some experience of living away from home prior to moving on to third level study – an important factor when you consider that nearly every (c.97%) Dundalk Grammar School student goes on to study at third level.

• Sports facilities with floodlit pitches and tennis courts

• Excellent career guidance and exam results • 97% of our students progress to 3rd level education both in Ireland and overseas • Multi-purpose hall for music, sport and drama

• Modern kitchen/dining rooms providing nutritious and balanced meals • First class accommodation offering 5-day and 7-day boarding options • State-of-the-art facilities for teaching and learning

For a prospectus or further information please call, email or visit our website:

T: +353 (0)42 933 4459 | E: info@dgs.ie | www.dgs.ie

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

SLIGO GRAMMAR SCHOOL ONE BODY, ONE SPIRIT

QUALITY EDUCATION ON THE WILD ATLANTIC WAY Sligo Grammar School, situated on the banks of the Garavogue River in Sligo Town, is a Church of Ireland Co-Educational Day and Boarding School, established in 1570 by Elizabeth I. Our school motto “One Body, One Spirit” enshrines over 450 years as a school which operates within and encourages Christian values and faith.

We are a school in which an ethic of care and respect for others, and for each individual, is valued. We welcome students from all faiths and traditions.

Sligo Grammar School aims to promote excellence in an inclusive and supportive community that reflects Christian values, where each member is enabled to achieve their full potential in life and in learning.

Academic Achievment Students come to Sligo Grammar School directly from Primary Schools all over the country and abroad. We do not require incoming students to sit an entrance examination. Sligo Grammar School prides itself on consistently excellent academic results in the Leaving Cert examination. Our CAO points average is consistently 100 to 130 points above the National average. In 2021, for example, 74.9% of our students accepted University places both in Ireland and abroad, while 25.1% took up places in other Third Level Institutions or took a GAP year. Each year 10% to 15% of our students go abroad to study. In Leaving Cert 2021 our average points score was 470 points with 5% of students scoring a maximum 625 points.

In 2019, 61% of our students went to University, while the remainder took up places in other Third Level Colleges or went on to do apprenticeships. In recent years Sligo Grammar School has been one of the top schools in Connacht for students transferring to Level 8 courses in Universities. These include many UK Universities such as Queens University Belfast, The University of Manchester and Cambridge University. Some of our students study in European

Sligo Grammar School Service of Remembrance and Reconciliation.

Mary Lou McDonald, Leader of Sinn Féin with Viscount Brookeborough, Lord Lieutenant for Co Fermanagh.

Sligo Grammar School students with the German Ambassador.

Universities, many in Holland and Hungary, while we have had students in recent years study at Yale and Harvard in the USA. Extra-Curricular activites Sligo Grammar School offers a wide range of extra-curricular activities. As a school we encourage participation and believe that those who are involved in extracurricular activities have a more rounded education and better general wellbeing. Sporting and cultural activities are offered to our students. Hockey is available to girls in all years, with rugby, basketball, soccer, kayaking, rowing and athletics, available to both boys and girls. Many of our students go on to represent Connacht at regional level in both rugby and hockey, with students from both team sports going on to represent Ireland. The school has been very successful in recent years, winning All Ireland titles in basketball, and regional competitions in both rugby and hockey. Athletics takes place in the final term of each year and we are lucky enough each year to have students winning at regional level and going on to the All-Ireland School’s Competition, held annually in Tullamore. The school

offers a Debating Club, Drama Club, Chess Club, Woodwork Club, Christian Union, and access to the Art Room every week after school. A biennial school musical, involving Transition Year and 5th year students is staged in the Hawks Well Theatre. Choir is an important and popular activity and, like all our clubs, it is open to all students. The Choir plays a central role in our annual Day of Remembrance and Reconciliation and our Christmas Carol Service, and has performed on RTE for their Christmas Day Service on several occasions over the years. During the year we have lunchtime concerts for our students, where they can display their musical talent. Lunchtime debates are held in the school foyer during the year.

Boarding in Sligo Grammar School Seven and five-day boarding is offered to both boys and girls. The Boarding School is an integral part of school life. Students come from Ireland and countries across the world. The school prides itself on its family atmosphere, and this is especially true of the Boarding Houses. The boarders are cared for by House Parents who are supported by Matrons and live-in staff.

For more information about Sligo Grammar School visit our website at sligogrammarschool.org or contact the school at admin@sligogrammarschool.org Phone: 00353 71 9145010 / 00353 71 9143531

PAGE 127

LIVERPOOL

A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE AND STUDY Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) remains the most popular university in Great Britain for Northern Irish students*, welcoming a very strong community of 2,000+ students from Northern Ireland.

YOUR HOME FROM HOME

JMU has a special relationship with Northern Ireland built over 20 years, as our dedicated NI outreach team spend months every year visiting schools and colleges, as well as attending community and higher education fairs all across Northern Ireland, offering a flavour of what it is like to study amongst 20,000 students in a modern citycentre university with over 200 programmes to choose

We guarantee all new students a place in high quality student accommodation. Safe and affordable, our LJMU-approved student flats provide the perfect base to explore Liverpool and make new friends.

from. We also invite young people to apply for a place on our annual Summer Residential, an unmissable opportunity for Northern Irish students to experience LJMU first-hand.

Famous for its warm welcome, Liverpool is a fantastic place to live and study, providing students with all the excitement of a major city but with the friendliness and sense of community of a much smaller town.

Email us at nioutreach@ljmu.ac.uk for details

EXPERIENCE LJMU

ON CAMPUS* ONLINE AND ON DEMAND Open Days at LJMU are not to be missed and a great way to experience LJMU first hand.

Applicants who receive an offer will also be invited to exclusive Applicant Day events in Liverpool and Belfast, giving students and their families the chance to attend an event closer to home. Details of our invite-only events will be sent to successful applicants.

Travelling to Liverpool from Northern Ireland couldn’t be easier too, with daily flights to Liverpool John Lennon Airport, and ferries that sail direct from Belfast.

I love how quickly Liverpool and LJMU felt like home, and you will always hear the Northern Irish accents!

Laura from Belfast BA (Hons) History

LJMU ON DEMAND Available 24/7. Watch on-demand course videos, campus facilities, accommodation and more.

Explore the world of LJMU. Register here:

For more information contact: Liverpool John Moores University Tel: 0151 231 5090 Web: ljmu.ac.uk Email: nioutreach@ljmu.ac.uk * 2020/21 UCAS application data ** On Campus open day experiences may be modified in order to adhere to the latest government guidance on public events in respect of the Covid-19 pandemic.

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

ST MARY’S UNIVERSITY COLLEGE

HIGH QUALITY EDUCATION WITH A REPUTATION FOR EXCELLENT PASTORAL

Applications are welcome for admission to the following programmes Programme Undergraduate

Deadline for receipt of applications

BEd (Hons) Primary Degree

Monday, 17 January 2022

BEd (Hons) Post-Primary Degree

Monday, 17 January 2022

BA (Hons) Liberal Arts Degree

Monday, 17 January 2022

Postgraduate

St Mary’s University College is a small and specialist institution of higher education with an ethos that is welcoming to all, where valueseducation is actively promoted, and respect is intrinsic. The College has had a long-standing academic partnership with Queen’s University Belfast whereby it has a sufficiently high degree of autonomy to offer a distinctive educational experience for its students while also engaging in collaborative provision with a world-class university. The academic programmes at St Mary’s are validated by Queen’s. In addition, the College has an exceptionally high profile of both community engagement and international study opportunities as well as a strong commitment to widening access and participation in higher education.

Postgraduate Certificate in Education (Irish-medium Education) Primary

Friday, 25 February 2022

Teacher Professional Learning Master of Education (MEd) Postgraduate Diploma (PgDip) Postgraduate Certificate (PgCert)

Depends on Spring or Summer entry.

Entry qualification guidelines are available from the College website www.smucb.ac.uk/admissions Or contact: 028 9026 8320

Information Event Details Information Event forndergraduate Programmes For more information email admissions@smucb.ac.uk Virtual Open Day Visit: https://tinyurl.com/y669nw2a or visit our website www.smucb.ac.uk

The College advances a faith-based approach to education which emphasises the desire to build a dynamic community of learners, united through the fusion of Christian faith, reason and scholarship.

St Mary’s has successfully created such a remarkably student friendly community and we are fortunate to be able to recruit students who are highly engaged in the life of the College. The Students’ Union, as well as the clubs and societies, play an important role in College life by promoting a stimulating and fulfilling student experience through sport as well as cultural and social activities.

Undergraduate Student Experience A recent survey of the BEd (Hons) Primary and Post-primary degree programmes by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) identified important strengths in the College’s educational provision, including a very good level of retention and modules that are well designed to ensure student teachers are prepared for their school-based work.

Education can change the world.

“I continue to be impressed by the programme. It is thoughtful and well-designed. The learning outcomes make good sense in the light of the liberal arts ideals that inform the programme and the local context in which the programme is implemented.”

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) The annual PTES covers students on the College’s MEd and PGCE programmes, and St Mary’s has constantly had an exceptional outcome. The programmes placed either first or second in each of the seven evaluative categories, which covered the full range of the educational experience including the quality of the teaching, skills development and learner experience.

PAGE 129

Become a teacher

#makeadifference

The most recent report on the BA (Hons) Liberal Arts degree programme was received from external examiner, Dr Thomas Nörgaard, University of Winchester, who provided this summary assessment of the programme:

Flexible Progression Pathways for Pupils

In this ever-changing world, particularly as we attempt to overcome the challenges around COVID19, the need to provide flexible and economically relevant qualifications to support the upskilling of all pupils in Northern Ireland has never been greater.

The Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCN NI) is NI’s leading Professional and Technical Awarding Body, developing and awarding regulated qualifications from Entry Level up to and including Level 5 across all sector areas. OCN NI offers a wide range of vocational and technical qualifications through the Entitlement Framework, enabling schools to provide a broad and balanced curriculum with clear progression pathways for their pupils.

OCN NI qualifications ensure schools can access an appropriate range of relevant and engaging courses that meet the needs and aspirations of pupils. To date over 140 schools have chosen to deliver OCN NI qualifications that assist in tackling educational underachievement as well as preparing pupils for Further Education.

To view our current list of available qualifications please visit www.ocnni.org.uk Alternatively, for further information you can contact us via: Tel: 028 90 463 990 Email: info@ocnni.org.uk Web: www.ocnni.org.uk

Our mission is "To develop and award qualifications which engage, enrich and equip learners for life".

POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

ROCKPORT SCHOOL, HOLYWOOD

TEEN BOY SOPRANO ERIC GENTET STUNS AUDIENCES Teen Soprano Eric Gentet stunned audiences at Queen’s University and at the Portico of Ards in his first concerts in Northern Ireland in five years.

Last time he sang before the First Minister and at the Charles Wood Festival in Armagh. Eric, 15, is famous in France as Eric le Rossignol (Eric the nightingale) after first achieving fame on the French TV show Prodiges singing opera aged just 8 years old. He wowed the judges with his handling of complex arias sung in several languages. A starring role with the Red Army Choir followed and by 11 he was the soloist for a choir of 10,000 children in a stadium in front of 40,000 spectators and a household name across France.

Eric stunned audiences by his sweet, yet powerful pure soprano voice, reducing folk to tears in such numbers as the famous “Danny Boy”, “The Rose of Tralee” and the incredibly taxing Italian “Mana Morta”. The concert was attended by the Mayor of Ards, Councillor Mark Brooks.

Two years ago, aged nearly 14 Eric defied expectations by continuing to use a classic but now totally lost vocal technique which enables boys to retain their angelic, controlled vibrato, singing voices long after the speaking voice has broken. This voice-technique has all but disappeared since the 1950’s: the last boys known were Derek Barsham, Michael Morely and

Belfast’s own Billy Neely. Now Eric celebrates their legacy, returning to and giving new life to their wonderful repertoire. Said Eric: “The voices of the old boy sopranos live through me, and I aim to keep and develop my Soprano voice. Now. I have the ability and maturity to sing some of the great emotional operatic works originally written for boys, but now only performed by women.

Stephen Beet, who has helped Eric with his voice for nearly nine years added that he was very proud of Eric and was sure he would have a great future as a soprano.

Eric gave a masterclass to academics and students at Queen’s University where he demonstrated his deep breathing and fully controlled vibrato.

Later he sang for appreciative pupils of Rockport School.

GROSVENOR GRAMMAR SCHOOL, BELFAST

THE ARKWRIGHT ENGINEERING SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME Congratulations to Grosvenor Grammar School pupil Abby Corbett, who was recently informed of her success in applying for the Arkwright Engineering Scholarship Programme, a prestigious initiative that aims to inspire the younger generation to become engineers of the future.

Abby, Year 13, is one of only ten successful Arkwright Scholars in Northern Ireland this year, and will be working with her sponsor, The Worshipful Company of Salters - a chemical engineering charity - to build her skills and knowledge in this field; her chosen career path.

Abby’s success comes after she previously secured victory whilst representing Grosvenor at the ‘Sentinus Rotary Technology Challenge’, held in Jordanstown in June of 2019. Furthermore, Abby’s achievement follows that of Grosvenor’s Deputy Head Girls, Olivia and Louisa Millar, each of PAGE 132

whom were chosen as two of only nine Northern Irish Arkwright Scholars in 2020.

Grosvenor’s Head of Technology and Design, Mrs McMillen, was delighted for Abby, saying “I was so thrilled and proud to learn that Abby has been awarded the Arkwright Scholarship this year. It is an amazing achievement to have had three girls from the same school achieve this success over the past two years: Abby is exceptionally talented and a very worthy recipient of such a prestigious award.”

Principal, Dr Vasey, was equally delighted, saying “Abby is such wonderful ambassador for our school and deserves this illustrious accolade. I am so delighted for her and for Mrs McMillen.

Abby has achieved so much during her time in Grosvenor and we know she has a very bright future ahead of her. She is a credit to herself, her family and her teachers.”

A huge congratulations to Abby on her selection onto such a highly prestigious programme; she deserves much credit for such an impressive achievement and will no doubt make the most of this fantastic opportunity.

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POST PRIMARY GUIDE 2022

Banbridge Academy BANBRIDGE ACADEMY “...known personally and cared for individually.”

ULSTER HOCKEY CHAMPIONS

Banbridge Academy was founded in 1786 and moved to its impressive present location, Edenderry House, in 1950. During the last 25 years there have been two major building projects which have blended the best of modernity with the school’s family ethos and distinguished heritage. The modern and attractive educational facilities, combined with a talented and dedicated teaching staff, enable Banbridge Academy to provide an excellent standard of education where high quality Teaching and Learning is prioritised.

The winning score line of 3-1 against Wallace High School, reflected the overall play, but it took patience and talent to see the coveted title come home in front of a massive crowd at Lisnagarvey Hockey Club.

Educational activities spread far beyond the confines of the classroom. From experiencing

having won a number of trophies. In 2015-2016, the

Sport, asWar always, spanner welllife in World One trenchesthrows in Bayernwald,a boys’ 1st XI hockeyin teammany won an unprecedented Flanders, to a field study in the Rocky River, number of titles, including the Tasmanian AlllaidMourne plans andits pupils thisenjoy showcase would be noCupdifferent Mountains, broad and Ireland Title, The Burney and the HDM varied learning experiences. Recent visits have European Cup. In 2018, they lost narrowly in the with Wallace dragging home in style in the eighth included educational trips to Boston, Barcelona, All Ireland Final. In 2016-2017, the girls’ senior Berlin and to New York. hockey team enjoyed an unforgettable season, minute to open the scoreline.

This was after some winning The Belfast Telegraph Ulster Senior The aims of Banbridge Academy are to empower Schools’ Cup and the Katefirst Russell excellent platform play, withSchoolgirls’ Matthew McKee and develop its pupils and it is committed to Subway All Ireland Championship. In 2018, they deliveringthe an education which is ankeeper enriching and who testing Lisburn wasin the well positioned lost narrowly NI Superleague Final. enabling experience. Pupils excel as a community before eventually the speed andarequality of passing of learners, in an atmosphere of academic enquiry, Pupils always encouraged to get involved are encouraged to become articulate, in as many extra and co-curricular activities ledwhere to they the opportunities arriving.

The pressure from reflective and independent learners. as possible. Over seventy opportunities exist in the school’s rich extra-curricular provision, Banbridge continued but Wallace defended well Current and former Academy pupils have complemented by the school’s thriving House excelled in sports regional,than provincial,four national Academy System, named after local figures: against no atless setsignificant pieces to and international level. Rugby continues to grow, Crozier, Dunbar, McWilliam and Waddell. edge out Quarter 1 as 1-0 leaders.

The Academy began to sharpen their patterns and a net ball from Tommy Dobson fed Charlie Rowe who deftly left two in his wake before picking out his twin Louis, who showed intelligence and class with a single nudge to level it 1-1. Threat was always potent from Evans, Large, McKee and Pollock and three wonderful saves from Wallace left the game down to the final quarter.

Charlie Rowe linked at pace before slipping the ball to Ben Pollock who spun out and fed Cody Large. Cody slid in on his backhand side for the In the last ten years, Banbridge Academy pupils Academy have raised in excess ofwith £179,000 a for perfectly various local, national and international charities. The timedqualityreverse sweep – outstanding and variety of the Drama Society’s theatrical productions contribute to the the Old Boys loving his inclusive ethos of the school. Recent productions have included A Midsummer Night’s Dream, celebration. This new Guys and Dolls, The Sound of Music and Show Stoppers. attacking energy now The Principal, Mr in Robinspades McLoughlin, extends arrived witha Ben welcome to our virtual Open Night. An interactive Pollock, video, prospectus and Josh brochure willBrownlee, be placed on our school website: details will be published Matthew Spence and following the AQE Assessments. Please take time to visit the school website and experience the James Evans all causing warmth and energy of the friendly, caring ethos that defines Banbridgean Academy.

Wallace equation they couldn’t solve. Then the match ball scenario arrived and again Pollock caused the pain as his mazy run set up a ping pong with Matthew McKee who fired his assist across the face of the Wallace goal for Louis Rowe to deflect home for what would be the final Academy goal - winning the title for a ninth time.

Coach Jess was delighted for his squad of talented Open Night (Virtual) players. He said the squad would like to thank the

extended coaching staff of Mr John Clarke, Team Pupils and their parents are most welcome to visit the school website.

An interactive video, prospectus brochure will be Colin placed onWalker as well as Headmaster The lack of an outlet and height of attack was and Manager Mr our school website: details will be published following the AQE blatantly obvious from both sides – and it would Mr McLoughlin and Mr Mark Cordner, Master in Assessments. be a matter of who dares T:wins.

The3220 Academy Charge Boys’ Hockey for making every resource 028 4062 or visit www.banbridgeacademy.org.uk took the game by the scruff and it turned quickly available to them throughout the season and in in favour of Banbridge Academy as Louis and the run-up to this final.

BBA Ulster Tatler Dec 2021.indd 1

They also extend their thanks to all the parents, past pupils and wider Banbridge community who made the trip to support the team and wish to sincerely thank Academy Hockey partners EMTEK, Sinton’s at the Bridge, Scarva and Mid Ulster Granite for their continued financial backing.

Banbridge Academy Squad - Connor Part, James Finlay, Luke Watt, Aaron Baxter, Seb Best, Ben Walker, Louis Rowe (Captain), Ben Pollock, Josh Brownlee, Matthew McKee, Tommy Dobson, Charlie Rowe (Captain), James Evans, Cody Large, Matthew Spence, Matthew Stevenson, Ben Farson.

18/11/2021 14:26

CPR TRAINING FOR POST PRIMARY PUPILS

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

The Department of Education has announced that beginning from September 2022 all post-primary pupils should be provided with CPR training as part of the schools curriculum.

Education Minister Michelle McIlveen said, ‘CPR is a critical and potentially life-saving skill. In Northern Ireland, there are around 1,400 cardiac arrests a year that take place outside hospital. We know that providing CPR training within the school curriculum can have a clear and measurable impact on survival rates.’

The Education Authority is working closely with the British Heart Foundation and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service to support schools with this important project. The British Heart Foundation offers free CPR training kits to all eligible post-primary schools through their ‘Call Push Rescue’ programme.

The Education Minister continued, ‘The importance of CPR Training is clearly demonstrated by Clare and Melissa Doyle. Clare suffered a cardiac arrest in 2017. She was saved by the heroic and quick thinking actions of her daughter Melissa who performed CPR. Melissa had been taught CR at her school, Fort Hill Integrated College by her school nurse using the British Heart Foundation’s Call Push Rescue training kit. Learning CPR at school saves lives.’

PAGE 134

BOOK YOUR SCHOOL EXPERIENCE TODAY New Additions: Sensory Room Upgraded Digital Theatre software (Digistar 7) New projectors in Digital Theatre New dome shows Exhibition area Changing places Shop and café facelift

To book tickets contact us on:

028 3752 3689 reception@armagh.ac.uk #PLACEFORSPACE #STAYCURIOUS

ARE YOU FED UP WITH CLUTTER? DO YOU NEED MORE STORAGE SPACE? WELL THE ANSWER COULD LITERALLY BE UNDER YOUR OWN ROOF! For many home owners, the loft is an underutilised area because it can be difficult and dangerous to reach. Portadown-based loft ladder installer Access4Lofts (whose slogan is ‘creating space the easy way’) can change all that, often in less than a day!

Access4Lofts provides a free survey and quote service so you can find out what is achievable with your loft area.

The majority of properties have an access hatch to the space in the loft. Access4Lofts create space the easy and affordable way. They can supply and install a new loft hatch and a safe, sturdy aluminium loft ladder in your home in just one day! That means that your dark and dismal roof space suddenly becomes a useful storage area for all that family clutter. “My experience enables fitting the ladder and converting the access hatch, in double-quick time the space is accessible and I leave no mess behind” explains John Donnelly, Access4Lofts Portadown.

For extra peace of mind, Access4Lofts is an approved Which? Trusted Trader which means they have been assessed by Which? and passed their stringent checks. For added confidence, they also have full public liability insurance, are DBS checked, and all work carried out comes with a Lifetime Guarantee.

To find out how Access4Lofts can create more space for you and your family or to book a free survey and quote visit www.access4lofts. co.uk/portadown or call 028 3886 8068. You can also find them on Facebook @Access4LoftsPortadown.

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Home To Performances, Exhibitions & Workshops

GRADUATION NEWS

Hegarty’s Boatyard Last Surviving Traditional Wooden Boatyard in Ireland Photographic Exhibition by Kevin O’Farrell

Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co Down 27th Jan - 5th March 2022 Down Arts Centre is delighted to present this solo exhibition and accompanying book by Kevin O’Farrell, one of Ireland’s foremost documentary photographers, of the last surviving traditional wooden boatyard in Ireland, at Oldcourt, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland. This is a major body of work, representing Irish documentary photography at its best.

Lucy Mulholland recently graduated from Queen’s University with a degree in Midwifery and will start her midwifing career at Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. Here she is pictured with Shane Mullan, her mother Janet Mulholland, borther Scott Mulholland, and grandfather David Millar.

HEGARTY’S BOATYARD PHOTOGRAPHIC EHIBITION

BY KEVIN O’FARRELL

Down Arts Centre is delighted to present this solo exhibition and accompanying book by Kevin O’Farrell, one of Ireland’s foremost documentary photographers, of the last surviving traditional wooden boatyard in Ireland, at Oldcourt, Skibbereen, Co. Cork, Ireland. This is a major body of work, representing Irish documentary photography at its best.

Made over two decades, Hegarty’s Boatyard celebrates the living tradition of wooden boat building in Ireland. It focuses on one boatyard established by Paddy Hegarty shortly after the Second World War. Hegarty’s yard has built a wide range of hand-crafted wooden boats over the last twenty-five years, enabling the revival of the once-lost fishing yawls of West Cork.

O’Farrell’s long-term study serves as a tribute to the extraordinary maritime heritage that is practiced daily in Hegarty’s yard.

The exhibition runs from 27th Jan - 5th March 2022 at Down Arts Centre, Downpatrick, Co Down.

Sophie Mc Conn from Myrtlefield Park, Belfast recently graduated with a First Class Honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business Accounting and Finance from Newcastle University. Here she is pictured on her graduation day at St James’ Park football stadium.

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What support does Action for Children offer foster families?

Our support starts as early as the assessment stage. We will help guide you through the process whilst also helping you work out if fostering is the right thing for you. We offer training as part of the assessment to begin to equip you with the skills you need to foster. We also have a wide range of training available for our approved foster carers so that they can continue to develop their skills. Whilst the pandemic has left us a fantastic suite of online training, we’re still longing to get back into the same room which would allow us to resume face to face training and our support groups. Our foster carers all have a dedicated fostering social worker who is there to support them with regular face to face meetings as well as by phone, text, or email. We now also have a children’s worker who adds to that support for the whole foster family. When you foster with us, you are never on your own. We have a dedicated on-call number so you can talk to someone 24/7.

CREATING FAMILIES

Ulster Tatler talks to Avery Bowser, Fostering Services Manager at Action for Children.

Tell us a bit about Action for Children’s fostering service in Northern Ireland?

We’re an independent and charitable fostering service. We’ve been providing foster families across Northern Ireland since 2006. We’re part of Action for Children, which is one of the UK’s largest children’s charities. In addition to fostering, the charity offers many services across Northern Ireland which are all dedicated to supporting children and young people and their families.

How has the pandemic impacted on the need for foster carers in Northern Ireland?

If you look at the past 10 years, the number of children in care in Northern Ireland has been going up substantially every year, without fail. However, the pandemic has made the demand greater with pressures on families and incomes. There’s also the impact it’s had on other services – such as early years services or family support - that help families at an earlier stage. People were unable to access these services and get the help and support they needed, when they needed it. As a result, problems that could have got better, got worse.

Why is fostering so important?

Fostering is vital to a society that cares.

The root of fostering is to help children who society – not just social workers – have decided are not able to continue to live with their birth family, most often because it’s not safe. At a minimum, we are trying to find somewhere else for that child to live. A place where they will be safe, secure, and,

if they’ve experienced trauma, a place where they can begin to heal. At Action for Children, however, we don’t like to settle for the minimum. We build families.

Whilst you can never replace a child’s birth family, you can give them back their childhood. For us it is not just about getting a child to 18 and out of care. It’s also about the years beyond that. We’re trying to find an alternative family for that child, who are going to see them into adult life. That’s why it is so important to find the right people, people who can fully commit to that young person.

How do people know if they have the skills needed to become a foster carer?

The basic we ask for is that you need to be over 21 and have a spare bedroom.

You also need to have space in your life to meet the needs of a young person who may have more complex needs than your average child. The ability to love is very important - but it is not enough on its own.

We’re also looking for people who have patience, stickability, flexibility, and the ability to really listen. Another important skill is to be able to work as part of a team.

We employ a team approach where the fostering social workers and the foster carers work together in the best interests of the child. Foster carers also have to work with a lot of other people, such as the child’s social worker, the school, or health care professionals if they have any medical or developmental issues. So, it is important to be able to work well with other people whilst also balancing the everyday commitments of parenting.

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If people don’t think they are able to foster full-time, are there other ways they can help?

There isn’t just one kind of fostering. I have talked a lot about the idea of a ‘forever family’ here, but we also provide shortterm fostering. Some children only need to stay with a family short-term until they can go back to their own family or until they move on to another family who they can live with on a permanent basis. We also have planned break fostering which some people used to call respite. This allows children to have a break with another family.

Some children have a lot of needs, and they require the support of more than one family.

We like to make regular arrangements that connect those families which is really beneficial for the child. We also offer parent and child fostering. This means a parent and their young child will live with a foster carer for a period of three months. During that time the foster carer will act as a role model to help teach the parent the skills they need to parent on their own.

We always need new foster carers.

However, you might be reading this now and think fostering is not for you or it’s not the right time. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still help. You may know someone who would make an excellent foster carer. If so, we would love you to ask them to get in touch with us. We’re always looking for the opportunity to make new connections and to add to our growing fostering family.

To find out more about fostering call 028 9046 0500, visit actionforchildren. org.uk/fostering or email fostercareni@ actionforchildren.org.uk

An Oasis of Delights along the Carrickfergus seafront An oasis of local business nestled along the coastline of Carrickfergus, The Courtyard offers a peaceful day of shopping and food.

Winter can be a great time for some revamping round the house, and JAVART is the perfect place to start. Alison is one of the only Northern Ireland stockists of Annie Sloan Chalk Paint and she is never short of advice or ideas for your latest masterpiece. Speaking of masterpieces, be sure to have a look at the work of our local artist Tom Stephenson in The Art Gallery, and scenic photographer Gary McCabe showcased in Mount 10 Gallery, a mixed genre gallery exhibiting art, photography, ceramics and other hand-crafted pieces!

Want to slow down with some self-care? Youʼre spoilt for choice with the lovely ladies of The Nail Room, the fabulous Kellie Courtney of Kellie Courtney Hair Design and the highly talented barbers of Lodge Menʼs Room to help you come away feeling like a brand new you. You can take the relaxation home as well, thanks to Bath-ALicious Bath Bombs factory and shop, just brimming with bath bombs, shower steamers, pillow sprays and more, or treat someone special to a night of relaxation with their special Christmas gift box.

Hunting for that perfect present? Check out The Silver Store in the front courtyard, a beautiful jeweller that holds one of the largest ranges in Northern Ireland. Or dive into The Secret Bookshelf, over looking our beautiful garden, ran by local author Jo Zebedee and family. Maybe your little one needs a new outfit or deserves a wee treat? If so, stocking Lighthouse, Kite and many more wonderful brands and items, The Mulberry Bush is a must for a visit!

All that shopping can be hungry work, and Angieʼs Corner eatery is ready for you, serving vegan, vegetarian, gluten free and traditional fayre made fresh to order. With a new covered patio area as well, thereʼs no need to leave the dog at home, your four-legged friend is more than welcome to join for lunch! Check out the socials for the daily specials!

Looking to add that extra bit of sparkle to an event? Lucinda of Dreamy Gifts and Crafts offers a range of services from personalised gifts to beautiful eye-catching balloon displays that are sure to complete your day.

With something for everyone, why not come down and join us to see the winter wonderland that is The Courtyard.

The Courtyard 38 Scotch Quarter, Carrickfergus, BT38 7DP E: courtyardcarrickfergus@gmail.com W: www.thecourtyardcarrickfergus.com

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Interiors

THE TAP THAT DOES IT ALL As the original and only true 100 degree boiling water tap brand on the market, Quooker leads the way when it comes to innovative technology and design. Founded in 1970, Henri Peteri’s innovative concept of a boiling water tap has grown into a kitchen essential for millions of households worldwide.

Its Quooker Flex offers both form and function. Equipped with a flexible pull-out hose for hot, cold and filtered water, the Flex makes it easy to reach and rinse the sink or any awkward kitchen objects. Thanks to its in-built safety stop, the Flex can never dispense boiling water when the hose is extended, protecting the user at all times.

technology, it takes very little energy (just 10 watts) to keep the water in the tank at 110°C. Water only starts to boil when the tap is turned on and the temperature of the outflowing water drops to 100°C. While the water is coming out of the tap, fresh water immediately flows into the tank to replace the exact amount extracted ready for the next use.

With unparalleled functionality, intuitive and seamless water mode transitions and in-built safety mechanisms which prevent turning on the boiling water by accident, Quooker delivers the tap that does it all.

For more information, visit www.quooker.co.uk Thanks to its CUBE accessory, the Flex now dispenses chilled and sparkling water at the touch of a button. Saving you time and space, with CUBE the immediacy of super chilled and filtered water can be enjoyed without having to wait or waste water. Furthermore, one canister of C02 yields 60 litres of carbonated water which significantly reduces the need for single-use plastic bottles. The average UK household uses a staggering 360 plastic bottles per year, resulting in huge volumes of waste nationwide. With sustainability increasingly at the forefront of consumer purchase decisions, it has never been more important to find creative solutions around the problem of waste. Determined to find a solution for carbonated water, dispensing precisely the amount needed at any given moment, and with canisters that can be returned and re-filled after use, CUBE ensures responsible and more sustainable consumption. CUBE can be attached to any Quooker tap in the range.

All Quooker taps continue to use very little electricity and give staggering energy saving results; thanks to its sophisticated state-of-the-art tank 140

STYLISH AFFORDABLE HEATING ElectriCast Limited is a Northern Irish company that manufactures and retails an innovative heating technology, ElectriCast. Owned and operated by the man behind this genius invention, Mr Shane McCrory, the ElectriCast business manufactures and sells low wattage electric cast iron radiators.

“No Plumbing Required”

the heart of the home

ElectriCast is a cost-effective heating solution, using the properties of cast iron along with a low-wattage electric input that helps to reduce any generated carbon footprint. The ElectriCast radiators produce affordable and clean heat that can be custom coloured which is sure to complement any living area, whilst providing comfortable levels of fully controllable heat where it is needed without the need to plumb. As high conductors, they give off ample amounts of heat and unlike steel radiators retain heat for longer once turned off. ElectriCast radiators maintain the properties of the original traditional radiators but modernise it for the world of today. Each new radiator from ElectriCast comes with a remote control to provide multiple options for heating and timed programmes, providing an ambient temperature for the user.

There are two key components to the heater; the heater body, and the heating element and controller. The radiators themselves are thermal fluid filled and, using a low-wattage electrical element, the fluid is heated to the required temperature. Though the process can take up to a maximum of one hour, the heat is then regulated and maintained by the radiator’s thermostat or remote control programme.

Once the element is then switched off, the radiator will continue radiating heat out into the room. ElectriCast is ahead of its time as it combines maximum heating efficiencies with low running costs.

The entire business is continually involved in new product development to expand the energy efficiency products that are available to the market. COVID-19 has meant that people are spending more time in their homes and heating them properly has become a necessity for many. Especially for those living alone or working from home, the solution must be focused on heating one or two rooms rather than the whole house and racking up an enormous bill.

ElectriCast is only part one of Mr McCrory’s vision for what the heating industry could become. The firm is now actively working on a more advanced technology to provide hot water to homes through an all-in-one heating and hot water system that is powered completely by electricity. If it were to be combined with renewable energy sources, such as solar panels, then ElectriCast could considerably and dramatically help to reduce the carbon footprint of clients all over the United Kingdom and Ireland. Mr McCrory’s reputation for pristine workmanship through his 20+ years of working with cast iron and high standards of customer service have assisted with the continued success of ElectriCast, and will no doubt continue to serve the firm well into the future.

The company was recently recognised at the SME News 2020 UK Enterprise Awards, winning Most Innovative Heating Solution 2020. The running costs are available on the website www.electricast.com.

23 Tattyreagh Road, Omagh, Tyrone, BT78 1TZ T: 028 8224 5148 E: info@electricast.co.uk www.electricast.com

THE SCENE

David Lynas, James O’Leary, Albert Kirk and Adrian Logan at the last Ulster Press golf Society event of the season at Dunmurry Golf Club.

David Lynas, Albert Kirk, Adrian Logan, James O’Leary, Captain Ciaran McCaffrey and John Ferguson anticipate the arrival of the Christmas turkey at the UPGS season close at Dunmurry GC.

Nicola McCarthy, with Nicola Mcloughlin and Gareth Ferguson at Dunmurry GC for the UPGS Christmas dinner.

Incoming UPGS Captain Ciaran McCaffrey, with John Ferguson, Roddy O’Flaherty and Martin Jordan enjoy a drink at Dunmurry Golf Club at the UPGS season ending Christmas dinner.

ULSTER PRESS GOLF SOCIETY It was a lovely day at Dunmurry Golf Club for the end of the 2021 Ulster Press Golf Society season with the sun and the mild day making it perfect for golf. The event saw the conclusion of the year long ‘Race to Dunmurry’ competition, sponsored by Dunmurry Dental Practice, the main Trophy going to Oliver McVeigh this year. Thanks to Colin Adair, General Manager at Dunmurry GC for the painstaking preparations that led to a fine end to the UPGS season. Debbie and Philip McLorinan for their sponsorship of the flagship event.

Nicola McCarthy and Nicola McLoughlin enjoying the golf at the UPGS event at Dunmurry Golf Club.

UPGS Captain Ciaran McCaffrey (L) presented John Haughey with the runner up prize.

Oliver McVeigh, winner of the 2021 season long Race to Dunmurry Trophy presented and sponsored

by Dunmurry Dental Practice.

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UPGS Captain Ciaran McCaffrey hands out a Race to Dunmurry prize to Brian Johnston.

UPGS Captain Ciaran McCaffrey presents a prize to George Summers, 2018 Dunmurry GC Captain, who was among the prizewinners at the season ending event.

The Word

THE HEART OF CONTEMPORARY LIVING Feel at home as you step inside Creations fabulous showroom at Boucher Crescent, Belfast.

There are three floors of beautiful furnishings to choose from.

From living to dining to bedroom you will find what you are looking for at Creations.

www.skeaeggs.com

They have luxury sofa brands such as Tetrad and Himolla and many other suppliers of leather, fabric, modular sofas, recliners and more. Not to forget their dedicated Divan Studio offering brands such as Sealy, Silentnight and luxury brand Hypnos.

Many of Creations items are kept in stock which means you can purchase immediately. There is also a fantastic range of giftware, pictures, and mirrors to add that finishing touch of your room.

An established brand offering a premium service.

Creations is a small family run Northern Ireland Business established in 1984. The boucher showroom is open 7 days a week providing excellent customer service to help every shopper find what they need. Creations have the selection and expertise in their team to make your home a reality. Creations Boucher Crescent, Belfast really is a destination not to be missed!

With their Winter sale now on why not check out their newly designed website to view some of the great pieces on offer.

Creations 45-46 Boucher Crescent, Belfast BT12 6HU Phone No. 028 95215899 Creations-Interiors.com Ample free parking onsite Find us on FB and Instagram 143

LOOKING BACK ISSUE: JANUARY 2009

HOUSE OF FRASER’S OYSTER BAR’S SHOPPING EVENING WITH DIOR Guests to be seated at the Sailing Secretary’s table prepare to dine in the marquee.

CHRISTMAS LUNCH AT THE ULSTER REFORM CLUB

David Stewart, Nell Rusk, Billy Jenkins, Breige and Jim McKenna, Ivor and Helen Williams, Anne and Barrie Houston.

THE OLD CAMPBELLIAN SOCIETY HALLOWEEN DANCE Fred Browne, Deirdre Browne, Sharon Thompson and Noel Thompson.

THE CLICKETY CHICKS CHARITY EVENT IN AID OF ACTION FOR CHILDREN Arlene Creighton and Pamela Ballentine with Michelle Jackson and Cathy Martin.

CELEBRATING GENERAL PRACTICE AT THE DUNADRY HOTEL FORMER PUPILS OF BLOOMFIELD COLLEGIATE GIRLS GRAMMAR AT STORMONT BUILDINGS Denise Goldsborough, Muriel McMaster, Valerie Power, Rosemary Rainey and Noeleen Leg.

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David Johnston, Russell Marriott, Sally-Ann Johnston, Christina O’Kelly and John O’Kelly.

NOW OPEN

NOW OPECONURT

CASTLE COURT BERRY STREET ENTRA NCE

CASTLE REET ST BERRY NCE ENTRA

Childrens Special Occasional Wear Store Christening Wear | Flower Girl Dresses Communion Dresses | Boys Suits | Party Dresses From Newborn to 16 Years

CASTLE COURT SHOPPING CENTRE Berry Street Entrance | Unit 6 | Belfast BT1 1DD Tel: 02890020905 Email: carriageandcastlesbelfast@hotmail.com

www.carriageandcastles.co.uk Follow us on Facebook & Instagram @carriageandcastlesbelfast

ULSTER TATLER

JANUARY 2022

VOLUME 56 NO.1 ULSTERTATLER.COM